Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Report: "NO TAG" license plate creates parking ticket confusion in Florida]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/no-tag-license-plate-creates-parking-ticket-confusion-in-flori/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/no-tag-license-plate-creates-parking-ticket-confusion-in-flori/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/no-tag-license-plate-creates-parking-ticket-confusion-in-flori/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Vanity plates can be cool, fun to decrypt, annoying or expensive, depending on your perspective. They can be a creative way to show your willingness to pay higher taxes, but take care in making your choice.

One Florida resident's choice of "NOTAG" on her vanity plate has earned her $8,000 in parking tickets. Apparently, "NO TAG" is what gets written on a citation when an illegally parked car has no plate.

Soon after installing her plate, Carol Schroeder received notice of 135 overdue parking tickets worth almost $8,000. The tickets were written for several different makes and models, and some written before her car was even manufactured.

Ha ha, funny little mistake. Right? Not to the city of Jacksonville, which says the owner of the car owes the money and the city's collection agency agrees. Surely someone will come their senses and make the situation right.

A few years ago, a man in Huntsville, Ala. received a notice that he owed $19,000 in overdue parking fees for a city he'd only been to once. His vanity tag, "XXXXXXX" is the exact thing Birmingham, Ala. cops write on citations for cars without plates. One Birmingham official he contacted said not to worry about it because they were broke and couldn't afford to arrest him anyway. That's comforting. We guess.

"NO TAG" license plate creates parking ticket confusion in Florida originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 May 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Carol Schroederfloridaflorida+vanity+platefloridavanityplateJacksonvilleno tagno+tag+floridanotagfloridaparking ticketsspeciality+license+platespecialitylicenseplatevanity platesThu, 24 May 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Single parking spot being offered for $1M in New York City]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/single-parking-spot-being-offered-for-1m-in-new-york-city/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/single-parking-spot-being-offered-for-1m-in-new-york-city/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/single-parking-spot-being-offered-for-1m-in-new-york-city/#commentsFiled under:

New York's $1 million parking spot

That's right a parking spot for $1 million! Well, that's not quite fair. It's a one-space, 12x23 foot parking garage with 15-foot ceilings that would allow the space to be "duplexed" to allow storage of two cars. The garage comes with its own deed and the owner will still pay monthly maintenance fees.

But wait, there's more! While the price tag is a cool million, eligible buyers first must purchase a condo in the building of at least 8,000 sq. feet. The penthouse would qualify with 8,000 square feet of living space and a 3,000-square foot terrace. You'll need at least $38.8 million for that one. But the water used in its showers will at least be fortified with vitamin C and aloe.

The New York Post calculates that for the same amount of money you'll pay for just the garage, you could incur a $115 parking ticket every day for almost 24 years.

Single parking spot being offered for $1M in New York City originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 May 2012 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>$1m+parking+space+new+york$1m+parking+spot$1mparkingspacenewyork$1mparkingspotnew yorkparkingparking+spot+millionparkingspotmillionreal estateWed, 23 May 2012 11:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Cadillac Escalade to get new lease on life in 2014]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/cadillac-escalade-to-get-new-lease-on-life-in-2014/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/cadillac-escalade-to-get-new-lease-on-life-in-2014/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/cadillac-escalade-to-get-new-lease-on-life-in-2014/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Cadillac Escalade

Known for unmitigated excess to some, the Cadillac Escalade embodies over-the-top transportation for oil barons and high-rolling hip-hop stars. TheDetroitBureau.com quotes an unnamed senior Cadillac official as saying, "We were finding that for everyone turned on by that image there were four (potential luxury buyers) who were [turned off]." Add in national gas prices flirting with $5 a gallon, and the Escalade seemed destined to join the flamboyant fins of the 1959 Eldorado.

But TDB says General Motors saw too much profit in the tanker-sized truck and plans to refresh it in early 2014 as a 2015 model. The Bureau predicts the SUV will continue to be body-on-frame with the new 2013 Chevrolet pickup underpinnings holding it all together. It's probably safe to assume the luxury will be upsized, the engine uptuned and the price upjacked.

