GM Says Employees Can Buy IPO Shares
General Motors is giving some 600,000 employees, retirees and dealers the chance to purchase stock in the resurgent company as the auto giant moves forward with its initial public offering, slated for next month.
hybrid
General Motors Defends Volt All-Electric Vehicle Claim
General Motors is firing back at the automotive press after critics' assertions that the much-anticipated Chevrolet Volt isn't a true electric car -- rather merely another hybrid, and not particularly fuel-thrifty.
Honda Fit Hybrid Battles Toyota Prius in Japan
Honda unveiled its new hybrid Fit subcompact in Tokyo Friday. At a starting price of around $19,160, it is cheaper than any other hybrid vehicle in Japan -- including Toyota's popular Prius.
Presidential Escape: Who Bought Obama's Ford Hybrid?
The recent winning bidder for a low-mileage 2008 Ford Escape hybrid may have gotten more than he or she bargained for -- especially if it's dark gray in color. It seems that matches the description of the vehicle President Barack Obama drove prior to his bid to become president of the United States.
Toyota May Supply Germany's Daimler with Hybrid Tech
Toyota is allegedly in talks to supply technology and key components for hybrid vehicles to Germany's Daimler, according to a report Thursday in the Nikkei Business Daily newspaper. If a deal is made, Daimler would become fourth automaker to use Toyota's gas-electric hybrid technology.
At $41,000, Will Buyers Plug Into Chevy's Volt?
GM has finally put a sticker price on its much anticipated plug-in electric hybrid. Granted, a hefty federal tax credit will defray the cost, but the Volt carries a premium price. GM's challenge now is convincing consumers the Volt is worth it.
As Toyota Joins With Tesla, Alternative Fuels a Major Focus
Toyota, maker of the popular Prius hybrid, is preparing to move into other alternative-fuel technologies such as hydrogen fuel-cells and biofuels. Its recent large investment in Tesla Motors is just the first such partnership the world's largest automaker is pursuing.
Toyota Knew of Lexus Flaw Years Ago
Toyota is facing new accusations that it dragged its feet in issuing a recall. The world's largest auto company recently recalled 270,000 Lexus sedans to fix faulty valve springs that could cause the cars' engines to stall while they are in motion -- a problem it has known about since 2007.
Nissan to Almost Double Mileage With Hybrid Infiniti
Nissan aims to nealy double the mileage with a hybrid version of its Infiniti M sedan compared with gasoline engine version, Reuters reported. The car is Nissan's first hybrid developed in-house.
GM Goes VC: Automaker Starts $100 Million Fund
A newly energized GM is setting up a $100 million investment fund to bet on technologies that the automaker hopes will enable it to launch desirable, more fuel efficient cars -- and do so faster than its competitors.
Toyota to Supply Mazda with Hybrid Technology
Despite Toyota's recent problems with quality and recalls, its hybrid technologies are the envy of the automotive industry. Mazda has announced that it will use Toyota technology with its new "Sky" engine family.
