NINETY EIGHT REGENCY

Tata Nano retrofitted with four-year warranty to assuage quality fears by Chris Shunk (RSS feed) on Dec 10th 2010 at 2:00PM Tata Nano sales may have started out strong, but a number of price increases and several reports of electrical or exhaust fires have resulted in a huge sales plunge for the world's most affordable vehicle. Last month, Tata sold just 509 copies of the micro mini – a far cry from the massive waiting list for the Nano back in 2009. Automotive News reports that the Indian automaker is looking to once again win over perspective buyers by introducing a four-year factory warranty. What's more, Tata will extend the warranty to all 70,000 owners already in the books. The automaker has attempted to fix the vehicle fire issue as well, offering all 70,000 owners the option of installing "additional safety protection in the exhaust system and the electrical system." Tata claims that foreign contaminants in and around the electrical system and exhaust system could be responsible for the fires. link: http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/10/tata-nano-retrofitted-with-four-year-warranty-to-assuage-quality/

Mitsubishi Sketches New Low Cost Global Small Car FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2010 A new small car will soon join the ranks of Mitsubish's passenger car lineup. Teased in these renderings for the first time, the "global small" vehicle will be produced in a new factory currently being built in Thailand and will go on sale at the end of next year. The subcompact hatch will make use of a new platform and will be offered with 1.0-1.2-liter engines. Mitsubishi said that the "global small" will be positioned as an entry-level model in MMC's model lineup, and plans are to export the vehicle from Thailand to markets worldwide, though the Japanese automaker did not get into any details about country-specific availability. The production version of the low-cost city car will most likely be revealed at the upcoming Geneva Salon in March 2011. link: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2010/12/mitsubishi-sketches-new-low-cost-global.html

Mitsubishi renders new global small car to be built in Thailand by Jeremy Korzeniewski (RSS feed) on Dec 10th 2010 at 9:25AM Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) plans to open a third factory in Thailand at the Laem Chabang Industrial Estate in Chonburi province about 60 miles southeast of Bangkok. The plant will eventually have a production capacity of up to 200,000 new vehicles per year and will produce a new global small car with 1.0-1.2L engines sometime in 2011 and based on a new platform that Mitsubishi promises will be affordable and deliver excellent fuel economy. This new machine will conform to the requirements of Thailand's government-led Eco-car Project but will also be exported to other emerging markets where inexpensive and fuel efficient machines are volume sellers. So far, only a couple tiny renderings have been released of the new machine, which you can see above. Hit the jump for the full details. [source: Mitsubishi] Show full PR text Mitsubishi Motors Corporation Conducts Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony for New Factory at Mitsubishi Motors Thailand Bangkok, December 9, 2010 - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) today conducted a Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony for a new third factory of its Thailand producer and distributor, Mitsubishi Motors Thailand (MMTh) at the site where the new factory is to be built in at the Laem Chabang Industrial Estate in Chonburi province. The ceremony was attended by dignitaries including Thailand's Minister of Industry Chaiwut Bannawat and MMC President Osamu Masuko. The third factory will be built adjacent to the first and second factories, and is planned to start mass production in March 2012. It will produce the "global small" 1.0-1.2L class compact vehicle that MMC plans to launch in fiscal year 2011. Initially, the production capacity of this new factory will be around the 150,000-unit per year level, and in the future it can be boosted to the 200,000-unit per year level. The new factory is planned to hire around 3,000 new staffs. The "global small" to be produced at the new factory will be a new vehicle based on a completely new platform currently being developed by MMC with "compact," "affordability," and "fuel efficiency" as the basic concepts for the vehicle. The "global small" will conform to Thailand's Eco-car Project, implemented by the Thai government with the objective of promoting investment in Thailand's automobile industry and reduction of dependence on fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions. The "global small" will be positioned as an entry model in MMC's model lineup, and plans are to export the vehicle from Thailand to markets worldwide as a global strategic vehicle that corresponds to both market needs of emerging countries, for which demand for automobiles is expected to increase, and advanced nations, where vehicle downsizing is increasing in order to correspond to energy issues in addition to environmental awareness. Minister Chaiwut Bannawat expressed his pleasure at the ceremony: "It's my great pleasure that Mitsubishi Motors Thailand's factory becomes a part of our Eco-car Project. This Mitsubishi factory will bring to Thailand many technologies for automobile production and lead to improve labor skills for auto industry as well as related industries." In addition, MMC President Masuko added "It's a great honor to have this memorable day for the construction of the third factory. From the beginning, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has strongly believed in Thailand's potential as the production hub for global markets; now Mitsubishi Motors Thailand became the production base of our 1-ton pickup. We share the Thai government's environmental concerns and we have made Thailand the global production hub for the "global small." link: http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/10/mitsubishi-renders-new-global-small-car-to-be-built-in-thailand/

