Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[What supercars would look like if they were designed by engineers [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/26/what-supercars-would-look-like-if-they-were-designed-by-engineer/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/26/what-supercars-would-look-like-if-they-were-designed-by-engineer/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/26/what-supercars-would-look-like-if-they-were-designed-by-engineer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

GrabCAD 500 Group Supercar Body Challenge street winner

Often, engineers are forced to sit and watch as accountants and stylists wreak havoc on a vehicle's design. GrabCAD recently decided to turn the tables by giving engineers the chance to pen a body for a ready-made chassis by 500 Group. The site was flooded with 200 unique designs completed in just 40 days. The top quarter of those went on for final judging in two categories: street and track. 500 Group will then actually produce one or more of the designs through a General Motors Special Projects agreement.

The chassis makes use of a number of GM Performance parts, and is set up to make use of the E-Rod LS3, LS7 or supercharged LS9 V8 engines. One skinless chassis has already been completed for testing.

Each concept body has plenty of renderings as well as full description. Be sure to check out the full press release below, as well as a video of the chassis on track. Then, head over to the GrabCAD site for a deeper dive.

Continue reading What supercars would look like if they were designed by engineers [w/video]

What supercars would look like if they were designed by engineers [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 26 May 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>500 groupbodychassisconceptdesigne-rodgeneral motorsgeneral motors special projectsgmgrabcadSat, 26 May 2012 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20244668/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/26/what-supercars-would-look-like-if-they-were-designed-by-engineer/20244668/article-detail.xml 20244668 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/01-500-group-body-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/01-500-group-body-628.jpg <![CDATA[NHTSA broadening Chevy Cruze fire probe to 370,000 sedans]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/nhtsa-broadening-chevy-cruze-fire-probe-to-370-000-sedans/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/nhtsa-broadening-chevy-cruze-fire-probe-to-370-000-sedans/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/nhtsa-broadening-chevy-cruze-fire-probe-to-370-000-sedans/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2012 Chevrolet Cruze Eco - red - front three-quarter view

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has expanded its investigation into Chevrolet Cruze engine fires to two model years.

In April, NHTSA began investigating two complaints concerning fires erupting in 2011 Cruze engine compartments. Now, Reuters is reporting that the government agency has added 2012 Cruze models to the list, upping the number of total vehicles from 177,000 to 370,000.

General Motors told Reuters it has cooperated with investigators and there have been no reported injuries or accidents related to the probe.

According to a pair of complaints filed on NHTSA's website, two Cruze sedans were on the the open road when smoke began streaming out from under the hood. A few minutes later, the cars were ravaged by fire.

"In two minutes, the car was fully engulfed and flames were 15-feet high," one complaint said. "GM needs to find out and correct this problem before someone get [sic] seriously hurt."

NHTSA broadening Chevy Cruze fire probe to 370,000 sedans originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 May 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 chevrolet cruzechevroletchevrolet cruzechevycruzegmnational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsaThu, 24 May 2012 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20244525/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/24/nhtsa-broadening-chevy-cruze-fire-probe-to-370-000-sedans/20244525/article-detail.xml 20244525 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/2012-chevrolet-cruze-eco-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/2012-chevrolet-cruze-eco-review.jpg <![CDATA[Union takes hard stance against German automakers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/union-takes-hard-stance-against-german-automakers/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/union-takes-hard-stance-against-german-automakers/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/union-takes-hard-stance-against-german-automakers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



Anyone considering a German-built car might want to buy it now. It could be a long summer.

Europe's largest industrial union, IG Metall, is taking a tough stance against some job rules German carmakers want to enforce, potentially creating the possibility of a strike, according to TheDetroitBureau.com.

"Talks are resuming, but so far five rounds of negotiations have produced little movement and a round of warning strikes earlier this month at several companies, including Porsche, BMW and Daimler, suggest that the powerful union is gearing up for a confrontation," the Bureau reported earlier this week.

The union wants a 6.5-percent pay raise for its workers and a limit in how many temporary workers the carmakers can use. Around the world, carmakers use temporary workers as way to increase production without increasing union membership and save money.

