Autoblog

Rumor Squashed: Maybach not for sale, to BYD or anyone else

Zach Bowman — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 08:20:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, China, Europe, Maybach, Luxury

Maybach Zeppelin 62 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Fear not - it turns out Maybach won't be the next fabled automaker to be handed off to Chinese buyers. Rumors that the hyper-luxury mark was up for bid have officially been dismantled by Daimler. Just yesterday, we heard that the infamously questionable BYD wanted to sink its teeth into Maybach in a big way, but officials from BYD have officially said it has no plans to pursue the brand.

BYD and Daimler have recently been partnering on an electric vehicle project, which may have helped fuel rumors that the two would work together to find Maybach a new home. As juicy as the rumors were, it rather predictably turns out they're nothing but lies.

Gallery: Maybach Zeppelin

[Source: Autocar]

Rumor Squashed: Maybach not for sale, to BYD or anyone else originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 08:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

GM Olympic fleet vehicles will all find their way to Canadian dealers

Michael Harley — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Canada

They won't make you ski, skate or snowboard with any additional talent or zest, but the "official" Olympic-branded vehicles used during the 2010 Winter Games are going up for sale in Canada later this month. Each of the General Motors supplied cars and trucks spent time in Vancouver and Whistler shuttling athletes, officials, VIPs and dignitaries to and from the competitions and related events. Now, with the Winter Olympics written in the history books and the Paralympic Winter Games closing at the end of the month, more than 4,600 lightly-used vehicles will find their way to dealerships across the vast country. The fleet includes:

Chevrolet Equinox, Malibu (Hybrid), Impala, Traverse, Suburban & Tahoe
Buick Lucerne & Enclave
Cadillac DTS, CTS Sport Sedan & Sport Wagon, Escalade (Hybrid) & SRX
GMC Acadia, Terrain, Yukon (Hybrid models available) & Yukon XL

Differentiating the "Olympic" vehicles from the standard GM offerings are the commemorative (and "permanent") Vancouver 2010 medallions adorned with the iconic Inukshuk symbol and Olympic rings on each model. That, and fact that the vehicles are all "specially-priced," says GM. If you are interested, contact your local GM retailer ASAP as the first cars and trucks will be available for purchase in just a couple weeks. The official press release is available after the jump.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM Olympic fleet vehicles will all find their way to Canadian dealers

GM Olympic fleet vehicles will all find their way to Canadian dealers originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Police auctioning off motorized La-Z-Boy used in DWI

Michael Harley — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:41:00 EST

Filed under: Auctions, Etc., Government/Legal, Humor

If you've ever had the urge to cruise your neighborhood in a self-propelled La-Z-Boy, your opportunity has arrived. Minnesota resident Dennis Anderson (no relation to the Gravedigger monster truck franchise - we think) has forfeited his notorious motorized, and over-the-top modified, recliner chair involved in his DWI incident and crash recently is going on the eBay auction block later this week.

To recap, this masterpiece of motorized furniture isn't your average run-of-the-mill family room napper. This particular innovative and highly customized chair is fitted with a nitrous-boosted lawnmower engine good for a top speed in the neighborhood of 20 mph (it is fitted with a parachute... apparently in case you happen to drive off a cliff). Dual headlights help guide you home from the late nights at the bar, while an integrated stereo sound system will make you everyone's envy at the stop lights (maybe from the curb, as we don't think it is technically street legal).

While Mr. Anderson got off with two years of probation for his antics, his prized possession is sadly being liquidated - sans reserve price - thanks to a Minnesota law allowing police to auction vehicles seized in drunk-driving cases. So, what do you think it will go for?

[Source: Engadget]

REPORT: Police auctioning off motorized La-Z-Boy used in DWI originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

OnStar not for sale, expanding into China

Michael Harley — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 18:20:00 EST

Filed under: China, Technology, GM

Profitable, and with 5.5 million subscribers under its belt, GM's OnStar vehicle telematics system is not for sale, according to a top General Motors executive. "At this point, OnStar is firmly a part of the new GM and is an integral part of GM's future strategy," reports Chet Huber, the outgoing president of OnStar. Huber, who has led the unit since its launch in 1995, made the statement yesterday during a media event with his successor, Walt Dorfstatter.

While GM has been ditching brands to cut expenses, OnStar seems to be doing very well. There are plans to expand the technology across the emerging Chinese marketplace, and its engineering team is determined to push development. "Innovation is at the core of OnStar, just not the dancing hologram type of innovation that some companies try to use as eye candy instead of substance," boasted Huber. The subscription-based system is credited with over 500 patents (and it continues to file for new ones at the rate of one every six days). OnStar recently added an engine-block disabling feature, designed to deter vehicle theft, and is working on its own form of text message integration and traffic reporting.

Even though the relationships with Acura, Audi, Isuzu, Lexus, Subaru, and Volkswagen have ended, executives have not ruled out licensing the technology to other automakers either.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

OnStar not for sale, expanding into China originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Found for sale: Lotus 11 replica track car

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 08:15:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Lotus

Lotus 11 replica track car for sale - click above for a high res image gallery

As we were rolling through Lexington, OH this weekend after leaving the ALMS race at Mid-Ohio, we spotted an interesting yellow car sitting in a lot. This knee-high roadster is a replica of the Lotus 11, one of the most successful small bore race cars of the late 1950s. Colin Chapman designed the 11 with a Frank Costin body and built it between 1956 and 1958. Some 270 examples were originally built but over the last half century, countless replicas have been built. The basic idea was revived by Lotus a couple of years ago with the Elise base 2-Eleven.

We have no idea what kind of engine is in this particular car, but based on the license plate on the back, we're assuming this car is street legal. Judging by the minimal interior, any new owner will likely want to restrict their road driving to just getting the car to the track. On a closed course such a low slung, lightweight machine is likely to be huge fun even without much power.

Gallery: Lotus 11 replica track car for sale

Found for sale: Lotus 11 replica track car originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 01 Aug 2009 08:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Tata confirms Nano U.S.-bound in around two years

Michael Harley — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 16:36:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Plants/Manufacturing, Tata

Tato Nano Europa - Click above for a photo gallery

Americans may have the opportunity to welcome the Tata Nano to their shores in just over two years, according to a confirmation from David Good, a U.S. rep for the Indian automaker. Before it arrives, Tata assures that the ultra-cheap compact with a base price of just $2500 will be configured to meet all emission and crash standards. If successful, we could see see versions of the Indian microcars running on biofuel and diesel.

But who will distribute the teensy Tatas? Well, that's up in the air right now. A brand-new dealer network for the brand has been discussed. Another option would be selling the Nano through Jaguar and Land Rover dealerships -- the Indian automaker owns both, after all. That long shot was quickly dismissed by Stuart Schorr, a spokesman for Jaguar Land Rover, before the repercussions could sink in.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Tata Nano Europa

[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd]

REPORT: Tata confirms Nano U.S.-bound in around two years originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 06 Jun 2009 16:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Honda F1 team for sale, no buyer means no 2009 season

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 17:48:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Honda

According to several reports, Honda has put its F1 team up for sale and if the automaker doesn't find a suitor before the start of the season in March, it won't be campaigning in 2009.

An unnamed source told Reuters that Honda team bosses Ross Brawn and Nick Fry said, "They have a month to find a buyer, otherwise they are closing the team." Autocar reports that a media lunch was cancelled this week and that a staff meeting at Honda Team HQ in Brackley was called this evening and an official statement will follow tomorrow morning from Japan.

The reason for the decision is due to the current economic climate and the cost of developing a competitive car that abides by the 2009 rules. Finding someone to back the team during these tumultuous times is going to prove difficult and there's already talk that Bernie Ecclestone may step in to attempt to work out a deal to keep Honda around.

More information should follow tomorrow. Thanks to all who tipped in.

[Sources: Reuters, Autocar, ITV | Image: Clive Mason/Getty]

Honda F1 team for sale, no buyer means no 2009 season originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Dec 2008 17:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

The Maybach Exelero can be yours... for $7.8 million

Alex Nunez — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 13:03:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Supercars, Daimler, Maybach

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Maybach Exelero

Big-bucks enthusiasts annoyed that they're not the only ones at the club with a Veyron can now ensure that they arrive in total exclusivity. That's because the one-off Maybach Exelero, commissioned by Fulda to act as a high-profile demonstrator for its tire line of the same name, is now for sale. The Exelero isn't some delicate flower of a show car. Based on the Maybach 57 and powered by a 700-horsepower version of that car's turbocharged V12, the Exelero reached 218 mph at Nardo. In many ways, Exelero represents what Maybach could have and should have been -- a place where daring styling and incredible performance could merge with extreme luxury to compete with Rolls-Royce and Bentley. Instead, while the marque's sedans clearly get the luxury part of the equation right, in terms of styling, they basically work in anonymity, looking like peculiar old S-Class sedans. There's nothing anonymous about the Exelero, though, and for €5,000,000 (around $7.8 million USD), you can drive the sybaritic supercar that Daimler should have given Maybach all along.

