· United States
· New Cars
· Used Cars
· Auto Research
· Auto Services
· Accessories

· United Kingdom
· New Cars
· Used Cars
· Auto Research
· Auto Services
· Accessories

· Canada
· New Cars
· Used Cars
· Auto Research
· Auto Services
· Accessories

 

| HOME | NEWS |

Automotive News

If you're looking for news about the automotive industry and automotive topics you're on the right page. But if you're looking for information on researching and buying new or used cars check out the main page of Where Can I Buy A Car Online.

If you're a webmaster and want to feature what we consider to be the top car news headlines from a variety of online resources, from a consumer point of view, we've created an RSS feed just for you.

We'd also like to encourage you to submit items of interest about the automotive industry to us here at Where Can I Buy A Car Online. Please send us an e-mail containing a description of your news item and its URL.

July 4, 2008

Today in automotive history - on this day in 1984 Richard Petty, the king of stock car racing, won his 200th career victory at the Firecracker 400 race in Daytona, Florida, in front of a record crowd that included NASCAR's first presidential patron, Ronald Reagan. Petty's record for wins will very likely never be broken. The Firecracker 400 win was especially dramatic, as Petty hadn't been winning regularly on the circuit and had suffered an embarrassment eight months earlier when he was found to have run too big an engine in his victory at the 1983 Miller 500 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The convergence of the king's 200th win, the presence of the president, and the date of July 4th led NASCAR critics to suggest that the win may have been arranged. NASCAR had long been suspected of aiding certain drivers in need, the most serious allegation being that it allowed Junior Johnson to run illegal engines in 1994 in order to encourage McDonald's to remain a team car sponsor. Petty fans bristle at the accusation that the king's crowning achievement wasn't courtly, and while their case is solid, a shadow of doubt remains. Read more about this day in history at The History Channel.

DETROIT NEWS Slow down, save money: Hurried drivers resist gas-conserving move
Michigan drivers appear to be avoiding one of the few weapons they have to combat record fuel prices: the gas pedal. On the same day Gov. Jennifer Granholm suggested the state consider lowering freeway speeds to conserve gas, speed studies released to The Detroit News on Wednesday indicate that $4-a-gallon gas has not put a damper on the desire to zoom across town. The average speeds at nine spots around Metro Detroit actually rose from August 2007 to June, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation. Speeds went down slightly at just three sites that MDOT routinely monitors. Call it an opportunity lost -- for every 5 mph you slow down from 75 mph, you can save the equivalent of 30 cents a gallon of gas, experts say. Mileage improves markedly as wind resistance diminishes, allowing a car to go farther on a tank of gas.    [more]   [top of page]

DETROIT NEWS Big 3 dangle deals to fight sagging vehicle sales
Detroit's Big Three are battling sagging vehicle sales by extending and ramping up consumer incentives, deals some analysts predict will get sweeter this summer as automakers look to move more trucks. Chrysler LLC this week extended its $2.99 gas guarantee on most of its 2008 lineup through the end of July and added $1,000 rebates on four SUVs -- Chrysler Aspen, Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Commander. Ford Motor Co. is extending its employee pricing on F-series pickup trucks until July 7 And General Motors Corp. will continue its zero percent financing for 72-month offers through the holiday weekend. The GM incentive, introduced at the end of June, is credited with staving off an even deeper decline in June sales for the Detroit automaker and the industry as whole. GM's sales were down 18.2 percent in June. Industry-wide sales slid 18.3 percent. "Incentives will continue on an upward trend compared to the last couple years," said Bob Schnorbus, chief economist for J.D. Power & Associates. Car companies, he added, "must do everything they can to stimulate sales, and it won't be an easy sell because consumers' ability to buy has really been hammered."    [more]   [top of page]

DETROIT NEWS Flexing with style: Top-notch crossover, though expensive, is a total package
The 2009 Ford Flex seemed like the ideal vehicle to test Downriver. That Southeastern edge of Wayne County should be marked on maps with a big Blue Oval -- this is Ford Country. Mustangs are born in Flat Rock. Stop at any light and you'll find yourself surrounded by F-150s (their body panels stamped in Woodhaven). The Flex, Ford's overdue replacement for its discontinued minivan, would fit right in with the hard-working group of men and women I gladly call neighbors. But with its distinctive looks, surefooted performance and groovy interior, the Flex seems to have more white in its collar than blue. It's more pay bridge than free bridge -- the preferred way to cross over to Grosse Ile. This big people hauler may come with a fridge in the second row and the best voice-operated media player on the planet, but the Flex's price can grow faster than the fishfly population in July.    [more]   [top of page]

GLOBE & MAIL CANADA Canadian car sales outperform U.S. market
BMW Canada Inc. set a monthly sales record last month while Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. and Toyota Canada Inc. posted their best June sales on record, as Canadian vehicle sales once again outperformed the collapsing U.S. market. Canadians purchased 160,004 new cars and trucks last month, down about 6 per cent from the 169,528 a year earlier, but a vast improvement on the double-digit slide that rocked the Detroit Three and other auto makers in the United States. The strength of BMW, Mercedes, Toyota and others in Canada, compared with the weakness of Ford Motor Co. of Canada Ltd. and General Motors of Canada Ltd., relates to their fuel-efficient vehicles, industry analyst Dennis DesRosiers, president of DesRosiers Automotive Consultants Inc., said yesterday. The big sellers for BMW and Mercedes in Canada are their smaller vehicles - the 3-series and C-class respectively - Mr. DesRosiers said.   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER Fifteen-passenger vans more likely to roll over in Summer
The National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) warns that 31 per cent of fatal rollovers involving 15-passenger vans occur during the busy summer travel months. New research shows the deadliest time of the year for 15-passenger vans is between June and August. The NHTSA recommends the following safety tips: * All occupants need to wear seat belts at all times. * Inspect the tires and check tire pressure before each use. * A 15-passenger van should only be operated by trained, experienced drivers who operate these vehicles on a regular basis. * The driver should be well rested and limit use of cell phones, conversations with other passengers, and limit drive time to eight hours per 24-hour period.    [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER Rising gas prices create more demand for Mini
In the wake of skyrocketing gas prices, Mini Canada has experienced a record number of visits to its web sites and a significant increase in Canadian sales, reports the automaker. Mini's 621 vehicle sales last month increased 50 per cent compared to June last year, and the company saw a 69 per cent increase in web traffic on its dealer web sites and a 41 per cent increase in visits to Mini.ca in June compared to the previous year. This year, Natural Resources Canada presented the Mini Cooper and Mini Cooper Clubman with the award for the most fuel-efficient vehicles in the subcompact class. 'Customers are telling us that they want a fuel efficient vehicle, but they don't want to sacrifice premium equipment or driving excitement,' said Stephen McDonnell, Director, Mini Canada.   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER Nissan Canada drops price of 2009 Titan and Armada
Nissan Canada has announced reduced pricing on the 2009 Nissan Titan pickup truck and 2009 Nissan Armada full-size SUV. 'Nissan Canada is taking a stance on pricing for the 2009 model year and offering the most aggressive cut in MSRP's on the market today,' said Jeff Parent, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Nissan Canada Inc. 'As a company, Nissan Canada is listening to our customers and responding to the feedback and demand for not only attractive product offerings, but attractive prices and incentives.' The 2009 Nissan Titan's pricing will be reduced by up to $1,500 on both the Crew Cab and King Cab ranges while the 2009 Nissan Armada will be reduced by $10,000 for a new MSRP of $53,298.   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER Infiniti Canada reduces prices of 2009 FX and QX56
Infiniti Canada announced it has reduced pricing on the 2009 FX and 2009 QX56, following an earlier announcement by Nissan Canada that it was lowering pricing on its 2009 models. 'Infiniti joins Nissan Canada in offering reduced pricing on 2009 models, starting with the FX and QX,' said Jeff Parent, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Nissan Canada Inc. 'We are thrilled to announce Infiniti's lowest pricing of the decade in Canada at a very challenging time for the auto industry. We will continue to evaluate pricing as a company, in order to always offer our customers the best value for their ever-stretching dollar.' The 2009 Infiniti QX56 pricing will be reduced by $9,900 for a new MSRP of $69,700. The all-new 2009 FX35 will see a drop of $4,350 for a new MSRP of $50,700. An additional $1,400 of extra feature value has also been added. The all-new 2009 FX50 will be lowered by $4,050 for an MSRP of $58,900, with an additional $2,100 of feature upgrades added. These price drops follow the price reductions on the 2008 M35 and M45 series introduced in January 2008 which saw reductions in MSRP of up to $7,000.   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER Volvo Canada lowers prices on some 2009 models
Volvo Cars of Canada Corp. announced pricing details for its 2009 model year line-up, including price reductions on some models. The 2009 Volvo vehicle line-up includes standard content increases to the C30, C70, S40, S60, V50 and XC90 and pricing reductions on the C70, S60, XC70 and XC90. The S80 line-up has been expanded with a new, front-wheel-drive model and a new range-topping S80 V8 Executive. As well, the company's 281-horsepower T6 engine will become available in the S80 and XC70. Other highlights include the addition of the new R-Design variants of the C30, S40, V50 and XC90. Volvo Canada will announce pricing for the all-new XC60 premium crossover closer to its on-sale date in early 2009.   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER Demand for gasoline and diesel drops, survey shows
Data released today by NATSO, the national association representing America's travel plazas and truckstops, shows that demand for both gasoline and diesel dropped significantly in May, even while wholesale fuel prices (the cost of fuel that retailers pay) continued to climb. The number of gallons of gasoline sold fell nearly three per cent in May as compared with last May 2007, and diesel gallons sold dropped twice as much that month, by about six per cent. Declines of demand for fuel greater than 2.5 per cent are rare, even more so in a time that is considered to be peak driving season.   [more]   [top of page]

