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[Volkswagen reconsiders bringing Scirocco to the States]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/27/volkswagen-reconsiders-bringing-scirocco-to-the-states/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/27/volkswagen-reconsiders-bringing-scirocco-to-the-states/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/27/volkswagen-reconsiders-bringing-scirocco-to-the-states/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Volkswagen Scirocco

Volkswagen has heard our cries and is reconsidering its previous decision not to offer the Scirocco in the States.

Back when the low-slung hatch was launched in March, VW was insistent that the Scirocco would never find its way to U.S. shores, fearing that it would cannibalize sales of the GTI and that the strong euro would make it far too expensive.

Automotive News spoke with V-Dub spokesperson, Steve Keyes, who said the outcry from enthusiasts and the apparent popularity of the Scirocco in Europe has VW execs rethinking their initial decision. According to Keyes, "There's no real decision yet," and that if the Scirocco would be made available in the U.S., it would be positioned "a little bit differently." Two words: do it.

Gallery: 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco


[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Volkswagen reconsiders bringing Scirocco to the States originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>sciroccosold in usSoldInUsu.s.volkswagenvolkswagen sciroccoVolkswagenSciroccovwvw sciroccoVwSciroccoMon, 27 Oct 2008 08:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Artega GT to get lightweight four-cylinder, sales in the U.S. "a must"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/08/artega-gt-to-get-lightweight-four-cylinder-sales-in-the-u-s-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/08/artega-gt-to-get-lightweight-four-cylinder-sales-in-the-u-s-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/08/artega-gt-to-get-lightweight-four-cylinder-sales-in-the-u-s-a/#commentsFiled under:


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Artega GT

Production of the Artega GT is set to begin later this month and even though the budget Cayman competitor is limited to 500 units per year at the automaker's current plant, Artega has plans to expand beginning with new variants of the GT.

Within the next two years, Artega will offer a lightweight, four-cylinder version likely to be powered by one of Volkswagen Auto Group's turbocharged 2.0-liter engines, while a soft-top is slated to go on sale sometime in 2010. The current production center can't handle the increased capacity of two additional models, but an Artega exec says that the company owns enough land to build an extension next to the main plant.

Speaking with CAR, Karlheinz Kalbfell said, "Mid-term U.S. sales are a must. But since we need to prepare ourselves well for this important move, late 2010 looks like the earliest possible date." That's about the same time the convertible should be available, and according to Kalbfell, since "roadsters have traditionally always done well in the U.S.", it would be the perfect time to launch the brand in the States. Needless to say, we're looking forward to getting behind the wheel.

Gallery: Artega GT - Intro 2008 Edition


Gallery: Artega GT - Production Version


[Source: CAR]

Artega GT to get lightweight four-cylinder, sales in the U.S. "a must" originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Sep 2008 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artegaartega gtartega gt usArtegaGtArtegaGtUsgtu.s.Mon, 08 Sep 2008 14:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Volvo to trim 30-percent of U.S. dealers by the end of next year]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/11/volvo-to-trim-dealers-by-30-percent-by-the-end-of-next-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/11/volvo-to-trim-dealers-by-30-percent-by-the-end-of-next-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/11/volvo-to-trim-dealers-by-30-percent-by-the-end-of-next-year/#commentsFiled under: ,



Volvo hasn't been doing too hot lately, posting a $1.73 billion loss over the past five years as it flails to find its niche. Sales of almost every Volvo product have declined in 2007, with the S60 falling by 28.1 percent, the XC90 dropping 5.6 percent and the V70 station wagon losing 7.7 percent. For June of 2008, Volvo only moved 7,001 vehicles, down 14.2 percent compared to last year. Something has to be done on the retail side, and according to Automotive News, dealers are on their way out.

The automaker is looking to cut out approximately 30 percent of its U.S. dealer network by the close of next year, however, Volvo retailers won't be cut in Europe, nor Russia, where Volvo is a leader in premium vehicle sales.

Volvo recognizes that part of its problem is fuel efficiency, so it's focusing on producing smaller vehicles and pushing its C30 hatch hard in the States. A hybrid version of the XC60 is in the works, but that won't be out for at least another three years... in Germany, and as a stopgap, Volvo plans to implement start-stop technology on its smaller engines.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Volvo to trim 30-percent of U.S. dealers by the end of next year originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Jul 2008 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cutdealerdealersnetworku.s.united statesUnitedStatesvolvoFri, 11 Jul 2008 17:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi seriously considering U.S. plant]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/07/audi-seriously-considering-u-s-plant/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/07/audi-seriously-considering-u-s-plant/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/07/audi-seriously-considering-u-s-plant/#commentsFiled under: ,



Volkswagen has already announced its intentions to build a factory in the U.S., narrowing down the possible sites to Alabama, Michigan and Tennessee. Now, in advance of a shareholder meeting in Germany, Audi CEO Rupert Stadler is reportedly saying that Audi is considering a U.S. plant, as well. The move on both automakers' parts is an attempt to capitalize on the weak U.S. dollar, the stronger euro and the fact that material costs are on the rise and a U.S. plant could mitigate some of those expenses. Additionally, both VW and Audi have made it clear that in order to achieve their lofty sales goals - one million units a year by 2018 for V-Dub and Audi's campaign to become the numero uno luxury carmaker - ramping up production capacity in the U.S. where many of those sales will be made is instrumental to their mutual success.

[Source: Autoweek]

Audi seriously considering U.S. plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 May 2008 17:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi u.s. plantAudiU.s.Plantplantu.s.Wed, 07 May 2008 17:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Prodrive closing its doors in the U.S.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/24/prodrive-closing-its-doors-in-the-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/24/prodrive-closing-its-doors-in-the-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/24/prodrive-closing-its-doors-in-the-u-s/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Word filtered down this week through the interweb that Prodrive's operations in the U.S. would cease to exist when the 2007 calendar year concludes. Prodrive America has been around for over five years, mainly supplying Subaru enthusiasts with all the necessary gear to flog road courses and plug holes on rally stages. There's no word as to why Prodrive is pulling out of the U.S., but to all its employees, we wish them the greatest of luck on their future endeavors.

[Source: Driving Sports via Straightline]

Prodrive closing its doors in the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Nov 2007 09:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>closingprodrivesubaruu.s.Sat, 24 Nov 2007 09:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Sources Say: Honda Stream coming to U.S. in 2009]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/29/sources-say-honda-stream-coming-to-u-s-in-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/29/sources-say-honda-stream-coming-to-u-s-in-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/29/sources-say-honda-stream-coming-to-u-s-in-2009/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Winding Road is reporting that the next-generation Honda Stream mini-MPV may be sold in the U.S. Having just been redesigned last year, the next Stream won't arrive until 2009, and even then we doubt it will receive anything more than a refreshening. Nevertheless, Honda appears intent to make some money off of this MPV that's based on the same platform as the Civic and CR-V. It's reportedly been a big hit in Japan since it debuted in 2000, though the recent redesign has met with mixed reviews. Though the JDM version can seat up to seven or eight people, Winding Road reports the U.S. version will probably get only two rows of seats. In Japan, the Stream is available with either a R18A 1.8L i-VTEC engine and five-speed auto or an R20A 2.0L i-VTEC engine mated to a CVT transmission. Whether those engines will be offered in the U.S. in unknown, though we would expect at least the larger of the two motors to make the journey to our shores.

Considering Honda's success with the Odyssey in the minivan segment, the Stream may do very well in the U.S. It appears smaller than a minivan, but larger than, say, a Mazda5. The current trend of segment-bending tall wagons and CUVs could carry the Stream right along.

[Source: Winding Road]

Sources Say: Honda Stream coming to U.S. in 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Aug 2007 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2007 Honda Stream2007HondaStream2009 Honda Stream2009HondaStreambreakingHondaHonda StreamHondaStreamnorth american marketNorthAmericanMarketStreamU.S.Wed, 29 Aug 2007 14:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Spring 2008: Arrival date for BMW 1-Series]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/18/spring-2008-arrival-date-for-bmw-1-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/18/spring-2008-arrival-date-for-bmw-1-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/18/spring-2008-arrival-date-for-bmw-1-series/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The upcoming BMW 1-Series Coupe is one of those rare cars over which nearly every Autoblogger is drooling. It returns Bimmer to its roots of building relatively lightweight handlers, as well as lowers the cost of entry for an Ultimate Driving Machine to within the reach of the coupon clipping middle class. Thanks to the sharp eye of folks over at bmw128i.com, we now have confirmation from BMW via it's North American website that the 1-Series will be available to purchase in the U.S. by Spring 2008. The news comes via a flash video that plays when you visit BMW NA's website, and it's crystal clear in meaning: "Introducing the all-new BMW 1-Series. Year One of the 1 begins Spring 2008." This means that BMW dealers will likely be ready to take orders for the 1 by the end of the year. Instead of celebrating the Vernal Equinox next year with a traditional dance around the fire, you just may find us in line at your local BMW dealer.