Gallery: Maybach Exelero

[Anamera via eGMCarTech]

The Maybach Exelero can be yours... for $7.8 million originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Jul 2008 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Ford looking to offload Volvo on Chinese, cutting 2,000 jobs

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 10:55:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Volvo

Ford might be looking to sell Volvo to a Chinese company according to a report by Dagens Industri and followed up by Automotive News. Sources are saying that Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. may be one of the potential suitors, while a Russian investor has also expressed interest in Ford's Swedish arm. FoMoCo's CEO, Alan Mulally began a strategic review of the automaker last year and the possible sale of Volvo was reported to be in the cards. However, Ford denied such a plan at the time and when AN contacted a Ford spokesperson for comment about the report today they said, "We have been consistently saying since the end of last year that Volvo is not for sale. We are focused on improving Volvo's business results."

Regardless, news of the possible sale of Volvo comes on the same day Ford announced that 2,000 workers will be laid off in an effort to cut costs due to an overall weak market and rising material costs. Volvo is hoping to slash around $662 million in costs, with the primary cuts coming from workers in Sweden. 1,200 workers were informed of the cuts today, and overall, 1,400 white-collar staff and 600 blue-collar jobs are on the chopping block.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: Ford looking to offload Volvo on Chinese, cutting 2,000 jobs originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Jun 2008 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

France family will not sell NASCAR

Dan Roth — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 09:03:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Europe

Nothing is better at propagating a rumor like a nasty social disease than the internet, and the France family just got a lesson. A report surfaced in Europe that an investment firm based there was investigating the potential purchase of NASCAR. Brian France, chairman of NASCAR, dismissed the report as speculation. According to France, the death of his father, Bill France Jr. most likely kicked off the baseless chatter. The current scoop is that the France family is not stepping down from the top of NASCAR or International Speedway Corporation, another France enterprise. While rising energy prices have taken a bite out of profits, and will likely affect attendance attendance somewhat, France assures that NASCAR will be "just fine."

A couple of other items help fuel the speculation, too. International Speedway endured a couple of abortive efforts in Washington state and New York to add new tracks to its holdings, but the long term plan is indeed for new venues when the right ones present themselves. Television ratings are also down, but that doesn't affect NASCAR so much as whacking the price that can be charged for ad space during television coverage of NASCAR events. So, while it might have been fun to kick the ball around thinking of NASCAR without the Frances - not this time.

[Source: Auto News - Sub Req Photo: NASCAR.com]

France family will not sell NASCAR originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Nov 2007 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

For Sale: Ferrari, MUST GO - Enzo on Craigslist

Dan Roth — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 18:56:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc., Ferrari

A Ferrari on Craigslist? Yeah, right. Is it one of those nasty little Fiero-based abominations? No, it looks like an honest-to-badass Enzo. Wow. Of course, it's in LA! Would you expect this ugliest of Ferraris to show up on the Minneapolis Craigslist? Take your $1.9 million bucks and head over to Ferrari of Beverly Hills, because this car's got to go according to the seller. It's not often you see a Prancing Horse being disposed of the same way you'd unload a '72 Maverick. Do bear in mind that a Ferrari is the gift that keeps on giving - to the dealership service department, from your wallet. The entry price might be reasonable enough (note the joke), but the maintenance costs are horrendous.

Thanks for the tip, Paul!

[Source: Craigslist]

For Sale: Ferrari, MUST GO - Enzo on Craigslist originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Oct 2007 18:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Oldest running Roller set to be auctioned

Dan Roth — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 12:33:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Auctions, Etc., Rolls-Royce

Here's a Christmas present idea for the person who's already got a Springfield Phantom in the garage for concours events and a Camargue for a daily driver. The oldest Rolls Royce known to be a runner is going up for auction at Bonhams in London on the 3rd of December. It'll cost you somewhere around $4 million, though having more in reserve would be a good plan. Someone else might want to give the old starter handle a whirl. That handle's attached to 103-year-old running gear that was lovingly restored in the 1950s by racer Oliver Langton. Only three owners have dented the leather seat with their backsides over the life of this car, remarkable when you can conjure F-Bodies that've passed through more hands in their short, tragic lives.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Oldest running Roller set to be auctioned originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Oct 2007 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Magic Bus - Pete Townshend's 550 Maranello for sale

Dan Roth — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 12:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc., Ferrari

Pete Townshend, famously cranky guitarist of The Who, has put his '99 Ferrari 550 Maranello up for sale. Known for smashing up his gear, our theory is that Pete only continues that anti-authoritarian gesture for show, and he doesn't break the good stuff. We've seen him break lots of Stratocasters, but precious few Les Pauls (though he does seem to have some animosity toward the SG, too). This Ferrari is definitely the good stuff, and it appears to be in great shape. The odometer has counted off 29,000 clicks, and the brown leather seats have likely taken on a nice patina. Today's exchange rate sets the price at $98,239.30. As used Maranello's go, that's on par with what the market seems to be bearing. Maybe as part of the purchase, you could have Pete show you how to windmill as you bash the shifter through its gated path.

[Source: Luxist]

Magic Bus - Pete Townshend's 550 Maranello for sale originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jul 2007 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

For Sale: Mazda Hen's Tooth..err, Cosmo

Dan Roth — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 12:05:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Etc.

click on the pic to see more of Chuck's shots

Autoblog addict Chuck Goolsbee was out in his E-Type last weekend and naturally wanted to avoid the freeway in such a delightful car. Pulling a Clark Griswold, Chuck got lost on an Indian reservation. Rather than have the neighborhood assist in stripping excess mass from his swoopy kitty, Chuck noticed the sun glinting off a vaguely familiar shape off in the distance. The front bumper wrapped tightly around a low nose, and chrome-ringed headlamps were tucked safely behind plexiglass lenses. "Wow," Chuck thought, "another E-Type!" Car people are social creatures, so Chuck's plans changed in an instant. Passenger footwell clogged with grocery bags, ice cream turning into warm milk, he pulled up to the curb and suddenly realized he was in the presence of something even more special than an E-Type.

[Source: Chuck Goolsbee]

Gallery: 1971 Mazda Cosmo Sport

Continue reading For Sale: Mazda Hen's Tooth..err, Cosmo

For Sale: Mazda Hen's Tooth..err, Cosmo originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Jul 2007 12:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

The real K.I.T.T. is up for sale

John Neff — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 14:06:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Classics, Etc., Pontiac

Click the image above for our gallery.

We've reported on K.I.T.T. cars being up for sale in the past, but those were all reproductions of the real thing. Now, one of the four documented 1982 Pontiac Trans Ams actually used in the Knight Rider series during the '80s has a For Sale sign on its windshield. The car has been restored to its "debut-season glory" and is being displayed at Kassabian Motors in Dublin, California. The price? $149,995. Ouch, that's a big chunk of Knight Industry's defense contract budget. But it's a small price to pay for the actual car in which the Hoff and his perfectly coiffed hair shot his close ups. Many of the buttons on the dash light up and the two video screens do work, though don't expect this K.I.T.T. to hit 300 mph or jump a school bus when the Rocket Boost button is depressed. The string of red lights on the nose do light up, however, which would be the deal breaker for us.

[Source: Kassabian Motors via Yahoo! News via TV Squad]

Gallery: KITT For Sale

The real K.I.T.T. is up for sale originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Apr 2007 14:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

eBay Find of the Day: "New" '73 Volvo P1800ES

Dan Roth — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 12:04:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Auctions, Volvo

If a car's been sitting at a dealership for 34 years, you'd expect it to develop a certain amount of vehicular arthritis, in the form of brittle rubber, aged braking components and rodent havens. In the case of this Volvo 1800ES, originally owned by Gordon Turner, proprietor of Turner Volvo, it's recieved regular attention during the 10,000 miles it's accrued during its time as a demo car.

For the uninitiated, 1800s are the "exotic" vintage Volvo and nice examples can trade for several thousand dollars. This one's got a starting bid of $20,000 and the reserve has yet to be met.

More after the jump.

Continue reading eBay Find of the Day: "New" '73 Volvo P1800ES

eBay Find of the Day: "New" '73 Volvo P1800ES originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Jan 2007 12:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

eBay Find of the Day: 2007 Lamborghini LP640

Dan Roth — Sat, 16 Dec 2006 14:50:00 EST

Filed under: Auctions, Etc., Europe, Supercars, Lamborghini

For all the ridiculousness this car exudes, you have to admit, this LP640 has brass balls. Or is that what you have to have to drive this thing on public roads? Either way, bids are currently at $180,000 and the reserve isn't yet met, so if you're kicking around some extra cabbage, this Lambo, in it's electric cabbage hue, could be yours. The e-gear equipped Murcielago has racked up 415 miles, so perhaps that could be a bargaining point should you have the wherewithal to pony up for this Italian that speaks with a German lilt. The metallic green is called Verde Ithaca, which makes it even more multicultural - a Greek green, yum. To us, the hue is akin to something that would've come on a dishwasher in the 1960s, but it's cool. We do like it, and there's nothing like the snarl of the Lambo V12 at full song. One thing we like about the unique shade is the way it accentuates the taut details of the Murcielago's shape. It really looks great with the beige and black interior. For all that, it's not anywhere near practical, but that's not why you buy this thing anyway, and if you're going to have something exclusive, might as well go for an Italian supercar that's not yellow or red.

Nice tip, Brian!

more pictures after the jump

Continue reading eBay Find of the Day: 2007 Lamborghini LP640

eBay Find of the Day: 2007 Lamborghini LP640 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 16 Dec 2006 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Is the Chrysler Group for sale?

John Neff — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 14:14:00 EST

Filed under: Chrysler, Daimler, Earnings/Financials

DaimlerChrysler reported third quarter earnings today of $686 million in net profit, but its Chrysler Group division dragged down that profit margin by posting a loss of $1.47 billion, a figure that completely erased the gain of $1.24 billion made by Mercedes-Benz. During a presentation today, DaimlerChrysler CFO Bodo Uebber didn't rule out the possibility that the Chrysler Group could be sold off. While far from saying the division has a For Sale on its windshield, Uebber told reporters, "We don't exclude anything here... We will do our analysis. Second, we will talk about measures. And third, we will draw our conclusions."

DCX predicts the Chrysler Group will finish 2006 about $1.2 billion in the red. As we reported earlier, the automaker has put together a task force comprised of executives from all its divisions to study the Chrysler Group's business plan and help the division cut an average of $1,000 from the cost of each vehicle it produces. No doubt the conclusions of this internal study will be used to make recommendations for or against keeping the Chrysler Group in the fold.

We seriously doubt that this proposition is being seriously considered by DCX. For one, the Chrysler Group has been profitable for DCX in the past and likely will be again once it nails down a decent health care deal with the UAW, pads its lineup with more small car offerings and less SUVs, and gets the Challenger out into the public's hands. There are other unprofitable brands under the DCX umbrella, like SMART for instance, that would logically be ahead of the Chrysler Group in line for sale. Still, Uebber should've known the fire storm of speculation that would start if even the prospect of selling the Chrysler Group was even mentioned in passing.

[Source: Automotive News]

Is the Chrysler Group for sale? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Oct 2006 14:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

JCB owner ends pursuit of Jaguar

John Neff — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 11:34:00 EST

Filed under: Ford, Jaguar

Sir Anthony Bamford has decided that he's not interested in taking Jaguar off of Ford's hands, at least not if it's bundled Land Rover. The owner of JCB, a construction and agricultural equipment company, who recently captured the title of world's fastest diesel with his 350.092mph DieselMax, announced today that despite voicing his interest last August in purchasing Jaguar from Ford, wasn't interested in a package deal that included Land Rover. Technically speaking, Aston Martin is currently the only brand up for sale in Ford's Premier Auto Group, but it seems like the word is out on the street that if anyone's interested in both Jaguar and Land Rover, that Ford would consider an offer.

[Source: The Detroit News]

JCB owner ends pursuit of Jaguar originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Oct 2006 11:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments