Directory
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Kia will replace its best-selling Spectra this summer with the Forte, a slightly bigger and more powerful sedan. A coupe version of the Forte — Kia's first coupe — will follow in the fall. No hatchback version will be offered in the United States to replace the Spectra hatchback.
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Wandering around the Frankfurt auto show, you might think the electric era of the automobile is at hand. Virtually every automaker is displaying an electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid. But behind the enthusiasm for green vehicles lies a sharp split in executives' views of the potential of EVs. Some say EVs will be high-volume second cars for busy families. Others say they will be pricey niche players with limited utility.
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Ford Motor Co. is counting on the launch of the redesigned Fiesta to round out its lineup and boost sales in China, where Ford is playing catch-up. Ford sold 160,000 cars in China last year, down 6.5 percent in a market that grew 6.9 percent overall.
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Cadillac will unveil the sleek 2011 CTS coupe next week at the Los Angeles Auto Show. General Motors says the car was designed to become the centerpiece of Cadillac's revised lineup. The car arrives in dealer showrooms in spring 2010, packing a standard 3.6-liter V-6 and a six-speed manual transmission.
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Here is a look at some world debuts this month at the New York International Auto Show.
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PSA/Peugeot-Citroen could delay the introduction of plug-in diesel-electric hybrid cars as it seeks to cut costs during the economic downturn.
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Mercedes' GLK problem: Too many high-end models
Mercedes-Benz has adjusted option packages on its new GLK-class premium SUV to help cope with an oversupply of high-priced versions. Ernst Lieb, CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, said the company exported too many high-end models for the January U.S. launch. April 13 06:01 CET | UPDATED: 4/16/09 10:20 a.m. ET
Mercedes hints at small diesel for E-class
In the biggest hint yet that it intends to introduce four-cylinder diesel power to its North American lineup, Mercedes-Benz unveiled a new E250 Bluetec concept at the New York auto show this week. The new car is based on the E250 CDI sedan set to go on sale in Europe next month. 10:52 am U.S. ET | April 10
Kia introduces sporty Forte Koup
Kia is continuing its major styling overhaul with the introduction of the 2010 Forte Koup at the New York auto show. Based on the Koup concept car that was shown at last year's New York show, the Forte Koup shares the grille treatment and stretched-back headlights with the already introduced Forte sedan. However, the Koup has a lower stance, larger and lower front air dams and a rear diffuser. 4:10 pm U.S. ET | April 9
2010 Subaru Outback grows bigger, bolder
Subaru of America, the brand defying the U.S. sales slump, unveiled a new generation Outback -- the vehicle it is most associated with -- and sister Legacy sedan. The 2010 Legacy mid-size sedan and 2010 Outback wagon will go on sale later this summer. Pricing hasn't been released. 12:33 pm U.S. ET | April 9 | UPDATED: 4/9/09 3:37 p.m. ET
Chrysler's V-6 simplicity debuts in Grand Cherokee
The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee will be the first Chrysler LLC vehicle to feature the company's new Pentastar V-6 engine. The new engine greatly simplifies Chrysler's powertrain offerings and helps the company save money by improving economies of scale. The redesigned Grand Cherokee will appear in dealerships in the spring of 2010 as a 2011 model. 12:04 pm U.S. ET | April 9
U.S. Mitsubishi dealers will get EVs
Mitsubishi Motor Corp. will introduce a small electric car to sell at its U.S. dealerships, the automaker revealed today. The model, a Japan-built ultra-compact with a 330-volt lithium-ion battery, is currently being road-tested in Oregon. Mitsubishi plans to begin marketing the car in Japan in July, and to introduce the car in Europe in 2010. 11:48 am U.S. ET | April 9
Mercedes rolls out Two Mode Hybrid M-class
Having thrown its hat into the hybrid ring with the advanced S400 Hybrid, Mercedes-Benz on Wednesday went public on its second production gasoline-electric model, the ML450 Hybrid. 9:40 am U.S. ET | April 9
Toyota's iQ may be sold as a Scion in the U.S.
