Detroit's automakers have been losing ground in their home market since 1996, but they're halting that trend this year at the expense of their Japanese rivals...More
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Detroit's automakers reclaiming market share
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automakers,
Detroit's,
market share,
reclaiming
Detroit's automakers have been losing ground in their home market since 1996, but they're halting that trend this year at the expense of their Japanese rivals...More
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Chrysler unveiled the redesigned 2011 Dodge Charger
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2011 Dodge Charger,
chrysler
AUBURN HILLS, Michigan — Chrysler has officially unveiled the redesigned 2011 Dodge Charger, which gets new sheet metal, a revised cockpit and a new Pentastar V6 engine. The car goes on sale in the fourth quarter....More
Friday, August 20, 2010
2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Anchors Dream Cruise Display
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2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302,
Dream Cruise
Ford Racing Performance Parts offering discount rates and on-site installation for Mustang owners; free Boss 302 T-shirts....More
GM IPO moves to reduce U.S. gov't stake
General Motors Co. filed paperwork Wednesday to hold an initial public stock offering, a landmark step toward selling shares to the public again and ending the government's majority ownership of the automaker....More
Chrysler previews new Jeep Wrangler
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chrysler,
Jeep Wrangler
Chrysler Group LLC on Thursday released the first teaser photos of the 2011 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited, which go on sale later this year. Production of the popular off-roaders began this week in Toledo....More
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Auto industry payback may surprise U.S. taxpayers | freep.com | Detroit Free Press
WASHINGTON -- Saving Detroit's auto industry may be a better deal for U.S. taxpayers than anyone expected.
read more...
A Free Press analysis suggests that taxpayers could get back about $74 billion of the $86 billion the government made available in 2008 and 2009 to save General Motors, Chrysler and Ally Financial, the former GMAC.
Toyota Subpoenaed Again by a U.S. Grand Jury - WSJ.com
Toyota Motor Corp. said Tuesday it has been subpoenaed by a federal grand jury in New York to submit documents related to problems with steering relay rods, part of an expanded investigation into the safety of its vehicles.
The subpoenas to Toyota's U.S. subsidiaries on June 29 were issued by a U.S. grand jury in the Southern District in New York. They appear to be tied to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigation into whether five years ago Toyota notified the agency of a steering rod defect in a timely fashion, as required by law.Toyota Subpoenaed Again by a U.S. Grand Jury - WSJ.com
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The subpoenas to Toyota's U.S. subsidiaries on June 29 were issued by a U.S. grand jury in the Southern District in New York. They appear to be tied to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigation into whether five years ago Toyota notified the agency of a steering rod defect in a timely fashion, as required by law.Toyota Subpoenaed Again by a U.S. Grand Jury - WSJ.com
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Automotive World - US: Hyundai eyes pick-up tie-up with Chrysler - report
Hyundai has reportedly proposed plans to enter the pick-up market in the US by way of a partnership with Chrysler Group LLC.
Reuters, citing unnamed sources familiar with this matter, said a proposal made by Hyundai to Chrysler earlier in 2010 involved Chrysler building a pick-up for Hyundai, based on the Ram pick-up platform.
Chrysler's chief executive officer Sergio Marchionne turned down Hyundai's initial proposal, the report said, citing its sources. He had said that Chrysler needed to focus on its turnaround plans under Fiat.
According to the sources, Hyundai continues to be interested in the pick-up market in the country, and could come back to Chrysler to explore options. These discussions at Hyundai, however, are still in the preliminary stage.Automotive World - US: Hyundai eyes pick-up tie-up with Chrysler - report
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Reuters, citing unnamed sources familiar with this matter, said a proposal made by Hyundai to Chrysler earlier in 2010 involved Chrysler building a pick-up for Hyundai, based on the Ram pick-up platform.
Chrysler's chief executive officer Sergio Marchionne turned down Hyundai's initial proposal, the report said, citing its sources. He had said that Chrysler needed to focus on its turnaround plans under Fiat.
