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.
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
Alternative Fuel Vehicles
Big news on the EV front with a new all-electric SUV from Toyota. The Japanese automaker unveiled the production version of the 2012 Rav 4 EV at the EVS26 symposium in Los Angeles. It was jointly developed with electric car pioneer Tesla Motors who supplied the battery pack and drive system. Like other current EV’s, this Rav 4 has a range of about 100 miles, but… Read More
Volkswagen Plant Expansion
While the auto show season is over in the US and in Europe, in the far east it’s still going strong. Witness, this stunning Mercedes-Benz concept style coupe that greeted the press and public alike at Beijing’s 2012 Auto China. This coupe-roofed four-door concept is said to closely resemble the new B-class sedan that will go on sale here in the US next year.… Read More
2012 New York Auto Show
The 2012 New York International Auto Show may be one of the last big car coming-out party for the season, but this year is was clearly one of the best. Festivities started the night before press days with parties like the one Land Rover staged to celebrate their 25 years in America. When things really got rolling the next morning, the sprawling Javit’s Center… Read More