Automakers: Page 352

Chrysler Imperial Gets Royal Flush From CAW Plant

Chrysler wants to build a production version of its Imperial concept car.

By Eric Mayne • March 2, 2007

Ford Readying Subcompact for U.S.

A Ford version of the Mazda2 would provide a much-needed competitor against popular B-segment cars in the market.

By Ward's Staff • March 1, 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

Subaru Names Ikeda U.S. CEO

Ikeda has a 30-year history with Subaru-maker Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., most recently serving as corporate vice president for the Japanese auto maker.

By Ward's Staff • March 1, 2007

Copycats and Criminals

Imitation sometimes is called the sincerest form of flattery, but don't tell that to Ford Motor Co.In addition to all its other woes, Ford says counterfeit replacement parts are costing it $1 billion annually in lost sales revenue around the world.Ford hardly is alone. Thanks to new computer-aided technologies that make it easy to digitally scan and copy everything from shock absorber designs to the sheet metal of entire vehicles, auto makers from General Motors Corp. to BMW AG and Hyundai Motor Co. Ltd. now are seeing almost every aspect of their products and brand identities copied and stolen.

By Drew Winter • March 1, 2007

Pontiac’s RWD Play

With introduction of the new Pontiac G8 this time next year, General Motors Corp. will try to satisfy two key consumer blocs that often aren't in perfect agreement.

By Scott Anderson and Alan Harman • March 1, 2007

Audi May Buy Back Franchises

It was a good year for Audi of America Inc., with sales up 8.5% and a record of 90,000 vehicle deliveries in 2006. Indications are that more good news awaits Audi this year.

By Frank S. Washington • March 1, 2007

Good Value, Good Fun

Like the rock and cacti so prevalent in Phoenix, the new '07 Kia Rondo is an unusual formation.Is it a multipurpose vehicle, as the Europeans like to call cars with shrunken minivan or tall wagon proportions?

By Christie Schweinsberg • March 1, 2007

Brampton To Build Challenger

Chrysler Group will build the much anticipated '09 Dodge Challenger at its plant in Brampton, ON, Canada, Ward's learns.

March 1, 2007

Which Dealers Will Get Smart?

United Auto Group's initial distribution rollout of DaimlerChrysler AG's Smart brand includes approximately 50 to 60 dealerships spread across 44 market areas.

By Cliff Banks • March 1, 2007

Ford to Idle Chicago Plant

Several weeks of downtime are planned as Ford looks to clear out ’07 stocks before the new Taurus and Sable models bow for ’08.

By Jim Mateja • Feb. 28, 2007

New Volvo S80 More Powerful, Refined

The ’07 S80 comes available with a V-8 that produces 311 hp and 325 lb.-ft. of torque, making it the first Volvo sedan ever offered with a V-8.

By Byron Pope • Feb. 27, 2007

Magna Execs Keep Close Eye on Chrysler

Magna’s 2006 profit decline will lead to greater focus on components and modules and less effort to supply complete interiors.

By Eric Mayne • Feb. 27, 2007

Hyundai to Unveil i30 Hatchback at Geneva

The new entry shares a platform with the Kia Cee’d and goes on sale in Europe this summer.

By Vince Courtenay • Feb. 27, 2007

Ford Ships SVT Chief to South America

Thai-Tang, 40, largely credited with the wildly successful redesigned ’05 Mustang, has enjoyed a quick climb up Ford’s management ladder.

By Ward's Staff • Feb. 22, 2007

Dodge Avenger: It’s OK to Stare

The ’08 Dodge Avenger does not deliver on its performance expectations. But so what?

By Eric Mayne • Feb. 22, 2007

Hyundai Says No Interest in Chrysler

Hyundai Automotive Group, which includes Kia, is in a global expansion phase and not financially able to handle a major acquisition.

By Vince Courtenay • Feb. 22, 2007

Unions Blame Work Pressure for Suicides at Renault

Contract 2009 calls for an average eight new vehicle launches per year instead of the traditional four.

By William Diem • Feb. 21, 2007

Honda Starts Hiring for Greensburg Plant

The hiring of production workers won’t begin until late this year, the company says.

By Ward's Staff • Feb. 21, 2007

Peugeot to Design Future Cars Lighter Than Predecessors

The move to lighter vehicles is an about face from current EU industry trends.

By William Diem • Feb. 20, 2007

Peugeot Flux Concept May Land Designer Job

The Flux will be turned into a video-game car that can race with Ferraris and Subarus in the virtual world.

By William Diem • Feb. 15, 2007

GM Holden Looks to Export Commodore to Europe

“There are 25 million vehicles sold each year in Europe. We would only need to sell 5,000 or 10,000 units,” GM Holden’s Denny Mooney says.

By Alan Harman • Feb. 13, 2007

Dodge Aims High With Demon Roadster Concept

The Mazda Miata served as the benchmark for Chrysler designers developing the Dodge Demon.

By Eric Mayne • Feb. 12, 2007

Dodge Continues Charge Into Chassis Cab Segment

New Class 4 and 5 trucks make use of breakthrough 6.7L Cummins diesel I-6.

By Eric Mayne • Feb. 9, 2007

Kia Mulls SX Versions Across Lineup

Kia currently offers SX versions of the Optima and Spectra, and those variants account for about 10%-15% of each model’s mix.

By Byron Pope • Feb. 9, 2007

Press Says Leaked Document Much Ado About Nothing

A Detroit Free Press report says Toyota projects a $900 million increase in U.S. manufacturing compensation by 2011 and is working to trim that figure by a third.

By Christie Schweinsberg and Byron Pope • Feb. 9, 2007