Inside the Industry

Ford's hybrid sales are up 67 percent in 2009

(December 27, 2009) Despite a 11 percent decline in hybrid sales across the industry, Ford’s year-to-date hybrid sales are up 67 percent over the same period last year. And the company is on track to set a new hybrid sales record for 2009.
 
“Hybrid customers increasingly are considering Ford,” said George Pipas, Ford sales analyst.  “And we are seeing a growing number of conquest sales, many of them from customers coming from import brands, mostly Toyota and Honda.”
 

Toyota predicts a 17 percent increase in global production in 2010

(December 27, 2009) Toyota expects a 17 percent increase in its 2010 global production, excluding Daihatsu and Hino Motors units, from this year to about 7.5 million units, Japanese media reported today.

The move comes as recovery signs of the economy emerge in Japan, the United States and Europe.

Ford to introduce new turn signal technology

(December 27, 2009) DEARBORN, Mich. — Does the sight of a blinker flashing on the car in front of you for miles and miles drive you crazy? You’re not the only one.
 
This annoying habit is so frustrating to drivers that it made the “Top 10 Driving Pet Peeves” list by a leading vehicle insurance company, which surveyed thousands of drivers nationwide. Nicknamed Morse Coders in the survey, these drivers often cruise for miles without realizing their blinker is on. Meanwhile, they are annoying everyone behind them.
 

Volvo XC60 R-Design to start at $41,550

(December 26, 2009) Volvo Cars of North America has announced pricing of the exciting XC60 R-Design starting at $41,550. The introduction of the XC60 R-Design makes the premium crossover Volvo's sixth vehicle to offer the dynamic visual appeal and exceptional driving experience afforded by the R-Design package.

Toyota seeks to cut costs for auto parts by 30 percent

(December 23, 2009) Toyota plans to cut auto parts procurement costs by around 30 percent over three years to help it regain profitability, media reports said today.

Toyota has asked its suppliers to cut prices of some parts by 30-40 percent for cars that will hit the market by 2013, the Asahi daily said. The Nikkei business daily also said Toyota plans to switch to less expensive materials and parts.

Ford, China's Geely agree on sale of Volvo

(December 23, 2009) Ford confirmed today that all substantive commercial terms relating to the potential sale of Volvo Car Corporation have been settled between Ford and Geely Holding Group of China.

While some work still remains to be completed before signing — including final documentation, financing and government approvals — Ford and Geely anticipate that a definitive sale agreement will be signed in the first quarter of 2010, with closing of the sale likely to occur in the second quarter 2010, subject to appropriate regulatory approvals.

Chevrolet Camaro returns as pace car for the 2010 Indianapolis 500

(December 22, 20090 In 2009, the Chevrolet Camaro SS paced both the Daytona 500 and the Indianapolis 500.  Now, the Camaro returns to the 2010 Indianapolis 500 with a brand-new orange edition.

Ford Fiesta wins 26th European award

(December 22, 2009) Ford is celebrating a year of success for its best-selling small car, recently collecting the 26th major European award for the Ford Fiesta in Bucharest — the Romanian Car of the Year award.

Ford leads industry in fuel economy improvement

(December 22, 2009) DETROIT — Ford Motor Company has improved in fuel economy more than any other major automaker since 2004, according to a recent report by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA rated Ford’s combined car and truck fuel economy improvement at nearly 20 percent, almost double the next closest competitor.

Ford vehicles show largest increase in residual value from 2009 to 2010

(December 19, 2009) Ford Motor Company vehicles, bolstered by improved quality, fuel economy and popular redesigned models, recorded the largest increase in residual values from the 2009 to the 2010 model year among full-line manufacturers.