STAR TELEGRAM, TEXAS USA Alleged police car joyride lands SC teen in jail
Call him the short arm of the law. Police in Dillon, a small town near the North Carolina border, say a 13-year-old with an interest in law enforcement twice stole a police cruiser and took it out to do some patrolling. The boy's mother saw him bring the car home both times but didn't see anything wrong with the joyrides, Police Sgt. Jason Turner said. The boy, who was charged with larceny and second-degree burglary, was not identified because of his age. He remained in Department of Juvenile Justice custody Wednesday. His mother, Patricia Gillespie, was charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor. She was released on $5,000 bond. A phone listing for her could not be found. Turner said residents called police Sunday to say they'd seen the boy driving a police car. He said the boy also took the cruiser the previous Sunday and drove it around before returning it to the station. No one noticed it was missing. The boy apparently watched someone enter a code to get into the department, then used it to get in and take the keys to the cruiser, Turner said.   [more]   [top of page]

July 2, 2008

Today in automotive history - on this day in 1992 Original Corvette engineer Zora Arkus Duntov drove the one-millionth Chevrolet Corvette off of the assembly line in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The event was monumental to both America's first sports car and the man that made the car possible. Duntov was born in Belgium, the son of Russian immigrants. He pursued an interest in motorcycle racing and engineering until the outbreak of World War II, at which point he joined the French Air Force. After the French surrender, Duntov managed to secure exit visas to Spain for his entire family. He later resettled in Manhattan, and started a performance engineering firm, called Ardun, with his brother. The firm enjoyed a reputation for quality, but eventually went out of business as the result of questionable financial practices on the part of a third partner that Duntov and his brother had taken on. Duntov moved to England to work on the Allard sports car, which he co-drove at Le Mans in 1952 and 1953. Duntov earned a reputation as an exacting driver and engineer in the European tradition of performance car racing. After witnessing the prototype Corvette on display at the 1953 Motorama in New York City, he decided to join Chevrolet. Read more about this day in history at The History Channel.

DETROIT NEWS California orders 'green' labels for new cars
Beginning next year, all new vehicles sold in California must display window labels that rate the environmental performance of the car or truck. The stickers will carry scores, from 1-10, based on how much the vehicles contribute to global warming and smog. The lower the scores, the worse the performance. The average new vehicle will get a 5 on both scales. The cleanest vehicles will get 10s. The labels also urge drivers to: "Protect the environment, choose vehicles with higher scores." All new vehicles sold in the Golden State must display them by Jan. 1. "This label will arm consumers with the information they need to choose a vehicle that saves gas, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and helps fight smog all at once," said Mary Nichols, chairwoman of the California Air Resources Board. "Consumer choice is an especially powerful tool in our fight against climate change."    [more]   [top of page]

DETROIT NEWS Chrysler sales plunge 36 percent in June; most rivals also post steep declines
Chrysler LLC turned in the worst June performance among domestic car makers, posting a sales decline of 36 percent for the month. The Auburn Hills automaker said sales of most of its models fell, except for its new minivans and fuel-efficient Jeep Patriot. Total units sold declined to 117,457 from 183,347 a year ago. General Motors Corp., Ford Motor Co. and Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. each posted double-digit June U.S. sales drops as consumers spurned pickup trucks, SUVs and luxury sedans in favor of economical small cars. But GM managed to hold on to its lead as the No. 1 car seller in the United States, moving 265,937 units in the month. That's down 18.5 percent from 326,300 a year ago. Analysts had been keen to determine today whether Toyota would unseat GM as the sales leader. But Toyota posted a 21.4 percent drop in U.S. sales, to 193,234 units from 245,739 a year ago.    [more]   [top of page]

DETROIT NEWS Leave the top down on this Volvo, to show off the beautiful interior
There are rules to driving convertibles. The first is simple: If you're not in a hail storm or hurricane, put the top down. If it's snowing, use the heater. If it's raining, drive faster. And when the top is down, your windows should be too -- and I mean all of them. When I recently hopped into the 2008 Volvo C70, I thought I was following all of the rules correctly. But only after I pulled off the road, I noticed the rear window sticking, cutting through the air like a shark's fin in the ocean. For shame. There's a simple but elegant beauty with the C70. Watching those magnificent pieces of the roof slide together and fall gently into the trunk makes me giddy. A hundred miles in the C70 is a breeze, though it's murder on your hair. Tweaked for the 2008 model over last year's, the new C70 is noticeably better. My test vehicle included laminated oak trim that is the best wood accent I've ever seen on a car. It looks like weathered teak from a boat, carved grain outlining the ultra-slim center stack and console, with a few wooden touches throughout the cabin.    [more]   [top of page]

DETROIT NEWS Make buyout worth it
Most of them already have left, but today marks the official end of GM's latest round of buyouts, with 17,398 hourly workers taking the latest offer. For GM employees who were eligible to receive full pensions, the $45,000 or $62,500 incentive is a nice bonus to kick off their golden years. Those workers face one crucial choice: what color should the new pontoon boat be? Mostly younger workers get richer payouts -- $100,000 or even $140,000. That looks like a big pile of dough, and it is, until you note that they have to pay taxes on that payout and sever all claims to the generous benefits of Generous Motors. Then they face a laundry list of hard economic decisions about how they'll stretch that money to build a new career and maybe even a new life.    [more]   [top of page]

FOX NEWS, CALIFORNIA USA Hands-Free Law Goes Into Effect
Beginning on July 1st, if you get caught driving with a phone to your ear, you could get a ticket and officers say they are on the look out. The new law will affect every California driver, making it illegal to drive while holding the phone to your ear. However, it does not make it illegal to talk on the phone and drive at the same time. The day before the law went into effect; many people flocked to the stores, to get hands-free devices. "We have numerous varieties, ranging from $129 to $39," says Gerardo Villareal, a manager with AT&T Wireless. "I have a Bluetooth and a headset as backup in the car," said Patricia Vasquez, who prepared for the new law early on. Vasquez believes the new law is a much needed one. "I think it's an excellent idea, I think it's going to cut down on accidents... you need to be paying attention to the road anyway," said Vasquez. Drivers under the age of 18 will not be allowed to use their cell phones whatsoever; regardless of if they're using a headset.   [more]   [top of page]

REUTERS, UNITED KINGDOM Toyota struggles to meet hybrid, small car demand
The surge in popularity for small cars and fuel-efficient hybrids has left Toyota Motor Corp facing an unusual problem: deepening shortages of popular models such as the Prius hybrid. A limited inventory of small cars hurt Toyota, which reported a 11.5 percent drop in U.S. sales in June. In stark contrast, Japanese rival Honda Motor Co reported a 13.8 percent sales rise on record demand for its Fit subcompact car and Civic sedan. Toyota executives said a dwindling inventory of vehicles, such as the Prius, Yaris and Corolla, had forced the automaker to scramble to try to keep up with demand in June, a month when industry-wide U.S. auto sales dropped almost 9 percent. Sales of Toyota's Prius, the top-selling hybrid in the U.S. market, fell 26 percent as dealers ran short of inventory and customers faced a six-month waiting list. Toyota said it would only partly be able to satisfy the backlog of demand from its dedicated Prius factory in Japan this year. Hybrids command about a $5,000 price premium compared with equivalent vehicles without the expensive battery.   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER Toyota Canada lowers some vehicle prices
Toyota Canada has announced lower manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRPs) on 11 Toyota and Lexus models. The adjustments range from $1,350 to $7,900, depending on the model, and apply regardless of whether buyers purchase, lease or finance their vehicles. 'Today we are reducing the MSRP on the Toyota Prius, all Lexus hybrid models, and many other models that earn high marks for fuel efficiency and emissions performance, making it easier for Canadians to meet their transportation needs in a fuel-friendly, environmentally sensitive vehicle,' said Stephen Beatty, Managing Director at Toyota Canada Inc. 'Earlier this year, we became the first full-line Canadian automobile company to offer mass reductions on suggested retail prices. Now, with additional MSRP reductions on a further range of vehicles in our line-up, we are making a new Toyota or Lexus an even better value.'   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER Driving vacation $1,000 cheaper than flying
Even if gas hits an average price of $1.50 per litre, a traditional family summer vacation by vehicle costs less, according to Car Care Canada, which said that the cost for a family of four travelling by car is about the same as one person going by air. 'Rising ticket prices, fewer daily flights, fuller planes, limited baggage, fewer non-stops and longer layovers between connecting flights doesn't paint a pretty picture for this summer's vacationing families thinking about flying,' said Patty Kettles, Manager of Marketing and Communications for Car Care Canada. 'Natural Resources Canada monitors the price of fuel closely. Last week, they found that average price for regular gasoline was $1.36 per litre. Even with rising gas prices, the cost of driving is a much better deal compared to going by air.'   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER Honda tests walking assist device
The Honda Motor Company will begin collaborative testing of its experimental walking device with the Shinseikai Medical Group at Kasumigaseki-Minami Hospital. The device is intended to support people who are able to walk but have weak leg muscles, such as the elderly. The compatibility and effectiveness of the device will be evaluated during rehabilitation training at the hospital. The testing will also identify and study areas of effectiveness and potential issues with the help of trainees, physical therapists, doctors and researchers. Honda began research on a walking assist device in 1999; the technology was developed through the cumulative study of human walking alongside the research and development for Honda's advanced humanoid robot ASIMO. The device lengthens the user's strider when compared to the stride without the device, providing ease of walking.    [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER Alternative vehicles gaining recognition worldwide
A new international study by automotive supplier Continental has found that consumer acceptance of hybrid vehicles is increasing internationally, especially when government incentives are offered. A total of 36.0 per cent of those surveyed were willing to buy a car with hybrid drive, while 45.8 per cent were interested in an electric car. More than 8,000 motorists were surveyed in eight major international markets in China, Germany, France, the U.K., Japan, Austria, Switzerland and the U.S. The study focused on the motorists' current state of knowledge and opinions of hybrid drive systems, their driving styles and their views on battery-powered cars. Of those surveyed, 45 per cent reported that increasing fuel prices have forced them to change their driving behaviour to lower their fuel consumption. At 62.6 per cent, Japanese drivers have changed their behaviour the most in response to higher prices, followed by the Germans at 55.2 per cent and Americans at 42.8 per cent. However, 60.0 per cent of British and 48.9 per cent of Chinese have not adjusted their driving behaviour at all, even with rising costs.   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER Electric Subaru STELLA concept shown
Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, has announced the successful development of its Subaru Plug-In STELLA prototype electric vehicle. FHI will provide five STELLA models for use at the Hokkaido Toyako Summit, to be held July 7. Four of the five cars will be used to transport government officials and other summit participants, while one will be displayed at the Environmental Showcase exhibition and be available for test-drives. In addition, FHI will provide one STELLA to the Japan Post group for use in mail collection and delivery in the vicinity of Toyako during the summit. The STELLA combines the electric system used in the R1e, debuted at the New York International Auto Show earlier this year, with the Subaru STELLA minicar. FHI plans to use the prototype in the development and test-marketing of the next-generation of electric vehicles in Japan in the near future.    [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER Hypermilers warned about dangerous techniques
The American Automobile Association (AAA) is warning 'hypermilers' to avoid extreme fuel-saving measures, which the association said could put themselves and others in danger, or possibly harm their vehicles. Hypermiling involves trying to exceed the published estimated fuel efficiency of a vehicle by drastically modifying driving and maintenance habits. 'The goals of hypermiling are positive, such as eliminating aggressive driving and saving energy,' said Marshall L. Doney, AAA vice-president. 'Unfortunately, some motorists have taken their desire to improve fuel economy to extremes with techniques that put themselves, as well as their fellow motorists, in danger.' Examples of dangerous techniques include cutting off the vehicle's engine or putting it in neutral to coast on a roadway, tailgating or drafting larger vehicles, rolling through stop signs, and driving at erratic and unsafe speeds. 'These practices can put motorists in a treacherous situation where they could lose power steering and brakes, or be unable to react to quickly changing traffic conditions,' Doney said. 'Not only are these extreme driving behaviours dangerous, many of them also are illegal. However, there are several safe and legal driving techniques motorists can implement to conserve fuel, such as smooth and easy acceleration and braking, maintaining a steady speed, using cruise control and looking ahead to anticipate changing traffic conditions.'   [more]   [top of page]

BOSTON GLOBE, USA Woman crashes into store then tries to buy beer
A convenience store became an unwilling drive-in when a 74-year-old woman plowed her car through the front window and then tried to buy a six-pack of Budweiser, police and the owner said. Lynne Rice of Norwalk drove her 1988 Cadillac into Joe's Food Mart and Video on Sunday evening, Los Angeles County sheriff's Lt. Jenny Ha said. The car plowed about halfway through the store but nobody was injured. Rice got out of the car, walked over to the cooler and pulled out a six-pack of Budweiser beer, said the store owner, who gave only his last name, Awada, to the Long Beach Press-Telegram. "I don't know how she managed to walk," Awada said, adding a cashier declined the sale and instead called police. Rice was taken to a hospital for examination because she had a pre-existing medical condition, Ha said. She was also arrested for investigation of misdemeanor driving under the influence and released on $15,000 bail, authorities said. Rice could not be reached for comment Tuesday. There was no telephone listing with her name in Norwalk. Awada said the crash destroyed two 6-foot-wide glass panels. Damage was put at about $8,000.   [more]   [top of page]

June 30, 2008

Today in automotive history - on this day in 1953 The first Chevrolet Corvette, a white convertible roadster with a red interior, was produced in temporary facilities in Flint, Michigan. The Corvette was born as a dream car for the 1953 Motorama. The first all-fiberglass-bodied American sports car, the Vette turned heads with its release. The sleek lines of the 1953 edition are among the best produced by American car design. But underneath its exterior, the first Corvette's inner workings were less than impressive. They were comprised mostly of existing General Motors' (GM) parts, including a "Blue Flame" inline six-cylinder engine, a two-speed automatic transmission and the drum brakes from Chevrolet's regular car line. Read more about this day in history at The History Channel.

DETROIT NEWS McCain: Set U.S. limit for car CO2
Republican presidential candidate John McCain said Friday he favors nationwide limits on carbon emissions from cars, a position that addresses one major worry of Detroit's automakers but could create new problems for them. The presumptive GOP nominee also said he would oppose any federal bailout of domestic carmakers to keep them afloat -- an issue that took on new urgency this week as auto stocks plunged and Wall Street analysts suggested the companies may not have enough cash to last through the transition from trucks and SUVs to smaller cars. McCain has supported a controversial request from California and other states to be allowed to set their own limits on greenhouse gasses from autos, a request automakers have said threatens their future. His Democratic opponent, Barack Obama, supports the request as well. The Bush administration turned it down late last year. Asked about the issue Friday, before a visit to GM's Lordstown assembly plant here, McCain said he hoped as president to eliminate the need for state regulations.    [more]   [top of page]

DETROIT NEWS Mississippi State students honored for fuel-stingy SUV
Students at Mississippi State showed how well their redesigned SUV saved gas by driving it across the country. Now they're showing it off around the state. Both this year and last year, MSU students beat 16 other teams from the United States and Canada in "Challenge X" -- a multiyear competition to re-engineer a Chevrolet Equinox to be more efficient and less polluting. Their hybrid electric and diesel engine ran on biodiesel and used nearly 40 percent less fuel than a production model. It was found the most efficient of the 17 in both on-road and rally performance. The competition is sponsored by General Motors Corp. and the U.S. Department of Education. The MSU students are taking the car on tour over the next two weeks, including a Tuesday stop at the Tupelo Automobile Museum.    [more]   [top of page]

DETROIT NEWS Oil price shock threatens European car market
The European car industry has remained serene while coping with stagnating sales, and cleverly held on to respectable profits while undergoing serious restructuring. Even the threat of a credit crunch, and the real pain caused by the loss of lucrative sales in the U.S. by its German premium brands has been managed with a degree of aplomb. But rocketing oil prices look like the last straw, potentially plunging the industry into a savage downturn not seen for perhaps 30 or 40 years. "The West European car market is going to see an old fashioned downturn of the kind we have seen in mature markets previously in the 1960s and 1970s and that involves a 15 to 20 percent decline in demand, and distress for the car manufacturers," said Karel Williams, professor of accounting and political economy at Manchester University. Even leading manufacturers, who can often be relied on to claim that everything in the garden is rosy while the rest of us can see that the rot has set in, are voicing apprehension.    [more]   [top of page]

LOWER HUDSON COMMUNICATIONS, USA Ethanol mixes finding way into traditional tanks
To save money and support neighboring farms, Scott Dubbelde began mixing gasoline and cheaper, ethanol-based fuel in his cars years ago, driving first to the gasoline pump, and then to the ethanol pump. It has worked so well that Dubbelde, who manages a local grain elevator, mixes fuels for all three of his family cars, though only one was designed to handle ethanol-heavy blends. The practice has caught the attention of the Environmental Protection Agency as a handful of filling stations install pumps that let drivers select different ethanol blends with the push of a button. Auto manufacturers warn that ethanol can corrode fuel lines and damage hoses, seals and the fuel pump in cars not made to carry ethanol. That can lead to bad gas mileage, poor performance and may even affect the vehicle computers that warn of problems.   [more]   [top of page]

CLARION LEDGER, USA Gas prices affecting market for homes
In his hunt for a new home, Demetrius Stroud crunched the numbers to find out that, with gas prices climbing, moving near an Amtrak station is the best thing for his wallet. Stroud was looking in Elk Grove., Calif. - about 85 miles away from his job in the San Francisco Bay Area - because homes there are more affordable. But with gas at $4.50 and a car that gets about 22 miles per gallon, Stroud would be pumping $560 a month into his tank. So instead he made an offer on a home near the train station in Davis, which will shave $160 off his commuting costs. "I wouldn't even be able to consider doing it without that Amtrak possibility," said Stroud, 45, who also telecommutes one day a week to his job in software quality assurance.   [more]   [top of page]

WITCHITA KANSAS NEWS, USA Fuel prices have shippers opting for rail transport, which hurts trucking firms
Consumers are acutely aware of the pain they feel every time they pull up to the gas pump these days. Less obvious, but equally painful, is the effect of fuel costs on the price of almost everything, including the companies that ship, receive or transport freight. "We've seen a reduction in the number of loads being shipped, mostly because people are trying to optimize shipments and waiting a few days until they have a full load to send," said Harry Conway with Pratt Industries, formerly Love Box, in Wichita. "They're trying to get the most for their money." Few companies have been hit as hard as those that haul freight. Nationwide, the trucking industry lost 935 trucking companies with at least five trucks during the first quarter of 2008, the largest number of trucking-related business failures since the third quarter of 2001, according to statistics from the American Trucking Association. The effect of fuel prices is felt on almost all goods and services. Trucks haul 70 percent of all the freight tonnage in the U.S., and 80 percent of the communities in America receive all their goods -- food to housewares to clothing to raw materials -- on trucks, meaning fuel prices have an effect on the cost of almost everything.   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER World-first ethanol plant planned for Edmonton
Edmonton will be home to the world's first industrial-scale facility to produce biofuels from municipal solid waste, following the signing of a 25-year agreement between the City, ethanol producer GreenField Ethanol, and biofuels technology company Enerkem. The $70 million facility will initially produce 36 million litres of biofuels per year and reduce Alberta's CO2 footprint by more than six million tonnes over the next 25 years, the equivalent of removing 12,000 cars off the road each year. 'This facility is another fine example for the world that Alberta is a great place for companies to bring newly commercialized technology to the marketplace,' said Doug Horner, Minister of Advanced Education and Technology. 'All of the partners can be pleased that they are part of a facility that is taking a lead role in developing innovative technologies and making a real difference for the environment.'   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER Canada harmonizes bumper standard
The federal government has passed a new regulation that harmonizes the Canadian car test speed requirements for bumpers on passenger cars with those already established in North American and European markets. The updated standards ensure that new, internationally-consistent pedestrian safety requirements can be introduced; that design and manufacturing costs can be reduced for Canadian manufacturers; and that consumers are provided with more choice, while maintaining road safety. 'This amendment will offer more choice to Canadians who wish to import vehicles, while maintaining the safety of Canadian roads,' said Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. 'It will also improve Canada's international competitiveness by lowering development and testing costs.' The bumper standard harmonization is consistent with the spirit of the Canada-U.S. Security and Prosperity Partnership, to reduce regulatory differences and facilitate international trade, while maintaining high levels of safety. Although the amended standard will facilitate importation, the government warns that Canadians should check with the Registrar of Imported Vehicles at RIV.ca about the rules and processes for importation before buying a vehicle in the U.S.   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER Public forum planned for license enhancements
Ontario has planned a public forum in July to address privacy issues for an enhanced drivers' license (EDL) that can be used as an alternative to a passport when entering the United States by air. The U.S. will require a passport, or an alternate identification device deemed to be secure by that country, to enter at land or sea entry points as of June 1, 2009. Ontario is one of several provinces that have announced an intention to implement an EDL. The public forum will be held July 16 at the Faculty of Information Studies, University of Toronto, Claude T. Bissell Building, 140 St. George Street, Room 205 in Toronto, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 'We want to facilitate the provision of clear factual information on the voluntary EDL initiative proposed in Ontario,' said Dr. Ann Cavoukian, Ontario's Information and Privacy Commissioner. 'The focus of this public forum is to help the public understand the facts of the EDL proposal.'   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER B.C. auto insurance costs drop July 1
Customers of the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia's (ICBC) personal optional insurance will see their rates for optional coverage go down by an average of three per cent, effective July 1, 2008. Almost 71 per cent of customers who purchase both their basic and optional insurance for their private passenger vehicles from ICBC will see their combined rates decrease or stay roughly the same. ICBC announced the optional rate reduction earlier this year, when it also indicated there was no need for an additional basic rate change in 2008. A recent reduction in some claims costs, particularly for vehicle theft, have allowed for a decrease in optional rates this year. 'Over the past five years, ICBC has been able to hold the line or reduce rates for our optional insurance customers,' said Geri Prior, ICBC president and CEO. 'Overall insurance rates for B.C. drivers continue to be low and stable. Customers who have purchased the same basic and optional coverage from ICBC over the last five years have seen only a $2 increase on average in their premium over this period.' The combined effect of basic and optional rate setting for 2008 means that 56 per cent of private passenger vehicle customers will see a savings of between $5 and $99 on their yearly insurance premiums, while three per cent will save $100 or more. Twelve per cent will see their rates stay roughly the same.   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER Chrysler launches in-vehicle Internet connectivity
Chrysler LLC's Mopar division has announced that it will launch Uconnect Web, an in-vehicle wireless Internet connectivity for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge consumers in the U.S. The system will be available in August as a dealer-installed Mopar accessory. Uconnect Web provides high-speed data transfer, combining WiFi and 3G connectivity, and transforms the vehicle into a mobile 'hot spot' for unlimited and uninterrupted Internet connectivity for all passengers in and around the vehicle wherever cellular service is available. The 'hot spot' connection radius is approximately 100 feet (30.5 metres). The system enables all vehicle passengers to simultaneously connect with WiFi-enabled devices, such as a laptop, iPhone, Sony Playstation or PDA to access the Internet, view streaming movies or television shows, download music, download or upload images, and play online games. The suggested retail price of the router is US$449; dealer installation is approximately US$35 to $50, while the Internet account service is US$29 a month with a one-time US$35 service activation fee.   [more]   [top of page]

HOUSTON CHRONICLE, USA Tired of gas prices, man burns BMW
A German man doused his BMW with gasoline and torched it on Friday in protest of skyrocketing fuel costs, police said. The unemployed 30-year-old drove the 1995 BMW 3-series sedan onto the lawn outside Frankfurt's convention center, police spokesman Karlheinz Wagner said. He then jumped out, emptied a canister of gas over the vehicle and set fire to it, Wagner said. By the time the fire department got to the scene, the car was entirely burned out. The man, whose name was being withheld because he has not been charged with a crime, told police that gas prices were so high he could no longer afford to drive the vehicle. Gasoline prices have risen steadily in Germany; a liter of regular gasoline now costs the equivalent of about $9.40 per gallon.   [more]   [top of page]

June 27, 2008

Today in automotive history - on this day in 1990 Paramount released Days of Thunder, a film created by the team that brought the world Top Gun. In Days of Thunder, Tom Cruise stars as Cole Trickle, a brash young stock-car racer with more skill than brains. He gets a ride from team owner Tim Daland (Randy Quaid), and sets out to take the NASCAR establishment by storm in his Mellow Yellow car. In his way stands hard-nosed Winston Cup champion Rowdy Burns (Michael Rocker). Read more about this day in history at The History Channel.

DETROIT NEWS Chrysler reveals 2009 Dodge Ram, touts better fuel economy
The all-new 2009 Dodge Ram pickup -- equipped with a 5.7-liter Hemi engine -- touts improved horsepower, torque and fuel economy compared to the 2008 version. The Hemi version of the truck achieves 390 horsepower and 407-pound feet of torque, both of which are best in class, said executives who showed off the truck and the rest of Chrysler's 2009 lineup during a media event Thursday morning at the automaker's proving ground in Chelsea. Its Multiple Displacement System, a fuel-saving technology that shuts off four of the engine's eight cylinders when they're not needed, helps improve the Hemi's fuel economy by 4 percent. "While the all-new HEMI engine maintains the key characteristics that makes HEMI a household name in powertrains, we added new technologies -- including Variable Valve Timing -- that substantially improve fuel economy and refinement and maximize performance," said Bob Lee, Chrysler vice president for Powertrain Product Engineering.    [more]   [top of page]

DETROIT NEWS Gas prices fuel drop in car owner satisfaction
Drivers of new cars were less satisfied with their vehicles this year for the first time in at least five years due mainly to rising fuel prices, according to an annual survey released Thursday. The survey, which measures owner delight with the design, layout and performance of new vehicles, saw the industry average drop by two points on a scale of 1,000, from 772 in 2007 to 770 this year. It was the first drop in at least five years, said Neal Oddes, J.D. Power's director of product research and analysis. Gas prices rose 27 percent in the period between the 2007 and 2008 surveys, he said, but the survey found that fuel economy stayed the same at an average of 21 miles per gallon. "The fuel economy hasn't improved from last year to this year," Oddes said. "You just haven't seen that movement."    [more]   [top of page]

DETROIT NEWS U.S. automakers need federal research money, GM's Wagoner tells Obama
U.S. carmakers need a boost in federal research spending and incentives for consumers to adopt new and expensive technologies, General Motors Corp.'s top executive told Barack Obama Thursday. Obama kicked off a forum with top business and academic leaders with a question to GM Chairman and Chief Executive Rick Wagoner, asking what the next president can do to help domestic automakers adjust to rising gas prices and increasing environmental concerns. "We've got a lot of smart people working" on new technologies such as battery-powered vehicles and hydrogen fuel cells, Wagoner said, but government support for basic research on new energy technologies is crucial. "We need to keep in mind ... application of these new technologies is pretty expensive," Wagoner said. "We need to provide some support to make sure these new technologies are affordable to consumers."    [more]   [top of page]

REUTERS, JAPAN Toyota mulls hiking car prices in Japan - Nikkei
Toyota Motor Corp (7203.T: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) is considering raising the prices of passenger vehicles sold in Japan as higher steel and other raw materials costs weigh heavily on its profits, the Nikkei business daily said on Friday. Toyota, the world's largest automaker, may go so far as to raise the prices of all vehicles at once and will make a final decision as early as next month, the paper said. "We'll make a final decision after evaluating April-June sales and production costs," a top Toyota official was quoted by the Nikkei. Price increases by the industry leader will likely prompt other major automakers to follow suit, the paper said.   [more]   [top of page]

ATHLONE ADVERTISER, IRELAND Mazda2 gets stylish and sporty new 3-door version
One of the keys to Mazda's continuing growth in Europe and around the world has been a strategy of expanding the line-up with exciting vehicles that appeal to an ever-wider group of customers. In less than two years, Mazda has introduced several vehicles that were never in its portfolio before, like the high-performance Mazda3 MPS, the unique power retractable hardtop MX-5 Roadster Coupe, and the sports crossover SUV Mazda CX-7. This strategy is now set to continue with the European launch of the first three-door Mazda2. Launched in October 2007 as Mazda's first new-generation vehicle to be evolved to a new level, the all-new Mazda2 was an immediate hit with European customers, finding almost 40,000 owners to the end of April 2008. In December last year, Mazda2 five-door was awarded a 5-star rating for adult occupant protection in Euro NCAP crash testing.   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER BCAA pleased with new drug impairment law
The British Columbia Automobile Association (BCAA) is applauding Bill C-2, which as of July 2 will require drivers to submit to a Standardized Field Sobriety Test for impairment when demanded by a peace officer who suspects they are driving while impaired by drugs. The bill empowers Canadian police who suspect a driver of being impaired by any drug, whether illegal, prescription or over-the-counter, to demand the subject submit to a breathalyzer test, physical coordination tests and an assessment by a drug recognition expert using the Drug Evaluation and Classification assessment, along with a demand of bodily fluid samples, including blood, saliva or urine.   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER Volvo cuts 2,000 jobs worldwide
Volvo has announced that it is cutting 2,000 jobs worldwide as part of an extensive cost reduction program. The move will affect 1,400 white-collar and 600 blue-collar jobs in Sweden. The notice includes 1,200 employees at Volvo Car Corporation, 45 employees at Volvo Car Sweden, and 50 employees at Volvo Cars Body Components. The company will also cancel contracts with approximately 500 consultants, and plans to reduce its workforce by 300 people abroad. The company attributes the job cuts to negative currency effects, mainly due to the weak U.S. dollar, and increasing raw material prices which it said 'have for a long time had a significant impact on Volvo Cars' financial situation.' The company reported a financial loss of US$151 million in the first quarter of 2008. The company is implementing a cost reduction program which is estimated to reduce the total cost level by approximately US$700 million, with staff reductions as part of the program.   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER Critics want biofuel bill hearings extended
Farm leaders and international development groups raised concerns at hearings in Ottawa regarding Bill C-33 by the Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources. The bill, which is expected to be adopted by the Senate before the summer, would amend the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and enable the government to establish a mandatory five per cent biofuels in gas for transportation via regulation. Consequently, Senators are expediting hearings on the bill and will return to the Senate today to vote on Bill C-33, despite reports that link biofuels to the growing global food crisis. As a result of the expedited hearings, many groups have not yet had a chance to appear before the Senate, including Greenpeace and other environmental groups.   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER ICBC sends message about drinking and driving
The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC), in conjunction with the Province and police, is sending a message to all drivers that 'it's time to bury all excuses for drinking and driving'. Yesterday, ICBC and police launched a month-long public awareness and enforcement campaign at a graveside service at Hatley Memorial Gardens, where signs with common excuses for drinking and driving, such as 'It's only a short drive home' and 'I'm OK to drive' were buried. 'More than 100 British Columbians die every year as a direct result of drinking and driving,' said John van Dongen, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. 'The tragedy behind that number is the terrible cost to B.C. families and the fact that those deaths are preventable.' ICBC's campaign features radio, television, restaurant and bar advertising; the company will also work with employers to help spread the message to their staff. Police throughout the province will ramp up road checks throughout the summer.   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER Porsche announces innovations on 911 models
Porsche has announced new engines, all-wheel drive systems, transmissions, interior features and exterior design cues that will mark the evolutionary advances of the new 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S models, which will join the already-announced two-wheel drive 911 Carrera and Carrera S models. The changes will result in enhanced performance, better fuel economy and reduced emissions. The 3.6-litre engine in the Carrera 4 increases by 20 horsepower to 345 hp, while the 3.8-litre in the 4S increases by 30 horsepower to 385 hp.    [more]   [top of page]

STAR TELEGRAM, TEXAS USA Woman jumps out of moving car on Fla. Interstate
It's not uncommon for someone to make a dramatic exit in the middle of an argument, but the gesture should probably be avoided while traveling on the Interstate. Marquita Cherrell Armstrong was a passenger in a car driven by Jeffery Dawayne Watson Tuesday when the two got into an argument on I-10 near Tallahassee. State troopers said Armstrong told Watson that she wanted to get out, but Watson refused to pull over in a construction zone. That's when Armstrong opened the car door and jumped out. Armstrong was taken to the hospital with serious injuries.   [more]   [top of page]

June 25, 2008

Today in automotive history - on this day in 1956 the last 1956 Packard was produced, marking the end of production at Packard's Connor Avenue plant in Detroit, Michigan. Packard would continue to manufacture cars in South Bend, Indiana, until 1958, but for those familiar with Packard the last 1956 is considered the last true Packard car. Read more about this day in history at The History Channel.

DETROIT NEWS GM bumps '09 prices, cuts truck output
General Motors Corp. will add $1,000 to the average price of its 2009 cars and trucks, a hike that comes as the struggling automaker deepens production cuts and rolls out generous incentives to battle sinking U.S. sales. With losses mounting and its share price hovering near a 33-year low, GM on Monday outlined several moves to help the company cope with a brutal U.S. auto market. A shaky economy and $4-a-gallon gas are keeping consumers out of showrooms and leading many to shun profitable big trucks and SUVs. To spur sales, GM will offer six years of free financing on virtually all of its trucks and many of its cars in a deal that begins today.    [more]   [top of page]

DETROIT NEWS McCain: $300 million for battery
John McCain offered an unusual approach to helping automakers who have long sought financial assistance to develop advanced batteries: a cash prize. McCain, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, on Monday proposed a $300 million taxpayer-funded cash award "for the development of a battery package that has the size, capacity, cost and power to leap frog the commercially available plug-in hybrids or electric cars," he said at a speech at Fresno State University. The battery will have to deliver the necessary power at 30 percent of current costs. Final details of the plan are not yet available, but Douglas Holtz-Eakin, a senior McCain economic adviser, told The Detroit News that any company worldwide could qualify for the $300 million as long as they planned to sell in the United States -- meaning U.S. taxpayers could end up paying a battery maker from Asia, where most research is being conducted.    [more]   [top of page]

DETROIT NEWS Green a la cart: 'Pimped out' golf buggy saves big on fuel bill
When filling up his Ford F-150 pickup and Ford Explorer got too expensive two years ago, John Auld of Grosse Pointe Park began searching for a new way to get around town. He found it last winter in a seven-year-old golf cart he bought from a local course. The former mechanical engineer turned computer software salesman rigged it with headlights, windshield wipers, turn signals, seat belts and other devices to render it street legal. And for the past couple of months, he and his wife, Candace, have been taking it to the neighborhood grocery store, park and restaurants, often with their three children, saving about $100 a month in gas. The cart cruises at a top speed of 25 miles per hour and can be legally driven on streets where the speed limit is 35 mph or slower. It is powered by an electric battery that, when fully charged, is good for 30 miles. The cost to recharge it -- 50 cents -- is a far cry from the $80 it took to fill up the family's truck or SUV. "It's annoying driving an F-150," he said. "I love it for when I'm using it for work. But when you're just taking it around town, it's not practical." The cart, he said, is not only cheaper but fun to drive too.    [more]   [top of page]

UNITED KINGDOM PRESS, Record hopeful steam car unveiled
A British-built steam car which hopes to break the longest standing land speed record is to be unveiled. The vehicle is aiming to beat the record of 128mph set by Fred Marriot in 1906 and will be tested at Thorney Island in Portsmouth. The team behind the project, called the British Steam Car Challenge, includes the test driver Don Wales, 42, from Surrey, who is nephew of the late Donald Campbell and grandson of Sir Malcolm Campbell, who both set speed records on land and water. The driver of the vehicle during the record attempt in America later this year will be Charles Burnett III, 52, from Lymington in Hampshire. The steam car will be shipped to salt flats at Bonneville in the United States in July this year in preparation for the World Record attempt between August 25 and 27. The team has had support from former world land speed record holder Richard Noble.   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER Price doesn't deter hybrid appeal, says J.D. Power
Hybrid-electric vehicles are garnering particularly high interest among U.S. consumers, both before and after an average market premium of US$5,000 is revealed, according to a new study by J.D. Power. The study measures consumer familiarity, interest and purchase intent for emerging automotive technologies, both before and after an estimated market value is revealed. The study found that before the market price is revealed, 72 per cent of consumers said they are 'definitely/probably' interested in having the technology in their next vehicle. This marks a considerable increase from the 2005 study, when only 58 per cent of consumers reported being 'definitely/probably' interested. Additionally, after the average price point of US$5,000 was revealed, consumer interest remained relatively high at 46 per cent in 2008.   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER Hybridfest to focus on rising fuel prices
The annual Hybridfest 2008 is scheduled to run as part of the Dane County Fair on July 19 and 20, 2008, in Madison, Wisconsin, and is expected to draw hybrid vehicles and participants from across the U.S. and Canada. The event will offer the largest selection of clean and sustainable vehicles in one venue, including hybrids, plug-in hybrids, biodiesel, electric, propane, compressed natural gas and other experimental vehicles. The two-day event includes speakers who will share fuel-saving driving tips, along with displays by manufacturers, dealers, environmental groups, vendors and exhibitors, the MPG Challenge, and test drives. The 2007 edition drew more than 12,000 people; admission to the 2008 event is free with the purchase of a ticket to the fair.   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER Scion marks fifth anniversary in U.S.
Scion, an entry-level Toyota nameplate not sold in Canada, has marked its five-year anniversary of sales in the United States. The brand continues to draw the youngest median age in the automotive industry; at launch, its goals were to bring young consumers into the Toyota family and implement a new business model for selling cars. 'In five short years, Scion has succeeded in hitting these marks,' said Jack Hollis, Scion vice-president. 'It has the youngest median age in the automotive industry, 31, and nearly 72 per cent of owners are new to the Toyota family. These are the elements we measure to determine if the brand is successful. In addition, we're proud to have an enthusiastic owner base and to bring new products, processes and marketing to the automotive market, more than just new products to the automotive market.'   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER First Canadian customers receive Ford Flex
The first customers in Canada to drive the all-new Ford Flex, built at the company's Oakville Assembly Complex in Ontario, received their vehicles this week. Paul Hird, Ronald Gruber and Carolyn Cross-Gagnon took delivery of their new Flex crossovers from dealerships in Ontario. Kennedy Ford Sales in Oakville delivered the vehicles to Hird and Cross-Gagnon, while Gruber received his Flex from Airport Ford Lincoln Sales in Hamilton. 'I'm an Oakville business owner and Ford is based in Oakville, so I wanted to deal with Ford,' said Paul Hird, who owns Corbett's Source for Sports in Oakville. 'As soon as I saw the Ford Flex, I thought it looked great. It has a nice ride and lots of space in the back, too.' The Flex is built alongside the Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX at the company's plant in Oakville, west of Toronto.    [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER Mazda to cut fuel consumption 30 per cent by 2015
The Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that it is planning to reduce the fuel consumption of Mazda vehicles sold globally by an average 30 per cent by 2015. The commitment will entail using lightweight technologies, an upgrade of almost all gasoline engines, the introduction of a Smart Idle Stop System, a new gasoline rotary engine and new diesel engines worldwide. By 2015, Mazda will have renewed almost its entire powertrain line-up, and from 2011, aims to reduce the weight of its new vehicles by 100 kg or more through development of safe, lightweight, new-generation platforms. From 2001 to 2008, the average fuel economy of Mazda vehicles sold in Japan increased by approximately 30 per cent, and in 1991, the company embarked on a long-term project to develop vehicles powered by hydrogen technology.   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER Blind concerned with silent engine technology
The U.S. National Federation of the Blind, the country's oldest and large organization of blind people, has addressed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on the dangers posed to the blind and other pedestrians by silent engine technology, such as that used in hybrid and electric vehicles. Because blind people cannot locate and evaluate traffic by sight, they must listen to discern speed, direction and other attributes in order to travel safely and independently. New vehicles, especially those that employ hybrid or electric engine technology, can be silent and can be extremely dangerous in situations where vehicles and pedestrians come into proximity with each other. The National Federation advocates the establishment of a minimum sound standard for all new vehicles sold and licensed in the United States.   [more]   [top of page]

BOSTON GLOBE, USA Indiana boy, 7, drives grandma's car to the mall
A 7-year-old boy drove his grandmother's car more than a mile to a shopping mall before another motorist blocked the car and took the keys, police said. Several motorists called police around 9 a.m. Tuesday to report a small child driving toward Muncie Mall on the city's north side. The boy was so small that some motorists could not see anyone behind the wheel, Police Chief Deborah Davis said. "I'm kind of amazed at the whole thing," she said. Matthew Sands of Hartford City said he followed the Geo Tracker into the mall parking lot and tried to block the boy from leaving as he drove into some bushes and a tree. Sands said the boy backed the car into his vehicle before he was able to get the keys away from him. "He was awful small to be driving," said Sands. Child welfare workers were called to investigate the case, Davis said. She did not immediately know whether the boy was returned to his family.   [more]   [top of page]

June 23, 2008

Today in automotive history - on this day in 1991 Bertrand Gachot, Johnny Herbert, and Volker Wiedler won the 24-Hours of Le Mans driving a Mazda. It was the first time an automaker outside of Western Europe had won the prestigious title. The 1990s has seen a resurgence of interest in Le Mans, as companies struggle to make better handling more durable sports cars for the world market. The 1991 Mazda was also the first car to win Le Mans with a Wankel rotary engine. The engine consisted of four rotors with three sequential spark plugs per rotor. The Mazda drove 4,923 kilometers at an average speed of 295kmh. Read more about this day in history at The History Channel.

DETROIT NEWS Gas giveaways gain steam
A cafe in Farmington Hills is doing it. So is a hotel in Sterling Heights, a carmaker, an awning seller and a national golf club company. Even the American Red Cross is getting in on today's hottest giveaway gig -- free gasoline. With the price of gas shooting up more than 30 percent in the past year and now stuck above $4 a gallon, businesses are turning to the gas card as a way to get consumers' attention and increase sales. Business owners say they know free gas isn't necessarily the deciding factor for patrons looking to buy their wares or services, but they believe it makes people more inclined to stop and take a look. Among the local deals: Vineyards Cafe in Farmington Hills gives away a voucher for a free gallon of gas to customers who buy two deli sandwiches; Best Western Sterling Inn has a $20 gas card for visitors who buy the "Fill up Friday" package that includes a Friday night stay and indoor water park pass; and Chrysler has been offering customers who buy or lease a new vehicle three years' worth of gas at a guaranteed price of $2.99 a gallon.    [more]   [top of page]

DETROIT NEWS Chrysler commits to more hybrids
Chrysler LLC finally has a hybrid coming to market and executives promise it's just the beginning. The Auburn Hills automaker, which debuted its new hybrid Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen here recently, says it could quickly and easily expand its environmentally friendly offerings. "These are our first hybrids, but they are not going to be our last," Michael Berube, a senior manager for Chrysler brand marketing, told reporters taking test drives of the Hemi-powered hybrid SUVs this week. "In the future, hybrid and another fuel-saving technology will come in all sizes, shapes and colors." Chrysler has partnered with General Motors Corp., Daimler AG and BMW AG in the development of a Two-Mode Hybrid System and intends to use the powertrain in future models. The most logical next vehicles are their rear-wheel drive sedans and trucks.    [more]   [top of page]

SUNDAY MIRROR, U.K. Gordon Brown wants us to drive electric cars to beat oil crisis
Gordon Brown wants drivers to switch to electric cars to help beat the global oil crisis. The PM will praise the motors in urgent talks in the Middle East today to seek ways to combat the soaring cost of fuel. He wants car makers and governments to work together to make the low-polluting vehicles cheaper and more efficient and to dispel their uncool image. The bold idea will form a key part of Mr Brown's proposed "new deal" between the oil-rich Saudi sheikhs and the West. Downing Street sources last night revealed Mr Brown wants more done to remove the barriers to electric cars.   [more]   [top of page]

USA TODAY Prepare to pay if you don't gas up car rental
If it was difficult to swallow $4 a gallon for gas, try digesting $8 - the current price you'll pay at some car rental locations if you return your vehicle without a full tank. A USA Today survey of eight car-rental companies found prices of $7.99, or $8, a gallon at all 10 airports surveyed. The prices were levied upon renters who return a car without a full tank of gas or don't prepay for a full tank at the car rental company's set price. The airports surveyed were Boston, Chicago O'Hare, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Los Angeles, Miami, New York JFK, San Francisco, Seattle-Tacoma and Washington National. The biggest rental-car companies charge the most when customers don't refuel a vehicle or agree to the prepay option. Avis and Budget say most customers refuel their vehicles, and auto rental consultant Neil Abrams agrees that's what's happening throughout the industry. But only a small percentage choose to prepay, and many renters return vehicles without refueling, Abrams says.   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER Toyota introduces lower-priced Tacoma model
Toyota Canada has announced the introduction of the 2009 Toyota Tacoma, with a new four-cylinder 4x4 Access Cab model and a starting price of $20,215, an MSRP that is $250 lower than last year's comparable Tacoma. 'For the 2009 model year, we offer new added value to eight different Tacoma models featuring a range of cab sizes and powertrains to ensure there's a Toyota for everyone who values the convenience and usefulness of a compact pickup truck,' said Tony Wearing, Managing Director of Toyota Canada. 'Moreover, we offer Tacoma buyers additional standard equipment, including additional airbags, active headrests, vehicle control systems, LED taillamps, and amenities such as an upgraded audio system.'   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER Canadian sales of small cars up 8.3 per cent in May
The Honda Civic continued to lead Canadian passenger car sales, while the Ford F-Series topped pickup truck sales in May, according to industry analyst Dennis DesRosiers. 'Entry level vehicle sales continue to lead the charge to higher sales in the Canadian market,' DesRosiers said. 'For the month of May, entry-level sales were up 8.3 per cent and for the year-to-date they are up 14.7 per cent.' DesRosiers said that the move in the U.S. to smaller vehicles is creating a shortage in Canada. 'So although these sales have never been higher from a market share perspective, they would have been even higher if the OEMs could find the product,' he said. For May 2008, the top ten best-selling passenger vehicles, in order, were the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Toyota Yaris, Hyundai Accent, Chevrolet Cobalt, Pontiac G5, Nissan Versa, Toyota Matrix and Honda Accord.   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER Chrysler announces pricing of new Aspen hybrid SUV
Chrysler Canada has announced that its new full-size 2009 Aspen Hemi Hybrid will retail for $55,995, more than $12,000 below its competitors, says the company. Additionally, customers may be able to capitalize on provincial tax rebates. The model is Chrysler's first entry into the hybrid market. 'The 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hemi Hybrid provides customers the balance they need between performance, utility, capability and fuel efficiency,' said Mark Bosanac, vice-president of Marketing. 'Chrysler's multi-displacement system (MDS) combined with the advanced two-mode hybrid system provide the Chrysler Aspen with a 40 per cent fuel economy improvement in the city and 25 per cent overall fuel economy improvement.'   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER GM collaborates on driverless vehicles
General Motors Corporation and Carnegie Mellon University have announced a new Collaborative Research Lab (CRL) and a renewed commitment to work jointly to accelerate the emerging field of autonomous driving, with the goal of producing a family of electronics and software technologies that could influence the way drivers and vehicles interact in the future. The CRL is being established under the terms of a five-year, US$5 million agreement; it will operate as an extension of GM's Global Research & Development network and will be located at Carnegie Mellon in Pittsburgh. Faculty from the university's School of Computer Science and College of Engineering will participate.   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER Honda launches Auto-Max railcar fleet
Honda has fully deployed its 400-car fleet of Auto-Max railcars, achieving a significant reduction in the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions associated with its automobile distribution activities in the U.S. The fleet of space-efficient Auto-Max railcars is the only such automaker-operated fleet in use in the United States. Including the Auto-Max shipments, American Honda currently transports about 82 per cent of its automobiles across the country by rail, achieving the highest rail-shipping rate of any automaker. Each multi-level railcar holds up to 22 vehicles and can hold both trucks and cars to reduce unused space. An average bi-level railcar can transport only 10 trucks, generally of a single vehicle type; the result is less fuel usage per vehicle shipped. The Auto-Max railcars also have an estimated 50-year lifespan, versus standard railcars which typically require a major overhaul after 20 years of service.   [more]   [top of page]

STAR TELEGRAM, TEXAS, USA Gas station clerk jumps into car to stop theft
A gas station cashier in western Michigan says she thought she'd be able to stop a fuel thief by jumping in his car. Nope, he just kept driving. Twenty-one-year-old Jessica Sudy says she had already seen the same motorist leave the Spring Lake gas station twice without paying. On Wednesday she says she wrote down his license plate number, but then the man grabbed the paper from her and fled with more than $30 worth of gas. The 4-foot-9 cashier says thefts cut into her monthly bonus. So she hopped inside the car as the man drove off. She got out a block away. Police are seeking charges against a 22-year-old suspect tracked down through vehicle registration. And Sudy has gotten lectures from police, her manager and her mother.   [more]   [top of page]

June 20, 2008

Today in automotive history - on this day in 1945 Shekhar Mehta, the only five-time winner of the Safari Rally, was born in Nairobi, Kenya. The most grueling rally race in the world, the Safari originated in 1953 at the behest of the Royal East African Automobile Association. East African racing clubs had maintained an interest in running an international rally event ever since the road from Nairobi to Johannesburg had become a popular route for endurance tests during the 1930s. Logistical problems prevented plotting a racecourse form Nairobi to Johannesburg. In 1953, in an unstable Kenya, the Royal East African Auto Club organizers seized on the idea of a race that would remain entirely in East Africa. A racecourse starting and finishing in Nairobi and circumnavigating Lake Victoria was considered ideal. Racing enthusiasts gathered support for the plan by suggesting that the race be held in honor of Queen Elizabeth's June 2nd coronation. The idea was approved by colonial authorities, and the race was on. Since that inaugural race, the Safari has become one of the world's premier rally races. Read more about this day in history at The History Channel.

DETROIT NEWS 17,398 hourly workers take GM buyout
General Motors Corp. will usher out 17,398 hourly workers through buyout offers and retirement incentives rolled out this spring, according to a final count of departing employees released today by the automaker. GM last month said about 19,000 workers opted for one of the packages, which included 1,259 who had already retired and were eligible retroactively. Workers had a week to change their minds after taking an offer. Most workers will be gone by July 1. Nearly half those leaving -- about 8,500 -- are from Michigan factories. The Flint area alone is set to lose 1,800 workers. GM extended the offers to all 74,000 United Auto Workers-represented employees in the U.S. as part of a plan to move out highly paid veterans and replace them with lower-wage new hires.    [more]   [top of page]

DETROIT NEWS June vehicle selling pace falls to unexpectedly low level
June is shaping up to be one of the worst months in recent memory for auto sales, with consumers steering clear of large gas-guzzlers and automakers running low on supplies of small, fuel-efficient models that are in demand. After an unexpectedly weak start to the month, several auto analysts and forecasters predicted a huge drop Wednesday in the annualized selling rate for June to as low as 12.5 million vehicles. That's a figure that would have been unthinkable just a few months ago. The last time annual car and truck sales came in below 13 million was in 1992. "Two months ago, we were seeing dramatic shifts in the market, but this month it's just huge," said George Peterson, president of AutoPacific Inc. in Tustin, Calif. "Four dollars a gallon really was the trigger point."    [more]   [top of page]

DETROIT NEWS GM delays truck overhaul
General Motors Corp. has indefinitely put off plans to re-engineer a next generation of full-size pickups and SUVs amid plummeting sales of large trucks, the automaker said Wednesday. Instead of overhauling big trucks like the Chevrolet Silverado pickup and GMC Yukon SUV in a few years, GM will save money and resources by improving on the current models launched in 2007. Delaying a remodel of the trucks also gives GM time to factor in the effects of new federal fuel economy mandates. GM could save $250 million to $300 million by putting off that makeover for just one year, said analyst Jim Hall of 2953 Analytics LLP in Birmingham.    [more]   [top of page]

DETROIT NEWS If versatile economy is your trip, any of these five cars can get you there
They are America's future: Those little cars that can stretch every $4 a gallon of gas for a few more miles. Spurred by spending a few hours pay just to get to work every day, consumers have stormed dealerships to buy these fuel-efficient small cars in record numbers this year. Sales in the subcompact car segment are up 34 percent this year, according to Autodata Corp., and, no doubt, that trend will continue to skyrocket as more people perform pump pain prevention. So, which are the best of the smallest? The five top-selling subcompacts are all priced below $15,000 and all hit at least 30 miles per gallon on the highway. On the surface, they offer similar amenities, but spend a little time in each one, and you'll start to notice the differences. I test drove the following 2008 subcompacts: The Chevrolet Aveo5 LS, the Honda Fit, the Kia Spectra LX, the Nissan Versa SL and the Toyota Yaris sedan.    [more]   [top of page]

DETROIT NEWS Michigan economy setbacks: Job losses, auto sales
Michigan's unemployment rate leaped to 8.5 percent in May, the highest monthly level since the doldrums of October 1992, according to the state Department of Labor & Economic Growth. The shocking 1.6 point hike for the month comes just one month shy of the state's eighth straight year of payroll job losses. Also Wednesday, auto industry forecasters predicted that June would bring another steep decline in U.S. auto sales, with the annualized selling rate falling as low as 12.5 million vehicles. It was a depressing case of deja vu: The last time Michigan faced this same set of weak numbers was in 1992, when the state's jobless rate stalled between 8 percent and 9 percent and U.S. car and truck sales came in at 12.9 million vehicles. After years of being gripped in a one-state recession, Michigan now confronts those tough numbers again, with the U.S. economy on the brink of a recession.    [more]   [top of page]

ECONOMIC TIMES, INDIA Funky cars to hit the road
Gas may be hitting the price equivalent of the stratosphere but that ain't stopping the top dogs in the car mart from cranking out new launches. According to announcements, broad hints, market speculation and the Motown grapevine, the new launches lined up for the next 12-18 months range from the cute to the cutting-edge, from green wagons to funky minis. Take Audi. The German sporty-luxe car market has indicated that it's next BIG draw will be the new A7. So what's new about this babe? Pretty much everything. Targetted at the four-door coupe market, it will package luxury and performance alongside youthful cool. Due for debut in the summer of 2010, this new platform will be crucial to Audi's top-gear growth plans. The Germans of course aren't the only ones planning big launches. Take Toyota which has decided it needs to do something to counter the green drive from arch rival General Motors. No sooner did the American biggie announce that it was looking to divest its gas guzzler range - namely the Hummer - and focus on green options like the Volt, Toyota has done an encore.    [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER Hyundai announces pricing for 2009 Genesis
Hyundai Auto Canada has announced that its all-new premium sedan, the 2009 Genesis, will start at $37,995 with a V6 engine and $43,995 for a V8. The Genesis is the company's first rear-wheel drive performance sedan. 'This is a luxury car without a luxury price,' said John Vernile, vice-president, sales and marketing. 'With the 2009 Genesis, we wanted to demonstrate that Hyundai can offer all the quality consumers demand from a vehicle today, all the equipment they deserve, and all the power they could want. We are proud to offer a vehicle with the amenities, driving character and performance people would expect from Japanese or European luxury vehicles at a more motivating price. With this pricing, the Genesis will make a premium driving experience accessible to a wide range of deserving customers.'   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER Chrysler Canada announces 2009 Challenger pricing
Chrysler Canada has announced that pricing for the all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger SE will start at $24,995, plus a destination charge of $1,300. The SXT is priced at $26,995, while the 5.7-litre V8-powered R/T is $34,995 and the SRT8 with 6.1-litre V8 engine is $45,995. Dealers across the country are now taking orders for the 2009 model, which will arrive this fall. 'The Canadian-built, all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger gives customers a modern-day reincarnation of this legendary Dodge icon,' said Mark Bosanac, Vice-President, Marketing. 'With an available 3.5-litre V6 engine that delivers 8.1 L/100 km and a price under $25,000, the Dodge Challenger offers the Canadian market a full range of models at an incredible value.'   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN NEWS Dodge and Hyundai recalls announced
Transport Canada has released its latest recalls, which may affect some Dodge and Hyundai vehicles. 2009 Dodge Journey Vehicles affected: 1,200 On certain vehicles equipped with a 3.5-litre engine, the engine wiring harness may contact the left transaxle mount. Damage to the harness could result in an engine compartment fire. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, repair the harness. If no damage is found, the harness will be secured a safe distance from the transaxle. 2007-2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Vehicles affected: 13,237 On certain vehicles, the compliance label contains Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) values that exceed the capacity of the tires. Loading the vehicle beyond its tire capacity could result in poor vehicle handling and braking characteristics, and possible tire failure. Updated labels will be mailed to the owners of affected vehicles, along with instructions for proper installation.    [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER Honda launches India's first hybrid car
Honda Siel Cars India (HSCI) has announced it has launched India's first hybrid car, the Civic Hybrid. The launch is a fulfillment of HSCI's commitment to its customers to bring in the latest technologies and models from Honda's global line-up, and to strengthen its efforts in protection of the environment and conservation of energy sources. The Civic Hybrid will be imported from Japan as a completely built unit, available in white or silver. 'I am proud to unveil Honda's globally-acclaimed and popular Civic Hybrid in India,' said Masahiro Takedagawa, president and CEO of Honda Siel Cars India Ltd. 'In launching this car, our objective is not to get large volumes or to make a statement. Our objective is to give an opportunity to Indian customers to experience this new technology. And they can do that at any of our dealerships across India.'   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER Suncor releases report on climate change
Suncor Energy Inc. has released its 14th annual climate change report, which shows that while greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions climbed slightly during the past year, the company has reduced emission intensity at its oil sands operation by nearly half since 1990. Between 2006 and 2007, Suncor's overall GHG emission intensity increased 3.1 per cent while absolute emissions increased by 3.6 per cent, primarily due to operational challenges at the company's oil sands plant. However, since 1990, the baseline year for Suncor's measurement, emission intensity has decreased by 25 per cent on a company-wide basis and by 44 per cent at its oil sands operation. 'Suncor is focused on generating the oil products consumers demand in a manner that is also responsible to the environment,' said Rick George, Suncor president and CEO. 'While we've increased production, we've been able to achieve decreases in emission intensity across the company through improved energy efficiencies and technological improvements. We must now find ways to make further changes and enhancements at our new and existing facilities that will further reduce emissions.'   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER CAW presses GM for product at Oshawa truck plant
The Canadian Auto Workers Union (CAW) met with General Motors officials on June 17 and have 'pressed GM management to take a close look at the new products being launched over the next year and a half and find one for the Oshawa Truck plant,' the union said in a statement. General Motors has announced it will close the truck plant, in Oshawa, Ontario, in 2009, with a loss of 2,600 jobs. The union was represented by CAW president Buzz Hargrove, Secretary-treasurer Jim O'Neil, and Local 222 president Chris Buckley, along with local leadership. 'GM has told us that there will be 14 new vehicles allocated over the next 18 months,' Hargrove said. 'Clearly it makes sense to put at least one of these into their most productive facility. We made as strong a case as we could for this closure decision to be reversed.' The two sides plan to meet again in the near future but no date has been set.   [more]   [top of page]