Automakers: Page

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

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

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

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

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

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

No German Accent At Chrysler

Even before the tense negotiations concluded to separate Chrysler Group from Stuttgart-based DaimlerChrysler AG, the pentastar brand was launching a dynamic advertising campaign to seek its own voice in the marketplace.

By Eric Mayne • June 1, 2007

Sale of Ford Proving Ground in Works

Ford Motor Co. is in the midst of selling or dramatically reducing the size of its 3,400-acre (1,375-ha) Arizona Proving Ground in Yucca, AZ, an economic director from the region says.

By Byron Pope • June 1, 2007

Scion’s Next Generation

Two Japan-market models, the Ist and bB, were rebadged as the Scion xA and xB, respectively, when Toyota Motor Corp. first decided to create a youth-focused brand for the U.S.

By Christie Schweinsberg • June 1, 2007

Swivel ‘n Go, Go, Go

Chrysler Group is preparing for the worst as it ramps up its redesigned-for-'08 minivans. And that's not all bad.

By Eric Mayne • June 1, 2007

Genesis Pushed

Hyundai Motor Co. Ltd. is hurrying to launch Korean production of its new rear-wheel-drive V-8 luxury sedan, unveiled in the U.S. at the New York auto show this spring, as quickly as possible, Ward's learns.

By Vince Courtenay • June 1, 2007

Chrysler Assures Hemi’s Future

The Ward's 10 Best Engines competition celebrates 13 years of recognizing outstanding powertrain development. In this fourth of a series, Ward's charts the development of Chrysler Group's popular Hemi V-8. Watch for features on the other 2007 winners throughout the year.

By Bill Visnic • June 1, 2007

VW’s Former Brussels Plant to Build Audi A3, A1

The takeover deal will allow Audi to respond to A3 demand by adjusting line rates between plants in Brussels and Ingolstadt, Germany.

By Ward's Staff • May 30, 2007

No Video Recording, No Deal at Trophy Nissan

Sales have been forfeited “once in a blue moon” by unwilling customers, but the dealership doesn’t consider it a loss.

By Emily Prawdzik Genoff • May 29, 2007

Nissan Cube Won’t Target Scion xB, Exec Says

While the Cube might attract some buyers of the original, smaller xB, the new Scion xD hatchback could pose a challenge to the Cube.

By Christie Schweinsberg • May 25, 2007

Nissan Altima Coupe Set to Launch

Nissan has more than 1,000 dealer orders already for the coupe but does not provide an annual sales forecast.

By Byron Pope • May 25, 2007

GM, UAW Cut Jobs Bank Deal

Workers can accept transfers to other jobs within GM or opt for early retirement, but they won’t be allowed to remain in the Jobs Bank.

By Ward's Staff From Wires • May 24, 2007

Celebrity Endorsements Must Be Closely Managed, GM Says

Golf superstar Tiger Woods will hype OnStar and other GM products in addition to Buick.

By Eric Mayne • May 23, 2007

Dealers Delighted With New Ownership at Chrysler

Dealers are hopeful that new ownership and “fresh cash” will bolster Chrysler’s marketing and product development programs.

By Mac Gordon • May 23, 2007