The union was offered a 3-percent pay raise, but that offer was rejected. Currently, German auto workers are some of the highest paid in the automotive world. And while parts of Europe remain in economic turmoil, Germany has shown signs of slow growth, which might be one reason some government officials are backing IG Metall.

All of this doesn't bode well for General Motors' German-based Opel. GM was hoping to get some concessions from the unions representing its workers as part of its restructuring. But if other carmakers are paying more for its workers, it's unlikely the troubled Opel would be able to squeeze much of its people.

Union takes hard stance against German automakers originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 May 2012 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daimlereuropefinancegermanyGMig metallopelporscheunionsTue, 22 May 2012 18:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20242796/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/22/union-takes-hard-stance-against-german-automakers/20242796/article-detail.xml 20242796 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/20120512-metall-ig-oppose-german-carmakers_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/20120512-metall-ig-oppose-german-carmakers.jpg <![CDATA[Shanghai GMC dealer offering five tons of free gas with truck purchase]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/shanghai-gmc-dealer-offering-five-tons-of-free-gas-with-truck-pu/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/shanghai-gmc-dealer-offering-five-tons-of-free-gas-with-truck-pu/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/shanghai-gmc-dealer-offering-five-tons-of-free-gas-with-truck-pu/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

gmc sierra denali

Big trucks just aren't appealing enough on their own, at least in some places. For proof, look to a Shanghai GMC dealer who is offering about three years worth of free gas to anyone who buys a new Sierra Denali. Too bad it'll take about 20 years to pay off the big truck.

The dealer is giving away five tons - about 2,000 gallons, worth around $8,000 in China - of petrol to new Sierra Denali buyers in China's largest city, according to The Detroit Bureau. The offer appears to be a nod to rising China gas prices, which are climbing towards levels similar to those in the U.S. now that the Chinese government is doing less to artificially keep gas prices down. Full-size trucks have been sold in China for about three years and are known to be status symbols in China, says The Detroit Bureau.

There is, of course, a catch. The Denali, unlike most General Motors vehicles sold in China, is built in the U.S., so the price tag is about $134,000, or almost three times what the model sells for in the States. Here's hoping a few free car washes come with those full tanks.

Shanghai GMC dealer offering five tons of free gas with truck purchase originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 May 2012 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinadealerdenalifree gasgmgmcincentiveshangaisierraMon, 21 May 2012 14:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20241804/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/21/shanghai-gmc-dealer-offering-five-tons-of-free-gas-with-truck-pu/20241804/article-detail.xml 20241804 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/2011-gmc-sierra-denali-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/2011-gmc-sierra-denali-628.jpg <![CDATA[GM pulls advertising from next Super Bowl after Facebook exit]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/image-needed-gm-pulls-advertising-from-next-super-bowl-after/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/image-needed-gm-pulls-advertising-from-next-super-bowl-after/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/image-needed-gm-pulls-advertising-from-next-super-bowl-after/#commentsFiled under: ,

General Motors logoThe overhaul of General Motors' marketing battle plan isn't finished. The Wall Street Journal reports that Joel Ewanick, GM's global marketing chief, is giving the brand a hiatus from Super Bowl advertising, believing it's just got too expensive and that variety is called for. Thirty-second spots for next year's big game are projected to cost $3.8 million.

The development comes quickly after GM decided to stop buying ads on Facebook citing a lack of effectiveness (to which Ford responded), and comes during a year of realignment efforts throughout the company: a global review of accounts began earlier this year and some were quickly let go, a brand new agency was created for Chevrolet and set up shop in Detroit, and personnel are being realigned.

The General's global ad spend in 2011 was $4.7 billion, and word is that GM doesn't plan on spending less, it only wishes to spend better - Ewanick says the changes made so far will net the company $2 billion in savings over the next five years. It's clear he's looking to unlock more efficiencies; observers say that GM is also trying to improve its ad performance overseas and find better ways to reach demographics that have migrated in all directions and to all media.

