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[Mercedes-Benz gets sketchy with Citan urban delivery van]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/mercedes-benz-gets-sketchy-with-citan-urban-delivery-van/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/mercedes-benz-gets-sketchy-with-citan-urban-delivery-van/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/mercedes-benz-gets-sketchy-with-citan-urban-delivery-van/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mercedes-Benz Citan

Though the Ford Transit Connect may be a niche player in the North American market, the small van market is big business in Europe. According to Mercedes-Benz, it accounts for some 700,000 units annually, and that's a pie of which Daimler wouldn't mind getting a bigger slice. And so it has announced its new Citan.

Taking its name from a combination of City and Titan, the Citan will slot in below the Vario, Sprinter and Vito in order to meet the needs of workers who need to get around crowded city streets and take their gear with them. Mercedes plans to offer it in a broad range of configurations, lengths and engine options once it hits the market in the fall.

The concept was unveiled at a logistics symposium held at the Mercedes-Benz Design Center in Sindelfingen, and will be presented for the first time in public next September at the IAA Commercial Vehicle Show. In the meantime, you can check out the details in the press release after the jump and the renderings in our high-res image gallery below.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz gets sketchy with Citan urban delivery van

Mercedes-Benz gets sketchy with Citan urban delivery van originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>citanCommercial truckdaimlermercedesmercedes-benzmercedes-benz citanmercedes-benz commercialvanFri, 03 Feb 2012 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20163946/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/03/mercedes-benz-gets-sketchy-with-citan-urban-delivery-van/20163946/article-detail.xml 20163946 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/citan_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/citan.jpg <![CDATA[Mini bringing panel van to Geneva?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/02/mini-bringing-panel-van-to-geneva/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/02/mini-bringing-panel-van-to-geneva/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/02/mini-bringing-panel-van-to-geneva/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Well, this certainly brings quite literal meaning to the word 'minivan'. According to Auto Motor und Sport, sources within BMW have reportedly confirmed that a new Mini-branded panel van - possibly dubbed Mini Cargo - will debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

Creating the Mini Cargo sounds like a simple enough process. Auto Motor und Sport reports that the work-ready hauler will be based on the Clubman, with the rear bench seat removed in favor of a long load floor. The rear side windows will be ditched for sheetmetal (like most panel vans), though it's unclear whether or not the rear windows will be left intact.

We're curious to see what other alterations will be made to the Clubman in its transition to a proper panel van. Will the passenger-side rear-hinged door be left alone, or will it be removed? Will the rear suspension be strengthened to accommodate for heavy hauling? Assuming that plans for a Mini Cargo are indeed underway, we'll have to wait until March to find out.

Mini bringing panel van to Geneva? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Jan 2012 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clubmangenevageneva 2012geneva motor showminipanel vanvanwork vanMon, 02 Jan 2012 10:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20138598/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/02/mini-bringing-panel-van-to-geneva/20138598/article-detail.xml 20138598 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/clubman09_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/clubman09.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen eT! electric delivery van is out of this world]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/18/volkswagen-et-electric-delivery-van-is-out-of-this-world/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/18/volkswagen-et-electric-delivery-van-is-out-of-this-world/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/18/volkswagen-et-electric-delivery-van-is-out-of-this-world/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Volkswagen eT Van

The writer F. Scott Fitzgerald once opined that using an exclamation point is like laughing at your own joke. With that in mind, let's take a look at the latest work van concept from Volkswagen. The German Automaker has partnered with the German Post Office and the University of Art at Braunschweig to create the eT! electric delivery van. The company says that vehicle offers zero-emissions driving and can be operated by a joystick-type device on the passenger side if necessary. We aren't entirely sure how that second feature lends itself to making deliveries any easier, but we applaud the automaker's efforts toward facilitating practical jokers everywhere.

Perhaps more impressive is the fact that VW says that the eT! can be operated semi-autonomously. The vehicle can follow a delivery person from house to house or return to the driver after being parked. While there are no details currently available on the vehicle's drivetrain, Volkswagen does say that the eT! is equipped with electronically opening doors. Hit the jump for the press release.

Continue reading Volkswagen eT! electric delivery van is out of this world

Volkswagen eT! electric delivery van is out of this world originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Nov 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>braunschweigdelivery vanelectricetet electric delivery vangerman post officevanvolkswagenvolkswagen etvolkwagen vanvwFri, 18 Nov 2011 14:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20109917/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/18/volkswagen-et-electric-delivery-van-is-out-of-this-world/20109917/article-detail.xml 20109917 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/01-vw-et-van-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/01-vw-et-van-628.jpg <![CDATA[2011 Chrysler Town & Country Touring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/08/2011-chrysler-town-and-country-touring-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/08/2011-chrysler-town-and-country-touring-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/08/2011-chrysler-town-and-country-touring-review/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Meaningful Updates Rekindle A Once Top Competitor

2011 Chrysler Town & Country Touring

If you woke up today hoping to read a minivan review, then it's your lucky day. We know that sliding doors and third-row seating aren't the most exciting traits, but the minivan needs love, too. In fact, the entire minivan segment was all but ignored for nearly a decade as automakers responded to our fevered clamoring for more sport utility vehicles and crossovers. The good news is the minivan is back, and every option in the segment has been completely redesigned or updated within the past two years, including the Chrysler Town & Country.

Chrysler is, of course, the company that invented the modern minivan. But while Team Pentastar can lay claim to being the segment's father, many soccer moms and dads have long since migrated to the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna. In fact, while the Town and Country emerged as last year's best-selling minivan, it won't repeat that feat this year. Its sales so far this year are behind both the Odyssey and Sienna, the latter of which may be the new best-selling minivan if the Dodge Grand Caravan doesn't finish up strong.

Why has the Town and Country slipped? The competition's fresher designs and higher build quality are at the top of the list of reasons. To dig a littler deeper, we got an adequately equipped base model 2011 Town & Country Touring to see if Chrysler's redesigned mainstay is doing enough to regain its place at the top of the minivan hierarchy.

Continue reading 2011 Chrysler Town & Country Touring

2011 Chrysler Town & Country Touring originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Nov 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 chrysler town and countrychryslerminivanreviewreviewstown and countrytown and country touringvanTue, 08 Nov 2011 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20100826/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/08/2011-chrysler-town-and-country-touring-review/20100826/article-detail.xml 20100826 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/2011-chrysler-town-country-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/2011-chrysler-town-country-review.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan NV van stumbling out of the gate]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/30/nissan-nv-van-stumbling-out-of-the-gate/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/30/nissan-nv-van-stumbling-out-of-the-gate/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/30/nissan-nv-van-stumbling-out-of-the-gate/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Nissan found out what full-size cargo van buyers wanted in a van, then created the NV to satisfy their requests. It's one thing to get a consumer to tell you what he wants, however, and another to get him to actually buy what you make for him. That's the issue Nissan faces. Dealers are sitting on a 205-day inventory of NVs as of the end of September.

Everyone knew there'd be more to this than just "If you build it...", since the NV is the "new guy" in the segment, going against titans like Ford and General Motors as well as the runaway success of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. NV sales this year are less than a tenth of the Chevy Express and less than one-twentieth of the Ford E-Series. In addition to market share and momentum, those other offerings have fully developed dealer networks. Nissan is still working to complete its own.

It's still early enough in the game that it's not worth trying to predict the NV's future. It has some help on the way, with a passenger version and the NV200 New York City taxi rolling out next year.

Nissan NV van stumbling out of the gate originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 30 Oct 2011 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car salescargo vanfull size vansfull-size vannissan nvnissan vannvvanwork vanSun, 30 Oct 2011 14:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20093886/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/30/nissan-nv-van-stumbling-out-of-the-gate/20093886/article-detail.xml 20093886 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/nissannvchallenges_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/nissannvchallenges.jpg <![CDATA[GM unpacks Opel Combo van line]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/15/gm-unpacks-opel-combo-van-line/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/15/gm-unpacks-opel-combo-van-line/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/15/gm-unpacks-opel-combo-van-line/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2012 Opel Combo

Small vans are all the rage overseas, and General Motors has just unveiled its latest European offering, the Opel Combo. Like the majority of small vans found around the world, the Combo will be offered in short- and long-wheelbase forms - measuring 108.5 and 122.2 inches, respectively - and can be had as either a passenger van (with seating for five or seven) or a true cargo-friendly work van.

Obviously, the most attractive feature about the Combo is its cargo area. In short-wheelbase form, the Opel is capable of hauling up to 134.2 cubic feet of stuff, while the long-wheelbase Combo can manage 164.2 cubic feet of cargo.

Under the hood, six engines are available. Of the six, four are (naturally) diesels, with one 1.3-liter, two 1.6-liters and one 2.0-liter powerplant rounding off the choices. From there, a 1.4-liter gasoline engine is offered, as is a 1.4-liter CNG (compressed natural gas) version. All powertrains are available with start/stop for improved fuel economy, as well as a range of five- and six-speed manual transmissions.