A “microsubcompact” car just over 10 feet long is expected to be the fourth Scion model. The iQ is essentially the Toyota iQ, a model sold in Japan and Europe. Scion Vice President Jack Hollis said the concept car is under consideration for sale in the United States. Last year, Toyota engineers in Japan said the car was being engineered for sale here. 1:43 pm U.S. ET | April 8
GM bringing direct injection technology to mainstream models
Direct injection, a highly precise fuel saving technology, will be standard on the new GMC Terrain small SUV, General Motors plans to announce today at the New York Auto Show. GM has been adding the advanced fuel injection system to most of its newly introduced performance and luxury vehicles. But with the Terrain, GM is moving the technology into its mainstream, high volume models. 12:15 am U.S. ET | April 8 | UPDATED: 4/8/09 10:03 a.m. ET
Acura wants ZDX prototype to compete with luxury brands
Acura calls the ZDX prototype a luxury four-door sports coupe. Others may call it a five-door hatchback. Either way, the ZDX is a sleek-looking model intended to start moving the brand into the Tier 1 luxury category, competing with BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus. Sales begin this fall. 11:06 am U.S. ET | April 8
Updated 2010 Mazda CX-9 gets front-end upgrades
An updated 2010 Mazda CX-9 debuts at the New York auto show with exterior and interior styling revisions and an updated features list. Exterior revisions include a front fascia with a new five-point grille that has been employed on the RX-8, the MX-5 and the Mazda 3. Joining the grille are new headlights, fog lamps and larger, more aerodynamic side-mirror. New wheel designs, rear lights and rear fascia garnish complete the outside changes. 10:51 am U.S. ET | April 8
Honda to sell version of Dog Friendly Element this fall
When Honda revealed the WOW (Wonderful Open-hearted Wagon) concept car at the 2005 Tokyo motor show, the response from dog owners was overwhelming. Features such as the dedicated dog ventilation ducts, open cabin and in-dash compartment to hold small dogs resonated with the dog loving public. 9:48 am U.S. ET | April 8
Redesigned 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee offers bigger interior
Jeep is pulling out all the stops for the redesigned 2011 Grand Cherokee. Jeep is promising improvements to on-road comfort, interior accommodations and off-road prowess. Improvements inside begin with larger front- and rear-door openings, which lead to a cabin covered in better-quality leather and real wood trim. 9:04 am U.S. ET | April 8
GM reveals 2-wheel EV prototype with Segway
It's based on the same driving principles as a skateboard, and it looks like a phone booth, or perhaps a baby stroller. But General Motors says a two-seat, two-wheel ride called PUMA could help loosen congestion in crowded urban areas. The acronym stands for Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility, and on Tuesday GM announced a partnership with small vehicle company Segway to develop the diminutive rides. 9:41 am U.S. ET | April 7
GMC juggled twin mandates of 'rugged' and 'fuel-saving' in creating the 2010 Terrain -- video
General Motors product planners were given twin mandates in developing the first compact crossover vehicle for GMC, the Terrain. They had to retain the brand's "rugged" styling signature while creating a vehicle that travels 30 mpg on the highway. In this video, Automotive News Product Editor Rick Kranz discusses the engineering challenges with chief engineer Bob Reuter and design manager Ron Aselton. 12:01 am U.S. ET | April 5
Mercedes E class gets technology cues from S and CL classes
Mercedes on Saturday night gave journalists a glimpse of its 2010 E class with edgy new styling and technology from its more expensive S and CL class vehicles. Pricing won't be announced for several months but Mercedes is expected to continue its aggressive strategy -- similar to the positioning of the new generation C class. 12:01 am U.S. ET | Jan. 11
Suzuki says mid-sized sedan will come to U.S. as planned
Suzuki, refuting media reports from Japan on Monday, today said it still plans to release a mid-sized sedan based on the Kizashi 3 concept in the United States this year. The Nikkei business daily reported that production plans for the car had been shelved. 3:08 pm U.S. ET | Jan. 6
Live from New York
Here is a look at some world debuts this month at the New York International Auto Show. 12:01 am U.S. ET | April 20
In a shift in strategy, Mazda Motor Corp. plans to produce hybrid and electric vehicles. The company aims to boost the average fuel economy of its cars globally 30 percent by 2015. Just last year, Mazda said it did not plan to offer alternative powertrains. 12:01 am U.S. ET | April 13
Chrysler takes Grand Cherokee upscale
With the redesigned 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chrysler LLC aims to create a luxury luster for the Jeep brand. The Grand Cherokee takes aim at luxury crossovers and SUVs such as the Lexus RX, BMW X5, Range Rover and Mercedes-Benz ML. The Jeep arrives in dealerships in spring 2010. 12:01 am U.S. ET | April 13
Mitsubishi electric plans: From show to go in U.S.
