Items by Chris Shunk

• Ward's announces 10 Best Engines for 2010

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Technology

  Ward's Ten Best Engines of 2010 - Click above for high-res image gallery
  Just about every publication has an award to give away this time of year, and Wards Automotive is no different. But instead of picking the best car, truck or SUV, [...]
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  Posted: December 09, 2009, 7:28pm EST
  by Chris Shunk

• Mitsubishi launches big incentives through Sam's Club

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Car Buying, Marketing/Advertising, Mitsubishi, Earnings/Financials

  2010 Mitsubishi Outlander GT - Click above for high-res image gallery
  Twin pack of bread, 36 bottles of water, 24 rolls of toilet tissue, a 64-oz. box of cereal and... a 2010 Mitsubishi Galant. [...]
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  Posted: December 09, 2009, 3:58pm EST
  by Chris Shunk

• Dodge Challenger tops Consumer Reports owner satisfaction survey

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Chevrolet, Ford, GM, Toyota

  2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 6-Speed - Click above for high-res image gallery
  Consumer Reports has surveyed 380,000 subscribers to rank the most satisfied new car owners and a newcomer came in and dethroned [...]
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  Posted: December 07, 2009, 6:59pm EST
  by Chris Shunk

• REPORT: Chrysler still considering unibody Dakota replacement

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Truck, Chrysler, Dodge

  
  
  The Dodge Dakota -- as we know it today -- will go away in 2011, but looking at current sales of the mid-size pickup, it may as well be dead already. Chrysler has only sold 10,000 Dakotas [...]
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  Posted: December 07, 2009, 2:30pm EST
  by Chris Shunk

• REPORT: Even while pursuing Volvo, Geely again mulling bid for Saab?

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Saab, Earnings/Financials, Rumormill, Geely

  
  
  Just about every time an automaker decides to sell one of its brands, Chinese automaker Geely comes up as one of the potential suitors. Geely executive Lawrence Ang has reportedly told Automotive News that [...]
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  Posted: December 07, 2009, 1:58pm EST
  by Chris Shunk

• Gran Turismo 5 demo coming to PSN on Dec 17, GT Academy returns [w/VIDEO]

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Coupe, Technology, Videos, Nissan, Toys/Games

  Click above to watch the video after the jump
  Just when we thought we were going to wait until the end of March to get our hands on Gran Turismo 5, our friends at [...]
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  Posted: December 07, 2009, 1:00pm EST
  by Chris Shunk

• REPORT: GM selling control of Chinese joint venture to SAIC, half of India operations

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: China, GM, Earnings/Financials

  It has been a busy week at General Motors. The week started off with CEO Fritz Henderson's abrupt resignation, then executives converged on the LA Auto Show where Bob Lutz was the keynote speaker and then the[...]
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  Posted: December 04, 2009, 9:00am EST
  by Chris Shunk

• Ford accepting applications for Fiesta Movement 2

  —AutoblogGreen

  

  Filed under: MPG, Ford

  2011 Ford Fiesta - Click above for high-res image gallery
  
  Ford finally unveiled the U.S. version of its B-Segment Fiesta yesterday at the LA Auto Show, and thanks to some clever marketing, the Blue Oval's newest small car [...]
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  Posted: December 04, 2009, 8:56am EST
  by Chris Shunk

• Ford accepting applications for Fiesta Movement 2

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Ford

  2011 Ford Fiesta - Click above for high-res image gallery
  
  Ford finally unveiled the U.S. version of its B-Segment Fiesta yesterday at the LA Auto Show, and thanks to some clever marketing, [...]
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  Posted: December 03, 2009, 8:28pm EST
  by Chris Shunk

• Inside Line editors pick their 'Most Wanted' for 2010 - do you agree?

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Audi, Ford, Mazda, Porsche

  
  Inside Line Most Wanted 2010 - Click above for high-res image gallery
  We love award season, even if it is a bit tough to keep up with them all. Motor Trend has a set of [...]
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  Posted: December 03, 2009, 7:00pm EST
  by Chris Shunk

• Ready, Set, Go! Clever stoplight concept counts down to green

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Safety, Technology

  Eko stop light - Click above for image gallery
  
  We've got the stoplights in our neighborhood timed pretty well, but it's pretty painful when you're at a foreign intersection and have absolutely no idea when the light will turn [...]
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  Posted: December 03, 2009, 5:40pm EST
  by Chris Shunk

• LA 2009: Ford Taurus and Volvo XC60 named International Car and Truck of the Year

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: LA Auto Show, Sedan, Crossover, Ford, Volvo

  Ford Taurus and Volvo VX60 named International Car of the Year - Click above for high-res image gallery
  Hold onto your hats folks, because while magazine award ceremonies [...]
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  Posted: December 03, 2009, 4:58pm EST
  by Chris Shunk

• LA Preview: 2011 Ford Fiesta for America revealed, hits 40 mpg

  —AutoblogGreen

  

  Filed under: MPG, Ford, LA Auto Show

  2011 Ford Fiesta - Click above for high-res image gallery
  The Ford Fiesta has proven to be a very successful small car wherever it's sold in the world. Ford has sold 12 million Fiestas over the [...]
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  Posted: December 02, 2009, 8:46am EST
  by Chris Shunk

• LA Preview: 2011 Ford Fiesta for America revealed, hits 40 mpg

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: LA Auto Show, Budget, Sedan, Hatchback, Ford

  2011 Ford Fiesta - Click above for high-res image gallery
  The Ford Fiesta has proven to be a very successful small car wherever it's sold in the world. Ford has sold 12 [...]
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  Posted: December 02, 2009, 12:01am EST
  by Chris Shunk

• REPORT: GM could sell some Saab assets to Chinese; brand has through year's end to find buyer

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: China, Plants/Manufacturing, GM, Saab, Earnings/Financials

  
  
  General Motors' Saab brand has been given a one month stay of execution as the Detroit, MI-based automaker has announced that it will hold off on a decision regarding the brand's [...]
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  Posted: December 01, 2009, 7:26pm EST
  by Chris Shunk

• Michael Richards named Buick GMC general manager

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Buick, GM, GMC

  
  
  Fritz Henderson's unexpected resignation may have taken top billing today, but it wasn't the only move announced by General Motors today. Michael Richards has been named the new General Manager of Buick GMC effective immediately,' [...]
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  Posted: December 01, 2009, 7:01pm EST
  by Chris Shunk

• Better Than Before: 2010 NAIAS welcomes return of Nissan and Porsche, 54 carmakers total

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Nissan, Porsche

  
  
  For many auto enthusiasts, the 2009 North American International Auto Show was the official beginning of the US economic downturn. Nissan, Infiniti, Mitsubishi and Porsche didn't even bother to show up for the once-prestigious event' [...]
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  Posted: December 01, 2009, 10:00am EST
  by Chris Shunk

• REPORT: Ford loses appeal in rollover case, must pay $55M

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: SUV, Government/Legal, Safety, Ford

  
  
  According to The Detroit News, the Supreme Court has let stand a ruling that Ford Motor Company is at fault for a 2002 rollover crash involving a 1997 Ford Explorer and the Dearborn, MI-based automaker [...]
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  Posted: December 01, 2009, 9:29am EST
  by Chris Shunk

• REPORT: Lamborghini Gallardo cop car crashes in Italy thanks to careless driver

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Europe, Government/Legal, Lamborghini

  
  
  The Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Polizia is a very capable police cruiser that just happens to also be an extremely desirable Italian exotic. How many police cruisers can go 200 mph while toting a vital organ in its [...]
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  Posted: December 01, 2009, 8:30am EST
  by Chris Shunk

• REPORT: Toyota dealers caught off guard by pedal recall

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Safety, Toyota

  
  
  Last week Toyota publicly announced that it was recalling 3.8 million Avalon, Camry and Lexus ES 350 models on account of fears over unintended acceleration. The fix for Toyota's sudden acceleration issue includes the reshaping and/or replacing of [...]
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  Posted: November 30, 2009, 10:59am EST
  by Chris Shunk

• Nav for All: Nissan offering inexpensive nav system on popular cars

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Technology, Nissan

  
  
  When navigation systems started showing up in the center stacks of luxury vehicles, the new (at the time) tech typically would set owners back a couple grand or more (and still does). As we gear up for 2010, [...]
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  Posted: November 30, 2009, 9:57am EST
  by Chris Shunk

• REPORT: Saab still has at least two interested parties - BAIC and Merbanco

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: GM, Saab, Earnings/Financials, Rumormill

  2010 Saab 9-5 - Click above for high-res image gallery
  When Koenigsegg pulled out of its agreement with General Motors to purchase Saab, many thought that General Motors would dump the Swedish automaker much like it [...]
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  Posted: November 28, 2009, 9:40am EST
  by Chris Shunk

• Nicolas Cage bought nine (nine!) Rolls-Royce Phantoms... and an island

  —Autoblog

  
  Nicolas Cage is suing his former manager Samuel Levin for $20 million for gross negligence of his finances and for lining his own pockets at the actor's expense. Cage is moving to sue the former manager due to the actor's sudden cash crunch, which includes a [...]
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  Posted: November 27, 2009, 1:02am EST
  by Chris Shunk

• Who will succeed Mullaly at Ford? It's never too early to start handicapping

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Ford

  
  
