Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Can't Win For Losing: Chrysler kills Cash for Clunkers incentives after running out of cars?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/03/report-chrysler-kills-cash-for-clunkers-incentives-after-runnin/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/03/report-chrysler-kills-cash-for-clunkers-incentives-after-runnin/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/03/report-chrysler-kills-cash-for-clunkers-incentives-after-runnin/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



What do you do with a program that is driving so many customers into your showrooms that inventory is now running low? If you are Chrysler, and it's the popular incentive plan tied to the government's C.A.R.S. (a.k.a. "Cash for Clunkers") program, you extinguish it and replace it with a new, less attractive version. Really.

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that as of Tuesday, Chrysler Group LLC will no longer automatically add another $4,500 of its own incentives on top of the $4,500 CARS rebate. Instead, the company will vary the size of the rebates based on vehicle brand and model.

The about-face is the result of a near-unbelievable turn of events for the struggling automaker. An overabundance of inventory forced Chrysler to shut down its factories earlier this year... and now it is faced with dealers complaining about low inventory levels on key vehicles like the Town and Country and Jeep Wrangler, with swelling waiting lists as the incentive program has proven too fruitful.

[Source: The Wall Street Journal | Image: Scott Olson/Getty]

Can't Win For Losing: Chrysler kills Cash for Clunkers incentives after running out of cars? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CancelcarsCashcash for clunkerscash for clunkers billCashForClunkersCashForClunkersBillChryslerEnd programEndProgramIncentivesMon, 03 Aug 2009 09:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Mopar pulls sponsorship of Sam Hubinette's drift team]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/20/mopar-pulls-sponsorship-of-sam-hubinettes-drift-team/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/20/mopar-pulls-sponsorship-of-sam-hubinettes-drift-team/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/20/mopar-pulls-sponsorship-of-sam-hubinettes-drift-team/#commentsFiled under: ,


Formula Drift Mopar Dodge Viper - Click above for a high-res gallery

In an unsurprising turn of events, Chrysler has pulled its sponsorship of Sam Hubinette's drifting team as part of the company's restructuring plan. The bankrupt automaker's Formula Drift program was run by Shaun Carlson's NuFormz Racing, which began with Mopar in 2002, competing in the NHRA Sport Compact division. The team eventually made their way into drifting in 2004, where Hubinette captured the championship behind the wheel of a Dodge Viper during Formula D's inaugural season. Hubinette went onto several podium finishes, placing second overall in 2006 and claiming runner-up finishes in both 2005 and 2008.

Although the team's last sideways outing will be at the New Jersey Speedway on June 5 and 6, Chrysler's Director of Brand Marketing and Strategy, Mike Accavitti, said in a release, "At this time, [Chrysler] plan[s] to continue supporting our other racing sponsorships into the foreseeable future." Make the jump for the press release.

[Source: Chrysler via EverythingDrift]

Continue reading Mopar pulls sponsorship of Sam Hubinette's drift team

Mopar pulls sponsorship of Sam Hubinette's drift team originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 May 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cancelcancelledchryslerfdformula dformula driftFormulaDFormulaDriftmoparpulling outPullingOutSam HubinetteSamHubinettesponsorshipWed, 20 May 2009 19:57:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Nissan cancels RWD Silvia successor and GT-R sedan, Prius-fight planned]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/12/nissan-cancels-rwd-silvia-successor-and-gt-r-sedan-prius-fight/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/12/nissan-cancels-rwd-silvia-successor-and-gt-r-sedan-prius-fight/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/12/nissan-cancels-rwd-silvia-successor-and-gt-r-sedan-prius-fight/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



We knew this was coming, it was just a matter of getting confirmation. According to Autocar, Nissan has suspended plans to create a compact, rear-wheel-drive successor to the Silvia due to Nissan's financial difficulties and Carlos Ghosn's pledge to reduce costs.

The first indication that Nissan was working on a Silvia/240 replacement came in the form of the Foria concept that debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2005. The Urge design study quickly followed and development of the RWD coupe continued over the following years. We talked to a Nissan exec back in August of 2008 and they were able to confirm that work was still underway, but wouldn't put an exact date on when it would be unveiled.

Another casualty of the financial crisis is the rumored and refuted GT-R-based sedan for Infiniti. Work on the Porsche Panamera fighter has been put on indefinite hold, but it hasn't been cancelled outright. Ghosn wants the automaker to focus its development efforts on producing small- and medium-sized cars, including a Toyota Prius competitor which could arrive as early as next year.

