Automotive News (Page 1154)

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.

Chrysler leads the Big 3 in December 2010 sales thanks to Ram, Jeep

By Patrick Rall on January 4, 2011 - 10:02PM

December 2010 sales numbers from around the industry are in and although the Dodge and Chrysler brands saw a decline in sales compared to December 2009, the Ram and Jeep brands had big months – helping to make the Chrysler Group to be the strongest of the Detroit automakers in terms of monthly growth.

Panamera and Cayenne Lead Porsche to 29 Percent Sales Growth

By Keith Griffin on January 4, 2011 - 10:01PM

The recession must be over. That might be what some people might think in the wake of the announcement that Porsche sales were 29 percent ahead of 2009 with total sales of 25,320. Porsche says the Panamera Gran Turismo and the debut of the all-new Cayenne.

Audi Has Best Ever Sales in 2010

By Keith Griffin on January 4, 2011 - 6:23PM

Audi is coming off a 2010 that was its best ever with more than 100,000 models sold for the first time, easily eclipsing the former record of 2007 when it sold 93,506 vehicles in 2007. Sales were up 22.9% over 2009 when it sold 82,717.

Seven insurance companies suing Toyota for unintended acceleration accidents

By Patrick Rall on January 4, 2011 - 4:55PM

The Associated Press is reporting that 7 major auto insurance companies are suing Toyota for the unintended acceleration issues that have destroyed the automakers reputation in the US market.

Volkswagen Ends 2010 with Sales One-Fifth Higher

By Keith Griffin on January 4, 2011 - 4:20PM

Volkswagen is on its self-proclaimed march to world dominance with strong sales in 2010 that saw it end they year with sales 20.3% higher than 2010. VW executives have said previously they want to be the world’s largest automaker by 2018.

Overall BMW Sees Healthy Growth in 2010 - Mini Not So Much

By Keith Griffin on January 4, 2011 - 3:10PM

BMW saw healthy growth in 2010 while its Mini brand managed to just squeak out growth. Companies that didn’t experience at least 6 percent growth in 2010 can consider themselves to have fallen behind the pack because 2009 was the worst year for car sales since 1982.

The Camaro bests Mustang in 2010 annual sales

By Patrick Rall on January 4, 2011 - 2:35PM

The Chevrolet Camaro saw a 26% decline in sales last month compared to December of 2009 but thanks to steady sales throughout the year, 2010 marked the first time since 1985 where the Chevrolet Camaro outsold the Ford Mustang in annual sales.

Hackers steal customer information from Honda

By Patrick Rall on January 4, 2011 - 2:09PM

New Honda and Acura owners got a late Christmas present last week when the automaker announced that hackers had accessed a company customer database, stealing information to 2.2 million Honda owners and 2.7 million Acura owners.

Hyundai teases the upcoming 2011 Veloster

By Patrick Rall on January 4, 2011 - 12:30PM

We are just 6 days away from the Detroit Auto Show debut of the 2011 Hyundai Veloster and today, the Korean automaker offered up a fairly descriptive teaser of the new hatchback.

Antonov designs new high-efficency gearbox for electric vehicles

By Frank Sherosky on January 4, 2011 - 10:43AM

Contrary to popular belief, there is as much reason to downsize electric motors as there is for an internal combustion engine (ICE). Enter Antonov, a UK automatic transmission developer of a unique 3-speed power shift transmission specifically for electric vehicles.

smart Launches Its First iPad App

By Keith Griffin on January 4, 2011 - 7:51AM

Smart it reaching out to the Apple lifestyle with the launch of its first iPad app. Called “Ideas in Motion,” the app presents an interactive history of great visions and visionaries for the brand that seems to be somewhat lacking vision for its future in the United States.

Falken Tire Partners with Walker Racing and ABC Will Broadcast Le Mans Series

By Keith Griffin on January 3, 2011 - 10:59PM

Falken Tires of Fontana, Calif., has partnered with Walker Racing of Indianapolis, Indiana, for the 2011 American Le Mans Series. Falken is just coming off its first full-season championship effort in 2010. In related news, the American Le Mans Series will now be broadcast on ABC & ESPN.

2011 NAIAS to highlight diversity with themed events

By Frank Sherosky on January 3, 2011 - 10:04PM

Racial and cultural diversity is not new in Detroit. From Polish Hamtramck to Italian businesses, to Greek Town, to Mexican Town and the largest Arabic community in the country, “The D” will help the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) highlight diversity in a unique way, celebrating cultural diversity within the global automotive industry with three events.

Toyota Camry Will Be Top Online Seller in 2011

By Keith Griffin on January 3, 2011 - 4:13PM

An online car shopping service says, based on its research, the Toyota Camry will be the top online seller in 2011. The Ford Fusion generates the second most interest among online shoppers.

Honda Odyssey Selected as Best Redesigned 2011 Vehicle

By Keith Griffin on January 3, 2011 - 3:02PM

For 2011, the Honda Odyssey has been selected as the 2011 Best Redesigned Vehicle by KBB.com. The minivan was selected because it was considered to improve on its predecessor in every way.

Ford teases the 2012 Focus EV ahead of its CES debut

By Patrick Rall on January 3, 2011 - 2:44PM

Ford has made it public knowledge for some time that when the 2012 Ford Focus hits the US market, it will include a plug-in electric version and this morning, Ford debuted a teaser of the new Ford Focus Electric.

Brookhaven Lab phase discovery may convert waste heat to electricity

By Frank Sherosky on January 3, 2011 - 2:08PM

Amazing things happen at the nanoscale, at least according to the scientists at the National Synchrotron Light Source
(NSLS) at Brookhaven Lab. Think capturing energy lost as heat in automotive and factory exhaust.

Chrysler recalls 2009 Dodge Journey for airbag risk

By Patrick Rall on January 3, 2011 - 1:44PM

Chrysler has announced a recall for about 65,000 2009 Dodge Journey crossovers over a wiring issue in the front doors that could lead to the side impact airbags not opening in the event of an accident.

Fiat re-examines its role at Chrysler

By Jeffrey Zygmont on January 3, 2011 - 11:59AM

Details remain sketchy at best, but a news report reveals that the relationship between the European automaker Fiat and its U.S. holding, Chrysler Group, continues to evolve. Fiat currently owns one fifth of Michigan's third largest automaker. But Fiat's chief executive tells reporters that the company's stake in Chrysler could soon rise to more than one half.

Chrysler recalls 56,000 2011 Ram 1500 for axle risk

By Patrick Rall on January 3, 2011 - 11:32AM

Chrysler is recalling 56,611 2011 Ram 1500 pickups over a problem with the rear axle bearings which could lead to the rear wheels locking up while traveling at speed.

Gas Prices Could Hit $5 a Gallon in 2011

By Keith Griffin on January 3, 2011 - 10:58AM

Oil may hit or exceed the all-time high of $148 per barrel – leading to $5 a gallon gas in the United States in 2011, predicts one financial expert. A former Shell oil executive said it could happen as soon as 2012. Both blame bans on offshore drilling by the Obama administration.

Cadillac removes the turbo option from the 2011 SRX

By Patrick Rall on January 3, 2011 - 10:20AM

Due to surprisingly poor sales, General Motors has removed the 2.8L turbocharged engine option from the popular Cadillac SRX crossover for the 2011 model year.

UAW Actively Targeting Foreign Car Makers in New Push

By Keith Griffin on January 2, 2011 - 9:33PM

The United Auto Workers, or UAW, is itching for a fight with foreign car manufacturers with plants in the United States. It wants to organize their workers and it seemingly doesn’t care how much money it has to spend or where it goes to get its message out.

Lebau: Electric Car Market Will Grow Despite Deja Vu

By Armen Hareyan on January 2, 2011 - 8:39PM

Canada based Lebau says that as the cost of oil keeps increasing, the electric car market seems set to continue its growth, moving from hybrid vehicles to fully electric cars like the Nissan Leaf.

Florida Teens Can No Longer Take Driver Permit’s Test Online

By Keith Griffin on January 2, 2011 - 6:49PM

Teens applying for a learner’s permit in Florida can no longer go online. Now they have to report to the local Florida Department of Motor Vehicles office to get their learner’s permits.

UK Electric Car Buyers Get up to Quarter of Purchase Price Returned

By Keith Griffin on January 2, 2011 - 6:19PM

Since January 1, the United Kingdom is offering generous grants to buyers of electric vehicles. They can see the price of their electric vehicle reduced by a quarter, up to 5000 pounds, or about $7500. It’s similar to the federal tax credits offered in the U.S.

$5.43M in contracts express USCAR and DOE collaboration

By Frank Sherosky on January 2, 2011 - 12:31PM

There was a time when collaboration between automakers implied suspicion of collusion and potential price fixing; not anymore, and not with the government. The U.S. DOE's mission to advance the national, economic and energy security of the United States has made cooperation between American automakers much easier.

IFPE 2011 keynote address to feature hydraulic hybrids

By Frank Sherosky on January 1, 2011 - 8:50PM

As the IFPE 2011 enjoins with the 52nd National Conference on Fluid Power (NCFP) in March in Las Vegas, the NCFP will emphasize new technologies and methods related to improved analysis, design, manufacturing and performance of fluid power components and systems. The keynote address will be followed by a course directly related to autos.

Billion dollar lawsuit against Porsche thrown out

By Patrick Rall on December 31, 2010 - 12:17PM

Due to their shady attempt to purchase Volkswagen in 2008, Porsche was sued by investors who claimed that the high end automaker manipulated the investing market, negatively impacting the value of VW stock and costing the plaintiffs over $2 billion.

State of Washington Might Tax Alternative Fuel Vehicles

By Keith Griffin on December 30, 2010 - 9:41PM

The State of Washington is out with a plan to maintain current infrastructure and other needs due to the decline in gas tax revenues. Owners of alternative fuel vehicles may not be happy with what’s proposed.

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