industry news
How Honda Completely Reinvented the Assembly line
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When Henry Ford introduced the moving assembly line more than a century ago he revolutionized automotive production and ultimately changed the world. But now Honda is turning his time-tested method on its head.
Nissan Just Took Over Mitsubishi
Nissan and Mitsubishi have officially joined forces to share technology, vehicle platforms and more.
Japan’s Auto Industry Could Consolidate to Just Three Brands by 2021
Major changes could transform Japan’s automotive business in a major way over the next five years.
Suzuki Chief’s Son Takes over as Chairman and COO
Out with the old, in with the new. Japanese automaker Suzuki is getting a fresh president and chief operating officer.
Marchionne Tries to Merge with GM
It’s no secret Fiat Chrysler Automobiles CEO Sergio Marchionne wants consolidation in the car business. He’s actively trying to find another company to merge with and he’s even looking in his own backyard.
Takata Execs had Airbag Testing Results Erased: Report
The details surrounding the massive Takata airbag recall are coming to light.
Aston Martin Gains Crash Safety Exemption
Aston Martin dealers can now relax thanks to a new exemption granted to the brand from NHTSA.
Nürburgring Sold to Russian Business Tycoon
One of Germany’s most famous automotive destinations now belongs to a Russian billionaire.
Ferrari Fined $3.5 Million by Feds
The National Highway Traffic Highway Safety Administration has slapped Ferrari with a large fine over failing to submit early warning reports.
Hyundai Elantra Passes 10 Million Global Sales Mark
Hyundai announced today that total sales of the Elantra compact car are past 10 million worldwide.
Detroit Auto Show Gets Highest Attendance Since 2005
According to Perkins, NAIAS has an economic impact of some $400 million for the city of Detroit and South Eastern Michigan, more than the Super Bowl.
Buying a New Car Might be Cheaper Than Buying Used
If price is not an issue, most people would prefer owning a new car over a used one. Price, however, is almost always an issue. With fewer and fewer quality, low-mileage used cars on the market (thanks to slowed production output and reduced sales over the past few years), those who are looking towards saving…
Brazil Overtakes Germany as World’s Fourth Largest Auto Market
Move over Germany, Brazil has taken your spot. No we are not talking about World Cup Soccer, but instead about car sales. According to Anfavea, Brazil’s national automobile manufacturers association, a total of 3.45-million vehicles will be sold by the end of 2010, which gives Brazil the number four spot for vehicle sales, behind China,…
Study: Auto Bailout Saved 1 Million Jobs
Overall, most industry analysts agree that the US economy has performed better over the last 18 months than expected and although auto sales were down, the market share of Detroit’s big three held up better than anticipated.
Loyalty Not a Factor When Choosing Car Dealers; Survey Says
Not only that but research shows they’re often willing to travel to get the best deal on a car or truck.
Hyundai’s Biggest Market Is China, Not Korea
China is the world’s biggest auto market in the world, so it might not be so surprising that China is also Hyundai‘s new biggest market, after the automaker sold more cars in China than Korea for the second straight month. Buoyed by the success of the Yuedong (aka our Elantra) and the Tuscon crossover, Hyundai…
GM and BMW Working On Cars That Recognize Road Signs, Lame “Didn’t See The Sign, Officer” Excuses To End
A report out of Europe claims that BMW and General Motors are collaborating on a system that will scan road signs, including speed limit warnings and relay the information to drivers. The system still has a few kinks being worked out, but the objective is for the system to be able to display warning signs…
Honda Halts Production In China Due To Strike At Parts Plant
Honda was forced to shut down all four of its Chinese car plants, after 1,850 workers at an auto parts plant went on strike over wages. The strike is reported to have crippled Honda’s production capability in what is now the world’s largest car market. The lack of parts means that Honda is unable to…
Recalls Be Damned! Toyota Annual Profits Up 48 Percent
Despite record recalls and public humiliation over quality control scandals, Toyota announced that it expects to see a profit of $3.35 billion by the end of their fiscal year in March, a 48% increase. Toyota sales rose 24 percent in April, as strong incentives helped Toyota move cars like the Corolla and Prius. Despite the…
Honda Posts $774M Quarterly Profit, Forecasts Big Gains for Fiscal Year
Strong demand in emerging markets like India and China, as well as a recovering U.S. economy helped Honda post a quarterly profit of $774 million. The Japanese automaker reported a 28 percent increase in sales, to $24.5 billion. Honda is forecasting a $3.7 billion profit through the coming fiscal year (which ends March 31, 2011),…
Report: Toyota To Post A Profit This Fiscal Year
Between sticking accelerator pedals and rollover-prone SUVs, this year has not been kind to Toyota. However the Japanese automaker is poised to return a handsome $532 million profit, despite expectations to the contrary. Toyota had initially forecasted a loss of $213, but a weak yen and a series of cost-cutting measures meant that Toyota is…
