Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[REPORT: Volkswagen confirms Karmann purchase, plans to build new car at factory in 2011]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/report-volkswagen-confirms-karmann-purchase-plans-to-build-new/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/report-volkswagen-confirms-karmann-purchase-plans-to-build-new/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/report-volkswagen-confirms-karmann-purchase-plans-to-build-new/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Volkswagen AG has announced it will be establishing a new manufacturing unit in Osnabrueck, located in VW's home state of Lower Saxony, Germany. Interestingly enough, VW will be purchasing the land, equipment, and machinery formerly owned by Karmann -- the coachbuilder and convertible roof specialists who manufactured the classic Beetle-based Karmann Ghia coupe (Karmann filed for bankruptcy protection in April, and has been struggling since).

Production of a new vehicle at the plant is slated to start in 2011. In the meantime, 200 people will be needed to open the plant next year, and VW is estimating more than 1,000 new jobs will be created by 2014. Volkswagen AG has not disclosed which model will be built at the plant, or any financial details.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: Volkswagen confirms Karmann purchase, plans to build new car at factory in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>KarmannKarmann Ghiakarmann volkswagenkarmann vwKarmannGhiaKarmannSaleKarmannVolkswagenKarmannVwLower SaxonyLowerSaxonymanufacturingnew modelNewModelOsnabrueckPlantProductionVolkswagenVWMon, 23 Nov 2009 09:32:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Saab dealers 'running out of cars']]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/report-saab-dealers-running-out-of-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/report-saab-dealers-running-out-of-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/report-saab-dealers-running-out-of-cars/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2010 Saab 9-5 - Click above for high-res image gallery

With new vehicle production at a trickle, and its dealer network slashed by a third, retailers of the Saab brand are finding inventory shrinking to drought levels. Some of the remaining dealers may even run out of new vehicles before replacements arrive.

Point the blame towards the pending sale of Saab to Koenigsegg Automotive AB, and the fact that an all-new Saab 9-5 model is still sitting on the horizon. With the transaction still not complete, financial limitations have kept new vehicle production low. In addition, the Swedish assembly plant tasked to build the new 9-5 sedan is in the process of retooling. "When we close the deal and change owners we can start producing again for real as we then will have financing," Eric Geers, a Saab spokesman told Bloomberg.

Even if the deal with Koenigsegg closes as planned, the 2010 Saab 9-5 (the company's first all-new car in seven years) won't hit European showrooms until early next year. U.S. dealers will likely have to wait even longer, starving as the last of their dwindling inventory rolls away.


Gallery: 2010 Saab 9-5


[Source: Bloomberg]

REPORT: Saab dealers 'running out of cars' originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Saab2010 saab 9-52010Saab2010Saab9-59-5dealer networkDealerNetworkdealersinventorykoenigseggkoenigsegg saabKoenigseggSaabpendingplant closurePlantClosureProductionretoolingSaab 9-5Saab9-5saleSwedishTue, 17 Nov 2009 10:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Geely looking for 1M units from Volvo, plans Chinese factory]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/15/report-geely-looking-for-1m-units-from-volvo-plans-chinese-fac/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/15/report-geely-looking-for-1m-units-from-volvo-plans-chinese-fac/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/15/report-geely-looking-for-1m-units-from-volvo-plans-chinese-fac/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Should Geely succeed in its bid to purchase Volvo, the Chinese automaker does not plan to spend any time playing in its new Swedish sandbox. Ford moved about 380,000 Volvos around the world last year; Geely wants to sell 2.5 times that amount within five years. How so? By injecting "two or three bigger, more luxurious cars" into the lineup and working its home market of China, which Geely feels could be unlocked for 200,000 vehicles alone. Those units could be supplied by a Chinese factory capable of making 300,000 cars per year and would presumably be larger than the upcoming redesigned S60 (above).

Ford has designated Geely its preferred bidder for Volvo. However, in an echo of the tensions between General Motors and Magna's Russian bidding partner Sberbank, Geely will need to address Ford's intellectual property concerns among other issues to complete a sale. Volvo's technologies and reputation for safety are probably worth as much as the company's physical assets, so it's not surprising that Ford wants to negotiate the technology transfer. Assuming they can come to terms, closing the deal is expected to cost Geely $2 billion.


