Autoblog South America http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog South America http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/favicon-v5.png Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Jeff RossThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Cars made in Brazil blamed for country's high death rate]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/cars-made-in-brazil-blamed-for-countrys-high-death-rate/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/cars-made-in-brazil-blamed-for-countrys-high-death-rate/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/cars-made-in-brazil-blamed-for-countrys-high-death-rate/#comments Filed under: , ,

Unsafe cars in Brazil

The Detroit Free Press reports the new generation of Brazil-built cars are to blame for the country's high death rate. Thanks to a booming middle class, Brazil is the fourth-largest vehicle market in the world, but four of the country's best-selling models have failed independent crash tests. Couple those machines with the country's notoriously dangerous roads and weather, and Brazil winds up with a traffic death rate nearly four times that of the US when weighted for the disparity in the size of both driving populations.

Automakers, meanwhile, say their products meet or exceed Brazil's safety laws - starting next year, manufacturers will be required to install front airbags and anti-lock brakes. Activists, meanwhile, say those changes aren't enough to make a meaningful impact on the country's death toll. Independent testing found that four of the country's top-selling cars from brands like General Motors, Volkswagen and Fiat received a lowly one-star crash rating.

Compounding the issue is the fact that manufacturers make more money on less safe, inexpensive Brazilian-made cars. The Detroit Free Press reports companies earn a 10-percent profit on vehicles built in Brazil compared to three percent from US-built models and an average of five percent from machines assembled elsewhere. Vehicles imported from other markets are more likely to have safety equipment that meets more stringent standards.

Cars made in Brazil blamed for country's high death rate originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 May 2013 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> brazilbrazil traffic deathssafetytraffic deaths Wed, 15 May 2013 08:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20567120/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20567120/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/15/cars-made-in-brazil-blamed-for-countrys-high-death-rate/20567120/article-detail.xml 20567120 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/brazilunsafecars_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/brazilunsafecars.jpg <![CDATA[Two-time Le Mans winner Melo arrested after high-speed chase and crash [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/two-time-le-mans-winner-melo-arrested-after-high-speed-chase-and/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/two-time-le-mans-winner-melo-arrested-after-high-speed-chase-and/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/two-time-le-mans-winner-melo-arrested-after-high-speed-chase-and/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Jamie Melo at Le Mans (middle) with trophy

Brazilian race driver Jamie Melo, ex-Risi Competizione Ferrari driver, got into the wrong kind of race with the Brazilian authorities recently. According to reports on the BBC and Speed, Melo (above, middle) got into an argument with a man outside of a nightclub, and when the police showed up, he got in his car and drove away with the headlights off. A high-speed chase ensued, resulting in Melo crashing into a house, then trying to run away, only to be apprehended on the grounds of the 6th Military Police Battalion.

That meant a night in the clink on charges of drunk driving, driving under the influence of narcotics, driving with a suspended license and resisting arrest. To start with...

He's apparently out now on bail, and his father said he left the country soon afterward to drive a race in Europe. Melo won the ALMS GT2 Championship in 2007 and Le Mans in 2008 and 2009 in GT2. If you're interested, there's a video of him below in better days winning the 12 Hours of Sebring in 2007 in a Ferrari, battling a Porsche throughout the last half of the last lap.

Continue reading Two-time Le Mans winner Melo arrested after high-speed chase and crash [w/video]

Two-time Le Mans winner Melo arrested after high-speed chase and crash [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> braziljamie melomelopolicepolice chase Wed, 24 Apr 2013 18:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548063/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548063/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/24/two-time-le-mans-winner-melo-arrested-after-high-speed-chase-and/20548063/article-detail.xml 20548063 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/jamie-melo-driver-le-mans-2009_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/jamie-melo-driver-le-mans-2009.jpg <![CDATA[Watch hundreds of Peruvian motorists line runway to help emergency plane take off]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/watch-hundreds-of-peruvian-motorists-line-runway-to-help-emergen/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/watch-hundreds-of-peruvian-motorists-line-runway-to-help-emergen/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/watch-hundreds-of-peruvian-motorists-line-runway-to-help-emergen/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Peruvian motorists provide emergency light for plane on runway - video screencap

Life can be a little trickier in the remote villages of Peru. When doctors recently needed to fly a mother, her newborn child and a teenager all in need of emergency medical care from Contamana to a hospital in the middle of the night, the situation looked dire. The local airstrip that serves as the community's lifeline to the outside world has no lighting, and without the ability to see, the pilot had no way to get the plane off the ground safely. That's when a local radio station put out a call for help.

