Automakers: Page 319
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Courtesy of WardsAuto
Jimmy Gray Chevrolet’s BDC Helps Spur New-Vehicle Sales
Gray’s dealership was profitable in 2008, and he doesn’t think it will get any worse this year.
By Derek Stark • Jan. 22, 2009 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Hyundai to Extend Assurance Program
Currently, the program offers to repurchase the car during the first year of ownership, but the extended program will cover buyers for two or three years.
By Herb Shuldiner • Jan. 21, 2009 -
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
Reports of Acura’s Death Greatly Exaggerated, Says Exec
The Internet rumor mill has been buzzing with talk of the future viability of the brand, whose sales declined 19.8% in the U.S. in 2008 to 144,504 units, Ward’s data shows.
By Christie Schweinsberg • Jan. 21, 2009 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Cadillac Converj Prompts Branding of Chevy Volt Electric Propulsion System
GM’s Bob Lutz says the auto maker might go with a larger battery for future applications outside of the Chevy Volt, or a larger range-extending engine.
By James M. Amend • Jan. 20, 2009 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Chrysler Sees Quick Lift From New Federal Loan
Chrysler says it will take additional incentive action within the next 48 hours to boost sales.
By David E. Zoia • Jan. 16, 2009 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
GM Moving Tools From Struggling Suppliers
Bo Andersson describes GM’s supplier relationships, overall, as more constructive than three or four years ago, due in part, ironically, to the enormous challenges facing suppliers.
By Tom Murphy • Jan. 16, 2009 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Magna Steyr to Suspend Chrysler, Jeep Production Again
The decision comes only days after Magna Steyr restarted Chrysler and Jeep production this week, following a suspension that began in early November.
By Peter Homola • Jan. 16, 2009 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Ford Launches Fiesta Production in China
Further capacity for the Fiesta will be added later this month, as output begins at Ford’s Valencia, Spain, assembly plant.
By Ward's Staff • Jan. 15, 2009 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Hybrid Audi Q5 on Schedule; Stop-Start Systems to Proliferate at VW Group
Dual-clutch transmissions, in demand since their launch six years ago, ultimately will all-but replace conventional automatics and manuals in most models and regions, VW’s top powertrain executive says.
By David E. Zoia • Jan. 15, 2009 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Tesla Battery to Power Smart EV
Tesla is anxious to partner with other auto makers as electric-drive programs proliferate.
By Eric Mayne • Jan. 13, 2009 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Toyota Rethinking Third Row in RAV4
When it debuted in 2006, the current-generation Toyota RAV4 CUV was the first vehicle of its size in the U.S. with the optional feature.
By Christie Schweinsberg • Jan. 13, 2009 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
BMW Survives 2008 With 4% Sales Loss
BMW executives feel luckier than most to escape last year with a sales loss in the single digits.
By Drew Winter • Jan. 13, 2009 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Top Designer Says Outgoing Ford Taurus ‘Too Conservative’
Ford designer J Mays says the original Taurus, launched in 1986, did not inspire the design of the new sedan.
By Byron Pope • Jan. 12, 2009 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
GM Admits Attempts to Groom Saturn Unsuccessful
GMNA President Troy Clarke says it remains unclear exactly how GM might detach itself from Saturn, given the expensive lesson it learned when it killed the Oldsmobile brand several years ago.
By James M. Amend • Jan. 12, 2009 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Lincoln MKT Further Establishes Brand’s Identity
The exterior of the MKT boasts Lincoln’s signature split waterfall grille, which has helped the brand forge a “family resemblance” in the showroom.
By Byron Pope • Jan. 12, 2009 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
BMW Unveils Z4 With Retractable Hardtop
The new roof is comprised of two aluminum shells that fold into the trunk in 20 seconds, while allowing enough room for a medium-size suitcase or one golf bag.
By Drew Winter • Jan. 11, 2009 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Ford Hopes ’10 Taurus Recaptures Magic of Original
To further differentiate it from other midsize sedans, Ford engineers went to considerable lengths to imbue the ’10 Taurus with sporty driving dynamics.
By Byron Pope • Jan. 11, 2009 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Skoda Shifts to 4-Day Week for Some Operations
The Skoda Superb and the Yeti, Skoda’s new small cross/utility vehicle scheduled for Job One launch in late May, are not affected by the production cutbacks.
By Peter Homola • Jan. 9, 2009 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Ford to Market Sync Globally; Offers Glimpse of Future HMI Technology
Ford’s Sync multimedia system will go global, starting in 2010. And Best Buy’s Geek Squad will provide customer support in North America.
By Byron Pope • Jan. 9, 2009 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Subaru Stands Alone in Posting 2008 Sales Gain
Subaru still is a minor player, but its unique 2008 sales accomplishment was major considering the harsh economy.
By Steve Finlay • Jan. 8, 2009 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Toyota Asking Workers to Take Pay Cut
Toyota plans to eliminate 3,000 of its temporary workforce in Japan at the end of March, but so far none of the auto maker’s 70,000 full-time employees have lost their jobs.
By Ward's Staff • Jan. 8, 2009 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
’10 Buick LaCrosse ‘Next Step’ in GM Division’s Revitalization
The exterior design of the new LaCrosse draws heavily from the well-received Buick Invicta concept car GM introduced at the 2008 Beijing Auto Show.
By James M. Amend • Jan. 8, 2009 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Toyota Jumping Into Telematics With Proprietary Systems
After several years in development, the top-selling Japanese auto maker in the U.S. will begin offering telematics services in its Toyota and Lexus models.
By Christie Schweinsberg • Jan. 7, 2009 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
GM Confirms Pontiac G8 ST Dead; Other Derivatives Still on Track
The Sport Truck would have stretched the division’s lineup to eight models, and GM told Congress it intends to shrink Pontiac into a niche brand.
By James M. Amend • Jan. 7, 2009 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
New Lexus RX More Serious Competitor
Despite resembling the model it replaces, the new Lexus RX is much changed under its skin and now is ready to face off with new competitors in the luxury CUV sector.
By Christie Schweinsberg • Jan. 7, 2009
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