Gallery: 2010 Volvo S60


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

Geely looking for 1M units from Volvo, plans Chinese factory originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitionchinafordgeelyproductionvolvoSun, 15 Nov 2009 16:59:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: VW takes over #1 carmaker slot, sings "Wir sind die Meister, mein Freund"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/vw-takes-over-1-carmaker-slot-sings-wir-sind-die-meister-mei/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/vw-takes-over-1-carmaker-slot-sings-wir-sind-die-meister-mei/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/vw-takes-over-1-carmaker-slot-sings-wir-sind-die-meister-mei/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It was a little more than a year ago when Volkswagen, because of Porsche's stock market finagling, briefly became the most valuable company in the world. This was just after it passed Ford for the number three slot in global sales. Now the big company that could - powered by the little car that could - has passed Toyota to take the number one slot as the world's largest automaker.

Of course, there is some number play involved once again. We're talking about the combined entity VW-Porsche, which has built 4.4 million cars to date, which is roughly 400,000 beyond Toyota's mark. However, Toyota halved its production earlier this year and shut down all of its plants in February, and come summer, VW benefited much more than Toyota from the European cash-for-clunkers programs. VW's also got the edge on Toyota in China, where it has spent years introducing models specifically designed for that market.

The year isn't over yet, though, and Toyota still expects to build seven million cars this year. But stay tuned for Q4 of 2010, when it's announced that VW is officially bigger than the Beatles. Hat tip to Jarrett.


Gallery: 2010 Volkswagen U.S. Lineup


[Source: The Guardian]

REPORT: VW takes over #1 carmaker slot, sings "Wir sind die Meister, mein Freund" originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>productiontoyotavolkswagenTue, 10 Nov 2009 07:55:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: BAIC/Koenigsegg may produce Saab 9-5 in China]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/07/report-baic-koenigsegg-may-produce-saab-9-5-in-china/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/07/report-baic-koenigsegg-may-produce-saab-9-5-in-china/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/07/report-baic-koenigsegg-may-produce-saab-9-5-in-china/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Co. (BAIC), announced as a minority partner in Koenigsegg's deal to purchase Saab from General Motors two months ago, plans to produce the Saab 9-5 on Chinese soil next year. The involvement of BAIC in the Saab transaction helps Koenigsegg close the deal and gives the Chinese company leverage to re-badge the previous-generation Saab 9-5 as its own or to simply expand the brand's existing reach within the country.

In September, Saab CEO Jan-Ake Jonsson told reporters he wanted to double the number of Chinese Saab dealers from 15 to 30, and that he had an interest in local Chinese production. "Beijing Auto is an opportunity for us to establish ourselves in the Chinese market with their experience," the CEO said. Under current plans, Saab imports all cars to China, where they're sold under the Shanghai General Motors network. Sales have been slow, but promoting the brand under the watchful eye of BAIC may help the brand gain traction in China's huge automotive market.

[Source: Gasgoo]

REPORT: BAIC/Koenigsegg may produce Saab 9-5 in China originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9-5BAICBAIC SaabBaicSaabBeijing Automotive Industry Holding CoBeijingAutomotiveIndustryHoldingCoBejing AutoBejingAutoChinaInventoryJan-akeJonssonKoenigseggManufacturingPartnershipPrevious generationPreviousGenerationProductionSaabShanghai GM networkShanghaiGmNetworkSat, 07 Nov 2009 14:26:00 EST<![CDATA[They still make that? VW Golf Mk1 ends production after 25 years]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/they-still-make-that-vw-golf-mk1-ends-production-after-25-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/they-still-make-that-vw-golf-mk1-ends-production-after-25-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/they-still-make-that-vw-golf-mk1-ends-production-after-25-years/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Volkswagen CitiGolf - Click above for high-res image gallery

The original Volkswagen Golf Mk1 arrived as a replacement to the Volkswagen Beetle way back in 1974. Sold in the States as the Volkswagen Rabbit, the early front-wheel-drive hatchback had a transverse-mounted (water-cooled) 1.5-liter four-cylinder rated at just 70 horsepower. It was good for a 93 mph top speed and nearly 38 miles per gallon. While the standard Rabbit was rather ho-hum, the late-to-arrive Mk1 "GTI" ushered in the hot-hatch movement with its 90-horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder, slick manual transmission, and upgraded suspension. It was a seriously cool car.