According to the sources, Hyundai continues to be interested in the pick-up market in the country, and could come back to Chrysler to explore options. These discussions at Hyundai, however, are still in the preliminary stage.Automotive World - US: Hyundai eyes pick-up tie-up with Chrysler - report
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Porsche 911 Carrera S deserves mythical label
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Carrera S,
deserves,
mythical label,
Porsche 911
The 911 S is a mechanical dream, watch-like precision in a car. There's a reason German engineering comes with such a glorified reputation and the 911 S proves this at every turn....more
Toyota recalls 600,000 Sienna minivans (AP)
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000,
600,
recalls,
Sienna minivans,
toyota
AP - As congressional investigators dig further into potential electronic problems in runaway Toyotas, the automaker is facing other safety concerns, recalling 600,000 Sienna minivans over rusting spare tire holders....More
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Lexus GX 460 rated 'do not buy,' Toyota halts sale
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do not buy,
halts sale,
Lexus GX 460,
rated,
toyota
AP - Toyota Motor Corp. has suspended sales of the 2010 Lexus GX 460 after Consumer Reports warned car shoppers not to buy the sport utility vehicle because handling problems could lead to rollover accidents during sharp turns....More
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Class-action lawsuits could cost Toyota $3 billion
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$3 billion,
Class-action lawsuits,
toyota
Miami -- Toyota owners claiming that massive safety recalls are causing the value of their vehicles to plummet have filed at least 89 class-action lawsuits that could cost the Japanese auto giant $3 billion or more, according to an Associated Press review of cases, legal precedent and interviews with experts.---...More
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Toyota Prius with stuck accelerator glides to safe stop
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glides,
safe stop,
stuck accelerator,
Toyota Prius
El Cajon, Calif. -- A California Highway Patrol officer helped slow a runaway Toyota Prius from 94 mph to a safe stop on Monday after the car's accelerator became stuck on a San Diego County freeway, the CHP said.
---...More
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---...More
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Geneva Show News: Alfa’s Guilietta hints at future Chrysler
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Alfa Romeo,
chrysler,
future,
Geneva Show News,
Guilietta
Alfa Romeo's new Guilietta, unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, is a far more significant car than it might appear.
Not only has it got to appeal to a wider buying public as beleaguered Alfa tries to rebuild its European sales, it also forms the basis of what Fiat hopes will be a one-million units a year Chrysler-Fiat-Alfa range of cars....More
GM recalls 1.3m cars over power steering fault
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1.3m cars,
fault,
GM recalls,
power steering
General Motors (GM) is recalling 1.3 million small cars in North America because of a power steering problem that has been linked to 14 crashes.
The firm said four models were affected - the Chevrolet Cobalt, Pontiac G5, Pontiac Pursuit and Pontiac 4.....More
Friday, February 26, 2010
Fiat 500C Abarth: 2010 Geneva Auto Show
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2010 Geneva Auto Show,
Fiat 500C Abarth
TURIN, Italy — Fiat's Abarth brand will display performance editions of the 500C and the Punto Evo at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show.
Abarth has kitted out the 500C in a choice of two-tone exterior paint schemes, loud graphics and 17-inch diamond-finish alloy wheels.
