Industry News
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September 23, 2009 by Alborz Fallah As part of a trial for an interesting new system, South Australian police have begun using patrol cars fitted with a camera system capable of instantly reading and analysing number plates of cars driving past. The Automated Number Plate Recognition camera system will automatically run the number plate of cars through its system and tell the police whether a car is unroadworthy, unregistered, uninsured, or stolen The idea is to take the element of random checking out and have all cars passing by checked allowing police to better catch law offenders. Additionally the technology can be used to catch criminals by linking known offende…
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NEW YORK — The city's yellow taxi fleet will go entirely hybrid within five years, Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced Tuesday. Link to Newsvine Nearly 400 fuel-efficient hybrids have been tested in the city's taxi fleet over the past 18 months, with models including the Toyota Prius, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, the Lexus RX 400h and the Ford Escape. Under Bloomberg's plan, that number will increase to 1,000 by October 2008, then will grow by about 20 percent each year until 2012, when every yellow cab — currently numbering 13,000 — will be a hybrid.
Last reply by Mr.Krinkle, -
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Source: http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=ZmNjM...jgyOWY5NGYyNWI= Obama Declares War on Capital Obama’s first 100 days have occasioned a number of dispiriting moments, but yesterday’s attack on Chrysler’s bondholders represented a new low. In a speech announcing the company’s bankruptcy filing, President Obama blasted “a group of investment firms and hedge funds [that] decided to hold out for the prospect of an unjustified taxpayer-funded bailout.” That is nothing short of a lie. The consortium wasn’t holding out for a bailout. It was holding out for a bankruptcy. The administration tried desperately to keep Chrysler out of bankruptcy court; in the process, it de…
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President Barack Obama, visiting a General Motors plant for the first time since his administration effectively took over the company, told autoworkers here once-mighty GM is starting to turn around. President believes in GM
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By Christopher S. Rugaber, The Associated Press WASHINGTON - Barack Obama's victory in the U.S. presidential race will give labour unions and the embattled U.S. auto industry a strong ally in the White House, and likely will put pressure on oil and gas producers and pharmaceutical companies. His election Tuesday also makes congressional approval of a fresh economic stimulus package - perhaps as large as $150 billion - more likely, economists said. "There is a general consensus that some kind of stimulus plan is called for," said Ken Mayland, president of ClearView Economics. The new president's biggest challenge will be to turn around an economy that many analysts…
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Official: Sorry for touting Asian cars September 20, 2007: 07:36 PM EST Sep. 20, 2007 (Thomson Financial delivered by Newstex) -- WASHINGTON (AP) - A Bush administration official apologized Thursday for a newsletter sent to thousands of government employees that encouraged them to consider fuel-efficient vehicles built by Japanese automakers. 'I deeply regret that our newsletter offended anyone, especially those Americans working in the automobile industry and the millions of people who make American automobile manufacturers successful,' said Joe Ellis, the Department of Health and Human Services' assistant secretary for administration and management. Some dome…
Last reply by pow, -
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After hinting at doing so for a couple of years, Gordon Murray has finally revealing his new T.25 city car at an event at the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment in Oxford, England. The 1,212-pound car is just over four feet wide, less than eight feet long and seats three adults in a 1+2 layout. Like Murray's McLaren F1, the driver sits front and center and the passengers sit behind on either side. The whole front section of the body is hinged at the front and flips forward for access in a manner not dissimilar to BMW's Isetta microcar of the mid-Fifties. Power comes from a 51 horsepower, in-line three-cylinder engine mounted in the back to propel the T.25 to…
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Oh Lord, Won't You Buy Me A CTS-V? My [/url]full review of the 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe
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GM http://www.autonews.com/article/20141023/OEM01/141029918/gm-posts-1-38-billion-q3-net-income-on-flat-revenue
Last reply by A Horse With No Name, -
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. Oldsmoboi is guest co-host from Cheers and Gears on Autobird podcast AB Podcast #29: The Luxury-like Redux episode Discuss the podcast: Autobird Podcast #30 <div><object id="mp3playerlightsmallv3" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" width="210" height="25" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"><param name="align" value="middle" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="sameDomain" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#ffffff" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><param name="src" value="http://…
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http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,465524,00.html good the whole way through.
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Creating hydrogen on the fly: http://www.physorg.com/news7499.html
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OnStar to be made available to all non-GM Vehicles At a CES press conference today, Onstar President Chris Preuss announced that Onstar will be made available on all vehicles, even non-GM vehicles. Starting in early 2011, OnStar will be offered as an aftermarket package for $299 plus $18.95 per month. Follow the jump for more details as I get them. OnStar to be made available to non-GM Vehicles
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Lutz: Oops, G8 Not Actually Becoming Caprice Bob Lutz says on GM's Fastlane blog that he has come to realize that there is no business case for continuing to import the G8 as a Chevy. Story Link
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Opel Ampera Teased Ahead of Geneva GM has released a teaser image of Opel's upcoming Ampera concept ahead of its Geneva debut. Based on GM's Voltec platform, this will be the third vehicle to be shown using the architecture, although unlike the Converj, this looks more closely based on the Volt. Follow the jump to find out the details. Ampera
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What happens when you take a CALSTART Advanced Transportation graduate with a marketing and product development leader and connect them with Lee Iacocca, many others who are specialists in the EV industry and a connection to NASA? EV FOR EVERYONE (orbiselectric.com) You get a brain trust of individuals who have access to funding and additional folks that have helped set Bonneville Salt Flats speed records with a passion to help people convert to electric vehicles in minimal time. ORBIS ELECTRIC believes if there is a better way to allow folks to convert their vehicles to electric vehicles in minimal time, that the adding of gigatons of CO2 to the atmosphere…
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_ Out-of-Control Toyota Prius Stopped By California Patrol Car The driver of the runaway Toyota Prius, 61-year-old James Sikes called CHP while driving eastbound on Interstate 8 near San Diego around 1:30 PM PST, complaing about a stuck accelerator and being unable to shift the car into neutral. California Highway Patrol responded, putting a patrol car in front of the Prius, eventually stopping the car near La Posta Bridge. This high-profile incident comes on the same day Toyota made a similarly high-profile defense of its cars. Full story after the jump. Story courtesy of Jalopnik.
