Industry News

In a move that will likely get California's consumers in a huff, impending legislation may soon restrict the paint color options for Golden State residents looking for their next new vehicle. The specific colors that are currently on the chopping block are all dark hues, with the worst offender seemingly the most innocuous color you could think of: Black. What could California possibly have against these colors, you ask? Apparently, the California Air Resources Board figures that the climate control systems of dark colored cars need to work harder than their lighter siblings – especially after sitting in the sun for a few hours. Anyone living in a hot, sunny climate will …

LANSING, Mich. - As a 10-year-old, Rollin Green was awestruck when he saw the line of hulking orange-and-silver robotic arms swinging with rhythmic precision during his first visit to an auto plant. But something impressed him even more: His dad worked there. As a fifth grader, Rollin didn't daydream about becoming a baseball player or an astronaut. He wanted to be an autoworker. Just like his father, Mike. And grandfather, Richard. And great-grandfather, Kenneth. And grandmother, Janice. And step-grandmother, Connie. And aunt, Cindy. And great uncles, Bob and Tom, among others. Over seven decades and four generations, the Greens have together poured nearly 300 ye…

Canoo is excited to announce their preorder reservation system is now open with a minimal $100 deposit. Canoo Inc. has stated that their first BEV will be their Lifestyle vehicle launching in 2022 with a targeted pricing of starting from $34,750 and rising to $49,950 for delivery, base and premium models before incentives or optional equipment. Pickup Truck and MPDV scaled production are scheduled to begin in early 2023. CEO and Executive Chairman of Canoo Inc. Tony Aquila states the following: “It’s no longer a question of whether America will go EV – but when. Our line-up is future-forward and succeeds where others have struggled: Giving people the EV that wo…

General Motors Vice Chairman of Global Product Development Tom Stephens: "Is there room for the Zeta platform in the U.S." What do you think? Should GM bring Zeta back to the U.S.?

Should the competition be worried?.....the Brilliance: Tuesday, September 20, 2005 World automakers assess what threat Chinese cars pose By Christine Tierney / The Detroit News FRANKFURT, Germany -- Visitors to the Frankfurt car show seemed more impressed by the brightly painted Beijing opera performers and entertainers dressed up as monkeys than by the smattering of Chinese vehicles on display. Crowded in a hall reserved for second-tier nameplates, Brilliance Auto, BMW's venture partner in China, exhibited sedans conceived with the help of European designers, the private Geely Group showed off a five-model lineup, and Jiangling Motors exhibited its …

HYBRIDS COME OUT ON TOP IN INTELLICHOICE.COM’S 2006 “BEST OVERALL VALUE OF THE YEAR” AWARDS - Ford Escape Hybrid and Toyota Highlander Hybrid Join Toyota Prius at Top of Automotive Value Chain - Honda Odyssey Sweeps Minivan Category - CHICAGO AUTO SHOW, Chicago, IL, February 8, 2006—PRIMEDIA’s IntelliChoice.com, the online source for automotive ownership cost and value analysis, today announced the results of its “Best Overall Value of the Year” awards for model year 2006. And for the first time, two hybrid SUVs join the reigning hybrid champion Toyota Prius and four other vehicles in giving American carbuyers the best value for their money. IntelliChoice.com’s “Be…

http://www.auto123.com/en/info/news/news,v...rtid=49585&pg=1 September 27, 2005 Hybrids won't save you any money by Alex Law , Auto123 Here's a hard truth about hybrid vehicles that everyone who's considering one needs to know -- getting a hybrid will not save you any money, it will almost certainly cost you more. A hybrid will use some smaller amount of fuel (though how much is open to question and depends greatly upon how and where you drive), and that helps the environment a little, but not too much. If you're willing to pay more money for that, good for you. But the only way hybrids would save you money is if the car companies weren't charging …

http://www.jalopnik.com/cars/news/black-tu...-mph-165142.php

Visit any auto show and you're bound to see a futuristic concept with out any sideview or rearview mirrors. Instead, you'll find cameras that do the same function. This technology will soon be appearing on production vehicles in Japan. Japan's transport ministry has approved the use of cameras and video screens to take the place of mirrors on production vehicles. This comes after a decision made in November by the United Nations World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations allowing automakers to replace rear and sideview mirrors with cameras. Proponents of camera systems say it provides a wider field of vision and makes a vehicle more aerodynamic. But swit…

