NYT > Automobiles

Wheelspin: Back From War, Back at the Wheel
Sat, 23 Aug 2008 04:41:46 -0000
A group of wounded veterans got the chance to improve their driving skills in a program at a driver training center near BMW’s South Carolina assembly plant.
Behind the Wheel | 2008 Infiniti EX35: 2 Tons of Empowerment
Tue, 26 Aug 2008 19:17:47 -0000
The EX35, which Infiniti positions as a “reward” vehicle for women, is a smaller, softer-edged crossover utility vehicle.
Design: A New Top Banana Throws Mercedes a Curve
Sat, 23 Aug 2008 04:44:10 -0000
Gorden Wagener, the new design head at Mercedes-Benz, says that in a market motivated by innovation, constancy is a challenge.

L.A. Times - Auto Industry News

2009 Mercedes-Benz SL
Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:32:56 -0700
Keeping the same 2003 body style, the re-worked 2009 SL is a driver s car again.
Racing trophy queens on display in Pomona
Wed, 27 Aug 2008 10:16:04 -0700
Raquel Welch, Barbara Eden and other beauties are honored in the "Trophy Queens" exhibit opening today at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum.
California insurance commissioner backs pay-as-you-drive policies
Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700
Commissioner Steve Poizner releases proposed regulations. The plan is considered to be more accurate, and it would give a financial incentive to California motorists to drive less. California drivers could be offered a new -- and often cheaper -- kind of car insurance next year under a voluntary pay-as-you-drive plan proposed Wednesday by Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner.

Daily automotive news and comment - from just-auto.com

MALAYSIA: Proton profit run continues
Thu, 28 Aug 2008 09:46:00 -0000
Proton Holdings reported a fourth consecutive quarter of profits in the three months to 30 June as domestic demand for new models continued to soar.
UK: Spec changes help Volvo buck trend
Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:42:00 -0000
New trim, engine and gearbox choices have helped Volvo buck sales trends in the UK, the automaker said on Thursday.
GERMANY: Meet you on the Caddy's boat deck
Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:23:00 -0000
Rolls-Royce may have been the pioneer early last year of a teak boat-like rear deck (it's an option for its new Phantom convertible) but now Volkswagen has adopted the idea for a concept model for the recreational vehicle show that starts in Düsseldorf, Germany, this weekend.