Cadillac Escalade to get new lease on life in 2014 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 May 2012 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 cadillac escaladecadillacescaladegeneral motorssladeWed, 23 May 2012 10:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Rebadged Dodge, Chrysler model sales a mixed bag in Europe]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/18/rebadged-dodge-chrysler-model-sales-a-mixed-bag-in-europe/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/18/rebadged-dodge-chrysler-model-sales-a-mixed-bag-in-europe/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/18/rebadged-dodge-chrysler-model-sales-a-mixed-bag-in-europe/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

2012 Fiat Fremont (a.k.a. Dodge Journey) in black


Fiat, in an attempt to make its purchase of Chrysler more profitable, has been marketing rebadged Dodge and Chrysler models in Europe with mixed results.

Europeans apparently love the Fiat Freemont, known as a Dodge Journey here in the States. Fiat sold almost 6,500 of the crossovers over there in the first quarter and hopes to move 30,000 by year's end. Sales were helped by Fiat's large European dealer network as well as an MSRP lower than the model it replaced. Since the Journey is built in Mexico, it can be imported into Europe tariff-free, which helps keep the sticker price lower.

On the other hand, sales of the Lancia Thema (Chrysler 300) and Lancia Voyager (Dodge Grand Caravan) are not doing so well due to several factors. One is the limited reach of the Lancia brand outside Italy. Then there's the 10 percent import tariff since they're both built in Canada, a yearly 500 euro luxury tax (about $630 USD) on the Thema, and a limited advertising budget for the two cars.

Only 1,342 Voyagers were sold in Europe in the first quarter of this year, which means the 11,000 unit goal for the year will probably be missed. Lancia sold only 480 Themas during the same period, well short of the 2,500 Fiat had hoped to sell.

Rebadged Dodge, Chrysler model sales a mixed bag in Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 May 2012 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>300chryslerchrysler+europechryslereuropedodgeeuropefiatfiat freemontgrand caravanjourneylancialancia themalancia voyagerFri, 18 May 2012 15:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Apple granted patent for steering-wheel controls to curb distracted driving]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/apple-granted-patent-for-steering-wheel-controls-to-curb-distrac/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/apple-granted-patent-for-steering-wheel-controls-to-curb-distrac/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/apple-granted-patent-for-steering-wheel-controls-to-curb-distrac/#commentsFiled under: , ,




As with any uncomfirmed Apple news, take this one with a big ole grain of sodium chloride. PatentlyApple reports that Apple has been granted a patent for a steering-wheel-mounted remote control for various iDevices.

The patent describes a device looking like the multi-touch controller from an original Apple iPod but mounted to a clamp that grabs your car's steering wheel. Once attached to the outer rim, it would put control of your iPhone, iPod touch or, conceivably, iPad right at your finger tips.

Genius? No. It looks ridiculous and potentially more distracting than just fumbling for your iPhone while driving. The patent says the device is touch-sensitive, so any accidental touch during every hand-over-hand turn ups the volume, changes songs or calls your ex-girl/boyfriend. How's that for driver distraction? On top of all that, many states (if not all) have outlawed anything attached to a car's steering wheel.

Like many companies, Apple files hundreds of patents every year. A good percentage of them are just meant to protect the company's intellectual property and are never used for a consumer product. Some analysts speculate that Apple also files patents for wild ideas just to throw off the competition. This could easily fit into either of those categories.

Apple granted patent for steering-wheel controls to curb distracted driving originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 May 2012 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appledistracted drivingpatentThu, 17 May 2012 14:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Chinese automakers hope to boost exports]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/chinese-automakers-hope-to-boost-exports/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/chinese-automakers-hope-to-boost-exports/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/chinese-automakers-hope-to-boost-exports/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Great Wall Phenom

We've heard for years that Chinese automakers hoped one day to export their wares to the United States. Ironically, the global economic slowdown could be what gives the Chinese incentive to finally make it happen.

Chinese automakers ramped up production capacity to meet surging demand at home only to see the local economic conditions slow from 30 percent growth in 2010 to just 2.5 percent in 2011. On top of that, the Chinese auto marketplace has now become crowded with foreign and domestic competitors.