Alpha Motors Corporation or AMC has shown up here at Cheers and Gears earlier this year when they unveiled multiple electric auto's from trucks to cars all in model form. Now we get an update on the actual concept truck they have built as August 24th, 2021 AMC will unveal to the public at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, California the Debute of the WOLF. The pure electric truck with a soul according to their press release. The public has expressed large interest in a cleaner life style auto and AMC believes they are delivering this with their first pivotal achievement of taking from art concept and models to actual building a working prototype. …

GM and Penske Agree on Saturn Purchase Penske says he is still interested in selling GM made vehicles including the Aura, Vue and Outlook. Story Link

101 year old buys new Transformers editon Camaro Oldest 2010 Camaro owner also plans road trip for next summer After owning nearly 40 cars in his lifetime, Virgil Coffman follows the philosophy that if you want something, get it. Discussion: 101 year old buys new Camaro Transformers Edition

‘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…

Auto buyers more satisfied Study says growth in consumer satisfaction with cars, computers and Net is good sign for economy. David Shepardson / Detroit News Washington Bureau WASHINGTON -- Americans' satisfaction with their cars and trucks hit an all-time high in the second quarter, with domestic automakers continuing to narrow the gap with their higher-ranked foreign rivals, according to a new study by the University of Michigan to be released today. Overall, the American Customer Satisfaction Index rated autos 81 on a 100-point scale, up 1.3 percent over the same period last year. Toyota ranked No. 1, with a score of 87 for the second straight year. But U.S. brands…

*UPDATED* White House Drops CAFE Standard To 54.5 MPG William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com July 27, 2011 After weeks of intense negotiations between the US Government and automakers, the Obama administration has announced a slight reduction in their proposed CAFE standard. The new proposal calls for a 54.5 MPG average for an automaker's fleet by 2025. Passenger cars will see a efficiency hike of 5% annually from 2017-2025 to meet the standard, while light trucks will have a efficiency hike of 3.5% annually from 2017-2021 then hiked up to 5% from 2022-2025. Regulations for heavier duty “work trucks” and other vehicles are still being worked…

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com February 17, 2012 Distracted Driving is a topic that’s on everybody's minds, and with good reason. Newer vehicles are packed with more technology; ranging from touchscreen infotainment systems options to voice-controlled applications to smartphone integration. It comes as no surprise that the U.S. DOT Secretary Ray LaHood, the man who is leading the Distracted Driving cause has announced a new set of proposed guidelines for automakers to limit the use of in-car tech solutions that are "not directly relevant to safely operating the vehicle, or cause undue distraction by engaging the driver's eyes or hands for more than…

Hatchbacks have never sold well in the U.S., but that could be changing thanks to new entrants and hotted-up models. According to a forecast done by IHS Markit, sales of hatchbacks are projected climb 19 percent this year. By 2020, the firm projects sales of 567,000 hatchbacks. What has changed? Some of this comes down to hatchbacks finding a niche market. Michelle Malcho, spokeswoman for Chevy cars and crossovers tells The Detroit News that active, urban buyers who are wanting a bit more functionality with their vehicle are turning to hatchbacks. “I think the U.S. likes the functional thought. The hatch for some people offers that without stepping up to that ne…

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com February 17, 2012 Distracted Driving is a topic that’s on everybody's minds, and with good reason. Newer vehicles are packed with more technology; ranging from touchscreen infotainment systems options to voice-controlled applications to smartphone integration. It comes as no surprise that the U.S. DOT Secretary Ray LaHood, the man who is leading the Distracted Driving cause has announced a new set of proposed guidelines for automakers to limit the use of in-car tech solutions that are "not directly relevant to safely operating the vehicle, or cause undue distraction by engaging the driver's eyes or hands for more than…

More here: http://blog.caranddriver.com/iihs-adds-new-frontal-crash-test-most-cars-expected-to-perform-poorly/

