Autoblog

These are your top 10 worst-selling vehicles of 2012

John Neff — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 15:01:00 EST

Despite 2012 being the best year of auto sales this country has seen since 2007, not every vehicle got an equally large share of the sales pie. Some barely got a sliver, as evidenced by this year's list of the top 10 worst-selling vehicles of 2012.

We've dug through sales data from every automaker to come up with this year's list and, like last year, we've set some parameters to ensure it includes legitimately bad-selling vehicles.

The first parameter is a starting MSRP under $100,000, which automatically excludes what's parked in most one-percenters' garages. We're also excluding vehicles cancelled in 2012, even if they garnered sales through the end of the year while dealerships sold off remaining inventory. This includes models like the Mitsubishi Eclipse, Mercedes-Benz R-Class and last year's worst-seller, the Acura RL. Next, vehicles are considered as they are reported by the automaker, which means that, while sales of the Murano CrossCabriolet were probably low enough to make the list, because Nissan reports only one number for all Murano sales, it was excluded. Cadillac, however, reports sales of the Escalade EXT separately from the Escalade, hence its repeat appearance.

Finally, there was the question of whether or not eligibility should be given to Suzuki vehicles, as the brand announced in November that it would end sales in the US as soon as its current inventory ran out. We decided Suzuki vehicles should be included as the brand was offering 2013 models at the time of the announcement, and as far as we can tell, inventory levels remained high enough to satisfy demand through the end of the year.

Without further ado, below are the top 10 worst-selling vehicles of 2012.

Continue reading These are your top 10 worst-selling vehicles of 2012

These are your top 10 worst-selling vehicles of 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Jan 2013 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

These are your top 10 worst-selling vehicles of 2011

Zach Bowman — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, SUV, Truck, Crossover, Acura, Cadillac, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, Luxury

Where there are winners, there are inevitably losers. Last year was exceedingly kind to big pickups, sprawling family sedans and SUVs, but not every model came out of 2011 with big sales figures. We took the time to dig through the low-selling models of the past 12 months to find out which vehicles produced throughout the year were the biggest duds. Since we aren't interested in how few Lamborghini Aventador models rolled off of dealer lots in the U.S. in 2011, we kept the MSRP under $100,000.

Our criteria immediately nixed vehicles like the Mazda RX-8, Volvo V50, Ram Cargo Van and everything in the Saab stable due to the fact that those models weren't manufactured through all 12 months of 2011. High-end metal like the Mercdes-Benz SL, CL and G classes were also kicked to the curb due to our price ceiling. Which was the worst of them all? We'll give you a hint. It wasn't the Acura ZDX. Hit the jump to check out our list of the worst-selling vehicles of 2011.

Continue reading These are your top 10 worst-selling vehicles of 2011

These are your top 10 worst-selling vehicles of 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Suzuki considering (another) small pickup for U.S.

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Truck, Suzuki

The compact pickup market in the U.S. has been languishing for more than a decade, but that doesn't mean that a fuel-efficient truck with a small footprint doesn't have a place in the States. Suzuki has been watching the market closely and thinks that it could make a case for bringing a pint-sized pickup to North America.

When asked what could be coming down the pipeline in the next few years, a senior exec at Suzuki told Autoblog that the automaker could import a compact truck to the U.S. based on the next generation Suzuki Jimny. The Jimny - also known as the Samurai in the States - has continued to chug along outside of North America, and with the next iteration due to arrive in three years' time, Suzuki could bring the body-on-frame SUV to the U.S. with a truck bed.

But the problem with compact pickups is cost. The Ford Ranger might make a compelling case for itself, but when it's only a few grand less than a larger, more practical full-sizer, buyers tend to go big and go home with an F-150.

So to bring a pickup to the States, Suzuki would have to not only have get the pricing right, but nail both fuel economy and equipment - all while turning a profit in the process. Let's hope that if they pull the trigger, they decide to have some fun with it and make it look like the X-Head concept shown above. After all, the Nissan Frontier-based Equator pickup has been on the market since 2009, and it hasn't exactly made a splash.