"The rapid growth phase of China's auto market is coming to an end, and we see exports as one possible outlet for all the capacity we have built up," Xing Wenlin, Great Wall Motor vice president in charge of overseas markets, tells Reuters. Great Wall's Phenom concept (pictured above) was shown a few years ago as a possible export model.

While most Chinese-made cars aren't up to American quality expectations, developing automotive markets like Egypt, Ukraine, Brazil and Indonesia are clamoring for cheap, reliable transportation. Chinese automaker Chery said earlier this year it would be selling cars in Europe by 2015.

Geely's purchase of Volvo in 2010 has boosted the Chinese company's automotive technology expertise and could help it achieve its goal of doubling exports to 70,000 units this year. While the U.S. is still out of reach for most Chinese automakers, Geely may begin selling a Chinese-made car in the UK by the end of this year. If successful there, a logical next market would be North America.

Chinese automakers hope to boost exports originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 May 2012 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinachinese automakersgeelygreat wallTue, 15 May 2012 08:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Porsche says no baby Boxster, no rush on Pajun]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/porsche-says-no-baby-boxster-no-rush-on-pajun/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/porsche-says-no-baby-boxster-no-rush-on-pajun/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/porsche-says-no-baby-boxster-no-rush-on-pajun/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Porsche emblem

Just days after reporting that Porsche had plans to introduce the Pajun, a competitor for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class that would slot just below the Panamera, Automotive News quoted Porsche CEO Matthias Mueller saying the Pajun was not a done deal but could become reality in five or six years.

Automotive News was referencing an interview Mueller gave to German newspaper Stuttgarter Zeitung, in which he also says the company has no plans for an entry-level Porsche below the Boxster until at least 2014.

"We would do no good to the brand if we were to lose traditional Porsche customers," Mueller told the newspaper. In another interview with German business publication Wirtschaftswoche, Mueller said, "Possibly we need to wait until the next generation of customers before the idea of a small roadster will work for Porsche."

Porsche says no baby Boxster, no rush on Pajun originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 May 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boxstermatthias muellerpajunpanameraporscheMon, 14 May 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford of Europe's VP of manufacturing leaves after just 5 months]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/ford-of-europes-vp-of-manufacturing-leaves-after-just-5-months/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/ford-of-europes-vp-of-manufacturing-leaves-after-just-5-months/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/ford-of-europes-vp-of-manufacturing-leaves-after-just-5-months/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ford dealership sign

Mike Flewitt, Ford's vice president, manufacturing, Ford of Europe, has decided to "pursue other career interests" according to the company's press release. Jeff Wood, director of manufacturing for Ford's North America operations, will replace Flewitt beginning June 1.

Automotive News reports that the resignation comes after Ford of Europe reported a first-quarter, pre-tax loss of $149 million. The company has also cut working days at plants in Spain and days and production rates in Germany. Ford of Europe CEO Stephen Odell has previously said Ford's second-quarter production will fall by 65,000 vehicles from last year.

Flewitt began working at Ford in 1983 as an assembly plant trainee. Eventually he wound up at Rolls-Royce in 1995 as production director then moved to managing director at AutoNova AB Volvo in 1998 and operations group manager at TWR in 2000. In 2003, Flewitt returned to Ford of Europe as production quality director. Flewitt was installed in the VP position in January, 2012.

Automotive News says Flewitt has left Ford's European headquarters in Cologne, Germany for his UK birthplace.

Read Ford's press release after the jump for details and other personnel news from Ford.

Continue reading Ford of Europe's VP of manufacturing leaves after just 5 months

Ford of Europe's VP of manufacturing leaves after just 5 months originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 May 2012 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordford motor companyford of europejeff woodmike flewittMon, 14 May 2012 10:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Nissan breaks ground on new engine plant in Tennessee]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/11/nissan-breaks-ground-on-new-engine-plant-in-tennessee/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/11/nissan-breaks-ground-on-new-engine-plant-in-tennessee/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/11/nissan-breaks-ground-on-new-engine-plant-in-tennessee/#commentsFiled under: , , ,




Nissan breaks ground today on an expansion to its Decherd, Tennessee engine plant and will start churning out powerplants for Infiniti and Mercedes-Benz models in about four years.