Carmaker group backs House fuel-saving plan Toyota, Big 3 alliance call proposed 32 mpg for vehicles "rational" hike in gas economy rule Ken Thomas | Associated Press | Link to Original Article @ DetNews WASHINGTON -- A key auto industry group on Monday endorsed a House proposal to increase gas mileage standards for new passenger vehicles to at least 32 miles per gallon by 2022, calling it a more reasonable approach than a Senate plan approved last month. The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, which represents General Motors Corp., Ford Motor Co., Toyota Motor Corp. and DaimlerChrysler AG, said it would build support for the plan to require cars and trucks to get m…

Article EYES ON THE ROAD By JOSEPH B. WHITE Top Car Dealer Says High Gas Prices Are Good for the U.S. Auto Industry AutoNation CEO Says Increase Will Drive Demand For Hybrids, Electric Cars and Other Alternatives June 9, 2008 Detroit's big auto makers are slashing jobs, closing factories and undertaking costly revamps of their product strategies to cope with $4 a gallon gas. What's the worst thing that could happen now? Gas could get cheap again, says the man who runs America's biggest auto retailer. "For once we actually have viable alternatives and exciting technology that are really game changers" in the effort to wean transportation from petroleum, say…

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com January 5, 2012 A study done by consulting firm KPMG found out two-thirds of auto execs that combined hybrid and EV sales will account for as little as 6% of the market in the United States and Western Europe as late as 2025. However, the execs say they will still invest in the technology. "They are hedging their bets. They are saying that we don't know yet what the winning vehicle technology will be for the future, and so they are going to invest in all of it and let the market decide," said Gary Silberg, national auto industry leader for KPMG. The study, which asked 200 auto execs also revealed; 81 percent antici…

Everyone is certain that it's blue skies ahead for Chrysler. Fortune's Alex Taylor asks, Is there less here than meets the eye? By Alex Taylor III, Fortune senior editor May 25 2007: 5:43 AM EDT NEW YORK (Fortune) -- The business world was agog. A bold initiative involving Chrysler had just been announced that was going to reshape the automotive landscape. Global expansion was in the wind. A new business model was being created that would make General Motors and Ford (Charts, Fortune 500) look obsolete. Smart businessmen with loads of capital were taking a fresh look at the auto business and bringing ideas to the table about cutting costs and becoming more competitive.…

The west coast green highway has served millions and the website has been a well used source to ensure all trip planning allowed for proper charging options to those using BEVs to go on a road trip. Level 1 & 2 chargers with the occasional Level 3 fast DC charger has been the norm over the 10 year life for the WCEH. Now Washington and Oregon is moving forward to enhance this by contracting with EVCS who also purchased a series of charging sites in both states and will work with local state and county agencies to upgrade the 50kW DC chargers with CHAdeMO ports used by Nissan leafs to current high speed DC chargers with both CHAdeMO and CCS connectors. T…

Revolution is never easy on any human population and yet the revolution that IONBLOX has for global humanity is truly evolutionary in both to the air and land movement of humans. Who is IONBLOX? Founded in 2017, IONBLOX (Formerly known as Zenlabs Energy) is a next-generation energy company transforming the future of mobility be it by land or air. Ionblox’s proprietary pre-lithiated silicon oxide anode distinguishes itself by simultaneously delivering multiple performance attributes – fast charging, high energy, high power, and long life at low cost – pushing the limits of traditional battery storage technology and unlocking the viability of widespread e…

Conventional wisdom has it that an imploding GM-UAW-Delphi triangle would force Delphi to cut its U.S. business with GM, push General Motors Corp. closer to bankruptcy and gut the union's future. Less conventional is the reality that Delphi Corp. and its United Auto Workers-represented plants also stand to lose growing numbers of contracts with the world's would-be largest automaker, Toyota Motor Corp., if it gets pinched by UAW strikes. And Delphi knows it. Chairman Robert S. "Steve" Miller and President Rodney O'Neal were in Japan last week to reassure executives of Toyota, Honda, Nissan and Suzuki -- companies Delphi figures could account…

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/artic...UTO01/603270379 The Majority(If not all) of the $27 an hour people are eligible for the buyout and Flowback plans. The second tier people are at $14-$18 an hour now. Whatever the people at the plants decide. Its thier lives and thier choice.

A new study finds that General Motors is dead last when it comes to relationships with suppliers. Automotive consultant group Planning Perspectives Inc (PPI), released the results of their annual study which asks the biggest suppliers to rate the six automakers who sell more than 85 percent of vehicles in the U.S. Suppliers rated GM low in many key areas such as communication skills, protection of intellectual property, unwillingness to adjust prices due to unforeseen increases, and overall trustworthiness. "As a result, GM is now the least preferred customer of suppliers," PPI said. Source: Reuters William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be rea…

Mitsuoka, that tiny Japanese manufacturer who makes the wonderfully wacky Orochi sea monster, has introduced its latest automotive mash-up, just in time to give us a Halloween fright. It is a derivative of the company's Galue III (the return of the shapeshifter) and is known as the Galue Limousine S50. This shouldn't be confused with the company's Galue 204 Toyota Corolla rebody, or the Galue Convertible, which is based on the Ford Mustang. Instead, this limo is based on the Infiniti M, but incorporates styling touches from such classic designs as the '94 Cadillac Fleetwood, the Rolls-Royce Phantom and the Apple iPhone. While that might not sound too offensive, trust us, …

C&G Brief Review of NAIAS 2009 by NOS NOS2006 had the opportunity to go to this year's NAIAS, and shared with us some insight as to what the mood is like on the showroom floor: depressing. All of the excitement and glitz that usually accompanies Detroit was missing, and with the exception of Ford, the stands were bare and basic. NOS also shares with us his impression of the preproduction Camaro's interior, and his concern about the cheap, hard plastic that covers it. Hopefully the production versions will be better. Follow the Jump to read more. http://www.cheersandgears.com/index.php?sh...c=27734&hl=

GM cutting executive pensions, ex-CEO Wagoner to get pinched the most Wagoner could lose around 15 million of his 22 million pension plan. story link

Bankruptcy filing reportedly allows GM, Chrysler to shed hundreds of product liability lawsuits Eight separate states have filed objections to the provision in federal bankruptcy court on Friday. Story Link

The original press release: The down economy has claimed another victim—The Paddock, a mainstay in the muscle car parts business for over 40 years. Indianapolis-based Key Auctioneers (www.KeyAuctioneers.com) announced today that it will auction the company’s parts inventory, showroom items, collectibles, vehicles, and equipment at the company’s 60,000-square-foot Knightstown facility. The July 29 auction is expected to draw thousands of muscle car enthusiasts from the Midwest and beyond. The Paddock has been a leading supplier of muscle car parts for several decades. Its thirteen parts lines represent some of America’s most popular muscle cars, including Mustang, Corve…

_ 2011 Dodge Durango Unveiled After much teasing and many spy shots, the 2011 Dodge Durango, the second all new vehicle to debut after Chrysler bankruptcy, has been unveiled. The Durango also marks the debut Dodge's new logo. Follow the jump for full details and photos.

Automakers dropped their spending on incentives in October to an average of $2,204 per vehicle, down from $2,781 last October, according to Merrill Lynch. This is the average amount some major manufacturers spent on incentives in October 2005 and the year before. Manufacturer October 2005 October 2004 Percent change Chrysler Group $3,075 $3,539 -13.1 percent General Motors Corp. $3,062 $4,051 -24.4 percent Ford Motor Co. $2,820 $3,425 -17.6 percent Industry Average $2,204 $2,781 -20.7 percent Nissan Motor Co. $2,040 $2,194 -7.0 percent Volkswagen AG $1,916 $2,306 -16.9 percent Hyunda…

G. David Felt Staff Writer Alternative Energy - www.CheersandGears.com 7 Decades Later Land Rover Defender Dies! CNN Style is reporting that the production of the Iconic Defender has come to an end. Based on and a compliment to the Jeep Willey, the Land Rover Defender was a box use by the UK Military, Ambulance services, Police and Explorers the world over and Land Rover says that two thirds of the two million plus Defenders manufactured since 1948 are still on the road or off running strong today. History tid bit is that the box design that never got curvy was due to the lack of stamping machinery after the war, steel was not readily available but alumin…