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http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?A...341/1363/AUTO04
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New Report: Industry experts weigh in SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- In advance of California's upcoming zero emission vehicle (ZEV) policy review and update, an influential group of venture capitalists, vehicle entrepreneurs, policy makers, and industry experts gathered from across the nation to assess technological, market, and policy barriers to the development of zero or near zero emission vehicles. "Driving Transportation Innovation," a new report released today by Next 10, the nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that convened the group, presents an overview of the discussion and concludes that strategic sustained policymaking is required to trigger the tech…
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Linkity a valuable Patek Philippe watch my grandfather, Harley Earl, owned that's going up for auction on September 27, 2006 at the Downtown Athletic Club, DAC (see web-link directly below). This rare watch has the inscription written on its back how it was a 20th anniversary gift to Designer-Earl from GM Styling, circa 1945.
Last reply by Sixty8panther, -
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Again the common thought that electrical devices are far more reliable gets a reality check. I also note that it Tesla didn't keep their chargers proprietary, thusly 'helping the industry go electric', hours could've been sliced off their ordeal. “We ran through the entire gamut of emotions in those nine hours – resignation, range anxiety, annoyance and disbelief that this was happening..." https://www.theguardian.com/money/2020/nov/28/electric-cars-porsche-charging-network
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2005 Panoz Esperante GTLM Esperante Extremus: The new GTLM addresses all your Panoz power needs By MARK VAUGHN AutoWeek | Published 01/27/06, 7:25 pm et AT A GLANCE: 2005 PANOZ ESPERANTE GTLM ON SALE: Now BASE PRICE: $89,000 POWERTRAIN: 4.6-liter, 420-hp, 420-lb-ft V8; rwd,six-speed manual CURB WEIGHT: 3461 lbs. 0 to 62 MPH: 4.2 seconds (mfr.) One of the many advantages of buying from a small car manufacturer is that you get to spend quality time with the company principals. Imagine cruising Dearborn in a Model T with Henry Ford. Such was the sensation (on a smaller scale and at a much higher speed) when we spent an afternoon zipping through the Hol…
Last reply by HarleyEarl, -
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I know we've talked a lot about media bias on this site and it's always so much fun that I offer the latest example: http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/16/parents...ehicles-for-07/ A couple of questions: 1. How in all decency did the CR-V and Santa Fe end up in the SUV category when the RAV4 is a crossover? 2. The Entourage gets on the list, but neither of Chrysler's vans are there? Seriously? 3. Since when is the Mazda3 a family car? I'm sure there is plenty more wrong with this list, but I'll let you guys have some fun picking it apart. For those of you not inclined to click the link, the list looks like this: Crossovers: Toyota RAV4 Dodge Caliber Ford Edge SU…
Last reply by gm4life, -
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by Dr. Bud E. Bryan Road Kill is one man's musings about life, love and automobiles, not necessarily in that order. Dr. Bryan is a bit of a loose cannon (and that would be different than how?-ed.), so his stories will be sporadic, sometimes chaotic, but hopefully, always entertaining. He has racing experience, life experience and other experiences we don't really care to know about, actually. We don't know what he is a Dr. of exactly, either (he gets kind of "excitable" when pressed), so we don't go there. At any rate, here goes... The Car Thing. Austin, Texas. The last few years around this time, I've talked about our favorite cars…
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https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1117749_oil-analysts-predict-peak-consumption-in-2036 Seems many analyst feel that EVs and self driving auto's will start affecting Oil producing company by 2036 and that that will be the peak production year for Oil.
Last reply by G. David Felt, -
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Forget hybrids and fuel cells. Some scientists in the US think cars of the future could run on powdered-metal fuel, reports KURT KLEINER. If smog-choked streets test our love for petrol and diesel engines, rocketing fuel prices and global warming could end that relationship once and for all. But before you start saving for the fuel cell-powered electric car that industry experts keep promising, there's something you should know: the car of the future will run on metal. So reckons Dave Beach, a researcher at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee, who has come up with a plan to transform the way we fuel our engines. Chunks of metal such as iron, aluminium…
Last reply by pow, -
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Toyota Loses More Than GM BusinessInsider.com American automakers can take heart in knowing that even mighty Toyota ™, with its Lean Production System, more advanced cars and lower per-unit production costs is doing horribly in this environment. In its latest report, the company just doubled its lost estimate for the coming year to $5.5 billion. And in its fourth quarter ending March 31, the company lost a stunning $7 billion, which -- if you you can believe this -- is a billion more than what GM says it lost last year. Let that sink in. Not only that, it slashed its dividend and S&P downgraded the stock to AA. The decline is all the more remarkable in light …
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‘Father of Management’ Drucker Dies Peter F. Drucker, the teacher, writer and consultant whose classic study of General Motors Corp. helped shape modern management theory, died Friday morning. He was 95. Drucker’s “Concept of the Corporation,” published in 1946, examined the managerial organization of the behemoth automaker to understand the reason for the company’s success. The book laid the groundwork for the study of management as a scientific discipline. Drucker’s contribution to business didn’t end there. He penned over 35 books in which he delved into his skepticism of macroeconomic theory, the impact of technology on the workplace and the responsibilities of ma…
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Photohunt contest voting is OPEN! Vote Here!