Under the hood is an Abarth-tuned 1.4-liter four-cylinder Turbo T-Jet gas engine that makes 140 horsepower and 152 pound-feet of torque. Coupled with a six-speed Abarth Competizione automated manual gearbox with paddle shifters, the engine provides 0-60-mph acceleration in less than 8.1 seconds and a top speed of 127 mph, while returning impressive average fuel economy of 36 mpg in the European combined driving cycle....More
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid: 2010 Geneva Auto Show
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2010 Geneva Auto Show,
Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid
HETHEL, England — Lotus Engineering has created what the U.K. firm calls a "high-performance technology demonstrator" in the Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid. The Lotus shares elements of its plug-in series hybrid drivetrain with a Giugiaro-designed concept from Lotus' Malaysian parent, Proton. Both will be at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show...More
Metro Detroit Toyota suppliers raided
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fbi,
Metro Detroit,
suppliers raided,
toyota
The FBI raided the Detroit-area offices of three key Toyota Motor Corp. suppliers Tuesday night, officials said Wednesday.---...More
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Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Spyker finalises purchase of Saab from GM
STOCKHOLM (AFP) – After months of negotiations and setbacks that left Saab's fate in limbo, Dutch sportscar maker Spyker said Tuesday it had finalised the purchase of the iconic Swedish brand from General Motors.
Spyker's CEO Victor Muller told reporters in Stockholm it was hard to imagine that the process his company, a minnow in the car industry, had started three months ago to acquire Saab was finally over.....More
Sudden acceleration fix still an issue, Toyota says
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acceleration,
Fix,
still an issue,
Sudden,
toyota
Toyota Motor Corp. raised more questions about the safety of its vehicles than it answered Tuesday during a congressional hearing filled with dramatic moments and harsh exchanges....More
Expert Says He Found Flaw in Toyota Electronics System
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Expert,
Found Flaw,
Toyota Electronics System
Dr. David Gilbert, an associate professor of automotive technology at Southern Illinois University, told a congressional hearing that he has found a flaw in the electronics system of a Toyota that "would allow abnormalities to occur."...More
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
GM to add third shift at Ohio plant
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add third shift,
gm,
Ohio plant
General Motors Co. is expected to announce today that it is adding a third shift of production at its Lordstown assembly plant in Ohio to produce the new compact Chevrolet Cruze, according to a source familiar with the plan....More
2011 Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S Awards Edition: 2010 Geneva Auto Show
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2010 Geneva Auto Show,
2011 Maserati,
Awards Edition,
Quattroporte,
Sport GT S
MODENA, Italy — Maserati will unveil a special Quattroporte Sport GT S Awards Edition at the upcoming 2010 Geneva Auto Show. It will reach U.S. dealers in the second half of 2010 as a 2011 model....More
Monday, February 22, 2010
Tennessee couple to testify at Toyota hearing
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Tennessee couple,
testify,
Toyota hearing
Washington -- The first witnesses at Tuesday's House hearing into Toyota Motor Corp.'s sudden acceleration woes will be a Tennessee couple who reported a serious incident in 2006.---...More
Toyota Bragged of Savings From Limiting Recall
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Bragged,
Limiting Recall,
Savings,
toyota
A Toyota document — one of thousands the company has turned over to members of two committees in the U.S. House of Representatives — brags that the effort to limit recalls saved the automaker $100 million.---...More
Friday, February 19, 2010
Toyota Recall Update #29: Corolla, Matrix Targeted in NHTSA Investigation
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Corolla,
Investigation,
Matrix,
NHTSA,
Targeted,
Toyota Recall,
Update
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Thursday launched a formal investigation into consumer complaints about unresponsive steering in the 2009-'10 Toyota Corolla and Matrix....more
Toyoda will appear before Congress
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congress,
President Akio,
Toyoda,
Washington
Washington -- Toyota Motor Corp. President Akio Toyoda will testify before Congress next week -- a dramatic move as the company seeks to stem the fallout from a series of massive recalls....More
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Toyota Recall News:President Akio Toyoda Will Not Face The American People
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Akio Toyoda,
American,
congress,
People,
President,
Toyota Recall News
With the mounting troubles at Toyota/Lexus they may never be able to recover. They are having steering problems, accelerator issues, floor mats sticking, brakes not working and deaths that maybe directly caused by these defects.
Now they are being summons in front of Congress to explain Toyota's inaction and the possibility of a cover up of these issues.
A telling tale of their down fall is the no show by Toyota's President Akio Toyoda. He will not face the American people and testify in front of Congress.
