Automotive News articles from September 2008

Automotive News archives from September 2008

American Axle to grow outside U.S.(American Axle and Manufacturing Holdings Inc.)
September 1, 2008... Byline: Robert Sherefkin and David Barkholz American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc. plans to slash its U.S. investment and pursue growth overseas as part of a recasting of the company, according to internal documents obtained by...

Dodge hopes smooth ride of coil springs will distinguish Ram.(Dodge Full-Size Pickup)
September 1, 2008... Byline: Bradford Wernle When the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 reaches dealerships this month, it will be the only full-sized pickup offering a five-link, coil spring rear suspension. In a segment where cherished traditions really matter, why...

Springs vs. coils.
September 1, 2008... Leaf-spring rear suspensions vs. multilink coils Elliptical leaf springs Advantages: Toughness, durability, load capacity Disadvantages: Harsh, jittery ride Multilink coil springs (shown) Advantages: Smoother ride, better...

U.S. loans could make sense, but can't be a bailout.(government aid to auto industry )
September 1, 2008... Much of the political buzz about the federal government providing as much as $50 billion in low-cost loans to the auto industry can be chalked up to election-year ebullience. That doesn't mean it won't happen. But before automakers and...

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September 1, 2008... After the murder of dealer Bill Gwatney, left, Rebecca Gwatney took her husband's seat as a delegate at the Democratic National Convention.

"Mr. Big Volume' hit again; Bill Heard loses GMAC credit, faces new allegations in Ga.
September 1, 2008... Byline: April Wortham Bill Heard has taken a one-two hit from his largest creditor and a Georgia watchdog agency. The legal and financial troubles threaten "Mr. Big Volume,'' a title he claims as the world's top-selling Chevrolet dealer....

Honda taps rainwater to create wetlands.
September 1, 2008... Byline: Ralph Kisiel A large white egret stands motionless in several inches of water as cattails sway in the breeze and ripples race across the surface of the water. This is the scene that Honda of America Manufacturing Inc. was...

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September 1, 2008... Honda's Karen Heyob: "We need to be very careful how our activities impact the water quality of the Big Darby'' Creek.

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September 1, 2008... Above, engineer Greg Morgan checks wetland water quality. Inset, a pond on Honda's Marysville, Ohio, plant site flows into wetlands.

Wanna buy a car? Wanna buy a brand?(General Motors added Hummer models)(Viewpoint essay)
September 1, 2008... I've always liked Hummers. They may be a little thirsty, but they're this century's answer to the World War II Jeep. And I have a choice of small, medium or large. Or is it extra-large? The perfect stablemate for the Hummer might be a Dodge...

Web service leads grow.(General Motors Web sites Service)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Byline: Donna Harris Online customer leads from service-oriented Web sites offer a growing source of business for auto dealers. This spring, General Motors Service and Parts Operations began funneling service leads to its dealers. GM...

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September 1, 2008... Byline: Brenda Priddy & co. The Kia Soul, seen in this spy photo, will debut at the Paris auto show. The car may be priced less than $15,000.

Suzuki in disguise.
September 1, 2008... Byline: BRENDA PRIDDY & CO. Even with an extra layer of clothing, the silhouette of Suzuki's new mid-sized car is unmistakable especially the sloping hood and front fender line. The unnamed, front-drive sedan will be aimed at Honda Accord...

'10 CTS stays true to concept.
September 1, 2008... Byline: BRENDA PRIDDY & CO. The 2010 Cadillac CTS coupe will faithfully follow the styling cues seen on the concept that debuted this year at the Detroit auto show. The photo of this CTS prototype was snapped last week. Tape camouflages the...

Obama renews aid offer - industry wants it now.(Democratic National Convention)(Conference news)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Byline: Harry Stoffer As he accepted the Democratic nomination for president last week, Barack Obama renewed his offer to help automakers revamp their plants to build more fuel-efficient vehicles. But Obama's chief proposal for tax credits...

