Autoblog

Why haven't you seen many new Chevy Caprice police cars? GM delays.

Zach Bowman — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Etc., Work, Chevrolet, Police/Emergency, Australia

The sun has long since set on the Ford Crown Victoria and the big sedan's Police Interceptor variants, but many parts of the country still haven't seen the next-generation of pursuit vehicles take to the street. In the case of the Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle, that's because General Motors has hit a delay in providing the Holden-based sedans. According to the DuPont Registry, the delay is two-fold. Shipping from Australia is taking longer than expected, and Chevrolet dealers aren't outfitting the vehicles quickly enough to satiate demand.

The report quotes Deputy Chief Jeff Undestad of the Largo Police Department in Largo, Florida as saying his office waited more than eight months for GM to deliver their Caprice Patrol Vehicles to the dealer. Undestad should consider himself lucky. A neighboring department waited 10 months for its new patrol cars. Chrysler, meanwhile, usually takes two to three months to deliver its police-duty Dodge Charger models.

GM, meanwhile, says that the company is working to address the shipping issues. The company now has a pool of Caprice Patrol Vehicles at port, which should help trim the wait time.

Why haven't you seen many new Chevy Caprice police cars? GM delays. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Opel Ampera delayed over Chevy Volt battery fears

Zach Bowman — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 16:21:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Europe, Opel, Electric

Automotive News reports Opel is delaying delivery of its Ampera extended-range hybrid to customers. The plug-in gas-electric hatchbacks have already arrived at dealers across Europe, but the automaker wants to ensure the vehicles' batteries are safe even in the event of an accident. The delay comes on the heels of a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration evaluation which saw its Chevrolet Volt twin catch fire three weeks after a series of crash tests. Since the Volt and Ampera are mechanically identical, Opel says that it wants to set up a process to deal with the batteries to make sure they're safe.

Both the Volt and the Ampera are assembled at the General Motors plant in Hamtramck, Michigan, and both make use of lithium-ion batteries to power their electric motors. GM has offered to buy back any Chevrolet Volt models from owners concerned about the safety of their vehicle, but few have taken them up on the offer. The company is currently working on a solution to the fire issue, and the U.S. government is investigating why it took NHTSA so long to bring the battery pack problem to light.

Opel Ampera delayed over Chevy Volt battery fears originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Dec 2011 16:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Scion iQ delayed until Summer

Zach Bowman — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Japan, Scion

Scion iQ - Click above for high-res image gallery

Word on The Internets is that the Scion iQ won't be hitting our shores anytime soon. The pint-sized hatch was originally supposed to arrive here in the United States by March of this year, but GreenCarReports.com has indicated that the city car may not arrive until sometime this summer. The move is thought to be as much about production delays as marketing. Scion has said that it wanted to give the 2011 tC enough time to have the company's stage all to itself without having the limelight stolen away by its newest sibling.

At the same time, the company said that the first prototypes from Japan were a few months late in arriving and that the delay pushed back the production schedule. Whatever the hold up, buyers clamoring for a competitor to the Smart ForTwo will have to wait a few more months for the pleasure of grabbing the keys to a Scion iQ. As of this writing, there's no telling whether the car will show up as a 2011 model as first thought or whether it will be labeled a 2012 when it finally shows up.

Gallery: 2011 Scion iQ

[Source: GreenCarReports.com]

Report: Scion iQ delayed until Summer originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Jan 2011 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM reportedly holding up some shipments of Buick LaCrosse over quality concerns

Michael Harley — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Buick

2010 Buick LaCrosse - Click above for a high-res image gallery

The high-profile 2010 Buick LaCrosse, the vehicle the automaker hopes will lure younger buyers into its showroom, is being delayed a few weeks due to manufacturing quality concerns. Mark LaNeve, GM's VP of U.S. Sales, told reporters and analysts that although 300-400 cars were shipped in August, future deliveries will be halted until Buick works out the so-called "quality issues." While there was no elaboration or specifics, LaNeve added that the issues "were not serious but were enough to delay us three or four weeks while we made sure they were fixed so that our customers didn't have any problems."

