BMW Expands xDrive to Range-Topping 7-Series Jul 2, 2009 8:45 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Ward’s Staff BMW claims the addition of xDrive to the 7-Series line makes the models the most nimble AWD sedans in any segment.
Lear to File Chapter 11 Jul 1, 2009 5:46 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Ward’s Staff The bankruptcy filing will cover certain Lear subsidiaries in the U.S. and Canada, but operations outside those countries be excluded.
Ford Posts Best Sales Performance of Year Jul 1, 2009 4:29 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Byron Pope The auto maker’s overall U.S. market share in June hit the upper 16% range, up 3 percentage points from year-ago, marking the eighth time in the last nine months Ford has notched an increase.
Scuderi Engine Fired Up Jul 1, 2009 1:07 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Ward’s Staff The naturally aspirated 1L prototype has the potential to cut oxide of nitrogen emissions 80%, compared with a conventional internal-combustion engine, the company says.
Questions Surround Cash-for-Clunkers Program Jul 1, 2009 8:37 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Byron Pope The program will be administered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Admin., which has less than 30 days to craft the final rules.
Used-Vehicle Market Shows Strength Jul 1, 2009 8:00 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Cliff Banks Dealers continue to pay higher-than-expected prices at the auctions, mainly because they have been able to maintain the retail-gross profits on used vehicles.
Lexus IS-C Perfect for Boomers Jul 1, 2009 8:00 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Christie Schweinsberg Bigger and more sedate than the IS sedan, and less alluring than the sexy new Infiniti G37 drop-top, the IS-C seems perfectly poised for ladies who lunch.
Chrysler Financial Slashes Jobs Jun 30, 2009 4:39 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Ward’s Staff Chrysler Financial also consolidates its U.S. retail financing operations in Auburn Hills, MI, home to its Great Lakes Business Center.
GM to Dump NUMMI Stake Jun 29, 2009 2:50 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Ward’s Staff The Detroit auto maker says it has been unable to reach a deal with Toyota “that made sense for all parties.”
BMW’s New Roadster Mechanically Superb Jun 29, 2009 10:50 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Tom Murphy Two stout engines, one new 7-speed DCT and a retractable hardtop puts Z4 back in the hunt, but iterative styling might not stir showroom traffic.
Toyota to Build iQ Micro-Car for Aston Martin Jun 29, 2009 10:40 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Ward’s Staff While the deal allows Aston Martin to add a fuel-efficient vehicle to its lineup, it also benefits Toyota by increasing volume at its Takaoka, Japan, assembly plant where the iQ is built.
Global Products Can Save Ford and GM Jun 29, 2009 9:30 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Drew Winter Buick could become a cash cow thanks to low structural costs and soaring sales in China.
New ’10 Ford Taurus Developed on Accelerated Timetable Jun 29, 2009 8:00 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Byron Pope To accommodate the reduced schedule, Ford engineers decided to forgo the usual practice of building various physical models of components, instead leaning more heavily on the auto maker’s suite of virtual tools.
Lexus Plant Top of Manufacturing Pyramid in Japan Jun 26, 2009 8:00 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Roger Schreffler Plant officials claim the new facility has fused cutting-edge robotics with high-level craftsmanship to create the “ultimate quality.”
Mercedes Stresses Safety, Value With New E-Class Jun 26, 2009 8:00 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Drew Winter Mercedes is pulling out the stops to sell the new E-Class as a value proposition rather than a vain personal reward.
Ford Keeping Watchful Eye on Distressed Supply Base Jun 25, 2009 12:18 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Byron Pope Ford is paying close attention to supplier Magna, which is in the process of acquiring GM’s Opel car operations.
GM’s Hummer SUV Plant in Louisiana Targeted for Closure Jun 25, 2009 12:13 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Ward’s Staff The Shreveport closing also represents one of the first assets to be identified by GM as one of its less-attractive.
Spanish Market May Be Nearing Bottom Jun 24, 2009 11:01 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Jorge Palacios Sales to individual buyers fell a modest 6.7%, meaning the 2000E Plan is having a bigger impact on this sector of the market.
Kia Close to Compact Forefront With Forte Jun 24, 2009 8:00 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Christie Schweinsberg With some minor fixes, Kia’s new C-segment model could be in the same league with best-selling Civic, Corolla and Mazda entrants.
Ford Readies for Cash-for-Clunkers Program Jun 24, 2009 8:00 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Byron Pope The program comes at an opportune time for the auto maker, which is in the midst of launching several key new products, including the ’10 Ford Taurus flagship sedan.
UAW Cool to No-Strike Clause at Ford; Pledges Profitable Small Cars Jun 23, 2009 2:51 PM, WardsAuto.com, By James M. Amend Labor concessions at Ford are not automatic, says UAW Vice President Bob King. “We have stepped up over and over again” by making sacrifices, he tells Ward’s.
Handheld PDA Helps Sell Cars Jun 23, 2009 12:51 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Cliff Banks The Collier dealership group was able to reduce its sales staff 20%, no longer needing to have extra hands around “just in case Saturdays got busy.”
New ’10 Ford Taurus Developed on Accelerated Timetable 
Lexus Plant Top of Manufacturing Pyramid in Japan 
Mercedes Stresses Safety, Value With New E-Class 
Ford Keeping Watchful Eye on Distressed Supply Base 
Kia Close to Compact Forefront With Forte 
UAW Cool to No-Strike Clause at Ford; Pledges Profitable Small Cars 
