Gmahlan General Motors Onstar Interface on 2040-parts.com

Ford scores tumble, Toyota rebounds in Initial Quality survey

Buyer satisfaction with new cars and trucks from Ford Motor Co., a strength that has helped it increase sales and market share in recent years, has tumbled, and Toyota has rebounded from its abnormally poor year-ago showing, according to a study released Thursday. In a J.D. Power and Associates survey that tracks problems reported during the first 90 days of ownership, the Ford and Lincoln brands plunged below the industry average of 107 problems reported per 100 models studied.

2009 Michelin Challenge Design theme announced

Michelin today announced the 2009 theme for its global vehicle design competition, Michelin Challenge Design (MCD), asking entrants to explore the future of transportation and share their brave and bold vision for 'America's Next Iconic Vehicle.' Designers this year are asked to render unique vehicle concepts that demonstrate emotional appeal, design courage and technical execution. Additional consideration will be given to entries with attributes that benefit safety and the environment and include a separate rendering of the tire and wheel component assembly.   Vehicle designs that best represent "Brave + Bold, America's Next Iconic Vehicle" will be reviewed by a jury of professional designers whose names will be announced later in 2008.

Porsche And Jaguar Rise To Digital Prominence

THE LATEST automotive search data from leading independent digital marketing agency, Greenlight, reveals Porsche and Jaguar have replaced Toyota and Citroen to become two of the ten most popular car brands that UK consumers have been eyeing up online. Greenlight’s quarterly report identified the most popular search terms and phrases consumers used when they searched on Google UK for cars in November, and ascertained which car manufacturer and dealer sites were most visible to their searches. According to the firm’s research, over 11 million searches were made by consumers looking for cars online, up almost 5% on the previous quarter.