WJRT - Automotive

Detroit Big Three to shorten, eliminate July shutdowns

Justin Betti — Wed, 22 May 2013 18:27:00 EDT

Growing consumer demand for cars and trucks has automakers changing their usual summer plans - and it will have a Mid-Michigan impact.

'Art-o-motive' event added to Back to the Bricks

ABC12 News Team — Thu, 23 May 2013 13:00:00 EDT

The Back to the Bricks committee is adding another element to the huge event in Flint in mid-August.

General Motors is working on a 200-mile electric car

Randy Conat — Fri, 8 Mar 2013 17:19:00 EST

General Motors says it's developing an electric car with a range of 200 miles. The automaker says by 2017, it will have a half million hybrid and pure electric cars on the road.

Walter Chrysler statue nears completion

Randy Conat — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 17:30:00 EST

Last summer, a statue of automotive pioneer Louie Chevrolet was unveiled in downtown Flint.

Registration now open for Back to the Bricks promotional tour

Marc Jacobson — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 17:06:00 EST

Even in the middle of winter, it's never too cold to start thinking about taking the car out of the garage.

Avoid buying cars damaged by Hurricane Sandy flooding

Randy Conat — Tue, 5 Feb 2013 17:48:00 EST

When Hurricane Sandy hit the East Coast last fall, thousands of cars were damaged by flood waters. Some of those cars could end up in mid-Michigan.

Quadski model set up at NAIAS

ABC12 News Team — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 18:28:00 EST

Not all of the interesting displays at the auto show in Detroit are on the main floor.

Electric vehicles are showing up more often at NAIAS

Randy Conat — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 17:51:00 EST

At the North American International Auto Show, many car makers have hybrids and battery-powered vehicles on display. Industry leaders say electric cars are starting to grow in popularity.

Shelby American reveals two new models at auto show in Detroit

Randy Conat — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 16:26:00 EST

For more than 50 years, the name Carroll Shelby has meant high-power, high performance cars. Shelby died last year, but the company he started is continuing to amaze.

Tesla Motors debuts electric concept car at NAIAS

Randy Conat — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 18:30:00 EST

The North American International Auto Show attracts well-known car companies like GM, Ford and Chrysler. But some of the smaller automakers like to make an appearance too.

Ford shows off its hybrids and plug-ins at NAIAS

Randy Conat — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 17:14:00 EST

You'll get a charge out of the Ford display at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The automaker has five gas-electric hybrid models to see.

To combat drunk driving, NTSB wants tougher blood-alcohol limits

Tue, 21 May 2013 17:09:00 EDT

Seeking to toughen the allowable alcohol limit for drivers, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is calling on states to lower the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) to 0.05 or lower from the current 0.08.

Cheap car or ugly car: Which would you pick?

Sun, 19 May 2013 14:00:00 EDT

Would you rather get a good deal on a new car that's built on a seven-year-old design, or would you prefer to wait for the sparkly, contemporary version, which should age a bit slower?

Electric cars: Eight important things everyone should know (but may not)

Tue, 14 May 2013 17:21:00 EDT

Sometime in the next few weeks, the 100,000th plug-in electric car will be sold in the U.S.

Black box recorders: Groundbreaking safety devices or end of privacy?

Sun, 12 May 2013 14:00:00 EDT

The vast majority of vehicles sold in the U.S. today come with black box recorders, and soon the gizmos will be found on all of them.

Death list 2014: The cars you won't see next year

Tue, 7 May 2013 18:03:00 EDT

It's time to wave some more goodbyes--some fond, some not so much--to the clutch of vehicles that won't be hitting the road next year.

Obama administration to add 10,000 hybrids to government fleet

Sun, 5 May 2013 14:00:00 EDT

President Barack Obama may not achieve his goal of 1 million plug-in electric cars on U.S. roads by the end of 2015. But his administration continues to try to green the U.S. vehicle fleet.

Hands-free texting is no safer than typing

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 17:18:00 EDT

A debate is raging about taking and making hands-free calls behind the wheel.

Screen test: Five frustrating infotainment in-car interfaces

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 14:00:00 EDT

So-called infotainment interfaces are becoming a center point to the in-car experience—an essential part, if you ask some vehicle shoppers.

Volkswagen iBeetle integrates iPhone, gets iNamed

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 16:49:00 EDT

The new iBeetle includes an iPhone docking station.

Americans are driving less, have been since 2005

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EDT

There's a far more effective way of reducing pollution and dependency on oil than buying more efficient cars or going electric: Driving less.

How to choose the right mechanic

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 15:42:00 EDT

The do's and don'ts everyone should know when searching for a new mechanic.

