Autoblog

REPORT: Isuzu proposes new HD diesel engine for GM?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, GM, Rumormill, Diesel

We're not entirely sure what to make of reports regarding Isuzu's tie-up with General Motors for diesel engines that seem to conflict with one another, but here we go anyway. According to Bloomberg, Isuzu is considering whether it should end its joint venture with The General for the production of large-displacement Duramax diesel engines.

PickupTrucks.com adds that GM has its own excellent team of diesel engine specialists that are fully capable of designing the automaker's next heavy duty truck engines. In fact, the 4.5-liter diesel that had been planned for light duty applications was wholly engineered by GM. Okay, got it.

But wait. According to Green Car Advisor (sadly without citing sources), Isuzu has proposed that it develop a new HD diesel engine for GM. Both reports could be true; Isuzu may have decided that it should continue to work with GM, and that could have led to the proposal, but we can't say for sure.

GCA also indicates (again, without citing a source) that GM and Isuzu are also in talks that would have the Japanese company take the lead in developing new pickup trucks for Southeast Asia and South America. GM's current Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon pickups share common underpinnings with trucks that Isuzu developed for overseas sales.

[Source: Bloomberg, PickupTrucks.com, Green Car Advisor]

REPORT: Isuzu proposes new HD diesel engine for GM? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Dec 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Autoblog Podcast #158 - 'Twas a few days before Christmas

Dan Roth — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 18:17:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Podcasts, Audi, BMW, Buick, Chevrolet, Chrysler, GM, GMC, Spyker, Rumormill

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

'Twas a couple nights before Christmas, and in the Autoblog house, Paukert and Shunk got Roth off the couch... For episode #158 of the Autoblog Podcast! What better way to get into the holiday spirit than an hour and a half of new Podcast? It's fresher than egg nog this week, as the trio chews on the return of the 5.0 in the Ford Mustang, Audi's more sane torque numbers for the E-Tron, and what may yet be a Christmas miracle: Spyker's dogged pursuit of Saab. Rounding out the sextet of topics are the Alfa Giulietta and its potential as a Chrysler, the BMW Z4 GT3, and General Motors' plan to bring the Buick Regal GS to the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, where it will also debut a Chevrolet Orlando-based vehicle called the GMC Granite.

For the long holiday drives, our colleagues at Joystiq and Engadget do fine work. Let us know what you think of our podcast by dropping us an email at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our survey, or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Thanks for listening!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #158 - 'Twas a few days before Christmas

Autoblog Podcast #158 - 'Twas a few days before Christmas originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 18:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rumormill: Mercedes-Benz CLS shooting brake in the works?

Dan Roth — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Paris Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz, Rumormill, Design/Style

Mercedes Benz ConceptFASCINATION - click for high-res gallery

German automakers have apparently all developed kyphosis, as witnessed by the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo, the impending Audi A7 Sportback, and the Porsche Panamera. It seems the time is right for humpty-backed automobiles from Deutschland. Mercedes used the ConceptFASCINATION to spearhead the launch of its redesigned E-Class, and while it got everyone all excited during auto show season in 2008, few thought it would amount to anything productiony. That's all changed now. Sure, there are wagons; it's hard to name a more proper Estate Car than the E-Class wagon; but that's not the brass ring everyone seems to be stretching for here.

Expected at the next Paris Motor Show in October 2010, Autointernationaal reports that a new CLS will debut with the expected rakish form - as well as a shooting brake version. While we're all ogling pictures of the fetching three-door concept shown above, the production version is expected to carry four doors and a liftgate. While the show vehicle is fetching with its paucity of points of entry, four doors are apparently important for interesting the Asian market. Don't think of this rumored model as a replacement for anything else utilitarian in the Mercedes lineup; the CLS Brake is unlikely to usurp the R-Class and its unsalability. Rather, it will offer another stylish option in a package that is more car than bus. The world could do with more brakes - shoot on, we say.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION

Gallery: Paris 2008: Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION

[Source: Autointernationaal.nl (Google Translated)]

Rumormill: Mercedes-Benz CLS shooting brake in the works? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Chrysler to bring electric Fiat 500, hatchback concept to Detroit

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Hatchback, Chrysler, Maserati, Ferrari, Fiat, Rumormill, Electric, Lancia

Fiat 500C - Click above for high-res image gallery

Just because Chrysler won't be holding a press conference at next month's Detroit Auto Show doesn't mean that America's third-largest automaker is coming to the party empty-handed. Far from it, in fact, assuming there's truth to the rumors that the Pentastar will be showing off both an electric version of the soon-to-be-US-bound Fiat 500 along with a Chrysler-ized version of the Lancia Delta hatchback.