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Nissan cancels RWD Silvia successor and GT-R sedan, Prius-fight planned originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>200240cancelcancelleddropdroppedgt-rgt-r sedanGt-rSedangtrinfiniti gt-rInfinitiGt-rnissannissan priusnissan silviaNissanPriusNissanSilviapriusThu, 12 Feb 2009 13:28:00 EST<![CDATA[JAMA says Tokyo Motor Show may be cancelled ]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/13/jama-says-tokyo-motor-show-may-be-cancelled/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/13/jama-says-tokyo-motor-show-may-be-cancelled/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/13/jama-says-tokyo-motor-show-may-be-cancelled/#commentsFiled under: ,

Blaming the global financial crisis, and the fact that fewer non-Japanese automakers have signed up to exhibit, the Japan Automobile Manufacturers' Association is in the midst of debating whether or not to cancel the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show. The show is set to run this Oct. 23-Nov. 8. If canceled, it won't open its doors again until 2011 due to scheduling agreements with other top-tier auto shows. Toshihiro Iwatake, JAMA's executive director and secretary general, told Automotive News that he favors going ahead with the show regardless. "We think the motor show is a symbol of industrial prosperity," he said. "We have to show that our industry is healthy." Iwatake added that the deadline for automakers to register was late last year, and some of the "usual manufacturers" hadn't made the cut... but he wouldn't say which manufacturers hadn't booked the show.

The North American International Auto Show is in full swing this week even with the absence of industry players such as Nissan, Suzuki, Porsche, and Land Rover. Each of the Detroit 3 are strongly present. If one of the Japanese Big 3 (Toyota, Honda, and Nissan) pull out of the Tokyo Motor Show, the event could face certain doom say industry sources. The decision on whether or not to cancel the Tokyo Motor Show will be made next month. In the meantime, Iwatake says that JAMA is welcoming late registrants.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

JAMA says Tokyo Motor Show may be cancelled originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Jan 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CancelclosedJAMAJapan Automobile Manufacturers AssociationJapanAutomobileManufacturersAssociationJapanese Big 3JapaneseBig3Tokyo Motor ShowTokyoMotorShowTue, 13 Jan 2009 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Another one bites the dust: Mitsubishi pulls out of Detroit Auto Show]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/21/another-one-bites-the-dust-mitsubishi-pulls-out-of-detroit-auto/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/21/another-one-bites-the-dust-mitsubishi-pulls-out-of-detroit-auto/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/21/another-one-bites-the-dust-mitsubishi-pulls-out-of-detroit-auto/#commentsFiled under: ,



Eight weeks from now, the 2009 Detroit Auto Show will open its doors at Cobo Hall. And... Mitsubishi won't be there. Like a handful of other high-profile manufacturers who have pulled out (including Rolls-Royce, Land Rover, Ferrari, Suzuki, and Porsche), the Japanese automaker based its decision on cost - the market for Mitsubishi automobiles in the Detroit area just isn't significant enough to warrant the expenditure in today's economy. The automaker's move is rather significant as the Detroit show is considered one of the most prestigious in the world. However, skipping the 2009 show doesn't prevent Mitsubishi from coming back in 2010. Regardless of whose left at the show come the second week of January (hey, at least Chinese automaker BYD will exhibit), Autoblog will be there to cover everything in detail.

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

Another one bites the dust: Mitsubishi pulls out of Detroit Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 detroit2009 detroit auto show2009Detroit2009DetroitAutoShowcancelcancelledDetroit auto showDetroitAutoShowdroppedmitsumitsubishino showNoShowremovedFri, 21 Nov 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Chevy to temporarily halt Vette production due to economy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/15/chevy-to-temporarily-halt-vette-production-due-to-economy/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/15/chevy-to-temporarily-halt-vette-production-due-to-economy/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/15/chevy-to-temporarily-halt-vette-production-due-to-economy/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Corvette ZR1

It's been more than a decade since the "recession-proof" Chevrolet Corvette had to endure a production cut due to excess dealer inventory, but that's apparently the case once again. Citing slow sales related to the ongoing automotive recession, GM will turn off the Corvette's factory lights during the week of October 6th. When Vette assembly resumes the following week, production will be scaled back to 15 cars per hour (normal speed is 18.5 cars per hour). Unfortunately, GM says layoffs will accompany the new schedule at the Bowling Green facility, with up to 75 workers losing their jobs. While surprising, the news isn't entirely unexpected. Corvette sales were down 8.5 percent for the year through August of 2008. They only rebounded after GM included the model in its employee pricing sale... and we all know a shot in the arm like that won't hold out over time.

Gallery: 2009 Chevy Corvette Z06


Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Corvette ZR1


[Source: Automotive News]

Chevy to temporarily halt Vette production due to economy originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Sep 2008 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bowling GreenBowlingGreenbreakingCancelChevroletCloseCorvetteLayoffShutSlowdownZ06ZR1Mon, 15 Sep 2008 09:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill: Lexus LF-A... Stillborn?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/28/rumormill-lexus-lf-a-stillborn/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/28/rumormill-lexus-lf-a-stillborn/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/28/rumormill-lexus-lf-a-stillborn/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Lexus LF-A concept.

The writing has been on the wall for some time. Although the Lexus flagship graduated from "concept" to "prototype" when it campaigned in the 24 Hours of Nurburgring, Toyota has refused to even hint at a production date for the V10 supercar. Then Toyota declined to plonk an LF-A silhouette on their Super GT racer, electing to continue with the doomed SC 430 jello mold.

Then news broke that production cars would cost a whopping $225,000, but the LF-A still wouldn't turn a profit. Needless to say, Toyota doesn't like things that are not profitable.

Finally, members of the testing and development crew who have been putting the car though its paces in Germany, as well as test drivers from rival Honda and Nissan crews, have told Autoblog that the LF-A is not destined for the showroom, and will remain only a development platform.

No reasons were given, but we can think of a couple. How many people are willing to part with nigh on a quarter of a million bucks for a Toyota/Lexus? Also, the world's most prolific car maker may not be willing to join the current Nurburgring pissing contest unless it is 100% sure that they can beat the Viper, ZR-1 and perhaps more importantly, the GT-R and upcoming NSX replacement.

Actually, one 'Ring test driver didn't mind going on the record with his opinion. Former Nissan racer, NSX development driver and Nurburgring legend Motoharu "Gan-san" Kurosawa reckons, "Toyota are good at making money, but they're no good at making sports cars."

Gallery: Lexus LF-A Racecar - Exterior and Interior


Gallery: Lexus LF-A Racecar at the Nurburgring

Rumormill: Lexus LF-A... Stillborn? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingcancelcancelleddeadlexuslexus lf-alexus lfaLexusLf-aLexusLfalf-alfaToyotaThu, 28 Aug 2008 12:27:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Volvo XC90 replacement cancelled]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/17/report-volvo-xc90-replacement-cancelled/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/17/report-volvo-xc90-replacement-cancelled/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/17/report-volvo-xc90-replacement-cancelled/#commentsFiled under: ,

If you're on the list of OEM component suppliers for the planned replacement of the Volvo XC90 sport-ute, don't read this article, because you haven't been informed yet. For everyone else, however, reports are emerging that Ford PAG has pulled the plug on the Swedish subsidiary's flagship SUV.

The reports come from the Swedish edition of Auto Motor & Sport , which cites the lack of environmentally-friendly powertrain alternatives as the main factor that influenced Ford to trash plans for the second-generation XC90, despite an anticipated launch in two years' time. Volvo has no hybrid powertain to put in the large SUV, slated to share a Ford platform, and no start/stop engine function. Rather than developing such systems, and with an eye on dropping sales of the rival BMW X5, PAG has reportedly opted to cancel the program altogether.

While the XC60, XC50 and possibly upcoming XC30 are expected to continue on without their bigger brother, the current XC90 model will receive a facelift in 2009 and stay on the market until 2012.

[Source: Auto Motor & Sport via World Car Fans]

REPORT: Volvo XC90 replacement cancelled originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Dec 2007 13:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cancelplanssuvunveilvolvoxc90Mon, 17 Dec 2007 13:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Hammond to BBC: show the crash and me in the hospital]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/26/hammond-to-bbc-show-the-crash-and-me-in-the-hospital/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/26/hammond-to-bbc-show-the-crash-and-me-in-the-hospital/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/26/hammond-to-bbc-show-the-crash-and-me-in-the-hospital/#commentsFiled under:

From his hospital bed, Top Gear's Richard Hammond is asking the BBC to show on television the footage of the crash that put him there. But the BBC has said the show will only continue when Hammond is able to appear on it. With forces at work to have the show canceled (or prohibitively curtailed), the Hamster is also prepared to go on TV from his bedside.

In typical Top Gear fashion, Richard has been speeding down the fast lane towards full recovery, but he's afraid he won't be back fast enough, leaving no show for him to return to. According to a "close friend", "Richard could not stand to feel he was to blame for the demise of the show he loves... He's terrified they're going to axe it while he's stuck in hospital."

Now that's dedication to motor journalism.

Watch this space for more info as the parallel sagas of Richard's recovery and Top Gear's fight for survival unfold.

Related posts:

[Source: The Daly Mail]

Hammond to BBC: show the crash and me in the hospital originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Sep 2006 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accidentbbcbedcancelcrashfighthammondhospitalleedsrichardsurvivaltop gearTopGearTue, 26 Sep 2006 16:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Trailblazer may blaze its last trail ahead of HUMMER replacement]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/23/trailblazer-may-blaze-its-last-trail-ahead-of-hummer-replacement/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/23/trailblazer-may-blaze-its-last-trail-ahead-of-hummer-replacement/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/23/trailblazer-may-blaze-its-last-trail-ahead-of-hummer-replacement/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Analyst Rebecca Lindland from Global Insight Inc. is going on the record saying it's likely General Motors will cancel the Trailblazer (SS model shown) after the current model ends its run around 2010. Its replacement would emerge in the form of the Hummer H4, which would fill the role of GM's smallest body-on-frame SUV. Chevrolet will receive a new unibody SUV (or CUV?) at that time, perhaps a version of the Opel Antera that's crossing the sea to join Saturn's lineup in the near future.

The HUMMER H4 will likely be built on an even smaller version of the frame that underpins the Chevy Colorado and HUMMER H3. As body-on-frame SUVs are falling out of favor with the family crowd, the H3 will likely carry on the HUMMER cache with impressive off-road abilities and target the Jeep Wrangler as its closest competition.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Trailblazer may blaze its last trail ahead of HUMMER replacement originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Jun 2006 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>body on frameBodyOnFramecancelH3H4replacementtrailblazertrailblazer SSTrailblazerSsunibodyFri, 23 Jun 2006 13:27:00 EST