William Maley

A possible punishment that the EPA could bring down on Volkswagen is making them build electric vehicles in the U.S. German newspaper Welt am Sonntag reports the EPA is asking the German automaker to produce EVs at their Chattanooga, TN plant and to help build out a network of chargers across the U.S. The report doesn't say if EPA is asking for VW to produce a new electric vehicle or a current one - the Golf EV. It should be noted that Welt am Sonntag's report doesn't cite a source. "Talks with the EPA are ongoing and we are not commenting on the contents and state of the negotiations," said a Volkswagen spokesperson to Reuters. The EPA declined to comment. Reuters also notes Hans Dieter Poetsch, Volkswagen's chairman of Volkswagen's supervisory board German transport minister Alexander Dobrindt last week to give an update on cleaning up this mess. First reported by the German publication Bild am Sonntag, Poetsch said the company would do everything in its power to solve this crisis. Source: Welt am Sonntag, Reuters, Bild am Sonntag View full article

Last week, we brought you a report that Audi executives confirmed the existence of the RS3 sedan and said it would be going into production. We also learned some possible details about the new RS such as a new turbocharged five-cylinder engine capable of producing over 400 horsepower and a new front end. This week, a YouTube user called 'Ron Bolton' uploaded a video that was supposedly recorded at this meeting and shows the reveal of the RS3 sedan. The video also confirms some of the details in our previous report such as the turbocharged five-cylinder engine (producing up to 400 horsepower the person in the video says), larger brakes, and new suspension tuning. The video also reveals that there will be successors to the RS5 and TT RS, and the introduction of seven new RS models between now and 2019. The new models will include different body styles and an SUV. Source: Quattro World https://youtu.be/CYqkZbGXRlc View full article

Last week, we brought you a report that Audi executives confirmed the existence of the RS3 sedan and said it would be going into production. We also learned some possible details about the new RS such as a new turbocharged five-cylinder engine capable of producing over 400 horsepower and a new front end. This week, a YouTube user called 'Ron Bolton' uploaded a video that was supposedly recorded at this meeting and shows the reveal of the RS3 sedan. The video also confirms some of the details in our previous report such as the turbocharged five-cylinder engine (producing up to 400 horsepower the person in the video says), larger brakes, and new suspension tuning. The video also reveals that there will be successors to the RS5 and TT RS, and the introduction of seven new RS models between now and 2019. The new models will include different body styles and an SUV. Source: Quattro World Click here to view the article

Last month, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) rejected Volkswagen's plan to fix the 2.0L TDI because it was "incomplete, substantially deficient and fall far short of meeting the legal requirements to return these vehicles” to compliance. With this setback, many are concerned that it will be awhile before a fix is agreed on by Volkswagen and CARB/EPA. German magazine Manager Magazin reports that top managers at the German automaker believe an agreement between the three parties might not happen until the end of March. The reason comes down to the EPA wanting to do a long-distance test of Volkswagen's proposed fix to make sure it actually fixes the problem of elevated emission levels. The report also mentions that expected costs of doing the recall, possible buybacks, and customer compensation will be significantly higher than first thought. Source: Manager Magazin View full article

So you have seen the new Alfa Romeo SUV in person before anyone else? I'm highly doubting that.

Maserati was hoping to keep the Levante - their first SUV - under wraps before its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month. But Dutch publication Autoweek published leaked images of the Levante earlier today. That caused the Italian automaker to reveal the Levante's exterior and spill some information on it. As we have reported previously, the Levante would not be using any of the design found the on Kubang concept. Instead, the Levante looks like a Ghibli or Quattroporte hatchback or wagon. Up front is the distinctive grille that Maserati has been using on their current lineup, along with narrow headlights and sculpted hood. The back end is very reminiscent of the Porsche Cayenne. Maserati describes the Levante's chassis as combining "the outstanding on-road performance typical of every Maserati with unrivalled handling even on very low-grip surfaces and an excellent off-road performance and ride." We're doubting most owners of the Levante are planning to go off-road. Maserati has also revealed that the Levante will have an eight-speed automatic and Q4 all-wheel-drive system. We'll have more details on the Levante next month. Source: Maserati, Autoweek.nl Press Release is on Page 2 Maserati Levante Maserati's first SUV receives its eagerly-awaited world unveiling at the upcoming Geneva International Motor Show Maserati reveals the exterior form of the Levante, the first SUV in the brand's more than one hundred year history: the new model completes the existing range of saloon and sports cars, extending the offering together with the Quattroporte, Ghibli, GranTurismo and GranCabrio models. The design of the Levante features clear associations with the Maserati brand and its distinctive Italian character: the aggressive front introduces new, tapered headlights separated into two elements, with the upper headlight unit connected to the radiator grille. Maserati's design signature is clearly visible on the sides: the three iconic air vents on the front wings, the trapezoidal C-pillar with the “Saetta” logo and the large, frameless door windows. The rear is dominated by the very tapered back window and streamlined shape, both typical of a high-performance sports car. At a technical level, the Levante's chassis is designed to combine the outstanding on-road performance typical of every Maserati with unrivalled handling even on very low-grip surfaces and an excellent off-road performance and ride. The new SUV boasts a high level of content as standard, with all versions featuring: sophisticated electronic suspension with controlled damping and air springs, which can be set on several levels, “Q4” intelligent all-wheel drive and 8-speed automatic transmission specially calibrated for the brand's new SUV. When it comes to power units, the Levante is equipped with both petrol and diesel engines that are all Euro6-compliant. The Maserati Levante is built at the Mirafiori plant in Turin; the first cars have already come off the assembly line with the launch planned for this spring in Europe, to be followed by the rest of the world later this year. View full article

Or, BMW was chasing Mercedes for the lead, so they had to resort to cheap tactics. Quick note on smk's point, BMW outsold Mercedes by about 3,000 vehicles.

