Tesla’s sales distribution model of selling cars directly through stores rather than through the traditional dealership model seems to be well seen in Texas; or at least well seen by business readers of the Austin Business Journal. A readers poll conducted by the Austin Business Journal shows that 86 percent of respondents favor direct-to-consumer sales
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Fisker’s debacle is making a lot of noise both in automotive and in financial circles. After weeks of analysis by PrivCo’s staff of attorneys, accountants and financial analysts, PrivCo released yesterday its timeline detailing Fisker Automotive’s “Road To Ruin,” supplemented by never-before published documents. Based in New York, PrivCo describes itself as a provider of
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As EV and plug-in hybrids are starting to be a more common sight, so is the need for charging stations. This led Michigan-based Duo-Guard industries to launch a charging station design contest. The challenge: Design a one-car solar charging station and canopy with emphasis on economy, aesthetics, modular flexibility and sustainability. Designers from Portugal, Nigeria,
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How important is it to shoppers to get the latest redesign of a new vehicle? According to recent data from the AutoTrader.com Trend Engine, the answer among a majority of shoppers is: not very important. An online survey conducted by AutoTrader.com revealed that 57 percent of shoppers do not feel that it is important to
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Are we soon going to be able to do everything via smartphone? Reserving and unlocking electric vehicles and hooking them up to the charging station through our smartphone is on the way. Automotive supplier Continental is working on easing the use of carsharing vehicles by means of a new key technology: a digital car key
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Ford Motor Company is launching FORD2GO, a Europe-based car sharing service. The company described the service as the first automotive manufacturer-backed, nationwide car sharing program in Europe to incorporate dealerships. FORD2GO was formed following a partnership among Ford of Germany, the German Ford dealers association FHD GmbH, and DB Rent GmbH – the company behind
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Mazda Canada announced sales for February 2013 Friday totaling 4,833 units, which represents an increase of 2 percent compared to February 2012. The all-new 2014 Mazda6 had its first full month on sale and increased sales by 219 percent over February 2012. The refreshed 2013 CX-9 also experienced record February sales, jumping 176 percent over
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The increasing market adoption of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) represents both a significant business opportunity and a series of challenges for electric utility companies. In 2012, approximately 50,000 PEVs were sold in the United States, and the market is expected to grow by more than 50 percent in 2013. When primarily charged at home, these
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Vancouver is a growing area for car2go Canada Ltd. The car sharing company is expanding its operations in British Columbia, Canada, to meet the growing needs of its more than 23,000 members. Today, car2go will launch in the City of North Vancouver and add 50 additional car2go edition smart fortwo vehicles to its network. The
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SolarCity and American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced this week a partnership to make solar power more affordable and available to Honda and Acura customers in the U.S. The partnership is establishing an investment fund to finance $65 million in solar projects to assist Honda and Acura customers with the initial cost of solar power
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