North American International Auto Show

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North American Int’l Auto Show

Chrysler Plans Green Concepts for Detroit Show
Nov 21, 2007 1:48 PM, WardsAuto.com, By James M. Amend
The ’08 Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept can travel more than 300 miles with no tailpipe emissions other than water vapor.

Charity Preview Proceeds Down; Organizers Eye Changes
Jan 23, 2007 8:58 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Drew Winter
The North American International Auto Show’s annual charity preview raised $800,000 less than last year, and some critics say Michigan’s struggling economy is not entirely to blame.

GM Seeks Challenge From Suppliers
Jan 16, 2007 9:30 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Tom Murphy
Purchasing chief Bo Andersson says GM and its suppliers want exactly the same thing: the best component price possible. The challenge is finding the workable middle ground.

Nissan to Strike Balance Between Performance, Efficiency
Jan 12, 2007 12:02 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Mike Sutton
The auto maker’s two pillars of development include improving conventional engine technologies and developing proprietary advanced-fuel concepts.

Profitable Denso Continues Growth Spurt
Jan 12, 2007 11:12 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Tom Murphy
The Japanese supplier is expanding two plants in the U.S., as well as several overseas, as it serves its No.1 customer, Toyota.

Kia America Looks to Continued Sales Growth
Jan 11, 2007 3:04 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Emily Prawdzik Genoff
With 13 consecutive years of record U.S. sales under its belt, Kia is hoping to continue the trend in 2007.

Performance Still Key for GM
Jan 11, 2007 2:41 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Mike Sutton
The auto maker’s mainstream models will be flanked by niches of advanced, environmentally friendly vehicles and performance models.

Ferrari to Celebrate 60th Anniversary With World Rally Race
Jan 11, 2007 2:21 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Mike Sutton
The Italian auto maker plans a customer Ferrari relay race around the world, ending with a 4-day celebration at its Maranello headquarters.

Pull Up, Plug In, Turn Up
Jan 11, 2007 1:34 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Tom Murphy
Panasonic and Fender roll out a concept vehicle sure to strike a chord with novice and pro guitarists alike.

Latest Move for Maserati: Its Own Finance Firm
Jan 11, 2007 11:38 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Steve Finlay
Maserati introduces a new Quattroporte version and a new finance company to stimulate sales and leasing.

Hyundai Says Engine Shortage Hampered Sales Goal
Jan 11, 2007 11:21 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Christie Schweinsberg
Hyundai imports 4-cyl. engines for its Sonata sedan from South Korea to the U.S. and does not receive supplies from Michigan, where the engine also is made.

Mazda Design Chief Blends Cultures
Jan 11, 2007 10:58 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Byron Pope
Mazda design chief Laurens van den Acker says there are fundamental differences in the management style between Western and Eastern cultures.

Ford Airstream Concept Draws Iconic Inspiration
Jan 11, 2007 9:32 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Byron Pope
Thomas likens Airstream trailers, which are instantly recognizable with their aircraft-inspired aluminum clad bodies, to Coca-Cola and Apple.

Reporter’s Notebook: A Yen for Laughter
Jan 10, 2007 3:25 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Ward’s Staff
Ward’s writers pass along the buzz at the 2007 North American International Auto Show this week.

Green Groups Target Toyota Tundra
Jan 10, 2007 3:23 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Eric Mayne
Toyota, the longtime darling of the environmental movement, takes flak for its new fullsize pickup.

Audi May Kiss Clutch Pedal Goodbye for Most U.S. Models
Jan 10, 2007 3:17 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Bill Visnic
Audi says U.S. customers are increasingly less interested in manual transmissions.

ZF Has Latest ‘Killer App’ Transmission
Jan 10, 2007 12:14 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Bill Visnic
Transmission maker ZF has launched a sophisticated 6-speed automatic transmission in some important new vehicles.

BMW Sets Sales Record, Aims for Another in 2007
Jan 10, 2007 11:46 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Drew Winter
BMW Group sales, which include BMW, Mini and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, rose 3.5% worldwide, hitting 1,373,926 vehicle sales.

Despite ‘Bombs’ GM Did Right Things in 2006, Wagoner says
Jan 10, 2007 10:40 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Scott Anderson
GM in 2005 lost $10.6 billion but is set for profitability this year due to the massive cost cutting of the last 12 months, its CEO says.