Toyota and Honda Hold Back as the Rest of Japan’s Automakers Go Electric THURSDAY, DECEMBER 09, 2010 The electric vehicle market in Japan is now burgeoning. Once the mainstay of small independents building low speed, short range Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs), major manufacturers including Nissan, Mitsubishi and Subaru are now hopping on the EV train in the hopes of raking in some greenie revenue. With its U.S. launch mere weeks away, Nissan already has 6,000 orders in Japan and a further 20,000 in the United States for its lithium-ion powered Leaf EV. The automaker has so many orders, in fact, that they won’t be taking any more. As you would expect, Nissan Chief Operating Office Toshiyuki Shiga is one happy man: "We believe this will be the beginning of the new era for the world's automobile industry, as well as a sustainable low-carbon society.” The Leaf follows the 2009 launch of the Subaru plug-in electric Stella and Mitsubishi’s i-MiEV EVs. Heavyweights Toyota and Honda are also planning similar vehicles for 2012. Shigeru Matsumura, an automotive analyst for Japan’s SMBC Friend Research Center believes that the high price of EVs and the lack of recharging infrastructure are the biggest hurdles to profitability the major automakers face. Lengthy recharge times and limited range are also an continuing issue for many consumers and automakers alike. Toyota and Honda appear to agree, with both companies keeping their focus on hybrids and fuel cell vehicles until EVs have a greater presence on the market. Matsumura, however, believes the market is unlikely to flourish unless Toyota and Honda get in on the party: "Japan's big three all need to join to develop the market. This is the likely scenario which will bring down high EV prices and help EVs become more common.” Toyota’s Executive Vice President Takeshi Uchiyamada, however, is standing his ground: "EVs will spread first for short-range runs. We do not expect a fast spread of EVs." The Nissan Leaf, which will be unleashed onto the U.S. market on the 11th of December, has an effective EPA fuel economy rating of 99 mpg and a range of 117 km. It will go head to head with GM’s locally produced Volt, which launches nine days later on the 20th of the month. By Tristan Hankins link: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2010/12/toyota-and-honda-hold-back-as-rest-of.html

Tata to offer 4-year warranty on Nano Safety fears after several models catch fire Automotive News Europe -- December 9, 2010 08:16 CET MUMBAI (Reuters) -- India's Tata Motors Ltd. will offer a four-year manufacturer's warranty on Nano cars. It's a perk that will be extended to all existing customers of the vehicle. There have been concerns over the car's safety after several of them caught fire in the last year. Last month the company announced it would contact the 70,000 Nano owners to offer them the option of installing "additional safety protection in the exhaust system and the electrical system." "We have noticed instances of additional foreign electrical equipment having been installed or foreign material left on the exhaust system," Tata said at the time. Indian business daily newspaper The Economic Times reported last month that at least seven such incidents had been reported. Sales of the Nano, launched by Tata Motors to much fanfare in March 2009 as the world's cheapest car, dropped to just 509 in November, an 85 percent reduction from a year earlier despite a surging Indian auto market. The Nano was launched at $2,500 and targeted Indians wanting to upgrade from motorcycles. Read more: http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20101209/ANE/312099983/1282#ixzz17d9LAT3m

