ERLANGER, Ky. — Toyota on Thursday continued to bolster its quality-control initiatives by announcing the formation of a North American Quality Task Force. This group is meant to guide the implementation of regional improvements and work closely with the Special Committee for Global Quality led by Toyota president Akio Toyoda. This new task force will be […] [Read More]

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. — J.D. Power and Associates believes the ongoing metamorphosis of the auto industry into a completely global venture could produce more situations like the combined effort of Chrysler and Fiat. A firm expert who concentrates on analysis from a global perspective sees more joint ventures and collaboration in order for automakers to thrive […] [Read More]

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — March sales have been an unexpected surprise for the auto industry, according to Matt Traylen, chief economist and client partner with ALG. In addition to retail sales climbing, leasing levels are expected to come in above last year's March level as well, he noted. "March sales have been an unexpected boost to […] [Read More]

DEARBORN, Mich. — On Wednesday, Ford commemorated another milestone for its SYNC voice-controlled communications and infotainment system, while also sharing the resale benefits the platform offers. Ford said that the SYNC system was recently set up in the 2 millionth vehicle. Just 10 months ago, Ford celebrated SYNC reaching the 1 million unit milestone.  About 10 […] [Read More]

HENDERSON, Nev. — The Findlay Automotive Group will transition the last of its Saturn dealerships into a different franchise operation at the end of March. Group executives said Saturn of Henderson will become Findlay Lincoln Mercury as of April 1. The group's decision to switch brands at a former Saturn location continues the pattern officials started when General […] [Read More]

LOCKPORT, N.Y. — Charles Heinrich, the president and chief executive officer of Heinrich Chevrolet, may soon add another title to his name: Guinness Book of World Records winner. The Buffalo, N.Y., area dealer was recently spotlighted on General Motors' Faces of GM blog. On the blog he shared some of his background, success strategies, personal interests and, […] [Read More]

CINCINNATI — Pushed by increased leasing activity among the same domestic automakers that got out of the segment in fall 2008, interestingly enough, the overall lease penetration rate for this year is projected to reach between 18 and 25 percent. In fact, some market segments can expect to see rates up to 40 percent, according to Swapalease.com. […] [Read More]

TROLLHATTAN, Sweden — Saab Automobile has officially built its first units in its "new era" as an independent company. The automaker resumed production Wednesday at its Trollhattan, Sweden, plant. In commemoration, Saab chief executive officer Jan Ake Jonsson, along with Spyker Cars CEO Victor Muller and Trollhattan plant director Gunnar Brunius, joined workers along the assembly […] [Read More]

DEARBORN, Mich. — Alan Mulally's total compensation for last year, including the grant date value of long-term stock options and other stock-based awards, was $17.9 million, according to Ford. A preliminary notice about Ford's 2010 annual meeting of shareholders, which was filed to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, indicated that Mulally earned $1.4 million in […] [Read More]

DETROIT — General Motors has spoken out via newspaper advertisements about a bill in the Kentucky legislature that it believes would be detrimental to the state's economy and the automaker. GM's $50,000 campaign includes ad spots that were slated to run Sunday in the Louisville Courier-Journal, Lexington Herald-Leader, Ashland Daily Independent, Paducah Sun, Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer and […] [Read More]