Autoblog

North America's automakers ran at 97% of their production capacity last year

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 13:01:00 EST

Wards Auto began tracking North American light-vehicle production capacity utilization in 2005, and last year produced the highest amount on record: 97.8 percent of available production was utilized, an improvement of 9.3 percent versus the year before. The number represents straight-time capacity plus things like the addition of a third shift or a third crew and worker overtime due to less vacations. Production with straight-time capacity utilizing two shifts still came out to 97.1 percent in 2012, an improvement of 13.7 percent versus 2011.

In the US, capacity use was 91 percent, a rise of 12.2 percent year-on-year; the only plants to show a decline were the Ford/Mazda facility in Flat Rock that ceased production of the Mazda6 last year and where the Ford Fusion is now built, and the Subaru plant in Indiana that produces the Toyota Camry alongside Subaru vehicles. In Canada, the capacity-use numbers jumped 19.4 percent to 99.6 percent, and in Mexico overutilization was the theme, their plants running at 124 percent. The Mexican situation isn't new, that country exceeding 100 percent of capacity utilization in 2010 and 2011 as well. In total, 15.6 million vehicles were produced last year in North America, 842,000 more than in 2011.

North America's automakers ran at 97% of their production capacity last year originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 16 Feb 2013 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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U.S. filing trade complaint against China for auto tariffs

Zach Bowman — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: China, Government/Legal, Chrysler, GM, Earnings/Financials

Automotive News China reports the United States is set to file a complaint with the World Trade Organization against China for tariffs on American-built vehicles. The duties cover around 80-percent of the vehicles imported from the U.S. and are expected to cost U.S. automakers $3.3 billion. Interestingly enough, General Motors and Chrysler vehicles face higher tariffs than those of other automakers due to the government bailout those manufacturers received under presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama.

Models like the Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee face tariffs of around 15 percent, while the Buick Enclave and Cadillac CTS face duties of nearly 22 percent. For comparison, the Acura TL, which is built in Marysville, Ohio, gets away with a 4.1 percent tariff. Even so, The Detroit News reports the duties are somewhat symbolic, since vehicles assembled in the U.S. are already expensive to purchase in China.

The White House, meanwhile, said it is filing the complaint because "China must play by the rules of the global trading system."

U.S. filing trade complaint against China for auto tariffs originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Jul 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Have we hit 'Peak Travel'? A new study seems to think so...

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 16:02:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

For many city dwellers, the daily commute is usually filled with the same tasks... gas-honk-brake, gas-brake-honk, honk-honk-punch, gas-gas-gas. America's roads are filled and it's hard to imagine them being clogged with an ever-increasing supply of vehicles and drivers. Going against the International Energy Agency, a team of researchers from California thinks we might have already hit "Peak Travel."

Looking at data from 1970 up to 2008, Lee Schipper and Adam Millard-Ball believe that passenger travel peaked back in 2003. While the IEA predicts a passenger growth rate of 1.5 percent through 2030, that also means they have estimated fuel consumption and emissions based on a growing number of drivers on the road. Shipper and Millard-Ball believe we may be able to lower those estimates based on their initial findings. They also admit that more research is needed, but feel it's a promising sign for the future.

The two examined data from six countries; the United States, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, Australia and Sweden. If you've been paying attention to global trends for the last decade, you will notice two very big data points not on that list; India (shown in the photo above) and China. While it's promising that we may not see more cars on the road, this study clearly doesn't factor in the rapid changes taking place in these exponentially expanding markets. Thanks to all for the tips.

[Source: Wired | Image: Manish Swarup/AP]

Have we hit 'Peak Travel'? A new study seems to think so... originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: U.S., South Korea closer to new trade deal

Jeff Glucker — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 10:03:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, South Korea

The United States and South Korea have reached an agreement regarding revisions to the free-trade deal between the two nations. This move allows the U.S. and the South Korea to move forward and look at approving the legislation, which has been delayed due to issues on both sides.

A rundown of what has been changed is as follows:

The U.S. can phase out its 2.5 percent tariff on automobiles over five years, instead of three.

Each U.S. Automaker can export up to 25,000 cars to South Korea annually provided they meet US crash standards.

The U.S. can continue charging a 25 percent tariff on trucks for eight years and then phase it out by the 10th year.

