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Rolls-Royce News: Rolls-Royce Isn't Planning To Expand Their Lineup
William Maley posted a topic in Rolls-Royce
With the introduction of the Cullinan "high-sided vehicle", Rolls-Royce now has five models for sale - the rest are Ghost, Dawn, Wraith, and Phantom. But according to Rolls CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös, they aren't planning to expand the lineup with a smaller SUV. “No, definitely not. You need to go with the flow, so for that reason, I’d never say never, never, never – but we don’t currently have any plans to expand our model line-up any further," said Müller-Ötvös. “Our strategy is definitely to maintain our high-end price position and not move the brand just for volume sake into lower-price segments.” It seems to be working as early sales of the Cullinan have exceeded expectations. Source: Autocar View full article -
With the introduction of the Cullinan "high-sided vehicle", Rolls-Royce now has five models for sale - the rest are Ghost, Dawn, Wraith, and Phantom. But according to Rolls CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös, they aren't planning to expand the lineup with a smaller SUV. “No, definitely not. You need to go with the flow, so for that reason, I’d never say never, never, never – but we don’t currently have any plans to expand our model line-up any further," said Müller-Ötvös. “Our strategy is definitely to maintain our high-end price position and not move the brand just for volume sake into lower-price segments.” It seems to be working as early sales of the Cullinan have exceeded expectations. Source: Autocar -
GM News: General Motors Plans On Expanding Super Cruise To Other Brands After 2020
William Maley posted a topic in General Motors News
Since the launch of Super Cruise on the 2018 Cadillac CT6, General Motors executives said the technology would expand to other brands. But they didn't give a timeframe as to when. Today at the Intelligent Transportation Society of America conference in Detroit, GM product chief Mark Reuss said Super Cruise would begin rolling out to Buick, Chevrolet, and GMC models after 2020. This will follow Cadillac's expansion of the technology to other models beginning in 2020. Super Cruise is "a feature that customers routinely come into dealerships asking about, shopping for, and specifically ordering," said Reuss in a speech. "Making it available in every Cadillac on the showroom floor just makes sense." GM also announced plans to introduce vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications in a high-volume Cadillac crossover by 2023. This technology will allow the vehicle to communicate with everything from infrastructure to a person's smart phone to get information on construction, traffic lights, and other road hazards. This technology will expand to other Cadillac models in the future. Source: The Detroit News, Cadillac Cadillac to Expand Super Cruise Across Entire Lineup Super Cruise to roll out to other GM brands V2X communication debuts in Cadillac crossover in 2023 New York — Cadillac plans to expand the rollout of Super CruiseTM, the world’s first true hands-free driver assistance feature for the freeway. Super Cruise will be available on all Cadillac models, with the rollout beginning in 2020. After 2020, Super Cruise will make its introduction in other General Motors brands. Cadillac also plans to offer V2X communications in a high-volume crossover by 2023 and eventually expand the technology across Cadillac’s portfolio. Mark Reuss, GM executive vice president of Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain, announced these plans at the Intelligent Transportation Society’s annual conference in Detroit Wednesday. “The expansion of Super Cruise and V2X communications technology demonstrates Cadillac’s commitment to innovation, and to making customers’ lives better,” Reuss said. “GM is just as committed to ushering in a new era of personal transportation, and technologies like these will enable it.” Reuss’ comments reaffirm GM Chairman and CEO Mary Barra’s pledge in her keynote address at the 2014 ITS World Congress, where she announced Cadillac would begin offering advanced intelligent and connected technology in its vehicles. “Cadillac is proud to be the leader for the company’s innovation,” said Steve Carlisle, Cadillac president. “Groundbreaking technologies like these continue to provide unparalleled comfort and convenience for our customers.” The Super Cruise driver assistance feature is made possible by precision LiDAR map data, high precision GPS, a state-of-the-art driver attention system and a network of camera and radar sensors. It requires an active OnStar service plan with emergency services to function. Customers can drive hands-free on more than 130,000 miles of limited-access freeways in the U.S. and Canada. The driver attention system helps to keep drivers engaged and detects when drivers need to pay more attention to the road. Even while using Super Cruise, drivers must always pay attention and not use a handheld device. Cadillac introduced vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications on the CTS sedan in 2017, which uses Dedicated Short-Range Communications (DSRC) technology. Using the Basic Safety Message as a base, V2V can be extended to the roadway infrastructure and other roadway users (e.g., cyclists, pedestrians, etc.) establishing a V2X ecosystem. Using V2X, compatible vehicles can be notified of hazardous road conditions, traffic light statuses, changing work zones and more. With a range of nearly 1,000 feet, drivers can be alerted to possible threats in time to avoid a crash. View full article -
