Motor News
MotorWeek tracks auto industry news, focusing on crash tests, safety ratings, new advances in technology and the latest from auto shows around the world.
Luxury Frontal Crash Test
You could call it a case of midsize misfortune, as several of the world’s top selling luxury cars are slammed with sub-standard crash test results. A new frontal crash test from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is making ripples with big name brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Lexus-all receiving marginal or poor ratings. According to the IIHS, the new… Read More
AWD Jaguar
The fabled British performance brand Jaguar is more well-known for tackling challenging roads and race tracks than making tracks through ice and snow. But, that’s about to change. Jaguar has announced that an all-wheel-drive system will be offered on some 2013 XJ and XF sedans. Labeled “Instinctive All Wheel Drive,” it be the first all-wheel drive Jaguars since… Read More
Monterey Motoring
Every year in the third week of August, auto aficionados flock to the Monterey Peninsula for what has become a weeklong extravaganza of classic-car races, shows and tours…and we weren’t about to miss out on all the fun. The week started for us at the Concorso Italiano, with an eye-catching array of Italian exotics from Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati and their many… Read More
Ford Plugs-In
Ford is energized about their future as the domestic automaker announces details of their first plug-in hybrid vehicle to hit the market. The blue oval has made great strides over the last few years in the hybrid-electric segment and has emerged as a major rival to Toyota’s dominate Prius hybrid lineup. Ford plans to up the ante this fall with the plug-in C-Max… Read More
VW Buys Porsche
A storied sports car company is bought out by Europe’s largest automaker after a long and turbulent deal that nearly divided two of Germany’s most powerful automotive families. It’s a takeover that’s been years in the making, but Volkswagen has finally moved to buy the remaining 50.1 % stake of Porsche. Under the newly-structured plan-agreed to by both… Read More
Chevy Confidence
If you’re in the market to buy a new car, Chevrolet has a limited time incentive program that may be hard to pass up. General Motors has initiated a bold plan to lure new buyers to their most popular brand. Under its new “Chevy Confidence” program, consumers can return any new 2012 or 2013 Chevrolet car or truck within 60 days –if they’re not-for whatever reason-… Read More
Honda Accord Spied
This week Honda draws our interest with a clandestine look at its all-new Honda Accord. But, first, we take a sneak peek at the Japanese automaker’s future vision of personal mobility. At first glance, Honda’s new UNI-CUB looks like a seated Segway scooter. Honda says it has the same freedom of movement a person enjoys while walking. The personal mobility device,… Read More
Global Auto Sales
Global auto sales from the first quarter of 2012 have been tallied, and it looks like Toyota now has two of the three best-selling carlines in the world. According to figures compiled by Bloomberg, the Toyota Corolla compact beats out all other car series with more than 300,000 units of various models sold globally in the first three months of 2012. Now, that’s… Read More
Driverless Vehicles
Is a driverless future nearer than we think? Swedish auto maker Volvo is testing out new technology that just might make it so. Since the 1950’s automakers, universities, and high-tech companies, have been intrigued by the idea of cars that drive themselves. Now Volvo Trucks is working on a project- through a European consortium that combine a driver’s knowledge… Read More
Gas Tax Revenue
A push for higher fuel economy by the federal government prompts a gas tax revenue shortfall and—possibly--more pain at the pump for consumers. The congressional budget office has released a report that says increased fuel efficiency in vehicles will remove 57 billion dollars in federal tax revenue used for highway construction. The Obama administration has… Read More