Automakers: Page 361
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Courtesy of WardsAuto
Aligned Business Framework Agreements On Track
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.Ford Motor Co. is nearly complete with phase one of its plan to enlist suppliers into its “Aligned Business Framework” program, Andrew Hinkl...
By Byron Pope • July 1, 2006 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Dealer Sues Benz Over $1.7-Million Lemon
It's unusual for a car to cost $1.7 million and more unusual for it not to travel more than 10 blocks without breaking down. Despite such odds, that's what allegedly happened to Los Angeles dealer Mark Johnston of Grand Prix Motors, an exotic-car store. He purchased a Mercedes-Benz AMG CLK-GTR Limited Edition Roadster, only five of which were reportedly built. The car is listed in the Guinness Book
July 1, 2006 -
Explore the Trendline➔
Courtesy of Kia Corporation
TrendlineArtificial 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 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Ford Electronics Parts Catalog Dispute Sparks Lawsuit
Ford Motor Co. and Lincoln Mercury dealerships using an electronic parts catalog provided by Dealer Computer Systems likely will need to find a new source for such data, because of a parting of the ways that's led to a lawsuit. For more than 10 years Ford has licensed its parts data to DCS, which then provided the information to dealers in a catalog called CPD. The contract ended in December. Sources
By Cliff Banks • July 1, 2006 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Oh Yeah, She Runs a Dealership, Too
WASHINGTON As fellow Californian dealer John Hawkins began listing the accomplishments of Cheri Fleming of Valencia Acura, there was little doubt whom this year's American International Automobile Dealers Assn. Dealer of the Year would be. Hawkins was at the microphone a long time. The long list of charities and community organizations Fleming is involved with prompted good-natured laughter from the
By Cliff Banks • July 1, 2006 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Dealers Wear White Hats
I'm concerned. That's the answer I gave a friend in the zone office when he asked how I was. I'm concerned that nobody is going long on domestic franchises. Investment bankers have already begun risk rating any dealership group too concentrated in domestics. So, if you're a Toyota dealer everything is fine, save maybe that nagging question as to whether your showroom will be big enough in 2008, the
By Peter Brandow • July 1, 2006 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Sore Dealer Sounds Off
A West Coast Buick-Pontiac-GMC dealer, with an interest in a foreign brand near his main showroom, agreed to a candid discussion with Ward's Dealer Business. His identity is withheld, except to note the dealership's roots in an affluent suburb date to 1960. WDB: How's business? Terrible. We once sold 60 new Pontiacs a month. Now we're lucky to sell 15. Our Buick line has been whittled down from four
By Mac Gordon • July 1, 2006 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Hyundai Boss OK’d Slush Fund
Contrary to earlier testimony, Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Mong-koo now says he takes full responsibility for raising an illegal slush fund in a new bail petition submitted by his lawyers to the Seoul central district court. Published reports say Chung admits in the petition that Hyundai executives did advise him of the need for a slush fund to make payments outside of the company. He says
July 1, 2006 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
‘Dr. Z’ Adds Zing to Chrysler Campaign
Chrysler is offering a 30-day money-back guarantee on its vehicles.
By Eric Mayne • June 30, 2006 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Mitsubishi Ends Smart Forfour Production
The move is part of DaimlerChrysler's restructuring of the Smart brand and will not affect Mitsubishi's earnings or production at the Nedcar plant.
By Ward's Staff • June 30, 2006 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
GM Shareholder Says Nissan-Renault Interested in 3-Way Alliance
In a letter, Tracinda references previous discussions with Nissan and Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn about a 3-way alliance with GM.
By Scott Anderson • June 30, 2006 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Ford Invests $214 Million in its Buffalo Stamping Plant
Ford's investment includes a new Schuler press, 120 dies, 10 new sub-assembly lines and a general facility upgrade to support output of the Edge and MKX CUVs.
By Ward's Staff • June 30, 2006 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Chrysler to Close Landmark Toledo Jeep Plant
The nearly 100-year-old plant eventually will be torn down once production moves to Chrysler's new assembly plant nearby.
By Ward's Staff • June 30, 2006 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
GM Sees Building, Design Future in 3D
GM estimates using 3D technology saved 5%-8% in costs for its recently completed Lansing Delta plant.
By Scott Anderson • June 30, 2006 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
2005: Tough Year for Dealers; But Some Worried More for Auto Makers
For many dealers 2005 was tough on profits, but many of them were more concerned about the future of ailing GM and Ford.
By Steve Finlay • June 28, 2006 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Volvo Sets Up Sales Subsidiary in India
Volvo India will be based in Delhi and first will offer the S80 and XC90 to the Indian market, with other models to follow.
By Ward's Staff • June 28, 2006 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Smyrna Epicenter of Nissan’s Quest for Quality
A new quality auditing effort is helping inspectors double the number of vehicle flaws discovered.
By Scott Anderson • June 27, 2006 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Toyota Chairman Okuda Resigns
Vice Chairman Fujio Cho will replace Okuda, who will remain with the company as a senior adviser.
By Ward's Staff From Wires • June 27, 2006 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Good News and Bad News at Honda
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. The Honda Fit looks like a smash hit, but the Accord Hybrid is a miss. Hear Ward's AutoWorld Editor Drew Winter's latest take on the auto ...
By Drew Winter • June 22, 2006 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Opa! Eos Portends Sunny Days Ahead for Volkswagen
Will it blow the roof off the market? No. But some will flip their lids.
By Eric Mayne • June 21, 2006 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Mazda Debuting MX-5 Miata Hardtop in England
It marks the first time in the 16-year history of the roadster that it will be sold with a power retractable hardtop.
By Ward's Staff • June 20, 2006 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Used Cars Helps Carr Chevrolet Stay Strong
In a tough market, Carr Chevrolet ranks high on the Ward's 500 by employing some novel tactics in its used-car operations.
By Cliff Banks • June 15, 2006 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Solving the Body Shop Riddle
A Maryland Toyota dealership's body shop becomes a profit generator, leveraging relationships with insurance companies and suppliers.
By Cliff Banks • June 15, 2006 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Toyota Increases Production Capacity in China
The Toyota JV begins production of the high-grade Land Cruiser Prado VX at its Chengdu Plant, which also makes the Land Cruiser Prado GX.
By Ward's Staff • June 14, 2006 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Toyota Closes Port Melbourne Plant
More than 1 million Toyotas were built at Port Melbourne through 1994, and the company retained manufacturing operations there until the end of May.
By Alan Harman • June 13, 2006 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Honda Scouts Potential Illinois Plant Site
Farm country in east-central Illinois gets the once-over from Honda officials.
By Jim Mateja • June 12, 2006
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