NEWS
2011 sales leaders will try to hold off Honda and Toyota in 2012
DETROIT — An early trend: Last year’s three big sales winners — Chrysler Group, Hyundai-Kia and Volkswagen of America — continued to drive the market in January. An early subplot: American Honda and Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. have begun their long-awaited sales recoveries after a …
Industry response to sales uptick: We’re hiring!
DETROIT – As new-vehicle sales enter a third year of recovery, hiring in the auto industry has begun to accelerate at a brisker pace. The signs of expansion — both large and small — are everywhere. Ford Motor Co. announced recently that it plans to …
Motorcycle show to wheel into Rosemont
The Progressive International Motorcycle Shows brings its 12-city nationwide tour to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center Feb. 10-12, showcasing the hottest new two-wheeled rides. This motorcycle extravaganza is the place to see the newest sport bikes, dirt bikes, cruisers, scooters, customs, ATVs, aftermarket parts …
Mitsubishi delivers first EVs to Illinois
NORMAL, Ill. – Mitsubishi Motors North America Inc. recently delivered six brand-new 2012 Mitsubishi i electric vehicles featuring Mitsubishi innovative electric vehicle technology to downstate Normal and Mayor Chris Koos in a ceremony held in the hometown of Mitsubishi Motors’ U.S. vehicle manufacturing plant. In …
SUVs, pickups now less deadly to cars
The sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks on today’s roads are far less deadly in frontal and side-impact collisions with passenger cars and minivans than the SUV and truck models in the past. A study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that modern …
GM warns allocation scammers
DETROIT – General Motors is cracking down on dealers who it says are “gaming” its vehicle-ordering system to finagle more cars and trucks than they deserve — a problem that has grown as retailers struggle to get popular models in light of GM’s tighter production …
Mitsubishi begins deliveries of its EV
CYPRESS, Calif. – Mitsubishi Motors North America Inc. has begun delivery of the company’s all-new 100 percent electric-powered 2012 Mitsubishi i featuring Mitsubishi innovative electric vehicle technology to the first retail customers in the continental United States. Not only is the 2012 Mitsubishi i an …
Detroit auto show’s hits and misses
DETROIT – So this is what an auto show looks like in an industry climbing back on its feet. People talk product. Design, not the downturn, is the hot topic. The Detroit auto show was not the kind of gloom fest that has marked several …
Associations lay roadwork for international electric vehicle racing
BRASELTON, Ga. — Strategic sustainability project specialists Quimera, the International Motor Sports Association and the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patron will form a joint venture combining their respective areas of expertise in 2012, launching a new global initiative to develop the next …
Video: What a concept: Muscle and style for young buyers
Chevrolet introduced two hot new concept cars at the Detroit auto show with an eye to appealing to younger buyers. The Code 130R, resembling a BMW 1 series, is a four-seat sporty coupe, while the Tru 140S is based on the Volt and Cruze. If produced, both would be priced in the low $20,000s and feature innovative technology.
Video: Fiat to launch 2012 Abarth at $22,000
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — The FIAT brand recently announced U.S. pricing for its new 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth. The starting U.S. manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $22,000 (not including destination). Faithful to the “small but wicked” saying coined for Karl Abarth’s cars in the 1960s, …
