General Motors Corp. and some of its suppliers confirm the auto maker, a long-time proponent of antilock brake systems as a safety feature, is considering making ABS optional on some of its models to keep vehicle prices down. ABS, standard...
Volkswagen AG unveils its much-anticipated attempt at a luxury vehicle, the Phaeton sedan, at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The Phaeton, which will compete with BMW AG's 7-Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedans, has three powertrain choices: a...
Cutting costs still is the top priority for automotive engineers, but concerns about coping with more stringent emissions regulations, and other issues regarding designability of parts, fuel economy and safety are looming much larger on their...
As Washington spins its wheels in the debate over tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), tire makers are becoming increasingly frustrated. For tire pressure warning, we would expect that we may need to redesign some tires so that they can carry...
It's hard to tell the players even if you do have a scorecard. The big guns are lining up for a chance to grab an even bigger share of your time and mine while using a communication portal at home, in the car or in your pocket to find out when to...
In the end, it was much ado about nothing, as various lobbying factions supporting the U.S. auto industry once again put down a strong political alliance seeking a dramatic increase in Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards. This year's...
A shakeup at Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. leads to the retirement of six key company officials, part of Nissan 180 the auto maker's next phase of revitalization. CEO Carlos Ghosn says 18 vice presidents will be moving while six will retire. The most...
Metaldyne Corp. is negotiating two acquisitions that would add $1 billion to its annual revenues, President and CEO Timothy D. Leuliette tells WAW. Without naming names, Leuliette says one company is a unit of an automotive manufacturer and the...
Ford Motor Co. is throwing Firestone to the Lions the Detroit Lions. Ford Field, the NFL team's new domed stadium, will feature an artificial playing surface composed partly of rubber reclaimed from recalled Firestone tires, WAW has learned. A...
If General Motors Corp. gives the green light to Cadillac's midengine 2-seat Cien V-12 concept supercar, it could be built in the U.K. Personally, I'd very much like to do it, says Bob Lutz, GM's product czar. We're in the process to see what...