In 1984, Volkswagen introduced the Golf Mk2. As the successor was bigger, wider, and more expensive than the original - and customers may have been turned-off by the "improvements" - VW chose to continue the Mk1 production and sell it as the low-cost Econo Golf, or CitiGolf.

Over the past 25 years, more than 500,000 units of the venerable Mk1 have rolled out of a South African assembly plant for sale in markets abroad. Variants have been fitted with a wide range of engine choices (both gasoline and diesel), from 1.1-liters up to 1.8-liters of displacement. Transmissions have included 4- and 5-speed manuals, plus the (obviously outdated) 3-speed automatic. Lacking nearly all of today's necessary safety equipment (a driver's airbag was eventually fitted), time finally caught up with the CitiGolf this summer and the South African plant was closed in late August.

Interesting side note: the tooling used to build the CitiGolf all these years in South Africa was reportedly originally used to make the Rabbit at Volkswagen's Westmoreland plant in Pennsylvania. Thanks for the tip, Doug!


Gallery: Volkswagen CitiGolf


[Source: in4ride]

They still make that? VW Golf Mk1 ends production after 25 years originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>closeEndingFirst-genGolfJettaMk1ProductionRabbitSouth AfricaSouthAfricaVolkswagen GolfVolkswagen Mk1Volkswagen RabbitVolkswagenGolfVolkswagenMk1VolkswagenRabbitVW Mk1VwMk1Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford boosts production (slightly) of F-150, Escape]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/27/ford-boosts-production-slightly-of-f-150-escape/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/27/ford-boosts-production-slightly-of-f-150-escape/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/27/ford-boosts-production-slightly-of-f-150-escape/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Two of Ford's vehicles are moving well enough that the automaker is adding production to its plants in Missouri and Michigan. Ford says its F-150 and Ford Escape are looking to earn their highest sales of the year in August, with the F-Series truck line looking good for its first year-on-year sales jump since October 2006 and the Escape knocking on the door of its own sales record. Of course, August sales number are expected to be wildly inflated by the success of the government's Cash for Clunkers program, so Ford is also taking into account the sales rates of these two vehicles before August and only boosting production by a smidge in response.

Thus, 2,800 workers at Ford's Dearborn Truck Plant will go back to full-time work at the end of September, which will raise production of F-150s by 10,000 units through the end of the year. A third shift added to the Kansas City plant in October will raise production of Ford Escapes and Mercury Mariners by 2,400 through year-end. If production details are your cup of tea, you can read all of Ford's good news in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Ford | Image: Scott Olson/Getty]

Continue reading Ford boosts production (slightly) of F-150, Escape

Ford boosts production (slightly) of F-150, Escape originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 f-1502009 ford escape2009 ford escape hybrid2009 ford f-1502009F-1502009FordEscape2009FordEscapeHybrid2009FordF-150dearborn truck plantDearbornTruckPlantescapeescape hybridEscapeHybridf-150fordford escapeford f-150FordEscapeFordF-150hybridkansas city assembly plantKansasCityAssemblyPlantmanufacturingplantsproductionsuvtruckThu, 27 Aug 2009 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota cutting production capacity by up to 1 million vehicles?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/27/toyota-cutting-production-capacity-by-up-to-1-million-ve/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/27/toyota-cutting-production-capacity-by-up-to-1-million-ve/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/27/toyota-cutting-production-capacity-by-up-to-1-million-ve/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Japan's Nikkei has reported that Toyota is will cut production by 10% in its next fiscal year, from ten million to nine million vehicles. To do that, Japan's largest automaker is said to be shutting down an entire production line in its home country for a year-and-a-half starting next spring. There is also speculation that Toyota will shut down a production line in the U.K. as well.

The news come even as Toyota has been putting out more cars due to global scrappage schemes and incentives, and some of its products, like the Lexus HS 250h, can't be made fast enough.

