Chronicling the Ever-Changing Automotive Industry
In a live web cast starting around 11:15 AM EST on April 21st, Mazda will unveil its SKYACTIV technologies at the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). In case you miss it, the video will be available in an on-demand mode after the live broadcast. Click past the jump for an explanation of SKYACTIV and the broadcast or video, depending on when you’re reading this.
Remember a couple months ago when Ford announced it would be offering free 50k/4-year maintenance for Lincoln buyers during the summer months of 2010? Well, they’ve extended that to all buyers of any 2011 model-year and later Lincolns. Ford says it’s a way to change the ownership experience for buyers of its luxury brand, and I see it as step 1 of rebuilding Lincoln.
Continue reading ‘Lincoln’s Complimentary Maintenance becomes Permanent!’
So, the 2011 Chevrolet Volt is close to being on the market, and so the ramp-up to production begins. GM is showing off a lot of pictures of their new Electric Vehicle (EV), as well as some more specifications. The most interesting part isn’t even in the press release – it’s what some other automotive media had found out: the Volt isn’t purely electric. It turns out that certain circumstances, including driving above 70 mph, can cause the gas engine to turn on and help propel the car.
Update 10/12: Another press release, this time from ChevroletVoltage.com, says that the Volt’s gasoline engine is never powering the wheels, only providing power through the drivetrain to the electric motors and regulator, which then drive the wheels. Click here to read more.
Continue reading ‘Updated: New Volt Pictures, Specifications, News’
2011 Scion tC
For a long time, BMW and Mercedes-Benz offered no-charge maintenance for up to 4 years or 50,000 miles. A few years ago, Mercedes stopped giving away maintenance, while BMW has continued to offer it. Over the summer, both Cadillac and Lincoln announced they were adding free maintenance packages to their new cars. Now Toyota has joined in the fray, adding 2 years or 25,000 miles of complimentary maintenance to new Toyotas and Scions. Click past the jump for more details and the press release.
Continue reading ‘Want Complimentary Maintenance? Buy a New Toyota or Scion’
A Detroit-based Fox 2 reporter was tipped off to some startling activity going on at Chrysler’s Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit, MI. Last week, reporter Rob Wolchek captured several Chrysler employees drinking on their lunch break at a public park, as well as consuming what could be marijuana. Not only did he and his camera crew catch them one day, but all week! That just stuns me, with as much trouble as the automaker is in, it can’t afford to have people on the payroll who aren’t sober during their shift. Chrysler apparently agrees, since they’ve now fired 13 of them, and suspended 2 more for a month without pay. Read on for more details and the incriminating video and follow-up report.
Continue reading ’13 Chrysler Employees Fired after Fox 2 Catches them Drinking on the Job’
Ford’s not sitting on their laurels. After introducing a slew of new models this year, they’ve apparently got a couple more aces up their sleeves. Car buyers looking for safer vehicles may want to look at the upcoming 2012 Ford Focus when it goes on sale early next year. The new airbags will feature internal tethers and vents to better shape and distribute forces, which will protect drivers and passengers better than existing airbag technology.
Continue reading ‘Ford Develops new Airbag, will debut in 2012 Focus’
Recent Comments
David Batzek commented on Older Jeep Grand Cherokee under investigation for gas tank problem
My 99 just started rusting over last fee months (to were it was noticeable). Now today the skid plate [more]
Keren Cathey commented on Older Jeep Grand Cherokee under investigation for gas tank problem
Is there anyway for us, as consumers, to influence a recall on these vehicles? I also have a 99 Grand [more]
wayne duckstein commented on Detroit 2012: Ford Announces 2013 Fusion
Nice artical John [more]
Patty clipner commented on Older Jeep Grand Cherokee under investigation for gas tank problem
I also have a 1999 jeep grand Cherokee limited which has began to emit high gas fumes. It also [more]
Edgar commented on Owner’s Log: 2010 Nissan Maxima, Update 1
hi i have a 2012 nissan maxima and everytime i shut it off i hear the engine cooling fan shut [more]