Toyota Yaris TRD (Autoblog) Filed under: Aftermarket , LA Auto

Toyota Yaris TRD (Autoblog)
Filed under: Aftermarket , LA Auto Show , Economy Apparently Toyota is well aware that the North American market may view the Yaris compact as wanting in the power and handling department. Stuart found a Yaris on display at the L.A. auto show tuned by Street Image with a ton of TRD parts that may address this issue directly. Highlights include 18-inch wheels, a Sportivo suspension,

Test Drive: Project Gotham Racing 3
Editors at MSN Autos take Microsoft's latest driving game out for a spin.
Perry Stern

Dealerships turn to EP company (El Paso Times)
Software designed by an El Paso company is changing the way auto and motorcycle dealerships nationwide track inventories and reward customers for repeat business.

Rec sports results (Green Bay Press-Gazette)
Green Bay Spruce: Busters def. The Bar by forfeit; Bar Bangers 52, Bay Auto Parts 48. Green Bay Maple: Hip Cats 67, The Bar 64.

McCoy Case Wrapping Up (Oswego Daily News)
OSWEGO COUNTY, NY - Cross examination wrapped up Wednesday after two and a half hours of testimony in the case against the former bus mechanic who pleaded guilty earlier this year to stealing auto parts from the Hannibal school district.

Fire damages used auto parts store (Gazette.Net)
Prince George s County Fire EMS units battled a fire at about 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at Andy s Auto Parts in the 4500 block of Tanglewood Road in Bladensburg.

Mazda to Debut CX-7 Crossover SUV and Kabura Concept at 2006 North American International Auto Show (The Auto Channel)
DETROIT, Jan. 6 -- Mazda will introduce the production CX-7 crossover sport-utility vehicle (SUV) and the Kabura Concept compact sports coupe at the upcoming 2006 North American International Auto Show, which opens to the media on Sunday, Jan. 8. Pricing also will be announced for the CX-7, which is the first of three all-new Mazda vehicles that are being designed and engineered specifically for

Mazda to Debut CX-7 Crossover SUV and Kabura Concept at

Mazda to Debut CX-7 Crossover SUV and Kabura Concept at 2006 North American International Auto Show (PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance)
Mazda will introduce the production CX-7 crossover sport-utility vehicle and the Kabura Concept compact sports coupe at the upcoming 2006 North American International Auto Show, which opens to the media on Sunday, Jan. 8.

Preview: 2006 Porsche Cayman S
Porsche's new mid-engine coupe builds on the Boxster S, but kicks it up a notch in the performance department.
Mike Meredith

Rec sports results (Green Bay Press-Gazette)
Green Bay Spruce: Busters def. The Bar by forfeit; Bar Bangers 52, Bay Auto Parts 48. Green Bay Maple: Hip Cats 67, The Bar 64.

Mazda to Debut CX-7 Crossover SUV and Kabura Concept at 2006 North American International Auto Show (The Auto Channel)
DETROIT, Jan. 6 -- Mazda will introduce the production CX-7 crossover sport-utility vehicle (SUV) and the Kabura Concept compact sports coupe at the upcoming 2006 North American International Auto Show, which opens to the media on Sunday, Jan. 8. Pricing also will be announced for the CX-7, which is the first of three all-new Mazda vehicles that are being designed and engineered specifically for

S.J. auto show: The best of 2006 (San Jose Mercury News)
After two days of touring, trudging and traipsing through hundreds and hundreds of cars -- some great old ones and the newest of the new -- at the 2006 San Jose International Auto Show, I'm here to tell you the best ones.

IIHS's Top 10 Safety Picks
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety picks the ten safest cars of the 2006 model year.
Perry Stern

Fire damages auto parts store, but alligator's OK (KBCI Boise)
BLADENSBURG, Md. BLADENSBURG, Md. A Maryland man says he can rebuild his auto parts store -- what matters most is that his 13-year-old alligator, Wally, is O-K.

2006 NAIAS CoverageThe Official Web Site of the North American

2006 NAIAS Coverage
The Official Web Site of the North American International Auto Show.
Editors of MSN Autos

2006 NAIAS CoverageThe Official Web Site of the North American

2006 NAIAS Coverage
The Official Web Site of the North American International Auto Show.
Editors of MSN Autos

Detroit's 'Big Three' Automakers Launch New Incentive Programs
General Motors, Chrysler and Ford announce new programs in efforts to boost slackening year-end sales.
Perry Stern

Prop. 103 Changes May Join Ballot (Los Angeles Times)
Mercury Insurance's chief is pushing a measure to rewrite the 1988 initiative that governs auto insurance premiums in the state.

