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.
Automotive Advances 10.20.2011
While yet another airbag might seem unnecessary, General Motors has announced an industry first that takes passive restraints to the next level. GM has unveiled a new front center air bag-designed to help protect both the driver and front passenger, especially in far side crashes, where the impact occurs on the opposite side of where the occupant is sitting. The… Read More
Auto Roundup 10.06.2011
With fall here and winter fast approaching, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is sending out notices and recalls that pertain to slippery travels. 200,000 Jeep Liberty SUVs from the 2004 to 2005 model years are being investigated due to complaints of failure to the left or right rear lower control arm cause by excessive corrosion. All of the… Read More
2011 Frankfurt Motor Show 9.29.2011
Despite global financial concerns, the bi-annual Frankfurt Motor Show greeted some 10,000 automotive journalists with upbeat sales projections and the most dazzling array of new production and concept cars seen there in a decade. The theme of the 2011 Frankfurt show, “Future Comes As Standard” was on display with nearly 90 world introductions. Home market leader… Read More
Pebble Beach Classic 9.08.2011
The Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance began 60 years ago as a showcase for the world’s most beautiful classic cars. Well that tradition still continues today, but the event has now grown to include a full week of activities. A rare treat greeted those attending the Rolex Monterey motorsports reunion at Laguna Seca raceway. Among the hundreds of vintage racers on… Read More
Nissan at Pikes Peak 9.06.2011
The 89th annual Pikes Peak International Hill Climb crowned not only a new champion, but also added a new class of vehicles to this year’s event. The Nissan Leaf took the high road and became the first winner of the Electric Division for the climb up Pike’s Peak. While that time doesn’t break any records held by highly modified internal combustion engine cars, the… Read More
High-Tech Safety System 8.17.2011
Safety is always priority number one with automakers. And, the newest vehicles are better than ever at crash protection. But, advanced technology now aims to prevent accidents from happening altogether. A new study by the Highway Loss Data Institute and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety finds that one kind of collision avoidance system is already cutting… Read More
Quality Study 7.29.2011
J.D. Power and Associates' annual Initial Quality Study is one of the car industry's most widely-awaited polls. And this year, one Detroit automaker is taking it on the chin. Ford's Blue Oval was tarnished a bit by the survey, with the brand plunging from fifth place last year, to a mediocre 23rd for 2011. The survey looks at problems during the first 90 days… Read More
Green Ratings 1.09.2011
After months of speculation and hype, car buyers can now use the official EPA fuel economy labels to comparison shop the newest and most talked-about green machines, the Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt. But the new labels are not without controversy, and may still leave some shoppers scratching their heads. These new labels are the first attempt by the EPA to… Read More