The future of Faraday Future is becoming dimmer. The Verge reported yesterday that the automaker has decided to shut down some operations this week at their headquarters in Gardena, California, and at its factory in Hanford, California. Workers who started after May 1st of this year “must take a furlough,” according to an email sent by FF CEO Jia Yueting. Those working before "will have the option to remain on board with a reduced salary of $50,000 per year," employees told The Verge. Yueting said the furlough will last at least through December, and is dependent on finding new funding. “We are grateful to all of the hundreds of employees who are willing to stay with…

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…

. How to Meet 2016 CAFE Standards? Go on a serious diet. As The Economist reports this week, powertrain improvements can only go so far to meet the aggressive mileage improvement goals. To make up the rest, cars will have to become much lighter. This will raise prices, but will it also make cars less safe? Is it worth it? Discuss in the forums! Unbearable Lightness

"Thanks to the 32-percent larger supercharger rotor pack displacement and electronic management programming, the 2017 Callaway Camaro SC740 bumps the Camaro ZL1’s power from 640 hp to an estimated 740 hp. A new hood allows the larger supercharger housing and intercooler system to peek through the muscle car’s engine bay. The Callaway Camaro SC740 is available with the six-speed manual or the ZL1’s new 10-speed automatic transmission. "Callaway says the new Camaro SC740 makes more power than any other domestic sports coupe including the stock 640-hp 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, 670-hp Ford Mustang Roush Stage 3, and 707-hp Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat." More about moar at …

. GM recalls 5,000 vans with serious fire risk. Tells owners to park outside, away from everything. 5,000 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans recalled.

http://www.wane.com/Global/story.asp?S=4855455&nav=0RYb

New Oakland Toyota/Scion megadealer closes after two months Just two months after opening the doors to its brand-new, 200,000-square-foot dealership, Superior Toyota/Scion of Oakland is no more. The giant automotive retailer, with more than 40 service bays and as many as 1,200 cars on the lot at a time, closed last week after Nissan pointed at the economy and then pulled Superior's financing (although the dealer sold Toyota and Scion products, Nissan provided the loan for the new $36 million building). Without credit, the Superior Auto Group dealership was unable to do business. "I can't buy any more cars. Can't sell anything. The cars are still on the lot, but Niss…

. 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.

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…

One group of automakers that are on the up and up are luxury automakers. Just take a look at April's sales, Porsche - Up 28.1% (5,217 Vehicles Sold This Month, 16,647 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Lincoln - Up 19.6% (8,134 Vehicles Sold This Month, 29,612 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Cadillac - Up 13.7% (15,801 Vehicles Sold This Month, 52,976 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Mercedes-Benz - Up 12.8% (29,188 Vehicles Sold This Month, 107,344 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Lexus - Up 11.7% (25,876 Vehicles Sold This Month, 103,056 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Maserati - Up 10% (1,060 Vehicles Sold This Month, 2,989 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Infi…

Harry Stoffer Automotive News August 20, 2008 - 12:15 am ET WASHINGTON -- Crash tests of eight small crossovers and SUVs produced clear winners and losers, says the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a research group for auto insurers. The institute gave its "top safety pick" label to four vehicles that got "good" scores in all test categories: front impact, side impact and rear crash protection. They are the Volkswagen Tiguan, Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan Rogue and Ford Escape. The results also apply to the Escape's siblings, the Mercury Mariner and Mazda Tribute, and the hybrid versions of all three models, the institute said. The institute assigns …

The Trump Administration and the EPA officials have scrapped all further talks with California and canceled the $929 million in federal funds for a California high-speed rail project. California's Governor has responded that this is in response to California leading a 16 state coalition challenge to President Trump's national emergency to take funds from the defense department and apply it to building a wall from the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific Ocean. California has already filed suit to block the Trump administration proposal to roll back federal fuel economy targets for 2022-2025. CARB Chair Mary Nichols is on record that they are willing to work with t…

It was mentioned on the news that the CAW under Chrysler are unwilling to make any more concessions in the negotiated restructuring effort. This is some of what the CAW has to say on their website: http://www.caw.ca/en/7108.htm ...wow, minivans eh? Wah...hoo.... OMG, everyone else sold ONE car, and Chrysler sold TWO! BUST out the champaign and give everyone a raise!!! ...you have got to be kidding me. I'm betting he would be waving that book in the air even after hell hath risen around him and there was nothing left of Chrysler but the memory of their logo. "Don't you dare be in breach of contract! You'll pay for it!" Honestly, having…

Original article here: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123859954307378495.html Despite reporting another major sales decline in March, auto makers expressed a rare bit of optimism Wednesday, saying they see signs the industry's downturn might be near bottom and a recovery could be starting. All the big car makers suffered sales declines of 36% or more compared to March 2008. Industrywide, U.S. sales totaled 857,735 cars and light trucks, down 37% from a year earlier, according to Autodata Corp. But that's up from 688,909 vehicles sold in February and was the highest total since September. February's sales were down 41% from a year earlier. The annualized sales pace,…

GM Confirms It Will Sell Saturn Rather Than Phase It Out GM confirmed that it plans to sell Saturn rather than phase the brand out. Follow the Jump for details. http://68.169.44.191/index.php?showtopic=31842&hl=

_ SPIED: 2011 Hyundai Elantra Our very own member, CanadianBacon94, managed to snap these photos of the Hyundai's next Elantra undergoing cold weather testing in International Falls, MN. Hit the jump to see for a complete set of 2011 Hyundai Elantra spy shots. SPIED: 2011 Hyundai Elantra

Creating hydrogen on the fly: http://www.physorg.com/news7499.html

Just for the hell of it. http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/re...06/overview.htm

On September 15, 2008, Automotive News will publish a special edition on the 100th Anniversary of General Motors. The cost of this special issue will be $24.95 US, more if you want overnight shipping. If you want to reserve a copy here is the link. Hopefully you won't have to be a subscriber to order it. Link: http://sectest.crain.com/survey/an/cgi-bin/gm100.pl

CTV News Article Canadian car sales post ‘gravity defying' rise By Romina Maurino, The Canadian Press TORONTO — Auto sales in Canada were up 5 per cent in July, with General Motors and Toyota posting increases despite high gas prices and pressure from a weak U.S. economy. Passenger car sales were up 10.2 per cent, while light trucks were down 1.4 per cent, according to auto sales figures released by analyst Dennis DesRosiers. General Motors Canada posted a 5.2 per cent increase, with dealers delivering 33,893 units in July, up from 32,205 a year ago. Toyota Canada posted record sales in July, with 21,990 Toyota and Lexus cars and trucks purchased in July, up …

A Global Revolution ~August 22,2008~ Image Courtesy of Autoblog Chevrolet took wraps off its global compact car, the Cruze. Schedled to eventually replace the Cobalt in the US, On sale beginning in Europe from March next year, Cruze features a dramatic re-interpretation of the traditional sedan featuring Chevrolet's new global design language that is becoming a signature on all new products carrying the gold bowtie. At launch in Europe, Cruze will be available with 16-valve, 1.6-liter (112 hp/82 kW) and 1.8-liter (140 hp/103 kW) gasoline engines featuring variable valve timing (VVT) on both inlet and exhaust sides, giving more power as well as better fuel economy an…

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081111/ap_on_...r_wh/bush_obama See Obama does want to help the car industry out... Change is coming!

_ 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

I've been saying this for three years! The traditional monthly car magazines are dead - they just don't know it yet. Detroit. If you were to look at the balance sheets of the leading car magazines right now, you would be absolutely stunned at the staggering amounts of revenue they generate every year. Legendary money machines, these magazines make hundreds of millions of dollars annually for the corporate behemoths that lord over them with an iron fist. And if you look at the Big Picture only from those companies' perspective, then the good times seemingly will go on forever. But there are deep and growing cracks in the facade of these money machines - and these fissur…