Automobile industry
Shanghai General Motors, a joint venture between General Motors and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp, has announced that it will not raise car prices following the implementation of new consumption tax policy as of April 1. The company will instead aim to control production costs to mitigate the effects of the
Automobile industry
Mitsubishi Motors Corp, in a groundbreaking move, will incorporate a novel plant-based polymer composite in the interior of its upcoming mini-car, due for launch in 2007. This innovative material, developed in partnership with the Aichi Industrial Technology Institute, combines polybutylene succinate (PBS) with bamboo fibre to create a sustainable alternative
Automobile industry
A recent survey of 101 manufacturing executives in the automotive industry, conducted by Nielsen Research for Advanced Technology Services, Inc. (ATS), reveals the staggering cost of downtime for manufacturers. The average cost of one minute of production downtime is $22,000, with some respondents citing costs as high as $50,
Automobile industry
Thailand's ongoing political turmoil is taking a toll on consumer confidence, with auto industry leaders warning that the situation may impact sales and a long-term plan to establish Thailand as the "Detroit of Asia." Adisak Rohitsoon, President of the Auto Industry Association, expressed concerns that if
Automobile industry
The fuel efficiency of passenger cars sold in South Korea's domestic market improved by an average of 1.8% in 2005, reaching a milestone of 10.69 kilometers per liter, according to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy. This marks the second consecutive year of increase, following
Automobile industry
Hyundai Motor, South Korea's leading automaker, aims to increase sales in China by 31% this year, selling 300,000 cars in the world's most populous nation. As part of this plan, Hyundai is launching new models, including the Verna compact car, which will be sold in
Automobile industry
Toyota Motor Corp. and Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., the parent company of Subaru, have announced a business tie-up to co-develop hybrid vehicles. As part of this alliance, Toyota will use a Fuji Heavy factory in the U.S. to produce its Camry sedan, with production expected to start as early
Automobile industry
The Citroen C4 Coupe is a unique and stylish vehicle that combines innovative design with functional features. While its swooping profile may not be to everyone's taste, the interior of the car is bursting with ideas and features that make it a joy to drive. The chunky steering
Automobile industry
The Volkswagen Golf has come a long way since its first generation was introduced 30 years ago, surpassing the iconic Beetle's sales figures and solidifying its position as the classic quality hatch. The latest generation, the fifth incarnation of the Golf, boasts impressive features, high safety standards, and
Automobile industry
The global automotive industry is facing a perfect storm of economic and market pressures. General Motors and Ford, the two largest US carmakers, have reported combined losses of $7.2 billion in their North American businesses, with factories shutting down and 30,000 jobs cut. Meanwhile, Asian manufacturers such as
Automobile industry
Brazil's car manufacturers have seen a significant resurgence in popularity of flex-fuel vehicles, which can run on either petrol or ethanol, since the introduction of this technology in 2003. With flex-fuel cars representing 73 percent of new car sales in January, up from 27 percent in the same
Automobile industry
In a few weeks, motorists in Somerset will take part in a unique transport experiment, filling up their cars with bioethanol fuel made from sugar cane in Brazil. This fuel, which contains almost entirely ethanol, will allow drivers to cruise the county's lanes and roads while reducing their
