Nelson Ireson, Senior Editor

Articles

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  Singapore’s first Grand Prix, F1’s first night event Nelson Ireson January 31, 2008

  We’ve been tracking the Singapore Grand Prix for over a year now, and as we reported last May, the Singapore GP will in fact be a night race – the first ever for a Formula 1 Grand Prix....
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  Volvo found guilty of manslaughter

  In what seems to be a growing trend, Volvo cars was found guilty of manslaughter in a 1999 accident. Just a few weeks ago, a former Mitsubishi Motors head and several other executives were found guilty in the death of a man driving a defective truck that went out of control and hit a wall. The...

  Nelson Ireson January 31, 2008
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  Renault Twingo RS Unveiled

  Small, sporty runabouts are often short-changed in the minds of enthusiasts. Their numbers don’t stack up so well when faced with competition from big, powerful sedans or turbocharged hatchbacks. But in terms of sheer driving fun, they can rank right up there with the best, especially in the...

  Nelson Ireson January 31, 2008
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  Isuzu to U.S.: No cars for you!

  After several years of slumping sales and a reduction in models on offer, Isuzu has finally decided to pack it in and leave the U.S. market. Support will continue for existing vehicles, and those sold through the January 31, 2009 cut-off date. Currently Isuzu's model line consists of Ascender SUVs...

  Nelson Ireson January 31, 2008
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  Toyota's Ontario plant delayed over quality concerns

  Despite a reputation for quality and reliability, Toyota is no stranger to recalls and production delays. Perhaps such growing pains should be expected given Toyota's meteoric rise to the top of the auto industry. But whatever the cause, the quality control issues are cropping up again, this time...

  Nelson Ireson January 30, 2008
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  GM could fight Nano with Chinese help

  SAIC-GM-Wuling Automobile Co. came to the attention of many for the first time thanks to last week's snafu involving the inclusion of 500,000 Wuling-produced cars in GM's corporate tally in an effort to stay at the head of the pack. But the latest word is that the American company could leverage...

  Nelson Ireson January 29, 2008
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  YES! Roadster coming to Chicago show Nelson Ireson January 28, 2008

  Although it’s hardly new – it’s been in production since 2006 – the YES! Roaster will be coming to American and Canadian streets for the first time ever, and to kick off...
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  Fiat joining dual-clutch melee

  BMW, Mercedes, Volkswagen and even Mitsubishi have come to market with dual-clutch transmissions in the interest of power, economy and refinement. Until now Fiat Group – including Ferrari – has done without dual-clutch gearboxes, eschewing them for traditional automatics, manuals and...

  Nelson Ireson January 28, 2008
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  Mercedes-Benz Reveals 2009 CLC

  The baby coupe from Stuttgart has finally come out from behind the curtain. Although the initial teaser shots didn't leave much to the imagination, the reveal does bring some interesting tidbits to light. But the real story lies just under the skin. Mercedes says that around 1,100 components are...

  Nelson Ireson January 27, 2008
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  BMW Alpina B3 Biturbo now available in AWD

  So the M3 is just a little too raucous and hard-edged, the regular 3-series is too soft and sedated, and you want four-wheel drive traction with your luxo-performance ride? Well, then, Goldilocks, the Alpina B3 Bi-turbo AWD is just what you're looking for: it adds that little kick that's missing...

  Nelson Ireson January 26, 2008
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  Chicago preview: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8

  Over the past few weeks a number of pictures of production Challengers have leaked onto the web, but now the leaks have brought along a nice front three-quarters view for all to see. The car looks - as expected - very much like the concept that has made the rounds from Barrett-Jackson to your local...

  Nelson Ireson January 25, 2008
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  UPDATE: GM beats Toyota for overall sales title - or not

  UPDATE: It turns out GM may not have edged Toyota out at all - in fact, GM may be the No. 2 auto maker in the world for the first time in 76 years if the most recent reports on sales numbers prove accurate. According to Automotive News the American company's earlier totals of 9.369 million vehicles...

