Last Updated: Jan 1, 2011
Toyota President and Chief Executive Officer Akio Toyoda had to testify before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee in February for not recalling potentially faulty vehicles quickly enough.
The year that closed yesterday was an eventful one for the motor industry, not to mention a welcome one. After a dismal 2009, sales bounced back for just about every automaker to bring much-needed optimism and prosperity. This was especially true for General Motors and Chrysler, which both went through bankruptcy in 2009 but seem healthier than ever now.
But there was much more to 2010 than simple economics when it comes to the world of motoring. Here is a rundown of the events that shaped the year, here and abroad.
January The Big Three were more upbeat at the Detroit motor show than in 2009. GM’s offerings included the Cadillac XTS Platinum concept, the GMC Granite concept truck and the Chevrolet Aveo RS. Ford exhibited the Ford Fusion hybrid, the Transit Connect compact van and the new Focus.
Chrysler unveiled the new 300 S6 and S8, with Fiat’s Lancia Delta rebadged with Chrysler’s star.
Toyota recalled eight models over sticking accelerator pedals, after a 2009 recall over floor mats.
Harley-Davidson announced plans to sell its bikes in India, while Aston Martin’s small car, the Cygnet, got the green light to go into production. It is expected to go on sale in the US in 2012.
February After General Motors offloaded Saab, Dutch sportscar manufacturer Spyker bought the Swedish badge for US$400 million (Dh1.5 million).
Nissan announced that its Leaf electric car would roll out to the US and Japan by the end of 2010.
Toyota’s president and CEO Akio Toyoda told US Congress that he was “deeply sorry” for the company’s handling of safety issues concerning recalls and possible brake malfunctions.
March Formula One began with Fernando Alonso winning the Bahrain Grand Prix and Jenson Button winning the Australian race, heralding the start of a tightly contested season.
The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge tested off-road cars and bikes on Liwa’s dunes. The overall winner was Leonid Lovitsky, a Russian driver in a BMW driving for X-raid GMBH.
Mitsubishi wound down its Ralliart performance car operations.
April The Beijing Motor Show saw a quirkier star attraction: the ZAP electric SUV/taxi. It was tested at the Korea Electric Vehicle challenge in
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Tags: cars, General Motors, gm, vehicles
