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Toyota, Tata Motors Named Among World's Most Innovative Companies

The automotive industry has plenty of global problems. But innovation is not one of the issues — at least according to BusinessWeek magazine. In its list of the world’s 50 most innovated companies, Toyota and Tata Motors of India are both in the top-10 list. Apple, which debuted the iPhone and the MacBook Air in the past year, was named the world’s most innovative company. Here’s the top-10: 1. Apple; 2;.Google; 3. Toyota; 4. General Electric; 5. Microsoft; 6. Tata Motors; 7. Nintendo; 8. Proctor & Gamble; 9. Sony; 10. Nokia.

The Weekly Driver On The Road: Small Roads, Big Sights On The Way To Monterey

One of my favorite car review testing routes is the estimated 200-mile drive from Sacramento to the Monterey Peninsula. I’ve mentioned the high-speed trek along the congested city stretches, open agricultural farmlands and rolling fields along Interstate 5 . And I’ve written about how in Gilroy, the road changes for a short stretch onto highway 101 and then onto two mall connecting 152 and 156 routes as the peninsula and Pacific Ocean appear on the horizon. It’s these secondary roads I enjoy most. Form the hectic nature of Interstate 5, the road abruptly changes onto an oddly cambered route past

Hybrid Sales Continue To Climb In United States

The popularity of hybrid vehicles in the United States continues to rise. According to a report by the Green Car Congress in Washington, D.C., sales of hybrids in the U.S. rose 10 percent in March 2008 compared to 2007 sales in the same month.

Suzuki Grand Vitara, 2008: The Weekly Driver Car Review

Now ending its first decade in production, the Suzuki Grand Vitara is a strong contender in the compact sport utility vehicle category. Its value pricing, strong warranty, good cabin and cargo space and satisfactory overall driving have prompted more potential buyers to give it appropriate consideration.

OnStar, MapQuest Union: Nirvana For Marriages And Directionally Challenged?

Maybe it’ll finally mean marital driving bliss? Or a new confidence boost for the directionally challenged? General Motor’s OnStar division has signed a deal with online company MapQuest.

Consumer Reports Selects Most Overlooked Cars For 2008

Consumer Reports is well-known for its lists. And in the automotive world that includes standard best and worst lists and more niche areas like best used cars, best sport utility vehicles and best family cars.

Acura RL, 2008: Weidel on Wheels

Like many people, I’ve always been a fan of the Honda Accord. Second on the list of top-selling cars in the United States, the Accord always looks and feels like a more expensive vehicle.

Safety Institute Determines 2007 Buick Rendezvous Most Dangerous Car In Crashes

For the 2007 model year, the minivan-based Buick Rendezvous, the Sport Utility Vehicle promoted by golfer Tiger Woods, was ranked as the most dangerous car to be in during a crash by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Tata Motors Of India Buys Jaguar, Land Rover From Ford Motor Co.

Tata Motors, Ltd., the Indian manufacturer which two months ago debuted the world’s least expensive car, has shifted automotive gears and acquired two storied luxury brands, Jaguar and Land Rover. The deal involves Ford Motor Co. selling Jaguar and Land Rover to Tata Motors for about $1.7 billion.

Consumer Reports Selects Its Worst-10 Vehicles For 2008

Consumer Reports recently announced the results of its annual car tests. Manufacturers relish being on the top-10 list and, of course, don’t appreciate being on the 10-worst list. Consumer Reports tests more than 50 vehicles each year in a program that includes 45 individual tests — emergency handling to acceleration, fuel economy to bumper impact.

Audi Gets Two World Car Of The Year Honors

The Audi R8 has achieved a double victory at the 2008 World Car of the Year awards, winning both the World Performance Car and the World Car Design of the Year awards. The super sports car from Audi was chosen for these awards by 47 World Car jurors from 24 countries throughout the world.

Jaguar E-Type (XK-E) Named Most Beautiful Car In (London) Daily Telegraph Survey

Several friends have owned or currently own Chevrolet Corvettes. But given the choice, it might be the last car I’d select on The (London) Daily Telegraph’s recently announced list of the “100 Most Beautiful Cars.” I’ve never been a Corvette guy. Among those who appreciate classic automobiles, I’m in the minority, however, particularly among respondents to the London newspaper’s recent survey.

Ford, Volvo, Honda, Acura dominate Institute For Highway Safety's 34 Vehicles Top Pick

The Institute for Highway Safety has selected its 2008 Top Safety Pick award recipients, and automakers have more than doubled the number of vehicles that meet the criteria. The award recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting people in front, side, and rear crashes based on ratings in the Institute’s tests.

Audi A4, 2008: The Weekly Driver Car Review

Since its debut a decade and a half ago, the Audi A4 has built a reputation as a versatile entry-level luxury car. It’s strong on design, with superb handling and personality. The Audi 4 offers a lot to different car buyers.

Ferrari, Jaguar and VW Karmann Ghia (Really!) On London Telegraph's Top-100 car list

My father liked the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia and he recommended I purchase the one I owned for a few years nearly 30 years ago. It was a 1966 edition, dark green with all chrome trim. The windshield wipers didn’t work well, nor did the heater.

Ford Mustang, Bugatti Share Daily Telegraph's Most Beautiful Car list (No. 60-41)

Several years ago, a friend bought two handmade Bugatti replicas. They’re Bugatti blue, beautiful and pristine miniatures of the real deal. But by their craftsmanship, they’re also a real deal unto themselves and great collectors’ items.