Bentley Looks to Keep Momentum Jan 24, 2008 10:37 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Mike Sutton After topping 10,000 deliveries in 2007, the auto maker plans to improve vehicle efficiency and expand personalization efforts.
GM Plant to Supply Hybrid Trans for BMW Jan 23, 2008 9:12 AM, WardsAuto.com, By David E. Zoia BMW has not said how many of the X6 hybrids it plans to sell, but volumes are forecast to be low, in part because the auto maker expects to have to subsidize the cost of the technology.
Executives Buoyed By Raw-Material Price Stability Jan 22, 2008 2:24 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Tom Murphy GM and Valeo executives see prices leveling off for aluminum, copper, lead and nickel, but they admit high petroleum prices remain a big concern.
All Options Open for GM Powertrain Jan 22, 2008 1:20 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Mike Sutton The lack of a silver bullet to meet future fuel-economy and emissions standards is accelerating the diversification of the auto maker’s powertrain research.
Kia to Debut New Model in New York Jan 22, 2008 12:09 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Christie Schweinsberg The new vehicle, along with the upcoming Soul CUV, will give the South Korean auto maker its own version of Scion, its top U.S. official says.
Mini Still Has Room to Grow Jan 22, 2008 11:57 AM, WardsAuto.com, By David E. Zoia “We don’t see a limit to the growth,” BMW’s top sales executive says of the Mini brand.
Chrysler-Chery Deal Calls for 12 Vehicles in 3 Segments Jan 18, 2008 3:55 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Eric Mayne Chrysler’s Asia CEO says Chery products are “a bit further away from being ready for the U.S. market than Chery thought.”
Ford to Offer Automated Parking System Jan 18, 2008 2:02 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Byron Pope The auto maker’s chief engineer declines to reveal details of the parking system but says it will be sensor-based, as camera technology is too costly for volume products.
Uncertainties Pervade Mitsubishi’s Diesel Aspirations at NAIAS Jan 18, 2008 1:22 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Mike Sutton The Mitsubishi Concept-RA hints at a bold new model, but market forces cloud the potential of its diesel engine in the U.S. and muddy the auto maker’s future powertrain strategy.
BMW Says No Drastic Job Cuts as Battles Rising Costs, Weak Dollar Jan 18, 2008 11:35 AM, WardsAuto.com, By David E. Zoia Stefan Krause, BMW’s top sales executive, dismisses reports of growing friction between the auto maker and its suppliers as a result of cost-cutting initiatives.
GM Already Feeling Pinch of New CAFE Rules Jan 18, 2008 10:21 AM, WardsAuto.com, By James M. Amend Bob Lutz says feedback from buyers of the ’08 Chevy Malibu, which the auto maker extensively redesigned to challenge the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, is encouraging.
Volvo To Retain Ties With Land Rover, Jaguar Jan 18, 2008 9:15 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Byron Pope CEO Fredrik Arp says the demise of PAG and a recent decree for Volvo to act more as a standalone company will benefit the Swedish auto maker.
New Coating Process Cuts Sludge 80% at CAMI Jan 18, 2008 8:50 AM, WardsAuto.com, By William Diem While zirconium has been used in other industries for corrosion protection, it has taken 13 years for PPG to develop it for the automotive industry.
ALMS to Launch Green Racing Challenge in 2008 Jan 17, 2008 10:33 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Mike Sutton The program aims to recognize environmentally friendly efforts in sports-car racing and promote the transfer of technology from the track to the street.
CHAMCO Looks to Begin Exports to U.S. This Year Jan 17, 2008 9:15 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Christie Schweinsberg Half of the importer’s 150 dealers have been lined up and it is working on establishing an R&D facility on the West Coast under the direction of Steve Saleen.
Chrysler Sourcing Too ‘NAFTA-Centric’ Jan 16, 2008 1:47 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Tom Murphy As India and other developing nations educate a growing number of young, capable engineers, Chrysler must tap into that vast resource, says the auto maker’s procurement chief.
Fisker Karma Takes PHEVs in New Direction Jan 16, 2008 1:12 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Mike Sutton The $80,000 plug-in hybrid sedan offers exclusivity and performance, while challenging conventional theories of electric-vehicle design.