GM pulls advertising from next Super Bowl after Facebook exit originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 May 2012 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ad agencyadvertisinggeneral motorsgmjoel ewanickmarketingsuper bowlsuper bowl adssuper bowl commercialsMon, 21 May 2012 08:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20241095/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/21/image-needed-gm-pulls-advertising-from-next-super-bowl-after/20241095/article-detail.xml 20241095 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/gm-logo-nov2010_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/gm-logo-nov2010.jpg <![CDATA[Car Wars report predicts Hyundai, Kia will lose market share]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/18/car-wars-report-predicts-hyundai-kia-will-lose-market-share/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/18/car-wars-report-predicts-hyundai-kia-will-lose-market-share/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/18/car-wars-report-predicts-hyundai-kia-will-lose-market-share/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



The annual "Car Wars" report by Merrill Lynch analyst John Murphy predicts that, despite their seizing of U.S. market share over the last few tumultuous years, Korean brands Hyundai and Kia will give it all back and then some to companies like Ford, General Motors and Toyota by 2016.

Murphy bases his predictions not on tea leaves or crystal balls, but rather the rate at which automakers launch new products. Ford will replace 26 percent of its product line over the next four years, a number that represents 46 percent of its volume, while General Motors will replace 25 percent and Toyota 24 percent. On account of these new product launches, Murphy says Ford can expect to add 0.8 percentage points of market share, General Motors will recover 0.5 points and Toyota will add another 0.3 points.

Other automakers that won't be so aggressive in turning over their lineups with new models include Chrysler, Honda, Nissan and the European brands, which Murphy surmises will all remain flat in terms of market share.

Hyundai and Kia, meanwhile, will be introducing fewer new models than the rest and therefore, Murphy predicts, will see a 0.5 decline in U.S. market share.

Of course, these are all just predictions and can be blown to bits with the next unforeseen economic crisis or natural disaster, just like the last three years were. And there are other factors that might affect market share for each automaker during the next three years, including the availability of raw materials, exchange rates, union contracts, recalls and a million another minor things that might grow to become big things, not the least of which is consumers deciding they actually like all those new products being launched.

Car Wars report predicts Hyundai, Kia will lose market share originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 May 2012 18:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bank of americacar warsfordgeneral motorsgmhyundaijohn murphykiamarket sharemerrill lynchtoyotau.s. market shareFri, 18 May 2012 18:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20240741/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/18/car-wars-report-predicts-hyundai-kia-will-lose-market-share/20240741/article-detail.xml 20240741 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/gyi0062947481-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/gyi0062947481-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Ford and GM in Twitterfight over Facebook advertising?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/ford-and-gm-in-twitterfight-over-facebook-advertising/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/ford-and-gm-in-twitterfight-over-facebook-advertising/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/ford-and-gm-in-twitterfight-over-facebook-advertising/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ford's Twitter jab at GM's Facebook ad pullout
Frenemies Ford and General Motors have taken to cyberspace for a little verbal sparing, trading snarky shots this week over which company is more likeable on Facebook.

GM set itself up Tuesday after news broke that the carmaker decided not to spend $10 million on Facebook advertising the same week the social media juggernaut prepares for its initial public offering expected to raise $100 billion dollars.

Ford used the opportunity to tweak its crosstown rival, tweeting: "It's all about the execution. Our Facebook ads are effective when strategically combined with engaging content & innovation."

GM couldn't leave that alone, going onto its Facebook page, "Just wanted to let our millions of Facebook fans know, we're still here, and we 'like' you back!"

Both carmakers will continue to use Facebook, where both have millions of followers of their brands and vehicles. And, really, they are both right.

Ford has done an extremely good job incorporating Facebook into its marketing strategy. When it came time to launch the new Ford Explorer, it did it through Facebook reaching millions of people.

GM has determined its money will be better spent in other areas. A recent Associated Press-CNBC poll showing more than half of all Facebook users never click on sponsored ads and only 12 percent said they felt comfortable to buy anything over Facebook. Google, The Wall Street Journal points out, is much more effective.

Ford and GM in Twitterfight over Facebook advertising? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 May 2012 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookfacebook advertisingfacebook ipofordford motor companygeneral motorsgmsocial mediatweettwittertwitter fighttwitterfightThu, 17 May 2012 10:35:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20239690/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/17/ford-and-gm-in-twitterfight-over-facebook-advertising/20239690/article-detail.xml 20239690 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/ford-tweet-gm-facebook_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/ford-tweet-gm-facebook.jpg <![CDATA[GM says Facebook ads not effective, pulls campaign ahead of IPO]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/16/gm-says-facebook-ads-not-effective-pulls-campaign-ahead-of-ipo/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/16/gm-says-facebook-ads-not-effective-pulls-campaign-ahead-of-ipo/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/16/gm-says-facebook-ads-not-effective-pulls-campaign-ahead-of-ipo/#commentsFiled under: ,

Facebook

The Internets are buzzing over the upcoming initial public offering of Facebook, but General Motors doesn't seem all that impressed. The Huffington Post reports that The General has pulled its Facebook ad campaigns just days before the social media site is scheduled to officially hit the stock market.

The pricey ad buy reportedly wasn't paying sufficient dividends for GM, which spends billions of dollars on advertising every year. GM Spokesperson Pat Morrissey confirmed that Facebook was being reassessed, but added that the automaker routinely reviews where it is spending its ad dollars. Morrissey then added that GM is looking for effectiveness when it doles out marketing cash, which doesn't bode well for Facebook's ability to draw clicks.

If GM's decision sounds at all irrational, the statistics seem to show that Facebook isn't exactly an ad-click magnet. A recent CNBC poll showed that 50 percent of all Facebook users never click on any ads, and only 12 percent of those polled feel comfortable purchasing anything through Facebook. Google appears to be more effective at attracting clicks, as The Wall Street Journal cites a click-rate that is seven times that of Facebook.

Regardless of GM's decision to break up with Facebook, we're guessing that the news probably won't drown out much of the anticipation for the IPO. After all, it isn't every day that an Internet site with 900 million mostly addicted users goes public.

GM says Facebook ads not effective, pulls campaign ahead of IPO originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 May 2012 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingfacebookfacebook adfacebook adsgeneral motorsgmgm facebookipostock priceWed, 16 May 2012 10:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20238929/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/16/gm-says-facebook-ads-not-effective-pulls-campaign-ahead-of-ipo/20238929/article-detail.xml 20238929 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/facebook_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/facebook.jpg <![CDATA[Saab union asks Obama to pressure GM for licensing deal]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/saab-union-asks-obama-to-pressure-gm-for-licensing-deal/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/saab-union-asks-obama-to-pressure-gm-for-licensing-deal/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/saab-union-asks-obama-to-pressure-gm-for-licensing-deal/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

President Obama

The door has not yet closed on Saab. Hoping for yet another 11th hour stay of execution, the defunct carmaker's chief union, IF Metall, has written directly to President Obama, asking him to intervene, according to Just-Auto. While on the surface, this may seem silly, it's actually rather clever, even if it has little likelihood of working.

With the United States government still owning 26 percent of General Motors, the Swedish union is hoping it can appeal to Obama to pressure General Motors into granting licenses to continue manufacturing Saab vehicles, according to the report. It's this sticking point that has torpedoed every attempt to forestall Saab's dissolution, as GM fears that were it to allow continued production of Saabs developed under GM's ownership, it would open up the possibility of intellectual property conflicts, particularly if a Chinese manufacturer that competes with GM's own Chinese partner, SAIC, acquires Saab.

You have to admire Saab loyalists, as they clearly have not given up hope. But in this case, they just don't have any other options: Unemployment in the Saab hometown of Trollhättan has hit 40 percent, according to the report.

Saab union asks Obama to pressure GM for licensing deal originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 May 2012 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barack obamachinachinese automakersgeneral motorsgmif metallintellectual propertyobamapresident of the united statessaabsaictrollhattentrollhättanunionsTue, 15 May 2012 16:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20238573/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/15/saab-union-asks-obama-to-pressure-gm-for-licensing-deal/20238573/article-detail.xml 20238573 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/president-obama-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/president-obama-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Electronics makers wary of NTSB's proposed hands-free ban]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/11/electronics-makers-wary-of-ntsbs-proposed-hands-free-ban/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/11/electronics-makers-wary-of-ntsbs-proposed-hands-free-ban/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/11/electronics-makers-wary-of-ntsbs-proposed-hands-free-ban/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Hands free calling

Here's one from the unsurprising file: The Consumer Electronics Association has written the National Traffic Safety Board in opposition to the proposed ban on hands-free calling.

