Inside the Industry

'Clunkers' distorts August sales comparisons

(September 1, 2010) Most automakers today reported sharply lower August sales compared to August 2009 when the "Cash for Clunkers" program lifted consumer demand above normal levels.

Toyota was especially hard hit seeing its August sales plunge 34 percent. It was the second consecutive month its U.S. sales have dropped. Toyota is off 1 percent for the year while the industry as a whole is up 8 percent.

Ford posts strong August sales in Canada

(September 1, 2010) OAKVILLE, Ontario — Ford Motor Company of Canada saw sales increase 8 per cent in August, marking the best August on record in 20 years.

Ford introduces Police Interceptor utility vehicle

(September 1, 2010) CHICAGO — Ford today revealed its newest pursuit-rated vehicle — Ford’s first-ever specially designed Police Interceptor utility built for the rigors of police work.

The new vehicle is designed to complement Ford’s all-new Police Interceptor sedan, which was introduced earlier this year.

In California newest low-emission vehicles gain access to carpool lanes

(September 1, 2010) SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has given the green light to the latest generation of low-emission vehicles to travel on California’s High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) freeway lanes with only the driver on board.

SB 535, authored by Sen. Leland Yee of San Francisco and signed into law Tuesday, provides up to 40,000 plug-in hybrid vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell cars access to the HOV lane during commuting hours starting in 2012 and until 2015. Several car manufactures are launching such vehicles between now and 2012.

NADA likely to oppose federal new-car labeling proposals

(August 31, 2010) The National Automobile Dealers Association said today it would likely oppose a federal proposal to label new vehicles starting with a letter grade from A+ to D based on their fuel economy and emissions, according to Automotive News.

Chevy Volt arrives in China

(August 31, 2010) SHANGHAI — General Motors celebrated the arrival of the first drivable Chevrolet Volt in China today. China is one of the initial markets outside the United States to receive the Volt. GM’s landmark electric vehicle with extended-range capability will go on sale locally next year.

EPA proposes new fuel economy labels

(August 31, 2010) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) announced two proposed fuel economy labels  on Monday that would appear on the window stickers of new vehicles.

These new labels mark the biggest change in 30 years. "The old petroleum-centric labels just aren't good enough anymore," National Highway Traffic Safety Administration chief David Strickland said. The new labels are necessary because of the increasing number of electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles that are entering the marketplace. Since they use fuel more sparingly — or not at all new methods of calculating fuel economy are needed. 

Chrysler seeks 165 dealers for Fiat brand

(August 30, 2010) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Chrysler today hosted about 400 Chrysler Group dealers to outline the requirements to become a Fiat dealer in the United States.

The dealers met with the Chrysler Group team responsible for establishing a Fiat retail network by the end of this year. The company wants Fiat dealerships in about 165 locations, in metropolitan areas chosen for their high concentration of small-car registrations.

OnStar system has 192 patents on the books

(August 30, 2010) DETROIT — Every time OnStar sends one of 143 million e-mails monthly to report what’s happening with an OnStar-equipped vehicle, it’s worth remembering: There’s a patent for that.

In fact, there are 192 patents on the books for OnStar inventions that have helped make driving safer. And more are in the pipeline.

More than million Toyota vehicles recalled

(August 30, 2010) Just when we thought the worst was over for Toyota comes news last week of another massive recall.

This one affects more than a million Toyota Corolla and Matrix vehicles.