  When Alan Mulally arrived at Ford Motor Company three years ago, the Blue Oval was in bad shape. New product wasn't exactly pouring in and the company's cash hoard was steadily shrinking. And word on the street is that' [...]
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  Posted: November 26, 2009, 1:32pm EST
  by Chris Shunk

• REPORT: Tata already tweaking Nano based on market feedback

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, India, Tata

  Tata Nano - Click above for high-res image gallery
  At roughly $2,500, the Tata Nano is the world's most affordable car - but that apparently hasn't stopped early customers from griping about some of the vehicle's shortcomings.' [...]
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  Posted: November 13, 2009, 3:59pm EST
  by Chris Shunk

• REPORT: Secret Service vehicles strike and kill pedestrian

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal

  Presidential Limousine - Click above for a high-res image gallery
  Tragedy struck the streets of Maryland Wednesday when a pair of heavily armored Secret Service vehicles designed to escort the Vice President struck and killed a pedestrian at an intersection. Inside [...]
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  Posted: November 13, 2009, 1:58pm EST
  by Chris Shunk

• Ford Fusion breaks into Top 10 best-selling vehicles amid best year ever

  —AutoblogGreen

  

  Filed under: Hybrid, Ford

  2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery
  There was a time when Ford vehicles absolutely dominated the list of the top 10 vehicles sold in the U.S. The F-Series was always number one, followed by stalwarts like [...]
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  Posted: November 13, 2009, 8:01am EST
  by Chris Shunk

• VIDEO: Volvo goes after tween vampire demographic with New Moon promotion

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Crossover, Volvo

  
  Click above to watch the video after the jump
  
  Paying for product placement for big-screen movies can be a pretty risky business. If the movie is a flop, doing so could be a big-time [...]
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  Posted: November 11, 2009, 4:00pm EST
  by Chris Shunk

• Rumormill: Mini delaying U.S. launch of Countryman crossover

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Crossover, Mini, Rumormill

  Mini Countryman concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
  A couple weeks back, we told you that the unveiling of the production Mini Countryman may be delayed from the Detroit Auto Show in January to the [...]
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  Posted: November 11, 2009, 1:01pm EST
  by Chris Shunk

• REPORT: GM to invest C$100M in Ingersoll plant to boost GMC Terrain, Chevy Equinox volume

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Chevrolet, GM, GMC, Canada

  
  2010 Chevrolet Equinox - Click above for high-res image gallery
  It's early, but so far, General Motors' 2010 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain twins are exceeding sales' [...]
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  Posted: November 09, 2009, 2:00pm EST
  by Chris Shunk

• REPORT: Mullaly says global Ranger and Ka won't be offered in Ford's U.S. showrooms

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Truck, Hatchback, Ford

  Global Ford Ranger - Click above for high-res gallery
  
  Ford has been working hard to integrate its product lineup on a global scale, but it appears that some models available overseas may never make it to U.S. shores. [...]
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  Posted: November 09, 2009, 11:29am EST
  by Chris Shunk

• VIDEO: "My Name is Ram" TV commercial ran 190 times on debut night

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Truck, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Dodge

  Click above to watch the video after the jump
  Now that Chrysler has separated Ram from the Dodge brand, it's time to let the American public know. But instead of easing the public into the idea [...]
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  Posted: November 08, 2009, 12:29pm EST
  by Chris Shunk

• REPORT: Lutz to step in as interim Opel chairman

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: GM, Opel, Vauxhall

  
  
  Just hours before General Motors announced that it wasn't going to sell Opel, GM Europe head Carl-Peter Forster said publicly that Opel would be better off under the control of Magna. Talk about bad timing. Now' [...]
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  Posted: November 08, 2009, 9:03am EST
  by Chris Shunk

• Gordon Murray working on EV version of city car?

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Budget, Plants/Manufacturing, Technology, Hatchback, UK, Alternative Fuel

  
  Gordon Murray's T25 city car looks pretty impressive on paper. It boasts higher cargo capacity and more seats (three) than a Smart Fortwo - and it promises to be built for maximum [...]
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  Posted: November 07, 2009, 6:26pm EST
  by Chris Shunk

• Quieter Spirit: Rolls reportedly planning hybrid Ghost for 15% better economy

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Hybrid, Technology, Rolls-Royce

  
  Rolls-Royce Ghost - Click above for high-res image gallery
  If you've been pondering getting on the list for a Rolls-Royce Ghost but you're hesitant because of the negative environmental impact (and social standing) of the [...]
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  Posted: November 06, 2009, 6:30pm EST
  by Chris Shunk

• GM awarded DOE money to research Shape Memory Alloy heat engines

  —AutoblogGreen

  

