Smart devices have empowered customers and now companies are having to change to meet their demands, writes JP Rangaswami.

Seeking to overcome negative perceptions, Ford debuted a new corporate advertising campaign last month that showed new models stripped of the Ford blue oval badge and that never mentioned the automaker by name.

TOW -- At about 10:30 a.m. officers towed a vehicle that was blocking a driveway on Stannage Avenue. DANGEROUS ACTIVITY -- Officers issued a warning to a group of four male juveniles who were skateboarding on the roof of Ocean View School on Jackson Street at about 2:20 p.m.

New Japan auto chief promises to keep production Associated Press Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Updated 02:29 a.m., Thursday, May 17, 2012 TOKYO (AP) — Toyota Motor Corp. President Akio Toyoda took the helm at Japan's auto industry group Thursday with a promise to keep production and jobs at home ...

Indications from auto manufacturers, the job market and customers themselves give Portland-area dealers reason to remain optimistic about new car sales. But competition remains tight for used cars.