Automakers: Page 265
-
Chrysler’s Mopar Continues European Expansion
The American parts manufacturer is key to launching the Fiat Panda 4x4, another progression in the Fiat-Chrysler partnership.
By Aaron Foley • Oct. 17, 2012 -
GM’s Reuss: U.S. ‘Frightfully Behind’ in Education
“This country simply can’t afford to fall any further behind the rest of the industrialized world in educating its young citizens. The global economic marketplace is far too competitive for that,” Ruess says.
Oct. 16, 2012 -
Explore the Trendline➔
Courtesy of Kia Corporation
TrendlineArtificial 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 -
GM Investing $35 Million in Detroit Plant to Build Cadillac EV
The highly sculpted 2-door coupe will feature more aggressive driving dynamics thanks in part to larger tires and wheels, plus “the interior will be spectacular,” a top executive promises.
Oct. 16, 2012 -
Chevrolet Spark, Malibu Face Distinct Challenges
Chevrolet enters uncharted territory with the Spark, its first U.S. A-car, while at the same time launching the all-new Malibu into the competitive midsize-sedan segment.
By Byron Pope • Oct. 16, 2012 -
Entry-Level Buick Verano Frees Racier Regal to Run, GM Says
Buick marketing chief Tony DiSalle says the brand has benefited from a renewed push into the leasing market, rising to 36% of sales from 15% prior to launching its national program in March.
By James M. Amend • Oct. 15, 2012 -
Without Franchisees, Can Tesla Violate Franchise Laws?
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.Consider the difference between protection and protectionism.Protection is what’s needed to avoid getting hurt. Think airbags. Protectionism...
By Steve Finlay 2 • Oct. 12, 2012 -
GM Launches All-New Buick Encore CUV in China
Analysts say Shanghai GM badly needs the Encore, which debuts in the U.S. next year, as small CUVs are very much in demand in China right now, especially among younger buyers.
By Vince Courtenay • Oct. 12, 2012 -
Kia Drives Sales With Pop-Culture Promotions
In addition to the new Batman-inspired model, Kia will issue seven other vehicles with ties to other DC comic book characters.
By Herb Shuldiner 1 • Oct. 12, 2012 -
Ford Focused on Carbon-Fiber to Cut Body-Panel Weight
Ford is working with Dow to establish an economical source of automotive-grade carbon fiber as well as creating high-volume manufacturing methods.
By Alan Harman • Oct. 11, 2012 -
Toyota to Help Tow Space Shuttle; Plans to Film Ad Along Way
The auto maker plans to film a stock ’12 Tundra this week as it pulls the 5-story-long, 170,000-lb. spacecraft a quarter-mile across the Manchester Boulevard Bridge near Los Angeles International Airport.
By Erik Derr 1 • Oct. 11, 2012 -
Hyundai-Kia Deny Sales Boost Due to Japanese Woes in China
News reports say the sharp decline in September deliveries suffered by Toyota, Honda, Nissan and Mazda were picked up by the two Korean auto makers, which consequently raised their sales targets.
By Vince Courtenay • Oct. 10, 2012 -
Hispanic Buyers Key to Chrysler’s Growth
Within Chrysler’s range of products, the Ram 1500 light-duty and 2500 heavy-duty pickups are the most-recognized and most-purchased models by Hispanic buyers, says Ram CEO Fred Diaz.
By Aaron Foley • Oct. 10, 2012 -
Ford Says AWD Police Vehicles Winning Converts
The auto maker says it has received more than 16,000 orders for its Taurus- and Explorer-based Interceptor police package.
By Jim Mateja • Oct. 10, 2012 -
Ford C-Max Success Not Dependent on Prius Conquests, Marketer Says
Ford marketing campaign takes a whimsical approach to promoting C-Max in an effort not to anger Prius owners.
By Byron Pope • Oct. 5, 2012 -
GM’s OnStar Tests App Detailing Chevy Volt Charging Costs
The app uses electricity rates to calculate total energy costs and what was spent to charge the Volt.
By James M. Amend • Oct. 5, 2012 -
Ford Seeks Design Leadership With New Fusion
Clinics conducted indicate the all-new ’13 Fusion’s exterior design resonates with consumers worldwide, the auto maker says.
By Byron Pope • Oct. 5, 2012 -
Toyota Pulls Plug on Matrix for U.S.
The Matrix saw its best sales year in the U.S. in 2002, racking up 66,836 deliveries, WardsAuto data shows.
Oct. 3, 2012 -
Toyota Sales Up; Prius Sets All-Time Record
While Toyota needed 12 months to achieve 181,221 Prius deliveries five years ago, it managed to sell 183,340 in the first nine months of 2012.
Oct. 2, 2012 -
Fleet Buyers Skip Trucks in September, Leaving GM Sales Flat
GM continues to forecast industry sales of 14.0 million-14.5 million units, with positive economic factors such as rising consumer confidence and a rebounding housing market outweighing headwinds.
By James M. Amend • Oct. 2, 2012 -
Ford Focus Benefits From Fusion, Escape Shortages in September
The Focus helped the auto maker to its best small-car sales result since 2002, but it couldn’t keep overall light-vehicle sales from slipping 0.8% in the month.
By Byron Pope • Oct. 2, 2012 -
Customer Customization Key to Opel Adam’s Strategy
The Adam can be personalized in so many ways that few will look alike. There are 12 basic body colors painted as 2-tones, with 3-tones possible with some sporty models. Many trim elements can be switched over the course of ownership.
By William Diem • Oct. 2, 2012 -
CAW Ratifies Agreement with Chrysler
Now that Canadian workers have agreements with each of the Detroit Three, the union will turn its attention to establishing a national auto policy.
By Aaron Foley • Oct. 1, 2012 -
Alpina Juices Up BMW 7-Series to Create Powerful B7
A German company converts a top-of-the-line fullsize luxury sedan into a sporty performer.
By Steve Finlay • Oct. 1, 2012 -
Leasing Fine With Limits, Says Honda Financial Rep
Done right, leasing helps everyone. Done wrong, it hurts residual values and brand strength.
By Steve Finlay • Oct. 1, 2012 -
Lexus Not Aiming for Top Luxury Brand Title
Lexus’ objective is to focus on its customers and retain its top J.D. Power quality and customer satisfaction ratings rather than be the No.1 luxury brand, a top executive says.
By Byron Pope • Sept. 28, 2012