Kia to build more Optimas in U.S.

Kit produces a Brute of a Jeep pickup

Jeep has yet to answer enthusiasts' request for a factory-made Wrangler-based pickup. But dealers soon will have an alternative. American Expedition Vehicles will offer the Jeep-badged AEV Brute Double Cab to dealers as a turnkey conversion starting in the second quarter.... Read More »

Who'll rule the battery biz?

A shakeout of North America's electric vehicle battery suppliers is under way. In January, Ener1 Inc., the New York-based battery maker that owned a stake in bankrupt Norwegian EV producer Think Global, filed for Chapter 11 reorganization. That same month, A123 Systems of Waltham, Mass., laid off 35 percent of its workers at two Michigan plants after reducing its revenue outlook for 2011.... Read More »

Coda works on its 2nd EV, a small SUV

Coda Automotive's electric Sedan hasn't arrived in showrooms yet, but industry sources told Automotive News that Coda is already working on its next model, a small SUV. The company is targeting retail sales in 24 months if development goes smoothly, a source said.... Read More »

VW's rising global sales put pressure on production team

Volkswagen Group's 10 brands produced more than 8 million light vehicles last year, and VW aims to surpass 10 million by 2018 or sooner to become the world's largest automaker. To reach that goal, VW is demanding more from its 62 assembly plants around the world. VW Group production boss Michael Macht talked about how VW is overcoming these challenges.... Read More »

Honda adds stock; Toyota's units decline

Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. and American Honda Motor boosted sales in January, but both are still working on restocking dealerships. The January sales increase -- 9 percent for Honda and 8 percent for Toyota -- was the first month that both posted year-on-year increases since April 2011. But they went in opposite directions in refilling U.S. dealer inventories after the 2011 natural disasters.... Read More »