by Paul A. Eisenstein | Dec 19, 2014
What seemed like a dream market just a few years ago has now turned into a nightmare, the Russian economic meltdown sending automakers from around the world into a scramble. With economic sanctions already taking a serious toll, this past week’s collapse of the ruble...
by Michael Strong | Dec 18, 2014
Beleaguered auto supplier Takata took out full-page ads in several newspapers today saying more must be done to resolve the problem with its airbags, but a national recall of the faulty devices was not the answer. And then Ford expanded its recall of the airbags to a...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Dec 18, 2014
Cadillac will introduce a new streaming video alternative to the traditional rearview mirror late next year, a move the luxury maker says will result in significantly improved visibility on the planned CT6 premium luxury sedan. The move lifts a page out of what was...
by Michael Strong | Dec 18, 2014
The definition of “Made in America” is getting rewritten again by Toyota as it announced it plans to invest $126 million into its Ann Arbor, Michigan-based technical center and, by extension, giving the center more decision-making responsibilities. Toyota is expanding...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Dec 18, 2014
Honda’s new fuel-cell vehicle has fallen victim to the maker’s airbag safety problems. With key engineering talent diverted to deal with the exploding Takata airbag issue, Honda won’t launch the production version of the new FCV model until early in 2016, senior...
by Joseph Szczesny | Dec 18, 2014
In recent years, Kia has proven adept at reading consumer trends. In the immediate aftermath of the 2008-2009 recessions, the Korean automaker introduced the Kia Soul, a versatile, small vehicle designed to fit into tight urban spaces and appeal to the nascent...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Dec 18, 2014
After failing to line up new funding, Dutch sports car manufacturer Spyker has been declared bankrupt and put into receivership. It was the final shoe to drop for the company that attempted to revive Sweden’s Saab, only to have that operation also collapse in 2011,...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Dec 18, 2014
Hoping to add still more performance to its traditional mainstream luxury line-up, Lexus has confirmed it will introduce a second, “track-ready” model at the North American International Auto Show next month. While it isn’t providing any specific details about the new...
by Michael Strong | Dec 17, 2014
The low gas prices that have been a boon for truck and sport-utility sales are taking a toll on fuel-efficient and electric vehicles… and the stock price of at least one company: Tesla Motors. The Palo Alto, California-based automaker saw its stock close below $200 a...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Dec 17, 2014
Pity the poor car designer who comes up with a great idea, only to have to cope with the realities of product development, marketing and manufacturing. The results can be downright depressing when your concept re-emerges looking like a Pontiac Aztek. No wonder, then,...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Dec 17, 2014
A small Toronto technology start-up could unlock some major changes in tomorrow’s cars, trucks and crossovers. Keyfree Technologies plans to introduce what it is billing as the “world’s first digital car key solution” during a preview at next month’s Consumer...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Dec 17, 2014
There may be far more cars on the road, but car theft has plunged 58% since 1991’s all-time high, according to newly released FBI data. Increased law enforcement and enhanced automotive technology have combined to make it tougher on car thieves, though nearly 700,000...
