Autoblog

Chrysler decides to keep third shift at Windsor minivan plant, VW Routan to live on

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 17:25:00 EST

Filed under: Minivans/MPVs, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Plants/Manufacturing, Chrysler, LLC., Volkswagen

2009 Volkswagen Routan - click above for a high res image gallery

Earlier this spring as Chrysler stumbled toward bankruptcy court, one of the announced cost-cutting decisions was the elimination of the third shift at the Windsor assembly plant. That's the factory that produces the Chrysler Town and Country, Dodge Caravan and Volkswagen Routan minivans. According to Ken Lewenza, president of the Canadian Auto Workers union, the company has reversed course and will keep the third shift operational. Preserving the final shift will prevent 1,200 layoffs at the factory.

The change was made possible by a revised labor deal agreed to this spring, which cut $207 million in annual costs. Earlier this year, the plant "temporarily" ceased building the Routan for Volkswagen due to slow sales. According to VW of America communications director Steve Keyes, the Routan will live on as well. Keyes tells Autoblog "We will be introducing the 2010 MY vehicle this Fall and continue work on future models. Our goal was to capture 5 percent of the segment and we're meeting that target."

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Volkswagen Routan

[Source: Reuters, Volkswagen]

Chrysler decides to keep third shift at Windsor minivan plant, VW Routan to live on originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 11 Jul 2009 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Volkswagen Routan recalled for... magic 8-ball shake... owner's manual omission?!

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Minivans/MPVs, Recalls/TSBs, Safety, Volkswagen

In Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, one of the characters decries the need for a set of detailed instructions on a packet of toothpicks. Volkswagen might feel the same way now that 18,500 of its 2009 Routan minivans are being recalled because their owner's manuals don't include a required warning not to put items on or near the airbag. In the words of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

The owner's manual was printed without the required information explaining that no objects should be placed over the or near the airbag on the instrument panel. Any such objects could cause injury to the vehicle's occupants in the event of a crash severe enough to cause the airbag to inflate.

VW is sending dealers an insert to be placed in affected Routan manuals. If you don't trust yourself to handle the insert, you can take your Routan to the dealer and they'll be happy to assist.

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading Volkswagen Routan recalled for... *magic 8-ball shake*... owner's manual omission?!

Volkswagen Routan recalled for... *magic 8-ball shake*... owner's manual omission?! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: Nip/Tuck'd Ford S-Max spotted in the Swiss mountains

Chris Paukert — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Minivans/MPVs, Euro

Ford's rakish S-Max people mover may yet come to the States, but we almost certainly won't see it before the facelift seen here takes effect. Caught by long-lensed spy shots for EVO Magazine, this next-generation S-Max mule was caught pulling caravan duty in the Swiss mountains.

According to the U.K. publication, the S-Max's interior is likely to stay the same, meaning that buyers will once again get a choice of five- or seven-seat configurations. The exterior is clearly being tweaked with a new front fascia and grille, as well as reconfigured taillamps featuring LED illumination. Given that the production S-Max first debuted at the Geneva Motor Show back in 2006, this seems like as opportune a time as any to refresh the award-winning MPV.

The engine lineup is expected to remain unaltered, meaning buyers can expect a range of gas and diesel four- and five-cylinder engines as well as manual and automatic transmission choices.

We've been hearing for years now that the sporty S-Max might cross the Pond... is it finally our turn? And if so, would Americans consider it? Have your say in 'Comments.'

[Source: EVO]

Spy Shots: Nip/Tuck'd Ford S-Max spotted in the Swiss mountains originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

eBay Find of the Day: Mammoth 1930s Hariss steam-powered split-window prototype

Dan Roth — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Time Warp, Minivans/MPVs, Trucks/Pickups, Auction Action, Etc., Special/Limited Editions

Hariss Steam Car prototype - Click above for high-res image gallery

Now here's just the thing to mix up with a heated-up Flattie, or better yet, a Rajo Model T powerplant, which would be perfectly authentic for the vintage. Oh sure, purists will argue that this artifact, which apparently started life as a Hariss Steam Car prototype carrying a Stanley Steamer power unit, should be returned to its original state. Good luck figuring out exactly what that was.

With a deft enough touch, you could pay homage to the 1930s craftsmanship in this vehicle without ruining it. Either way, if you're determined enough to buy this obviously Stout Scarab-inspired vehicle (it currently has one bid at $8,500) it will be yours to do whatever you choose, critics be damned. Going all Travels With Charley with this split-window behemoth, especially towing a homebuilt teardrop trailer, would be a fantastic summer diversion, and if you did go all external-combustion-engine on it, you'd always have a fire to sit around at night.

Gallery: Hariss Steamer

[Source: eBay Motors]

eBay Find of the Day: Mammoth 1930s Hariss steam-powered split-window prototype originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Unlikely State Of Tune: Mugen takes on the Honda Stream

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 20:07:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Minivans/MPVs, Honda

You wanted something sporty, but due to additions to the family, a minivan is as athletic as its going to get. But if that minivan is the 2010 Honda Stream, you can still satisfy your sporty urges thanks to Mugen. The practically in-house tuner has developed a full line of interior, exterior, aero, performance, handling and cosmetic parts for the people mover -- from typical Mugen mods like spoilers and wheels to a performance air filter and TypeT touring brake pads. If you add the sport suspension to your minivan, well, maybe you really do need to get a different car.

Gallery: 2010 Mugen Honda Stream

[Source: Mugen]

Unlikely State Of Tune: Mugen takes on the Honda Stream originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 28 Jun 2009 20:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Frankfurt Preview: Peugeot releases new 5008 minivan

Noah Joseph — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Auto Show, Minivans/MPVs, Euro, Peugeot

2010 Peugeot 5008 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

The French are known for two things: style and love. Trouble is, the product of the latter tends to cramp the former. So what's an amorous Frenchman to do? If the legion has grown too large for the cabrio, then perhaps you get one of these: the new Peugeot 5008. The French automaker's latest MPV (that's Euro-speak for "minivan") offers a wide variety of configuration options to accommodate loads of cargo or up to seven passengers in a tech- and glass-intensive cabin to make cruising in this Très Grand Véhicule as comfortable as a ride through the Alps in a rail-bound TGV.

Among the gizmos incorporated into the new 5008 are a head-up dashboard display, Snow Motion traction control, a choice of nav systems and, of course, a full multimedia array to keep the kids placated while watching Asterix. There are a couple of gasoline engines available - 1.6-liter turbos with either 120 or 150 horsepower - but most buyers will probably opt for one of the four diesel options, ranging from 109 horses up to 163. When the 5008 makes its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show this coming September, we doubt anybody will be falling in love - but the svelt brood buggy could come in handy if you already have. High-res gallery below, full details in the encyclopedia press release after the jump.

Gallery: Peugeot 5008

Continue reading Frankfurt Preview: Peugeot releases new 5008 minivan

Frankfurt Preview: Peugeot releases new 5008 minivan originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: VW planning Polo-based mini MPV

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 28 May 2009 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Minivans/MPVs, Volkswagen

Next up to announce a miniature MPV is Volkswagen, said to be eying its Polo for conversion to a (little) people hauler. In Europe such a car would go against competition like the Opel Meriva and Fiat Qubo. A VW board member suggested that such a car would be about adding to the company's small car variety, and it wants to have the right mix of offerings when the recovery comes.

On a side note, VW is also planning a "less effeminate, more assertive and masculine" Beetle that they want more men to buy. Because who knew button-cute car with a flower vase holder wouldn't appeal to men?

Gallery: 2010 Volkswagen Polo

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: VW planning Polo-based mini MPV originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 May 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: 2011 Toyota Sienna performs platform shuffle

Dan Roth — Wed, 06 May 2009 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Minivans/MPVs, Toyota, Rumormill

The Toyota Sienna minivan already shares a lot of the Camry's yeoman components, and for 2011 the two vehicles are going to converge even more. A mule's been snapped by The Detroit News' sharpshooters, and it doesn't look too different from the van you can buy in your local Toyota showroom. Don't be deceived, though. Toyota's simmering away on the next Sienna, with plans to move its all-conquering van to the MC platform that Toyota uses for the Camry, Highlander, RAV4, Venza and even the Prius. Platform engineering doesn't have to stink, and it's going to save Toyota money to build so much of its line-up off the same basic list of ingredients. New styling, or at least a revision, should be expected to ride atop the newly appropriated bones when the updated Sienna drops. We're guessing it'll look pretty much like a box with a Toyota-family nose, though the F3R concept has been mentioned as a potential look, so who knows?