  Nelson Ireson January 24, 2008
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  Ford's PAG buoys European profits Nelson Ireson January 24, 2008

  Unlike its American counterpart, Ford's European arm is basking in the glow of black ink at its bottom line. Increased sales, better profitability and cut costs are at the core of the $997 million...
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  Ford to shorten product cycle, cut costs

  Hard times are coming for the U.S. auto industry, and there’s just no way around it. Already the leading car makers are announcing their plans to help deal with the expected low demand. Ford’s plan involves, in part, shortening its product cycle in an attempt to keep designs fresh while...

  Nelson Ireson January 23, 2008
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  AMG declares the horsepower war 'over'

  It looks like Chevrolet’s Corvette isn’t the only model or maker to decide that horsepower figures have reached a good resting point. Mercedes’ AMG head has declared horsepower is “not our main focus,” instead the company will be gathering effort to improve interior...

  Nelson Ireson January 23, 2008
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  Chinese copycat cars on sale in EU by February

  Oft maligned for its highly derivative design style, the Chinese auto industry has at times seemed offended by accusations of copying, and at others simply indifferent – as if it were perfectly natural and acceptable. The latter theory is likely to be put to the test even more hotly than it...

  Nelson Ireson January 23, 2008
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  Infiniti plans global expansion

  In an announcement that seemingly runs contrary to a previous decision to hold quality and brand recognition above sales, especially in Europe, Infiniti says it will push for global expansion, expecting ‘double digit sales increases well into the future.’ Specifically, Infiniti seeks to...

  Nelson Ireson January 23, 2008
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  British MPs oppose biofuels

  The search for more environmentally friendly fuel alternatives is in full effect, and while a few promising candidates have been found, the full results are not yet in. Biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel are the leaders among the new crop of ‘green’ fuels, but people are beginning...

  Nelson Ireson January 23, 2008
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  American made Astra in the works? Nelson Ireson January 22, 2008

  The continuing story of America's devaluing dollar difficulties is one of ups and downs. While it's certainly disturbing for Americans to see their money worth less and less on the global scene,...
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  Project Better Place and Renault-Nissan team up for EVs

  Shai Agassi's Project Better Place has received quite a lot of press lately for its seemingly futuristic plans to bring electric vehicles and recharging stations out of the movies and into the streets. The future is now, however, as the Renault-Nissan Alliance and Project Better Place have...

  Nelson Ireson January 21, 2008
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  Mercedes-Benz could move C-Class production to U.S.

  Despite the downturn in the U.S. economy, luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz continue to see sales growth in the world's biggest car market. The falling dollar has made it even more profitable to build cars in America - and Mercedes already builds M-, R- and GL-class vehicles in its Alabama plant. It...

  Nelson Ireson January 21, 2008
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  CAFE won't kill the Corvette, will go green instead

  The war for ever-faster, more powerful cars may be drawing to a close. Fuel economy regulations and simple practicality are beginning to make the push for more horsepower unrealistic. Chevrolet's Corvette is a perfect example - the 2009 ZR-1 revealed at the Detroit auto show makes 650hp and tops...

  Nelson Ireson January 21, 2008
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  New Images: Audi R8 V12 TDI Concept

  Audi's R8 made waves in 2007 as a very accessible, driver-friendly supercar-class vehicle - one you could drive daily if you wanted to. Now the maker from Ingolstadt is taking that theme even further - along with the power - by wedging a V12 diesel inside. Fuel economy, power and all the wonder...

  Nelson Ireson January 21, 2008
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  Michigan: Gov't, business must join forces for alt fuels

  Car makers have belabored the near-total lack of availability and distribution channels of most alternative fuels to the point of exhaustion. They are simply stating the obvious when they point out that hydrogen-fueled cars will not become a reality until a fuel supply network is in place. And...

  Nelson Ireson January 17, 2008