Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Fiat builds 1 millionth 500, still a ways to go before passing original]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/fiat-builds-1-millionth-500-still-a-ways-to-go-before-passing-o/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/fiat-builds-1-millionth-500-still-a-ways-to-go-before-passing-o/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/fiat-builds-1-millionth-500-still-a-ways-to-go-before-passing-o/#commentsFiled under: , ,



There are now 1.1 million examples of the new Fiat 500 cruising the roads of 83 countries, one million of them made at the Fiat's Tychy plant in Poland, the rest in the Fiat plant in Toluca, Mexico. It's taken 69 months since the car's 2007 launch to reach the milestone, the capstone hatchback being an Abarth 500.

Where does that fit into the historical context? We'll never know, since you can't really compare. But if we played with the numbers, according to Automania, Fiat built 3,893,294 of the original 500 (and variants) from its inception in 1957 to the last model being sent off in 1975. If we average the output over time, and assume an even 18-year production run, the total production divided by 216 months is about 18,025 cars per month, which would make for 1,243,725 cars in 69 months.

On the other hand, the first two generations of the early 500 didn't equate to a million units in eight years, so congratulations Fiat. There's a brief press release below with a few more details on the achievement.

Continue reading Fiat builds 1 millionth 500, still a ways to go before passing original

Fiat builds 1 millionth 500, still a ways to go before passing original originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abarthfiatfiat 500fiat 500 abarthmanufacturingpolandproductiontychyMon, 22 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20546365/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/22/fiat-builds-1-millionth-500-still-a-ways-to-go-before-passing-o/20546365/article-detail.xml 20546365 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/million-fiat-500_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/million-fiat-500.jpg <![CDATA[Mazda's new Mexican plant capacity rises to 230,000]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/05/mazdas-new-mexican-plant-capacity-rises-to-230-000/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/05/mazdas-new-mexican-plant-capacity-rises-to-230-000/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/05/mazdas-new-mexican-plant-capacity-rises-to-230-000/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



After the turmoil of last year, 2013 is getting off to a much better start for Mazda. The company has issued a release indicating that the forthcoming plant in Salamanca, Mexico has had its production capacity raised even though it isn't scheduled to go online until March 2014. The original plans called for a 140,000-unit capacity, 90,000 of that allotted for the Mazda2 and Mazda3, the remaining 50,000 for a small car Mazda would build for Toyota that would be based on the Mazda2. The new plans call for raising that by 90,000 units to a total of 230,000 units within two years, by the end of March 2016, and it looks like it will all go toward Mazda production to satisfy growing demand for Skyactiv vehciles. The Mexican plant's opening will be the return of Mazda manufacturing to North America, after Mazda6 production was moved back to Japan last year.

More good news for the company is that it projects 10 billion yen ($114 million) in net income for the financial year that will end in March. That would be a welcome turnaround from the 100-billion-yen loss in the previous financial year, part of a series of three annual losses in a four-year span.

You'll find the press release with the factory update below.

Continue reading Mazda's new Mexican plant capacity rises to 230,000

Mazda's new Mexican plant capacity rises to 230,000 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 Jan 2013 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mazdamazda2mazda3mexicoplantsproductionsalamancatoyotaSat, 05 Jan 2013 09:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20416902/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/05/mazdas-new-mexican-plant-capacity-rises-to-230-000/20416902/article-detail.xml 20416902 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/mazdamexicocapacity_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/mazdamexicocapacity.jpg <![CDATA[Porsche will trim spending and production in 2013]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/21/porsche-will-trim-spending-and-production-in-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/21/porsche-will-trim-spending-and-production-in-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/21/porsche-will-trim-spending-and-production-in-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Porsche Emblem

Automotive News reports Porsche is set to scale back the company's investment spending. The sports car manufacturer expects to see sales decline between five and 10 percent next year compared to earlier estimates, and the move is aimed to help the company keep its profitability up through 2013. According to Matthias Muller, Porsche brand chief, the cut in spending may delay a project or two, though there's no indication as to which exercises are going to get the back-burner treatment.

