Bavaria Takes on the Cute Ute Market
By Jim Bray Thursday, February 2, 2012
BMW’s entry into the small sport utility market is the new X1, a vehicle recognizable instantly as a BMW, which should come as a relief to BMW fans around the world. It’s all BMW, too, but smaller and more affordable than the company’s established X3 and X5 SUV’s.
International automakers out of the gate strongly in 2012By Online Wednesday, February 1, 2012
TORONTO – The members of the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers of Canada (AIAMC) began 2012 where they left off in December 2011, with significant overall sales increases that outperformed the market. For the first month of 2012, overall light-duty vehicle sales in Canada were 97,492* up 15.4% over January 2011. For AIAMC member companies, sales for January were 53,082** up 26% from last year.
Hyundai Elantra Named 2012 North American Car of the YearBy Online Monday, January 9, 2012
DETROIT, MI, - The 2012 Hyundai Elantra took top honors in the most exclusive automotive award in North America when it was named 2012 North American Car of the Year today.
A jury of 50 independent North American automotive journalists, including 5 Canadians, evaluated each of the new cars introduced last year and chose the 2012 Hyundai Elantra as the winner. The award was announced during a news conference at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, marking Hyundai’s second win. The Hyundai Genesis was named North American Car of the Year in 2009.
“This most prestigious of awards is a great illustration of why Elantra was one of the best-selling cars in Canada last year,” noted Steve Kelleher, President and CEO of Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. “Given the fierce competition in the compact segment, especially here in Canada, we are honoured that the jury recognizes Elantra’s far-reaching impact on the industry.”
Mini Clubman Adds Room, Doesn’t Subtract FunBy Jim Bray Saturday, January 7, 2012
It’s cute as a bug’s ear and a lot of fun to drive – even though its base version isn’t that powerful. Yet somehow, BMW has managed to make its Mini Clubman not only engaging, but also reasonably practical.
International automakers end 2011 stronglyBy Online Wednesday, January 4, 2012
TORONTO – Collectively the members of the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers of Canada (AIAMC) ended 2011 with a stronger finish to a year that saw numerous challenges from the Japanese earthquake and tsunami in March, to the global instability arising as a result of the European sovereign debt crisis.
TechnoFile’s Most Intriguing Vehicles of 2011
By Jim Bray Saturday, December 17, 2011
The years seem to get shorter the older I get, which means it’s already time to take a year end look at the most interesting cars I drove in 2011. These aren’t necessarily the best, the fastest or most luxurious, but cars I found most noteworthy for a variety of reasons.
A new genre of tires: Call ‘em “sweet” and “green”By Online Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Chemical & Engineering News
Motorists may be driving on the world’s first “green” tires within the next few years, as partnerships between tire companies and biotechnology firms make it possible to produce key raw materials for tires from sugar rather than petroleum or rubber trees. Those new bio-based tires — already available as prototypes— are the topic of an article in the current edition of Chemical & Engineering News (C&EN), the weekly newsmagazine of the American Chemical Society, the world’s largest scientific society.
Canada-U.S. border and regulatory intitiatives supported by internat’l automakersBy Online Wednesday, December 7, 2011
OTTAWA, – The President of the association representing fifteen international automobile manufacturers and distributors in Canada supported today’s announcement by the Prime Minister and President Obama on joint action plans to facilitate legitimate trade and travel between Canada and the United States, as well as the alignment on regulatory approaches between the two nations.
Driving on winter tires saves livesBy Online Friday, November 11, 2011
Research conducted by The Government of Quebec in the two years since winter tire use became universal in that province has proven conclusively what tire makers have long known: driving on winter tires saves lives and reduces serious injuries.
The truth about Steve Jobs’ number plateBy News on the Net Sunday, October 30, 2011
By David Heath, IT Wire
iTWire had the good fortune this morning to spend an hour with Jon Callas, CTO of Entrust, who in the past worked two stints at Apple in various senior security roles.
Saab heads for Chinese owners after rescue bid
By News on the Net Saturday, October 29, 2011
By Veronica Ek and Patrick Lannin, Stockholm, Reuters
Struggling Saab is set to follow rival Swedish car maker Volvo into Chinese ownership under a planned €100-million euro ($141-million U.S.) rescue purchase by Pang Da Automobile Trade Co and Zhejiang Youngman Lotus Automobile Co.
KIA Sportage Offers Power, ValueBy Jim Bray Tuesday, October 18, 2011
KIA’s Sportage small SUV/CUV has taken a big leap forward with its current incarnation, going from being kind of the ugly stepsister in its niche to a handsome and competitive choice.
Despite falling consumer confidence levels, August auto sales riseBy Online Thursday, September 1, 2011
TORONTO – Vehicle sales in Canada increased in August up 3.2% compared to August 2010. Canadian year-to-date vehicle sales year remained relatively stagnant at 1.7% above last years sales volume, at 1,089,605 .
For the AIAMC membership, August sales of 70,659 were down 2.4% compared to August 2010 sales and overall sales for AIAMC members year-to-date fell to 562,913 down slightly (1.8%) from year-to-date sales in 2010.
Honda recalls 135,142 vehicles in Canada to update auto transmission softwareBy News on the Net Saturday, August 6, 2011
MARKHAM, Ont. - Honda is recalling 135,142 vehicles in Canada to update the software that controls the automatic transmission.
July 2011 Canadian Auto Sales StatisticsBy Online Wednesday, August 3, 2011
TORONTO July vehicle sales in Canada were weaker overall, down 4.9% compared to July 2010. This leaves year to date sales for vehicles ahead only marginally at 1.5% over 2010 sales through July.
Next 15 Columns - >>
