Variance

The RL needs some serious life-support. Sales are even lower than they were last month.

Congrats on the order. Same about the interior, though. The red/black interior is hot.

VOLKSWAGEN REPORTS FEBRUARY SALES – UP 21.3% New GTI, Jetta and Passat help lead sales total AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – Volkswagen of America, Inc. reported February 2006 sales of 16,329, an increase of 21.3 percent as compared to the same period in 2005 when sales were 13,457, making it the best February result for the brand since 2003. Just recently launched, the new GTI recorded strong early sales, accounting for the majority of sales (1,303) in the Golf/GTI model line that was up a total of 105.2 percent from the previous year (1,785 versus 870 in February of 2005). Also of note, Volkswagen recorded a 10.6 percent increase and 47 percent increase, respectively, with its Jetta and Passat models. Attached is a breakdown of the models line for the Volkswagen brand in the U.S. for February of 2006: Link w/sales data: http://media.vw.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=9854

AUDI OF AMERICA, INC. REPORTS FEBRUARY 2006 SALES AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – Audi of America, Inc. sold 4,806 vehicles for the month of February. This is a decrease from the 5,256 vehicles sold in February 2005. For the second month in a row, sales for the A8 model line were up. The 391 A8 models sold represented a 15.7% increase over February 2005 sales figures of 338. For the year, Audi sales figures are up by 5.4%. Strong sales of the A3 premium compact, A6 sedan and Avant, and A8 models have spurred the increase for 2006. With the upcoming launches of the Audi Q7 performance SUV, the next generation A4 and S4 Cabriolets, and the S6 and S8 performance sedans, Audi is looking towards another record-breaking sales year for 2006. AUDI OF AMERICA FEBRUARY 2006 SALES Audi-US Snapshot Feb-06 Feb-05 Yr/Yr Feb-06 Feb-05 Yr/Yr Actual Actual % change YTD Actual YTD Actual % change A3 659 0 N/A 1,483 - N/A TT 55 175 -68.6% 137 439 -68.8% A4 2,096 2,760 -24.1% 4,659 5,430 -14.2% A4/S4 Cabriolet 437 509 -14.1% 916 896 2.2% A6 1,168 1,264 -7.6% 2,785 2,473 12.6% Allroad - 210 -100.0% 3 400 -99.3% A8 / S8 391 338 15.7% 907 695 30.5% TOTAL 4,806 5,256 -8.6% 10,890 10,333 5.4% Link: http://media.audiusa.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=9716

The S60, XC70, V70, and S80 are looking very dated, IMO. The XC90 I think is starting to lose its freshness, too (appearance-wise). The only replacement I've seen for any of these is the new S80 which isn't here yet.

Nissan North America Announces Best Ever February Sales [Mar. 1, 06] GARDENA, Calif. (March 1, 2006) – Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) reported 84,241 total sales in February, a 2.2 percent increase over last year, making it NNA’s best ever February. The Nissan Division posted a 3.3 percent increase over last year, with the division, and several individual vehicles, including the Altima, Pathfinder, Murano and Titan, celebrating best-ever February sales. While NNA’s luxury division, Infiniti, posted a 5.5 percent decrease in sales, the all-new Infiniti M saw record February sales. NISSAN HIGHLIGHTS · February sales for Nissan-brand vehicles of 74,997 units were up 3.3 percent when compared to last year with 72,625 units sold and mark the division’s best February on record. · Altima saw record sales for February, with 20,080 units sold marking a 5.4 percent increase from one year ago. · Titan pickup saw strong sales of 7,009 units, a record for February. · Pathfinder (6,680 units sold) also posted record sales for February, with a 9.6 percent increase. · Murano continues to post strong sales, with 7,421 units sold also marking a monthly record. INFINITI HIGHLIGHTS · Sales for Infiniti were down 5.5 percent from last February with 9,244 units sold. · The all-new M continued its strong sales momentum with 2,000 units sold and posts its best February ever NNA INFORMATION · Combined February sales for Nissan and Infiniti totaled 84,241 units, a 2.2 percent increase when compared to last year with 82,412 units. In North America, NNA’s operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. More information on NNA and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.nissannews.com or by contacting the corporate media line at 310/771-5631. Link w/sales data (Word Document): http://nissannews.com/nissan/sales/20060103_20016.doc

SUBARU REPORTS FEBRUARY SALES - Impreza sales up 13% over last year - CHERRY HILL, N.J., March 1, 2006 -- Subaru of America, Inc. today reported February sales totaling 13,635 units. Sales of the Impreza line were up 13 percent from the same period last year. The Subaru B9 Tribeca recorded 1,560 units for the month of February. The Subaru Legacy model line posted a total of 5,823 units, with Subaru Outback posting 4,125 units for the month. Subaru Impreza posted 2,576 unit sales, up thirteen percent, while Subaru Forester posted 3,379 units in February. Subaru Baja also recorded 297 units for the month. For a complete sales chart and additional information about Subaru of America, Inc. and Subaru vehicles, visit our media website at www.media.subaru.com. Link w/sales data (Word Document): http://vocuspr.vocus.com/VocusPR30/Temp/Si..._Sales_4Web.doc

