by Paul A. Eisenstein | Aug 7, 2013
Plucky plug-based automaker Tesla Motors delivered another surprise with its second-quarter earnings announcements as it eked out a modest profit rather than the loss analysts had been forecasting. After a sharp sell-off during the day that saw Tesla shares plunge by...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Aug 7, 2013
Toyota is recalling over a third of a million of its compact Tacoma pickups due to a seat belt issue that could increase the risk of injuries and even fatalities in the event of a collision. The problem involves the Access Cab version of the Toyota Tacoma, the smaller...
by Joseph Szczesny | Aug 7, 2013
It’s become one of the more familiar silhouettes on the road – not necessarily a good thing considering the Smart fortwo has been around in Europe since before the turn of the Millennium and in U.S. showrooms since 2007. That said, the maker is rolling out an all-new...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Aug 7, 2013
Confirming plans to reveal the production version of its new plug-in hybrid at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show, BMW has also offered up a look at a camouflaged version of the new i8 battery sports cars. The unveiling at the Miramas test track in France comes just a...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Aug 7, 2013
Taking a cue from competitors who have boosted sales by cutting costs, Smart has trimmed the monthly lease price of its Fortwo Electric Drive, or ED, model by nearly a third – while also introducing a new “Battery Assurance Plan” meant to assure the vehicle delivers...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Aug 6, 2013
Cadillac’s chief of global strategic development has tendered his resignation, Don Butler became the third senior executive at General Motors’ flagship brand to leave the luxury division in recent months. Butler’s unexpected announcement comes amidst a broader...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Aug 6, 2013
What was once one of General Motors’ most promising assembly plants – only to face abandonment as the maker plunged into bankruptcy – is getting a new lease on life. GM will nearly double the planned investment in its Spring Hill, Tennessee assembly plant, adding $167...
by Joseph Szczesny | Aug 6, 2013
General Motors and Ford Motor Co. both reported record sales in China last month, continuing to brush aside concerns about the economy of the Asian nation which has shown signs of cooling down in recent months. GM, in particular, has been gaining ground in China in...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Aug 6, 2013
Hoping to get potential buyers to plug in, Chevrolet is giving the Volt a jolt by cutting the extended-range electric vehicles price by $5,000 for the 2014 model-year. The maker had already cut the cost of the 2013 model by $4,000 and offered a $5,000 giveback on...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Aug 5, 2013
Henry Ford liked to tell his customers they could order a Model T in any color they wanted “as long as it’s black” – an option that certainly wouldn’t fly today. Automakers today offer a wide ranging palette of colors, seemingly every shade between black and white,...
by Joseph Szczesny | Aug 5, 2013
Americans continue to drive more as the economy recovers but even so, they’re using less fuel according to a new study from the University of Michigan. In addition, despite a surge in pickup truck sales keyed to the upturn in the housing market, the average fuel...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Aug 5, 2013
There’s something a bit disconcerting lifting one’s hands off the steering wheel at freeway speeds, especially when your new Infiniti QX50 confidently maneuvers a high-speed curve without a moment’s hesitation – or drift. With the launch of the new Q50, Infiniti is...
