Automakers: Page


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    Toyota Back From Brink With New Models, Brighter Outlook

    The auto maker looks to 2013 as another strong year for growth, based on redesigned high-volume models such as the coming Corolla compact car and RAV4 CUV.

    Nov. 28, 2012
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    Mexico Hot Spot in 2012, as Mazda, Audi Move In, Others Look to Expand

    Auto makers and suppliers looked to add capacity as Mexico resolved its trade disputes with Brazil and Argentina in 2012.

    By David Zoia Editor • Nov. 28, 2012
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    Trendline

    Top 5 stories from WardsAuto

    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
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    500L, Abarth Cabrio, Electrified 500 add to Fiat’s Subcompact Smorgasbord

    Fiat will offer 13 versions of the 500 subcompact by next year, including the B-segement 500L, which targets a family car buyer looking for legroom.

    By Aaron Foley • Nov. 28, 2012
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    Ram Ready With Fiat Ducato-Based ProMaster Van

    The van, the first new model under Ram Commercial, will compete with the Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit and Nissan NV for market share in the U.S.

    By Aaron Foley • Nov. 28, 2012
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    Fourth-Generation Subaru Forester Debuts in Los Angeles

    The’13 Forester’s 2.5L naturally aspirated 4-cyl. remains the base engine, but a new turbocharged variant of the BRZ sports car’s DI 2.0L is added for ’14.

    Nov. 27, 2012
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    Ford’s Farley Wants to ‘Cut Through the Clutter’

    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.SANTA MONICA, CA – What keeps Jim Farley up at night aren’t concerns about the competition or stock prices or whether Ford has enough manufa...

    By Tom Murphy • Nov. 27, 2012
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    Honda Back in Black With Growing Sales, Market Share

    Honda’s U.S. market share rose 7 percentage points to 9.8% through October, closing in on its high of 10.6% in 2010 and helping put distance between it and Asian rivals that are thought to have benefited from the auto maker’s decline.

    Nov. 27, 2012
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    Chrysler Banking on Added Production, More Dealer Training

    Boosting capacity at key plants will help meet demand for 2013, the auto maker’s sales chief says.

    By Aaron Foley • Nov. 27, 2012
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    Chrysler to Unveil Sporty Town & Country, Charger in L.A.

    The future of the minivan remains in question, but for now a sport model falls in line alongside similar trims offered in the 200 and 300 sedans.

    By Aaron Foley • Nov. 27, 2012
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    European Malaise Not Slowing Down Renault’s Dacia

    With higher volumes leading to less-expensive parts and amortization, the new Logan could have been sold for less than its predecessor, but Renault instead added features and held the line on price.

    By William Diem • Nov. 27, 2012
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    Ford to Launch Fiesta ST in North America

    Fiesta ST will be sold exclusively as a 5-door hatchback with a 6-speed manual transmission.

    By WardsAuto Staff • Nov. 26, 2012
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    BMW to Invest $500 Million to Double Russian Production Capacity

    The German auto maker is negotiating with the government on the joint assembly of up to 50,000 cars annually at partner Avtotor’s Kaliningrad plant. The project includes local tie-ups with suppliers Magna, Johnson Controls and Lear.

    By Eugene Gerden • Nov. 26, 2012
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    GM, Center to Team on Tire Research

    The auto maker has contributed $5 million to the Virginia-based NTRC, which will seek to improve the fuel-economy and road-holding performance of light-vehicle tires.

    By WardsAuto Staff • Nov. 21, 2012
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    Renault Suspends Zoe EV Launch to Clear Way for Clio

    Renault is focusing on electric-vehicle development rather than what COO Carlos Tavares calls “intermediate steps” such as diesel and “transitional” gasoline-electric hybrids.

    By William Diem • Nov. 21, 2012
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    Troubled Renault Samsung Pins Hopes on Refreshed Styling, Improved Fuel Efficiency

    The Korean auto maker’s total October deliveries plummeted 45% to 11,353 units, compared with year-ago, and were down 40% though the first 10 months.

    By Vince Courtenay • Nov. 21, 2012
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    Volvo Teams With Polestar for S60 Concept Car

    The concept car is based on a S60 chassis that has been widened, lowered and reinforced.

    By WardsAuto Staff • Nov. 20, 2012
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    BMW to Unwrap Fuel-Efficient, High-Performance Roadster Concept

    The German auto maker’s concept blends luxury and speed with hybrid technology.

    Nov. 19, 2012
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    GM Seeks Balance in EV Designs

    The first modern battery-electric vehicle from GM since the EV1 bowed in 1996, the Spark BEV adheres to the A-car segment’s familiar 2-box, 5-door design, differing only slightly from the ICE model launched earlier this year.

    By James M. Amend • Nov. 19, 2012
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    Ford Shaving EV Costs by Sharing Parts

    Achieving 100% parts commonality across its global portfolio is proving difficult because of differing government regulations, a top engineer says.

    By Byron Pope • Nov. 19, 2012
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    Mercedes to Show Ener-G-Force Concept at L.A. Show

    The environmentally conscious vehicle derived from the longstanding G-Class is powered by hydrogen, but still has off-road capability.

    By Aaron Foley • Nov. 16, 2012
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    GM Pushing Into Sub-Saharan Africa With New Product Range

    The regional driver, South Africa, has an established auto industry and is experiencing solid growth. It’s where the auto maker’s key Port Elizabeth assembly plant is located and its Sub-Saharan Africa operations are based.

    By Edd Ellison • Nov. 16, 2012
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    Chrysler to Add 1,250 Jobs, Boost Pentastar V-6, Ram 1500 Output

    The auto maker is adding a third shift to its Warren, MI, truck plant and a third engine line to its Trenton, MI, facility.

    By Aaron Foley • Nov. 15, 2012
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    Toyota-Scion Aiming for 2 Million Sales in U.S.

    The auto maker hopes to hit the mark in two years’ time, increasing its market share to more than 13%.

    Nov. 14, 2012
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    GM Says 100-Mile Battery Range Key Tipping Point for EVs

    The U.S. auto makerhas invested millions of dollars in EV battery research, including startup companies such as Envia Systems seen as close to major improvements in range and affordability.

    By James M. Amend • Nov. 14, 2012
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    Transit Connect Wagon Ford’s Answer to Minivan Malaise

    The auto maker believes it has found new “white space” in the U.S. market that it can own for now with the unconventional people mover that is smaller, taller and more fuel-efficient than today’s minivans.

    By David Zoia Editor • Nov. 13, 2012