Toyota Reports February Sales 03/01/2006 Torrance CA - March 1, 2006 - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported best-ever February sales of 166,940 units, an increase of 2.4 percent over the same period last year. "First quarter economic growth is proving quite robust," said Jim Press, TMS president and COO. "With showrooms awash in new products and the spring selling season upon us, the industry should be going strong in March." The Toyota Division recorded best-ever February sales of 145,813, an increase of 1.7 percent. The Lexus Division posted best-ever February sales of 21,127 units, up 7.1 percent over last February. Toyota Division Toyota Division passenger cars posted February sales of 77,304. Scion reported best-ever February sales of 11,407 units. The xB urban utility vehicle recorded a best-ever February with 4,074 units, up 6.9 percent. The tC sports coupe had best-ever February sales of 5,048 units, up 12.2 percent. The xA subcompact posted a best-ever February with 2,285 units sold, an increase of 22.5 percent. Toyota Division light-truck sales reported a best-ever February of 68,509 units, an increase of 9.5 percent. Sales of the Tacoma compact pickup truck recorded 13,735 units, up 25.7 percent over the same period last year. The all-new RAV4 posted best-ever February sales of 11,068 units, a 114.0 percent increase. The Highlander Hybrid gas-electric mid-size SUV reported February sales of 2,631 units. Combined February sales of the Highlander and Highlander Hybrid totaled 9,033 units. Lexus Division Lexus passenger cars experienced February sales of 10,615 units, an increase of 11.4 percent. The all-new IS luxury sports sedans, which debuted in October, reported best-ever February sales of 3,882 units, an 807-percent increase over last February. The IS 250 reported sales of 2,710, with the IS 350 recording 1,172 units. The GS 300 luxury sport sedan posted sales of 1,771 units, a 10.5 percent increase over the same period last year. Lexus light trucks earned February sales of 10,512 units, an increase of 3.1 percent over last February. The RX 400h luxury hybrid SUV reported February sales of 1,803 units. The RX 330 and RX 400h posted combined February sales of 8,247 units, an increase of 15.6 percent over last February. Sales of North American-built vehicles accounted for 59.5 percent of total February sales. There were 24 selling days both this month and last February. Link w/sales data: http://pressroom.toyota.com/Releases/View?...YT2006030112235

FORD MOTOR COMPANY REPORTS FEBRUARY U.S. SALES *Ford sales totaled 244,021, down 4 percent compared with a year ago. *Ford's F-Series truck up 6 percent. *Ford, Lincoln and Mercury cars up 2 percent on continued strong demand for all-new Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr. *Land Rover dealers report record February sales. *Ford announces second quarter 2006 North American production plans. DEARBORN, Mich., Mar. 1 - U.S. customers purchased or leased 244,021 cars and trucks from Ford, Mercury, Lincoln, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo dealers in February, down 4 percent compared with a year ago. Year-to-date through February, sales totaled 449,692, down 1 percent. Ford's F-Series truck posted another sales increase to start the year. F-Series sales totaled 62,862, up 6 percent compared with a year ago. The company's domestic brands (Ford, Mercury, and Lincoln) achieved higher car sales for the second month in a row on continued strong demand for their all-new, mid-size sedans. Combined sales for the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr totaled 13,388. Land Rover dealers reported record February sales of 3,453, up 28 percent compared with a year ago. North American Production Plan The company plans to produce 890,000 vehicles (325,000 cars and 565,000 trucks) in the second quarter 2006. In the second quarter 2005, the company produced 906,000 vehicles (294,000 cars and 612,000 trucks). In the first quarter 2006, the company plans to build 885,000 vehicles (320,000 cars and 565,000 trucks). This plan is equal to the previously-announced production plan. FORD MOTOR COMPANY FEBRUARY 2006 U.S. SALES February Month % February CYTD % 2006 2005 Change 2006 2005 Change Sales By Brand Ford 204,846 208,239 -1.6 374,258 371,941 0.6 Mercury 15,950 18,540 -14.0 28,731 33,849 -15.1 Lincoln 9,713 11,332 -14.3 19,058 18,724 1.8 Jaguar 1,662 2,917 -43.0 3,258 5,162 -36.9 Volvo 8,397 10,404 -19.3 17,241 20,538 -16.1 Land Rover 3,453 2,702 27.8 7,146 5,462 30.8 Total Ford Motor Company 244,021 254,134 -4.0 449,692 455,676 -1.3 Memo: Cars and Trucks Cars 90,938 92,266 -1.4 173,648 162,209 7.1 Trucks 153,083 161,868 -5.4 276,044 293,467 -5.9 Total Ford Motor Company 244,021 254,134 -4.0 449,692 455,676 -1.3 FORD BRAND FEBRUARY 2006 U.S. SALES February Month % February CYTD % 2006 2005 Change 2006 2005 Change Crown Victoria 5,987 5,604 6.8 11,187 10,114 10.6 Five Hundred 8,073 7,524 7.3 15,236 12,925 17.9 Taurus 16,916 19,694 -14.1 31,571 34,227 -7.8 Fusion 9,143 0 NA 19,142 0 NA Focus 13,628 16,511 -17.5 26,080 28,940 -9.9 Mustang 13,367 14,050 -4.9 24,575 24,335 1.0 Thunderbird 225 858 -73.8 469 1,516 -69.1 GT 194 4 4,750.0 351 11 3,090.9 Total Ford Cars 67,533 64,245 5.1 128,611 112,068 14.8 Freestyle 6,035 5,573 8.3 10,764 9,731 10.6 Escape 15,583 14,310 8.9 26,593 27,178 -2.2 Explorer 17,559 22,250 -21.1 29,559 37,728 -21.7 Expedition 7,292 9,230 -21.0 12,608 16,807 -25.0 Excursion 325 1,100 -70.5 715 1,971 -63.7 Freestar 5,599 8,694 -35.6 11,345 14,215 -20.2 Econoline/Club Wagon 14,269 14,182 0.6 23,270 25,724 -9.5 Ranger 6,383 8,214 -22.3 12,569 15,848 -20.7 F-Series 62,862 59,562 5.5 115,633 108,881 6.2 Low Cab Forward 297 0 NA 518 0 NA Heavy Trucks 1,109 879 26.2 2,073 1,790 15.8 Total Ford Trucks 137,313 143,994 -4.6 245,647 259,873 -5.5 Total Ford Brand 204,846 208,239 -1.6 374,258 371,941 0.6 LINCOLN AND MERCURY BRAND FEBRUARY 2006 U.S. SALES February Month % February CYTD % 2006 2005 Change 2006 2005 Change Grand Marquis 6,262 6,846 -8.5 10,702 12,415 -13.8 Montego 1,896 1,621 17.0 3,882 2,983 30.1 Sable 0 3,334 -100.0 0 5,850 -100.0 Milan 2,371 0 NA 4,394 0 NA Total Mercury Cars 10,529 11,801 -10.8 18,978 21,248 -10.7 Town Car 3,282 4,011 -18.2 5,865 6,582 -10.9 LS 1,074 2,812 -61.8 1,947 4,328 -55.0 Zephyr 1,874 0 NA 4,566 0 NA Total Lincoln Cars 6,230 6,823 -8.7 12,378 10,910 13.5 Total Mercury and Lincoln Cars 16,759 18,624 -10.0 31,356 32,158 -2.5 Mariner 3,031 2,805 8.1 5,033 5,165 -2.6 Mountaineer 1,969 3,093 -36.3 3,966 5,708 -30.5 Monterey 421 841 -49.9 754 1,728 -56.4 Total Mercury Trucks 5,421 6,739 -19.6 9,753 12,601 -22.6 Navigator 1,959 2,524 -22.4 3,589 4,536 -20.9 Aviator 500 1,955 -74.4 1,036 3,248 -68.1 Mark LT 1,024 30 NA 2,055 30 NA Total Lincoln Trucks 3,483 4,509 -22.8 6,680 7,814 -14.5 Total Mercury and Lincoln Trucks 8,904 11,248 -20.8 16,433 20,415 -19.5 Total Mercury and Lincoln Vehicles 25,663 29,872 -14.1 47,789 52,573 -9.1 Total Lincoln Brand 9,713 11,332 -14.3 19,058 18,724 1.8 Total Mercury Brand 15,950 18,540 -14.0 28,731 33,849 -15.1 JAGUAR BRAND FEBRUARY 2006 U.S. SALES February Month % February CYTD % 2006 2005 Change 2006 2005 Change XJ 429 856 -49.9 894 1,483 -39.7 S-TYPE 611 798 -23.4 1,189 1,418 -16.1 X-TYPE 483 1,071 -54.9 915 1,927 -52.5 XK 139 192 -27.6 260 334 -22.2 Total Jaguar 1,662 2,917 -43.0 3,258 5,162 -36.9 VOLVO BRAND FEBRUARY 2006 U.S. SALES February Month % February CYTD % 2006 2005 Change 2006 2005 Change S40 1,821 2,126 -14.3 3,773 4,215 -10.5 V50 321 543 -40.9 700 994 -29.6 V40 0 1 NA 0 1 NA S60 1,866 1,935 -3.6 3,930 3,858 1.9 V70 383 701 -45.4 832 1,313 -36.6 XC70 894 1,055 -15.3 1,916 2,146 -10.7 C70 47 229 -79.5 74 423 -82.5 S80 546 945 -42.2 1,114 2,017 -44.8 XC90 2,519 2,869 -12.2 4,902 5,571 -12.0 Total Volvo 8,397 10,404 -19.3 17,241 20,538 -16.1 LAND ROVER BRAND FEBRUARY 2006 U.S. SALES February Month % February CYTD % 2006 2005 Change 2006 2005 Change Range Rover 854 790 8.1 1,771 1,648 7.5 Range Rover Sport 1,262 0 NA 2,662 0 NA LR3 1,331 1,504 -11.5 2,700 2,814 -4.1 Discovery 0 176 -100.0 0 503 -100.0 Freelander 6 232 -97.4 13 497 -97.4 Total Land Rover 3,453 2,702 27.8 7,146 5,462 30.8 Link: http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?...8&make_id=trust