[Source: bmw128i.com via Jalopnik]

Gallery: BMW 1-Series Coupe

Spring 2008: Arrival date for BMW 1-Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jul 2007 15:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1-SeriesavailabilityBMWBMW 1-SeriesBmw1-seriesU.S.U.S.A.USUSAWed, 18 Jul 2007 15:38:00 EST<![CDATA[VW may build factory in the U.S.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/09/vw-may-build-factory-in-the-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/09/vw-may-build-factory-in-the-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/09/vw-may-build-factory-in-the-u-s/#commentsFiled under: ,

One of the problems with being an import car maker at the lower end of the automotive market is an increased sensitivity to currency exchange rate fluctuations. This is particularly problematic if the carmaker doesn't have a government willing to make currency adjustments the way Japan regularly does. Thus, Volkswagen has had a troubled manufacturing history with the U.S. for the last three decades.

As a response to currency issues, Volkswagen was the first import maker to set up a transplant operation in Pennsylvania in 1978, several years before Honda started building Accords in Ohio. Ten years later the plant closed as demand for the Golf hatchbacks it built dwindled. In recent years, as the U.S. dollar has continued to shrivel compared to the Euro, VW profits have been hit again and so they are taking another look at building in the U.S. CEO Martin Winterkorn told German magazine Focus they are looking at a U.S. manufacturing plant if the dollar remains weak. Given the unlikely scenario of the dollar rising anytime soon, states may be sending in their bribe incentive packages now.

[Source: Detroit News]



VW may build factory in the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Jul 2007 19:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assemblymanufacturingplantU.S.VolkswagenVWMon, 09 Jul 2007 19:06:00 EST<![CDATA[$99 registration open for smart fortwo, will start under $12,000]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/19/99-registration-open-for-smart-fortwo-will-start-under-12-000/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/19/99-registration-open-for-smart-fortwo-will-start-under-12-000/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/19/99-registration-open-for-smart-fortwo-will-start-under-12-000/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


European model PASSION CABRIO shown

We alerted you to the fact that smart would be taking $99 reservations for its U.S. bound fortwo and the day has come when you can officially get in line for a fee. A registration page has been set up that will take your vital info, including your drivers license number, as well as what model fortwo you'd like and the color of the body panels, trident safety cell and interior. The $99 fee doesn't guarantee you a car, as it's meant to help DaimlerChrysler distribute the vehicles they'll have to the regions where demand is greatest. If you do manage to buy one, the fee will be added to the cost of your vehicle. If you don't get one, they'll refund the money.

According to the registration page, the U.S. fortwo will start at under $12,000 for the PURE model (just a note - it appears the PURE comes sans stereo with a "radio-ready dash). The slightly uplevel PASSION model (with an AM/FM radio and CD player) will begin under $14,000, and the PASSION CABRIO just under $17,000. While this pricing is most likely not final, it can't be far off. Color us impressed, as we were expecting a base smart fortwo to start in the $15k to $16k range based on the kitsch factor of smart's image alone. Beginning at $12,000, however, means DCX will have to worry about supply much more than what we expect to be extremely high demand for this urban runabout.

Thanks for the tip, Matt!

[Source: Smart USA]

$99 registration open for smart fortwo, will start under $12,000 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Mar 2007 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>feefortworegistrationsmartsmart fortwoSmartFortwoU.S.Mon, 19 Mar 2007 16:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Fuji Heavy eyes America for future profits]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/28/fuji-heavy-eyes-america-for-future-profits/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/28/fuji-heavy-eyes-america-for-future-profits/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/28/fuji-heavy-eyes-america-for-future-profits/#commentsFiled under: ,

Fuji Heavy Industries, parent company of Subaru, has missed its sales goal for a five-year plan that ends next month. The end of one five-year plan, however, is the beginning of another. The next five years will see Subaru putting a much larger emphasis on the U.S. market (w00t!). The Japanese automaker is aware that it can't squeeze any more sales out of the home market, so it's looking to America to supply the extra sales it needs to meet new targets. To achieve this goal, Subaru will supplement its U.S. headquarters in New Jersey with a satellite branch in the City of Angles (Los Angeles). The company hopes that the power of the sun rays combined with the magical properties of California drinking water will give its brand insight into what customers want in the Sun Belt states. In addition, we'll be getting 24 more Subaru dealers by 2010 to help push the all-wheel drive wares. Finally, a new production facility is being considered, though it wouldn't be located in either Japan or the U.S.

Currently Subaru sells only 179,000 vehicles in the U.S. compared to 242,000 units in Japan. By 2011, round about when the new five-year plan will be winding down, Subaru expects to be selling about 236,000 in both markets.

[Source: Automotive News]

Fuji Heavy eyes America for future profits originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Feb 2007 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fuji heavy industriesFujiHeavyIndustriessubaruU.S.Wed, 28 Feb 2007 13:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Honda Civic Type R may come to America in 2010]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/27/honda-civic-type-r-may-come-to-america-in-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/27/honda-civic-type-r-may-come-to-america-in-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/27/honda-civic-type-r-may-come-to-america-in-2010/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



During a recent press drive of the Euro-market Civic Type R, Winding Road's European editor Matt Davis appears to have gotten unofficial confirmation that Honda will be offering a Type R variant of the U.S. model Civic in 2010. Speaking with an unnamed assistant chief engineer, Davis learned that the car we'll get is likely based on the Japanese Domestic Market Civic Type R, which is a four-door sedan rather than the Euro market's three-door hatchback. Since Honda already sells the four-door Civic in the States and not the Euro hatchback, this only makes sense. Davis' source also revealed the car would receive a horsepower boost and limited-slip differential. We imagine any car wearing the Type R badge would also lose some weight, as well.

While we do appreciate Honda offering the Civic Si here in the U.S., especially the four-door version, it's high-revving 2.0L enginer producing 197 hp is easily outmatched by many of its competitors that have crested the 200 hp mark and then some. The closest thing Honda has right now to what we'll eventually get in the U.S. is this prototype four-door Type R Civic (shown above) based on the JDM model. It was used as the official pace car for the 2006 F1 Japan Grand Prix and is the prototype for the four-door Civic Type R that will be on sale in Japan this year.

[Source: Winding Road]

Honda Civic Type R may come to America in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Feb 2007 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>americacivicfour-doorhondaJDMtype rTypeRu.s.Tue, 27 Feb 2007 16:59:00 EST<![CDATA[U.S. automakers still employ way more Americans than imports]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/18/u-s-automakers-still-employ-way-more-americans-than-imports/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/18/u-s-automakers-still-employ-way-more-americans-than-imports/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/18/u-s-automakers-still-employ-way-more-americans-than-imports/#commentsFiled under: ,



While more and more import brands have opened up producton facilities in the U.S., a study performed by The Level Field Institute, a domestic industry promotion group (that's an important point, right there), found that domestic automakers (which includes General Motors, Ford and the Chrysler Group) support 2.5 more jobs for each vehicle they build in the U.S. than their import competitors. The study projects the number of jobs both groups will support in 2007, which include both blue- and white-collar jobs, and while domestic automakers will likely shed around 42,750 jobs this year, they will still be responsible for the paychecks of 378,250 workers. While import brands will add around 3,000 jobs to their payrolls in 2007, in total they will only be supporting 106,000 workers. One of the main reasons for this disparity is that while more and more import brands are building their vehicles in the U.S., much if not all of the development work takes place in their lands of origin.

The Level Field Institute is an orginization founded by retirees of GM, Ford and Chrysler and their suppliers. While one may question the report's outcome based on LFI's apparent loyalties, the group is open about its methadology and sources, which they reveal in detail here. You can check out the report in full by viewing the PDF file.

Thanks for the tip, Don!

[Source: The Level Field Institute via the Detroit Free Press]

U.S. automakers still employ way more Americans than imports originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Jan 2007 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Americansdomesticthe level field instituteTheLevelFieldInstituteU.S.workersThu, 18 Jan 2007 20:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Volvo to sell C30 in U.S.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/28/volvo-to-sell-c30-in-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/28/volvo-to-sell-c30-in-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/28/volvo-to-sell-c30-in-u-s/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Soon after Volvo unveiled its C30 in Paris, it was announced that the diminutive hatch will find its way stateside. Although its primary market will be Europe, Volvo would like to see a fair number of the 65,000 C30s produced finding a home in American garages.

