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.
2011 Ups and Downs
2011 was the second up year in a row for the American auto industry with total sales of 12.8 million units. But Mother Nature, a hesitant economy, and just plain old bad luck conspired to give automakers plenty of ups and downs. The Japanese earthquake and tsunami in March had a devastating effect on car sales, shutting plants and disrupting vehicle and… Read More
2012 Fuel Economy Guide
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy have released their 2012 Fuel Economy Guide, so let’s see what the numbers look like. For nearly 30 years, the guide has helped car buyers compare vehicle MPG and fuel costs. And this year it includes an All-Star roster of the top ten gasoline economy champs dating back to 1984. It’s… Read More
Fiat & Hybrid Update
Fiat returns to the U.S. market after a nearly 30 year absence. But, it seems, American car buyers are not embracing their first offering. After saving the Chrysler Group from liquidation, Fiat had hoped to sell some 50,000 Fiat 500 ultra-compacts here annually. But, recently Chrysler was forced to stop production of the 500’s 1.4-liter engine due to slow… Read More
L.A. Auto Show
The U.S new car show season officially kicked off a new year with the opening of the 2011 L.A. Auto Show. One of the most important debuts at Los Angeles was the all-new 2013 Ford Escape. Boxy no more, the new Escape adopt a sleeker shape inspired by the Vertrek concept. All four-cylinder power includes a 1.6-liter turbocharged Ecoboost engine with better… Read More
Reliability Survey
Consumer Reports has released their 2011 Annual Car Reliability Survey with Ford showing a big drop in ranking due to complaints about new technology! The domestic brand sank from 10th to 20th place, the biggest drop among 28 brands. The 2012 Ford Explorer, Focus, and Fiesta all scored below average in reliability during their first year on the market. The… Read More
100 Years of Chevrolet
2011 marks 100 years for General Motor’s most popular nameplate, Chevrolet. The now global brand recently took a trip down memory lane, with a look towards the future. Chevrolet rang in its centennial by inviting journalists from all over the world to Detroit, Michigan for a weeklong celebration. A big highlight was the opportunity to drive some of the newest… Read More
Automotive Advances
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.… Read More
Auto Roundup
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… Read More
2011 Frankfurt Motor Show
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… Read More
Pebble Beach Classic
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… Read More