BMW ‘Satisfied’ with 6.2% Mini Sales Decline
Jan 10, 2007 10:19 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Drew Winter
Production lost to Mini’s plant renovations in Oxford, U.K., caused sales to fall more than 6% in 2006.

Dodge Quartet Thunder Into Lineup
Jan 10, 2007 9:37 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Alisa Priddle and Eric Mayne
The Viper and NASCAR Avenger may be the glory cars, but the conventional Dodge Avenger likely will contribute most to DC’s bottom line.

Malibu Priced, Styled to Compete With Camry
Jan 9, 2007 3:37 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Scott Anderson
GM is focusing on the midsize car segment, where customers are demanding more for less.

Bricklin Sues Former Visionary Chief Engineer
Jan 9, 2007 2:35 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Christie Schweinsberg
The auto entrepreneur remains determined to bring Chinese-built models to the U.S., promising Bentley-quality interiors.

Porsche Cranks Up Engine Power With Direct Injection
Jan 9, 2007 2:27 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Bill Visnic
Porsche joins the growing ranks of auto makers turning to direct injection for its gasoline engines.

Mitsubishi Outlander to Get Diesel; Auto Maker Expects FY Profit
Jan 9, 2007 2:22 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Christie Schweinsberg
Officials say the auto maker will turn a profit in North America for the first time in four years when its current fiscal year ends March 31.

Subaru Revamps ’08 Legacy, Outback
Jan 9, 2007 2:14 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Mike Sutton
Mid-cycle changes for the auto maker’s core models include revised fascias, refined powertrains and higher quality interiors.

Avenger to Start Below $19,000
Jan 9, 2007 2:12 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Eric Mayne
Chrysler ups the ante in the midsize-vehicle segment by offering all-wheel drive on the Dodge Avenger.

Accord, CR-V or Civic Could Get Diesel
Jan 9, 2007 2:08 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Christie Schweinsberg
Honda sees initial diesel engine volumes in the U.S. as “small,” but is unable to provide a specific volume.

Audi to Offer Quattro with Torque Vectoring
Jan 9, 2007 1:56 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Bill Visnic
Audi promises it’s next-generation quattro all-wheel-drive will be more advanced.

Commentary: B-List Celebs Promote A-List Vehicles
Jan 9, 2007 1:48 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Drew Winter
Nothing wrong with adding a little celebrity hamburger helper to hawk products, but this year, the celebs are starting to look more like the main course.

Ford Assessing U.S. B-Car Segment
Jan 9, 2007 1:34 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Byron Pope
Mark Fields says Ford can compete if forced to go head to head with Chrysler and its low-cost Chinese-built cars.

GM Not Stockpiling Inventory, GMNA’s Clarke Says
Jan 9, 2007 1:09 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Scott Anderson
Executive says GM needs to maintain its current attrition rate to avoid another round of buyouts and early retirement offers.

Porsche Prices New ’08 Cayenne
Jan 9, 2007 1:02 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Mike Sutton
The revised CUV receives numerous improvements for ’08, including new engines, and will start at $43,400.

Holden Commodore Coming to U.S. as Pontiac G8
Jan 9, 2007 12:16 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Alan Harman
GM product chief Bob Lutz says the Commodore SS, the V-8 version of the sedan, will be rebadged as the Pontiac G8 to fill a void in Pontiac's U.S. lineup.

PAG’s Booth Mum on Aston Martin Sale
Jan 9, 2007 10:11 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Byron Pope
Ford previously announced Aston Martin was on the chopping block, as the troubled auto maker seeks to raise capital.

Reporter’s Notebook: No Strip Tease, If You Please
Jan 8, 2007 5:24 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Ward’s Staff
Ward’s writers pass along the buzz at the 2007 North American International Auto Show this week.

JCI Slim Seat Carries $10 Premium
Jan 8, 2007 4:13 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Tom Murphy
The Slim Seat concept has a standard lower cushion and steel frame but a radically constructed seat back.

Diesel, More 6-Speeds to Come From Hyundai
Jan 8, 2007 3:51 PM, WardsAuto.com, By David E. Zoia
Hyundai executives say they are eying offering the auto maker’s 3L diesel in the U.S., as soon as technical hurdles can be met.