The plant already builds four-, six- and eight-cylinder engines for several Nissan models as well as the Infiniti JX SUV. In 2011, the Decherd plant built 580,000 engines. The expansion will boost production capacity by as much as 250,000 units per year.

Nissan's partnership with Mercedes-Benz, announced in January, has the Decherd facility supplying engines to Merecedes' only North American plant in Vance, Alabama. The four-cylinder will be installed in the German company's C-Class sedans.

"This is the newest milestone in our pragmatic collaboration and our most significant project outside of Europe so far," said Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn in a January press release. "Localized capacity reduces exposure to foreign exchange rates while rapidly enabling a good business development in North America - a win-win for the Alliance and Daimler."

Nissan breaks ground on new engine plant in Tennessee originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 May 2012 10:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alabamac-classdecherdengine plantenginesInfinitimercedes-benznissantennesseeFri, 11 May 2012 10:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Porsche plans E-Class competitor, codename Pajun]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/10/porsche-plans-e-class-competitor-codename-pajun/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/10/porsche-plans-e-class-competitor-codename-pajun/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/10/porsche-plans-e-class-competitor-codename-pajun/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



German car magazine Auto Bild reports Porsche is planning build a sedan that will slot below the Panamera and compete directly with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Citing no sources (so a grain of salt is recommended), the magazine claims the four-door, codenamed Pajun, will cost no less than $84,000 and be ready for production no later than 2017.

In September 2011, Car claimed the Pajun could spawn coupe, convertible and even a shooting brake variant. Back then, rumors swirled about powertrain options that included a 550-horsepower V6, 600-hp V8, plug-in hybrid and an Audi-sourced diesel.

Hopefully, Porsche is also working expeditiously to find a better name than Pajun, which in Korea is a seafood pancake, in Finnish it means willow, and, according to Google's translation, in Welsh it means - wait for it - Cajun. That's the name Porsche was using to refer to its smaller-than-Cayenne SUV before changing it to Macan in February. Clever coincidence.

Porsche plans E-Class competitor, codename Pajun originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 May 2012 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e-classmercedes-benzpajunpanameraporschesedanThu, 10 May 2012 14:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Automakers tussle over owners of 'orphan' makes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/10/automakers-tussle-over-owners-of-orphan-makes/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/10/automakers-tussle-over-owners-of-orphan-makes/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/10/automakers-tussle-over-owners-of-orphan-makes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,



When General Motors put down several of its brands in recent years, it also let loose thousands of brand-loyal customers who will eventually need another car.

R.L. Polk Associates estimates there are more than 18 million cars from 16 discontinued makes on the road today. Those "orphan owners" have sales-hungry competitors seeing dollar signs. GM is offering Saturn owners $1,000 cash toward a Chevy Cruze, Cadillac CTS or a GMC Acadia. Ford is giving its Mercury lease customers a chance to get out of their contracts with no early-termination penalty and offering to waive six remaining payments if they drive off in a Ford or Lincoln.

Edmunds.com research shows the efforts are paying off somewhat for GM, with 39 percent of Pontiac owners, 37 percent of Hummer owners and 31 percent of Saturn owners taking delivery of another GM-branded vehicle. But that leaves as much as 69 percent of owners going elsewhere. Ford, Honda and Toyota seem to be attracting many former GM owners.

As Forbes points out, if you're driving an orphaned nameplate, you just might be able to use that to your advantage when shopping for a new vehicle.

Automakers tussle over owners of 'orphan' makes originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 May 2012 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordgeneral motorshummerlincolnmercuryorphanorphan carspontiacThu, 10 May 2012 08:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Meet Project Hexapod: A six-legged car-straddling robot]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/05/meet-project-hexapod-a-six-legged-car-straddling-robot/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/05/meet-project-hexapod-a-six-legged-car-straddling-robot/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/05/meet-project-hexapod-a-six-legged-car-straddling-robot/#commentsFiled under: ,



What has six legs, gas, weighs more than a ton and can walk over cars? Stompy the Rideable Hexapod, that's what. Stompy is a project envisioned by the Robotics Intensive class at Artisan's Asylum in Boston, and with your help, it could become a reality.

Stompy's six hydraulic legs are powered by a 135-hp, propane-fueled forklift engine and can carry two passengers high above the terrain.