  Filed under: Emerging Technologies, EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, GM, Legislation and Policy

  
  General Motors has been awarded $2.7 million by the Department of Energy to create a working prototype engine using Shape Memory Alloys (SMA). The idea is for the prototype to use SMA [...]
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  Posted: November 02, 2009, 12:58pm EST
  by Chris Shunk

• VIDEO: 0-60 pits Ford Raptor against BMW X6 M in winter issue

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Truck, Videos, Crossover, BMW, Ford

  Raptor vs. X6 M: Click above to watch the video after the jump
  The Ford SVT Raptor and the BMW X6 M are alike in that both vehicles represent the most extreme [...]
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  Posted: November 01, 2009, 8:58am EST
  by Chris Shunk

• REPORT: Omaha Toyota dealer employee accused of selling $282,000 in parts on eBay

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Government/Legal, Toyota

  
  
  James Norwood was hired on at Old Mill Toyota in Omaha, Nebraska in 2000, eventually working his way up to parts and service director. At the same time, Norwood reportedly sold over $548,000 in goods as a hard-working [...]
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  Posted: October 31, 2009, 11:47am EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• VIDEO: Buick Regal sneak peek shows face we already know

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Sedan, Videos, Buick

  Click above to watch the video after the jump
  A couple of weeks back, General Motors officially announced that its next new Buick will carry a very familiar name: Regal. Two days later, the apparent U.S. [...]
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  Posted: October 30, 2009, 3:01pm EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• Empire Strikes Back: White House calls out Edmunds on Clunkers story, Edmunds responds

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Car Buying, Government/Legal

  
  
  The facts in the case of the White House versus Edmunds are essentially indisputable - but they are open for interpretation. The federal government's $3 billion Cash for Clunkers program generated 690,000 sales by providing $3,500 and $4,500 [...]
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  Posted: October 30, 2009, 2:31pm EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• Empire Strikes Back: White House calls out Edmunds on Clunkers story, Edmunds responds

  —AutoblogGreen

  
  
  The facts in the case of the White House versus Edmunds are essentially indisputable - but they are open for interpretation. The federal government's $3 billion Cash for Clunkers program generated 690,000 sales by providing $3,500 and $4,500 vouchers to car buyers who turned [...]
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  Posted: October 30, 2009, 2:01pm EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• First Drive: 2010 Dodge Ram HD comes strong with more models, configurations and classier duds

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Truck, Work, Chrysler, Dodge, First Drive

  
  2010 Dodge Ram HD - Click above for high-res image gallery
  Back in 1993, truck drivers had no choice but to depend on domestic automakers for work-ready pickups, and only Ford and General [...]
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  Posted: October 29, 2009, 12:56pm EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• First shot of A-Team cast released, GMC van included [w/VIDEO]

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Truck, Videos, GM, GMC, Celebrities

  
  Click above to watch the video after the jump
  The A-Team was a pop culture phenomenon of the Eighties on par with Knight Rider and The Dukes of Hazard. And since Hannibal, B.A., Face [...]
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  Posted: October 29, 2009, 12:40pm EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• Edmunds: Cash for Clunkers cost taxpayers $24k per car, not $4k

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Government/Legal, Earnings/Financials

  
  
  There is little doubt that Cash for Clunkers gave auto sales a big boost in late July and most of August, but there has been considerable debate as to how much help taxpayers' $3 billion provided. Customers who' [...]
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  Posted: October 29, 2009, 11:59am EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• REPORT: GM sees first year-over-year sales increase in 21 months

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Car Buying, GM

  
  
  While still down considerably, the auto industry has begun to pick up a bit of steam lately. In fact, industry analysts at Edmunds went as far as to predict that General Motors would increase its market share [...]
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  Posted: October 29, 2009, 11:20am EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• VIDEO: How not to park your BMW X5

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Videos, Crossover, BMW

  
  Click above to watch the video after the jump
  When we think about off-road prowess, brands like Land Rover, Jeep and Hummer come to mind. We've never once considered putting BMW on that list, though the Ultimate' [...]
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  Posted: October 28, 2009, 4:58pm EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• Has VP Joe Biden leaked Fisker's product plan?