The Opel Combo will be available for order in the fall. Follow the jump for GM's press release to scan over the full details.

Continue reading GM unpacks Opel Combo van line

GM unpacks Opel Combo van line originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 opel combocombogeneral motorsgmopelvanFri, 15 Jul 2011 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19992265/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/15/gm-unpacks-opel-combo-van-line/19992265/article-detail.xml 19992265 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/01-2012-opel-combo630opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/01-2012-opel-combo630opt.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen Camper Van is back... in tent form]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/19/volkswagen-camper-van-is-back-in-tent-form/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/19/volkswagen-camper-van-is-back-in-tent-form/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/19/volkswagen-camper-van-is-back-in-tent-form/#commentsFiled under: , ,

VW Camper Van tent
Volkswagen Camper Van tent - Click above for high-res image gallery

Fancy a camping trip? You could go out into the wilderness and pitch a tent, or you could take a van like an original Volkswagen bus and enjoy the great outdoors through its windows. But if both of these sound enticing, there's a third option: the Volkswagen Camper Van tent. Yep.

Officially licensed by Volkswagen, this tent replicates the outside of '65 VW Type 2 Transporter van at full scale. Available in red, yellow or blue, it can accommodate four adults in two separate zippered roomms, which could be perfect for reliving those memories from the Summer of Love - or living them again for the first time when that acid flashback kicks in. Deliveries begin in August, but you can pre-order yours now at Firebox.com for about $480.

Volkswagen Camper Van is back... in tent form originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 May 2011 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>campercampingtentvanvolkswagenvolkswagen camper vanvolkswagen transportervw camper vanvw transporterThu, 19 May 2011 11:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19942713/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/19/volkswagen-camper-van-is-back-in-tent-form/19942713/article-detail.xml 19942713 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/vwcampertent1-1-1305646110_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/vwcampertent1-1-1305646110.jpg <![CDATA[Would it have been cooler as a van?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/20/would-it-have-been-cooler-as-a-van/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/20/would-it-have-been-cooler-as-a-van/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/20/would-it-have-been-cooler-as-a-van/#commentsFiled under: ,

Would Have Been Cooler as a VanCars have earned hero status in a wide variety of TV and film roles through the years. It's rare, however, that the main ride is a van (notable exceptions include B.A.'s van in the A-Team and the Scooby-Doo kids' Mystery Machine.) Artist Brandon Ortwein prefers to imagine a different entertainment history as he asks the important question, "Would it have been cooler as a van?"

Ortwein answers that question through his artwork at his website and online store, Cooler as a Van, where you can buy prints of some of entertainment's most famous cars, only re-imagined as vans! Everything ranging from the Wagon Queen Family Truckster, to Thomas the Tank Engine, to Doc's DeLorean, and even Pee-Wee's bike undergo the transformation.

Head on over to Brandon Ortwein's store for a closer look at his vision of a van-filled world. We're particularly fond of the Gran Van Torino.

[Source: Cooler as a Van]

Would it have been cooler as a van? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 20 Nov 2010 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-teamartartworkbrandon ortweincooler as a vansociety6vanSat, 20 Nov 2010 11:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19720131/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/11/20/would-it-have-been-cooler-as-a-van/19720131/article-detail.xml 19720131 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/cooler-as-a-van_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/cooler-as-a-van.jpg <![CDATA[Officially Official: 2011 Honda Odyssey prepares to rock your sippy cups [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/17/2011-honda-odyssey-revealed-gallery-minivan-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/17/2011-honda-odyssey-revealed-gallery-minivan-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/17/2011-honda-odyssey-revealed-gallery-minivan-video/#commentsFiled under: ,


2011 Honda Odyssey - Click above for high-res image gallery

When Honda pulled the wraps off of its Odyssey Concept at this year's Chicago Auto Show, we knew it was just a few small tweaks away from being production-ready. Well, four months later, the official details and images have been released, and while the 2011 Odyssey doesn't go a long way in offering fantastic new innovations for the minivan segment, it packages the whole thing together in what might be the best-looking minivan we have yet to see.

The 2011 Odyssey is lower and wider than the outgoing model, and features what Honda is calling a "lightning bolt" beltline, a feature that was present on the concept van that we saw in Chicago. We aren't sure if we're in love with that quirky design element, but one thing's for sure, you won't see the origami fold and stepped greenhouse on any other minivan in the shopping mall parking lot. Other new features for the 2011 model year include available HID headlamps up front, new 18-inch alloy wheels, larger 12.6-inch ventilated front disc brakes, revised side mirrors and a power tailgate. Honda has yet to release full performance specs, but we do know that there's a 3.5-liter i-VTEC V6 under the hood, and early estimates state that the top-trim Odyssey Touring Elite should achieve 19 miles per gallon in the city and 28 mpg(!) on the highway.

