May 2010

Long-term dependability improves, J.D. Power study finds

(March 19, 2010) One way to gauge a vehicle’s long-term dependability is to survey owners of three-year-old models that were purchased new and ask them to identify problems that have arisen during the previous 12 months. Understanding owner-reported quality problems is one of the many inputs that automakers around the world use to improve vehicle quality and long-term dependability, and this is precisely what J.D. Power and Associates provides with its auto industry benchmark, the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS).

General Motors working on full-windshield head-up system

(March 19, 2010) Imagine a fog-shrouded morning when you cannot see the end of your driveway let alone the road you’re about to drive. Wouldn’t it be great if the sides of the road could magically appear on your windshield?

It’s not magic, and it’s not far away either.

General Motors R&D and several universities are working on a system that would use data gathered from an array of vehicle sensors and cameras and project images generated by compact ultra violet lasers directly onto the entire surface of the windshield,

Honda recalls 412,000 Odyssey and Element vehicles for brake problem

(March 18, 2010) Honda will recall approximately 344,000 Odyssey and 68,000 Element vehicles from the 2007-2008 model years in the U.S. to modify the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) modulator. Honda has received customer complaints of brake pedals that feel "soft" or that gradually exhibit a pedal height that gets lower (closer to the floor) before the vehicle stops. In affected vehicles, this condition tends to very slowly increase over time.

Toyota considering yet another recall, this one involving 2005 through 2007 Corollas

(March 18, 2010) Toyota, facing historic recall problems, has told U.S. regulators it is considering ways to prevent unexpected stalling several models of the Corolla, the world’s most popular nameplate.

In a letter to the National Highway Safety Administration, the embattled automaker insisted the problem does not pose “an unreasonable risk,” but is nonetheless looking at ways to prevent stalling, which it has traced to engine control modules provided by two of its suppliers.

Vehicles involved total 1.2 million.

General Motors testing new hydrogen fuel cell system

(March 17, 2010) General Motors Co. is testing a production-intent hydrogen fuel cell system that can be packaged in the space of a traditional four-cylinder engine and be ready for commercial production in 2015.

Ford continues its positive sales momentum in Europe

(March 15, 2010) For the ninth month running, Ford of Europe maintained its positive sales momentum in February 2010, selling 93,200 new vehicles across its 19 main European markets – an increase of 1.8 per cent (or 1,600 units) on the same month last year.

"It's great to see that there's still very strong demand for our latest products, and that our market share was pretty stable in February despite aggressive discounting by some of our competitors," said Ingvar Sviggum, Vice President, Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford of Europe.  

Ford shows new Police Interceptor to replace aging Ford Crown Victoria

(March 13, 2010) LAS VEGAS — Ford has revealed its all-new, purpose-built Taurus-based Police Interceptor sedan, showcasing a car for law enforcement officials that will exceed the durability, safety, performance and fuel economy of the industry’s leading police car – the Ford Crown Victoria – while also confirming production of a Police Interceptor utility vehicle. 

AT&T agrees to purchase two Ford Transit Connect electric vans

(March 13, 2010) Azure Dynamics Corporation has announced that AT&T has agreed to purchase two of the first Ford Transit Connect Electric vans, the latest addition to AT&T’s growing fleet of alternative-fuel vehicles.

Used car prices are up — except recalled Toyotas

(March 13, 2010) Used car prices are up about two percent from last month, but the prices of used Toyotas affected by the recalls are down about 2.5 percent, according Edmunds.com.

Incentives are forecast to give Toyota a 30 percent boost in March

(March 11, 2010) If you are in the market for a new Toyota, this may be the time to visit a dealership. New incentives are boosting Toyota’s U.S. sales in early March, and analysts forecast a 30 percent bounce for the full month, according to the Automotive News.

After Toyota brand sales fell 10 percent in February as it struggled with safety recalls, on March 1 Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc. introduced 0 percent financing, subsidized leases and free maintenance incentives.