Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[WSJ: Renault pondering return to North America]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/wsj-renault-pondering-return-to-north-america/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/wsj-renault-pondering-return-to-north-america/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/wsj-renault-pondering-return-to-north-america/#commentsFiled under: ,

Dacia Duster - Click above for high-res image gallery

Renault hasn't been in the US market since 1987, the year the Alliance and the Encore stopped trickling out of AMC factories. Few have missed the French automaker's presence since it left our shores, though many thought the doors would once again open to the land of opportunity once Nissan was in the fold. That hasn't happened so far, but a story in the Wall Street Journal shows that Renault is at least thinking about once again coming Stateside to sell cars and SUVs. Gerard Detourbet, head of Renault's entry-level vehicle division, told WSJ that the company is studying a move to North America, and the vehicle that could influence the decision is the low-cost Duster SUV.

The Duster, which for now is being build by Dacia in Romania, will eventually be sold as a Renault once production ramps up. If the apparently capable Duster is a success in emerging markets like South America and Eastern Europe, there could be a chance Renault would give the mini ute a chance in the U.S. But Detourbet reportedly doesn't see Renault entering the U.S. market with just one vehicle like it did with the Alliance in late 1982, instead favoring a family of affordable vehicles as the best approach. And with Renault's Logan line already established in many parts of the world, the budget-minded nameplate could be reworked for U.S. duty at some point in the future.

While it's nice to hear that Renault is at least considering a return to America, we're not all that hopeful that anything will happen within the next three to five years. Besides, once the Duster is retrofitted for U.S. duty it'll probably be heavier, more expensive and overwhelmingly diesel-less.


Gallery: Dacia Duster 4x4


[Source: Wall Street Journal - Sub's Req'd]

WSJ: Renault pondering return to North America originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daciadacia dusterDaciaDusterdusterrenaultrenault allianceRenaultAllianceus marketUsMarketThu, 10 Dec 2009 09:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Ward's announces 10 Best Engines for 2010]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/wards-announces-10-best-engines-for-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/wards-announces-10-best-engines-for-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/wards-announces-10-best-engines-for-2010/#commentsFiled under:

Ward's Ten Best Engines of 2010 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Just about every publication has an award to give away this time of year, and Wards Automotive is no different. But instead of picking the best car, truck or SUV, the industry wiz kids at Wards go right for the power supply to rank the Ten Best Engines for 2010. Over the years the list has contained a nice mix of engines from the U.S., Europe and Asia, but never before has the Ten Best been this fuel efficient. The list comprises of two hybrids, two diesels, one supercharger and three turbocharged gasoline mills.

To be eligible for Wards' 10 Best Engines competition the vehicle must cost less than $54,000 and the engine must be available as a standard production option by Q1 2010. Among the ten winning engines are the new 1.8-liter hybrid powerplant from the Toyota Prius, the 2.5-liter hybrid powering the Ford Fusion, and the diesels from the BMW 335d and the 2.0-liter Jetta TDI. Audi joins the ranks with its excellent 2.0T and 3.0T (well, supercharged) mills, while Ford scored a hit with its Ecoboost 3.5-liter engine. The most powerful engine to make the 10 Best Engines list is Hyundai's 4.6L Tau V8, which gains ten hp for 2010.

The 10 Best Engines awards will be presented at the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 13. Hit the jump to read Wards' press release and check the gallery below for a tour of this year's winners.


Gallery: Ward's 10 Best Engines of 2010

2.0L TFSI Turbocharged DOHC I-4 (Audi A4)3.0L TFSI Supercharged DOHC V-6 (Audi S4)3.0L DOHC I-6 Turbodiesel (BMW 335d)2.5L DOHC I-4 Hybrid (Ford Fusion Hybrid)3.5L EcoBoost Turbocharged DOHC V-6 (Ford Taurus SHO)

[Source: Wards Automotive]

Continue reading Ward's announces 10 Best Engines for 2010

Ward's announces 10 Best Engines for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>top 10 engines 2009Top10Engines2009wards autowards top 10 enginesWardsAutoWardsTop10EnginesWed, 09 Dec 2009 19:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Mitsubishi launches big incentives through Sam's Club]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/mitsubishi-launches-big-incentives-through-sams-club/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/mitsubishi-launches-big-incentives-through-sams-club/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/mitsubishi-launches-big-incentives-through-sams-club/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2010 Mitsubishi Outlander GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

Twin pack of bread, 36 bottles of water, 24 rolls of toilet tissue, a 64-oz. box of cereal and... a 2010 Mitsubishi Galant. That may sound a bit odd, but if you want certain 2009 and 2010 Mitsubishi models with zero percent financing or discounted lease pricing, you'll apparently have to head over to your local Sam's Club. Automotive News is reporting that the discount warehouse is offering special deals on select Mitsubishi models through its Auto Buying Program that could well be better than the offers you'll get at your Mitsubishi dealer. Eligible models for zero percent financing for 60 months include the 2009 Lancer, Eclipse and Outlander and the 2010 Galant and Endeavor. Discounted leases will also be available for the 2010 Lancer Sportback and the 2010 Outlander.

