Kipper on Cars: Into the electric future

Travis Kipper Times Correspondent

For most urban areas, electric cars are a growing convenience. Charging stations are available on every other block, and as long as residents are only driving a short distance within the confines of the city, a long range tank of gas is not needed.

NIATA fundraiser: Trade Association supports Meals on Wheels

Tara McElmurry Associate Content Producer

The Northwest Indiana Auto Trade Association will be hosting its annual Spring Fundraising Sales Event Friday, May 24, Saturday, May 25 and Tuesday, May 28 to benefit Meals on Wheels.

Coupe Du Jour

By Jim Gorzelany CTW Features

The nimble new Scion FR-S sports coupe combines style and grace in a budget-minded package.

GL450 drives large style; innovation

Jim Jackson Times Auto Correspondent

Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is all about wearing a tuxedo with a backpack.

SHARP TURNS: Chevy puts it all in the Cruze

Matt Sharp

“It was not that long ago that opting for a domestically built compact car meant sacrificing a great many things in pursuit of a bargain. Vehicles like the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze emphatically demonstrate that those days are now behind us.” –Autobytel.

The Muscle Car Forever Stamps: Why the autos of youth never truly die

“Oh when will their glory fade, Oh the dying charge they made.” Tennyson may well have been referencing the glory days of our Midwestern boyhood. The days we spent as kids at US-30 Drag Strip in NWI and the Great Lakes Drag Strip in Union Gro…

Cars that Can Go the Distance

By Jim Gorzelany CTW Features

Just as human life expectancy has risen dramatically in recent decades, our cars are lasting for many tens of thousands of miles more than they used to. Where the typical car lasted for only 6.75 years in 1930, today the average auto is still…

Steering You Right With Sharon Peters

By Sharon Peters CTW Features

Q. Our 29-year-old salesman son says that this fall he’s going to buy a new Mercedes. When we expressed concern that he wasn’t quite in a financial position yet to be strapping himself to payments for a $40,000 car, he assured us that he’s aw…

Fatal Distractions

By Jim Gorzelany CTW Features

Don’t blame the phone or fast food, it seems we’re our own worst enemies when it comes to inattentive driving.

Toyota of Merrillville: Second year in a row NWI dealership wins President’s Award

Toyota of Merrillville, offering Northwest Indiana drivers new Toyota vehicles alongside pre-owned models from a variety of automakers, has received the President’s Award from Toyota for the second consecutive year, signaling the local store'…

Finding the Best Deals on Used Cars

By Jim Gorzelany CTW Features

Used vehicle prices remain high, so it pays to shop around for the best deal. But how far are you willing to drive to find a bargain?

Arnell Chevy-Kia Creates Customer Satisfaction with “Wow” Moments

An auto dealership isn’t just as good as its product line. It’s as good as its service, the spirit of its employees, and its connection to changing trends in the market. Such a top-of-the-line dealership is Arnell Chevy-Kia in Burns Harbor.

Casualties Rising Among Teen Drivers

By Jim Gorzelany CTW Features

Tougher licensing standards and better education are being encouraged to help reverse a troubling trend

Mike Anderson – GM’s New “Dealer of the Year” Dealer recognized for second consecutive year

Mike Anderson is following a tradition of excellence which began when his grandfather opened Bob Anderson Pontiac in Crown Point, Indiana in 1969. Anderson has just been awarded General Motors highest honor as “Dealer of the Year” for his per…

Today’s Coolest Cars, Tomorrow’s Hottest Collectibles

By Jim Gorzelany CTW Features

Some of the sportiest rides on the road may warrant a ‘buy and hold’ investment strategy

Vehicle shoppers should dock their boats in this Harbor

There’s a lot to be said about any business that can fight through an economic downturn and come out smelling like a rose. Such is the tale of Harbor Chevrolet Buick GMC in Michigan City.

Ram-bunctious!

By Jim Gorzelany CTW Features

The redesigned Ram 1500 pickup comes in a wide variety of models, including a leather-clad version that’s especially ‘home on the range’

Chevrolet’s Best Kept Secret

Smith Chevy of Lowell has been in Northwest Indiana since 1922. For someone who is looking for unlimited selections when it comes to inventory, but still that personal touch and home town feel: Smith Chevy is the place to come. It is Chevrole…

Chrysler 300 deepens Detroit roots

Jim Jackson Times Auto Correspondent

Chrysler 300 series sedans continue to build upon sophisticated design and Detroit-born style with special models added to its 2013 lineup.

Wiers Expands to Bring Greater Customer Service

Wiers Chevrolet-GMC-Cadillac of DeMotte has started the process of a15,000-square-feet expansion of their business. The interior is currently under construction, and the exterior work is expected to begin the week of March 18 or 25.

Refund Rewards

Jim Gorzelany CTW Features

It’s finally spring! Here are 10 ways to roll your federal income tax refund into a cool used coupe or convertible for warm weather weekend excursions.

