by Paul A. Eisenstein | Nov 23, 2012
Volkswagen will invest $65 billion, or €50.2 billion, over the next three years in its bid to become the world’s best-selling automotive manufacturer. The spending spree will cover a wide range of investments – including what the maker terms “property, plant and...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Nov 23, 2012
Japan’s two largest automakers appear to be locked in a race to achieve the dubious distinction of having recalled more vehicles than any other automaker during 2012 for an array of safety-related problems that range from fire hazards to seat belt issues. The latest...
by Joseph Szczesny | Nov 23, 2012
Ally Financial Inc. – what used to be known as GMAC — plans sell its lending operations in Europe and Latin America, as well as its share in a joint venture in China, to General Motors Co. for $4.2 billion. GM Financial, a wholly-owned GM subsidiary, will assume...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Nov 21, 2012
By various estimates, Superstorm Sandy destroyed as many as 200,000 cars when it swept through the Atlantic Coast three weeks back. The impact could be felt not only by those who’ve lost their wheels but by countless thousands of travelers who will struggle to find a...
by Joseph Szczesny | Nov 21, 2012
Volvo Car Corp., the Chinese-owned maker of prestige Euro cars, is starting up limited production of what it describes as the world’s first diesel plug-in hybrid. The new Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid can run for long periods on batteries or utilize the onboard...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Nov 21, 2012
If even the more moderate forecasts hold true, there could be millions of battery-electric vehicles on the road within the next decade. But what happens when they hit the end of their life? Glass, steel and even rubber can be recycled. But what about their high-tech...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Nov 21, 2012
General Motors is increasing its stake in a South Carolina start-up producing battery-electric buses. The move is just the latest by GM Ventures targeting potentially lucrative opportunities that can help it develop lighter, cleaner, smarter and lower-cost vehicles –...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Nov 21, 2012
Despite the most intense safety-related crackdown since federal, state and local authorities decided to get tough on drunk driving, a new study suggests more motorists are going online to surf the web. Not surprisingly, the study by insurance giant State Farm found...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Nov 20, 2012
It’s a green scene at this year’s LA Auto Show, all manner of battery-based hybrids, plug-ins and electric vehicles scheduled for debut. But for those who like a little more go than show, don’t fret. Among the other offerings headed for the LA Convention Center,...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Nov 20, 2012
Nissan aims to address two of the most common concerns about its Leaf battery-electric vehicle, range and price, with a series of updates that will extend driving distance and lower the cost on a new, stripped-down model. The announcement in Tokyo, earlier today,...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Nov 20, 2012
The LA Auto Show has become something of the green car show, in recent years, with a primary emphasis on electrification – and a range of new battery-based models are set for debut in less than two weeks. But Audi has been something of a spoiler, besting an assortment...
by Joseph Szczesny | Nov 20, 2012
General Electric plans to purchase 2,000 Ford C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrids in what is described as the largest-ever plug-in electrified vehicle fleet sale. The move is part of GE’s commitment to convert half of its global fleet to alternative fuel vehicles. The...