It is a slap in the face to all of the Toyota supporters when the President can not answer for his companies defects. These are not little defects like a bad door fit or a dome light that stays on. These are major defects, with poor engineering and poor design.
Toyota may have to go the way of Datsun(Nissan) and drop their name to sell in the United States in the future.
Daimler Mercedes-Benz scraps dividend after 2009 loss
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Daimler,
Mercedes-Benz
STUTTGART, Germany (Reuters) - German carmaker Daimler (DAIGn.DE) scrapped its dividend for the first time in 14 years after it swung to a worse-than-expected 2009 net loss, sending shares down to their lowest level in five months....More
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Toyota Motor Corp. plans to shut down production
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plans,
production,
shut down,
Toyota Motor Corp
Washington -- Toyota Motor Corp. plans to shut down production again at two U.S. plants as it copes with the fallout from safety recalls....More
Chrysler Helps Alfa Romeo Return To America
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Alfa Romeo,
America,
chrysler,
Helps,
return
Sergio Marchionne, Chrysler Group LLC chief executive, gave his clearest indication yet yesterday that the Alfa Romeo brand may make a return to the North American market as the Detroit automaker continues to look for ways to integrate its new partner, Fiat SpA....More
2011 Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible: 2010 Geneva Auto Show
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2010 Geneva,
2011 Bentley,
auto show,
Continental,
Convertible,
Supersports
CREWE, England — The new 2011 Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible will debut at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show as a companion to last year's Continental Supersports coupe. Bentley claims its new model is the world's fastest four-seat convertible and the fastest Bentley drop top ever. The car goes on sale worldwide mid-summer.
The performance specs would appear to back up that claim...More
Toyota probes Corolla steering as its chief says he won't attend U.S. hearing
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chief,
Corolla,
probes,
steering,
toyota,
U.S. hearing,
won't attend
Tokyo -- Toyota is considering a recall of its hot-selling Corolla subcompact after complaints about power steering problems -- another blow to the world's largest automaker already reeling from a string of recalls for safety problems...More
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Chrysler-Fiat make a Huge $3.3 billion deal with a Russian vehicle builder
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Chrysler-Fiat,
russia,
sollers
When Sergio Marchionne, chief executive officer of Fiat Group and Chrysler Group, signed off on a $3.3 billion deal with a Russian vehicle builder, he emphasized technology from Jeep was critical to the new alliance.
Fiat is putting up half the $3.3 billion for the deal, and Sollers, Fiat’s Russian partner, is putting up the other half with the help of the Russian government....More
Toyota recalls Toyota Tacoma pickups
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Tacoma pickups,
toyota,
toyota recalls
Washington -- Toyota Motor Corp. is recalling 8,000 Toyota Tacoma pickups vehicles over concerns that a faulty propeller shaft may have cracks.---...More
Friday, February 12, 2010
2011 Ford Shelby GT500 ups horsepower, fuel economy
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2011 Ford Shelby GT500 ups horsepower,
fuel economy
The 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 will get even more horsepower and better fuel economy, which could make it the first modern Shelby GT500 to dodge the gas guzzler tax, the company said today.
The Shelby GT500 — which was to be shown to the media today in Allen Park — will get a new 5.4-liter, supercharged V8 engine with 550 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque....More
Dodge Ram wins 2010 MotorWeek Drivers’ Choice Award
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2010 MotorWeek Drivers,
Choice Award,
dodge ram,
wins
Auburn Hills, Michigan – MotorWeek TV today announced that the Dodge Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 trucks have won the show’s 2010 Drivers’ Choice Award for Best Pickup Truck.
This is the second year in a row that MotorWeek has chosen Ram trucks for the award.
