by Paul A. Eisenstein | Jun 19, 2014
This was supposed to be a big year for Cadillac as it rolled out new models like the CTS and updated Escalade, and solidified the gains of other recent models, such as the compact ATS and big XTS sedans. But instead of growth, the brand has been wracked with turmoil,...
by Michael Strong | Jun 19, 2014
Rising costs and the subsequent squeeze on profit margins has BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer declaring war on costs: a nearly $5.5 billion war. The Bavarian Motors boss wants to cut between $4 billion and $5.4 billion in costs to keep the German maker’s profit margins...
by Joseph Szczesny | Jun 19, 2014
The surge in recalls this year by General Motors and other automakers has underscored the vital role that franchise dealers play in the automobile industry – or so says the powerful dealer trade association – but there are a growing number of challenges to the...
by Michael Strong | Jun 18, 2014
As GM CEO Mary Barra testified at a congressional committee hearing that ignition switch issues could be an industry-wide problem, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced it has opened two probes into similar possible ignition switch defects in...
by Michael Strong | Jun 18, 2014
General Motors CEO Mary Barra managed to avoid the wrath of House representatives during her testimony today by providing enough information about her plans to change the company’s culture to avoid a repeat of the ignition switch recall. “I will not rest until this...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Jun 18, 2014
While the typical 2014 model posted a “somewhat unusual” dip in quality, at least according to the latest J.D. Power Initial Quality Study, there were a number of stellar performers on the list – including some significant surprises. Porsche led the list among 32...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Jun 18, 2014
While they’re not necessarily connected, the sudden surge in recalls this year comes at the same time the overall quality of new cars, trucks and crossovers has shown an unexpected decline, according to the latest, widely followed J.D. Power Initial Quality Study....
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Jun 18, 2014
It’s a risky – some would say foolhardy – strategy, but by opening up the company’s patents to its competitors, Tesla Motors founder and CEO Elon Musk said he is hoping to stimulate completion in the battery-car market. In a pair of television interviews, the South...
by Michael Strong | Jun 18, 2014
General Motors CEO Mary Barra got a rough reception during her first appearance at a congressional hearing, and after nearly 18 million recalled vehicles and a scathing report about the automaker’s shortcomings round two isn’t likely to be any better. Barra and Anton...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Jun 18, 2014
At first glance, it looks like any ordinary Nissan Rogue, but slipping behind the wheel you might notice that the mirror is just a little bit larger, with an oversized black frame that looks a bit like nerdy tortoiseshell glasses. And despite how you might try to...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Jun 17, 2014
Volvo may soon become the first major automaker to start selling Chinese-made cars in the United States. Now owned by Chinese domestic automaker Geely, Volvo is determined to reverse several years of slumping sales, even as it ramps up production at a new factory in...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Jun 17, 2014
What do you do when you’ve recalled more than 20 million vehicles worldwide in a matter of months, paid record fines and face the prospect of criminal charges for a decade-long delay in addressing a fatal ignition switch defect? For one thing, stop talking about...
