Industry Voices
BMW, Mercedes standardize cars to help buyers and boost margins
Premium carmakers Mercedes-Benz and BMW are aiming to sell more standardized cars and services to boost profit margins and simplify the complex list of options for buyers -- while also given them the choice of a bespoke car if they want.
latest news
Takata regional U.S. air bag recalls may include GM vehicles
The safety recall in parts of the United States of millions of vehicles with potentially defective air bags made by Japan's Takata Corp (7312.T) may expand to include General Motors Co (GM.N), according to documents filed this week with U.S. regulators.
Safety group asks U.S. regulators for defect probe of Chrysler vehicles
A safety advocate group has petitioned U.S. regulators to open an investigation into an estimated 4.9 million Chrysler vehicles for issues that could lead to engine stalls and other problems, according to documents posted online by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Russian car market slump to spur dealership mergers
A slump in Russia's auto market will force the country's car dealers to merge to survive the downturn, the founder of major dealership Rolf said in an interview.
Deaths linked to GM ignition-switch defect rise to 23
The number of deaths linked to a faulty ignition switch in General Motors Co (GM.N) cars rose by two last week to 23, according to a report Monday from the lawyer overseeing a program set up to compensate accident victims.
By BEN KLAYMAN
GM compensation fund makes first offers to victims, gets more claims
The fund to compensate for deaths or injuries linked to General Motors Co (GM.N) vehicles with faulty ignition switches this week made its first cash offers to about 15 people, the office of the lawyer overseeing the program said on Wednesday.
Hyundai Motor land bid sparks strikes, complicates labor talks
A $10 billion bid by Hyundai Motor Co (005380.KS) and two affiliates for a plot of land in Seoul could delay resolution of perennially contentious wage talks, with auto workers angered by news of the deal striking for a second day on Wednesday.
By Hyunjoo Jin; Additional reporting by Chris Lee; Editing by Tom Hogue