South Korea will eliminate its tariff on trucks.

Both sides report that significant progress has been made, and the revised agreement continues to be reviewed. With $68 billion in trade floating between the United States and the Republic of Korea, getting this trade agreement signed should serve to boost our national export business.

[Source: Automotive News - sub.req.]

Report: U.S., South Korea closer to new trade deal originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Dec 2010 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Iranians can't buy Toyotas anymore

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 13:05:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Government/Legal, Toyota, Middle East

The current situation over in Iran is pretty grim, what with major countries like the United States and Europe imposing new sanctions on the Middle Eastern country. The reason? International concern over the country's nuclear program.

Because of this situation, Toyota has decided to cease exports of its vehicles to Iran. The automaker issued a statement saying that this decision was made after considering "the international environment," and that it would "continue to closely monitor the international situation."

Toyota's sales in Iran have fallen drastically over the past few years - only around 220 vehicles were sold this year, up until the company's decision to remove Iran from its export list. This is indeed quite a change, as Toyota sold nearly 4,000 vehicles in Iran just two years earlier.

Currently, no American automakers have a presence in Iran, and with Toyota moving to stop exports to the country, we'll be interested to see if other manufacturers follow suit. Currently, major European automakers like Mercedes-Benz and BMW continue to export to Iran.

[Source: CNN, BBC News]

Iranians can't buy Toyotas anymore originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Aug 2010 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSA: 4th of July named most dangerous driving holiday, so be safe out there

Steven J. Ewing — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 11:07:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Safety

On Sunday, the United States of America will celebrate its 234th birthday, and rightfully so, 4th of July festivities will be taking place all around the country - cookouts, camping trips and pool-side relaxation are not out of the question.

But for those of us who will be out on the road, a report from State Farm Insurance brings some interesting information to light: 4th of July averages more collision claims than any other holiday. On average, State Farm policyholders have filed 6,031 claims on July 4th over the past five years. Yikes. We should point out, though, that this is still below the non-holiday average of 7,435 claims made during the same five-year period. It's something to consider nonetheless. These facts and more can be found in State Farm's press release, after the jump.

Drive safely, folks, and from all of us at Autoblog, Happy 4th.

[Source: State Farm Insurance | Image: Corvette Fever]

Continue reading PSA: 4th of July named most dangerous driving holiday, so be safe out there

PSA: 4th of July named most dangerous driving holiday, so be safe out there originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 03 Jul 2010 11:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ESPN Columnist: U.S. Grand Prix in Austin has a lot of hurdles

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 28 May 2010 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Earnings/Financials

There has been no shortage of entrepreneurs over the last couple of decades hoping to play host to a Formula One race. But as many of them have discovered, hopping into bed with Bernie Ecclestone is a surefire way to prove Roger Penske's motorsports maxim: "The quickest way to make a small fortune in racing is to start with large fortune."

Tavo Hellmund and his team at Full Throttle Productions have some mighty big dreams for a new dedicated F1 race track in Austin, Texas. So far, however, they don't seem to have land, financing or much of anything else. The owners of the Donington Park track in England already had a track and more time to get ready to host the British Grand Prix and they still failed.

According to ESPN columnist Terry Blount, the $200-300 million estimate for the track seems very low compared to the $250 million spent on Texas Motor Speedway - a facility that was built 15 years ago. The odds of a brand-new track being ready for a race in Austin by 2012 seem pretty slim unless the cash starts flowing and the bulldozers start moving the dirt very soon. Now, a street course, on the other hand...

[Source: ESPN F1 | Image: JJWright85 via CC 2.0]

ESPN Columnist: U.S. Grand Prix in Austin has a lot of hurdles originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 May 2010 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Asian automakers closing in on 50% share of U.S. auto sales

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Japan, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, South Korea

While it may come as no surprise that Asian car companies are constantly gaining market share in the U.S. market, the actual numbers are quite amazing. Ten years ago, companies like Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai and the rest accounted for a little more than one-quarter of total light-vehicle sales in the States. By 2005, that figure stood at 36.6 percent. By 2007? 41.9 percent. In 2009, Asian automakers sold a full 47.9 percent of the cars and light trucks we Americans bought.

These numbers come from the latest report by Ward's Auto. Perhaps predictably, that same dispatch tells us that American automakers were hurt the most by those Asian gains. General Motors, Ford and Chrysler were once part of an American auto industry that accounted for nearly 70 percent of sales in 1999. The Detroit Three had just a 44.8 percent market share a decade later. The European automakers have also gained a bit in the U.S. over the past decade. Still, they only account for 7.3 percent of the market right now.

If the Japanese and Korean manufacturers post gains for 2010 that are similar to the 2009 increases, they will pass the 50 percent mark for the first time in history. Individually, companies like Toyota have fared the best, nearly doubling their slice of the American pie, going from 8.7 to 17 percent since 1999. While Ford shared the biggest gain last year compared to 2008, they were also one of the decade's biggest losers, dropping 8.3 percent. Maybe last year's gain is a sign of recovery for the domestic automakers, but the troubles at GM and Chrysler don't bode well for the group. Check out the full breakdown by clicking the Ward's source link below.

[Source: Ward's Automotive]

Report: Asian automakers closing in on 50% share of U.S. auto sales originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: World Touring Car Championship eyeing race in the U.S.

Michael Harley — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 09:33:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Chevrolet

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

Marcello Lotti, series promoter for the FIA World Touring Car Championship, told Autosport that he wants to bring the event to the United States in 2011. Inaugurated in 1987, the series was originally based in Europe. In 2009, the racing expanded to Brazil, Japan, and Mexico and continues to grow. Current rules limit engine size to 2000 cc, but that hasn't slowed automakers such as SEAT, BMW, or Chevrolet from rounding out the top 3 in Manufacturer's Championship points right now.

A race in the States would attract new manufacturers (Ford is expected to enter its new Focus model). The two most likely venues for the race would be Laguna Seca and the road course at Homestead-Miami Speedway... the favorite right now. "Our preference is for a race in the south of the country because that's where the market is for smaller cars," Lotti told Autosport. Thanks for the tip Marty!

Gallery: Chevrolet Cruze at Marrakech WTCC

[Source: Autosport.com]

REPORT: World Touring Car Championship eyeing race in the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 10 Oct 2009 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: U.S. psyched as China decides to cut auto part tariffs

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: China, Europe, Government/Legal, Canada

Chinese-market 2010 Buick Regal - Click above for high-res image gallery

China joined the World Trade Organization in 2001, at which point it was given five years to adjust to the rules of open trade before any complaints were lodged against it. On schedule, in 2006, the complaints began, lodged by the U.S., Europe, and Canada.

In one example of open trade prohibitive practices, Automotive News reports that if a car built in China uses a percentage of imported auto parts above a specific threshold, China taxes each imported part an additional 25%. In such a price-competitive atmosphere, such a policy all but proscribes the use of imported parts, a move that has lead to complaints from all three continents.

The original complaint was decided at the end of last year in a ruling against China. Beijing appealed, to no avail. In response, China has rescinded the tax, which is an initial step to truly opening the market up for foreign parts- and automakers.

The U.S. trade in auto parts to China is not even 1/13th what it is to Mexico, a statistic that a host of companies would clearly like to change.

Gallery: 2009 Chinese-spec Buick Regal

[Source: Automotive News, sub req'd]

REPORT: U.S. psyched as China decides to cut auto part tariffs originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:31:00 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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REPORT: USF1 team could bring Cosworth back to the grid

Noah Joseph — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

Remember when F1 teams were independent racing outfits, before the major automakers starting buying them all up? Well, if the Honda/Brawn GP saga and the tightening of budgets at carmaker headquarters around the world are anything to go by, the Formula One world could be back at that stage sooner than you might think. But the next team to bridge that divide will be the nascent USF1 team that's scheduled to join the grid next year. Going the independent route, USF1 is reportedly seriously considering forgoing an engine deal with any of the major manufacturers (Mercedes, BMW, Toyota, Renault, Ferrari) currently in the sport in favor of a partnership with Cosworth.

The British engineering firm was once a mainstay on F1 grids, powering teams in every season from 1963 through 2006, when Williams switched to Toyota customer engines, leaving Cosworth with no partner teams. However FIA president Max Mosley recently pitched a proposal for Cosworth to provide a sanctioned, low-cost engine package for independent teams. None of the teams adopted the idea at the time, but USF1 could find it more attractive in keeping with its independent profile, especially since Cosworth was bought by American racing organizers Gerald Forsythe and Kevin Kalkhoven of Indy racing fame.

As for the name, the team is currently known alternately as USGPE (United States Grand Prix Engineering) or Team USF1 because the F1 name is owned by Bernie Ecclestone and company. For its part, the team says that its official name will be revealed as the next season approaches.

[Sources: Autosport]

REPORT: USF1 team could bring Cosworth back to the grid originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Apr 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen considering offering Polo in U.S. market

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:33:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchback, Volkswagen

The Rabbit is currently the most fuel-efficient gasoline-powered vehicle in Volkswagen's U.S. fleet, getting around 26 mpg on the EPA's combined city/highway cycle. But V-Dub wants something better for the U.S. market. Speaking with Bloomberg, VW CEO, Stefan Jacoby revealed that the automaker is considering bringing a subcompact vehicle, similar to the Polo, to the U.S.

With the Toyota Yaris rated at 32 mpg and the Honda Fit coming in at 31 mpg (combined city/highway), Volkswagen is hoping to meet or exceed the competition. While it's unlikely we'll see the current Polo on U.S. shores anytime soon, it's expected that the next generation will be available in the States in 2010 when the new Jetta is released, followed by a new midsize sedan that will replace the Passat.

The additions and revisions to VW's product line is an effort by the automaker to boost U.S. sales to 800,000 units by 2018, nearly tripling the 230,571 vehicles it sold in 2007. VW is also looking to build a new engine plant in Mexico, along with its recently announced Tennessee plant.

[Source: Bloomberg]

Volkswagen considering offering Polo in U.S. market originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo to trim 30-percent of U.S. dealers by the end of next year

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 17:27:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Volvo

Volvo hasn't been doing too hot lately, posting a $1.73 billion loss over the past five years as it flails to find its niche. Sales of almost every Volvo product have declined in 2007, with the S60 falling by 28.1 percent, the XC90 dropping 5.6 percent and the V70 station wagon losing 7.7 percent. For June of 2008, Volvo only moved 7,001 vehicles, down 14.2 percent compared to last year. Something has to be done on the retail side, and according to Automotive News, dealers are on their way out.

The automaker is looking to cut out approximately 30 percent of its U.S. dealer network by the close of next year, however, Volvo retailers won't be cut in Europe, nor Russia, where Volvo is a leader in premium vehicle sales.

Volvo recognizes that part of its problem is fuel efficiency, so it's focusing on producing smaller vehicles and pushing its C30 hatch hard in the States. A hybrid version of the XC60 is in the works, but that won't be out for at least another three years... in Germany, and as a stopgap, Volvo plans to implement start-stop technology on its smaller engines.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Volvo to trim 30-percent of U.S. dealers by the end of next year originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Jul 2008 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen looking at Alabama for new plant

Michael Harley — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 14:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Volkswagen

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

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

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

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Fiat considering plant in Mexico

Michael Harley — Tue, 13 May 2008 15:33:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing

Click above for a high-res gallery of Fiat's Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione

As the dollar weakens, European manufacturers continue to scramble for manufacturing opportunities offshore to salvage profits. Fiat is the latest to jump into the fray. Company sources are saying the Italian automaker is currently considering Mexico as a production site -- with their eyes on an existing plant that could be tooled up for 150,000 cars a year. With their Alfa Romeo brand launching in the United States next year, and Fiat sales up significantly in South America, a plant in centrally-located Mexico could easily supply demand for both markets. If approved, the Mexican plant would start building Alfa Romeos and Fiats in 2011.

Gallery: 2009 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione

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

Fiat considering plant in Mexico originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 May 2008 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Coming to America: VW Polo may come stateside

Dan Roth — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Volkswagen

Click image for a hi-res gallery of VW Polos

"Do you need the Polo?" That's going to be Volkswagen chief Martin Winterkorn's query to US dealers when he meets with them this week. The answer could determine whether or not we see a sub-Golf sized VeeDub here in the United States. Rising fuel prices have made small cars big again, and VW's taking a hard look at capitalizing on that. The inrush of Volkswagen's competitors to smaller models also makes the segment hard to ignore. BMW's got the hotly anticipated 1-series, Daimler's trend-tastic Smart has been foisted upon us, Saturn's slick Astra is nearly here, and Ford's threatening to give us the Fiesta in a couple of years, too. If we were a VW dealer, our answer to Winterkorn would be a resounding "YES!"

[Source: Auto News - sub req]

Gallery: Volkswagen Polo

Coming to America: VW Polo may come stateside originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jan 2008 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Coming to America: Lamborghini to establish field office in US

Noah Joseph — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 13:34:00 EST

Filed under: Lamborghini

It's a long way to travel between Italy and America. Not only is it how far Lamborghini road cars have to travel to meet their new owners here in the US, but it's also the divide American dealerships have had to bridge in order to provide the level of service that customers expect when dropping six figures on a new car. And that's a gap Sant'Agata intends to narrow with the establishment of Automobili Lamborghini America LLC.

Establishing a field office in the US - to be placed somewhere on the East Coast or in California - will give its US dealership network a local address with which to coordinate instead of dealing directly with the factory. The American subsidiary will also provide product planning input back to the factory. The United States represents the largest market for Lamborghini where its sales rose from 100 units in 2001 to 900 in 2007.

Although Lamborghini has had operations in the United States under previous ownership - remember how it bounced around owners through the 80s and 90s? - this will be the first American division since Volkswagen/Audi took over in 1998. The field office will operate with a staff of ten, headed up by Pietro Frigerio, formerly Lamborghini's western United States regional sales manager.

Lamborghini has also announced that it will extend its warranties for 2008 from the previous 2 years/24,000 miles to 3 years with unlimited mileage. The company is also considering a certified pre-owned vehicle program and a financing framework.

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

Coming to America: Lamborghini to establish field office in US originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jan 2008 13:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Coming to America: Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 GT

Noah Joseph — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 10:27:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz

Click on the images to view our high-resolution gallery

Some will say for better, others will say for worse, but one way or another, the Mercedes SLR McLaren is the supercar that refuses to go quietly into the night. It was previewed by the Vision SLR concept way back in 1999, and since entering limited production in 2003, the Anglo-Saxon supercar has performed disappointingly both on the road and in the market. But rather than allowing it to slip away, Mercedes has repeatedly given it new transfusions with the Roadster, 722 and most recently the 722 GT derivatives. The SLR, in all its incarnations, is about due for retirement, so where has it gone? To Florida, of course!

RENNtech, the Sunshine State-based Mercedes tuner par excellence, has been given the exclusive contract to import and distribute the long-named and long-nosed Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 GT in North America. RENNtech, which, as we reported earlier, tuned the SLR road car to actually produce 722 hp, will offer an allotment of 21 examples of the factory SLR 722 GT track-day special, each available at about $1.2 million.

To sweeten the deal, RENNtech is setting up a full track-day program for the SLR 722 GT owners, including set-up and maintenance by specialized technicians, opportunity to learn the track behind the wheel of its special SLR karts (pictured, right) and instruction from professional drivers (David Coulthard, although no longer affiliated with McLaren, is claimed to be on board).

To celebrate the arrival of the sharpest (and potentially last) version of the SLR to American shores, we've got a whole mess of new photos for you... just click on the gallery below. (Full press release after the jump.)

[Source: RENNtech]

Gallery: SLR 722 GT in America

Continue reading Coming to America: Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 GT

Coming to America: Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Dec 2007 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alfa Romeo to open new plant in US

Noah Joseph — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 09:33:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Alfa Romeo, Fiat

Alfa Romeo isn't kidding around about its return to the US market: Fiat Group CEO Sergio Marchionne revealed that Alfa is planning to open a factory in the United States.

Citing the drop in the US dollar against the Euro as a principal motivating factor, Marchionne said that manufacturing cars in America was vital to the profitability of Alfa's stateside venture. The Canadian-Italian industrialist anticipated that Alfa would only begin making a profit after three or four years in the US.

This won't be the first time a Fiat division has manufactured in the United States. In 1909 the Italian automaker inaugurated a plant in Poughkeepsie in upstate New York which it closed a decade later.

Meanwhile, industry sources indicate that Alfa's main factory at Pomigliano d'Arco in southern Italy will close for two months beginning in January as a last-ditch effort to get Alfa Romeo build quality up to spec or else face complete closure.

[Source: Automotive News (sub. req.) via Italiaspeed]

Alfa Romeo to open new plant in US originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Dec 2007 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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