by Marty Bernstein | Jul 31, 2013
“A merger of equals!” Seems there’s a certain familiarity to that corporate-speak-cliché, isn’t there? Based on the news coverage, analysis and punditry of the proposed merger between Publicis and Omnicon — already two of the world’s largest – ad agency groups...
by Joseph Szczesny | Jul 31, 2013
At first glance, it might have seemed a tough quarter for Volkswagen AG. After all, the maker’s net profit tumbled by half compared to year-ago levels. But the 2% jump in operating earnings is what analysts and investors are focusing on. VW’s net was hammered largely...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Jul 31, 2013
While the U.S. is literally flowing with new sources of relatively clean and cheap natural gas, the fuel has largely been ignored by the auto industry – but that could soon change as Ford Motor Co. and other manufacturers become increasingly fired up about CNG. Until...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Jul 31, 2013
Honda’s bottom line took an unexpected hit during the latest quarter, the third-largest Japanese maker reporting that earnings slid 7% compared to the year before despite increased sales outside its home market and the boost Japanese makers, in general, have been...
by Joseph Szczesny | Jul 30, 2013
Chrysler has confirmed that it will delay the media preview for the new Jeep Cherokee while it works out the kinks with the new and desperately needed crossover-utility vehicle . For the moment, the sales launch of the new Cherokee remains on schedule, but even if...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Jul 30, 2013
He died much as he was born, by lamplight on the Fairlane Estate near the farm where he was raised. But much changed during his 83 years, and Henry Ford had a hand in much of that transformation. His name can still be found on millions of automobiles produced in...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Jul 30, 2013
Car theft has begun to rise again, according to recent reports, and while thieves often target mainstream vehicles that can readily be resold or stripped down for parts, luxury cars are far from immune. And a new study suggests that Mercedes-Benz is the brand car...
by Joseph Szczesny | Jul 30, 2013
Despite paying a heavy price for a string of recent recalls, Chrysler Group LLC reported a 16% increase in earnings during the second quarter of 2013 and the company’s chief executive said he expects even stronger numbers during the second half of the year –...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Jul 30, 2013
It’s been a big year for Detroit’s Big Three automakers, and while the overall upturn of the U.S. market has helped them score gains in everything from hybrid to compacts to midsize sedans, nothing has buoyed their market share and bottom line more than the revival of...
by Joseph Szczesny | Jul 29, 2013
BMW has made a point of incorporating a great deal of new technology, such as the wide use of lightweight carbon fiber, into its vehicles. But it has borrowed a concept from General Motors so the i3 will also be available in an “extended range” version similar to the...
by Joseph Szczesny | Jul 29, 2013
BMW launched what it described as a new era in “sustainable” transportation by unveiling its new mega-city vehicle, the i3. “Innovation drives change and revolution innovation can change society. We are in the starting blocks for sustainability mobility,” said...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Jul 29, 2013
If it were a few months later Nissan might have wanted to hand out Santa suits to its sales folks, but even being the middle of a scorching hot summer, the maker is gearing up to deliver some bit presents to fans of its Z-car, price cuts that run to more than $3,000...
