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Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Chevy Trailblazer production underway in Thailand]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/11/chevy-trailblazer-production-underway-in-thailand/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/11/chevy-trailblazer-production-underway-in-thailand/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/11/chevy-trailblazer-production-underway-in-thailand/#commentsFiled under: SUV, Plants/Manufacturing, Chevrolet

The handsome-and-not-for-us 2013 Chevrolet Trailblazer has begun driving off the lines in Thailand at the General Motors plant in Rayong. Debuted at the Dubai Auto Show last year, the Trailblazer could be seen to squeeze between the Traverse and Tahoe if it were sold here, combining a brawnier version of the unibody Traverse's looks with the body-on-frame off-road capability of the forthcoming Colorado pickup replacement.

Underhood are one of two turbodiesels, either a 2.5-liter with 150 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, or a 2.8-liter with 180 hp and 346 lb-ft, working through either a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic. The seven-seat Trailblazer is earmarked for sale in 50 global markets, but it isn't expected in North American showrooms. Scroll down for a press release on the Job One Trailblazer.

Continue reading Chevy Trailblazer production underway in Thailand

Chevy Trailblazer production underway in Thailand originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda vehicles flooded in Thailand

It's been six months since extensive flooding put a strangle hold on manufacturing in Thailand. Now, Reuters reports that Honda has finally resumed production at its Ayutthaya plant. All told, the disaster is said to have cost the company the production of around 260,000 vehicles worldwide for the fiscal year that ended last month.

While a rash of parts suppliers and other manufacturers were forced to shut down during the flooding, Honda was arguably hit the worst. According to Reuters, Toyota and Nissan were able to adjust production to include suppliers from other countries, but Honda was stuck with a fully flooded facility.

The Ayutthaya plant builds the Honda Fit for the Asian and Australian markets. After the flood waters receded in October, Honda vowed not to use any parts or sell any vehicles damaged by the disaster. As a result, hundreds of otherwise new vehicles were sent to scrap. Hit the jump to see video of the cars awaiting their destruction.

Continue reading Flood-stricken Thai Honda plant comes back online after six months [w/video]

Flood-stricken Thai Honda plant comes back online after six months [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20201812 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/honda-vehicles-flooded-in-thailand-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/honda-vehicles-flooded-in-thailand-628.jpg <![CDATA[Production 2013 Chevrolet TrailBlazer debuts, "no plans" for U.S. version]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/21/production-2013-chevrolet-trailblazer-debuts-no-plans-for-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/21/production-2013-chevrolet-trailblazer-debuts-no-plans-for-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/21/production-2013-chevrolet-trailblazer-debuts-no-plans-for-u-s/#commentsFiled under: SUV, Chevrolet, Design/Style, Diesel

2013 Chevrolet Trailblazer

We saw the 2013 Chevrolet TrailBlazer last fall as a near-production concept, but today we get the real thing - in pixelated, jpeg form, that is. Indeed, this is about as close as U.S. buyers will probably get to the new Trailblazer. While we weren't expecting General Motors to change its tune about bringing the diesel-powered, seven-seat SUV stateside, we called and asked anyway. Chevrolet spokesman Tom Wilkinson told us, "There are currently no plans to bring that vehicle to the U.S."

While the good-looking TrailBlazer would certainly look right at home sitting next to the 2013 Malibu on dealer lots, Chevy already has a three-row utility vehicle in the Traverse. Buyers in Thailand, where the vehicle debuted ahead of the Bangkok International Motor Show, are more apt to need a real body-on-frame SUV like the TrailBlazer. And U.S. buyers looking for a three-row truck can still roll in a Tahoe. Either way, The General has to figure it doesn't really want another burly three-row utility vehicle sitting on its CAFE ledger.

