William Maley

The next member of the Volvo 90 Series family, the S90, will go on sale next month in the U.S. Anders Robertson, product manager for the 90 series at Volvo Car USA tells Automotive News the company expects to sell about 15,000 S90s during the first full year of sales. For some perspective, the segment that the S90 competes in - the midsize luxury sedan - sells around 300,000 vehicles per year. That means Volvo is hoping to capture about five percent of the segment sales. That sales goal seems a bit small, but there is some reason for it. The S80, Volvo's previous flagship sedan only sold 1,887 models last year. The best sales came in 2007 when 12,347 S80 sedans were sold. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

Speaking of garish two-tone combinations of the Speedster:

Mercedes-Benz will be showing off an EV concept at the Paris Motor Show this fall. This concept EV will be riding on a new modular electric platform that will underpin a new dedicated EV in 2020. Last week at an event in Stuttgart, Mercedes teased this new modular platform. A lithium-ion battery pack is mounted to the floor and a set electric motors will be used on the front and rear axles. This layout is similar to the modular platform used by Tesla. Range is expected to be around 310 miles for the production model. We're wondering if this platform is the rumored MEA (Modular Electric Architecture) we first reported on last month. Sources tell Car and Driver the dedicated EV will be a crossover that is GLC-sized, something we learned in our May report. Source: Mercedes-Benz, Car and Driver Press Release is on Page 2 Road #3: Electric pioneer Mercedes-Benz significantly expands carbon-free mobility Reducing CO2 emissions across all vehicle categories is a top priority for Daimler AG. Electromobility has an important part to play in this regard. The company already has a large number of electric vehicles on the market, and the product range is set to continue to grow. Prof Dr Weber: "We are investing massively in electromobility, and we are convinced that the market is now ready. With the new vehicles we offer, we want to impress the benefits of the new mobility on car owners who have not yet opted for an electric vehicle." The smart fortwo electric drive made Daimler the first manufacturer to offer a series-produced electric vehicle in 2007. Today, the company will soon have more than a dozen vehicles on the market including vans and commercial vehicles that are capable of emission-free driving. The range is going to be significantly expanded in the near future. The fourth generation of the smart as a fortwo and also as a forfour for the first time ever is being launched onto the market before the end of the year. The smart fortwo coupé electric drive, smart fortwo cabrio electric drive and smart forfour electric drive are making their global débuts at the Paris Motor Show in September 2016. With the début of the fourth generation of the electric smart, smart will be the only automotive manufacturer in the world to offer its entire range of models either powered by internal combustion engines or operating entirely on battery power. The new smart fortwo electric drive is being launched onto the US market by the end of this year, where approximately 25 percent of all battery-driven smarts have been sold recently. This will be followed by the European market launch of the two- and four-seat models in early 2017. This will be followed by the Mercedes-Benz GLC F-CELL with innovative plug-in fuel cell technology from 2017. Fuel-cell technology is an integral part of Daimler's powertrain strategy. The benefits are obvious: a long operating range and short refuelling stops as well as a broad spectrum of possible uses ranging from passenger cars to urban buses. A new generation of vehicles is being launched from 2017 on the basis of the Mercedes-Benz GLC. The Mercedes-Benz engineers joined forces with partners in the Daimler network of expertise to develop a new, compact fuel-cell system which for the first time fits into conventional engine compartments. The GLC F-CELL also boasts another innovation for the next generation of fuel cell vehicles in the form of a large lithium-ion battery. Rated at around 9 kWh, the battery serves as an additional energy source for the electric motor and can be charged externally by means of plug-in technology for the first time. The combination of the fuel cell and battery systems in concert with the refinement of the intelligent operation strategy offers the best possible efficiency and comfort. With this set-up, the GLC F-CELL achieves a combined range of around 500 km in the NEDC. Another important step is the development of a multi-model electric vehicle architecture for battery-powered vehicles. The first model is to be launched onto the market before the end of the decade. The light-duty Fuso Canter E-Cell truck has been undergoing commercial fleet testing since 2015. This was initially carried out in Portugal where they are produced, and five of the vehicles have also been on the road for the City of Stuttgart and the logistics company Hermes since April this year. Instead of a diesel, an electric powertrain with a strong permanent-magnet motor delivers an output of 110 kW (150 hp) to the rear axle via a single-speed transmission. 650 newton metres of torque allow the six-tonne vehicle to accelerate almost as fast as a passenger car, and are available from the very first second of driving. Dozens of fuel cell-powered Mercedes-Benz Citaro buses have already been proving their mettle for twelve transport operators on three continents since 2003. The next milestones on the way to the future are the Citaro E-CELL (battery-powered) and Citaro F-CELL (fuel cell-powered). Both are based on a shared e-platform, which allows tailored electromobility for any city and even any bus line. The capacity of the battery and charging technology are adjusted to suit the specific requirements. The forecast: By the year 2030, 70 percent of all newly acquired Citaro buses will run on electricity with zero local emissions. View full article

It seems a bit odd that Cadillac is doing a special edition model for Japan as they don't sell that many vehicles there. But trying to figure out why just seems like an exercise in futility. Let's just talk about the special edition vehicle in question. This is the Cadillac ATS Luxury Sport Edition which features a set of 19-inch V-spoke alloy wheels with a two-tone look. There is also a set of Brembo brakes and a sports suspension that comes as part of this special edition model. Other items of note include cashmere accents for the interior, and the choice of either crystal white or sable black paint. A turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder with 272 horsepower and eight-speed automatic is your only powertrain choice. It is unknown how many of the ATS Luxury Sport Edition models will be built. We do know that it will cost ¥5,290,000 (about $49,911). Source: Motor1.com View full article

No, that's AM General in Indiana.

General Motors is building as many Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon pickups as they can, but they are still not able to keep up with the demand. Currently, there is a 41 day supply of Colorados and 58 day supply of Canyons in dealers or being sent out. Part of the problem of not meeting demand is the Wentzville, MO is working at full tilt producing as many midsize trucks, along with full-size commercial vans. But GM has a possible solution to increasing production of their midsize trucks; outsource some of the van production. In a statement released on Friday, GM and Navistar, Inc announced a new partnership where Navistar would build the cutaway version of the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana. Production will take place at Navistar's Springfield, Ohio plant starting in the first half of next year. "This partnership will provide our Wentzville, Mo., assembly plant more flexibility to keep up with continued demand for mid-size trucks and full size vans," said Cathy Clegg, GM North America Manufacturing and Labor Relations Vice President. Automotive News has learned from a source that the move of the cutaway vans will enable GM to produce an additional 40,000 trucks at Wentzville. But what about the possible deal between GM and AM General to produce the cutaway vans last November? The same source says the discussions between the two didn't pan out. Source: Navistar, Automotive News (Subscription Required) Press Release is on Page 2 Navistar Partners With GM To Manufacture Cutaway G Van LISLE, Ill., June 9, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Navistar, Inc. today announced it has reached an agreement with General Motors (GM) to manufacture the cutaway model of GM's G Van at Navistar's Springfield, Ohio plant starting in the first half of 2017. With this multi-year contract, Navistar will add at least 300 jobs and recommission its second line at the plant. "We're very pleased to partner with GM on this important manufacturing opportunity," said Persio Lisboa, president, Navistar operations. "Our Springfield plant is an important part of our manufacturing footprint, and we've been preparing it for a higher volume concentration of light- and medium-duty products as part of our manufacturing strategy. This is an important step towards our goal to drive automotive quality into the commercial vehicle industry." GM produces cutaway vans for commercial customers. The company's Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans, which are full-length on frame, are upfitted into utility or service vehicles, ambulance or rescue vehicles, shuttle buses or school buses. "This partnership will provide our Wentzville, Mo., assembly plant more flexibility to keep up with continued demand for mid-size trucks and full size vans," said Cathy Clegg, GM North America Manufacturing and Labor Relations Vice President. Navistar and GM are not disclosing any further details of the agreement at this time. Navistar primarily manufactures its DuraStar® and WorkStar® models at the Springfield plant. Last September, Navistar and GM announced a separate long-term agreement to develop and assemble a medium-duty, conventional cab Class 4/5 commercial vehicle at Navistar's Springfield plant starting in 2018. The future products will be jointly developed using Navistar's expertise in rolling chassis configurations and manufacturing capabilities, and GM's commercial components and engines. The trucks will be available under both the International® and Chevrolet brands, and will mark Navistar's reentry into the Class 4/5 market. View full article

If you're single or a couple, go with the CX-3. Families, jump to the CX-5. Bill, what about people over the national average hieght of 5'10" for men, can the CX3 fit them? Ya know I will always ask the question if my 6'6" tall body can fit! I can answer that since I'm just under that (5'8"). Up front, yes. Back, no. dfelt: I can easily assume that your frame wouldn't fit most vehicles

Earlier this week saw Mercedes-Benz introduce the next-generation E-Class wagon. But there is a new variant that will debut later this fall. Mercedes-Benz confirmed to Autocar that a model to compete against the Audi A6 Allroad and the upcoming Volvo V90 Cross Country will be shown at the Paris Motor Show in September. Known as the E-Class All Terrain, the wagon will feature Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel drive system and an air suspension that can be raised or lowered depending on the terrain. “It won’t be as good as an SUV off road, but it will be able to go farther than most owners will expect,” said Michael Kelz, chief engineer on the E-Class. The exterior will come with plastic body cladding, new bumpers, and underbody protection. Mercedes-Benz will kick off sales of the E-Class All Terrain early next year. At the moment, there are no plans to bring it to the U.S. Source: Autocar View full article

When Ford provided the details of the 2017 Fusion lineup earlier this year, the one model that caused our eyes to widen was the Fusion Sport. Packing a twin-turbo 2.7L EcoBoost V6, the Sport would have 325 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. Well, Ford has announced the final power figures for the Sport and our eyes are even wider. The Sport will still have 325 horsepower coming from the V6. But torque has been increased to 380 pound-feet. No, that isn't a misprint. Not only does the Sport blow everyone out of the midsize sedan class in terms of power, it also gives the likes of the BMW 340i a run for its money (320 horsepower, 330 pound-feet of torque). This is paired with a six-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. There is a catch. The only way to get that magical 380 pound-feet is to fill up 93 octane gas. Fill up with anything lower, and the torque figure drops to 350. Another downside is fuel economy. EPA says the Fusion Sport will return 17 City/26 Highway. Ford also revealed pricing for the 2017 Fusion Sport. When it arrives at dealers towards the end of summer, the Sport will carry a pricetag of $34,350 (includes a $875.00 destination charge). Source: Ford Press Release is on Page 2 NEW FORD FUSION SPORT GIVES OWNERS OF GERMAN SEDANS 380 REASONS TO CHANGE THEIR LEDERHOSEN Following success with Explorer Sport and Edge Sport, Ford seeks to woo performance car buyers – including those considering Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz – with all-new Fusion V6 Sport 2017 Ford Fusion V6 Sport will offer class-demolishing 380 lb.-ft. of torque from 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost® engine, along with 325 horsepower Premium sports sedan comes with standard all-wheel drive DEARBORN, Mich., June 9, 2016 – Ford is adding serious EcoBoost® muscle to its Fusion sedan in an all-out assault on more expensive German sport sedans. Following on the success of Explorer Sport, which has seen one in five buyers come over from recent Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz experiences, Ford has its eyes not only on owners of V6-equipped Toyota Camrys and Honda Accords, but some other distinguished German models that command a five-figure premium over the 2017 Fusion Sport. Since the newest-generation Fusion launched in 2012, midsize car buyers have been asking for a performance version, says Wade Jackson, Ford Fusion marketing manager. “It’s not just Fusion buyers who want something hotter,” Jackson says. “Owners of other midsize sedans, along with our own dealers, ask repeatedly. So buyers get a 2.7-liter EcoBoost that makes 325 horsepower and a more impressive 380 pound-feet of torque.” These consumers also crave a car that’s much more distinctive inside and out, Jackson explains. “Cross-shoppers will be shocked by the bang for the buck our new Fusion Sport delivers,” he says. Peak torque of 380 lb.-ft. from a 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost® engine makes Fusion Sport stouter than established performance sedans like BMW 535i, Audi A6 3.0T and Mercedes-Benz E400. Ford Fusion Sport torque rating is achieved with 93-octane fuel. Ford has reason to be confident with its newest sport-minded offering. While Explorer sales rose 24 percent from 2013 to 2015, Explorer Sport jumped 103 percent. Edge sales were close to flat over that same period – mostly due to model changeover – but Edge Sport jumped 62 percent. For discerning sport sedan buyers seeking the ultimate in braking and handling performance, a summer-only tire package will be available as well. The 2017 Ford Fusion Sport starts at a very un-German sports sedan price of $33,475, and that’s with all-wheel drive as a standard feature. View full article

If you're single or a couple, go with the CX-3. Families, jump to the CX-5.