Automotive News (Page 1143)

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.

GM strengthens European operations with Stracke appointment

By Frank Sherosky on March 18, 2011 - 9:42AM

General Motors (NYSE: GM) named Karl-Friedrich Stracke CEO of Opel/Vauxhall, effective April 1, in order to put the best leadership in place.

Mini Cooper Police Cruiser Will Fight Texting and Driving

By Keith Griffin on March 18, 2011 - 7:47AM

At first blush, a Mini Cooper as a police cruiser is a ridiculous idea, unless of course it's being used as a public relations tool in the fight against texting and driving. Then, it becomes a ridiculous idea for a serious cause.

Chrysler avoids stoppages after Japanese earthquake and tsunami

By Patrick Rall on March 17, 2011 - 6:21PM

Since the earthquake and ensuing tsunami hit Japan last week followed by a series of aftershocks and repeated nuclear power plant explosions, automakers around the world have been forced to take a good long look at their component inventory and the Chrysler Group has offered their first statement since the natural disaster hit.

Honda issues 2011 Civic fuel pump recall

By Patrick Rall on March 17, 2011 - 5:48PM

American Honda has issued a recall for select 2011 Civic models over a concern with the fuel pump that could greatly increase the risks of fire in the event of a rollover accident.

Lamborghini future models forecasted, including Gallardo replacement

By Patrick Rall on March 17, 2011 - 4:48PM

The new Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 has drawn most of the media attention as the newest supercar from Sant’Agata, but according to the Inside Line, it could be a busy few years for the Italian supercar maker with a variety of new models could see production.

GM closes Shreveport plant due to shortages from Japanese earthquake

By Patrick Rall on March 17, 2011 - 3:26PM

General Motors announced today that they would be suspending production at their Shreveport Louisiana production facility next week (March 21st) due to a parts shortage caused by the earthquake and ensuing tsunami in Japan.

The Chrysler Premier Event gives buyers a chance at a free new vehicle

By Patrick Rall on March 17, 2011 - 2:10PM

Last night, the Chrysler Group’s 2011 Premier Event began with special incentives on new models, including $25 gift cards and a chance at a free 2011 vehicle just for stopping in and taking a test drive.

Volkswagen-Porsche merger questionable due to legal issues

By Patrick Rall on March 17, 2011 - 12:58PM

The Volkswagen Auto Group (VAG) had originally planned to merge with Porsche Automobil Holding SE by the second half of 2011 but with massive lawsuits outstanding against Porsche, VAG may have to hold off on the merger until sometime next year – leaving Porsche SE scrambling to secure new investment options to carry the company until the merger occurs.

Toyota granted access to financial information in unintended acceleration cases

By Patrick Rall on March 17, 2011 - 11:42AM

Toyota Motor Corp. has been granted access to the personal financial information of the 81 plaintiffs suing the automaker for economic losses stemming from the unintended acceleration issues after the legal counsel for the plaintiffs had attempted to block the automaker’s access to this personal information.

Smaller engines account for 46 percent of Chevrolet retail sales

By Frank Sherosky on March 17, 2011 - 11:41AM

It’s official. Chevrolet sales stats prove consumers are indeed moving toward fuel-efficient 4-cylinder engines to save on their transporation budgets. Question is, what's next?

High-performance Honda CR-Z Mugen to be developed by Mugen Euro and Honda (UK)

By John Matras on March 17, 2011 - 11:20AM

Honda won't be left out of the hot hybrid club, not if Mugen Euro has anything to say about it. The U.K-based branch of Honda's long-time tuning partner Mugen will produce a one-off prototype of a Honda CR-Z hybrid coupe with performance modifications to both its 1.5-liter gasoline engine and its IMA system electric motor with suspension and body enhancements to go with it.

Chrysler sues Detroit-based company over use of new slogan

By Patrick Rall on March 17, 2011 - 10:38AM

During a record-setting two minute Super Bowl commercial featuring Detroit native Marshall Mathers (known better to most at Eminem) rolling through the Motor City in a 2011 Chrysler 200, Chrysler unveiled their new company slogan “Imported From Detroit” - and due to the usage of that new slogan Chrysler Group is suing Detroit-based retailer Pure Detroit.

NADA predicts demand for efficient used cars will outstrip supply

By Don Bain on March 17, 2011 - 12:20AM

The National Auto Dealers Association (NADA), the preeminent resource for auto professionals, expects the price of gas to have an across-the-board effect on the price of used cars and trucks, as well as trade-in values.

Opinion: Toyota Losin' for a Reason

By Armen Hareyan on March 16, 2011 - 7:48PM

The notion that Toyota's damaged reputation is simply the result of growing “too big too fast” must have come from the Recall King's marketing department. Defective products - in and of themselves - cannot possibly account for the barrage of government fines, criminal charges, lawsuits, and investigations.

Product Alert: Everclear Oil not good for your car

By Don Bain on March 16, 2011 - 6:54PM

The Petroleum Quality Institute of America (PQIA), an independent authority on automotive lubricants, has announced a strident warning regarding Everclear 5W-30 Motor Oil, stating it can damage motor parts and may result in a voided warranty.

