Ghosn Steering Renault-Nissan Alliance Away From National Identities Jul 29, 2010 9:00 AM, WardsAuto.com, By William Diem It’s unlikely Ghosn views citizenship in the same way most others do. He was born in Brazil to a French mother and Lebanese father, lived in Lebanon, studied in France and worked in Brazil before joining Renault.
Indonesia Positioned to Set Vehicle-Sales Record Among ASEAN Countries Jul 28, 2010 9:00 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Mack Chrysler The Indonesian Automobile Industry Assn. is predicting a record 700,000 vehicles will be sold in the full year, up 44% from 486,060 in 2009 and well above the previous high of 607,800 in 2008.
Leaf EV Battery Warranty: 8 Years or 100,000 Miles Jul 27, 2010 3:02 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Ward’s Staff The Nissan warranty matches that of the Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric compact sedan, expected to launch in the fall.
Volt to Start at $41,000 Jul 27, 2010 12:00 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Christie Schweinsberg GM's chief marketer says the Chevy Volt's unique powertrain, which eliminates range anxiety, justifies its higher price over its battery-electric- and hybrid-vehicle competition.
Dealers Laud All-new ’11 Ford Explorer Jul 27, 2010 11:15 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Byron Pope Current Explorer owners have been “disappointed” in the model’s fuel economy, dealers say.
GM Plans BEV Fleet Test Worldwide Jul 27, 2010 11:09 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Ward’s Staff Details remain sketchy, but the auto maker does say testing will occur in several regions of the world, including Asia.
AmeriCredit Ends 18-Year Solo Mission Jul 27, 2010 8:52 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Mac Gordon “What’s good about AmeriCredit in their admirable dealer relations is promptness in paying,” GM dealer Gordon Stewart says.
Kia Unsure of Soul Variants Jul 27, 2010 8:50 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Christie Schweinsberg Soul derivatives may appeal only to buyers already purchasing the existing boxy 4-door CUV, a Kia official says.
Chrysler Wants Dealers to Clock More Hours Jul 26, 2010 8:59 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Eric Mayne MOPAR CEO Pietro Gorlier would like to see 80% of Chrysler dealerships offer Saturday service.
May Best Diesel Win Jul 26, 2010 8:00 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Tom Murphy Ward’s is setting out to pick the best of the new diesel engines available in heavy-duty pickups from Detroit’s three auto makers. The “Diesel Shootout” will be held at Bosch’s Michigan test track.
China’s Auto Industry Climate Index Dips in Q2 Jul 26, 2010 7:45 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Alan Harman The report predicts the country’s rapid growth in auto production and sales will slow down in the third quarter.
Handful of Dealers Savor Arbitration Victories Jul 26, 2010 7:30 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Lillie Guyer In a number of dealer wins, arbitrators looked beyond Chrysler’ and General Motors’s post-bankruptcy business cases for restructuring their dealer networks.
WardsAuto Partners with Driving Sales Summit Jul 26, 2010 7:15 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Steve Finlay Attendees of the second annual event will include the nation’s most successful and forward-thinking dealer operators.
Ward’s Strikes Gold Jul 23, 2010 2:38 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Ward’s Staff Collectively Ward’s wins four golds, two national and two regional. Ward’s Dealer Business Editor Steve Finlay marks his third consecutive triumph in the column competition.
Porsche Avoiding Horsepower War Jul 23, 2010 9:00 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Tom Murphy The Panamera’s all-new 3.6L direct-injection V-6 makes 300 hp, modest by today’s standards. With CAFE bearing down, Porsche is embracing “Intelligent Performance.”
GM Expects AmeriCredit Deal to Boost Sales Jul 22, 2010 12:32 PM, WardsAuto.com, By James M. Amend GM CFO Chris Liddell says buying AmeriCredit also makes sense because the lender proved last year it could operate under unfavorable economic conditions.
BMW In For Long Haul Jul 22, 2010 9:22 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Drew Winter The turbodiesel currently is enjoying a 30% take rate on the X5 CUV. Diesel X5s have the highest pre-sold order bank of any BMW product in the U.S.
Women Bring Own Style to Running Dealership Back Shops Jul 22, 2010 9:05 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Cynthia Leman A softer approach to service translates to better bottom-line performance,” says Robbie Long, service director at Liberty Auto City.
Toyota Prius Possible Barometer of Chevy Volt’s Long-Term Value Jul 22, 2010 9:00 AM, WardsAuto.com, By James M. Amend While the warranty might allay the fears of initial owners, it still is unclear how willing a second owner might be to driving the car deeper into its lifecycle.
Denso Plants Drive CO2 Reductions Jul 21, 2010 9:00 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Roger Schreffler The supplier achieved a 3,100-ton reduction in CO2 emissions by downsizing production lines and shutting off electric power during lunch hour. In all, 800 improvements were made.
Retooling Sets Stage For New Reality Jul 20, 2010 9:00 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Tom Murphy By 2015, Detroit’s auto making capacity in North America should shrink to 59%, while Asian and European transplants will grow their shares to 35% and 6%, respectively.
How to Sell Extended Car Warranties to Tough Customers Jul 20, 2010 8:30 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Steve Finlay Ineffective sales people talk too much. “We can make money with our ears if we listen to what customers say,” says consultant Ron Reahard.
Ghosn Steering Renault-Nissan Alliance Away From National Identities 
Indonesia Positioned to Set Vehicle-Sales Record Among ASEAN Countries 
Redesigned Explorer Offers ‘Sense of Adventure,’ Ford Says 
Women Bring Own Style to Running Dealership Back Shops 
Toyota Prius Possible Barometer of Chevy Volt’s Long-Term Value 
Auto Dealership Service Departments Extend Service Hours, Add Shifts 
How to Sell Extended Car Warranties to Tough Customers 
