Moldova.org - Auto

Chrysler expected to trim slow-sellers
U.S. carmaker Chrysler is expected to announce it is dropping some slow-selling models and looking for ways to cut back on dealerships. The move is said to be part of a sharp evaluation of the entire Chrysler production line by Chief Executive Officer Bob Nardelli and Vice President Jim Press in their effort to make the company smaller but much more profitable, the Wall Street Journal reported more...

Shanghai Auto Beefs Up Output Target to 2 Million Vehicles by 2010
In its quest to develop into a major global brand, Shanghai Automotive has announced plans to build 2 million vehicles by 2010, up from an expected production of more than 1.5 million this year, according to Reuters. The Chinese automaker says it intends to focus on hybrid car production and plans to unveil more than 20 battery-powered prototypes for the Olympic Games in China next year. & more...

Consumer Reports: Ford quality improves
Ford Motor Co. has improved its car and truck quality while Japan's Toyota Motor Co. slipped from the No. 1 spot, a Consumer Reports survey indicated Tuesday. Forty-one of Ford's 44 models scored average or better in predicted reliability, the consumer-advocacy magazine said. General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC continued to have mixed results, the magazine said. Honda Motor Co. edged more...

Chrysler to pay $8.8B to UAW VEBA fund
The United Auto Workers' Chrysler LLC contract calls for the U.S. automaker to pay $8.8 billion to a new healthcare fund, a contract summary said Monday. The union will use the contribution to the voluntary employees' beneficiary association, or VEBA fund, to cover costs of retiree healthcare after 2010, when the fund becomes operational, the summary said. Chrysler will also pay $1.5 billi more...

UAW contract: GM saves 50% on new workers
New hourly workers will cost General Motors Corp. half as much as current workers under the new United Auto Workers labor pact, the U.S. automaker said Monday. The four-year contract will transfer an estimated $46.7 billion worth of retiree healthcare liability to the union from the company, GM said. The deal clears the way for landmark changes GM says will slash labor costs and cut retire more...

Ford-UAW talks move into high gear
United Auto Workers talks with Ford Motor Co., the last of the Detroit automakers without a union agreement, moved into high focus Monday. UAW President Ron Gettelfinger said Monday he had negotiated with Ford as recently as Friday. "We're continuing to work with them now. They're combing through the agreement, obviously, at Chrysler, and we're getting ready to start up," he said more...

Pictures of Renault Grand Modus unveiled
Renault takes the wraps off two new MPV models, Grand Modus and New Modus. Grand Modus features harmonious, distinctive looks that elegantly exploit its longer wheelbase (+93mm) and larger quarter-lights, while its overall length of 4,034mm ensures that it has all the benefits of an MPV. Its boot is amongst the biggest of its category (410 litres VDA) and its three-seat, sliding 60-40 split-fo more...

Mazda CX-9 named motor trend 2008 sport/utility of the year™
MOTOR TREND today named the Mazda CX-9 crossover SUV its 2008 Sport/Utility of the Year™. Beating one of the toughest fields in recent memory, the CX-9 was, according to MOTOR TREND editor in chief, Angus MacKenzie, the judges’ unanimous decision. It topped 11 other contenders. “What a thrill, and what an honor, to receive such an award,” said Jim O’Sullivan, Pres more...

Ford of Europe sets a new September sales record
Ford of Europe’s 2007 sales success continued in September. Across its main 21 European markets, the company sold a record 179,200 vehicles, a 3.1 per cent increase over September 2006. Market share improved to 9.8 per cent. For the first nine months of the year, the company's sales increased by 5.4 per cent, to 1,384,500. The Focus and Fiesta were Ford's top car models, selling 45,4 more...

2008 Saturn Vue Green Line
Saturn today announced that the all-new 2008 Saturn Vue Green Line hybrid will have a fuel economy rating of 25 miles per gallon in city and 32 miles per gallon on the highway -- the best highway mileage of any sport utility vehicle. Saturn also announced that the Vue Green Line will have a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $24,795, making it the most affordable hybrid SUV on the market more...