According to The Detroit News, CEA is all for efforts to create technological solutions to the distracted driving problem, which makes perfect sense, as those products or features would be one more thing for its member firms to sell. To its credit, CEA did write that it supports banning texting and restricting phone use by young drivers.

But the organization insists that there is no "real-world evidence" to support prohibiting all phone use in vehicles, according to the report. In support of its position, it played the makeup card, saying that other distractions like "eating, drinking, applying makeup and engaging with children" would also need to be banned.

The NTSB proposal to ban hands-free calling is somewhat peculiar in that it would ban calls through a paired cell phone, but not calls through a phone built into the vehicle, like the OnStar system from General Motors. The recommendation has been controversial, with even Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood failing to get on board with the idea.

Electronics makers wary of NTSB's proposed hands-free ban originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 May 2012 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ceaconsumer electronics associationdistracted drivinggmhands free banhands free callinghands free calling banntsbonstarFri, 11 May 2012 16:40:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20235669/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/11/electronics-makers-wary-of-ntsbs-proposed-hands-free-ban/20235669/article-detail.xml 20235669 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/hands-free-driving_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/hands-free-driving.jpg <![CDATA[Treasury has no plans to sell remaining GM stock quite yet]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/11/treasury-has-no-plans-to-sell-remaining-gm-stock-quite-yet/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/11/treasury-has-no-plans-to-sell-remaining-gm-stock-quite-yet/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/11/treasury-has-no-plans-to-sell-remaining-gm-stock-quite-yet/#commentsFiled under: , ,

General Motors headquarters

General Motors stock has been languishing for months, failing to climb past $30 per share since July of last year. Trading at around $22 per share today, the optimism that surrounded the company's emergence from bankruptcy and initial public offering in November 2010 has all but vanished. So it's no wonder that the United States Treasury has decided to sit on its GM shares, with no plans to sell of its remaining 26 percent stake in the automaker.

According to The Detroit News, the Treasury believes that GM is underpriced given the changes that have happened at the company. Assistant Treasury Secretary Time Massad told the News, "Our perspective is that the company has made real progress, but the market hasn't given them as much credit for that as it might."

The government stands to lose $15 billion on the bailout at today's stock prices, according to the report. Of the $49.5 billion spent on the bailout, the government has already recouped roughly $23 billion in reducing its stake in GM from the 61 percent it once held. GM shares would have to more than double in value to $53 for the Treasury to break even in liquidating the 500 million shares it still owns, according to the report.

Treasury has no plans to sell remaining GM stock quite yet originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 May 2012 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto bailoutbailoutgeneral motorsgmgm ipogm stockUS TreasuryFri, 11 May 2012 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20236222/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/11/treasury-has-no-plans-to-sell-remaining-gm-stock-quite-yet/20236222/article-detail.xml 20236222 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/gmrexterior02-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/gmrexterior02-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Engine packaging to blame for Fisker Karma garage fire? [UPDATE]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/11/engine-packaging-to-blame-for-fisker-karma-garage-fire/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/11/engine-packaging-to-blame-for-fisker-karma-garage-fire/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/11/engine-packaging-to-blame-for-fisker-karma-garage-fire/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2012 Fisker Karma

While the investigation of the Fisker Karma that toasted a Texas garage is not over, pundits have begun to weigh in. Automotive News has found a particularly credible one in Jon Bereisa, CEO of Auto Lectrification and the chief engineer of the General Motors EV1 and systems architect for the Chevrolet Volt. And according to Bereisa, the poor packaging of the Karma's internal combustion engine is what likely caused the fire.

"The engine is shoehorned into that bay, because they had to use a larger engine, because it was too heavy a car," Bereisa told AN. "As a result, there's no room for exhaust routing and heat shielding to route the heat away."

The Karma uses a turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine sourced from GM. In the Karma, however, the Ecotec does not drive the wheels, but acts as a generator to supplement and recharge the batteries. The report says that a fluid leak, combined with tight engine compartment confines and the resultant high heat from the gasoline engine's exhaust and the would have been enough to cause the fire.

Fisker is maintaining that it is not the car's battery pack that is at fault, and has pointed to other potential sources of the blaze, according to the report, telling AN that, "There are myriad combustible materials that could be in the garage, in the wheel arch, or picked up on the roadside."

UPDATE: Fisker has released an official statement regarding this story. Scroll down to read it.

Continue reading Engine packaging to blame for Fisker Karma garage fire? [UPDATE]

Engine packaging to blame for Fisker Karma garage fire? [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 May 2012 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 fisker karmachevroletecotecfiskerfisker firegmJon BereisakarmavoltFri, 11 May 2012 11:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20236324/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/11/engine-packaging-to-blame-for-fisker-karma-garage-fire/20236324/article-detail.xml 20236324 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/26-2012-fisker-karma-sd-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/26-2012-fisker-karma-sd-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota takes title of World's Largest Automaker... again, for now]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/11/toyota-takes-title-of-worlds-largest-automaker-again-for-no/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/11/toyota-takes-title-of-worlds-largest-automaker-again-for-no/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/11/toyota-takes-title-of-worlds-largest-automaker-again-for-no/#commentsFiled under: ,

Toyota badge

Now that the title of world's largest maker has become a clear and eager battle, we can expect more regular updates on the progress of the combatants. Bloomberg reports that Toyota snagged the #1 crown in Q1, taking it away from General Motors with 2.49 million units sold across its five brands compared to 2.28 million for GM. Volkswagen was just another tenth down at 2.19 million units sold.

What all three might appreciate even more than the crown - except for VW, who is monomaniacal about the No. 1 tag - is that sales volumes and profitability are up, at least in America. Toyota's sales rebound from the catastrophes of last year (and indeed, the last few years) is being underlined by its performance here, where the Prius Plug-In is the third-best seller against a background of the nation's best car sales market in five years. Even with double its usual fleet sales in Q1, Toyota expects this financial year's profits to double.

The year isn't over yet and it remains close, but for now it looks like there'll be good news for everyone. Well, until 2016, when Volkswagen is predicted to vanquish all challengers at the top of the podium, two years ahead of its own ridiculously ambitious schedule.

Toyota takes title of World's Largest Automaker... again, for now originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 May 2012 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>general motorsglobal salesgmsalestoyotavolkswagenvwworlds biggest automakerFri, 11 May 2012 09:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20236085/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/11/toyota-takes-title-of-worlds-largest-automaker-again-for-no/20236085/article-detail.xml 20236085 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/11-2011-toyota-highlander-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/11-2011-toyota-highlander-review.jpg <![CDATA[2012 U.S. auto sales on pace to be best in five years]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/10/2012-u-s-auto-sales-on-pace-to-be-best-in-five-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/10/2012-u-s-auto-sales-on-pace-to-be-best-in-five-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/10/2012-u-s-auto-sales-on-pace-to-be-best-in-five-years/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Ford new car lot

Bloomberg reports that if U.S. auto sales continue at their current pace, 2012 will mark the best year for the industry since 2007. The news comes after word that both Ford and Chrysler have slimmed or entirely eliminated the traditional summer shutdown at their manufacturing facilities to keep pace with demand.

All told, sales may reach 14.3 million cars and light trucks, according to analysts, thanks to factors like a gradually improving economy and easier credit. If the pace continues, 2012 will mark the third year of 10-percent gains, which marks only the fourth time that's happened since the Great Depression.

Car sales stalled in 2008, and 2009 saw manufacturers move just 10.4 million units. As Bloomberg points out, that's the lowest number since 1982, but buyers took home 11.6 million vehicles in 2010 and 12.8 million in 2011. The industry saw a 10.3-percent increase through the first four months of this year. As a result, General Motors, Ford and Toyota have adjusted their yearly sales forecasts accordingly.