Winter road rules

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 11:21:00 EDT

Winter driving is inconvenient and can be supremely hazardous, but a little bit of preparation and a big pinch of patience can make winter driving a reasonably painless experience.

How to avoid winter driving mishaps

Fri, 7 Oct 2011 16:37:00 EDT

While winter can be dangerous for those behind the wheel, drivers can avoid accidents by following some basic rules of the road when it comes to driving in the winter elements.

Car market going electric

Fri, 7 Oct 2011 15:11:00 EDT

According to a recent study, sales of electric cars will skyrocket in the next five years. But in the overall scheme of the global car market, they will still be niche players.

Cold weather and oil may not mix

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 16:31:00 EDT

While many people know that choosing an oil with the proper viscosity is critical, they might not know that winter puts added strain on other parts of their car's lubrication system.

100 years of Chevrolet

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 16:29:00 EDT

In 1911, if you asked Billy Durant if Chevrolet Motor Company would sell 180 million vehicles by 2011, he probably would have said, "Damn right it will."

Child safety and cars

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 14:46:00 EDT

If you follow your state laws regarding child safety seats, your children must be safe in your car, right? Oh, how wrong you are.

Ford Mustang Boss 302: Reviving a legend

Thu, 3 Mar 2011 15:53:00 EST

Ford says the all-new 2012 Boss 302 isn't a nostalgia exercise, but it does bring back memories.

Top 5 vehicles for ski week

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 16:14:00 EST

Getting up the mountain in these versatile vehicles can add immensely to winter's wonderland.

Chevrolet Camaro ZL1: The thrill is back

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 15:25:00 EST

Tired of mundane electrics and fuel-sippers? The ZL1 Camaro is ready to rock.

Media Advisory - Transport Canada Advises Public On Harmony Juvenile Products Recall

Fri, 24 May 2013 20:05:00 EDT

OTTAWA, May 24, 2013 /CNW/ - Harmony Juvenile Products has issued a recall on their child car seat, the V7 Convertible Deluxe Car Seat (Model# 0302001TNC). Transport Canada identified a safety non-compliance issue with the...

MPG Car Rental Adds the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van to Their Green Fleet

Fri, 24 May 2013 19:20:00 EDT

Since their inception, MPG Car Rental has focused exclusively on electric, clean diesel and hybrid rental options. Over the course of their existence, the esteemed company has amassed the largest and most diverse variety of...

Innovative Biker Group Serves Up Erotic Rides, Costume Parties & Spiritual Redemption on Two Wheels

Fri, 24 May 2013 16:20:00 EDT

What do motorcycles, costume parties, and sacred Hindu temples all have in common? If you answered 'Biker Entourage', then you're probably one of a growing number of NYC-area bikers who've joined this...

Speedemissions Reports First Quarter Financial Results

Fri, 24 May 2013 16:20:00 EDT

Speedemissions, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: SPMI), today announced its financial results for the period ended March 31, 2013. The Operational Highlights are detailed below.

12 Seat Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is the Latest Addition to the First-Rate Fleet at California Rent-A-Car

Fri, 24 May 2013 15:35:00 EDT

Americans identify the Mercedes-Benz brand with the finest in luxury and sports cars. Europeans, however, have long known that Mercedes is also the manufacturer of some of the finest vans on the road. California Rent-A-Car...

ADEPT Driver Urges Safety and Awareness During 100 Deadly Days for Teen Drivers

Fri, 24 May 2013 14:50:00 EDT

ADEPT Driver, a California company that develops proven crash reduction programs, including the award-winning teenSMART program, encourages teen drivers to make driver safety a priority this summer.

Ford Honors Top Suppliers Around the Globe for Excellence in 2012

Fri, 24 May 2013 14:50:00 EDT

CSX Urges Caution Near Tracks During Memorial Day Weekend

Fri, 24 May 2013 13:20:00 EDT

Did you know that an average train can take more than a mile to stop? CSX (NYSE: CSX) and its employees remind motorists and pedestrians to exercise caution near railroad tracks as the busy Memorial Day weekend approaches,...

Texas' Circuit of the America's FORMULA 1 UNITED STATES selected "Sports Event of the Year"

Fri, 24 May 2013 13:20:00 EDT

Circuit of the America's Formula One 2012 race beat out major national events like the Ryder Cup and hockey's Stanley Cup Finals to capture the "Sports Event of the Year" award in New York City last night. Previous...

Young Drivers: Stay Safe on the Road this Summer

Fri, 24 May 2013 12:35:00 EDT

Summer. For teens and young adults the school break means more time for fun, friends, driving, and unfortunately, distractions – like texting, eating and applying makeup – while driving. In fact, the summer months rank the...