What are the chances of this thing coming to life? Pretty good, actually. The president of Artisan's Asylum and leader of this project is Gui Cavalcanti, who has workd with DARPA on a four-legged pack robot to help soldiers with heavy loads.

Also on the team are Adam Bercu, two-time collegiate Battle Bots champ, robotic engineers Dan Cody and James Whong, and several others with backgrounds in open-source software and robotics.

The biggest obstacle looks to be funding, of course. After the team works up a list of stuff it will need to build Stompy, they plan to launch a Kickstarter campaign sometime around August.

Meet Project Hexapod: A six-legged car-straddling robot originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 May 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artisans asylumgui cavalcantiproject hexapodstompySat, 05 May 2012 18:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: German automakers defy analyst predictions by earning huge profits]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/04/german-automakers-defy-analyst-predictions-by-earning-huge-profi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/04/german-automakers-defy-analyst-predictions-by-earning-huge-profi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/04/german-automakers-defy-analyst-predictions-by-earning-huge-profi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2012 BMW 1 Series Convertible and CoupeEurope's financial situation is, well, bad. So no one was surprised to see analysts' low expectations for German carmakers. But the numbers are out, and whaddya know? Three German auto companies have reported better results than predicted.

BMW reported this week that its first quarter profit rose 19 percent. BMW said 1-Series sales jumped 20 percent, which helped the company deliver a record total of 425,528 vehicles in the first quarter.

Last week, Daimler and Volkswagen blew past analysts' expectations with VW increasing profit 10 percent and Daimler making 4.9 percent more that last year's first quarter.

Much of the profit and sales boost is due to growing popularity of German models in U.S. and China. A couple of analysts quoted in a Bloomberg report are split on what the future holds. One says he expects BMW and VW to raise their second quarter forecasts. Another sees China's market cooling off and gives BMW a neutral rating while rating VW and Daimler as good buys. So far this year automotive companies (including suppliers) are the best performing stocks in Europe.

German automakers defy analyst predictions by earning huge profits originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 May 2012 18:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto salesbmwcar salesdaimlermercedesmercedes-benzporschevolkswagenvwFri, 04 May 2012 18:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Cars of the Rich and the Famous]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/03/cars-of-the-rich-and-the-famous/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/03/cars-of-the-rich-and-the-famous/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/03/cars-of-the-rich-and-the-famous/#comments

If you were one of the world's richest human beings, what kind of car would you own? The richest man in the world, Carlos Slim Helu (worth about $69 billion), drives himself to work in a Bentley Continental Flying Spur. MSRP: $300K.

On the other hand, if you were Ingvar Kamprad, founder of Ikea, you'd drive something more humble like a 1993 Volvo 240. We wonder if he had to put it together himself.

Then there's Bill Gates. Another of the world's wealthiest people, Mr. Gates showed a video at the 2008 CES keynote of him driving away from his last day at work at Microsoft in a Ford Focus. While that may or may not be his daily driver, one of his cars has been well documented.

In 1999, President Clinton signed into law the "Show and Display" rule that exempted certain collectible cars from government emission and crash worthiness rules. Bill Gates and several other very rich motor nuts were instrumental in getting the law passed. The exemption allowed Gates to break his Porsche 959 free from the customs impound lot after more than a decade.

Check out the other 11 gajillionaires and their rides here.

Cars of the Rich and the Famous originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 May 2012 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bill gatescarlos slimIngvar Kampradmost expensiverichestricky gervaisworlds richestworlds richest manThu, 03 May 2012 10:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: GM to axe 100 R&D positions]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/01/gm-to-axe-100-randd-positions/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/01/gm-to-axe-100-randd-positions/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/01/gm-to-axe-100-randd-positions/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

GM Warren R&DGeneral Motors has confirmed it will cut 100 research and development positions at its Warren, Michigan, Technical Center and will close another R&D lab in Bangalore, India.

The cuts are about a 25-percent reduction in the Warren facility and are part of a "global restructuring."

"These moves will enable the organization to better focus on commercializing customer-focused innovation in a more efficient and cost effective manner," GM spokesman Dan Flores tells The Detroit News.

If they aren't offered new positions, affected workers will have 30 days to apply for other posts within GM before the layoffs commence in early June.

GM to axe 100 R&D positions originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 May 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bangalorecost cuttingcutbacksgeneral motorsindialayoffsmichr and dresearch and developmentwarren michiganwarren tech centerTue, 01 May 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Florida bank offers free Benz with new $1M account]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/01/florida-bank-offers-free-benz-with-new-1m-account/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/01/florida-bank-offers-free-benz-with-new-1m-account/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/01/florida-bank-offers-free-benz-with-new-1m-account/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK - red - front three-quarter view

The rich have all the fun, don't they? With your bank account, you get, what, free checks? Overdraft protection? A toaster maybe?

If you had a cool million sitting around, just taking up space, you could get yourself a free Mercedes-Benz. Not just a base C-Class either.

Open a five-year CD of at least $1 million at C1 Bank (formerly Community Bank) and you'll have your choice of a 2012 SLK350 Roadster, E350 Sedan, ML350 or an E350 Cabriolet. And, as a further bonus, your new car will come with tags, title, license and taxes all paid.

Small print? Oh, you betcha. First, you're limited to two vehicles per household. Second, unlike most CDs, at the end of its five-year life, you will cash out for exactly what you put in. Basically, you're letting the bank hang on to your $1 million for five years in return for that $60k-ish Mercedes you're driving. Instead of 1.2-percent APR you would normally collect at the end of the CD's life, you're getting a car up front.

Pull your money out early, and you'll get back what you put in, minus the cost of the car and a $3,000 early withdrawal fee.

Still, if you can spare a million for five years, and were about to buy a Mercedes anyway, it could be a good deal.

For details (and more small print) check out the press release by scrolling below.

Continue reading Florida bank offers free Benz with new $1M account

Florida bank offers free Benz with new $1M account originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 May 2012 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bank giveawayc1 bankcommunity banke-classe-class convertiblefree mercedesmercedes-benzml-classslk-classTue, 01 May 2012 14:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: This is what a drunk driver on the road looks like]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/30/this-is-what-a-drunk-driver-on-the-road-looks-like/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/30/this-is-what-a-drunk-driver-on-the-road-looks-like/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/30/this-is-what-a-drunk-driver-on-the-road-looks-like/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Is the driver of this Ford Ranger driving under the influence? From the looks of this four-minute-long video where he or she pinballs repeatedly between ditch and center line and narrowly misses oncoming traffic, it certainly looks like the wheelman is soggy drunk.

This four-minute+ video catches all the stupidity from the first off-road foray at about 40 seconds all the way to an expertly executed nosedive into a ditch. The impromptu videographers do a a fine job commentating on every jerky move as they attempt to warn oncoming drivers.

There's high drama at various points throughout the video, and in the end, the driver is lucky that the conclusion isn't worse.

Before you ask, from the audio, it sounds like the videographers called the cops before starting his camera. We assume the authorities showed up soon after the truck's violent sudden stop, and presumably hauled the driver off to either jail, hospital or morgue. Either way, watching the video is a sobering reminder of the stupidity of driving under the influence. Watch the video by scrolling down, but bear in mind there is some foul language.

Continue reading This is what a drunk driver on the road looks like

This is what a drunk driver on the road looks like originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dangerous drivingdrunk drivervideoMon, 30 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Study: Returning U.S. soldiers have trouble with road rules at home]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/29/returning-u-s-soldiers-have-trouble-with-road-rules-at-home/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/29/returning-u-s-soldiers-have-trouble-with-road-rules-at-home/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/29/returning-u-s-soldiers-have-trouble-with-road-rules-at-home/#commentsFiled under: ,

USAA chart

Life can be tough for U.S. soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Post traumatic stress disorder must make everyday tasks hell to deal with.

Not the least of which is re-adjusting to American road rules. In Iraq, the goal of the morning commute is to reach the destination alive. The more speed the better, and anything not moving out of the way quickly enough gets plowed into the pavement.

Many returning military personnel find it difficult to forget the lessons they've learned on hostile foreign roads. Over there, smart drivers follow the center line to avoid IEDs on the shoulders. Turn signals only give the enemy advance notice of your next move, and stopping at intersections makes you an easy target. When back in the states, those tactics are still effective for negotiating traffic, but aren't appreciated so much by fellow drivers.