Christenson Chevrolet paves the way to the future

Christenson Chevrolet has been in business for over 60 years, and they’re proud to call the region home. “We worked hard to build this trust, and it’s actually helped us grow in the last few years,” says Jim Schroeder, Internet Sales Director…

Stingray!

By Jim Gorzelany CTW Features

The Chevrolet Corvette turns 60 years old and celebrates with an all-new version of ‘America’s sports car’ this fall.

Jeep treks sport and utility to SUV market

By Jim Jackson Times Correspondent

Chrysler Group connects the Rubicon to the Autobahn with the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Now is the Most Exciting Time to be A Chevy Dealer

SUBHEAD: Team Chevrolet leads the way with new models, a new look, and a new mission

Team Toyota Hosts Grand Opening Event at New Schererville Facility

Schererville, Indiana- After many months of construction, Team Toyota has moved to their brand new 38,000 Square Feet, seven acre state-of-the-art Toyota facility, south on Route 41, across from Lowes in Schererville.

Safety First?

By Jim Gorzelany CTW Features

No accidents equal lower rates, right? Not always. Find out why insurance rates aren’t solely determined by driving record.

A Dog’s Ride: What dog owners look for in a new vehicle.

By Jim Gorzelany CTW Features

If you think America is going to the dogs you’re probably right as an estimated 46.3 million U.S. households count at least one canine as a member of the family, according to the American Pet Products Association in Greenwich, Conn. What’s mo…

Tomorrow’s Truck Today

By Jim Gorzelany CTW Features

Ford’s Atlas concept shows how future half-ton pickups can be both economical and purposeful.

Smith Chevrolet Builds Lifetime Customers with Respected Service

It’s not hard to imagine that a Chevrolet dealership that has called the region home for more than 90 years can have loyal return customers, but a bouncy automotive economy coupled with an unpredictable industry has made even the most loyal c…

Turbo Taurus is tops in fuel mileage

ANN M. JOB For The Associated Press

Don't expect to find a four-cylinder engine in a big, roomy, 17-foot-long sedan?

The Greenest Cars on Earth

By Jim Gorzelany CTW Features

Save gas and help protect the environment by choosing any of the models deemed as being the most eco-friendly for 2013.

Cadillac re-enters small car market

By Jim Jackson Times Corresponden

After a 25-year hiatus, General Motors’ Cadillac Division returns to the compact segment with the 2013 Cadillac ATS.

Christenson Chevrolet to unveil expansion

Diane Poulton Times Correspondent

HIGHLAND | March brings the start of spring, basketball frenzy and the wearing of the green on St. Patrick’s Day.

Safest Family Cars for 2013

By Jim Gorzelany CTW Features

Several midsize models with the highest scores in recent crash tests, including one that some luxury cars failed

OEMs or Aftermarket?

By Jim Gorzelany CTW FEATURES

Some policies will pay to replace damaged parts with original equipment, while others specify lower-cost components from other makers. Does it matter?

Compressed natural gas fuels Ram trucks

Greg Poulos Automotive Writers Group

The 2013 Chicago Auto Show has something for everyone.

Svelte Sedan

By Jim Gorzelany CTW Features

Fordís Fusion stands out in a crowded field of midsize cars, though not entirely for the right reasons

Lexus design trend displayed in Chicago

Jim Jackson Times Correspondent

CHICAGO | The Windy City blows in hot styling at the Lexus display during the Chicago Auto Show this week.

2013 Auto Show: If you go

By Matthew Saltanovitz

The 2013 Chicago Auto Show: If you go

Apps, technology drive industry changes at Chicago Auto Show

Conner Forrest Medill News Service

CHICAGO | Siri is set to move from the phone in your pocket to the dashboard of your car.

Total Recall

By Jim Gorzelany CTW Features

Most automakers recalled at least one vehicle last year for safety-related defects, yet new-car sales remain strong

Volt sparks connection with buyers

Jim Jackson Times Correspondent

It has been six years since the Chevrolet Volt appeared in Concept at the Chicago Auto Show.

Spark of Inspiration

By Jim Gorzelany CTW Features

Chevrolet’s smallest car isn’t bad for the money, provided one has modest expectations

Trends: White Is the New Black

Find out what car colors are the most requested

Car Features Senior Moments

By Jim Gorzelany CTW Features

Older motorists should take advantage of ësmart featuresí that can make driving safer and more comfortable.

Revamped Pathfinder is best in fuel economy

ANN M. JOB For The Associated Press

For 2013, the Nissan Pathfinder sport utility vehicle is longer, wider and has a roomier interior than its predecessor. At the same time, this new Pathfinder is 500 pounds lighter. And with a 30 percent boost in fuel economy, it tops all othe…

Odyssey minivan embraces family travel

Jim Jackson Time Correspondent

Like it or not, minivans offer quintessential versatility for today’s travelers.

Midsize sedans have come a long way. Now they offer lively performance and an array of the latest technology

By Jim Gorzelany CTW FEATURES

Midsize cars remain the heart and soul of automakers’ lineups, and the selection of four-door family-minded models has never been richer, which can make for some tough choices. Not only do today’s midsize sedans offer top-notch performance an…