Report: Tata to go on Motown hiring binge by Chris Shunk (RSS feed) on Dec 6th 2010 at 8:28AM The state of Michigan has been especially hard-hit by the Great Recession, slow auto sales and the 2009 bankruptcies of General Motors and Chrysler, but there appears to be a bit of employment help on the way from an unlikely source. Drive reports that Tata Motors subsidiary Tata Technologies is looking to hire 400 workers at its Detroit-area technical center. Tata Technologies is a supplier for several auto companies in North America. Tata is looking for designers, engineers and professionals with experience dealing with product lifecycle, and these aren't jobs that will be filled over some prolonged period of time. Tata plans to expand by January 3, 2011 to fill what communications director Dan Saad says "are a result of new automotive program work our engineering and our PLM/Consulting groups have won over the past months." We're thinking that these jobs will come as welcome news to hundreds of families. And with many of those jobs being filled in time for the holidays, we can't think of much better timing. link: http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/06/report-tata-to-go-on-motown-hiring-binge/

MERCEDES TO USE RENAULT-NISSAN SOURCED DIESEL By Drew Johnson Looking to take advantage of a recent strategic alliance, Mercedes-Benz will use a Renault-Nissan sourced turbo-diesel for the next-generation of its A- and B-Class vehicles. According to Autocar, Mercedes-Benz will use Renault-Nissan’s 128 horsepower 1.6L turbo-diesel in its forthcoming A- and B-Class models. Mercedes’ next-generation of small cars will likely hit the market sometime next year. The deal also paves the path for Renault-Nissan to use Mercedes’ 2.0L gas engine, as well as the firm’s V6 and V8 engines. As reported on these pages before, a turbocharged 3.5L V6 and a 6.2L V8 will likely find their way in to Infiniti’s IPL performance line. The two sides have already begun development on three- and four-cylinder engines that will eventually appear in the Mercedes A- and B-Class cars, as well as Renault’s Clio and Megane vehicles. link: http://www.leftlanenews.com/mercedes-to-uses-renault-nissan-sourced-diesel.html

Report: Renault-Nissan engines to power future Mercedes, Smart models by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) on Dec 8th 2010 at 3:58PM The door metaphorically adjoining the offices of Msr. Ghosn and Dr. Zetsche swings both ways. The two executives – heads of Daimler and the Renault-Nissan Alliance respectively – signed a deal that would see the two auto groups collaborating on future products. So far all the reports appear to be benefiting Nissan – including the latest on AMG engines in Infiniti Performance Line models – but the latest indicate a measure of reciprocation. According to the wire coming in from across the pond, the next generation of Mercedes-Benz A- and B-Class hatchbacks will be powered by Renault-Nissan's new 128-hp 1.6-liter turbodiesel four. Beyond that, the two auto groups will reportedly begin developing a new range of small engines, similar to the engine program between BMW and PSA Peugeot-Citroën. Their displacements will, according to reports, range from 1.2 liters to 1.8, cylinder counts from three to four and coming in both gasoline and diesel formats, to be used in a broad range of small cars bearing Mercedes, Smart, Nissan and Renault badges. link: http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/08/report-renault-nissan-engines-to-power-future-mercedes-smart-m/

