Automakers: Page 359

Beware of BDC Pitfalls

You stop by the dealership on your way home after attending the latest dealer 20-Group meeting, where a fellow dealer touted the great results his store was getting with a business development center. The presentation fired you up, and convinced you putting in such a call center will propel your store to untold riches. You yank your general manager into your office and give him his marching orders.

By Cliff Banks • Nov. 1, 2006

Inventory Glut

Reeling after an anticipated third-quarter loss of $1.5 billion and squirming under the hot spotlight of a new cost-cutting initiative, Chrysler Group admits its vehicle stocks were higher than reported.

Nov. 1, 2006

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

BMW Ramps Up X5

Production of the '07 X5 cross/utility vehicle at BMW Mfg. Co.'s plant in Spartanburg, SC, is ramping up slowly, but the auto maker expects to have its pipeline full by the time the CUV goes on sale this month.

Nov. 1, 2006

Selling Cars Made These Guys Billionaires

Six megadealer CEOs or former CEOs remain on the annual Forbes 400 list of the richest Americans. Leading the auto-dealer entries is James Moran, 88, Deerfield Beach, FL, co-owner and founder of the Southeast Toyota distributorship and owner of the No. 1 Lexus store, JM Lexus, in Margate, FL. He also owns the JM&A finance and insurance company. Moran's net worth is put at $2.4 billion. Runner-up is

Nov. 1, 2006

Mazda Begins CX-9 Production in Japan

The Japanese auto maker's new large CUV will join the midsize CX-7 early next year when it goes on sale in North America.

By Ward's Staff • Oct. 31, 2006

Nissan Showcases Seven Custom Versas at SEMA

Seven different Versa hatchbacks are on display at Nissan's booth at SEMA this week, each sporting unique design and technical elements.

By Ward's Staff • Oct. 31, 2006

Ford Design Head Says Fairlane Nearly Identical to Concept

The upcoming Fairlane is so close to the concept in design that even insiders can't tell the difference, J Mays says.

By Byron Pope • Oct. 31, 2006

Chrysler Peaks Too Late With Aspen

The pentastar brand's first SUV is a triumph. But it competes in a struggling segment.

By Eric Mayne • Oct. 27, 2006

Ford Builds Final Taurus, Shutters Atlanta Plant

The Taurus was the best-selling car for several years until 1997, when it relinquished the title to the Toyota Camry. Ford has sold nearly 7 million units over the past 21 years.

By Byron Pope • Oct. 26, 2006

History Keeps Repeating at Chrysler

The latest chapter in Chrysler's rocky history will be played out into next year – just about the time the latest inventory mess is cleared up.

By Alisa Priddle • Oct. 25, 2006

Hyundai Extends Warranty to 2010

The auto maker says it has sold 2.75 million units since introducing the warranty in the '99 model year.

By Ward's Staff • Oct. 23, 2006

Toyota Considers More CUVs

"We are evaluating a number of opportunities for (CUVs) but are not ready to discuss any specific segment," Jim Press, president-Toyota Motor North America, says.

By Christie Schweinsberg • Oct. 23, 2006

GM Q3 Global Sales Fall 3%

GM points to bright spots in the quarterly numbers, emphasizing its worldwide brands of Cadillac, Chevrolet, Saab and Hummer are showing gains.

By Ward's Staff • Oct. 20, 2006

Ford Says Edge Will Define CUV Segment

Ward is confident the Edge will achieve its 100,000 annual unit goal, as the CUV market is heating up in the U.S.

By Byron Pope • Oct. 19, 2006

Ford’s Dealership Reduction Plan ‘Not Nearly Enough’

Without any product hits, the numbers indicate Ford's plan to eliminate 600 dealerships will increase the average vehicles sold per store by only 55 units in 2009.

By Cliff Banks • Oct. 19, 2006

BMW Rolling Out FlexRay on Several New Models

BMW's X5 with FlexRay will be followed by applications in more vehicles in 2008 and 2010.

By Drew Winter • Oct. 17, 2006

Ford, BP Cut Ribbon on Hydrogen Station in Michigan

Ford will provide the city of Taylor with four fuel cell-powered Focus small cars to be used as official government vehicles.

By Ward's Staff • Oct. 17, 2006

GM, Delphi Debate Software Price

A Delphi executive jabs auto makers that don't want to pay for software. A GM executive believes the auto maker is paying too much and will conduct a "true cost analysis."

By Tom Murphy • Oct. 16, 2006

VW Chameleon Sparks Microbus Nostalgia

VW's retro hippie bus isn't coming back into production, but engineers have outfitted a '64 model with advanced lighting and powertrain technology.

By Tom Murphy • Oct. 13, 2006

Cadillac to Begin South African Sales

Cadillac will sell the BLS midsize sedan, SRX cross/utility vehicle and STS fullsize sedan.

By Ward's Staff • Oct. 11, 2006

Cuneo Leaves Toyota for Law

Cuneo was in charge of selecting manufacturing sites for the auto maker, which he joined in 1984.

By Ward's Staff • Oct. 11, 2006

Subaru Goes From Snowbelt to Sunbelt

New dealership in Texas represents a fresh look and a new strategy.

By Steve Finlay • Oct. 10, 2006

Volvo Prices New S80 Sedan

Both the I-6 and V-8 mills will be mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with Geartronic sequential shifting.

By Ward's Staff • Oct. 10, 2006

Ford to Supply E-Series Chassis Cabs for Hybridization

The heavy-duty hybrid-electric vehicle system was developed in-house by Azure, with some guidance from Ford engineers.

By Byron Pope • Oct. 10, 2006

Citroen Considers Selling Cars in Canada

Citroen has been expanding rapidly overseas, last year selling 244,000 vehicles, 17.5% of its total deliveries, outside of Europe.

By William Diem • Oct. 5, 2006