New Concept Mitsubishi "i"   26 Jan 2006 20:13 GMT
Mitsubishi today launched the new "i" minicar model at Mitsubishi dealerships throughout Japan. Using a newly developed platform with an original rear-midship layout that mounts the engine forward of the rear axle line, the new "i" series includes 2WD and 4WD models. Photo: http ...
Source: CarKB

Volvo Recalls Trucks in North America   26 Jan 2006 20:01 GMT
Volvo Trucks North America has informed the US traffic safety authority NHTSA that the company is recalling 42 000 trucks of the models Volvo VN and VHD. Volvo has discovered that the inlet pipes on the EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system may crack or break. If these pipes are ...
Source: CarKB

Grassroots Campaign for Plug-in Hybrids Kicks off Today   25 Jan 2006 16:30 GMT
A grassroots coalition of cities including Austin, Baltimore, Denver, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle as well as electric utilities and national policy organizations today kicked off a nationwide campaign to urge automakers to accelerate development of plug-in hybrid ...
Source: CarKB

Ford Develops Ethanol-Fueled Hybrid Marrying Two Gasoline-Saving Technologies   25 Jan 2006 16:24 GMT
An innovative new hybrid research vehicle being developed by Ford Motor Company has a dual mission: help reduce U.S. dependence on imported oil while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions. At the Washington Auto Show, Ford unveiled the Ford Escape Hybrid E85, a research vehicle ...
Source: CarKB

Ford Explorer And Mercury Mountaineer Earn Nhtsa's Highest Crash Test Ratings   25 Jan 2006 16:20 GMT
Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer have earned the government's highest rating, five stars, in the New Car Assessment Program frontal and side impact crash test for drivers and passengers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), achieving the ...
Source: CarKB

Cost-Cutting at Daimler to Eliminate 6,000 Jobs   25 Jan 2006 04:00 GMT
The company extended cost-cutting measures beyond the automotive factory floor to include its global white-collar work force.
Source: NY Times

Ford Eliminating Up to 30,000 Jobs and 14 Factories   24 Jan 2006 04:00 GMT
It was the latest sign of restructuring in Detroit as foreign competitors have taken more than 40 percent of the U.S. market.
Source: NY Times

Many Workers, Few Shifts   24 Jan 2006 04:00 GMT
For auto workers across the country, the cutbacks at Ford signal a new reality in which high wages and generous benefits are no longer a guarantee.
Source: NY Times

Car Interiors Pose Health Risks   23 Jan 2006 15:02 GMT
The Ecology Center recently presented a study (Toxic at Any Speed: Chemicals in Cars & the Need for Safe Alternatives) of the toxic chemicals used in building car interiors. Flame retardant PBDE and phthalates, whose main use is as a softener in plastics, were included in the ...
Source: CarKB

Mercedes-Benz Prices Going Up In Germany   23 Jan 2006 14:56 GMT
Effective February 13, 2006, DaimlerChrysler will be raising the prices of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars for the German market. On average, the prices will be 0.9 percent higher than those of similarly equipped vehicles. Orders received by this date will still be processed ...
Source: CarKB