The Japanese automaker reportedly struck a deal with the retail giant to display some of its models at select stores. Mitsubishi Motors Credit America will supply the special financing, which will be reserved for Sam's Club customers with sufficient credit. The discount warehouse club will display the cars through February. With Sam's Club's 500 stores and over 40 million members, this could be a pretty good program for the struggling Mitsubishi, although we don't see it doing anything to combat the brand's discount perception.

[Source: Automotive News - subs req'd]

Mitsubishi launches big incentives through Sam's Club originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>0 financing0 percent0Financing0Percentcar financingCarFinancingmitsubishisams clubsams club auto financingSamsClubSamsClubAutoFinancingwarehouse clubWarehouseClubzero percentzero percent financingZeroPercentZeroPercentFinancingWed, 09 Dec 2009 15:58:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Marchionne will choose to lead either Chrysler or Fiat within 24 months]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/report-marchionne-will-choose-to-lead-either-chrysler-or-fiat-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/report-marchionne-will-choose-to-lead-either-chrysler-or-fiat-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/report-marchionne-will-choose-to-lead-either-chrysler-or-fiat-w/#commentsFiled under: ,



Sergio Marchionne appears to be very well regarded within the auto industry and his work making Fiat a viable automaker has been pretty remarkable overall. Now Marchionne is charged with saving the beleaguered and product-starved Chrysler while also keeping momentum back home in Italy. That's a big job that Marchionne won't be able to do for long. The dualing CEO reportedly said in a speech at the Peterson Institute for International Economics in Washington that he will decide which company to run within the next 24 months. It appears Marchionne is no Carlos Ghosn, for better or for worse.

Marchionne also gave some pretty stark assessments of the Pentastar, as he reportedly told the audience that Chrysler walked away from bankruptcy a cleaner company but "but we ended up with the same stuff we had." Ouch. Marchionne also reportedly used his time at the Peterson Institute to discuss what he calls the industry's overcapacity problem. He said that while Chrysler has the post-bankruptcy ability to pick and choose when to grow, in Europe, overcapacity results in billions in lost revenue. Germany, for example, hasn't shuttered a plant since before World War II.

So Marchionne is going to give up one of his CEO posts within the next two years. On one hand, it's nice to see that the Fiat/Chrysler CEO is a realist who doesn't want to stretch himself too thin, and at the same time we like the fact that he plans to stay at Chrysler at least until it begins to receive some new products via its partnership with Fiat. Do we think he'll choose Chrysler over Fiat? The Fiat that resides in sunny Italy with brands like Ferrari, Maserati and Alfa Romeo? We wouldn't, but hey, we're not millionaire CEOs, either.

[Source: The Detroit Bureau | Image: AFP/Getty]

REPORT: Marchionne will choose to lead either Chrysler or Fiat within 24 months originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ceoChairmanchrysler ceoChryslerCeoChryslerLlcfiat ceoFiatCeomarchionnePeterson Institute for International EconomicsPetersonInstituteForInternationalEconomicssergio marchionneSergioMarchionneWed, 09 Dec 2009 11:01:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: GM, Ford to dramatically increase Q1 production versus year ago numbers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/report-gm-ford-to-dramatically-increase-q1-production-versus-y/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/report-gm-ford-to-dramatically-increase-q1-production-versus-y/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/report-gm-ford-to-dramatically-increase-q1-production-versus-y/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The first quarter of 2009 could best be described as the worst of times in the auto industry. With the full weight of the global financial collapse weighing down on the industry, sales dropped like a stone and production screeched to a halt. General Motors and Ford produced only 371,000 and 349,000 vehicles respectively during Q1 2009, a mere fraction of the industry giants' overall capacity. One year later, the auto industry here in the U.S. is still far from healthy, but many industry experts feel the market has stabilized.

Evidence of that fact presents itself when looking at production data for the fourth quarter of 2009 versus the first quarter of 2010. Automotive News is reporting that Ford plans to build 550,000 cars and trucks in the first quarter while GM plans 650,000 units. While that's a bump of 58 percent and 75 percent versus Q1 2009, respectively, the numbers are within a few thousand units of Q4 production. But even compared to Q4, production is up around four percent for both Ford and GM - a hopeful sign for the industry.

But while GM and Ford appear to have good production news, AN is reporting that the forecast is a bit cloudier for Chrysler. The Pentastar's recent announcement that it would prolong shutdown over the holidays throws some doubt on the Auburn Hills, MI-based automaker's reported plan to increase Q1 2010 production by 56% versus Q1 2009. While Chrysler was supposed to up production to 376,000 units, the shutdown could drop production by up to 30,000 units.