2011 Hyundai Azera Gets Horsepower Boost: 2010 Chicago Auto Show
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2010 Chicago Auto Show,
2011 Hyundai Azera,
Horsepower Boost
The 2011 Hyundai Azera, unveiled at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show, gets a horsepower boost and a new six-speed automatic transmission....More
Toyota Turns Down Award for Prius in Japan
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Award,
Japan,
Prius,
toyota,
Turns Down
Thursday, February 11, 2010
2010 Infiniti G37 Convertible
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2010 Infiniti,
G37 Convertible
FRANKLIN, Tennessee — Nissan said the 2010 G37 Convertible, on sale now, will be priced from $44,350 for the seven-speed automatic version, up $500 from last year. The G37 Convertible Sport with six-speed manual gets new standard equipment, with a starting price of $46,950, up $3,050 from last year.
Honda Recalls 378,758 Vehicles for Defective Air Bag Inflator
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378,
758 Vehicles,
Defective Air Bag Inflator,
Honda Recalls
TORRANCE, California — Honda announced late Tuesday that it is expanding a recall to replace a defective air bag inflator in an additional 378,758 vehicles in the U.S. This latest action adds to the mounting recall woes of Honda, which last month announced a separate recall of 646,000 2007-08 Fit, City and Jazz models worldwide for a fire hazard involving a power window switch. It is the latest in a string of global recalls for Toyota and Honda, two Japanese auto giants that for years were considered the quality benchmarks....More
Toyota loses its way
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loses its way,
toyota
Five years ago, Yoshi Inaba, then president of Toyota Motor Corp.'s U.S. sales operations, disclosed his biggest fear. It was that someday, some flaw in Toyota vehicles might go undetected and cause injuries, or worse, to the companys customers.---...More
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Tuesday, February 9, 2010
State Farm says it warned NHTSA on Toyota in 2007 (AP)
AP - The nation's largest auto insurer said Tuesday it alerted federal safety regulators in late 2007 about a rise in reports of unexpected acceleration in Toyota vehicles, the latest warning sign to emerge about the massive recall---...More
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2010 Dodge Challenger Furious Fuchsia Editions Unleashed
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2010 Dodge Challenger,
Furious Fuchsia,
Unleashed
It's a far cry from the girlie Dodge La Femme of the Eisenhower era, but as close as the automaker is going to come to a pink Challenger. The 2010 Dodge Challenger Furious Fuchsia models were unveiled on Monday ahead of the 2010 Chicago Auto Show and will hit the street in May....More
Fiat 500 Production Starts Soon
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Fiat 500,
Mexico,
production
TOLUCA, Mexico, Feb 8 (Reuters) - Mexico could produce up to 130,000 Fiat 500s a year, seen as key to the recovery of Chrysler in the United States, with a $550 million investment, Fiat Chief Executive Sergio Marchionne said on Monday.
A Chrysler plant outside Mexico City will begin assembling the 500 by December for sale in U.S. and Latin American showrooms, said Marchionne, the head of Fiat SpA (FIA.MI), who also heads Chrysler....More
Monday, February 8, 2010
Ford Making Fix to 2010 Mustang Shelby GT500 Tire Information
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2010 Mustang Shelby GT500,
Fix,
ford,
Tire
DEARBORN, Michigan — Ford is making a fix to 243 of its 2010 Mustang Shelby GT500 cars because the rear tire size information was incorrectly marked on the label.
The recall affects 2010 Shelby GT500s built between October 28 and December 3, 2009. Ford will deal with the problem by sending owners the correct tire label, as well as instructions on how to attach it, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on its Web site. The safety campaign is slated to start on or around February 8. In the meantime, owners can contact Ford at (866) 436-7332 or NHTSA at (888) 327-4236
Ford: Braking Glitch in 2010 Fusion and Milan Hybrids Will Be Remedied
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2010 Fusion,
Braking Glitch,
ford,
Milan Hybrids Will Be Remedied
DEARBORN, Michigan — Ford said Thursday it will update the software of the regenerative braking system on some 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and Mercury Milan Hybrids that are already in customers' hands. Ford's action comes on the heels of a similar issue with the 2010 Toyota Prius that is expected to prompt a recall.
