Auto News

Posted Oct 28th 2008 6:58PM by Jonathon Ramsey
Filed under: Etc., Euro, Volkswagen, Earnings/Financials

The NFL season is clearly out of control, Audi just crossed the country in a bunch of diesels you can’t buy here, and GM wants to “merge” with Chrysler. But it’s not just America that’s home to the madness: Ferrari might leave F1, Mitsuoka is selling this thing for €70,000, and today, for a brief moment, Volkswagen was the most valuable company in the entire world based on market capitalization. The reason: Porsche announced it would up its stake in the company to 75-percent. That blasted VW’s €210 euro-per-share price up to €1,000 per share, making it more valuable than ExxonMobil and giving Ferdinand Piech reason to start practicing some lines from Scarface. The shares ended the day at €643, which is still pretty good for paper that could be had for less than €200 just about a month ago… Thanks for the tip, Kris!

[Source: Seeking Alpha]

Volkswagen announced the U.S. will no longer be receiving the hottest version of the Rabbit/Golf/GTI known as the R32. Although this car found a home with many wannabe racers, it was likely hard for Volkswagen to sell a $33,000 hatchback that didn’t look too different from the $16,000 VW Rabbit. One hope is that the the 250 hp all-wheel drive hot hatch will return to these shores when the new Golf VI comes to the US market possibly before the end of 2009.

Concept developed in Brazil reflects global trends in design and functionality

Sao Paulo, Brazil - General Motors revealed the Chevrolet GPiX crossover coupe concept today at the 25th edition of the Sao Paulo International Auto Show. The Chevrolet GPiX concept was developed by General Motors Design in Brazil and represents a potential new segment for GM in the Mercosur region.

The GPiX concept features a two-door body style with high ground clearance appropriate for the types of roads and conditions found in emerging markets. “It offers the sporty design and versatility necessary for a country with the continental dimensions of Brazil,” said Carlos Barba, General Director of Design for GM Latin America, Africa and Middle East.

GPiX also combines Chevrolet’s global design “DNA” with the cost-benefit proposition necessary to compete in today’s emerging markets. Jaime Ardila, President of General Motors Brazil and Mercosur said, “with this project, the Chevrolet GPiX concept could result in the development of many models for Brazil and the Mercosur region.”

Dynamic and daring design

The GPiX concept draws attention with its strong profile and a lateral waistline that exudes dynamism. Its daring front end is highlighted by the famous Chevrolet gold bowtie in the front grille and LED headlamps. The 17-inch mixed-use wheels and tires add a rugged look to the crossover coupe. And, the panoramic glass roof provides maximum light in the passenger compartment and increases the sensation of space.

Versatile on the inside with space for four

The GPiX concept stands out even more for its versatility and technology. Its interior is functional with seating for four. All seats fold and the floor panel is flat, which increases spaciousness.

The instrument panel has a modern design, with easy-to-read digital displays. The multifunctional steering wheel has a completely new design and is made for total driver-car interaction. The driver can easily use the connectivity and entertainment systems available, such as Bluetooth, hand-held computers, CD player and MP3 player, among others.

It also includes features that customers have come to expect in production Chevrolet vehicles offered in Brazil, such as air conditioning, power steering and power windows.

The name GPiX is a pseudonym for Global Image. “G” for global and “Pix” meaning “picture” or “image”.

GM Design Center in Brazil

GM’s Design Center in Brazil is one of 11 GM studios around the world. Its facilities are being expanded to meet increased responsibilities in the GM global development process.

GM is investing US$ 36 million to expand the facilities, acquire new and more modern equipment and hire new professionals. When complete, the GM Design Center in Brazil will triple in size from 3,000 sq. m. to 9,150 sq. m. and the staff will increase from 79 to 190 professionals.

The Design Center, which was already one of the most modern in Brazil, will also add next generation equipment to its ‘3D’ virtual reality facility to become the most advanced studio in the country and on par with any automotive design studio in the world.

It seems McLaren may have more production room after the SLR comes to an end than first thought. We’ve already seen spy shots and mock ups of P11 supercar, but it seems that McLaren is preparing another two sports cars to give it a full line up.

The most interesting of the other two is a £60,000 sports car (about $94,000 at current rates). This puts the once ultra exclusive McLaren into the Porsche 911 range. Engine choices for the P11’s little brothers have not been announced, but it is likely to come off of Mercedes’ shelf.

General Motors announced that it has already received 6000 orders for the new 2010 Camaro. This impressive considering that first cars won’t even hit the streets until the first quarter of 2009. The large presale may make GM rethink its initial annual run of 20,000 Camaros.

From all the orders 84% are for the V8 equipped SS version. We can only hope that this interest in V8s may make Chevrolet reconsider a special run for the Camaro Z28.

The Camaro SS is equipped with a 6.2-liter V-8 making between 400 hp (automatic) and 422 hp (manual) depending on transmission. The 3.6-liter V6 engine used in the LS and LT trims is rated at 300 hp. Prices start from $22,995 MSRP for the V-6-powered LS model, and $30,995 for the V-8-powered Camaro SS.

UPS will be the first company to use delivery trucks powered by a new hydraulic hybrid power train. The trucks will not use the conventional battery system that is used in electric hybrid cars. A diesel engine will be used in conjunction with a hydraulic propulsion system that will replace the drivetrain and transmission. Hydraulic pumps and storage tanks will capture and store energy to be used later by the vehicle. The pressure from the hydraulic fluid is converted by the motor into rotating power sent to the wheels. The system will also recover 70 percent of the energy wasted during braking.

The technology was developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at the fuel-emissions lab in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Engineers from Eaton Corp, who design hydraulics systems, also aided the EPA in the system.

SAO PAULO/STUTTGART - October 28, 2008: Starting in April 2009, the smart fortwo will be available in Brazil. This was announced by the company at the São Paulo Auto Show, where the two-seater celebrated its public debut. Thus, the smart brand is entering another automotive market following its successful launch in the USA. The small car combines modern technology, the highest levels of quality and safety, exemplary fuel efficiency and low CO2 emissions with a unique spatial concept that offers a host of benefits, particularly in dense city traffic. Over one million of the two-seaters have been produced since the introduction of the first generation in 1998.

Anders-Sundt Jensen, Head of Brand Management at smart comments, “The smart fortwo is a real success story - it is winning over customers in 37 markets throughout the world. We are certain that the agile two-seater possesses the ideal prerequisites to inspire lifestyle-oriented customers in Brazil’s urban centres, starting with São Paulo. The upscale and fuel-efficient fortwo boasts not only exemplary safety equipment and distinctive smart design, but also typical smart quality and reliability.”

The smart fortwo in Brazil
An average of six million vehicles are on the streets of São Paulo, a city of ten million inhabitants. Every day, around 1,000 new vehicles are registered in São Paulo. These are ideal conditions for an innovative, fuel-efficient and agile vehicle for urban lifestyles such as the smart fortwo. In Brazil, too, there has been a significant rise in environmental awareness among the population. Against the backdrop of this development, Mercedes-Benz Cars decided to introduce the clever two-seater onto the Brazilian market in April 2009. At only a little over 2.5 metres, it even fits sideways into parking spaces. Yet it also transports two people and their luggage in comfort and safety, while remaining environmentally-friendly with low fuel consumption and exemplary low CO2 emissions.

The smart fortwo also fulfils the demands set for larger Mercedes-Benz vehicles. These include the highest levels of quality and reliability, exceptional safety and economical and environmentally-friendly driving combined with comfort and agility. Furthermore, the smart fortwo also sets itself apart with its innovative design, with which the brand embarked upon an all-new, unique path and with which the smart has now attained cult status.

Smart success story
Now, after ten years on the market, the smart fortwo can report impressive performance. Since the introduction of the first generation in 1998, nearly one million of the smart fortwo have been delivered to customers. In the beginning of September, smart celebrated its anniversary: over one million of the two-seaters have been produced since the introduction of the first generation in 1998. Having initially been offered only in Germany and eight other European countries, it is now available in 37 countries worldwide - including the USA since January 2008. Since the beginning of the year, 20,000 of the smart fortwo have been delivered to customers there. Starting mid-2009, the smart fortwo will also be available in China, where the car is virtually tailor-made for the increasing number of lifestyle-oriented micro-car customers in a country with a large number of major cities.

As one of the youngest car brands, smart stands for innovation, functionality and vitality. Above all, smart appeals to customers that are seeking new, forward-looking and intelligent solutions within the automobile sector. Smart fortwo drivers are defined more by their attitude than by their age, profession or gender. They are open-minded, they question conventional wisdom and are in-touch. They choose the smart fortwo because it is special and because it sets them apart from the masses. And most certainly - because it is fun.

After the official unveiling of the new 911 line, today Dutch AutoWeek published the first images of the updates to the Cayman and Boxster. Like their bigger brother, both models get redesigned front bumpers with LED lights and revised rear bumpers with new tail lamps. This new look should tie the little Porsches over until the complete redesign due in 2012.

Although no official details are available, both the Cayman and Boxster are expected to get an upgraded engine possibly courtesy of the 911’s direct injection technology. Also from the 911 parts bin will likely be the will be offered with PDK dual-clutch transmission.

Auto Express Car Reviews

By James Disdale

28th October 2008

The gloves are finally off! After 17 rounds and nine months of racing, the fight for the F1 championship will go down to the wire.

Both Lewis Hamilton and rival Felipe Massa go into the final race of the season at Interlagos, Brazil, with a chance of snatching the title. But it’s Lewis who enters the encounter as a strong favourite, thanks to a seven-point cushion over second-placed Massa.

However, the British star will still be feeling the pressure. This time last year, the 23-year-old went into the race in exactly the same position in the title chase, only to lose out following an error and technical problems with his McLaren. That resulted in Ferrari’s  Kimi Raikkonen seizing the title by a single point. This time, he is better prepared. “Last year I went to Interlagos with the title battle still up in the air and all my emotions just bubbling up and down,” said Lewis. “It was a very emotional time, because I knew it would end with either great success or huge disappointment. In the end, things didn’t end up too well for me. This time out I want a straightforward weekend that allows me to just focus on my car and my driving.” However, he will face tough opposition from Ferrari’s Massa.

The Brazilian will have home advantage as he guns for a race win and hopes that Hamilton fails to finish in the top five. Despite having to haul back that seven-point deficit, Massa is relaxed about his prospects. “For the final race I have a tougher job than Lewis in terms of the points situation,” he admitted. “But my objective for the weekend is absolutely straightforward. I only have to focus on winning the race on Sunday afternoon.”

He continued: “After that, the matter is not in my hands and we will have to wait and see exactly what and how much we have won.”

You can expect there to be drama further down the grid, too. Sebastien Bourdais of Toro Rosso, Renault’s Nelson Piquet, veteran Honda ace Rubens Barrichello and both Force India drivers have yet to be confirmed for next year. This will be their last chance to impress.

As ever, Auto Express will bring a full race report in next week’s issue, which hits the shelves on 5 November.

Washington DC October 28, 2008; The AIADA newsletter reported that with credit drying up and new-vehicle sales slumping to a 25-year low, car dealerships from New Jersey to California are going out of business at an accelerating pace, threatening greater economic pain for communities around the country.

The Wall Street Journal reports that 700 new-car dealerships will close this year, up from 430 last year, and taking with them an estimated 37,100 jobs. That is a heavy blow to a key piece of the U.S. economy.

The country’s 20,700 dealerships accounted for $693 billion in sales last year, or 18 percent of all retail sales. Dealership wages and salaries make up 13 percent of the nation’s retail payroll.

The markets most vulnerable to dealer closings are California, which has the most dealers of any state, followed by Texas, Pennsylvania, and New York.