Automakers: Page 248


  • WardsAuto logo.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of WardsAuto
    Image attribution tooltip

    Mazda-Backed ‛Deep Orange’ Concept Developed by Millennials for Millennials

    Deep Orange concept features a body-in-white that was created by folding aluminum sheet using an innovative industrial-origami method.

    By Byron Pope • Aug. 15, 2013
  • WardsAuto logo.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of WardsAuto
    Image attribution tooltip

    Redesigned Skoda Yeti to Debut in Frankfurt

    For the first time, Skoda will make available two distinctive exterior treatments, a city look and a more rugged outdoor design, with the main differentiation the front and rear bumpers.

    By Peter Homola • Aug. 15, 2013
  • The interior of a Kia EV3 showing the dashboard and front seats. Explore the Trendline
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Kia Corporation
    Image attribution tooltip
    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
  • WardsAuto logo.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of WardsAuto
    Image attribution tooltip

    Mercedes to Debut Tiny GLA CUV in Frankfurt

    The new model, scheduled to arrive in fall 2014 as a ’15, joins a growing segment of compact luxury sport and cross/utility vehicles, including the Buick Encore and BMW X1.

    By WardsAuto Staff • Aug. 14, 2013
  • WardsAuto logo.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of WardsAuto
    Image attribution tooltip

    Durango, Wrangler Production New Challenges for Chrysler

    Demand outpacing production can be a good problem to have, but it’s also a challenge for executives who must figure out how to squeeze more volume out of existing resources.

    By Aaron Foley • Aug. 14, 2013
  • WardsAuto logo.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of WardsAuto
    Image attribution tooltip

    Hyundai, Kia Workers Authorize Strikes as Talks Stall

    In addition to the breakdown of talks, a management document outlining a scheme for “demolition” of the Hyundai union has surfaced, infuriating members who plan a major demonstration at the auto maker’s headquarters.

    By Vince Courtenay • Aug. 13, 2013
  • WardsAuto logo.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of WardsAuto
    Image attribution tooltip

    5 Millionth Jeep Grand Cherokee Rolls Off Line

    The milestone SUV will be donated to the USO and used to transport returning military home to their families, highlighting a partnership featured in the brand’s Super Bowl advertising this year.

    By Aaron Foley • Aug. 13, 2013
  • WardsAuto logo.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of WardsAuto
    Image attribution tooltip

    Adam to Be First With New Opel 1.0L 3-Cyl.

    The powerplant delivers 115 hp and 122 lb.-ft. of peak torque all the way from 1,800 to 4,700 rpm, generating more torque throughout its operating range than equally powerful, higher-displacement engines, the auto maker says.

    By Peter Homola • Aug. 12, 2013
  • WardsAuto logo.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of WardsAuto
    Image attribution tooltip

    Union Calls News Leak GM Korea Ploy to Curtail Wages

    Union officials see the auto maker’s veiled threat to ease its way out of South Korea as a tactic to force a compromise on back pay for workers if it loses lawsuits demanding compensation for unpaid overtime.

    By Vince Courtenay • Aug. 12, 2013
  • WardsAuto logo.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of WardsAuto
    Image attribution tooltip

    BMW Sees U.S., China Leading EV Sales

    Market leadership for China will depend on how quickly the government provides the necessary infrastructure, global sales chief Peter Schwarzenbauer says.

    By Herb Shuldiner 1 • Aug. 12, 2013
  • WardsAuto logo.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of WardsAuto
    Image attribution tooltip

    Kia KED-10 Concept Car to Be Unveiled at Frankfurt Show

    The Korean auto makersays the “dramatic new European concept hints at a possible future B-segment contender ready to take on the urban environment with style and tenacity.”

    By Vince Courtenay • Aug. 9, 2013
  • WardsAuto logo.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of WardsAuto
    Image attribution tooltip

    Hyundai Ups Ante in City Car Segment With New i10

    Standard equipment includes cruise control, six airbags, electronic stability control, tire-pressure monitoring and emergency-stop signal, “bringing new and higher levels of features and functionality to the segment,” the auto maker says.

    By Giancarlo Perini • Aug. 9, 2013
  • WardsAuto logo.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of WardsAuto
    Image attribution tooltip

    Infiniti Ready With Q30 Concept for Frankfurt

    The show car is an advanced look at a sporty 4-door coupe that is set to bolster the entry end of the brand’s lineup.

    By WardsAuto Staff • Aug. 8, 2013
  • WardsAuto logo.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of WardsAuto
    Image attribution tooltip

    With Scion Dealers, Less May Be More, Toyota Says

    A top Toyota official concedes Scion “probably has a few too many (dealers) at this point.”

    Aug. 8, 2013
  • WardsAuto logo.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of WardsAuto
    Image attribution tooltip

    Chattanooga Plant to Serve as Benchmark for Upcoming VW Factories

    The U.S. factory captures rainwater to cool equipment and flush toilets. It is surrounded by buffalo grass, which doesn’t need watering, and ponds developed during construction are retained for their environmental benefits. Outdoor LEDs light the night.

    By William Diem • Aug. 7, 2013
  • WardsAuto logo.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of WardsAuto
    Image attribution tooltip

    Honda Focuses on People Power, More NA Localization

    The Japanese auto maker continues to work toward a 2014 goal of locally assembling 95% of the vehicles it sells in North America, and bringing more components stateside.

    Aug. 7, 2013
  • WardsAuto logo.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of WardsAuto
    Image attribution tooltip

    GM’s Economist: Young Not Necessarily Losing Interest in Cars

    Younger consumers face barriers such as higher unemployment, lower income, stiffer insurance rates and the fact new cars and trucks cost more as content and regulations add to sticker prices, Mustafa Mohatarem says.

    By David C. Smith • Aug. 7, 2013
  • WardsAuto logo.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of WardsAuto
    Image attribution tooltip

    Chrysler Taking Gradual Steps Toward 2025

    Chrysler’s top powertrain engineer says buyers of two of the auto maker’s most popular vehicles rate the importance of fuel economy ninth and 19th.

    Aug. 7, 2013
  • WardsAuto logo.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of WardsAuto
    Image attribution tooltip

    GM Puts Laser Focus on Improving Supplier Relations

    With suppliers on board early in the design process, GM benefits from their valuable input and best practices and is privy to their latest technologies, says the auto maker’s top purchasing executive.

    By Byron Pope • Aug. 6, 2013
  • WardsAuto logo.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of WardsAuto
    Image attribution tooltip

    Ford Bulking Up Purchasing Staff to Maintain Quality as Volumes Rise

    Ford’s addition of 400,000 units of vehicle-production capacity in 2012 and 200,000 more this year has strained the supply base, purchasing chief Birgit Behrendt says.

    By William Diem • Aug. 6, 2013
  • WardsAuto logo.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of WardsAuto
    Image attribution tooltip

    GM Ups Investment in Spring Hill Plant to Increase Vehicle Output

    A WardsAuto forecast shows the auto maker adding production of the Cadillac SRX 5-passenger luxury cross/utility vehicle and GMC Acadia 7-passenger CUV to the site in 2016.

    By James M. Amend • Aug. 6, 2013
  • WardsAuto logo.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of WardsAuto
    Image attribution tooltip

    VW Chattanooga Anxiously Awaits CrossBlue Decision

    VW has been promising for months that a decision whether to green-light the vehicle and determine its sourcing strategy is near, with Chattanooga considered the leading candidate for the project.

    By Aug. 5, 2013
  • WardsAuto logo.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of WardsAuto
    Image attribution tooltip

    Chrysler Academy Focused on Cutting Waste, Problem Solving

    Chrysler is adding online courses and a mobile trailer will be used to take training opportunities to plants outside Southeast Michigan. A satellite location will be opened in Mexico.

    By Byron Pope • Aug. 5, 2013
  • WardsAuto logo.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of WardsAuto
    Image attribution tooltip

    GM Hires Former Volvo CEO Jacoby, Names Lee to Head China

    A one-time top executive for VW China, Jacoby has extensive experience in the Asia-Pacific arena. Lee now will oversee 12 JVs and two wholly owned operations in China.

    By WardsAuto Staff • Aug. 2, 2013
  • WardsAuto logo.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of WardsAuto
    Image attribution tooltip

    From Oddballs to Panic Calls, Lexus Fields Customer Concerns

    The manager in charge of Toyota’s luxury brand’s customer satisfaction describes making it through hard times.

    By Aug. 2, 2013
  • WardsAuto logo.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of WardsAuto
    Image attribution tooltip

    BMW Says i3 Sets New Paradigm for Manufacturing Efficiency

    “We can build the entire vehicle in 20 hours vs. 40 hours for a conventional vehicle,” a BMW executive says. That's from the time the vehicle parts are stamped in the body shop until the completed EV rolls off the assembly line.

    By Herb Shuldiner 1 • Aug. 2, 2013