Toyota hydrogen fuel cell truck

The future of big rigs is open; what’s coming?

July 31, 2018 David Zatz 0

It’s always interesting to see how writing about cars focuses most on the vehicles that matter least. A car like the Corvette or Maserati GranTurismo will attract acres of verbiage, while the cars that people buy by the hundred-thousand, like the Corolla and Cruze get little attention at all. This […]

Marchionne passes after suffering stroke

July 24, 2018 Bill Cawthon 0

Sergio Marchionne is gone. The larger-than-life architect of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles died today at the age of 66. In a statement released this morning, John Elkann, FCA’s chairman and the chairman and CEO of Exor, the Agnelli family holding company, said: “Unfortunately, what we feared has come to pass. Sergio […]

cruze diesel

Chevy keeps putting two fading designs together

July 23, 2018 David Zatz 0

Compact and midsize sedans sales are falling fast. So are diesel sedan sales. Why not combine the two and do a compact diesel sedan? Chevrolet must have a good market for the diesel Cruze, since it’s been making them for quite some time. The 2019s get a 1.6 liter version, […]

No Image

Marchionne’s condition said to be irreversible

July 23, 2018 Bill Cawthon 0

The Italian press is reporting that former FCA and Ferrari CEO Sergio Marchionne has been in a coma since Friday. Il Stampa noted that its sources say Marchionne’s condition is irreversible and that he is breathing with a ventilator. Marchionne is currently in the intensive care unit at the University […]

No Image

News Flash! Manley new FCA CEO

July 21, 2018 Bill Cawthon 1

In an announcement sure to cause shockwaves throughout the automotive and investment communities, FCA and Ferrari have said they are under new management. Mike Manley, 54, head of the Jeep brand, will replace Sergio Marchionne as the interim CEO of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, pending the board’s approval of Manley as […]

magneti marelli comau teksid

FCA splitting out parts group

July 20, 2018 David Zatz 0

It was all the rage, decades ago — automakers splitting off their parts units, seeking both higher efficiency (since the parts division now had to compete, and report on a separate P&L) and greater sales to other automakers. Delco, Acustar, and Autolite joined Denso in having a large degree of […]

Ford Focus ST AWD

2019 Ford Edge ST AWD: price leak

July 18, 2018 David Zatz 0

The Ford Edge ST, a new and well-tuned version of their ordinary “SUV” (medium-sized hatchback), is Ford’s first performance crossover, coming long after many competitors. Ford claims a hefty 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque from their turbo V6. With that much power, all wheel drive is practically a requirement, […]

volkswagen atlas pickup

Eurosales: VW forgiven, Renault’s used cars, and more

July 18, 2018 David Zatz 1

Volkswagen Group had a stunning 8% increase in sales in the first half of 2018, which is all the more impressive since the company dominates European sales, with a 24% EU market share.  (In this article “European” refers only to members of the European Union. The numbers are similar when […]