Automotive News (Page 1083)

Automotive News

This section of Torque News provides the latest auto news and updates from the car manufacturers. Every day number of news stories and editorials are published here that give our readers an overview of what is happening in the automotive industry. Read this section daily to find out about new cars, vehicle reviews and car pictures. Torque News is an automotive news website by Hareyan Publishing, LLC, dedicated to covering the latest news, reviews and opinions about the car industry.

Axion Power to improve stop-start systems with new PbC battery electrode

By Frank Sherosky on September 19, 2011 - 5:19PM

Since investors like to track disruptive technologies, it appears they now have one with Axion Power (OTCBB: AXPW) which takes a novel electrode approach to increasing charge/discharge rates for a new PbC (lead-carbon) battery for stop-start applications.

New Chrysler-UAW and Ford-UAW auto contracts will take different turns

By Hawke Fracassa on September 19, 2011 - 5:05PM

With the UAW's four-year contract with General Motors Co. all but in the rearview mirror, the auto union will immediately set its sights on the quick wrap-up of a contract with Chrysler Group LLC, a company on wobbly financial ground, and Ford Motor Co., a profitable enterprise that is ripe to be a strike target, down economy or not. The two companies employ 67,000 members of the UAW.

Audi asks drivers to take the Audi Driver's Pledge

By Don Bain on September 19, 2011 - 4:32PM

Audi announces a national initiative that encourages drivers across America to take the Audi “Driver’s Pledge” as part of their stated mission to make the road a more intelligent place. They are challenging drivers to take a stand exemplifying responsible driving.

Ford anti-theft car devices in part to thank for auto theft decrease

By KC Kelly on September 19, 2011 - 4:14PM

In 2011 there was a 7.2 percent decrease in the number of Americans who fell victim to car thefts than in 2010, as reported by the FBI's annual Uniform Crime Report. Ford Motor Corp is aware that persistent thieves are still on the prowl and is offering safety tips on how to keep cars from being stolen by predators.

Pay tied to profits in new GM-UAW contract

By Hawke Fracassa on September 19, 2011 - 3:59PM

All eyes of the automotive industry will be on Detroit Tuesday, when every president of every UAW local in America will come to the auto capital of the world to hear specifics of the proposed four-year UAW-GM contract that union negotiators created with General Motors Co.

Saab gets a glimmer of hope from the Swedish government

By Patrick Rall on September 19, 2011 - 3:39PM

While things are far from good, the Saab brand has received a brief glimmer of hope from the Swedish government as their appeal for government protection from creditors has been granted – giving the automaker a new chance to prove to the Swedish authorities that protection during corporate reorganization can save the struggling company.

Chrysler's Dundee engine plant votes to strike

By Patrick Rall on September 19, 2011 - 2:54PM

Just a few days after Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne sent an angry letter to UAW President Bob King when King failed to show up at a contract negotiation meeting with the auto boss, workers at Chrysler’s Dundee Engine Plant in Dundee Michigan have voted heavily in favor of striking.

Chevy uses microphone to improve 2013 Malibu noise

By KC Kelly on September 19, 2011 - 2:13PM

Tom Slopsema, the Noise & Vibration Engineer made a revolutionary Ecotec 2.5L engine change to the 2013 Chevy Malibu. Slopsema made big improvements on the engine to reduce the engine noise in many ways; one by adding microphones to the engines.

GM expects most 2012 Camaro ZL1 buyers to pick auto trans

By Patrick Rall on September 19, 2011 - 12:35PM

The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will hit the streets early next year as the most powerful Camaro in the Chevrolet brand’s storied history of high performance models and while a proper 6-speed manual transmission will be offered in the ZL1, General Motors expects that more than 50% of these super-Camaros will be fitted with the 6-speed automatic transmission.

Fiat Dealers Are Diasppointed in Alfa Romeo's US Delays

By Kate McLeod on September 19, 2011 - 12:21PM

Fiat dealerships in the United States feel that Alfa Rome's delayed return is a seatback for these dealers, although they have not contract to receive Alfa Romeo cars.

BMW Announces Performance Power Kits for 135i and 335i

By Gordon Block on September 19, 2011 - 12:16PM

BMW has developed Performance Power Kits that will add up to 20 horsepower to the twin-turbocharged 6-cylinder in the BMW 135i and 335i, without any compromise in emissions, reliability, or fuel economy.

Audi TT RS Arriving Fast and Stopping Fast

By KC Kelly on September 19, 2011 - 11:32AM

Audi is celebrating its four part video series called the Ultimate Lap. The all new amazing 2012 Audi TT RS reaches 60 mph in 4.1 seconds and stops at a pretty amazing speed as well.

Porsche Cars North America names Andre Oosthuizen VP of marketing

By Hawke Fracassa on September 19, 2011 - 11:07AM

Porsche Cars North America today appointed Andre Oosthuizen vice president, marketing for the U.S.-based arm of the German luxury car marque. Mr. Oosthuizen, who will be based in Atlanta, the headquarters for Porsche Cars in the United States, Canada and Mexico, joins PCNA from Porsche Middle East & Africa FZE.

Toyota stock trading at New York opening bell on 9/19/2011

Toyota stock affected by more than plans to relocate key parts manufacturing

By Frank Sherosky on September 19, 2011 - 9:55AM

It’s amazing how much change an earthquake and tsunami can bring to the parts portfolio management within the auto industry, especially for a world giant like Toyota Motor Corp. (NYSE: TM), which currently exports parts for hybrid cars to its factories outside Japan, including America, but talk is easier than action, and world economics have a powerful influence.