General Motors Plans On Expanding Super Cruise To Other Brands After 2020
William Maley posted an article in GM News
Since the launch of Super Cruise on the 2018 Cadillac CT6, General Motors executives said the technology would expand to other brands. But they didn't give a timeframe as to when. Today at the Intelligent Transportation Society of America conference in Detroit, GM product chief Mark Reuss said Super Cruise would begin rolling out to Buick, Chevrolet, and GMC models after 2020. This will follow Cadillac's expansion of the technology to other models beginning in 2020. Super Cruise is "a feature that customers routinely come into dealerships asking about, shopping for, and specifically ordering," said Reuss in a speech. "Making it available in every Cadillac on the showroom floor just makes sense." GM also announced plans to introduce vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications in a high-volume Cadillac crossover by 2023. This technology will allow the vehicle to communicate with everything from infrastructure to a person's smart phone to get information on construction, traffic lights, and other road hazards. This technology will expand to other Cadillac models in the future. Source: The Detroit News, Cadillac Cadillac to Expand Super Cruise Across Entire Lineup Super Cruise to roll out to other GM brands V2X communication debuts in Cadillac crossover in 2023 New York — Cadillac plans to expand the rollout of Super CruiseTM, the world’s first true hands-free driver assistance feature for the freeway. Super Cruise will be available on all Cadillac models, with the rollout beginning in 2020. After 2020, Super Cruise will make its introduction in other General Motors brands. Cadillac also plans to offer V2X communications in a high-volume crossover by 2023 and eventually expand the technology across Cadillac’s portfolio. Mark Reuss, GM executive vice president of Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain, announced these plans at the Intelligent Transportation Society’s annual conference in Detroit Wednesday. “The expansion of Super Cruise and V2X communications technology demonstrates Cadillac’s commitment to innovation, and to making customers’ lives better,” Reuss said. “GM is just as committed to ushering in a new era of personal transportation, and technologies like these will enable it.” Reuss’ comments reaffirm GM Chairman and CEO Mary Barra’s pledge in her keynote address at the 2014 ITS World Congress, where she announced Cadillac would begin offering advanced intelligent and connected technology in its vehicles. “Cadillac is proud to be the leader for the company’s innovation,” said Steve Carlisle, Cadillac president. “Groundbreaking technologies like these continue to provide unparalleled comfort and convenience for our customers.” The Super Cruise driver assistance feature is made possible by precision LiDAR map data, high precision GPS, a state-of-the-art driver attention system and a network of camera and radar sensors. It requires an active OnStar service plan with emergency services to function. Customers can drive hands-free on more than 130,000 miles of limited-access freeways in the U.S. and Canada. The driver attention system helps to keep drivers engaged and detects when drivers need to pay more attention to the road. Even while using Super Cruise, drivers must always pay attention and not use a handheld device. Cadillac introduced vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications on the CTS sedan in 2017, which uses Dedicated Short-Range Communications (DSRC) technology. Using the Basic Safety Message as a base, V2V can be extended to the roadway infrastructure and other roadway users (e.g., cyclists, pedestrians, etc.) establishing a V2X ecosystem. Using V2X, compatible vehicles can be notified of hazardous road conditions, traffic light statuses, changing work zones and more. With a range of nearly 1,000 feet, drivers can be alerted to possible threats in time to avoid a crash. -
The production version of Porsche's Mission E will be arriving in 2019 and has the company wondering about expanding their electric lineup. Porsche division chief Oliver Blume told Bloomberg at the Shanghai auto show that the Mission E brought a shift in thinking for the company. “It’s more than just the need to comply with rules. We find the technology as such interesting, as electric cars allow a very sporty driving experience, which fits well with the core value of our brand,” said Blume. The acceleration capabilities of electric motors has Porsche thinking about how they could integrate them into their lineup. One is by building out a group of EVs and the other is expanding their lineup of plug-in hybrids - currently comprised of the Cayenne and Panamera. Vehicles like the Mission E will play a key role in markets such as China where restrictions on emissions are expected to become the world's toughest in the coming years. Source: Bloomberg via Automotive News (Subscription Required) -
The production version of Porsche's Mission E will be arriving in 2019 and has the company wondering about expanding their electric lineup. Porsche division chief Oliver Blume told Bloomberg at the Shanghai auto show that the Mission E brought a shift in thinking for the company. “It’s more than just the need to comply with rules. We find the technology as such interesting, as electric cars allow a very sporty driving experience, which fits well with the core value of our brand,” said Blume. The acceleration capabilities of electric motors has Porsche thinking about how they could integrate them into their lineup. One is by building out a group of EVs and the other is expanding their lineup of plug-in hybrids - currently comprised of the Cayenne and Panamera. Vehicles like the Mission E will play a key role in markets such as China where restrictions on emissions are expected to become the world's toughest in the coming years. Source: Bloomberg via Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article
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From the 'how does this make sense' file, Fiat Chrysler Automobile is planning to expand its dealer network in the U.S. by adding around 380 new dealers. This news first came to light last week as Automotive News learned from two dealers and a source at FCA about the plans. The goal of this expansion is to try and expand market share. But there are a number of issues. For one, FCA has been seeing its sales and market share drop in the past few months due to a thinner product lineup. Second, some of the locations that FCA is planning to put new stores are within a few miles of existing stores. For example, two dealers in Louisana have filed protests with Louisiana Motor Vehicle Commission for a proposed dealer in Kenner, LA. One of the dealers notes in their protest that the location is less than five miles from where they are. As they say in their protest, "will either be closer to Bergeron or, worse, must drive by Bergeron, if they are going to do business with the new point." A number of dealers in Texas have also filed complaints on new dealerships in their respective areas. Finally, an internal FCA source tells Automotive News that the company's dealership location consultant, Urban Science doesn't agree with the expansion plans. The data from the consultant "does not support these additional points." Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Urban Sciences were unable to comment. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), 2 -
Fiat News: Dealers Are None Too Happy With FCA's Expansion Plans
William Maley posted a topic in Fiat
From the 'how does this make sense' file, Fiat Chrysler Automobile is planning to expand its dealer network in the U.S. by adding around 380 new dealers. This news first came to light last week as Automotive News learned from two dealers and a source at FCA about the plans. The goal of this expansion is to try and expand market share. But there are a number of issues. For one, FCA has been seeing its sales and market share drop in the past few months due to a thinner product lineup. Second, some of the locations that FCA is planning to put new stores are within a few miles of existing stores. For example, two dealers in Louisana have filed protests with Louisiana Motor Vehicle Commission for a proposed dealer in Kenner, LA. One of the dealers notes in their protest that the location is less than five miles from where they are. As they say in their protest, "will either be closer to Bergeron or, worse, must drive by Bergeron, if they are going to do business with the new point." A number of dealers in Texas have also filed complaints on new dealerships in their respective areas. Finally, an internal FCA source tells Automotive News that the company's dealership location consultant, Urban Science doesn't agree with the expansion plans. The data from the consultant "does not support these additional points." Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Urban Sciences were unable to comment. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), 2 View full article -
China has given Cadillac a bit of breathing room when it comes to sales and working on filling out their lineup. Automotive News reports overall sales of Cadillac vehicles in the U.S. dropped 3 percent, while sales in China rose 46 percent. "We are moving Cadillac from having this very strong U.S.-centric focus to having a global focus. The time will come when we will sell more Cadillacs in China than here," said Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen in an interview. With sales going up in China, this gives the brand some flexibility from transitioning a sedan-heavy lineup to adding more crossovers beginning in mid-2018 for the U.S. Currently, the XT5 serves as the brand's sole crossover and best-selling model (2016 saw 39,485 XT5s sold). Not a good thing since light trucks currently account for 60 percent of total U.S. car sales. "The majority of our portfolio is exposed to downdraft, while we can't really capitalize adequately on all the opportunities that exist with the swing of demand into crossovers. Now, this will be remedied, of course, over time as we expand our portfolio, but in the meantime it is our reality," said de Nysschen. Dealers though don't get to have that breathing space. An 18-month window without any new products is making them very anxious. "We're in the retail business. We live and breathe month to month and weekend to weekend. There is a lot of product out there on the horizon, but nothing very soon," said Bill Wallace, owner of Wallace Cadillac in Stuart, Florida. The next product is expected to a compact crossover known as the XT3, due in mid-2018. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) Pic Credit: William Maley for Cheers & Gears -
China has given Cadillac a bit of breathing room when it comes to sales and working on filling out their lineup. Automotive News reports overall sales of Cadillac vehicles in the U.S. dropped 3 percent, while sales in China rose 46 percent. "We are moving Cadillac from having this very strong U.S.-centric focus to having a global focus. The time will come when we will sell more Cadillacs in China than here," said Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen in an interview. With sales going up in China, this gives the brand some flexibility from transitioning a sedan-heavy lineup to adding more crossovers beginning in mid-2018 for the U.S. Currently, the XT5 serves as the brand's sole crossover and best-selling model (2016 saw 39,485 XT5s sold). Not a good thing since light trucks currently account for 60 percent of total U.S. car sales. "The majority of our portfolio is exposed to downdraft, while we can't really capitalize adequately on all the opportunities that exist with the swing of demand into crossovers. Now, this will be remedied, of course, over time as we expand our portfolio, but in the meantime it is our reality," said de Nysschen. Dealers though don't get to have that breathing space. An 18-month window without any new products is making them very anxious. "We're in the retail business. We live and breathe month to month and weekend to weekend. There is a lot of product out there on the horizon, but nothing very soon," said Bill Wallace, owner of Wallace Cadillac in Stuart, Florida. The next product is expected to a compact crossover known as the XT3, due in mid-2018. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) Pic Credit: William Maley for Cheers & Gears View full article
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The Bentley Bentayga maybe one of most controversial models ever launched by the brand, but it has exceeded sales expectations. Because of this, Bentley is considering expanding Bentayga lineup. Autocar reports that there are three models up for consideration. First up is a coupe-styled version that could launch in 2019 if given the green-light by Volkswagen. “I’m confident that it will happen and our team is working on the case for this car, but it is not yet approved for production. We are the first in the luxury SUV space and at the moment unopposed, but there are lots of rivals coming to the sector. The question we need to answer is if there is space for all these different bodystyles,” said Bentley CEO Wolfgang Dürheimer. Next is a long-wheelbase Bentayga that is already under development. This model will be primarily be aimed at markets such as China and the Middle East. “In the Middle East and China it is almost exclusively what we sell. Those markets have shown what is possible and it makes business sense; the engineering is not rocket science, but it is expensive because when you change components like the side panels and roof you add a lot of cost,” said Dürheimer. The last model is a high-performance Bentayga that could use a retuned version of the W12 engine. Possible competitors include the Range Rover SVR. The Bentayga lineup currently consists of a 6.0L W12 and a diesel V8. A Plug-in hybrid will arrive in 2018. Source: Autocar -
The Bentley Bentayga maybe one of most controversial models ever launched by the brand, but it has exceeded sales expectations. Because of this, Bentley is considering expanding Bentayga lineup. Autocar reports that there are three models up for consideration. First up is a coupe-styled version that could launch in 2019 if given the green-light by Volkswagen. “I’m confident that it will happen and our team is working on the case for this car, but it is not yet approved for production. We are the first in the luxury SUV space and at the moment unopposed, but there are lots of rivals coming to the sector. The question we need to answer is if there is space for all these different bodystyles,” said Bentley CEO Wolfgang Dürheimer. Next is a long-wheelbase Bentayga that is already under development. This model will be primarily be aimed at markets such as China and the Middle East. “In the Middle East and China it is almost exclusively what we sell. Those markets have shown what is possible and it makes business sense; the engineering is not rocket science, but it is expensive because when you change components like the side panels and roof you add a lot of cost,” said Dürheimer. The last model is a high-performance Bentayga that could use a retuned version of the W12 engine. Possible competitors include the Range Rover SVR. The Bentayga lineup currently consists of a 6.0L W12 and a diesel V8. A Plug-in hybrid will arrive in 2018. Source: Autocar View full article
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Over the next 18 months, Audi is planning to double its lineup of RS models. At the moment, Audi sells 7 RS models. By the end of the 18 month period, that will grow to 15. Autocar reports the likely models will include RS versions of the A1 and Q5, an all-new RS4, and possibly a hardcore version of the R8. “There is more to come. We have one company, one name and we have a brand. But we will remain exclusive,” said quattro GmbH CEO Stephan Winkelmann. Winkelmann went on to say that it would not go the same road as AMG by selling more models. RS would be going in a different direction in terms of development, though he didn't say what that direction would be. “We have a lot of plans but are not revealing them yet. It is better to under-promise and over-deliver.” Source: Autocar View full article
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Over the next 18 months, Audi is planning to double its lineup of RS models. At the moment, Audi sells 7 RS models. By the end of the 18 month period, that will grow to 15. Autocar reports the likely models will include RS versions of the A1 and Q5, an all-new RS4, and possibly a hardcore version of the R8. “There is more to come. We have one company, one name and we have a brand. But we will remain exclusive,” said quattro GmbH CEO Stephan Winkelmann. Winkelmann went on to say that it would not go the same road as AMG by selling more models. RS would be going in a different direction in terms of development, though he didn't say what that direction would be. “We have a lot of plans but are not revealing them yet. It is better to under-promise and over-deliver.” Source: Autocar -
Rumorpile: GM Plans On Adding More Crossovers For Cadillac and Chevrolet
William Maley posted an article in GM News
Sales of crossovers have been booming in the past year thanks to lower gas prices. Sensing a huge opportunity, General Motors is planning to add more crossovers to its various brands. The Detroit Bureau reports that Cadillac is planning to add a crossover that will compete with the likes of the Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA. We first reported on this back in November as Cadillac plans to add a compact, subcompact, and full-size crossover to its lineup in the next few years. No mention was given in either report of when we'll see the subcompact crossover. Meanwhile at Chevrolet, sources say the brand is considering a new midsize model to slot in between the Equinox and Traverse. This model would come with three-rows and compete against the likes of the Toyota Highlander and Ford Edge. Chevrolet is expected to move the Equinox slight down market and the Traverse slightly up market to give the new model some breathing room. Source: The Detroit Bureau -
GM News: Rumorpile: GM Plans On Adding More Crossovers For Cadillac and Chevrolet
William Maley posted a topic in General Motors News
Sales of crossovers have been booming in the past year thanks to lower gas prices. Sensing a huge opportunity, General Motors is planning to add more crossovers to its various brands. The Detroit Bureau reports that Cadillac is planning to add a crossover that will compete with the likes of the Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA. We first reported on this back in November as Cadillac plans to add a compact, subcompact, and full-size crossover to its lineup in the next few years. No mention was given in either report of when we'll see the subcompact crossover. Meanwhile at Chevrolet, sources say the brand is considering a new midsize model to slot in between the Equinox and Traverse. This model would come with three-rows and compete against the likes of the Toyota Highlander and Ford Edge. Chevrolet is expected to move the Equinox slight down market and the Traverse slightly up market to give the new model some breathing room. Source: The Detroit Bureau View full article -
The Nissan Rogue crossover is proving to be a very popular vehicle for the brand. Through the first half of the year, Nissan has moved 135,397 Rogues - making this the second best-selling model behind the Altima. According to Automotive News, Nissan will be tapping its Kyushu, Japan factory to produce an extra 100,000 Rogues starting next year. This will help give Nissan the ability to sell 300,000 Rogues. Automotive News also reports that the company will be introducing two new variants of the Rogue in the future. According to two sources, Nissan will launch a hybrid Rogue next year. Following this will be the smaller Qashqai crossover. Based on the Rogue's platform, the Qashqai is about 10 inches shorter and two inches narrower. This is expected to be the replacement for the Rogue Select, which is the last-generation Rogue. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) -
Nissan News: Nissan Boosts Production Of Rogue, Adding Two New Models
William Maley posted a topic in Nissan
The Nissan Rogue crossover is proving to be a very popular vehicle for the brand. Through the first half of the year, Nissan has moved 135,397 Rogues - making this the second best-selling model behind the Altima. According to Automotive News, Nissan will be tapping its Kyushu, Japan factory to produce an extra 100,000 Rogues starting next year. This will help give Nissan the ability to sell 300,000 Rogues. Automotive News also reports that the company will be introducing two new variants of the Rogue in the future. According to two sources, Nissan will launch a hybrid Rogue next year. Following this will be the smaller Qashqai crossover. Based on the Rogue's platform, the Qashqai is about 10 inches shorter and two inches narrower. This is expected to be the replacement for the Rogue Select, which is the last-generation Rogue. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article -
Subaru's parent company, Fuji Heavy Industries has a plan to increase to increase overall value by 2020. To help them out, Subaru has plans on expanding their performance arm, STI in the U.S. "The United States is the highest priority for STI. We'd like to create a car that drivers can control like their own legs so they can push the car to the limit," said STI President Yoshio Hirakawa to Automotive News. STI has three parts to its business: Complete vehicles, performance parts, and motorsports. At the moment, the U.S. is STI's biggest market for vehicles. 2014 saw 6,500 WRX STIs be sold in the U.S. How does Subaru plan on expanding STI in the U.S.? We got a sneak peek at New York earlier this month when the automaker showed off STI Performance Concept which takes the BRZ coupe ands and number of parts from STI including a new body kit and suspension pieces. Subaru spokesman Michael McHale said a BRZ STI will be coming in a couple years. Subaru will also wind down their SPT (Subaru Performance Tuning) line of performance parts and replace it with STI parts. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article
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Subaru's parent company, Fuji Heavy Industries has a plan to increase to increase overall value by 2020. To help them out, Subaru has plans on expanding their performance arm, STI in the U.S. "The United States is the highest priority for STI. We'd like to create a car that drivers can control like their own legs so they can push the car to the limit," said STI President Yoshio Hirakawa to Automotive News. STI has three parts to its business: Complete vehicles, performance parts, and motorsports. At the moment, the U.S. is STI's biggest market for vehicles. 2014 saw 6,500 WRX STIs be sold in the U.S. How does Subaru plan on expanding STI in the U.S.? We got a sneak peek at New York earlier this month when the automaker showed off STI Performance Concept which takes the BRZ coupe ands and number of parts from STI including a new body kit and suspension pieces. Subaru spokesman Michael McHale said a BRZ STI will be coming in a couple years. Subaru will also wind down their SPT (Subaru Performance Tuning) line of performance parts and replace it with STI parts. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) -
For awhile, we've been reporting on MINI's plans to expand their lineup to possibly ten models. But now, the company is reversing that decision. Bloomberg reports that MINI's parent company, BMW has decided that MINI has too many models and is cutting it down from eight to five models. Peter Schwarzenbauer, MINI's brand chief says the automaker will focus on “superhero” vehicles such as the three-door hardtop. “Like a superhero, each of these cars has its own personality and unique capabilities. It is important to find the right balance between growth on the one hand and profitability on the other,” said Schwarzenbauer. Schwarzenbauer goes onto say that this new focus means that three to four of the current models will remain in the lineup, though he doesn't say which models will be cut. Likely models to be cut include the MINI Coupe and Roadster. Even with these cuts, MINI isn't giving up on introducing new models. Schwarzenbauer says that the automaker is planning to introduce an electric vehicle “soon” once it appears that zero-emission driving becomes a must in urban areas. Source: Bloomberg View full article
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For awhile, we've been reporting on MINI's plans to expand their lineup to possibly ten models. But now, the company is reversing that decision. Bloomberg reports that MINI's parent company, BMW has decided that MINI has too many models and is cutting it down from eight to five models. Peter Schwarzenbauer, MINI's brand chief says the automaker will focus on “superhero” vehicles such as the three-door hardtop. “Like a superhero, each of these cars has its own personality and unique capabilities. It is important to find the right balance between growth on the one hand and profitability on the other,” said Schwarzenbauer. Schwarzenbauer goes onto say that this new focus means that three to four of the current models will remain in the lineup, though he doesn't say which models will be cut. Likely models to be cut include the MINI Coupe and Roadster. Even with these cuts, MINI isn't giving up on introducing new models. Schwarzenbauer says that the automaker is planning to introduce an electric vehicle “soon” once it appears that zero-emission driving becomes a must in urban areas. Source: Bloomberg -
Rumorpile: Mazda6 Coupe and More Mazdaspeed Models In The Cards?
William Maley posted an article in Mazda
Mazda is planning an expansion of the 6 family with the introduction of a coupe. Auto Express reports that the Japanese automaker is planning to launch a 6 Coupe in 2016. Styling will be a more dramatic version of the current Kodo design language, possibly taking some more ideas from the Shinari Concept that was shown a few years back. Motor Trend follows up this report with talk of a range of Mazdaspeed models coming in the near future. First up is the next-generation Mazdaspeed3. The model is expected to pack a turbocharged 2.5L SkyActiv four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and all-wheel drive. Also in the pipeline is Mazdapeed versions of the Mazda2 and 6. Source: Auto Express, Motor Trend William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached atwilliam.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. -
Mazda News: Rumorpile: Mazda6 Coupe and More Mazdaspeed Models In The Cards?
William Maley posted a topic in Mazda
Mazda is planning an expansion of the 6 family with the introduction of a coupe. Auto Express reports that the Japanese automaker is planning to launch a 6 Coupe in 2016. Styling will be a more dramatic version of the current Kodo design language, possibly taking some more ideas from the Shinari Concept that was shown a few years back. Motor Trend follows up this report with talk of a range of Mazdaspeed models coming in the near future. First up is the next-generation Mazdaspeed3. The model is expected to pack a turbocharged 2.5L SkyActiv four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and all-wheel drive. Also in the pipeline is Mazdapeed versions of the Mazda2 and 6. Source: Auto Express, Motor Trend William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached atwilliam.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article -
GM News: GM Puts Two Engineers On Paid Leave, Recalls Vehicles Involved Ignition Switch Crisis For Another One
William Maley posted a topic in General Motors News
The bad news for General Motors continues to flow in. The Detroit News reported yesterday morning that GM has put two of its engineers, Gary Altman and Ray DeGiorgio on paid leave as part of as part of a continuing internal investigation into the ignition switch recall. The two engineers were singled out during the congressional hearings as members of congress were very dubious as to why the company hadn't fired anyone at the moment. In a statement released today, GM CEO Mary Barra said the decision came after an update from Anton Valukas, the former U.S. attorney who is currently overseeing an independent investigation over the recall. “This is an interim step as we seek the truth about what happened. It was a difficult decision, but I believe it is best for GM,” said Barra. Altman and DeGiorgio played key parts in some of the recalled vehicles. Altman was the program engineering manager on the Chevrolet Cobalt through May 2005, while DeGiorgio was project engineer responsible for the ignition switch on the Cobalt and Ion. DeGiorgio's name first came up when Senator Claire McCaskill D-MO revealed a document with his name authorizing the part change to the ignition. This contradicts testimony given by him last year where he stated he didn't know about the change. Later in the day, GM announced an expansion of the ignition switch recall to include the replacement of the ignition cylinder and if necessary, cut new keys. The automaker says it is aware of several hundred complaints of keys coming out of the ignition while the vehicle is running. Source: The Detroit News, General Motors William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.comor you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 GM to Replace Lock Cylinder During Ignition Switch Recall Second repair added to vehicles recalled earlier DETROIT – General Motors informed the NHTSA today that it is adding ignition lock cylinders to its safety recall of 2.2 million older model cars in the United States. The cylinders can allow removal of the ignition key while the engine is running, leading to a possible rollaway, crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries. As always, owners of manual transmission vehicles should be sure the ignition is in the “Off” position and set to reverse gear with the parking brake set before removing the key. Owners of vehicles with automatic transmission should be sure the vehicle is in “Park” before removing the key. GM is aware of several hundred complaints of keys coming out of ignitions. Searches of GM and government databases found one rollaway in a parking lot that resulted in a crash and one injury claim. The same searches turned up no fatalities. GM has decided to replace the ignition lock cylinders and cut and, if necessary, reprogram new keys. The cars covered are model years: 2003-2007 Saturn Ion 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice 2007-2010 Pontiac G5 2007-2010 Saturn Sky 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR All of these cars were recalled in recent weeks for ignition switches that may fail to meet GM’s torque specification. The ignition switch may unintentionally move from the “run” position to the “accessory” or “off” position with a corresponding reduction or loss of power. This risk may be increased if the key ring is carrying added weight or if the vehicle goes off the road or experiences some other jarring event. The timing of the key movement out of the “run” position, relative to the activation of the sensing algorithm of the crash event, may result in the airbags not deploying, increasing the potential for occupant injury in certain kinds of crashes. Until recall repairs are made, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. If there is a key fob, it also should be removed from the key ring. GM also announced Thursday that the company expects to take a charge of approximately $1.3 billion in the first quarter, primarily for the cost of recall-related repairs announced in the 2014 calendar year to date and related courtesy transportation. This amount includes the $750 million charge previously announced on March 31. On a preliminary basis, despite the $1.3 billion recall charge, GM currently expects to report solid core operating performance in the first quarter financial results. View full article