Reporter Notebook: All Things Green and Small Jan 16, 2008 11:49 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Ward’s Staff Ward’s writers pass along the buzz at this week’s 2008 North American International Auto Show press preview.
BYD to Introduce World’s First PHEV Jan 16, 2008 11:13 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Mike Sutton The F6 DM plug-in hybrid-electric sedan can travel 60 miles on a single battery charge and will be introduced later this year in China.
No Time to Pause for Rolls-Royce Jan 16, 2008 10:36 AM, WardsAuto.com, By David E. Zoia The next step involves expanded capacity, first with a tweak meant to squeeze out more Phantom convertibles, then with a more ambitious program to launch the new RR4 model.
Lutz Says Toyota Can Have Sales, Production Crown Jan 16, 2008 9:18 AM, WardsAuto.com, By James M. Amend “I think there is a certain benefit to the internal culture in being No.2,” GM’s Bob Lutz tells journalists.
Quirky Ford Flex Marketing Poses Challenge Jan 15, 2008 5:38 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Byron Pope With the current onslaught of CUVs hitting the market, Farley says cutting through the clutter is difficult.
GM, Toyota Rivalry Heats Up Over Plug-In Hybrids Jan 15, 2008 4:51 PM, WardsAuto.com, By James M. Amend Toyota, which with its popular Prius hybrid is perceived by consumers as the greenest of auto makers, now says it is speeding up its PHEV plans.
VW, SAIC to Make Hybrids in China Jan 15, 2008 4:26 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Byron Pope Chery will receive nickel-metal hydride batteries for use in its new AF ISG hybrid vehicle, which is slated to launch in China in December.
Reporter Notebook: Politics by Design Jan 15, 2008 3:23 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Ward’s Staff Ward’s writers pass along the buzz at this week’s 2008 North American International Auto Show press preview.
Acura Bids for ‘Tier 1’ Status Jan 15, 2008 2:06 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Tom Murphy Honda’s luxury division, which began life as an “intercept brand” in 1986, now wants to reposition itself to compete more directly with established luxury players.
Volvo Ponders 2-Pronged Diesel Strategy Jan 15, 2008 1:18 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Eric Mayne Volvo’s North American sales are expected to decline up to 15% this year due to tough market conditions.
Geely Returns to Detroit But Mum on U.S. Plans Jan 15, 2008 12:59 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Christie Schweinsberg By 2015, the auto maker is targeting global capacity of 1.7 million units and annual sales of 2 million vehicles, with two-thirds coming from export markets.
GM Attrition Could ‘Quickly’ Reshape Workforce Jan 15, 2008 11:27 AM, WardsAuto.com, By James M. Amend The auto maker will conduct another round of buyouts in the coming weeks, Rick Wagoner says, for which all other UAW-represented employees will be eligible.
Ferrari Bitten By Biofuel Bug Jan 15, 2008 10:52 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Tom Murphy In preparing the F430 Spider for flex-fuel capability, Ferrari modified the engine controller, while all other technical characteristics of the modular 4.3L DOHC V-8 remain unchanged.
GM Surprises Show Media With CTS Coupe Concept Jan 15, 2008 9:53 AM, WardsAuto.com, By James M. Amend The auto maker says the concept accommodates a new 2.9L turbodiesel the auto maker is developing for international markets.
Mazda Predicts Record Profits in 2008 Jan 14, 2008 6:43 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Byron Pope Much of Mazda’s success comes courtesy of the hot-selling Mazda3, which saw U.S. sales jump an impressive 27% in 2007, Morris says.
Maserati Gets Its Groove Back Jan 14, 2008 6:26 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Steve Finlay A special-edition car is intended to show Maserati knows something about exclusivity, as well as flexible manufacturing.
Bill Ford Touts ‘Mega-Cities’ Project Jan 14, 2008 6:09 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Byron Pope Ford’s chairman envisions a future where car ownership may not be the ideal transportation solution.
Changfeng Still Exploring U.S. Options Jan 14, 2008 6:07 PM, WardsAuto.com, By David E. Zoia Anything’s possible, Changfeng CEO Li Jianxian tells reporters at the Detroit auto show, including setting up assembly operations in the U.S. as part of the brand’s launch.
