Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Peel looking to reintroduce world's smallest car [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/24/peel-looking-to-reintroduce-worlds-smallest-car-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/24/peel-looking-to-reintroduce-worlds-smallest-car-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/24/peel-looking-to-reintroduce-worlds-smallest-car-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Peel P-50 and Trident pose with a Rolls-Royce - Click above for high-res image gallery

Sure, there's an increased emphasis on small cars here in America and all around the rest of the world, with brands like Smart and Mini vying for customers that think it's a big deal to go small. But none of these current machines can hold a candle to the 1962 Peel P-50, which to this day holds the record as the smallest car ever produced.

Just how small are we talking? Here are some stats: Wheelbases measures 50 inches, total length measures 52.8 inches, width measures 39 inches and height comes in at 47.2 inches. Perhaps most impressive of all, though, is the weight: just 130 pounds ready to drive.

Naturally, not a lot of power was needed to get this microcar moving, so a DKW single cylinder engine displacing 49cc was mated to a three-speed manual transmission without reverse, unless you count the handy grab bar at the very rear. One door was available on the left side of the car, which led to a lone seat and room for a grocery bag. Want one? Yeah, we do too, but there were only 50 made on the Isle of Man in the UK, so they aren't particularly easy to come by.

Fortunately, then, Peel Engineering has recently reopened its doors and is planning a small production run of 50 new cars, divided up between the aforementioned P-50 (above, blue) and the bubble-roofed Trident (red). From what we can discern, the reborn Peels will each go for a heady £12,499 and will use an electric powertrain in lieu of a scooter engine. No other specifications have been released that we are aware of.

We also don't know if any of the 50 pint-size Peels will make it Stateside, though with three wheels, it would seem the machines would be classified as motorcycles and would therefore eschew any need for crash testing requirements... which would seem rather important, don'tcha think? Click past the break for a couple of videos of the Peel P-50, including one from Top Gear where the six-foot five-inch Jeremy Clarkson takes one for a drive to through the office.


Gallery: Peel P-50 and Trident


[Source: Peel Engineering via The Scooter Scoop]

Continue reading Peel looking to reintroduce world's smallest car [w/video]

Peel looking to reintroduce world's smallest car [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>micro carmicrocarMicrocarspeelpeel engineeringpeel p-50Peel P50peel tridentPeelEngineeringPeelP-50PeelP50PeelTridentsmall carsmall carsSmallCarSmallCarssmallest carSmallestCarworlds smallest carWorldsSmallestCarTue, 24 Aug 2010 15:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19605394/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/08/24/peel-looking-to-reintroduce-worlds-smallest-car-w-video/19605394/article-detail.xml 19605394 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/peel-engineering_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/peel-engineering.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Large SUV segment outpacing small car sales growth in America]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/30/report-large-suv-segment-outpacing-small-car-sales-growth-in-am/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/30/report-large-suv-segment-outpacing-small-car-sales-growth-in-am/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/30/report-large-suv-segment-outpacing-small-car-sales-growth-in-am/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2011 Infiniti QX56 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Finally, after years and years of stagnation and painfully slow sales, small cars are starting to take a foothold in the United States. Or are they? While conventional wisdom makes us believe that Americans are ready to take the downsizing plunge in the face of - or at least the threat of - high fuel prices and environmental concerns (we're all still watching the Gulf Coast, right?), it seems that reality may once again set us straight.

Automotive sales watchdog Autodata has found that the gas-swilling large SUV segment is growing at a faster pace than the America's small car segment. Like statistics? Here we go: With a 19-percent jump over the first six months of 2010, large SUV sales have outpaced small cars (14 percent). Critically, they've also outpaced the overall market (17 percent).

Now, before we get our feathers riled up too much, realize that sales of large SUVs still lag way behind small cars - 974,000 to 121,000 through the first half of the year. Further, large crossovers like the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Flex, GMC Acadia and Lincoln MKT are included in those figures right alongside traditional behemoths like the Chevy Tahoe, Ford Expedition, Infiniti QX56 and Toyota Sequoia.

We also expect that small car sales will continue to climb with new models coming to market, such as the upcoming Ford Fiesta, Mazda2 and Hyundai's Accent and Elantra. That said, there's always going to be a demand for large and powerful SUVs that can haul people and stuff while towing a boat or camper in cool, air-conditioned comfort, and automakers will be only too happy to provide the thick-margined vehicles for their consumption. For better or for worse.


Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Infiniti QX56


[Source: USA Today via Kicking Tires]

Report: Large SUV segment outpacing small car sales growth in America originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto salesAutoSalescar salesCarSalesfull size crossoverfull size suvfullsize crossoverfullsize suvFullsizeCrossoverFullsizeSuvlarge crossoverlarge suvlarge suv saleslarge suvsLargeCrossoverLargeSuvLargeSuvsLargeSuvSalessmall carsmall car salessmall carsSmallCarSmallCarsSmallCarSalessuvSUV salesSuvSalesFri, 30 Jul 2010 15:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19575248/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/30/report-large-suv-segment-outpacing-small-car-sales-growth-in-am/19575248/article-detail.xml 19575248 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/lead1infinitiqx56fd2011_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/lead1infinitiqx56fd2011.jpg <![CDATA[Zetsche reportedly says Daimler to pick new compact car partner by mid-2010]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/30/zetsche-reportedly-says-daimler-to-pick-new-compact-car-partner/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/30/zetsche-reportedly-says-daimler-to-pick-new-compact-car-partner/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/30/zetsche-reportedly-says-daimler-to-pick-new-compact-car-partner/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Despite rumors of Daimler and Renault collaborating on a four-door Smart model, no official tie-up between the two companies has been announced. That could change next year when Daimler will reportedly decide who its small-car partner will be. Daimler is getting even more heavily into the development of small cars, both with its Smart brand and the Mercedes-Benz A- and B Class offerings that might one day make it to America.

Renault is planning a line of ultra-cheap small cars and is putting together a range of electric vehicles that will certainly feature new, small platforms. Like Daimler, the French automaker is talking to other companies about joining forces to save money on developing small cars, so a Daimler-Renault alliance isn't a fait accompli. According to Automotive News, Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche says the company will announce its chosen partner by the middle of 2010.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Zetsche reportedly says Daimler to pick new compact car partner by mid-2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Dec 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>collaborationdaimlerdevelopmentfortwojoint ventureJointVentureJVplatformplatform shareplatform sharingPlatformSharePlatformSharingrenaultsmall carsmall carsSmallCarSmallCarssmartsmart fortwoSmartFortwotechnology sharingTechnologySharingWed, 30 Dec 2009 17:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19298240/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/30/zetsche-reportedly-says-daimler-to-pick-new-compact-car-partner/19298240/article-detail.xml 19298240 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/daimler_renault_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/daimler_renault.jpg <![CDATA[REPORT: Consumers increasingly shying away from small cars; owners unhappy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/06/report-consumers-increasingly-shying-away-from-small-cars-owne/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/06/report-consumers-increasingly-shying-away-from-small-cars-owne/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/06/report-consumers-increasingly-shying-away-from-small-cars-owne/#commentsFiled under:


2011 Chevrolet Cruze - Click above for high-res image gallery

When gas prices spiked above $4 per gallon in the summer of 2008, car buyers appeared to find their small car zen. Toyota Corollas, Honda Fits and Civics, Chevrolet Cobalts and Ford Focuses were flying off dealer shelves at a fevered pace, while truck buying dropped through the floor. Fast-forward to present day and car buyers are once again picking bigger vehicles while many of last year's "smart" small car buyers may be experiencing a bit of buyer's remorse.

A closer look at the current sales charts shows that Americans may not be too keen on small cars after all, as News Chief is reporting that America's compact car market has dropped 15% year over year. Even used small cars are taking a beating, as Kelley Blue Book reportedly told NC that small car residuals have dropped like a stone while larger vehicles are becoming increasingly valuable. In August 2008, truck prices dropped by 17% versus the same point in 2007, but from 2008 to 2009 overall truck sales jumped by 23%.

Perhaps the biggest issue here is that many of the customers who went small in 2008 are now unhappy with their more economical vehicles. George Peterson, president of AutoPacific told NC that a recent survey of 32,000 car buyers showed that customers aren't thrilled with their new small car, quoting customers as saying "'It does what I want, but it doesn't have what I want. It doesn't have the features, the power, the room, and next time I'll opt for a bigger car.'"

