Correspondent, Detroit
Ben's Feed
May 17, 2013
May 14, 2013

Cost to be big factor in ‘talking’ cars acceptance -U.S. transport chief

, May 14 (Reuters) – Cars that “talk” to
each other to avoid crashes or traffic jams, like those being
tested here, will save lives but the cost of the systems will
determine consumers’ acceptance of such technology, the U.S.
transportation secretary said on Tuesday.

“These are definitely safer vehicles. At what cost though?”
Ray LaHood told reporters at a connected-vehicle conference in
Ann Arbor, Michigan. “To me, that’s what the bottom line’s going
to be. Safety has a cost and we’re going to have to make that
judgment.”

May 5, 2013
May 4, 2013

Auto industry love for Mexico grows with new Audi plant

SAN JOSE CHIAPA, Mexico (Reuters) – The automotive industry’s growing love affair with Mexico was celebrated here on Saturday as Audi executives laid the foundation stone for its first assembly plant in the Americas.

Volkswagen AG’s (VOWG_p.DE: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) premium brand is joining a parade of automakers who have announced plans to build cars in a country that is seen as a doorway not only to the rest of North and South America but to the world. Audi officials said the $1.3 billion plant will open in three years and eventually be the German brand’s only source globally for its Q5 SUVs after it opens in mid-2016.

May 2, 2013

GM profit tops view as North America strong, Europe improves

DETROIT (Reuters) – General Motors Co (GM.N: Quote, Profile, Research) posted stronger-than-expected quarterly profit on Thursday as the U.S. automaker kept a tight grip on costs in its North American and European businesses.

GM shares rose 3.6 percent to $31.27, near their initial public offering debut of $33 in the fall of 2010, and hit the highest point since July of 2011.

May 2, 2013
May 2, 2013

GM posts strong profit as North America, Europe better than expected

DETROIT (Reuters) – General Motors Co posted stronger-than-expected quarterly profit on Thursday as the automaker kept a tight grip on costs in its North American and European businesses.

Shares in GM rose 4.3 percent in premarket trading.

Net income attributable to common stockholders fell to $865 million, or 58 cents a share, in the first quarter, from $1 billion, or 60 cents a share, in the year-earlier period. The company took a $400 million hit to earnings in the quarter due to falling prices for its vehicles and weaker volume.

Apr 26, 2013

Goodyear profit strong, but still sees weak demand

DETROIT (Reuters) – Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co (GT.O: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) on Friday posted a stronger-than-expected quarterly profit as lower raw material costs and increased sales of higher-priced tires offset weakness in Europe, but the company warned industry demand would remain weak.

Shares of the tire maker were off 3.2 percent at $12.52 in afternoon trading on the Nasdaq.

Apr 25, 2013
Apr 25, 2013
    • About Ben

      "Ben Klayman is based in Detroit and in April was named leader of the global automotive team for Reuters. Previously, Ben covered the business of sports as well as consumer and retail for three years and led the manufacturing/housing team for four years. He also covered the telecommunications sector for three years. He joined Reuters in Detroit in 1998 to cover autos. Prior to joining Reuters, he worked at a series of daily newspapers in Ohio and Maryland. Ben graduated from Washington University in St. Louis in 1989 with a bachelor's degree in English literature."
      Hometown:
      Washington, DC
      Joined Reuters:
      1998
    • More from Ben

    • Contact Ben

    • Follow Ben