2012 U.S. auto sales on pace to be best in five years originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 May 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 auto salesauto sales figureschryslerfordgeneral motorsgmsales figurestoyotaus auto salesus auto sales figuresThu, 10 May 2012 16:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20235610/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/10/2012-u-s-auto-sales-on-pace-to-be-best-in-five-years/20235610/article-detail.xml 20235610 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/ford-car-lot_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/ford-car-lot.jpg <![CDATA[Saab fans save the last 9-3]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/10/saab-fans-save-the-last-9-3/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/10/saab-fans-save-the-last-9-3/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/10/saab-fans-save-the-last-9-3/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Last Saab produced

Congratulations are in order: Saabs United has raised enough money to buy the last Saab 9-3, what is likely to be the last Saab of any sort ever produced. The group will be installing the car in the Saab Cars Museum on a permanent loan, as well as donating the additional money it raised during its fund drive.

Forgive us for being just a bit cynical here, but it's really a shame this particular car is so mundane. It's a Saab 9-3 Aero Griffin, a run-of-the-mill sedan that's a direct descendant of the 2003 model year 9-3. Based on the global General Motors Epsilon platform that also spawned the similarly extinct Pontiac G6, the 9-3 is arguably the car that killed Saab - or at least failed to save it - as GM was never able to sell enough of them or derive enough profit from the ones it managed to move in the U.S. to make a go of the brand.

We're sure all Saab enthusiasts agree that the marque certainly deserved better treatment than it got from Detroit, and when we look back in fond remembrance on Saab, there are any number of models that will come to mind before we think of the final 9-3. Most of them are included in our historical Saab gallery.

Saab fans save the last 9-3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 May 2012 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 saab 9-39-39-3 griffinfinal saabgmlast saabsaabsaab museumsaabs unitedsaabsunitedThu, 10 May 2012 11:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20234577/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/10/saab-fans-save-the-last-9-3/20234577/article-detail.xml 20234577 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/final-saab_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/final-saab.jpg <![CDATA[GM trademarks Riviera name]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/09/gm-trademarks-riviera-name/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/09/gm-trademarks-riviera-name/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/09/gm-trademarks-riviera-name/#commentsFiled under: ,



Autoblog reader Ed sent us this screen shot from the United States Patent and Trademark Office, showing that General Motors has apparently trademarked the name Riviera for use on automobiles. It's no secret that the Riviera name resonates well with anyone familiar with Buick's history, and since the production coupe's death in 1999, the name Riviera has only been resurrected once for the 2007 concept car you see here.

So, why is GM registering the Riviera name again? Your guess is as good as ours. As GM Inside News points out, it could be nothing - automakers will, from time to time, trademark a host of words or alphanumeric sequences (Ford, for example, has trademarked everything from MKA to MKZ for potential Lincoln use). But then again, this isn't the first (or second, or third) time that we've heard rumors about Buick potentially adding a coupe to its lineup, and the Riviera name would certainly be appropriate.

GM trademarks Riviera name originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 May 2012 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buickgeneral motorsgmpatentrivieratrademarkWed, 09 May 2012 15:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20234952/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/09/gm-trademarks-riviera-name/20234952/article-detail.xml 20234952 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/riviera_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/riviera.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Buick Verano]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/09/2012-buick-verano-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/09/2012-buick-verano-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/09/2012-buick-verano-review/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Baby Buick Makes Quiet Case As An Almost-Luxury Car

2012 Buick Verano

It's no secret that Buick is one of the most prominent automakers in China, but the vehicle that's leading the charge in the People's Republic may come as a surprise. The top-selling car in the world's largest auto market last year was the Buick Excelle, a C-segment sedan that just so happens also to be a version of the 2012 Buick Verano that's now on sale here in the United States.

The Verano has only been on sale here for a few months, but as you might expect, U.S. buyers aren't quite as excited about the latest Buick offering as our Chinese counterparts, at least not in the early going. March sales came in at a modest 2,497 units (the Excelle family scored 23,179 April sales in China), making the Verano the least-purchased Buick for that month, while April's 2,989 units were just enough to beat the Regal in Buick's sales portfolio. Do Chinese buyers know something that we don't, or does the littlest Buick just need time to win us over?