The survey showed that 30% of small vehicle buyers would like more power with their next new car or truck, 25% want more cargo room, and 25% want more technology. 18% of those surveyed would like more safety and 22% would like a softer ride. Only half of the subcompact buyers would opt for a compact vehicle with their next purchase, while 35% want a midsized sedan and 18% want a crossover or SUV.

While the Auto Pacific survey results shows that many car buyers are looking away from compacts with their next purchase, automakers are ramping up small car production. New products like the Ford Fiesta and the Chevrolet Cruze are coming Stateside over the next year or two, and if the apparent trend away from small cars continues, automakers will be fighting over a familiarly small group of perspective buyers. Unless, of course, gas prices once again spike into the stratosphere, in which case we're likely to repeat this process again.


Gallery: 2011 Chevy Cruze


[Source: News Chief]

REPORT: Consumers increasingly shying away from small cars; owners unhappy originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto pacificAutoPacificbuyers remorseBuyersRemorsecar buyingCarBuyingcompact carCompactCargas pricesGasPricesnews chiefNewsChiefsmall carsmall carsSmallCarSmallCarssubcompactTue, 06 Oct 2009 19:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19186034/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/10/06/report-consumers-increasingly-shying-away-from-small-cars-owne/19186034/article-detail.xml 19186034 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/000_11chevycruze-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/000_11chevycruze-630.jpg <![CDATA[REPORT: Tata Nano passes European crash testing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/14/report-tata-nano-passes-european-crash-testing/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/14/report-tata-nano-passes-european-crash-testing/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/14/report-tata-nano-passes-european-crash-testing/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


2009 Tato Nano - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Tata Nano, the diminutive Indian four-door econobox rumored to eventually arrive in U.S. showrooms, has reportedly passed current European impact testing. According to Autocar, the offset front and side impact tests took place at the MIRA test center last week under supervision by an inspector from Britain's Vehicle Certification Authority. A spokesperson for Tata said the company is "delighted but not surprised" with the results, as the car had already been tested in India.

Sold only in its homeland right now, Tata seems determined to expand its passenger vehicle business to Europe and North America. With that in mind, the automaker is working to upgrade the Nano to ensure the Lilliputian meets "Westernized" crash standards, including the European NCAP tests, and our own NHTSA requirements.


Gallery: Geneva 2009: Tata Nano Europa


[Source: Autocar UK]

REPORT: Tata Nano passes European crash testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BVCACrashCrash TestCrashTestIIHSIndiananoNCAPNHTSASmall CarSmallCarTata NanoTataNanoTestingTue, 14 Jul 2009 15:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19097492/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/07/14/report-tata-nano-passes-european-crash-testing/19097492/article-detail.xml 19097492 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/ncap_nano_580_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/ncap_nano_580.jpg <![CDATA[EDITORIAL: Attention <i>Wall Street Journal</i> - Ford does <b>not</b> use Toyota's hybrid system!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/05/editorial-attention-i-wall-street-journal-i-ford-does-b-n/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/05/editorial-attention-i-wall-street-journal-i-ford-does-b-n/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/05/editorial-attention-i-wall-street-journal-i-ford-does-b-n/#commentsFiled under:


2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

In a recent op-ed piece published in The Wall Street Journal, Alan Reynolds of the Cato Institute starts by making a few decent points about fuel taxation and fuel economy rules. Unfortunately, he undermines himself with some blatant errors and misinformation. In discussing how Detroit automakers will deal with new fuel efficiency requirements, he makes the all-too-common mistake of referring to Ford's hybrid system as licensed from Toyota ("Similarly, Ford has the Toyota-licensed hybrid Fusion and will soon produce the European Ford Fiesta in Mexico").

The reality is that Ford independently developed its own hybrid system at the same time Toyota was masterminding its own. The basic architecture of both systems is the same and both are based on the concepts developed and patented by TRW engineers in the late 1960s. When Ford introduced the Escape Hybrid, Toyota went after the Blue Oval for infringing on its patents. Ford had patents of its own on the technology that Toyota was using. Eventually, the two companies reached a cross-licensing agreement that gives both companies the right to build their own systems. Such cross-licensing agreements are common in these kinds of cases, but Ford did not use the Toyota hybrid system. The only other company that uses Toyota's system is Nissan for its Altima hybrid, and they actually buy hardware from Toyota. We continue deconstructing Reynolds' arguments after the jump


Gallery: Review: 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid


[Source: Wall Street Journal]
Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading EDITORIAL: Attention Wall Street Journal - Ford does not use Toyota's hybrid system!

EDITORIAL: Attention Wall Street Journal - Ford does not use Toyota's hybrid system! originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Jul 2009 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan reynoldsAlanReynoldscafecorporate average fuel economyCorporateAverageFuelEconomyeditorialfuel taxfuel taxesFuelTaxFuelTaxesgas taxgas taxesGasTaxGasTaxeshybridhybrid patenthybrid patentsHybridPatentHybridPatentshybridssmall carSmallCarwall street journalWallStreetJournalSun, 05 Jul 2009 15:10:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19085774/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/07/05/editorial-attention-i-wall-street-journal-i-ford-does-b-n/19085774/article-detail.xml 19085774 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/2009/03/2010-mercury-milan-hybrid-1280-11_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/2009/03/2010-mercury-milan-hybrid-1280-11_opt.jpg <![CDATA[GM reportedly picks Orion Township plant for upcoming small car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/26/report-gm-picks-orion-township-plant-for-upcoming-small-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/26/report-gm-picks-orion-township-plant-for-upcoming-small-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/26/report-gm-picks-orion-township-plant-for-upcoming-small-car/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The state of Michigan finally got some good news Thursday when it learned that General Motors chose its Orion Township plant as the location that will produce the automaker's future small car. GM plans to make up to 160,000 cars at the plant, likely over two shifts.

When the General announced that it was entering bankruptcy on June 1, Orion was one of 14 facilities that was going to be closed under the automaker's recovery plan. GM then said that Orion was under consideration for a future small car, along with the Spring Hill, Tennessee plant that currently builds the Chevy Traverse and the recently closed Janesville, Wisconsin facility.

GM made no bones about the fact that the winning plant will get the need based not on the merits of the plant, but the size of the state and local incentives. The Detroit Free Press is reporting that the Township gave GM a 25-year tax abatement that could ultimately save the struggling automaker $100 million in that time frame. We're guessing officials figure that's a small price to pay for the chance to keep 1,200 good-paying jobs in a region that sorely lacks other employment options. GM is expected to make an official announcement about Orion today.

[Source: The Detroit Free Press | Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

GM reportedly picks Orion Township plant for upcoming small car originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>general motorsGeneralMotorsgmlake orionLakeOrionmichiganorion townshipOrionTownshipsmall carSmallCarFri, 26 Jun 2009 10:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19079211/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/06/26/report-gm-picks-orion-township-plant-for-upcoming-small-car/19079211/article-detail.xml 19079211 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/lake-orion-gm-sign-getty-lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/lake-orion-gm-sign-getty-lead.jpg <![CDATA[Bid to build new GM small car heats up: Orion reportedly offers $44M]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/15/bid-to-build-new-gm-small-car-heats-up-orion-offers-44m/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/15/bid-to-build-new-gm-small-car-heats-up-orion-offers-44m/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/15/bid-to-build-new-gm-small-car-heats-up-orion-offers-44m/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Towns in Tennessee, Michigan, and Wisconsin are all vying for a chance to keep their existing plants running by coming up with the most attractive package to woo assembly rights for a future unnamed General Motors small car. In the showdown, the first place plant will win the right to stay open, while the other two will be consigned to history. Last week, officials from Spring Hill, Tennessee said that The General was allegedly looking for over $200 million in upfront cash as part of any deal.

The state of Michigan and the Michigan Economic Development Growth Authority isn't talking about their GM enticement package, but according to The Detroit News, Orion Township is reportedly chiming in with over $44 million in incentives. The package includes 100% tax free machining costs for up to 12 years, with overall tax forgiveness of $44 million.

The goal for Orion is to preserve the remaining $2.7 million in annual taxes it receives from the plant, along with the additional taxes it receives from the 3,400 employees that work, eat and in many cases live in the area. The township is also offering to build a water treatment facility on-site at the plant, saving GM about $1 million. GM would have to donate the land for the facility, but it would receive an additional tax credit for the appraised value of the land.

GM has said that it would announce the winning facility within the month. The plant is slated to build up to 160,000 vehicles per year and add up to 1,200 jobs.

[Source: Detroit News | Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

Bid to build new GM small car heats up: Orion reportedly offers $44M originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>44mgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmjanesvilleorionorion townshipOrionTownshipsmall carSmallCarspring hillSpringHilltennesseewisconsinMon, 15 Jun 2009 18:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19067638/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/06/15/bid-to-build-new-gm-small-car-heats-up-orion-offers-44m/19067638/article-detail.xml 19067638 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/gm-orion-assembly-sign-fence-getty-580_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/gm-orion-assembly-sign-fence-getty-580.jpg <![CDATA[GM narrows new small car plant search down to three locations]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/10/gm-narrows-new-small-car-plant-search-down-to-three-locations/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/10/gm-narrows-new-small-car-plant-search-down-to-three-locations/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/10/gm-narrows-new-small-car-plant-search-down-to-three-locations/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2010 Chevrolet Spark - Click above for high-res image gallery

Orion, Michigan... Spring Hill, Tennessee... Janesville, Wisconsin... Come on down! You're the next contestants on The Price Is Right three finalists for the future home of General Motors' planned small car plant.

In a brief press release issued today, GM confirmed that it has short-listed these three existing UAW-GM facilities as the contenders to build the as-yet-unnamed fuel miser first announced on May 29. Could it be a version of the 2010 Chevrolet Spark shown above? Or the so-called "Viva" hatchback that was recently spotted testing at the Nürburgring?

The automaker says it has begun holding discussions with federal and state government representatives, and it hopes to announce the winner within the next few weeks. Official press release after the jump.


Gallery: 2010 Chevy Spark


[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM narrows new small car plant search down to three locations

GM narrows new small car plant search down to three locations originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chevrolet SparkChevrolet VivaChevroletSparkChevroletVivaChevy SparkChevy VivaChevySparkChevyVivaGMJanesvilleNurburgringOrion MichiganOrionMichigansmall carSmallCarSpring HillSpringHillUAWWed, 10 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19063537/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/06/10/gm-narrows-new-small-car-plant-search-down-to-three-locations/19063537/article-detail.xml 19063537 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/02/spark_580lo_gen_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/02/spark_580lo_gen.jpg <![CDATA[Audi and Toyota considering offering smaller cars in the States]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/06/audi-and-toyota-considering-offering-smaller-cars-in-the-states/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/06/audi-and-toyota-considering-offering-smaller-cars-in-the-states/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/06/audi-and-toyota-considering-offering-smaller-cars-in-the-states/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click either image for a high-res gallery

It's been well documented that we Americans have been growing larger, and if the auto manufacturers thinking of bringing their small cars Stateside follow through, we're going to feel like giants. Toyota and Audi are the latest automakers discussing whether to bring smaller transportation for us portly Americans. Audi, who didn't design the A1 concept for US duty, now believes it's a good idea to rethink its original strategy. Audi marketing boss Peter Schwarzenbauer thinks US customers have made a real shift towards smaller cars and trucks, and that the movement has staying power. Audi brass has made no decisions regarding the A1 in the US, but the fact that they're genuinely looking into the matter is a good thing.

Toyota's cleverly packaged iQ is also being considered for sales in the US. A company insider told Automotive News that Toyota was looking into the viability of the iQ in the US. The sharp looking micro car goes on sale in Europe beginning in early 2009, and we wouldn't be surprised if it arrived Stateside some time after that.

Gallery: Audi A1 Sportback LIVE


Gallery: 2009 Toyota iQ


[Source: Automotive News subs req'd]

Audi and Toyota considering offering smaller cars in the States originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Audi A1AudiA1small carSmallCartoyota iqToyotaIqUS salesUsSalesMon, 06 Oct 2008 13:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1334243/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/10/06/audi-and-toyota-considering-offering-smaller-cars-in-the-states/1334243/article-detail.xml 1334243 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/01_audi_a1_sportback_live_210op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/01_audi_a1_sportback_live_210op.jpg <![CDATA[Ford: We can make money on small cars!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/13/ford-we-can-make-money-on-small-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/13/ford-we-can-make-money-on-small-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/13/ford-we-can-make-money-on-small-cars/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Click above for high-res gallery of the Euro Ford Focus

For years, enthusiasts have been clamoring for Euro-only Blue Oval models to be sold in American dealerships. This dream is finally coming true, starting with the new Ford Fiesta and next-gen 2010 Ford Focus. Mark Fields has revealed that the European Focus and Foci built in North America will share 90% of their parts compared to just 20% today. Not only will this make for better cars, it also allows Ford to realize a double-digit profit improvement on each Focus compared to what it's earning today. This is certainly a positive development, as the automaker believes that the small car segment will nearly double in the next few years. We're inclined to agree unless Exxon discovers that the Earth's core is made of crude. The other part of Ford's plan is to make its North American plants flexible enough to respond quickly to the ever-changing U.S. market, which is something Toyota, Honda and other import automakers assembling vehicles in this country have already done with great effects.

Gallery: 2008 Euro Ford Focus


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford: We can make money on small cars!

Ford: We can make money on small cars! originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Aug 2008 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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General Motors can claim about three percent of the car market in India, and it wants more. Tata's $2,500 Nano will still be the lowest priced new car in the world, but GM wants to offer something less expensive than its $7,350 Spark for Indian buyers. Group Vice President David Reilly points out that while a sub-Spark would be inexpensive, competing directly with the Nano is not something GM intends to do. If a bargain basement GM were developed, it could be leveraged in other markets besides India - it seems feasible that it'd be easily ported to the also-emergent Chinese market.

Three quarters of cars sold in India are small vehicles, and if the General can ratchet up its market share with a new model, the gains in other new markets with explosive growth could help further offset the sluggish performance of sales in the United States. To help achieve that goal, another manufacturing plant is currently underway in Pune, and should be fully up and running by the end of this year. There are also plans for an engine plant in India, though no details are forthcoming yet.

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

GM to launch second small car in India originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Mar 2008 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford's connections in India are growing far beyond the announcement that Tata is the preferred bidder to purchase Jaguar and Land Rover. Ford announced today that it would also be investing another $500 million in India to double its manufacturing capacity by 2010 and establish itself as a leader in one of the biggest growth markets in the world.

FoMoCo's total investment in India will grow to over $875 million with the new funds, and will pay for the development and production of a new small car at its plant in Chennai with an engine plant next door. Within the next two years, Ford plans to have an annual production capacity of over 250,000 gasoline and diesel engines in India, along with making its Indian operations a leader in small car production.

[Source: NYTimes]

Ford to invest $500m in India to build new small car, engines originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Jan 2008 18:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Saturn Astra may be the most exciting all-new small car to hit US shores in some time. The Opel version of the Astra is one of the most popular compacts in Europe, which is saying something when you consider all the great small cars available overseas. While Europeans are OK with paying a premium for smaller vehicles, we in the US tend to equate value with size or performance, so price point is key.

To see if the Astra is priced right for you, go no further than the Saturn website, where a mini-brochure awaits your perusal. While priced higher than entry vehicles from Honda, Toyota, and Ford, the Astra will focus on refinement and features instead of volume. The base XE five-door will sell for $15,995, the upscale XR five-door retails for $17,545, and the option-rich three-door stickers at $18,495. Options include 18' rims (three door only), stability control, and a dual panel sunroof. The entry price is still a little higher than the competition, but with gas prices affecting buyer's decisions, now is as good a time as any for the General to unleash the Astra on the buying public. From everything we've heard, the Astra should be far superior to any small car GM has ever produced for US consumption, and that's a good thing.

[Source: Saturn]

Gallery: 2008 Saturn Astra

Saturn Astra pricing hits the net originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Aug 2007 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Automotive News is reporting that Toyota will launch a really cheap car in the next two years. Most likely to be built in India, it is primarily intended for sale in emerging markets, but could also find its way into more developed markets, too. So far, India and Brazil seem to be the leading candidates for hosting production of this inexpensive family car. One reason the company may be siding with India is that Toyota has already acknowledged it will be building a new plant there. A new facility with an annual capacity of 100,000 units is being built near Bangalore's existing facility, which has a capacity of 60,000 units.

Toyota trails Suzuki, Hyundai and Tata in the Indian market, so a new inexpensive model could help it capture more market share. They will face stiff competition from India's own Tata Motors, which recently announced a new small car that will start at just 100,000 rupees ($2,440) when it goes on sale late next year. Renault also offers a no-frills Logan sedan in India, and companies like Fiat and Volkswagen are also looking into this quickly expanding market.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req.]

Toyota planning cheap car for emerging markets originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Aug 2007 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM has been rapidly expanding in countries outside the US, and South Korea-based Daewoo has been a major contributor to the company's growth in developing markets. GM is redoubling their commitment to Daewoo by investing $6 billion in the once bankrupt automaker over the next few years. President and chief executive of GM DAT Michael Grimaldi says the money will be used to expand design, engineering, and for new plants and products. Among the projects on the table are a mini car and a small car, which could mean that some form of the Beat, Trax, or Groove could be in the pipeline. With relatively low labor costs and a free trade agreement with the US, GM Daewoo could expand their role of providing low-cost economy cars to our shores, but with a Chevy badge.

[Source: Channel NewsAsia]

Have money, need growth: GM to invest $6b in Daewoo originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Jul 2007 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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While Chrysler Corp. and its new owner Cerberus Capital Management are still enjoying the Honeymoon phase of their courtship, Chinese automaker Chery is reconsidering its deal with the U.S. automaker to build Chrysler-branded small cars. It seems no one from the soon-to-be defunct DaimlerChrysler alerted Chery to the impending deal, which came as a "total surprise". Chery's general manager Zhang Li told a financial daily that his company has halted the Chrysler small car project until such time as both automakers can renegotiate their agreement.

One wonders if Chery hopes to renegotiate the deal in their favor now that Chrysler Corp. has new owners at the helm, potentially with more money to spend on a Chinese-built small car. Chery may have the upper hand here, as it knows Chrysler desperately needs a B-class small car to sell around the world and, as far as we know, has no plan B in the works if the deal with Chery falls through.

[Source: just-auto.com, sub. req'd]

Chrysler small car on hold: Chery wants to renegotiate with new owners originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 May 2007 13:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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High oil prices are proving to be a boon for automakers with a portfolio of small cars, and Suzuki is riding the wave. Japan's fourth-largest automaker announced Wednesday that it is raising its 2006-2007 revenue and profit forecasts by about 7 percent.

In the right place at the right time, Suzuki is enjoying a sharp increase in demand for its successful 660cc minicars in the Japanese domestic market, and a boom in the Indian vehicle market. In western markets, the company can hardly meet demand for its new SX4 small crossover (also branded as the Fiat Sedici) and Swift hatchback.

Investing in the future, Suzuki also announced plans to build a new small-car facility in Japan, with an annual capacity of 240,000 units. The $523 million plant will open in early 2008. The company is also doubling capacity at its plant in Hungary, and increasing by around 50 percent its capacity in India and Pakistan.

[Source: Reuters]

Future looks bright for Suzuki originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Aug 2006 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It turns out that the Caliber's been laying the smack down when it comes to sales in its first five months on the market. In May, for instance, the Caliber was the best selling car in Dodge's lineup with around 12,500 units sold. According to AutoWeek, dealers are selling Calibers as fast as the Chrysler factory in Belvidere, IL can make them, and the cars are spending an average of just 10 days on dealer lots before they're sold. One dealer has a backlog of 60 orders and a 10-month wait.

The Caliber launch couldn't have come at a better time, with consumers beginning to abandon large SUVs for smaller cars in increasing numbers. Fuel prices are reportedly driving the migration, and the Caliber's four-cylinder engine lineup that includes 1.8-, 2.0-, and 2.4-liter World Engines mated to a CVT transmission can deliver highway mileage up to 32 mpg. 

While not being the most fuel-efficient small car on the market, we think a major ingredient to the Caliber's recipe for success is the fact that customers don't have to give up a macho image to get more mileage from a tank of gas. 

[Source: AutoWeek]

Caliber kickin' @$$ in sales originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Jul 2006 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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According to Automotive News, Chrysler is considering striking a deal with Chinese automaker Chery to build a new small Dodge or Chrysler for the international market. A meeting between Chery President Yin Tongyao and Chrysler executives is rumored for Friday, May 5.

If Chery does end up assembling a mini-Chrysler product, U.S. car buyers won't see it. But Chrysler is talking to other companies, including Volkswagen, about building a U.S.-market small car. Whichever automaker gets the nod will have to provide a proven small car platform for Chrysler's design.

[Source: Automotive News - subscription required]

Chrysler to team with Chery for new small car? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 May 2006 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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