Business - Automotive

Chrysler showcases first wave of new models under Fiat ownership

In our continuing review of the 2010 automotive offerings, the Chrysler Corp. takes the spotlight. It is encouraging to note Chrysler USA is not waiting for the announced Fiat technological infusion, but it is showing marked improvements across the product line. Read More

Car Show Calendar

The Rockin’ Charleston Open Car & Truck Show will be held in Adams Run and in North Charleston. Registration, which is $20, is 9 a.m.-noon at 6373 Spring Grove Road in Adams Run. All cars, trucks and motorcycles are welcome. Read More

Auto Action

Local technician wins windshield ‘Olympics,’ program to tout S.C. vehicles, Boone Hall show postponed

The Charleston area and South Carolina as a whole had its share of car-related events and announcements as of late. Here’s a few. Read More

All in the Family

Minivans, sport utilities – and a few sedans – prove popular for hauling kids and teenagers

The soccer mom: it’s indelibly etched in the national conscience as the ultimate road warrior taking kids to and from school, sporting events, camp — whatever. In reality, the soccer mom might be a football dad, a lacrosse grandma, or a band significant other. Read More

A Few Minutes With ... Billy Conyers

Car veteran heads new Hoover Pre-Owned Supercenter west of the Ashley

Customers this Halloween didn’t spirit away vehicles from the used car outlet at 2250 Savannah Highway, but they came close. Try autos for $5. A marketing move, Hoover Pre-Owned Supercenter attracted large crowds to the Oct. 31 event, where four motorists got the deals of a lifetime. Yet the dealership had another reason for the promotion: it’s a tough economy in the Charleston area and elsewhere, and this was a way for an established family-run business to lend a hand. Read More

Car Talk

How to avoid major auto offense – clutch homicide

Q. A friend of mine at work and I have a disagreement regarding using the clutch on a standard-shift car. He says that keeping the clutch pressed in will wear out the throw-out bearing, and I say it won’t. Read More

Blind spot, parking assist new features from Ford Motor for 2010

Although six weeks remain until the end of the this calendar year, automakers have been busily engaged introducing 2010 models for the past several months as they become available. Each year, various automotive enthusiast magazines offer readers a unique service in covering products for the coming year. Today we cover Motor Trend’s analysis of new offerings from Ford Motor Co., which includes the Ford, Lincoln and Mercury divisions. Read More

Car Show Calendar

The Rockin’ Charleston Open Car & Truck Show will be held in Adams Run and in North Charleston. Read More

Ready for Pickup

Sales of light-, mid and full-sized trucks could strengthen into 2010

Shoppers at Summerville Ford — or any Ford dealer for that matter — can view the largest selling pickup truck in America: the F-150. Yet for awhile this fall, the classic model wasn’t the most sought after at least at the Dorchester County dealership. That’s even after a major remodeling of the F-150 for 2009 that drew rave reviews. As it turns out, the dealership couldn’t stock enough of the Ford Ranger, general manager Louis Abidi said. Read More

All-Mustang show, BMW drive mark month's auto fests

Even with nightfall arriving earlier and a chill in the air, auto enthusiasts continue to host shows, festivals and drives across the Lowcountry. Read More

Car Talk

Recycled oil filters just one more fee garage owners charge

Q. I notice that car businesses that lube and change oil for passenger cars are now charging for recycling oil filters. Is this a scam, since I never see “recycled” oil filters for sale? Personally, I think oil filters would be too expensive to recycle. Thank you for your answer. Read More

A Few Minutes With ... Strom Altman

Suzuki switch sudden, yet positive, transition for veteran Dodge dealer

The first time Strom Altman sold cars as a Suzuki dealer was July. Yet by September, his dealership ranked 14th in sales out of 650 Suzuki outlets nationwide. The manufacturer has been so impressed with the store’s performance that Altman has been invited to drive the carmaker’s new Kizashi sedan at Firebird International Speedway in Phoenix on Monday, a privilege awarded only to the top 50 Suzuki dealers in the country. Read More

Highway fatalities declining nationwide, even with motorist distractions

Texting while driving, which President Barack Obama has banned for federal employees, is clearly hazardous. But other driving distractions — like putting on make-up and road rage — are even more dangerous. At least that is the opinion of most of the 3,000 respondents to a survey by LeaseTrader.com, which manages auto lease transfers. Read More

Car Show Calendar

The 15th annual All Ford & Mustang Show, hosted by the Low Country Mustang Club, will be held at Carolina Ice Palace, 7665 Northwoods Blvd. Event hours are noon to 4 p.m. with check-in from 9 a.m. to noon. Read More

2010 Triumph Daytona 675

Top-notch manufacturing design, effort mark luxurious new sportbike

When great care and precise craftsmanship are used to create a product, the outcome can be special. Sportbikes, for the most part, have two primary strong suits, exhilarating design and exhilarating performance. As you will soon read, English motorcycle manufacturer Triumph did not subscribe to this way of thinking when they created the Daytona 675 sportbike. Similar to another English manufacturer, Triumph also added an element of quality and a touch of luxury. Read More