Arguably the most important vehicle launched by the brand in decades, Buick is positioning its all-new LaCrosse as a serious competitor to Volvo, Lexus, and Acura. Furthermore, the mid-size luxury sedan is bait for people in their mid-40s and 50s, decidedly younger than the brand's 68-year-old median age buyer last year. Few would consider a short quality-related delay a stain on the launch of the new model. In fact, the publicity this is generating will likely help spread Buick's LaCrosse message.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Buick LaCrosse

[Source: ABC News]

GM reportedly holding up some shipments of Buick LaCrosse over quality concerns originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Sep 2009 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler bankruptcy could delay 2010 updates, 2011 models

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 04 May 2009 17:02:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Chrysler's bankruptcy filing will undoubtedly affect every aspect of the automaker's short- and long-term endeavors, and not surprisingly, product isn't immune. While testifying in court, Chrysler's manufacturing chief, Frank Ewasyshyn, said the current plant shutdowns and the resulting effect on suppliers will delay Chrysler's 2010 product suite, primarily comprised of minor updates to existing models. While that's not a huge loss, any delay is bound to affect sales, particularly when Chrysler is struggling to maintain a positive public perception. Even worse, Ewasyshyn said that the plant and supplier issues could mean Chrysler's 2011 models could also suffer the same fate. Although he didn't outline exactly what models would be affected, it doesn't bode well for the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee or the redesigned Chrysler 300C.

Gallery: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Chrysler bankruptcy could delay 2010 updates, 2011 models originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 May 2009 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevrolet Camaro production delayed one month, convertible lives

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 15:46:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Plants/Manufacturing, Chevrolet, GM

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Chevrolet Camaro Concept

General Motors sent out a directive to dealers today announcing a one-month production delay for the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro. According to the message, the reason for the postponement (production is set to begin on Monday, March 16) is not due to any legal problems or the current issues faced by the General, and instead is a "result of GM's efforts to ensure the Camaro exceeds the highest quality benchmarks established by GM for a new product."

A forum member at Camaro5 who supposedly obtained the document is also saying that the Camaro convertible, reported as dead back in November, will go on sale as a 2011 model. Power figures for the bent-eight variants are listed in the directive at 400 hp for the L99 and 426 hp for the LS3, with all 10,000 pre-orders completed by October. Thanks to all who tipped in!

Gallery: Camaro Convertible Concept

Gallery: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro

[Sources: 5thGen, Camaro5]

Chevrolet Camaro production delayed one month, convertible lives originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 15:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru Impreza diesel delayed for the UK

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 18:59:00 EST

Filed under: Japan, Subaru, UK

In this installment of "As the Yen Skyrockets," Autocar is reporting that the introduction of the long-awaited Subaru Impreza diesel has been delayed indefinitely due to unfavorable exchange rates. A source inside International Motors, the firm that imports Subarus into the UK, told Autocar, "At the current rate we would have to charge vastly more than we can justify for the diesel Impreza if we were to make a profit. As a result we can't guarantee when the car will go on sale as we can't predict when the economy will change."

Both Toyota and Honda are facing the same problem, with Honda CEO Takeo Fukui going so far as to threaten moving Honda's headquarters outside of Japan. Analysts predict that the yen could begin to sink in the coming weeks, but if the market doesn't correct itself, the Japanese government might have to intervene and begin devaluing its currency.

[Source: Autocar]

Subaru Impreza diesel delayed for the UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Dec 2008 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chery to delay exports to Europe

Dan Roth — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: China, Europe, Chery

Europeans anxiously awaiting their chance to buy a Chery will have to cool their heels a little longer. Chery's delaying the export of their B21, but it's not for anything major like crash performance woes. According to suppliers, Chery has pushed back production so they can revamp the interior design. The fitment that appeals to the Chinese domestic market is less thrilling to European buyers, so the cabin will get some attention before the B21 swings into production later this year. It won't be long until these cars start finding European buyers. Chery and its peers are getting their collective acts together and while these cars are currently punchlines, they won't be for long.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req., Photo: Autoblog Chinese]

Chery to delay exports to Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Jan 2008 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Roof strength regs delayed again

John Neff — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:04:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety

Do a search for "roof regulations" on Autoblog and the No. 1 result will be a post written back on August 19, 2005. That's how long it's been since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration proposed the latest increase to the 35-year-old federal requirements that govern the strength of a vehicle's roof. The proposal was to increase the current standard of a roof being able to hold 1.5 times the vehicle's weight to 2.5 times.