Nearly 300 vehicles showed up with their headlights blazing to light the way, allowing the plane to take off and the patients to get the medical attention they needed. The community wrangled up cars, motorcycles and rickshaws to give the aircraft a clear view of the runway in just 30 minutes. You can watch a quick BBC news report of this heartwarming display of humanity in the video below for yourself.

Continue reading Watch hundreds of Peruvian motorists line runway to help emergency plane take off

Watch hundreds of Peruvian motorists line runway to help emergency plane take off originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Apr 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> aircraftcars light a runwaycontamanaflyinghumanityperurickshawvideo Fri, 05 Apr 2013 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20531734/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20531734/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/05/watch-hundreds-of-peruvian-motorists-line-runway-to-help-emergen/20531734/article-detail.xml 20531734 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/rickshaw-runway-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/rickshaw-runway-628.jpg <![CDATA[Watch Piquet and Mansell bend some sheetmetal in Ford Fusion GP]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/12/watch-piquet-and-mansell-bend-some-sheetmetal-in-ford-fusion-gp/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/12/watch-piquet-and-mansell-bend-some-sheetmetal-in-ford-fusion-gp/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/12/watch-piquet-and-mansell-bend-some-sheetmetal-in-ford-fusion-gp/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



As we told you about before, there were four episodes planned for the Ford Fusion GP campaign in Brazil, and the whole series has now run its course. The Ford ads pit Brazilian Formula One driver Nelson Piquet against English F1 pilot Nigel Mansell driving the new Fusion, the two coming together again after their partnership at the Williams F1 team ended in a miserable state more than 20 years ago.

They're lined up for you below, in reverse chronological order. You should watch number three first, though, as it adds a bit more spice to the NASCAR action in the fourth.

Continue reading Watch Piquet and Mansell bend some sheetmetal in Ford Fusion GP

Watch Piquet and Mansell bend some sheetmetal in Ford Fusion GP originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 ford fusionf1fordford brazilford do brasilford fusion gpformula onefusionfusion grand prixmansellnelson piquetnigel mansellpiquetporto alegrevideo Tue, 12 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20458456/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20458456/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/12/watch-piquet-and-mansell-bend-some-sheetmetal-in-ford-fusion-gp/20458456/article-detail.xml 20458456 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/fusiongp4_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/fusiongp4.jpg <![CDATA[Blue Oval's new Cargo cab-over rig is largest "One Ford" initiative yet]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/24/blue-ovals-new-cargo-cab-over-rig-is-largest-one-ford-initiat/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/24/blue-ovals-new-cargo-cab-over-rig-is-largest-one-ford-initiat/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/24/blue-ovals-new-cargo-cab-over-rig-is-largest-one-ford-initiat/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2013 Ford Cargo Extra Heavy-Duty big rig - front three-quarter view, red

The imposing commercial truck above has a feature that might be surprising to most Autoblog readers - a Blue Oval emblem on the front. Here in North America, Ford simply doesn't play in the eighteen-wheeler sandbox, but that doesn't mean that the Dearborn-based automaker is absent in the heavy hauling space in other parts of the globe. In fact, Ford presently fields two completely different big rig ranges under the Cargo moniker - one a product of an Eastern Europe/Turkey joint venture, and another from Brazil. But that's about to start changing with the advent of this new cab-over model seen here.

Unveiled in São Paulo, Brazil, this new generation of Cargo is perhaps the largest physical embodiment of CEO Alan Mulally's "One Ford" global streamlining strategy. Instead of multiple models, company engineers have developed a new single truck that it says will better meet the needs of truckers in all markets. Designed to compete in what's known as the "extra heavy-duty segment" elsewhere in the world, this Cargo was developed jointly by Ford engineering teams in Brazil, Turkey and Europe.

Specifics remain hard to come by (read: unreleased), but Ford is promising an all-new engine enabling hauling capability of up to 56 tons while still returning excellent fuel economy. Ford's global Cargo lineup will henceforth consist of a dozen models, but Ford tells Autoblog has no plans to bring this hot and heavy-duty action to North America.