RAM READYING DIESEL, HYBRID HALF-TON PICKUPS? By Andrew Ganz A few years ago, rumors of diesel-powered half-ton trucks were all-but-confirmed by nearly every automaker, but a tough industry and a declining truck market killed the notion. Until, perhaps, now. Chrysler dealers use an online database called Star to order new vehicles and access parts catalogs. The latest update includes a new model for the Ram 1500 range: A 5.0-liter diesel V8. Also showing up in the system is the return of a hybrid-electric powertrain – listed as a transmission, indicating a possible return of Chrysler’s short-lived hybrid system. The diesel, according to Allpar, could be a lighter duty Cummins-sourced powertrain smaller than the 6.7-liter unit used on 2500 and 3500 Rams. What Allpar isn’t so sure about is the hybrid powertrain. For a brief period, Chrysler offered a hybrid powertrain in its Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen SUVs, but the automaker pulled the plug just a few months into production. Since then, we’ve seen Ram hybrids on the road, but no official word has ever emerged from Auburn Hills. The Star ordering system suggests that the hybrid-electric powertrain would be the two-mode transmission drive unit developed primarily by General Motors with input from Chrysler and BMW. Details are sketchy at best, but they do offer a hint and some details about a mid-cycle upgrade that is said to be just around the corner for the Ram. Stay tuned. link: http://www.leftlanenews.com/ram-readying-diesel-hybrid-half-ton-pickups.html

I will let the video speak for me: 1. No more six passenger cars left 2. No more true full-sized cars left 3. No more rear drive cars that are affordable left 4. No more cars that are this loaded with options at this price or lower left. 5. No more cars out there that look "American" and not generic.

Chrysler planning Ram 1500 diesel and hybrid models? by Jeremy Korzeniewski (RSS feed) on Dec 7th 2010 at 10:30AM Pickup truck fans have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of light-duty diesel engines in half-ton trucks for the past several years, and it now appears that at least one automaker is about to deliver. According to a report from the all-Mopar-knowing minds at Allpar.com, Chrysler's dealer computer system is showing new entries for a diesel-powered Ram 1500 in regular and Quad Cab configurations. In addition, the list of transmission options for the diesel reportedly includes what appears to be the long-awaited hybrid unit that was last seen in the short-lived Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen models. Is it possible that Chrysler plans to mate its hybridized automatic with the fuel-sipping and torque-laden diesel? We have no way of verifying whether or not these high-efficiency trucks are scheduled for impending shipment to dealers, but we're pretty stoked by the idea of a 5.0-liter V8 from the diesel experts at Cummins – assuming the automaker can manage to keep the price reasonable. Thanks to everyone for the tips! [source: Allpar.com] link: http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/07/chrysler-planning-ram-1500-diesel-and-hybrid-models/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EV_usLZwd0A http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5cX_ncZLls&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHh-JRORFBs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2yCShdbJdc

Proton Shows Mitsubishi Lancer EVO X Lookalike Concept of Inspira with 240HP Turbo Engine FRIDAY, DECEMBER 03, 2010 The 2010 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show at the Putra World Trade Centre in Malaysia saw local automaker and owner of Lotus, Proton, revealing a host of concept models including a sport prototype of the recently launched Inspira called the Jebat. Needless to say, it's clearly inspired from the Mitsubishi Lancer EVO X. As you may remember, the Inspira is a rebadged Mitsubishi Lancer sedan and is the result of an OEM collaboration between the Malaysian automaker and Mitsubishi Japan. However, we're not so sure if Mitsubishi had this in mind when it was signing the agreement with Proton. In any case, the Jebat study, which could very well lead to a similar production model, features a wide body kit with blistered wheel arches and splashes of matte black paint all around the car. Power is provided by a turbocharged 4-cylinder MiVEC engine producing 237HP (177kW) at 6,000 rpm and 343Nm of peak torque at 3,000 rpm. No word if the pseudo-EVO (that does have a nice ring to it, doesn't it?) comes with the real EVOs four-wheel drive system, but Proton has announced that the Jebat completes the standard 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint in 5.6 seconds and tops out at 232 km/h or 144 mph. Via: Proton and CBT link: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2010/12/proton-shows-mitsubishi-lancer-evo-x.html

Is the Lotus Europa set to be reborn as a Proton? by Jeff Glucker (RSS feed) on Dec 3rd 2010 at 2:29PM The Lotus Europa died so that the Evora could live. Now it seems that Lotus-owner Proton is looking to revive the Europa and stick the Proton badge on the bodywork. The resulting Proton-badged Europa would provide a relatively affordable sports car for the Malaysian market. In fact, this very car has recently popped up in the form of the Proton Lekir Concept, which is essentially a tiger-badged Europa. If this conceptual car ever comes to fruition, we'll be interested to see how the Malaysian market would respond to a Lotus they can truly call their own. link: http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/03/is-the-lotus-europa-set-to-be-reborn-as-a-proton/