If Toyota does cease production on both lines and close the endangered NUMMI plant in California, that will eliminate 700,000 cars from its annual tally - which would mean more painful measures to be taken, according to the Nikkei report. But unlike its Japanese compatriots at Honda and Nissan, Toyota is still writing in red ink, and it doesn't expect to fully turn the corner in the near term. Toyota's official statement is that it hasn't yet decided on the depth of the cuts.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd | Image: Justin Sullivan/Getty]

Toyota cutting production capacity by up to 1 million vehicles? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japanmanufacturingplantsproductiontoyotaukThu, 27 Aug 2009 09:01:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Toyota sees U.S. turnaround in sight, plans to boost production]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/04/report-toyota-sees-u-s-turnaround-in-sight-plans-to-boost-pro/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/04/report-toyota-sees-u-s-turnaround-in-sight-plans-to-boost-pro/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/04/report-toyota-sees-u-s-turnaround-in-sight-plans-to-boost-pro/#commentsFiled under:



Auto sales in 2009 have been a real stinker, but companies are starting to feel a bit more bullish about the immediate future of the industry. Earlier this week, Ford announced that it was bumping Q3 production by 10%, and now Toyota is getting more aggressive still by adding 65,000 units to its Q2 quota. The Aishi, Japan-based automaker plans to add production to its most popular models. The Camry, Corolla, Sienna, Tundra, Tacoma and Rav4 are all going to see more action during the summer months.

Part of the reason for Toyota's optimism is due to the Japanese automaker's May sales. On the surface, sales were putrid, with a decline of 40% versus May 2008. But last May 2008 was a far better month for Toyota than it was many of its competitors, making the 40% figure a bit misleading. Toyota's sales actually increased by 21% when compared to April 2009.

[Source: Automotive News subs req'd]

REPORT: Toyota sees U.S. turnaround in sight, plans to boost production originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Jun 2009 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordplantsproductionQ2 salesQ2Salessales volumeSalesVolumetoyota salesToyotaSalesThu, 04 Jun 2009 09:32:00 EST<![CDATA[First 2010 Subaru Legacy rolls off the line in Indiana]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/31/first-2010-subaru-legacy-rolls-off-the-line-in-indiana/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/31/first-2010-subaru-legacy-rolls-off-the-line-in-indiana/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/31/first-2010-subaru-legacy-rolls-off-the-line-in-indiana/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a hi-res gallery of the 2010 Subaru Legacy

The 5th-generation Subaru Legacy has officially begun production, with the first car rolling off the Lafayette, Indiana assembly line late last week to confetti-strewn, ribbon-cutting fanfare. In keeping with Subaru's recent new-model introductions, beginning with the current Impreza and continuing with the new Forester, the 2010 Subaru Legacy wears controversial new bodywork that abandons the elegantly understated lines of the outgoing model in favor of a more stylized (overstyled?) face attached to a car that has grown dimensionally in order to be better-positioned against the likes of the Honda Accord. With production now underway, look for the new Subaru Legacy to start arriving in U.S. showrooms by July. We'll weigh in with our impressions of the car as soon as we can get our hands on one. Thanks to Steve B. for the tip!

Gallery: 2010 Subaru Legacy


[Source: JConline.com]

First 2010 Subaru Legacy rolls off the line in Indiana originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 31 May 2009 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 subary legacy2010SubaryLegacyindianalafayetteproductionSun, 31 May 2009 17:01:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Largest American Axle plant to idle as work shifts to Mexico]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/29/report-largest-american-axle-plant-to-shutter-as-work-shifts-to/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/29/report-largest-american-axle-plant-to-shutter-as-work-shifts-to/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/29/report-largest-american-axle-plant-to-shutter-as-work-shifts-to/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Blaming the current economic conditions and still wounded from a near-fatal labor strike, Detroit-based auto supplier American Axle & Manufacturing Inc. will reportedly lay off at least 500 workers at its largest plant and send the remaining jobs south of the border to Mexico.

This time last year, the manufacturer was embroiled in an ongoing UAW labor dispute. The strike crippled General Motors, eventually forcing the automaker to stop production on many of its popular trucks before American Axle reached terms with the union and ended the strike after three months. The dispute couldn't have come at a worse time. Its resolution last spring was followed by a plummeting economy dumping vehicle production, choking GM's demand for American Axle components (accounting for 74% of the floundering supplier's sales).

