Saab 9-5 Coming Next Quarter
Now that Saab has been officially saved we can look forward to the introduction of the all-new 9-5 and 9-4X crossover. "I'm happy for Saab employees and Saab customers all over the world," said John Smith, GM vice president, global planning and alliances. The 9-5 is going to enter production in April with US sales starting shortly after that. According to...
Next-Gen Mitsubishi Lancer Evo Ditches the Turbo For a Plug-In Hybrid System
According to Autocar the next-generation Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is set to gain a plug-in hybrid system in place of the turbocharged setup it currently uses. The Evo XI will use the same platform as the PX-MiEV plug-in hybrid concept. A plug-in hybrid Evo means that the car will be powered by a 2.0L naturally-aspirated engine mated to an electric motor...
Honda to Unveil Next Odyssey Minivan in Concept Form in Chicago
Honda has announced that the we will get a preview of the fourth generation Honda Odyssey at the Chicago Auto Show next month. The current Odyssey was the best selling minivan in 2008 and 2009. Honda claims that the next Odyssey will "further enhance its hallmark qualities of innovation, quality, safety and fun-to-drive character while increasing its overall efficiency." The...
Mazda Unveils the Facelifted Atenza aka Mazda6 in Japan
Mazda has released the first official photos of the facelifted Atenza (Mazda6) in Japan. The updated PRESS RELEASE: Mazda Releases Facelifted Atenza in Japan - Enhanced environmental and safety features, driving performance, interior and exterior quality; 2.0L engine models qualify for Japan's eco-car tax breaks - HIROSHIMA, Japan--Mazda Motor Corporation has commenced sales of the facelifted Mazda Atenza (known overseas as the Mazda6)...
Geely Could Buy Volvo for as Much as $1.8 Billion
It looks like GM has finally come to an agreement with Spyker to purchase Saab, but don't forget about Volvo. Ford is still currently finalizing a deal wtih China's Geely to buy Volvo. According to the latest rumors the deal could be worth as much as $1.8 billion or as little as $1.6. In 1999 Ford purchased Volvo for...
Toyota Suspends Sales of Eight Models Due to Sticking Accelerator Pedals
Toyota has officially halted sales of eight models due to the ongoing problems with unattended acceleration. At the end of last year Toyota recalled almost four million vehicles due a problem with floormats getting trapped under the accelerator pedals, which also caused unintended acceleration, leading to vehicle crashes and fatalities. It looks like these two issues are apparently unrelated. Toyota...
Saab Saved! GM Reaches a Deal to Sell the Brand to Spyker
After so much back and forth, GM has officially announced that the automaker has reached an agreement with Spyker concerning the sale of Saab Automobile AB. "Today's announcement is great news for Saab employees, dealers and suppliers, great news for millions of Saab customers and fans worldwide, and great news for GM," said John Smith, GM vice president for corporate...
Toyota Expects its Sales to Rise 6 Percent in 2010
Toyota expects its sales to grow six percent in 2010 as the auto industry recovers from its worst ever downturn. Toyota is forecasting sales of 8.27 million vehicles in 2010, which is still down from the record 9.37 million units it sold in 2007. "All in all, it's probably an achievable target," said Christopher Richter, auto analyst at CLSA...
Lamborghini Switches Focus from Horsepower to Losing Weight
It looks like Lamborghini is satisfied with current horsepower ratings of its supercars and going forward the automaker is going to focus on reducing weight. "It has come to the point where acceleration equals consumption," said Stephan Winkelmann, CEO of the Italian automaker. "More consumption means increased CO2 emissions." According to Maurizio Reggiani, Lamborghini's R&D chief, stated that once a...
Ford's Chicago Plant to Add 1,200 Jobs to Build the 2011 Explorer
Ford is expected to add 1,200 jobs at its plant in Chicago that will start building the new Explorer by the end of the year. Currently the Explorer is being built at Ford's Louisville, Ky plant. The Chicago plant has been underutilized the past year, but by shifting the Explorer production will likely add a second shift. Currently the factory...