[Source: Automotive News - subs req'd | Image: Scott Olson/Getty]

REPORT: GM, Ford to dramatically increase Q1 production versus year ago numbers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 production2010Productionautomobile productionAutomobileProductioncar manufacturingcarbuildingCarManufacturingchryslerfordford productionFordProductiongeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmgm assemblygm productionGmAssemblyGmProductionmanufacturingsales volumeSalesVolumeU.S. productionU.s.ProductionWed, 09 Dec 2009 10:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill: Mini Coupe and Roadster could go on sale as early as 2011]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/rumormill-mini-coupe-and-roadster-could-go-on-sale-as-early-as/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/rumormill-mini-coupe-and-roadster-could-go-on-sale-as-early-as/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/rumormill-mini-coupe-and-roadster-could-go-on-sale-as-early-as/#commentsFiled under: , ,

MINI Coupe and Roadster Concepts - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Mini Coupe and Roadster concepts have been making their way around the auto show circuit since Frankfurt in September, and when we saw the two vehicles at the LA Auto Show we got the impression that the high end micros were near production ready. If a story from MotoringFile is to be believed, the next two Mini variants could be even closer to production than we thought.

The Mini-obsessed site is claiming that its sources tell them that engineering for the the Coupe and Roadster is well under way. Further, the final model could hit the assembly plant in Oxford by next June with full production commencing in October. If that time line holds true, the first Mini two doors could be hitting dealer showrooms in Europe by early 2011 at the latest, with models crossing the Atlantic soon after.


Gallery: LA 2009: MINI concepts and special editions


[Source: MotoringFile]

Rumormill: Mini Coupe and Roadster could go on sale as early as 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>frankfurt auto showFrankfurtAutoShowla 2009la auto showLa2009LaAutoShowmini coopermini coupemini roadsterMiniCooperMiniCoupeMiniRoadsterWed, 09 Dec 2009 09:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Jaguar, Mercury tops in J.D. Power 2009 Sales Satisfaction study]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/jaguar-mercury-tops-in-jd-power-2009-sales-satisfaction-study/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/jaguar-mercury-tops-in-jd-power-2009-sales-satisfaction-study/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/jaguar-mercury-tops-in-jd-power-2009-sales-satisfaction-study/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



J.D. Power has released its 2009 Sales Satisfaction Index, and 29 of 38 brands improved their standing versus last year's numbers. The industry watchdogs at Power say that sales people improved the most over 2008, which isn't surprising given the fact that fewer vehicles are flying off dealer lots and every customer is a precious commodity. Even with the improved standing versus 2008, J.D. Power says that brands still lost 12% of sales on average due to poor service at the dealer level, a statistic that could have automakers cringing.

Jaguar took top luxury honors for the second straight year with an 898 index score, beating second place Cadillac by a scant five points. J.D. Power says Jaguar excels in both salesperson interactions and the handling of the dreaded financing/paperwork. The top five rounds out with Lexus, Mercedes Benz and Land Rover. Audi performed most poorly of any brand studied, while Infiniti and Volvo also fared poorly.

Mercury was the top non-luxury make with a score of 867, followed by Smart, Buick, Pontiac and Chevrolet. Mercury reportedly scored well on all five categories tested, though we're a bit puzzled how Mercury could beat Lincoln by four points in spite of the fact that the two makes usually share a common dealership. Japanese and Korean brand-dealers scored poorly in the survey as Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Kia and Mazda all scored below the industry average of 832.

General Motors and Ford dealers fared very well in the survey, with all of their brands except Lincoln coming in over the industry average. Chrysler brands, however, did not do as well, with all three makes falling under the industry Mendoza line. Mitsubishi was by far the worst dealership to deal with, with an industry-low 778 index score. Hit the jump to read over the J.D. Power press release and click on the gallery below to view the survey scores for both luxury and mass market offerings.


Gallery: JD Power 2009 Sales Satisfaction Study


[Source: J.D. Power]

Continue reading Jaguar, Mercury tops in J.D. Power 2009 Sales Satisfaction study

Jaguar, Mercury tops in J.D. Power 2009 Sales Satisfaction study originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jaguarjd powerjd power sales satisfactionJdPowerJdPowerSalesSatisfactionmercurysales satisfactionSalesSatisfactionTue, 08 Dec 2009 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[<i>Consumer Reports</i>: Over 40 percent of 'sudden acceleration' claims involve Toyota]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/consumer-reports-over-40-percent-of-sudden-acceleration/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/consumer-reports-over-40-percent-of-sudden-acceleration/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/consumer-reports-over-40-percent-of-sudden-acceleration/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



We're guessing you've heard about Toyota's massive 3.8 million vehicle recall for unintended acceleration. It appears to be an issue that could have potentially resulted in several deaths and reports of hundreds of accidents. Consumer Reports wanted to dig deeper on the matter, studying National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data for the 2008 model year. CR chose 2008 because the claims occurred prior to the widespread media coverage that has resulted in a flood of new complaints.

In studying NHTSA's accumulated 5,916 reports CR found that 166 involved unintended acceleration complaints. Of those, 128 were reported prior to August 28, 2009, when a California family was killed in a Lexus sedan experiencing uncontrollable acceleration. Of those 128 complaints, 47 came from Toyota and five from Lexus, representing 41 percent of overall unintended acceleration complaints. That's obviously a disproportionate amount of reports for an automaker with 16 percent of the US market's overall share. Here's one complaint logged by NHTSA.
"I felt the vehicle [2008 Lexus ES 350] increasing in speed to about 90 mph, without depressing the accelerator. I had been on cruise control at about 73 mph... [A] passenger screamed at me to slow down. I was unable to do so, even after stepping forcefully on the brakes."
While Toyota had a disproportionate amount of unintended acceleration claims, the Japanese automaker wasn't alone. Ford received an also high 36 overall complaints, or 28 percent of all U.S. models. The F-150 appears to have been one of the Blue Oval's main culprits, and complaints ranged from a gas pedal that was too wide to an engine that decided to go buck wild.
"The engine immediately increased in rpm to the point where the rear tires began spinning on the gravel. I put the transmission in Neutral and the engine rpm increased. I removed my foot from the brake and the engine continued at a very high rpm. I then depressed and released the accelerator and the engine returned to a normal idle."
While Toyota and Ford have the lion's share of unintended acceleration claims, other automakers have a disproportionately low amount of complaints. Chrysler came in with 11 complaints, GM had seven, Honda had five and Nissan had three. Head over to Consumer Reports for its full report and more information on unintended acceleration.

UPDATE: Numbers and percentages mentioned in second paragraph further clarified.

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Consumer Reports: Over 40 percent of 'sudden acceleration' claims involve Toyota originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008 ford f-1502008 lexus es3502008FordF-1502008LexusEs350ford f-150FordF-150toyotatoyota recallToyotaRecallunintended accelerationUnintendedAccelerationTue, 08 Dec 2009 11:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Dodge Challenger tops <i>Consumer Reports</i> owner satisfaction survey]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/dodge-challenger-tops-consumer-reports-owner-satisfaction/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/dodge-challenger-tops-consumer-reports-owner-satisfaction/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/dodge-challenger-tops-consumer-reports-owner-satisfaction/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 6-Speed - Click above for high-res image gallery

Consumer Reports has surveyed 380,000 subscribers to rank the most satisfied new car owners and a newcomer came in and dethroned the Toyota Prius. An amazing 92 percent of V8-powered Dodge Challenger owners said that they would definitely buy another Mopar pony car if they had the chance to do it all over again. That's a big-time win for Chrysler, as the Pentastar has been getting dinged badly in recent CR studies. Hybrids have been very popular in the satisfaction survey over the past few years, but the perennial champ Prius wasn't even the number one battery-assisted model. That honor goes to the new Ford Fusion Hybrid, which came in second overall with a 91 percent rating. The Chevrolet Corvette, Porsche 911 and Prius round out the top five. To make the top of the satisfaction list at least 80 percent of customers need to say that they would definitely buy the same vehicle again.

Detroit automakers substantially improved their standing in the annual survey versus last year, as nine percent of overall Motown models were at the top of the list. That's still down substantially against the 12 percent Asian automakers and 23 percent of European automakers scored in the top tier. While GM, Ford and Chrysler each found success at the top, each scoring a hit in the top five, two of the three automakers also filled out the entire bottom ten. Owners of the four cylinder Chrysler Sebring were the least satisfied among all surveyed. In all, GM had seven of the bottom ten while Chrysler had three unlovable losers. Head over to the Consumer Reports site for more details.


Gallery: Review: 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 6-Speed


[Source: Consumer Reports]

Dodge Challenger tops Consumer Reports owner satisfaction survey originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 dodge challenger2010DodgeChallengerconsumer reportsConsumerReportsdodge challengerDodgeChallengerowner satisfactionOwnerSatisfactiontoyota priusToyotaPriusMon, 07 Dec 2009 18:59:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Chrysler still considering unibody Dakota replacement]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/report-chrysler-considering-unibody-dakota-replacement/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/report-chrysler-considering-unibody-dakota-replacement/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/report-chrysler-considering-unibody-dakota-replacement/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The Dodge Dakota -- as we know it today -- will go away in 2011, but looking at current sales of the mid-size pickup, it may as well be dead already. Chrysler has only sold 10,000 Dakotas this year, with an anemic 663 units cleared in November. But while the Dakota is selling poorly (it's not helped by being too close in price to the much more capable Ram), it doesn't necessarily mean that the enigmatic pickup won't live on in another form.

Coinciding with earlier reports, the Detroit News says Chrysler is contemplating a unibody Dakota to replace the current model. A more fuel efficient car-based platform could yield better efficiency, especially when paired with a turbocharged four cylinder with direct injection. The car-based truck probably wouldn't be a hauler but it would still have a functional bed similar to the Honda Ridgeline, and AWD would likely be an available option. Fred Diaz, the new head of the Ram brand, told the DN that the Pentastar is looking both at Fiat and from within its own stable of vehicles for any platforms that could help make the unibody Dakota a possibility, adding, "The emphasis is going to be on getting a vehicle that is still true to the Ram brand image and also gets excellent miles per gallon rating and at an attractive price point." Chrysler was reportedly already working on a unibody Dakota when money troubles forced the idea to the back burner.