A new study by insurer USAA (which serves members of the military and their families) shows that on average, returning troops had 13 percent more at-fault accidents than before they left. U.S. Army personnel showed the largest change at 23 percent, with Marines showing 12.3 percent increase.

Fortunately, USAA says it has no plans to raise rates in response to the study's results. It's also sharing the data with researchers and traffic safety experts in hopes of finding a solution.

Continue reading Returning U.S. soldiers have trouble with road rules at home

Returning U.S. soldiers have trouble with road rules at home originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Apr 2012 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aggressive drivingdrivinginsurancemilitarymilitary driving accidentsPTSDUSAASun, 29 Apr 2012 12:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Hyundai Sonata caused Nissan to reassess 2013 Altima development]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/27/hyundai-sonata-caused-nissan-to-reassess-2013-altima-development/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/27/hyundai-sonata-caused-nissan-to-reassess-2013-altima-development/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/27/hyundai-sonata-caused-nissan-to-reassess-2013-altima-development/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2013 Nissan Altima - live on NY Auto Show floor

When Hyundai rolled out their outrageously styled Sonata three years ago, car buyers took notice. It's eye-catching exterior styling, well-appointed interior and affordable price was just what a lot of family sedan buyers wanted.

Few will admit it, but carmakers sat up and paid attention, too. However, Andy Palmer, Nissan executive vice president for global planning, doesn't mind telling the world that his company certainly saw the significance of the midsize Korean sedan. So much so that they briefly halted design work on the 2013 Altima.

"We even delayed development by a short amount just to check that the (new Altima's) proportions were right, the (package) was right (and that) the product overall was right," Palmer tells Ward's Auto. "I'd say they (Hyundai) are our major point of reference."

But with the Altima as the second-best selling car in its segment, Nissan is focusing not on the Sonata, but on Toyota and the No. 1 best seller: Camry.

"If you keep coming with better cars and better communications, telling better stories, over a period of time," Palmer says. "I guarantee you'll be talking about Toyota and Nissan."

Hyundai Sonata caused Nissan to reassess 2013 Altima development originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 14:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 altima2013 nissan altimaandy palmercamrynissannissan altimasonatatoyotatoyota camryFri, 27 Apr 2012 14:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Auctions: eBay Find of the Day: 1981 Chevrolet Camaro Yenko Turbo]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/26/ebay-find-of-the-day-1981-chevrolet-camaro-yenko-turbo/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/26/ebay-find-of-the-day-1981-chevrolet-camaro-yenko-turbo/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/26/ebay-find-of-the-day-1981-chevrolet-camaro-yenko-turbo/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

1981 Yenko Camaro - front three-quarter view, white

You've never seen a 1981 Yenko Camaro? Maybe that's because only 19 were made and they usually sell for well north of what a new Camaro will cost you from your local Chevrolet dealer.

One gorgeously restored, matching numbers example is up for purchase on eBay Motors for the eye-watering Buy-It-Now price of $180k. But please consider the car's claimed history and stat sheet before passing judgement.

As the legend goes, in 1969, Yenko Chevrolet of Murray, Pennsylvania took a 12-year break from modding Camaros. But low compression '80s engines got under the skin of Don Yenko, and in 1981, the tuning legend proceeded to cram a turbocharged, four-barrel, 350 V8 under the hood of the second-generation car. Horsepower on the rare Yenko is unclear, but it should definitely be way more than the stock Z-28's meager 175 hp. Reports suggest this was to be Yenko's final big build, and the owner of this eBay find says this one is the very last 1981 Yenko produced.

On top of all that, the Charlotte, North Carolina seller says that the car has fewer than 30k miles, some of which were supposedly put there by curious automotive journalists. The winning bidder will get the original build sheet, window sticker and a production intent letter signed by Don Yenko.

eBay Find of the Day: 1981 Chevrolet Camaro Yenko Turbo originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1981 yenko camarocamarochevrolet camarodon yenkodonald yenkoebayebay motorsturbo camaroyenkoyenko camaroThu, 26 Apr 2012 16:01:00 EST