While the Chrysler-branded concept is said to be nothing more than a standard-fare Delta emblazoned with Chrysler's trademark chrome fascia, the electric Fiat 500 is a bit more interesting. We've heard that the automaker's erstwhile ENVI group was disbanded and assimilated into the rest of the company's product development workforce, so we're curious to see the integration of a battery-powered drivetrain into the little urban runabout. Will it be a fully-functional vehicle or just a mock-up of what could potentially be possible?

Not surprisingly, we'll also be treated to the rest of the Fiat 500 lineup, including the 500C Cabriolet (no word on bikini-clad models) and the sporty 500 Abarth. Finally, tucked into a corner of the Chrysler booth in Detroit will also reportedly be such premium Italian machinery as the Ferrari 458 Italia and the Maserati GranCabrio. Hey... if you've got it, why not flaunt it, right?

Gallery: Fiat 500C

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

REPORT: Chrysler to bring electric Fiat 500, hatchback concept to Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: GM to show Chevy Orlando-based GMC Granite and hi-po Buick Regal in Detroit

Frank Filipponio — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 18:25:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Budget, Sedan, Performance, Etc., Crossover, Hatchback, Buick, Chevrolet, GM, Rumormill, Luxury, Off-Road

GMC Granite will share a platform with the 2011 Chevrolet Orlando shown above

It seems as though it's just about impossible to keep an embargo in place these days. A Canadian outlet just spilled the beans on a couple of GM reveals set for Detroit next month. They say they were invited to a sneak preview Wednesday evening and although they couldn't take pics, they felt free to tell us about the whole array of models. Some have been loosely-guarded secrets, but a couple are unknowns, so we'll quote CanadianDriver on those until we get confirmation from GM.

Apparently, The General will have a slew of new model introductions in the D next month, including the much-anticipated Camaro Convertible, the new, upsized Aveo, a substantially-revised Malibu, production versions of the Spark and Orlando, and two models we hadn't heard about until now: A GMC version of the Orlando dubbed the Granite, and a "sport version of the Buick Regal" that should get "many of its performance parts from the 325-hp Opel Insignia OPC." Hot dog, the Regal GS is apparently more than a wet dream. Bring on the Stage 1 and GNX.

The Regal was just introduced in Los Angeles a couple of weeks ago, so the announcement of a performance model so soon thereafter seems a little strange -- not that we're complaining, mind you. The Granite is described as an "urban utility vehicle" and will be the smallest model in GMC's history. A Denali edition can only be around the corner. We'll get you more details as they are released and we'll be sure to have the whole field covered when the Big Top opens at Cobo in January.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Chevrolet Orlando Concept

Gallery: 2010 Chevy Spark

Gallery: 2011 Buick Regal Live Unveiling

[Source: CandianDriver]

REPORT: GM to show Chevy Orlando-based GMC Granite and hi-po Buick Regal in Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 Dec 2009 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Swedish government to meet with GM officials - could Saab still be saved?

Frank Filipponio — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 15:50:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Government/Legal, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Plants/Manufacturing, GM, Saab, Earnings/Financials, Rumormill, Luxury

Saab 9-5 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Less than a day after General Motors officially announced Saab's euthanization, it looks like the storied Swedish brand might still have the faintest whisper of a pulse. Motor Trend is reporting that there are rumors swirling that the Swedish government will hold emergency meetings this weekend to try to save Saab. At least some government officials apparently feel that Saab is too important to fail... now where have we heard that before? With such a small population, the closure of Saab could have a major impact on the nation's economy, much like the failure of GM (and Chrysler, to a lesser extent) was viewed as potentially catastrophic in the States.

Some 3,400 employees will be jobless when GM completes its planned "orderly wind down" starting in January. That estimate doesn't include workers from the 1,100 Saab dealers that will also be shuttered around the globe.

Despite the failed selloff, things look like they're picking up at The General. The automaker announced yesterday that they had paid back the first $1 billion TARP money they borrowed from us the U.S. government. BAIC, Koenigsegg, Spyker and others had attempted to jump into the Saab fire-sale, but all have come out burned. Well, BAIC at least scored tooling for the old 9-3 and current 9-5. With a new-for 2010 9-5 having taken the stage at auto shows around the globe in recent months and the 9-4X in the wings, we'd love to see all of the Saab faithful get an early Christmas gift. We're definitely not holding our breath, but we'll keep you posted through the weekend should anything materialize.

Gallery: 2010 Saab 9-5

Gallery: Detroit 2008: Saab 9-4X Concept live reveal

[Source: Motor Trend]

REPORT: Swedish government to meet with GM officials - could Saab still be saved? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 Dec 2009 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rumormill: Aluminum and carbon fiber, KERS-equipped BMW M5 cometh?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, BMW, Rumormill, Luxury

What does the future have in store for BMW's high-performance M division? For starters, lots and lots of power, along with a smattering of light weight and plenty of cutting-edge technology. This all sounds familiar, but the rumored details coming out of Bimmerfile suggest that the 2011 BMW M5 would be nothing short of revolutionary.

Not surprisingly, we're told to expect a version of the twin-turbo V8 that currently powers the M division's hi-po X5 and X6 tallboys with somewhere around 570 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. On top of those prodigious figures may very well be a Kenetic Energy Recovery hybrid setup to recapture wasted energy from braking. The stored power would be used to send an extra shot of power via an electric motor contained in the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The KERS power boost reportedly would be controlled by the driver with a Formula 1-style button on the steering wheel.

Further performance would be found by putting the next-gen 5 Series on a diet consisting of a chassis wrought completely in aluminum with carbon fiber used in various body panels and optionally on the roof. We look forward to finding out just how much of this rumormill material turns out to be accurate, and we'll know for sure in early 2011 when the next M5 is slated for introduction.

[Source: Bimmerfile]

Rumormill: Aluminum and carbon fiber, KERS-equipped BMW M5 cometh? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: GM-SAIC pondering Tata Nano fighter?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, China, GM, India, Rumormill

Though the minuscule Tata Nano hasn't even been on the market for a complete year, the impact it's had on the automotive world may be exactly inverse to its size and price. In other words, it's had a huge effect, proving to the world that it's possible to build a business plan around selling super cheap cars in rapidly expanding markets.

You can reportedly add the Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) and General Motors joint venture to the list of automakers that have taken notice of the Nano. According to reports rolling in from China and India, the 50:50 JV is considering a vehicle that would be positioned below the Chevy Spark/Daewoo Matiz that would sell for as little as $3,500.

So far, GM/SAIC isn't commenting on the reports, but has indicated in the past that it plans to build small vans, SUVs and cars for emerging markets like China and India.

[Source: WheelsUnplugged | Image: Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty Images]

REPORT: GM-SAIC pondering Tata Nano fighter? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: 2011 Audi A1 not coming to the States

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Audi, Rumormill

2011 Audi A1 graffiti - Click above for high-res image gallery

There's still two months to go before the production 2011 Audi A1 is finally scheduled to get its internet close-up ahead of its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show, and the hype machine is already in full swing. No wonder, really, considering how much the Mini line - which, along with the reborn Fiat 500, Audi is obviously targeting with the little A1 - and its excellent advertising campaigns have impacted the public psyche.

One very large question remains, though: Will Audi sell the A1 in the States? We've heard from Audi's head of sales Peter Schwarzenbauer multiple times that the car was designed with the U.S. market in mind, but today we see a conflicting report from Insideline quoting an unnamed Audi insider.

The decision on whether or not the A1 makes the trek to America may well depend on its ability to make money at Mini's established price points and how strongly Audi believes that U.S. buyers have signaled their willingness to spend premium bucks on small cars. We'll see...

Gallery: 2011 Audi A1 Graffiti Teasers

[Source: Insideline]

REPORT: 2011 Audi A1 not coming to the States originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Kia Forte Koup may get brand's first-ever turbo

Dan Roth — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Kia, Rumormill

2010 Kia Forte Koup - Click above for high-res image gallery

As General Motors' Saturn brand ushers its owners toward orphan-make status, at least one company is swooping in to pick at the bones of its carcass. Kia has been doing well lately, unlike nearly everyone else, its sales actually grew this year. The brand has been adding dealers by picking up ex-Saturn stores and looks to continue building market share in the East, as well as in selected large cities on the West Coast. Kia's VP of sales, Tom Loveless tells Automotive News there has been no concerted plan to go after Saturn dealers, they just happen to be in the markets Kia wants to expand into, and that some ex-Hummer and Chrysler dealers have joined, as well.