Lincoln Takes on Own Design Identity Jan 14, 2008 5:50 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Byron Pope Mark Fields says if consumer reaction to the MKT is positive, it’s likely the vehicle will be put into production.
Mini Sales Hit All-Time High in 2007 Jan 14, 2008 5:40 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Drew Winter The auto maker's U.S. sales hit 42,000 units last year, up 7% from 2006.
Mercedes Makes Niche Markets Strategic Focus Jan 14, 2008 5:25 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Eric Mayne Reconciling real-world market performance with public perception takes time, the auto maker’s sale and marketing chief says.
Reporter Notebook: Words From on High Jan 14, 2008 4:10 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Ward’s Staff Ward’s writers pass along the buzz at this week’s 2008 North American International Auto Show press preview.
Toyota Exec Says Venza CUV Very American Jan 14, 2008 3:25 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Christie Schweinsberg Toyota’s new people hauler will replace the slow-selling Camry Solara coupe at the auto maker’s Georgetown, KY, plant.
Land Rover May Produce LRX Cross-Coupe Concept Jan 14, 2008 2:55 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Byron Pope A 2.0L turbodiesel hybrid engine, capable of running on biodiesel fuel, powers the concept.
Watanabe Says New Toyota Hybrid Will Be Bigger Than Prius Jan 14, 2008 2:50 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Christie Schweinsberg Watanabe says the new HEV likely will be assembled in Japan, but he is uncertain in which markets it will be sold in.
Hyundai Gives Green Light to Veloster-Based Coupe Jan 14, 2008 2:35 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Christie Schweinsberg In addition to the Genesis rear-wheel-drive coupe, Hyundai will ffer an entry-level coupe based on the Veloster concept unveiled at last spring’s Seoul auto show.
GM North America Chief Offers Bullish Sales Forecast Jan 14, 2008 1:54 PM, WardsAuto.com, By James M. Amend New product cadence should drive new sales and help keep GM’s incentive spending lower in 2008, Troy Clarke says.
BMW Expects Slow Acceptance of New Diesel Offerings in U.S. Jan 14, 2008 1:21 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Byron Pope “In some of our markets, 60% of our vehicles are diesels, but people’s memories of old diesels (in the U.S.) are not terribly positive,” says Tom Purves.
Honda Hopes Pilot’s Aggressive Profile Sets It Apart Jan 14, 2008 1:20 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Christie Schweinsberg Some 52% of the new Pilot’s structural steel will be high-strength, and a new Touring trim will be offered for buyers desiring more premium content.
Watanabe Challenges Toyota Engineers to Meet CAFE Early Jan 14, 2008 1:06 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Christie Schweinsberg A full plate of technologies including clean diesel, two more dedicated hybrids and plug-ins are part of the auto maker’s plans.
Scion xB Sales Skewing More Male Jan 14, 2008 12:48 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Christie Schweinsberg The new xB’s debut drew criticism from Scion owners and enthusiasts for its larger size and more American profile.
Audi Headed for 1 Million Mark in 2008 Jan 14, 2008 12:39 PM, WardsAuto.com, By David E. Zoia Top executive Rupert Stadler is bullish on 2008 because Audi is launching the new A4 in the U.S. and will roll out worldwide the new Q5 CUV, A4 Avant and high-powered TTS sports car.
Kia to Introduce Clean-Diesel Borrego Jan 14, 2008 11:23 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Christie Schweinsberg Believing American buyers are ready to embrace diesel in the same way as Europeans, the South Korean auto maker will offer a diesel option on its new SUV.
Toyota Pulls Wraps Off ’09 Venza CUV Jan 14, 2008 11:00 AM, WardsAuto.com, By James M. Amend Venza designers avoided traditional SUV styling themes, the auto maker says, and instead drew inspiration from a sleek sedan concept.
Lincoln MKT Concept ‘Learjet of Road’ Jan 14, 2008 12:01 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Byron Pope The MKT’s oversized seats are meant to emulate those found in first-class aircraft cabins, as is the abundance of legroom provided by the cabin configuration.
Chrysler Touts No-Compromise Green Technology Jan 14, 2008 12:01 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Eric Mayne Chrysler unveils a trio of concept vehicles that afford exceptional fuel economy, with varying emphasis on performance and styling.
Borrego Unwrapped at Detroit Auto Show Jan 13, 2008 7:11 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Christie Schweinsberg Kia firsts for the midsize SUV include a V-8 engine, DVD navigation system, Sirius satellite radio, push-button start and downhill-assist control.
Passat CC Kicks Off VW’s Drive to 800,000 Sales in U.S. Jan 13, 2008 6:21 PM, WardsAuto.com, By David E. Zoia “The U.S. has top priority for VW,” CEO Martin Winterkorn says, adding the best people have been sent to the U.S. to achieve the auto maker’s aggressive sales target.
JCI Moves Closer to Perfect Fit Jan 13, 2008 5:33 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Tom Murphy With PerfectFit, an entire door panel can be formed in a single molding process, while integrating, for instance, a special insert with authentic stitching for a rich, luxurious feel.
Mercedes Shows Off Diesel-Powered Compact CUV Jan 13, 2008 4:53 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Drew Winter All-new 4-cyl. turbodiesel promises impressive performance and fuel economy for new CUV.
Reporter Notebook: Horns of Dilemma Jan 13, 2008 3:21 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Ward's Staff Ward's writers pass along the buzz at this week’s 2008 North American International Auto Show press preview.
Acura First to Get Honda Diesel; V-6 Pushed Back Jan 13, 2008 2:48 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Christie Schweinsberg Honda's CEO is bullish on diesels, believing the auto maker will be able to exceed its European production levels of 100,000 units annually in the U.S.
Honda Debuts ’09 Pilot Prototype Jan 13, 2008 2:11 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Christie Schweinsberg Interior volume, including a crucial third-row space, is boosted, while fuel economy will be improved with Honda’s next-generation variable cylinder management system.
GM Partners With Coskata to Produce Cellulosic Ethanol Jan 13, 2008 2:00 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Barbara McClellan The auto maker is taking an undisclosed equity stake in the biology-based renewable-energy company to work on rapid commercialization of a breakthrough technology.
VW Packs High Tech Into New Passat CC Jan 13, 2008 1:41 PM, WardsAuto.com, By David E. Zoia Visually striking is the car’s large panoramic sunroof that covers the entire front passenger section up to the B-pillars.
Ford Focused on Fuel Economy, Not Partnerships Jan 13, 2008 1:00 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Byron Pope “I think the thing that’s really going to bring us success is concentrating on fuel-economy improvements and carbon-dioxide reductions,” Mulally says at auto show.
GM Brings Shanghai Buick-Hybrid Concept to Detroit Jan 13, 2008 12:31 PM, WardsAuto.com, By James M. Amend The 4-passenger Riviera concept includes a new hybrid propulsion system that will go into production at Shanghai GM later this year.
Mitsubishi Concept-RA Study in Contrasts Jan 13, 2008 12:01 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Christie Schweinsberg The performance coupe is constructed of light-weight, Earth-friendly materials, such as aluminum for its spaceframe and recyclable plastic resin hood, fenders and outer panels.
Ford Takes Wraps Off New F-150 Jan 13, 2008 12:01 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Byron Pope In all, more than 1,000 engineers, designers, researchers and other personnel contributed to the development of the new F-150.
New Ram Boasts More Power, Storage Jan 13, 2008 12:01 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Eric Mayne Tom LaSorda championed Rambox, a unique storage element, despite early cost quotes that showed thin margins.
GM Aims High With 550-hp ’09 Cadillac CTS-V Jan 11, 2008 12:05 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Mike Sutton Debuting next week at the North American International Auto Show, the new CTS-V targets BMW’s M5 with a supercharged 6.2L V-8 based on the engine in the ’09 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.
Audi Set to Unleash More Powerful TT Jan 10, 2008 3:06 PM, WardsAuto.com, By David E. Zoia The TTS will hit European dealer showrooms in early summer and U.S. outlets in November.
GM Unveils Cadillac Provoq Fuel-Cell Concept Jan 8, 2008 2:30 PM, WardsAuto.com, By James M. Amend Provoq hints at Cadillac’s next entry in the midsize CUV segment, which will succeed the SRX in about two years.