Inside, Honda has made the most of the Odyssey's extra width, offering an additional inch of shoulder room in the front row. What's most interesting, though, are the three second-row seat configurations, including an all-new wide mode which allows the two side captains chairs to be pulled away from the center seat, meaning three child car seats can fit all across one row. Again, the Odyssey hasn't really done anything innovative with its interior packaging, but new features like a chilled cool box in the front center console, HDMI (high-definition multimedia interface) input, 16.2-inch widescreen entertainment system, 15 upholders and a trash bag holder (yep!) will make the cabin more attractive to consumers who need one heck of an all-around family hauler.

We'll have more details on the Odyssey's underpinnings in the future, but for now, hit the jump to not only read Honda's press release, but to see videos of the new Odyssey in action. A full gallery of high-res images is yours for the clicking below.


Gallery: 2011 Honda Odyssey


[Source: Honda]

Continue reading Officially Official: 2011 Honda Odyssey prepares to rock your sippy cups [w/video]

Officially Official: 2011 Honda Odyssey prepares to rock your sippy cups [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jun 2010 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 honda odyssey2011 Odyssey2011HondaOdyssey2011Odysseybreakingbreaking newsbreakingnewshondahonda odysseyHondaOdysseyminivanodysseyvanThu, 17 Jun 2010 16:56:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19521005/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/17/2011-honda-odyssey-revealed-gallery-minivan-video/19521005/article-detail.xml 19521005 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/0122011-honda-odyssey-debut-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/0122011-honda-odyssey-debut-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan teases next-generation Quest minivan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/30/nissan-teases-next-generation-quest-minivan/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/30/nissan-teases-next-generation-quest-minivan/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/30/nissan-teases-next-generation-quest-minivan/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Nissan Quest teaser image - Click above to enlarge

Earlier this year, we reported that Nissan would be dropping the Quest minivan from its lineup for the 2010 model year, but we noted that a replacement is in the works. Today, Nissan is showing off this teaser image of the next-generation model which will go on sale in early 2011.

Details are slim as of this writing, but what we can gather from this shadowy photo is that the new Quest will look substantially different than the odd-looking outgoing model. While many automakers have been abandoning the minivan segment, Japanese rivals at Toyota and Honda continue to duke it out - the former with their new Sienna and the latter with their soon-to-be all-new Odyssey. Whether because of its avante-garde styling or occasionally indifferent quality control, Nissan's current Quest has never really found its sales groove here in North America. Will the new model change things? Only time will tell.

Hit the jump for Nissan's brief statement about this Quest teaser, and click here to see the high-res version.

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Nissan teases next-generation Quest minivan

Nissan teases next-generation Quest minivan originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingbreaking newsbreakingnewsminivannissannissan minivanNissan Questnissan quest teaser imageNissanMinivanNissanQuestNissanQuestTeaserImagequestteaser imageTeaserImagevanTue, 30 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19420519/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/03/30/nissan-teases-next-generation-quest-minivan/19420519/article-detail.xml 19420519 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/quest-teaser-imageopt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/quest-teaser-imageopt.jpg <![CDATA[Vauxhall and Renault launch versatile new Movano/Master full-size van overseas]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/27/vauxhall-and-renault-launch-versatile-new-movano-master-full-siz/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/27/vauxhall-and-renault-launch-versatile-new-movano-master-full-siz/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/27/vauxhall-and-renault-launch-versatile-new-movano-master-full-siz/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2010 Vauxhall Movano - Click above for high-res image gallery

Remember the old days before the minivan came along? Well, Brits sure do. Because while America may move around in trucks and pickups, over in the British Isles, the full-size van is the workhorse of choice for movers, plumbers, electricians, bank robbers and just about anyone who's got stuff to cart around and can't fit into a compact panel van like the Ford Transit Connect. Now Vauxhall has launched a new full-size van with which it hopes to claim a larger share of the market.

Called the Movano, the Vauxhall van was co-developed with sister company Opel and with French automaker Renault, which gets its own version on The Continent called the Master. Thanks to a wide choice of cabs, wheelbases, cargo lengths and roof heights, the big van can be ordered in no less than 29 bodystyles. Buyers can even choose between front- or rear-wheel drive and three different outputs (100, 125 or 150 horsepower) available from the 2.3-liter four-cylinder common-rail diesel. Now that's what we can versatility.

While the Movano/Master is currently restricted to overseas markets, we can't help but wonder - given the proliferation of the Mercedes-Benz/Dodge Sprinter since its launch on this side of the Atlantic - whether this van could make it in America. Currently neither of the parties (Opel/Vauxhall or Renault) are marketed in North America, but their sister companies do. Slap a Bowtie or the letters G-M-C on the grille - or a Nissan badge, for that matter - and Mercedes-Benz could end up sprinting the opposite direction.

Potential? Check out the details in the pair of press releases after the jump, have a look through the photos in the gallery below and share your thoughts in our comments section.


Gallery: Vauxhall Movano


Gallery: Renault Master


[Sources: Vauxhall, Renault]

Continue reading Vauxhall and Renault launch versatile new Movano/Master full-size van overseas

Vauxhall and Renault launch versatile new Movano/Master full-size van overseas originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Jan 2010 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>full size vanfull-size vanFull-sizeVanFullSizeVanmovanoopelopel movanoOpelMovanopanel vanPanelVanvanvauxhallvauxhall movanoVauxhallMovanoWed, 27 Jan 2010 14:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19332187/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/01/27/vauxhall-and-renault-launch-versatile-new-movano-master-full-siz/19332187/article-detail.xml 19332187 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/web59603vau_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/web59603vau.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat reveals new Doblo... will it come to America to challenge Ford's Transit Connect?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/fiat-reveals-new-doblo-will-it-come-to-america-to-challenge-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/fiat-reveals-new-doblo-will-it-come-to-america-to-challenge-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/fiat-reveals-new-doblo-will-it-come-to-america-to-challenge-f/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Fiat Doblo - click above for high-res gallery

You're feasting your eyes on Fiat's new Doblo. First debuting in 2001, Fiat has manged to sell over one million Doblos, both as panel work vans (know as the Doblo Cargo) and as five or seven passenger "leisure activity vehicles." This is the first ground-up redesign in the Doblo's relatively short life, and we're thinking Fiat might have bigger plans for its tiny work truck.

If you look closely at Chrysler's five-year plan, you'll see the following bullet point, "Ram large and small commercial van (2012, supplied by Fiat)." So let's see... small commercial van, supplied by Fiat... we're thinking they mean the Doblo. And with the Ford Transit Connect doing well in the U.S., the Doblo might find some takers. But, whatever Fiat brings over as a new Ram is still a few years off. Until then, chew on the fact that a version of the Doblo is made and sold in North Korea as the Ppeokkugi. Full press release, after the jump.


Gallery: Fiat Doblo and Fiat Doble Cargo


[Source: Fiat]

Continue reading Fiat reveals new Doblo... will it come to America to challenge Ford's Transit Connect?

Fiat reveals new Doblo... will it come to America to challenge Ford's Transit Connect? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Boblo CargoBobloCargoDobloDodgeFiatFiat DobloFiat Doblo CargoFiat VanFiatDobloFiatDobloCargoFiatVanFord Transit ConnectFordTransitConnectRamRam VanRamVanVanMon, 16 Nov 2009 15:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19241355/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/11/16/fiat-reveals-new-doblo-will-it-come-to-america-to-challenge-f/19241355/article-detail.xml 19241355 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/fiatdoblo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/fiatdoblo.jpg <![CDATA[Still want a Sprinter? 100 Mercedes dealers sign on to sell big van]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/still-want-a-sprinter-100-mercedes-dealers-sign-on-to-sell-big/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/still-want-a-sprinter-100-mercedes-dealers-sign-on-to-sell-big/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/still-want-a-sprinter-100-mercedes-dealers-sign-on-to-sell-big/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Last year, there were 350 dealers selling Sprinters, but the signs in front of those dealerships had the word "Dodge" on them. Now that Sprinters have been pulled from Chrysler's pipeline, Automotive News reports that Mercedes-Benz has established its own U.S. van subsidiary and is canvassing dealers to sell the hardy haulers.

Of the 165 Mercedes and Freightliner dealers invited to add Sprinters to their lineups, 143 have accepted the call. Even though 14,600 Sprinters were moved through Dodge outlets and another 3,682 by Freightliner, Mercedes set the minimum for its dealers at 30 vans annually to begin with.

If you're looking for a Sprinter, you'll probably be able to find it with a three-pointed star early next year. In the meantime, dealers are creating the necessary showroom space and adding repair bay features to deal with the big boxes.

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

Still want a Sprinter? 100 Mercedes dealers sign on to sell big van originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car buyingCarBuyingmercedesMercedes Sprintermercedes-benzmercedes-benz sprinterMercedes-benzSprinterMercedesSprintersprintervanMon, 09 Nov 2009 18:20:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19229416/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/11/09/still-want-a-sprinter-100-mercedes-dealers-sign-on-to-sell-big/19229416/article-detail.xml 19229416 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/merc_sprinter_us_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/merc_sprinter_us.jpg <![CDATA[Tokyo 2009: Daihatsu's Deca Deca concept is the most popular "super box" in the world]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/diahatsu-deca-deca-concept-tokyo-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/diahatsu-deca-deca-concept-tokyo-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/diahatsu-deca-deca-concept-tokyo-2009/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Daihatsu Deca Deca concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Daihatsu has a way with words: the company calls its Deca Deca concept a "super box," and we'll call it a super super box. A funky little piece of chunk, the Deca Deca has a flat floor - and a flat everything else -- along with pillarless doors that render the interior absolutely cavernous. The abyss inside has been tastefully appointed with slim, movable fold-up seats, a table, and an LCD television in case you want to "work inside the vehicle or stow large items."

Interestingly, the car was so popular that we couldn't get close to it until the second day -- there were camera crews around it constantly. But for all that, and with Japanese rents what they are, it might make a fine place to live - after all, it was "designed with leisure use in mind," and how could anyone complain about living in a super box?


Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Daihatsu Deca Deca


Photos copyright (C)2009 Jonathon Ramsey / Weblogs, Inc.

Tokyo 2009: Daihatsu's Deca Deca concept is the most popular "super box" in the world originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DaihatsuDaihatsu Deca DecaDaihatsu Deca Deca ConceptDaihatsuDecaDecaDaihatsuDecaDecaConceptdeca decaDecaDecakeitokyotokyo 2009tokyo auto showtokyo motor showTokyo2009TokyoAutoShowTokyoMotorShowvanThu, 22 Oct 2009 09:20:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19203620/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/10/22/diahatsu-deca-deca-concept-tokyo-2009/19203620/article-detail.xml 19203620 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/deca1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/deca1.jpg <![CDATA[Tokyo 2009: Mitsubishi i-MiEV Cargo is bigger, o-kei!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/mitsubishi-i-miev-cargo-tokyo-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/mitsubishi-i-miev-cargo-tokyo-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/mitsubishi-i-miev-cargo-tokyo-2009/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Mitsubishi i-MiEV Cargo concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

You can make anything bigger and better if you just add a hump, and that's what Mitsubishi has done to its i-MiEV to create the i-MiEV Cargo.

For those who find Ford's Transit Connect simply too monstrous and don't want to pay for gas - like, oh, a commercial concern in Tokyo - Mitsu's battery-powered i-MiEV could be the perfect solution. Growing only in height compared to its hatchback sibling, the thing is tiny but still packs 62 cubic feet of cargo space in its Quasimodo back end - that's a little less than half the Transit Connect's space. That said, we have to wonder how much a full cargo load will negatively effect the i-MiEV's range and overall performance.

Read all about the Cargo's big smallness in the press release after the jump, and have a gander at it in the gallery of high-res photos below.


Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Mitsubishi i-MiEV Cargo


Photos copyright (C)2009 Jonathon Ramsey / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Tokyo 2009: Mitsubishi i-MiEV Cargo is bigger, o-kei!

Tokyo 2009: Mitsubishi i-MiEV Cargo is bigger, o-kei! originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternativealternative energyAlternativeEnergyi-mievi-miev cargoI-mievCargoimievmitsubishiMitsubishi i MievMitsubishi i-MiEV Cargo ConceptMitsubishiI-mievCargoConceptMitsubishiIMievtokyotokyo 2009Tokyo Motor ShowTokyo2009TokyoMotorShowvanWed, 21 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19203451/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/10/21/mitsubishi-i-miev-cargo-tokyo-2009/19203451/article-detail.xml 19203451 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/mitsubishi-imiev-cargo-tokyo-live_630_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/mitsubishi-imiev-cargo-tokyo-live_630_opt.jpg <![CDATA[The A-Team van spied in action on set in British Columbia]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/20/the-a-team-van-spied-in-action-on-set-in-british-columbia/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/20/the-a-team-van-spied-in-action-on-set-in-british-columbia/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/20/the-a-team-van-spied-in-action-on-set-in-british-columbia/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

A-Team movie vanJoe Carnahan's big-screen adaptation of the '80's TV classic, The A-Team, is apparently coming together up in British Columbia. That's where Splash News caught the movie version of the familiar black GMC van in action kicking up dirt for the cameras. The film's slated for a 2010 release, starring Liam Neeson as Hannibal, Bradley Cooper as Faceman, and UFC brawler Quinton "Rampage" Jackson as B.A. Oh, Jessica Biel's in it, too. Anyhow, we're curious to see how this all turns out. For instance, will the A-Team actually hit any bad guys when they fire their rifles at them in the movie? For more views of B.A.'s signature ride, head on over to Splash News, where a slew of photos are posted for your enjoyment. . Thanks to Chris for the tip!

[Source: Splash News]

The A-Team van spied in action on set in British Columbia originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Sep 2009 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-team movieA-teamMoviebreakinggmcgmc vanGmcVanthe a teamthe a-teamTheA-teamTheATeamvanSun, 20 Sep 2009 13:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19167518/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/09/20/the-a-team-van-spied-in-action-on-set-in-british-columbia/19167518/article-detail.xml 19167518 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/ateam_splashnews_tease_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/ateam_splashnews_tease.jpg <![CDATA[REPORT: Dodge Sprinter sales to cease as Mercedes opts to sell model itself with new diesel]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/02/report-dodge-sprinter-sales-to-cease-as-mercedes-opts-to-sell-m/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/02/report-dodge-sprinter-sales-to-cease-as-mercedes-opts-to-sell-m/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/02/report-dodge-sprinter-sales-to-cease-as-mercedes-opts-to-sell-m/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2007 Dodge Sprinter - Click above for high-res image gallery

As much as Daimler has been hating on Chrysler lately, one would think that the Pentastar was the cold-hearted deviant who stuck a knife into the heart of the German automaker. The "Merger of Equals" turned out to be a bum deal for Chrysler, but at least it was able to procure some hardware from its German ex. Some parts of the LX platform that underpins the Dodge 300C, Charger and Challenger, and the platform that will underpin the next-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee and Durango all came from Mercedes-Benz, as does the excellent Sprinter van.

Though the Sprinter has been met with some level of success at select Dodge dealers, Mercedes has decided to pull the plug on Chrysler in 2010. About 350 dealers sell the Sprinter as a Dodge, and the large commercial van has managed sales of about 20,000 per year since it donned the Ram head in 2003. Mercedes is switching to 120 dealers branded Daimler Vans USA.

The updated Sprinter van, which will now be branded as a Mercedes, will receive a new 3.0L diesel engine that will reportedly be eligible for sale in all 50 US states. The Daimler dealers will reportedly be able to sell up to 18,000 vans per year, a sizable portion of the van's production quota of 32,000 vehicles per year. The remaining production will be sold as Freightliners. The commercial vehicle company has 45 specialized Sprinter van dealers across the nation.

Daimler says the reason for the switch has a lot to do with the fact that the vehicle is now established in the market, though one has to wonder if the German automaker is making an effort to further distance itself from its former step-child. The big losers in the deal could be the 350 Dodge dealers who spent $30-50K to upgrade their dealerships to sell and service the vans.


Gallery: 2007 Dodge Sprinter


[Source: Automotive News - subs req'd]

REPORT: Dodge Sprinter sales to cease as Mercedes opts to sell model itself with new diesel originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cargo vanCargoVanchryslerdaimlerfreightlinerMercedes-Benzpanel vanPanelVansprinterUPS truckUpsTruckvanWed, 02 Sep 2009 10:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19147886/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/09/02/report-dodge-sprinter-sales-to-cease-as-mercedes-opts-to-sell-m/19147886/article-detail.xml 19147886 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/sprinter-van-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/sprinter-van-630.jpg <![CDATA[REPORT: Ford Transit Connect to be built Stateside in 2012]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/20/report-ford-transit-connect-to-be-built-stateside-in-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/20/report-ford-transit-connect-to-be-built-stateside-in-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/20/report-ford-transit-connect-to-be-built-stateside-in-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


2010 Ford Transit Connect - Click above for a high-res image gallery

A welcome splash of news for the UAW and the U.S. economy: Ford will commence production of the Transit Connect at a U.S. assembly plant by mid-year 2012. Currently built in Turkey on a version of the Euro Focus platform, the next generation Transit will also migrate to the FWD compact platform that will underpin the next Focus both hear and abroad. Ford plants in Wayne, Michigan and Louisville, Kentucky will be retooled to build cars on that architecture, meaning the that Transit could join them.

With an electric version joining the 2.0-liter four-cylinder in 2010, an outside analyst predicted 60,000 units would be reasonable by 2013. Ford isn't quoting any production numbers yet, preferring to see how the current version -- that just went on sale this month -- fares.


Gallery: 2010 Ford Transit Connect



[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: Ford Transit Connect to be built Stateside in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 ford transit connect2010 transit connect2010FordTransitConnect2010TransitConnect2013 ford transit connect2013 transit connect2013FordTransitConnect2013TransitConnectfordford transit connectFordTransitConnectkentuckylouisvillemanufacturingmichiganplantstransit connectTransitConnectuawvanwayneMon, 20 Jul 2009 09:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19103351/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/07/20/report-ford-transit-connect-to-be-built-stateside-in-2012/19103351/article-detail.xml 19103351 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/transit-connect--13-1280-580op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/transit-connect--13-1280-580op.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan NV200 Vanette rolls out for sale carrying new images, info]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/03/nissan-nv200-vanette-rolls-out-for-sale-carrying-new-images-inf/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/03/nissan-nv200-vanette-rolls-out-for-sale-carrying-new-images-inf/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/03/nissan-nv200-vanette-rolls-out-for-sale-carrying-new-images-inf/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a high-res image gallery of the Nissan NV200

Last month, Nissan unveiled the production compact NV200 minivan (Nissan still refers to the vehicle as a Vanette, seriously) at the Geneva Motor Show, and today, the Japanese automaker has officially announced that sales have begun. The first deliveries in Japan, which is the first market getting access to the van, will happen in mid-May.

Nissan will offer two separate styles of NV200, one for commercial use, called DX, and one to haul people and their belongings called the Wagon 16S. Both machines use the same exterior sheetmetal, featuring an oddly arrayed set of character lines that break up the slab-sided and top-heavy proportions dictated by the van's shape.

Differences between the two models are most apparent inside. The Wagon model offers seating for seven, while the DX can swallow 4.1 cubic meters (145 cubic feet) of stuff. We'd be surprised if the NV200 didn't make it to the U.S. market within the next few years, as Nissan has made it clear that it has global aspirations for this vehicle. Check out our galleries below and see the official press release after the break.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Nissan NV200


Gallery: Geneva 2009: Nissan NV200


[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Nissan NV200 Vanette rolls out for sale carrying new images, info

Nissan NV200 Vanette rolls out for sale carrying new images, info originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7-pass7-passengernissannissan nv200nissan nv200 vannissan vannissan vanetteNissanNv200NissanNv200VanNissanVanNissanVanettevanFri, 03 Apr 2009 16:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1507475/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/04/03/nissan-nv200-vanette-rolls-out-for-sale-carrying-new-images-inf/1507475/article-detail.xml 1507475 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/04/nv200_new_580_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/04/nv200_new_580.jpg <![CDATA[Geneva Preview: First official pics and details of Nissan NV200 van]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/24/geneva-preview-first-official-pics-and-details-of-nissan-nv200/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/24/geneva-preview-first-official-pics-and-details-of-nissan-nv200/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/24/geneva-preview-first-official-pics-and-details-of-nissan-nv200/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Nissan NV200

Nissan recently announced that it would officially debut its new NV200 MPV next week at the Geneva Motor Show, and today we've been blessed with a new set of official images and a few more details to share. Three different styles will be offered, including a passenger van, a cargo van and, sitting somewhere in between, a combi.

Based on Nissan's B Platform shared with the Cube, Micra and various Renaults and Dacias, the NV200 is driven by the front wheels and offers the buyer a choice of either a 1.6-liter gasoline engine with 108 horsepower, or a 1.5-liter diesel engine with 86 hp and, more importantly, nearly 150 lb-ft of torque. Unlike most vans that feature removable seats, the NV200's second row of seats will fold forward against the front seatbacks and the rearmost row will split and fold to either side.

When all the seats are properly stowed, the NV200 will accept 4.1 cubic meters (145 cubic feet) of whatever it is you need to carry. For comparison purposes, the Ford Transit Connect offers about 3.5 cubic meters (124 cubic feet), though a proper comparison will need to be made after the NV's actually go on sale. Expect the NV200 to hit the Japanese market before summer, followed by a European introduction this fall. Other markets will follow, but there's no word yet if the new MPV will make it to the U.S. Make sure to check out the gallery below and the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Nissan NV200


[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Geneva Preview: First official pics and details of Nissan NV200 van

Geneva Preview: First official pics and details of Nissan NV200 van originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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