Autoblog

Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[First Drive: 2013 Chevrolet Malibu 2.5]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/04/2013-chevrolet-malibu-2-5-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/04/2013-chevrolet-malibu-2-5-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/04/2013-chevrolet-malibu-2-5-first-drive-review/#commentsFiled under: Sedan, Chevrolet, First Drives

Hardly Transformative, But More Than Meets The Eye

2013 Chevrolet Malibu 2.5

When we last left our hero, Malibu Man was struggling mightily. Beset by meddlesome marketers and ineffective engineers, allies who had inexplicably trapped him in the dull green glow of an Eco ray, Malibu Man was about to face off against new and stronger nemeses than ever before, foes intent on dispatching both our hero and the Middle American Way he represents to car buyers across the globe. Would Malibu Man fight back? Could he stand a chance when Aston Fusion, Camrybot and Dr. Altima came to battle?

Well it's time for the next exciting episode of Malibu Man Against the Midsize Marauders, and - spoiler alert - this one has a happier ending than the last. We finally had the opportunity to drive the mainstream version of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu equipped with a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder and did, in fact, come away with our expectations firmly met: If you want a Malibu, this is the one to buy.

Continue reading 2013 Chevrolet Malibu 2.5

2013 Chevrolet Malibu 2.5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Sep 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 chevrolet malibu2013 chevy malibuchevroletchevyfeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivemalibumalibu 2.5Tue, 04 Sep 2012 11:57:00 EST<![CDATA[This is how to box up a Local Motors Rally Fighter [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/30/this-is-how-to-box-up-a-local-motors-rally-fighter-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/30/this-is-how-to-box-up-a-local-motors-rally-fighter-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/30/this-is-how-to-box-up-a-local-motors-rally-fighter-w-video/#commentsFiled under: Plants/Manufacturing, Marketing/Advertising, Technology, Specialty, Off-Road

Local Motors boxes up a Rally Fighter

Attention Chicagoans and other Midwesterners: If you've been wondering when the Local Motors Rally Fighter might be coming to a show in your neck of the woods, the answer is Sept. 10-15. And no, the Chicago Auto Show has not been rescheduled, it will still be held next February. Rather, the Rally Fighter will be on display at something called the International Manufacturing Technology Show, which is where those few who get excited about metal cutting and forming, tooling, CAD/CAM, and other various industrial operations gather to spend a week pretending that the masses in the United States still care about manufacturing.

While you might think that Local Motors would simply haul or drive the Rally Fighter to IMTS, that's not the case. Instead, one of the cars was boxed up and trucked there, where it will be built live on the floor of the McCormick Place convention center. This demonstration is all part of the IMTS fun, and while the show is really designed for people who still build things for a living, there's likely no reason that blog-reading cubicle-dwellers (or writers...) can't pony up the $50 to attend the exposition.

Scroll down to watch a video about the IMTS Rally Fighter.

Continue reading This is how to box up a Local Motors Rally Fighter [w/video]

This is how to box up a Local Motors Rally Fighter [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Aug 2012 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>imtsInternational Manufacturing Technology Showlocal motorslocal motors rally fighterrally fighterrally fighter live buildThu, 30 Aug 2012 10:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Watch this unlikely drag race between a Corvette and an electric skateboard]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/28/watch-this-unlikely-drag-race-between-a-corvette-and-an-electric/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/28/watch-this-unlikely-drag-race-between-a-corvette-and-an-electric/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/28/watch-this-unlikely-drag-race-between-a-corvette-and-an-electric/#commentsFiled under: Etc., Videos, Chevrolet, Toys/Games

Gnarboard vs. C5 Corvette

Here's a question to ponder: If it can outrun a C5 Chevrolet Corvette off the line, can we even call it a skateboard anymore?

While we're intrigued by this Kickstarter project from Gnarboards, we'll admit to having no idea what we'd do with an electric skateboard that can do 0-28 miles per hour in under two seconds. We do, however, know exactly what we'd do with that C5 'vert in the video: Remove those Z06 brake ducts and those terrible wheels.

Scroll down to watch the electric skateboard drag race the 'Vette.

