Automakers: Page 231


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    Honda to Match Competitor Timing on Autonomous Vehicles

    The Japanese automaker up to this point has publicly shown and detailed only semi-autonomous technologies.

    Aug. 5, 2014
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    Cadillac Looks to Grow Compact Presence With ATS Coupe

    Style and driving dynamics are seen as key draws to the new 2-door ATS.

    Aug. 5, 2014
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    Trendline

    Artificial Intelligence

    Automakers and dealers alike are increasingly seeing the use case for AI within their operations. Explore some use cases in this trendline.

    By WardsAuto staff
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    Toyota Mixing Materials for Strength, Stiffness

    Using ultra-high-strength steel can save 88 lbs. on a typical body, and adding aluminum can double that to 187 lbs. But the last improvement comes from the carbon-fiber panels, the automaker finds.

    By William Diem • Aug. 4, 2014
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    VW Plans 60 Models From Single Architecture

    Launch difficulties aside, MQB offers “enormous flexibility,” says an R&D executive.

    By Aug. 4, 2014
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    GM Testing Google Glass; Ready to Meet Higher Volumes

    The automaker has two pairs of the high-tech glasses at its Orion Twp., MI, plant, saying they can be useful for a variety of hands-free assembly tasks.

    Aug. 4, 2014
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    Honda NA Updates Welding System, Takes Surgical Approach to Other Upgrades

    Honda was able to make the new Fit’s body lighter and more rigid thanks to the new process, which will become the standard in North America.

    Aug. 4, 2014
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    Acura Brings Honda Stop/Start System to North America

    Acura decided to pluck the technology, dubbed Idle Stop, off Honda's shelf for its new TLX as a fuel-saving feature for the sedan's heaviest variant, the all-wheel-drive model.

    Aug. 4, 2014
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    Ford to Offer Free Brake Pad Replacement

    Customers must still pay labor and installation costs, as well as the cost of other parts needed to return the brake system to original operating condition, the automaker says.

    By Byron Pope • Aug. 4, 2014
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    Study Says Poor Supplier Relations Have Cost Automakers Billions

    If Chrysler’s supplier relations were as positive in 2000-2012 as they are today, the automaker would have booked $1,052 more in profit per unit, equaling $2 billion annually, Planning Perspectives says.

    By David Zoia Editor • Aug. 4, 2014
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    GM, Chrysler Post Strong Sales as U.S. Recovery Gains Steam

    Trucks continue to drive sales, with GM pacing the sector and Chrysler’s Jeep and Ram brands staying well ahead of year-ago.

    By David Zoia Editor • Aug. 1, 2014
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    Nissan Marketer Tells of Social-Media Hits and Misses

    Nissan marketing executive tells of hits and misses during the automaker’s ambitious social-media efforts.

    By Aug. 1, 2014
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    Tesla Is Wrong, Franchise System Is Better

    Editor's note: This story is part of the WardsAuto digital archive, which may include content that was first published in print, or in different web layouts.Would car buyers be better off if the dealer franchise system was dismantled? The public seems to think so.Most consumers believe dealers ar...

    By John McElroy 1 • July 31, 2014
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    GM Expects Big Things From New Small Pickups

    The all-new ’15 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon midsize pickups enter a segment where the top competition is outdated, marketing manager says.

    By Byron Pope • July 31, 2014
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    Ford: Pickup Buyers Ready to Embrace Aluminum F-150

    A UBS study reinforces Ford’s belief a majority of consumers not only would consider an aluminum-intensive pickup, but are willing to pay more for such a model.

    By Byron Pope • July 29, 2014
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    Lexus: 300,000 U.S. Sales Probably Out of Reach

    Lexus earlier this year announced a 2014 sales goal of 285,000 and the brand at its current pace is trending to hit 290,000-295,000, a top official says.

    July 29, 2014
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    Global Automakers May Abandon Russian Production

    One analysis suggests limited capacity, possible loss of government support, devaluation of the ruble and other factors may prompt global automakers to halt assembly operations in Russia and instead focus on imports.

    By Eugene Gerden • July 24, 2014
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    Nissan Says Making Progress on Remedying Pathfinder Judder

    The Japanese automaker has been updating transmission-control-module software, replacing torque converters and replacing entire transmissions to remedy the problem.

    July 24, 2014
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    Ford Says’15 Mustang Worth Its Weight in Go Power

    A twin-scroll turbocharger teamed with twin independent variable camshaft timing and direct fuel injection helps the compact powerplant in the 2.3L engine turn out an unofficial 310 hp and 320 lb.-ft. of torque.

    July 24, 2014
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    Strap In the Kids: It’s a 1,029-hp Honda Minivan

    Seeing a customized version of a model does influence the purchase decision of 8% of new-vehicle buyers, according to the Specialty Equipment Market Assn. and market researcher AutoPacific.

    By July 23, 2014
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    Lexus Sees Success With Less-Expensive GX

    Lowering the price of the base grade for the GX’s ’14 refresh, by substituting fake leather for real leather and deleting some content, was key to this year’s sales jump, a company official says.

    July 23, 2014
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    Ford Launches New Expedition in Small, But Stabilized Segment

    The ’15 Expedition will be available for the first time in a Platinum trim level, which will slot above the previous top-of-the-line King Ranch edition.

    By Byron Pope • July 22, 2014
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    BMW Pushing to Maintain Sales Momentum in Korea

    BMW Korea remains the country’s leading importer, with sales for the first six months up 19.3% to 21,972 vehicles.

    By Vince Courtenay • July 22, 2014
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    Jeep Renegade Adds to Growing Small CUV Segment

    Popularity of this new breed of vehicles is growing rapidly worldwide, and more automakers are beginning to test the U.S. market, where buyers are expected to migrate from small hatchbacks and sedans.

    By Herb Shuldiner 1 • July 21, 2014
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    GM Adding 8-Speed Gearbox to ’15 Large Trucks

    Sources tell WardsAuto the transmission likely will migrate to other truck applications as production ramps up at the automaker’s Toledo, OH, powertrain facility.

    By James M. Amend • July 18, 2014
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    Lexus: We Can Keep Loyalists Happy Despite Performance Push

    Models like the IS, NX and RC don’t mean Lexus is abandoning its loyalists, who traditionally prefer softer-riding vehicles such as the RX, LS and ES.

    July 18, 2014