Automakers: Page 292
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Courtesy of WardsAuto
Toyota: Microchip, Rubber Product, Paint Additive Shortages Most Critical
Re-sourcing of components in short supply is unlikely, a top official says, because the “high-engineering capability” of the auto maker’s current Tier 3 and Tier 4 suppliers would be too hard to match.
By Christie Schweinsberg • April 26, 2011 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Perfect Blend of Luxury and Technology Elevates Audi A8
Audi calls the intersection where the door and instrument panel meet the “Koenigsfuge” or “King's Joint.”
By Drew Winter • April 25, 2011 -
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 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Scandinavian Design Gets Bold in Volvo S60
The sedan’s interior assumes an extrovert personality not usually associated with Swedish auto makers.
By Steve Finlay • April 25, 2011 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Kia Reveals New Rio Sedan in New York
The Rio’s design was conceived at Kia’s Irvine, CA, studio and carries over the athletic look of the new ’11 Optima and Sportage models.
By Christie Schweinsberg • April 21, 2011 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Hyundai Accent Makes U.S. Debut in New York; New 40-MPG Cars Coming
Fuel economy for the ’12 Accent should be the best of the current class, Hyundai says, with an estimated 30/40 mpg city/highway.
By Christie Schweinsberg • April 21, 2011 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Hyundai Program to Guarantee Residuals
The Hyundai Assurance Trade-In Value Guarantee is likely to appeal to those who typically lease a vehicle, says the auto maker’s top U.S. executive.
By Byron Pope • April 20, 2011 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Nissan Remains Shy of 40-MPG Rating
The all-new Versa achieves combined fuel economy of 33 mpg. Nissan North America also is juggling production plans for five future vehicles in a bid to offset the fluctuating yen.
By Tom Murphy • April 20, 2011 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Jeep CEO Confirms Future Models to Be Produced in Turin
“Certainly, next-generation C or D – Compass/Patriot/Liberty – will be built in Turin, and we will export from there,” Mike Manley says.
By Tom Murphy • April 20, 2011 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Subaru, Toyota RWD Coupe Debuts in U.S. as Scion
Toyota's D4-S port- and direct-injection system is used for the first time with Subaru’s boxer engine, increasing horsepower and torque across the power band without sacrificing fuel economy.
By Christie Schweinsberg • April 20, 2011 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Lexus Concept Car Makes Bold Design Statement
“Auto designers are on a tipping point,” Lexus designer Simon Humphries says. “Everyone is looking for change.”
By Steve Finlay • April 20, 2011 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Motivation for More Manly Beetle Overcooked, VW Chief Designer Says
Klaus Bischoff reveals the Beetle redesign almost did not happen, as German executives in Wolfsburg considered putting the nameplate on the shelf.
By James M. Amend • April 19, 2011 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Infiniti to Intro JX CUV Next Spring
An easy-access third row, plus a new-generation telematics system is promised for the ’13 model vehicle.
By Christie Schweinsberg • April 19, 2011 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Preh to Keep Focus on High-End Technologies, Despite Chinese Takeover
The German supplier saw 40% growth in automotive sales in 2010 and is aiming toward “organic” growth this year, the company’s CEO tells Ward’s. Primary customers include GM BMW and Volkswagen.
By Byron Pope • April 18, 2011 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
New Boss Recalls Arriving at Ford to Find No Fords Parked in Lot
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.Sometimes Alan Mulally acts at home as Ford's CEO. Sometimes he acts like the new guy on the block, innocent but with fresh eyes. He recall...
By Steve Finlay 2 • April 14, 2011 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Honda Insight Hybrid Sparking U.S. Demand
The Insight’s 62.2% sales rise last month outpaced the Prius’ 52.0%, which remains the hybrid heavy-hitter with 42,779 deliveries in the first quarter, compared with 6,058 for the Honda HEV.
By Christie Schweinsberg • April 14, 2011 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Ford Focus ECOnetic Bad Fit for North America
Diesel technology offered by Ford of Europe is too expensive for the North American market, a top engineer says.
By Byron Pope • April 12, 2011 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Renault Board Cleans House Over Alleged Corporate-Espionage Debacle
Six high-ranking employees have been dismissed and COO Patrick Pelata has resigned, although he will continue to work for Renault-Nissan. CEO Carlos Ghosn keeps his job.
By William Diem • April 12, 2011 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Ford DWI Arrests Show Times Have Changed
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. When the police arrested Henry Ford II for drunken driving in the 1970s, he brushed off reporters seeking comment, saying, “Never complain,...
By Steve Finlay 2 • April 7, 2011 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Potential Sky-High for Toyota-Microsoft ‘Cloud’ Venture
Toyota Media Service, a $12 million partnership to develop advanced vehicle telematics from Microsoft’s Windows Azure computing platform, will debut in Japan and the U.S., but the eventual rollout will be far-reaching.
By Eric Mayne • April 7, 2011 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Chrysler 200 Sales Surging
The 200 accounted for 6,750 deliveries in March, 20% of Chrysler’s overall car sales, which soared 40.5% compared with like-2010.
By Eric Mayne • April 1, 2011 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Showroom-Within-Showroom
NEW HUDSON, MI Hyundai Motor America's initially controversial plan to construct a showroom-within-a-showroom for its luxury-leaning Equus and Genesis sedans is progressing smoothly, officials say. Some 200 of the Korean auto maker's 400 U.S. stores opting for the scheme completed installations as of Feb. 23. Hyundai has about 800 dealers in the U.S. Ward's first revealed the showroom-within-a-showroom
By Christie Schweinsberg • April 1, 2011 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Whipping Boy No More
Chrysler expects dramatic improvements in launch quality and corresponding reductions in warranty claims, based on early results of a new production-vehicle testing protocol. Chrysler has partnered with Roush to conduct extensive, standardized on-road testing of first-run vehicles, reveals Doug Betts, senior vice-president quality. The testing, adapted from a methodology employed by alliance-partner
By Eric Mayne • April 1, 2011 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Chapman Automotive Group Breaks Internet Record
CHANDLER, AZ Forty-five years ago, a young Jerry Chapman left a dealership in Mississippi and took over a Chevrolet store in this Phoenix suburb. In 1972, he constructed a new building for the brand. That dealership is going strong as a flagship for the Chapman Automotive Group. In the early days, he never dreamed he would preside over an 18-store, 21-brand group using a once unheard-of marvel called
By Mac Gordon • April 1, 2011 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Auto Guru Cole Shifting Gears
LEGENDARY GENERAL MOTORS EXECUTIVE Edward Cole wanted his son, Dave, to attend MIT after he graduated from Redford High School near Detroit in 1955, but Dave Cole had different ideas. He wanted to attend Michigan State University to study agriculture, after working on his grandparent's dairy farm in western Michigan since he was a tyke. The younger Cole ultimately chose the University of Michigan,
By David C. Smith • April 1, 2011 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Buick Fills Pontiac Void at Dealership
Losing the Pontiac franchise has been overcome by the Sellers Buick-GMC dealership in Farmington Hills, MI, which enjoyed a 52% spike. Fortunately, Buick's line of sedans and SUVs appeals greatly to Pontiac owners and we managed to complete a new showroom just as the Pontiac brand was being wound down, says dealership owner-president Sam Slaughter. He adds that Buick's Enclave, LaCrosse and Regal
By Adam Armbruster • April 1, 2011
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