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[Ford introduces new Figo hatchback for India's burgeoning B-segment]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/23/ford-introduces-new-figo-hatchback-for-indias-burgeoning-b-segm/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/23/ford-introduces-new-figo-hatchback-for-indias-burgeoning-b-segm/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/23/ford-introduces-new-figo-hatchback-for-indias-burgeoning-b-segm/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2010 Ford Figo - Click above for high-res image gallery

You could be forgiven for thinking that Ford is starting to get a nicely thick global portfolio of B-segment cars, but with the class of vehicles picking up steam worldwide, the Blue Oval is keen to become an even bigger player - particularly in fast emerging markets like India. As such, Ford president and CEO Alan Mullaly found himself in Delhi today to unveil the company's new Figo hatchback.

With over 70% of the country's car sales falling into the B-segment, having more than just the Ikon and a market-specific version of the Fiesta and Fusion crossover in its quiver should help the Blue Oval take a bigger chunk of the market. Ford isn't releasing hard details (powertrains, platform, etc.) for the Figo yet, but it's quite clear that it fits in the existing family well, with many styling touches that remind us of the European (and soon to be U.S.) Fiesta, albeit with a more traditional upright bent - rather like the previous Fiesta, matter-of-fact.

Ford has just poured $500 million into updating and expanding its manufacturing plant near Chennai to build the Figo (which is apparently an Italian colloquialism for "cool"), and the facility has a production capacity of some 200,000 units, some of which will likely be exported when the line is up to speed (although the Figo is not expected to make any appearances Stateside). Click on the jump for further details after you check out the high-res gallery below.


Gallery: 2010 Ford Figo


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford introduces new Figo hatchback for India's burgeoning B-segment

Ford introduces new Figo hatchback for India's burgeoning B-segment originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alan mulallyAlanMulallyb-classb-segmentFigoFord Figoford hatchbackFordFigoFordHatchbackWed, 23 Sep 2009 09:29:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Toyota considering cooperation with Daimler on compact, full-size models]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/report-toyota-considering-cooperation-with-daimler-on-compact/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/report-toyota-considering-cooperation-with-daimler-on-compact/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/report-toyota-considering-cooperation-with-daimler-on-compact/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



According to a report from Auto Motor und Sport, Toyota is considering a partnership with Daimler to build Mercedes-Benz' A- and B-Class sub-compacts on the Japanese automaker's MC platform. The idea is to maximize the efficiency and output of Toyota's European plants, and could also include sharing development costs on each brand's next generation flagships: the Lexus LS and Mercedes S-Class. Daimler has dismissed the report as "speculation," while a Toyota Motor Europe spokesman toed the company line, only saying "It's part of our normal business practice that we regularly talk to other carmakers but there are no specific projects planned at the moment."

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport via Reuters]

REPORT: Toyota considering cooperation with Daimler on compact, full-size models originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-classb-classdaimlerlexuslexus lsLexusLslsmercedesmercedes benzmercedes-benzmercedes-benz e-classMercedes-benzE-classmercedesbenzs-classtoyotatoyota daimlerToyotaDaimlerWed, 01 Jul 2009 15:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercedes planning 1-series rival in 2011]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/27/mercedes-planning-1-series-rival-in-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/27/mercedes-planning-1-series-rival-in-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/27/mercedes-planning-1-series-rival-in-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It's no secret that the Mercedes-Benz A-class hasn't been a resounding success and that the automaker is looking to revamp its entry-level line-up to better compete with rivals. According to Autocar, M-B boss Dieter "Dr. Z" Zetsche has green-lighted a new model that's taking aim at the BMW 1-series and Audi A3, and will accompany the rest of the revised A-class models when it debuts in 2011.

The new model will replace the aging, if just recently facelifted, CLC and will initially come to market sporting a coupe body style instead of a three-door hatch. Mercedes plans to expand the rest of the A-classes to include at least three different body styles of each model, coinciding with the launch of the new B-class, which will be designed to compete with the upcoming BMW X1.

Power will supposedly come from a combination of direct-injection gasoline and diesel powerplants, with output ranging from 120 to 200 hp. Pricing should be competitive with BMW's 1-series models, with the new A-class falling right around the £19,000 mark.

[Source: Autocar]

Mercedes planning 1-series rival in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Mar 2008 13:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a classa-classAClassaudi a3AudiA3b classb-classBClassbmw 1-seriesbmw 135iBmw1-seriesBmw135imercedes benzmercedes-benzMercedesBenzThu, 27 Mar 2008 13:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercedes going solo for new A and B-Classes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/20/mercedes-going-solo-for-new-a-and-b-classes/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/20/mercedes-going-solo-for-new-a-and-b-classes/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/20/mercedes-going-solo-for-new-a-and-b-classes/#commentsFiled under: ,

Mercedes' small cars, the A-Class and B-Class, have not been the runaway success that the German automaker had hoped they would be, partially due to high costs of production that drove retail prices up above their competitors. That's why Mercedes-Benz had been looking at forming a partnership with a rival automaker in order to reduce costs and produce more competitively-priced entry-level models. But after discussions were held with both BMW and Fiat, Mercedes has opted to go it alone.

Read more after the jump.

[Source: Inside Line]

Continue reading Mercedes going solo for new A and B-Classes

Mercedes going solo for new A and B-Classes originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Dec 2007 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-classb-classbenzbmwdaimlerfiatmercedespartnershipplatformshareThu, 20 Dec 2007 14:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercedes eyeing motors from MINI]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/19/mercedes-eyeing-motors-from-mini/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/19/mercedes-eyeing-motors-from-mini/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/19/mercedes-eyeing-motors-from-mini/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Just because BMW declined Mercedes' public offering to develop engines together doesn't mean that the 3-pointed star and the roundel can't work together at all. Mercedes has a B-Class car arriving in 2011, and it needs motors. BMW and Peugeot have developed 4-cylinder direct injection lumps that power the MINI, and Mercedes is eying the cutting edge powerplants for its new compact car.

The new B-Class would take the place of the current A- and B-Class cars cars, and come in five flavors: 3-door, 5-door, SUV, coupe, and convertible. BMW announced just this month that it would be ending its partnership with Peugeot on those engines, so it is unclear how Mercedes would get them in 4 years time. Regardless, Mercedes is due to make a decision about what powers the new B-class by next month.

[Source: Auto News, sub req'd]

Mercedes eyeing motors from MINI originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Oct 2007 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>b-classbmw enginesbmw peugeot engineBmwEnginesBmwPeugeotEnginemercedesmercedes b-classmercedes benzMercedesB-classMercedesBenznew b-classNewB-classpeugeot enginesPeugeotEnginesFri, 19 Oct 2007 16:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercedes considers using next MINI platform for new compacts]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/01/mercedes-considers-using-next-mini-platform-for-new-compacts/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/01/mercedes-considers-using-next-mini-platform-for-new-compacts/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/01/mercedes-considers-using-next-mini-platform-for-new-compacts/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



If Automotive News' sources are to be believed, BMW and Mercedes-Benz might be joining forces to develop a new front-wheel drive architecture that would underpin both automakers' compact offerings. BMW is likely in the process of developing a new platform for its MINI and Mercedes has already announced plans to ditch its A-class ultra-compact. The idea that the two rivals would come together to co-develop a product might seem preposterous, but at the end of the day, it's all about saving as many euros as possible.

If a joint effort does take place, expect Mercedes to use its own powertrains for two compact vehicles, likely new A- and B-classes. And no, Chrysler isn't in the running to help out.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Mercedes considers using next MINI platform for new compacts originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Oct 2007 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-classb-classbmwcoopercooper sCooperSmercedesmercedes benzmercedes-benzMercedesBenzminiMon, 01 Oct 2007 09:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Enter the rumormill: Lexus to develop 1-series rival for Europe]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/26/enter-the-rumormill-lexus-to-develop-1-series-rival-for-europe/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/26/enter-the-rumormill-lexus-to-develop-1-series-rival-for-europe/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/26/enter-the-rumormill-lexus-to-develop-1-series-rival-for-europe/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


The Lexus BS compact lived up to its name when rumors flew back in 2005.

Those purveyors of the finest automotive speculation at Auto Motor und Sport recently sat down with Tokuichi Uranishi to discuss the finer points of Lexus' future. During the interview, the Toyota exec mentioned that if Lexus wants to become a real threat to BMW and Mercedes abroad it would have to expand its product line in ways similar to its Germanic rivals. One such brand extension would be the development of a smaller model designed to rival the BMW 1-series and Mercedes A- and B-class vehicles.