Yang replaces Lee as R&D chief as Hyundai advances alternative powertrains

By John Matras on March 16, 2011 - 2:59PM

Coming in the face of Hyundai's surge towards alternative fuel vehicles, Hyundai's research and development chief Lee Hyun-soon has resigned citing personal reasons and been replaced by Yang Woong-chul, currently president of the Hyundai Motor Research and Development Center in Namyang, South Korea.

The NHTSA considering banning shut-off switches for EV noise

By Patrick Rall on March 16, 2011 - 2:14PM

The US Federal Government ruled in early January that hybrids and pure-electric vehicles that make little noise while driving must include external noisemakers to alert pedestrians but with automakers offering shut-off switches for these audible warning system, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is considering banning these types of switches.

German automakers evacuate employees from Japan over nuclear risks

By Patrick Rall on March 16, 2011 - 1:30PM

BMW And Volkswagen Auto Group both urged European citizens living in Japan and working for the automakers’ Japanese operations to head back to Germany with the looming danger of nuclear explosions.

Toyota unintended acceleration lawsuit evidence dispute

By Patrick Rall on March 16, 2011 - 12:42PM

Lawyers representing both Toyota Motor Corporation and the huge group of individuals suing the automaker for claims relating to “unintended acceleration” have reportedly almost come to terms on to the plaintiffs accessing Toyota’s electronic coding that controls their throttle system.

Aero Tec Laboratories sponsors Team Steam to break the world speed record

By Frank Sherosky on March 16, 2011 - 11:54AM

Aero Tec Laboratories will sponsor the Cyclone-Williams' Steam Vehicle, powered by a Cyclone Power Technologies Inc. (Pink Sheets: CYPW) steam engine, in its attempts to become the fastest steam-powered car on earth.

Honda, Mazda, Subaru keep plants closed until next week, Mitsubishi re-opens

By Patrick Rall on March 16, 2011 - 11:39AM

Mazda and Subaru have announced that their Japanese production facilities will remain shut down until at least next week in the wake of the earthquake and ensuing tsunami, although Mitsubishi has re-opened their plants with the hopes of assessing their situation for production.

New hedge fund lawsuit filed against Porsche

By Patrick Rall on March 16, 2011 - 11:15AM

Even though a nearly-identical case was dismissed in late December, a handful of US hedge funds have grouped together to sue for Porsche for over $1 billion US dollars in short-selling losses.

Toyota continues production stoppage until next Tuesday

By Patrick Rall on March 16, 2011 - 10:42AM

Toyota Motor Corporation has announced that they will keep all 12 of their main production facilities in Japan closed through at least next Tuesday, March 22nd in the wake of the earthquake that measured 9.0 on the Richter scale and the ensuing tsunami.

The Ferrari Four configurator is live

By Patrick Rall on March 15, 2011 - 8:55PM

The Ferrari Four is reportedly already sold out but that doesn’t prevent the new Ferrari FF configurator from being a great chance to build your dream-come-true version of the innovative new four-seat supercar.

Toyota to decide tomorrow whether to resume production

By Patrick Rall on March 15, 2011 - 8:07PM

Toyota Motor Company has announced that it will decide tomorrow (Wednesday March 16th) whether or not it would resume production after halting production due to shortages caused by Tier 1 and Tier 2 supply companies.

Buick inks advertising deal for 2011 NCAA’s March Madness

By Patrick Rall on March 15, 2011 - 5:00PM

The 2011 NCAA Men’s College Basketball tournament begins tonight and as the top 64 teams set off to figure out who is #1, the Buick brand will feature the new Regal and LaCrosse through commercials and branding efforts during the extensive television coverage.

Automotive leasing made a comeback in 2010

By Don Bain on March 15, 2011 - 4:56PM

Auto leases represented nearly19 percent of all auto deals during 2010, a 5.8 percent increase over 2009’s lease levels, according to Polk. "OEMs began to increase their leasing activities in 2010, and consumers have increased confidence in the market and in turn are beginning to lease vehicles again," said Stephan Gallon, PolkInsight Advisor.

Top 10 most fuel-efficient vehicles

By Don Bain on March 15, 2011 - 4:02PM

Cars are outselling trucks for the first time since September of last year due to concerns over the price of gas, according to TrueCar.com. Based on fuel economy and cost of gas, per 15,000 miles driven annually, they have compiled a list of hybrids with mileage ratings over 40 mpg and gas powered cars getting 30-mpg or more.

GM donates $750,000 to Japanese earthquake relief efforts

By Patrick Rall on March 15, 2011 - 3:10PM

General Motors announced this morning that their GM Foundation has approved an immeadiate donation of $500,000 to the American Red Cross as a part of the relief efforts in Japan following the earthquake, tsunami and string of nuclear explosions.

Nissan updates the world on their post-earthquake status

By Patrick Rall on March 15, 2011 - 2:18PM

Nissan has issued a pair of statements covering their part in aiding relief efforts, an update on their facilities and employees, and a forecast on the company’s ability to ship vehicles to other markets including the United States.

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