Continue reading 2012 Buick Verano

2012 Buick Verano originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 May 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 buick veranobuickfeaturedgeneral motorsgmreviewreviewsveranoWed, 09 May 2012 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20234068/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/09/2012-buick-verano-review/20234068/article-detail.xml 20234068 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/03-2012-buick-verano-review-1336572086_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/03-2012-buick-verano-review-1336572086.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota to best GM's profit]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/08/toyota-to-best-gms-profit/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/08/toyota-to-best-gms-profit/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/08/toyota-to-best-gms-profit/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Toyota logoToyota has had some recent setbacks, what with last year's natural disasters and its lengthy recall problems. But according to Bloomberg, the carmaker is back on track, and is expected to post its largest profit in five years. Toyota reports financial results for its fiscal year tomorrow, and is expected to forecast a $10 billion net income, which would put Toyota ahead of General Motors in earnings, according to the report.

The Japanese automaker is expected to forecast a 12 percent sales growth for next year, which would make it the largest global carmaker by revenue, though Volkswagen is expected to lead in earnings. Bloomberg reports that Toyota's 2012 calendar year sales are expected to increase 21 percent, to 9.58 million units, which would be a record for the automaker. Toyota shares on the Tokyo stock exchange are up 22 percent for the year.

Toyota to best GM's profit originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 May 2012 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>earningsgmprofitstoyotatoyota profitTue, 08 May 2012 18:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20233868/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/08/toyota-to-best-gms-profit/20233868/article-detail.xml 20233868 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/toyota-logo-250_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/toyota-logo-250.jpg <![CDATA[GM, Ford place in top 10 on 2012 Fortune 500 list]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/08/gm-ford-place-in-top-10-on-2012-fortune-500-list/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/08/gm-ford-place-in-top-10-on-2012-fortune-500-list/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/08/gm-ford-place-in-top-10-on-2012-fortune-500-list/#commentsFiled under: , ,



If you're a blue-blooded American capitalist, there's nothing better than leading your company to the top of the Fortune 500 - except for making billions of dollars in profits, that is. But thankfully those two objectives tend to go hand-in-hand, as proven by these two men.

Indeed, General Motors CEO Dan Akerson and Ford CEO Alan Mulally have plenty to smile about when looking at the 2012 Fortune 500 list, as their respective companies are pegged at fifth and ninth. While Ford's profit last year dwarfed GM's, according to the Fortune list, GM's revenue was greater than all but four other corporations: Exxon Mobil, Wal-Mart, Chevron, and ConocoPhillips.

The only other automotive firm to hit the top 100 was supplier Johnson Controls at 67, though plenty of other suppliers made the list, including Goodyear at 126 and Ford spin-off Visteon at 321.

GM, Ford place in top 10 on 2012 Fortune 500 list originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 May 2012 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordfortune 500gmgoodyearjohnson controlsvisteonTue, 08 May 2012 15:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20232663/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/08/gm-ford-place-in-top-10-on-2012-fortune-500-list/20232663/article-detail.xml 20232663 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/136965133_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/136965133.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/07/2013-chevrolet-malibu-eco-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/07/2013-chevrolet-malibu-eco-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/07/2013-chevrolet-malibu-eco-review/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mild-Hybrid Malibu Proves Only Mildly Interesting

2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco

Don't judge a book by its cover. The sentiment certainly applies to cars as well, but doubly so. Years of driving and photographing new vehicles have taught us that you can't evaluate a new model - or even judge its styling - based on photos alone, no matter how good or bad the images or the sheetmetal might seem. And you can't really know anything until you get that car off the auto show stand and out in the wild, driving it on the street in its natural habitat.

We explain this because when we first spied the new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, we didn't think much of it: Mostly carryover front fascia, grafted-on Camaro taillights, Bangle butt. Move along, nothing to see here. But a funny thing happened when we got behind the wheel of the Malibu Eco for a week. We warmed up to it. We actually liked it.

Continue reading 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco

2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 May 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 chevrolet malibu ecochevroletchevyfeaturedgeneral motorsgmmalibumalibu ecoreviewreviewsMon, 07 May 2012 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20231452/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/07/2013-chevrolet-malibu-eco-review/20231452/article-detail.xml 20231452 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/2013-chevrolet-malibu-eco-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/2013-chevrolet-malibu-eco-review.jpg -1 2