While we like the idea of a fuel efficient pickup that can do most of the things that a body on frame truck can do, we're wondering if the truck-buying public will embrace the idea. The best example of a unibody pickup, the Honda Ridgeline, has been anything but a massive commercial hit and midsize trucks are already a dying breed, with only five percent of the overall vehicle market. But if Chrysler wants to make Ram its own brand, we're guessing that the Pentastar's truck company is going to need more than one vehicle.

[Source: Detroit News]

REPORT: Chrysler still considering unibody Dakota replacement originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerdodgedodge dakotaDodgeDakotaunibody dakotaunibody truckUnibodyDakotaUnibodyTruckMon, 07 Dec 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Even while pursuing Volvo, Geely again mulling bid for Saab?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/report-even-while-pursuing-volvo-geely-again-mulling-bid-for-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/report-even-while-pursuing-volvo-geely-again-mulling-bid-for-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/report-even-while-pursuing-volvo-geely-again-mulling-bid-for-s/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Just about every time an automaker decides to sell one of its brands, Chinese automaker Geely comes up as one of the potential suitors. Geely executive Lawrence Ang has reportedly told Automotive News that the reason Geely has been present at a lot of negotiating tables is because it wants to grow in part through acquisitions. And while the Chinese automaker has yet to finalize any big-ticket buys, it appears to be the front-runner for Ford's Volvo unit.

Earlier in the year, Geely looked into purchasing the Saab brand, but talks reportedly broke down after Koenigsegg presented what appeared to be the winning bid. But now that Koenigsegg has dropped out of the Saab sweepstakes, the door is open again for Geely. Is the Chinese automaker interested? Ang reportedly gave reporters at a shareholder event the ambiguous "who knows?" as an answer, but he also acknowledged that the company is investigating buying opportunities which have presented themselves during the automotive industry downturns in Europe and the States. Geely is also reportedly interested in purchasing parts and engines, which could be possible if General Motors decides to disband Saab if an adequate bid doesn't present itself by year-end.

While Geely appears to be close to purchasing Volvo and is perhaps in a good position to pick up Saab for a song, the automaker is also looking to increase its presence in its home market. Automotive News is reporting that Geely will increase spending by up to 43% in hopes of increasing sales from 300,000 in 2009 to over 400,000 next year.

[Source: Automotive News - subs req'd | Image: AFP/Getty]

REPORT: Even while pursuing Volvo, Geely again mulling bid for Saab? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinachinese automakerChineseAutomakergeelygeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmgm saab saleGmSaabSalesaabsaab saleSaabSalevolvovolvo saleVolvoSaleMon, 07 Dec 2009 13:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Gran Turismo 5 demo coming to PSN on Dec 17, GT Academy returns [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/gran-turismo-5-demo-coming-to-psn-on-dec-17-gt-academy-returns/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/gran-turismo-5-demo-coming-to-psn-on-dec-17-gt-academy-returns/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/gran-turismo-5-demo-coming-to-psn-on-dec-17-gt-academy-returns/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Click above to watch the video after the jump

Just when we thought we were going to wait until the end of March to get our hands on Gran Turismo 5, our friends at Joystiq tell us that Polyphony Digital will release a demo version of hotly anticipated racing game on December 17. The demo will be available on the Playstation Network for download both in Europe and North America, giving long-patient fans a taste of what the full game will be like when it finally arrives in stores.

And as cool as it is that the demo arrives within two weeks time, even cooler is the fact that gamers will be given the opportunity to compete for some nifty prizes. All you have to do is post your best time trial by January 24, 2010. The best time from the U.S. and Canada wins a trip to the Indianapolis 500. A sweet prize, no doubt, but it doesn't come close to the top Euro prize. The best driver from select European countries gets to enter the GT Academy. After completing training the lucky skilled gamer will race in the European GT4 Cup in a non-virtual race-spec Nissan 370Z. How amazing is that?

It would be even better if GT5 actually shipped on December 17, but it looks like we won't be racing one of the world's best driving simulators until March at the earliest. Hit the jump to view a slick video that contains more information about the GT Academy.


Gallery: Gran Turismo 5 screen shots

top002top004top001top005top003

Gallery: Gran Turismo 5


[Source: Joystiq]

Continue reading Gran Turismo 5 demo coming to PSN on Dec 17, GT Academy returns [w/VIDEO]

Gran Turismo 5 demo coming to PSN on Dec 17, GT Academy returns [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>370Zcontestdriving gameDrivingGameEuropean GT4EuropeanGt4gran turismoGrand TurismoGrandTurismoGranTurismoGT AcademyGT4 CupGt4Cupgt5GtAcademyindianapolis 500Indianapolis500Indy 500Indy500nissan 370ZNissan370zPolyphonyPolyphony digitalPolyphonyDigitalMon, 07 Dec 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GM buys remaining stake in CAMI plant from Suzuki]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/needs-pic-gm-buys-remaining-stake-in-cami-plant-from-suzuki/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/needs-pic-gm-buys-remaining-stake-in-cami-plant-from-suzuki/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/needs-pic-gm-buys-remaining-stake-in-cami-plant-from-suzuki/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2010 Chevrolet Equinox - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's safe to say that 2009 has been the most difficult year in the 101-year history of General Motors. But while most of the news coming out of GM has been tough to swallow, the Detroit, MI-based automaker has had one very good piece of news: its new products are faring well in the marketplace. And of all the new products GM brought to market this year, none has higher volume than its Theta-based crossovers built at the CAMI plant in Ingersoll, Ontario. The 2010 Chevrolet Equinox and the GMC Terrain have been successful enough that The General has added a third shift, scheduled regular overtime for the rank and file and even spent $93 million on a new body shop to increase production capacity by 40,000 units per year.

But GM was spending big bucks and building very important vehicles at a plant that it jointly owned with partner Suzuki. Well, GM changed that last week when it announced that it was buying Suzuki's stake in the Canadian facility. GM has not disclosed the amount of money it paid to take over full interest of the facility, but we're guessing the total wasn't nearly as much as the cost of a new plant, which can cost over $1 billion. But while the news was good for GM and the people of Ingersoll, we're guessing the folks who work at closing plant in the U.S. aren't all that happy about this development. Hit the jump to read over GM's brief press release.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Chevrolet Equinox


[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM buys remaining stake in CAMI plant from Suzuki

GM buys remaining stake in CAMI plant from Suzuki originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Chevrolet2010 Chevrolet Equinox2010 Equinox2010 GMC2010 GMC Terrain2010 Terrain2010Chevrolet2010ChevroletEquinox2010Equinox2010Gmc2010GmcTerrain2010TerrainCAMIcami plantCamiPlantchevy equinoxChevyEquinoxgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsGMgmc terrainGmcTerrainingersollontarioMon, 07 Dec 2009 11:29:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Honda to supplant Chrysler as America's 4th largest auto retailer]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/report-honda-to-supplant-chrysler-as-americas-4th-largest-auto/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/report-honda-to-supplant-chrysler-as-americas-4th-largest-auto/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/report-honda-to-supplant-chrysler-as-americas-4th-largest-auto/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Throughout most of the history of the US auto industry, the Detroit Three sat atop of the sales charts with General Motors claiming first, Ford in second and Chrysler placing third. In the past few years Toyota has clawed its way past Chrysler and then Ford, and now it appears that Honda too has now passed the Pentastar. Barring some miraculous (and we mean truly outstanding) development, Honda will officially overcome Chrysler to become the fourth largest automaker in the States. Honda holds a rather insurmountable 200,000 unit cushion against its competition from Auburn Hills, MI -- more vehicles than any automaker sold during the month of November. Speaking of November, Chrysler was the only major automaker to see a sales decline, down 18.5 percent with a mere 65,000 units sold. Honda fared better with over 74,000 products sold.

While Honda's victory on the sales charts is indisputable, neither automaker is making a big deal about it. A Honda exec reportedly told Automotive News that it only worries about it internal sales numbers and doesn't focus on ranks. Chrysler spokeswoman Kathy Graham told AN that the company is on the right track to improve its standing, adding, "We are taking the steps that are necessary to have a good foundation and to build consumer confidence." Graham also said that the company is expecting better results in the future on account of its increased advertising spending. If Chrysler doesn't reverse its sales slide, the next automaker to pass team Pentastar could be Nissan -- the Japanese automaker finished only 7,000 units behind Chrysler in November.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

REPORT: Honda to supplant Chrysler as America's 4th largest auto retailer originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerchrysler salesChryslerSalesdetroit threeDetroitThreehondahonda salesHondaSalespentastarMon, 07 Dec 2009 08:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrysler reportedly set to extend holiday shutdown at five plants]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/chrysler-reportedly-set-to-extend-holiday-shutdown-at-five-plant/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/chrysler-reportedly-set-to-extend-holiday-shutdown-at-five-plant/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/chrysler-reportedly-set-to-extend-holiday-shutdown-at-five-plant/#commentsFiled under: ,

Dodge Viper ACR - Click above for a high res image gallery

During last year's holiday season Chrysler's rank and file were faced with extended holiday shutdowns. The reason was simple: Millions of Americans decided to stop buying vehicles due to the economic downturn. While the market is still down, auto sales have stabilized and the Pentastar isn't dealing with an outrageously bloated inventory, but Chrysler vehicles aren't flying off dealer lots. Chrysler was the only major automaker to see year over year sales down by double digits in November and the automaker's short-turn sales outlook is anything but rosy.

The Wall Street Journal reports that for the second straight year many Chrysler workers will be on extended shutdown during the holidays, with five plants taking three week leaves beginning December 21. Vehicles affected by production shutdowns include the Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans, the Dodge Viper, Charger and Challenger, the Chrysler 300 and the Jeep Wrangler. Also under consideration for an extended layoff is the Dodge Ram. The Pentastar originally planned to shutter the plants for the typical ten-day holiday shutdown. To help combat continued slow sales Chrysler has increased its advertising budget.

