The all-new next generation 2011 Ford Focus debuted at the North American International Show and may have been the most significant introduction in Detroit this year, mainly because of its sales volume potential worldwide. The Focus which will go on sale in both Europe and the U.S. a year from now in early-2011 in both the four-door sedan and five-door hatchback body styles, will have a completely new 2.0-liter gasoline engine for the North American market that features DI and Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing for enhanced performance and fuel efficiency. The new 2.0-liter DI Ti-VCT engine is up to 20 horsepower more powerful than the current 2.0 Duratec I-4 unit with projected fuel economy gains of more than 10 percent. The 2.0-liter DI Ti-VCT engine is mated with the latest dry-clutch six-speed Ford PowerShift automatic transmission which uses an advanced dual-clutch design.
The Focus will offer MyFord, which provides the driver with a combination of controls and display screens to operate the key vehicle features. On high series vehicles, the MyFord system includes an 8-inch touch screen. Also, a new generation of Ford’s powerful SYNC® connectivity package, which includes a sophisticated voice control system, Bluetooth and satellite navigation, along with connection points for a wide variety of external devices and media players.
The new Focus may take a bite of the popular Mazda3 which is on a similar platform, though Ford execs say the Ford Focus is targeted at the high-volume Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic model lines. The stylish design will attract young as well as budget-conscious buyers looking for fuel economy and technology perks. Again, because it's a new generation of a popular, affordable model with an attractive new design and huge sales potential, it was my top pick introduction in Detroit.
Ford will be the focus of the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit which opens for the media on Monday. Ford, which didn't file for bankruptcy like GM and Chrysler and didn't take any government bail out money, will show Focus, Mustang GT and Lincoln MKX.
The successful Ford Focus in Europe will have its U.S. debut in a venue that is more than 54,000 square feet, 48 percent bigger than last year - the largest Ford stand ever. Focus is the big story as it becomes Ford's first global passenger vehicle with plans to have up to 10 models off of that C platform in the coming years, including the C-max version which was shown in Frankfurt in September. Ford's all-new normally aspirated 2.0-liter direct injection engine will power the 2012 Focus in North America.
At NAIAS in Detroit, Ford display 60 new Ford cars and trucks and 21 new Lincoln and Mercury vehicles and will showcase 24 interactive displays, engaging consumers in experiential and educational exercises that demonstrate Ford's technologies and innovations. Ford will also conduct live driving demonstrations of its Active Park Assist (APA) technology inside Cobo Center using hybrid vehicles.
Ford will introduce nine new or upgraded engines and six new transmissions in North America this year as part of a five-year effort to overhaul its entire global powertrain portfolio, which totals 60 new powertrains.
General Motors delivered 208,511 vehicles in December, a decline of 6 percent from the previous year. GM reported 160,996 retail deliveries in December, a 7 percent increase compared to last year. In 2009, GM dealers delivered 2,084,492 vehicles, down 30 percent compared with 2008.
Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. reported December sales results of 187,860 units, an increase of 22.9 percent over the same period last year. For the year, TMS reported annual sales of 1,770,149 vehicles, a decrease of 20.2 percent from the same period in 2008.
Ford, Lincoln and Mercury December sales totaled 179,017, up 33 percent versus the same month a year ago. Full-year sales totaled 1.62 million, down 15 percent from last year.
American Honda, including Acura, reported December monthly sales of 107,143, an increase of 15.6 percent. American Honda's 2009 annual vehicle sales totaled 1,150,784, a decline of 19.5 percent compared to 2008 results.
Chrysler Group reported total U.S. sales for December of 86,523 units. Sales increased 36 percent month-over-month and declined 4 percent year-over-year. The company finished the year with 931,402 units sold, a decline of 36 percent compared with 2008.
Nissan North America reported December 2009 sales of 73,404 vehicles, an increase of 18.2 percent. For 2009, combined Nissan and Infiniti sales totaled 770,103 vehicles, a 19.1 percent decline from 2008.
Hyundai Motor America December sales of 33,797, was up more than 40 percent versus December 2008. For the full year, Hyundai reported 435,064 sales, up 8 percent over the prior year total.
Kia Motors America announced December sales of 21,048 units, a 43.7 percent increase over the same month last year, and total 2009 sales of 300,063 units, a 9.8-percent increase over the same period last year.
Volkswagen of America reported December 2009 sales of 20,387, a 16 percent increase over December 2008. Volkswagen sold 213,454 total units for 2009, a decrease of 4.3 percent. Separately, Audi reported December U.S. sales of 9,030 cars and SUVs, a 17.1% increase from a year-earlier. Throughout 2009, Audi sold 82,716 vehicles during the year, down 5.7 percent from 2008.
The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported December sales of 23,617 vehicles, an increase of 9.2 percent from the 21,626 vehicles sold in the same month a year ago. For 2009, the BMW Group also reported a total sales volume of 241,727 vehicles, down 20.3 percent compared to 303,190 vehicles sold in 2008.
Subaru of America announced a record breaking sales year as the company sold 216,652 units in 2009, an increase of 15-percent. This breaks the previous sales record of 200,703 units sold in 2006.
Mercedes-Benz Cars division in the U.S. (Mercedes-Benz and smart combined) of 20,889 units, an increase of 0.2 percent compared to December 2008. Mercedes-Benz USA reported December sales of 20,025 vehicles, its highest monthly volume of the year, bringing the company's total 2009 volume to 190,604 and narrowing the gap versus last year to 15.3 percent. smart USA recorded 864 sales in December 2009. Year-to-date sales total 14,595 units.
Mazda North American Operations reported December 2009 sales of 18,255, up 1.6 percent versus December 2008. Full-year 2009 sales were 207,767, down 21.3 percent.
Volvo Cars of North America, still owned by Ford Motor Company, had December sales of 5,638 vehicles, up 13.8 percent from December 2008. For 2009, Volvo sold 61,435 vehicles, 16 percent fewer than last year.
Mitsubishi Motors North America announced December 2009 sales of 4,355, an increase of 49 percent over November. Mitsubishi had 2009 sales of 53,986, a 44.5 percent drop from 2008.
Jaguar sold 1,246 cars in December in the U.S., a 24 percent increase from last year. Land Rover sold 3,595, a 37 percent jump from a year ago. For 2009, Jaguar Land Rover combined sales fell 14 percent.
American Suzuki sold 1,885 vehicles in December, down 48 percent from December 2008 and for 2009 sold 38,689, a 54 percent plummet.
Porsche Cars North America December sales of 2,118, was essentially on par with the same period last year when it sold 2,154. For 2009, Porsche sold a total of 19,696 new cars in the U.S., down 24 percent from 2008.
Forty new vehicles is the estimated unveiling count at the North American International Auto Show according to show organizers. Thirty worldwide reveals and ten North American debuts, will kick off the New Year at Cobo Center in Detroit January 11th. That count may climb as we get closer. A lot of the news is already out as secrets are hard to keep these days with so many European vehicles just crossing "the pond". We saw numerous unveils in Frankfurt and Los Angeles so what's in store for Detroit?
Among the vehicles to be shown in North America and, possibly the world, for the first time:
Audi's new A8 sedan, which arrives in the Spring, will be initially offered with either a 372 horsepower 4.2 FSI or a 350 horsepower 4.2 TDI engine and later with a 250 horsepower 3.0 TDI powerplant.
BMW will make the world debut of its 340 horsepower twin turbo Z4 sDrive35is roadster and BMW Concept ActiveE with an electric drive system that draws its energy from new, advanced lithium-ion battery pack. BMW is also unveiling the twin-turbocharged inline-6 engine version of the BMW 740i and 740Li sedans. BMW will also display the 465 horsepower ActiveHybrid 7 with an upgraded eight-cylinder engine and electric motor. Next to it will be the 407 horsepower ActiveHybrid X6 with V8 TwinPower Turbo Technology and two synchronous electric motors. The MINI Beachcomber concept will also be center stage in Detroit.
Chrysler's display will have some Italian flavor with a battery-electric Fiat 500.
Ford will have the 412 horsepower 5.0-liter V8 engine Mustang GT and the $79,000 racing Boss 302R Mustang.
General Motors, under the Chevrolet bow tie badge, will have a new Camaro convertible, Aveo, Spark (pictured left at the Frankfurt Auto Show), Orlando and Malibu along with Jim Campbell, Chevy's newest vice president, as of December 9th. GM will also have the Cadillac CTS-V coupe, Buick Regal GS performance concept and GMC Acadia Denali edition.
