Loan Me a Dime

“Somebody loan me a dime, I need to call my old-time used-to-be.”

According to the recently released Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA; oesa.org) “Automotive Supplier Barometer,” things are improving in the auto industry. According to the study, “While the first quarter 2010 vehicle sales and production outlook is uncertain, the suppliers”—107 respondents from 93 OESA member companies, surveyed between November 2 to 6—“appear to be stabilizing and recovering. As one respondent noted, ‘Instead of things getting worse each month, they are getting a little better each month.’” – Read More

2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring SE

2010 Mazda3 S Four-Door Grand Touring

2009 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI

2009 Toyota Corolla XRS

2009 Nissan Cube 1.8 SL

Driven Archives

2010 Lincoln MKS
They’re called “black cars” in the trade. Sometimes Cadillac DTSs. Oftentimes Lincoln Town Cars. In fact, you’d be hard pressed to see a black Town Car that doesn’t have someone in a uniform of some sort behind the wheel. Yes, the big cars are pretty much limited to the limousine business. – Read More

Product Development: Now More Than Ever
The product development challenge—that is, creating products, be they at the component, assembly, system, process, or some other type or level—is one that is certainly germane to the auto industry. Arguably it is more relevant—and important—today than it has been for some time. – Read More

Electric Heat for Electric Vehicles
Here in the metro Detroit area, the mornings are sufficiently brisk that there is a layer of frost on the glass of the vehicle parked in the driveway. So it is a matter of starting up the car, cranking the fan up, dialing up the heat control, hitting defrost, and activating the button for the rear-window defroster. – Read More

GM: Earn It, Don’t Win It
The headline on the front page of the November 29, 2009, Detroit Free Press:

“It’s about winning. . .again.” – Read More

Jacques Villeneuve Now
Racing fans may recognize the guy in the photo as Jacques Villeneuve, the winner of the 1995 CART championship, the 1995 Indianapolis 500, and the 1997 Formula One World Championship. – Read More

Upcoming Industry Events:

Carbon Fiber 2009
Dec 9 –11, 2009

North American International Auto Show
Jan 11-24, 2010

PDx/amerimold
May 11-13, 2010

Mazda's Approach To Hydrogen Power
When you have an engine unlike everybody else, you can do things in a way that nobody else can. And it may be the fastest way to mass-produced hydrogen-powered vehicles.

While the rotary engine has been abandoned by all vehicle manufacturers with the exception of Mazda ... Read More