Comments for AutoReport

Comment on Mergers Redux by Andrew Charles
Andrew Charles Sat, 19 Jul 2008 20:24:11 -0000
In the years since I wrote this, there have been a number of changes, some minor, and others quite major. Going down the list: DaimlerChrysler de-merged into Daimler AG and Chrysler LLC, and sold its stake in Mitsubishi. Daimler AG retains its truck and bus brands (including Mitsubishi Fuso), and Mercedes-Benz and smart in the car group. A cross-licensing agreement with Jaguar covers the use of the Daimler name. Chrysler LLC retains the active Dodge, Jeep and Chrysler brands, and has re-affirmed its ownership of the defunct Willys brand. Hyundai has kept out of the merger game since acquiring Kia, but has added a new brand in the Korean domestic market with its Genesis luxury sedan (in other markets sold as a Hyundai). Fiat has ended its alliance with GM after extracting a hefty divorce settlement. The company's subsequent success makes this one of GM management's worst decisions in recent years. After dropping Autobianchi, last seen in the Italian domestic market, Fiat is said to be exploring a new low-cost brand. Maserati, formerly owned by Ferrari, is now allied with the group's main auto operation, now known as Fiat Group Automobiles. Ford has unwound several key acquisitions in the last few years, first selling Aston Martin Lagonda to an Anglo-Arab investment syndicate, and most recently Jaguar Land Rover to Indian automaker Tata Motors. Rumors persist that Ford is either interested in selling Volvo, or has been approached by other automakers seeking a luxury acquisition, but the company is far more integrated into the Ford organization, with common powertrains and platforms underlying every model. GM has also unwound several equity investments, although not on the scale of Daimler and Ford. Its minor interests in and alliances with Fiat, Isuzu and Subaru have been ended, and engine development centers in Germany and Japan previously controlled by GM returned to Isuzu. Its alliance with Suzuki remains, on a smaller scale, but its equity interest has been reduced. The company is now evaluating the future of the Hummer brand, acquired from AM General, and despite denials rumors persist that other brands are also being evaluated for sale or closure (fueled by an active and even malicious campaign by disaffected members of middle management). Phoenix Group, which acquired MG Rover, predictably imploded, with government investigations continuing at enormous expense into the reasons. Its assets have been divided among several parties, Chinese automakers SAIC Motor and NAC acquiring the main carmaking operations, and a scion of the Riley family acquiring MG Sport and Racing and the X80 project. The Rover brand, and associated trademarks, previously licensed from BMW, were then sold by the German company to Land Rover. As a result Tata Motors has acquired not only Jaguar, Land Rover and Range Rover, but also Daimler, Lanchester, Rover and Sterling. Having lost the chance to acquire Rover, SAIC established its own Roewe brand as an alternative, and subsequently acquired NAC and its NAC MG operations, including the Austin, MG, Wolseley and Austin-Healey brands. An alliance with HFI Automotive and the Healey family supports the possible revival of the latter marque. Peugeot SA has augmented its non-equity alliances with Ford in diesel engines and Fiat in commercial vehicles. It now produces small cars in co-operation with Toyota, 4-cylinder gasoline engines in alliance with BMW, and SUVs in alliance with Mitsubishi. The Panhard et Levassor operation has since been sold to military 4×4 specialist Auverland. Renault's most recent activity has been an alliance with Russian automaker AutoVaz, owner of the Lada brand. German automaker Volkswagen, after acquiring a number of other companies over the years, has most recently found itself the target of long-term partner Porsche, whose founder was responsible for the original Volkswagen prior to WWII.
Comment on Mazda Kazamai Concept to Premiere at Moscow International Automobile Salon 2008 by VW Informer
VW Informer Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:27:52 -0000
That's a really awesome concept; but I just don't see it going into production without a lot of alterations, especially given the practical considerations of a grill-less design. --- Working with VW to spread the word about the new Tiguan. If you have any questions, feel free to let me know.
Comment on New Ford Focus RS On Track as First Details Confirmed by Ken MacDaniel Sr
Ken MacDaniel Sr Fri, 13 Jun 2008 11:24:11 -0000
Please bring it to the US. The Mustang GT and GT 500's are great but.................................

Auto news - CNNMoney.com

2009 models worth waiting for
Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:35:22 -0400

5 really cost-effective fuel savers
Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:59:54 -0400
Surprisingly, some fuel efficient vehicles aren't the most economical choices out there. Here are some that are.
GM unveils new compact car
Thu, 21 Aug 2008 13:40:48 -0400
Slated to enter the U.S. market for the 2011 model year, the Cruze could replace the Cobalt small car.

 

Subscribe to Automotive RSS feed

Co. - Manufactures automotive carpets, insulation parts, parcel shelves and roof liners. Commercial insulation applications.
Meta Description: [ Johann Borgers GmbH & Co. KG, manufacturer of insulation and interior trim parts for the automotive industry (also as full-service supplier), of insulation materials for the industry of big electrical appliances and specialists in textile floorings. ]

Co. KG - Manufacturer of sun protection, load restraining luggage and cargo systems and other parts for the vehicle interior.
Meta Description: [ BOS GmbH & Co. KG - der internationale Erstausrüster für die Automobilindustrie. ]

AirSept, Inc. - Specializes in developing air freshening products for the automobile, home, and office. Marietta, Georgia.

