Autoblog

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The carrier M/V Courage tipped at the port in Jersey City on Friday causing damage to over 370 BMWs. The ship was loaded with new 3-series and 1-series vehicles, including new M3s. Around 70 of the damaged cars are reported to be total losses with others sustaining major damage. Word is that the M3s bared the brunt of the brutality. Extensively damaged cars will be crushed while those with minor damage will undergo repair at a receiving facility in Elizabeth, NJ, after which they will proceed onto dealers. Bimmers destined for European delivery customers were also on board, although it's not clear how those buyers will be handled in the wake of the incident.

This is a particularly harsh hit to BMW in terms of the new M3 and even more so for the owners awaiting their new V8-powered uber-coupes. We'd expect this unfortunately event will lead to an extension of the waiting period many potential customers will have to endure. It also means many dealerships are out of luck for a demo car. With the M3's competition coming on strong from the likes of Lexus, Cadillac and Mercedes one can only imagine this sort of setback might steer away a few potential buyers.

Thanks for the tip Carl!

[Source M3Forum.com]

After some snafus in the supply chain forced a few weeks of delay, Ford has finally begun shipping the Edge, a vehicle that's been built up in the press as the automotive equivalent of a Hail Mary Pass. While we don't think Ford's in that dire a situation, the Edge is certainly a significant launch and the delays were warranted to ensure the first batch of Edge CUVs would be in tip top shape when delivered to dealers. Apparently all stations on the assembly line at Ford's Oakville, Ontario plant where the Edge and its platform mate, the Lincoln MKX, are produced are operating up to spec, and Ford is comfortable now with its suppliers' ability to keep up with demand for the vehicles. With a fourth of December already in the books, however, it appears that any units sold through the end of 2006 won't have much of an impact on the company's sales figures this month. That's the price you pay for quality assurance, though.

[Source: Business Week]