[Source: The Detroit News]

Spy Shots: 2011 Toyota Sienna performs platform shuffle originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 May 2009 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Power to the Papal: Fiat provides Vatican with specially-equipped Ducato van

Noah Joseph — Tue, 05 May 2009 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Minivans/MPVs, Government/Legal, FIAT, Celebrities

Pope Benedict XVI's Fiat Ducato Panorama - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Pope may be the Pope but he still needs to get around, which is why there have been so many additions to the Vatican motor pool for us to report on. His predecessor John Paul II may have received a Ferrari Enzo, but after selling his Volkswagen Golf, Benedict XVI has added a Volvo XC90, a BMW X5, a Volkswagen Phaeton W12, and a custom Mercedes G-Class to his serene stable. And now he can add one more, as Fiat has provided the Holy Father with a specially-equipped Ducato Panorama van for his tour of the earthquake-stricken region of Abruzzo in Italy, which also happens to be where the Ducato is made in a joint venture with PSA-Peugeot-Citroen.

The van is painted plain white with the livery of the Italian Civil Defence administration, which is managing the disaster relief, while inside the papal transport has been fitted with white leather sofas for His Holiness and his entourage. The Pope will be riding around Abruzzo to tour the tent camps housing the refugees, a local bassilica damaged by the disaster, and the coordinating headquarters for the relief efforts. Follow the jump for more detials in Fiat's press release, and click on the thumbnails below to view the holy roller in high resolution.

Gallery: The Pope's Disaster Relief Fiat Ducato Panorama

[Source: Fiat]

Continue reading Power to the Papal: Fiat provides Vatican with specially-equipped Ducato van

Power to the Papal: Fiat provides Vatican with specially-equipped Ducato van originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 May 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mercedes-Benz R-Class, Lincoln MKZ earn IIHS Top Safety Pick

Michael Harley — Mon, 04 May 2009 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Minivans/MPVs, Sedans/Saloons, Safety, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz

2010 Lincoln MKZ - Click above for a high-res image gallery

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently tested the Mercedes-Benz R-Class and Lincoln MKZ, and both have earned the agency's Top Safety Pick rating for 2009. The 2009 Mercedes-Benz R-Class did very well in the frontal offset and side impact tests with "Good" ratings in both tests (models manufactured after 9/2008 with the standard side airbags). The 2010 Lincoln MKZ also performed admirably, earning "Good" ratings in both tests as well (models manufactured after 1/2007). In rear crash tests done by the IIHS, the Mercedes and Lincoln each received "Good" ratings. While the IIHS smashed both of the vehicles offset into a barrier at 40 mph, and hit each with a 3,300-pound side impact barrier moving at 31 mph, the agency's new roof strength crash testing has not been conducted on either model. See the short press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Lincoln MKZ

[Source: IIHS]

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz R-Class, Lincoln MKZ earn IIHS Top Safety Pick

Mercedes-Benz R-Class, Lincoln MKZ earn IIHS Top Safety Pick originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 May 2009 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Car and Driver makes its own Mazdaspeed5

Frank Filipponio — Sat, 02 May 2009 13:06:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Minivans/MPVs, Crossovers/CUVs, Mazda

The Washtenaw Community College Vehicle Performance class that helped build Boss Wagon VI

Although the story's a bit old, Car and Driver just released the tale of their sixth Boss Wagon project online. Just like their past attempts at turning a sow's ear into a silk purse, this one starts with a casual comment that snowballs out of control. After several rethinks, copious man-hours and a lot of scratched heads, a new Boss Wagon has been birthed. This time the project takes the form of a Mazdaspeed5. Yep, Mazda's funky microvan with an extra dash of speed.

Although there are plenty of examples of the Mazdaspeed3 and Mazdaspeed6 on the road, Mazda never made a factory Mazdaspeed5. Some people think that's unacceptable, a few AB staffers included. The Mazda5 is an almost perfect family hauler, but one complaint from drivers has often been that it lacks some zoom-zoom in the engine bay. The simple fix? Because the 5 shares its underpinnings with the Mazda3, stuff in a Mazdaspeed3 turbo mill and pick up an extra 110 hp instantaneously.

Sounds simple enough, but as you'll learn by reading the article, things are never as simple as they might seem. Some eight months, 21 days, and two hours later, the only items they hadn't removed from the 5 were the sliders and liftgate, and they still aren't finished with the fine-tuning. Well, did all that work pay off? Did they turn the grocery getter into a weekend warrior? Follow the source link and find out for yourselves.

[Source: Car and Driver]

Car and Driver makes its own Mazdaspeed5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 02 May 2009 13:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Chrysler unveils new electric minivan for U.S. Postal Service duty

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Minivans/MPVs, Government/Legal, Green, Tech, Commercial Trucks, Chrysler, LLC.

Chrysler U.S. Postal Service Minivan - Click above for a high-res gallery

Chrysler is celebrating Earth Day today by unveiling the first four of what will be a fleet of 250 battery powered minivans for the US Postal Service. The U.S.P.S. will be using the vans for variety of duties at locations around the country - including daily home delivery.

The vans themselves are based on the concept Town and Country EV that was unveiled last Fall by Chrysler. However, because of the duty cycle used by the Postal Service - which generally amounts to only about 18-20 miles per day on a fixed route - these vehicles are being built without the range extender seen on the concept. However, the electric drive portion of the vehicles, including the motor, electronics and A123 System lithium ion battery pack is identical. The head of Chrysler's ENVI division Lou Rhodes told Autoblog Green this morning that Chrysler is marketing this battery-only version of the van to commercial fleet customers who typically have a shorter range requirements. The extended-range version will be focused on retail customers.

The initial batch of vehicles include a pair of right- and left-hand drive versions, and the total fleet will include a mix. The Postal Service will be using the vehicles for whatever applications they have in different regions of the country. The intent is to evaluate the usability of electric vans, as well as the interaction between the vehicles and the infrastructure. In addition to the post office, Consolidated Edison (Con Ed), Duke Energy, DTE Energy and Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) will participate in the test program.

Gallery: Chrysler EV USPS mini-van

[Source: Chrysler]

Chrysler unveils new electric minivan for U.S. Postal Service duty originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Apr 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

GM shows off Buick Business MPV concept with new images

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 09:33:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrids/Alternative, Minivans/MPVs, China, Green, Buick, Shanghai Motor Show

Buick Business MPV - Click above for a high-res image gallery

On Monday, we brought you live images of the Buick Business MPV that's currently on display at the Shanghai Motor Show. Judging from the comments from that post, this hauler for the Chinese market is a pretty polarizing design, but in a sea of boring and derivative shapes, we don't necessarily think that's a bad thing. In any case, these new shots and accompanying press release from the GM mothership show the new concept in much better detail.

One of the most controversial design elements are the shoulder-level dips about halfway into the rear sliding doors. These were reportedly added to give the MPV a distinctive look and to incorporate the rail guides for the power sliders. Up front is a large toothy grille done up in chrome that looks typical for a Chinese Buick.

Inside, dual second-row captain's chairs slide for and aft and are capable of swiveling 225 degrees. A power sliding center console houses a writing tablet or laptop computer and is accessible from both the second and third rows.

Under the short front hood sits 2.4-liter four cylinder engine mated up with a six-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain is equipped with the latest version of GM's belt-alternator-starter mild hybrid system, which reportedly improves fuel efficiency by up to 20%. Check out galleries below of both live shots and high-res images from GM, and click past the break for the official press release.

Gallery: Shanghai 2009: Buick Business MPV

Gallery: shanghai 2009:buick mpv concept

Continue reading GM shows off Buick Business MPV concept with new images

GM shows off Buick Business MPV concept with new images originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Apr 2009 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Shanghai 2009: Brilliance rolls out EV Concept with funky power clamshell doors

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Economy, Hybrids/Alternative, Minivans/MPVs, Wagons/Estates, China, Green, Shanghai Motor Show

Brilliance EV Concept - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Chinese automaker Brilliance is showing off a new concept electric car that's currently on display at the Shanghai Motor Show. A large battery pack using lithium ion technology is reportedly capable of providing a range of around 93 miles (150 kilometers). The Chinese automaker claims that this battery can be hooked to a 220V charger that can use a "Quick Charge" feature to replenish the pack to about 80 percent in just 30 minutes.

Driving the rear wheels is a 47kW permanent magnet electric motor that puts out about 90 lb-ft of torque (120 NM) and is capable of revving to 10,000 RPM. But wait, there's more! A second electric motor powers the front wheels at speeds of around 25 miles per hour for city use. Top speed with both motors engaged is around 80 mph.

On the exterior front, this new EV concept may be vaguely inspired by the VW Space Up! concept from a few years back, but we don't think it's particularly egregious. Dual power-operated clamshell-ish doors allow access into an interior cabin that rather well done in clean-looking white materials. In typical showcar fashion, a fully electronic dash sits behind a yoke-style steering wheel. Have a look for yourself in our full gallery below.

Gallery: Shanghai 2009: Brilliance EV concept

Photos copyright (C) 2009 IceBin / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Autoblog Chinese]

Shanghai 2009: Brilliance rolls out EV Concept with funky power clamshell doors originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Goodbye, Routan? VW minivan reportedly not long for this world

Noah Joseph — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 11:22:00 EST

Filed under: Minivans/MPVs, Volkswagen, Earnings/Financials

Volkswagen Routan - Click above for high-res gallery

That the Volkswagen Routan has been a dismal failure is probably one of the worst kept secrets in the industry, but until now, few have taken stock of just how poorly the badge-engineered minivan was selling.

The idea was fairly straightforward, if a tad ill-conceived: take a Dodge Caravan, slap on a fresh face and a VW badge and give it an unpronounceable name. The minivan is built alongside its Chrysler and Dodge counterparts at Chrysler's Windsor, Ontario, plant... or at least it was until Wolfsburg asked Auburn Hills to stop production. Apparently, not a single Routan has rolled off the assembly line since last December, and there are no immediate plans to resume production.

Nor should they, necessarily: Of the 22,037 Routans produced between its introduction in September and the cessation of production just a few months later, only 5,582 (less than a quarter of those made) have actually been sold. With that much back-stock, Volkswagen Group of America has been offering some attractive incentives, and dealers are likely super-motivated to sell, but the Routan's retail price is still a couple grand higher than a Dodge Caravan's, part of which goes towards recouping Brooke Shields' paycheck for that ridiculous advertising campaign. And with no sign of the remaining Routans' value going anywhere but down, there's little motivation for VW (to ask Chrysler) to resume production, much less green-light its replacement.

If there's a bright spot here, it's that the Routan actually isn't a bad minivan, particularly now that good deals are available. It's been said that it is the best-driving Chrysler minivan (with the best interior of the bunch), and that's probably true - even if the name, marketing and idea that this is a proper VW has never managed to resonate with consumers.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Volkswagen Routan

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

Goodbye, Routan? VW minivan reportedly not long for this world originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 11:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Shanghai 2009: Buick's handsome new MPV concept is all business

Chris Paukert — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 10:27:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Minivans/MPVs, China, Buick, GM, Shanghai Motor Show

Buick "Business" MPV concept - Click above for a hi-res gallery

General Motors has unveiled its new Buick "Business" MPV concept in Shanghai, and while details remain scarce as we try to practice our Chinese, we can tell you that while the idea of another Buick minivan may be hard for U.S. audiences to swallow (after the poor sales and driving experience of the Terraza), Buick MPVs do a very solid trade in China as executive transports. Thus, instead of prioritizing sippy cup storage, this is clearly more of a high-roofed luxury limousine.

Our compatriots over at Autoblog Chinese (who bring you these images) tell us that this vehicle is the result of a joint-venture between General Motors China and the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center, as was the 2007 Rivera concept before it. If our Google translator is to be believed, this vehicle is still based on the Buick GL8 (read: Terraza), and the "land-based business class" concept is designed to point the way toward future visions of Buick luxury for customers in the land of the Great Wall. We'll have more details for you as they become available. For now, take a look at the gallery below.

Gallery: shanghai 2009:buick mpv concept

Shanghai 2009: Buick's handsome new MPV concept is all business originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Entourage dead, Hyundai says no to badge engineering

Michael Harley — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: Minivans/MPVs, Plants/Manufacturing, Hyundai, Kia, Earnings/Financials

When Hyundai dealers complained about not having a minivan in 2006, the automaker reached into the corporate pool and re-badged the Kia Sedona, turning into the Entourage. The timing was poor, as minivan sales plummeted across the board. Last year, sales were down 50% on the Entourage to just 8,400 units (Kia sold 27,000 Sedonas in the same period). It was a brutal lesson, but Hyundai's U.S. CEO John Krafcik says the company learned "why you don't do badge engineering." Needless to say, the plug is being pulled on the Hyundai Entourage later this year. With its sales wounded by the dismissed Hyundai, the Kia Sedona will continue to grace showrooms. For now, at least.

[Source: BusinessWeek]

Entourage dead, Hyundai says no to badge engineering originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Apr 2009 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

New York: Definite Maybe - VW Up! could be headed Stateside

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 13:20:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Economy, Minivans/MPVs, Green, I.C.E., Hatchbacks, Volkswagen

Volkswagen Up! Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Here in New York, Volkswagen CEO Stefan Jacoby said the company might be shaking things "Up" again in the States. The on-again, off-again status of the Up! mini-car on these shores is apparently about to go on - again. While the Up! (likely to reintroduce the Lupo nameplate) won't see production until 2012 at the earliest, Jacoby is hinting that it could be on sale here when it debuts: "Up! could be in the future of the market here. In urban areas like New York, a car like Up! has a good chance."

Jacoby, among others, thinks that fuel efficiency will remain a big draw into the future, so cars like the Up! make a lot of sense for VW, returning an anticipated 50 mpg. And that's just in conventional internal-combustion engine configuration. Throw in some of VW's alternative-fuel technology, and that number could go up significantly. "We are looking at second-generation biofuels, electric cars, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and nanotechnology," Jacoby said. That doesn't mean VW thinks the end of the ICE is nigh. When the U.S. market starts to rebound at the end of 2009, Jacoby anticipates a total market of 13 million to 14 million vehicles, the vast majority ICEs.

We've already speculated that the Up! will be produced in India, and that we'll most likely get the roomier Space Up! microvan model rather than the smaller three-door hatch version. We're also hearing that the original Beetle-like rear-engine, rear-drive configuration will be swapped to front/front for production. Engine options are said to range from a 600cc turbo to a 1.2-liter three-cylinder, in gas and diesel forms. Mileage could be as high as 80 miles-per-gallon. If it has any of the driving dynamics that Volkswagen is known for, we can see this being a worthy rival for the Honda Fit and Fiat 500 in the fun little econo car class.

Gallery: VW up!

Gallery: VW space up! blue

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

New York: Definite Maybe - VW Up! could be headed Stateside originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Apr 2009 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Review: 2009 Nissan Cube S is unbalanced, in a good way

Alex Nunez — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Minivans/MPVs, Nissan

2009 Nissan Cube S - Click above for high-res image gallery

One of our favorite cars last year was a cream-colored, Japanese Domestic Market (JDM), second-generation Nissan Cube that the Japanese automaker loaned us for a few days of commuting and assorted daily driving duties. It was a fantastic car, with excellent styling, the ingenious e-4WD system, a practical interior, and - bless its heart - a front bench seat. Nissan was passing around the keys because it wanted to build up buzz for the arrival of the third-generation Cube, which would break free of the right-hand-drive market prison to which its predecessors were restricted. The JDM Cube was indeed a tasty appetizer, but now the main course has arrived. Once again, we were given the keys to a Nissan Cube for a few days. Only this time it was brown and, more importantly, you can actually buy it in the U.S.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Nissan Cube (U.S.-spec)

Continue reading Review: 2009 Nissan Cube S is unbalanced, in a good way

Review: 2009 Nissan Cube S is unbalanced, in a good way originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Apr 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rendered Speculation: Yet another next-gen Ford Focus photoshop

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Economy, Minivans/MPVs, Wagons/Estates, Crossovers/CUVs, Hatchbacks, Ford, Rendered Speculation

Ford's design language can be largely distilled to three words: "let it ride." 2005's Iosis Concept created the template for kinetic design, and ever since then Ford has cashed in a number of winning bets on that language. Next up is the 2010 Ford Focus, based on the Iosis Max concept, and all of the speculation so far hints at a fine-looking, capable performer.

Powering the Focus will be a range of EcoBoost engines ranging from an 89 hp 1.0-liter to a 1.6-liter with 197 hp. Look for the Europeans to also get a diesel lineup that that tops out with a 197-horsepower 2.0-liter oil-burner. The available powerplants are expected to be mated with either a manual transmission or a Powershift twin-clutch setup.

The car's handling and refinement will be improved, and options are are expected to include a panoramic glass roof, Ford's Human Machine Interface, and a reversing camera. The next Ford Focus is expected to go on sale later this year in China, then in the U.S. shortly thereafter along with the C-Max compact people mover.

[Source: Auto Express]

Rendered Speculation: Yet another next-gen Ford Focus photoshop originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Apr 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments