Automakers: Page 253


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    ‘14 Mercedes Sprinter Adds Second Diesel, Could Go Electric

    The van gets a significant refresh that makes it look more like a Mercedes but retains all its commercial capability.

    By Aaron Foley • May 8, 2013
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    Nissan Veteran Albaisa Named Head of Infiniti Design

    Albaisa is credited for contributions to the design development of such successful Nissan vehicles as the trendsetting Juke, as well as the Altima, Maxima, Rogue and Quest.

    By Giancarlo Perini • May 8, 2013
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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 Triples Annual Profit as Yen Weakens, North America Recovers

    Toyota credits cost-reduction efforts and currency fluctuations of ¥150.0 billion ($1.5 billion) for its first operating profit in five years.

    May 8, 2013
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    BMW 4-Cyl. Techy, Torquey and Efficient

    Advanced technology, strong low-rpm torque and a superb 8-speed transmission make BMW’s turbo 4-cyl. a winner for the second year in a row.

    By Gary Witzenburg • May 8, 2013
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    All-New ’13 Ford Fusion Attracting Younger, Tech-Savvy Buyers

    “The percentage of customers under the age of 36 is almost 30%,” Fusion’s marketing manager tells WardsAuto. “That’s eight points higher than the prior model and makes us the youngest of the major competitors in the segment.”

    By Byron Pope • May 7, 2013
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    Daimler Growing Outside Germany to Stabilize at Home

    With the economic situation in Europe still volatile, the auto maker must boost investments in the U.S. and China to cycle back to German operations.

    By Aaron Foley • May 3, 2013
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    Kia Reverses Plan, Brings Back Old Sedona for ‘14

    The third generation of Kia’s minivan was expected to arrive in the U.S. this year. Instead, the auto maker carries over the second-generation model that debuted in 2006.

    May 3, 2013
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    Honda Establishing Mexico CVT Plant

    Capacity will be 350,000 transmissions annually at startup, rising to 700,000 “in the coming years,” the auto maker says.

    May 2, 2013
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    Ousted GM Marketer Ewanick Resurfaces at Auto Consulting Firm

    The former Hyundai executive offers advice on doing business in Korea. Western firms should know cultural nuances and hire a local lawyer from a good school.

    May 1, 2013
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    Ford to Expand Use of 3-Wet Paint Technology; 2-Wet Process to Debut on CVs

    First launched in 2007 at Ford’s Avon Lake, OH, assembly plant, the technology allows solvent-borne paint coatings to be applied wet, instead of heating and drying each layer individually with energy-consuming ovens.

    By Byron Pope • May 1, 2013
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    Ford to Enter Myanmar Market

    The auto maker says entry into the emerging market supports its growth plan for the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

    By WardsAuto Staff • April 30, 2013
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    Mazda6 Looks as Good Inside as Out

    Elegant burgundy trim and beautiful white-almond leather blend brilliantly with strategically placed polished aluminum accents to provide the sedan with its luxury-sport dual personality.

    By David Zoia Editor • April 30, 2013
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    Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Checks Every Box

    WardsAuto editors point to quality materials, such as the low-gloss wood grains framing the dashboard vents, and how well they combine with the black, beige and nickel-like trim elsewhere in the cabin.

    By James M. Amend • April 30, 2013
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    Cadillac XTS Offers New Vision of Luxury

    Cadillac clearly has chosen a new design path for its big sedan that ditches conservatism for an edgier style that is heavy on technology and artistic details. We like where it’s headed.

    April 30, 2013
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    Acura RDX Breaks Fashion Rules, and Wins

    With excellent fit-and-finish, plus low-gloss materials and an attractive mix of beige, black and brown shades, the roomy CUV rates among Ward’s 10 Best Interiors for 2013.

    April 30, 2013
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    Sweet Spot in U.S. for A3 Sedan, Audi of America Exec Says

    The 3-door sedan is popular in Europe, but the entry-level, premium-segment buyer here has gotten older and yearns for cars that are more luxurious, Scott Keogh says.

    By Herb Shuldiner 1 • April 24, 2013
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    Hyundai Mistra Midsize Sedan Unveiled at Shanghai Show Slated for Production

    The concept vehicle, jointly designed and developed by the Hyundai’s R&D center in Namyang, South Korea, and the Beijing Hyundai technical center in China, targets young urban dwellers.

    By Vince Courtenay • April 22, 2013
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    GM’s Drive Into Laos Shows Promise

    Manignom President and CEO Souksamone Sihathep says the Laos car market is small but growing rapidly, noting his dealer group sees “a trend of more people buying new cars in what used to be a predominantly used-car market.”

    By Edd Ellison • April 22, 2013
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    Ford Unveils Escort Concept at Shanghai Auto Show

    The auto maker says the concept car is aimed at a growing segment that already accounts for sales of 5.5 million units annually.

    By Byron Pope • April 19, 2013
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    VW Styles Up CrossBlue CUV for Shanghai Show

    The concept features a plug-in gasoline-electric hybrid, boasting 415 hp and up to 79-mpg fuel efficiency.

    By WardsAuto Staff • April 19, 2013
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    GM to Introduce Buick Riviera Global Concept at Shanghai Auto Show

    Developed at the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center in Shanghai, the concept combines a sleek, “flowing water” design with GMs’ plug-in hybrid-electric-vehicle propulsion system.

    By Vince Courtenay • April 19, 2013
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    Maserati’s McNabb Fills VW U.S. Sales Slot

    Mark McNabb is named head of sales for the VW brand, plugging a gap left by Tim Mahoney’s February departure for General Motors.

    By WardsAuto Staff • April 18, 2013
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    Hyundai to Distance Brand From Kia With Cleaner Design Language

    “It is a challenge to separate the two,” Hyundai-Kia’s president of design says. “Kia is younger, sporty and fresher, while Hyundai is more elegant, on the classical side. We need a strong direction for both.”

    By Peter Robinson • April 18, 2013
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    Maserati Names New North American President

    The marque’s new president previously served as director-sales for Chrysler’s Asia-Pacific operations.

    By WardAuto Staff • April 17, 2013
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    New Chrysler Minivan to Woo ‘Supermom,’ Designer Says

    There still is no confirmation of whether Chrysler’s next minivan lives on as a Caravan or Town & Country, but it will emphasize function regardless of badging.

    By Aaron Foley • April 17, 2013