All In Gear
- Volkswagen: The biggest electric car company by 2018?
Volkswagen is aiming to be the world's biggest maker of electric cars by 2018, according to Detroit News. It won't be easy, Read writes, as Volkswagen lags behind many other major automakers when it comes to electric cars.
- Lincoln rebranding campaign launched. Will it work?
Ford and Vanity Fair are working to revitalize the automaker's Lincoln brand with a new commercial campaign. Buick has had success reinventing itself, so maybe Lincoln has a shot.
- Fuel economy hit a record high last month
The average fuel economy of new vehicles sold reached a record high 24.9 mpg in August, thanks to high fuel efficiency goals and even higher gas prices.
- Porsche 918 Spyder debuts at Frankfurt Auto Show
Porsche 918 Spyder makes its long-awaited debut at the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show. The Porsche 918 Spyder will do 0 to 60 m.p.h. in just under 2.8 seconds, Porsche says.
- Toyota recall: 880,584 vehicles need suspensions fixed. Again.
Toyota recall involves 880,584 RAV4 SUVs and Lexus HS 250h sedans because a recall announced last year may not have fixed a safety issue. At least nine crashes related to issue leading to the Toyota recall have been reported.
- Ford C-Max sales unhurt by fuel economy flub
The Ford C-Max Hybrid's sales are faring just fine, despite the PR pounding the car took because of worse-than-promised gas mileage. C-Max Hybrid sales climbed 12 percent last month.
- Why quick-charge electric vehicles are perfect for the military
The silence of electric vehicles are perfect for covert operations, and the cost benefits on military bases could be enormous.
- Elon Musk takes a road trip. Will it boost business for Tesla?
Elon Musk is planning a cross-country road trip in his Tesla Model S. It's a great stunt, but what will it do for Tesla's bottom line?
- What is the best car in the world?
The World Car Of The Year award is starting to gain prominence in the auto show arena despite being the relative newcomer, Vijayenthiran writes. The award event is now entering its 10th year and will culminate at the 2014 New York Auto Show next April.
- Elon Musk finalizes plans for cross-country Tesla Motors road trip
Tesla Motors founder and CEO is planning a cross-country trip in a Tesla Motors Model S electric sedan. In these days of Model S electric cars and free Supercharger fast-charging networks, it no longer looks so daunting, Ingram writes.
- Toyota recall hits 369,000 Highlanders, Lexuses
Toyota recall involves separate flaws: 1) inverter damage that can force hybrid Lexus and Highlanders into shutdown or 'limp home mode' and 2) loose bolts holding a variable valve timing control device for several Lexus models. Affected owners will be notified by mail about the Toyota recall.
- Auto sales soar in August, but prices rise, too
Auto sales for August are on pace to have their best month in six years, with pickup trucks leading the charge. But along with higher auto sales come higher prices.
- Ford recall: Steering problem affects 370,000 vehicles
Ford recall includes Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town cars, model years 2005-11. Potential corrosion in steering shaft prompted the Ford recall.
- Sued for texting a driver? Yes, in New Jersey.
Three appeals court judges in New Jersey ruled that sending a text message to a driver is a liability, and the sender can be held responsible in the case of an accident.
- Americans' love affair with driving: It's waning
Americans drove an average 820 miles in July, down from 900 in July 2004. The decline in driving is greater among men than women.
- Elon Musk is not impressed with Leaf, Volt
Elon Musk wasn't exactly glowing about the electric car industry in a recent interview, calling the Chevy Volt 'unimpressive' and the battery on the Nissan Leaf 'primitive'. Is he just stirring the pot, or does the head-turning success of his Tesla Model S electric vehicle give Elon Musk the right to gloat?
- Harley-Davidson 110th anniversary attracting 100,000 to Milwaukee
Harley-Davidson 110th anniversary is drawing motorcyclists from around the world. Weekend concerts, a parade, and street parties in Milwaukee will mark the 110th anniversary of the Harley-Davidson brand.
- Four great cars for back-to-school 2013
Back-to-school season is also a great time to consider a new car because a new model year in the fall brings big discounts on the outgoing models. Here are some top picks for back-to-school vehicles, for every stage of your child's education.
- Tesla in the tropics: Why Hawaii has a great electric car market
Tesla is discovering that Hawaii is well suited to electric cars, and sales of the Tesla Model S in the state are starting to ramp up. What makes the Aloha state so plugin-friendly?
- 2014 Toyota Corolla to start at $17,610
2014 Toyota Corolla includes a top-end S Plus for $22,110. Among the offerings for 2014, Toyota Corolla offers an LE Eco that gets 42 miles per gallon and a sporty S model with 17-inch allow wheels and leather steering wheel.