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Mazda3 equals 5

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

For those of you that didn�t or couldn�t unload a thirsty SUV and are looking for a small car with decent fuel mileage, flexibility and some driving fun, the Mazda3 five-door is worth checking out.

The cost of driving

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

GM, Chrysler scale back glitz at LA auto show

BY DAN STRUMPF Associated Press — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

Chrysler and General Motors are still showing off their newest vehicles at the Los Angeles Auto Show, but their displays were noticeably quiet Wednesday while Asian and European companies unveiled new models that will likely chip away at the U.S. market share.

GM to extend holiday shutdown, will cut production

BY TOM KRISHER Associated Press — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

General Motors Corp. will extend its holiday shutdown or make other production cuts at five factories at as it deals with a continued U.S. auto sales slump and fights to stay solvent.

Automakers need to make case for government aid

BY KEN THOMAS Associated Press — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

Democratic leaders began laying out conditions Friday that they say Detroit's Big Three automakers need to meet before Congress will consider giving them an emergency $25 billion lifeline.

Ferrari debuts California roadster, vows focus on fuel economy

BY ASSOCIATED PRESS — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

Ferrari's California coupe made its North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show this week, adding another high-end roadster to the Italian automaker's lineup.

Nissan debuts 370Z, Cube at LA Auto Show

BY ASSOCIATED PRESS — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

While U.S. automakers scale back their presence at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Nissan Motor Co. was determined to make a splash, unveiling three new vehicles this week.

ML 320 BlueTEC makes solid case for diesel

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

I�m slowly being won over by the idea of diesel. Take, for example, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML 320 BlueTEC. During a test, I averaged around 22 mpg and didn�t even go through a quarter tank of gas in a week of my regular commute.

Dems are postponing crucial vote on auto bailout

BY KEN THOMAS and JULIE HIRSCHFELD DAVIS Associated Press — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

Democratic leaders in Congress sidetracked legislation to bail out the auto industry Thursday and demanded the Big Three develop a plan assuring the money would make them economically viable.

Stocks decline as hopes fade for immediate bailout

BY TIM PARADIS Associated Press — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

Flip-flopping sentiment about the prospects for U.S. automakers battered stocks again Thursday as hopes rose then fell that lawmakers would soon put together an aid package for the companies. Stocks declined after a brief advance that came on hopes that Washington would agree to help Detroit's Big Three.

Dems are postponing crucial vote on auto bailout

BY ASSOCIATED PRESS — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

Democratic leaders in Congress sidetracked legislation to bail out the auto industry Thursday and demanded the Big Three develop a plan assuring the money would make them economically viable. ''Until they show us the plan, we cannot show them the money,'' Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said at a hastily called news conference in the Capitol. She and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said Congress would return to work in early December to vote on legislation.

Pickup showdown

BY ANDY MIKONIS SearchChicago � Autos Contributor — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

Even though sales are slumping across the board, pickup trucks still comprise a huge part of the new vehicle market. The 2009 model year sees two all-new pickups: the perennial best-selling vehicle Ford F-150 and the upstart Dodge Ram 1500.

Shelby favors changing automaker management teams

BY KEN THOMAS Associated Press — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

The senior Republican on the Banking Committee said Wednesday he doesn't believe there will be a turnaround in the troubled U.S. auto industry until its top management is ousted and its manufacturing operations are revamped.

Big Three automakers running out of time

BY KEN THOMAS Associated Press — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

Detroit's Big Three automakers are running out of time in their quest to convince skeptical lawmakers that Congress should throw them a $25 billion lifeline.

Hard sell: Detroit links bailout, national defense

BY RICHARD LARDNER Associated Press — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

In an increasingly anxious campaign for a $25 billion government rescue, Detroit's Big Three car makers and their allies in Washington are warning the demise of the auto industry will damage U.S. national security.

Southern lawmakers sour on Detroit bailout

BY BEN EVANS Associated Press — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

If it's no surprise that Michigan lawmakers are behind the pitch for a $25 billion lifeline for Detroit automakers, then it might be just as predictable that Southerners would be leading the charge against it.

Ford chief defends how company has been operated

BY ASSOCIATED PRESS — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

The head of Ford Motor Co. said Tuesday the company is working hard to "transform our business" into a more profitable one that meets 21st century demands for fuel-efficient vehicles.

