William Maley

General Motors is making some major changes in Russia. The automaker announced today that it will withdraw Opel and mainstream Chevrolet models in December, and focus on the premium segment of the Russian market with Cadillac and iconic Chevrolet models (Camaro, Corvette, and Tahoe). “This change in our business model in Russia is part of our global strategy to ensure long-term sustainability in markets where we operate. This decision avoids significant investment into a market that has very challenging long-term prospects,” said GM President Dan Ammann. GM will still offer parts and service for those who own an Opel and mainstream Chevrolet vehicles. Along with the departure of Opel and certain Chevrolet models, GM will idle its plant in St. Petersburg by the middle of this year. Source: General Motors Press Release is on Page 2 GM to Change Business Model in Russia Focus on Cadillac and iconic Chevrolet vehicles Wind down Opel brand and sale of mainstream Chevrolet cars Idle GM Auto manufacturing facility in St. Petersburg Part of GM’s strategy to ensure long-term sustainability in global markets DETROIT – General Motors today announced plans to change its business model in Russia. GM will focus on the premium segment of the Russian market with Cadillac and U.S.-built iconic Chevrolet products such as the Corvette, Camaro and Tahoe. The Chevrolet brand will minimize its presence in Russia and the Opel brand will leave the market by December 2015. “This change in our business model in Russia is part of our global strategy to ensure long-term sustainability in markets where we operate,” said GM President Dan Ammann. “This decision avoids significant investment into a market that has very challenging long-term prospects.” Opel Group CEO Karl-Thomas Neumann said, “We do not have the appropriate localization level for important vehicles built in Russia and the market environment does not justify a major investment to further localize.” The GM Auto plant in St. Petersburg will halt production by the middle of 2015. GM is planning to idle the plant. Furthermore, the contract assembly of Chevrolet vehicles at GAZ will be discontinued in 2015. The GM-AVTOVAZ joint venture will continue to build and market the current generation Chevrolet NIVA. GM’s global luxury brand Cadillac will be set up for growth in Russia over the next several years as it prepares for numerous product introductions. Chevrolet and Opel will work closely with their dealer networks in Russia to define future steps while ensuring the company will honor its obligations to existing customers in the coming years. “We can assure our customers that we will continue to provide warranty, parts and services for their Chevrolet and Opel vehicles. We want to thank our customers and dealers for their loyalty to the Chevrolet and Opel brands,” said Neumann. “We had to take decisive action in Russia to protect our business. We confirm our outlook to return the European business to profitability in 2016 and stick to our long-term goals as defined in our DRIVE!2022 strategy,” said Neumann. By 2022, the company plans to raise its market share in total Europe to 8 percent and to reach a profit margin of 5 percent. As a result of the decision to change the business model in Russia, GM expects to record net special charges of up to approximately $600 million primarily in the first quarter of 2015. The special charges include sales incentives, dealer restructuring, contract cancellations and severance-related costs. Approximately $200 million of the net special charges will be non-cash expenses. View full article

It has been almost four years since we have seen a new product from Scion - the last one being the Scion FR-S. But at the 2015 New York Auto Show, Scion will not only have one, but two new vehicles debuting. The first is the production version of the iM. We saw the Concept Scion iM at the LA Auto Show back in November. The model is expected to be European Toyota Auris and judging from the teaser picture, it looks like some of the concept's design cues will be kept. The second vehicle is the Scion iA. The automaker's first sedan will take the place of the xD subcompact and will be based on the Mazda2 sedan. “We’ve been eagerly waiting for this moment and are excited to introduce our new Scions in New York. Both the iM and the iA are tremendous additions to our line-up and will appeal to young people with different perspectives and needs. These cars represent the evolution of Scion and are kicking off a new wave of momentum for the brand,” said Scion Group Vice President Doug Murtha. We'll have more information on both Scion models when they are revealed on March 31st. Source: Scion Press Release is on Page 2 Scion’s Double-Take at New York International Auto Show World Debuts of Scion iM 5-door hatchback and Scion iA sedan TORRANCE, Calif., March 18, 2015 – One look at Scion won’t be enough for guests attending the New York International Auto Show. It will take two looks (or more) to see the World Debuts from Scion. Both the Scion iM and the newly named Scion iA will be revealed on the eve of the show, March 31, 2015. The Scion iM is a 5-door hatchback that combines maximum versatility with a sporty design and a fun-to-drive experience. Meanwhile the Scion iA sedan is designed to appeal to young people who need a little more practicality, but still want engaging styling and outstanding driving dynamics. The “i” in the models’ names can stand for intriguing, individual, and easy on customers’ income. The “M” reflects the hatchback’s modern style and multi-faceted uses. Meanwhile the “A” for the sedan denotes the accommodating trunk and the aggressive styling. “We’ve been eagerly waiting for this moment and are excited to introduce our new Scions in New York,” said Scion Group Vice President Doug Murtha. “Both the iM and the iA are tremendous additions to our line-up and will appeal to young people with different perspectives and needs. These cars represent the evolution of Scion and are kicking off a new wave of momentum for the brand.” View full article

Well they don't sell Dodge or Ram products. Only Jeep and that is a big seller for them

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has made the decision to cut the Chrysler brand in the UK to focus more on Jeep. "We have made a decision to shift our focus away from Chrysler and toward other FCA brands," a Chrysler spokesman told Automotive News. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' deputy UK managing director Karl Howkins told Autocar the decision came down to Chrysler products not being very appealing to UK customers and that the CO2 emissions on their lineup were too high. Chrysler sold the 300, Voyager (Town and Country), and a rebadged versions of the Lancia Delta and Ypsilon. According to the UK’s Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, Chrysler only sold 1,982 vehicles last year, down 21 percent when compared to last year. Most of those models sold were the Ypsilon. Howkins went to say dealers were informed of the decision yesterday and would focus on other brands such as Jeep. "The Jeep Renegade is more important to focus on as the volume is much higher. Plus there are more new Alfa and Fiat products coming that we need to focus on," said Howkins. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), Autocar View full article

The Hyundai HCD-15 Santa Cruz concept shown at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show is the automaker's idea of a compact truck with such features as seating for five and a unique bed that can extend to provide more space. With the concept getting raves from the press and auto show visitors, Hyundai has decided to investigate the truck idea further. Reuters reports that a unnamed Hyundai executive told reporters a pickup truck is under consideration. But Park Byung-cheol, a director at Hyundai's R&D division said there were "hurdles" to the production of a truck. Byung-cheol didn't go into detail about what 'hurdles' are. Source: Reuters View full article

Delphi Automotive is undertaking an ambitious cross-country road trip. The supplier announced that it will be taking an Audi SQ5 fitted with the latest self-driving tech on a trip from San Francisco to New York City. The trip will begin on March 22nd and end during the first week of the New York Auto Show. Delphi is planning to run the vehicle for 6 to 8 hours per day with two engineers in the vehicle to make sure all of the tech is working properly. "Delphi had great success testing its car in California and on the streets of Las Vegas. Now it’s time to put our vehicle to the ultimate test by broadening the range of driving conditions. This drive will help us collect invaluable data in our quest to deliver the best automotive grade technologies on the market," said Jeff Owens, Delphi’s chief technology officer. The Audi SQ5 in question mostly looks stock, but features a number of car-to-car communication technologies such as radar, cameras, and lidar laser mapping sensors. Source: Detroit Free Press View full article

Chevrolet is planning something big for the debut of the sixth-generation Camaro. The brand announced this morning what can be described as a jamboree or a big party. They are inviting 1,000 Camaro owners to a day-long celebration on Belle Isle Park in Detroit on May 16th where the brand will show off the new Camaro. But that isn't all Chevrolet has planned for the day. A “Camaro Museum” display of the most significant vehicles from the brand’s history Hot-lap rides in the 2015 Camaro Z/28 around the Belle Isle Grand Prix course Meet-and-greet opportunities with Camaro designers and engineers. Camaro-only parking for owners “This will be an event Camaro fans will not want to miss. This is only the sixth time we have introduced an all-new Camaro. We wanted to share the moment with the customers and fans who have helped make Camaro both America’s favorite performance car for the past five years, and a cultural icon since 1967,” said Todd Christensen, Camaro marketing manager. Now if you own a Camaro and want a chance to be at the unveiling, you can register at thecamarosix.com. Source: Chevrolet Press Release is on Page 2 2016 Camaro Drops Cover on May 16 in Detroit DETROIT – Chevrolet is inviting fans to see the all-new 2016 Camaro on Saturday, May 16, in Detroit. The sixth-generation Camaro will cap a day-long celebration on Belle Isle, the 982-acre island park that is home to the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix. This year’s running is May 29-31. “This will be an event Camaro fans will not want to miss,” said Todd Christensen, Camaro marketing manager. “This is only the sixth time we have introduced an all-new Camaro. We wanted to share the moment with the customers and fans who have helped make Camaro both America’s favorite performance car for the past five years, and a cultural icon since 1967.” Chevrolet expects approximately 1,000 people to attend the Camaro reveal, which will also include: A “Camaro Museum” display of the most significant vehicles from the brand’s history Hot-lap rides in the 2015 Camaro Z/28 around the Belle Isle Grand Prix course Meet-and-greet opportunities with Camaro designers and engineers. Camaro-only parking for owners The event is free, however space is limited and registration is required. Attendance will be allocated with priority given to fans who agree to bring their Camaros to Belle Isle. For more information, or to register, please visit www.thecamarosix.com. View full article

Honda appears to be the next automaker to join the downsized, turbocharged engine craze. Automotive News reports that the next-generation Civic - possibly arriving as early as this year - will feature a turbocharged four-cylinder as its base engine. "Downsized turbocharging will be the base, even for the Civic," said Yoshiharu Yamamoto, global r&d head of Honda. The turbocharged engine will be a 1.5L four-cylinder that will deliver the power of a normally-aspirated 2.0 to 2.4L four-cylinder engine with excellent torque and better fuel efficiency according to Yamamoto. The new engine is expect to go into production later this year at Honda's Anna, Ohio plant. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

The Dodge Charger and Challenger Hellcat models have become a big seller for the brand. Dodge brand head Tim Kuniskis tells Automotive News they have received 9,000 orders for both models, double the amount the company was expecting to sell. This high amount of orders has caused a backlog of models needed to be produced. According to Allpar.com and confirmed by Automotive News, Dodge has temporally suspended orders for Hellcat models while they work through the backlog. “Due to unprecedented demand for the 2015 Dodge Charger and Challenger SRT Hellcats,, we are temporarily restricting orders while we validate current orders that are in the system,” the company said in a statement to Automotive News. Dodge hasn't said when they will end the suspension, but Allpar says they are expected to resume in August. Source: Allpar.com, Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article