News archive

May 2010

New 2010 Heavy Duty Ram has lower price than 2009 model

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(October 28, 2009) Dodge’s redesigned 2010 Ram 2500 and 3500 heavy-duty pickups all carry lower prices than the old models they’re replacing, Automotive News reports.

The base model 2010 Ram 2500 regular cab 4x2 with a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 starts at $28,165, including shipping. That’s $1,970 cheaper than the 2009 model it replaces, according to Dodge numbers — even though the redesigned model has more equipment.

Vinyl roofs — bad toupées for cars

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By Al Vinikour   al@motorwayamerica.com

Three of the ugliest things I’ve ever seen are the creepy guy in the Burger King commercials, my ex-wife and the ugliest of them all, modern-day vinyl car roofs. I once was liquored up on Yoohoo and wrote a column of what I’d like to see happen to things that irked me. I said that people who have cars with vinyl roofs should lose their driving privileges…and people who sell and install them should do hard time at a maximum security facility.

By definition, 'dual' means 'two!'

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By Al Vinikour   al@motorwayamerica.com

One of the most hallowed of traditions in sporty vehicles is dual exhaust. From the very first V8 there were conversions to duals because when coupled to a pair of glass- packed or steel-packed mufflers it emitted a rumbling sound that translated to “bad.” Dual exhaust started to become a factory fixture on V8s in the mid-‘50s. Few things were as cool-looking as a chrome tailpipe extension on either end of the rear bumper. Life was good!

The real casualty of Pontiac's demise

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By Al Vinikour  al@motorwayamerica.com

As rumored for some time, General Motors recently announced it would cease production of its fabled Pontiac Motor Division and the brand would be terminated. With this edict a large element of automotive history will be just that…history. Pontiac has long been known as the “Performance Division,” and had the products to prove it.

Ford's quarterly sales in Thailand up more than 21 percent

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(October 26, 2009) BANGKOK, Thailand — Ford Thailand's new vehicle sales rose more than 21 percent during the third quarter from the previous quarter. September sales rose almost 8 percent from August, representing its best monthly sales this year and marking four consecutive months of increasing sales.  

Nissan recalling 160,000 Rogue models for defective screw in steering gear box

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(October 26, 2009) Nissan is recalling 2008 and 2009 Rogue models for a defective screw in the steering gear box that could result in the driver losing all steering control.

More than 160,000 vehicles are affected by A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Campaign. Suspect vehicles were made from March 7, 2007 to July 20, 2009.

The defective part was manufactured in Malaysia by Japanese supplier NSK. Nissan first became aware of the problem in June of 2009 when a report of a steering problem from non-U.S. vehicle was received.

J.D. Powers says compact sales have flourished year to date

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(October 24, 2009) Through the first nine months of 2009, cars outnumbered light trucks among the 20 best-selling models in the U.S. market, according to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report.SM  In September 2009 and year to date, 13 of the 20 top-volume models were cars and only seven were trucks, and these included three crossovers (CUVs).

Lexus LFA supercar makes global debut at Tokyo Motor Show

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(October 21, 2009) The highly anticipated LFA supercar, which just made its global debut at the Tokyo Motor Show, will be on display for the first time in North America at two back-to-back premier venues --  the 2009 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) trade show in Las Vegas this November and the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show in December.

Next year, Lexus will show the LFA at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Chicago Auto Show, Dallas Auto Show and New York International Auto
Show.

Honda shows sporty hybrid coupe at Tokyo Motor Show

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(October 21, 2009) TOKYO — Honda has debuted the much-anticipated CR-Z Concept 2009, the second concept version of the stylish, sporty hybrid coupe, at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show. While the vehicle displayed at the show is a global concept with a rear seat, the production version that will be introduced to North America in the second half of 2010 will be packaged as a sporty, 2-seat hybrid that provides a personal driving experience for North American customers.

Honda to consider electric car for U.S., but continues to push hydrogen fuel-cell cars

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(October 20, 2009) Honda CEO Takanobu Ito said he would consider launching electric cars in the United States, Europe and Japan, a sign Japan's No. 2 automaker is changing its strategy for the next generation of fuel-efficient vehicles.

Honda, whose Insight hybrid is trailing far behind the Toyota Prius, has been aiming to leapfrog the competition in the next generation of zero-emission technology by focusing on the development of hydrogen fuel-cell cars.