The C30 rides on an identical wheel base as its larger sibling the S40, pushing the wheels to the outside of the car for better handling characteristics. The same 218 HP, turbocharged inline-5 will be shoved under the bonnet, producing a tractable 236 lb.-ft. of torque.

Typical for Volvo, safety is the name of the game. Beyond the expected passive safety devices, the C30 will come equipped with the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) which will aid drivers in lane change maneuvers.

All this and more will hit American shores no sooner than 2008, with pricing expected to be in the mid-to-high $20k segment.

The full press release can be seen after the jump.

Continue reading Volvo to sell C30 in U.S.

Volvo to sell C30 in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Sep 2006 17:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>c30parisu.s.volvoThu, 28 Sep 2006 17:56:00 EST<![CDATA[TVR coming to the U.S.?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/19/tvr-coming-to-the-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/19/tvr-coming-to-the-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/19/tvr-coming-to-the-u-s/#commentsFiled under: ,



According to the chairman and owner of British sports car maker TVR, Nikolai Smolenski, the marque could be returning to the U.S. market, once its Speed Six engine is upgraded to meet more stringent emissions standards.

Announcing an agreement with powertrain engineering specialists Ricardo plc, Smolenski said that with Ricardo's help the company plans to develop a Euro 5-compliant version of the Speed Six in the next 18 months, as part of the company's plan to expand its sales and distribution range throughout Europe and to U.S. and other international markets.

After the Speed Eight engine was discontinued at the end of 2004, the TVR Speed Six became the company's only production powerplant.

[Source: TVR]

TVR coming to the U.S.? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Jul 2006 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ricardospeed sixtvru.s.Wed, 19 Jul 2006 15:28:00 EST<![CDATA[MG TF Coupe will be built in Ooooooklahoma]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/12/mg-tf-coupe-will-be-built-in-ooooooklahoma/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/12/mg-tf-coupe-will-be-built-in-ooooooklahoma/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/12/mg-tf-coupe-will-be-built-in-ooooooklahoma/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



It's where the wind comes sweepin' down the plain. It's where the corn is as high as an elephant's eye. And now it's where the first Chinese owned auto factory will be opened in the United States. Ooooooklahoma!

Today Nanjing Automobile Group will announce that the company will build the MG TF Coupe at a factory in Ardmore, Oklahoma by 2008 and locate its American and European headquarters 90 miles north in Oklahoma City. The new plant will create 500 new jobs for the area. The MG TF Roadster, meanwhile, will be assembled at MG's plant in Longbridge, England.

This will make Nanjing the first Chinese automaker to truly enter the U.S. market, though the fact it will be offering a revered nameplate sets it apart from other Chinese automakers intent on arriving in the U.S., like Geely and Chery, both of which plan to offer freshmen marques.

(Thanks Speed42 and Peter for the tip!)

[Source and photo: New York Times]

MG TF Coupe will be built in Ooooooklahoma originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Jul 2006 01:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArdmoreChinaEnglandLongbridgeMGMG TF CoupeMG TF RoadsterMgTfCoupeMgTfRoadsterNanjingNanjing Automotive GroupNanjingAutomotiveGroupOklahomaOklahoma CityOklahomaCityU.S.Wed, 12 Jul 2006 01:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Ferrari F430 may be banned in U.S.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/01/16/ferrari-f430-may-be-banned-in-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/01/16/ferrari-f430-may-be-banned-in-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/01/16/ferrari-f430-may-be-banned-in-u-s/#commentsFiled under:



It is being reported that sales of the Ferrari F430 may be banned in the U.S. by late 2006 due to the supercar's airbags being unable to protect a small number of female occupants and children who are buckled into the car's passenger seat.

Ferrari has filed a petition with the NHTSA to be granted a waiver to continue selling the cars in the States until late 2008 when a "newly designed eight-cylinder model" will replace the F430. The lustrous Italian marque claims is has tried everything to get the car to comply with NHTSA standards but has failed.

Inside Line reports that the NHTSA suggested Ferrari accelerate F430 production before the September 1st deadline in order to stockpile cars until the replacement debuts in two years, but Ferrari's workers are already toiling at full tilt trying to meet demand for the car.

What this means for Ferrari isn't clear, as the F430 is a major portion of it's U.S. sales. One would think, however, that a company capable of building the Enzo and some of the best F1 cars in the world could figure out how to fix an airbag.

Ferrari F430 may be banned in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Jan 2006 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoblogbannedferrari f430FerrariF430U.S.Mon, 16 Jan 2006 07:00:00 EST