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.

By Kate McLeod Sep 14 2011 - 1:41pm

Shortage of Used Vehicles Traces Back to the Collapse of Lehman Brothers

Beginning this week, there will be a major shortage of late model used cars according to a report in Automotive News (subscription only). The cause of the shortage is rooted in the economic crash that occurred with the collapse of Lehman Brothers three years ago. Sales of new cars, an important economic factor, were effected by the collapse of the investment house.

By KC Kelly Sep 14 2011 - 1:20pm

Mercedes-Benz introducing compact B-Class to attract younger drivers

Mercedes-Benz is moving towards a future of manufacturing some smaller, compact cars in Germany and bringing them to the United States. This will be the first time the luxury car maker has thought small – in size of car that is – not in quality or luxury.

By KC Kelly Sep 14 2011 - 1:19pm

Toyota's interactive online Camry Effect unites Camry owners

The Toyota Camry Effect, brought to light by Toyota, is a brand new initiative to give Toyota Camry drivers in the United States an innovative and interactive online experience. The Camry Effect is a way that approximately seven million Camry drivers in the United States can share their best memories.

Ferrari 458 Spider at 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show

By Armen Hareyan Sep 14 2011 - 1:05pm

The Beautiful Hostesses of the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show

Auto shows are not only about cars, but also about the beautiful hostesses and models that present them during the show. France Soir has complied a very interesting slideshow of the most beautiful hostesses of the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show.

By Patrick Rall Sep 14 2011 - 12:55pm

Saab to face first bankruptcy hearing on September 26th

After being denied protection by the Swedish government, Saab and parent company Swedish Automobile are open to bankruptcy claims with the first such court hearing scheduled for September 26th, 2011 – the day that could very well see the struggling automaker officially forced into bankruptcy.

By Patrick Rall Sep 14 2011 - 11:33am

The Chrysler 200 makes its Lancia Flavia debut in Frankfurt

The newest joint venture between the American Chrysler Group and Fiat was introduced at this week’s 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show as the Chrysler 200 Convertible turned Lancia Flavia Cabriolet was introduced in production form as expected – although the sedan version of the 200 will not be making the trip across the pond as a Lancia model.

By Patrick Rall Sep 14 2011 - 11:07am

UAW posts strike pay policy for Chicago Explorer, Taurus plant workers

The end of the current Ford-UAW contract expires at 11:59pm tonight and although there has been no official word of a coming strike, the UAW Local in charge of the Chicago Assembly Plant where the Ford Explorer, Taurus and Lincoln MKS are built has posted the strike-time pay policies on their website – showing that a strike could be nearing as Ford’s labor contract expires.

Mercedes CEO at Frankfurt Auto Show 2011

By Armen Hareyan Sep 14 2011 - 9:37am

New Infiniti to be built on Mercedes-Benz Architecture on 2014

Infiniti is getting a second breath as Daimler and Nissan will cooperate to build a new model by 2014, it was announced at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show by Renault-Nissan CEO.

GM Chevy Volt propulsion technology at 2011 NAIAS

By Frank Sherosky Sep 14 2011 - 9:28am

GM needs more IC engine tech than BMW rumor has to offer for Volt propulsion

Despite an unconfirmed rumor set off by Der Spiegel Online that General Motors and the German automaker BMW are seeking some sort of cooperative arrangement with IC engine and electric propulsion, probability seems high, logical on the surface, but less of a win-win, at least for GM.

By Don Bain Sep 14 2011 - 12:39am

Volvo, Mercedes-Benz Fully Present at Comtrans Auto Show in Moscow

While the attention of the car industry is on the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show a special auto show, called Comtrans, kicked off in Russian capital Moscow yesterday displaying commercial vehicles. Major truck and commercial vehicle makers of the worlds are at COMTRANS displaying their entire lines and here is why it makes perfect sense.

By Don Bain Sep 13 2011 - 8:55pm

Surprises contained in KBB's Top 10 Chevys of All Time

Chevrolet is celebrating their 100th Anniversary, so kbb.com looked back through time to select the most significant design and product advancements during the long history of THE most successful segment of General Motors.

By Hawke Fracassa Sep 13 2011 - 6:49pm

Toyota ramps up production big time on 2012 cars and trucks

Toyota’s production of 2012 cars and trucks for sale in the United States and Canada is at 100% and recovery from the March 11 quake in Japan has exceeded expectations, an executive for the Japanese car company told reporters in Los Angeles today.

By Don Bain Sep 13 2011 - 6:31pm

Mercedes-Benz premieres at Frankfurt Auto Show with F125 research concept car

Mercedes-Benz, marking their 125 years of automotive history, will offer several world and European debuts a the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show today, notably including the F125 research concept car, which takes a visionary look at future technical developments in the luxury market.