Continue reading Watch this unlikely drag race between a Corvette and an electric skateboard

Watch this unlikely drag race between a Corvette and an electric skateboard originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Aug 2012 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>c5chevroletcorvettedrag raceelectric skateboardelectric skateboardsgnarboardskateboardskateboard drag raceskateboardingTue, 28 Aug 2012 19:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Translogic follows Monster Tajima's historic, and short, Pikes Peak run]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/28/translogic-follows-monster-tajimas-historic-and-short-pikes-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/28/translogic-follows-monster-tajimas-historic-and-short-pikes-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/28/translogic-follows-monster-tajimas-historic-and-short-pikes-p/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Technology, Electric, Racing

Monster Tajima races up Pikes Peak in an EV

The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is the second-oldest motorsports event in the United States, having been contested since 1916. It's an outlier in the sanitized, corporate-sponsored world of professional racing, remaining true to its unique and local roots. The race has a long history of encouraging ingenuity and experimentation, so its not surprising that proponents of alternative fuels have long mixed it up amidst the more conventionally deployed big blocks and turbos.

But this year something special happened when course record holder and defending champion Nobuhiro "Monster" Tajima showed up with an EV. Now Tajima was certainly not the first to attempt a run up the mountain under electric power, but his embrace of the technology after years of racing machines powered by internal combustion engines has to be regarded as significant. The EV movement couldn't have asked for a better public relations opportunity, which is why our sister site Translogic was there with cameras to document the occasion.

Unfortunately, Tajima's day was prematurely ended when his car caught fire. His course record was broken as well, but the former champ has promised to be back next year to give it another go with his Monster Sport E-Runner Pikes Peak Special.

Scroll down to watch the full episode of Translogic.

Continue reading Translogic follows Monster Tajima's historic, and short, Pikes Peak run

Translogic follows Monster Tajima's historic, and short, Pikes Peak run originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Aug 2012 19:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aol autose-runnermonster sportmonster tajimapikes peaktranslogicvideoTue, 28 Aug 2012 19:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Bentley bringing new sports car concept to Paris Motor Show]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/28/bentley-bringing-new-sports-car-concept-to-paris-motor-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/28/bentley-bringing-new-sports-car-concept-to-paris-motor-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/28/bentley-bringing-new-sports-car-concept-to-paris-motor-show/#commentsFiled under: Concept Cars, Performance, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Bentley, Rumormill, Design/Style

Nevermind the fact that Bentley hasn't built anything resembling a real production sports car since W.O. was running things - and back then sports cars were inspired by locomotives rather than jets. Still, the Volkswagen-owned luxury marque intends to bring just such a concept to the Paris show next month, according to Car and Driver.

The notion of Bentley building a car that doesn't weigh as much as a Brontosaurus certainly strikes our fancy, as the corporate powertrain department certainly has no shortage of monster motors to motivate a more lithe Bentley beast. Perhaps the marque could even make a return trip to Le Mans with a racing version that's more Bentley and less Audi than the old Speed 8.

But we're getting ahead of ourselves here, as details at this point are as scarce as modern Bentley owners who could tell you who Woolf Barnato is. In fact, besides the fact that the Bentley sports car is coming, about all the magazine says it that the concept should be the sportiest thing to wear the Flying B since the 1999 Hunaudières concept car. That shouldn't be difficult - let's just hope that this time VW doesn't steal the design for Bugatti.

Bentley bringing new sports car concept to Paris Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Aug 2012 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bentleybentley sports carcar and driverHunaudièresparis 2012paris motor showspeed 8volkswagenTue, 28 Aug 2012 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: CAW votes to authorize strikes against GM, Ford and Chrysler]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/28/caw-votes-to-authorize-strikes-against-gm-ford-and-chrysler/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/28/caw-votes-to-authorize-strikes-against-gm-ford-and-chrysler/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/28/caw-votes-to-authorize-strikes-against-gm-ford-and-chrysler/#commentsFiled under: Plants/Manufacturing, Chrysler, Ford, GM, UAW/Unions, Canada

The Canadian Auto Workers Union may soon be a thing of the past, but it still has to negotiate one more contract with the Big Three before its planned merger with the Canadian Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union. The current deal expires on Sept. 17, so CAW representatives are meeting with the automakers this week in Toronto - and they're coming armed with a strike authorization, according to The Detroit News.