Hyundai Details Genesis on Eve of Domestic, Detroit Launch Jan 8, 2008 9:45 AM, By Christie Schweinsberg The South Korean auto maker says its first foray into the luxury segment will have the features of a $60,000-car but begin below $30,000 when it goes on sale in the U.S.
BMW’s U.S.-Bound Diesel Will Appear in X5, 335 Models Jan 2, 2008 6:00 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Ward’s Staff The engine leverages a urea injection exhaust treatment, which BMW calls BluePerformance, to meet 50-state emissions requirements.
Toyota Hybrid Compact Pickup Concept on Tap for Detroit Dec 28, 2007 9:26 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Christie Schweinsberg The A-BAT features translucent solar panels atop the instrument panel, 19-in. wheels at the corners and a trapezoidal profile that mimics the Toyota Prius’ silhouette.
New GM V-8 to Top 620 hp in ’09 Corvette ZR1 Dec 20, 2007 12:43 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Mike Sutton The 6.2L LS9 small block employs an integrated supercharged/intercooler assembly and will push the special-edition Corvette beyond 200 mph.
GM Unveils Ultimate Corvette Ahead of NAIAS Dec 20, 2007 9:18 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Mike Sutton The 620-plus-hp ’09 Corvette ZR1 aims to deliver ultimate performance without sacrificing driveablity when it arrives in dealerships later next year.
Toyota to Unveil New CUV at Detroit Show Dec 19, 2007 3:48 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Ward’s Staff New Venza will join RAV4 and Highlander in Toyota’s cross/utility vehicle stable in the U.S.
Nissan Forum Concept Future Family Mobile Dec 18, 2007 11:30 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Christie Schweinsberg Taking a page from Chrysler’s new minivans, the Forum has rotating second-row seats, which Nissan dubs “Turntable Seating.”
Kia Nears Decision on Second Georgia Model Dec 7, 2007 12:09 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Christie Schweinsberg The South Korean auto maker must select a model that will be good for export markets, a U.S. official says.
Hyundai Hopes to Retain Genesis Name for Production Sedan Nov 29, 2007 10:11 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Vince Courtenay The auto maker will give journalists in South Korea a sneak peek at the production model by providing comparison test-drives against the BMW-5 Series and Mercedes E-Class.
Fisker PHEV Sport Sedan to Bow at NAIAS Nov 16, 2007 10:24 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Mike Sutton The plug-in hybrid-electric sedan arrives in late 2009 and is the first in a range of environmentally friendly premium vehicles from Fisker Automotive.
Executives Buoyed By Raw-Material Price Stability 
Chrysler-Chery Deal Calls for 12 Vehicles in 3 Segments 
Uncertainties Pervade Mitsubishi’s Diesel Aspirations at NAIAS 
BMW Says No Drastic Job Cuts as Battles Rising Costs, Weak Dollar 
Anti-Gouging Plan Ties SRT8 Sales to Base-Model Challenger Allocation 
Lutz Says Toyota Can Have Sales, Production Crown 
GM, Toyota Rivalry Heats Up Over Plug-In Hybrids 
Geely Returns to Detroit But Mum on U.S. Plans 
GM Surprises Show Media With CTS Coupe Concept 
Watanabe Says New Toyota Hybrid Will Be Bigger Than Prius 
GM North America Chief Offers Bullish Sales Forecast 
Borrego Unwrapped at Detroit Auto Show 
Passat CC Kicks Off VW’s Drive to 800,000 Sales in U.S. 
Audi Marries Super Diesel to Super Car in Detroit Concept 
GM Partners With Coskata to Produce Cellulosic Ethanol 
GM Brings Shanghai Buick-Hybrid Concept to Detroit 
Saab 9-4X Concept Bows in Detroit, Signals CUV Entry 
Ford Verve Concept Hints at North American Production Model 
Hyundai Details Genesis on Eve of Domestic, Detroit Launch 
Toyota Hybrid Compact Pickup Concept on Tap for Detroit 
Nissan Forum Concept Future Family Mobile 
Kia Nears Decision on Second Georgia Model 
Hyundai Hopes to Retain Genesis Name for Production Sedan 