Suzuki considering (another) small pickup for U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Jul 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Suzuki details 2010 SEMA plans

Jeff Glucker — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 14:41:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Suzuki

Suzuki Kizashi Bonneville Special - Click above for high-res image gallery

Suzuki has announced its plans for this week's 2010 SEMA show. The automaker is bringing three cars out to the Las Vegas convention center: A Kizashi modified by Delta Tech Engineering, an Equator pickup truck customized by ICON Vehicle Dynamics, and the salt flats-blasting, 203-mph Kizashi Bonneville Special.

The Suzuki Kizashi Bonneville Special is a joint effort between American Suzuki Motor Corporation and Road & Track, to capture the blown gas coupe record out at the salt flats. The record did indeed fall when the Kizashi, driven by R&T's Sam Mitani, hit an average speed of 203.720 mph.

Delta Tech is known for lightening cars, and it did just that to its SEMA-bound sedan by gutting the interior and body shell, then putting it back together with components to keep the weight down. Underhood, interior, and exterior modifications result in a Suzuki Kizashi that's ready to tackle the track but can still be driven home afterward.

ICON Vehicle Dynamics' Suzuki Equator pickup features a beefed-up motor, lifted and upgraded suspension, plus added lighting for nighttime trail running. The ICON Equator is a mean off-roader with an aggressive stance and menacing black paint job. We can't wait to lay eyes on it in person.

Gallery: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi Bonneville Special

[Source: Suzuki]

Continue reading Suzuki details 2010 SEMA plans

Suzuki details 2010 SEMA plans originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 31 Oct 2010 14:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Suzuki recalls SX4, Grand Vitara and Equator for overheating Garmin sat-nav units

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Technology, Suzuki

Suzuki SX4 Sport with Garmin navigation system - Click above for high-res image gallery

When Garmin issued a recall on its Nuvi portable navigation system a couple of weeks ago, Japanese automaker Suzuki informed us that it would need to issue a follow-up recall for a few vehicles in its lineup. After all, Suzuki offers dashboard-mounted Garmin GPS units in its Equator, Grand Vitara and SX4 models, and unfortunately, the Nuvi navis supplied to Suzuki are among the ones that need repair.

Approximately 20,692 Suzuki vehicles are affected by this recall - specifically the 2008-2010 SX4, 2010 Grand Vitara and 2009-2010 Equator equipped with Garmin Nuvi 750, 760 and 765 navigation systems. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates that the batteries in these nav units can potentially overheat which could result in a fire.

Garmin technicians will replace the existing batteries free of charge and owners will be notified within the next few weeks. The official recall notice from NHTSA is available after the jump.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Suzuki SX4 Sport with TRIP

Photos Copyright (C)2010 Jeremy Korzeniewski / AOL

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading Suzuki recalls SX4, Grand Vitara and Equator for overheating Garmin sat-nav units

Suzuki recalls SX4, Grand Vitara and Equator for overheating Garmin sat-nav units originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Suzuki recalls 2010 Equator pickups over suspension concern

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 25 May 2010 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Recalls, Safety, Suzuki

2010 Suzuki Equator - Click above for high-res image gallery

Remember the Suzuki Equator - the overlooked, rebadged version of the Nissan Frontier that went on sale in early 2009? There hasn't been much to talk about the slow-selling Fronquator, but now a recall involving vehicles manufactured between November 2009 and March 2010 (a whopping total of 582 units) brings the little truck into the front of our minds again.

According to the official recall statement from NHTSA, the Equator's lower control link bushing collars may not contain welds that meet strength specifications, which can alter the wheel alignment over time. The safety recall is taking place as you read this, and dealers will replace one or both lower control links if necessary. The full details are available in NHTSA's statement, after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Suzuki Equator

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading Suzuki recalls 2010 Equator pickups over suspension concern

Suzuki recalls 2010 Equator pickups over suspension concern originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 May 2010 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Suzuki re-starts the free gas spiff, extends offer to full model range

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Marketing/Advertising, Suzuki

2010 Suzuki Kizashi - Click above for high-res image gallery

Last year, Suzuki offered its "Free Gas for Summer" promotion on SX4 Sport and Crossover models. Apparently, it was a bit of a success, since the automaker is not only reviving this campaign, but is spreading the promotion across its full model range (Kizashi, Grand Vitara, Equator and SX4 models). Since fuel prices commonly rise in the summer months, we can see many shoppers becoming excited about any promotion that involves free fuel, and with the hot new Kizashi just now hitting dealers, this incentive could indeed boost sales of the hot new midsize sedan.

Customers who purchase a new Suzuki vehicle between May 1st and August 31st will receive a pre-paid debit card which should, theoretically, pay for one summer's worth of fuel. The pre-paid cards range in value from $280 to $442, and are calculated based on the vehicle's EPA fuel economy estimates, and on the Federal Highway Administration's estimated average of 1,000 miles driven per month. Still, even if owners exceed this mileage, having a couple hundred bucks in free gas is nothing to be upset about. The full details are available in Suzuki's press release, after the jump.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi GTS

Photos by John Neff / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Suzuki]

Continue reading Suzuki re-starts the free gas spiff, extends offer to full model range

Suzuki re-starts the free gas spiff, extends offer to full model range originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Apr 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Chicago 2009: Suzuki circles the wagons with three customized Equators

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Chicago Auto Show, Truck, Suzuki, Lifestyle

Click above for a high-res gallery of the customized Suzuki Equators

At last year's Chicago Auto Show, Suzuki showed off three versions of the ~~Nissan Frontier~~ Equator. Those three concepts were the RMZ-4, Quad and Quay, each designed to haul a superbike, a quad and a boat, respectively. Since then, we've driven an Equator and heard that the production truck will sell for $17,995, but we still haven't seen any on the road (Suzuki America's Chris Brown noted that the Equator just started arriving in dealerships). Flash forward to the 2009 Chicago Auto Show and we're looking at three more Equator "concept" trucks, as Suzuki tries to prove that this is the most tuner-friendly truck on the planet.

To be fair, these are less concept and more custom, having undergone some restyling and tweaking by the likes of 4-Wheel & Off-Road, Off-Road and Truckin' magazines. The three "Hill/Street Hues" customs are apparently a play on the Hill Street Blues. We don't get it either.

Although the U.S. might not even realize that Suzuki is still in the car and truck business, Brown wanted us to know that they are committed to this market. After all, Suzuki is the 11th largest vehicle maker worldwide, and America does love trucks. Hit the jump for the press release.

Gallery: Chicago 2009: Suzuki shows three Equator customs

Continue reading Chicago 2009: Suzuki circles the wagons with three customized Equators

Chicago 2009: Suzuki circles the wagons with three customized Equators originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Chicago Preview: Suzuki bringing three Equator concepts to Windy City. Again.

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Concept Cars, Truck, Suzuki

Click above for a larger image of Suzuki and Truckin' Magazine's Equator concept

At last year's Chicago Auto Show, Suzuki showed off three versions of its reworked Nissan Frontier pickup, the Equator. The three concepts were the RMZ-4, Quad and Quay, which represented trucks to haul a superbike, a quad and a boat, respectively. Since then, we've driven an Equator and heard that the production truck will sell for $17,995. Flash forward to the 2009 Chicago Auto Show and American Suzuki Motor Corp. is finally ready to introduce the "all-new" Equator with - wait for it - three concept trucks. This trio of trucks, however, have been customized by 4-Wheel & Off-Road, Off-Road and Truckin' magazines.

In the case of the Truckin' concept (shown above), an Equator has been lowered and fitted with a set of massive six-spoke alloys wrapped in rather serious-looking street rubber. So-equipped, it almost looks like this trucklet might canyon carve almost as well as the motorcycle in its bed. Well, perhaps that's stretching things a bit. The concept uses a massaged four-cylinder under the hood that probably couldn't come close to keeping up with that 999cc GSX-R sportbike in the bed. But it sure looks fun! We'll be sure to cover all three concepts along with everything else worth seeing when we get to the Windy City in about ten days.

[Source: Suzuki]

Chicago Preview: Suzuki bringing three Equator concepts to Windy City. Again. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Jan 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Suzuki Equator priced from $17,995

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Truck, Suzuki

Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2009 Suzuki Equator

Suzuki has just released pricing information for its brand-new Equator midsize pickup truck, and, not surprisingly, it apes the asking price of its Nissan Frontier platform-mate. For 2009, the Equator will start at $17,995, just a few hundred bucks more than the Frontier at $17,460. That base sum will get you a 2.5L four-cylinder engine with 152 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque in an extended cab package with a five-speed manual transmission and two-wheel drive. Of course, those wanting or needing more can opt for a powerful 4.0L V6 engine, five-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel drive and four real doors. A fully-loaded RMZ-4 model will easily top the $30,000 mark.

Also priced is the newly-reworked Grand Vitara, which is equipped with a choice of two new engines. Base four-cylinder models begin changing hands at under $20,000, while top-level Luxury models with a 3.2L V6 engine powering all four wheels begin at $25,649. Check out the full press release from Suzuki after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Suzuki Equator

[Source: Suzuki]

Continue reading Suzuki Equator priced from $17,995

Suzuki Equator priced from $17,995 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Dec 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

First Drive: 2009 Suzuki Equator

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Suzuki, First Drives

2009 Suzuki Equator - Click above for high-res image gallery

Suzuki has chosen a rather dubious time to enter the pickup truck market with the 2009 Equator. As you are surely aware, trucks and SUV sales are way down from their apogee a few years back, and small cars like the ones that have historically filled Suzuki showrooms are all the rage. So, why would the Japanese automaker even bother with a mid-sized pickup truck based on the Nissan Frontier? That's a good question, and we aimed to find out when we grabbed the keys to Team Yellow's first-ever real pickup contender in the U.S. Read on to see what the Suzuki Equator has to offer.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Suzuki Equator

All Photos (C) Copyright Jeremy Korzeniewski / Weblogs Inc.

Continue reading First Drive: 2009 Suzuki Equator

First Drive: 2009 Suzuki Equator originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Sep 2008 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: Suzuki Equator

Dan Roth — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Truck, Nissan, Suzuki

A production Suzuki Equator has been snapped while hanging out in California, and the nose job looks successful. The Equator is virtually pure Nissan Frontier, besides the front sheetmetal, but that's not a bad thing. The Frontier is a handsome 2/3rds scale Titan, probably the most attractive of the "compact" pickups. Configurations will mirror the Frontier, too, with 2wd and 4wd models motivated by Nissan's big 2.5-liter four or 4.0-liter V6. Both extended and crew cab setups will be on offer for buyers needing space, and we're waiting for the 'Zuki pickup to hit stores this fall so we can check out interior fitment and prices.

[Source: Automobile]

Spy Shots: Suzuki Equator originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Autoblog Podcast #87

Dan Roth — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Concept Cars, Podcasts, Hybrid, Minivan/Van, Truck, Crossover, Acura, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, GM, Suzuki, Volkswagen, India

The Chicago Auto Show wasn't that eventful, but that's what we lead off Autoblog Podcast episode #87 with. The Challenger was the biggest deal, followed by the Denali XT, and then a bunch of inconsequential things. We did find ourselves talking about the Suzuki Equator and the Ford Transit Connect, too. We give you our first up close and personal impressions of the Challenger SRT-8 in this podcast. We also saw the VW Routan, which certainly doesn't conjure warm, fuzzy memories of Type IIs gone by. Chevy's Traverse calls into question the usefulness of Saturn's Outlook in the product lineup. Speaking of GM badge-engineering, we got word this week that Pontiac will not be getting a Trans Am companion to the Camaro, dang. Another disappointment is the rumor that Cerberus is going to let the Viper run down without rewinding the clock for a third generation. We wrap up by touching on the possibility that an Indian pickup could be the first diesel hybrid in the US, even though it's not even being imported yet, and we're sure that when it gets here, it'll generate even more hate than the new Acura RL. 42 minutes, that's it. Sorry it's a little late this week, it's all Alex's fault, I swear.

SUBSCRIBE to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
LISTEN to the show now
ADD the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator

Autoblog Podcast #87 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 16 Feb 2008 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Chicago 2008: Suzuki Equator ready to tackle new frontiers

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 14:46:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Truck, Nissan, Suzuki

click above to view high-res gallery of the Suzuki Equator

Suzuki's Gene Brown showed the automaker's rebadged Nissan Frontier named the Equator today at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show. The Suzuki Equator is set to go into production by the end of this year and should deliver a decent truck experience, seeing as how it is based on the already proven Frontier and will be built alongside it in Smyrna, Tennessee. Acknowledging that many people will probably be asking themselves, "Why a truck and why now?" Brown shared that trucks are not dead, despite rumors to the contrary. He also explained that most Americans think of motorcycles when they think of Suzuki. And with more than a million bikes sold over the past five years, that makes a pretty sizable market for customers who might like a truck with a matching badge. But thinking a little beyond just motorcycle owners, Suzuki developed three different concepts that represent a truck that matches the capability of an RMZ-4 sport bike, another that captures the backwoods spirit of a Quad, and a third that would make a great boat towing vehicle down at the Quay. And so it was also fitting that the three concepts were called the RMZ-4, Quad and Quay.

The truck actually looked fairly handsome in all three forms, but the black Quay (shown) really looked rather classy. While the RMZ-4 and Quad featured some concept-like styling add-ons, the Quay looked completely ready for prime time. The Equator will come with a choice of a 152-hp inline-four or an optional 4.0L DOHC V6 delivering 261 hp and 281 lb.-ft. of torque. Those will be matched to the buyer's choice of a five-speed automatic, a five-speed stick for the I4 or six-speed manual with the V6. You can read the rest of the details after the jump.

Gallery: Suzuki Equator

Continue reading Chicago 2008: Suzuki Equator ready to tackle new frontiers

Chicago 2008: Suzuki Equator ready to tackle new frontiers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Feb 2008 14:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Autoblog Podcast #86

Dan Roth — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:03:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Concept Cars, Podcasts, Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Truck, Audi, Chrysler, Dodge, Hummer, Suzuki

Episode #86 of the Autoblog Podcast is well-caffeineated. We spend a good bit of time talking about the excitement that's filled the Autoblog garage lately. Damon used a handily available Audi R8 as a chase car when we went to drive the Tesla Roadster, and Alex has been sampling the Subaru Tribeca and STI, as well as a rogue Volvo S80. John has been having a blissful month rocking the 1999 Oldsmobile Alero Coupe, too.

There's lots of good car talk, and we take a detour into cupholder minutiae before getting to actual news. A few embargoes fell in front of the upcoming Chicago Auto Show. Car and Driver's blatant cover poll opened the door for Challenger images. Subterfuge aside, the Challenger's a knockout, despite its interior that's granted refugee status to the Sebring's trappings. Trucks will make some news at the Chicago show, and Truck Trend showed us the Hummer H3T and Suzuki Equator, and compact pickups are where we leave it. Until next time, thanks for listening!

SUBSCRIBE to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
LISTEN to the show now
ADD the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator

Autoblog Podcast #86 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Chicago '08 Preview: Official rendering of Suzuki Equator released

John Neff — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 15:34:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Truck, Suzuki

click above image to enlarge

After this rendering of the Suzuki Equator pickup was published a bit early in the March/April issue of Truck Trend magazine and then scanned and published all over the internet, Suzuki decided it might as well let the public have a good luck at the truck instead of staring at a crappy scan. Thus, it has released the official rendering of the Equator we showed you yesterday. Based on the Frontier and to be built at the same factor, the Equator will likely cost a little less that its sibling from Nissan when it goes on sale in the U.S. We'll have to wait until next week when we're reporting from the 2008 Chicago Auto Show to bring you more details. But for now, click the pic above to enlarge.

[Source: Pickuptruck.com]

Chicago '08 Preview: Official rendering of Suzuki Equator released originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Jan 2008 15:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Chicago '08 Preview: Suzuki Equator shown in Truck Trend

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 16:46:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Truck, Suzuki

Truck Trend is quickly becoming a thorn in the side of a couple automakers, first by spilling the beans about the 2009 HUMMER H3T in its March/April issue, and now by revealing details about the new Suzuki Equator in the same issue. The rebadged Nissan Frontier is set to make its official debut next week at the Chicago Auto Show, and the illustration provided by Truck Trend is apparently a dead-ringer for the production model. We'll have to wait until next week for all the details, but Jalopnik was kind enough to post a scan of the yet-to-be-released pickup. You're looking at it.