While we can't call the vote unanimous, some 99 percent of Chrysler union members voted in favor of walking out, with 98 percent of General Motors workers and 97 percent of Ford workers authorizing the action if the parties can't come to terms. According to the report, the last CAW strike occurred in 1996.

CAW votes to authorize strikes against GM, Ford and Chrysler originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Aug 2012 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadian auto workerscawchryslerfordgmstrike authorizationstrike voteunionTue, 28 Aug 2012 09:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Why Google is frustrating your local car dealer]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/28/why-google-is-frustrating-your-local-car-dealer/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/28/why-google-is-frustrating-your-local-car-dealer/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/28/why-google-is-frustrating-your-local-car-dealer/#commentsFiled under: Car Buying, Government/Legal, Marketing/Advertising, Technology

Car salesmen have long ranked among the most universally reviled members of society, just south of real estate agents and lawyers. But the past decade has seen the plaid sports jacket and gold chain crowd doing much to bolster their image, with many auto dealers building impressive online reputations by cultivating positive customer feedback.

That's where this latest tale of woe begins: Automotive News is reporting that Google has been deleting hundreds of reviews of dealerships from its Google+ Local pages, but doing so in a capricious and arbitrary fashion. The dealerships, as you might expect, are angry.

One Suzuki dealer who reportedly had 400 reviews zapped in two days time told AN, "Google believes it can do whatever it wants and has no accountability." His store saw its positive ranking disappear as a result of the deleted reviews. Google's response was that it has merely been trying to make sure that reviews are "authentic, relevant, and useful," according to the report. The Suzuki store owner and two other dealers have subsequently filed complaints with the Federal Trade Commission.

Google has no formal way for dealers to appeal the deletions, or even understand why they were made, leaving them with little recourse but to go through the process of rebuilding their cache of positive reviews one customer at a time.

Why Google is frustrating your local car dealer originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Aug 2012 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto dealerscar dealersdealer reviewsdealersdealershipsgooglegoogle reviewsgoogle+google+ localTue, 28 Aug 2012 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Former CEO Bahar files $10.6M suit against Lotus]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/27/former-ceo-bahar-files-10-6m-suit-against-lotus/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/27/former-ceo-bahar-files-10-6m-suit-against-lotus/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/27/former-ceo-bahar-files-10-6m-suit-against-lotus/#commentsFiled under: Government/Legal, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Lotus

Former Lotus CEO Dany Bahar with car

File this one under "not surprising in the least." Fired Lotus CEO Dany Bahar is reportedly suing his former employers for some $10.6 million, claiming that the automaker and its Malaysian owner, DRB, broke the law when they dismissed him. According to a report by Bloomberg Businessweek, DRB and Lotus will defend themselves in court rather than settling, including filing a countersuit against the former top executive.

Bahar, 40, was canned on June 7, about two weeks after Lotus suspended him pending an investigation into his conduct. The report cites a Kuala Lumpur stock exchange filing as its source of the information; the filing also indicates that DRB has decided against selling Lotus, despite continuing losses.

Former CEO Bahar files $10.6M suit against Lotus originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Aug 2012 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baharbahar lawsuitdany bahardrbdrb hicomlotuslotus carsMon, 27 Aug 2012 17:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: New Lexus LF-LC concept to debut Down Under]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/27/new-lexus-lf-lc-concept-to-debut-down-under/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/27/new-lexus-lf-lc-concept-to-debut-down-under/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/27/new-lexus-lf-lc-concept-to-debut-down-under/#commentsFiled under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Lexus, Australia, Design/Style, Luxury

Lexus LF-LC concept - Detroit reveal

If you haven't seen enough of the Norelco-inspired Lexus concept from this year's Detroit show, just wait until October. The Australian International Motor Show has formally announced that Lexus will be bringing a hybrid coupe concept to the Sydney show floor, reportedly another version of the LF-LC that graced Cobo nine months earlier.

Car Advice says that the Aussie concept is likely to be differentiated from the concept we've already seen by employing an all-wheel-drive powertrain. Its gas-electric hybrid driveline is said to produce close to 500 horsepower, though we reserve the right to remain skeptical of anything still wearing a "concept" label, especially a vehicle that's likely three or four years out from production, assuming it gets the green light at all.

Scroll down to read the official press release from AIMS.

Continue reading New Lexus LF-LC concept to debut Down Under

New Lexus LF-LC concept to debut Down Under originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Aug 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaaustralian international motor showconcept carlexuslexus conceptlf-lclf-lc conceptlflcsydney motor showMon, 27 Aug 2012 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Blue Oval's Farley vows to fix MyFord Touch]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/27/blue-ovals-farley-vows-to-fix-myford-touch/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/27/blue-ovals-farley-vows-to-fix-myford-touch/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/27/blue-ovals-farley-vows-to-fix-myford-touch/#commentsFiled under: Car Buying, Technology, Ford

MyFord Touch - dashboard view of screen

MyFord Touch is an enigma - not just because the infotainment system itself is difficult to understand and use, but because Ford just can't seem to figure out what to do about it. Ford's marketing chief Jim Farley tells Automotive News that despite ongoing criticism of MyFord Touch, even after a 2013 model year update, it "won't change our commitment to being a leader in infotainment. We want to be the best at it even if it means we have to improve the usability forever."

Farley goes on to say that despite all that the pundits at Consumer Reports have had to say - including writing that the system "stinks" in a recent blog post - 56 percent of buyers tell Ford that technology is an important consideration. Meaning that despite Ford's admitted inability to work the bugs out of MyFord Touch and make it more intuitive and speedy, it needs to stick with the system because it's a prime determiner for car shoppers.

Blue Oval's Farley vows to fix MyFord Touch originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Aug 2012 11:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consumer reportsfarleyfordinfotainmentjim farleymyford touchmyfordtouchmylincoln touchsynctelematicsMon, 27 Aug 2012 11:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Official: Next-gen 2015 Chevrolet Cruze staying in Ohio with GM's $220M investment]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/24/next-gen-2015-chevrolet-cruze-staying-in-ohio-with-gms-220m-in/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/24/next-gen-2015-chevrolet-cruze-staying-in-ohio-with-gms-220m-in/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/24/next-gen-2015-chevrolet-cruze-staying-in-ohio-with-gms-220m-in/#commentsFiled under: Budget, Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Chevrolet, GM, UAW/Unions

2012 Chevrolet Cruze Eco - front three-quarter view

The Chevrolet Cruze is, hands-down, the greatest success in recent history for General Motors. Now entering its third model year, the Cruze has been one of the company's top sellers in the United States, and GM has now committed to keeping production here through a second generation. According to MSN Money, the new 2015 Chevrolet Cruze will launch in the fall of 2014.

While relatively new to the U.S. market, the Cruze has been on sale globally since 2008. Our domestic Cruze is assembled at GM's Lordstown, Ohio, plant, which will be receiving a $220 million investment to ready it for the new model, according to GM. Upgrades to the nearby Parma stamping plant are included in that figure.

In its press release announcing the investment, GM indicated that this next-generation Cruze will be restyled and have improved fuel economy. The report speculates that this model will ride on a platform shared between compact cars and crossovers, one which will also underpin other Chevrolet vehicles including a new version of the Volt and Equinox.

Scroll down to read the full release.

Continue reading Next-gen 2015 Chevrolet Cruze staying in Ohio with GM's $220M investment

Next-gen 2015 Chevrolet Cruze staying in Ohio with GM's $220M investment originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Aug 2012 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2015 chevrolet cruzechevroletchevycruzecruze ecogmgm investmentlordstownparmavoltFri, 24 Aug 2012 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: 'AXI' dropped from NYC taxis]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/23/axi-dropped-from-nyc-taxis/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/23/axi-dropped-from-nyc-taxis/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/23/axi-dropped-from-nyc-taxis/#commentsFiled under: Etc., Government/Legal, Marketing/Advertising, Specialty, Design/Style

2012 Toyota Prius V New York City Taxi

Oh, how we love "rebranding." From the stumblebums at The Gap to the desperate deckhands on the Microsoft Titanic, needlessly changing your logo is all the rage these days, so we shouldn't be surprised to see the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission join in on the fun by eliminating the word "taxi" from the city's cabs. That's right, while they'll still be yellow and hailing one will still prove challenging for out-of-towners, New York's taxis will now be identified by a yellow capital "T" in a black circle.

According to The New York Times, besides their "axi," cabs will also be losing their passenger door fare panel - the information will be displayed on the cab's video screen instead. The subtle shift in design is the result of New York's Taxi of Tomorrow program, in which the Nissan NV200 was picked to become the city's exclusive taxi vehicle, starting next year. The t-in-a-circle logo was created by Smart Design.

David S. Yassky, the Taxi and Limousine Commission Chairman, responded to questions about whether people would be able to identify the new cabs by saying, "Even the greenest of greenhorns will know that it's a taxicab," according to the report.

'AXI' dropped from NYC taxis originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Aug 2012 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>new york citynew york city taxiNew York City Taxi Limousine Commissionnissannvnv200nv200 taxinyctaxitaxi logotaxi of tomorrowtaxicabThu, 23 Aug 2012 18:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Canadian Auto Workers vote to merge with rival, form 'super union']]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/23/canadian-auto-workers-vote-to-merge-with-rival-form-super-unio/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/23/canadian-auto-workers-vote-to-merge-with-rival-form-super-unio/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/23/canadian-auto-workers-vote-to-merge-with-rival-form-super-unio/#commentsFiled under: UAW/Unions, Canada

CAW president Ken Lewenza gestures with arms open

How would you respond to the headline "No More Auto Workers Union"? Our northern neighbors will likely be bidding goodbye to their Canadian Auto Workers Union, as the membership has agreed to merge with the country's Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union.

The Vancouver Sun is reporting that a unanimous vote of delegates at the CAW's convention has approved the merger. If finalized, the new organization will have more than 300,000 members, most of them working in manufacturing, communications and transportation. The CEP still has to vote on the proposal in October, but its president seems bullish on the merger, describing it as a "bigger and better union," according to the report.

CAW president Ken Lewenza (pictured above) agreed, saying, "This union will pose a serious challenge to the unrepresentative, unfair economic and political systems workers now find themselves caught in."

A new name for the combined organization has not yet been determined.

Canadian Auto Workers vote to merge with rival, form 'super union' originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Aug 2012 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadian auto workerscawcepcommunications energy and paperworkers unionken lewenzauawunionunionizingunionsunited auto workers unionThu, 23 Aug 2012 17:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Confirmed: Nissan hires away <em>Consumer Reports</em> auto test chief]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/23/nissan-hires-away-consumer-reports-auto-test-chief/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/23/nissan-hires-away-consumer-reports-auto-test-chief/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/23/nissan-hires-away-consumer-reports-auto-test-chief/#commentsFiled under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Nissan

David Champion, Nissan executive adviser, competitive assessment and quality

David Champion, the public face of Consumer Reports automotive testing, is returning to Nissan. The carmaker has hired CR's former auto test center senior director and given him a newly created job: Executive Advisor, Competitive Assessment and Quality. Champion worked for Nissan from 1994-1997 as a quality assurance engineer, before moving into the world of publishing.

Consumer Reports is the 800-pound-gorilla of automotive testing: Exalted by the mainstream, feared by automakers, and often reviled by enthusiasts. While that's unlikely to change after Champion's departure - after all, the institute's reputation goes largely unchallenged due to a dearth of legitimate competition - we do wonder how Nissan will respond to having a former outsider in its midst. At least we imagine Champion is being cast in the role of provocateur when he heads to Nissan's Arizona Testing Center.

While Nissan is clearly doing a pretty good job with product right now - given both its growing sales and our esteem for a number of its recent models, from GT-R to the Juke and Altima - insularity and myopia always seem to be lurking in the next product development cycle. These terrible twin traits have historically proven to afflict even the most esteemed automakers, often when they seem most impervious. A plum gig for Champion this may be, but he will no doubt have his work cut out for him.

Scroll down to read the full press release from Nissan, as well as a statement from Consumer Reports.

Continue reading Nissan hires away Consumer Reports auto test chief

Nissan hires away Consumer Reports auto test chief originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Aug 2012 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consumer reportsdavid championnissanquality controlThu, 23 Aug 2012 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[2012 Nissan Versa's airbag under NHTSA investigation]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/20/2012-nissan-versas-airbag-under-nhtsa-investigation/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/20/2012-nissan-versas-airbag-under-nhtsa-investigation/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/20/2012-nissan-versas-airbag-under-nhtsa-investigation/#commentsFiled under: Budget, Sedan, Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Nissan

2012 Nissan Versa

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating the 2012 Nissan Versa for a possible defective airbag cable assembly. Some 100,000 Versa sedans may have cables that are pinched in the steering column, which could lead to the airbag not deploying, according to Automotive News.

Nissan notified NHTSA of the issue, though no complaints about the problem have yet been made. The investigation by NHTSA will help determine whether or not a recall is warranted.

The new Versa was already recalled in February for problems with its shifter assembly, whereby automatic-transmission-equipped cars could be shifted out of Park without the driver first depressing the brake pedal. To its credit, though, the Versa was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in March.

2012 Nissan Versa's airbag under NHTSA investigation originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Aug 2012 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 nissan versaairbagairbag recallnhtsanissanversaMon, 20 Aug 2012 09:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Translogic learns how BMW kept the London Olympics rolling]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/20/translogic-learns-how-bmw-kept-the-london-olympics-rolling/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/20/translogic-learns-how-bmw-kept-the-london-olympics-rolling/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/20/translogic-learns-how-bmw-kept-the-london-olympics-rolling/#commentsFiled under: Etc., Technology, Videos, BMW, UK

Translogic goes the the 2012 London Olympics with BMW

BMW was one of the biggest corporate supporters of the 2012 London Olympics, earning the right to be its official car sponsor. But it wasn't just ponying up a few dozen 7 Series for the IOC that got it this plum gig. BMW made a commitment to meet specific CO2 emissions targets for the vehicles it provided.

BMW supplied about 4,000 vehicles to the London Olympics organizers, everything from motorcycles to electric Minis to hybrid 5-Series sedans to diesel X5 SUV's. Our sister site Translogic went to the Olympics to get a taste of the breadth and depth of the BMW Olympic fleet.

Scroll down to watch the full episode, wherein Translogic goes for a ride in a diesel X1, then rides an i Pedelec electric bicycle.

Continue reading Translogic learns how BMW kept the London Olympics rolling

Translogic learns how BMW kept the London Olympics rolling originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Aug 2012 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>active hybridbmwbradley hasemeyeri pedeleclondon olympicslondon olympics 2012olympicstranslogicvideox1Mon, 20 Aug 2012 08:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Car dealerships selling more cars per store than ever before]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/19/car-dealerships-selling-more-cars-per-store-than-ever-before/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/19/car-dealerships-selling-more-cars-per-store-than-ever-before/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/19/car-dealerships-selling-more-cars-per-store-than-ever-before/#commentsFiled under: Car Buying

Hyundai dealer

A consulting firm has boosted its auto sales estimate for 2012 to 14.3 million vehicles, but the big news is that, in aggregate, dealers are again making money selling cars.

Bloomberg reports that annual sales per dealer will jump to 805 vehicles according to Urban Science. That would be a new record, as despite this year's total sales number being some four million units shy of 2007 levels, there are far fewer car dealers in operation today.

The previous record was set in 2005, when the figure was 784 vehicles sold per dealer, according to the report. Both Chrysler and General Motors shed hundreds of franchises during their bankruptcies, but dealership ranks shrunk independent of that fact. Urban Science says the number of car dealers usually shrinks by about 2 percent each year, according to the report.

Car dealerships selling more cars per store than ever before originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 Aug 2012 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 auto salesbankruptcydealer profitabilitydealersdealershipsfinancial crisissales per dealerus auto salesSun, 19 Aug 2012 12:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Auctions: Akerson auctioning off personal 1958 Corvette for charity [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/17/akerson-auctioning-off-personal-1958-corvette-for-charity-w-vid/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/17/akerson-auctioning-off-personal-1958-corvette-for-charity-w-vid/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/17/akerson-auctioning-off-personal-1958-corvette-for-charity-w-vid/#commentsFiled under: Classics, Convertible, Performance, Auctions, Chevrolet, GM

Dan Akerson's 1958 Corvette to cross the auction block for charity

Dan Akerson will be taking a final parade lap at this weekend's Woodward Dream Cruise. No, much to the chagrin of the punditry, he's not stepping down as CEO of General Motors, just driving his 1958 Chevrolet Corvette for the last time before sending it off to auction for charity.

Akerson's benevolence will benefit Habitat for Humanity Detroit, which is fighting urban blight in the city's Morningside Commons neighborhood on the east side. GM's CEO has already given Habitat a million bucks this year, according to the press release. Details of when and where the car will be sold "will be announced shortly."

Clearly Akerson wants to be a role model for the sort of corporate stewardship GM sees as necessary to revitalize its hometown. Scroll down to see video of the car.

Continue reading Akerson auctioning off personal 1958 Corvette for charity [w/video]

Akerson auctioning off personal 1958 Corvette for charity [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Aug 2012 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>akersonakerson corvette auctionchevroletchevycorvettecorvette auctiondan akersondetroitgmhabitat for humanityWoodward Dream CruiseFri, 17 Aug 2012 18:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: BMW Motorsport turns 40, celebrates with old home movies]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/17/bmw-motorsport-turns-40-celebrates-with-old-home-movies/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/17/bmw-motorsport-turns-40-celebrates-with-old-home-movies/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/17/bmw-motorsport-turns-40-celebrates-with-old-home-movies/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Videos, BMW

40 Years of M-Power

Is there anything that gets better with age more than wine? Why yes, motorsports fans, that would be racing footage. BMW has gone down to the cellar to create this four-and-a-half minute video chronicling the history of its Motorsport division as part of BMW M's 40th anniversary celebration.

From the seminal 3.0 CSL race car to the M1 and the original M3, the first two-thirds of the video is devoted to the good stuff before it devolves into a typical branding commercial.

Scroll down to watch.

Continue reading BMW Motorsport turns 40, celebrates with old home movies

BMW Motorsport turns 40, celebrates with old home movies originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Aug 2012 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>40 years of mbmwbmw mmotorsportsvideoFri, 17 Aug 2012 12:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorsports: Ladies rule the day and make NHRA history with double win [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/17/ladies-rule-the-day-and-make-nhra-history-with-double-win-w-vid/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/17/ladies-rule-the-day-and-make-nhra-history-with-double-win-w-vid/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/17/ladies-rule-the-day-and-make-nhra-history-with-double-win-w-vid/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports

Erica Enders and Courtney Force become the first two women to win on the same day in the NHRA

The National Hot Rod Association is racing this weekend in Brainerd, Minnesota, but history was made two weeks ago at the Northwest Nationals in Seattle. We overlooked it at the time, but when Erica Enders won in Pro Stock and Courtney Force won in Funny Car, it was the first time two women have won in pro classes on the same day.

Enders notched her second victory of the year. For Force, a rookie and the daughter of NHRA legend John Force, it was her first career win. Both women had to defeat reigning champions in their classes to pull off their victories. Enders went 6.614 at 209.65 miles per hour to beat defending Pro Stock champion Jason Line, while Force did 4.238 seconds at 293.54 mph to top Funny Car champ Matt Hagan.

Scroll down to watch ESPN's report on the historic race.

Continue reading Ladies rule the day and make NHRA history with double win [w/video]

Ladies rule the day and make NHRA history with double win [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Aug 2012 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>courtney forceerica endersnational hot rod associationnhraFri, 17 Aug 2012 10:29:00 EST