Automotive News (Page 1212)

Automotive News

This section of Torque News provides the latest auto news and updates from the car manufacturers. Every day number of news stories and editorials are published here that give our readers an overview of what is happening in the automotive industry. Read this section daily to find out about new cars, vehicle reviews and car pictures. Torque News is an automotive news website by Hareyan Publishing, LLC, dedicated to covering the latest news, reviews and opinions about the car industry.

Gentex earnings call reveals full implementation of camera-based safety systems still subject to NHTSA

By Frank Sherosky on July 21, 2011 - 7:24PM

Gentex Corporation (Nasdaq: GNTX) recently held its earnings call with stock analysts for the second quarter, revealing information about the RCD (Rear View Camera Devices) and the upcoming NHSTA decision to make them required by law.

Porsche Designs builds a bong

By Patrick Rall on July 21, 2011 - 1:49PM

The folks at Porsche Designs certainly offer an intriguing range of merchandise – from clothes and sunglasses to computer hard drives and luggage but their newest offering could be the most unusual as the high performance design studio has introduced a new line of water pipes.

Ford leads in hybrid durability

By Gordon Block on July 21, 2011 - 1:04PM

Ford's hybrids are racking up the miles virtually problem-free, both at the hands of consumers and fleet drivers.

Mercedes-AMG develops a new 5.5-liter V8 engine with Formula-1 type fuel shut-off

By Frank Sherosky on July 21, 2011 - 12:14PM

Using advanced technology from Formula-1 racing, Mercedes-AMG has developed a new 5.5-liter V8 engine which combines powerful eight-cylinder performance with the economical fuel consumption of a four-cylinder.

Ford recalls F Series, Rangers and Excursion for taillight issue

By Patrick Rall on July 21, 2011 - 11:57AM

Ford Motor Company and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have announced a recall of a variety of Ford brand trucks and sport utility vehicles over the possibility of the rear lights failing to work over time.

The 2011 Chevrolet Volt comes to the Carolinas

By Patrick Rall on July 20, 2011 - 2:45PM

The 2011 Chevrolet Volt was initially offered in a few markets around the US including California, Washington, D.C., Texas, New York Michigan, New Jersey, and Connecticut but as the innovative electric vehicle looks to build sales as the end of the year nears – the Chevy Volt is beginning to arrive in new markets including North and South Carolina.

The MoVenture hits the halfway point

By Patrick Rall on July 20, 2011 - 1:54PM

We previously brought you the news of the MoVenture – a cross country road rally sponsored by Chrysler’s performance and aftermarket division Mopar and as hump day arrives, the MoVenture teams are halfway through their race from Detroit to Colorado.

GM and ABB demonstrate Volt battery for re-use applications

By Frank Sherosky on July 20, 2011 - 12:55PM

General Motors Company (NYSE: GM) and ABB Group (NYSE: ABB) demonstrated what might happen to the Volt battery systems after they reach the end of their useful life in the vehicle.

The 302hp 2012 Chevy Impala to yield 30mpg

By Patrick Rall on July 20, 2011 - 11:59AM

We brought you the news in May that when the 2012 Chevrolet Impala hits the streets, it will feature a new 3.6L V6 with 302 horsepower and today, we know that the powerful new V6 will also offer an impressive 30 miles per gallon.

2012 Toyota RAV4 EV mess goes viral

By Hawke Fracassa on July 20, 2011 - 10:42AM

When Toyota issued a tersely worded statement Tuesday saying everyone who wants a 2012 RAV4 EV will be able to buy one from a showroom, it wasn't just stating the obvious. The Japanese carmaker was compelled to do damage control because the online auto press took someone's blog as gospel and went hog-wild in reporting as fact that the Tesla battery-powered RAV4 EV would only be sold to fleet and car-sharing programs. Which isn't true.

Toyota will sell 2012 RAV4 EV to public, Scion iQ EV to fleets

By Hawke Fracassa on July 19, 2011 - 3:41PM

Toyota issued a brief statement today to correct media reports that have incorrectly said the 2012 RAV4 EV will only be marketed to fleet and car-sharing programs. In fact the 2012 RAV4 EV will be sold through Toyota showrooms to the general public.

Chrysler suspends 9 workers for drinking and smoking during lunch

By Patrick Rall on July 19, 2011 - 2:58PM

Last week, we brought you the news of yet another expose by a Fox 2 Detroit showing Chrysler factory workers drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana during lunch and today, the Chrysler Group has identified and suspended 9 workers shown in the videos.

Audi fielding five new models for 2012

By Don Bain on July 19, 2011 - 2:39PM

The auspicious German automaker is filling out its line of high-end sedans with the A6 and A7, adding a W12 engine to the A8 – one of the most technologically advanced cars on the planet, redefining their RS high performance line with the TT RS and putting the R8 GT in weight training for a lighter, higher output experience. Having set U.S. sales record in 2011, the new year looks so bright, Audi execs no doubt HAVE to wear shades.

Cyclone Power Technologies expansion may draw from dismantled space program

By Frank Sherosky on July 19, 2011 - 1:52PM

Good news is, it is the backlog of Clean-Tech Engines which forces Cyclone Power Technologies (Pink Sheets: CYPW) to expand in both manufacturing area and manpower.

Toyota to offer optional AC outlets on Japan-market Priuses

By Gordon Block on July 19, 2011 - 12:35PM

Toyota will begin offering AC outlets on JDM Priuses after victims of the March 11 earthquake used hybrid vehicles as emergency power sources.

The 2012 Nissan Leaf gets a healthy price increase

By Patrick Rall on July 19, 2011 - 12:17PM

Nissan is still struggling to meet the first 20,000 orders for their innovative 2011 Leaf electric vehicle but as the 2012 model year nears; the Japanese automaker has announced that the segment-leading Leaf will see price increases across the board.

3D Systems (NYSE: DDD) acquires CAD software company, Alibre Inc.

By Frank Sherosky on July 19, 2011 - 10:14AM

In an email sent to customers and potential customers, 3D Systems Inc. (NYSE: DDD), which formerly traded at Nasdaq under the symbol ticker TDSC, announced it had just acquired Alibre, Inc., a leading provider of affordable 3D design productivity solutions based in Richardson, Texas.

AAA trucks ready to revive depleted EV batteries

By Don Bain on July 18, 2011 - 11:04PM

Today AAA unveiled North America's first roadside assistance truck capable of recharging electric vehicles. They are ready to come to the rescue of its members with 'depleted' batteries and provide Level 2 or Level 3 charging at roadside.

Manufacturing in Thailand greening the streets of America

By Don Bain on July 18, 2011 - 7:37PM

The world's foremost producer of one-ton pickup trucks, Thailand, is quickly becoming the golden gate to the greening of fuel efficient, eco-friendly car manufacturing. Here cars complete with EURO-4 emission standards and fuel economy nearing 50 mpg are produced, Six of the world's top automakers have recently based their fuel efficient car production in Thailand.

New AMSOIL lube protects engines

By Hawke Fracassa on July 18, 2011 - 6:59PM

Superior, Wisc.-based AMSOIL on Monday introduced a product that is formulated to provide outstanding wear relief from rust and corrosion in newly built or rebuilt 4-stroke engines.

Hyundai takes top brand loyalty title from Toyota

By Don Bain on July 18, 2011 - 6:46PM

Kbb.com, the online outlet of information from Kelley Blue Book, announced today Hyundai has taken the top slot in brand loyalty for the second quarter of 2001 from the incumbent brands of Toyota and Honda. Hyundai took the loyalty title during February 2010, but this marks the first time since th online authority began tracking such data that Hyundai has held the top spot for an entire quarter.

GM building next generation Silverado, Sierra in the USA

By Patrick Rall on July 18, 2011 - 5:13PM

General Motors has just announced their newest investment – this time involving the Flint Assembly Plant in Michigan – with the company spending $328 million to support production of the next generation Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra light duty pickups.

Ford recalls Five Hundred, Mercury Montego over fuel tank risks

By Patrick Rall on July 18, 2011 - 1:15PM

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced a recall of 2007 Ford Five Hundred and Mercury Montego sedans over a concern around the filler neck of the fuel tank.

Will General Motors stock now test the June low?

By Frank Sherosky on July 18, 2011 - 11:12AM

With the general market reacting to news of a potential breach of U.S. debt confidence, General Motors Company (NYSE: GM) stock, which is nearly nine months old since its IPO, is once again making lower lows and lower highs on the daily chart. The price chart also indicates the stock may be attempting a retest of the June low of 28.165.

China leads global auto industry rock party

By Hawke Fracassa on July 17, 2011 - 10:07PM

The makers of cars and trucks worldwide should celebrate. That is because there is measurable proof that the business of manufacturing and selling vehicles is experiencing a solid resurgence that began in 2010, according to a Vital Signs Online report from the Worldwatch Institute, an industry watchdog.

GM cuts time for labor-intensive design projects with rapid prototyping

By Frank Sherosky on July 17, 2011 - 11:12AM

3D rapid prototyping has been fast tracking General Motors (NYSE: GM) design development for years. Now the process is being extended to produce parts vital to the global base of GM designers, aerodynamicists and engineers.

Suzuki asks friends on Facebook: Do you like my cars?

By Hawke Fracassa on July 16, 2011 - 6:26PM

Suzuki is no wallflower. Like a teenage boy asking a girl out on a date for the first time, it's putting the reputation of its cars and trucks on the line with no promise of a positive return. It began doing it this week by beginning to ask Facebook users to rate how much they like the carmaker's vehicles on a scale of 1 to 5.

Mitsubishi hoping i will sell big as the cheapest EV in America

By Gordon Block on July 15, 2011 - 9:11PM

The Mitsubishi i, which comes Stateside in November, will be the cheapest 100% electric vehicle in the country at less than $30k to start.

Summer riskiest time for teen drivers

By Hawke Fracassa on July 15, 2011 - 8:14PM

Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration remind us that summer is the busiest travel period in America. The large volume of vehicles on the road makes it one of the most dangerous times for anyone to drive, but the inexperience of younger drivers puts them especially at risk.

Is Chrysler planning an end run around Teamsters?

By Don Bain on July 15, 2011 - 6:23PM

UAW president Bob King will be among those meeting with Chrysler Group LLC in labor negotiations soon and he believes the automaker intends to “buy $5 million in trucks to give to a non-union company to do work,” presumably transporting their vehicles with non-Teamsters.

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