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Scion: Three New Models in Three Years Planned as iM Unveiled
The iM concept being shown at the L.A. auto show will spawn a production model due next year and set for a New York show debut.
Nov. 19, 2014 -
Explorer Goes Upmarket; Adds 2.3L EcoBoost to Mix
Ford is taking the Explorer even more upscale to compete directly with the Jeep Grand Cherokee and GMC Acadia SUVs, which have more-lucrative, higher-priced models in their lineups.
By David Zoia Editor • Nov. 19, 2014 -
Explore the Trendline➔
Courtesy of Toyota
TrendlineAutomotive Manufacturing
Production strategies are changing rapidly as tariffs and shifts in consumer buying patterns affect the industry.
By WardsAuto staff -
Latest Shelby GT350 Features High-Powered Naturally Aspirated V-8
The new model, shown to the press just days before its public unveiling at the Los Angeles Auto Show later this week, boasts a 5.2L engine that is the first production V-8 from Ford employing a flat-plane cranksaft typical of racing applications and found in some high-end exotics.
By David Zoia Editor • Nov. 17, 2014 -
We’re Not Going to Take It Anymore
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.Why did the scorpion sting the frog that was helping it across the river even though the scorpion knew that would cause both of them to drow...
By Jim Ziegler 2 • Nov. 12, 2014 -
Spoof My Ride, Please
Lincoln enjoys a ripple effect from the various parodies of its MKC ad with Matthew McConaughey.
By Steve Finlay • Nov. 11, 2014 -
Mexico Sees October LV Sales Comeback
Renewed buyer interest and extra selling days prompt resurgence in Mexico LV sales to a record 100,769 units in October.
By Al Binder • Nov. 10, 2014 -
Ram Plotting Own Lightweighting Course
Ram CEO Bob Hegbloom doesn’t discount aluminum as a viable material for use in pickups, noting the Ram 1500 has had an aluminum hood for years.
By Byron Pope • Nov. 7, 2014 -
C’mon Parents, Let’s Be Better Role Models
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.DETROIT – As parents, we’re not being good role models behind the wheel, and it’s killing our kids.“If I could focus on one thing, it would ...
By James Amend • Nov. 6, 2014 -
Menu Still Best Tool for Selling Service
Tips for a fixed-ops must-do.
By Lee Harkins • Nov. 6, 2014 -
(FINAL) October 2014 Sales Thread: October Sales Stay the Course
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.October 2014 Light Vehicle Sales Volume: WardsAuto forecast LV Sales: 1,278,338 million unitsACTUAL October LV Sales: ...
By John Sousanis 1 • Nov. 3, 2014 -
Dodge Dart May Get Performance Boost
Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis says vehicles in lineup must meet certain performance criteria.
By Byron Pope • Nov. 3, 2014 -
FCA Names New CEO in Australia
Under outgoing CEO Veronica Johns, Fiat sales more than doubled, while Alfa Romeo deliveries rose more than 30% and Jeep volume jumped more than 40%.
By Alan Harman • Oct. 31, 2014 -
Challenger SRT Hellcat Fine Daily Driver
The 6.2L supercharged V-8 makes the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat a shockingly powerful feline that can be both demonic and docile. In this Under the Hood installment, we look at one of nearly 40 nominees in this year’s Ward's 10 Best Engines competition.
Oct. 31, 2014 -
N. American Q3 Capacity Utilization at Post-Recession High; Q4 to Decline
WardsAuto forecasts North American manufacturers for entire-2014 will post their highest capacity utilization in several decades.
By Haig Stoddard • Oct. 30, 2014 -
Spanish Researchers Take Up Lightweighting Challenge
A priority for the research consortium is developing composite metal joints for chassis, axles and steel welded joints.
By Hanna Lange-Chenier • Oct. 30, 2014 -
Well-Done Sales-to-Service Turnovers Retain Customers
How to get seven of 10 car buyers back for first visits to the service department.
By Jim Leman • Oct. 29, 2014 -
Rogue May Be Light at End of Tunnel for Korea’s Samsung Motors
Launch of the Nissan CUV is helping Samsung better utilize its Busan assembly plant and push global sales up by double-digit rates.
By Vince Courtenay • Oct. 28, 2014 -
Forecast: October Sales Steady Before End-of-Year Spike
The latest WardsAuto forecast calls for U.S. automakers to sell 1.28 million light vehicles this month, equating to a 16.4 million-unit SAAR.
By John Sousanis • Oct. 24, 2014 -
Cars Growing Increasingly Intelligent
With NFC, “we can now add things like unpairing, which is something that we really, really want to promote people to do, especially if you’re driving rental cars and so on,” says Ford's Jim Buczkowski. “You don’t want to leave any of your identity in the vehicle. Often today, we’re so quick to get out of the vehicle, we don’t do that.”
Oct. 24, 2014 -
Driving in Greece Stressful, But Worth It
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.SANTORINI, Greece – It’s encouraging to see reports that the Greek economy, which required an international bailout to stave off bankruptcy ...
By Tom Murphy • Oct. 24, 2014 -
Design Passion Grows Alongside China’s Auto Industry
Chery design chief James Hope, formerly with General Motors, concedes Chinese automakers have imported “expats” to help upgrade car designs, but adds a lot of local talent is emerging.
By Joseph R. Szczesny • Oct. 23, 2014 -
Industry, Experts Converge on 2020 Vision
A University of Michigan-Dearborn researcher polled about 500 people over the past 18 months with regard to safety, liability, practicality, human factors, cost, regulation and the level of automated-vehicle technology consumers would accept.
Oct. 22, 2014 -
Automated Driving Piques Chinese Consumers’ Interest
The prevailing view that automated systems first will be used in Europe and North America is being challenged by Chinese interest in what Magna International executive Frank O’Brien calls the digital lifestyle.
By Joseph R. Szczesny • Oct. 20, 2014 -
Got You Covered
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.As infotainment features in cars proliferate, could there be anything more superfluous than an album cover displayed on a car’s touchscreen?...
By Jim Irwin • Oct. 15, 2014 -
Mexico LV Sales Slip in September
“Buyer fatigue” and a modest economic slowdown triggered a decline in Mexico LV sales, but cars set a September record.
By Al Binder • Oct. 15, 2014