"We have received reports that some drivers have experienced a different brake feel when the hybrid's unique regenerative brakes switch to conventional hydraulic braking," said Ford in a statement regarding the two hybrid vehicles. "While the vehicles maintain full braking capability, customers may initially perceive the condition as loss of brakes....More
Dodge Charger Super Bowl Ad - Man's Last Stand
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advertising,
Charger,
dexter,
Dodge,
hemi V8,
man's last stand,
michael c. hall,
super bowl,
superbowl ad spot commercial
The Super Bowl 2010 had some fun ads and One of the fan favorites was the Dodge commercial with Dexter Star Michael C. Hall voice over. "Man's Last Stand"
Sunday, February 7, 2010
GM China sales nearly doubled in January
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China,
doubled in January,
gm,
sales
General Motors Co., which has long looked to China as a growth market, nearly doubled its sales there in January, a record for the month...More
Nissan 40th Anniversary Z: 2010 Chicago Auto Show
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2010,
40th Anniversary Z,
auto show,
Chicago,
nissan
LONDON — Nissan in April will begin delivering the first of a limited run of cars to mark the 40th anniversary of the Z-car. In the U.S., the car will be called the 40th Anniversary Z, and it will debut at next week's 2010 Chicago Auto Show.
In Europe, the car will be dubbed Nissan 370Z Black Edition, and only 370 copies of the coupe will be produced for the European market, priced from $52,800 for the manual and $55,000 for the automatic.
The Anniversary Z is being offered in two metallic shades, black and quartz, both of which use Nissan's new Scratch Shield technology that self-repairs stone-chip damage...More
Recall:Toyota to announce action soon for Prius hybrids
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announce,
Prius hybrids,
Recall,
toyota
TOKYO (AP) -- Toyota said Sunday that it will soon announce plans to deal with braking problems in its prized Prius hybrid amid reports it has decided to issue a recall for the latest model in Japan, a possible new embarrassment for the world's biggest automaker---...More
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Friday, February 5, 2010
Tesla Launches RHD Roadster
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launches,
RHD Roadster,
Tesla
LONDON — Tesla Motors said a right-hand-drive version of the Roadster is going into production for the U.K. and other markets, with test drives available at the company's exclusive showroom in Knightsbridge. The projected price is $137,850.
Tesla said the 2010 model gets a number of improvements, including an upgraded audio system and better noise-reduction materials.
Tesla points out that U.K. companies that purchase a Roadster can deduct the price of the car from pretax profits. Other benefits including free parking and free charging at various locations around the city, as well as exemption from the London congestion charge and the upcoming showroom tax....More
Toyota Recall Update #21: NHTSA Opens Prius Brake Probe
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NHTSA,
Opens,
Prius Brake Probe,
Toyota Recall
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Transportation on Thursday joined Japan's Ministry of Transport in opening a formal defect investigation into brake problems on the 2010 Toyota Prius.
The U.S. investigation, to be conducted by DOT's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, was announced shortly after Toyota startled media and industry watchers early Thursday with the acknowledgement that it had been aware of Prius brake issues for months and that it had already implemented a fix to some cars, without notifying Prius owners or the general public.
NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) said it has received 124 reports from Prius owners "alleging a momentary reduction in braking performance while traveling over an uneven road surface, a pothole or a bump."....More
Seat Ibiza ST: 2010 Geneva Auto Show
The sport tourer from VW's Spanish subsidiary is the third entry in the Ibiza range.---...More
read more...
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Geneva auto show: Kia Sportage set for reveal
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auto show,
Geneva,
Kia Sportage,
reveal
The world premiere of the all-new Kia Sportage is set for the Geneva motor show in March. The Sportage sports a dramatic makeover that helps should bolster the Korean brand's image.....More
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