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Pickup for Auto Makers May Not Last Cash Incentives Boost Sales on Trucks, But Some Question Sustainability By JOHN D. STOLL October 8, 2007; Page A12 With gasoline prices hovering near $3 a gallon and the housing market in a slump, large pickup sales should be suffocating. Instead, a price war among the major players in the sector is boosting sales and market share for gas-thirsty vehicles such as the Toyota Tundra, Chevrolet Silverado and Dodge Ram. The increased truck sales contributed to last month's mixed overall auto-sales report, which offered the industry hope that a months-long sales slide could be coming to an end. THE HITCH ON TRUCKS • Share Increas…
Last reply by Drew Dowdell, -
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More at http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/exclusive-pioneering-scientists-turn-fresh-air-into-petrol-in-massive-boost-in-fight-against-energy-crisis-8217382.html
Last reply by Drew Dowdell, -
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http://green.autoblog.com/2010/01/17/plans-for-1-800-mile-ethanol-pipeline-across-eastern-u-s-unveil/ with one comment of seems some of the comments are basically this. best comment- "Now, a BEER pipeline might have some uses."
Last reply by SAmadei, -
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Tirerack.com has become a sponsor of Cheers and Gears. I personally have purchased so many sets of tires from TireRack.com that I've lost count. My experience with them has always been excellent. They have an expertise beyond your typical tire store, which is why I sought them out as a sponsor for our forum. If you are in the market for tires. Please give TireRack.com a try by clicking on one of the Tirerack.com banners on Cheers and Gears. You'll get a great deal on great tires and you'll help out Cheers and Gears as well.
Last reply by Drew Dowdell, -
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Polk Automotive Loyalty Award Winners Announced: GM and Toyota Take Top Honors for 2006 Model Year http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2007/01/16/034229.html SOUTHFIELD, MI - January 16, 2007: R. L. Polk & Co. presented the 11th Annual Polk Automotive Loyalty Awards last night at the 2007 Automotive News World Congress. Winning the Overall Manufacturer award for the seventh consecutive year, General Motors demonstrated an outstanding ability to retain its customers for the 2006 model year, which ended Sept. 30. GM also secured five additional awards including honors for its Chevrolet Impala, Corvette and Tahoe, and the Saturn ION and VUE. "GM customer loyalty incre…
Last reply by gm4life, -
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vote here Along with an article on the Chrusler job cuts, there is a poll of readers to discern the cause of the big 3's troubles. I voted that the problem was high health care costs. Other options include building lousy cars, not knowing what the coutomer wants, and the most popular - all of the above.
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. Poll: More Americans say U.S. cars top Asian autos American automakers take a slight advantage over Asian competitors likely due to Toyota's recent issues.
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Pontiac G8 to be Sold in Australia In what is surely to result in hordes of Pontiac enthusiasts jumping on the next Airbus A380 to Australia, Holden has announced that it will sell a limited run of Pontiac G8s in Holden dealerships. In what amounts to clearing the Pontiac noses, badges, and wheel center caps off the shelves in Elizabeth, the G8 package can be had on any Commodore sedan, Ute, and Sportwagon. One can't help but wonder, though, what would've been the problem with sending the last few here instead? Follow the jump to discuss. http://www.cheersandgears.com/index.php?sh...t=0#entry531101
Last reply by Intrepidation, -
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Pontiac G8 To Live On As Chevy Caprice Not long after "unretiring", Bob Lutz told Automobile Magazine that the highly praised Pontiac G8 will live on as the Chevrolet Caprice. Enthusiasts are no doubt very pleased to hear that such an excellent car will live on. Full Story
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Pontiac's fate to be decided in 2010 Follow the jump for more details. http://www.cheersandgears.com/index.php?sh...t=0&start=0
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http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/2010-j-d-power-vehicle-dependability-study/#2 Top 10 Porsche Lincoln Buick Lexus Mercury Toyota Honda Ford Mercedes-Benz Acura
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So, it turns out that Hitler's "people's car" had a lot to do with a Jewish ex-racing driver. Well. Didn't know any of THAT before. More at the link: http://driving.ca/porsche/auto-news/news/motor-mouth-the-untold-plight-of-porsches-forgotten-founder-adolf-rosenberger
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_ Chevy Orlando Unveiled Ahead of Paris GM's Delta-based seven seater budget hauler is revealed by GM ahead of the Paris Auto Show, and will still only be sold in Canada, Europe, and Asia. Hit the link for more! Orlando Revealed
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Coupe or Convertible, your choice in what could easily be a 21st century Bond car. April 2022 Wiesmann revealed a Thunderball Concept EV to considerable excitement. This car features a classic two-seat, rear-wheel drive layout and lightweight carbon fibre construction, delivering performance, responsiveness, and engagement that enthusiasts demand. Wiesmann at the start of this year opened the books and as of this past Superbowl weekend, the first year production of the Wiesmann "Project Thunderball" is sold out. This is a big accomplishment for a sports sedan with a $320,000 dollar starting price. To quote Owner and CEO of Wiesmann, Roheen Berry: “We are…
Last reply by G. David Felt, -
January 26th, 2022 Mercedes-Benz signed a partnership with ProLogium in developing next-generation batteries for electric vehicles. Mercedes has committed to a complete all electric auto portfolio starting in 2030. As such, having easily accessible supplies of battery packs would be needed on top of planning for next generation battery cells known at solid-state. Mercedes with a heavy financial commitment to R&D under ProLogium and a seat on ProLogium's board is looking for ways to increase energy density and reduce costs as they change into EVs globally with a 2030 commitment to no longer producing ICE auto's. Through the 2022 calendar year, ProLogium…
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http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_li...foreign_feature
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FUD stands for "fear, uncertainty, and doubt" and is a communication tactic used to influence people towards having a negative perception of something, generally through deliberate misinformation or inciting fear. The term has been in use since the 1920s and has also been used to mean "fear, uncertainty, and disinformation". FUD can also refer to a general mindset of pessimism about a particular asset or market, as well as the manipulation of investor or consumer emotions so that they succumb to FUD. This psychological war for the hearts and minds of folks will always go on in any industry depending on the money and power to be gained. EVs or Electrical Vehicle…
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Public to name Chevy Volt's paint color DETROIT – The initial production color of the Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric vehicle (E-REV) is a silver exterior with an emerald hue. That’s official. What’s not certain is what Chevrolet will name that distinctive exterior color, so the company is turning to the public to help make the decision. Starting today, on National Color Day, Chevrolet launches an online contest that asks for color name suggestions, with three finalists to be flown to Los Angeles this December to compete for a final chance to be among the first to test-drive a pre-production Volt. Discus…
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http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/conte...opinion/columns great article
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Interesting article on the perceptions and the reality of auto quality. http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/jc/quality.htm For example the Chevrolet Impala has outscored Toyota Camry for initial quality for 5 straight years. Five!!!
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QuantumScape is on a mission and their mission is as follows: Let's get to the nuts and bolts of this battery company and answer the first question that many would want to know, "Who are the companies that have signed on to use QuantumScape's battery technology or invested in the company?". Volkswagen Toyota Daimler Ford Honda General Motors Mitsubishi SAIC Motors BMW Nissan quantumscape-will-now-sell-its-solid-state-batteries-to-a-fourth-carmaker-182980.pdf If we are to go by the source they have in their SEC filing, one could imply that th…
Last reply by G. David Felt, -
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Order No. 2009-15 of the Minister Transports en date du 22 octobre 2009 Transport dated October 22, 2009 Code de la sécurité routière Code road safety (LRQ, c. C-24.2) (RSQ, c. C-24.2) CONCERNANT l'accès aux chemins publics des véhicules Regarding access to public roads of vehicles munis d'un poste de conduite à droite equipped with a driving position right LA MINISTRE DES TRANSPORTS, THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT VU le premier alinéa de l'article 633.1 du Code de la Having regard to the first paragraph of section 633.1 of the Code sécurité routière (LRQ, c. C-24.2), suivant lequel le road safety (RSQ, c. C-24.2), after which the ministre des Transports peut…
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R.I.P. Pontiac GM announced this morning what many have long suspected: the Pontiac brand will be closed. This is a sad day for many GM fans. To get the details on the story as well as many thoughts and opinions from our members, followed the jump. http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b239/han...ontiac_Logo.jpg
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First, the background: -they drive the Tail of the Dragon, so no messing around there, -the Camaro had an automatic, the Mustang had the PP, and thus the stickshift. And this is what they concluded: "If we're going to eat forest in either of these two, we're more likely to do so in the Mustang. Bowman can't believe that a car that felt so right last year is now 'loose and wallowy.'" "After two days driving over the relief left behind by the Great Buzzard, there's no doubt the Camaro, with its Cadillac platform and Corvette engine, is the thoroughbred of its class. We can't believe it. The Camaro is almost too composed. The balance is sublime. It's refined and excitin…
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Got the latest issue of Road & Track... Dennis Simanaitis has a pretty interesting update to decade old article "Cheap Gas". Rest of article is here, packed with lots of tidbits about the current state of the oil industry.
