Technology
Auto microchip maker Renesas to cut 6,000 jobs, raise capital
2:00 pm U.S. ET | May 22, 2012
Automotive microchip maker Renesas Electronics of Japan, which suffered major disruptions following last year's earthquake and tsunami, plans to cut 6,000 jobs and raise 50 billion yen ($630 million) in new capital, local media reported.... Read More » Comments [0] | Recommendations [0]
PSA-GM plan Brazil plant, report says
7:53 am U.S. ET | May 22, 2012
PSA and partner GM are in discussions to build a joint plant in Brazil, according to a Brazilian media report. The two automakers established a partnership in February to share vehicle platforms and jointly purchase parts and materials. A decision on the project is expected by the end of the month, the report said.... Read More »2 small? Not anymore
12:01 am U.S. ET | May 21, 2012
BMW and other automakers are trying to break through the long-held notion that small engines are only for wimpy econoboxes and drivers who find comfort in the far right lane of the freeway. Four-cylinder powertrains are showing up under the hoods of a growing number of mid-sized cars, SUVs and premium sedans where nothing less than a brawny V-6 or V-8 would do in the past.... Read More »Fiat's Tata troubles could pave way for closer ties with Suzuki in India
4:04 am U.S. ET | May 21, 2012
The partnership between Fiat and Tata Motors in India may be headed for a split after the two carmakers ended a distribution deal that had allowed Fiat to sell cars via Tata's dealerships.The move could pave the way for Fiat to strengthen its ties with Suzuki in Asia's third-largest auto market, according to analysts.... Read More »Suppliers ride the mpg wave
12:01 am U.S. ET | May 21, 2012
Gasoline at $4 a gallon and government-mandated fuel economy targets are creating vast opportunities for many big global suppliers. In North America, those suppliers are selling turbochargers, direct injection, stop-start equipment, eight-speed transmissions and many other systems that save fuel.... Read More »INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
More clicks, lower cost
12:01 am U.S. ET | May 21, 2012
Prices for Google paid search -- a powerful digital marketing tool for auto dealers -- have moderated in recent months after a big run-up in the previous two years, dealers say. Part of the reason is that dealerships have become smarter in choosing different, lower-cost key word combinations that drive traffic, and staying away from words and phrases that don't work.... Read More »Manufacturing
Green Cars
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ManufacturingMore »
Former GM unit Nexteer promotes Europe boss to global COO
12:01 am U.S. ET | May 21 2012
Nexteer Automotive has promoted its top executive in Europe to COO of the former General Motors-owned steering and driveline specialist. Laurent Bresson, 40, starts his new job immediately.... Read More »
DesignMore »
Redone Altima raises stakes in mid-sized battle
12:01 am U.S. ET | May 21 2012
Nissan North America last week started building its high-volume Altima with hopes of taking the volume even higher -- even as competition in the segment heats up. The Altima has been redesigned for the 2013 model year and will go on sale June 26. But the Honda Accord, Ford Fusion and Chevrolet Malibu also have been redesigned for 2013.... Read More »
Future ProductMore »
Fiat and Mazda plan to jointly develop a roadster
1:50 am U.S. ET | May 23 2012
Fiat Group and Mazda plan to develop and build a new roadster for the Mazda and Alfa Romeo brands, the companies said. The model will be a successor to the rear-wheel-drive MX-5/Miata and will have distinct styling for each brand.... Read More »
Green CarsMore »
Ford is shipping Focus Electric to dealers
8:23 am U.S. ET | May 19 2012
Ford started shipping its first electric passenger car to dealers this past weekend, people familiar with the matter said. About 350 Focus Electric cars will be sent to 67 dealers in California, New Jersey and New York over the next couple weeks. Manufacturing executives signed off on the decision on Friday.... Read More »
- U.S. regulators discuss safety of electric vehicles, batteries
- Ford starts taking orders for C-Max Hybrid
- A123 sees battery production constraints for several quarters
- Ferrari's first hybrid likely to surpass Enzo as most expensive, powerful model
- There's nothing unnatural about driving a natural-gas car
Talk from the TopMore »
ROBERT YOUNG -- VICE PRESIDENT OF PURCHASING, TOYOTA NORTH AMERICA
Beyond crises, Toyota purchasing chief sees growth
12:01 am U.S. ET | May 21 2012
Since becoming vice president of purchasing for Toyota Motor Corp.'s North American operations early last year, Robert Young has been tested repeatedly by world events. That year brought the March earthquake and tsunami in Japan and, months later, the floods in Thailand.... Read More »
Car CutawaysMore »
Plastic Omnium helps make the Peugeot 208 greener
12:01 am U.S. ET | May 23 2012
The Peugeot 208 features a rear bumper from Plastic Omnium that is made from 100 percent recycled materials. In total, 25 percent of the 208 is made using recycled or natural materials while its predecessor, the 207, contained just 7 percent.... Read More »
Final AssemblyMore »
FINAL ASSEMBLY
Fiat's Google gotcha: A 500 shows up at VW's front door
12:01 am U.S. ET | May 21 2012
Score one for Fiat in the sometimes whimsical, sometimes not, rivalry between the Italian automaker and Volkswagen. The two companies seem to taunt and tease each other like kids on a playground, especially in Europe. Check out Volkswagen's Swedish headquarters in suburban Stockholm on Google Earth and you'll see a Fiat 500 parked at the front door of the building.... Read More »
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Razzari Ford/Mazda -- Merced, CA, United States - Sales Manager and F&I Manager
Performance Toyota -- Memphis, TN, United States
