June 2010

Mini has diesels with exceptional fuel economy — but not for the U.S.

(June 2010) The new lineup from BMW-owned Mini includes a new diesel engine that replaces the old Peugeot-sourced motor with one from BMW — in different tune for each model.

GM's slimmer cost structure will pack wallop

(June 2010) With all the positive things that have begun accruing to General Motors as it attempts to leave bankruptcy behind, the biggest one of all has only begun to materialize: GM's fast-improving manufacturing-cost position versus its biggest foreign rivals.

That's right: GM likely has begun enjoying a new cost edge. Some analysts say that it already has reached as much as $2,000 a car over models built by Japanese competitors in the United States and that GM's overall cost advantage may soon become as much as double that amount.

Despite recent uptick, safety recalls are declining

(June 2010) Toyota's highly publicized safety recall of 2.2 million cars in February seemed to precipitate a run of recent safety recalls by other automakers including General Motors, Chrysler, Honda and Hyundai. And 2010 overall is on pace for what could be the highest number of total recalled vehicles in this country since 2005.

But new analysis by Edmunds.com also demonstrates that the number of vehicles affected by industry safety recalls these days has declined dramatically compared with the record levels of a decade ago.

Major auto parts supplier says EV, hybrid segment orders booming

(June 2010) If you want to find out how the overall economy is doing, check with a land planning or survey firm — they see the ups and downs in the construction industries that are a key indicator of economic health long before the rest of us get the word.

"Go-to-the-source" research holds true for tracking the automotive industry as well.

Car prices are falling, but not for all models

(June 2010) SANTA MONICA, Calif.  — Summertime car shopping is always rich with bargains, but Edmunds.com announces that according to its latest update of True Market Value  Predicted Price Trends, some new cars may actually get more expensive later this season.

"During the summer, we typically see great discounting as dealers need to clear their showrooms of old model year vehicles to make room for new inventory," commented Edmunds.com Senior Analyst Jessica Caldwell.

Carolinas seeking role In plug-In electric vehicle market

By Danny King, Edmunds.com

(June 2010) Will Tobacco Road become an electric-vehicle superhighway?

That's what one key Duke Energy executive reportedly said earlier this week, calling North Carolina's major cities potential hotbeds for electric vehicle demand.

Hmmmm. Evs on the NASCAR circuit?

Mike Rowland, Duke Energy's director of advanced customer technology, said Charlotte and Raleigh will be among the dozen or so U.S. cities where EVs will get the most demand, the Charlotte Business Journal reported on June 11.

Will taxpayers get their money back from GM?

By Nick Kurczewski Edmunds.com

(June 2010) A year after General Motors filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the hot topic is no longer whether GM deserved to be bailed out by the government, but how much the "new" GM might be worth on Wall Street — and whether taxpayers, who own 60 percent of the automaker, stand a chance at getting their money back from the federal bailout.

Ford offers 'green' tips for summer car washing

(June 2010) As the summer season gets underway, millions of Americans will have “Wash the Car” on their weekend to-do lists.

Before you pull out the buckets, sponges, soaps and sprayers, Ford has a few tips for making your car clean and your car wash green.

All-new Hyundai Sonata gets highest satisfaction rating ever by AutoPacific


(June 2010) TUSTIN, Calif. — AutoPacific today announced its President’s Award for the 2011 Hyundai Sonata. This first-ever honor is the result of a special analysis of Hyundai’s all-new 2011 Sonata that adds consumer credibility to all of the positive accolades recently bestowed upon Hyundai’s most important vehicle to date.

Yes Virginia, there is no Chevy

By Phil LeBeau
CNBC Correspondent

(June 2010) Looking for a good chuckle? Read the New York Times article from today outlining how GM sent a memo to employees suggesting they stop saying Chevy when referring to Chevrolet. Apparently, GM believes it's important for a brand to have a consistent message. As I read this, I kept thinking to myself, "Are these guys serious?"