US tire company spent five fruitless years trying to cut costs at its Amiens plant and being blocked. Now it’s shutting down the plant altogether, sparking political outrage
Autos
Bad Driver? That’s OK — If You’re Rich
In its new study of car insurance rates, the Consumer Federation of America reports that lower-income people pay higher premiums, even if their driving is better than that of their rich neighbors.
5 Top Trends for 2013 Super Bowl Commercials
The cost of advertising in the Super Bowl is rising, running an average of $4 million for a 30-second spot—up from $3.5 million last year and just $42,000 back in 1967. To justify the expense, advertisers aim to present fans with something more than just another entertaining but ultimately forgettable commercial.
Tempting the Young: New Efforts to Get Younger Consumers Hooked on Guns, Luxe Cars, Soda and More
Youths are also sought after as customers because consumption habits are often ingrained at a young age—and because they will be money-spending consumers for many, many years to come.
What Would Make an All-Electric Car Appeal to the Masses?
It’s widely assumed that the car of the future will be powered by gasoline. At least partly powered by gas, that is, and at least for the near future. When, if ever, will the pure-electric car — one powered solely by battery, …
Auto Navigation Systems: Too Complicated, Too Pricey, Just Plain Unnecessary?
A factory-installed navigation system adds more than $1,000 to the sticker price of a car. Maybe that’d be worth it if the systems worked better—and if there weren’t cheap or free, arguably superior alternatives readily …
Meet the New Family-Friendly ‘People Movers’ (Don’t Call Them Minivans!)
The latest vehicles that are being pumped up as ideal for families include hybrid gas sippers, tiny SUVs, redesigned work vans, and even pickup trucks. You’ll often see them described as “people movers” and “family haulers.” What they won’t be called—not officially anyway—are “minivans.”
Will the EPA Change the Way It Measures M.P.G. Ratings? Maybe Just for Hybrids?
It’s widely believed that the mileage ratings of many hybrid cars are inflated. Is it time for the ratings system to change?
At Under $19K for a Nissan Leaf, Does the Math on Electric Cars Finally Add Up?
Nissan’s Leaf has a long way to go to expand beyond its status as a niche commuter car. Sales have been underwhelming, even with cheap lease offers, leading some to declare the Leaf an overpriced, impractical flop. Will this …
Best of the North American International Auto Show
While in some precincts the recession lingers on like unmelted snow drifts from a late winter storm, luxury was very much on display at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, where many car makers emphasized new …
Virginia Is Worried Cars Are Becoming Too Fuel-Efficient
The average fuel economy of new vehicles rose 6% in 2012, and cars are expected to use less and less gas going forward. Isn’t that a good thing?
Not Your Grandpa’s Mercedes: Luxury Car Makers Aim for Younger, Less Rich Customers
Many younger drivers think that owning a car — any car — is a pricey, unnecessary burden. In which case, buying a luxury car would seem to be especially out of the question.