Archived Auto News and Events for December 2007

Forbes Makes Automotive Industry Predictions for 2008
Forbes predicts that 2008 will see falling sales for SUVS and trucks, increased sales for "crossovers," and even greater emphasis on hybrid technology.

Nissan Puts a Microwave in Its Latest Concept
With concept vehicles introducing a wide-range of futuristic ideas this year, the Nissan Forum, set to make its world debut in January at the North American International Auto Show, goes one step farther and includes a microwave.

CAFE Standards Bill to be Signed by Bush Today
President Bush is scheduled to sign the first increase in corporate average fuel economy standards (CAFE) into law Wednesday, December 19 at the headquarters of the Department of Energy in Washington.

Jaguar, Land Rover Buyer May Be Announced by Week's End
By the end of this week Ford will likely announce the buyer of its Jaguar and Land Rover brands with finalization of the transfer set for early 2008.

The likely forerunner for the acquisition is Tata Motors of India, an entity that enjoys the support of the unions based in the United Kingdom that work in the Jaguar and Land Rover facilities.

GM to Introduce Terrain Crossover in 2009
For the 2009 model year General Motors plans to replace the current Pontiac Torrent with a smaller crossover GMC called the Terrain.

The plan is being designed to reinforce the Buick-Pontiac-GMC channel of brands.

Senate Approves CAFE Bill
In a vote taken Thursday night, December 13, the U.S. Senate approved an energy bill to increase fuel economy standards for vehicles to 35 mpg by 2020, an increase of 40 percent over current levels.

Chrysler Begins Series of Plant Shut Downs
Over the next few weeks Chrysler LLC will begin a series of assembly plant shut downs to limit the company's production in response to sagging sales and an overall tightening of the economy.

GM to Debut Small Hummer in Detroit
Regardless of the rising pressure for drivers to move to smaller more environmentally sound vehicles, the Hummer H2 has proven to be a winning proposition for General Motors, so much so that GM will introduce a small concept version of the popular giant, the HX, at the coming Detroit auto show in January 2008.

November Numbers Weak for U.S. Auto Makers
Weak numbers for November signal trouble across the boards for the Detroit automotive industry as 2007 looks to close on a weak note for American car makers.

Chrysler loses Jason Vines
News from Chrysler's corporate offices today is that Jason Vines has stepped down from his position as vice president of communications, effective immediately, though he will remain with the company through the end of the year, to help with the transition.

Ford Issues Recall on Some Diesel Trucks, SUVs, and Vans
According to a recall announced yesterday by the Ford Motor company, approximately 1.2 million heavy duty, diesel powered pickups and vans may suffer from a software issue that causes engine stalls.

Mexican Automotive Industry Seeks Modification of NAFTA
The Mexican automotive industry is seeking a modification to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) postponing implementation of a clause that would allow light and heavy-duty used vehicles of as much as ten years of age to be brought into the country.

Ford, Southern California Edison Test Plug-In Escape SUVs
The Ford Motor Co. has supplied 20 experimental vehicles to Southern California Edison in a bid to hasten the practical availability of plug-in hybrids to the public.

White House May Oppose CAFE Standards Legislation
As the next phase of the ongoing Washington battle over Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards heats up, the White House has threated to veto the legislation currently pending in the U.S House of Representatives.

House Democrats Arrive at Fuel Standards Bill
On Friday, November 30 the Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives reached consensus on a bill to raise fuel efficiency standards 40 percent above the current levels by the year 2020.