Topic: Center for Automotive Research

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In Gear
Mercedes-Benz poised to become No. 2 luxury automaker?

Mercedes-Benz has plans to launch new small cars over the next few years in its battle to overtake Audi for second place behind BMW. A new German report suggests Mercedes-Benz can accomplish it by 2015.
Horizons
Google speeds toward a future with driverless cars

Google and other companies have ironed out most of the wrinkles in computer-driven cars, and have even done successful tests on public highways. But policy questions remain, including: how would a police officer pull over an autonomous vehicle?
UAW agrees to contract with Ford: How much did the union give up?

UAW workers at Ford from across the US voted late Tuesday to accept a four-year contract with the automaker. The vote pitted today's labor costs against future union membership.
UAW and GM strike a deal. Is that good news for Ford and Chrysler, too?

If the past is any indicator, the labor deal struck between the UAW and GM could be a template for Detroit's other automakers. The deal includes investment in six plants and 6,400 new jobs.
Deadline looms: Will auto union pragmatism help strike a deal?

With the auto union's contract set to expire at midnight, some members see cooperation with the automakers as essential to the union's survival given the industry's recent challenges.
Surging BRIC middle classes are eclipsing global poverty

By 2022, those living in poverty will be a minority for the first time, as the global middle class – particularly from BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, China) nations – surges. Does new affluence signal shifting global power?
What's up with Michigan? US Census shows its population stuck in reverse.

According to the US Census, Michigan is the one state in the nation to see its population drop over the past decade. The steep decline in the auto industry is mostly to blame for driving people out.
With big GM stock offering, vindication for the government bailout?

GM stock is trading again, after automaker's emergence from bankruptcy and a partial government takeover. But the debate goes on over the wisdom of the US bailout.
GM stock price up 3.6 percent on first day: five questions about the IPO

The GM stock price ends at $34.19 on its first day of trading, as the company's recent profitability stokes demand for the IPO stock. The $23.1 billion raised will help pay back the US Treasury.
Hybrid cars, electrics zoom past 100 m.p.g.

Hybrid cars are finally on track in the US as automakers reach for new refinement on electrics.
What GM gets from investing in hybrid startup Bright Automotive

With its $5 million investment in the Indiana startup Bright Automotive, which plans to build a plug-in hybrid delivery truck, GM potentially gains access to new technology and maybe a new product.
Tesla Motors IPO a win, but road ahead is bumpy

The Tesla Motors IPO sold out quickly, and shares of the company rose 41 percent in their first day of trading. But Tesla's ability to navigate the still-developing electric car market will be tested in the coming months.
Rising auto sales could rescue Michigan, Big Three

Auto sales are up, even for the Big Three. The worst may be over for US automakers – and for Michigan.
The great electric car race of 2010

This year, more automakers will roll out electric cars to American roadways.
Can Detroit go green?

In the race for the best green auto technology, Detroit is a slightly late entrant. But from battery innovation to re-training workers, the Motor City is going to give green a go.
Saturn: Why one of Detroit's brightest hopes failed

Penske's bid to buy Saturn from GM fell apart Thursday, ending a grand experiment in American automaking.
Buy new? Pickup owners say no.

For many of the 41 million Americans who rely on light trucks, new efficiency isn't worth the higher upfront cost.
Fiat's race from punchline to potential white knight for Detroit

Sergio Marchionne, a jazz-loving Italian businessman who helped turn around the Italian carmaker, is poised to be the next CEO of Chrysler.
My ride? It’s a power plant

Electric cars could sell battery power back to the grid in an emerging plan called V2G – ‘vehicle to grid.’
Electric cars charge ahead

At least nine major car companies promise plug-in vehicles by 2013.
Michigan's survival plan: Find new industries – fast.

Long dependent on auto manufacturing, the state and its cities are bracing for even deeper budget cuts.
In Michigan's auto belt, it's nail-biting time

Workers and residents worry that one of the Big Three might not make it.
This police cruiser scans license plates, sniffs out 'dirty' bombs

The Carbon E7 has 'buzz,' but will departments buy it?