[Source: Truck Trends via Jalopnik]

Chicago '08 Preview: Suzuki Equator shown in Truck Trend originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jan 2008 16:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Chicago '08 Preview: How the show is shaping up...

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 12:35:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show

The Chicago Auto Show -- assumed by at least one journalist to be Detroit's greatest threat -- is a scant two-and-a-half weeks away. That means it's time for the first bits of info on the vehicles that will be showcased in the million-plus square feet of McCormick Hall.

The not-so-sexy debuts will include the Chevrolet Traverse (or whatever it ends up being called) doing its CUV thing on GM's Lambda platform. Also on deck for its first at-bat will be Suzuki's nipped and tucked version of the Nissan Frontier, possibly called the Suzuki Equator. The party at VW will be all about its new US-market minivan, the Routan -- which we know is a made-up word, but sounds to us like some sort of primate, or maybe an equatorial vegetable.

So far, the top spot for debut hotness is held by the Dodge Challenger, which has lately been photographed running around naked just about everywhere. There's a rumor -- or a guess, whichever you prefer -- that the also recently-naked Camaro could make an appearance in an attempt to put a beatdown on the Challenger. Other rumors have the debut of the production Camaro still a year away. Either way, Autoblog will be there to give you the steady feed. Stay tuned.

[Source: The Car Connection]

Gallery: Dodge Challenger R/T and SRT8

Gallery: 2009 Chevy Traverse - spy shots

Chicago '08 Preview: How the show is shaping up... originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Jan 2008 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Nissan-built Suzuki pickup confirmed

John Neff — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 18:56:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Truck, Nissan, Suzuki

Nissan is all about collaboration with its competitors, as evident by the rumor today that it could enter into an agreement with Chrysler to co-develop cars, trucks and engines. Japan's third largest automaker partnered up with Suzuki in 2006, and as Mike Levine from Pickuptruck.com figured out, one big collaboration that has resulted is a new mid-size Suzuki pickup that will be based off of Nissan's Frontier platform and be built by Nissan at its Smyrna, Tennessee plant. Both automakers have now officially confirmed that they're working on the truck together, and the only thing left to wonder is when it will debut and what it will be called. Mike Levine again provided us with an educated guess that the truck will show up at the Chicago Auto Show, and based on recent trademark filings by Suzuki, will be called the Equator. We feel compelled to reiterate our initial concern that entering the mid-size truck market is not the best way for Suzuki to continue increasing its sales in North America, as the segment is shrinking at fast pace. Isn't there a small three-door hatch you'd rather sell in the U.S., Suzuki?

[Source: Suzuki, Nissan]

Continue reading Nissan-built Suzuki pickup confirmed

Nissan-built Suzuki pickup confirmed originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Dec 2007 18:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Suzuki Equator mid-size pickup slated for Chicago debut

John Neff — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 15:02:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Truck, Suzuki

Suzuki Grand Vitara Pickup Concept from 2000 Tokyo Motor Show

Suzuki is the little automaker with pluck, having galantly reached its ambitious goal of selling 100,000 vehicles in the U.S. last year. Soon another model with join Suzuki's lineup, and it's probably not what you think. Pickuptruck.com is reporting that the Japanese automaker will likely debut a new mid-size truck called the Equator at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show in February. The Equator name, while not confirmed or denied by Suzuki, has been registered as a trademark by the company. Suzuki will be getting help from Nissan to build its pickup, as the Equator will be produced on the same platform as the Frontier pickup and share that truck's assembly line in Smyrna, Tennessee. Mike Levine from Pickuptruck.com points out that Suzuki has definitely expressed interest in pickups before, having debuted the Grand Vitara Pickup Concept (shown above) at the 2000 Tokyo Motor Show. Let's not forget the excellent X-Head Concept that debuted at this year's show in Tokyo. Still, the mid-size pickup market in the U.S. is in even worse shape than the full-size pickup market, and is hardly stable enough to provide Suzuki with very many sales. If done well, however, the Equator could be the exception and give folks who own all manner of Suzuki hardware like bikes and ATVs a truck with which to tow their toys.

[Source: Pickuptruck.com]

Suzuki Equator mid-size pickup slated for Chicago debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Dec 2007 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments