DETROIT — In the latest part of its rebuilding process, General Motors said this morning that it has finished fresh-start accounting. The automaker revealed it was filing its 2009 Form 10-Q and 2009 Form 10-K with the SEC today, as well. "We are building the foundation that will allow us to return to public ownership," stated […] [Read More]

BRUSSELS — The Renault-Nissan Alliance and Daimler AG have teamed up for a wide-ranging partnership that will include the companies cooperating on a number of projects and sharing best practices. Furthermore, the Renault-Nissan Alliance will take a 3.1-percent stake in Daimler. Meanwhile, Daimler will receive a 3.1-percent stake in Nissan and a 3.1-percent stake in Renault […] [Read More]

TORRANCE, Calif. — The complimentary two-year premium maintenance program for returning Toyota customers in March was apparently such a hit that the automaker has decided to expand this offering to all customers through May 3, in addition to extending other incentives. More specifically, the free maintenance program is available to all customers who purchase or lease […] [Read More]

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Hefty incentives helped drive March sales for import nameplates to a year-over-year increase of more than 27 percent, according to the American International Automobile Dealers Association.  Specifically, import brands combined to sell 607,383 vehicles during March, a 27.1-percent upswing compared to the same period of 2009. So far this year, import automakers' sales have […] [Read More]

NEW YORK — In an interesting approach to spur sales, three of Acura's five largest U.S. dealerships — all of which are located in proximity of New York and typically compete with one another — have teamed up for a joint promotion. Rallye Acura (located in Roslyn, N.Y.), Paragon Acura (Woodside, N.Y.) and Acura of Westchester (Larchmont, N.Y.) have […] [Read More]

WASHINGTON, D.C., and TORRANCE, Calif.  — The turmoil surrounding accelerators in recalled Toyota vehicles took another dramatic turn on Monday. U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood made known plans to level a steep fine against the automaker. LaHood indicated that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is seeking the maximum civil penalty of $16.375 million against […] [Read More]

CHICAGO — In mid-May, the Windy City will play host to a slew of auto industry presentations, workshops and insight, as the Automotive Economic Forecast and Financial Forum along with the National Vehicle Leasing Association's Annual Conference — two separate events — will be held back-to-back in Chicago. The Automotive Economic Forecast and Financial Forum will take place […] [Read More]

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. — Hyundai Motor America used the ongoing New York International Auto Show as backdrop to begin the 2010 Hyundai Hope on Wheels. It's the automaker's philanthropic endeavor aimed at raising money for pediatric cancer research. Hyundai chief executive officer John Krafcik announced that this year's tour will incorporate dealers as well on its […] [Read More]

DETROIT — General Motors' revamped strategy appears to be paying off, as the automaker's four core brands reported a 43.3-percent sales upswing in March compared to the prior-year period, marking the sixth consecutive month that combined sales for Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac have increased year-over-year. Adjusted for selling days, these brands saw a 37.8-percent increase […] [Read More]

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. — Pushed by economic improvements in some areas and gains in consumer confidence, global auto sales for full-year 2010 will likely rise 4 percent from last year and steadily move back toward where they were before a sluggish 2009, according to J.D. Power and Associates. However, some markets may still be challenged, though emerging markets — like Brazil, […] [Read More]