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Chrysler reverses course, agrees to repair Jeeps

By Ken Bensinger, Los Angeles Times — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 22:08:00 PDT

The automaker had initially defied a U.S. request to recall 2.7 million vehicles.

Two weeks after defiantly refusing a government request to recall 2.7 million Jeeps prone to dangerous fires in rear-end collisions, Chrysler has reversed course and agreed to repair many of the vehicles.

Chrysler backs down, recalls 2.7 million Jeeps for fire risk

By Ken Bensinger — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:41:00 PDT

Two weeks after refusing a government request to recall roughly 2.7 million Jeep sport utility vehicles for alleged fire risks, Chrysler has cut a deal with regulators.

Autos sales in Europe plunge to lowest level in two decades

By Jerry Hirsch — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 08:13:00 PDT

Auto sales in Europe fell to their lowest level in 20 years last month, a sign that analysts said represents the depth of the economic malaise spreading across the continent.

Ford announces robotic program to test vehicles

By David Undercoffler — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 06:00:00 PDT

Just weeks after its chairman said the world of self-driving cars is closer than we think , Ford announced a program that uses an autonomous system for testing the durability of its cargo vans.

Majority of U.S. drivers say GPS systems have led them astray

By Catherine Green — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 08:47:00 PDT

Most American drivers say they've been burned more than once by their GPS navigation systems, according to a new survey commissioned by Michelin.

GM warns owners of recalled SUVs to park outside because of fire risk

By Jerry Hirsch — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 08:27:00 PDT

As part of a big recall of almost 200,000 cars – including Chevrolets, Buicks, GMCs, Isuzus and Saabs – General Motors is warning the owners to park outside because an electrical glitch in the driver’s side door might cause the vehicle to catch on fire.

Car leasing hits record levels

By Jerry Hirsch, Los Angeles Times — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 05:00:00 PDT

Eased credit restrictions and a move downmarket have pushed leasing to a 25.6% share of new-vehicle sales in the first quarter of this year. But leasing isn't for everyone, experts warn.

Once used mostly to move luxury cars, leasing has reached record levels, helped by easing credit restrictions and a move downmarket.

BMW officially launches all-new 4 Series Coupe

By David Undercoffler — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 14:55:00 PDT

The BMW 3 Series coupe is dead. Long live the 4 Series.

Honda issues apology for short supply of all-electric Fit

By David Undercoffler — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 12:40:00 PDT

Honda issued a rare apology on Friday to frustrated customers who were having difficulty grabbing one of its 1,100 all-electric Fit EV cars.

Lightning electric motorcycle beats gasoline bikes at Pikes Peak

By Charles Fleming — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 06:00:00 PDT

An all-electric motorcycle has beaten the traditional gas-powered bikes and posted top times in practice runs at Pikes Peak in Colorado.