Flood Damage: Don't Get Soaked When Buying a Used CarCarfax

Flood Damage: Don't Get Soaked When Buying a Used Car
Carfax provides guidance and tips to help you spot vehicles with potential water damage.
Editors of MSN Autos

Fire damages auto parts store, but alligator's OK (KBCI Boise)
BLADENSBURG, Md. BLADENSBURG, Md. A Maryland man says he can rebuild his auto parts store -- what matters most is that his 13-year-old alligator, Wally, is O-K.

The road ahead (Tennessean) D EARBORN -- At Ford Motor

The road ahead (Tennessean)
D EARBORN -- At Ford Motor Co.'s Lincoln Design Center, designers cluster around a computer monitor that shows a 3-D rendering of a new concept car debuting next week at the North American International Auto Show.

Auto supplier C&A initiates overhaul of N.C. operations (BizJournals)
ROXBORO - Bankrupt auto interior supplier Collins & Aikman will upgrade the equipment at one of its smaller plants in western North Carolina, but the company is not tipping its hand about the fate of its other manufacturing facilities in the state.

Huntsville plant, part of proposed corporate takeover (WKRN News 2)
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. A Huntsville-based auto parts plant could have new owners if their parent company in New Jersey accepts a corporate takeover bid by German-based...

How Will America's Big Two Automakers Survive?After decades of market

How Will America's Big Two Automakers Survive?
After decades of market share losses, look for a leaner and more focused Big Two.
Ann Job

Auto supplier C&A initiates overhaul of N.C. operations (BizJournals)
ROXBORO - Bankrupt auto interior supplier Collins & Aikman will upgrade the equipment at one of its smaller plants in western North Carolina, but the company is not tipping its hand about the fate of its other manufacturing facilities in the state.

Sons keep innovator's dream alive (St. Petersburg Times)
The Wicker family has endured decades of complex patent battles over technology used to detect counterfeiting all over the world.

Auto industry puts a dismal '05 behind it (MENAFN)
Auto industry puts a dismal '05 behind it

The Truth About Fuel Economy Ratings
If your new car's actual fuel mileage does not match the fuel economy numbers on the window sticker, it's not necessarily your car's fault.
Ann Job

BASF Bids For Engelhard to Expand Into Car Parts (New York Times)
The BASF Group of Germany made a hostile takeover bid of for Engelhard, an American company that invented the catalytic converter for cars.

The road ahead (Tennessean)
D EARBORN -- At Ford Motor Co.'s Lincoln Design Center, designers cluster around a computer monitor that shows a 3-D rendering of a new concept car debuting next week at the North American International Auto Show.

Mazda's '03 Protege on recall list (The Daily Advance)
The Mazda Motor Corp. has issued a recall of its 2003 Mazda Protege because of potentially loose engine parts. The problem, as indicated in letters mailed recently to Protege owners, is that screws used to mount the intake manifold shutter valve may become loose and fall out.

US autoworkers fight UAW-agreed health-care cuts (AFP via Yahoo! News)

US autoworkers fight UAW-agreed health-care cuts (AFP via Yahoo! News)
Grassroots pressure is mounting for a recount of a critical vote that ratified changes in the United Auto Workers' labor pacts with struggling automakers Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Corp.

The road ahead (Tennessean)
D EARBORN -- At Ford Motor Co.'s Lincoln Design Center, designers cluster around a computer monitor that shows a 3-D rendering of a new concept car debuting next week at the North American International Auto Show.

Winter Driving Tips From the Experts
Winter conditions can be challenging for drivers of all skill levels. The editor of Sympatico / MSN Autos Canada offers sound advice from the Great White North.
Marc Lachapelle, with Gerry Malloy for Sympatico / MSN Autos Canada

Engelhard, CBS, Dow Jones, PetroQuest: U.S. Equity Movers Final (Bloomberg.com)
Jan. 3 (Bloomberg) -- The following is a list of companies whose shares had unusual price changes in U.S. markets. Stock symbols are in parentheses after company names. All share prices are as of 4:15 p.m. in New York.

US autoworkers fight UAW-agreed health-care cuts (Channel NewsAsia) DETROIT, Michigan

US autoworkers fight UAW-agreed health-care cuts (Channel NewsAsia)
DETROIT, Michigan : Grassroots pressure is mounting for a recount of a critical vote that ratified changes in the United Auto Workers' labor pacts with struggling automakers Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Corp.

Mazda's '03 Protege on recall list (The Daily Advance)
The Mazda Motor Corp. has issued a recall of its 2003 Mazda Protege because of potentially loose engine parts. The problem, as indicated in letters mailed recently to Protege owners, is that screws used to mount the intake manifold shutter valve may become loose and fall out.

Sons keep innovator's dream alive (St. Petersburg Times)
The Wicker family has endured decades of complex patent battles over technology used to detect counterfeiting all over the world.

1997 Mercury Mystique GS from North America (Carsurvey.org)
The Mercury Mistake, beware! What things have gone wrong with the car? Lets see what hasn't gone wrong with this heap of junk? First- we bought it used, but it was still under the manufactures warranty, but we had to take it to the shop three times in the first week that we owned it.

US autoworkers fight UAW-agreed health-care cuts (AFP via Yahoo! News)
Grassroots pressure is mounting for a recount of a critical vote that ratified changes in the United Auto Workers' labor pacts with struggling automakers Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Corp.

The Patent Epidemic (BusinessWeek)
It's wasting companies' money and slowing the development of new products

SOUTH BAY (San Jose Mercury News)
Blood Drives. 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Tuesday, St. Mary's Church, Hoffman Center, 219 Bean St., Los Gatos. 1-7 p.m. Wednesday, San Jose Family Bible Church Sanctuary, 1302 Branham Lane, San Jose. 1:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1670 Cienega, Hollister. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Jan. 11, San Benito High School Old Gym, 1220 Monterey St., Hollister. Also: 1:30-6:30 p.m. Jan. 12,

Petaluma River (The Santa Rosa Press Democrat) By JOSE L.

Petaluma River (The Santa Rosa Press Democrat)
By JOSE L. SANCHEZ JR. THE PRESS DEMOCRAT A rain-swollen Petaluma River ruined cars at the auto mall, flooded stores at the outlet mall and filled low-lying homes and businesses with as much as 5 feet of muddy water Saturday.

Auto supplier C&A initiates overhaul of N.C. operations (BizJournals)
ROXBORO - Bankrupt auto interior supplier Collins & Aikman will upgrade the equipment at one of its smaller plants in western North Carolina, but the company is not tipping its hand about the fate of its other manufacturing facilities in the state.

US autoworkers fight UAW-agreed health-care cuts (Channel NewsAsia)
DETROIT, Michigan : Grassroots pressure is mounting for a recount of a critical vote that ratified changes in the United Auto Workers' labor pacts with struggling automakers Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Corp.

Corning Offers Plan for Claims (Los Angeles Times) Owens Corning

Corning Offers Plan for Claims (Los Angeles Times)
Owens Corning filed a new bankruptcy reorganization plan aimed at wiping out the company's estimated $10.2 billion in asbestos liabilities.

Detroit's 'Big Three' Automakers Launch New Incentive Programs
General Motors, Chrysler and Ford announce new programs in efforts to boost slackening year-end sales.
Perry Stern

Auto supplier C&A initiates overhaul of N.C. operations (BizJournals)
ROXBORO - Bankrupt auto interior supplier Collins & Aikman will upgrade the equipment at one of its smaller plants in western North Carolina, but the company is not tipping its hand about the fate of its other manufacturing facilities in the state.

2006 NAIAS Coverage
The Official Web Site of the North American International Auto Show.
Editors of MSN Autos

BAY AREA STARTS CLEANUP -- NO END TO FLOOD WORRIES / CAUSES FOR CONCERN: Saturated ground and breached levees leave (San Francisco Chronicle)
Work crews and property owners Sunday began the daunting task of cleaning up mud, sandbagging levees and surveying the wreckage left by one of the wettest storms to hit the Bay Area in years. It could have been worse. A second storm, forecast to slam...

IIHS's Top 10 Safety Picks
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety picks the ten safest cars of the 2006 model year.
Perry Stern

Two-in-one fest honors twins (Republican American)
WATERBURY -- George Pierce and Joan Pescetelli are used to celebrating New Year's Eve together, but they were in for a shock when they arrived at Litchfield Inn Saturday night to kick off 2006.

Think twice about driving drunk (The Des Moines Register)
David Bishop figures he had drunk about a six-pack watching football that Sunday in October when he decided to head to the auto parts store in northeast Des Moines. Driving back, he grabbed for his seat belt after he saw a police car, and in retrospect, he says, that's probably what gave him away.

AUTO NOTES (Hartford Courant)
The state Department of Motor Vehicles says its photo license bus will be at the town hall in Greenwich and Tri-City Plaza in Vernon from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday and at the Meriden Parkade in Meriden and Shoppingtown Trumbull in Trumbull from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Weak month for auto sales (Fort Wayne Journal Gazette) A

Weak month for auto sales (Fort Wayne Journal Gazette)
A lackluster December was expected to cap a dismal year for U.S. automakers, who saw Asian competitors eat away at their market share throughout 2005. Analysts are forecasting a weaker month than December 2004, as the effect of traditional year-end deals was muted by deep discounts over the summer.

