Headlines for Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Latest Detroit sedans fail to win Consumer Reports' recommendations

Some of the latest new car models from Detroit automakers received mixed reviews from Consumer Reports and have failed to win a recommendation from the popular U.S. shopping guide. Read More »

Honda boosts power on 2013 CR-Z

For the 2013 model year mid-cycle upgrade to its CR-Z hybrid hatchback, Honda has added a more powerful lithium ion battery and on-demand power-boost feature. Read More »

Nissan's top executive in Europe sticks to tough target

Nissan aims to pass Toyota as the top-selling Asian brand in Europe by 2016. Colin Dodge, who heads Nissan's European operations, is sticking to this goal despite the region's economic slump. Read More »

Saab mulls speeding up relaunch plan

National Electric Vehicle Sweden, the new owner of Saab, may speed up the brand's relaunch by offering a gasoline-powered 9-3 in 2013 rather than re-starting the brand in 2014 with an EV, a company spokesman said on Tuesday. Read More »

GM manager says ex-engineer took data that could have aided rivals

A former GM engineer took confidential hybrid vehicle information that could lessen the automaker's competitive advantages if shared with other companies, a GM manager said today in court testimony. Read More »

Mass. dealers denied injunction against Tesla store

A Massachusetts judge has denied a request by dealers for a preliminary injunction against Tesla Motors, which will allow the automaker to operate its store in suburban Boston as the dealers' lawsuit against the company proceeds. Read More »

Nissan improves Leaf EV driving range, cuts price

Nissan Motor,, hoping to boost disappointing sales for the Leaf electric car, today said it has improved the driving range of its alternative-fuel vehicle by 14 percent and lowered its price tag. Read More »

Stein adds associate publisher duties at Automotive News

Jason Stein, editor of Automotive News, has taken on the additional role of associate publisher. Stein, 40, has guided the Automotive News newsroom since 2009, when he returned from Munich, Germany, after two years as publisher of Automotive News Europe. Read More »

Mexico, Mexico, Mexico… or maybe not

Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn reveals that, even as his company is building new North American factory capacity, it will run out of room again by 2017 and will need to build still another plant here. Read More »

VW recalls 2,791 Beetle cars in N.A. for airbag issue

Volkswagen is recalling 2,791 Beetle cars in North America because the airbag may deploy even if a child is secured in the front seat. The recall affects 2,471 Beetle cars in the United States and another 320 in Canada from model years 2012 and 2013, VW said. Read More »

GE to buy 2,000 Ford plug-in hybrid vehicles

General Electric will buy 2,000 plug-in hybrid vehicles made by Ford for its corporate fleet, the companies said on Tuesday. Read More »

Italy's Magneti Marelli plans 2nd exhaust systems plant in China

Italian supplier Magneti Marelli plans to build its second exhaust systems plant in China. The new facility, to be built in Hefei in east China's Anhui province, will be a joint venture between Magneti Marelli, Hefei-based Chinese automaker Jianghuai Automobile Co. Read More »

Fiat tumbles on concern it needs more cash to merge with Chrysler

Fiat shares have tumbled because investors fear the Italian carmaker will need to raise fresh cash to finance CEO Sergio Marchionne's plans to combine with Chrysler Group LLC. Increasing its stake in Chrysler would help Fiat access the cash flow of the U.S. Read More »

UK's GKN builds precision parts plant in China

GKN Powder Metallurgy, a unit of UK-based supplier GKN PLC, is building a plant in Yizheng in east China's Jiangsu province to produce small parts for engines, transmissions and chassis. Read More »

Automakers boost advertising in Europe as sales slump deepens

Automakers are boosting advertising in Europe as they seek to get the attention of consumers amid the worst sales slump to grip the region in nearly two decades. Read More »