Moldova.org - Auto

Mustang Nabs Three Quality Awards
Taking after such steeds as Secretariat, Seattle Slew and Affirmed, Ford's iconic pony car came out on top in three major consumer surveys sponsored by J.D. Power & Associates. All three surveys -- the Initial Quality Study (IQS), the Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study and the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) -- chose Mustang as the leader in its mid-size Sporty Car se more...

GM reports 2Q profit of $891 million
After it posted a $3.4 billion loss in the same period last year, General Motors Corp. earned $891 million in the second quarter, surpassing Wall Street expectations and declaring that the latest results reflected improved sales in growing markets worldwide. Chairman and Chief Executive Rick Wagoner said in a statement that GM’s heavy commitment to key growth markets around the world really more...

Ghosn denies overstretched at Nissan-Renault
Carlos Ghosn has denied he overstretched himself when in 2005 he become chief executive of Renault as well as Nissan, and said that on the contrary it made sense for him to head both automakers. Ghosn said in an interview with the London-based Financial Times that the Japanese automaker's recent profit slump is "disappointing" but Japan's number three auto maker is still "extremely more...

Hyundai and Mitsubishi dealerships come to Harlem
The Potamkin East Harlem Auto Mall inaugurated Harlem’s first Hyundai and Mitsubishi stores, as the only import brands represented in the north Manhattan area, “marking a significant milestone in the economic revival of the region,” according to Hyundai Motor America Inc. Robert Potamkin, chairman of the Potamkin Auto Group, said that they are delighted that Korean manufactur more...

Russian auto maker UAZ posts 14% fall in net profit in 1H07
UAZ, a leading Russian jeep and minivan maker, said Tuesday its net income calculated to Russian Accounting Standards (RAS) declined 14% year-on-year in the first half of 2007, to 469.2 million rubles (about $18 million). UAZ, part of automaker Severstal-Avto, a subsidiary of steelmaker Severstal, said its April-June net income jumped 180% quarter-on-quarter to 345.05 million rubles (about $13 more...

Wolfgang Bernhard set to return to Chrysler
Wolfgang Bernhard, former Chrysler Chief Operating Officer whom was contracted by Cerberus as a consultant when the equity firm was performing its due diligence, will return to the Chrysler Group as chairman, according to sources. John Snow, chairman of the private-equity firm acquiring Chrysler from DaimlerChrysler AG, Cerberus Capital Management LP, recently announced the establishment of a more...

Mercedes R500: The luxury car of the future (Images)
For 2008, the R63 AMG and R500 versions have been dropped, leaving a V-6 diesel or gas version from which to choose. The R350 model is now offered in rear- or four-wheel drive. Both versions are fitted to a new seven-speed automatic transmission with TouchShift capability. Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes are included, as is stability control. Both the diesel and gas engine R-Class vehic more...

Severstal-Avto, Isuzu sign deal to start joint production 1H08
The Russian auto maker Severstal-Avto [RTS: SVAV] and one of Japan's leading truck producers, Isuzu, signed an agreement Monday to launch a joint venture in the Volga region, Republic of Tatarstan in 2008. The industrial assembly project, Severstalavto-Isuzu, will have an annual capacity of 25,000 Isuzu trucks and will start production in the first half of 2008. Severstal-Avto and Isuzu si more...

Meridian to close Ohio facility
Meridian Automotive Systems, which is a parts supplier to automobile and truck manufacturers, has decided to close its Jackson facility in Ohio. Meridian's president and CEO, Richard Newsted, said that given the plant’s declining book of current business and minimal potential for new business, the Jackson facility is not projected to be financially viable going forward. This decision, wh more...

Mercedes-Benz appoints general manager
Mercedes-Benz USA has appointed Drew Slaven as its general manager, marketing services, and will start immediately. Mr. Slaven will oversee national corporate and retail advertising, including media planning and buying, relationship marketing, collateral, and point of sale for Mercedes-Benz and Maybach strategies in the USA. Before he was appointed general maneger he has been department manage more...