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As a third-generation GMer, Jon Lauckner is fiercely committed to restoring greatness to America’s biggest car company. The VP of
global product planning and the man behind the Chevy Volt, is determined to go big or go home.
When it comes to understanding consumers and what they will want, Apple is one of the strategically smartest companies in the world. And the recently reported deal to acquire music streaming start-up Lala is another indication that the company is planning to become the central cloud for consumers. That raises some interesting questions about what [...]
The summer driving season is at hand, and gasoline prices are suddenly back on your mind. No wonder.
AP file photoDETROIT — GM reported its first monthly gain in U.S. sales in almost two years while Toyota and Ford also improved, a sign the auto industry it starting to crawl back from a yearlong slump.
Demand for new cars and crossovers in October fueled better results for General Motors Co. and Detroit rival Ford Motor Co. GM's sales rose 4 percent from October 2008, while Ford notched a 3-percent gain. Japanese rival Toyota Motor Corp said its sales edged up less than a percent. Less rosy news came from Chrysler Group LLC, whose sales fell 30 percent, though they improved from September.
Automakers had said October would be a test of how strong the market was without any effect of the government's Cash for Clunkers program. The industry staggered through a tough September, hurt by the collapse of demand following the clunker rebates that fueled a sales surge over the summer.
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Auto reviewers are a tempermental bunch. And we're also human. Every car made has its supporters; if they didn't, they wouldn't be on the market. But somehow, there are certain cars that simply miss the mark for certain members of this motley crew. Here are mine.
• MazdaSpeed 3 -- The hot version of Mazda's econobox has met with critical acclaim from just about every journalistic corner, just not this one. I found the front-wheel-drive Speed 3 to have such severe torque steer, that it felt unsafe. Passing maneuvers on two-lane roads were particularly dicey. I want to decide where the car is going; I don't want the car deciding.
Other journalists have fawned over the Speed 3's explosive power, great handling, smart looks and snappy interior. Oh, they admit that the Speed 3 has issues with torque steer, but in the end they say it is acceptable. To me, it's a deal killer.
I have not yet driven the updated version of the Speed 3, which is new for 2010. I'll let you know if Mazda solved the torque-steer problem.
• Honda Element -- Somehow, Honda continues to sell its boxy Element. It's not because of me. When I reviewed the Element, I admitted that I was definitely out of the Element's target youth-oriented market. Then again, I am an adventurous type, with a kayak, canoe and mountain bike that I often transport.
I hated the Element's bouncy ride and crude engine sounds. I thought the reverse-opening rear doors were silly and the rubbery interior materials were unappealing. And I'll just never get the boxy styling.
As for the Element's supposed usefulness for extreme-sports enthusiasts, accessing the roof is difficult. Sure, a small kayak will fit inside, as will a mountain bike or two. But what if you want to transport a longer kayak or enough bikes for all of the folks filling its four seats? Bring a step ladder. A wagon such as a Subaru Outback would be easier.
• Hyundai Genesis -- The Genesis is another of those vehicles that has met with critical acclaim from the motoring press. Mostly.
Pundits have said the Genesis can compete with cars costing thousands more. But in drives of two different Genesis, one with the nice V-6, the other with the incredible V-8, I found the ride to be punishing.
Auto reviewers love to tell you how they pay attention to all of the vehicle dynamics, acceleration, handling, all of it. But just like any other regular Joe, there are times when your hard-working scribe is just driving the car, commuting to make it home in time