Video: GT5 vs. Real Life, Nürburgring Edition by Jeff Glucker (RSS feed) on Dec 2nd 2010 at 8:01PM Denis Malevanyi is one skilled hot shoe and he can hustle a BMW M3 around the 'Ring with the best of them. He's also pretty good at driving virtual cars in simulation series like Race2Play, as well as in Gran Turismo 5. We've seen how a virtual driver's skill can translate when placed into reality, but Malevanyi already knows what he's doing behind the wheel. He recently captured video of himself running the Nürburgring in an E92 M3, both in reality and the digital world, and stacked the footage together. Hop the jump to see how he does in both versions. Thanks for the tip, Daniel! link: http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/02/video-gt5-vs-real-life-nurburgring-edition/

Leave a Facebook comment, win a copy of Gran Turismo 5! by John Neff (RSS feed) on Dec 2nd 2010 at 3:30PM We've already said our peace when it comes to Gran Turismo 5, but reports keep coming in that early adopters are having a grand old time playing Polyphony Digital's opus on their PS3s. Didn't camp out at Best Buy last week to purchase your copy at midnight? No worries, that's why you read Autoblog. We're giving away one unopened copy of Gran Turismo 5 on our Facebook page, and entering is easy peasy. In order to enter, simply "Like" the Autoblog Facebook page (just click the button above), then check our FB page in a few minutes for this post to appear on our Wall (it's live now!). Once it's live, leave a comment on that Wall post (here's the link again) to enter the giveaway. Done. Feel free to "Like" the post itself so your Facebook friends can see the giveaway, and remember to allow direct messages in your Facebook privacy settings. So no one gets confused, we've turned off commenting on this post since only a comment on the Facebook post will earn you an entry. To enter the Gran Turismo 5 giveaway: "Like" the Autoblog Facebook page. Leave a comment on the Facebook Wall post titled "Leave a Facebook comment, win a copy of Gran Turismo 5!" You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the U.S. or Canada, excluding Quebec. Limit 1 entry per person. The entry period ends at 3:00PM ET on Friday, December 3. At that time, we'll select 1 winner from the eligible commenters to receive a copy of Gran Turismo 5 for the Playstation 3 valued at approximately $60. Make sure your Facebook privacy settings allow for direct messages to receive notification in the event you win. Standard giveaway rules apply for everything else. link: http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/02/leave-a-facebook-comment-win-a-copy-of-gran-turismo-5/

My choice: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCJ87KLOZCs&feature=related

Report: NHTSA opens safety probes into older Honda CR-V, Kia Optima models by Zach Bowman (RSS feed) on Nov 29th 2010 at 6:01PM The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration is looking into issues with 2006 Honda CR-V models and 2007 Kia Optimas. According to The Detroit News, both vehicles have garnered a fairly small number of complaints – just three each – for separate problems. In the case of the CR-V models, owners have experienced electrical failures that led to fires in the driver's side door. Owners claim that the master window switch overheated, causing the damage. NHTSA is looking into around 150,000 of the Honda models. Meanwhile, the agency is investigating 41,000 Kia Optimas for faulty transmission shift cables. Owners have reported problems with the cables becoming detached from the transmission, effectively locking the vehicle into or out of gear. In one case, a vehicle rolled away after being shut off. The Detroit News reports that Kia has issued a service bulletin concerning improperly-installed shift cables that may detach over time. link: http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/29/report-nhtsa-opens-safety-probes-into-older-honda-cr-v-kia-opt/

NHTSA PROBING 2006 HONDA CR-V, 2007 KIA OPTIMA OVER SAFETY CONCERNS By Drew Johnson The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced it has two separate safety probes involving the Honda CR-V and the Kia Optima. The first investigation, involving the 2006 Honda CR-V, is due to an electrical issue. The NHTSA is investigating complaints that the vehicle’s master power window switch is defective, causing the melting or burning or related electrical wiring components. The NHTSA has only received three complaints about the issue, but all of them have involved a vehicle fire. If a recall is issued, it could include 150,000 2006 CR-V models. In a separate investigation, the NHTSA is looking into complaints involving the 2007 Kia Optima. The complaints allege that the vehicle’s automatic transmission cable can become detached, preventing the car from engaging any gears. Three complaints have been filed, with one involving “a rollaway incident after parking the vehicle.” Kia previously issues a technical service bulletin for the 2006-07 Optima for a similar problem, but no recall was ever issued. If the most recent investigation necessitates a recall, 41,000 vehicles could be involved. link: http://www.leftlanenews.com/nhtsa-probing-2006-honda-cr-v-2007-kia-optima-over-safety-concerns.html

Dispute With Distributor Continues to Keep Mahindra Out of U.S. By Byron Pope WardsAuto.com, Nov 24, 2010 9:00 AM The feud between distributor Global Vehicles U.S.A. Inc. and auto maker Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. is growing more contentious by the day, and no solution appears in sight. The argument, which continues to keep Mahindra vehicles out of the U.S. market, stems from a series of long delays in delivering a small diesel pickup produced in India. Alphareta, GA-based Global Vehicles, earlier inked a deal to be the sole distributor of the 2- and 4-door trucks, but Mumbai-based Mahindra continues to refuse to ship the vehicles, contending its contract with the distributor has expired. Global Vehicles has turned to the courts to end the stalemate. “Originally, it was 2008, and then it was moved to September 2009,” Global Vehicles CEO John Perez tells Ward’s. “And then it moved to March 2010, and then September 2010.” Perez says the delay has put thousands of jobs in jeopardy. “We are ready to sell trucks, and that remains our goal,” Perez says. “By our calculation, Mahindra’s delays and disruptions are putting more than 8,300 potential jobs at risk at our dealers, at the ports, in the trucking industry and throughout the supply base.” Also at stake is the $35 million Global Vehicles paid Mahindra for exclusive distribution rights for the pickups and spent on product and brand development, as well as dealer and administrative costs. The importer represents 347 U.S. dealers who put up a large portion of that money. Perez says numerous attempts to contact Mahindra to work out the dispute have gone ignored. U.S. debut of Mahindra & Mahindra small diesel pickup delayed. Shipments were delayed initially because diesel engines had not passed U.S. emission standards, but the trucks now are certified. The latest order, worth $35 million and placed in September, was “improperly rejected” by Mahindra, Perez contends. “We placed this substantial order in good faith, because we want to get down to business and so do our dealers,” he says, noting some 30,000 “hand-raisers” have expressed interest in purchasing the truck. A Mahindra spokeswoman declines comment, instead pointing to an earlier press release issued by the auto maker in which it disputes Global Vehicles’ allegations. “Mahindra views this order as another example of Global Vehicles’ policy of engaging in PR theatrics while pursuing an unnecessary lawsuit,” the auto maker says. “This is Global Vehicles’ continued attempt to manipulate the press to damage Mahindra's reputation.” Perez alleges Mahindra all along planned not to honor the contract, citing the auto maker’s insistence that a last-minute addition to the original contract be made. The added clause, which Perez refers to as the “famous clause 10,” stipulates the agreement would be null and void should the pickups not receive U.S. certification prior to June 11, which was the last deadline set by Global Vehicles after extending the original certification date three times. Perez says Mahindra deliberately delayed the certification process until the clause went into effect, announcing Aug. 20 the vehicles were certified for sale. “Ten days after (the clause) went into effect, they applied for certification and got it,” he says. Global Vehicles has a federal suit in Georgia to determine whether Mahindra is violating its contractual rights. Additionally, a request for arbitration was filed by Global Vehicles in London, considered a neutral site for settling the disagreement. Perez says Mahindra has breached distribution contracts with others in a similar fashion. “They’ve done it in South Africa, Australia and Italy,” he says. “They signed up distributors, let them set up (the distribution channel) and then took over. Big auto companies have ways to squeeze small distributors like us out.” In statements, Mahindra does not directly address Global Vehicles’ allegations, but does say it is seeking another avenue to bring its pickups to the U.S. “Mahindra believes that this is an attempt by Global Vehicles to distract Mahindra from pursuing other plans to bring its vehicle to the U.S. market,” the auto maker says. “The contract with Global Vehicles has expired. In light of this fact, Mahindra will be contacting U.S. dealers to make other arrangements for distribution.” Despite the ongoing dispute, Perez still hopes the two sides can come to an agreement and Global Vehicles can start retailing the pickups. “The product is a great product and has a great future in this country.” There’s no timetable yet for when the Global Vehicles lawsuit, filed in an Atlanta federal district court, will be reviewed. link: http://wardsauto.com/home/dispute_mahindra_us_101124/

I understand where you are coming from. I had the same problem at Oldsmobile Forums. I had to delete all of that stuff as Admin. Now we do not allow new members to post photos and things like that because of spam. I think it is a good idea. I just never thought it would spread here. I have to post the news here and after I post the news in the morning I then go over to Oldsmobile Forums and check for spam and the like and post any news I may find. I totally understand.

MAHINDRA INKS DEAL TO PURCHASE SSANGYONG By Drew Johnson India’s Mahindra & Mahindra has officially been named the new owner of South Korea-based Ssangyong. Mahindra was named the leading bidder for Ssangyong earlier this year. Per the terms of the deal, Mahindra will invest $463.6 million in Ssangyong, giving the Indian automaker a 70 percent stake in the company. The deal is set to be completed by March 2011. “Together with its financial capability, Mahindra offers competence in sourcing and marketing strategy while Ssangyong has strong capabilities in technology,” Mahindra President Pawan Goenka said in the statement. “We are committed to leveraging the combined synergies by investing in a new Ssangyong product portfolio to gain momentum in global markets.” Ssangyong was previously owned by China’s SAIC, but fell into bankruptcy protection since early 2009. Mahindra expects the purchase to give it access to “emerging and growing markets,” including Russia. References link: http://www.leftlanenews.com/mahindra-inks-deal-to-purchase-ssangyong.html

Mahindra reportedly inks deal to buy Ssangyong for $463M by Zach Bowman (RSS feed) on Nov 23rd 2010 at 4:01PM Indian automaker Mahindra & Mahindra has officially sunk its teeth into South Korean automaker Ssangyong to the tune of $463.6 million. For that low, low price Mahindra has effectively walked away with a 70 percent controlling stake in Ssangyong through the purchase of newly released shares in the company and existing corporate bonds. The move follows up on a pact to acquire Ssangyong that Mahindra signed earlier this year, and according to The Wall Street Journal, the two companies look to close the deal by March of next year. According to Mahindra, the match is a partnership made in heaven, with the Indian carmaker able to supply both cash and marketing grunt that should mesh well with Ssangyong's technological prowess. We're guessing that the South Korean carmaker is just glad to have someone to help pull it out of the throws of bankruptcy. link: http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/23/mahindra-reportedly-inks-deal-to-buy-ssangyong-for-463m/

BMW, Mercedes to shorten Christmas breaks as sales rebound BMW's production shutdown at its Dingolfing plant (shown) will be as short as possible to keep up with demand for its 7-, 6- and 5-series models. November 23, 2010 06:01 CET BERLIN (Bloomberg) -- BMW AG and Mercedes-Benz will shorten Christmas breaks at their factories because of surging demand for new models. BMW's German plants in Dingolfing and Leipzig will stay open over the holidays after halting output for about three weeks in 2009. Dingolfing makes the new-generation 5-series and Leipzig produces the strong-selling X1 crossover introduced last year. Mercedes's Hamburg factory, which supplies parts to vehicles including the Mercedes E- and S-class sedans, will also remain in operation through the holidays. Luxury-vehicle demand is bouncing back from the financial crisis on a rebound in the United States and growth in China. BMW and Mercedes each target sales growth of more than 10 percent this year. Audi, the luxury unit of Volkswagen AG, plans to add shifts next month to cope with record orders. “This is the first strong signal that the boom over the last few months can continue into next year,” said Juergen Pieper, a Frankfurt-based analyst with Bankhaus Metzler. Bonus boost A shortened holiday shutdown probably is a sign German luxury carmakers are gaining share, Himanshu Patel, an analyst at JP Morgan Securities LLC in New York, said Monday in a new report about Johnson Controls Inc. JCI generates about half of its auto-parts revenue in Europe, where vehicle production in the fourth quarter probably will be higher than analysts estimate, Patel wrote in a report. Boosting demand for luxury vehicles, investment banks are rewarding workers with promotions as they recover from the financial crisis. Goldman Sachs Group Inc., the most profitable securities firm in Wall Street history, last week named a record number of employees managing director, boosting their pay and status. The United States is the world's largest luxury-car market. BMW, which makes the Mini and Rolls-Royce models in addition to its own brand, increased sales worldwide by 13 percent to 1.19 million vehicles through October, while deliveries of Mercedes and the Smart city car rose 12 percent to 1.04 million. Capacity limits BMW produces the recently overhauled 5 series, and the 6- and 7-series models in Dingolfing, the carmaker's largest plant. The X1, introduced late last year, and 1-series compact are assembled in Leipzig. “Production capacity is the limiting factor at the moment,” said Michael Rebstock, a spokesman for BMW. “We are producing as much as we can and are happy for every additional shift we can get.” Some BMW factories will still stop production around the Christmas and New Year's holidays to carry out necessary maintenance and to restock supplies, Rebstock said. “This year we're keeping the breaks as short as possible, while last year we had them as long as possible,” he said. Daimler's Hamburg plant, which makes exhaust systems, axles and steering columns, will remain in operation through the holidays, said Nicole Kicherer, a spokeswoman for Daimler in Stuttgart. Most auto factories will halt production between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day, which would be about one to two weeks shorter than last year, she said. Porsche, Audi VW's Audi and sports-car maker Porsche AG have no plans to shorten the Christmas shutdown. Audi will shutter its German factories in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm as planned between Dec. 23 and Jan. 7, also to carry out end-of-year maintenance on production lines, said Ralf Mattes, spokesman for Audi's works council. Still, Audi will add shifts in December on Saturdays and overnight from Sundays to Mondays “to cope with record orders,” Mattes said. Audi's plant in Brussels, where the new A1 compact is made, will resume production already on Jan. 3, he said, noting the carmaker's five factories decide on winter breaks individually. Porsche will shut its main plant in Zuffenhausen from Dec. 24 to 31, while a factory in Leipzig, where the Cayenne SUV and Panamera sedan are assembled, will be closed from Dec. 24 to Jan. 9, spokesman Heiner von der Laden said. The sports-car maker has no plans to add shifts. Read more: http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20101123/ANE/311239979/1193#ixzz167RNvHkt

Mahindra to buy 70% Ssangyong stake for $378 million Staff and Wire Reports Automotive News Europe -- November 23, 2010 06:01 CET Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., India's largest SUV maker, will pay 427.1 billion won ($378 million) for a controlling stake in Ssangyong Motor Co., the companies said Tuesday. Mahindra, which aims to widen its model range and boost sales overseas, will take a 70 percent stake by buying new shares in the deal, which needs approval from Ssangyong creditors. Mahindra also will buy 95.4 billion won (about $84 million) of new bonds from Pyeongtaek-based Ssangyong. Mahindra expects to complete the acquisition by March, the company said. The automaker was named the preferred bidder in August. Read more: http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20101123/ANE/311239994/1117#ixzz166ymcqNn