Last reply by CSpec, -
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News Ragtops escape roof-crush rules: NHTSA says convertibles can't share standards with fixed-roof vehicles HARRY STOFFER | Automotive News RICK KRANZ | Automotive News Posted Date: 11/9/05 Federal regulators want stronger vehicle roofs to protect people in rollover crashes, but they have no plan to protect occupants of convertibles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it cannot hold convertibles, including retractable hardtops, to the same roof-crush requirements as vehicles with fixed roofs. The agency also has decided against convertible-specific rollover rules, such as requiring roll bars. There has been a sharp increase in convertible…
Last reply by razoredge, -
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The founder of RBW Classic Cars fell in love at the age of 17 to his first car, the MG Roadster released in 1962. This car styled by Pininfarina went on to sell 520,000 and became so popular that 9 out of 10 of the MG's built were exported out of the country becoming a true British Classic. The second car that became an obsession for our founder was the Jaguar XKSS. RBW Classic Cars started the business of restoration of these two lovely cars and for many years the business grew and to this day still does custom restoration work on original MG and XKSS cars. Yet the wind is blowing and the founder is reading the tea leaves. With Tea in his palm, RBW Classic Electric…
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Reader Commentary of the Day: Mark Reuss, General Motors, and Rear Wheel Drive Longtime Cheers and Gears member GM4Life writes up his thoughts on Mark Reuss's promotion to President of GM North America and the hopes for a rear wheel drive Chevrolet flagship. Discussion - Mark Reuss, General Motors, and Rear Wheel Drive
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Reader Test Drives: 2010 Volkswagen Golf 2.5 and 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Stock image shown. Long time reader RegFootball test drives a 2010 Volkswagen Golf 2.5 and a 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI and shares his thoughts with us. Test Drives: 2010 Golf 2.5 and Jetta TDI
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WASHINGTON - The political vision of a summer gas tax holiday died a quick death in Congress, losing to a view that federal excise taxes on gasoline and diesel fuel will have to go up if they go anywhere. Despite calls from the presidential campaign trail for a Memorial Day-to-Labor Day tax freeze, lawmakers quickly concluded — with a prod from the construction industry — that having $9 billion less to spend on highways could create a pre-election specter of thousands of lost jobs. Now, lawmakers quietly are talking about raising fuel taxes by a dime from the current 18.4 cents a gallon on gasoline and 24.3 cents on diesel fuel. With gas prices setting records daily…
Last reply by ChevyNovs99, -
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http://www.autoblog.com/2015/06/17/aaa-study-real-world-fuel-economy/ I thought this was a pretty interesting article pointing out where the current test procedures seem to fall short. Most of us are well aware of some of the points being made, but it's nice to have some hard statistics on the matter to back up what we've known. A few key points of discussion: -Diesel owners reported 20-percent higher fuel economy than EPA ratings. -Owners with cars equipped with manual transmissions enjoyed 17-percent higher real-world results. -Owners of turbocharged V6 engines reported fuel economy 9-percent lower than estimates, and owners of turbocharged four-cyl…
Last reply by El Kabong, -
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Recalling Toyota's Recalls: Over 14 million Vehicles recalled in the past 12 months.
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Recalling Toyota's Recalls: Over 14 million in past 12 months, 25.6 million since January 2005 November 1, 2010 - Drew Dowdell - Chief Editor CheersandGears.com No one can argue that it hasn't been a roller-coaster year for the world's largest car company. It was a year ago tomorrow that Toyota issued it's largest recall ever for possible gas pedal entrapment caused by loose floor mats. That initial recall of 3.8 million vehicles seemed to unleash a blizzard of further recalls. In the past 12 months, the grand total for Toyota's recalls has been more than 14 million units. To put that in some perspective, there were only 10.4 million vehicles sold, by all …
Last reply by Drew Dowdell, -
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Linkity Regulators Look to Raise Bar On Vehicles' Roof Strength March 3, 2008 EYES ON THE ROAD By JOSEPH B. WHITE If you dropped a 2006 Volkswagen Jetta on its roof, and then did the same thing to a big, tough Dodge Ram pickup truck, which one would likely suffer less damage and do a better job protecting the passengers? The answer, based on a federal test of roof strength, is the Jetta. If that doesn't make sense to you, take comfort in the fact that you aren't alone. Since the early 1990s, car makers have dramatically improved the crashworthiness of the fronts, sides and rears of their cars, responding to the demands of cons…
Last reply by Robert Hall, -
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...if not, here's your chance to get acquainted to one of the "what if" scenarios that GM found themselves in so often in the 80s. I personally remember a writeup on the Evans GTP variant back when it was still a news item. Interesting stuff, found at the link: http://www.automobilemag.com/features/news/throwback-thursday-1985-1988-chevrolet-corvette-gtp-race-car/
Last reply by El Kabong, -
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Renault, Toyota, VW Lead European Car Sales Decline (Update2) By Laurence Frost and Chad Thomas Oct. 16 (Bloomberg) -- European car sales fell in September on weaker demand for Renault SA, Toyota Motor Corp. and Volkswagen AG models as declines in Germany and Spain undermined buoyant business in eastern Europe. New car registrations fell 1.5 percent to 1.42 million vehicles from 1.44 million a year earlier, the Brussels-based European Automobile Manufacturers Association said today in a statement. Sales for the first nine months of the year gained 0.8 percent to 12.2 million. European carmakers are looking east for customers amid sagging demand in home markets. A 9…
Last reply by Newbiewar, -
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REPORT: Cadillac Converj Green Lighted Motor Trend is reportinging that GM has given the Converj the green light for production in 2011. Follow the jump to learn more. http://www.cheersandgears.com/index.php?sh...c=30427&hl=
Last reply by Intrepidation, -
Report: Delphi looks at cutting seven plants
by Guest Josh- 2 replies
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TROY, Mich. (AP) — Delphi Corp. is considering getting rid of seven plants and seven technical centers as part of a plan to overhaul its electronics and safety unit, according to an internal company document obtained by a newspaper. In the document outlining a plan named "Northstar," the auto-parts maker says that the restructuring of its Electronics & Safety unit is a key to its effort to reorganize under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, The Detroit News said Wednesday. The unit accounts for $5.8 billion of Delphi's annual sales of about $28 billion. Delphi, one of the world's largest auto suppliers, has 50,600 U.S. and Canadian wor…
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According to the Detroit News, the Environmental Protection Agency has taken a likely step towards stricter emissions standards, as it has asked the White House Office of Management and Budget to declare greenhouse gas a public danger. California, along with several other states, is looking to enact tough new CO2 laws that will drastically limit the emissions of new cars and trucks. Automakers are against the idea, as they argue that the technology isn't currently available in large scale to meet the proposed targets, let alone while the industry is cash poor. The Obama administration wants Congress to take swift action to regulate CO2 emissions, a move that could cost au…
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. Report: GM working on more powerful V6 for 2011 Camaro? GM wants Camaro to top Ford's 305 horsepower in base Mustang.