In addition, Porsche will also cut back production slightly in 2013 to more accurately reflect sales estimates. Last year saw the manufacturer sell 118,867 vehicles around the world, setting a record and marking a 22-percent jump over 2010.

Vehicle sales in Europe have slackened in 2012 as the continent continues to wrestle with economic woes. Even so, China and the United States have helped bolster the Porsche bottom line, and the first half of the year has seen the company's operating profit increase to around $1.55 billion. That number marks an increase of around 20 percent, thanks largely to the popularity of the 911 and Cayenne.

Porsche will trim spending and production in 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Sep 2012 08:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>911cayenneporscheporsche investment spendingporsche productionproductionFri, 21 Sep 2012 08:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20327544/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/21/porsche-will-trim-spending-and-production-in-2013/20327544/article-detail.xml 20327544 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/porsche-emblem-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/porsche-emblem-628.jpg <![CDATA[Hyundai increases U.S. production to meet demand]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/12/hyundai-increases-u-s-production-to-meet-demand/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/12/hyundai-increases-u-s-production-to-meet-demand/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/12/hyundai-increases-u-s-production-to-meet-demand/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Hyundai Sonata production in Alabama

Hyundai's U.S. dealers are finding popularity to be bittersweet. While sales are at record highs, supplies are tight. Labor strikes at the company's South Korean plants have cut as many as 10,000 U.S.-bound vehicles.

Though union workers reached an agreement with Hyundai last week, the new contract cuts the two 10-hour work shifts to an eight-hour day shift and a nine-hour night shift. That's about a 15 percent reduction in production hours beginning in March. Union officials say productivity will improve and that no loss of output is expected.

Hyundai's largest South Korean plant currently builds 300 cars an hour, totaling 1.5 million cars a year. Automotive News estimates that a 15-percent reduction at that plant alone would be a loss of 234,000 units a year.

To make sure U.S. demand is fully met, Hyundai's Alabama plant has added a third shift that is expected to churn out an extra 20,000 Sonata and Elantra models by the year's end.

"Hyundai has been running flat out," Automotive News quotes Chris Richter, an auto analyst at CLSA Asia-Pacific in Tokyo. "They don't have spare capacity lying around. It's going to put pressure on them to start adding capacity somewhere. Their investors and dealers are going to be screaming for more product."

Hyundai increases U.S. production to meet demand originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Sep 2012 09:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alabamageorgiahyundaikiaproductionsouth koreastrikeunionWed, 12 Sep 2012 09:20:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20319869/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/12/hyundai-increases-u-s-production-to-meet-demand/20319869/article-detail.xml 20319869 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/3341811_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/3341811.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler wants $2.5M security deposit back from Indiana electric utility]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/28/chrysler-wants-2-5m-security-deposit-back-from-indiana-electric/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/28/chrysler-wants-2-5m-security-deposit-back-from-indiana-electric/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/28/chrysler-wants-2-5m-security-deposit-back-from-indiana-electric/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Kokomo transmission assembly

The Detroit News reports that Chrysler has filed a complaint with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission seeking the return of a $2.5 million security deposit charged to the automaker's Kokomo, Indiana facilities by Duke Energy, plus interest. The called Duke's actions "unreasonable and discriminatory"

In 2009, after Chrysler's bankruptcy and corporate overhaul, Duke requested a security deposit because it viewed the freshly-minted Chrysler Group LLC, allied with Fiat, as an entirely new customer.

Chrysler says it had already set up a prepayment system that "mitigated any risk to Duke" and negated the need for any security deposit, but it caved and paid the sum when Duke threatened to cut off power to the four Kokomo facilities.

According to the report, Chrysler has asked for the deposit back, but Duke Energy says it won't return the money until Chrysler makes 12 consecutive payments, maintains a long-term credit rating of "BB" through Standard & Poors, and Duke determines Chrysler's financial status and acceptability of risk.

