Business Update

By Frank S. Washington

 

DETROIT,  MI — The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 is longer, wider, yet lighter than the model it replaced.

The new dimensions are not earth shattering but a couple of inches more in width and in length made a big difference in the two-seat roadster.

 

By Frank S. Washington

 

BALTIMORE, MD — Fiat was losing customers because the Fiat 500 micro car was too small. It has a backseat but not one that is comfortable for adults. And the company’s 205 dealers griped about their loss of potential buyers.

 

DETROIT, MI — The Volvo C30 T5 M R-Design represents a not so characteristic flare by the conservative Swedish automaker.

 

The two-door hatchback was small, sporty and distinctive. But not being able to completely break from its legendary pragmatism, Volvo’s C30 could carry four adults comfortably, even though the car looked like it would have trouble getting anything bigger than a couple of bags of groceries in the back seat.

By Frank S. Washington

 

DETROIT, MI — The 1.6 liter four cylinder direct injection engine of the 2013 Kia Rio was a tad noisy when accelerating. The subcompact sedan could stand some more sound proofing between the firewall and the passenger compartment.

By Frank S. Washington

 

DETROIT – A guy walking by asked “what is that” and the response was it’s a Subaru. Then, he said, “You can’t wrong with at Subaru.”

 

By Frank S. Washington

 

DETROIT, MI – I heard this hissing when I got out of my 2013 Buick Enclave test vehicle. My heart raced faster as I checked around the three-rowed crossover and discovered a chunk of metal or glass stuck in the left rear tire.

By Frank S. Washington

 

DETROIT, MI –During the last two to three product generations, Cadillac has made quantum leaps in its offering. And now with the 2013 Cadillac ATS, GM’s luxury brand has created a car that can compete, tread to tread, with the best that Europe has to offer.

The 2013 Cadillac ATS was named North American Car of the Year at this year’s Detroit auto show. And after a week-long test drive, it is a well-deserved award.

By Frank S. Washington

 

DETROIT, MI – Despite a lack of bells and whistles, the 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer GT was still a slick little sedan.