Read more about Mercedes-Benz premieres at Frankfurt Auto Show with F125 research concept car

By Patrick Rall Sep 13 2011 - 4:27pm

Production of the Fisker Sunset Convertible confirmed in Frankfurt

Many expected that the new Fisker Surf shooting brake would be the big Frankfurt Motor Show news from the US-based automaker but we have also learned that when the Surf hits the streets in 2013, it will be joined by the Fisker Sunset – a convertible based on the architecture of the Fisker Karma sedan currently amidst production.

By Frank Sherosky Sep 13 2011 - 4:06pm

LeaseTrader.com says parents favor one-year leases for high school seniors

Imagine no down payment and extreme short-term fuel surge for parents of high school seniors in their final year before they go off to college.

By KC Kelly Sep 13 2011 - 3:21pm

Bentley Continental GTC: Frankfurt Auto Show 2011's most luxurious

Wolfgang Durheimer, Chairman and Chief Executive of Bentley Motors is ready to welcome the new Bentley Continental GTC convertible to the world. The new Bentley will debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.

By Patrick Rall Sep 13 2011 - 3:05pm

Volkswagen recalls 2011-2012 Jetta sedans for excessively long tailpipes

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced a recall of select 2011 and 2012 Volkswagen Jetta models over a concern about the tailpipe extension being too long – increasing the risk of burns to passers-by when the car is parked after being driven.

By Patrick Rall Sep 13 2011 - 2:34pm

The Jeep-based Maserati Kubang drops at Frankfurt 2011

We have known for some time now that Maserati was planning to unveil a new luxury sport utility vehicle at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show and as the huge German event has begun, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee based Maserati Kubang has met the world with a look that is very distinctly all-Maserati.

By KC Kelly Sep 13 2011 - 2:14pm

Ford strike possible: Contract extension with UAW likely

Ford Motor Company and the United Auto Workers Union have an expiration date of September 14, 2011 for their labor contract. However, the collaborative effort may have to be extended beyond that date.

By KC Kelly Sep 13 2011 - 1:33pm

Volvo Concept You designers share behind the scenes of their craftsmanship

Learning about the amazing craftsmanship that goes on behind the scenes of manufacturing the beautiful Volvo brand car can be extremely interesting. The following is a look inside the making of the Volvo Concept You.

By Gordon Block Sep 13 2011 - 1:01pm

Volvo unveils Concept You four-door coupe at the Frankfurt Auto Show

Volvo has taken the wraps off the Concept You, a four-door coupe design exercise that showcases the Swedish automaker's interest in smart technology integration and a new family of four-cylinder engines.

By Patrick Rall Sep 13 2011 - 12:34pm

The Ford Fiesta ST Concept debuts at the 2011 Frankfurt show

The 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show brought us our first good look at the production version of the Ford Focus ST but this morning, the world was introduced to a new high performance compact as Ford rolled out the new Fiesta ST Concept.

By KC Kelly Sep 13 2011 - 12:31pm

Economy Ups and Downs Shift Car Buying Searches

With the economy the way it has been, dragging people down, the auto industry is no stranger to the unfavorable falling market. AutoTrader.com has shown how car buying has dropped significantly because people are forced to be more frugal in their spending.

By Patrick Rall Sep 13 2011 - 12:02pm

The Fisker Surf debuts at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show

Fisker Automotive hasn’t gotten the production version of their Karma sedan to consumers yet but as the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show opens, we have our first look at the newest model from the innovative automaker – the Fisker Surf.

By KC Kelly Sep 13 2011 - 11:34am

Zipcar & University of Illinois at Chicago team to bring rentable cars to campus

The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) announced today that they are forming a new partnership with Zipcar, Inc., to present a car-sharing program right on the UIC college campus. This collaboration would be extremely beneficial for Zipcar as well as for college campus students and staff.

By Patrick Rall Sep 13 2011 - 11:14am

Lamborghini confirms Sesto Elemento production in Frankfurt

The first big news from Lamborghini came last evening when the company at the Frankfurt Auto Show unveiled the Gallardo LP570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale and today, company CEO Stephan Winkelmann announced that the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento will go into production with the first carbon hypercars reaching consumers in early 2013.

By Frank Sherosky Sep 13 2011 - 10:35am

Opel RAK e Concept targets EV affordability at Frankfurt Motor Show

Opel RAK e Concept, a lightweight EV which debuts at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, needs 10 times less energy than a modern small car and one third the weight, making it more affordable for the masses.

By Keith Griffin Sep 13 2011 - 9:00am

Subaru Reveals Complete Details on Urbanized XV Crossover at Frankfurt Auto Show

Fuji Heavy Industries, better known around the world as Subaru, has unveiled complete details for the Subaru XV Crossover during media days at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show.

By Armen Hareyan Sep 13 2011 - 8:25am

Fear of Crisis at the Frankfurt Auto Show

As the car industry enters the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show the European car makers fear a slowdown in demand due to few reasons.

By Patrick Rall Sep 12 2011 - 11:56pm

Frankfurt: The 2012 Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale

The 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show doesn’t officially open until tomorrow but tonight at the Volkswagen Group preview, the 2012 Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale was unveiled ahead of the opening of this year’s Frankfurt show.

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