Picture this.
September 1, 2008... Saddle up! When Toby Breeden, center, owner of Breeden Dodge in Fort Smith, Ark., and part owner of another Dodge store in Missouri, celebrated 30 years with Chrysler Financial recently, the folks at the finance company wondered what to...

Tracking August sales on the Web.
September 1, 2008... This week at www.autonews.com: * Tuesday: Sales forecasters say U.S. consumers stayed away from dealerships in droves last month. As automakers report their August numbers throughout the day, we'll have up-to-the-minute coverage. *...

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September 1, 2008... Model Carmen Electra appeared at a GM fashion show during the 2006 Academy Awards. GM is cutting back on sponsorships of big events such as the Oscars.

Dem delegates honor slain Arkansas dealer.(Democratic National Convention celebrated)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Byline: Harry Stoffer Arkansas delegates at last week's Democratic National Convention celebrated the life of Bill Gwatney, the auto dealer and state party chairman who was murdered Aug. 13. Gwatney's wife, Rebecca, took his seat on...

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September 1, 2008... Ford Motor Co.'s Michigan Truck plant in Wayne, Mich., returns to production this week after being down 10 weeks because of slow sales of the Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs. A 2008 Navigator is shown.

Ford starts L-M consolidation meetings.(meeting between Ford Motor Co. and Ford Motor Co. Lincoln-Mercury Div. executives)(Conference news)
September 1, 2008... Byline: Jamie LaReau and Amy Wilson Lincoln-Mercury dealers have seen the future and know it might not include them. Ford Motor Co. executives began meeting with Lincoln-Mercury dealers last week to outline the company's plans for...

Candidates split on union organizing bill; Obama backs card check proposal; McCain opposes it.
September 1, 2008... Byline: Harry Stoffer A proposed federal law that would make it easier for unions to organize workers including employees of automakers, suppliers and dealerships is emerging as a key industry issue in the presidential campaign. ...

The politicians (and I) need a new road map.(Democratic National Convention )(Conference news)
September 1, 2008... The politicians (and I) need a new road map Headed for a session of the Democratic National Convention last week, I made a wrong turn into Denver neighborhoods that, I'll wager, hardly any convention-goers ever saw. It was a right turn...

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September 1, 2008... Byline: MIKE HASKEY Bill Heard's dealership group blames its financial problems on "adverse economic conditions, high gasoline prices and our traditional product mix.''

Dealers.(Jeff Seife and Jamie Kopf of Boardwalk Chrysler-Jeep received award)(Stan Kujawa of Ford Motor Co. received award )(Jeffrey Brandfon of Brandfon Honda received award )(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Milestones * Jeff Seife and Jamie Kopf of Boardwalk Chrysler-Jeep in Redwood City, Calif., received a 25-year award for Jeep from Chrysler LLC. Seife is vice president and Kopf dealer principal. * Stan Kujawa of Findlay...

Despite tough times, Galpin profits by pimping rides.(Galpin Motors Inc.)
September 1, 2008... Byline: Alysha Webb While auto sales slump, Galpin Auto Sports' customization business is thriving. A division of Galpin Motors Inc., Galpin Auto Sports tricks out thousands of cars and trucks each year for the parent company's seven...

Mahindra delays U.S. retail launch until 4th quarter of '09.(Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd.)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Byline: Lindsay Chappell Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. of India has pushed back its U.S. retail launch by several months until the fourth quarter of 2009. Sales will start with an Indian-made compact pickup for which no name has been...

Nissan, Renault aim to share more parts.
September 1, 2008... Byline: Hans Greimel Nissan Motor Co. and Renault SA plan to share more parts and more suppliers. Nissan and Renault plan to double the volume of each auto part used in their cars over the next five years, to squeeze new cost cuts from...

