Ghosn fights for Renault-Nissan alliance's future; Mercedes vision for self-driving car among Tokyo show debuts

VW slumps to third-quarter loss on emissions scandal Volkswagen posted a 3.48 billion euro ($3.84 billion) third-quarter loss over costs related to its rigging of diesel emissions tests, its first quarterly deficit in more than 15 years. BLOG: DOUGLAS A. BOLDUC Diess puts VW back on the offensive VW brand CEO Herbert Diess used his first auto show appearance since the Dieselgate scandal to apologize – again – before reminding the world why VW was on track to become the world's largest automaker prior to its crisis. Ghosn fights to preserve Renault-Nissan alliance through crisis Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn said the two automakers will preserve their 16-year alliance through a crisis that has emerged after the French government's bid for more influence over Renault. EU nations disagree on emissions tests despite VW scandal European nations are sharply divided over plans to tighten EU car-testing rules, despite the VW emissions scandal, national position papers seen by Reuters show. Bentley recalls 27,640 cars for battery cable problems Bentley is recalling 27,640 Continental and Flying Spur models globally because of potentially faulty battery cable connections. 2015 TOKYO AUTO SHOW Honda takes on Toyota Mirai with roomier fuel cell sedan 2015 TOKYO AUTO SHOW Mercedes concept imagines car as a 'chill-out zone' 2015 TOKYO AUTO SHOW Nissan IDS Concept showcases automaker's bold EV, self-driving ambition 2015 TOKYO AUTO SHOW Rotary engine returns in Mazda concept coupe 2015 TOKYO AUTO SHOW Lexus LF-FC concept previews next LS THE VW DIESEL CRISIS VW shelves overhaul of U.S. business until scandal abates, report says THE VW DIESEL CRISIS Ghosn says VW's diesel scandal was a wake-up call to all automakers THE VW DIESEL CRISIS VW's U.S. reputation won't suffer long amid emissions scandal, German official says 2016 Rising Star nominations sought Automotive News Europe's top 5 news stories of the week 1. VW says its recall will be limited to older engines 2. VW suspends more execs in emissions-rigging scandal, reports say 3. Toyota retakes global sales lead from VW 4. PSA will publish real-world fuel economy numbers 5. Germany, U.S. plan talks on VW scandal, report says

Ford narrows Europe loss; Nissan seeks end to Renault control

VW set to post first loss in more than 15 years VW Group CEO Matthias Mueller is set to unveil the company's first quarterly loss in more than 15 years. He also will face his first public grilling from investors as he tries to gain their trust during the automaker's diesel-emissions crisis. Ford posts highest-ever N.A. profit, narrows Europe loss Ford had its best-ever quarter in North America as redesigns of the F-150 and other high-profit nameplates began to pay off, while narrowing its loss in Europe. Nissan seeks end to Renault control in power struggle Nissan has drawn up proposals to exit Renault control by purchasing a larger stake in its French alliance partner, sources told Reuters. The move comes amid a power struggle between Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn and the French state, Renault's biggest shareholder. BLOG: DOUGLAS A. BOLDUC Nissan makes autonomous driving look easy The Nissan Intelligent Driving prototype vehicle handled a test drive in Tokyo morning traffic nearly flawlessly, giving a clear indication that the future looks bright for autonomous driving technology. Honda readies volley of new drivetrain tech Honda is readying a new wave of powertrain technologies that aim to boost fuel economy and performance while burnishing the company's reputation for innovation. THE VW DIESEL CRISIS Germany invites U.S. experts to observe diesel tests after VW scandal THE VW DIESEL CRISIS VW hires former Opel CEO as strategy chief VW testing Takata airbags as U.S. weighs wider recalls Audi will keep hiring despite parent VW's emissions cheating scandal Maserati recalls Quattroportes due to fire risk Mitsubishi Q2 net falls 14% despite revenue gain 2016 Rising Star nominations sought Automotive News Europe's top 5 news stories of the week 1. VW says its recall will be limited to older engines 2. VW suspends more execs in emissions-rigging scandal, reports say 3. VW suspends quality chief in emissions cheat probe, reports say 4. German regional state says VW emissions file is missing 5. Toyota retakes global sales lead from VW

VW slumps to Q3 loss on emissions scandal

VW posts $3.84 billion third-quarter loss on emissions scandal Volkswagen posted a 3.48 billion-euro ($3.84 billion) third-quarter loss over costs related to its rigging of diesel emissions tests, its first quarterly deficit in more than 15 years.

How Ford got punished by Wall Street's 'we know better' formula

BLOG: NICK BUNKLEY How Ford got punished by Wall Street's 'we know better' formula When is doing better than you thought a bad thing? When Wall Street doesn't listen. BLOG: DAVID BARKHOLZ GM workers can credit FCA rank and file for UAW's 'transformative' deal UAW Vice President Cindy Estrada will reveal details Wednesday of a tentative four-year deal with General Motors that she is describing as “transformative.” Dealers raise workers' pay but struggle with high sales staff turnover, study finds Car dealers are raising their employees' pay and are getting higher productivity for it. But dealers still suffer from high sales staff turnover and struggle to hire women and fill some fixed-operations jobs. Honda readies volley of new drivetrain tech Honda is readying a new wave of powertrain technologies that aim to boost fuel economy and performance while burnishing the company's reputation for innovation. VW set to post first loss in more than 15 years VW Group CEO Matthias Mueller is set to unveil the company's first quarterly loss in more than 15 years. He also will face his first public grilling from investors as he tries to gain their trust during the automaker's diesel-emissions crisis. VW shelves overhaul of U.S. business until scandal abates, report says Ford posts highest-ever N.A. profit as global earnings double FCA U.S. safety and regulatory chief Scott Kunselman to retire Nov. 30 GM to recall 1.4 million older vehicles after engine fires Group 1 says Q3 adjusted income rises 16% to $46 million Nissan expands sedan recall to fix fuel-line defect that could lead to fire Mitsubishi Q2 net falls 14% despite revenue gain Kia is coming back to the Super Bowl Nissan seeks end to Renault control in power struggle GMC’s next-gen Acadia retains brawn, expected to get new engine, gearbox Designer Okuyama on the threat from Google, Apple 2015 TOKYO MOTOR SHOW New Toyota taxi promises to change Tokyo streetscape THE VW DIESEL CRISIS Germany invites U.S. experts to observe diesel tests after VW scandal FCA recalls 66,000 Ram 1500s and 75,000 Jeep Cherokees to fix potential hazards

More pay, shorter stay

TOP STORY: More pay, shorter stay

Another FCA departure »

Fields, facts and Trump »

Next GMC Acadia spied | Honda's new drivetrain tech

TOP NEWS GMC’s next-gen Acadia retains brawn, expected to get new engine, gearbox The next-generation GMC Acadia will sport an evolutionary design for the popular crossover that has been on the market for nearly a decade, based on recent spy photos. The images show that the large crossover retains its brawny look and flared fenders, though it gets a slightly narrower and sloping window opening and a more-tapered rear end. ...

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Honda readies volley of new drivetrain tech Honda is readying a new wave of powertrain technologies that aim to boost fuel economy and performance while burnishing the company's reputation for innovation. ...

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Designer Okuyama on the threat from Google, Apple The days of cheap and cheerful cars like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla may be numbered as technology firms Google and Apple muscle into the auto industry, and change the way people own and drive cars. That's the warning from Ken Okuyama, the high-end Japanese designer of the Ferrari F60 Enzo and Porsche Boxster. ...

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INSIGHTS

RICHARD TRUETT: Ford, GM innovate to remove weight

DAVID UNDERCOFFLER: On the road -- and track -- with Acura's reimagined NSX

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GMC Acadia spy photos

2017 Acura NSX

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The outrageous cars and crazy suits at Lapo Elkann's Garage Italia

CRITICS' CORNER: Lincoln MKX: A polished crossover that leaves performance at the curb

SPOTLIGHT: Chevrolet Colorado

Chevrolet is aiming to top the Ram EcoDiesel’s 29 mpg highway rating and claim the title of the most fuel-efficient pickup.

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» Chevrolet Volt
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This week in Cars & Concepts history

  Ford Motor Co. begins production of a zero-emission vehicle on Oct. 29, 2001, when the first Think Neighbor, a low-speed electric vehicle, rolls off the production line at the TruMack assembly chassis plant in Detroit. Ford CEO Jacques Nasser and Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer were behind the wheel. The Neighbor was sold at Ford dealerships in select markets nationwide with the first shipments sent to Southern California. Ford planned to build 5,000 to 10,000 of the vehicles per year. The Neighbor, part of Ford's lineup of zero-emission EVs, was designed for commuting on speed-limited roads, resort and golf course use or as a security or maintenance vehicle inside business parks, corporate campuses and industrial areas. It had a top speed of 25 mph and a range of up to 30 miles. The vehicle was battery powered and could be recharged using any household outlet in six to eight hours. Ford said it became the first automaker to dedicate a brand to environmental products with the Think Group. Ford acquired Norway-based Think in 1999 for $23 million and invested some $100 million in EV technology. Other vehicles included the pedal-assist Think Fun bike, the folding Think Traveler bike, and the Think City urban vehicle. The City was a two-seat EV with a top speed of 55 mph and a range of about 55 miles. In August 2002, Ford, discouraged by low customer demand, lack of government support and high battery costs, said it would pull the plug on the Think division and sell its shares. The resulting company, Think Global, produced EVs in Norway until declaring bankruptcy in 2011.