As we turn the page on 2010, it's time to review the most talked-about headlines and events from the automotive world over the past twelve months. Without a doubt, the theme of the year was ''change.'' We witnessed the transformation of what we've all been used to in recent years and decades as automakers and the industry as a whole announced and carried out significant changes to their products, processes and philosophies.
The clock is ticking and the countdown to the New Year has begun, so here are Auto123.com's top 10 stories of 2010:
1- The electric car assault
If you don't know by now that Canadians will soon be able to purchase electric cars, you must have been sleeping in a remote cave for quite some time. The Chevrolet Volt and Nissan LEAF put their gloves on and battled it out at various auto shows to see which one is the best and greenest. The crown has yet to be handed and experts have a tough time making their minds.
Take that to the bank, though: both will revolutionize the way vehicles are designed and open the door to a new era for the automobile. Consumers all over the country will finally get the opportunity to own one in 2011, which will give us a clearer picture of the much-hyped electric car segment.
2- Toyota's recall saga
Toyota frequently made headlines in 2010 but not necessarily for the good reasons. After failing to contact regulatory authorities about a number of safety issues, most notably a jammed throttle, the Japanese manufacturer endured a public shellacking as it announced recalls on millions of vehicles.
In the end, Toyota lost plenty of sales and lustre, not to mention a ton of money in record fines. Let's hope they regain the trust of consumers and enjoy more success in showrooms!
The clock is ticking and the countdown to the New Year has begun, so here are Auto123.com's top 10 stories of 2010:
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| Photo: Nissan |
1- The electric car assault
If you don't know by now that Canadians will soon be able to purchase electric cars, you must have been sleeping in a remote cave for quite some time. The Chevrolet Volt and Nissan LEAF put their gloves on and battled it out at various auto shows to see which one is the best and greenest. The crown has yet to be handed and experts have a tough time making their minds.
Take that to the bank, though: both will revolutionize the way vehicles are designed and open the door to a new era for the automobile. Consumers all over the country will finally get the opportunity to own one in 2011, which will give us a clearer picture of the much-hyped electric car segment.
2- Toyota's recall saga
Toyota frequently made headlines in 2010 but not necessarily for the good reasons. After failing to contact regulatory authorities about a number of safety issues, most notably a jammed throttle, the Japanese manufacturer endured a public shellacking as it announced recalls on millions of vehicles.
In the end, Toyota lost plenty of sales and lustre, not to mention a ton of money in record fines. Let's hope they regain the trust of consumers and enjoy more success in showrooms!
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| Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com |