Mazda to Sell First Hybrids
Jan 8, 2007 3:50 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Alisa Priddle
Volumes will be low, probably less than 1,000, but will depend on demand, says Jim O’Sullivan.

Jeep Trailhawk Evolved From New Wranglers
Jan 8, 2007 3:34 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Eric Mayne
The concept’s 3.0L V-6 diesel engine features emissions-reducing Bluetec technology.

Lutz: GM Market Share About Quality, Not Quantity
Jan 8, 2007 3:33 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Scott Anderson
GM’s product czar says the auto maker's balance of retail vs. fleet sales will improve this year.

Kia Soul to Arrive in 2008
Jan 8, 2007 3:30 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Christie Schweinsberg
Officials promise a vehicle very close to the concept shown last year in Detroit.

CTS Sales Critical for GM; Cadillac to Announce Diesels for U.S.
Jan 8, 2007 3:23 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Scott Anderson
Cadillac is pegging ’07 CTS output at about 35,000 units.

DOT Proposes Tougher Path to 5-Star Safety Ratings
Jan 8, 2007 3:17 PM, WardsAuto.com, By David E. Zoia
The DOT says auto makers that are including crash-avoidance technology in their vehicles are not being rewarded properly for making the investment.

Chrysler’s Sporty Side Takes Flight in Nassau Concept
Jan 8, 2007 3:10 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Eric Mayne
The car’s shape was inspired by one of a series of sculptures by mid-20th century artist Constantin Brancusi called Bird in Space.

Ford TwinForce Engine Will Power Future Vehicles
Jan 8, 2007 3:06 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Byron Pope
The engine, based on Ford’s new Duratec 35 all-aluminum V-6, is capable of running on E85 or premium gasoline.

Ghosn Forecasts U.S. SAAR at 16 Million
Jan 8, 2007 3:03 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Christie Schweinsberg
The Japanese auto maker is becoming more conservative, as growth projections fail to materialize in 2006.

Lamborghini Sales Continue to Rev
Jan 8, 2007 2:45 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Cliff Banks
Lamborghini sales increase 30.1% in 2006 with the help of new models and several new dealerships.

Kia Kue Concept Pushes Performance
Jan 8, 2007 2:30 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Christie Schweinsberg
The concept car has a DOHC, supercharged 4.6L V-8 engine making 400 hp and 400 lb.-ft. (542 Nm) of torque.

Mitsubishi Announces Plans for 50-State Diesel, Unveils Prototype X
Jan 8, 2007 2:30 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Christie Schweinsberg
The engine in the U.S.-spec Lancer will use a diesel particulate filter and NOx trap to meet U.S. Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions regulations.

Toyota Shows Off 400-hp Hybrid Sports Car
Jan 8, 2007 2:28 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Drew Winter
Toyota’s high-powered FT-HS Concept is aimed at a new type of buyer: the eco-conscious performance enthusiast.

Korean Sports Car to Be GM Daewoo G2X
Jan 8, 2007 2:20 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Alisa Priddle
Sales only will be in the 500-unit range, but the GM Daewoo G2X will play an important role as a halo vehicle for the South Korean auto maker.

Audi Debuts Q7 V12 TDI; Reports Record Sales Year
Jan 8, 2007 12:49 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Emily Prawdzik Genoff
Audi’s worldwide deliveries in 2006 grew 9.2% to 905,000 units, while U.S. sales jumped 8.5% in the year.

Lexus IS-F Arrives Next Year With 400 Hp
Jan 8, 2007 11:50 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Christie Schweinsberg
The new IS performance model is not intended to be a competitor to other performance sport sedans, Lexus says.

Less Edgy, More Powerful Cadillac CTS Takes Aim at Competition
Jan 8, 2007 11:20 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Scott Anderson
The ’08 model is expected to get the high-feature 3.6L V-6 engine with direct-gasoline injection.

Honda Promises More Powerful V-6 in Next-Gen Accord
Jan 8, 2007 10:53 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Christie Schweinsberg
The current Accord offers a 3L V-6, while competitors, chiefly the Toyota Camry, have moved up to a 3.5L V-6 mill.

Toyota Expects 30% of Tundra Buyers to Opt for CrewMax
Jan 8, 2007 10:53 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Christie Schweinsberg
Toyota, which is aiming to nearly double Tundra annual sales to 200,000 units in 2007, expects the CrewMax to be the second best-seller in the Tundra lineup.

Nissan Bevels Edge of Minivan Sector
Jan 8, 2007 10:04 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Tom Murphy
Nissan unveils its quirky and boxy Bevel multipurpose concept vehicle for empty nesters who want flexibility and plenty of cargo space.

New Hyundai Veracruz CUV to Attract Upscale Buyers
Jan 8, 2007 9:27 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Christie Schweinsberg
The auto maker says the Veracruz will attract buyers of traditional body-on-frame SUVs seeking more comfort without sacrificing power.

Wagoner Sees Brighter GM Retail Sales for ’07
Jan 7, 2007 7:13 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Scott Anderson
General Motors Corp. is targeting more than 3 million domestic retail vehicle sales this year, CEO Rick Wagoner says.

BMW to Offer Diesel Option in U.S. Next Year
Jan 7, 2007 6:51 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Drew Winter
After showing little interest last year in offering a diesel option in the U.S., BMW announces at NAIAS it intends to offer diesel-powered vehicles in 2008.

Land Rover Growing in Russia
Jan 7, 2007 6:31 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Byron Pope
One of the advantages Land Rover has in Russia is a consumer base that does not have a long history of vehicle ownership.

Reporter’s Notebook: The Heat is On
Jan 7, 2007 6:02 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Ward’s Staff
Ward’s writers pass along the buzz at the 2007 North American International Auto Show this week.

Chevy Volt Program Advances, Batteries Still Lag
Jan 7, 2007 5:21 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Scott Anderson
GM CEO Rick Wagoner expects this year will bring a “great race” among suppliers to develop Li-Ion batteries.

Mulally: No Product Collaboration With Toyota; Jaguar Not For Sale
Jan 7, 2007 4:53 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Byron Pope
Ford’s top executive says he sees a greater opportunity for technology swapping between Ford and its Asian rival.

Better Days Ahead for Acura
Jan 7, 2007 4:48 PM, WardsAuto.com, By David E. Zoia
Help is on the way in the form of a new TSX that will bow in the U.S. in spring 2008, and a new TL will roll out that fall.

Chrysler Promises Hybrid Minivan
Jan 7, 2007 4:32 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Alisa Priddle and Eric Mayne
Executives are both confident and guarded about the future of the segment.

Ford, Microsoft in Sync
Jan 7, 2007 4:12 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Byron Pope
The factory-installed system will enable hands-free calling via a Bluetooth connection as well as connectivity to MP3 players.

Toyota Adding Incremental Camry Volume at Subaru Plant
Jan 7, 2007 3:39 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Christie Schweinsberg
Gary Convis is confident of adding at least another 2,000 Camrys at the Subaru of Indiana plant in coming months.

Ambient Lighting Hot Interior Trend
Jan 7, 2007 2:49 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Drew Winter
Using tiny LED lights to personalize interiors and enhance styling is becoming a mainstream trend.

Changfeng Sees Small Initial Volumes in U.S.
Jan 7, 2007 2:36 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Christie Schweinsberg
Changfeng came to the Detroit show, the largest in North America, to better understand the tastes of U.S. car buyers.

Toyota to Sell Flex-Fuel Tundra Late Next Year
Jan 7, 2007 2:31 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Christie Schweinsberg
Lentz says Toyota hopes to reduce the number of vehicles it imports to the U.S. in 2007, as most of the models it debuts this year are built here.

JCI Integrates GM CUV Interiors
Jan 7, 2007 1:08 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Tom Murphy
The Saturn Outlook and GMC Acadia stand among the few GM vehicles to benefit from the auto maker’s on-again off-again strategy to outsource full interior development.

HD Radio Alliance to Pitch Technology at Detroit Auto Show
Jan 7, 2007 1:01 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Herb Shuldiner
BMW says starting this spring the factory-installed option will be available in all of its models.

GM Grabs North American Car, Truck of Year Honors
Jan 7, 2007 12:42 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Bill Visnic
GM’s new-age product development appears to be paying dividends as it sweeps the annual awards competition.

Mazda Tribute Hybrid Unveiled in Detroit
Jan 7, 2007 11:43 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Christie Schweinsberg
On sale starting midyear, the Tribute HEV is Mazda’s first hybrid and joins siblings, the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner.

Mazda Flows From Nagare to Ryuga
Jan 7, 2007 10:00 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Christie Schweinsberg
The Ryuga follows the Nagare concept shown at the recent L.A. auto show and continues the exploration of flow as it relates to vehicle design.

Practicality Rules 2007 NAIAS
Jan 7, 2007 12:02 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Ward’s Staff
From minivans to sedans, it appears this year’s Detroit auto show will lean to the more practical and sporty than the macho and muscular.

Saab Touts Two-Mode, E100-Capable BioPower Hybrid Concept
Jan 7, 2007 12:01 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Scott Anderson
Saab shows its flex-fuel concept as a 9-3 Convertible.

Pontiac G6, Torrent Get GXP Boost at NAIAS
Jan 7, 2007 12:01 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Scott Anderson
The Torrent GXP powers up with a 252-hp version of GM’s 3.6L DOHC V-6.

Redesigned Ford Focus Ups Ante
Jan 7, 2007 12:01 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Byron Pope
The ’08 Focus will be available in a 4-door sedan and 2-door coupe, which Ford says will help it reach a broad spectrum of buyers.

Chevy Plug-in Volt Could Charge GM Hybrid Future
Jan 7, 2007 12:01 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Scott Anderson
When the overall powertrain is considered, the concept PHEV has a 640-mile range and could achieve 150 mpg.

Chrysler in For Long Haul; Abandons Short-Wheelbase Minivans
Jan 7, 2007 12:01 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Eric Mayne
Chrysler’s new Swivel ’n Go seating system offers a new twist, literally, on the auto maker’s precedent-setting Stow ’n Go seating system.

Survey Ranks Toyota, Ford Top Brands But Rebuffs BMW
Jan 6, 2007 6:00 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Scott Anderson
The random telephone survey asked 900 adults to rank brands sold in the U.S. on six criteria.

Camaro Convertible to Join Coupe in ’09
Jan 5, 2007 11:10 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Scott Anderson
The Camaro Convertible is nearly identical to the Camaro coupe concept that premiered last year in Detroit.

Toyota FT-HS Concept Hints at Future Sports Car
Jan 4, 2007 4:25 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Mike Sutton
The 400-hp hybrid sports car boldly displays Toyota’s future design language, while showcasing the performance potential of hybrid-gasoline-electric powertrains.

Jaguar Takes Wraps Off C-XF Concept
Jan 3, 2007 2:22 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Ward’s Staff
The 4-door concept sedan “blends dynamic, modern features with classic heritage cues,” the auto maker says.

New Malibu Aims to Revive GM’s Faltering Midsize Sales
Jan 2, 2007 2:14 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Scott Anderson
The Malibu’s overall styling presents a lower and longer greenhouse and shorter deck.

Lincoln MKR Concept to Bow in Detroit
Jan 2, 2007 1:31 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Byron Pope
The Lincoln MKR concept boasts an independent rear suspension for a refined ride and sits on 21-in. chrome aluminum wheels.

Ford to Unveil Mustang-Based Interceptor Concept
Jan 2, 2007 12:04 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Byron Pope
The Interceptor’s design cues were borrowed from the F-250 Super Chief pickup concept introduced at last year’s show.

The Long and The Short of DaimlerChrysler’s Auto Show Entries
Dec 20, 2006 2:17 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Eric Mayne
Detroit show heralds long-awaited U.S. arrival of the Smart brand, in addition to a 4-door Mercedes convertible.

Ward’s 10 Best Engines 2007
Dec 20, 2006 8:50 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Bill Visnic
Past 10 Best Engines lists have been dominated by large engines. Half of this year’s winners displace 3L or less.

Acura to Debut Sports Car Concept in Detroit
Dec 19, 2006 2:18 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Ward’s Staff
Acura says the sports car concept will “provide a glimpse of the next-generation Acura exotic sports car.”

Maserati Confirms Plans for Conventional Automatic in Quattroporte
Dec 19, 2006 1:10 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Giancarlo Perini
The new transmission is expected to offer smoother shifting than the DuoSelect automated manual, which has not been popular with some would-be buyers in the U.S.

Nissan to Introduce Rogue CUV at Detroit Auto Show
Oct 13, 2006 10:50 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Ward's Staff
A Nissan spokesman says it is a production model.