Mercedes-Benz will have its E-Class Cabriolet which goes on sale in mid-January in Europe and in May in the U.S.
Toyota will stage the world debut of a new dedicated hybrid concept vehicle.
Volkswagen may have a new 2011 Jetta and a CC R-Line news announcement. R-Line equipment is already offered on seven Volkswagen models in Europe and now the Passat CC is getting a sportier touch.
Volvo is presenting a complete battery electric Volvo C30 with a range of 93 miles.
All the news from Detroit will come from media conferences on January 11th and 12th.
General Motors press release Dec. 20, 2009: "Following Friday's announcement that GM will begin the orderly wind down of Saab, GM has received inquiries from several parties. We will evaluate each inquiry. We will not comment further until these evaluations have been completed."
Automotive News reports that Dutch car maker Spyker may get back into the running for Saab.
General Motors will start an orderly wind-down of Saab operations after GM failed to complete a sale transaction with Dutch car builder Spyker Cars. Spyker said that during the due diligence, certain issues arose that both parties believe cannot be resolved prior to the December 31st deadline set by GM. Spyker became involved in acquiring Saab after the withdrawal of Koenigsegg Group AB last month.
GM says it "expects Saab to satisfy debts including supplier payments, and to wind down production and the distribution channel in an orderly manner while looking after our customers. Saab will continue to honor warranties, while providing service and spare parts to current Saab owners around the world."
Last week, Saab Automobile AB announced that it had closed on the sale of certain Saab 9-3, current 9-5 and powertrain technology and tooling to Beijing Automotive Industry Holdings Co. Ltd.
BMW Is Favorite To Gain Saab Buyers - AutoTrader.com
With the announcement today that GM will shutter its Saab division, BMW may be a winner, according to cross-shopping data from AutoTrader.com. Thirty-three percent of Saab shoppers also looked at BMW vehicles while researching and comparing new and used vehicles on AutoTrader.com, a larger percentage than looked at any other brand.
31% of Saab shoppers also looked at Audi models listed for sale on AutoTrader.com. 29% looked at Volvo, 27% at VW and Toyota, 24% at Honda and Mercedes-Benz, 23% at Ford and 22% at Chevrolet. Having said that, Saab's year-to-date 2009 sales in the U.S. through November stands at 7,812, a 61.3% drop from 2008, so when that kind of low volume is scattered around, will it really make a difference?
In other GM news, the company says it will begin loan repayments to the U.S. and Canadian and Ontario governments, paying $1.0 billion to the U.S. Treasury and $192 million to Export Development Canada.
A jury of 49 veteran automotive journalists has selected the Buick LaCrosse, Ford Fusion Hybrid and Volkswagen Golf/GTI as finalists for North American Car of the Year and the Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Transit Connect and Subaru Outback as finalists for North American Truck of the Year.
The awards are designed to recognize the most outstanding vehicles of the year based on factors that include innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value for the dollar. To be eligible, vehicles must be "all-new" or "substantially changed" from the previous model. This year the jury considered more than 50 vehicles and finally focused on 16 cars and 10 trucks. The selection committee picked from these vehicles:
2010 North American Car of the Year nominees:
BMW 335d, Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon, Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Fusion, Ford Fusion Hybrid, Ford Taurus/Taurus SHO, Honda Insight, Kia Soul, Mazda3/MazdaSpeed3, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Porsche Panamera, Subaru Legacy, Suzuki Kizashi, Toyota Prius, Volkswagen Golf/GTI/TDI.
2010 North American Truck of the Year nominees:
Acura ZDX, Audi Q5, Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Transit Connect, Honda Accord Crosstour, Land Rover LR4, Lincoln MKT, Subaru Outback, Volvo XC60.
We'll get the winners at the Detroit Auto Show in mid-January.
The all new 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet with a sound-dampening soft top goes on sale in the U.S. in May of 2010 replacing the CLK-Class Cabriolet which sells today for $56,100.
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet will be offered in two models: the 268 horsepower V6-powered E350 Cabriolet and the 382 horsepower V8-powered E550 Cabriolet.
New features include AIRCAP® automatic draft-stop system which consists of a wind deflector that can be extended by around 2.4 inches with a net in the windscreen frame and a draft-stop between the rear seats. Another new feature is the modified AIRSCARF® neck-level heating system which provides warm air through outlets in the head restraints.
Since launching in the U.S. six days ago Ford has more than 1,000 reservations for the new 2011 Ford Fiesta on a new Web site that allows consumers to build, price and reserve the new car. Consumers who reserve a new Ford Fiesta will receive SYNC® and Premium Sound package, a $595 value, at no charge once their vehicle is delivered. The new 2011 Ford Fiesta with its 119 horsepower 1.6-liter DOHC I-4 engine is expected to deliver to deliver highway fuel economy of 40 mpg.
The new 2011 Ford Fiesta goes on sale in North America next year – available in four- and five-door body styles. More than 500,000 Fiestas have already sold to customers in Europe and Asia.
The all-new 2011 Hyundai Sonata's North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show topped the list of unveils in my view. The $20,000 four-door coupe flashes the looks of a much more expensive midsize sedan. The sixth generation Sonata launches with a new 198 horsepower Theta II 2.4-liter gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine and in-house six-speed automatic transmission delivering fuel economy of 23 mpg city/35 mpg highway. A 2.0-liter Theta II turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine and Hybrid Blue Drive models will debut by 2010 year-end. Production begins at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama in December with retail sales beginning in January.
Sonata is the second vehicle in Hyundai’s 24/7 version 2.0 product initiative (seven new models in the next 24 months) following on the heels of the all-new 2010 Hyundai Tucson that also debuted in L.A. but was seen in mid-September at the Frankfurt Auto Show as the ix35. Beginning with the 2011 Sonata and 2010 Tucson projects, Hyundai designers set to work about three and half years ago on Fluidic Sculpture, a design language that will ripple through the entire Hyundai showroom. The 2010 Tucson is 3.3 inches longer and one inch wider than its predecessor, yet 61 pounds lighter. The 2010 Tucson has a longer wheelbase and overall width than CR-V, Escape and Forester.
If the Cash-For-Clunkers program makes a comeback expect the Tucson to be a top choice as a clunker replacement. How can you go wrong with five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper protection, 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, and seven-year/unlimited mileage anti-perforation coverage. In addition, Tucson buyers receive 24-hour roadside assistance coverage at no extra charge for five years (no mileage limit) and that service includes emergency towing, lockout service and limited coverage for trip-interruption expenses.
The all-new Tucson CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle), starts at $18,995 for a well-equipped GLS six-speed, manual-transmission model and $24,345 for the top-of-the-line Limited model. The all-new Tucson arrives at dealerships this month.
GM Chairman Ed Whitacre (pictured below) will assume the duties of CEO until a new President and CEO is found to replace Henderson. Here's the release:
At its monthly meeting in Detroit today, the General Motors Board of Directors accepted the resignation of Fritz Henderson as Director, President and CEO of the company.
Fritz has done a remarkable job in leading the company through an unprecedented period of challenge and change. While momentum has been building over the past several months, all involved agree that changes needed to be made. To this end, I have taken over the role of Chairman and CEO while an international search for a new president and CEO begins immediately. With these new duties, I will begin working in the Renaissance Center headquarters on a daily basis. The leadership team – many who are with me today – are united and committed to the task at hand.
I want to assure all of our employees, dealers, suppliers, union partners and most of all, our customers, that GM’s daily business operations will continue as normal. I remain more convinced than ever that our company is on the right path and that we will continue to be a leader in offering the worldwide buying public the highest quality, highest value cars and trucks. We now need to accelerate our progress toward that goal, which will also mean a return to profitability and repaying the American and Canadian tax payers as soon as possible.
In closing, I want to once again thank Fritz Henderson for his years of leadership and service to General Motors; we’re grateful for his many contributions. I look forward to working with the entire GM team as we now begin the next chapter of this great company.
General Motors dealers in the U.S. delivered 151,427 vehicles in November, a 2.2 percent decline compared with November 2008, GM retail sales were up 1 percent for the month. Total sales for Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac were up 6 percent vs. the prior year. Retail sales for these brands were up 10 percent vs. the prior year, and currently represent 94 percent of GM's retail sales performance. Year-to-date GM has sold 1,875,981 vehicles, down 32 percent from the first eleven months of 2008.
Toyota Motor Sales reported November sales of 133,700, up 11.5 percent from November 2008. Year-to-date Toyota sales are 1,582,289, down 23.3 percent versus 11 months of 2008.
Ford, Lincoln and Mercury total U.S. sales were 118,536, down 0.2 percent from November 2008 and for the 11 months of 2009, sales are 1,441,871, down 19 percent from last year. Separately, Ford-owned Volvo Cars North America had November sales of 4,631 up 5.2 percent from November 2008 for a year-to-date total of 55,797, 18.1 percent lower than last year. The Wall Street Journal reports that Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co. has lined up loans from at least three major Chinese government banks to finance its bid for Ford Motor Co.'s Volvo car unit, according to a person close to Geely. Geely is asking the Chinese government for $1 billion to purchase Volvo for $1.8 billion from Ford.
American Honda posted November sales of 74,003, an increase of 5.5 percent based on the daily selling rate when compared to November 2008. American Honda year-to-date sales of 1,043,641 represent a decrease of 21.7 percent based on the daily selling rate.
Chrysler Group reported total U.S. sales for November of 63,560 units, increasing its market share to 8.4 percent. Sales declined 25 percent versus November 2008. Year-to-date Chrysler sales are 844,879, 38 percent lower than the first eleven months last year.
Nissan North America November 2009 sales of 56,288 units was an increase of 20.8 percent, compared with November 2008. Nissan Division sales rose 29.9 percent for the month, while sales of Infiniti vehicles were 26 percent lower than a year ago. Nissan has sold 696,699 vehicles this year, a 21.7 percent decline from last year.
Hyundai Motor America November sales of 28,045 units, a 46 percent increase compared with November 2008. Calendar year-to-date, Hyundai sales are up 6.2 percent to a total of 401,267 through November. This marks the eleventh consecutive month of year-over-year gains in retail market share.
Kia Motors America November sales of 17,955 units was an 18.3-percent increase over the same month last year. Year to date sales totaled 279,015, a 7.8-percent increase over the same period last year. Volkswagen of America November 2009 sales of 16,250 total units, representing a 13.7 percent increase over November 2008. Year-to-dat VW sales are 193,067, down 6.1% from the same eleven months last year. Audi, which is owned by VW but reports separately, had U.S. November sales of 6,810 bringing the 2009 total to 73,686, down 7.9 percent versus the same eleven months of 2008.
The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported November sales of 18,272 vehicles, a decrease of 7.5 percent from the same month of 2008. The BMW Group year-to-date sales volume of 218,110 vehicles is down 22.5 percent compared to the first 11 months of last year.
Daimler reported U.S. sales for Mercedes-Benz and smart combined of 17,446 units, an increase of 9.1 percent compared to November 2008. Mercedes-Benz USA November sales were 16,797 vehicles, a 19.1% improvement over November 2008 bringing the year-to-date total to 170,403 new vehicles, narrowing the gap versus last year to 17.4%. smart USA recorded 649 sales in November 2009 with a year-to-date sales total of 13,731.
Subaru of America November sales of 16,988 is a 24 percent increase over November 2008 bringing the year-to-date total to 193,578, 14 percent more than last year after 11 months and more than all of 2008.
Mazda North American Operations reported November 2009 sales of 14,255 units, an increase of 9.6 percent versus November of 2008 on a daily selling rate basis (23 selling days in November 2009 compared to 25 selling days last November), up 0.9 percent unadjusted. Overall, total yearly sales are reported at 189,512, down 22.4 percent DSR (23.0 percent unadjusted) compared to 2008. Mitsubishi Motors North America November sales of 2,925 is a decrease of 24.4% from last month's sales of 3,867 (October 2009). Mitsubishi has 2009 sales of 49,631 for 11 months.
American Suzuki had sales of 1,540 in November, a 52 percent drop from a year ago. Year-to-date Suzuki has sold 36,810 vehicles, a 55 percent drop from the first eleven months of 2008.
Sales reports will be added as manufacturers release their figures.
The 2011 Chevy Cruze, already selling in Europe, comes to the U.S. this week at the Los Angeles Auto Show to challenge Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla with more spacious interior and greater cargo room, according to General Motors.
The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze will be offered in LS, LT and LTZ trims and a new family of small-displacement engines, including 138 horsepower Ecotec 1.4L I-4 turbo which is standard on LT and LTZ models. Along with ten standard air bags, the Cruze should rank high in fuel economy and safety. A stereo system that includes MP3 playback capability, six speakers and an auxiliary jack for personal playback devices is standard.
"Cruze is already a hit across Europe and Asia; and now, it's coming to America to challenge the status quo," said Brent Dewar, GM Vice President, Chevrolet Global brand. "Along with the Volt electric vehicle, Cruze is the latest tangible example of how Chevrolet is working on exciting products that range from gas-friendly to gas-free."
Ten concepts are listed for display at the Los Angeles Auto Show that starts next week. Most of them were at the Frankfurt Auto Show two and a half months ago. The most interesting just may be the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics (pictured above at the Frankfurt Auto Show). It attracted big crowds in Germany.
Seven world debuts are listed for the Los Angeles Auto Show media days next week. Cadillac CTS Coupe, Dodge Viper, Honda Personal-Neo Urban Transport, Porsche Boxster Spyder, Toyota Sienna and two Volkswagens. We've had stories on two of them - Porsche Boxster Spyder and the Cadillac CTS Coupe.
The Los Angeles Auto Show website shows at least 30 North American debuts, including the ten concepts, many were on display in Frankfurt two months ago like the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Tucson (pictured above as the ix35) to name two.
The Buick Regal, Chevy Cruze, Mazda2, Kia Sorento, Hyundai Tucson and two VW's could all be good volume vehicles. L.A. is important to the luxury car makers, especially Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Volvo which each have multiple debut vehicles. Standby for a really big show from the car-centric home of Hollywood.
The enhanced 2010 LS 600h L premium luxury hybrid sedan will arrive at dealerships later this month and sell for $109,675 (including delivery, processing and handling fee of $875). The “L” signifying the long-wheelbase LS platform. The LS 600h L hybrid powertrain system combines a 5.0-liter V8 gasoline engine with two powerful electric motors and a large-capacity battery pack. The hybrid powertrain generates a peak combined output rating of 438 horsepower and accelerates from zero-to-60 mph in 5.5 seconds.
The 2010 model has such features as standard Intuitive Park Assist with Advance Parking Guidance and Intelligent High-Beam, a driver's seat with auto slide-away that makes ingress/egress more comfortable, rear power sunshade, an LCD instrument cluster, Lexus Navigation system with casual language recognition, Bluetooth phonebook download capability and music playing capability with USB/iPod connectivity and Bluetooth audio streaming. The Premium Package II includes butterfly rear headrest and left rear seat with lumbar massage and the Executive Class Seating Package II adds power rear driver's side seat and ottoman with lumbar massage.
Lexus Enform with Safety Connect is standard on all LS 600h L. Complimentary one-year trial subscriptions of Lexus Enform with Safety Connect are included on all purchases of new LS 600h L. The Lexus Enform and the Safety Connect response center operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - every day of the year.
Price increases on other select Lexus models range from $300 for the IS 250 and IS 350 to $900 for the GS 450h and SC 430 will become effective with vehicles produced on December, 2009.
General Motors confirmed today that the proposed sale of its Saab subsidiary to Koenigsegg Group AB was terminated at the discretion of the buyer.
"We're obviously very disappointed with the decision to pull out of the Saab purchase," said GM President and CEO, Fritz Henderson. "Many have worked tirelessly over the past several months to create a sustainable plan for the future of Saab by selling the brand and its manufacturing interests to Koenigsegg Group AB. Given the sudden change in direction, we will take the next several days to assess the situation and will advise on the next steps next week."
So GM somehow foiled the sale of Saturn to Penske, decides to keep Opel rather than sell to Magna and now is stuck with Saab. At least Hummer has a new home with Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machinery Co. The Saab story continues....
The all-new, second generation 2010 Lexus GX 460 luxury utility vehicle with a new 301 horsepower 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 329 lb-ft of peak torque will be on display for the first time at the Los Angeles Auto Show next week.
The GX 460 will be offered in two grades: base, which will carry an MSRP of $51,970, and Premium which will be priced at $56,765 plus a delivery, processing and handling fee of $875. A six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift delivers combined city/highway fuel economy of an EPA-estimated 17 mpg broken down as an EPA-estimated 15 mpg city and 20 mpg highway.
The second row seat slides 4.1 inches fore/aft and the foldable and reclining second row seats feature a 60/40 walk-in function to access the standard power fold-flat third row seats. Standard features include heated and ventilated front seats, 10 airbags, rear back-up camera (without Navigation), Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System which can reduce maximum body-roll angle by as much as 50 percent to help enhance both on-road handling response and off-highway capability and full-time four-wheel drive. Safety features available include the Pre-Collision System, wide-view front and side cameras, Lane Departure Alert and Intelligent High Beam.
I saw the GX in Frankfurt where it was on display as a Toyota Land Cruiser for the European market. The GX 460 will be in U.S. showrooms in late December.
The 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe unveiled today comes with a 304 horsepower direct injected 3.6-liter V-6 engine which runs on regular unleaded gasoline with an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 27 mpg on the highway. There are two transmission options: the standard six-speed manual, featuring a revised clutch and dual-mass flywheel and optional 6-speed automatic transmission with Driver Shift Control (and available steering wheel mounted shift buttons). There is a rear-wheel or all-wheel drive option. The CTS Coupe's design carries over virtually unchanged from the concept car that was introduced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in 2008. The coupe has the same wheelbase as the CTS sedan and is approximately two inches lower and two inches shorter and shares the same instrument panel, console, headlamps, front fenders and grille as the four door version.
Some high tech features include touch-pad controlled doors which removes the need for conventional door handles and a 40-gig hard drive, including the ability to store music and pause-and-replay live radio. Two suspension-tuning levels are available: a Performance Package with 18-inch wheels and all-season tires (available in both RWD and AWD,) and the Summer Tire Performance Package, with 19-inch tires and wheels and a higher level of road holding capability. StabiliTrak, the advanced electronic chassis control system, is standard. The 2011 CTS Coupe will be in Cadillac showrooms in the spring of 2010.
On September 10, 2009, General Motors announced that it will offer a Satisfaction Guarantee to eligible buyers of new Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles. The program started Sept. 14. The guarantee allows customers to return their vehicle to their dealer between 31 and 60 days of purchase and receive a refund of the purchase price for the vehicle. That should be plenty of time to evaluate the vehicle, afterall an elite number of journalists usually get a week behind the wheel to generate a vehicle review that may or may not effect the purchase process.
This past Thursday on Nov. 18, or 65 days after the offer started, General Motors issued a press release saying that 653 customers to date have taken the 60-day Money Back Guarantee return in lieu of a $500 discount on a new vehicle purchase. 53 vehicles have been returned and about 140 others are in the process. In October, GM sold 177,603 vehicles so the 193 returns is barely a rounding error. One of the criteria is that customers must take delivery by Nov. 30th, so by early February we should have a good idea of how many people rejected their GM vehicle for whatever reason and returned it.
GM says that "every potential walk away is getting an exit interview from (Vice President of Global Product Engineering Mark) Reuss or one of his engineering leadership team." Now hopefully they'll survey the other 1.7 million plus customers who bought GM vehicles this year and owned them longer than 60 days to get better info on their products. If GM needs help, I have the answer, so send me an email or post a comment.
Frederick (Fritz) Henderson , president and chief executive officer of General Motors - (pictured left at 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show) will kick off the Los Angeles Auto Show by delivering the Motor Press Guild (MPG) keynote address the morning of Dec. 2, 2009. Henderson was elected GM president and chief executive officer in March 2009. Prior to that, he had been GM president and chief operating officer since March 2008. He was vice chairman and chief financial officer from January 2006 to March 2008.
Henderson started his career at GM as a senior analyst in 1984 and was promoted to several positions of increasing responsibility before becoming GMAC group vice president of finance in Detroit in 1992. He went on to serve as president of GM Latin America, Africa and Middle East, president of GM Asia Pacific, and chairman of GM Europe.
Sergio Marchionne, Chief Executive Officer of Chrysler Group LLC - (in a Frankfurt Auto Show media frenzy) will address the Economic Club of Chicago at the group's annual Chicago Auto Show luncheon meeting on Feb. 11, 2010. Sergio Marchionne serves as Chief Executive Officer of Fiat S.p.A., Turin, and Fiat Group Automobiles. He has been a member of the supervisory board of Fiat S.p.A. since 2003 and has served as CEO of the company since June 2004. He is also a member of Acea (European Automobile Manufacturers Association).