Big 3 beg for aid as bailout bill stalls

BY JULIE HIRSCHFELD DAVIS Associated Press — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

Detroit's Big Three auto makers are begging Congress for a $25 billion government rescue, while the legislation clings to life support on Capitol Hill and top lawmakers and the White House suffer from bailout fatigue.

VIDEO: 2009 Dodge Challenger

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

During the Midwest Automotive Media Association Fall Rally, we decided to focus on dream cars. So, we chose four cars that exemplify our idea of a dream car ... and not necessarily in the classic sense. First up: the 2009 Dodge Challenger.

Gift ideas to steer by

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

The holidays are the time to celebrate family and friends. They also are the time when people scratch their heads trying to find the perfect gift for those on their list. If you�re shopping for someone who appreciates cars, there are plenty of possibilities.

Auto-aid plan prospects dim in partisan stalemate

BY STEPHEN OHLEMACHER and JULIE HIRSCHFELD DAVIS Associated Press — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

Prospects dimmed Monday for enactment of a $25 billion bailout for the faltering auto industry before year's end, as congressional Democrats and the Bush administration headed for a stalemate over the plan.

Auto bailout: A Washington issue beyond lobbying?

BY DAVID ESPO Associated Press — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

Judging from the lobbying lineup, legislation to bail out the auto industry should be assured of passage.

Ailing auto industry awaits returning lawmakers

BY STEPHEN OHLEMACHER Associated Press — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

A bailout for the nation's ailing automobile industry tops the agenda as lawmakers return to work this week to name leaders and reorganize committees for the new Congress convening in January.

GM to sell stake in Suzuki to raise cash

BY SHINO YUASA Associated Press — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

Cash-strapped General Motors Corp. will sell its entire stake in Suzuki Motor Corp. for 22.37 billion yen ($230 million), the automaker's latest move to stay afloat while awaiting a decision on government aid for the industry.

Galant Ralliart combines style with speed

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

While it has a base model that is supposed to compete with the Toyota Camry, the all-new Mitsubishi Galant Ralliart is the high-end incarnation of a mid-size sedan that puts a whole lot of emphasis behind horsepower and style and a little less behind comfort.

Top Republican senators oppose automaker bailout

BY STEPHEN OHLEMACHER Associated Press — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

Top Republican senators said Sunday they will oppose a Democratic plan to bail out Detroit automakers, calling the U.S. industry a "dinosaur" whose "day of reckoning" is coming. Their opposition raises serious doubts about whether the plan will pass in this week's postelection session.

Mitsubishi revs up Lancer Evolution

Sat, 15 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution long has had an outlaw street racer image, but the 2009 version is significantly refined and turns even short errand hops into driving adventures. And the addition of a new six-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift feature should broaden this unique car's market.

UAW leader says no more concessions

BY MARK WILLIAMS Associated Press — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

Even as Detroit's Big Three teeter on collapse, United Auto Workers President Ron Gettelfinger said Saturday that workers will not make any more concessions and that getting the automakers back on their feet means figuring out a way to turn around the slumping economy.

Vibe-rant

Sat, 15 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

The Pontiac Vibe is a versatile and likable entry-level compact sport wagon with a pleasant ride and cabin that easily accommodates a young family or four large adults

LR2 joins the club

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

The premium compact SUV segment is not exactly new, but it is becoming a little crowded now that the Land Rover LR2 HSE is a full-fledged member. The LR2 is Land Rover�s replacement for the old Freelander, and this time, Land Rover got it right.

Senate will take up $25 billion auto bill Monday

BY JULIE HIRSCHFELD DAVIS Associated Press — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

A bill to rescue the troubled auto industry with $25 billion in emergency loans inched forward Friday when Majority Leader Harry Reid said the Senate will begin debate Monday and hold a test vote two days later. Supporters scrambled for votes to break an expected filibuster.

Vroom to Volo

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

You don�t have to go to California or New York to see movie stars. Entertainment celebrities can be found at the oddest places, like 50 miles north of Chicago in the little hamlet of Volo near the Illinois-Wisconsin border.

Mitsubishi revs up Lancer Evolution

Sat, 15 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

ML 320 BlueTEC makes solid case for diesel

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

VIDEO: 2009 Dodge Challenger

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

Galant Ralliart combines style with speed

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 04:00 CST