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.
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,… 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… 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
Geneva Motor Show
A busy day at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show uncovered a showroom full of new models and a stylish look into the global automotive future. While many carmakers are going green, performance and high style took center stage here, starting with the world debuts of two feisty Italians: The Ferrari F12 is the latest front-engined V12 coupe to wear the prancing horse… Read More
New Fuel Economy Labels
The US Department of Transportation and the Environmental Protection Agency have revamped their fuel economy labels for all 2013 model year vehicles making them even more comprehensive for consumers. It’s going to take some time for car shoppers to digest all the information on the new fuel economy and environment labels, but federal agencies hope it will… Read More
Tesla Model X & Insurance Rates
Everybody’s always looking for a good deal when it comes to car insurance and now consumers can find out which models offer the best bargains for 2012. For the fourth year Insure.com has compiled a list of the least and most expensive cars to insure. Topping the list of least expensive is the 2012 Toyota Sienna in LE trim with an average annual insurance… Read More
Chicago Auto Show
The 2012 Chicago Auto Show blew into town with a handful of new models and one promising safety innovation.Hyundai’s Elantra sedan, the North American Car of the Year, adds a pair of companions. The first is the Elantra Coupe - a very sleek 2-door model that is designed to really turn heads. And the second is the new Elantra GT, a sporty 5-door hatchback.The… Read More
BMW Highs & Lows
Highs and lows for German automaker BMW as they celebrate ramped up vehicle production at their US assembly plant....while issuing a major recall on one of their most popular compact nameplates. The world's largest maker of luxury cars recently announced plans to expand its X-model line at their Spartanburg, South Carolina plant. Over the next 3 years, the… Read More
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