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Reports on Ford Motor Co.'s move to correct a problem on its highly promoted sedans or `world cars.' Incident that triggered the repairs; Recall of 200 of the sedans that were already sold.

The article presents a travel journal of a 1,700-mile long trip by road across the northern part of China. According to the article, the sale of over 4.2 million cars in China has increased investments in government highways. The author took the trip with a group of other individuals in the Chery A1, which is a Chinese built vehicle designed to sell in China and be exported to other markets.

The article discusses the estimated one billion cars that are expected to be on the roads of the planet by 2020. This presents challenges for auto manufactures, drivers, governments, and environmentalists. For example, the European Union will require automakers to make 95% of the weight of an auto out of recycled materials. Charts are presented that project the current and estimated increases in the worldwide vehicle fleet of cards and light trucks and the use of gasoline.

The article states that low gasoline prices, in addition to broad available credit, led to a record 17.5 million cars and light trucks being sold in the U.S. in 2015.

The author discusses his thoughts concerning the possibility that U.S. consumer electronics manufacturer Apple Inc. was planning to build automobiles. He predicts that if Apple does move forward with such a project it will be a long-term business strategy. The article examines technological innovations, the development of self-driving cars, and Apple's resources for such a project. The article presents comments from think tank the Clayton Christensen Institute for Disruptive Innovation fellow Horace Dediu.

The article discusses the popularity among some in the U.S. of Trabant automobiles, originally manufactured in East Germany and discontinued in 1991. Details are presented about how the vehicles are able to circumvent emissions standards in the U.S., events for enthusiasts including the International Spy Museum's Parade of Trabants in Washington, D.C., and the experiences of owners including Andy Burzynski and Mike Annen.

The article discusses automobile blessing at the Basilica of Our Lady church in Scherpenheuvel, Belgium. The per-capita rate of fatal car accidents in Belgium is high, prompting some drivers to seek Godly protection. Reverend Luc Van Hilst has been blessing cars for 19 years. He says the church blesses about 100 vehicles per week.

The article discusses Amphicars, amphibious automobiles designed by German car designer Hans Trippel and sold in the U.S. during 1962-1967. Special attention is given to the enthusiasm some middle-aged men have for them including machinist Tony Ortokale and retired media executive Jon Erdahl, both of whom own one.

The article discusses increased consumer demand for storage spaces in automobiles, and car manufacturers' efforts to meet that demand. Survey results indicate 65% of those purchasing new cars consider storage very important. Commentary is presented from storage-engineering specialist Chris Shinouskis of General Motors Co. and storage specialist Matt Rutman of Ford Motor Co.

The article looks at the U.S. motor vehicle market, as of June 2013. It reports on trends in passenger car, pickup truck and sport utility vehicle sales in the U.S. by automobile companies including Ford Motor Co., Nissan Motor Co., and General Motors Co. Topics include price cuts and promotional deals on new vehicles, subprime car loans, and used car prices.

The article presents descriptions of several cars introduced at the 2013 New York International Auto Show including the Jaguar XJR from Jaguar Land Rover PLC, the Mercedes B-Class EV from Mercedes-Benz, and the Toyota Highlander from Toyota Motor Corp.

The article discusses the average age of automobiles in the U.S. as of March 2013, focusing on car owners that prefer to retain their aging automobiles despite their potential unreliability. Topics include car repairs and the psychological aspects of car ownership. Car owners mentioned include David Groeger, Robert Hill, and Nikki Montgomery.

The article presents reviews of several concept cars on display in January 2013 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan including the Tesla Model X from Tesla Motors, the Hyundai HCD-14 from Hyundai Motor Co. and the Nissan Resonance from Nissan Motor Co.

The article presents a review of the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle automobile from Volkswagen.

The article discusses the customized-automobile industry in the U.S. that specializes in producing recreations of discontinued vehicles. Singer Vehicle Design manufactures a version of the Porsche 911 car that can cost up to $300,000. David Smith of Factory Five Racing Inc. says kits he sells that replicate the look of a 1930s vehicle from the Ford Motor Co. are popular.

The article discusses the emergence of Hyundai Motor Co. of South Korea as a leading global car maker. Since the late 1990s Hyundai has markedly increased the quality of its vehicles, and in 2010 became the world's fifth-largest car manufacturer. Its success has been marked by an ability to quickly bring new vehicles to market and keep costs down. Chief executive Steve S. Yang is reconsidering whether he wants his firm to become the world's largest car producer, though.

The article discusses rising prices for used cars in the U.S. Production cutbacks at Japanese car makers Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co. stemming from a March, 2011 earthquake have helped created greater demand for used vehicles. Within a six-month period the prices for some cars have risen as much as $3,000.

The article presents a review of the Rolls-Royce 102EX electric automobile.

The article reports that car maker Chrysler Group LLC will offer options on the color, wheel styles, and other features of the Saab 500 automobile in sufficient varieties that make it possible to create some half-million distinct cars. Chrysler hopes this generous ability to customize will appeal to a diverse array of buyers.

The article discusses rising prices for used cars in the U.S. In some cases, it could cost more to buy a one-year-old car than the corresponding new model. Demand is particularly high for used pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles. By one estimate prices of used pickup trucks have risen more than 10% over a one-year period.

The article reports that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Transportation have jointly proposed new rules that would require all passenger cars sold in the U.S. be rated according to fuel efficiency and emissions. Environmental groups applauded the idea while the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers voiced opposition.

The article discusses challenges facing automobile maker Ford Motor Co. in reviving its Lincoln brand of luxury vehicles. Since 2000 sales of Lincolns have fallen by more than half. Data from the Web site Edmunds.com indicate many buyers don't even consider Lincoln when shopping for a luxury car. Over a four-year period Ford plans to release seven new or upgraded Lincoln vehicles.

The article discusses automotive activism in Russia. Sergei Kanayev periodically organizes drivers to participate in car caravans that protest on behalf of one or another cause. Poor roads, high gas prices, and the reckless driving habits of executives are among grievances that have been targeted by Kanayev's demonstrations.

The article discusses the appeal of a $25,000 list price for new cars. Analysts say many consumers recognize $25,000 as a figure they can afford that will purchase a decent vehicle. With fewer lease offers available, a selling price of $25,000 will often keep a buyer's car payments below $500 per month. Several cars selling for $25,000 or under are described including those from General Motors, Honda, and Toyota.

The article discusses "concept cars' unveiled at the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. Descriptions are provided of vehicles exhibited by several manufacturers including General Motors Corp., Toyota Motor Corp., and Hyundai. Audi displayed an electric car that can accelerate from zero to sixty miles per hour in fewer than six seconds.

The article offers brief inforamtion on several automobiles that were showcased at trade shows in the U.S. in January 2016 including the Lexus LC500 from automobile firm Toyota Motor Corp., Dodge Challenger from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV, and the 911 Turbo from Porsche AG.

The article reports that the resale value of cars made by U.S. firms has improved relative to those of foreign competitors. According to Kelley Blue Book and Automotive Leasing Guide, Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler all improved their resale scores, while Honda and Toyota saw their scores decline. Falling gas prices have helped U.S. car makers, which have tended to make larger cars than other manufacturers.

The article discusses relatively strong sales of sports cars in the U.S. By on estimate sales of low-priced offerings bearing the Ford, Chevrolet, and Dodge brands rose almost 70% in October, 2009 compared to the year-ago period. Common features of vehicles that sell well include powerful engines and flamboyant styling.

The article discusses extended warranties for consumer products. In the author's view retailers' eagerness to sell them suggests they probably aren't a good deal for consumers. The publication "Consumer Reports" says survey data show almost two-thirds of warranties purchased on new cars result in a net loss for the buyer.

The article discusses the growing popularity in the U.S. of Web sites devoted to automobiles. Although 2009 car sales have declined about 30% from the prior year's, the number of car-related Web sites has grown to almost 5000. Anne Fleming launched a site that helps women with the car-purchasing process. A site founded by Kristin Varela evaluates cars in terms of how safe and convenient they are for moms with children.

The article discusses a new use for sodium silicate. A U.S. program aimed at encouraging consumers to trade in old vehicles for new, more fuel efficient ones mandates that the trade-ins be rendered inoperable by replacing the vehicle's motor oil with sodium silicate, which essentially destroys the engine.

The article discusses a U.S. government program that provides cash assistance for trading in old cars for newer, more fuel-efficient ones. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has revised its list of cars that are eligible for the program. People seeking to participate should act soon, as relatively low car prices may not persist for long.

The article discusses a trend among U.S. automobile buyers to eschew expensive features. A survey by J.D. Power and Associates found limited interest among consumers in global-positioning navigation systems, rear-seat video systems, and advanced telematics. Mike Marshall of J.D. Power observes that an economic recession has sharply reduced consumer interest in costly add-ons.

The article discusses the decline of the U.S. automobile industry. In the author's view cars have lost the aura of romance that once surrounded them. Government regulations coupled with the increasingly utilitarian function of cars, he asserts, have robbed them of the hold they once had on Americans' imaginations.

The article discusses an innovative method for stopping vehicles. Designed by staff under the direction of U.S. Homeland Security executive Anh Duong, the Safe Quick Undercarriage Immobilization Device (SQUID) emits rubbery cables that wrap around a car's undercarriage and bring it to a halt. Engineer Martin Martinez allows he got the idea after having had several beers.

The article discusses the response of car makers to proposals by the administration of U.S. President Barack Obama that would require substantially improved fuel efficiency by the year 2016. Reaction was generally favorable. Ford Motor Co. chief executive Alan Mulally noted the convenience of having a single federal standard supplant a variety of state and federal requirements.

The article discusses safe and inexpensive cars for new high school and college graduates. Employing a method that emphasizes safety ratings from the U.S. government and reliability ratings from the publication "Consumer Reports," the author comes up with several recommendations including the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.

The article reports that the administration of U.S. President Barack Obama will compel automobile manufacturers to substantially improve the fuel efficiency of cars sold in the U.S. Under new rules passenger vehicles would have to achieve an average of 39 miles per gallon by the year 2016. The current average is 27.5 miles per gallon.

The article discusses the quality of automobiles made by Chrysler LLC. In an annual ranking of new vehicles from the periodical "Consumer Reports," not a single model from Chrysler received the "recommended" designation. George Peterson of AutoPacific Inc. observes that Chrysler's quality lags behind that of General Motors Inc. and Ford Motor Co.

The article discusses substantial discounts being offered on new cars sold in the U.S. Amid an economic recession that has seen car sales fall steeply, some dealers are offering to sell vehicles for prices below their cost. According to J.D. Power & Associates the average selling price of a new car has fallen almost 3% over a six-month period.

The article discusses technology used by some used-car dealers that can disable an automobile if the driver falls too far behind on making the required car payments. Sekurus Inc. is one of several firms manufacturing "disablers" that can be wired to a vehicle's transmission. Car dealer Leon Green says that nonpayment has seldom been a problem since he started using the technology.

The article discusses the conflicting aims of Chrysler LLC and Chrysler Financial. Once owned by Chrysler LLC and devoted exclusively to helping that firm sell cars, Chrysler Financial was split off when Cerberus Capital Management bought Chrysler LLP in 2007. Since then, the financial company's interest in making a profit has not always harmonized with the automaker's desire to sell more cars.

The article discusses the increasing incidence in the U.S. of motorists waiting longer to purchase a new vehicle. Amid a deepening recession new car sales are slumping while those who service cars are seeing increased business. Several tips for prolonging a car's life are provided, among them change the oil regularly and keep tires properly inflated.

The article evaluates the 1972 Alfa Romeo Spider automobile owned by 60-year-old senior scientist John D. Fox.

The article reports on the implication of the emission cheat scandal for automobile sales of automaker Volkswagen AG in the U.S. as of November 2015.

The article evaluates the 1950 Studebaker Champion Starlight automobile from automobile firm Studebaker Corp.

A personal narrative is presented which explores the author's experience of buying an old Herbie car, a Valkswagen Beetle model.

The article previews the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C450-AMG sedan car model and the 2016 GLE450 AMG coupe car model, both from Mercedes-Benz.

The article presents information on the new Model X Signature crossover vehicle launched by Tesla Motors Inc., and the company plans to sell 50,000 to 55,000 Model X vehicles in 2015.

The article discusses how consumers in the U.S. can take advantage of bargains on relatively high-priced goods and services. People looking to buy a home should be able to find many attractive opportunities. Amid a weak hosing market consumers may be able to secure bargain prices on home remodeling services. Automobile dealerships are offering many incentives to car buyers.