Still, there's much to like about the 2013 TrailBlazer, especially underhood. GM is offering two turbo-diesel four-cylinders in 2.5- and 2.8-liter displacements. The smaller engine is rated at 150 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the extra displacement bumps horsepower to 180 and torque to a particularly impressive 346 lb-ft. A five-speed manual and six-speed automatic will be offered. GM says the engines are designed to last for 240,000 kilometers - nearly 150,000 miles.

The TrailBlazer will hit dealers in Thailand in June, with much of the rest of the world - minus the U.S. - to follow. Don't thing this is some stripped out truck for developing economies though, as the TrailBlazer is sporting a pretty long list of standard features, including lots of safety equipment - stability control, ABS, traction control, electronic brake-force distribution, and hill descent control - that we take for granted here.

Click past the jump to read the full press release, and be sure to check out our high-res gallery.

Continue reading Production 2013 Chevrolet TrailBlazer debuts, "no plans" for U.S. version

Production 2013 Chevrolet TrailBlazer debuts, "no plans" for U.S. version originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20197974 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/01-chevrolet-trailblazer628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/01-chevrolet-trailblazer628opt.jpg <![CDATA[Honda begins scrapping vehicles claimed by Thai flooding]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/27/honda-begins-scrapping-vehicles-claimed-by-thai-flooding/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/27/honda-begins-scrapping-vehicles-claimed-by-thai-flooding/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/27/honda-begins-scrapping-vehicles-claimed-by-thai-flooding/#commentsFiled under: Etc., Honda

Honda cars devastated by Thai flooding

Thailand's worst flood in 50 years claimed the lives of 610 people and caused billions in damage, but with the waters slowly receding, the extent of the damage is coming into focus.

Among the tens of thousands of businesses affected by the disaster, Honda hasn't been spared - its factory in the Ayutthaya province was hit hard, and in an effort to assure that damaged vehicles never make it to consumers, the Japanese automaker has begun to scrap over 1,000 vehicles damaged during the flood.

Honda workers have begun disposing of row upon row of Brio and City subcompacts submerged during the flooding using construction equipment and vehicle crushers to demolish the 1,055 vehicles. The tragic yet oddly beautiful gallery above chronicles the aftermath and resulting destruction.

Honda begins scrapping vehicles claimed by Thai flooding originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Dec 2011 19:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20135991 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/thailandfloods-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/thailandfloods-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota sharply lowers profit forecast in wake of Thai floods]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/12/toyota-sharply-lowers-profit-forecast-in-wake-of-thai-floods/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/12/toyota-sharply-lowers-profit-forecast-in-wake-of-thai-floods/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/12/toyota-sharply-lowers-profit-forecast-in-wake-of-thai-floods/#commentsFiled under: Japan, Plants/Manufacturing, Toyota

2011 has been a trying year for Toyota, as the earthquake and tsunami in Japan and the flooding in Thailand have conspired to slow vehicle production and cut into profits. Toyota lowered its profit forecast after the Japan disaster, and now Automotive News reports that the automaker is once again cutting expected profits by a significant margin.

Toyota has cut its forecast by 54 percent to reflect manufacturing issues resulting from the Thailand floods. The company is now expecting to make $2.3 billion in the fiscal year ending March 31. In a down economy, a profit is a profit, but this is a far cry from the $10 billion or more Toyota had been earning annually for years.

The revised profit forecast is reportedly less than half of what analysts have expected. The flooding alone will reportedly account for more than $1.5 billion in lost profits. Toyota has also cut vehicle production numbers from 7.6 million vehicles to 7.38 million.

While this is all bad news for Toyota, it's safe to say that the automaker remains in pretty good shape overall. After all, the Japanese automaker has suffered through two major natural disasters in a matter of six months, and it's still expecting a profit. When compared to the billions of dollars lost by Ford, General Motors and Chrysler due to man-made factors a few years ago, the situation at Toyota is hardly as dire as it could be.

Toyota sharply lowers profit forecast in wake of Thai floods originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Dec 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20125163 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/toyota-logo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/toyota-logo.jpg <![CDATA[New Chevrolet TrailBlazer revealed in Dubai [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/10/new-chevrolet-trailblazer-revealed-in-dubai-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/10/new-chevrolet-trailblazer-revealed-in-dubai-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/10/new-chevrolet-trailblazer-revealed-in-dubai-w-video/#commentsFiled under: SUV, Chevrolet, Middle East, Diesel

2013 Chevrolet Trailblazer

General Motors has unveiled its next-generation Chevrolet TrailBlazer at the Dubai International Motor Show. The model is set to go on sale around the world, though Thailand will have the first crack at the vehicle in early 2012.

The 2013 TrailBlazer features seating for seven, and, since the SUV is based off of the new global Chevrolet Colorado, it gets its power from a 2.8-liter Duramax turbo-diesel engine. GM stresses that the vehicle on display in the Middle East is a show vehicle, but we're guessing that the final product will look pretty similar to what you see above.

The next-generation TrailBlazer will feature second-row seats with a 60/40 split, and both the second and third rows fold flat to reveal a sizable cargo area. With most SUVs abandoning their rugged roots for the softer ways of the crossover world, the new Trailblazer sound pretty good to us. Right now, there's no word on when the vehicle will show up in the U.S. or if it will come packing the same turbo-diesel engine when it arrives. Hit the jump for the full press release as well as a quick video.

Continue reading New Chevrolet TrailBlazer revealed in Dubai [w/video]

New Chevrolet TrailBlazer revealed in Dubai [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20103295 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/01-2013-chevrolet-trailblaz-1320936131_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/01-2013-chevrolet-trailblaz-1320936131.jpg <![CDATA[Despite Thai floods, Honda tells dealers 2012 CR-V will launch on time]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/09/despite-thai-floods-honda-tells-dealers-2012-cr-v-will-launch-o/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/09/despite-thai-floods-honda-tells-dealers-2012-cr-v-will-launch-o/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/09/despite-thai-floods-honda-tells-dealers-2012-cr-v-will-launch-o/#commentsFiled under: Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Honda

2012 Honda CR-V Concept

Automotive News reports that the 2012 Honda CR-V will, in fact, launch on schedule. Honda has reportedly told its dealers that the crossover will arrive on time despite initial concerns about the impact of Thai floods on the vehicle's production. Honda had originally cautioned that the vehicle may be delayed by several weeks due to a shortage of components produced in Thailand. That crisis has apparently been avoided.

The 2012 Civic wasn't so fortunate. Weather delays related to the tsunami and flood disasters in Japan resulted in a production shortage for the new compact that hampered the model's launch.

Even with the CR-V arriving on dealer lots as scheduled, Honda is still cutting back production to cope with component shortages. In a separate report, Automotive News says that the company is temporarily adjusting manufacturing at its six plants in the United States and Canada as a result of flooding in Thailand. Some of the facilities will operate at above the 50 percent capacity Honda originally forecasted when it became clear that the company's suppliers would be impacted by the weather. The slow-down is expected to stretch until November 25 in Canada and November 23 in the States.

Despite Thai floods, Honda tells dealers 2012 CR-V will launch on time originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Nov 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20102430 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/honda-cr-v-concept-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/honda-cr-v-concept-628.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota says U.S. plants may be hurt by Thai floods]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/26/toyota-says-u-s-plants-may-be-hurt-by-thai-floods/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/26/toyota-says-u-s-plants-may-be-hurt-by-thai-floods/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/26/toyota-says-u-s-plants-may-be-hurt-by-thai-floods/#commentsFiled under: Japan, Plants/Manufacturing, Toyota

Toyota Emblem

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

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

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

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

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20091189 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/toyota-emblem-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/toyota-emblem-628.jpg <![CDATA[Thailand flooding halts Honda and Toyota auto production]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/13/thailand-flooding-halts-honda-and-toyota-auto-production/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/13/thailand-flooding-halts-honda-and-toyota-auto-production/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/13/thailand-flooding-halts-honda-and-toyota-auto-production/#commentsFiled under: Japan, Plants/Manufacturing, Honda, Toyota

Honda Thailand

Japanese automakers are having a rough year coping with Mother Nature. First it was earthquakes in Japan, and now flooding in Thailand. Since late July, typhoons in Southeast Asia have caused billions of dollars of damage, and now production at three Toyota plants and one Honda facility has been halted, according to the Associated Press.

While Toyota's plants in eastern Thailand haven't been directly affected by the weather, the inability of suppliers to deliver parts has caused the shutdowns there. Honda's plant in Ayutthaya, north of Bangkok, isn't so lucky. Offline since October 4, and flooded since October 8, Honda officials can't even assess the damage because the plant remains inaccessible.

The four factories produced over 800,000 vehicles last year. This included 630,000 Toyotas and 170,000 Hondas, representing roughly eight and five percent of each automaker's respective global volume. Among the vehicles produced in Thailand are the Toyota Corolla and Camry and the Honda Civic and Accord, but none of the Thai plants produce vehicles for the North American market.

Thailand flooding halts Honda and Toyota auto production originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Oct 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20081077 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/thaihonda_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/thaihonda.jpg <![CDATA[Pics Aplenty: Global Chevrolet Colorado rolls out in Thailand]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/05/pics-aplenty-global-chevrolet-colorado-rolls-out-in-thailand/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/05/pics-aplenty-global-chevrolet-colorado-rolls-out-in-thailand/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/05/pics-aplenty-global-chevrolet-colorado-rolls-out-in-thailand/#commentsFiled under: Truck, Work, Chevrolet, GM, Diesel

2012 Chevrolet Global Colorado

General Motors has officially unveiled the company's global 2012 Chevrolet Colorado in Thailand. The automaker says the truck is the culmination of a vehicle program that spanned five years, $2 billion and five continents. What did all that effort come up with? For starters, buyers in Thailand will be able to chose between a pair of new turbo-diesel four-cylinder Duramax engines. The engines are available in both 2.5-liter and 2.8-liter displacements, with the smaller lump producing 150 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.

The larger, 2.8-liter turbo diesel yields 180 hp and a very impressive 346 lb-ft of torque. For reference, that's just 20 horsepower shy of the base 4.8-liter V8 in the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, but it's also 41 more lb-ft of torque. GM hasn't released any fuel economy estimates on either diesel engine, but both can be mated to either a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. Four-wheel drive versions of the Colorado make use of a two-speed, electronically actuated transfer case.

Will it come our way? GM isn't saying, but recent United Auto Workers deal-related news suggests that a mid-size truck like this one is being considered for the company's Wentzville plant near St. Louis. We've got our fingers crossed. Check out our high-res gallery and then hit the jump for the press release.

Continue reading Pics Aplenty: Global Chevrolet Colorado rolls out in Thailand

Pics Aplenty: Global Chevrolet Colorado rolls out in Thailand originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20074330 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/global-chevrolet-colorado-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/global-chevrolet-colorado-628.jpg <![CDATA[Thai car ripped apart by explosion as bomb expert inspects]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/01/thai-car-ripped-apart-by-explosion-as-bomb-expert-inspects/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/01/thai-car-ripped-apart-by-explosion-as-bomb-expert-inspects/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/01/thai-car-ripped-apart-by-explosion-as-bomb-expert-inspects/#commentsFiled under: Etc., Safety, Videos, Honda

Thailand explosives expert member attempts to defuse car bomb

Car bomb explodes in Thailand - Click above to watch videos after the jump

A squad of explosive experts were called on to a dangerous scene in Thailand's Narathiwat province near Bangkok today. According to MSNBC, a trio of roadside bombs detonated, killing two and wounding 13. A group of explosive experts were called in to defuse the third of those bombs, but it exploded, injuring seven officers.

The horrific incident was caught with both still photography and video. The footage shows a bomb expert cautiously approaching the suspected Honda Civic when an explosive device - believed to have been planted there by Islamic insurgents - was triggered.

The videos are graphic, but they also show the protective ability of the bomb squad's gear. The bomb squad expert who approached the vehicle was injured, but survived. Click past the jump to watch the pair of video clips.

Continue reading Thai car ripped apart by explosion as bomb expert inspects

Thai car ripped apart by explosion as bomb expert inspects originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Jul 2011 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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19981771 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/thai-bomb-expert_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/thai-bomb-expert.jpg <![CDATA[GM unveils next-gen Chevrolet Colorado ahead of Bangkok debut]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/21/gm-unveils-next-gen-chevrolet-colorado-ahead-of-bangkok-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/21/gm-unveils-next-gen-chevrolet-colorado-ahead-of-bangkok-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/21/gm-unveils-next-gen-chevrolet-colorado-ahead-of-bangkok-debut/#commentsFiled under: Truck, Chevrolet, Misc. Auto Shows, Diesel

2012 Chevrolet Colorado show truck

Chevrolet Colorado show truck - Click above for high-res image gallery

Behold, the next-generation Chevrolet Colorado. Sort of. General Motors has yanked back the sheets on what the company is calling a show truck at the Bangkok International Motor Show. Despite the 'show' label, the mid-sizer is poised to go on sale in Thailand later this year packing a 2.8-liter turbo-diesel engine, though there are no firm details as to what we can expect in terms of either power or efficiency. GM did say that the Colorado won't leave buyers lacking for enough towing capacity, though. Odds are we can expect tricks like the 20-inch wheels and body-color tonneau cover to be nixed as the truck makes its way closer to production.

Still, the vehicle is plenty sharp and looks to have the mechanical guts to give the global Ford Ranger a run for its money. But will GM offer the Colorado we see here in the States? That's a tough question. The automaker has made it clear that the Shreveport, Louisiana plant that manufactures the aging Colorado/GMC Canyon isn't long for this world, though we have heard rumors that the automaker isn't planning on killing the pickup all together. Here's hoping we'll see this truck or something similar in the States sometime soon. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Gallery: Chevrolet Colorado Show Truck

Chevrolet Colorado Show Truck

Chevrolet Colorado Show Truck

Chevrolet Colorado Show Truck

Chevrolet Colorado Show Truck

Chevrolet Colorado Show Truck

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM unveils next-gen Chevrolet Colorado ahead of Bangkok debut

GM unveils next-gen Chevrolet Colorado ahead of Bangkok debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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19886296 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/colorado-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/colorado-630.jpg <![CDATA[Next-gen Chevrolet Colorado teased in Thailand]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/07/next-gen-chevrolet-colorado-teased-in-thailand/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/07/next-gen-chevrolet-colorado-teased-in-thailand/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/07/next-gen-chevrolet-colorado-teased-in-thailand/#commentsFiled under: Concept Cars, Truck, Work, Chevrolet

Chevrolet Colorado

Next-generation Chevrolet Colorado teaser - Click above for high-res image

General Motors let a sneak peek at its new global-platform Chevrolet Colorado slip ahead of the truck's official debut at the Bangkok Motor Show in Thailand. The show starts March 25, so GM is giving us just enough to get the gist of what our next-generation Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon may look like.

The General says it picked Thailand for the truck's debut because the Southeast Asian market is becoming a huge player for the automaker, and people in Thailand are buying pickups at an alarming rate. In 2010, pickups accounted for 43 percent of vehicles sold in Thailand.

The truck will be built in Thailand for global consumption, but will most likely carry over Stateside as the new Colorado/Canyon, and is being prepped by GM of Brazil for the American market. Follow the jump for The General's official press blast.

[Source: General Motors, PickupTrucks.com]

Continue reading Next-gen Chevrolet Colorado teased in Thailand

Next-gen Chevrolet Colorado teased in Thailand originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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19870955 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/chevrolet-colorado-tease_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/chevrolet-colorado-tease.jpg <![CDATA[Mitsubishi renders new global small car to be built in Thailand]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/10/mitsubishi-renders-new-global-small-car-to-be-built-in-thailand/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/10/mitsubishi-renders-new-global-small-car-to-be-built-in-thailand/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/10/mitsubishi-renders-new-global-small-car-to-be-built-in-thailand/#commentsFiled under: Budget, Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchback, Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) plans to open a third factory in Thailand at the Laem Chabang Industrial Estate in Chonburi province about 60 miles southeast of Bangkok. The plant will eventually have a production capacity of up to 200,000 new vehicles per year and will produce a new global small car with 1.0-1.2L engines sometime in 2011 and based on a new platform that Mitsubishi promises will be affordable and deliver excellent fuel economy.

This new machine will conform to the requirements of Thailand's government-led Eco-car Project but will also be exported to other emerging markets where inexpensive and fuel efficient machines are volume sellers. So far, only a couple tiny renderings have been released of the new machine, which you can see above. Hit the jump for the full details.

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Continue reading Mitsubishi renders new global small car to be built in Thailand

Mitsubishi renders new global small car to be built in Thailand originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Dec 2010 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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19754009 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/mitsu-thai-630op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/mitsu-thai-630op.jpg <![CDATA[Video: WSJ takes a look at Thai supercar knockoffs]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/11/video-wsj-takes-a-look-at-thai-supercar-knockoffs/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/11/video-wsj-takes-a-look-at-thai-supercar-knockoffs/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/11/video-wsj-takes-a-look-at-thai-supercar-knockoffs/#commentsFiled under: Etc., Videos

Thai replicars - Click above to watch video after the jump

Take a walk down any number of Thai streets and floating markets, and for a couple thousand Thai baht you can bedeck yourself in the latest fake designer goods. Take a few thousand baht, or more, to a Thai man named Chris and he'll build you a sports car that is just as fake as that Louis Vuitton purse. From the $9,000 Porsche plagiarism you see above to a $12,000 Ferrari facsimile, Chris will do it all. He says "God will understand." But will Porsche? Follow the jump to watch the video. Hat tip to Sea Urchin

[Source: Wall Street Journal]

Continue reading Video: WSJ takes a look at Thai supercar knockoffs

Video: WSJ takes a look at Thai supercar knockoffs originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Aug 2010 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fakeforgeryreplicareplicarthailandWed, 11 Aug 2010 09:27:00 EST

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http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/08/11/video-wsj-takes-a-look-at-thai-supercar-knockoffs/19585026/article-detail.xml

19585026 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/thaireplicars_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/thaireplicars.jpg <![CDATA[From Thailand with Love: Aston Martin DBS replica based on Opel Calibra]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/26/from-thailand-with-love-aston-martin-dbs-replica-based-on-opel/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/26/from-thailand-with-love-aston-martin-dbs-replica-based-on-opel/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/26/from-thailand-with-love-aston-martin-dbs-replica-based-on-opel/#commentsFiled under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Aston Martin, Opel

Aston Martin DBS replica based on Opel Calibra - Click above for image gallery

If James Bond were real, we wouldn't recommend trying to impersonate him. We get the feeling that 007 wouldn't take to impostors very well. Fortunately he's a fictional character - or so we're led to believe - so the gloves are off. If you're planning on pulling off the Bond look, you're going to need a Bond car. And if it's the Bond of late, you'll need an Aston Martin. Unfortunately, most of us can't afford a real Aston, so a group of coachbuilders - apparently in Thailand, world capital of the sex-change operation - have created this replica.

The clone is built on the chassis of an Opel Calibra, a sports-coupe also sold with the same nameplate in different markets alternatively as a Vauxhall (UK), Holden (Australia) or Chevrolet (South America) and based on a Saab-sourced platform. Apparently the Calibra is known as a good starting point for replicas, with reports of Porsche Turbos and others based on the same. Whether this one is any better executed, however, than the Mustang-based Vanquish or the one based on the Mazda Miata is another story.

While reports suggest this a replica of a DB9, to our eyes bears the hallmarks of the DBS that's been 007's ride for the past couple of installments. Which is a good thing, because if you're going to pull off the looky-look, you'd better get the details right. Have a closer look in the gallery below, and for comparison's sake, an example of the donor car in the one below that.

Gallery: Aston Martin DBS replica based on Opel Calibra

Gallery: 1989 Opel Calibra

[Source: TopSpeed via CarScoop]

From Thailand with Love: Aston Martin DBS replica based on Opel Calibra originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Jan 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>astonaston martinaston martin dbsaston martin replicaAstonMartinAstonMartinDbsAstonMartinReplicacalibraopelopel calibraOpelCalibrareplicareplicarthailandTue, 26 Jan 2010 20:01:00 EST

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19332541 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/webcalibra-dbs0_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/webcalibra-dbs0.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota Camry Hybrid gets nip/tuck for ASEAN market intro ]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/01/toyota-camry-hybrid-gets-nip-tuck-for-asean-market-intro/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/01/toyota-camry-hybrid-gets-nip-tuck-for-asean-market-intro/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/01/toyota-camry-hybrid-gets-nip-tuck-for-asean-market-intro/#commentsFiled under: Hybrid, Sedan, Green, Toyota

Toyota Camry Hybrid for Thailand - Click above for a high-res image gallery

It may have taken a year to make it happen, but the locally-built Toyota Camry Hybrid is finally ready to go on sale in Thailand. This new version of the Camry Hybrid is the first of its kind (not assembled in Japan) and features unique new front and rear fascias that are derived from the Australian Aurion. Our take? The front grille is vaguely reminiscent of the three-bar chrome schnoz used by Ford in America, although it also reminds somewhat of the Venza, as well.

Although final pricing has not yet been announced, Toyota expects to sell the new Camry Hybrid in Thailand with just a small premium over the standard model due to a reduced 10% excise tax on locally-built hybrid vehicles. Thanks to this favorable pricing situation, Toyota expects the Hybrid to make up 60-70% of all Camry sales in the region. Soon, the Japanese automaker will begin exporting the Thai-built Camry Hybrid to other countries in Southeast Asia.

Gallery: Toyota Camry Hybrid for Thailand

[Source: Paul Tan]

Toyota Camry Hybrid gets nip/tuck for ASEAN market intro originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asean camry hybridAseanCamryHybridasian camry hybridAsianCamryHybridcamrygas-electricgreenhybridthai camry hybridThaiCamryHybridthailandthailand camry hybridThailandCamryHybridtoyota camry hybridtoyota camry hybrid thailandToyotaCamryHybridToyotaCamryHybridThailandMon, 01 Jun 2009 15:27:00 EST

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http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/06/01/toyota-camry-hybrid-gets-nip-tuck-for-asean-market-intro/19053418/article-detail.xml

19053418 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/thai_camry_hybrid_large_lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/thai_camry_hybrid_large_lead.jpg <![CDATA[Spy Shots: Thai-market 2010 Ford Ranger MAX]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/08/spy-shots-thai-market-2010-ford-ranger-max/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/08/spy-shots-thai-market-2010-ford-ranger-max/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/08/spy-shots-thai-market-2010-ford-ranger-max/#commentsFiled under: Spy Photos, Truck, Ford, Misc. Auto Shows

A cunning photographer has grabbed some shots of what appears to be production versions of the Thailand-bound Ford Ranger Max. While hardware and interior information are scarce at this point, it's clear that some of the details have been toned down from what was shown on the concept (namely the notches on the fender flares and the hood intakes). That said, the production compact pickup remains essentially true to what we saw at last Fall's Thailand Motor Expo, giving it a bed-load of personality. Wouldn't be a bad thing to bring over to America, eh, Ford? Thanks for the tip,Torrent!

Gallery: Ford Ranger Max Thai Spy Shots

Gallery: Ford Ranger Max Concept

[Source: Ford Club]

Spy Shots: Thai-market 2010 Ford Ranger MAX originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Blue OvalBlueOvalconcept carConceptCarford ranger maxford ranger max conceptFordRangerMaxFordRangerMaxConceptmotor expoMotorExpopickuppickup truckPickupTruckranger maxRangerMaxthaithailandthailand international motor expothailand motor showThailandInternationalMotorExpoThailandMotorShowThu, 08 Jan 2009 10:59:00 EST

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http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/01/08/spy-shots-thai-market-2010-ford-ranger-max/1420392/article-detail.xml

1420392 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/01/ford-ranger-max-thai-280_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/01/ford-ranger-max-thai-280.jpg <![CDATA[REPORT: Toyota puts hold on Russia, Thailand plant plans]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/05/report-toyota-puts-hold-on-russia-thailand-plant-plans/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/05/report-toyota-puts-hold-on-russia-thailand-plant-plans/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/05/report-toyota-puts-hold-on-russia-thailand-plant-plans/#commentsFiled under: Plants/Manufacturing, Toyota, Earnings/Financials, Russia

Just because Toyota is still spending on Formula 1 and the Lexus LF-A doesn't mean its not cinching up the fiscal belts -- scaling back at the Detroit Auto Show, killing Australia's TRD division, and delaying a highly anticipated sports car. And now you can add stopping construction on new factories to that list.

Toyota has a Camry assembly plant in St. Petersburg, Russia where it expected to build 20,000 cars in its first year. The plant didn't make its quota, so a proposed expansion of the facility to begin in 2010 has been put on hold.

In Thailand, Toyota intended to build a diesel engine plant this summer. The $155 million factory would have gone online in 2010 and made powerplants for Toyota pickups. That plan has also been scrapped for the time being.

[Source:Bloomberg]

REPORT: Toyota puts hold on Russia, Thailand plant plans originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 07:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>earningsfinancialsmanufacturingplantsrussiathailandtoyotaMon, 05 Jan 2009 07:28:00 EST

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http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/01/05/report-toyota-puts-hold-on-russia-thailand-plant-plans/1417825/article-detail.xml

1417825 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/01/toy_fct_nix_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/01/toy_fct_nix.jpg <![CDATA[Ford Ranger Max concept debuts at Thailand Motor Show (w/VIDEO)]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/28/ford-ranger-max-concept-debuts-at-thailand-motor-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/28/ford-ranger-max-concept-debuts-at-thailand-motor-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/28/ford-ranger-max-concept-debuts-at-thailand-motor-show/#commentsFiled under: Concept Cars, Truck, Ford, Misc. Auto Shows

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Ford Ranger Max Concept

At the Thailand Motor Expo this week, Ford's rolling out a show truck based on the locally-produced Ford Ranger. Dubbed the Ranger Max, it's a styling exercise designed to infuse the compact pickup with some visual muscle and toughness. According to Ford, power tools were among the inspirations for the project, hence the blend of matte accents and this OSHA-friendly orange paint job. Anyway, it's pretty cool, what with the embossed "RANGER" logos on the grille and tailgate; vented, domed hood; chunky wheel/tire package; flared fenders and integrated step rails. If Ford were to (finally) replace the U.S.-market Ranger with something incorporating the main cues from this (especially the overall grille/front-end treatment), you wouldn't hear a peep of complaint from us -- we'd be too busy listening to "One Night in Bangkok" on the stereo while we cruised down that street from the Ford Flex ads. PR from Ford Asia-Pacific follows the jump.

UPDATE: Video added after the jump. (Thanks, Mike.)

Gallery: Ford Ranger Max Concept

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford Ranger Max concept debuts at Thailand Motor Show (w/VIDEO)

Ford Ranger Max concept debuts at Thailand Motor Show (w/VIDEO) originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Nov 2008 21:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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