Stefan Jacoby, former chief executive of Volkswagen Group of America, has been named president and CEO of Volvo Cars, following the complete acquisition of the Swedish car manufacturer by Chinese Zhejiang Geely from Ford Motor Co.

Under the new ownership Volvo Cars will retain its headquarters and manufacturing presence in Sweden and Belgium, and its management will have the autonomy to execute on its business plan under the strategic direction of the board.

2010 Ford FocusFord Motor Co. and EV charging maker Coulomb Technologies announced a partnership to provide almost 5,000 free in-home and commercial charging stations for some of Ford's first electric vehicle customers. A charging station could cost more than $2,000, plus any associated costs for 220V wiring needs.  -Read more-

Two of the three generations of Sam T Evans Trucks Tops & Accessories Shop: (from left) Val and Sheri [Evans] Clark, Sam T Evans Jr. and Eric Evans.

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Ford Motor Co., Dearborn, Mich., confirmed that all substantive commercial terms relating to the potential sale of Volvo Car Corp. have been settled between Ford and Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co. Ltd., Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.

While some work still remains to be completed before signing-e — including final documentation, financing and government approvals — Ford and Geely anticipate that a definitive sale agreement will be signed in the first quarter of 2010, with closing of the sale likely to occur in the second quarter 2010, subject to appropriate regulatory approvals.

Hood scoops are what’s hot on the light truck side of aftermarket aerodynamic styling right now, but more and more kit manufacturers report seeing increased demand for kits to fit the smaller, more fuel-efficient crossovers beginning to hit dealership floors.

While there is still healthy interest at 3dCarbon for aerodynamic kits for such late-model muscle cars as the Camaro, Challenger, Mustang, as well as full-size SUVs and light trucks, co-owner Ernie Bunnell is seeing growing interest in kits for smaller economy models such as the Focus, Milan and Fusion.

 

This restyled 2003 Mini Cooper Swas built for time attack and high-performance diving schools by Sneeds Speed Shop.

Although the record-high gas prices of last summer seem to be a distant memory, consumers know that high rates will undoubtedly return soon enough. And that’s only part of the motivation so many people have for subscribing to the “green” vehicle trend.

The models are shapely, their makeup impeccable. They’re dressed in their best outfits, fit perfectly to their forms. And their designers have created the haute couture of the automotive industry, transforming everyday figures into strutting, sweet works of art. And many of these sweet things are as powerful and fast as they are gorgeous and stunning.

Project cars. Maybe a better term is “progress cars” or “evolutionary vehicles,” for though they’re working projects, what the design teams have created are unique vehicles, some of which will become limited editions produced for particularly avid auto aficionados, or developed into restyling kits that will give a wider consumer base the options to outfit their own ordinary vehicles that dress to impress.

With reduced costs, higher sales, better performance and increased consumer confidence, Ford Motor Co. posted third-quarter sales of $997 million. That compares with a net loss of $161 million for the same period last year. While sales and profits remain well below historical normals, the profit beat Wall Street’s prediction that Ford would have lost 12 cents per share rather than the 29 cents per share it gained. Besides the increased efficiencies and better products, Ford credited the success of the governments’ CARS, or “cash for clunkers,” program for stimulating vehicle sales. Ford vehicles were in the Top 10 of those sold, and a recent Consumer Reports survey gave Ford products high marks in reliability from consumers. Of the Detroit Three, Ford is the only major U.S.