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Marine Snail’s Teeth Hold Secret to Nanomaterials for Li-Ion Batteries, Solar Cells
Researcher says solar cells will be able to capture a greater percentage of sunlight and convert it to electricity more efficiently, and lithium-ion batteries could require significantly less time to recharge.
By Alan Harman • March 8, 2013 -
Economic Growth Frees Malaysians to Buy Foreign Cars
MAA President Datuk Aishah Ahmad says economic growth was the key factor driving the market last year. Due to stable employment and rising disposable incomes, more consumers in the car market are trading up their purchases.
By Jonathan Dyson • March 8, 2013 -
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 -
Schuler Hydroforming Expertise Draws Auto Maker Interest
As the lightweighting push continues, auto makers increasingly are turning to Schuler early in the vehicle-development process to determine how best to utilize hydroforming.
By Byron Pope • March 7, 2013 -
Dealers Could Face ‘Intense Pressure’ as Sales Rise
As vehicle sales increase, questions arise as to whether a lender dealership network can handle the crunch.
By Steve Finlay • March 7, 2013 -
New Models on Tap for 2014 Geneva Show?
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.With all the depressing talk about the European economic crisis, political turmoil, overcapacity and the Chinese threat in the marketplace, ...
By Tom Murphy • March 6, 2013 -
All Things Are Possible Once Again
In a speech today to the IHS CERAWeek energy conference in Houston, TX, GM Chairman and CEO Dan Akerson calls for immediate work on a 30-year national energy plan.
By Dan Akerson • March 6, 2013 -
Marchionne: ‘Something Needs to Give’
If the European economy continues to languish and auto makers do not voluntarily reduce capacity, the industry faces possibly one or more OEMs suffering “structural failures,” such as the inability to pay employees or suppliers, the Fiat chief says.
March 6, 2013 -
Gran Turismo Part of 3-Series Full-Court Press
BMW is growing its popular 3-Series nameplate to include a hybrid, wagon and coupe, and a 2.0L 4-cyl. turbodiesel and detuned 4-cyl. turbocharged gasoline engine are headed to the U.S., all in addition to the new Gran Turismo.
March 5, 2013 -
Rolls Takes Dynamic Turn With Fastback Wraith
The new top-of-the-line model is aimed at performance, with a powerful V-12 engine, smart-shifting automatic and a dramatic design.
By Giancarlo Perini • March 5, 2013 -
Dacia Sales Continue to Climb as Europe Market Falls, Executive Says
Renault’s entry-level brandholds a 2.3% share of the European market and 6.3% in France, where it is the fifth most popular brand.
By William Diem • March 5, 2013 -
New Chinese Auto Maker Qoros Debuts First Cars at Geneva
The auto maker, a Chery Automobile JV formed four years ago, expects to skip the early steps of vehicle development by starting with real cars, the first of which makes its debut at this week’s auto show.
By William Diem • March 5, 2013 -
Back Off Backdating Contracts
A once-common dealership practice has become fodder for lawsuits.
By Gil Van Over • March 4, 2013 -
February Sales Thread: U.S. LV SAAR Rises to 15.3 Million
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.February 2013 Light Vehicle Sales Volume:WardsAuto forecast: 1.192 million unitsActual February sales: 1.188 million unitsDifferential ...
By John Sousanis 1 • March 1, 2013 -
Ferrari One-Off Tribute to Legendary Sergio Pininfarina
The Geneva show car is the work of Fabio Filippini, the styling house’s director of design.
By Giancarlo Perini • Feb. 28, 2013 -
Things Heat Up at Vehicle-Finance Conference
Auto-retail innovator Dale Pollak challenges the guidebooks, and they dislike it.
By David Ruggles • Feb. 27, 2013 -
Watch Those Special Orders
Dealerships should take steps to keep idle parts from bogging down inventories.
By James Clausen • Feb. 25, 2013 -
New Fiesta Movement Campaign Launches Amid Tough Competition
The new social-media campaign, called Fiesta Movement: A Social Remix, launches this spring, ahead of the all-new ’14 Fiesta.
By Byron Pope • Feb. 22, 2013 -
Manufacturing Contracts, Modern Management Have Russia’s GAZ Advancing
The auto maker is far from world class, insiders admit. But gains are evident, and there’s a solid strategy in place for improving productivity and quality that has top executives believing they are on the right track.
By David Zoia Editor • Feb. 22, 2013 -
Experts Say Beijing’s New Auto Emissions Standards to Ripple Through China
“I think you’ll see more cars using turbochargers,” one auto analyst says. “Other parts suppliers stand to benefit from upgrades to catalytic converters, so you’re talking about TRW, Honeywell and BorgWarner.”
By David Green • Feb. 21, 2013 -
Unconventional Convention Observations
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.Debbie and I have attended every National Automobile Dealers Assn. convention since 1987, and I have given a speech or conducted a workshop ...
By Jim Ziegler 2 • Feb. 20, 2013 -
Mexico Production, Sales Post Gains to Start Year
January light-vehicle sales grew 12.0% vs. like-2012 to 84,095, as light-truck deliveries rose 9.4% and cars increased 13.3%.
By Byron Pope • Feb. 20, 2013 -
Conti ‘Halo’ System Refocuses Driver’s Attention
The Driver Focus concept uses a light bar to capture a distracted driver’s gaze and prevent texting, applying lipstick, reading and other dangerous behaviors.
Feb. 20, 2013 -
China’s Qoros to Take Stage at Geneva
First to hit the market later this year will be a new sedan, targeted at the BMW 3-Series. A wagon model and hybrid cross/utility vehicle will follow.
By Giancarlo Perini • Feb. 19, 2013 -
WardsAuto Flashback – February 2013
Work slowed temporarily on Chevrolet’s ’54-model program in order to rush tooling for the all-new Corvette sports car, WAR reports in a special Bulletin, dated Feb. 9, 1953.
By Al Binder • Feb. 15, 2013 -
Alfa’s U.S.-Bound 4C to Make Another Appearance at Geneva Show
The mid-engine car is being counted on to carry the Alfa brand along until a spate of new models arrives by 2015.
By Giancarlo Perini • Feb. 12, 2013