Automakers: Page

Chery to Build Assembly Plant in Jordan

Construction is expected to be completed in early 2008 and start rolling out vehicles by year-end to meet demand in regional markets, such as Saudi Arabia, Syria and Iraq.

By Alan Harman • Dec. 27, 2007

GM Witnesses Historic 2007 With UAW Deal, Higher CAFE Rules

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. Special Report 2007 Year in Review In a year stamped by lackluster vehicle sales in its home market and a topsy-turvy financial perfor...

By James M. Amend • Dec. 27, 2007

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

Hyundai Taps Jong Eun Kim for North American Unit

Kim succeeds Ok Suk Koh, who will lead operations in China for Hyundai’s sister company Kia Motors.

By Ward's Staff • Dec. 26, 2007

Thailand Approves Suzuki, Nissan Plans for EcoCars

Thai Industry Minister Kosit Panpiemras says four other auto makers are seeking investment privileges for ventures worth a combined TB40 billion to develop new eco-cars.

By Alan Harman • Dec. 26, 2007

Mercedes Begins Delivery of SLR Sports Car

Mercedes offers buyers and a guest a trip to Woking for expert instruction on how to drive the SLR, capable of a top speed of 206 mph.

By Herb Shuldiner • Dec. 26, 2007

Toyota Opens First Russian Plant

The plant has initial annual production capacity for 50,000 cars, with first-full-year output set at 20,000 units.

By Peter Homola • Dec. 21, 2007

Navistar Adds TopKick, Kodiak Brands Through GM Division Acquisition

For GM, the deal signals increased focus on its core light-vehicle business. For Navistar, it portends expansion for its commercial truck business.

By Ward's Staff • Dec. 20, 2007

Ford Australia Christens New R&D Center

The R&D center is part of a plan to invest more than A$1.8 billion in projects and facilities over the next decade.

By Alan Harman • Dec. 19, 2007

BMW Embraces Roots With New 1-Series

The rear of the 1-Series benefits from horizontally positioned light-emitting diodes integrated into the tail lamps, giving the coupe a futuristic appearance at night.

By Byron Pope • Dec. 19, 2007

MBUSA Headed for Another Record Year

Rising sales are nice, but MBUSA chief Ernst Lieb says he’s most proud of having revitalized Mercedes’ relationship with its 334 dealers.

By Herb Shuldiner • Dec. 19, 2007

GM Offers First Wave of Buyouts to UAW Employees

GM will conduct another round of buyouts early next year.

By James M. Amend • Dec. 18, 2007

Ford TwinForce Name Likely Scuttled

The TwinForce moniker caused confusion from the onset, as it was immediately associated with twin-turbocharging rather than a blend of fuel economy and performance, the auto maker says.

By Byron Pope • Dec. 18, 2007

Lexus Scores With Philadelphia Parking Deal

Two prime parking areas near the Wachovia Center now are dedicated to Lexus models. Combined, they account for about 300 spaces.

By Christie Schweinsberg • Dec. 17, 2007

Acura NSX to Arrive in 2010

The U.S. may be the first to see the new supercar, American Honda’s highest-ranking executive hints.

By Christie Schweinsberg • Dec. 17, 2007

Nissan’s Bosley Retiring

Bill Bosley joined Nissan in 1981 and has held various positions, including managing director of Nissan Motors Ltd. in the U.K. immediately prior to his current NNA position.

By Ward's Staff • Dec. 14, 2007

Ford Opens Doors to New Training Center

Ford engineers and plant workers currently are gearing up for next fall’s launch of the ’09 F-150 by evaluating 18,000 design elements using production simulation tools.

By Byron Pope • Dec. 14, 2007

Ford’s Hinrichs Appointed to Global Position

Joe Hinrichs will have global responsibility for the auto maker’s material, planning and logistics, production system and manufacturing business office organizations.

By Ward's Staff • Dec. 13, 2007

Ssangyong New Luxury Sedan to Feature Mercedes V-8

Both the engine and 7-speed automatic transmission will be imported from Mercedes-Benz in Germany, Ward's is told.

By Vince Courtenay • Dec. 12, 2007

Mazda Debuting Freshened RX-8, Concept at Detroit Auto Show

Also on the Mazda stand in Detroit will be the Furai concept car, a road racer meant to run on E100 ethanol, the auto maker says.

By Ward's Staff • Dec. 12, 2007

Chrysler to Idle Jefferson North, Windsor

The No.3 U.S. auto maker tells workers the Jefferson North plant will lose its second shift in February.

By Ward's Staff From Wires • Dec. 12, 2007

Nissan ‘Murano-ness’ Safe and Sound

Receiving its first major revision since its debut nearly six years ago, one of the original car-based utility vehicles softens the sport but ups the luxury factor.

By Christie Schweinsberg • Dec. 12, 2007

Toyota Matrix Ho-Hum Hatch

Eye-catching new sheetmetal but a ho-hum powertrain borrowed from the Camry family sedan make the new compact 5-door a mixed offering.

By Christie Schweinsberg • Dec. 11, 2007

Ford Readies for Production of Duratec 37

The 3.7L will first land in the upcoming ’09 Lincoln MKS, and going forward it will serve as the basis for Ford’s direct-injection, turbo-charged engine family.

By Byron Pope • Dec. 7, 2007

Brisk Demand Spurs Malibu Production at Orion

The new Malibu drove a 15.0% increase in Chevrolet passenger-car sales in November – its first full sales month.

By James M. Amend • Dec. 6, 2007

Toyota Takes Another Shot at Drawing Younger Buyers With Matrix

Toyota is hoping the new Matrix will lower the Corolla lineup’s average median age in line with the Mazda3, currently the segment leader with younger buyers.

By Christie Schweinsberg • Dec. 6, 2007