Last reply by Justin Bimmer, -
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REPORT: GM's RWD architecture will downsize and survive Autoblog is reporting that GM's superb RWD Zeta architecture may yet live on, however it will be downsized to increase efficiency. This is of course, great news for RWD fans, but it would also make sense to actually utilize one of the best platforms they have and spent millions of dollars to develope. Could GM actually do something so logical? We'll have to wait and see. http://www.cheersandgears.com/index.php?sh...c=29524&hl=
Last reply by Intrepidation, -
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_ Report: GM/Spyker Near Agreement Could the Saab endgame - no, the real endgame this time - finally be under way? Bloomberg is reporting that financial terms have been agreed to, in principle, between General Motors and Spyker, and that what remains between the two are sorting out production issues. Follow the jump for the full story. Report: GM/Spyker near agreement
Last reply by Intrepidation, -
In car-related news that will further disappoint an already reeling city, the chairman of Detroit's North American International Auto Show has gone on record that he is exploring ways to move the event out of the city. The very public battle to expand the show's home, Motown's Cobo Center appears to have failed for good, after the Michigan Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the Detroit City Council, in effect killing plans for a $288 million expansion, a plan voted down by council members in February. For his part, city mayor Ken Cockrel Jr. is evidently declining to go to the state Supreme Court to force the issue. So now, the search is on to take the show to a new v…
Last reply by Satty, -
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Big 3 are Primary Sources for Green and Fuel-Efficient Technologies By James E. Malackowski General Motors, Ford and Chrysler are collectively one of the world's primary sources for the research and development of green and fuel-efficient technologies. As Washington decides on aid to the ailing auto industry, top consideration should be given to the significant potential of these Big 3 technologies for stimulating economic and job growth and creating a greener and more fuel-efficient world. In fact, much of the privately funded green and energy innovation in the United States will stall or likely never come to fruition if the domestic automobile industry fails. Th…
Last reply by Sixty8panther, -
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Everybody touts automotive safety, and laments driver incompetence as a fact of life in the USA; mainly because the theme idea is that everybody has a right to a drivers license, and access to all the roads in the USA---- Freedom to travel, right? Well, what if we started to say, O.K., you can drive--- somewhere--- if you qualify! Instead of the drivers license that we all can get basically by fogging a mirror, what if you had to demonstrate your ability to handle a vehicle competently in several emergency reaction situations, and were graded on how well you avoided an accident? This would include performance handling as well. Then, this score value was …
Last reply by Mr.Krinkle, -
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World components: Steel shocks The Economist One of the few boons of the recent global recession for carmakers was that it drove the soaring steel prices of 2008 down sharply. Now, however, prices are starting to climb again on the back of renewed demand. Profit margins in the auto industry are already razor-thin and other costs have been pared to the bone. So carmakers’ only remaining option may be to pass the increased costs of the crucial metal on to consumers. The price of steel has been rising for over six months, albeit in a volatile way. They are still some way off their highs in 2008, when prices boomed by 60%, but they have recovered much of the ground they lo…
Last reply by CSpec, -
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RIVIAN Electric Adventure Vehicles WebSite This coming LA auto show we will be introduced to the world's first electric adventure vehicles. November 30th to December 9th at the LA Auto Show you will be able to see their Pickup Truck and SUV. The company's tagline is to explore the planet and charge deeper into the world farther and deeper than ever before by building electric vehicles that allow you to explore be it a big or small adventure. RIVIAN electric adventure vehicles will reimagine the truck and SUV with offering the following: Up to a 400+ mile range per charge Sub 3 seconds zero to 60 Superior capability on and off road …
Last reply by ocnblu, -
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Rivian has announced MSRP price spikes on both the R1T and R1S vehicles, of 17% and 20% respectively, citing "inflationary costs". https://finance.yahoo.com/news/rivian-hikes-vehicle-prices-20-011627886.html For the R1T, that mean the originally-announced $67,500 base price will rise $11,475 to $78,975. For the R1S, it's original $70,000 tag will jump $14,000 to $84,000. Apparently effective immediately, this INCLUDES vehicles already ordered. Customer backlash is already occurring, with buyers threatening to cancel orders. With no dealer network to compete on pricing, this is your new 'no-haggle' mandatory base price. Just don't call it 'bait …
Last reply by balthazar, -
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ROLL OUT: Pre-production Camaros begin rolling off Oshawa assembly line A little good news to offset the bad. GM has released images of per-production Camaros being assembled at the Oshawa plant. Follow the jump to see more 5th Gen goodness. http://www.cheersandgears.com/index.php?showtopic=28046
Last reply by Intrepidation, -
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Essentially, the article states that by emphasizing retail sales while still outstripping domestic competition in sales, GM is setting itself up for better sales and profits. Seems legit. More at the link: http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/02/06/general-motors-is-still-crushing-ford.aspx