Founded in 1994, American Axle will start moving the facility's production to Guanajuato, Mexico over the summer. More than 500 of the 700 workers at the Detroit complex will be laid off indefinitely, and only 232 of the company's most senior workers will likely have jobs remaining when the dust settles later this year. Thanks for the tip, Farzin.

[Source: The Detroit Free Press]

REPORT: Largest American Axle plant to idle as work shifts to Mexico originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>American AxleAmericanAxleclosingDisputeJobs lostJobsLostLayoffMexicoproductionStrikeWed, 29 Apr 2009 16:29:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Slow Corvette sales to result in plant shutdowns through July]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/31/report-slow-corvette-sales-to-result-in-plant-shutdowns-through/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/31/report-slow-corvette-sales-to-result-in-plant-shutdowns-through/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/31/report-slow-corvette-sales-to-result-in-plant-shutdowns-through/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

UPDATE: We just got off the phone with Andrea Hales, GM Bowling Green Assembly Communications manager, who informed us that while there will be six weeks of down time from now until the end of June, the plant actually has about 600 workers and they will continue to build 11 Corvettes per hour, not eight.


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Chevy Corvette Competition

Two years ago, the Chevrolet Corvette plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky housed 1,000 workers - that number is now down to 400. In order to align production with demand, those workers that remain will reportedly be getting much more time off as General Motors is idling the plant for two weeks every month for the next four months.

The pace of production is also being reset, from 11 cars an hour down to eight. Chevrolet sold half as many Corvettes in February of 2009 as it did the year previously, and sales are down 54% this year, from 4,086 for the first two months of 2008 versus 1,869 in 2009 over the same period. As the Bowling Green UAW local secretary said, the rest of them "are just worried if we will be here next week." Hat tip to Alex


Gallery: 2008 Chevy Corvette Competition


Gallery: Tour of Corvette's Bowling Green Assembly Plant


[Source: Courier-Journal]

REPORT: Slow Corvette sales to result in plant shutdowns through July originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bowling greenBowlingGreenchevroletchevrolet corvetteChevroletCorvettemanufacturingplantsproductionsportssupercaruawunionTue, 31 Mar 2009 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[One in 20 Million: Honda celebrates U.S. production milestone ]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/04/honda-produces-20-millionth-vehicle-in-america/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/04/honda-produces-20-millionth-vehicle-in-america/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/04/honda-produces-20-millionth-vehicle-in-america/#commentsFiled under: ,



In spite of Honda's latest production cuts, the Japanese automaker reached a significant milestone this week. Twenty-seven years after opening its Marysville, Ohio, assembly plant, Honda has produced its 20 millionth vehicle in North America. The original U.S. plant is still open but it has been joined by assembly operations in East Liberty, Ohio; Lincoln, Alabama; and Greensburg, Indiana. The automaker also has assembly lines in Alliston, Ontario, and El Salto Jalisco, Mexico.

Many of the vehicles assembled in North America are destined for sale on our shores. According to the automaker, more than 77% of all Honda and Acura vehicles sold in the U.S. in 2008 were produced in North America (representing a total of 1,421,427 units). The positive financial implications are obvious when you realize that Honda partners with more than 620 North American suppliers (545 in the U.S. alone) and purchased parts and materials worth more than $19.5 billion in 2008 alone. The automaker also points out that their cumulative North American engine production has topped 18.4 million units, and they have assembled more than 13 million automatic transmissions domestically. Check out the full press release after the jump.

[Source: Honda]

Continue reading One in 20 Million: Honda celebrates U.S. production milestone

One in 20 Million: Honda celebrates U.S. production milestone originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Feb 2009 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20 million20MillionEast LibertyEastLibertyel saltoel salto mxicoel salto plant mexicoElSaltoElSaltoMxicoElSaltoPlantMexicoHondaLincolnMarysvilleMexicomilestoneOhioOntarioproductionrecordWed, 04 Feb 2009 17:57:00 EST<![CDATA[GM to make new Buick in Germany?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/28/gm-to-make-new-buick-in-germany/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/28/gm-to-make-new-buick-in-germany/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/28/gm-to-make-new-buick-in-germany/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for high-res image gallery of the Chinese-spec Buick Regal

GM might make a swap in its European production plans, shifting Buick assembly to Opel and Saab assembly to Sweden. Names of the models in question haven't been mentioned, but the Opel Insignia, Chinese-spec Buick Regal and coming Saab 9-5 are all built on GM's Epsilon II platform.

The original plan was to produce the Saab 9-5 in Sweden, and Saab has been studying the Trollhatten factory's viability for the task. Factory representatives at the Russelsheim plant have also been lobbying for more cars to produce, thinking the operation underutilized, and they would certainly be building more Buicks than Saabs. And if other rumors are correct, it would keep siblings that GM plans to bring closer together - Opel and Buick - under the same roof.

The swap, which would mean not building any new Saabs in Germany, would also send 9-3 production to Sweden. Sending 9-5 production there as well could also be seen as another step in extricating Saab from GM's web to assist in efforts to find a buyer for the brand.

Gallery: 2009 Chinese-spec Buick Regal


[Source: Reuters]

GM to make new Buick in Germany? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 buick lacrosse2010BuickLacrosse9-5buickbuick lacrosseBuickLacrosseeuroeuropegmlacrossemanufacturingopelplantsproductionrusselsheimsaabsaab 9-5Saab9-5Wed, 28 Jan 2009 16:58:00 EST<![CDATA[GM funds Saturn through 2012]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/26/gm-funds-saturn-through-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/26/gm-funds-saturn-through-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/26/gm-funds-saturn-through-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The good news: Saturns will remain in production until 2012 or 2013... at least. The bad news: the Saturns currently being produced might not get any new updates or engineering before then. That's the bitter and the sweet that GM revealed to Saturn dealers at the NADA conference.

On the warm, fuzzy side of things, dealers are -- for the moment -- just happy to hear that Saturn isn't "going away in 30 days." While on the cold, dark side of reality it's clear that GM doesn't have much money, doesn't know how much it's ultimately going to get in loans, and can't fully fund all of its brands. That means that refreshing and re-engineering the current offerings might have to wait until the crystal ball is a little clearer.

It also means that Saturn could still be killed, it simply won't happen for another three or four years. Saturn's general manager said the brand's future should be known in the next three or four weeks and that the prime directive of the future will be to operate with a profitable business model, which has only happened once in Saturn's 20 years.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

GM funds Saturn through 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Jan 2009 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bridge loanBridgeLoanfinancialsgmmanufacturingnadaproductionsaturnsaturn dealersSaturnDealersMon, 26 Jan 2009 10:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota to cut Japanese production in half]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/20/toyota-to-cut-japanese-production-in-half/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/20/toyota-to-cut-japanese-production-in-half/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/20/toyota-to-cut-japanese-production-in-half/#commentsFiled under: ,

As the economic slowdown gains steam and people continue to buy fewer cars, manufacturers are hitting the brakes a little harder on production levels. Toyota is shutting down plants in Japan for 11 days, and more closures could come as the company says it will make half the number of cars from February to April as it did last year. That would take Toyota down to 9,000 cars per day as it grapples with ballooning inventory. With the near-term future predicted to be even bleaker and the need to align production with sales, we probably haven't seen the end of factory stoppage announcements.

[Source: Reuters]

Toyota to cut Japanese production in half originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Jan 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>closurefactorymanufacturingplantsproductiontoyotaTue, 20 Jan 2009 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW X1 to offer both all- and rear-wheel drive]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/09/bmw-x1-to-offer-both-all-and-rear-wheel-drive/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/09/bmw-x1-to-offer-both-all-and-rear-wheel-drive/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/09/bmw-x1-to-offer-both-all-and-rear-wheel-drive/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the BMW X1 Concept


In a move that marks a significant departure from its current direction, BMW will offer both all- and rear-wheel drive versions of its upcoming BMW X1 model. Up to this point, consumers have only been offered all-wheel-drive mechanicals under the skin of the BMW X6, BMW X5 and smaller BMW X3. The German automaker cites weight savings and gains in efficiency as the reason why its newest and smallest SAV loses its front driveshafts, but be assured that it's also a cost-saving maneuver as automakers squeeze to keep prices down. As the models will appear virtually identical from the outside, BMW will offer the rear-wheel-drive version with a special "sDrive" badge to differentiate it from the xDrive-equipped all-wheel-drive model (of course, you'll have to squint to discern the badge differences between a rear-wheel-drive "BMW X1 sDrive28i" and the all-wheel-drive "BMW X1 xDrive28i"). Built on the 3 Series platform (and set for production at the same Leipzig plant), the showroom version of the X1 is expected to look much like the X1 Concept shown in Paris last week. There has been no word on when we'll see it on this side of the pond, but those in Europe should look for the X1 to appear in showrooms sometime in 2010.

Gallery: BMW Concept X1


Gallery: BMW X1 LIVE


[Source: Autocar]

BMW X1 to offer both all- and rear-wheel drive originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BMW X1BmwX1LeipzigProductionrear-wheel driveRear-wheelDrivesDriveX1 ConceptX1ConceptxDriveThu, 09 Oct 2008 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercedes cutting production in Alabama]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/25/mercedes-cutting-production-in-alabama/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/25/mercedes-cutting-production-in-alabama/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/25/mercedes-cutting-production-in-alabama/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

As consumer demand for thirsty vehicles continues to wane, Mercedes-Benz is being forced to slow production at the Alabama plant which manufactures their GL- and ML-Class SUVs and the R-Class crossover. Sales of Mercedes domestic trucks fell to 5,090 vehicles in June, representing an 11.9 percent decline from the same period last year. The move marks the first time in more than a decade of U.S. production, that the German automaker has reduced output due to market and economic conditions. The cuts will affect more than 4,000 of the plant's employees, and unfortunately will trickle-down to hurt the countless other companies who provide just-in-time components to support Mercedes production.

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

Mercedes cutting production in Alabama originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jul 2008 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AlabamaM-Classmercedesmercedes benzmercedes-benzMercedesBenzML-ClassProductionR-ClassSlowdownSUVFri, 25 Jul 2008 17:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Volkswagen looking at Alabama for new plant]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/07/volkswagen-looking-at-alabama-for-new-plant/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/07/volkswagen-looking-at-alabama-for-new-plant/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/07/volkswagen-looking-at-alabama-for-new-plant/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Volkswagen's management will meet tomorrow to refine plans to expand automobile production into the United States. While a final recommendation isn't expected until July 15, Alabama appears to be the front runner (over second-choice Tennessee) to receive the $788 million plant that will initially build the Volkswagen Jetta sedan and an all-new Passat-sized sedan. VW is also rumored to be considering production of a long-wheelbase version of the Volkswagen Tiguan and the Audi's Q5 on our shores. Volkswagen isn't the only German automaker to announce manufacturing expansion in the United States this year. The falling value of the dollar has also encouraged BMW to increase U.S. production in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

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

Volkswagen looking at Alabama for new plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Jul 2008 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AlabamaManufacturingProductionUnited StatesUnitedStatesVolkswagenVW ProductionVwProductionMon, 07 Jul 2008 14:59:00 EST<![CDATA[No surprise here: Expedition, Navigator production stopped for nine weeks]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/17/no-surprise-here-expedition-navigator-production-stopped-for-n/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/17/no-surprise-here-expedition-navigator-production-stopped-for-n/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/17/no-surprise-here-expedition-navigator-production-stopped-for-n/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click on the above image to see our Ford Expedition gallery

May was apparently a tough month for Ford's big SUVs. With consumer demand understandably cold for the gargantuan utes and their hard-to-swallow 12 mpg city ratings, Lincoln Navigator sales slid 37 percent while Ford Expedition sales were down 43 percent. As a result, Ford Motor Company has announced that its Wayne, Michigan, plant that assembles these vehicles will close down for nine weeks starting on Monday. While the plant sits idle, Ford will increase production of its passenger cars to better meet market demand for smaller and much more fuel efficient vehicles. Like we didn't see this coming...

Gallery: 2007 Ford Expedition EL


Gallery: 2008 Lincoln Navigator


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

No surprise here: Expedition, Navigator production stopped for nine weeks originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Jun 2008 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Close assemblyCloseAssemblyford expeditionFordExpeditionlincoln navigatorLincolnNavigatorProductionshut downShutDownStoppagewayne assembly plantWayneAssemblyPlantTue, 17 Jun 2008 17:31:00 EST