Behind the Wheel: 2006 Hyundai Azera: An Avalon Knockoff Comes Knocking June 11, 2006
For now, Hyundai’s competitors can breathe a sigh of relief that the Azera isn’t the world-beater that some of us expected it to be. But they’d better make it a brief sigh. SOME 14 months ago, at the 2005 New York auto show, Hyundai summoned dealers, journalists and Wall Street analysts to a reception a couple of blocks from the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. The main event was the unveiling of a new “entry luxury” car, the Azera. Skip to next paragraph MultimediaChart: Swimming in the MainstreamRelatedHyundai Hits a Speed Bump Enlarge this ImageInterior looks plusher than it …
Behind the Wheel: 2007 Jaguar XK: A Low-Fat Cat With Heavy Responsibilities June 10, 2006
The new XK is expected to do nothing less than pull the revered English automaker out of its doldrums and give its parent, Ford, an overdue return on a very large investment. Read more
A Ratings Service Downgrades Ford Debt June 9, 2006
Fitch Ratings downgraded the long-term debt of Ford and its financing arm further into junk status. DETROIT, June 8 (AP) ? Fitch Ratings downgraded the long-term debt of Ford and its financing arm further into junk status on Thursday, citing a “sparse product pipeline” and a restructuring plan that it said would be slow to have an effect. The announcement sent Ford’s stock to a 52-week low, down 18 cents, or 2.65 percent, to $6.61. Fitch lowered Ford’s default rating to B+ from BB and its senior unsecured debt rating to BB? from BB.It also assigned a recovery rating of …
Toyota Dominates Vehicle Quality Ratings June 8, 2006
Toyota continued to dominate the initial quality rankings by J. D. Power & Associates, grabbing the top spot in 11 out of 19 segments in the 2006 survey. Toyota continued to dominate the initial quality rankings by J. D. Power & Associates, grabbing the top spot in 11 out of 19 segments in the 2006 survey, released yesterday. Porsche dominated the overall ranking of brands, averaging 91 problems per 100 vehicles. That compared with an industry average of 124 problems per 100 vehicles.The study, in its 20th year, was revamped to isolate consumers’ concerns about design flaws, as distinct from …
Behind the Wheel: 2007 Jaguar XK: A Low-Fat Cat June 4, 2006
The new XK is expected to do nothing less than pull the revered English automaker out of its doldrums and give its parent, Ford, an overdue return on a very large investment. IAN CALLUM, who designed the new Jaguar XK, has a framed letter on the wall of his office in England. “Whoops!” the letter begins. “I am SO sorry!” Skip to next paragraph MultimediaGraphic: Seven Ways to Flaunt Your Tan (and Your Good Fortune) Enlarge this ImageEmotion is more likely than pricing to seal a deal in the premium sports class. In that regard, the XK would seem to …
On Route of Chevrolet Impala, Signposts to Detroit’s Decline June 3, 2006
To understand why Detroit is having so much trouble competing against Asian car companies, look no further than the Chevrolet Impala. DETROIT, June 2 ? To understand why Detroit is having so much trouble competing against Asian car companies, look no further than the Chevrolet Impala. Skip to next paragraph MultimediaAudio Slide Show: The Impala’s Spot Near the TopGraphic: The Best Detroit Can Do Enlarge this ImageMathew Amster for The New York TimesChevrolet’s general manager, Edward J. Peper, and marketing manager, Mark A. Clawson, said Impala sales were up 6.4 percent this year. In the 1960’s, the Impala was …
Asian Cars Won 40% of Market Last Month June 2, 2006
Sales of fuel-efficient vehicles like the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic and Hyundai Sonata all rose 20 percent or more compared with May 2005. DETROIT, June 1 ? Three decades ago, with fuel supplies running short and long gas lines around the corner, Asian cars won their first converts in the American market. Skip to next paragraph Damian Dovarganes/Associated PressGeneral Motors says its sales declined about 16 percent in May, in part because it cut back on sales to rental car companies. MultimediaGraphic: How the Industry Fared Now that average gas prices are flirting with $3 a gallon, consumers are …
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