[Source: Wall Streer Journal - sub. req'd]

Chrysler reportedly set to extend holiday shutdown at five plants originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chrysler 300Chrysler300dodge challengerdodge chargerDodgeChallengerDodgeChargerjeep wranglerJeepWranglerplant shutdownsPlantShutdownsMon, 07 Dec 2009 07:58:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Infiniti still mulling production Essence coupe]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/report-infiniti-still-mulling-production-essence-coupe/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/report-infiniti-still-mulling-production-essence-coupe/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/report-infiniti-still-mulling-production-essence-coupe/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Infiniti Essence Concept - click above for high-res image gallery

When we first laid eyes on Infiniti's Essence concept at this year's Geneva Motor Show, we were, quite frankly, smitten by its voluptuous lines. We apparently weren't alone, as Infiniti exec Ben Poore has reportedly told Motor Trend that reaction to the concept was "phenomenal." When the Essence was unveiled, Infiniti told the audience at Geneva that the vehicle was concept-only and that future vehicles would be influenced by its stunning design. We were a bit disappointed by that news, because, of course, the world can never have too many stunning twin-turbo V6 hybrid coupes capable of a combined 592 brake horsepower.

But while we were let down by Infiniti's initial decision on Essence, we're at least encouraged by the fact that Poore recently told MT that that the concept is "only a show piece... for now." Could that mean that we could have a production vehicle based off of the Essence in the future? We hope so. Will it have a twin-turbo 3.7-liter V6 with a lithium-ion backed disc-shaped electric motor? Perhaps not, but we wouldn't exactly be disappointed if it did.


Gallery: Infiniti Essence Concept


Gallery: Geneva 2009: Infiniti Essence


[Source: Motor Trend]

REPORT: Infiniti still mulling production Essence coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>geneva motor showGeneva showgeneva show 2009Geneva2009GenevaMotorShowGenevaShowGenevaShow2009infinitiinfiniti conceptinfiniti essenceinfiniti essence conceptInfinitiConceptInfinitiEssenceInfinitiEssenceConceptmotor trendMotorTrendFri, 04 Dec 2009 11:28:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: GM selling control of Chinese joint venture to SAIC, half of India operations]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/report-gm-selling-control-of-chinese-joint-venture-to-saic-hal/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/report-gm-selling-control-of-chinese-joint-venture-to-saic-hal/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/report-gm-selling-control-of-chinese-joint-venture-to-saic-hal/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It has been a busy week at General Motors. The week started off with CEO Fritz Henderson's abrupt resignation, then executives converged on the LA Auto Show where Bob Lutz was the keynote speaker and then the U.S. market Chevy Cruze was revealed. Now, the General is reportedly deep in negotiations halfway around the world with its Chinese partner, SAIC, to sell its partnership stake in what is now the largest auto market in the world.

Here is how the deal will reportedly break down: According to Reuters, GM will give SAIC a scant one percent of its interest in the China venture and 50% of GM's India operations. In exchange, the General would receive what amounts to about 20% of the value of the China venture. Sounds like a pretty sweet deal considering the fact that GM isn't exactly a big player in the Indian market - but there is a very big downside. If GM cedes one percent of its joint venture with SAIC, then the Detroit, MI-based automaker would no longer control its China operations. The rumored deal will contain a proviso that the General can later buy back its lost percentage for a "premium price." That sounds a little like GM just got a loan from SAIC and put up one percent of its ownership as collateral.

While GM currently has over $40 billion in its cash coffers courtesy of its recent bailout and bankruptcy, The General is in a big hurry to pay back the money it owes the government. It also has to contend with what is still a very soft auto market - not to mention Opel restructuring costs that could tally $5 billion or more. But China is also a monster part of GM's business plan, so any money gained from this deal could come at an even greater cost. We have to wonder if this deal had anything to do with Mr. Henderson's abrupt exit stage left...

[Source: Reuters]

REPORT: GM selling control of Chinese joint venture to SAIC, half of India operations originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinafritz hendersonFritzHendersongeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmjoint ventureJointVenturesaicFri, 04 Dec 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford accepting applications for Fiesta Movement 2]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/ford-accepting-applications-for-fiesta-movement-2/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/ford-accepting-applications-for-fiesta-movement-2/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/ford-accepting-applications-for-fiesta-movement-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2011 Ford Fiesta - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford finally unveiled the U.S. version of its B-Segment Fiesta yesterday at the LA Auto Show, and thanks to some clever marketing, the Blue Oval's newest small car is already well-known to prospective buyers. Ford's ingenious "Fiesta Movement" marketing initiative, which put 100 Euro-spec subcompacts in the hands of socially advanced "agents," resulted in over six million YouTube views, 740,000 Flickr views and 3.7 million Twitter impressions. All that traffic has apparently resulted in a 60-percent vehicle recognition score in Ford's survey findings - a number that would be good for a vehicle that has already been on the market a few years.

The first Fiesta Movement was created to get the Fiesta in front of the car-buying public while engaging in customer-driven dialog. Connie Fontaine, Ford brand content and alliances manager, says that wave two will focus on "driving unparalleled consideration." In other words, Ford wants customers to be excited to buy a new Fiesta. Given the fact that Ford generated 80,000 "hand-raisers" with Fiesta Movement number one, another group of Fiesta agents probably isn't a bad idea.