Salaried workers face the ax; Sales slump, globalization claim white-collar jobs.
September 1, 2008... Byline: David Barkholz and Robert Sherefkin White-collar automotive jobs at carmakers and suppliers are disappearing by the thousands. Salaried auto workers, like their blue-collar counterparts, are being whacked by collapsing North...

Obituaries.(C&D Chevrolet Inc.)(Obituary)
September 1, 2008... Bob Fisher BOULDER, Colo. A 61-year veteran of automotive retailing, Bob Fisher, died here July 18 at age 86. Fisher began his career in 1947 at Burt Chevrolet in Englewood, Colo. He became a Chevrolet dealer in Boulder in 1973, adding...

Honda hybrid plan bets big on small cars.
September 1, 2008... Byline: Hans Greimel Don't expect large hybrid vehicles from Honda Motor Co. anytime soon. The company plans to put hybrid systems into compacts and subcompacts because that's where the green technology achieves its greatest...

Auto News digest.(briefs)
September 1, 2008... July auto output was up in Japan TOKYO July production by Japan's automakers rose 24.1 percent compared with July 2007 to 1.09 million vehicles as output rose to meet demand in Asia and emerging markets. It was the 12th straight...

Korean cars with a U.S. touch.(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Hyundai and Kia have refocused their product strategies to fit the changing times. Meanwhile, many of the plans by Chinese automakers to export cars to the United States are in disarray. * A comprehensive review of future products from...

Check in the mail? Toyota, Ford can tell.(Ford Motor Credit Co.)(Toyota Financial Services)
September 1, 2008... Byline: Mark Rechtin You say the check is in the mail? Don't tell that to the captive finance arms at Toyota and Ford unless it's true. Here's why. The same technology that allows Netflix to get DVDs to its customers so fast has been...

Protests could bring ta-ta from Tata.(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Indian farmers ousted from small plots outside Kolkata are protesting the way the local government took their land for a Tata Motors assembly plant and supplier park. And Tata Chairman Ratan Tata says that if the protests don't stop before...

Reynolds to dealers: Replace aging servers by year end.(Reynolds and Reynolds Co.)
September 1, 2008... Byline: Ralph Kisiel Reynolds and Reynolds Co. has told about 120 auto dealerships that the aging server for their ERA dealership management system has become too costly to support and must be replaced. In letters, Reynolds told...

Reynolds replacements.(Reynolds and Reynolds Co.)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Reynolds and Reynolds says aging servers on dealership management systems at about 120 stores must be replaced with new hardware and new contract terms. Dealers are skeptical. Timing: Reynolds says the old servers can't support new...

Heard on deceit.(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... The Georgia Governor's Office of Consumer Affairs says Bill Heard Enterprises has continued to attempt to deceive consumers since the company and state agency went to court in May 2007. Here are some of the new allegations, filed Aug. 22. ...

To give fuel economy a boost, Hyundai spends big on r&d.
September 1, 2008... Byline: Kathy Jackson Hyundai Motor Co. has expanded its global r&d budget, with an emphasis on improving the fuel economy of Hyundai and Kia vehicles. The Korean automaker is developing new small-displacement engines as well as hybrid...

Kia makes a mark of its own.(Kia Motors UK Ltd.)
September 1, 2008... Byline: Kathy Jackson Hyundai and Kia are drifting apart on product strategy. For example, Kia won't get a scaled-down version of Hyundai's new rear-drive platform. And there are no immediate plans for Kia to get turbochargers like...

The next batch of new Hyundais: Smaller, more fuel efficient.
September 1, 2008... Byline: Kathy Jackson Hyundai division plans six new or redesigned vehicles between the 2009 and 2011 model years. In the past couple of years, Hyundai has introduced upmarket models such as the $40,000-plus Genesis sedan. But the next...

The car is a bargain; so is the brand.(Column)
September 1, 2008... I've always liked Hummers. They may be a little thirsty but they're this century's answer to the World War II Jeep. And I have a choice of small, medium or large. Or is it extra large? The perfect stable mate for the Hummer might be a Dodge...