That's a bit of a stretch. I agree with this point.

Chevrolet already has a unique option for picking up a new vehicle. For an additional $990 on top of a the price of a new Corvette, you can pick it up at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, KY. Chevrolet thought that wasn't enough and announced yesterday of another delivery program. The new program will allow a customer to pick up their new Chevrolet at the Daytona International Speedway and drive their new vehicle on the track. The program also includes a special memento of the event, and documentation saying the vehicle was picked up here. Chevrolet has a dedicated delivery center that will be on the infield near victory lane. “Beyond the vehicle, we are determined to deliver exceptional service through our dealers and unique experiences that only Chevrolet can offer, like driving your first miles in your new vehicle at the famed Daytona International Speedway,” said said Alan Batey, president of GM North America in a statement. Pricing for this program hasn't been announced. Chevrolet says 2017 model year vehicles will be eligible for the program although it isn't clear what vehicles can take part. Source: Chevrolet Press Release is on Page 2 TAKE A SPIN IN YOUR NEW CHEVY AT DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Have you ever wondered what it is like to drive on the track at the famed Daytona International Speedway? If you buy a new Chevrolet, your dealer will be able to offer you that opportunity. Chevrolet and DIS today announced an exclusive delivery experience at the Speedway. This extra cost option will be available later this year through U.S. Chevrolet dealers on select new vehicle orders. While details are still being finalized, customers who order the option can expect: A tour of Daytona International Speedway An on-track driving experience A keepsake to commemorate the experience Authentication that the vehicle was delivered and driven at the Speedway “Chevrolet is committed to offering our customers the best overall vehicle ownership experience possible – starting with the most technologically advanced and most dynamic vehicles in the brands history,” said Alan Batey, president of General Motors North America and leader of Global Chevrolet. “Beyond the vehicle, we are determined to deliver exceptional service through our dealers and unique experiences that only Chevrolet can offer, like driving your first miles in your new vehicle at the famed Daytona International Speedway.” The Chevrolet Delivery Center at DIS will be located in the infield adjacent to Gatorade Victory Lane and will have the familiar appearance of a neighborhood Chevrolet dealership. Customers will choose the option to have their vehicle delivered at DIS during the ordering process. Pricing will be available at a later date. “The Chevrolet Delivery Center is the type of elevated experience that guests visiting Daytona International Speedway come to expect,” Daytona International Speedway president Joie Chitwood III said. “This new offering complements the enhancements already made to the ‘World Center of Racing’ through the $400 million DAYTONA Rising redevelopment project. We’re looking forward to witnessing that first delivery later this year.” Chevrolet already offers Corvette customers the option to have their vehicle delivered at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Ky. The Museum Delivery option includes a private tour of the GM Bowling Green Assembly Plant, home of the Corvette, and the National Corvette Museum. The owner then takes delivery of their new Corvette from the museum showroom, where their own car is on display. The delivery process includes a personalized demonstration of their Corvette’s features, broadcast around the world via live webcam 24 hours a day. The Corvette Museum Delivery option is $990. DAYTONA Rising Chevrolet is a Founding Partner at DIS as part of its DAYTONA Rising redevelopment project. The historic $400 million DAYTONA Rising project, encompassing the Speedway’s nearly one-mile long frontstretch, recently debuted during the Rolex 24 At Daytona where Chevrolet’s Corvette Racing team took first and second in the GT Le Mans (GTLM) Class. DAYTONA Rising has transformed DIS into the world’s first motorsports stadium, with premium amenities and attractions. The multi-year agreement provides Chevrolet with naming rights for one of five fan injectors. The massive, new and redesigned entry includes more than 20,000 square feet of Chevrolet new vehicle displays and a fan engagement experience that vertically spans three concourse levels. Additionally, Chevrolet is an official partner of “The Great American Race,” the DAYTONA 500®, and will receive Official Pace Car rights in select years beginning in 2017. “Chevrolet’s commitment to racing originated more than a century ago with Louis Chevrolet and remains strong today as we solidify our presence at the ‘World Center of Racing’ by partnering with International Speedway Corporation, Daytona International Speedway and the DAYTONA Rising project,” Batey said. View full article

How far would you go to be the best selling automaker in a given class? If you're BMW, you employ a tactic that involves loaner vehicles and dealers to retain your crown as being the best-selling luxury brand in the U.S. Bloomberg is reporting that BMW paid its dealers as much as $1,750 in December to buy BMW vehicles to be used in loaner fleets - vehicles that would be offered to customers who drop off their current vehicle for service. The program worked as BMW edged out Lexus by 1,400 vehicles. Now it should be noted that many automakers have programs like this. But according to folks who spoke with Bloomberg, BMW was very forceful with this program. “Auto companies do things like this all the time to set sales records or make claims that they are the best in show. BMW can beat their chest this year. But you can question whether they did it on the same terms as their competitors,” said Maryann Keller, an independent auto consultant in Stamford, Connecticut. BMW spokesman Kenn Sparks told Bloomberg in an email that the loaner program is "an important part of BMW’s customer-satisfaction and marketing plan,” and the company does periodically give dealers incentives to put new cars in their fleets. Sparks declined to say how much this program helped in terms of sales. But there is a danger with BMW trying to be number one in the luxury car segment. Eric Lyman, senior analyst with TrueCar says BMW's resale value has been slipping. According to TrueCar data, a three-year BMW vehicle retains 48.4 percent of its new car value. Other luxury brands retain 49.8 percent. “The luxury market is only so big.Do they think that if they have more BMWs out there that people will want to buy them even more? There are consequences for this,” said Keller. Source: Bloomberg View full article

What I'm fearing this thread might turn into...