NEWS
Small cars make big gains as gas prices increase
ATLANTA — As gas prices crept up to a national average of nearly $3.40 per gallon in January, shoppers quickly turned their attention to smaller and more fuel-efficient vehicles, according to the New Car Insights Report, which provides analysis of consumer shopping behavior on AutoTrader.com. …
Automakers forecast an ‘exuberant’ 2012
DETRIOT — In more buoyant times the wisecrack went something like this: “Add up all the automakers’ sales projections for the year and you’re looking at a market of 20 million units.” Toting up all of the 2012 forecasts won’t get you to 20 million, …
Hyundai announces 2012 Azera pricing
COSTA MESA, Calif. — Hyundai Motor America has announced pricing for the completely redesigned 2012 Azera, starting at $32,000 for the base Azera and $36,000 for the range-topping Azera with technology package. The new 2012 standard features include: • Gasoline direct injection engine technology • …
Caught in campaign crossfire
An unlikely 81-year-old emerged from the shadows into the glare of political controversy on Feb. 5. Clint Eastwood sauntered out of a dark-toned Chrysler Group Super Bowl spot to growl out a tribute to the revival of domestic automakers. “Detroit’s showing us it can be …
2011 sales leaders will try to hold off Honda and Toyota in 2012
DETROIT — An early trend: Last year’s three big sales winners — Chrysler Group, Hyundai-Kia and Volkswagen of America — continued to drive the market in January. An early subplot: American Honda and Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. have begun their long-awaited sales recoveries after a …
Industry response to sales uptick: We’re hiring!
DETROIT – As new-vehicle sales enter a third year of recovery, hiring in the auto industry has begun to accelerate at a brisker pace. The signs of expansion — both large and small — are everywhere. Ford Motor Co. announced recently that it plans to …
Motorcycle show to wheel into Rosemont
The Progressive International Motorcycle Shows brings its 12-city nationwide tour to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center Feb. 10-12, showcasing the hottest new two-wheeled rides. This motorcycle extravaganza is the place to see the newest sport bikes, dirt bikes, cruisers, scooters, customs, ATVs, aftermarket parts …
Mitsubishi delivers first EVs to Illinois
NORMAL, Ill. – Mitsubishi Motors North America Inc. recently delivered six brand-new 2012 Mitsubishi i electric vehicles featuring Mitsubishi innovative electric vehicle technology to downstate Normal and Mayor Chris Koos in a ceremony held in the hometown of Mitsubishi Motors’ U.S. vehicle manufacturing plant. In …
SUVs, pickups now less deadly to cars
The sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks on today’s roads are far less deadly in frontal and side-impact collisions with passenger cars and minivans than the SUV and truck models in the past. A study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that modern …
GM warns allocation scammers
DETROIT – General Motors is cracking down on dealers who it says are “gaming” its vehicle-ordering system to finagle more cars and trucks than they deserve — a problem that has grown as retailers struggle to get popular models in light of GM’s tighter production …
Mitsubishi begins deliveries of its EV
CYPRESS, Calif. – Mitsubishi Motors North America Inc. has begun delivery of the company’s all-new 100 percent electric-powered 2012 Mitsubishi i featuring Mitsubishi innovative electric vehicle technology to the first retail customers in the continental United States. Not only is the 2012 Mitsubishi i an …
