by Paul A. Eisenstein | Apr 30, 2014
It’s probably no surprise that Ford has put a lot more effort into heralding the launch of the new 2015 Mustang than into its new Transit and Transit Connect models. Vans are the automotive equivalent of Rodney Dangerfield. They get no respect, at least not from...
by Michael Strong | Apr 30, 2014
U.S. taxpayers are taking a bigger loss on the General Motors bailout package than $10.3 billion originally reported. Due to an accounting error, the loss is actually $11.2 billion, according to a report released today. The Treasury Department reported an $826-million...
by Joseph Szczesny | Apr 30, 2014
The University of Michigan’s Board of Regents is ready to approve a new project that will help make the university one of the centers for the study of connected car technology in North America. Jim Sayer of the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute...
by Michael Strong | Apr 30, 2014
Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx wants automakers to know his department means business with his latest proposal that would raise the maximum fine for not recalling a vehicle in a timely manner nearly tenfold. As part of the administration’s transportation...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Apr 30, 2014
With new models like the Mercedes-Benz CLA drawing in a new generation of buyers, the brand’s German parent Daimler AG reported its net profit nearly doubled during the first quarter. The German maker had struggled to overcome a series of problems in recent years,...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Apr 29, 2014
Flying cars have long been the stuff of science fiction, though plenty of entrepreneurs and visionaries have struggled to make the concept a reality – including no less than the original Henry Ford. Several projects are now underway and one, started by a group of MIT...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Apr 29, 2014
Despite the resurgence of full-size pickups, SUVs and muscle cars, American car buyers are getting better fuel economy than ever before, over half of the vehicles sold this year delivering over 23 mpg, according to a new study, with one in nine topping 30 mpg. Even...
by Michael Strong | Apr 29, 2014
The list of recalls continues to lengthen as two German automakers – BMW and Mercedes-Benz – issued recalls for separate problems on more than 400,000 vehicles. BMW is recalling 156,000 cars due to issues with aluminum bolts that secure the housing for the variable...
by Michael Strong | Apr 29, 2014
Volkswagen AG enjoyed a strong first quarter reporting a 26.8% increase in net income as well as a 21.8% rise in operating profit on just a 2.7% jump in revenue. Most of the company’s brands saw an increase in operating profit, except its namesake brand, Volkswagen....
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Apr 29, 2014
If your idea of a diesel hasn’t evolved from the 1980s, when “oil burners” were notoriously noisy, smelly, shaky – and slow – the little British sports car manufacturer Trident is set to challenge your assumptions. It’s launching two new models that are laying claim...
by Joseph Szczesny | Apr 29, 2014
One of the key motives for Toyota’s decision to move its headquarters and marketing staff from Southern California to Texas undoubtedly involves gearing up for another assault on the lucrative North American truck market, industry experts suggests. While Toyota...
by Michael Strong | Apr 28, 2014
Senators Richard Blumenthal and Edward Markey continue to beat the drum to force General Motors to ask owners of the 2.6 million small cars it recalled to stop driving them immediately. Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Markey (D-Mass.) jointly penned a letter asking...
