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    Lotus Says Lightweight Car Passes Muster in Virtual Crash Testing

    Results show the concept, which cuts mass 38% from a similarly sized production vehicle, would meet or exceed federal standards for front, side, rear and rollover impacts.

    By David Zoia Editor • Nov. 13, 2012
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    Customers Want to Buy From Sincere Salespeople

    The three most important parts of an auto sale are the product, dealership and salesperson.

    By Richard Libin • Nov. 12, 2012
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    Inventor Looks to Spark OEM Interest in Power Inverter

    Afshin Izadian says his inverter eliminates unwanted voltage frequencies, allowing auto makers to reduce the size and insulation of traction motors, improving EV and hybrid fuel economy. The size and weight of power electronics also could be trimmed.

    By Herb Shuldiner 1 • Nov. 9, 2012
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    Detroit’s Worst Mistake Ever

    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.I recently blogged about some of the auto industry’s biggest boondoggles of the last 25 years and asked readers to contribute their thoughts...

    By • Nov. 8, 2012
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    Suzuki U.S. Exit to Be Quick Based on Low Inventory

    American Suzuki blames its termination on “low sales volumes, a limited number of models in its lineup, unfavorable foreign-exchange rates,” and the high cost of U.S. regulatory compliance.

    Nov. 6, 2012
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    China Production Rises Slightly in September Despite Japanese Woes

    China built 1,660,875 vehicles in the month, its highest volume since March.

    By Heather Rowe • Nov. 5, 2012
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    CPT Says Higher-Tech Stop/Start System Nearing Market

    The new device, optimized for 48v electrical architectures, could provide diesel-like performance and fuel economy at a fraction of the cost, the developer says.

    By David Zoia Editor • Nov. 2, 2012
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    Yes, There Was a Man Named Ward

    A brief history of Ward's beginnings.

    By David C. Smith • Nov. 1, 2012
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    Beware of Lying Customers

    Dealers need to protect themselves against people who will say and do anything to get a freebie.

    By Gil Van Over • Nov. 1, 2012
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    Pontiac Getting New Rig – And Days Off

    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.Job security can be elusive in the auto industry, but a team of crack technicians and engineers running engine durability labs at the Genera...

    By Tom Murphy • Nov. 1, 2012
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    North America Capacity Utilization Rising With Use of 3-Crew/Shift Auto Plants

    With the region’s fourth-quarter production forecast to rise 8.3% from year-ago, pending fallout from Superstorm Sandy, capacity utilization of 93.1% in the final three months of 2012 will be a period high.

    By Haig Stoddard • Oct. 31, 2012
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    VIDEO: WardsAuto Outlook-U.S. Sales Forecast Falls As Sandy Slams East Coast

    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.WardsAuto analysts discuss the possible impact of Hurricane Sandy on sales and production for October and the rest of the fourth quarter.

    Oct. 30, 2012
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    Detroit Three SEMA Cars Reflect Market’s Downsizing

    Where once big horsepower ruled every corner of the show, auto makers now go armed with cars that reflect today’s high fuel prices and tighter fuel-economy and emissions regulations.

    By James M. Amend • Oct. 30, 2012
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    CarFax Gets Its Facts Wrong

    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.I have a problem with data pirates who use dealer information against us, damage our reputation and cause consumer distrust. To me, CarFax i...

    By Jim Ziegler 2 • Oct. 29, 2012
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    How to Get Most From Budget-Planning Process

    Take the management team to an off-site location where, without interruption, the group can concentrate on the business at hand.

    By Tony Noland • Oct. 29, 2012
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    TrueCar Truly Sorry

    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.When I arrive for lunch with TrueCar.com’s Scott Painter, he’s already at the table. Next to his place setting is a tall shot glass holding ...

    By Steve Finlay 2 • Oct. 22, 2012
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    Auto Makers Dig In as Europe Redlines, Emerging Markets Lose Luster

    Global car companies count on exports to buoy their bottom line, and many build cars overseas where they sell them. But while some key markets appear to be thriving, outlooks are cautious for others that are forcing lowered expectations.

    By Barbara McClellan 1 • Oct. 22, 2012
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    Europe August Vehicle Sales Drop, But Avoid Freefall

    Among the 24 countries tracked by WardsAuto, five enjoyed gains in the month, including Denmark, Norway, Russia, Slovakia and Switzerland. But Finland, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Romania and Slovenia saw losses ranging from 21% to 47%.

    By Haig Stoddard • Oct. 19, 2012
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    DuPont Reboots in Detroit

    DuPont has numerous prototype parts on display at its Innovation Center opening that could be future game-changers, including a plastic muffler.

    Oct. 19, 2012
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    With Dream Car-Boat in Dry Dock, Firm Launches Quadski

    New Zealander bills his new made-in-Detroit vehicle as the world’s first high-speed sports amphibian.

    By • Oct. 19, 2012
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    Hella Bringing Stop-Start to Next Level

    The German supplier says its upcoming system can shut down the engine at speeds up to 60 mph and deliver 10% in fuel savings.

    By Byron Pope • Oct. 19, 2012
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    Mexico Production Up in September; Sales Post Modest Gain

    Light-vehicle sales in Mexico rose 3.9% to 79,802, with a 13.5% jump in light trucks and an 0.8% uptick in cars.

    By Byron Pope • Oct. 18, 2012
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    Light by Laser Next Headlamp Trend, Experts Say

    A laser could emit headlight beams from a 0.4-in. slit in the front of the car, says a Valeo engineer, an idea that’s sure to please vehicle designers.

    By William Diem • Oct. 17, 2012
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    Driving Repeat Sales: CRM Strategies for Today’s Savvy Consumer

    OEs need to be involved in customer-relationship management, writes Rebecca Herwitt, a CRM specialist for Chicago-based Plan B. Leverage solid data, and build brand advocates among consumers, she advises.

    By Rebecca Herwitt • Oct. 12, 2012
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    White Takes Top Spot in Automotive Colors for Second Year, PPG Says

    White wins again because it is the most readily available paint color, offered by nearly every vehicle segment, the supplier says. It also is the most-popular choice for midsize sedans.

    By Byron Pope • Oct. 10, 2012