New Mazda Crossover Truly Crosses Over

Mazda faithfully applies its sporty brand image to its all-new cross/utility vehicle.

By Bill Visnic • May 25, 2006

Ford Supporting E85 Bill

Expanding the use of E85 will help reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil, but it is not a cure-all and has drawbacks, Cischke says.

By Byron Pope • May 24, 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

Toyota Increases Capacity of China Stamping Die Partner

The auto maker’s joint venture with China FAW Group Corp. doubles production capacity and begins export of Toyota automotive stamping dies.

By Ward's Staff • May 23, 2006

Toyota Prices Scion tC Spec Package

The tC Spec Package undercuts the price of the regular model and serves as a blank canvas for aftermarket modifications.

By Ward's Staff • May 23, 2006

Geely Narrows U.S. Headquarter Search, Set to Hire Initial Staff

The Chinese auto maker is due to select its headquarters and port of entry locations in the next 30-60 days, a company official says.

By Christie Schweinsberg • May 19, 2006

Honda Plant Location Not Dependent on Incentives

Honda, along with Toyota, is sensitive to reports suggesting tax breaks would take away funding from schools.

By Christie Schweinsberg • May 18, 2006

Buick-Pontiac-GMC to Back Charity With May Sales

The program, which will run May 22-31, is expected to raise several million dollars for the 80-year-old VFW National Home for Children charity.

By David E. Zoia • May 18, 2006

Slow Production Ramp-Up Delays Volvo C70 Sales

Volvo and partner Italian coachmaker Pininfarina SpA want to assure themselves C70 quality is optimized before full production.

By Herb Shuldiner • May 17, 2006

Padilla to Serve as Consultant to Bill Ford

Ford Motor Co. says retiring Chief Operating Officer Jim Padilla will serve as a consultant to Chairman and CEO Bill Ford.

By Ward's Staff • May 16, 2006

Mazda to Buy Back Shares

Mazda also submits a bill for issuance of subscription rights for new shares as stock options to compensate certain company directors.

By Ward's Staff From Wires • May 12, 2006

Ford Dealers See Little Effect So Far From AFA Boycott

Ford dealers are beginning to show some concern over the ongoing boycott by the Christian-conservative American Family Assn.

By Byron Pope • May 11, 2006

GM Opens New European Design Center

About 350 people work in design operations in Russelsheim, focused on products for Saab, Opel, Vauxhall and Saturn.

By Ward's Staff • May 11, 2006

Mazda3 Designed With Mazdaspeed in Mind

Requests for a 5-door version of the old Mazdaspeed Protege is what led to the choice of the hatchback as the Mazda3's ultimate performance halo vehicle.

By Christie Schweinsberg • May 11, 2006

GM, Renault Maintain Joint Van Production

To date, the auto makers have sold more than 1.2 million light commercial vehicles.

By Ward's Staff • May 9, 2006

Hyundai Czech Plant Gets OK; Kia Slovakia in Trial Production

Czech officials are expected to ink the plant deal in Seoul this week.

By Vince Courtenay • May 9, 2006

BMW Launches New Advertising Campaign

The new marketing push reveals the company behind "The Ultimate Driving Machine" and its continuing loyalty to innovative ideas.

By Ward's Staff • May 9, 2006

Nissan Launches Version of Samsung SM3 in Russia, Ukraine

The auto maker aims to sell 30,000 Nissan-badged Samsung cars this year, mostly in Russia, Ukraine, the Middle East and Latin America.

By Peter Homola • May 8, 2006

Ford Reveals ‘Bold Moves’ Campaign

Ford introduces a new marketing campaign designed to emotionally connect the auto maker with its customers.

By Byron Pope • May 4, 2006

Saturn Revival May Signal Whether GM Has What It Takes

If the comeback works, then just maybe the auto maker has what it takes to revitalize its other long-dormant brands.

By David E. Zoia • May 3, 2006

Nissan Versa Does Job, But Found Wanting

While the Versa is a noteworthy subcompact entry, it falls short of the refined Honda Fit in appointments and driving dynamics.

By Christie Schweinsberg • May 3, 2006

Mazda Winds Down MPV; B-Series to Stay

MPV sales totaled only 4,223 in the first quarter, down 6.4% from like-2005's 4,513. Its peak year was 1991, when 48,144 were delivered.

By David E. Zoia • May 2, 2006

Ford Partners With TerraPass to Reduce CO2 Emissions

The Greener Miles program is designed to help drivers offset the amount of harmful greenhouse gas emissions from their vehicles.

By Byron Pope • May 1, 2006

King of Bling

A sports car or high-end sedan is the typical formula for a brand's vehicle. General Motors Corp.'s Cadillac division has taken the contrarian approach, relying largely on the extroverted image of its hulking and bechromed Escalade to underpin the success of its turnaround efforts. Cadillac plans much of the same with the bold redesign of its third-generation SUV. It comes with a generous helping

By Mike Sutton • May 1, 2006

UAG Stockholders Meeting is a Wynn-Wynn

On the occasion of surpassing the $1 billion mark in upgrading and expanding its 294-dealership network, UnitedAuto Group chose the site of its most lavish store for its annual shareholders meeting this month. The meeting will be at the new Wynn Las Vegas resort hotel, where the Penske-Wynn Ferrari Maserati dealership is located. The dealership bears the name of Las Vegas hotel and casino proprietor

By Mac Gordon • May 1, 2006

XM Services Expanding

XM Satellite Radio is raising the ante on programming content via a much-publicized new deal with entertainment giant Oprah Winfrey and is moving toward an industry leading 9 million subscribers. But that's not all the company has in mind. The satellite service, owned 5% by Honda Motor Co. Ltd. and 2% by General Motors Corp., is targeting a seriously expanded presence inside the automobile, with plans

By David E. Zoia • May 1, 2006