Automakers: Page 327

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    Selling Luxury to Slacker Set

    Washington Remember Generation X as an angst-ridden bunch, derided as the slacker set? Maybe they didn't turn out so bad after all. Why else would auto companies now be pitching luxury cars to them? Ford Motor Co.'s Lincoln Mercury Div. is taking demographic aim at Gen Xers in marketing its all-new '09 Lincoln MKS flagship sedan, touted for elegant design and high technology. In going after the Gen

    By • July 1, 2008
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    Cadillac/Kia Dealer Adds a Hyundai Showplace in Ohio

    A new 37,000-sq.-ft. Hyundai dealership is open for business in Ohio near owner Stephen Taylor's high-volume Kia store and adjacent Cadillac showroom. Taylor is the only Cadillac-only dealer with both Korean franchises. The Hyundai store is located in Perrysburg, and the Cadillac and Kia dealerships in Toledo, where Jeep Liberty SUVs are built. We added the Kia franchise seven years ago, says Taylor,

    By Bt Mac Gordon • July 1, 2008
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    Trendline

    Artificial 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
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    Dealership Concentrates on Selling 3 Key F&I Offerings

    Reducing the number of product offerings, increasing managerial training and focusing on customer comfort zones are ingredients in Big Two Toyota-Scion's finance and insurance success, says Wally Henkel, general manager. The dealership, based in Chandler, AZ, ranks 146th on the inaugural Ward's F&I 150, a listing of the top 150 F&I revenue-generating stores based on the Ward's Dealer 500 list. Big

    By Derek Stark • July 1, 2008
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    GM Says More Trucks Could Go Unibody

    General Motors Corp. Brings to market this fall a fourth midsize cross/utility vehicle to meet a shift in consumer demand away from body-on-frame SUVs, and company executives say the auto maker could migrate more trucks to unibody construction. Don Butler, marketing director for GM trucks, shies away from discussing future product plans but says market demand ultimately will decide. You can count

    By James M. Amend • July 1, 2008
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    Form Over Function

    Introduced in 2003, the Infiniti FX was an industry first as a fast and sleek cross/utility vehicle that emphasized sport over utility. It was a breakthrough; there was nothing else like it at the time in that segment, says John Weiner, director-product planning for Nissan North America Inc.'s Infiniti luxury division. The FX was fast. And as a style statement featuring curvy lines, it looked more

    By • July 1, 2008
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    Mercedes Study Finds Auto-Braking Slows Collision Rate

    The auto maker’s analysis of accidents in Germany shows Distronic Plus and Brake Assist Plus systems significantly reduce the occurrence and severity of rear-end collisions.

    By Alan Harman • June 24, 2008
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    GM Reshapes Production Schedule

    Bucking the trend is GM’s van plant in Wentzville, MO. The auto maker has scheduled overtime there.

    By Ward's Staff • June 23, 2008
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    Audi’s Downsized Dynamo

    Audi’s 2.0L TFSI turbo-4 represents an outstanding balance of performance and fuel economy in a compact, efficient package.

    By Gary Witzenburg • June 23, 2008
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    Ford Upgrades Sync, Navigation System as Microsoft Deal Expires

    The auto maker now is hoping to build on its momentum from Sync with the addition of Travel Link to its new navigation/entertainment system.

    By Byron Pope • June 20, 2008
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    GM Says 18,657 Workers Take Latest Round of Buyout Offers

    Nearly half the departures come from GM sites in Michigan, including some 2,000 workers from truck-centric assembly plants in Flint and Pontiac.

    By Ward's Staff • June 19, 2008
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    Ford to Idle Wayne Truck Plant

    The shutdown, from June 23-Aug. 25, will affect some 1,400 workers at the plant.

    By Ward's Staff • June 17, 2008
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    Ford of Europe to Launch New Focus RS

    The new ’09 RS will benefit from engineering knowledge gleaned from Ford’s various motorsport programs, most notably the Focus World Rally Car.

    By Ward's Staff • June 17, 2008
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    New ’09 Maxima Upholds Nissan Flagship Title

    Nissan’s venerable 7th-generation flagship sedan has great performance characteristics, but will the large car scare off gas-conscious buyers?

    By • June 17, 2008
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    Hyundai, Kia Workers Vote to Join Strike

    The strike is in protest to the importation of U.S. beef under the pending Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement, as well as other policies of the government under President Lee Myung-bak.

    By Vince Courtenay • June 16, 2008
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    First FCX Clarity Rolls Out; Actress Curtis One of First Lessees

    Honda announces first five customers for its next-generation hydrogen fuel-cell car, which will be delivered to customers in the Los Angeles-area next month.

    By Ward's Staff • June 16, 2008
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    Hofu Production Reaches Milestone

    Demand for the Mazda Axela small car, known as the Mazda3 outside Japan, is credited with helping Hofu record its fastest-ever million-unit increment.

    By Ward's Staff • June 13, 2008
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    Jaguar, Land Rover to Move North American Headquarters

    The auto maker, which on June 2 was sold by Ford to India’s Tata, says the move has been in the works for some time.

    By Ward's Staff • June 10, 2008
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    Porsche Introduces Direct Injection, 7-Speed DCT for ’09 911

    The new 911s are distinguished by minor interior and exterior tweaks and sport improved drivetrains for faster acceleration and better fuel economy.

    By Mike Sutton • June 10, 2008
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    Cadillac XLR Gets Fresh Look for ’09

    The lineup includes a new Platinum edition and the V-Series performance model, both of which receive CTS-inspired design cues and updated infotainment technology.

    By Mike Sutton • June 9, 2008
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    Mazda Designers Draw Inspiration From Nature, Fashion

    Mazda designers are given the freedom to use a myriad of materials and draw inspiration from unconventional sources.

    By Byron Pope • June 6, 2008
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    ‘One Ford’ Strategy Streamlines Purchasing Operations

    To further reduce complexity and eliminate redundant engineering, Ford assigned each region specific responsibilities.

    By Byron Pope • June 6, 2008
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    Nissan Xterra, Frontier Receive Upgrades for ’09

    The ’09 Nissan Frontier gets a restyled front fascia and grille, as well as new headlights.

    By Ward's Staff • June 5, 2008
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    Porsche Places First in Initial Quality Study for Third Straight Year

    Four GM brands ranked above the industry average this year, including Cadillac, Chevrolet, Pontiac and Buick, all of which leaped ahead of prior-year’s survey.

    By • June 4, 2008
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    C30 Uniquely Volvo

    With a push from Ford design executive Peter Horbury, Volvo has set out to honor the brand’s Scandanavian roots. Marked by simplicity, grace and functionality, the C30’s interior exemplifies this heritage.

    By Eric Mayne • June 4, 2008
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    Nissan Around View Monitor

    The Nissan Around View Monitor is one electronic system that – for once – is practical, simple to use and works extremely well.

    By • June 4, 2008