Drew Dowdell

Nobody gets young buyers. Young buyers can't afford new cars.

My parents both only drove manuals until my mother was injured at work and couldn't do it anymore. My sister and I were both taught on manuals.

The ES is still sporting a 6 speed automatic

Nouveau riche and pseudo riche Americans are a funny lot. They don't mind if their aspirational brands come down to meet their already stretched wallets, but don't go any lower than that. With this new A-Class, Mercedes is now playing in mid-range Civic and Altima territory. Sure, both of those cars are larger, but for social climbers who only see the badge, that won't matter. And that will mean that a bunch of hoi polloi are devaluing the brand when they should be driving Civics. It really should have been Benz who bought Opel, not PSA.

I'm sure somewhere in the history of the company they have an old nameplate the can resurrect. With SMART, there is no need for a new dealership network. No new logos. Just an increase in inventory. So few people know about SMART to care. That said, I'd also suggest they re-launch as an exclusively EV and Plug-in Hybrid brand ala Prius or Ionq, with no purely gasoline models at all.

Benz really needs a marque below the main brand. Keep SMART even... just expand it to an actual lineup of real cars that people will buy. Platform share with real benz if needed.

I"m hoping they keep the longer looking hood

Ford announced today that once the current Ford Focus ends production in mid-2018, the model will shift production of the 2019 Ford Focus to China rather than Mexico. The Focus is currently built at Ford's Michigan Assembly in Wayne, MI along side the C-Max Hybrid. It has been known since mid-2015 that Focus production would be moving out of the U.S. once this model run was finished. During the 2016 Presidential election, then Candidate Trump criticized Ford for the move to Mexico, however Ford pointed out that they were making room for the upcoming Ford Ranger and Ford Bronco and that no jobs at Wayne Assembly will be lost as it retools for truck and SUV production. The Ford Focus will be the third vehicle sold in the United States built in China. The other models currently manufactured in China for U.S. consumption are the Volvo S60 Inscription and the Buick Envision. Ford states this move will save $500 million on top of $500 million projected from a move to Mexico. Part of that savings comes from a reduction of the number of plants. Ford will only re-tool the plant in China rather than both China and North America. In the same announcement, Ford stated they will spend $900 million to retool its Kentucky Truck plant for the new 2018 Ford Expedition and 2018 Lincoln Navigator. No word as to which vehicle will take the place of the Focus in the Mexico plant. Press Release on Page 2 Source: Ford Media, Picture courtesy of Ford Motor Company FORD INVESTS IN KY. PLANT TO BUILD NEW EXPEDITION, NAVIGATOR; SMART, SPACIOUS NEW FOCUS FOR N.A. TO BE GLOBALLY SOURCED Ford is investing $900 million in Kentucky Truck Plant, securing 1,000 U.S. hourly jobs to build all-new Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator All-new Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator to be exported to more than 55 markets globally – including Navigator to China; the company is a top auto exporter in the U.S. Exciting new Ford Focus on the way for North American customers beginning in 2019 with more technology, more space and a number of new Focus models. Next-generation Focus for North America will be globally sourced primarily from China – rather than Hermosillo, Mexico – with production starting in the second half of 2019. Current model production ends in mid-2018 This manufacturing plan allows the company to further grow its leadership as an exporter and deliver world-class Focus to North American customers in a way that makes business sense – with no U.S. employees out of a job Ford is saving $1 billion in investment costs versus its original Focus production plan, improving the financial health of its Focus business and further improving manufacturing scale in China – all helping create a more operationally fit company DEARBORN, Mich., June 20, 2017 – Ford today announced manufacturing actions centered on improving the company’s operational fitness and building vehicles that excite customers around the world. Ford is investing $900 million in Kentucky Truck Plant for plant upgrades to build the all-new Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator, which begin arriving in dealerships this fall. Both full-size SUVs will be exported to more than 55 markets globally – including Navigator to China. Ford is a top auto exporter in the U.S. The $900 million investment secures 1,000 jobs for hourly workers at the Louisville plant. This is in addition to the $1.3 billion investment and 2,000 jobs created at that plant in late 2015 to build the all-new Ford Super Duty. Kentucky Truck employs nearly 7,600 full-time hourly workers – and Ford has more U.S. hourly workers and builds more vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker. “Large SUVs are attracting a new generation around the world – and we’re finding new ways to deliver the capability, versatility and technology that customers around the world really want with our all-new Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford executive vice president and president, Global Operations. “At the same time, we also have looked at how we can be more successful in the small car segment and deliver even more choices for customers in a way that makes business sense.” Ford’s next-generation Ford Focus will be more spacious and packed with technology that customers want. Production begins in the second half of 2019, with models coming from the company’s existing Focus plants globally. Most new North American Focus models initially will come from China, with additional variants coming from Europe later. No U.S. hourly employees will be out of a job tied to the new manufacturing plan for Focus. Production of the current North American Focus at the Michigan Assembly Plant continues through mid-2018. Following that, the plant will be converted to produce the Ranger midsize pickup truck in late 2018 and the Bronco midsize SUV in 2020. The new North America Focus production plan saves $1 billion in investment costs versus the original plan – $500 million on top of the $500 million savings announced earlier this year by cancelling plans for an all-new manufacturing facility in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, and moving Focus production to Ford’s Hermosillo, Mexico, plant. “Finding a more cost-effective way to deliver the next Focus program in North America is a better plan, allowing us to redeploy the money we save into areas of growth for the company – especially sport utilities, commercial vehicles, performance vehicles as well as mobility, autonomous vehicles and electrified vehicles,” Hinrichs said. View full article

How would the company that didn't get the sale know it didn't get the sale?

The mechanical changes are done already. The Lacrosse is getting the 9-speed and already had an 8-speed.

Why not? They make the Eclass and the CLS.

Ford of Germany and StreetScooter GmbH a subsidiary of Deutsche Post, Germany's postal service, are teaming up to build 2500 electric powered Ford Transit delivery vans by the end of 2018. StreetScooter and Ford begin production next month. Production starts with a standard Ford Transit chassis and then it is fitted with a battery-electric drive train and a cargo body based on Deutsche Post's and DHL Paket's (yet another Deutsche Post subsidiary) specifications. StreetScooter already manufactures small EV vans and cycles for delivery service. No word yet on range or charge times, however the new EV Vans are intended for urban use, suggesting a limited range and charge time. Source: Ford Media, Picture courtesy of Ford View full article

Mercedes has informed dealers that there will be another sedan heading their way for 2018. Mercedes-Benz has decided the US is finally ready for the A-Class. Mercedes has previously shown the 2011 A-class concept in the U.S., but did not send that model over. Currently, the smallest and least expensive Mercedes sold in the U.S. is the Mercedes-Benz CLA, a 4-door fastback sedan that Benz calls a 4-door coupe. When the CLA originally debuted in the U.S. in 2013, it started at $29,900 before delivery charge. It has since crept up to $32,700. This new A-Class is expected to start below the $30k mark. Previously, the A-Class was only sold as a hatchback (2017 A-Class in European Spec shown right), a bodystyle not particularly popular in the U.S. The 2018 A-Class will be the first time the model is offered as a sedan. The A-Class will use the same front-wheel-drive platform as the current CLA and GLA and is expected to utilize similar powertrain arrangements. The 2018 Mercedes Benz A-Class sedan is expected to go on sales in the U.S. in September of 2018 with sales in other markets (read: Europe) next spring and China to follow. Look for the A-Class reveal at one of the auto shows during Fall 2017. Source: Automotive news (Subscription Required) View full article

The fact that I can get the 3.5 V6 paired with an 8-speed in the Camry would cinch that decision for me. Toyota's V6es perform far better than their numbers suggest they should.

I contacted my friend in Cadillac PR. He doesn't have the percentage of conquest sales handy, but he did say this: "our top inflow rates come from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, and Audi (in that order)"

Wow! They didn't update this to the 8-speed or 9-speed! WTF? I'm okay with the exterior refresh... the interior doesn't look changed enough to matter. Clearly Cadillac is just going to hang on to this for whatever sales they can get while the amortize out the costs for the Lacrosse and Impala.

2018 is setting up to be an interesting year. Like a rare celestial event, the two biggest players in one of the largest segments will both be releasing all new versions of their mid-size sedans. Toyota has already shown the all-new 2018 Toyota Camry earlier this year at the Detroit Auto Show, and on July 14th it is Honda's turn with the 10th Generation Accord. Earlier this month we wrote that the 2018 Honda Accord will no longer offer a V6, instead opting for two turbo-direct-injected engines in 1.5T and 2.0T configurations or a next-generation two-motor Hybrid. Three transmissions will be available depending on engine; a 10-speed automatic, a CVT, or a 6-speed manual. Performance specifics will be shared during the live event. In the concept teaser image shared by Honda, we can see the latest face of Honda under a muscular looking and long hood. Honda promises that the 2018 Accord will be the most dramatically styled Accord ever. (not a high bar to cross - DD) While Toyota takes the overall sales crown in the midsize segment, Honda is quick to point out that the Accord enjoys higher retail sales, which is a gentle jab at Toyota for increasing fleet sales. It's rare that we get to see two such heavyweights fight it out with brand new models released in the same model year, with additional competition coming from the redesigned 2018 Hyundai Sonata, and Nissan likely following the year after with the Altima, it will be interesting to see who comes out on top. We will have more information posted on July 14th during the live reveal in Detroit. Honda press release on page 2 Source: Honda Media, Picture courtesy of Honda America. World Debut of Dramatically-styled 10th Generation Honda Accord Set for July 14 June 19, 2017 - TORRANCE, Calif. Live in Detroit and via Livestream on YouTube at 11:00 a.m. EDT Concept sketch reveals dramatic new styling direction America's best-selling (retail) midsize sedan gets complete remake from ground-up Honda today released a concept sketch highlighting the aggressive stance and proportion of the all-new 2018 Honda Accord that will make its global debut in Detroit and via YouTube Livestream (honda.us/2018AccordReveal) on July 14, at 11:00 a.m. EDT. The all-new Accord – the most fun-to-drive, premium and dramatically styled Accord ever – is the 10th generation of America's best-selling midsize sedan, the number one choice of individual American car buyers cumulatively since 20101. Earlier this month, the company announced plans for a new Accord that will feature three powerful and fuel-efficient powertrains, including two new direct-injected and turbocharged engines paired with either a new Honda-developed 10-speed automatic transmission, CVT or a 6-speed manual transmission depending upon engine, as well as the next-generation of Honda's two-motor hybrid powertrain technology. Honda will share additional details of its powertrain performance, along with the new design and technology at the event. A perennial best-seller with American car buyers, the Accord has been the U.S. retail sales leader in the midsize sedan segment for four straight years (2013-2016). For the first five months of 2017, based on retail sales to individual buyers, Accord is the top selling midsize sedan in America and the second best-selling passenger car overall, surpassed only by the new Honda Civic2. Accord also is an unprecedented 31-time recipient of Car and Driver magazine's coveted 10Best award. Since its launch in 1976, American car buyers have purchased more than 13 million Accords. It was the first vehicle from a Japanese automaker to be made in America and has been in continuous production at Honda's Marysville, Ohio auto plant since November 1982. Cumulative U.S. production of Accord now exceeds 11 million units over 35 years of U.S. manufacturing3. About Honda Honda offers a full line of reliable, fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive vehicles with advanced safety technologies sold through over 1,000 independent U.S. Honda dealers. The Honda lineup includes the Fit, Civic, Accord and Clarity series passenger cars, along with the HR-V, CR-V and Pilot sport/utility vehicles, the Ridgeline pickup and the Odyssey minivan. Honda has been producing automobiles in America for 35 years and currently operates 19 major manufacturing facilities in North America. In 2016, more than 95% of all Honda and Acura vehicles sold in the U.S. were made in North America, using domestic and globally sourced parts. 1. Based on Urban Science cumulative retail sales data for all car models in the industry for 2010-2017CYTD May.2. Based on Urban Science retail sales data in the Midsize car segment for 2013-2017CYTD May. 3. Manufactured in the U.S. using domestic and globally-sourced parts. View full article

Challenger... honestly. Even with the Hemi you'd do decent on fuel economy, but the V6 with the 8-speed runs plenty well enough to satisfy as a daily. Keep it at the legal speed limit, and you'll get some pretty surprising fuel economy too. I'm not sure how Chrysler managed to make such a heavy car with a V6 run more energetically than the Camaro setup... but they did.

It's gotten to the point where I can tell the stories even though I was never there.