Allview Mirror - Manufactures rearview mirror that reveals all lanes of roadway traffic and contains no blind spots.
Meta Description: [ The ALLVIEW Mirror System auto safety mirror eliminates blind spots, offsets distortion, reduces glare and ensures safe lane changes without guesswork. ]

BREED Technologies, Inc. - Manufacturer of automobile air bags, seat belts, steering wheels, and electronics. (Other OTC: BDTTZ)
Meta Description: [ Key Safety Systems - Auto parts and Electronics manufacturer. ]

Chester and Herod Auto Interiors - Specialists in carpet or rubber floor covering for contemporary and vintage cars. Product listing, photos and contact information.

Collins and Aikman Corporation - Supply automotive floor and acoustic systems including automotive fabric, interior trim and convertible top systems.
Meta Description: [ Collins & Aikman is the global leader in automotive floor and acoustic systems and is a leading supplier of automotive fabric, interior trim and convertible top systems. ]

Comfy Sheepskins - Manufacturer, distributor, and retailer of sheepskin for cars, airplanes, babies, pets, home and office.
Meta Description: [ ComfySheep.com is the world’s largest manufacturer of accessories including Sheepskin Car Seat Covers, Baby Decor Mat Nursery Rug, Cover Leather Steering Wheel and Sheep Skin Rugs. ]

Concept Seating, Inc. - Manufacture a range of chairs, vehicle seating and console units .

Corbeau LLC - Source for aftermarket bucket seats.

Coverking - Manufacturer of custom tailored accessories such as custom car cover, dash covers, floor mats, and other protection accessories. USA.
Meta Description: [ Car Cover, Seat Covers, Dash Cover, Floormats, Sunshields manufactured by Coverking in California, USA - For all Cars, Trucks, Vans and SUVs. ]

Cromtryck - Manufactures badges, emblems for interior, exterior and steering wheel trim applications.
Meta Description: [ The Cromtryck Group is the world leader when it comes to Emblem's, Badge's and Gloss both for Interior and Exterior for Cars and Consumer Goods. ]

DaeWon KangUp Co., Ltd - Company specializing in automotive springs and seats.

Davis Automotive Interiors and Accessories - Specializes in convertible top replacement and repairs, leather interior restoration, headliner replacement, VW interiors, and dash caps.
Meta Description: [ Davis Automotive Interiors and Accessories specializes in convertible top replacement and repairs, leather interior restoration, headliner replacement, VW interiors, dash caps, and much more. We also welcome insurance claims. Davis is locally owned and operated in Jacksonville, FL. ]

Dorrie International - Manufactures laminations and coatings for use as interior and exterior automotive trim.
Meta Description: [ Dorrie International is a leading worldwide supplier of laminated products for interior and exterior automotive trim and sealing systems. Dorrie manufactures a full line of FlockTape and NVH noise tape, as well as metallized and fabric laminates. These products provide many interior and exterior ... ]

Dorsett Carpet - Manufactures automotive and marine carpet for both the OEM and aftermarket.
Meta Description: [ As the leading styling designer of automotive and marine carpet, Dorsett Industries has successfully become a supplier of carpet to the automotive and mat manufacturers worldwide. ]

Dura Automotive Parts - Manufactures cockpit subsystems, automotive door modules, glass systems, seat mechanisms and engineered assemblies for the auto industry.

Excellence Mfg. - Manufacturer of anything that moves an automobile seat. Minority / diversity supplier.
Meta Description: [ Are you looking for a certain kind of curtains? Blackout curtains, country curtains and bedroom curtains are all discussed here. You will also find information on curtain hardware, curtain rods, and even how to attach them to your window. This is your best online resource for any and everything... ]

Florida Auto Trim - Manufactures custom fabricated wood and carbon fiber dash kits for all makes and models.
Meta Description: [ Network Solutions - Original domain name registration and reservation services with variety of internet-related business offerings. Quick, dependable and reliable. ]

Foxwell Asia Ltd - Manufactures third brake lights, car covers, car floor mats, static discharge belts, and window visor. From Hong Kong.