When computer virus threatens your cars

By Armen Hareyan on September 18, 2011 - 9:12PM

One of the trends very much apparent at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show is the invasion of internet into our cars. The year 2011 became the year when our cars started to talk, but it is also becoming the year when online services are present in your car making your vehicle vulnerable to computer virus.

Ford approaching downsizing limit with 1.0 liter EcoBoost engine

By Frank Sherosky on September 18, 2011 - 7:43PM

The expansion of the Ford three-cylinder 1.0 liter EcoBoost engine at 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show surely shows strength of Ford engineering, but does it help Ford meet customer needs of larger safe vehicles as well as the 2016 and 2025 MPG government expectations?

Ford's final Crown Victoria has rolled off the line

By Don Bain on September 18, 2011 - 4:31PM

The Ford Crown Victoria was an integral part of the American landscape for a good many years – serving as not only personal cars, but also as police vehicles and taxicabs. The production of the final vehicle in this famous line, shared by Lincoln and Mercury variants, marks the end of an era for Ford.

Vauxhall donates engines to British juvenile rehabilitation facility

By Gordon Block on September 18, 2011 - 2:06PM

Vauxhall will donate engines to the HMYOI Aylesbury young offender correctional facility in the United Kingdom, hoping to give young people the chance to develop valuable workplace skills as they get their lives back in order.

Show me the money: What the UAW got for GM workers in new contract

By Hawke Fracassa on September 18, 2011 - 1:38AM

If the pending four-year contract negotiated by the UAW with General Motors Co. has you curious to find out what a GM auto worker is paid to put bumpers on Buicks, pay attention: You're about to learn how UAW members will be compensated through 2015.

Toyota to build hybrid drivetrain components in USA in 4 years

By Gordon Block on September 17, 2011 - 10:37PM

Toyota wants to diversify the production of hybrid drivetrain parts like batteries, inverters, and electric motors to the United States and other countries abroad within four years' time.

Shanghai Onstar growth making China into a future telematics market leader

By Frank Sherosky on September 17, 2011 - 8:27PM

When Shanghai OnStar Telematics Co., Ltd. opened its second call center in the city of Xiamen, China became a member of the fastest-growing telematics markets in the world.

GM and UAW will revive plant where Ions, other Saturns were made

By Hawke Fracassa on September 17, 2011 - 6:59PM

The Saturn Ion was a great compact car for first-time car buyers as the Saturn brand was limping on its last legs. The affordably priced Ion was one of the last vehicles of the almost 4 million vehicles that were made by Saturn at the factory in Spring Hill, Tenn., over the course of 17 years. That same plant is expected to be resuscitated as part of the pending contract between General Motors and the UAW.

Fed's new move directly effects gas consumption and fuel economy

By Kate McLeod on September 17, 2011 - 6:47PM

The federal government is expected to sanction BP, Halliburton and Transocean for violations tied to lasty year’s Gulf oil spill.The move will effect gas consumption, fuel economy and the environment that are on every driver's mind.

GM might build Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain at Spring Hill plant

By Hawke Fracassa on September 17, 2011 - 5:32PM

General Motors Co. as part of its pending agreement with the UAW is poised to reopen an idled factory near Nashville by next summer to fulfill a promise to the UAW to create jobs. More than 2,000 people would need to be hired or brought off layoff in Tennessee if General Motors plans to run that plant full blast to make cars.

Ratification next step for 4-year GM-UAW contract

By Hawke Fracassa on September 17, 2011 - 2:39AM

General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and the UAW shook hands on a four-year contract late Friday, giving GM's rank and file their first pay raises in eight years. While terms of the General Motors-UAW deal weren't immediately disclosed, Reuters reported that 48,500 unionized GM workers would get $5,000 "signing bonuses" and that at least 570 laid-off workers would be re-employed.

Bob Carter, Toyota Division Group vice president

Bob Carter on Toyota Prius Plug-in preview at Green Drive Expo

By Don Bain on September 16, 2011 - 6:26PM

Bob Carter, Toyota Division Group vice president and general manager, was on hand for the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in media preview at the Green Drive Expo, held today in the Craneway Pavilion in Richmond CA. Among the usual promotional hype Carter had a few interesting things to say.

Toyota Prius Adds Styling and Fun for 2012

By Kate McLeod on September 16, 2011 - 5:06PM

Toyota Motor Corporation (Public, NYSE:TM) is on to its second million in sales for Toyota Prius, the best-selling hybrid in America bringing some fun to its 2012 model.

Toyota reveals pricing on the Toyota Prius V and Plug-in

By Don Bain on September 16, 2011 - 4:08PM

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. has announced the manufacturer’s suggested retail prices at the annual Green Drive Expo for two new hybrid vehicles, the Toyota Prius v and Prius Plug-in. The all new Prius v and Prius Plug-in are the two newest additions to the Prius Family, soon to be followed by the city-friendly Toyota Prius c, which will launch in next year.

Acura sets prices for 2012 Acura TSX and adds Special Edition

By Hawke Fracassa on September 16, 2011 - 3:30PM

Acura today added a new model and held the line on prices for its entry-level TSX family of cars, with a $200 MSRP increase per auto. Prices range from $29,810 for the bare-bones 2012 Acura TSX sports sedan to $34,810 for the tech-driven 2012 TSX Sport Wagon with Technology Package. Both 2012 cars are available now in showrooms.

Volkswagen Invests to Be The Best

By Kate McLeod on September 16, 2011 - 2:45PM

Volkswagen (Public, ETR:VOW) has been on its quest to be the best auto company in the world for a few years now.

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