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Hybrid, Government/Legal, Plants/Manufacturing, Fisker

  Regardless of what side of the political fence you find yourself on, it's hard to dispute that vice president Joe Biden has a reputation for saying more than he should. That's not always a good thing when [...]
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  Posted: October 28, 2009, 3:32pm EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• REPORT: J.D. Power predicts October car sales will be down just 6%

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Car Buying, Earnings/Financials

  October is coming to a close, which means we're within a few days of getting the bad news monthly auto sales tally. But October may not look as bad as many feared, at least according to the latest' [...]
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  Posted: October 27, 2009, 10:30am EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• VIDEO: Tuned Porsche 996 Turbo loses it at 224 MPH

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Porsche

  Click above to watch the video after the jump
  The Joetwint Porsche 996 is scary fast. Twint scored a world record top speed of 231.4 mph in the Texas Mile, and at a recent run the [...]
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  Posted: October 23, 2009, 8:27pm EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• Man charged with DWI while driving La-Z-Boy chair

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Government/Legal, Humor

  It's against the law to drink and drive. And as we've seen time and again, the police don't care if you're driving a Ferrari or a motorized scooter; over the limit means under arrest. There is now one more person in' [...]
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  Posted: October 23, 2009, 8:01pm EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• Commercial Success: The 1986 Ford Taur-US, For US!

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Ford

  
  Click above to watch the video after the jump
  The 1980s. The decade that gave us Knight Rider, Gobots, rolled jeans and poofy hair also produced a lot of lousy cars. There were a few [...]
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  Posted: October 23, 2009, 6:31pm EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• REPORT: Geely's plans to buy Volvo from Ford unravelling over intellectual property concerns?

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Ford, Volvo, Earnings/Financials, Geely

  
  
  Ford has been trying to offload the Volvo brand since December of 2008, but after years of rumors and speculation those 10 months feel more like a decade. China's Geely has been speculated as [...]
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  Posted: October 23, 2009, 5:00pm EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• REPORT: Land Rover replacing 61-year-old Defender model

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: SUV, Land Rover

  
  2008 Land Rover Defender SVX - Click above for high-res photo gallery
  There aren't very many vehicles on our blue planet that have soldered on for 61 straight years, but the Land Rover Defender comes up on the short' [...]
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  Posted: October 22, 2009, 5:59pm EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• REPORT: Pay czar planning up to 90% compensation cuts for top auto execs

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Chrysler, GM

  
  
  When General Motors and Chrysler took money from the U.S. government to prevent being consigned to history, the two storied domestic automakers had no choice but to put their fates in Uncle Sam's hands. After two very brief bankruptcies [...]
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  Posted: October 22, 2009, 1:21pm EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• OnStar prevents its first high-speed chase

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety, Technology, GM

  
  We were wondering how long it would take before OnStar's Stolen Vehicle Slowdown service was used to prevent a high speed chase. Though announced nearly two years ago, the service that [...]
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  Posted: October 20, 2009, 11:57am EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• VIDEO: Things to do in your Ferrari F430 Challenge racer when you're bored on straightaways

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Videos, Ferrari

  
  Click above to watch the video after the jump
  There was a time when shifting your own gears meant you had to drive with both feet, but in the age of high-tech automatics, that's no longer the case. Over [...]
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  Posted: October 19, 2009, 4:58pm EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• REPORT: Mitsubishi Evo XI could get plug-in tech in 2013

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Crossover, Hatchback, Mitsubishi

  Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV - Click above for high-res image gallery
  The Mitsubishi PX-MiEV, scheduled for an official debut at the Tokyo Motor Show later this week, is jam packed with the best technology Mitsubishi has to offer. [...]
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  Posted: October 19, 2009, 2:32pm EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• REPORT: Ford and UAW contract changes begin to leak out

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Ford, UAW/Unions

  
  
  Even before General Motors and Chrysler entered bankruptcy, the two automakers were wheeling and dealing with the United Auto Workers, reworking their contracts signed in 2007. Since Ford wasn't partaking in the billions of dollars handed to the other' [...]
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  Posted: October 16, 2009, 5:58pm EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• VIDEO: Smart car drifting not only possible, but fun to watch

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Videos, Smart

  
  Drifting Smart fortwo - Click above to watch the video after the jump
  There are some images that don't fit into Newton's laws of physics. In nature, flying pigs and twinkle-toed Grizzly Bears come to mind. On the track,' [...]
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  Posted: October 16, 2009, 1:33pm EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• REPORT: Former Ford employee arrested for stealing trade secrets

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: China, Government/Legal, Ford

  Former Ford engineer Xiang Dong Yu, also known as Mike Yu, was arrested Wednesday at the Chicago O'Hare airport and indicted on suspicion of stealing trade secrets from his former employer. Yu, who worked at Ford Motor Company from' [...]
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  Posted: October 16, 2009, 11:00am EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 10.15.09

  —Autoblog

  First Drive: 2010 Volkswagen Golf evolves the German hatchback

  Is the new VW Golf MkV1 enough to woo hatch-averse Americans out of their sedans and into something with an added helping of practicality? We trek [...]

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  Posted: October 15, 2009, 8:20pm EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• REPORT: Only one buyer has returned a GM vehicle under new 60-day guarantee; transaction prices up $8k

  —Autoblog

  
  2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Convertible - Click above for hig res gallery
  When General Motors announced its 60-day money back guarantee, we were a bit surprised. The marketing scheme seemed like a pretty big gamble for the fresh out of bankruptcy automaker, [...]
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  Posted: October 15, 2009, 10:29am EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• Great Vengeance and Furious Anger: Samuel L. Jackson Pontiac voiceover outtake *NSFW* [w/VIDEO]

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Pontiac

  Click above to listen to Samuel L. Jackson's Pontiac Grand Prix commercial outtake after the jump
  Samuel L. Jackson has been a pop culture phenomenon since long before he strode onto the set of Quentin Tarantino's' [...]
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  Posted: October 14, 2009, 8:56pm EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• How Thoughtful: Lamborghini offering 0% financing on new Murciélago LP640 models

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Car Buying, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Lamborghini, Earnings/Financials

  
  Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 - Click above for high-res image gallery
  A Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 starts at around $350,000 and can quickly crest $400,000 with the addition of a few options [...]
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  Posted: October 14, 2009, 2:29pm EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• VIDEO: Fun Theory Part 2 - VW makes throwing stuff away fun

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Videos, Volkswagen, Humor

  
  Click above to watch the video after the jump
  Last week we showed you how Volkswagen and ad agency DBB teamed up to get more people walking up the stairs by making them into a Goliath-sized [...]
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  Posted: October 14, 2009, 1:59pm EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• Motor Trend announces SUV of the Year contenders

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: SUV, Marketing/Advertising, Crossover

  Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year nominees - Click above to view high-res gallery
  When Motor Trend picks its favorite sport utility vehicle, the winner will have bragging rights for an entire year. And we'll know all about' [...]
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  Posted: October 14, 2009, 11:28am EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• REPORT: Chrysler retiree saves two men in fiery pickup crash with his power washer

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Truck, Etc., Safety, Ford, Canada

  
  
  Retired Chrysler worker Stipe Botica is a hero today after putting out an engine fire after a single-vehicle accident, likely saving the life of the passenger. The accident occurred at 4 am when [...]
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  Posted: October 13, 2009, 7:31pm EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• STUDY: Used car prices reached all-time high in September

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Car Buying, Earnings/Financials

  
  
  New car sales have been in a downward spiral for over a year now, and the big beneficiaries appear to be used cars (and repair shops). A study by Manheim Consulting shows that the company's Used Vehicle Value [...]
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  Posted: October 13, 2009, 5:58pm EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• Spy Shots: Toyota-Subaru coupe prototype caught ringin' der Nürburg

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Subaru, Toyota

  Toyobaru testing on the 'Ring - Click above for high-res image gallery
  Toyota's FT-86 concept, which will be officially unveiled at next week's Tokyo Motor Show, combines attractive, aggressive aesthetics, rear-wheel drive and a' [...]
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  Posted: October 13, 2009, 12:26pm EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• REPORT: One week after announcing GM departure, Mark LaNeve surfaces at Allstate

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Marketing/Advertising, GM

  
  
  When word got out that Mark LaNeve (right) was leaving General Motors effective October 15, we weren't at all sure where the soon-to-be-former exec was heading. The Wall Street Journal has finally let the cat out' [...]
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  Posted: October 13, 2009, 11:00am EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• REPORT: Next New Beetle will have bigger back seat

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Volkswagen

  2009 Volkswagen New Beetle - Click above for high-res image gallery
  The "New Beetle" was a smash hit when it debuted in 1998, and the cutesy little Bug immediately jumped to sales of 83,434 the next year. Over [...]
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  Posted: October 12, 2009, 7:59pm EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• REPORT: Ford's Euro sales crest 10% for the first time in 8 years

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Car Buying, Europe, Ford, Earnings/Financials

  2010 Ford Fiesta (Euro-Spec) - Click above for high-res gallery
  New products, improved quality and a surge in public perception have helped Ford buttress its sales numbers here in the U.S., but the Dearborn-based [...]
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  Posted: October 12, 2009, 3:00pm EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• Toyota Highlander production commences in Indiana

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Toyota

  
  2008 Toyota Highlander Sport - click above image for hi-res image gallery
  The 2010 Highlander is now officially Toyota's 12th North American-built vehicle, with the midsized crossover rolling down the line at the Japanese automaker's Princeton, Indiana plant. [...]
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  Posted: October 10, 2009, 3:03pm EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• Nissan may bust a nut under pressure, recalls 143,000 over tire monitoring woe

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Wagon, Government/Legal, Safety, Crossover, Hatchback, Infiniti, Nissan, Luxury

  
  2009 Nissan Cube - click above for hi-res image gallery
  If you own a 2008-2010 Nissan with Tire Pressure Monitoring and you live in [...]
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  Posted: October 09, 2009, 6:29pm EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• VIDEO: Ford debuts slew of new Drive One commercials starring real people

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Ford

  Click above to watch the videos after the jump
  Ford is feeling pretty good about its products right now, and the Blue Oval is spreading the word by doubling down with a multitude of new ads for print, [...]
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  Posted: October 09, 2009, 12:29pm EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• VIDEO: Volkswagen wants you to have fun... taking the stairs

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Videos, Volkswagen, Humor

  
  Click above to view the video after the jump
  Volkswagen produces passenger cars, trucks, crossovers and SUVs, but the German automaker also feels it has a civic responsibility to get our plumping society into shape. Proof of [...]
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  Posted: October 08, 2009, 8:27pm EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• Has Gran Turismo 5 been postponed?

  —Autoblog

  
  We don't know if the marketing folks at Polyphony Digital are messing with us or if building one of the most impressive racing simulators of all time is just really, really hard. For some reason, the rumored release date of the hotly anticipated Gran Turismo 5' [...]
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  Posted: October 08, 2009, 5:57pm EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• VIDEO: Production spec Lexus LF-A opens the taps outside the 'Ring

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Performance, Videos, Lexus, Toyota

  The Lexus LF-A supercar has been a long time coming and Toyota has finally confirmed (in an ambiguous press release) that the production version is headed to the Tokyo Motor Show next month. The LF-A [...]
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  Posted: October 08, 2009, 2:30pm EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• NHTSA launches probe into 2000-2001 Toyota Tundra frame rust claims

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Truck, Safety, Toyota

  
  Coming hard on the heels of its largest U.S. recall in history is news suggesting that Toyota could again face the wrath of the National Highway Traffic Safety Association. That's because the government agency is finally turning [...]
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  Posted: October 08, 2009, 11:40am EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• 2010 Ford Taurus reportedly enjoying strong early sales in California

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Ford

  2010 Ford Taurus - Click above for high-res image gallery
  We've already established that we feel the 2010 Ford Taurus is a lot more interesting than the boring and benign model it replaced, and sales totals' [...]
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  Posted: October 08, 2009, 11:20am EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• Fritz picks Susan Docherty to replace LaNeve

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, GM

  
  
  Just last week we were chatting with Buick GMC General Manager Susan Docherty on the GM Fastlane Blog about our lack of confidence in the 2010 GMC Terrain, and now she's moved up to GM's Vice President of [...]
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  Posted: October 08, 2009, 9:28am EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• REPORT: Consumers increasingly shying away from small cars; owners unhappy

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Car Buying

  
  2011 Chevrolet Cruze - Click above for high-res image gallery
  When gas prices spiked above $4 per gallon in the summer of 2008, car buyers appeared to find their small car zen. Toyota Corollas, Honda Fits and Civics, Chevrolet Cobalts and [...]
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  Posted: October 06, 2009, 8:30pm EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee launch threatened by parts dispute?

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Chrysler, Mercedes-Benz

  2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee - Click above for high res image gallery
  Chrysler and Daimler have been divorced for nearly three years, but the two automakers are still very much entwined when it comes to product. The Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, [...]
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  Posted: October 04, 2009, 12:28pm EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• (Black and) Blue Oval: Ford of Canada labor costs reportedly world's highest

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Ford, UAW/Unions

  
  
  it wasn't long ago that U.S. automakers were producing a high percentage of their new products in Canada because labor costs were lower up north than are here in the States. The cost paradigm changed considerably after GM and' [...]
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  Posted: October 03, 2009, 2:02pm EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• VIDEO: Aston Martin releases new Rapide video chronicling development

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Sedan, Videos, Aston Martin

  
  Aston Martin Rapide - Click above to watch the video after the jump
  After seeing the production Aston Martin Rapide at the Frankfurt Motor Show last month, we're pretty sure it's one' [...]
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  Posted: October 02, 2009, 8:58pm EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• VIDEO: Crooked valet attendants caught in Los Angeles

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Government/Legal, Videos

  Click above to watch the video after the jump
  It's tough to find a parking spot in Los Angeles, but luckily there are plenty of valets to park your ride for you. The cost ranges from just a few bucks [...]
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  Posted: October 02, 2009, 3:27pm EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• VIDEO: Saturn's demise? We blame Jim Gaffigan*

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Saturn, Earnings/Financials, Humor