A young thief's lonely death Boy's family wants answers from detention center (Seattle Post - Intelligencer Traffic)
Johnny Lim loved cars. So he stole them. Not an easy hobby for a 14-year-old to pursue, but Johnny's older brother, an accomplished auto thief at 16, helped him along. And neither boy had to worry much about supervision.

IIHS's Top 10 Safety Picks
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety picks the ten safest cars of the 2006 model year.
Perry Stern

Still the One (Los Angeles Times)
You begin with an audit that shows that the Rams bid adios to Los Angeles. The Raiders departed and so did the Chargers. Three Los Angeles pro teams, members of off-Broadway leagues, entered into rest.

Think twice about driving drunk (The Des Moines Register)
David Bishop figures he had drunk about a six-pack watching football that Sunday in October when he decided to head to the auto parts store in northeast Des Moines. Driving back, he grabbed for his seat belt after he saw a police car, and in retrospect, he says, that's probably what gave him away.

Owens Corning Files New Bankruptcy Plan to Pay Asbestos Claims (Bloomberg.com)
Jan. 1 (Bloomberg) -- Owens Corning, the largest U.S. insulation maker, filed a new bankruptcy reorganization plan aimed at wiping out the company's estimated $10.2 billion in asbestos liabilities.

A young thief's lonely death Boy's family wants answers from

A young thief's lonely death Boy's family wants answers from detention center (Seattle Post - Intelligencer Traffic)
Johnny Lim loved cars. So he stole them. Not an easy hobby for a 14-year-old to pursue, but Johnny's older brother, an accomplished auto thief at 16, helped him along. And neither boy had to worry much about supervision.

Top Luxury Cars on MSN Autos
The most popular luxury cars on MSN Autos, based on visits to the site's vehicle pages during the third quarter of 2005.
compiled by MSN Autos

2006 NAIAS Coverage
The Official Web Site of the North American International Auto Show.
Editors of MSN Autos

Preview: 2006 Porsche Cayman S
Porsche's new mid-engine coupe builds on the Boxster S, but kicks it up a notch in the performance department.
Mike Meredith

Weak month for auto sales (Fort Wayne Journal Gazette)
A lackluster December was expected to cap a dismal year for U.S. automakers, who saw Asian competitors eat away at their market share throughout 2005. Analysts are forecasting a weaker month than December 2004, as the effect of traditional year-end deals was muted by deep discounts over the summer.

Car Talk: Buyer may have been taken for a ride with used car (Miami Herald)
Dear Tom and Ray: Please, please help! When my single daughter wanted to buy a car two years ago, I advised her to buy a manufacturer's certified used car, as she didn't know much about cars. She bought a 2003 Toyota RAV4 from a Toyota dealer in Maryland.

Still the One (Los Angeles Times)
You begin with an audit that shows that the Rams bid adios to Los Angeles. The Raiders departed and so did the Chargers. Three Los Angeles pro teams, members of off-Broadway leagues, entered into rest.

ASK THE AUTO DOCTOR (Independent Record)
Dear Doctor: I own a 1997 Lincoln Continental purchased in January 2000. Recently, the alarm started going off in the middle of the night. I ve made many trips back to the Lincoln dealer and spent a lot of money, but the problem is unresolved.

Family Mourns Grandson Who Lightened Its Burdens (New York Times)
Many families have their measure of woe. Then there are families like the Plosses, who seem to draw troubles like powerful magnets for misfortune.

Think twice about driving drunk (The Des Moines Register)
David Bishop figures he had drunk about a six-pack watching football that Sunday in October when he decided to head to the auto parts store in northeast Des Moines. Driving back, he grabbed for his seat belt after he saw a police car, and in retrospect, he says, that's probably what gave him away.

Aftersoft Group, Inc. Files Financial Statements (pzone via Yahoo! Australia

Aftersoft Group, Inc. Files Financial Statements (pzone via Yahoo! Australia & NZ Finance)
NEW YORK and TUNBRIDGE WELLS, U.K., Dec. 30, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Auto Data Network, Inc. (Pink Sheets:ADNW) a provider of software and data services to the worldwide automotive industry today announced audited results of operations for its wholly owned subsidiary Aftersoft Group Inc. Wholly owned Auto Data Network subsidiary Aftersoft Group inc. (which recently completed the reverse acquisition

AUTO NOTES (Hartford Courant)
The state Department of Motor Vehicles says its photo license bus will be at the town hall in Greenwich and Tri-City Plaza in Vernon from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday and at the Meriden Parkade in Meriden and Shoppingtown Trumbull in Trumbull from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday.