William Maley
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Everything posted by William Maley
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From the album: Review: 2016 Chevrolet Malibu 2LT
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From the album: Review: 2016 Chevrolet Malibu 2LT
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From the album: Review: 2016 Chevrolet Malibu 2LT
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From the album: Review: 2016 Chevrolet Malibu 2LT
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From the album: Review: 2016 Chevrolet Malibu 2LT
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From the album: Review: 2016 Chevrolet Malibu 2LT
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From the album: Review: 2016 Chevrolet Malibu 2LT
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From the album: Review: 2016 Chevrolet Malibu 2LT
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From the album: Review: 2016 Chevrolet Malibu 2LT
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From the album: Review: 2016 Chevrolet Malibu 2LT
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Tomorrow, we find out the details of the settlement between Volkswagen and the U.S. Government over the diesel emission scandal. As we reported last week, sources told various news outlets that part of the settlement would include compensation payments from $1,000 to $7,000 to owners. A European Union commissioner believes that should be extended to those in Europe. EU Industry Commissioner Elzbieta Bienkowska tells German newspaper Welt am Sonntag that Volkswagen should set up a similar compensation program for Europe. "Volkswagen should voluntarily pay European car owners compensation that is comparable with that which they will pay U.S. consumers," said Bienkowska. She said that it would be unfair for Volkswagen to treat European consumers differently than U.S. ones due to different legal systems. "But consumers in Europe should be treated differently than the US consumer is not a way to regain confidence." Source: Die Welt, Reuters View full article -
Tomorrow, we find out the details of the settlement between Volkswagen and the U.S. Government over the diesel emission scandal. As we reported last week, sources told various news outlets that part of the settlement would include compensation payments from $1,000 to $7,000 to owners. A European Union commissioner believes that should be extended to those in Europe. EU Industry Commissioner Elzbieta Bienkowska tells German newspaper Welt am Sonntag that Volkswagen should set up a similar compensation program for Europe. "Volkswagen should voluntarily pay European car owners compensation that is comparable with that which they will pay U.S. consumers," said Bienkowska. She said that it would be unfair for Volkswagen to treat European consumers differently than U.S. ones due to different legal systems. "But consumers in Europe should be treated differently than the US consumer is not a way to regain confidence." Source: Die Welt, Reuters -
Cadillac hoped the ATS would make a real impact in the compact luxury class. Instead, the model has lagged behind competitors and its market share has been in constant decline since 2013. Automotive News says one of the key reasons comes down to the ATS' resale value falling at a steady rate. This is turn makes it harder and expensive for the brand to offer a competitive lease, something needed if you want to make it in the marketplace. To try and fix this, Cadillac has made a number of changes for the 2017 model. The big one is the base 2.5 four-cylinder being dropped and the turbo 2.0L taking its place. Cadillac is also adding a bit more equipment such as a Bose audio system, 8-inch touchscreen with CUE, and a backup camera. These changes bump the ATS' base price to $35,590 (about $1,500 more than the 2016 model). But in turn, the higher trim levels for the ATS will see price cuts ranging from $650 to $1,100. "We want to emphasize the 2.0-liter turbo and the car's features while attacking the market on the product side, rather than using increased incentives," said Cadillac's global product planning director, Hampden Tener. Will it be enough? Only future sales figures will be able to answer this question. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) -
Remember the Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid? Most likely not as it made up a sliver of overall Jetta sales - about one percent according to Volkswagen spokesman. For the 2017 model year, the Jetta Hybrid will dropped from the lineup. Some of reason as to why the Jetta Hybrid wasn't a big seller was the high price. According to Automotive News, the Jetta Hybrid only came in the top SEL Premium trim that starts at $31,940. This is slightly hard to ask when the base starts at $18,500. Also, hybrid and electric vehicles have been taking tumble due to low gas prices and consumers drifting towards SUVs and crossovers. But the big reason we believe is that like most other hybrids, the Jetta Hybrid was overshadowed by the Prius. We actually reviewed the Jetta Hybrid back in 2013 and really couldn't make the case as to why anyone should consider it Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) Pic Credit: William Maley for Cheers & Gears View full article
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Remember the Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid? Most likely not as it made up a sliver of overall Jetta sales - about one percent according to Volkswagen spokesman. For the 2017 model year, the Jetta Hybrid will dropped from the lineup. Some of reason as to why the Jetta Hybrid wasn't a big seller was the high price. According to Automotive News, the Jetta Hybrid only came in the top SEL Premium trim that starts at $31,940. This is slightly hard to ask when the base starts at $18,500. Also, hybrid and electric vehicles have been taking tumble due to low gas prices and consumers drifting towards SUVs and crossovers. But the big reason we believe is that like most other hybrids, the Jetta Hybrid was overshadowed by the Prius. We actually reviewed the Jetta Hybrid back in 2013 and really couldn't make the case as to why anyone should consider it Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) Pic Credit: William Maley for Cheers & Gears -
Another class-action lawsuit involving a diesel vehicle has been filed this week, but it doesn't deal with Volkswagen. The Detroit News reports that class-action lawsuit has been filed against General Motors this week alleging the company used illegal software on the Chevrolet Cruze diesel to allow it to pass emission tests in the lab, while polluting more in the outside world. Also, the suit alleges the company falsely and marketed its Cruze Diesel as a “clean vehicle.” The suit, filed by the Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro law firm in Seattle says the six plaintiffs it is representing in this suit have tested their vehicles with a portable emissions measurement system. In certain instances, the system found the Cruze Diesel failed to meet U.S. emissions standards. “Diesel emissions fraud didn’t stop with Volkswagen or Mercedes. GM has proven that it too placed greed and profits ahead of thousands of owners who paid premium prices for what they thought were clean diesel cars,” said Steve Berman, managing partner of Hagens Berman. The firm is seeking buybacks of the Cruze Diesel, reimbursement for the $2,000 or more premium over the standard Cruze, and compensation on any “fix” and extended warranties that aren’t used. “These claims are baseless and we will vigorously defend ourselves. GM believes the Chevrolet Cruze turbo diesel complies with all U.S. EPA and CARB emissions regulations,” GM said in a statement to The Detroit News. We can't help but wonder if the Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro law firm is on a diesel witch hunt. Aside from this new lawsuit, the firm is in a court-appointed committee in a case dealing with the Volkswagen diesel emission scandal and is leading the case against Mercedes-Benz for allegedly using a 'defeat device' on their diesel vehicles. Source: The Detroit News View full article
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Another class-action lawsuit involving a diesel vehicle has been filed this week, but it doesn't deal with Volkswagen. The Detroit News reports that class-action lawsuit has been filed against General Motors this week alleging the company used illegal software on the Chevrolet Cruze diesel to allow it to pass emission tests in the lab, while polluting more in the outside world. Also, the suit alleges the company falsely and marketed its Cruze Diesel as a “clean vehicle.” The suit, filed by the Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro law firm in Seattle says the six plaintiffs it is representing in this suit have tested their vehicles with a portable emissions measurement system. In certain instances, the system found the Cruze Diesel failed to meet U.S. emissions standards. “Diesel emissions fraud didn’t stop with Volkswagen or Mercedes. GM has proven that it too placed greed and profits ahead of thousands of owners who paid premium prices for what they thought were clean diesel cars,” said Steve Berman, managing partner of Hagens Berman. The firm is seeking buybacks of the Cruze Diesel, reimbursement for the $2,000 or more premium over the standard Cruze, and compensation on any “fix” and extended warranties that aren’t used. “These claims are baseless and we will vigorously defend ourselves. GM believes the Chevrolet Cruze turbo diesel complies with all U.S. EPA and CARB emissions regulations,” GM said in a statement to The Detroit News. We can't help but wonder if the Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro law firm is on a diesel witch hunt. Aside from this new lawsuit, the firm is in a court-appointed committee in a case dealing with the Volkswagen diesel emission scandal and is leading the case against Mercedes-Benz for allegedly using a 'defeat device' on their diesel vehicles. Source: The Detroit News -
Alfa Romeo has finally gotten the Giulia onto the production line (for Europe) and they are working on their SUV (possibly named Stelvio). So what's next? How about a larger sedan? Auto Express reports that Alfa Romeo is hard at work on a sedan that will compete against the likes of the Audi A6, BMW 5-Series, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. It will use a version of the platform that underpins the Giulia. Engines will include gas and diesel, along with a possible plug-in hybrid. That does include the 503 horsepower 2.9L twin-turbo V6 engine as a high-performance model. Auto Express says the model will launch in 2018. Given the company's track record with release dates, we say add another two to three years to it. Source: Auto Express View full article
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Alfa Romeo has finally gotten the Giulia onto the production line (for Europe) and they are working on their SUV (possibly named Stelvio). So what's next? How about a larger sedan? Auto Express reports that Alfa Romeo is hard at work on a sedan that will compete against the likes of the Audi A6, BMW 5-Series, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. It will use a version of the platform that underpins the Giulia. Engines will include gas and diesel, along with a possible plug-in hybrid. That does include the 503 horsepower 2.9L twin-turbo V6 engine as a high-performance model. Auto Express says the model will launch in 2018. Given the company's track record with release dates, we say add another two to three years to it. Source: Auto Express -
Yeah, the $5,000 is what the sources said would be the average payment.
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While Volkswagen and the U.S. Government are finishing negotiating the final agreement over the diesel emission scandal, some interesting bits of the agreement have leaked out. The Associated Press and Bloomberg have learned from sources that Volkswagen will pay $10.2 billion as part of a settlement over the scandal. As part of the settlement, Volkswagen will compensate owners of affected TDI models between $1,000 to $7,000. The payment amount will vary on a number of factors such as the age of the vehicle. Volkswagen will also offer owners the choice having their vehicles fixed for free or buying them back at the value before the scandal came to light (September 18, 2015). One item still up in the air is whether or not Volkswagen will be able to fix all of the TDI models to the EPA's satisfaction. A source tells the AP, "any fix likely would require a bigger catalytic converter or injection of the chemical urea into the exhaust to help neutralize the pollution." Along with the owner compensation, Volkswagen will use the $10.2 billion to pay various penalties and setting up a fund to clean up air pollution. The sources do stress that the terms of the settlement could change before being presented to U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer next Tuesday. Also, this settlement is for the 2.0L TDI engine. The 3.0L TDI V6 is being dealt with separately. Source: Bloomberg, Associated Press View full article
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Rumorpile: Volkswagen to Pay Owners $1,000 to $7,000 to Settle Claims
William Maley posted an article in Volkswagen
While Volkswagen and the U.S. Government are finishing negotiating the final agreement over the diesel emission scandal, some interesting bits of the agreement have leaked out. The Associated Press and Bloomberg have learned from sources that Volkswagen will pay $10.2 billion as part of a settlement over the scandal. As part of the settlement, Volkswagen will compensate owners of affected TDI models between $1,000 to $7,000. The payment amount will vary on a number of factors such as the age of the vehicle. Volkswagen will also offer owners the choice having their vehicles fixed for free or buying them back at the value before the scandal came to light (September 18, 2015). One item still up in the air is whether or not Volkswagen will be able to fix all of the TDI models to the EPA's satisfaction. A source tells the AP, "any fix likely would require a bigger catalytic converter or injection of the chemical urea into the exhaust to help neutralize the pollution." Along with the owner compensation, Volkswagen will use the $10.2 billion to pay various penalties and setting up a fund to clean up air pollution. The sources do stress that the terms of the settlement could change before being presented to U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer next Tuesday. Also, this settlement is for the 2.0L TDI engine. The 3.0L TDI V6 is being dealt with separately. Source: Bloomberg, Associated Press -
The current BMW i8 uses a plug-in hybrid powertrain to produce a total output of 357 horsepower. But the future version of the i8 could switch to a full EV powertrain. Sources tell Autocar that German automaker would swap the turbocharged three-cylinder in the rear for two electric motors. Each electric motor (there would be three including one up front) is said to produce up to 268 horsepower. With the addition of two electric motors, BMW will add a larger battery. To allow for this, the i8's carbon fiber structure would be modified. BMW already has some ideas as to how to do this as they did an i8 hydrogen prototype where they had to modify the structure to allow hydrogen tanks. Despite the larger battery, sources say going the electric route would allow the vehicle to keep the same weight as the current model - 3,274 pounds. Source: Autocar View full article
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I don't think anyone will disagree with this. I'm wondering if Volkswagen will be able to do it quickly. You think they can wrap this all up by the end of 2017 or will it drag into 2018 and really hurt the company long term. I wonder what Porsche thinks about tying up with VW now? The way things are going right now, I don't think all of this will be resolved till 2019 at the earliest.