Blue Oval's new Cargo cab-over rig is largest "One Ford" initiative yet originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Jan 2013 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 18-wheeler2013 ford cargo2013 ford cargo truck2013fordcargotruckcab-overcabovercargocommercial truckfordford cargo extra heavy duty truckford cargo modelsfordcargoextraheavydutytruckfordcargomodelstrucking Thu, 24 Jan 2013 17:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20436900/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20436900/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/24/blue-ovals-new-cargo-cab-over-rig-is-largest-one-ford-initiat/20436900/article-detail.xml 20436900 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/ford-cargo-extra-heavy-duty-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/ford-cargo-extra-heavy-duty-628.jpg <![CDATA[Nelson Piquet and Nigel Mansell revisit bitter F1 rivalry in... Ford Fusion campaign?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/23/nelson-piquet-and-nigel-mansell-revisit-bitter-f1-rivalry-in/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/23/nelson-piquet-and-nigel-mansell-revisit-bitter-f1-rivalry-in/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/23/nelson-piquet-and-nigel-mansell-revisit-bitter-f1-rivalry-in/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Fusion Grand Prix video screencap

Formula One World Champions Nelson Piquet and Nigel Mansell haven't been on good terms since the 1986 season, when Piquet joined Mansell at the Williams team and Piquet spent the year privately fuming about not being granted the status of number one driver. Things only got worse from there - even though Piquet won the title the following year with Williams, still partnered with Mansell, the fuming was a lot less private.

They're back together after a 25-year silence, in the city of Porto Alegre, Brazil to drive the new Ford Fusion. Called "Fusion Grand Prix," both men get the new Ford sedan, prepped to their liking - but still street legal, we assume - for a race to decide... well, who is faster behind the wheel of a Fusion.

There will be four episodes, with the first two having already aired. The third episode comes on January 29 and the race happens February 5. You'll find two video episodes and a press release below, but note - because it's a campaign for Ford Brazil, Piquet's dialogue in the vids isn't translated, so hit the Closed Captioning button to hear his side of the smack talking.

Continue reading Nelson Piquet and Nigel Mansell revisit bitter F1 rivalry in... Ford Fusion campaign?

Nelson Piquet and Nigel Mansell revisit bitter F1 rivalry in... Ford Fusion campaign? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 ford fusionf1fordford brazilford do brasilformula onefusionfusion grand prixmansellnelson piquetnigel mansellpiquetporto alegrevideo Wed, 23 Jan 2013 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20435907/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20435907/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/23/nelson-piquet-and-nigel-mansell-revisit-bitter-f1-rivalry-in/20435907/article-detail.xml 20435907 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/fusiongp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/fusiongp.jpg <![CDATA[French motorcyclist Thomas Bourgin killed at Dakar]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/13/french-motorcyclist-thomas-bourgin-killed-at-dakar/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/13/french-motorcyclist-thomas-bourgin-killed-at-dakar/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/13/french-motorcyclist-thomas-bourgin-killed-at-dakar/#comments Filed under: , ,

Thomas Bourgin

The 2013 Dakar Rally has claimed another life. Organizers have confirmed 25-year-old motorcycle rider Thomas Bourgin died after colliding with an oncoming Chilean police vehicle while in transit to the start of a stage.

The accident occurred at 8:23 local time, and the rally's medical teams responded to the scene. Medics say Bourgin likely died instantly as a result of the collision. The Frenchman was ranked 68th in the 2013 Dakar Rally at the time of the accident. This was his first running of the event, though he had competed successfully in the Morocco Rally, Africa Race and the Tunisia Rally.

This year's race claimed the lives of two passengers in a taxi when a support truck struck their vehicle head on last week. A second taxi rolled several times attempting to avoid the wreck, resulting in a total of seven injuries. You can read the full press release on the latest incident below.

Continue reading French motorcyclist Thomas Bourgin killed at Dakar

French motorcyclist Thomas Bourgin killed at Dakar originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Jan 2013 14:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 dakardakardakar deathdakar rallyrallythomas bourgin Sun, 13 Jan 2013 14:17:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20427345/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20427345/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/13/french-motorcyclist-thomas-bourgin-killed-at-dakar/20427345/article-detail.xml 20427345 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/thomas-bourgin_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/thomas-bourgin.jpg <![CDATA[Two die in Peru when taxi collides with Dakar Rally support vehicle]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/10/two-die-in-peru-when-taxi-collides-with-dakar-rally-support-vehi/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/10/two-die-in-peru-when-taxi-collides-with-dakar-rally-support-vehi/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/10/two-die-in-peru-when-taxi-collides-with-dakar-rally-support-vehi/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Dakar Rally route 2013

Dakar Rally organizers report a support vehicle and two taxis were involved in an accident on January 9. The support vehicle collided head-on with a taxi carrying six people, while the second taxi, carrying four people, overturned several times in an attempt to avoid the accident. Seven people were injured and are now being treated in a hospital in Tacna, Peru, including three occupants of the support vehicle. Tragically, the driver and one passenger in the first taxi died of injuries sustained in the crash. Three local ambulances, a fire engine and local police all responded to the scene.

Peruvian police have also supplied a helicopter to transport the seriously injured from Tacna to a hospital in Peru. Local law enforcement has begun an investigation into the cause of the accident. You can read the brief press release from the Dakar Rally below for more information.

Continue reading Two die in Peru when taxi collides with Dakar Rally support vehicle

Two die in Peru when taxi collides with Dakar Rally support vehicle originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Jan 2013 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> dakardakar 2013dakar crashdakar rallydakar rally crashperu taxi crashtaxitaxi crash Thu, 10 Jan 2013 19:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20425491/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20425491/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/10/two-die-in-peru-when-taxi-collides-with-dakar-rally-support-vehi/20425491/article-detail.xml 20425491 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/dakar-2013_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/dakar-2013.jpg <![CDATA[Dakar flub gets Robby Gordon a cursin']]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/09/dakar-flub-gets-robby-gordon-a-cursin/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/09/dakar-flub-gets-robby-gordon-a-cursin/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/09/dakar-flub-gets-robby-gordon-a-cursin/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Robby Gordon Dakar 2013

Robby Gordon is off to a rough start in the 2013 Dakar Rally Raid. First, the racer broke reverse trying to free his rig from a sand dune. That news sent him into a fit of rage captured on an in-cabin camera. We'll just say the language isn't safe for work or for younger ears, but for everyone else it's well worth checking out below. Shortly thereafter, events turned even worse when Gordon cleared a dune only to fall victim to deep, soft sand at the bottom. When his Hummer hit the loose terrain, the nose dug in, pitching the whole machine onto its roof. Both Gordon and his co-driver wound up having to dig themselves out of the wreck.

Somewhat miraculously, Gordon seemed less upset about putting his racer shiny side down than he was about shredding reverse. Either way, his shot at landing on the podium has up and vanished. You can check out both clips for yourself below.

*REMEMBER: NSFW language.

Continue reading Dakar flub gets Robby Gordon a cursin'

Dakar flub gets Robby Gordon a cursin' originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Jan 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 dakardakarrobby gordonrobby gordon cursingrobby gordon tantrumrobby gordon wrecktantrum Wed, 09 Jan 2013 20:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20423978/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20423978/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/09/dakar-flub-gets-robby-gordon-a-cursin/20423978/article-detail.xml 20423978 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/robby-gordon-dakar-2013-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/robby-gordon-dakar-2013-628.jpg <![CDATA[Ford Focus ST-powered Mastretta MXT cometh]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/08/ford-focus-st-powered-mastretta-mxt-cometh/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/08/ford-focus-st-powered-mastretta-mxt-cometh/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/08/ford-focus-st-powered-mastretta-mxt-cometh/#comments Filed under: , ,

Mastretta MXT - front three-quarter view

Mastretta is reportedly on the verge of pulling back the covers on its latest creation, the MXT-R, at the Autosport International Racing Car Show. According to Autocar, the Mexican sports car will make use of the 2.0-liter Ecoboost four-cylinder engine lifted from the Ford Focus ST. Tuned to around 285 horsepower, the engine should have no trouble hustling the lightweight MXT-R around a track. Judging from the available photos, the MXT-R will also use the aerodynamic package employed by Mastretta's race car.

Technically, the MXT-R will be used as a development vehicle, though Autocar says customers interested in laying down their hard-earned cash for the car can register at the show booth for more information. Details on performance figures are still missing at the moment, and Mastretta hasn't given the world any notion of how much the MXT-R will cost if it gets built. Of course, that isn't stopping us from wanting to get behind the wheel for a spell...

Ford Focus ST-powered Mastretta MXT cometh originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Jan 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> autosport international racing car showautosport international showfocus stfordmastrettamastretta mxtmastretta mxt-rmxtmxt-r Tue, 08 Jan 2013 19:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20421492/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20421492/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/08/ford-focus-st-powered-mastretta-mxt-cometh/20421492/article-detail.xml 20421492 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/mastretta-mxt-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/mastretta-mxt-628.jpg <![CDATA[Dacia brand has become "cash cow" for parent Renault]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/04/dacia-brand-has-become-cash-cow-for-parent-renault/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/04/dacia-brand-has-become-cash-cow-for-parent-renault/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/04/dacia-brand-has-become-cash-cow-for-parent-renault/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Dacia emblem

No one, not even former Renault CEO Louis Schweitzer whose idea it was to buy Dacia in 1999, had any idea the low-cost Eastern European sub-brand would succeed this well. The Romanian automaker with three wheels in the ground at the time of its takeover was purchased the same year that Renault took its stake in Nissan, and no one had much to say about that smaller deal. Fast forward 13 years, the line that began with the Logan in 2004 is now five model lines on sale in 36 countries, it's year-on-year sales have never decreased and the vehicles built on its M0 entry-level platform sold nearly a million units in 2012. This isn't just an emerging-market story, either, with Dacia branded offerings making up 17 percent of Renault volume in Western Europe.

Its rampaging sales and the synergies between the Renault and Dacia lines have turned the brand into a "cash cow" in the words of Renault's COO. Its vehicles share a huge number of parts, many of which are still carryover nine years into the brand's life, and parts of the recently introduced second-generation Logan are evolved from the 1990 Renault Clio. In fact, due to amortization and decreased prices for parts because of the massive sales, the new Logan is less expensive to produce than the first generation, so it was given new equipment along with the refresh in order to maintain its price.

The news is even better in other regions, where the Dacia can command more money on its own or can be sold under the Renault or Nissan brands. The Duster in Western Europe that starts at 12,000 euros starts at 19,000 euros in Brazil. That's how Dacia, according to a Morgan Stanley analyst, returns a worldwide nine-percent operating margin as opposed to Renault's 0.4-percent. What lies ahead is more models and variants, as well as a modular strategy for the M0 platform to further reduce costs, and, one supposes, even more money from that Romanian cow.

Dacia brand has become "cash cow" for parent Renault originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Jan 2013 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> daciarenault Fri, 04 Jan 2013 09:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20415650/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20415650/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/04/dacia-brand-has-become-cash-cow-for-parent-renault/20415650/article-detail.xml 20415650 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/dacia-logo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/dacia-logo.jpg <![CDATA[Meet the Smart Fortwo that should be competing in the 2013 Dakar Rally [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/28/meet-the-smart-fortwo-that-should-be-competing-in-the-2013-dakar/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/28/meet-the-smart-fortwo-that-should-be-competing-in-the-2013-dakar/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/28/meet-the-smart-fortwo-that-should-be-competing-in-the-2013-dakar/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



When it comes to specialty applications of the Smart Fortwo, "off-road motorsports" may seem about as likely as "amphibious assault vehicle." Yet a team has come up with just that (the former, not the latter), creating a rally-ready runabout dubbed the Smart Dakar.

The team used a Fortwo to create a "Smart Buggy 4x4." The creator's website claims that the vehicle is in compliance with FIA regulations, and weighs only 750 kilograms (1,653 pounds). As the name suggests, the intent of this vehicle is to compete in the Dakar Rally, and it looks the part.

It may be the most hard-nosed Smart that you'll ever find, but it has an uphill battle to make it to competition. The race team, headed by Jose Luis "JL" Alvarez, does not have the funds to field a full assortment of vehicles, including two Smarts and a Honda CRF-450, and now all plans have been canceled for this year's Dakar Rally.

JL even appealed to his fans via a YouTube video with the hopes of crowd-funding the project, though it appears that attempt has failed. At any rate, the 2013 Dakar Rally starts January 5 in Lima, Peru, and ends January 20 in Santiago, Chile, and it appears that this team, with its unique ride, will not be attending.

