Automakers: Page

Penske Opens Used-Car Store

Penske Automotive Group is expanding again in the pre-owned sector. In late 2007, the Bloomfield Hills, MI-based group opened two stand-alone used-vehicle buildings in Indianapolis. They are annexes to Penske Honda and Penske Chevrolet. Now, Penske has opened the Scottsdale Wholesale Outlet to serve its 23 dealerships in the Phoenix-Scottsdale, AZ market. The Scottsdale outlet, near the group's 11-store

By Mac Gordon • Sept. 1, 2008

Mazda’s Cure for the Common Car

Options Have Been Woefully Limited for U.S. buyers seeking that unique combination of 4-door practicality and sporty, dynamic handling, all for a moderate price. The affordable sport sedan has been remarkably elusive for years as a few brands have nibbled the edges. The V-6-powered Nissan Altima and Honda Accord are fine entries, but their conservative styling is suitable for less-inspired, high-volume

By Tom Murphy • Sept. 1, 2008

Explore the 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

Tracinda’s 18-Year Attraction to Big Three

Chrysler 1990: Kirk Kerkorian's Tracinda Corp. acquires 9.9% of Chrysler Corp. 1995: Kerkorian, joined by retired Chrysler Chairman Lee Iacocca, proposes taking Chrysler private. Ups stake to 14%, but proposal fails. Shortly after, Jerry York joins Kerkorian as Tracinda vice chairman. 1998: Chrysler goes on the block. Tracinda and Iacocca once again try takeover but lack adequate outside financing.

By David C. Smith • Sept. 1, 2008

L.A. BMW Dealers End New-Store Protest

Clearing the way for a new BMW dealership to be built in the Los Angeles market, the California New Motor Vehicle Board has dismissed protests filed by other BMW dealers, including the lead opponent, Nick Alexander Imports. The new store is to be located in the affluent Hancock Park area on Wilshire Blvd. The Nick Alexander store is located on Alameda Street. Elizabeth Alexander is general manager

By Mac Gordon • Sept. 1, 2008

U.S. Market Very Unlikely to See Hyundai i10

A Senior Hyundai Motor America official says that contrary to published reports, the U.S. sales arm probably will not bring the i10 minicar here. It's very unlikely we'll bring the i10 to the U.S., John Krafcik, vice president-product development and strategic planning for HMA, tells media at a recent event for the Genesis sedan. Hyundai already sells the fuel-sipping A-car in South Korea and Europe.

By Christie Schweinsberg • Sept. 1, 2008

Lucky Number Seven

Getrag GMBH & CIE KG Becomes the latest high-profile player in the dual-clutch-transmission segment as BMW AG and Ferrari Automobiles SpA rush to incorporate the German supplier's new drivetrain technology in their newest performance cars. Many praise-worthy headlines are to be expected of these new transmission systems, which deliver more than ever the performance benefits of a sequential-manual

By Peter Robinson • Sept. 1, 2008

Toyota Trims Sales Goal, Speeds Up Plug-In Intro

That news follows speculation the auto maker would be forced to chop its goal and, in doing so, may fail to surpass General Motors Corp. as the No.1 seller of vehicles worldwide.

By Ward's Staff From Wires • Aug. 29, 2008

BMW Adds X5 to Armored Line

In testing the X5 Security, 600 rounds of varying caliber size were fired at the cross/utility vehicle from a variety of angles.

By Byron Pope • Aug. 27, 2008

Ford Connected Services Organization to Operate as Standalone Unit

The group’s primary objective is to keep Ford ahead of the curve in cutting-edge technologies, which are viewed as essential in the quest to attract the so-called Millennial Generation.

By Byron Pope • Aug. 26, 2008

Honda Fits Big Car in Small Package

With enhanced driving dynamics, the fun factor that makes this subcompact such a standout in its segment continues to impress as it exceeds the previous-generation by nearly every measure.

By Barbara McClellan • Aug. 25, 2008

VW Averts Mexico Plant Strike by Increasing Wages, Benefits

The annual pay increases demanded by the Mexican workers eventually could affect the country’s status as a desirable place to assemble vehicles, warns a labor expert.

By Byron Pope • Aug. 22, 2008

Ford Escape Tops Insurance Institute Crash Test; Chevy Equinox Poor Performer

GM says the Chevy Equinox and Pontiac Torrent meet or exceed all federal safety standards and have performed very well in other consumer information tests.

By Ward's Staff • Aug. 20, 2008

Toyota Will Look to Georgetown to Train Mississippi Workers

The site of Camry Hybrid production in the U.S. will be the “mother plant” for the auto maker’s newest assembly facility, which will build the Prius in 2010.

By Christie Schweinsberg • Aug. 20, 2008

Ford Forges Global DNA Strategy

The auto maker’s primary objective is to make its vehicles recognizable to customers in all world markets.

By Byron Pope • Aug. 18, 2008

Porsche 911 Carrera 4 the Ultimate Daily Driver

New direct-injected powertrains, a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox and improved electronics seal up what chinks remained in the 911’s 45-year-old armor.

By Mike Sutton • Aug. 18, 2008

Cadillac Unwraps CTS Sport Wagon, Next-Gen SRX at Pebble Beach

A ’10 model, the Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon arrives next spring, ahead of an all-new SRX cross/utility vehicle.

By James M. Amend • Aug. 15, 2008

Toyota Shifting Tundra to San Antonio Early

All Tundra production will move to the auto maker’s Texas truck plant in November, allowing Toyota to get a head start on building the Highlander CUV in Indiana.

By Christie Schweinsberg • Aug. 14, 2008

Ford’s SVT Readies New Mustang to Face Dodge Challenger

The specialty performance division largely has been relegated to the background as the auto maker struggles to right its foundering North American operations.

By Byron Pope • Aug. 14, 2008

New Ford Connectivity Group to Focus on Millennials

By 2010, Millennials, 14 to 29 years old, will represent 28% of the driving population, Mark Fields says.

By Derek Stark • Aug. 13, 2008

Dream Cruise PT Hot Off the Grille

The special-edition ’09 Chrysler PT Dream Cruiser Series 5, available this fall with a chrome-plated aluminum grille, arrives as the standard PT is selling poorly.

By Tom Murphy • Aug. 13, 2008

New Speed-Reading System to Debut on BMW 7-Series

BMW says the technology will help keep drivers aware of changes in the speed limit, especially important on roads that may have several different speed zones.

By Alan Harman • Aug. 13, 2008

Get Ready for Even Higher CAFE Standards, Honda Warns

Honda’s John German predicts a 50-mpg fleet fuel-economy requirement will be on the books by 2030.

By Christie Schweinsberg • Aug. 12, 2008

Hyundai Flagship Has Competitors Curious

Competitors should stay tuned, as Hyundai says it will detail its future plans for alternative-fuel vehicles in the U.S. by year’s end.

By Jim Mateja • Aug. 12, 2008

Five Chrysler Plants Subject of 4-Day Work Week Discussion

Instead of performing maintenance on Saturdays, when skilled trades personnel would qualify for time-and-a-half pay, those duties would be performed on a Friday at straight time.

By Ward's Staff • Aug. 11, 2008

Nissan Looks to Tackle Logistics Costs

The initiative comes under the auto maker’s global 5-year Nissan GT 2012 plan, as it rolls out 60 new models and five major new technologies.

By David C. Smith • Aug. 11, 2008