January 2011

Decade of change: Cars becoming like brains on wheels

(January 5, 2011) DEARBORN, Mich. — The past decade has been revolutionary for several parts of our society, but few sectors have seen as much change since 2000 as the auto industry. 

Ten short years ago, automakers were touting the number of cupholders in the cabin and the increased off-road capabilities of family haulers. Today, these same companies are racing to offer increasingly hands-free mobile communication, eye-popping fuel economy and technologies aimed at helping drivers avoid accidents.

Auto incentives down to pre-recession levels

(January 4, 2010) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Edmunds.com estimated today that the average automotive manufacturer incentive in the U.S. was $2,528 per vehicle sold in December 2010, up $64, or 2.6 percent, from November 2010, but down $26, or 1.0 percent, from December 2009.

Consumer Reports: Two Ford crossovers 'not recommended'

(January 4, 2011) YONKERS, NY — The Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX scored too low in testing to be recommended by Consumer Reports. The vehicles are part of a test group in the February issue comprised of six midsized, midsized luxury, and large luxury SUVs.

Toyota troubles, emergence of electric cars among top 2010 stories

(January 1, 2011) What are the most memorable automotive marketing issues of 2010? The economy, the environment and safety engineering were some — but not all — of the key auto industry topics in 2010.

The Top 10 automotive marketing stories for 2010 identified by Edmunds' AutoObserver.com, in order of importance, were: