Auto News Tidbits

A collection of articles that I have read and found interesting over the past couple of months:

"They're unhappy and we're losing money", said Ford Chief Executive Alan Mulally in response to Ford's efforts to reduce custom variations that prevent dealerships from having the customer's desired vehicle in stock.

California lowers auto emissions rule that will lower the number of electric and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles that automakers sell in California to 7,500 by 2014, a 70 percent reduction from the 2003 target.

Sales incentives offered on new vehicles are up 4% from previous year, with Toyota spending the least on average.

In January, India's Tata Group unveiled The World's Cheapest Car; meet the ten foot long, twenty five hundred dollar Nano. (1/10/08)

Ford sells Land Rover and Jaguar to Tata Group for half of original purchase price. (3/27/08)

Can a longtime Toyota exec fix Chrysler? “We need to be focusing more on the substance and less on sizzle,” says Chrysler’s vice chairman, James E. Press. “Instead of being remembered for cattle, you’d like the Ram truck to be remembered for winning the showdown with the Ford F-150.” (3/13/08)

The Car Care Council lists a few ways to help reduce the financial impact at the pump, as gas prices continue to rise.

Mike Jackson, CEO of AutoNation says of the industries 2008 forecast, "We are at the bottom of this downturn, and we just have to ride it out." (3/20/08)

According to Autodata, sales of the cheapest and most fuel efficient cars are booming as overall industry sales are falling. (3/20/08)

Combat icy and wintry road conditions Double O agent style with the new snow tire by Q Tires.

Introducing Pontiac's latest performance sedan, the G8. (3/29/08)

Customer feedback helped shaped the Ford F-150 redesign. "Before we started working on the new truck, we continued the conversation with people who use these trucks every day for work and play," said Matt O'Leary, chief engineer of the 2009 F-150.

A lengthy strike by auto parts manufacturers threatens to force GM to shut down more plants. (3/29/08)

Car insurance rates to increase in some highly populated states, due in part to rising prices for new vehicles and expenses for labor and replacement parts. (2/9/08)

Chrysler hopes its history of successful Spring months, 40% of Chrysler's minivan sales have traditionally occurred in the Spring, when families are preparing for Summer vacations, help revive minivan sales. (3/28/2008)

New trucks to be unveiled at Dallas Auto Show. "Dealers are real excited about the arrival of the new trucks because both have loyal followings, and you have to remember this is the largest light-duty truck market in the country," said Drew Campbell, president of the New Car Dealers Association of Metropolitan Dallas. (3/31/08)

With a score of 77 percent in the Consumers Union safety category, Volvo is first in consumers' minds when it comes to safety, reports Consumers Union. (3/28/08)