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By on June 4, 2014

Once upon a time, the Honda Civic was like McDonalds: its wide-ranging menu had something to offer for everyone, in an easily-digestible and economical format. There was even a time when the Japanese compact was offered as a sedan, coupe, and a hatchback (and for a brief spell, it even offered some British go-fast goodness!). The […]

By on June 4, 2014

Renault-Espace-30-anos-01-560x373

Who invented the minivan? Americans may be surprised to hear that Europeans place that honor firmly in Renault’s lap. To them, the Renault Espace, which celebrates 30 years of production this June, will always be the epitome of the minivan and no Dodge Caravan or Chrysler Town and Country can touch it. To add to the complication, there is the trifle matter that Nissan introduced its Prairie three years before either the American or European contenders and that it, too, had what are considered the essential traits of the modern minivan.

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By on June 4, 2014

UAW President Bob King Speaking At 36th UAW Constitutional Convention

Automotive News reports the United Auto Workers have approved a dues increase to 2.5 hours of pay per month during the 36th UAW Constitutional Convention in Detroit. The increase, the first since 1967, is expected to bring in nearly $50 million annually to the newly renamed International Strike and Defense Fund. Though a majority supported the increase through a show of hands after a voice vote proved inconclusive, the move was hotly debated prior to voting.

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By on June 4, 2014

The last time I looked at my 1969 Chevrolet CST/10, it was a pile of disappointment. After reviving it and replacing a freeze plug, it proceeded to pop three more freeze plugs during warm up. Time was beginning to run out, my dad’s house had gone up to market and quickly sold. The truck was […]

By on June 4, 2014

09 - 2003 Pontiac Aztek Down On the Junkyard - Picture courtesy of Murilee MartinNow that we’re all about 21st-century Junkyard Finds this week, let’s admire another JF first: the Pontiac Aztek. A popular TV show really ended up muddying the cultural waters around the Aztek, in a process similar to what happened with the DeLorean DMC-12 in the late 1980s, so let’s try to remember back to a time when each of saw our first Aztek and thought what could The General have been thinking? (Read More…)

By on June 4, 2014

2002 Dodge Ram SRT-10. Image: Dodge

Geoff writes:

Sajeev, I enjoy your TTAC contributions very much. I have a 2002 Dodge Ram with a 5.9 liter V8. Starts every time and idles fine initially. But just when it transitions over from the cold start sequence to Normal running it starts to act as if it is gasping for air. (Read More…)

By on June 4, 2014

Kenneth Feinberg

The Detroit News reports Kenneth Feinberg, whose services were retained by General Motors regarding compensation for victims of the out-of-spec ignition switch linked to 47 accidents and at least 13 fatalities, stated an announcement regarding compensation is “a few weeks away.” Feinberg adds that while his client may be making its own statement on the matter, “it will not include any details about a compensation plan since no such plan yet exists.” The attorney has worked on similar programs in the past, including those affected by the 2011 BP/Deepwater Horizon disaster, Agent Orange, asbestos and the attacks in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C. in early September of 2001.

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By on June 4, 2014

Volkswagen-T-ROC-Concept-02

With Toyota still in its sights, Volkswagen plans to triple the number of SUVs in its lineup in its fight for the top sales podium among the Global Three.

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By on June 4, 2014

Honda FCEV 02

While hydrogen is playing in the minors in California, the technology may soon be called up to the majors in Japan thanks to a boost in support for fuel-cell vehicles.

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By on June 3, 2014

912e

There’s nothing inherently undesirable about a four-cylinder Porsche, as long as the rest of the car is worthy of admiration. For most of the years that the 912 was offered, as an example, it outsold the 911. Throw in the 356, the 550, the 914, the 944, and the 968, and it’s probable that the Porsche of the pre-Cayenne era did more four-cylinder volume than six. Now, if the rumors can be trusted, the Stuttgart company’s future may begin to closely resemble its distant past.
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By on June 3, 2014

GM RenCen Storm Clouds

Reuters reports the original fatality figure of 13 allegedly linked to the out-of-spec ignition switch that spurred a recall of 2.6 million General Motors vehicles this February may now actually be as high as 74.

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By on June 3, 2014

450x253x2014-Mitsubishi-Outlander-2-450x253.jpg.pagespeed.ic.KZy3-yP4Qi

The bleak winter that plagued the start of 2014 looks to be behind the auto makers, as a record-setting SAAR and strong performances by most brands helped propel auto sales in May to post-recession heights.

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By on June 3, 2014

Hindenburg_burning

Even as GM rolled out incentives to help move the Cadillac ELR, sales were down this past month, while supplies of the car continued to expand.

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By on June 3, 2014

IMG_0165-550x392

It’s the end of an automotive era, as the Scion xB (as well as the milquetoast xD) are set to die by the year’s end. In exchange, we’re getting a couple of new, world market Toyotas to shore up Scion’s lineup.

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By on June 3, 2014

Opel_Insignia_Sports_Tourer_OPC_–_Frontansicht,_13._März_2011,_Wuppertal

Come 2017, Holden will cease producing cars in Australia, ending a decades long lineage of big, rear-drive, V8 powered sedans. But their high-performance HSV division is expected to survive the transition, albeit in a very different form.

(Read More…)

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