CHERRY HILL, N.J. -- Subaru says its U.S. sales crept higher in 2008 on strong demand for Forester and Impreza models. (Yesterday)
David Zalubowski/Associated Press
The discount pricing available is advertised on a placard placed on the side of an unsold 2008 Explorer at a Ford dealership last week in the west Denver suburb of Lakewood, Colo. Automakers are scheduled to report December and full-year sales on Monday, bringing an official close to what has been one of the most trying years for the industry in recent memory.
NEW YORK -- The good news for the auto industry in December came when General Motors and Chrysler got their federal bailout. The bad news is coming Monday, when automakers are expected to report another month of staggering sales declines. (01/03/2009)
Despite what may have been one of the worst years for the auto industry -- skyrocketing gasoline prices almost destroyed whole segments of the market, sales took a nose dive on poor consumer confidence and tightening credit, and the Big Three domestic manufacturers were forced to go to Washington, D.C., for help to survive -- there have been some noteworthy vehicles on dealers' lots this year. (01/03/2009)
WASHINGTON -- Motorists are driving less and buying less gasoline, which means fuel taxes aren't raising enough money to keep pace with the cost of road, bridge and transit programs. (01/02/2009)
David Zalubowski/Associated Press
Prospective buyers search through a lot of unsold 2008 models outside a Toyota dealership in suburban Denver earlier this year.
For the global automobile industry, 2008 was one heck of an "annus horribilis." (01/01/2009)