Chrysler argues that Duke has not established any criteria for that final element, and both parties will meet in Indianapolis on August 15 to start hashing out the situation.

Chrysler wants $2.5M security deposit back from Indiana electric utility originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Jul 2012 14:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerdukeindianakomonopower companyproductionutilitySat, 28 Jul 2012 14:17:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20286708/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/28/chrysler-wants-2-5m-security-deposit-back-from-indiana-electric/20286708/article-detail.xml 20286708 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/kokomotransmissionplant_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/kokomotransmissionplant.jpg <![CDATA[Ford delaying next Mondeo]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/12/ford-delaying-next-mondeo/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/12/ford-delaying-next-mondeo/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/12/ford-delaying-next-mondeo/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2013 Ford Fusion - maroon - front three-quarter studio view

Anyone waiting for the new Ford Mondeo will have to wait a little longer, according to Automotive News Europe.

According to union sources, Ford has delayed production of the next generation model for up to three months at its Genk, Belgium, factory.

Production was scheduled to begin next April, but was pushed back, union members have told media outlets in Belgium. Ford apparently admits it is continuing to work through a number of issues to "ensure a robust, high quality launch," Automotive News Europe reports.

The new Mondeo, which was scheduled to hit European roads this spring, is expected to be revealed later this year at the Paris Motor Show. It's likely to share nearly all of its looks and hardware with its North American sibling the 2013 Ford Fusion (shown above), a model that debuted at the Detroit Auto Show in January.

Whatever problems the Mondeo faces, our sources tell us that these delays won't impact the Fusion's launch here in North America.

Ford delaying next Mondeo originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Jul 2012 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 ford fusion2013 ford mondeobelgiumfordford fusionford mondeoford motor comondeoproductionThu, 12 Jul 2012 08:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20276815/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/12/ford-delaying-next-mondeo/20276815/article-detail.xml 20276815 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/06-2013-ford-fusion_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/06-2013-ford-fusion.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota and Nissan to cut Japanese production]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/25/toyota-and-nissan-to-cut-japanese-production/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/25/toyota-and-nissan-to-cut-japanese-production/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/25/toyota-and-nissan-to-cut-japanese-production/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Nissan production Oppama Japan

No surprise here. Both Nissan and Toyota have moved to cut production in Japan, according to Reuters.

Nissan has made it clear that it will will drop capacity from the 1.35 million units produced in 2011 to 1.15 million in 2013. In 2012, Nissan expects to produce 1.22 million vehicles in its home country, though production is expected to increase in countries like China, Brazil and Russia to help offset the drop. The report says Nissan has already stopped production on two lines at its Oppama plant, and the manufacturer has plans to stop production of the Tiida in Japan altogether.

The story is much the same with Toyota. The manufacturer has announced that by 2014, it will cut production in Japan by around 10 percent to 3.1 million vehicles. Before the financial crisis, Toyota produced 3.9 million units domestically. But that was when it still made financial sense to build machines in Japan and export them around the world. Japan has seen its currency strengthen against the dollar, making exports less and less financially viable.

Toyota and Nissan to cut Japanese production originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Jun 2012 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japanmanufacturingnissanproductiontoyotayenMon, 25 Jun 2012 09:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20264049/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/25/toyota-and-nissan-to-cut-japanese-production/20264049/article-detail.xml 20264049 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/nissan-production-japan_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/nissan-production-japan.jpg <![CDATA[Ford pondering new brands for China]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/05/ford-pondering-new-brands-for-china/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/05/ford-pondering-new-brands-for-china/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/05/ford-pondering-new-brands-for-china/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ford Focus Electric revealed at 2011 Shanghai Motor Expo

Reuters reports Ford may be considering launching vehicle brands just for the Chinese market in an attempt to capitalize on continued sales growth in the region. Last year, buyers brought home 18.5 million cars and trucks in China, and Ford aims to carve out a larger share of that figure for itself. The American automaker already produces Fiesta, Mondeo and Focus models in China through a partnership with Chongqing Changan Automobile Company and Mazda, and Jiangling Motors Corp produces Transit van in the country. Currently, analysts expect China to see auto sales grow by five percent this year, but Ford says its vehicles will outrun that estimate.

Last year, Ford sold around 519,390 passenger cars in China. That figure marks a seven percent increase over 2010, and Ford expects a similar jump for 2012. Foreign automakers often create market-specific brands for China. The move allows companies to comply with government regulations allowing for production within the country's borders. While Ford says it is currently in discussions with its Chinese partners, no official decision has been made on any new brands for the country.

Ford pondering new brands for China originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Jun 2012 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinafordford china brandford china productionford of chinaproductionTue, 05 Jun 2012 10:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20250673/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/05/ford-pondering-new-brands-for-china/20250673/article-detail.xml 20250673 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/ford-focus-electric-at-shanghai_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/ford-focus-electric-at-shanghai.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan announces production of funky e-NV200 electric van]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/nissan-announces-production-of-funky-e-nv200-electric-van/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/nissan-announces-production-of-funky-e-nv200-electric-van/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/nissan-announces-production-of-funky-e-nv200-electric-van/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Nissan e-NV200 concept

There are two directions automakers can go to produce a vehicle with electric propulsion - be it a hybrid or an outright EV: make it look the same as any other car, or make it stand out. Like Toyota (for example) did with the Prius, Nissan made the Leaf look (for better or worse) unlike a conventional sedan. But while Toyota answered the call for more space with the equally "distinctive" Prius V, Nissan has gone a different route in producing a bigger brother for the Leaf.

That route is called the e-NV200, pictured above in concept form. And while the nose, unique shade of blue and electric powertrain are conceptually borrowed from the Leaf, the rest is nearly identical to the existing NV200 van that is being rolled out in New York as the city's new taxi of choice.

Nissan has just announced the production of the e-NV200, set to start next year at the same plant in Barcelona, Spain, as the conventionally-powered NV200. As a result, Nissan will hire 700 more workers at the plant and invest some €100 million (U.S. $126 million at today's exchange rates). Details like projected cost and annual capacity are not to be found in the press release below, but Nissan does say the electric van will be built starting some time in fiscal year 2013, which we take to mean before the end of March 2014.

Continue reading Nissan announces production of funky e-NV200 electric van

Nissan announces production of funky e-NV200 electric van originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 May 2012 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barcelonae-nv200leafnissannissan e-nv200nissan nv200nv200productionspainThu, 24 May 2012 09:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20243952/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/24/nissan-announces-production-of-funky-e-nv200-electric-van/20243952/article-detail.xml 20243952 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/nissan-env-200-concept-stock-05_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/nissan-env-200-concept-stock-05.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan Juke-R to get limited production run [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/03/nissan-juke-r-to-get-limited-production-run-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/03/nissan-juke-r-to-get-limited-production-run-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/03/nissan-juke-r-to-get-limited-production-run-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Nissan Juke-R

It's a rare thing, but every now and then, our automotive wishes come true. Nissan has announced that it will produce the heinous Juke-R in very limited numbers after a warm reception in Dubai. The company has already received three orders so far, and Nissan says it will begin taking additional orders in the next four weeks.

Each model will be built to order using model year 2012 drivetrain components, meaning there's a modest bump in power - 545 horsepower versus the original Juke-R's 480. As you may recall, the first Juke-R used bits cannibalized from a 2010 GT-R. How much will the machine cost? Nissan isn't saying, but we'd be willing to bet the Juke-R will carry an MSRP a bit higher than the GT-R.

With 545 horsepower crammed into the quirky lines of the Juke, the machine is unlike anything else on the road. Nissan has also worked up a quick video to commemorate the production announcement. The clip focuses on the showdown between the Juke-R and several supercars in Dubai. Scroll down to check it out alongside the full press release.

Continue reading Nissan Juke-R to get limited production run [w/video]

Nissan Juke-R to get limited production run [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 May 2012 11:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dubaijukejuke-rjuke-r productionnissanproductionThu, 03 May 2012 11:13:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20229955/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/03/nissan-juke-r-to-get-limited-production-run-w-video/20229955/article-detail.xml 20229955 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/01-nissan-juke-r-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/01-nissan-juke-r-628.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota to ramp up Canadian production of RAV4]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/31/toyota-to-ramp-up-canadian-production-of-rav4/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/31/toyota-to-ramp-up-canadian-production-of-rav4/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/31/toyota-to-ramp-up-canadian-production-of-rav4/#commentsFiled under: , ,

toyota rav4

Sales of the RAV4 are down five percent so far in 2012, but that won't stop Toyota from increasing North American production. Automotive News reports that Toyota will spend $80 million to retool its Woodstock, Ontario plant to increase production from 150,000 crossovers per year to 200,000. The increased production will also lead to the hiring of an additional 400 workers at the plant.

Some speculate that Toyota is ramping up North American production to combat the high Japanese yen. Only 13 percent of the RAV4s sold in North America in 2012 have been Japanese imports. Toyota has steadily decreased its reliance on Japanese plants in general; it's only building 35 percent of its vehicles in Japan this year, compared to 53 percent in 2006.

Toyota spokeswoman Carly Schaffner tells AN that there are currently no plans to build the RAV4 exclusively in North America. Schaffner says that the reason for the production increase is that Toyota is finally able to get enough supplies to the plants after the catastrophic earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan a year ago. That said, Toyota has already moved all Highlander production to North America and could do likewise for the RAV4 if localized demand for it warrants a similar move.

It's also important to remember that the RAV4, basically unchanged for several years, is due for a makeover, so the plant upgrade might coincide with a model refresh.

Toyota to ramp up Canadian production of RAV4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 31 Mar 2012 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crossoverjapanplantproductionrav4toyotawoodstockSat, 31 Mar 2012 12:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20203505/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/31/toyota-to-ramp-up-canadian-production-of-rav4/20203505/article-detail.xml 20203505 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/toyotarav4opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/toyotarav4opt.jpg <![CDATA[Acura commences production of 2013 RDX]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/22/acura-commences-production-of-2013-rdx/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/22/acura-commences-production-of-2013-rdx/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/22/acura-commences-production-of-2013-rdx/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2013 rdx

Acura has struggled lately, but Honda's luxury arm is looking to win back some buyers starting with the 2013 RDX. The luxury crossover has now officially started production at the automaker's East Liberty plant in Ohio, and the facility will be building versions of the RDX for both domestic and export sale.

The RDX will begin arriving in Acura dealerships in April with a starting price of $34,320 plus a destination fee of $885. The RDX drops the 2.3-liter turbo four-cylinder for 2013 in favor of a tried and true 3.5-liter V6 that promises 273 horsepower and 28 miles per gallon on the highway (for front-wheel-drive models, anyway). The new RDX will also receive a technology upgrade that includes an available 60-gig hard drive, navigation with voice commands and AcuraLink satellite communication.

The launch of the RDX is part of a big kickoff for the East Liberty facility, which is undergoing a $166 million expansion. We'll be getting our first stint behind the wheel of the refreshed RDX later this week, so stay tuned for our full impressions. Acura's official press blast about the announcement is available for your perusal after the jump.

Continue reading Acura commences production of 2013 RDX

Acura commences production of 2013 RDX originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Mar 2012 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 acura rdxacuraeast libertyproductionrdxThu, 22 Mar 2012 08:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20197577/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/22/acura-commences-production-of-2013-rdx/20197577/article-detail.xml 20197577 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/2013-acura-rdx-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/2013-acura-rdx-628.jpg <![CDATA[Subaru targets 100,000-unit goal for BRZ, Toyota GT 86 and Scion FR-S production]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/19/subaru-targets-100-000-unit-goal-for-brz-toyota-gt-86-and-scion/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/19/subaru-targets-100-000-unit-goal-for-brz-toyota-gt-86-and-scion/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/19/subaru-targets-100-000-unit-goal-for-brz-toyota-gt-86-and-scion/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

2013 Subaru BRZ

It looks as though Subaru will be producing considerably more BRZ, Toyota GT 86 and Scion FR-S units than previously thought. According to FT86club.com, Yasayuki Yoshinaga, president of Fuji Heavy Industries, has announced that his company will produce 100,000 units per year at the Subaru plant in Ota City, Japan. (That figure accounts for every iteration of the sports coupe.)

So far, Toyota has seen around 7,000 orders for the GT 86, while Subaru fans have raised hands for 2,500 units. Those numbers are seven and 5.6 times more than each company's monthly sales goals, respectively.

Last we heard, Subaru was only planning to sell 6,000 BRZ units in the States in the first year. With the new production figures, it remains to be seen if the company plans to alter that figure to satiate the apparent demand. While some of the pre-order buzz will certainly die down after the vehicle has been around for a few months, we'd like to hope that sales will remain strong.

Subaru targets 100,000-unit goal for BRZ, Toyota GT 86 and Scion FR-S production originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brzfr-sgt 86productionscionscion fr-sscion fr-s productionsubarusubaru brzsubaru brz productiontoyota gt 86Mon, 19 Mar 2012 19:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20196432/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/19/subaru-targets-100-000-unit-goal-for-brz-toyota-gt-86-and-scion/20196432/article-detail.xml 20196432 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/subaru-brz-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/subaru-brz-628.jpg <![CDATA[Saab to start producing cars again]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/04/saab-to-start-producing-cars-again/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/04/saab-to-start-producing-cars-again/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/04/saab-to-start-producing-cars-again/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Saab production

Sort of. Saabs United reports that the automaker has announced some of its employees will return to complete the vehicles still standing unfinished on the production line. All told, only around 100 units are likely to be produced and then sold off before the brand goes dark for good.

The Swedish automaker finally filed for bankruptcy in December after a tumultuous year that featured production stoppages, court protection and a variety of foreign suitors with wide-ranging plans to save the brand. In the end, however, the Saab flag fell.

Here in the U.S., the company is currently investigating ways to continue to honor warranties in the wake of its implosion.

Saab to start producing cars again originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>productionsaabSaab ABsaab productionWed, 04 Jan 2012 09:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20139407/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/04/saab-to-start-producing-cars-again/20139407/article-detail.xml 20139407 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/saab-production-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/saab-production-628.jpg <![CDATA[North American Honda plants will resume normal output next month]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/30/north-american-honda-plants-will-resume-normal-output-next-month/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/30/north-american-honda-plants-will-resume-normal-output-next-month/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/30/north-american-honda-plants-will-resume-normal-output-next-month/#commentsFiled under: ,

Honda U.S. plant

Honda has experienced a very challenging 2011. The devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan and the flooding in Thailand have conspired to badly damage Honda's ability to build vehicles here in North America. That should change soon, though, as Automotive News reports that North American Honda plants will be running at full steam by the beginning of December.

Honda's challenges during the Japan earthquake included a badly damaged development center and several plants that were unable to produce the parts needed to build vehicles here in the States. Just as production began to normalize, the Thailand floods caused a shutdown of the automaker's Ayutthaya plant, which reportedly led to a 4.7-percent reduction in output.

With Honda's plants running at full steam, the automaker should be able to satiate demand for new models like the Civic and the 2012 CR-V.

North American Honda plants will resume normal output next month originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>civiccr-vhondanorth americaplantproductionshortageWed, 30 Nov 2011 10:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20116084/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/30/north-american-honda-plants-will-resume-normal-output-next-month/20116084/article-detail.xml 20116084 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/honda-us-plant_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/honda-us-plant.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota says U.S. plants may be hurt by Thai floods]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/26/toyota-says-u-s-plants-may-be-hurt-by-thai-floods/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/26/toyota-says-u-s-plants-may-be-hurt-by-thai-floods/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/26/toyota-says-u-s-plants-may-be-hurt-by-thai-floods/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Toyota Emblem

Automotive News reports that Toyota may experience production delays tied to widespread flooding in Thailand. The Japanese automaker relies on certain Thai components, including audio systems, diodes and condensers that may see production shortages.

Such shortages have already caused three plants in Thailand to be shut down entirely and some of the automaker's facilities in Japan to scale back production. Now there's a chance that the squeeze may be placed on some North American Toyota plants. Currently, the automaker says that it's evaluating its supply chain to determine just how far-reaching the production delays will be.

The report indicates that Toyota is already considering cutting one day of Saturday work at its four North American facilities and contemplating additional overtime restrictions. As of right now, the automaker says it has enough parts in stock to continue production while its suppliers source components from Malaysia and the Philippines. All told, the flooding in Thailand has caused a restriction on around 100 individual Toyota components.

Toyota says U.S. plants may be hurt by Thai floods originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Oct 2011 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>floodfloodsproductionproduction delaythailandthailand floodstoyotatoyota productiontoyota production delayWed, 26 Oct 2011 17:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20091189/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/26/toyota-says-u-s-plants-may-be-hurt-by-thai-floods/20091189/article-detail.xml 20091189 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/toyota-emblem-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/toyota-emblem-628.jpg <![CDATA[Land Rover delivers first Evoque to a horseback rider [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/06/land-rover-delivers-first-evoque-to-a-horseback-rider-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/06/land-rover-delivers-first-evoque-to-a-horseback-rider-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/06/land-rover-delivers-first-evoque-to-a-horseback-rider-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Zara Phillips Range Rover Evoque

You might figure that horse riding enthusiasts would be diametrically opposed to SUV drivers, but you'd be wrong. At least in the case of Zara Phillips. The British equestrian competitor has been a Land Rover brand ambassador for several years now, and was lucky enough to snub Victoria Bekham take delivery of the very first Range Rover Evoque this weekend.

The first model to roll off the production line, Philips' Evoque is a five-door in Stornaway Grey with a 2.2-liter diesel and six-speed automatic. The model's delivery took place at the Burghley Horse Trials, which is sponsored by Land Rover and where officials made use of a fleet of more than 60 vehicles from the legendary off-road marque.

That's horse power for you. And with 20,000 orders on the books, this is just the beginning. Follow the jump to watch footage of the delivery and for the official press release.

Continue reading Land Rover delivers first Evoque to a horseback rider [w/video]

Land Rover delivers first Evoque to a horseback rider [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Sep 2011 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deliveryequestrianevoquehorsehorseback ridinghorsesland roverland rover evoqueproductionrange rover evoquezara philipsTue, 06 Sep 2011 16:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20035066/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/06/land-rover-delivers-first-evoque-to-a-horseback-rider-w-video/20035066/article-detail.xml 20035066 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/zara-range-rover-evoque_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/zara-range-rover-evoque.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat to build Alfa Romeo SUV alongside Jeeps in America, build small car in Italy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/02/fiat-to-build-alfa-romeo-suv-alongside-jeeps-in-america-build-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/02/fiat-to-build-alfa-romeo-suv-alongside-jeeps-in-america-build-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/02/fiat-to-build-alfa-romeo-suv-alongside-jeeps-in-america-build-s/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Fiat logoThe Detroit News is reporting that Fiat may move its planned Jeep and Alfa Romeo SUV production from Turin to the United States. That would leave the Italian plant open and available to produce a new future city car.

According to an unnamed source close to the situation, the decision is based largely on the fact that the Euro has made substantial gains against the dollar in the past few months. A little less than a year ago, Fiat announced that it would invest $1.44 billion in the Turin facility in order to produce Jeep and Alfa Romeo SUVs beginning in late 2012, but since then, the Euro has gained nearly 9 percent against the dollar.

Needless to say, that makes the possibility of manufacturing Jeep vehicles abroad and importing them back into the U.S. considerably less profitable. Building the two vehicles here in America would keep Jeep assembly domestic and give Alfa Romeo a leg up when it comes time for that brand to re-launch in the land of the free.

Fiat to build Alfa Romeo SUV alongside Jeeps in America, build small car in Italy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Sep 2011 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alfa romeofiatjeepproductionturinturin italyturin production facilityFri, 02 Sep 2011 08:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20032839/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/02/fiat-to-build-alfa-romeo-suv-alongside-jeeps-in-america-build-s/20032839/article-detail.xml 20032839 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/fiat-250_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/fiat-250.jpg <![CDATA[Saab says production will not resume August 9 as hoped]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/21/saab-says-production-will-not-resume-august-9-as-hoped/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/21/saab-says-production-will-not-resume-august-9-as-hoped/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/21/saab-says-production-will-not-resume-august-9-as-hoped/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Save Saab

It looks like Saab isn't going to resume vehicle production on August 9 as it previously stated. Talks are currently continuing with the automaker's supplier base and the company's new partners to secure additional short-term funding. Apparently, Saab is still waiting on the delivery of some parts necessary to start production, and as a result, manufacturing has been postponed until those pieces can be secured.

Currently, the automaker says that it has around 11,000 orders on hand, and that its executives are optimistic about being able to nail down all the necessary delivery plans to continue producing vehicles. At the earliest, that may now be as soon as August 29.

Saab has frantically worked to secure partners for long-, mid- and short-term funding, and the automaker has announced a rash of new plans as a result of its efforts. The most recent of those include the introduction of three new models in cooperation with Chinese companies Pang Da and Youngman. Click past the jump for the automaker's press release on the most recent delay.

Continue reading Saab says production will not resume August 9 as hoped

Saab says production will not resume August 9 as hoped originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>productionsaabsaab productionThu, 21 Jul 2011 14:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19996777/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/21/saab-says-production-will-not-resume-august-9-as-hoped/19996777/article-detail.xml 19996777 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/saab-saab-again_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/saab-saab-again.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota says NA production to recover by September, earlier than expected]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/17/toyota-says-na-production-to-recover-by-september-earlier-than/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/17/toyota-says-na-production-to-recover-by-september-earlier-than/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/17/toyota-says-na-production-to-recover-by-september-earlier-than/#commentsFiled under: ,

Toyota Emblem

Toyota has announced that it expects its North American production to reach 100 percent capacity as early as September - far ahead of original post-quake estimates. So far, eight of the company's 12 models built in North America are back to 100 percent capacity, and total production is hoped to improve by as much as 80 percent by August. In an official press release, Bob Carter, Toyota's group vice president and general manager, says that the progress is thanks to the hard work of individuals both here and in Japan, and that the upcoming months will focus on ramping up output to make up for lost time.

After Japan's earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disasters last March, Toyota wasn't expected to reach full manufacturing capacity in North America until December at the earliest. Click past the break to check out the quick press release.

Continue reading Toyota says NA production to recover by September, earlier than expected

Toyota says NA production to recover by September, earlier than expected originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>earthquakejapan earthquakejapan tsunamiproductiontoyotatoyota productiontoyota supplytsunamiFri, 17 Jun 2011 11:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19969743/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/17/toyota-says-na-production-to-recover-by-september-earlier-than/19969743/article-detail.xml 19969743 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/toyota-emblem-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/toyota-emblem-630.jpg -1 2