I'll try to keep an open mind but something tells me it just won't be the same...

New Chevrolet Epica World Debut Text & Photos courtesy General Motors 03-01-2006 New in the mid-size category *Dynamically styled notchback sedan celebrates its world premiere in Geneva *Generous amount of space for passengers and luggage The world premiere of the Chevrolet Epica at the Geneva Motor Show (March 2 – 12, 2006) will be accompanied by three other important "firsts". To begin with, it is the first car that Chevrolet Europe will put on the market with a six-cylinder engine. Secondly, it will be the first transversally installed in-line six in the mid-size category in Europe, and finally, in early 2007, it will become available with a diesel engine. Boasting a comprehensive range of comfort and safety equipment, the new four-door Epica is scheduled for distribution in early summer 2006. With its sporty yet stylish contours, the Evanda successor will suit the taste of European drivers. In the clearly organized front section, attention focuses in particular on design details like the large wrap-around, clear-glass headlamps, the powerful-looking cross strut with its large Chevrolet emblem in the chrome-plated grille, and the fog lamps integrated harmoniously like spotlights into the bumper. The Epica also radiates a clean, modern look from the side. Its wedge-shaped profile is dominated by a striking character line that runs along the upper half of the door, extending to the front and rear wings. The effect is emphasized by the fact that the grab-type body-coloured door handles are positioned exactly on this character line. Another eyecatching feature are the large outer mirrors with integrated indicator lamps. The rear view is dominated by the large bumper and the tail lamps with circular lamp lenses, joined by a wide chrome strut. Compared with its predecessor, the Evanda, the front-wheel Epica has grown in stature. The length of 4,804 mm (plus 34 mm), width of 1,807 mm and height of 1,449 mm, in combination with the wheelbase of 2,700 mm, guarantee a generous amount of space inside for the passengers and luggage. For the latter, the trunk has a capacity of 435 l (according to the VDA standard). With its asymmetrically split, folding rear seat backrest and an armrest opening for such items as skis, the new Epica is also well equipped for carrying difficult items. Safety: Stable passenger compartment, six airbags and ABS brake system The Epica has a modern chassis with McPherson suspension struts at the front and a multi-link rear suspension. They are accompanied by a highly efficient brake unit with four disk brakes as standard (ventilated at the front), four-channel ABS and electronic brake-power distribution. The standard safety package for the Epica also includes many passive safety features like the rigid passenger cell (made 40 percent of high-strength steel) plus front airbags for the driver and front-seat passenger and side and curtain airbags. The equipment in the new Chevrolet sedan corresponds to that of an upper mid-size car. The Epica is available in two equipment versions, the LS and LT. In the pleasantly styled interior, an ergonomically designed cockpit with a large display for the board computer (LT) makes driving both more comfortable and easier. The basic LS version has a height-adjustable driver's seat, electrical window raisers at the front and back, remote-controlled central locking, thermal insulation glass, air-conditioning and a leather steering wheel. Optional accessories include light alloy wheels (up to 17") and audio units with an MP3 player. The top model, the Epica LT, has additional features that include automatic air-conditioning and cruise control. The already comprehensive selection of equipment can be extended even further with other comfort and safety options that include the 8x adjustable driver's seat, full leather upholstery, traction control and a parking aid at the rear. Engine: Transversally installed smooth-running power plants plus new automatic transmission Initially, the front-wheel drive Epica will be powered by one of two six-cylinder gasoline engines with displacements of 2.0 and 2.5 litres. The transversally mounted in-line engines run outstandingly smoothly. It is all down to the construction: The crankshaft drive has perfect mass balance, which means that - unlike in a V-arrangement - neither free forces of inertia nor moments of inertia send annoying vibrations to the drive train. Just as impressive as the smoothness of the 142 hp and 157 hp six-cylinder engines is their acceleration. They take the Epica from 0 to 100 km/h in 11.8 and 10.1 sec respectively*. The 2.0-litre engine is delivered as standard with a five-speed manual transmission, while the top model comes complete with a new five-speed automatic transmission that is also available as an option for the smaller engine. The MVEG combined fuel consumption for the 2.0-litre six-cylinder version is 9.0 l per 100 km, with automatic transmission 9.5 l. In early 2007, Chevrolet will add the option of a 2.0-litre four-cylinder common-rail turbo diesel to its list of engines. This power plant has been developed jointly by GM Daewoo and GM Powertrain. It generates 150 hp and develops its maximum torque of 310 Nm at 2,000 rpm. A particle filter will also be available. Between 2003 and 2005, over 10,000 Evandas (Epica's predecessor) were registered on the European market (including Russia and Ukraine). Chevrolet's European boss, Wayne Brannon: "The new Epica, with its European design and its unique range of in-line six-cylinder engines, certainly has what it takes to significantly exceed this figure." *provisional figures Link: http://www.worldcarfans.com/news.cfm/count...ica-world-debut

So the Q was going to replace the STS but now you're getting the Q with straight cash and planning on replacing the STS with a Cobalt (another FWD car)... Admit it Sixty8, you're a closet FWD guy. Seriously though, the Cobalt sounds like a solid choice and I imagine it would be somewhat refreshing to own a brand-new car as opposed to another used one. Hey, you'll have a 100% RWD driveway someday.

Classic: Modern:

Honda needs to get its mojo back Can the automaker recapture its innovative spirit? James B. Treece Automotive News / February 27, 2006 - 6:00 am TOKYO -- Can Honda Motor Co. get its mojo back? From 1995 to 2000, Honda was the hottest, most innovative Japanese carmaker. A string of hits, led by the Odyssey minivan and CR-V car-based small SUV, set Honda apart. Toyota Motor Corp. responded by copying Honda's ideas and designs. Nissan Motor Co., Mitsubishi Motors Corp. and Mazda Motor Corp. were left in the dust. Honda's reputation then was reminiscent of Sony Corp.'s in its glory days. Sony didn't unveil a trendsetting Walkman every year. But it came up with innovative hits just often enough to earn a premium image as an innovator and to charge premium prices. Ditto Honda. Like Sony, though, Honda hasn't had a trendsetting hit in five years. Its hybrid Insight coupe, Accord Hybrid sedan and Pilot SUV broke ground in their own ways, but all missed the mark. Consumers received them with as much enthusiasm as they gave to Sony's answer to the iPod. No Ridgeline premium To be sure, Honda hasn't stumbled completely. In January, it received an unprecedented accolade when the Civic sedan and Ridgeline pickup were named North American Car and Truck of the Year. But consumer reaction to the Ridgeline shows just how far the Honda brand has fallen. It is a genuinely innovative truck. But when Honda tried to charge the sort of hefty premium price that the Honda brand once commanded, customers refused to pay it. Japan's Shukan Diamond magazine recently asked its readers to identify each carmaker's leading technology. They cited the Prius hybrid car as Toyota's and the Skyline GT-R sports car as Nissan's. For Honda, they pointed to its F1 racing program and Asimo humanoid robot. Neither is sold to consumers. What went wrong? For one thing, Honda lost the hunger that drove it to take risks. In the early 1990s, Honda was hurting. Mitsubishi and others were eating its lunch. Nobuhiko Kawamoto, named president in 1990, watched sales in Japan slide from 686,570 in 1990 to 549,112 in 1994. To motivate the troops, he issued a challenge: sell a record 800,000 cars in Japan by 1997. Stock market analysts all but laughed in his face. Honda's dictator Kawamoto prodded his product planners, designers and engineers to come up with exciting new cars. They did and met the challenge. In the process, though, Kawamoto drove Honda like a dictator. He took over much of the decision-making himself. Other top managers didn't build that risk-taking experience. When Kawamoto stepped down as president in 1998, the succeeding managers were not well-primed for the job. Honda had to relearn how to make decisions and lost momentum. In addition, Honda's expanded lineup changed the company significantly. When Honda's lineup consisted essentially of the Accord, Civic, Prelude and derivations of those models (including the Acura versions), it was easy for a CR-V to stand out. But now Honda's product-development resources are spread out over a range that includes the Honda Pilot and Element and Acura MDX light trucks, as well as completely different platforms for the U.S. and European Civics. In Japan, Honda has tried to carve out increasingly narrow niches in the minivan segment. Honda's Japan-market minivan lineup now includes the Elysion, Odyssey, StepWGN, Stream, Edix, Mobilio and Lagreat. Playing it safe With the innovators seeking to find the Next Great Minivan, Honda's other product planners all too often played it safe. For instance, they aimed the 2000 Civic at the families who bought it as a commuter car. In the process, they alienated the trendsetting California tuner market. Honda needs its mojo back. It is too small a company to compete with the big boys otherwise. It has neither the low costs of a Toyota nor the niche-market margins of a Porsche AG. It needs to stand out and to have its brand stand for something. It has a history of exciting innovations, and it needs to get back to that tradition. Although the Ridgeline hasn't clicked with customers, it at least shows that Honda CEO Takeo Fukui has his company thinking outside the box again. And a recent shakeup of Honda R&D Co., its product development operations, should keep the car teams from being distracted by Honda's other research areas. Still, Fukui needs to step it up a notch if Honda is to be the Honda of old. Link: http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/arti...6/1003&refsect=

New Opel GT: Exciting Design, Classic Sports-Car Layout 260 hp from two liters: the most powerful production engine in the ECOTEC family Geneva. Opel revives the GT legend with an all-new stunning two-seat sports car. The new GT’s exciting, sharply-cut lines and classic rear-wheel drive echo the successful concept of the original (1968 – 1973). At the same time, the new GT reinterprets the icon as a powerful roadster with a potent four-cylinder, direct injection gasoline turbo engine. The Opel GT makes its world premiere at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show (March 2 – 12), start of sales is scheduled for spring 2007. “The GT is a powerful addition to our range of attractive niche products, and thereby further enhances the appeal of the Opel brand”, says Carl-Peter Forster, President of GM Europe. “The Tigra, the Astra TwinTop, and the new GT mean that we will have three very different models, all of which deliver top-down driving excitement.” The new Opel GT is fun to drive thanks to its front engine and rear-wheel drive, which together ensure a balanced weight distribution, the long wheelbase (2415 mm) and its 260-hp 2.0-liter ECOTEC turbo engine with gasoline direct injection. This accelerates the new GT from zero to 100 km/h in less than six seconds, and enables a maximum speed of over 230 km/h. Another fun factor is the fabric roof, which folds down to provide open-air enjoyment denied to the owners of the first GT. The roof disappears completely beneath a cover, further underlining the GT’s sporty silhouette with short overhangs and widely spaced 18-inch wheels. The development of the new Opel GT is an excellent example of transcontinental collaboration within GM. The design was inspired by the VX Lightning concept car, which was conceived by the GM Advanced Design Studio in Birmingham, England in May 2003 for the 100th anniversary of the Vauxhall brand. The new GT will be built in Wilmington/Delaware, in the USA, where its sister models, the Pontiac Solstice and the Saturn Sky, are also produced. Athletic, with short body overhangs: the eye-catching design A glance at the new Opel GT makes clear that there’s pure sport under the skin; sharp, taut lines and flowing surfaces combine to give it true dynamic presence. The front view is dominated by the pronounced curve of the fenders and the bold chrome strip with lightning-flash logo. The long, front-hinged engine hood carries the familiar Opel crease. Another signal of sportiness is sounded off by the GT’s proportions (length/width/height: 4091/1813/1274 mm) with short overhangs and 18-inch wheels that are pushed to the corners of the body. When opened, the soft top is completely concealed under a cover, thus emphasizing the GT’s roadster character. Other attractive styling details are the projection-type low beam and halogen reflector-type high beam headlamps. The ergonomic cockpit features chrome-ringed dials for speed, rpm and fuel. Technical grains, piano black and chrome finishes combine with optionally available leather seats to emphasize high value and precision. Jewel-style controls for lights and ventilation are further evidence of the GT designers’ careful attention to detail. Lively response and sports-car performance: the direct-injection turbo engine The heart of the new Opel GT is the most powerful production engine in the ECOTEC family. The turbocharged unit was jointly developed by GM Powertrain engineers in the USA and Europe and is related to the ECOTEC 2.2-liter direct fuel injection engine available in the Vectra and Signum. From a displacement of two-liters, it develops a power output of 191 kW/ 260 hp and a maximum torque of 350 Nm, available from 2500 rpm. Direct injection technology helps the ECOTEC engine produce more power while maintaining the lower fuel consumption level of a small displacement engine with conventional fuel injection. The 2.0-liter turbocharged ECOTEC engine features variable valve timing, a dual-scroll turbocharger and a charge-air intercooler. This type of turbocharger, similar to the one already introduced in the Vectra and Signum V6, improves engine response, which also benefits from variable camshaft phasing. The result is ample torque even at low engine speeds. Highlights of the new ECOTEC 2.0-liter turbo engine include: Forged steel crankshaft Forged steel connecting rods Cast aluminum oil-galley pistons Jet-spray piston cooling Two counter-rotating balance shafts Dual-scroll turbocharger 9.2:1 compression ratio Aluminum cylinder head with sodium-cooled exhaust valves High-pressure engine-driven fuel pump Variable pressure fuel rail Basic technical data*: New Opel GT Body Length/ width/ height 4091/ 1813 / 1274 mm Wheelbase 2415 mm Unloaded weight 1320 kg Engine/ powertrain Engine/installed position 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder/at front, longitudinal Displacement 1998 cm3 Bore/ stroke 86/86 mm Compression ratio 9.2:1 Valve gear Double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder Max. power output 191 kW/ 260 hp at 5300 rpm Max. torque 350 Nm at 2500 - 5300 rpm Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h Under 6 seconds Top speed Over 230 km/h Fuel supply Direct fuel injection, with variable high-pressure distributor rail and electronic throttle operation Driveline Rear-wheel drive Gearbox 5-speed manual-shift *Provisional figures Link: http://media.gm.com/servlet/GatewayServlet...=81&docid=23664

2007 Yukon XL and Yukon XL Denali Round Out GMC's Full-Size SUV Lineup DETROIT – The Yukon XL, along with the flagship Yukon XL Denali, complement the recently introduced 2007 Yukon and Yukon Denali models to round out GMC’s new full-size SUV lineup – offering the broadest and most capable lineup of SUVs in GMC’s more than 100 years of building trucks. The all-new 2007 Yukon XL will be offered with a starting at $37,790 MSRP, $2,440 less than the model it replaces. The Yukon XL Denali will start at $50,490 MSRP, $2,220 less than the 2006 XL Denali model. Both MSRPs include a $875 destination freight charge. T he 2007 Yukon XL and Yukon XL Denali will go on sale this spring. Both vehicles feature best-in-segment fuel economy, distinctive all-new styling, spacious and refined interiors, exceptional driving characteristics and enhanced safety features including standard Stabilitrak with rollover mitigation technology, roof rail air bags for each row of seats, Rear Parking Assist and a rear view camera system available with the navigation radio option. “Yukon XL models share the same wins we have established with the Yukon and Yukon Denali such as best in class ride and handling while providing continued segment-leading fuel economy, the most horsepower, state-of-the-art safety technologies and a world-class interior,” said John Larson, Pontiac-GMC General Manager. The extended length models provide more cargo and passenger carrying capability, with increased cargo capacity (137.4 cubic feet behind the first row), standard third row seating and the ability to provide seating for up to nine people. A 5.3L V-8 with 320 horsepower and 340 lb.-ft of torque and Active Fuel Management is standard on Yukon XL at start of production. Later in the model year, a new 6.0L all-aluminum V-8 with 355 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque, variable valve timing and Active Fuel Management becomes available. Yukon XL Denali is a distinct model and the flagship of GMC’s family of professional grade vehicles. It has exclusive exterior design and interior features, and a 6.2L all-aluminum small-block V-8 engine with variable valve timing and a new six-speed automatic transmission. The 6.2L engine is rated at 380 horsepower, and 417 lb.-ft. of torque. “Yukon XL Denali is the ultimate expression of professional grade -- providing all the refinements and amenities customers expect of a Denali with more room, while providing standard three passenger third row seating,” said Larson. GMC is a division of General Motors Corporation. The division markets the Sierra, Yukon , Envoy, Canyon and Savana. GMC's lineup of Professional Grade trucks deliver outstanding capabilities that exceed customers' expectations with unique features and design elements. GMC sold more than 566,000 vehicles in 2005, and has set divisional sales records 11 times in the last 13 years. More information on GMC and its products can be found at www.gmc.com. Link: http://media.gm.com/servlet/GatewayServlet...n=3&docid=23548

GM picks China for electronics Purchasing unit moves from U.S. to Shanghai Robert Sherefkin Jamie LaReau Automotive News / February 27, 2006 - 6:00 am DETROIT -- General Motors has shifted its worldwide electronics purchasing unit from Warren, Mich., to Shanghai to place it at the hub of China's electronics industry. According to sources familiar with GM's plans, the move is intended to keep GM abreast of trends in automotive electronics and buy more electronic components in China. "Just about all electronic subcomponents now originate in China or Korea or Singapore," says a source close to GM who asked to not be named. "You are more aware and you buy better when you are where the action is." GM's other six commodity buying groups will remain in the Detroit area. The move to China illustrates the strategic importance of electronics. Every year, GM buys $85 billion worth of components worldwide. Electronics made up about 10 percent of a vehicle's value in the early 1990s and will rise to 40 percent by 2010, according to trade publication Electronic Business. China is widely viewed as the world's new hub for consumer electronics. It also is GM's largest growth market. Much of the electronics that GM buys in China are destined for its Asian assembly lines, not U.S. shores, a senior GM official said Friday, Feb. 24. It indicates how important GM's Asian assembly plants have become. In 2005, GM produced 1.6 million vehicles in Asia, up nearly 22 percent from the year before. If current trends continue, GM's Asian assembly plants soon will outproduce its European plants, which produced 1.9 million cars and trucks last year. By 2009, GM expects to buy $6 billion worth of China-made parts annually for its operations in China, more than double its purchases in 2003. A Shanghai headquarters also will help GM to export more components to plants in Europe and North America. By 2009, the company expects to buy $4 billion worth of Chinese parts annually for GM assembly plants outside China, up from $200 million in 2003. To ensure the success of its electronics venture, GM has dispatched a top purchasing executive to China. Effective Wednesday, March 1, GM Vice President Jim Bovenzi will run GM's overall purchasing operations in Asia. He will operate out of Shanghai. Suppliers also are watching Akhil Puri, the 31-year-old executive director who moved the automaker's electronics commodity group from Warren to China. Puri is considered to be a rising star at GM. In his position, Puri will have enormous influence over the electronic guts of GM vehicles. Five managers from Puri's Warren team have joined him at his new headquarters in the gleaming 88-story Jin Mao Tower near Shanghai's bustling harbor, says the GM source. Puri has hired more than 100 employees in the group. Puri's job is to engage suppliers, set strategy and work with engineering. GM has about 400 Chinese suppliers, including joint ventures and government-owned companies. It also is developing 50 independent suppliers in China. "The pressure to source from the low-cost countries has become relentless," says the former CEO of a key GM supplier. "This will give them more impetus." Bo Andersson, GM's global purchasing chief, has encouraged his staffers to make frequent face-to-face contact with suppliers. Andersson himself spends much of his time in supplier factories looking for ways to cut waste. Moving the electronics purchasing functions to China gives GM purchasers more daily contact with electronics suppliers. GM executives "want to spend more time in supplier factories and less time in the office," says the senior GM executive. This helps the company "better understand what we are buying." Asked about the risks of the initiative, the senior executive admitted that a more intense focus on China could make it too easy for an executive to assume that the China price is always the best solution. "The end goal is not buying from China," the executive said. "The goal is to (obtain) the best value and the best technology." Link: http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/arti...B/60224160/1003

Here's the Abode Acrobat file of the Aveo test: http://www.euroncap.com/images/results/sma...tasheet%202.pdf

Chevy Aveo performs poorly in European crash test Posted Feb 27th 2006 2:00PM by John Neff Filed under: Economy The European New Car Assessment Program (E-NCAP), which is sort of the EU equivalent to our own NHTSA or IIHS, recently tested the European version of the Chevy Aveo and found it to be severely lacking in occupant protection during 64 kmh (40 mph) frontal impacts. The risk is especially great to the driver, as the E-NCAP tests showed the Aveo’s steering wheel may cause severe chest injury. The Aveo received two stars and a strike through in the category of Adult Occupant Protection, the strike through indicating there is a high risk for life-threatening injury. It should be noted that crash testing in Europe is done a bit differently than here in the U.S., despite E-NCAP sharing a star rating system with the NHTSA. The differences are too deep to delve into here, but you can check out a full explanation of the E-NCAP test procedures here. The 2006 Chevy Aveo received an exemplary frontal impact rating of 5 stars from the NHTSA, so we’ll be very interested to see if the North American version of the 2007 Chevy Aveo fares as poorly in our own crash tests as it did in the E-NCAP test. Link: http://www.autoblog.com/2006/02/27/chevy-a...ean-crash-test/ --- I don't think I need to tell you guys that this is disappointing news.

My preferences: Nothing less than 6-cylinders or a turbo/SC four with little exception. Nothing smaller than a midsize car. No $h!ty interiors. I'm not really a "dashstoker" but as I have to look at it every time I drive the car, it at the very least better not look like crap and rattle like crazy. Wheels are required, no hubcaps.

I don't know if you're being facetious or not but this is a Toyota engine.

Can Tundra overcome Domestic loyalty? Toyota hopes to double annual sales with new Tundra By MARK RECHTIN | AUTOMOTIVE NEWS 6:15 am, February 27, 2006 Traditionally cautious Toyota is taking a gamble on the redesigned 2007 Tundra. Toyota's new assembly plant in San Antonio will double Tundra production, so the automaker must find lots more buyers for its full-sized pickup. The problem: The current Tundra is not luring large numbers of Big 3 truck loyalists out of their pickups. Toyota has been surprised by its inability to win over consumers who already own import-brand cars, says Ernest Bastien, vice president of Toyota's vehicle operations group. In 2005, Toyota sold Tundras to just 8.4 percent of full-sized pickup buyers who already had an import-brand vehicle in their garage, he says. Toyota also has come up short in attracting first-time buyers of full-sized pickups. "That's where we've missed our greatest opportunities for growth," Bastien says. Yet Toyota executives are confident they can add 150,000 Tundra buyers a year. The redesigned truck is due in early 2007. With a 5.7-liter engine, towing capacity of 10,000 pounds and a slew of new model variants, they say the redesigned Tundra should overcome the shortcomings that have hampered its predecessors. Few domestic trades Toyota sold 126,529 Tundras last year, a record for the truck. But a surprisingly small number of those buyers were conquested from the Big 3. Of those who bought a Tundra, just 8 percent traded in a Ford F-150, and fewer than 6 percent left a Chevrolet Silverado, according to Toyota data. By contrast, 30 percent of Tundra purchasers traded in another Tundra or a compact Tacoma pickup. Many more customers were import-brand loyalists who would not buy a big truck unless Toyota made it. "We've had some success in appealing to traditional domestic owners," says Bastien. "But it has been limited because body and engine configurations were expanding faster than we were able to introduce them." In the case of the popular four-door configuration, Toyota was late to the party and missed a big opportunity to lure domestic truck owners when it finally arrived in late 2003. Toyota found that more than half the customers who rejected the Tundra said it did not offer the configuration they needed or that the dealer did not have the right model in inventory. Another major reason for rejection was the Tundra's low towing capacity. The new model, with more configurations and higher towing capacity, will address both those concerns, Bastien says. Toyota also loses some rural customers because it lacks a nearby dealership. Toyota has about 1,200 dealerships, compared with 3,800 for Ford, 4,100 for Chevrolet and 2,900 for Dodge. Toyota is adding rural satellite dealerships to appeal to farmers and ranchers. But that plan is expected to add a couple of dozen stores at most. Then there's the matter of overcoming generations of brand loyalty to Ford, Chevrolet and Dodge, observes Leonard Northcutt, who owns Toyota and GM dealerships in Enid, Okla. "There is a large cultural difference between Toyota and GM customers," Northcutt says. His Tundra sales are predominantly to Toyota loyalists. Toyota builds the Tundra in Indiana and Texas. But, Northcutt says, "Buy American" sympathies are less important than product attributes. More than half of domestic truck buyers looked only at replacing their existing truck with the same nameplate, according to the 2005 New Vehicle Customer Study by automotive consulting firm Maritz Research. About 78 percent disposed of a domestic vehicle when buying a domestic-brand full-sized truck. On the other hand, Toyota is encouraged by Tundra owners' loyalty. Since the launch of the four-dour Double Cab, 43 percent of Tundra buyers were Tundra owners. For a vehicle with a short sales history, Tundra is competitive with the Ford F-150 at 54 percent loyalty and Chevrolet Silverado at 46 percent, according to Toyota data. The numbers game John Wolkonowicz, senior market analyst with Global Insight in Lexington, Mass., doesn't think the new Tundra will win over Big 3 loyalists. He sees the Tundra expanding the overall full-sized truck market, rather than securing a larger piece of the same-sized pie. Wolkonowicz says shoppers born between 1978 and 1989 love pickups, and there are plenty of white-collar folks with horse trailers and boats who have been waiting for a larger Tundra to arrive. "There is no reason for that truck not to be a success. But customers are going to come from different places than (Toyota) might expect," Wolkonowicz adds. The huge market for pickups is working in Toyota's favor, says Jim Hossack, an analyst with AutoPacific in Tustin, Calif. "The full-sized half-ton truck universe is 2 million pieces (per year), so Toyota going from 100,000 to 250,000 units is doable," Hossack notes. "Big 3 truck owners have had a lot of problems, whether it's with GM's engines and transmissions, Ford's Triton with the spark plugs that pop out, or general disenchantment with Dodge quality," says Hossack, who owns two GMC pickups with recurring glitches. "The Big 3 have given Toyota an opening with their less-than-ideal quality." Link: http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/arti...E/60227002/1041

GM swerves, revives March discounts Despite its strategy to limit rebates, automaker adds bonuses to clear out slow-moving inventory. Brett Clanton / The Detroit News DETROIT -- General Motors Corp. has told dealers it will launch a nationwide discount promotion next month that could spark sales but detract from its long-term goal of steering away from big incentives. The "March Madness" event, tied to the NCAA men's basketball tournament, will run from March 15 to April 4. It will be similar to a promotion GM ran last March that included temporarily lowered sticker prices on select models across GM's eight brands and cash bonuses of $500 to $1,500 on models that had been on dealer lots for more than 125 days. While details of the new program have not been announced, internal GM documents obtained by The Detroit News indicate the promotion will kick off with a mass mailing to current and former GM customers early next month, offer customers a chance to win a 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe SUV and give dealers incentives to clear out older inventory. Under a separate program, GM is offering between $150 and $700 in cash incentives to dealers who accept extra vehicles during the last week of February, according to another internal GM memo obtained by The News. In an apparent bid to boost sales before the month closes, GM is making the offer on select models by its Chevrolet, Hummer, GMC and Cadillac brands. GM and other automakers are scheduled to report February sales on Wednesday. The programs could be viewed as a step backward for GM, which in January announced a sweeping effort to move away from profit-eating incentives by cutting the price of most of its vehicles to reflect what consumers actually pay for them. GM clarifies its plan GM never intended to drop incentives altogether, company spokesman Deborah Silverman said. Rather, it is trying to use them in a "more targeted fashion" than in the past. "We'll continue to look at opportunities where they give us a competitive advantage," she said. Silverman would not discuss the March Madness program, but said the automaker was not planning to announce any new incentive programs on Wednesday. GM may not need a new discount program now as much as it has previously. Although the automaker saw sales decline 4.4 percent last year, it increased sales in January and is expected to be up again or flat in February. "Early reports show that consumers have been attracted by GM's lower prices, helping the company to gain market share from Ford and Chrysler," Merrill Lynch analyst John Murphy said in a recent report. Vehicle stockpiles shrink With just over 1 million vehicles on dealer lots at the end of January, GM's stockpiles are smaller than a year ago. And the automaker has cleared out most 2005 model-year vehicles. That means there could be less of a need to pare down inventories with steep discounts. "There are no '05s out there," said John Rogin, who owns GM dealerships in Michigan and Ohio. "It's a non-issue within GM right now." Yet a new incentive program, backed by national and local advertising, could shine a light on GM products as customers get in the mood to shop for vehicles after months of winter. And a tie-in with the NCAA tournament is in keeping with the automaker's strategy of aligning itself with premier sporting events such as the Olympics and Super Bowl. Rogin had not heard details of GM's March Madness program, but said it is common for manufacturers to roll out new incentives in the spring. GM, which lost $8.6 billion in 2005, has made a priority of returning its North American auto business to profitability. Central to the effort is the launch of 19 new cars and trucks this year, including a new lineup of full-size SUVs, the Pontiac G6 convertible and its first mass-market gas-electric hybrid, the Saturn VUE Green Line. After earlier announcing it will cut 30,000 U.S. hourly jobs by 2008, GM in January said it would lower the sticker prices of 57 models by $1,300 on average. GM said the move was mainly designed to put the focus back on its product and move away from making discounts the centerpiece of promotions. Jesse Toprak, an industry analyst with Edmunds.com in Santa Monica, Calif., said GM has managed to stay with the plan so far, tweaking rebates only in highly competitive categories such as full-size SUVs. "Last month, they really stuck to it," Toprak said. GM can't break the habit In January, GM dealers sold vehicles at an average of 15 percent off sticker price, down from 20 percent a year ago, he said. And they have reduced incentive spending in recent months. But GM is still far from breaking the habit. Last month, the automaker's incentive spending was second only to Chrysler, at $3,177 per vehicle on average, and was about three times what Toyota Motor Corp. used to lure buyers, according to Autodata Corp. The March Madness program is likely to find GM shelling out again to get the attention of consumers. And it is likely to bring a few headaches to dealers. Dealers get extra work Like GM's Red Tag clearance sale in December, the March Madness program requires dealers to append an extra sticker price onto each vehicle that is eligible for the discount. Then, there are signs that go up in the showroom and hundreds of pamphlets to mail to customers. "The administration of incentives can be a nightmare," Rogin said. "In a perfect world, we'd love not to have them." Link: http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/artic...70345/1121/AUTO

Daimler nears decision on US Smart launch: paper Sun Feb 26, 1:38 PM ET DaimlerChrysler is leaning in favor of launching its struggling Smart minicar brand in the United States, its chief executive told a German newspaper on Sunday. "It is now more likely that we will decide in favor of, rather than against (entering) the U.S.," Dieter Zetsche told Handelsblatt newsaper in an interview released in advance of publication on Monday. A decision on launching the next generation of Smart two-seaters in the United States is expected in the first half of this year, Zetsche said. Smart narrowed its operating loss in 2005 from about 600 million euros ($714 million) in 2004, Zetsche told an analyst conference call earlier this month. While Zetsche has said he wants to give the unit time to achieve its target of breaking even next year, he has also given investment bank Goldman Sachs the task of screening parties potentially interested in buying the brand. Separately, Zetsche told Switzerland's Neue Zuercher Zeitung newspaper in an interview published on Sunday that the company had received a range of enquiries about possible cooperation arrangements for the Smart brand. He described them as ranging from dumb to interesting. "We have asked Goldman Sachs to examine and evaluate the proposals," he said. Link: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060226/bs_nm/...wN5bnN1YmNhdA--

No, they definitely say "i". I've double-checked this before.