Despite this being a very time sensitive issue, the proposal has been delayed yet again. The Detroit News reports the NHTSA says it will not be able to rule on the new standards by the prior set date of August 31st, but will instead write up a "revised preliminary proposal" by the end of September and finalize it by July of 2008.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Continue reading Roof strength regs delayed again

Roof strength regs delayed again originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 May 2007 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Enter the Rumormill: Zeta-platform Impala delayed 12 months?

John Neff — Fri, 04 May 2007 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Chevrolet, Earnings/Financials

Brian from Cheers & Gears, the GM aficionado site, sent us a link to a forum thread that is definitely of interest. Keep in mind that there's no official confirmation of any of this yet, so we're taking it with a grain of salt until we hear it from someone at GM. With that established, let's dig in.

The word from one of C&G's posters who is apparently in the know is that the next-generation, Zeta-based Impala has been delayed and will now launch in June 2010 instead of 2009 as originally planned. According to the insider, no reason has been given for the delay (if it's true), but speculation is rampant. Some think the delay is posturing in the face of new fuel economy proposals moving through Congress, while others believe that funds are possibly being diverted to the Chevy Volt program. One theory we thought sounded viable is that Chevy wants the two-mode hybrid version of the Impala to debut at the launch of the new car and not one year later, so moving the launch date back a year would line them up nicely.

[Source: Cheers & Gears]

Continue reading Enter the Rumormill: Zeta-platform Impala delayed 12 months?

Enter the Rumormill: Zeta-platform Impala delayed 12 months? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 May 2007 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #63

Dan Roth — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 11:07:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Podcasts, Budget, Sedan, Hatchback, Ford, GM, Suzuki

It's nice to be back in the swing of things. We're once again cranking out weekly podcasts, and #63 is a compact one. We start off salivating over the news that the next generation Suzuki Swift will be headed for US shores. We devolve from discussing an unsubstantiated rumor into wistful praise for the current can't have it Swift, and even make mention of Swifts from nigh on twenty years ago. The dustup over Alan Mulally's work of fiction at the New York Auto Show keynote draws our ire next. This one has it all, lies, grandstanding media with agendas, attacks, grandstanding media with agendas, misinformation, grandstanding media with agendas, disinformation, and finally, grandstanding media with agendas. Speaking of grandstanding, we nearly go as far as calling Lutz's bluff on the announcement that the hotly anticipated RWD cars from GM are on hold 'till regulators get their shizzle together. Whatevs. The entire GM turnaround is on hold? Not bloody likely. The consensus we come to is: Bad Lutz. So, turn on, tune in and peel out for our latest slice of podcast goodness.

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Autoblog Podcast #63 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Apr 2007 11:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aw, Snap! Ford delays release of Edge and MKX

John Neff — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 22:52:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Ford, Lincoln

Ford informed its dealers yesterday that the Edge and Lincoln MKX crossovers will not arrive at dealership in mid- to late-November as previously planned, but would instead be delayed a couple of weeks until at least December. Joe Hinrichs, Ford's vice president of North American manufacturing, said in an interview that there are "some hiccups in the launch curve." The Edge and ~~MDX~~ MKX are already being built at Ford's Oakville, Ontario plant and completed units number in the thousands. It sounds like the assembly line is being slowed or even stopped because of these undefined "hiccups". Though Ford will lose valuable selling days in the month of November, we think the Blue Oval made the right decision to delay these crossovers until it's confident they can be pumped out with no problem. Ford needs to prove the successful launch of the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr wasn't a flash in the pan, and an initial batch of Edge and MKX crossovers that have quality problems would do more damage than this delay.

[Source: Automotive News]

Aw, Snap! Ford delays release of Edge and MKX originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Nov 2006 22:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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