Autoblog

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Source: General Motors]

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

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

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eBay Motors begins offering free vehicle history reports from Experian

Michael Harley — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Auctions

Consumers wary of purchasing vehicles off eBay may take a bit of comfort in the online auction site's announcement that all vehicles built since 1981 will now include free vehicle history reports effective today. The "AutoCheck" information, supplied by Experian Automotive, will detail whether vehicles have been involved in major accidents, have salvage titles, have been stolen or repossessed, have had their odometers tampered with, or have seen special duty as a taxi or police vehicle. Of course, the service is only able to detail information which has been reported, a common complaint about vehicle history reports. Nicolas Franchet, senior director of U.S. vehicles at eBay Motors, says the free reports will help build the level of trust between the buyers and sellers. "We're interested in being the best place to buy and sell your car online," Franchet said.

Those familiar with eBay Motors will recall that the site has offered vehicle history reports from CarFax, Inc., when supplied by dealers. Those reports are still be available via a link, but the new AutoCheck data supplied without charge is now automatically displayed in a shaded area below the vehicle image in the body of the listing. For more details, check out the official press release after the jump or eBay Motors.

[Source: Experian Automotive | Image: Sean Gallup/Getty]

Continue reading eBay Motors begins offering free vehicle history reports from Experian

eBay Motors begins offering free vehicle history reports from Experian originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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OnStar not for sale, expanding into China

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

Filed under: China, Technology, GM

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

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

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

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

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

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

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

Filed under: Budget, Plants/Manufacturing, Tata

Tato Nano Europa - Click above for a photo gallery

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

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

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Tata Nano Europa

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

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

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Kerkorian unloads rest of Ford stock

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Ford, Earnings/Financials

Back in June, Kirk Kerkorian, billionaire investor and auto industry meddler, bought up 140.8 million shares in Ford Motor Company at $8.50 a pop, gaining a 6.49% stake in the automaker and becoming the largest single shareholder outside of the Ford family. By October, FoMoCo stock was hovering around $2.50 a share and Kerkorian's investment firm, Tracinda Corp., decided that it was time to unload a chunk of the stock. At the end of the day, Tracinda held onto 133.5 million shares and lost some $44 million, and less than a week later dropped another 26.4 million shares. Today, Kerkorian sold off the rest of his stock, with FoMoCo shares selling for just $2.22. While none of this comes as a surprise (Tracinda talked about selling off the remaining shares when it began unloading in October), analysts contend that the fire sale has less to do with Kerkorian's confidence in Ford (Mr. K has continued to applaud Ford CEO Alan Mulally), and more to do with Tracinda's declining MGM Mirage shares.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

Kerkorian unloads rest of Ford stock originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford to sell Mazda shares to insurers?

Chris Shunk — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Ford, Mazda

While GM is being swamped with the persistent rumors surrounding the addition/dissolution of Chrysler, Ford's rumor mill has been heading in the complete opposite direction. It appears Volvo is on the way out of Dearborn, but Mazda may be sneaking through the exit first. Recent reports since disputed by Mazda have Ford selling off a portion of its 33.4% stake in the Japanese automaker, which means the Blue Oval would lose majority ownership status. The Nikkei daily in Japan has been all over the Ford/Mazda story, and the latest news involves selling 20% of Mazda to 20 Japanese firms including some insurance companies, leaving Ford with a stake of around 13%.

Ford is allegedly unwilling to sell the shares to its competition, so splitting the Mazda shares in 20 small chunks makes picking up all the shares difficult. Besides five insurance companies, parts maker Denso, steel companies, and trading companies are also rumored to be taking part in the purchase. The price of 1% Mazda ownership is in the neighborhood of $40 million, and the total sale could approach $1 billion. Japanese media is reporting that any deal could be announced next month, and neither Mazda or Ford are saying a word at this point.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Ford to sell Mazda shares to insurers? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 18 Oct 2008 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM offering buyouts and bonuses to HUMMER dealers

Michael Harley — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, GM, Hummer, Rumormill

Click on the above image for our 2009 Hummer H3T high-res gallery

Taking heed of lessons learned when it shed the Oldsmobile brand, General Motors is quietly negotiating with HUMMER dealers to prevent lawsuits if the brand is sold or extinguished. Even though confidentiality agreements have been signed, HUMMER dealers are reporting heavy discussions with GM to buy back stores and compensate owners. GM has even paid second- and third-quarter bonuses (averaging six figures) in advance. June delivered gloom to HUMMER as the brand's sales fell 59.3 percent (to just 2,072 units) as near $5-per-gallon fuel prices began flowing through pumps. If that weren't bad enough, the rugged off-road brand was hit with another mass exodus of sales on GM's announcement that HUMMER might be sold. With sales falling, experienced dealership staff leaving, and fuel prices still up in the air, GM's Jeep-fighting brand has literally fallen off the road.