Personnel.(briefs)(Allstate Credit Division)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... ALLSTATE CREDIT DIVISION Lisa Faciane to director of claims operations for vehicle service contracts. She had been vice president of claims and customer service for the assurant solutions automotive recreational-vehicle services division. ...

U.S. plans fizzle for most Chinese vehicles.
September 1, 2008... Byline: Charles Child Plans by Chinese automakers to enter the United States have largely fizzled. Chery Automobile Co., through a deal to assemble cars for Chrysler LLC, stands a chance of entering the United States by 2011. And...

Auto ad spending plummets; More money shifts from TV and print to the Internet.(television)(advertising)
September 1, 2008... Byline: Mary Connelly Automotive advertising is headed for its lowest level in nine years, even as more money is shifting from TV and print media to the Internet. The downturn is the result of efforts by automakers and dealers to cut...

Uh, I didn't mean to say you should retire.
September 1, 2008... Byline: Harry Stoffer Some scenes from last week's Democratic National Convention, which nominated Illinois Sen. Barack Obama for president: Dingell still has the drive Did Sen. Carl Levin simply misspeak or inadvertently reveal...

CORRECTIONS.(Correction notice)
September 1, 2008... * A story on Page 4 of the Aug. 25 issue incorrectly attributed a comment that Nissan's global stable of commercial components and chassis can be adapted to the United States. The comment should have been attributed to Larry Dominique, vice...

MG remains a no-show in North America.(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... MG's plan to return to North America with a revamped version of the TF roadster is dead or at least on hold. "The U.S.A. isn't on the short-term radar as an anticipated market for us, but with the right product, it would be good to return...

Hummer, king of the desert?(General Motors has received interest )(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... General Motors has received interest from two separate investors from the Persian Gulf region to buy the Hummer brand. "We have had two separate investors raise their hand as being interested,'' Terry Johnsson, GM's Middle East managing...

Welburn's design journey began in Philly.(General Motors Corp.'s auto show)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... This year's Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance celebrated General Motors' centennial with the display of 20 of the automaker's Motorama cars. Today they're called concept cars, but in the '50s they generally were called "cars of the future.''...

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September 1, 2008... Demand has dwindled for BMW's large-displacement engines, such as the V-8 in the 750Li, shown, so the company is reducing production.

Koreans step up; Indians step cautiously; Chinese step back.(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Byline: Rick Kranz Hyundai and Kia are well-placed to take advantage of U.S. consumers' thirst for small, fuel-efficient vehicles. But it is too early to gauge the impact that products from Chinese and Indian automakers will have in the...

GM shifts some vehicle design work to U.S.(General Motors Corp.)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Byline: Rick Kranz General Motors is shifting vehicle design work for some brands marketed outside North America to suburban Detroit. Vehicles for Daewoo, Holden, Opel or Vauxhall may be styled in Michigan. The decision is a response...

Steven Ribet joins Automotive News in Shanghai.(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Steven Ribet has joined Automotive News as a staff reporter based in Shanghai. He replaces Alysha Webb, who has transferred to Los Angeles. Ribet will cover China's auto industry for Automotive News, Automotive News Europe and Automotive...

Remembering Phil Hill, racing's modest giant.(Obituary)(Obituary)
September 1, 2008... Byline: Denise McCluggage Race driver Phil Hill died Thursday, Aug. 28, in a Monterey, Calif., hospital as a result of respiratory problems complicated by Parkinson's disease. He was 81. Whenever I say that my friend Phil Hill was one...

Infiniti may add cars, big and small.(Nissan Motor Company Ltd. developed flagship sedan)
September 1, 2008... Byline: Rick Kranz Infiniti is debating whether it needs a top and a bottom. Specifically, Nissan's luxury brand may add a flagship sedan and an entry-level model. But the flagship, in particular, faces obstacles. "At the moment,...

