Visteon Expanding Presence in Asia/Pacific

The former Ford parts division sees the region as an area of growth for its products, as well as an opportunity to diversify its customer base.

By Byron Pope • July 9, 2007

Renault Samsung’s SM Series to Ditch Nissan Platform

The just-released SM5 New Impression model will be replaced by a new car built on the same platform as Renault’s Laguna III, a published report says.

By Vince Courtenay • July 5, 2007

Explore the 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

WANTED: MORE WOMEN WORKERS

At an automotive conference on women working at dealerships, it was an evening of stories — some inspiring the attendees, some illustrating the importance of persistence, some highlighting changing times.Mary Lou Rocco recalls that 20 years ago, when she began working at Volvoville USA in Massapequa, NY, women didn't work in the service department. Now she is the service manager.

By Steve Finlay • July 1, 2007

Stingy on Style

Folks wandering into Toyota Motor Sales Inc. showrooms this summer may mistake the all-new '08 Highlander for a big body-on-frame SUV, given the girth the cross/utility vehicle has added in its second iteration, as well as its boxy styling cues.

By Christie Schweinsberg • July 1, 2007

GM, Ford in Warranty Dogfight

NOVI, MI General Motors Corp. and Ford Motor Co. are in a dogfight.

By Emily Prawdzik Genoff • July 1, 2007

Union Organizing the Easy Way

Years ago, the first week I hired in as a member of the United Auto Workers union at Ford's Rouge Plant in Dearborn, MI, three big galoots crowded around me.

By John McElroy • July 1, 2007

Young Hero Receives Car at Dealership

Potamkin Chrysler Jeep in Miami hosted a special vehicle delivery event honoring Briana Castillo, a youngster who fought off a carjacker.

July 1, 2007

Porsche Pulls Out Of NAIAS

Organizers of the North American International Auto Show are not pushing Porsche Cars North America Inc. to reconsider its pullout from the 2008 event in Detroit.

By Eric Mayne • July 1, 2007

Porsche Withdraws VW Bid

Under German law, once a shareholder acquires 30% of a company’s stock it is required to make an offer to acquire total control.

By Ward's Staff From Wires • June 28, 2007

Volkswagen’s Affordable Exotic

Wherever you fall in its cross-generational buyer demographic, VW’s R32 is immensely satisfying to drive, despite its humble roots.

By Drew Winter • June 27, 2007

Hino to Build Trucks in West Virginia

Hino will invest $8.6 million to upgrade and tool up a former Walker Systems facility for the production of 2,500 trucks annually beginning in November.

By Ward's Staff • June 26, 2007

GM Considers Asian Windshield Sourcing

In Europe, GM is experimenting with a 7-day fixed vehicle production schedule, meaning automotive seats could be transported long distances rather than assembled nearby.

By Tom Murphy • June 26, 2007

Elena Ford Takes Position at Ford Credit

Elena Ford, cousin of Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford, currently serves as director-North American product marketing, planning and strategy.

By Ward's Staff • June 22, 2007

Fiat Signs Deal to Produce Commercial Vehicles in Turkey

Tofas, owned 37.9% by Fiat, does not identify the vehicle in announcing the project, but local media say it will be a new-model Fiat Doblo commercial van.

By Ward's Staff From Wires • June 22, 2007

Ford’s Aligned Business Framework on Track

Forty-seven suppliers have joined the auto maker’s purchasing initiative designed to rationalize the supply base and drive “mutual profitability and technology advancement.”

By Byron Pope • June 22, 2007

Ghosn Tells Nissan Board No Bonus This Year

Nissan saw its first profit decrease in seven years when it reported fiscal 2006 results in April, a first under Ghosn’s leadership.

By Ward's Staff From Wires • June 20, 2007

Toyota Introduces Throttle-Less Valve Control

The new Valvematic variable-valve-timing technology improves engine efficiency up to 10% and likely will appear on the Japan-market 2.0L Allion and Premio sedans.

By Mike Sutton • June 20, 2007

Nissan X-Trail Latest Fruit of Global Collaboration

Next year, Renault will introduce its own version of the X-Trail, and the platform – likely to be well-updated once again – will serve as the basis for the next Megane.

By William Diem • June 12, 2007

Ford Wins Big in Initial Quality Study

Ford’s excellent launches and manufacturing improvements fueled its success in the J.D. Power study.

By Cliff Banks • June 6, 2007

Subaru Tribeca More Mainstream, Powerful

The ’08 Subaru Tribeca goes on sale June 1 with a modified engine, new sheet metal and a truncated name.

By Byron Pope • June 4, 2007

Hyundai Eyes CBU Car Plant for Brazil

Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Mong-koo says in a recent presentation to government officials in Sao Paulo, Brazil, that he is considering construction of a fully integrated vehicle-assembly plant in the region.

By Vince Courtenay • June 1, 2007

HD Tundra in Limbo

A heavy-duty version of Toyota Motor Corp.'s new fullsize Tundra pickup truck is in limbo, an executive says.

By Christie Schweinsberg • June 1, 2007

Service Dept. Philosophy: Hire Best and Keep the Place Clean

New-hire training doesn't end quickly at Criswell Chevrolet's service department.The Gaithersburg, MD-based dealership continues training long after employees have shed their rookie status.

By Emily Prawdzik Genoff • June 1, 2007

Isuzu Wants to Be Primary Franchise

Isuzu originally was a second brand for General Motors dealers, but plans now to become more of a primary franchise selling commercial trucks, says Todd Bloom, marketing vice president for Isuzu Motors America Inc.

By Mac Gordon • June 1, 2007

Retired Mercedes USA CEO to Open California Dealership

Retired Mercedes-Benz USA President and CEO Paul Halata plans to open a new Mercedes-Benz dealership in Fairfield, CA, in 2008.

June 1, 2007