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    Ward’s 10 Best Engines: Hyundai 1.6L DOHC I-4

    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.

    Jan. 6, 2012
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    Ward’s 10 Best Engines: Mazda 2.0L Skyactiv DOHC I-4

    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.

    Jan. 6, 2012
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    Ward’s 10 Best Engines: Nissan 3.5L DOHC V-6 HEV

    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.

    Jan. 6, 2012
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    Ward’s 10 Best Engines, Version 2.0

    Four of this year’s winning engines are 2.0L in size. With downsizing taking root, the 2.0L displacement soon will be as common as black in a Model T showroom.

    Jan. 6, 2012
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    For Most Electrified Vehicles, It’s One and Done

    Of the 180 honors doled out over the 18-year history of Ward’s 10 Best Engines, half marked consecutive wins. Of that number, 89 were unencumbered by electric motors.

    By Eric Mayne 1 • Jan. 6, 2012
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    2012 Ward’s 10 Best Engines Quick Hits

    A concise pro-and-con review of every engine evaluated as part of the 2012 competition.

    Jan. 6, 2012
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    GM Shaves 1 MPG Off Chevy Malibu Eco Fuel-Economy Estimates

    The mild hybrid will achieve an estimated 25-37 mpg city/highway, down from the 26-38 mpg the auto maker estimated at the car’s debut.

    By James M. Amend • Jan. 3, 2012
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    Who’s Getting What Dealer Data?

    Dealers have allowed vendors unlimited information access instead of specific information for specified purposes.

    By Jim Ziegler 1 • Dec. 30, 2011
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    Mazda Aims High With Soft-Touch Heavy CX-5 Interior

    The all-new small CUV sports a silver chrome trim finish that the auto maker claims is an industry-first. “It’s more expensive than paint, more expensive than chrome,” the chief designer says.

    Dec. 19, 2011
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    Ford Puts Workhorse Engine Out to Pasture

    Ford’s Cologne engine, which was installed in many of the auto maker’s most popular models, including the Explorer SUV in the 1990s, ends its production run.

    By Byron Pope • Dec. 16, 2011
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    GDI Dominates Ward’s 10 Best Engines List

    Now in its 18th year, the Ward’s 10 Best Engines list for 2012 is well-populated with five all-new 4-cyl. engines, four of them with forced induction. Direct fuel injection is on seven of the winning engines.

    Dec. 8, 2011
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    Mini Sees Future in New Segments, Varied Styling

    It would seem the brand has left no stone unturned with a convertible version of the Hardtop, followed by the Clubman, Countryman and now the new 2-seat Coupe and upcoming Roadster. But there are paths still to be explored.

    By Dec. 1, 2011
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    Downsizing Evident in Ward’s 10 Best Engines Nominees

    Years ago, a specific output of 100 hp/L seemed a stretch. But today, auto makers routinely blow past that threshold. Does 150 hp/L represent the next benchmark?

    By Tom Murphy • Dec. 1, 2011
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    GM’s New Production Discipline Fueling Comeback

    Every executive with a stake in GM’s inventory attends monthly meetings chaired by North America President Mark Reuss. If adjustments are needed, “all the right people are in the room,” sales chief Don Johnson says.

    By James M. Amend • Nov. 30, 2011
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    GKN Phasing Out Forklifts

    The supplier will migrate to hand-trucks and, where feasible, automated guided vehicles. “You have to re-engineer the whole site,” Global Communications Director Paul Dinwiddy says.

    By Eric Mayne • Nov. 28, 2011
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    Tokyo to Feature EVs, Hybrids and Fuel-Cell Vehicles

    The event will be smaller than in the past, in part because of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. Nevertheless, it will showcase the latest in Japanese automotive technology.

    By Roger Schreffler • Nov. 17, 2011
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    CR-V Carries Over Styling, Engine – And Mom Appeal

    The Honda CUV’s current customers should appreciate the better fuel economy and greater roominess, despite a carryover engine and transmission and hard-plastic interior.

    By Nov. 16, 2011
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    Data-Driven Inventory-Management System Debuts

    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 topic turned to data – a treasure trove of it – when I interviewed AutoTrader.com Chief Marketing Officer Clark Wood earlier this year. ...

    By Steve Finlay 2 • Nov. 11, 2011
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    Federal-Mogul Taking Ambient Lighting to Next Level

    Just as great engines create passion and enthusiasm for vehicles, Federal-Mogul is looking at how lighting can create positive emotions among consumers.

    By Nov. 9, 2011
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    Consumers Moving Closer to Buying Cars Online

    Auto retailing is moving closer to the day when many customers will completely, or almost completely, purchase cars online, predicts Mark O'Neil, CEO of DealerTrack, an automotive software provider. The online car purchase will become main stream, but it won't happen overnight, he says during a CEO panel discussion at the conference. Two years from now, 75 million Generation Y shoppers will be in

    By Nov. 1, 2011
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    Chevy Sonic Rolls Out to Dealers; Expected to Attract Young Buyers

    Joaquin Nuno-Whelan, chief engineer for small cars and Sonic vehicle line director, predicts sedans will account for 60% of sales and hatchbacks the rest. “But I think it will level off at 50/50 as time passes.”

    By Herb Shuldiner • Oct. 28, 2011
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    Vauxhall Wins U.K. Police-Vehicle Contract

    The auto maker has supplied more than 7,000 vehicles to U.K. police, fire and ambulance services since in-house production began in 2007, and will deliver 7,000 more under its newly awarded contract.

    By Alan Harman • Oct. 21, 2011
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    S-Class Diesel to Find U.S. Niche, Mercedes Exec Says

    Mercedes expects diesel penetration for S-Class purchases in the U.S. will correspond to the 5%-10% range in the less-expensive E-Class models. Diesel penetration of the GL model is 25% and is 15% for the ML.

    By Herb Shuldiner • Oct. 20, 2011
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    France Cuts High-Mileage Car Bonuses, Hikes Gas-Hog Levies

    The government says adjustments to the incentives program will not affect its support of electric- and hybrid-vehicle purchases.

    By William Diem • Oct. 18, 2011
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    SkyActiv Engine Broadens Refreshed Mazda3’s Appeal

    The C-segment car is the auto maker’s highest-volume model in the U.S., accounting for 40% of its business, with half of sales in the Northeast and Western regions.

    By Byron Pope • Oct. 17, 2011