BMW slashes production of big engines.(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Byline: Henning Krogh The dramatic worldwide shift toward smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles has reduced production of BMW's large-displacement engines to a trickle. "We are producing the wrong engines here,'' Manfred Schoch,...

Toyota cuts sales forecast; N.A. slump derails goal of 10 million units in 2009.
September 1, 2008... Byline: Hans Greimel Slumping sales in North America have taken a big bite out of Toyota Motor Corp.'s 2009 sales target, at least temporarily upsetting plans to become the first automaker to sell 10 million vehicles a year. President...

Dems reopen the CAFE.(Democratic National Convention)(Conference news)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... One feature of last week's carefully scripted floor speeches at the Democratic National Convention was a call for higher fuel economy standards, cited by several surrogates for the Obama-Biden ticket as an important element of their...

Mustang silly.
September 1, 2008... How do you keep your pony car in the news when one competitor (the Chevrolet Camaro) moves closer to a highly anticipated launch, another (the Dodge Challenger) is winning acclaim from enthusiast magazines and your car (the Ford Mustang) isn't...

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September 1, 2008... Hyundai says the 2009 Genesis sedan is on par with luxury entries from the likes of BMW and Lexus. With all options, the Genesis stickers for $41,400.

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September 1, 2008... Brilliance Jinbei Automotive says it plans to display cars, including the BS4, shown, at the Detroit auto show in January and sell cars in the United States in 2009, but it has declined to give details.

Carmakers cut weight, fuel use with plastic.(moat of the automobile industries use Plastic automotive parts for cut weight)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Byline: Bettina Mayer Plastics suppliers expect to benefit as automakers strive to reduce fuel use by building lighter vehicles. Today, plastics account for around 14 percent of a car by weight. By 2010, that will increase to 19...

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September 1, 2008... Byline: Rick Kranz Ed Welburn and the Cadillac Cyclone, the car that led him to the GM design studio: "It is a very special car for me.''

Chrysler: Viper lures suitors.(Report)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Byline: Bradford Wernle Who might want to buy the Dodge Viper sports car business? Isn't the Viper an automotive dinosaur a gas-guzzling, 600-hp relic from the era when Bob Lutz ruled the roost at Chrysler? CEO Bob Nardelli said last...

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September 1, 2008... Chrysler says it has heard from several potential buyers interested in acquiring its Viper sports car business.

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September 1, 2008... Ford Motor Co. executives Bruce Andrews, center, and Tony Brown have an impromptu meeting with U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan at the Democratic National Convention.

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September 1, 2008... Arnold E. Perl is a partner with Ford & Harrison LLP in Memphis, Tenn., and was a member of the National Labor Relations Board Advisory Panel from 1994 to 1998.

Calendar.(Calendar)
September 1, 2008... AUTO SHOWS 2008 Sept. 11-15 Nitra Motor Show, Vystavnictvo Agrokomplex, Nitra, Slovakia, 421 37 6572 301, www.agrokomplex.sk Sept. 1121 Auto Show at the Oklahoma State Fair, Oklahoma State Fair Park, Oklahoma City, 405-607-0400 ...

Fair play.
September 8, 2008... Issue: Were Toyota Prius ads that included EPA-estimated overall fuel efficiency of 55 mpg deceptive, as Arkansas customers allege? Outcome: Federal judge says no, ruling manufacturers are exempt from consumer protection claims for using...

Personnel.(ADESA, Inc. announced today that it has appointed Ron Beaver)(PAR North America appointed Jerry Kroshus and Kem Morris)(Southeast Toyota Distributors Inc. appointed Craig Pollock)
September 8, 2008... ADESA INC. Brett Roland to senior vice president of real estate, construction and facilities. He had been vice president of construction and development at Duke Realty Co. in Indianapolis. Jerry Kroshus to president of PAR North America, a...