Last reply by Suaviloquent, -
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Ron Gettelfinger Isn't a Bush Man Gettelfinger would prefer them shaved... President Bush's trade policies, that is. On Monday, the UAW leader argued that Bush's trade policies such as a free-trade proposal with Thailand are hurting the UAW and the American automotive industry. Gettelfinger also denounced Bush's "anti-union" stance. He told his delegates that it is time for a different relationship with domestic automakers as there are tough times ahead (as well as presently). Read "UAW chief warns of changes, slams Bush" @ Yahoo
Last reply by bowtie_dude, -
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This is the sort of thing that puts a large quantity of people off from an issue- stating huge aggregate 'savings' numbers using wildly tangential elements. - - - - - - - - - - It sure would be interesting to see how the ALA quantified / vetted 'lost workdays' as a component of "public health costs" since 1. there are a myriad of reasons behind 'lost workdays' and 2. the vast vast majority of those events are paid for by employers, not public health funds. Because it smells like 'number pumping' from here. Just be straightforward and honest. [article : https://www.yahoo.com/news/switch-electric-vehicles-virginia-dramatically-123114251.…
Last reply by G. David Felt, -
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Details are sketchy at this point, but the interwebs are abuzz today with news that IKEA might be entering the automobile world with a new environmentally friendly car called the LEKO. We'll resist the temptation to make a joke about how you'll be directed by some cheezy stick figure drawings to assemble the car yourself with nothing more than a five-page word-free manual. Whoops, sorry. The source of the news is a fairly official-looking website from France, which is odd considering that IKEA is based in Sweden. The supposed unveiling of the LEKO is scheduled for... wait for it... April 1st. At this point, we're content to assume this is an elaborate ruse and that ther…
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Running out of juice From Economist.com IN THE ten years since hybrid electric vehicles first hit the highways and byways of America, they have come to represent 2.5% of new car sales. Yet, in places like Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area and Washington, DC, every other car seems to be a Toyota Prius. That is because hybrids like the Prius have sold overwhelmingly where well-heeled early adopters reside. Expect the new generation of “Post-Prius” electrics—plug-in hybrids like the Chevrolet Volt from General Motors and those relying only on a battery such as the Nissan Leaf—to end up nosing around the same upscale neighbourhoods. With more than a dozen plug-in and…
Last reply by PurdueGuy, -
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Hey Everyone, Not sure where to post this so please move it to the right sub-forum if it's not in the right place. Anyway, we have just revamped our entire site and are looking to add local shops to our installer directory. Inclusion is free and all I need is your business name and information (including your website if you have one) to be included. You can PM me or send an email to [email protected]. We're doing this because we're a completely online company and, even though we sell DIY products many people want someone to install it for them. So, it's a free service we like to offer to our customers. So, if you are a shop or know someone who is tell them to con…
Last reply by Rvinyl.com, -
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RWD
by HarleyEarl-
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July 18, 2006 Rear-wheel drive on the rise, analyst says Richmond Hill, Ontario - While front-wheel drive (FWD) still accounts for the majority of vehicles, rear-wheel drive (RWD) is making a comeback in passenger cars, says industry analyst Dennis DesRosiers. The first generation of mainstream FWD vehicles were embraced by Canadian consumers in the early 1980s, DesRosiers says; in 1982, 46.6 per cent of Canadian passenger cars were FWD, while that number increased to 94.8 per cent by 2001, with RWD remaining almost exclusively in low-volume luxury and sports cars. The last year RWD cars represented the majority of passenger car sales was in 1981. Light trucks…
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DETROIT -- In another blow to beleaguered U.S. automakers, Standard & Poor's on Friday said it may cut its ratings on Ford Motor Co., General Motors and Chrysler LLC, citing financial damage resulting from high gasoline prices. Bonds and shares of Ford and GM extended losses, while the cost of protecting their debt rose. S&P said it was concerned about cash outflows from all three automakers as high gas prices erode demand for sport utility vehicles and pickups. The "dire state" of the vehicle finance market was also worrisome, S&P said. The rating agency also said it may cut its ratings on automakers' finance units Ford Motor Credit Co. and DaimlerChrys…
Last reply by Oracle of Delphi, -
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Much has been written about the current Mustang (not least by Ford itself) concerning its conception as a "global car." In particular, much emphasis has been placed on the S550's ability to be sold in RHD markets. However, there has been a bit of ambiguity about the car's power output, particularly in V8 form. Top Gear's review of the 5.0 placed output at 412hp, without explanation. Now, we know why. R&T is reporting that some folks have discovered the exhaust on RHD cars is severely compromised in order to clear the RHD steering hardware: "Our friends in England and other right-hand drive nations make a very particular sacrifice: thanks to different steering p…
Last reply by El Kabong, -
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Saab 9-5 Revealed Autobild has leaked 26 images of the new Saab 9-5 for us all to enjoy. Check it out.
Last reply by Intrepidation, -
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. Saab board reportedly votes to liquidate company, but GM still weighing bids Moves by GM and SAAB board do not necessarily mean a sale is still not possible. Saab board reportedly votes to liquidate company, but GM still weighing bids
Last reply by Justin Bimmer, -
SAAB TO BE SHUT DOWN INABILITY TO SELL KILLS GM's QUIRKY BRAND 1947-2009 2009-12-18 Detroit. General Motors announced today that the intended sale of Saab Automobile AB would not be concluded. After the withdrawal of Koenigsegg Group AB last month, GM had been in discussions with Spyker Cars about its interest in acquiring Saab. During the due diligence, certain issues arose that both parties believe could not be resolved. As a result, GM will start an orderly wind-down of Saab operations. A media conference call with John Smith GM Vice President, Corporate Planning and Alliances will take place at 9:45 a.m. Eastern Time. Discussion: SAAB Sale Cannot b…
Last reply by Z-06, -
SAAB FILES
by RjION- 1 follower
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Saab files for bankruptcy protection http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Swedens-Saab-files-for-apf-3685687335.html?x=0
Last reply by smk4565, -
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SAAB Files for Bankruptcy The first shoe has dropped, as Swedish automaker SAAB has filed for bankruptcy protection as GM tries to either sell it or spin it off. Click the link below to get the full scoop and discuss. SAAB Files for Bankruptcy
Last reply by z28luvr01, -
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I gotta hand it to this guy, he does a pretty good half-hour discussion on the car. A typically thorough saabkyle04 review, at the link: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=z9Lvtv0MP_4
Last reply by El Kabong, -
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A few years ago California passed laws limiting the modifications that can be done to a car's exhaust. The state also has plans to outlaw the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles in the state by 2035. Now Sacramento County has taken an extra step. A new law passed by the county will limit the kinds of repairs car owners can do to their vehicles. These include "minor repairs" which the new code defines as follows: Minor adjustments, service, and repairs to automobiles or other passenger vehicles. Examples include but are not limited to: radiator, transmission, muffler, and brake repair, lubricant shops, diagnosis and tune-up, smog inspection, auto gl…
Last reply by G. David Felt, -
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"While the Mustang passed a brake test at the police driving academy in Goulburn, the car’s automatic transmission, which is a requirement for police vehicles, overheated after just three minutes of intense driving. "The car was then forced into a 'limp home mode' and taken to a local Ford dealership for repairs." Guess the fluid coolers are optional. Again. More at the link: http://www.businessinsider.com.au/the-new-ford-mustang-isnt-good-enough-for-the-nsw-police-2016-3
Last reply by Suaviloquent, -
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from http://www.automobear.com:
Last reply by FUTURE_OF_GM, -
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Sales of big pickups are beginning to stall Half of full-size pickups on the market saw sales decline in 2005; nearly all stumbled out of the gate in 2006 Brett Clanton / The Detroit News In the often fickle auto business, where yesterday's hot seller can be tomorrow's discounted dud, sales of big pickups have remained rock steady in the face of gas spikes, economic downturns and changing consumer tastes. But despite a fiercely loyal customer base, full-size pickups have started to lose steam in what could be a troubling sign for Detroit's automakers. Half of full-size pickups on the market saw sales decline in 2005, and nearly all models stumbled out of the gate in …
Last reply by carman21, -
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G. David Felt Staff Writer Alternative Energy - www.CheersandGears.com Samsung, The Next LG Battery Competitor? Samsung has decided to be the next major Li cell supplier to the auto industry and has decided to one up LG in their quest to be the top supplier of super high density Li cells. Back in September 2016 Green Car Report stated that in an interview with Samsung, that they wanted to be equal to if not replace LG as one of the largest Li cell suppliers to the auto industry. They currently supply the cells for the BMW i line of EV auto's. In this story Samsung announced a $400 million investment in a new battery plant in Hungary which would allow the…
Last reply by G. David Felt, -
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Satellite radio bleeds cash Sirius, XM's combined losses total $1.53 billion in 2005 Bradford Wernle Automotive News / February 20, 2006 - 6:00 am Satellite radio companies are spending bundles of money to lure new subscribers, especially those who tune in the services while in their cars. Those soaring marketing expenses worsened the horrendous fourth-quarter 2005 losses at both XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. and Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. The XM losses triggered the resignation last week of an XM board member, who warned of a pending crisis. In his resignation letter, Pierce Roberts Jr. warned that there is "a significant chance of a crisis on the horizon" if…
Last reply by nferr, -
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Saudis
by HarleyEarl-
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http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/fn/4183291.html I was listening to a talk show the other day, with a scientist. More and more the conventional wisdom of oil being decaying animal and plant matter over millions of years is being questioned. He contends that the earth produces oil from within and constantly....so there could be a possiblity that oil will never run out. That would be so hard on all the Chicken Littles out there.
Last reply by razoredge, -
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Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne outlined an update to the company's five-year business plan Wednesday, and among the changes, the Dodge Dart and Chrysler 200 sedans will soon be phased out. The company's presentation to investors states that the "market shift from cars to trucks and UVs [utility vehicles is] now seen as permanent shift in demand," and FCA wants to respond as quickly as possible. Killing the 200 and Dart will allow FCA to build more Jeep and Ram models at the Sterling Heights, MI, and Belvidere, IL, plants where the sedans were produced. We already knew FCA was planning to shift 200 and Dart production to Mexico, to free up the Sterling Heights fac…
Last reply by Suaviloquent, -
