BRIAN HOWEY: Daniels era has obliterated Indiana Democrats

From a political perspective, the decade-long "Mitch Daniels era" has been devastating for Indiana Democrats.

Midwest city officials discuss planning for sustainability

VALPARAISO | Municipal planners, urban designers, landscape architects and city officials gathered Thursday and Friday at Valparaiso University for the GreenTown Conference to discuss ways to go green.

Times, Chevrolet dealers partner in vehicle giveaway

The upcoming spring driving season could net one lucky driver a new car in a contest that The Times Media Co. and local Chevrolet automobile dealers are sponsoring.

BRIAN HOWEY: Why is Obama opening an office Indiana? Autos

On Thursday, the Obama for America campaign opened an office in Indiana, a state with a century-old love affair with the internal combustion engine. It is a state that any Republican will tell you is certain to return to the "red" Electoral College column next autumn.

Consumers' auto show opens in Chicago

CHICAGO | The Chicago Auto Show is the consumers' show.

Review: Volt can be a fun journey with green driving

There was something that tugged at my heartstrings -- like I was doing something good for the environment.

General Motors workers ratify new labor contract

DETROIT | Factory workers at General Motors have voted overwhelmingly to approve a new four-year contract with the company that has profit-sharing instead of pay raises for most workers and promises thousands of new jobs.

Crown Point lawyer answers call to serve others in Ukraine

CROWN POINT | Connie Postelli knows she's going to Ukraine to teach English as a second language with the Peace Corps, and that she leaves Northwest Indiana on Sept. 19. Her research has told her the winters will be brutal, with temperatures 20 to 40 degrees below zero.

UAW locals approve Ford strike authorization

Hourly union workers at Chicago-area United Auto Workers locals have voted to authorize a strike against Ford Motor Co. if a new deal isn't reached within the next few weeks.

M'ville auto dealership named one of GM's top dealers

Schepel Buick-GMC General Manager Tom Van Prooyen said it's a sweet reward to be successful in an industry that was on the brink of financial collapse a few years ago.

UAW official visits Chicago to talk Ford bargaining strategy

CHICAGO HEIGHTS | An official from United Auto Workers international visited Ford Motor Co.'s Chicago Stamping Plant here Tuesday to talk with local union leaders and employees.

Chevy Volt drives a greener future

General Motors' 2011 Chevrolet Volt arrives just as oil prices reach post-recession highs.

Autos – Back on Track

When car sales went into a tailspin with the economy in Fall 2008, things were looking pretty grim. Sales plummeted to 13 million from 16-17 million for the previous several years. In last year's NWI Now auto section, we reported a dismal 10.4 million U.S. sales for 2009, though we could see…

BRIAN HOWEY: Bauer continues to ignore voters' message of change

What's that phrase we keep hearing? Elections have consequences. Yes, that one.

The Buzz Behind the Volt

Years in development and just now reaching dealers' showrooms, the high-tech Chevrolet Volt is arguably one of the most anticipated new vehicles in years. It's been revered as a symbol of General Motors' resurgence after emerging from bankruptcy, a shining example of what the restructured co…

Concepts carve path to future rides

This week's media preview of the Chicago Auto Show offered a close look at future designs and technologies. Now, it is the public's turn.

Domestics sweep North American Award

DETROIT | Accolades are heard around the world as General Motors and Ford Motor Co. stand center stage to receive the 2011 North American Car and Truck of the Year awards for the 2011 Chevrolet Volt sedan and 2011 Ford Explorer SUV, respectively.

Stock offering stokes hopes in automaker

At Smith Chevrolet in Hammond, owner Tim Roper said dealership employees watching General Motors stock price Thursday was akin to rooting for a favorite sports team.

BRIAN HOWEY: What we learned from Tuesday's election

INDIANAPOLIS | So, what lessons should we take from Tuesday's election? Let me count the ways:

GM, Chrysler complete dealer arbitration process

General Motors and Chrysler said they have completed the dealer arbitration process that was required after lawmakers and dealership owners raised questions about how termination decisions were made.