Electric cars such as the Nissan Leaf and Toyota Prius Plug-In began 2013 with a sales slump. In the months ahead, automakers hope to boost sales with increased production and cheaper prices.
Prius
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.”
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?
Why Brand Loyalty Is Fading Among Car Buyers
In generations past, there were Ford families, and there were Chevy families. Switching allegiances was akin to converting to a new religion, or voting for the Democrats after being raised in a stalwart GOP household. The truth …
Cars for Comic Book Geeks? Curious Auto-Selling Strategies from Kia, Toyota
It’s unlikely that Batman or Bruce Wayne would ever be seen driving a Kia. The practical, commuter brand just wouldn’t be rugged (or bulletproof) enough to suit Batman’s crime-fighting activities, and Kia’s reputation for …
Why the New Ford Fusion Is the Most Important Car, Like, Ever
The 2013 Ford Fusion is just a car. It’s got four doors, four wheels, seating capacity for five, and a starting price of $21,700. There are lots of cars like this on the road. So why is everyone saying the new Fusion is much more …
Is It Time to Declare the Nissan Leaf a Flop?
The headline for a recent Detroit News story has it that the “20,000 sales target [is] unlikely” for the Nissan Leaf. But “unlikely” is probably understating things. It appears as if Nissan won’t get halfway to its 20,000-Leaf …
Losing Weight Is a Hot Trend – in the Auto Industry
Facing a government-mandated requirement of new cars averaging 54.5 mpg by 2025, automakers are going into overdrive figuring out ways to improve fuel economy. Some of the solutions are high-tech, with innovations and increased …
As More Hybrids Hit the Market, All-Electrics Still Trying to Catch On
Nevermind high gas prices and government incentives: We just can’t seem to get over the idea of driving a car without gas.
Once-Struggling Cars That Are Suddenly Hot Sellers
Fiat and Toyota, both of which had a rough sales year in 2011, can’t seem to produce cars fast enough for buyers lately. One much-hyped plug-in vehicle is also faring better in the marketplace in 2012. After struggling to attract …
What’s the Point of High-Powered ‘Green’ Sports Cars?
The best argument for going green is that it’ll help conserve natural resources and money at the same time. The new breed of “green” supercars led by Ferrari and Porsche doesn’t really do either.
Toyota Prius: Niche Car No More
Drivers around the globe purchased nearly a quarter million Toyota Priuses in the first quarter of 2012. That makes the Prius the world’s third best-selling car—and it firmly establishes the fact that this hybrid is not a fluke …
