SUV Credit Crunch Rolls Over Ford

With help from Volvo, firm leads with 16 vehicles

(AP) - The insurance industry named dozens of new cars and trucks, led by Ford and its Volvo subsidiary, to its annual list of the safest vehicles today. Ford and Volvo saw 16 of their 2009 vehicles make the list; Honda followed with 13. Some 72 vehicles received the top safety pick designation, more than double the number that received it in 2008, helped by the increased use of anti-rollover technology. More»

Shift away from large vehicles means a rocky road ahead for Detroit's Big 3

(NEWSER) - Ford's recovery plans have been sent careening off the road by the continuing drop in truck and SUV sales, the Wall Street Journal reports. The company, which now expects this year's losses to top 2007's $2.7 billion, has given up hope of being back in the black by 2009. The ailing Detroit giant has cut production again and delayed the launch of its new F-150 pickup. More»

Partnership prompted by airport-terminal chat

(NEWSER) - A trans-Pacific partnership between Ford and Toyota is set to bring us a new generation of hybrid vehicles. The two companies will join together in creating a gas-electric hybrid system suited to light trucks and SUVs, the Wall Street Journal reports. The two firms already have hybrid systems that power front-wheel drive cars; now, they’ll aim to make rear-wheel drive vehicles more efficient within the next decade. More»

New model doesn't seem much like an SUV

(NEWSER) - The Ford Explorer, the poster child of the ‘90s gas-guzzling SUV boom, has changed its ways. Ford unveiled a very different 2011 Explorer today, one based not on a truck frame, but the humble Taurus platform, the Detroit Free Press reports. Instead of sheer brawn, the new Explorer sports a 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine that has the power of a 6-cylinder engine, fuel economy expected to rival a Toyota Camry, and creature comforts like in-car electronics and optional inflatable seatbelts. More»

Forbes compiles autos that changed the world

(NEWSER) - Cars can create or symbolize profound change—in lifestyle, financial status, and even forms of government. Forbes looks at 10 that changed the world:

1. Toyota Prius. The flagship model for all hybrids, the Prius opened people's minds to the ugly environmental impact of driving. It remains the world's best-selling hybrid vehicle.
2. Dodge Caravan. The success of the family-friendly Caravan, and competitors' imitations, kicked the minivan craze into gear.