GAHH Inc. - Manufactures convertible tops and original replacement interiors.
Meta Description: [ GAHH is a high quality leading manufacturer of replacement leather car seat covers, leather interiors and convertible tops. GAHH specializes in automotive interiors including leather seat covers, replacement convertible tops, seat covers, headliners, convertible top boot covers, headrest covers, ... ]

Greenfield Research Inc. - Produces cut and sew trim, wires and reinforcement products for the auto industry.
Meta Description: [ Greenfield Research Seat and Wire Manufacturer. ]

Isotta - Manufactures steering wheels, shift knobs, and aluminium parts.

Janesville Products - Manufacturer of engineered non-woven thermal and acoustical products sold primarily through major tier 1 integrators.

Jean Seats International - Manufactures custom made denim seat covers.
Meta Description: [ Auto Seat covers, car - truck - suv - minivan, custom seat covers, all makes and models. ]

John Skinner Manufacturing - Manufactures interior trim and upholstery products for classic cars (original specification). From UK.
Meta Description: [ Interior Trim for British Classic Cars, Austin-Healey BN1 to BJ8, Jaguar XK to XJ, MGA, or Triumph TR2 to TR6 made to original specification by John Skinner (Manufacturing) Ltd. We manufacture trim panels, seat covers, carpet sets, boot parts,headlinings, hoods (Tops), tonneau covers, hood frame ... ]

404 Johnson Controls Automotive Group - OEM supplier of automotive seating and interior systems.

Ka Wah Plastic - Manufacturer of phone holder, magnetic phone holder, drink holder, monitor shelf and sun glass saver.

Katzkin - Makers of ready to install interiors for most automobiles, sport utility vehicles, and trucks.

Lap Fung Trading Company - Manufactures steering wheel cover, leather seat, seat cushion and floor mats. From Hong Kong.
Meta Description: [ Other Promotional Items, PU Leather Wine Bottle Carrier, Cleaning Cloth, Pet Series, Anodized Aluminum Houseware ]

Lear Corporation - Manufactures automotive seating and interior systems including electronic distribution systems.
Meta Description: [ Lear Corporation, a FORTUNE 500® company headquartered in Southfield, Mich., USA, focuses on integrating complete automotive interiors, including seat systems, interior trim and electrical systems. ]

Leathercare Renovations - UK. Specialists in leather upholstery renovation and restoration services for automotive and aircraft interiors, and furniture. Extensive technical information.

Lefevere SA - Manufactures metallic structures for mechanical adjustable and dismantable headrests and armrests.

Lih Joen Speed Meter Co.,Ltd. - Manufacturer of speed meter, fuel(sender) unit, tacho meter and movements meter for motorcycles. From Taiwan.
Meta Description: [ manufacturer of speed meter for motorcycle( KYMCO, YAMAHA, and Japan ZERO), fuel (sender) unit, tacho meter, movements meter. ]

Lil Rhino - Provides car, truck, and SUV center console lid and headrest covers. USA.
Meta Description: [ A Lil Rhino cover is something you can use to both protect and personalize your ride with a cool center console armrest cover OR a cool Headrest cover OR both matching. Now you can show your favorite interest or hobby to friends, family, and �passers by� by simply having the embroidered or screen... ]

Nölle-Pepin GmbH - Germany. Manufacturers of storage nets for the automotive, aircraft, train and marine industries. Also, textile tubes, and plastic frames and fixing parts. English and German.

500 Pan-Car - Manufacturer of seat covers, car covers, floor mats, dash mats. From Greece.

Prime Instruments Inc. - Manufactures gauges for automotive and marine: tachometers,fuel,oil pressure,temperature and air pressure.

Promek Seating Systems Ltd. - Manufacturer of ergonomically designed seats for agricultural tractors, industrial forklifts, and construction and landscape equipment. Ireland.
Meta Description: [ Manufacturer of tractor and forklift seats, and seats for construction, heavy duty and mining equipment ]

Racemark International, LP - Manufacture for original equipment automotive markets providing floor mats, trunk mats, seat covers and seat vests.
Meta Description: [ Racemark is a global supplier to the original equipment automotive markets in North America, Europe, and Japan, providing custom automobile floor mats, trunk mats, seat covers and seat vests�. ]

Richfield Vehicle Seating Ltd - Makes seats for kit-cars, motorhomes and classic cars.

RieterAutomotive Systems - Suppliers of noise control and thermal insulation systems for motor vehicles. Includes product information in pdf format.

Seat Covers USA - Manufactures hand sewn seat covers that are custom made to perfectly fit your car, truck or SUV.

Seton Company - Manufactures automotive leather.

Spradling Originals Inc. - Manufacture of OEM for upholstery and automotive trim industries of windlace, wire-on, welt cord, zippers, seat clips, seals, and convertible accessories.
Meta Description: [ Spradling Originals, Inc. has been meeting the needs of the Upholstery and Automotive Trim Industry with quality, original equipment products for over 40 years. ]

Spring Snow Auto Accessory Co., Ltd - Manufacturer of seat cusion and cover, consoles and organizers, air fresheners, handfree car kits and steering wheel covers.
Meta Description: [ incorporating research, manufacture and trade of auto accessories, supplier hundreds of items, include: seat cover & cussion, consoles & organizers, air fresheners, handfree car kits, emergency kits etc ]

Sterling Teal Inc. - Manufactures air fresheners for the automotive aftermarket.
Meta Description: [ Since 1992, Sterling Teal has been providing high quality air fresheners to the automotive aftermarket. Eye catching packaging and cosmetic grade fragrances have contributed to the phenomenal success and consumer acceptance of the product line. ]

Technoplast B.V. - Manufactures custom made airvents, doorpockets, handgrips, glove compartment and cupholders.

The Leather Restoration Site - UK. Internationally operating company, specialised in automotive and furniture leather upholstery restoration services.

The Matworks Ltd. - Manufactures floor mats for car, auto, truck, home, boat or barn.

The Woodbridge Group - Manufacture foam seating components, energy-absorbing safety foams, acoustical foams, fabricated, slab and roll-goods foam products and foam-in-place seating.
Meta Description: [ woodbridge group, polyurethane, foam, urethane, automobile industry, interior, epp, enerflex, structurelight, structurelite, trimvisible, canadian, canada, ontario, Toyota, Honda, Ford, Nissan, GM, general motors, chrysler, interior, truck, automotive, car, quality, molded ]

Tianmei Autocar Seating Factory - Manufactures corium autocar seating , the material is imported cowskin, stick film cowskin, and homemade cowskin.
Meta Description: [ produce corium autocar seating , the material is various import cowskin, stick film cowskin, homemade cowskin and so on. ]

TMI Products Inc. - Manufactures Mustang and Volkswagen automotive restoration upholstery.
Meta Description: [ TMI Products specializes in automotive restoration upholstery for VW & mustang and The Glove, protective cases for automotive electronics ]

Trim Masters, Inc. - Locations listing, plastics, interior trim, cut and sew facilities and employment information.

Turn Products - Manufactures spray that controls static from automotive upholstery and carpet.
Meta Description: [ Stop annoying static electricity shocks with Turn spray. ]

V-Tex Ltd. - A specialist in the cutting and sewing of vehicle interior textiles and components, particularly leather and PVC products. From UK.

Wet Okole - Manufacturer of waterproof nylon laminated neoprene seat covers to protect factory seats. Hawaii, USA.
Meta Description: [ Manufacturer of waterproof nylon laminated neoprene seat covers to protect factory seats. Sold direct to the public. Great for stopping water and mud, pet hair from dogs and cats, or for food and drink spills. Perfect Christmas gift. Wet Okole - Hawaii Car Seat Covers. ]