Ford is looking now for 20 teams of agents to participate in getting the word out about its new small car. Interested parties can apply via video on fiestamovement.com between now and January 31. Round two begins in mid-February. Winning contestants will need to be "socially vibrant" and "in-tune with the latest happenings in their neighborhood." Winners will be chosen based on public reaction to their video presentations... though it probably wouldn't hurt to look young and Millenialish. Hit the jump to check out Ford's official press release.


Gallery: LA 2009: 2011 Ford Fiesta


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford accepting applications for Fiesta Movement 2

Ford accepting applications for Fiesta Movement 2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 ford fiesta2011FordFiestafiestafiesta movementfiesta movement marketing campaignFiestaMovementFiestaMovementMarketingCampaignfordFord FiestaFordFiestaus spec fiestaUsSpecFiestaThu, 03 Dec 2009 20:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Inside Line editors pick their 'Most Wanted' for 2010 - do you agree?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/inside-line-editors-pick-their-most-wanted-do-you-agree/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/inside-line-editors-pick-their-most-wanted-do-you-agree/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/inside-line-editors-pick-their-most-wanted-do-you-agree/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Inside Line Most Wanted 2010 - Click above for high-res image gallery

We love award season, even if it is a bit tough to keep up with them all. Motor Trend has a set of golden calipers for its Car, Truck and SUV of the Year winners. Car and Driver has its 10Best. Automobile has the, well, the Automobile of the Year. Then there's Edmunds Inside Line and its six Most Wanted winners. Sure, Most Wanted doesn't enjoy the same sort of name recognition as the aforementioned awards, but at the very least, we tend to like the vehicles IL picks as their favorites. We also appreciate the fact that their selection process isn't exactly chock-full of rules. If they tested the vehicle before November 1, 2009, then it's eligible for Inside Line's six shooter. The only award category that truly stands out is the "Instant Classic," an award won over the last two years by the Audi R8 and the Nissan GT-R, respectively.

This year's list didn't have quite the raw power of last year's winners, but we can definitely see where the final six could be considered big fun on four wheels. The big winner is the 2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. The 540-horsepower pony car picked up IL's Instant Classic award for being such a willing dance partner - even at 3,900 pounds. In fact, Blue Oval badges dominate this year's Most Wanted list, as the EcoBoost'd Flex and the wicked cool F-150 SVT Raptor made the final cut. Porsche scored with its new Panamera, while Audi found its way back on the list with the R8 V10. The cheap thrills Mazda3 rounds out this year's list. Click on the gallery below to check out Inside Line's Most Wanted winners in our high-res gallery, then let us know if you agree with their findings by leaving a note in 'Comments.'


Gallery: Inside Line Most Wanted 2009


[Source: Inside Line]

Inside Line editors pick their 'Most Wanted' for 2010 - do you agree? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Audi R8 V102010 Ford F-150 Raptor2010 Ford F-150 SVT raptor2010 Ford Flex2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT5002010 Porsche Panamera2010AudiR8V102010FordF-150Raptor2010FordF-150SvtRaptor2010FordFlex2010FordMustangShelbyGt5002010PorschePanameraaudi R8audi r8 v10AudiR8AudiR8V10ecoboostEdmundsflex ecoboostFlexEcoboostford flexford raptorFord ustangFordFlexFordRaptorFordUstanginside lineInsideLinemazda 3mazda3most wantedMostWantedMustang GT500MustangGt500panameraporsche panameraPorschePanameraRaptorSVTThu, 03 Dec 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ready, Set, Go! Clever stoplight concept counts down to green]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/ready-set-go-clever-stoplight-concept-counts-down-to-green/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/ready-set-go-clever-stoplight-concept-counts-down-to-green/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/ready-set-go-clever-stoplight-concept-counts-down-to-green/#commentsFiled under: ,

Eko stop light - Click above for image gallery

We've got the stoplights in our neighborhood timed pretty well, but it's pretty painful when you're at a foreign intersection and have absolutely no idea when the light will turn green. We shift our vehicle into Neutral and give our left foot a break at a stoplight that we know is long, but at uncharted lights, we occasionally keep our clutch foot to the floor.

One designer by the name of Damjan Stankovic decided we should wait no longer, so he designed an innovative-looking "Eko" stoplight that offers an easy to read indicator that shows how much time the light has until it turns green. The idea has some merit. If you want to conserve fuel and reduce CO2 emissions, you could turn off your engine during truly long lights. (We wouldn't, but you could). If drivers were able to see the light from far away, they could also let off the accelerator early and save a little strain on the brakes. We can think of one big issue, though: drivers trying to time the turn from red to green.

What do you think? Would a red light timer be a good thing, or would it be a recipe for disaster? Give us your take in 'Comments.' Thanks for the tips, Spyros and Jared!


Gallery: Eko Stop Light


[Source: Yanko Design]

Ready, Set, Go! Clever stoplight concept counts down to green originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Damjan StankovicDamjanStankovicroad safetyRoadSafetystop lightstop light timerStopLightStopLightTimertraffic safetyTrafficSafetyThu, 03 Dec 2009 17:40:00 EST