Mr. Uranishi explained during the interview that Lexus aims to sell 150,000 vehicles in Europe by 2015, something that would only be possible through the expansion of the marque's lineup. The new luxury compact model would join the new LF-1 coupe and a hybrid-only vehicle supposedly under development.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Enter the rumormill: Lexus to develop 1-series rival for Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Sep 2007 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1-seriesa-classb-classlexuslexus 1-series rivalLexus1-seriesRivalrivaltokuichi uranishiTokuichiUranishitoyotaWed, 26 Sep 2007 10:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: Ford Fiesta Concept sketches surface]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/22/rendered-speculation-ford-fiesta-concept-sketches-surface/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/22/rendered-speculation-ford-fiesta-concept-sketches-surface/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/22/rendered-speculation-ford-fiesta-concept-sketches-surface/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Auto Express has published a series of renderings that it swears are a dead ringer for the Ford Fiesta Concept that will debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month. If that's true, then it's a very good thing, as the sketches show a B-class car that's one part Mondeo and one part S-Max with a pinch of attitude for flavor. The Ford of Europe kinetic design language that debuted on the Iosis Concept two years ago has filtered down into production quite nicely, and this latest application on the Fiesta Concept is a tiny jewel. We particularly like the up-kink at the C-pillar and how the Iosis headlights extend from its grille all the way back to the A-pillar, nearly covering the front fenders entirely. Auto Express breaks down the design panel by panel, but we're content to just look for now while we wait for the vehicle's official debut on Friday. Click the Read link to view more renderings over at Auto Express.

[Source: Auto Express]

Rendered Speculation: Ford Fiesta Concept sketches surface originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Aug 2007 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>b-classfiestafiesta conceptFiestaConceptford fiesta conceptFordFiestaConceptfrankfurtWed, 22 Aug 2007 13:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Rendered speculation: Mercedes A-class]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/02/rendered-speculation-mercedes-a-class/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/02/rendered-speculation-mercedes-a-class/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/02/rendered-speculation-mercedes-a-class/#commentsFiled under: , ,

When Mercedes decided to aim for the entry-level luxury market in the U.S., the best they could come up with was the C230 Sport, which, because of an anemic powertrain and a high cost of ownership, never quite made it into primetime. In Europe, the A-class subcompact pseudo-minivan hasn't caught favor with as big a chunk of the populace as expected either, so with both those lessons learned, Merc is going back to the drawing board.

According to AutoZeitung, the M.B. boys are developing a compact hatch to rival the Audi A3 and BMW 1-series in the burgeoning compact-luxury class. The rendering, which can be viewed in full by clicking here, may be a close resemblance to what may make it to market at the turn of the decade. Drawing cues from the recently redesigned C-class, the A-class hatch has several distinctly Audi design elements, partnered with the new Mercedes grille. If coupled to the right combination of diesel- and petrol-powered engines, this could be a real success both in the U.S. and abroad.

An argument can be made that Mercedes shouldn't set its sights so low, again. But, if such a vehicle comes to fruition, we'll keep such judgments to ourselves - until we get to drive one.

[Source: AutoZeitung (Google-Translated)]

Rendered speculation: Mercedes A-class originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 02 Jun 2007 13:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-classb-classbenzc-classmercedesmercedes benzmercedes-benzMercedesBenzrenderSat, 02 Jun 2007 13:04:00 EST<![CDATA[CR says Mercedes B200 could be U.S. bound]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/14/cr-says-mercedes-b200-could-be-u-s-bound/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/14/cr-says-mercedes-b200-could-be-u-s-bound/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/14/cr-says-mercedes-b200-could-be-u-s-bound/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Not actual CR car. Their tag says "CR4SHZL."

If you see a white base-model Mercedes B200 tooling around Connecticut, don't get too excited. Yet. You see, that one was bought in Canada (for almost $29k U.S.!) and driven across the border by Consumer Reports for their upcoming small car issue. The CR folks mostly like the little Mercedes and called it a "baby minivan." The big news is that, without citing sources, the magazine's website says the German B-class could be imported into the States.

Which we think would be great. More choice is always better. But Automobile.com drove a 2005 version of the car and said, "The B200, fortunately, is not offered in the U.S." Ouch.

[Sources: Consumer Reports, Automobile.com]

CR says Mercedes B200 could be U.S. bound originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 May 2007 10:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>b classb-classb200BClassconsumer reportsconsumer reports b-classconsumer reports carsconsumer reports mercedesConsumerReportsConsumerReportsB-classConsumerReportsCarsConsumerReportsMercedesmercedes b200mercedes economy carMercedesB200MercedesEconomyCarMon, 14 May 2007 10:54:00 EST<![CDATA[AutoExpress reveals first look at Ford's new Fiesta]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/25/autoexpress-reveals-first-look-at-fords-new-fiesta/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/25/autoexpress-reveals-first-look-at-fords-new-fiesta/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/25/autoexpress-reveals-first-look-at-fords-new-fiesta/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Though Ford is in desperate need of a small B-car in the U.S., its Euro arm has the Fiesta that's due for a major update soon. AutoExpress has produced a pair of images that show what the new Fiesta will look like based on "top-secret information" and the new design draws obvious influence from the new Mondeo and S-Max with its Iosis-inspired front end. The new Fiesta will be built on the new B2xx small-car platform that will also be used by the new Mazda2. AutoExpress also has the first images of a pre-production prototype wearing the body of a Mazda Verisa. The new Fiesta appears to be bigger in every dimension, and will include front, side and head airbags along with electronic brake-force distribution and traction control. It will also be the first Ford of Europe product to offer the the Sync technology co-developed with Microsoft. Three gas engines and two diesels will be available, and a 170-hp ST version is in the works, as well.

Ford has confirmed that a B-car for the U.S. is not in the cards until at least 2010, which is a shame because the new Fiesta would play in Peoria. The AutoExpress article mentions, however, that a B-car based on the B2xx platform called the Ecosport will be sold in the U.S. at some point, and that even Volvo is considering building a small car off the platform.

Click the read link to view more another AutoExpress rendering of the new Fiesta and the spy pics of the preproduction prototype.

[Source: AutoExpress]

AutoExpress reveals first look at Ford's new Fiesta originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Jan 2007 17:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>b-carb-classfiestamazda2Thu, 25 Jan 2007 17:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Wiper woes: Mercedes-Benz recalls 130,000 vehicles in Germany]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/02/wiper-woes-mercedes-benz-recalls-130-000-vehicles-in-germany/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/02/wiper-woes-mercedes-benz-recalls-130-000-vehicles-in-germany/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/02/wiper-woes-mercedes-benz-recalls-130-000-vehicles-in-germany/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

After a rough few years full of significant recalls, Mercedes-Benz appeared (or appears, depending on your perspective) to be getting its act together by successfully addressing its quality issues. The automaker just announced a major recall in Germany involving 130,000 vehicles windshield wiper motors that could be defective. While one recall a return to quality does not ruin, neither does it help. The recall in question only affects A- and B-Class vehicles, as well as C-Class wagons built between May 2005 and May 2006. Some may consider defective wiper motors a minor issue, but a recall by definition is significant, and in this case one could imagine a dark and stormy night where being without wipers could be deadly.

[Source: Automotive News - Europe]

Wiper woes: Mercedes-Benz recalls 130,000 vehicles in Germany originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Jan 2007 15:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>A-ClassB-ClassC-ClassdefectrecallTue, 02 Jan 2007 15:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Baby Benz B: Coming to America?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/26/baby-benz-b-coming-to-america/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/26/baby-benz-b-coming-to-america/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/26/baby-benz-b-coming-to-america/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It's no great revelation that Mercedes-Benz has long projected itself as a premium automotive brand in the United States, where the three-pointed star is recognized as a badge of luxury. The American market has also been a driving force in Mercedes' development and marketing of large, gas-guzzling sport-utility vehicles. The same can't be said for overseas markets, where Mercedes offers small cars (as well as commercial vehicles), and where Benz taxicabs are a common sight.

But according to the latest reports, DaimlerChrysler's approach towards the American market may see a change as the demand for smaller, more fuel-efficient cars increases. Currently, the C-Class holds up the bottom of the US range for Mercedes; Canadian buyers can buy the B-Class; and overseas the A-Class is offered a notch above the Smart ForTwo.

Having already introduced the B in Canada, bringing it southward into the United States would be a logical move. It's undoubtedly a delicate move for Mercedes as the company tries to gain market share as demands shift, all the while trying to avoid over-diluting the brand.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Baby Benz B: Coming to America? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Dec 2006 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-classb-classbenzcompactmercedessmallTue, 26 Dec 2006 13:57:00 EST<![CDATA[The U.S. B-segment car Mark Fields axed]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/09/the-u-s-b-segment-car-mark-fields-axed/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/09/the-u-s-b-segment-car-mark-fields-axed/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/09/the-u-s-b-segment-car-mark-fields-axed/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Back in January at the L.A. Auto Show Mark Fields promised the audience at his keynote speech that Ford would soon be unveiling a new product to compete in the fast-growing subcompact (or B-segment) market in the U.S. Well, here we are in August and Ford is still without the promised small car to compete with the Chevy Aveo, Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit. What happened?

Well, it turns out that Ford was rushing to market a version of the Fiesta-based EcoSport small SUV (pictured) that its subsidiaries sell in Mexico and Brazil. According to The Detroit News, the already fairly basic EcoSport would have been stripped down even further as Ford tried to come up with a price leader for the market. Fields (wisely, in our opinion) canned the project, saying this week that he'd rather wait for Ford to "come in with a product that's distinctly Ford" and not "just another econo-box."

[Source: Detroit News]

The U.S. B-segment car Mark Fields axed originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Aug 2006 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>b classb segmentb-classb-segmentecosportWed, 09 Aug 2006 16:57:00 EST