GM kicked off the recent North American International Auto Show in Detroit by, among other things, introducing a new Cadillac. Once the fanfare had died down, observers could hear a distinct creaking as the turntable display supporting the Caddy labored to move its load. This little anecdote seemed to set the tone for Detroit’s ...

 I went to school in the Detroit area and I still have friends who work in the auto industry. So I have been watching the auto bailout proceedings with some interest. This morning I got the following email from a buddy who has spent his career designing vehicles. I reproduce it here for general interest.   I also got a press release ...

This is all over the Web but here is a link to the story if you haven't seen it. The chief engineer for the Camry hybrid died of a heart attack which was eventually ruled to be caused by overwork, poor guy. For those unfamiliar with the Toyota method of product development, the chief engineer on the project is responsible for the ultimate ...

 The Wall Street Journal recently carried an interview with GM's Bob Lutz that was interesting. One of his comments was on whether people are willing to pay more for cars labeled green. Lutz's take on it is that for most people, it's the economics that determine their car buying habits.     ROBERT A. LUTZ: What we're seeing is ...

Chinese automakers that included Geely, BYD, and Changfeng introduced new models at the Detroit Auto Show's press day events. Media reports on these cars haven't been kind, and with good reason.  Other automakers just don't have much to fear from these guys...at least yet. The build quality just isn't up to contemporary standards. To give ...

Taking doors beyond a piece of sheet metal and a couple of hinges. http://www.disappearing-car-door.com/