Smaller pie.
September 8, 2008... Issue: Is a Virginia Honda dealership entitled to a hearing challenging the award of a franchise 14.4 miles away? Outcome: State appeals court says no. The dealership doesn't plan to appeal further, its lawyer says.

Supply line.(contract between TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp.)(Dana Holding Corp. moving the headquarters)(contract between Siemens Energy & Automation Inc. and BMW)
September 8, 2008... DETROIT TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. will supply seat belts, airbags and other occupant safety products for SAIC Motor's Roewe 550 sedan. SAIC Motor is a unit of Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. TRW also is supplying side-impact,...

Wording was clear.
September 8, 2008... Issue: Should passenger's estate be allowed to pursue product-defect claims against Ford and Pennsylvania dealership in Explorer rollover suit after signing release? Where it stands: State appellate court says no. The estate will ask...

Out of bounds.
September 8, 2008... Issue: Should existing Audi dealers be allowed to protest points added outside their relevant market areas? Where it stands: Missouri appeals court says yes, ruling out-of-area dealers can pursue bad-faith-type claims.

Dealers.(manager of automobile industry )(Brief article)
September 8, 2008... * 50 with Ford, Mercury Edward Smith of Smith-Cooperstown Inc. (Ford-Mercury) in Cooperstown, N.Y., receives a 50-year award for both franchises from Carina Christion, Ford Motor Co.'s New York regional zone manager. * 50 with Cadillac...

Toyota, Subaru enter race to market electric vehicles.
September 8, 2008... Byline: Hans Greimel Two new challengers from Japan have joined the race for electric vehicles. Subaru says it will start fleet sales of a four-seat electric car next year, and Toyota Motor Corp. for the first time has confirmed plans...

Nissan looks to Mexico for engineering aid.(Nissan North America Inc. plans to human resource management)(Brief article)
September 8, 2008... Byline: Lindsay Chappell With its r&d workload increasing in this region, Nissan North America plans to turn over a large share of its vehicle engineering to an expanding tech center it has been quietly staffing up in Mexico. In the...

China exports squeezed; Suppliers: Cheap labor, ample capacity keep nation attractive amid higher costs.(Report)
September 8, 2008... Byline: Steven Ribet The mighty auto parts export machine known as China Inc. is under strain. In the past year, the dollar has dropped 11 percent against the Chinese yuan, making Chinese goods more expensive for U.S. companies....

Higher costs in China.(Brief article)
September 8, 2008... Why China production costs are rising Yuan is stronger compared with the dollar Shipping costs jumped as price of oil rose Wages rose as labor supply tightened State subsidies for exports were cut

For now, Honda will skip electric.
September 8, 2008... Byline: Hans Greimel One name is conspicuously absent from the electric vehicle hoopla: Honda. And r&d chief Masaaki Kato says that is for good reason. Honda Motor Co. has no plans to produce electric vehicles. The battery...

Chrysler Financial hikes dealer floorplan fees.(Chrysler Financial Company L.L.C. offer loans )
September 8, 2008... Byline: Bradford Wernle A month after its sudden withdrawal from the leasing business, Chrysler Financial has told dealers that it will jack up their floorplan interest rates and force them to pay off older, unsold vehicles. In an Aug....

"People just want Ford to go'; Workers in Volvo's hometown hope brand will be sold.(Volvo Cars inc. sales dropped first quarter)
September 8, 2008... Byline: John Revill Across the road from Volvo Cars' Torslanda factory is a shopping center called Volvo City. Like the Swedish automaker that is one of this country's most famous brands, the battered sign on the center has seen better...

Back in business? Large pickups stage a comeback in August. But is it the real deal?(Automobile industry forecasts light-vehicle sales )
September 8, 2008... Byline: Amy Wilson Sure enough, consumers drove more full-sized pickups off dealership lots in August than in any previous month in 2008. And, indeed, small-car share drifted back down from the stratosphere. But has the mix been fixed?...