Mitsubishi will sell a small electric car in the United States. The car, a Japan-built ultracompact with a 330-volt lithium ion battery, is being road-tested in Oregon. Mitsubishi plans to begin marketing the car in Japan in July and to introduce it in Europe in 2010. The U.S. 12:01 am U.S. ET | April 13
Chrysler's new V-6 will debut in Grand Cherokee
The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee will be the first Chrysler LLC vehicle to feature the company's new Pentastar V-6 engine. The new engine greatly simplifies Chrysler's powertrain offerings and helps the company save money by improving economies of scale. 12:01 am U.S. ET | April 13
Mitsubishi Outlander: Plane, not plain
A production version of the Mitsubishi Outlander GT Prototype, a concept shown in New York, is expected in showrooms this year. 12:01 am U.S. ET | April 13
Mercedes' GLK problem: Too many high-end models
Mercedes-Benz has adjusted option packages on its new GLK compact crossover to help cope with an oversupply of high-priced versions. Ernst Lieb, CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, said the company brought in too many high-end models for the January launch. 12:01 am U.S. ET | April 13 | UPDATED: 4/16/09 10:20 a.m. ET
Suzuki's sporty sedan due in Nov.
Suzuki's new sporty sedan will debut in the fall. The sedan will be introduced at the Los Angeles show in November, about the same time dealers start receiving the car. 12:01 am U.S. ET | April 13
VW mulls U.S. Up sales
Volkswagen AG is considering selling its Up minicar brand in the United States, said Stefan Jacoby, CEO of Volkswagen Group of America. The vehicle is perfect for urban markets, Jacoby said. But the decision "is a bit too much in the future," he added. 12:01 am U.S. ET | April 13
Acura still wants dealer upgrades
In January, Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales, said he was not pressing dealers to make improvements as they coped with hard times in the auto industry. But at the New York auto show last week, he sent a clear signal: Acura still wants the improvements in dealerships and customer handling. 12:01 am U.S. ET | April 13
Outback, Legacy gain legroom
Subaru of America unveiled a roomier Legacy sedan and Outback wagon here at the auto show. The sister vehicles have 4 inches more rear legroom than the current models. The redesigned 2010 models go on sale late this summer. 12:01 am U.S. ET | April 13
Land Rover SUV: New engine, name
Land Rover's freshened mid-sized SUV has a new engine, a more luxurious interior -- and a new name, the LR4. The upgrades justify changing the name from LR3 to LR4, say Land Rover executives. When the Discovery was replaced in the 2005 model year, it was renamed LR3 for North America. 12:01 am U.S. ET | April 13
Hyundai's concept hybrid
The Hyundai Nuvis is powered by a 2.4-liter engine and a 30-kilowatt electric motor. 12:01 am U.S. ET | April 13
Forte Koup continues Kia's push into small cars amid tough times
The Forte Koup, unveiled at the New York auto show, will continue Kia's push into small cars. The Forte sedan goes on sale in late June with prices ranging from $14,000 to $18,000, said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing for Kia Motors America. The Forte Koup goes on sale in late summer. 12:01 am U.S. ET | April 13
Ciao, New York!
Chrysler co-President Jim Press surprised a crowd of journalists by arriving at the Chrysler display at the show in a blue Fiat 500. 12:01 am U.S. ET | April 13
Amid gloom, new products bloom
Their futures are shaky, but General Motors and Chrysler LLC are pushing ahead with important debuts at the New York auto show. About a dozen world debuts are planned. The unveilings range from a micro concept car from Scion to a 518-hp Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG with a novel gasoline-saving alternator. 12:01 am U.S. ET | April 6
GMC's 2nd crossover combines 30-mpg rating, refinement
GMC will tout 30 mpg and vehicle refinement when its second crossover hits the streets this fall. The GMC Terrain is a five-passenger, front-drive crossover that shares a platform with the Chevrolet Equinox. Production begins in late summer. The Terrain is smaller than GMC's seven-passenger Acadia. 12:01 am U.S. ET | April 6