[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd, Photo by Scott Olson/Getty]

GM offering buyouts and bonuses to HUMMER dealers originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jul 2008 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: Ford picks Tata as preferred bidder for Jaguar/Land Rover

Noah Joseph — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 11:25:00 EST

Filed under: Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Earnings/Financials

Previous rumors that Indian automaker Tata was chosen by Ford from among a group of bidders to buy Jaguar and Land Rover have proven to be true, as both Tata and Ford announced earlier today that they have moved into advanced negotiations on the sale of the two British marques.

Although both companies were quick to point out that there are still a number of steps before the deal is finalized, informed insiders have confirmed that the two competing bidders, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd and One Equity Partners LLC, have effectively been rejected in favor of Tata.

Factory workers at Jaguar and Land Rover in England were reportedly informed shortly before the announcement went public. Ford, the biggest seller of automobiles in the UK, reportedly wants the new owner of Jaguar and Land Rover to retain the bulk of their existing 15,300-strong British work force, and Jaguar's principal union has expressed its preference for Tata.

Although Ford needs the cash injection from selling off its subsidiaries, the automaker is anticipated to pursue a similar relationship with Jaguar and Land Rover that it maintains with Aston Martin: continuing to supply components, including engines, even after the divisions are sold off.

Follow the jump to read the official statement from Ford of Europe and PAG chairman Lewis Booth.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

Continue reading Officially Official: Ford picks Tata as preferred bidder for Jaguar/Land Rover

Officially Official: Ford picks Tata as preferred bidder for Jaguar/Land Rover originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Jan 2008 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bertone sold to Gruppo Prototipo

Noah Joseph — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 12:27:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Government/Legal, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Plants/Manufacturing, Earnings/Financials

Only days before heading to bankruptcy court, Italian engineering firm and carrozzeria Bertone revealed that it was about to pull a last-minute trick out of its sleeve in an announcement later that day. But when the announcement didn't come, the industry was left wondering if, after 95 years in business, Bertone was about to slip away.

The company's chairwoman and family scion Lili Bertone, however, announced last night that her company would be sold to Gruppo Prototipo chief Domenico Reviglio. Likewise based in Turin, Gruppo Prototipo focuses on testing pre-production vehicle prototypes. It owns the famous Nardo high-speed test facility, and since the late '90s has been the sub-contractor for most of the Fiat Group's testing requirements.

The announcement came as a surprise to the Italian business community, which widely believed negotiations with business mogul Gianmario Rossignolo were near conclusion. Previous negotiations with Fiat had fallen through, and Bertone has a workforce of 1,300 to support despite the lack of contracts to sustain the company. The Italian government, meanwhile, has opted to extend the two-year financial protection it had granted Bertone for an additional two months.

[Source: Italiaspeed]

Bertone sold to Gruppo Prototipo originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jan 2008 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rusty car sells for over $850k

Noah Joseph — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 19:54:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Auctions, Supercars, Bugatti

Click image for photo gallery of the Bugatti in Greenwich

Don't go quoting us on this, but this has got to be one of the most expensive barn finds we've ever seen. Christie's sold this 1938 Bugatti for a staggering $852,500 at the Greenwich Concours d'Elegance earlier this summer, more than twice the highest pre-sale estimate and close to the price of a new Bugatti.

The car was admitted to the Pebble Beach preservation class, and when its new owner gets it up to spec, it'll undoubtedly be the beauty it once was. The 1938 Type 57C you see here is actually a bit of an amalgamation of two Bugattis that were both owned by the same pre-war collector. The chassis itself belonged to a Type 57 Stelvio cabriolet with bodywork by Gangloff, a coachbuilder based in Colmar near the Bugatti factory in Molsheim in the French region of Alsace. In time for display at the French pavilion at the 1939 World's Fair in New York, the body was switched for that of the Type 57C Atalante (not to be confused with the more rare and iconic Atlantic).

Now of course there's value in classics, but as far as vintage motorcarriages go, this one's in pretty bad shape. Having sat in storage since 1962, the paint is chipped and faded, the chrome is rusty, the tires are history, the engine's grimy and the leather is worn out. A handyman's dream, let's call it. An $850k handyman's dream.

[Source: AutoWeek, Photos: Alex Nunez]

Gallery: 1938 Bugatti Type 57C Atalante Coupe

Rusty car sells for over $850k originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Jul 2007 19:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It's done: Aston Martin sold for $925 million

John Neff — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 10:53:00 EST

Filed under: Aston Martin, Ford

The deal is done, and it happened exactly the way everyone expected it to. Ford Motor Company has sold Aston Martin to a consortium led by Prodrive founder David Richards, Aston Martin collector John Sinders, and Investment Dar and Adeem Investment Co, two international investment companies headquartered in Kuwait. The sale price is for $925 million, and Ford will retain a $77 million stake in the sports car maker, ~~which pegs the brand's worth at just over $1 billion~~ which means Ford will actually get only $848 million for Aston Martin. Ford sounds pleased with the deal in the press release it issued this morning, stating Aston Martin is better off with a company that offer it more capital to work with. The deal is scheduled to hit the balance sheet in the second quarter, which means we might be seeing Ford temporarily in the black then because of this one-time special gain.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading It's done: Aston Martin sold for $925 million

It's done: Aston Martin sold for $925 million originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Mar 2007 10:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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