Automakers: Page
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’14 Cadillac CTS Ushers to Market Twin-Turbo V-6, 8-Speed Gearbox
Notably, GM will source its first-ever 8-speed transmission from Japan’s Aisin Warner. The auto maker was expected to begin production by now of an in-house 8-speed.
By James M. Amend • March 18, 2013 -
’14 Acura MDX to Debut in New York
Honda’s luxury division touts third-generation cross/utility vehicle’s comfort and driving dynamics.
By WardsAuto Staff • March 18, 2013 -
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Courtesy of Toyota Motor North America
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Automakers are evaluating their long-term strategies, revisiting their product mix, and approach to both retail and manufacturing approach along the way.
By WardsAuto staff -
Chrysler Recalls Challengers, Tells Owners to Stop Driving Them
A wire harness in the muscle car can cause engine fires, prompting the auto maker to provide loaner cars for affected drivers while repairs are made.
By Aaron Foley • March 18, 2013 -
Mitsubishi Determined to Stay in U.S.
The Japanese auto maker begins rolling out new product in hopes of regaining lost ground.
By Steve Finlay • March 18, 2013 -
Chrysler Cleaning Up Supplier Relations
The auto maker has taken its own World Class Manufacturing initiatives into supplier operations, started making advanced payments to clients and will be in regular communication through town-hall meetings.
By Aaron Foley • March 15, 2013 -
Demand Growing for Ford’s Intelligent All-Wheel-Drive System
The auto maker’s advanced system features software that preemptively reassesses road conditions 20 times faster than the blink of an eye, readjusting the power split between the wheels for an ideal blend of handling and traction.
By Byron Pope • March 14, 2013 -
Neumann Keeps Opel Product-Focused
Opel unveils a new 4-passsenger convertible, diesel engine, infotainment system and two concepts based on the brand’s Adam city car.
March 8, 2013 -
Renault to Sharpen Model Branding as Expands Globally, Eyes Up-Market Options
The auto maker’s Entry Range lineup has taken off worldwide, but branding of some cars is confusing and inconsistent. Also in need of sorting out is a premium-car strategy.
By William Diem • March 8, 2013 -
Infiniti QX60 Hybrid, Updated Hyundai Equus on Tap for New York
The QX60 Hybrid becomes the Infiniti’s brand’s third gas-electric model in the U.S., while the refreshed Equus promises new exterior and interior design, including better interior materials.
March 8, 2013 -
Citroen Looking to Define Future of C-Line With Upgraded Entries
The auto maker argues the C-line is not trying to be a low-cost competitor to Renault’s entry-level Logan, but instead targets customers who don’t care so much about handling or acceleration but want connectivity and practicality.
By William Diem • March 7, 2013 -
Honda Civic, Volvo XC60 Earn Highest Rating in New IIHS Test
The 2- and 4-door '13 Civics' cabins were reinforced, particularly the door opening and side sill, while the XC60 benefited from revised airbag algorithms.
March 7, 2013 -
Kia’s Provo Concept Car Sparks U.K. Controversy
The auto maker says the name was chosen to provoke reaction at the Geneva show, not allude to the nickname for Northern Ireland separatists during nearly two decades of violence.
By Vince Courtenay • March 7, 2013 -
GM Pulls Ahead Opening of Fourth IT Center
Once the hiring in Arizona concludes later this year, GM’s in-house information technology staff will grow from 1,500 workers one year ago to 5,500. The ultimate goal is a captive IT staff of about 9,000.
By James M. Amend • March 6, 2013 -
GM’s Akerson Revives National Energy Policy Debate
The auto maker will do its part, the executive says, by making its cars more fuel efficient, less energy intensive to build, and its facilities waste-free.
By James M. Amend • March 6, 2013 -
Renault Emphasizes Customization With New Captur
Among choices for buyers is a two-tone exterior. Renault will run the CUV through the paint shop at its Spanish plant twice to achieve the effect.
By William Diem • March 6, 2013 -
Toyota Shuffles U.S. Execs; Mark Hogan Appointed Outside Board Member
Jim Lentz’s new role as CEO of the newly established North America Region gives him broad oversight of all Toyota operations, including manufacturing.
March 6, 2013 -
Toyota Europe Chief Vows to Maintain Profitability
Didier Leroy says the auto maker’s European arm saw sales revenue and profitability grow 2.1% and 149%, respectively, during the first nine months of this fiscal year.
By William Diem • March 5, 2013 -
UAW Takes Nissan Fight to Geneva
The union’s press conference at the Geneva auto show, following one staged in Detroit in January, underscores an effort to court new allies in its bid to organize Nissan’s Mississippi employees.
By Joseph Szczesny • March 5, 2013 -
Ford Introduces New Tourneo Line of Passenger Vans in Europe
The big difference between the Tourneo line and the B-, C- and S-Max, says Barbara Samardzich, director-sales, is that the Maxes are family-oriented, while the Tourneos aim for people with active lifestyles who need room for sporting equipment.
By William Diem • March 5, 2013 -
How Ford Designed a Brute That Doesn’t Guzzle
The development team set out with four clear-cut goals: 650 hp, 600 lb-ft. of torque, 200-mph top speed and no gas-guzzler tax.
By Gary Witzenburg • March 5, 2013 -
Renault Adds Zoe to Electric-Vehicle Range
While sticking with traditional proportions for the Zoe’s design, Renault insists on an exclusive recharging system.
By William Diem • March 5, 2013 -
Toyota Motivated to Match 2012 Prius Plug-In Sales; Defends Discounting
The auto maker is offering up to a $6,500 rebate on a new Prius plug-in as it seeks to match competitors’ deals.
March 4, 2013 -
Kia Offers Free Chauffeur Services to Bolster Flagging K9 Sales
Kia sold 1,500 of the cars last May, making the 2,000-per-month target appear attainable. But demand plunged to less than 500 units per month in the fourth quarter.
By Vince Courtenay • March 4, 2013 -
Hyundai Rolls Out ix35 Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Vehicle in Korea
The ix35 uses Hyundai’s C-segment Tucson SUV body, and marks the first production model of a zero-emissions hydrogen-powered vehicle anywhere in the world, the auto maker says.
By Vince Courtenay • March 1, 2013 -
Continental-BMW Team to Develop Autonomous Cars for Freeways
The German companies intend to build several prototypes to analyze the requirements of freeway driving, including interchanges, toll gates and work zones. Tests will be made on German autobahns as well as other European freeways.
By William Diem • March 1, 2013