  
  Click above to view the video after the jump
  When the deal to sell Saturn to Penske Automotive fell through, there were likely a lot of surprised people at General [...]
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  Posted: October 02, 2009, 1:32pm EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• REPORT: Judge orders Toyota not to not destroy car crash information

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety, Toyota

  According to Bloomberg, Toyota has been ordered by Texas Judge T. John Ward no to destroy any of its crash data, and research projects related to product liability or crashworthiness. The temporary restraining order, which is in effect until [...]
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  Posted: October 01, 2009, 4:31pm EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• VIDEO: Top Gear Live holding design-your-own-stunt contest

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Videos, UK, Celebrities

  
  Top Gear Live Contest - Click above to watch the video after the jump
  We love Top Gear for a lot of reasons, but we love the British motoring series most for its big-budget creativity. After all, [...]
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  Posted: October 01, 2009, 1:31pm EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• REPORT: GMC planning diesel Terrain? How about a Denali? Umm... not so much.

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Crossover, GM, GMC

  2010 GMC Terrain - Click above for high-res image gallery
  The GMC Terrain is just coming to market, but some have speculated that a diesel variant could be on the way to trump the crossover's already impressive 32 [...]
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  Posted: October 01, 2009, 11:58am EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• VIDEO: People get all jumpy when it comes to their new BMWs

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, BMW

  
  Click above to view the video after the jump
  Question for BMW owners: Have you ever been so excited about your Bavarian beauty that you went all Tom Wopat and dove into the driver seat [...]
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  Posted: September 30, 2009, 8:29pm EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• Volvo buys full-page ads to pledge support for distracted driving legislation

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Safety, Volvo

  
  
  Volvo has publicly stated that it would like to eradicate accident-related injuries and deaths per year by the year 2020; an extraordinarily lofty goal that would obviously save countless lives. But in the next ten years, hundreds of thousands [...]
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  Posted: September 30, 2009, 7:01pm EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• Semi-Dangerous? Truckers group says texting while driving is safe, necessary

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Truck, Government/Legal, Safety

  
  
  digg_url = 'http://digg.com/political_opinion/Semi_Dangerous_Truckers_say_texting_while_driving_is_safe'; Research shows that a driver can be as much as 23 times more likely to get into an accident if he or she is texting while driving. New legislation in Washington aims to [...]
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  Posted: September 29, 2009, 2:58pm EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• Review: 2010 Ford Taurus SEL stays big, goes upscale

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Sedan, Ford, Reviews

  2010 Ford Taurus SEL - Click above for high-res image gallery
  In 1985, when few models really stood out from the midsize pack, Ford created one of the most influential vehicles of the late 20th century: the Taurus. Radically [...]
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  Posted: September 29, 2009, 12:57pm EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• British 'Cash For Clunkers' to get extension

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, UAW/Unions

  
  
  We've seen this before, haven't we? Government institutes program to spur auto sales by offering car buyers a federal incentive to turn in an old car for a shiny, efficient new one, leading to sales [...]
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  Posted: September 28, 2009, 12:29pm EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• REPORT: Toyota increases 2009-2010 global sales forecast by 3%

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Toyota

  
  
  There have been subtle signs that demand for new cars and trucks are improving. Several automakers plan to increase production over the next few months, and Toyota is no different. Reuters is reporting that the World's Largest Automaker has [...]
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  Posted: September 28, 2009, 9:59am EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• VIDEO: Making the Ferrari 458 trailer

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Ferrari

  The making of Two Ferrari 458 Italias at play - click above image to watch the video
  If you make a really hot, truly exotic supercar, you can make a two minute promo video that will [...]
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  Posted: September 25, 2009, 7:58pm EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• Buick LaCrosse and Nissan Versa latest to earn IIHS Top Safety Pick awards

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Sedan, Safety, Hatchback, Buick, Nissan

  2010 Buick LaCrosse - Click above for high-res image gallery
  There was a time when the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety was the ball buster of safety standards, while the National Highway Traffic Safety Association [...]
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  Posted: September 25, 2009, 3:27pm EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• REPORT: Chrysler rehiring white collar workers to get new product out fast

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat

  
  2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee - click above for high-res image gallery
  The new product picture at Chrysler appears to be mighty thin, as the only new products scheduled to come out of the Pentastar over the next [...]
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  Posted: September 25, 2009, 12:28pm EDT
  by Chris Shunk

• Gran Turismo 5 will launch March 2010... in Japan

  —Autoblog

  

  Filed under: Japan, Toys/Games

  Gran Turismo 5 - Click above for high-res image gallery
  When Gran Turismo 4 was launched in Japan for the Playstation 2, George Bush was just getting ready to start his second term and the Chrysler 300 was the big buzz [...]
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  Posted: September 25, 2009, 11:31am EDT
  by Chris Shunk