Continue reading Meet the Smart Fortwo that should be competing in the 2013 Dakar Rally [w/video]

Meet the Smart Fortwo that should be competing in the 2013 Dakar Rally [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Dec 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 smart dakardakarfortwosmartsmart dakar 2013smart fortwo Fri, 28 Dec 2012 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20412817/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20412817/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/28/meet-the-smart-fortwo-that-should-be-competing-in-the-2013-dakar/20412817/article-detail.xml 20412817 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/smart-dakar-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/smart-dakar-628.jpg <![CDATA[Brazilian woman destroys cheating husband's car in public]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/brazilian-woman-destroys-cheating-husbands-car-in-public/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/brazilian-woman-destroys-cheating-husbands-car-in-public/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/brazilian-woman-destroys-cheating-husbands-car-in-public/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



It's a tale as old as time. Boy meet girl... boy cheats on girl... girl goes to town on boy's car with a hammer. Wait, what?

Okay, maybe not the most orthodox of love stories, but according to the poster of this video, it's exactly what happened in Sao Paulo, Brazil last week. The description claims that the fiery redhead was enraged by her husband's apparent infidelity, leading her to take out her frustrations on what looks like a '90s fifth-generation Honda Accord.

She wailed on the defenseless Honda with a hammer, hitting the hood, windshield and completely destroying the rear window as many looked on in a mix of curiosity and amusement. At no time did anyone intervene or try to calm the woman down, but she was, after all, wielding a hammer. When enough damage had been done, the scorned lover picked up her bag and strutted off to the sound of applause and whistling. Check out the (admittedly shaky and grainy) video of the destruction, and let it serve as a warning to all cheaters out there - hell still hath no fury like a woman scorned.

Continue reading Brazilian woman destroys cheating husband's car in public

Brazilian woman destroys cheating husband's car in public originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Dec 2012 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> accordbrazilhondahonda accordsao paloyoutube Fri, 14 Dec 2012 16:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20402401/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20402401/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/14/brazilian-woman-destroys-cheating-husbands-car-in-public/20402401/article-detail.xml 20402401 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/aftermath-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/aftermath-628.jpg <![CDATA[Hot Wheels advertises microcars with life-size monuments]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/12/hot-wheels-advertises-microcars-with-life-size-monuments/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/12/hot-wheels-advertises-microcars-with-life-size-monuments/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/12/hot-wheels-advertises-microcars-with-life-size-monuments/#comments Filed under: , ,



If you ever thought your car was as cool as one sold by Hot Wheels, then a parking lot at Shopping Center Norte in São Paulo, Brazil had your name all over it. Mattel's ad agency there, AGE Isobar, placed a giant rendition of Hot Wheels packaging at the front of the lot for one day last month. Instead of putting a giant Hot Wheel inside, however, the 'box' was empty, and customers could drive their cars inside and then have their pictures taken.

As with the miniature cars themselves, the marketing activation was just that simple and just that awesome. Now we'll have to ask again, how come we don't see this when we go shopping?

Hot Wheels advertises microcars with life-size monuments originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Dec 2012 08:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> advertisingage isobarbrazilhot wheelsmarketingsao paulo Wed, 12 Dec 2012 08:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20398235/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20398235/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/12/hot-wheels-advertises-microcars-with-life-size-monuments/20398235/article-detail.xml 20398235 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/hotwheelslotstunt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/hotwheelslotstunt.jpg <![CDATA[Renault planning a Tata Nano rival. Again.]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/28/renault-planning-a-tata-nano-rival-again/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/28/renault-planning-a-tata-nano-rival-again/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/28/renault-planning-a-tata-nano-rival-again/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

renault

Four years ago, Renault confirmed that it would partner with India's Bajaj Auto to develop a rival to the Tata Nano. At the time, as everyone waited for the Tata Nano to arrive, you could have used a Richter scale to measure the tremors the executive suites of any automaker with an interest in the low end of emerging markets. Then the Nano, still the cheapest car in the world, didn't sell so well - at the end of last year its sales were just six percent of its most conservative projections - and everyone seemed content to let Tata spend the money to figure out if there really was a market for the cheapest car in the world.

Renault believes there is, kind of. Automotive News Europe reports that it will partner with Nissan to build two low-priced cars for emerging markets, one for €3,000 ($3,888 U.S.) and another for €5,000 ($6,400 U.S.). The price of the least expensive offering is nearly $1,400 more than a Nano, which costs $2,500, and that can't be considered a small sum in comparison. But one of the hindsight knocks on the Nano has been that even in emerging markets buyers don't want a car whose biggest lure is that it is cheap; they'd rather give their aspirations a bit more of a workout.

Renault's offerings are scheduled to hit the non-Western market in late 2014, which is coincidentally the same year that will see the return of the budget-minded and emerging-market-specific Datsun nameplate. They'll be built in Renault facilities in Chennai, India, with no mention made of Bajaj this time around.

Renault planning a Tata Nano rival. Again. originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Nov 2012 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> datsunemerging marketsnanonissanrenaulttata Wed, 28 Nov 2012 09:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20387310/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20387310/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/28/renault-planning-a-tata-nano-rival-again/20387310/article-detail.xml 20387310 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/renault_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/renault.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Brazilian Grand Prix: The circle is complete, and what a circle it's been [spoilers]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/26/2012-brazilian-grand-prix-the-circle-is-complete-and-what-a-ci/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/26/2012-brazilian-grand-prix-the-circle-is-complete-and-what-a-ci/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/26/2012-brazilian-grand-prix-the-circle-is-complete-and-what-a-ci/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



The track between the lakes, the Circuit d'Interlagos in Sao Paulo, Brazil, yet again served up a fitting finale to the Formula One season. There were all kinds of ways for the two Driver's Championship contenders - Sebastian Vettel in the Red Bull and Fernando Alonso in the Ferrari - to win and lose during the 71 laps of the Brazilian Grand Prix, and that was before the rain, before the yellow flags and safety car periods, and before the accidents.

The World Championship lead swapped hands at least three times during the race. By the end of Lap One, in fact, it was a fair question if either driver would have hands, or a car, steady enough to hold it...

Continue reading 2012 Brazilian Grand Prix: The circle is complete, and what a circle it's been [spoilers]

2012 Brazilian Grand Prix: The circle is complete, and what a circle it's been [spoilers] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Nov 2012 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2012 brazilian grand prixbrazilf1fernando alonsoferrariformula 1interlagosjenson buttonlewis hamiltonmclarenred bullsebastian vettelworld championship Mon, 26 Nov 2012 13:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20388045/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20388045/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/26/2012-brazilian-grand-prix-the-circle-is-complete-and-what-a-ci/20388045/article-detail.xml 20388045 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/bgp1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/bgp1.jpg <![CDATA[Mini Countryman by X-Raid set for Dakar]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/20/mini-countryman-by-x-raid-set-for-dakar/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/20/mini-countryman-by-x-raid-set-for-dakar/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/20/mini-countryman-by-x-raid-set-for-dakar/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Mini Countryman with Off-Road Package

Mini is gearing up to head back to Dakar. The company campaigned five ALL4 racecars last year, and took the overall victory with driver Stéphane Peterhansel and co-driver Jean-Paul Cottret. Second place also fell to Mini, and the remaining three cars soaked up spots in the top ten for an impressive finish. This year, Mini is headed back with specially-prepared Countryman models in competition as Peterhansel attempts to defend his crown from a new crop of rivals. The team will also make use of Countryman service vehicles, all fitted with an off-road package and a spate of Mini accessories to help them overcome the 5,000 miles of brutal terrain through Peru.

Those include a four-piece body kit made of durable plastic to help protect the body from dings and chips, and the beefy fender flares call to mind the exaggerated arches on the competition vehicles.

Speaking of the competitors, Peterhansel piloted his ALL4 race car to gold in the FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies this year in preparation for Dakar. We'll keep an eye on his progress once the race gets started in January. In the interim, you can check out the full press release below for more information.

Continue reading Mini Countryman by X-Raid set for Dakar

Mini Countryman by X-Raid set for Dakar originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Nov 2012 17:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 dakarcountrymandakardakar 2013dakar mini countrymanminimini countrymanrally raid Tue, 20 Nov 2012 17:04:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20383407/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20383407/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/20/mini-countryman-by-x-raid-set-for-dakar/20383407/article-detail.xml 20383407 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/mini-countryman-dakar-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/mini-countryman-dakar-628.jpg <![CDATA[Ford admits consumer shift toward small cars will eat into profits]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/16/ford-admits-consumer-shift-toward-small-cars-will-eat-into-profi/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/16/ford-admits-consumer-shift-toward-small-cars-will-eat-into-profi/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/16/ford-admits-consumer-shift-toward-small-cars-will-eat-into-profi/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Ford badge

Big, expensive cars and trucks equal big profits. Small, inexpensive cars equal small profits.

The mathematics in today's marketplace simply can't be argued, and the result, as buyers increasingly switch from trucks, truck-based 'utes and big family cars into smaller sedans and hatchbacks, is less earning potential for full-line automakers. Like Ford, for instance. Citing the rising trend of smaller cars and crossovers, Ford Chief Operating Officer Mark Fields warned that fourth-quarter earnings will be down compared to last year.

Smaller profits in the US market are one thing; an even bigger problem is the almost complete lack of profit margin in South America and huge multi-billion-dollar losses in Europe, where economies are in crisis and automakers are laying off workers and closing plants. In other words, we're thinking Ford's eight to ten-percent margins in the States aren't looking so bad...

Ford admits consumer shift toward small cars will eat into profits originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Nov 2012 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> fordford earningsford profitprofitprofit margins Fri, 16 Nov 2012 14:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20380945/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20380945/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/16/ford-admits-consumer-shift-toward-small-cars-will-eat-into-profi/20380945/article-detail.xml 20380945 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/ford-badge_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/ford-badge.jpg <![CDATA[Brazil becoming a major world market for automakers... again]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/06/brazil-becoming-a-major-world-market-for-automakers-again/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/06/brazil-becoming-a-major-world-market-for-automakers-again/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/06/brazil-becoming-a-major-world-market-for-automakers-again/#comments Filed under: ,

Brazilian flag

Brazil is now the world's fourth-largest national automotive market.

If your image of Brazil has anything to do with "The Girl from Ipanema" played by 1,001 Strings, you may be a little out of date. The country that will host the 2016 Summer Olympics has come a long way since the dawn of the bossa nova craze a half century ago, though it still has plenty of nagging problems left to deal with.

The recent Sao Paulo Auto Show provided one clear clue as to how much things have changed in recent years. When I first visited Brazil 15 years ago, the vehicles available to Brazilian motorists were, for the most part, decades out of date - common practice among automakers like Ford, Volkswagen and General Motors, who would dump generations-old tooling into these backwater markets rather than anything close to new.

Today, however, Brazilians motorists are likely to get the latest and greatest. Indeed, October's Sao Paulo show gave local buyers - and the rest of the world - a look at a number of all-new offerings, some designed specifically for the Portugese-speaking nations, others for global markets, such as the next-generation Ford Fiesta sedan. Significantly, the new model will land in Brazilian showrooms well before it reaches dealers here in the States.

Paul EisensteinPaul A. Eisenstein is Publisher of TheDetroitBureau.com and a 30-year veteran of the automotive beat. His editorials bring his unique perspective and deep understanding of the auto world to Autoblog readers on a regular basis.

Continue reading Brazil becoming a major world market for automakers... again

Brazil becoming a major world market for automakers... again originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Nov 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bmwbrazilfordgmnissansao paulosao paulo auto show Tue, 06 Nov 2012 17:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20367878/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20367878/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/06/brazil-becoming-a-major-world-market-for-automakers-again/20367878/article-detail.xml 20367878 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/dv269047c-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/dv269047c-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Troller R-X Concept is a Brazilian Ford Bronco for the new age]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/27/troller-r-x-concept-is-a-brazilian-ford-bronco-for-the-new-age/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/27/troller-r-x-concept-is-a-brazilian-ford-bronco-for-the-new-age/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/27/troller-r-x-concept-is-a-brazilian-ford-bronco-for-the-new-age/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Troller R-X Concept (Brazil)

Until Ford bought it in 2007, Troller was an independent Brazilian brand that made the T4 and the Pantanal pickup. The T4, still in production, looks like a Jeep Wrangler hooked up with an old Ssangyong Korando and a snorkel. With Ford blood coursing through its design offices, the TR-X concept shown off at the São Paulo Auto Show looks like a Wrangler hooked up with an old Bronco and Toyota FJ Cruiser behind one of the booths at SEMA.

The TR-X is said to symbolize the essence of Toller, and while it hasn't been approved for production, we have a feeling that an appropriate response from the Brazilian public could give it a chance of seeing daylight. There's a press release below, as well as a couple of high-res photos.

Continue reading Troller R-X Concept is a Brazilian Ford Bronco for the new age

Troller R-X Concept is a Brazilian Ford Bronco for the new age originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 27 Oct 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> brazilfordsao paulosao paulo auto showtr-xtr-x concepttrollertroller tr-x concept Sat, 27 Oct 2012 14:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20362880/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20362880/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/27/troller-r-x-concept-is-a-brazilian-ford-bronco-for-the-new-age/20362880/article-detail.xml 20362880 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/trollertr4_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/trollertr4.jpg -1 2