More interesting than tales of dealer signage changes is what may be coming product-wise. The Soul and Forte have been getting attention, and more new stuff is on the way as the 2011 Sorento drops in January. The Optima and Sportage both get the re-do treatment for 2011, and a hybrid lands in 2012. To counter the geek-chic of battery power, word is the sharp-looking Forte Koup might get an iron lung hung off its engine, making it the brand's first turbocharged car. Loveless seems open to the idea, calling it "a natural extension, if it makes financial sense." Word.

Gallery: Kia Forte Koup

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: Kia Forte Koup may get brand's first-ever turbo originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Yes, Again: Nissan rumored to be reviving 240SX, bringing it to the U.S.

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 13:26:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Japan, Nissan, Rumormill

Nissan Foria Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Nissan's plans to revive the 240SX (Silvia in JDM parlance) has almost become a running joke, right up there with the fake moon landing and Tom Cruise's heterosexuality. But still, this old chestnut carries forth, with a new report from Insideline's editor in Japan who says the coupe's revival is due to hit the market sometime in 2011 or 2012.

Details, per usual, are both scarce and obvious. The next-generation Silvia will supposedly be built atop Nissan's popular FM platform (370Z, Infiniti G, etc.), come in a 2+2 seating configuration and tip the scales around 2,800 pounds. Naturally, as the S15's successor, it will be a front-engine, rear-drive setup, and is rumored to be packing a turbocharged 1.8-liter inline-four putting out around 200 horsepower. A naturally aspirated variant will also be available to keep the cost of entry low, but the turbo'd model is obviously the pick of the litter and should deliver a 0-60 time of between six and seven seconds.

IL's man in Japan points to the Nissan Foria concept (shown above) as the stylistic inspiration, but notes that the coupe would only be "loosely based" on the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show concept. Judging by Nissan's recent design endeavors, we doubt the Foria -- or as previously rumored, the Urge concept -- will be a heavy influence on this supposed Silvia revival.

Although we're all for more budget-oriented FR sports cars, the popularity of the Toyota FT-86 is sure to be a factor in Nissan's decision to bring the 240SX back to life. That, coupled with the unknown demand for the Hyundai Genesis Coupe (Hyundai doesn't break out Genesis Sedan from Coupe sales in its monthly reports) makes the proposition of a new 2+2 from Nissan even more hazy. So until we hear something solid from Ghosn and Company, we'll resume our normal respiration routine.

Gallery: Nissan Fiora Concept

[Source: Insideline]

Yes, Again: Nissan rumored to be reviving 240SX, bringing it to the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 13:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata to get SKY-G power, 50+ mpg?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 09:56:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Mazda, Rumormill

Mazda MX-5 Miata Superlight Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Are big changes ahead for the Miata? As a blog that's gone on record as adoring the current iteration (and all previous - Ed.) of Mazda's quintessential sportscar, that notion is a bit worrisome. Still, it sounds as if the company is going in the right direction. According to Inside Line, the 2011 MX-5 Miata will shrink in size a bit with an expected curb weight of just 2,200 pounds. That low weight should pay big dynamic dividends as well as boost efficiency, but the big news on that front will be an all-new engine.

Powering the next-gen Miata will reportedly be either a 1.3-liter or 1.5-liter version of the four-cylinder SKY-G engine (G as in gasoline) that Mazda showed off earlier this year at the Tokyo Motor Show. With an expected power rating near 150 horsepower, the current model's power-to-weight ratio would remain intact (the 2009 model boasts 167 hp), and Mazda reportedly predicts the downsized mill will return in excess of 50 miles per gallon in the little sportscar. Consider our interest piqued.

Gallery: Mazda Superlight Concept

[Source: Inside Line]

2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata to get SKY-G power, 50+ mpg? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rumormill: Next generation Nissan GT-R to go hybrid

Noah Joseph — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Japan, Nissan, Rumormill

2010 Nissan GT-R - Click above for high-res image gallery

Japan's Best Car magazine seems to be on a little bit of a hybrid high lately. Just a couple of weeks ago, the publication ran a story stating that Toyota is planning to revive its beloved MR2 nameplate with a new hybrid roadster. Now they're reporting that the Nissan GT-R will also gain a gas-electric drivetrain in its next iteration.

According to the report, the R36-generation GT-R will supplement its 440-horsepower gasoline engine - down from the current twin-turbo V6's 480 - with an electric motor worth about 160 galloping horses, for an overall equivalent of 600. That's a whole lot of power, and if the reports prove to be accurate, Porsche won't be the only one looking in the rear-view mirror when it comes along.

[Source: Best Car via 4WheelsNews.com]

Rumormill: Next generation Nissan GT-R to go hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Even while pursuing Volvo, Geely again mulling bid for Saab?

Chris Shunk — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Saab, Earnings/Financials, Rumormill, Geely

Just about every time an automaker decides to sell one of its brands, Chinese automaker Geely comes up as one of the potential suitors. Geely executive Lawrence Ang has reportedly told Automotive News that the reason Geely has been present at a lot of negotiating tables is because it wants to grow in part through acquisitions. And while the Chinese automaker has yet to finalize any big-ticket buys, it appears to be the front-runner for Ford's Volvo unit.

Earlier in the year, Geely looked into purchasing the Saab brand, but talks reportedly broke down after Koenigsegg presented what appeared to be the winning bid. But now that Koenigsegg has dropped out of the Saab sweepstakes, the door is open again for Geely. Is the Chinese automaker interested? Ang reportedly gave reporters at a shareholder event the ambiguous "who knows?" as an answer, but he also acknowledged that the company is investigating buying opportunities which have presented themselves during the automotive industry downturns in Europe and the States. Geely is also reportedly interested in purchasing parts and engines, which could be possible if General Motors decides to disband Saab if an adequate bid doesn't present itself by year-end.

While Geely appears to be close to purchasing Volvo and is perhaps in a good position to pick up Saab for a song, the automaker is also looking to increase its presence in its home market. Automotive News is reporting that Geely will increase spending by up to 43% in hopes of increasing sales from 300,000 in 2009 to over 400,000 next year.

[Source: Automotive News - subs req'd | Image: AFP/Getty]

REPORT: Even while pursuing Volvo, Geely again mulling bid for Saab? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: VW confirms Jetta name for small sedan, upcoming coupe concept could enter production

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 10:47:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Sedan, Volkswagen, Rumormill

It seems that we'll be getting a new Jetta sedan next June, and it apparently won't be a slightly restyled Golf with a trunk grafted to the rear end. According to Car and Driver, VW's so-called New Compact Sedan, which will be built at the same Mexican plant that assembles the current Jetta, will indeed retain the Jetta nameplate.

Following its June debut here in the States, Volkswagen will prep the car for its European launch later in the year, and it may or may not be called Jetta overseas. A sportier GLI variant will continue to be offered on the new model. Looking farther down the model-range totem pole, there's a decent chance that VW will bring the Polo to the U.S. market to rival the new Ford Fiesta, possibly as both a sedan and a hatchback.

Lastly, we're told that we should expect to see a new U.S.market-tailored two-door notchback coupe concept on the show circuit in short order. If public reaction to it is positive, there's a good chance VW will greenlight the car for series production.

[Source: Car and Driver]

REPORT: VW confirms Jetta name for small sedan, upcoming coupe concept could enter production originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 Dec 2009 10:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Ford and Mazda may develop vehicles separately going forward

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 17:28:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Ford, Mazda, Rumormill

For the last umpteen years (since about 1979, to be exact), Ford has owned a significant share of Japanese automaker Mazda, growing in 1997 to a 33.4-percent controlling stake. As such, the two automakers have historically shared a significant amount of resources and product architectures - a system that has helped both companies remain competitive in the increasingly tough automotive market.

At present, the Ford Fiesta, European Focus and Fusion sedan all borrow unseen bits and pieces from Mazda platforms, and the Japanese automaker offers its own versions of the Ford's compact and midsize crossovers.

Lately, though, it seems Ford and Mazda have been seeing less and less of each other. About a year ago, Ford sold off 20 percent of its stake in the Japanese company, and while it's likely the two automakers will continue to enjoy cooperation in some capacity, Bloomberg is reporting that product sharing may very well be diminished moving forward. Drat. And to think, for all these years, we've apparently been wasting our time holding out hope for a Ford-badged fixed-head coupe based on Mazda's ever-delightful MX-5 Miata.

[Source: Bloomberg]

REPORT: Ford and Mazda may develop vehicles separately going forward originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Fifth Gear: Hope yet for Britain's other car show?

Noah Joseph — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 16:39:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, UK, Celebrities, Rumormill

Our heart goes out to the crew at Fifth Gear. It really does. Because it's got to be tough living in the shadow of the BBC show that spawned it. We're talking about Top Gear, of course, and by any other yardstick, Fifth Gear is a fantastic car show. But its popularity has never approached what Clarkson and company enjoy, which has reportedly led to UK's Channel 5 decision to cancel the show. Which is really a shame.

All hope may not be lost, however, as reports indicate that Channel 5's decision isn't final just yet. But if it is, the show's lead host Tiff Needell has hinted that it could very well get picked up by another network altogether. Alternatively, Needell could get a show of his own. If he does, we hope he takes some of his co-hosts with him. Because short of Jezza, Hampster, Captain Slow and the Stig, Fifth Gear's ensemble is one of the best - on the airwaves or off. Thanks for the tip, Paul T!

[Source: Tiff Needell on Twitter via iCars Singapore]

Fifth Gear: Hope yet for Britain's other car show? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 16:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: U.S consortium now in lead for Volvo purchase

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:40:00 EST

Filed under: China, Ford, Volvo, Earnings/Financials, Rumormill

Just about a month ago, news hit the interwebs that Chinese automaker Geely officially became Ford's preferred bidder for Volvo once concerns over intellectual property were sorted out. Today, though, we're hearing that Crown, a consortium led by former Ford director Michael Dingman, former Ford and Chrysler LLC executive Shamel Rushwin and ex-Volvo CEO Roger Holtback, is gaining momentum in its bid for the Swedish automaker after submitting a revised proposal.

If reports from The Wall Street Journal and Reuters are accurate, Crown's new bid is "on par" with Geely's $1.8 billion offer and is backed by both Swedish and Chinese investors and banks. Not surprisingly, Ford has yet to comment on the speculation, though it has said that talks with Geely are already at an advanced stage. Stay tuned.

[Sources: The Wall Street Journal; Reuters]

REPORT: U.S consortium now in lead for Volvo purchase originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Merbanco out, Spyker in as Saab bidding heats up. Was Fritz axed because he wanted Saab closed?

Chris Paukert — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:01:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Saab, Earnings/Financials, Rumormill

2010 Saab 9-5 - Click above for high-res image gallery

As General Motors suddenly finds itself in search for a new CEO to replace Fritz Henderson, it is also looking to secure a buyer for perennially troubled Saab. GM originally thought it had a new parent for the brand in Koenigsegg, but after that deal went sour, Detroit officials confirmed that it they would give themselves up until the end of the year to find a new buyer instead of simply shutting Saab down.

A number of parties have expressed interest in purchasing the brand since that time, and it has now been confirmed that the Swedish marque has another supercar-building pursuer: Spyker. The Netherlands-based exotic manufacturer has just issued a brief statement confirming that it - along with its shareholders at the Convers Group - has indeed "expressed an interest in Saab Automobile AB" (text available after the jump). Spyker has never been a brand short of ambition (remember its ill-fated Formula One effort?), but taking on Saab would be its most ambitious undertaking yet.

In related news, marque website Saab History is reporting that the US-based Merbanco group has not been chosen by GM as a possible purchaser. According to the SH, Merbanco CEO Christopher Johnston released a statement to the enthusiast group that says:

"As most of you know, we ride with the brand, the fit was good, and were up to the challenges ahead. It is now time for us to depart the field and support the company and its outstanding people.
We are grateful to all of you, fellow Saab enthusiasts and the Saab team for the support you have us. It will never be forgotten. Heartfelt thanks, Ryan and friends for your support."

(Saab History had previously conducted an interview with Johnston, the contents of which you can find here.)

Interestingly, UK buff book Autocar is reporting that yesterday's ousting of Fritz Henderson could stem from the exec's apparent desire to close Saab, a viewpoint that was evidently not shared by the rest of GM's board. We suspect there were a whole host of issues that led to Henderson's resignation, but it's likely that GM's trustees would prefer to offload the brand rather than incur substantial shutdown costs. Call it a "potential contributing factor," if you will.

Either way, do you think Saab will survive this tumult? Drop us a line in 'Comments.'

Gallery: 2010 Saab 9-5

[Sources: Spyker; Saab History; Autocar; Automotive News]

Continue reading Merbanco out, Spyker in as Saab bidding heats up. Was Fritz axed because he wanted Saab closed?

Merbanco out, Spyker in as Saab bidding heats up. Was Fritz axed because he wanted Saab closed? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Saab still has at least two interested parties - BAIC and Merbanco

Chris Shunk — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 09:40:00 EST

Filed under: GM, Saab, Earnings/Financials, Rumormill

2010 Saab 9-5 - Click above for high-res image gallery

When Koenigsegg pulled out of its agreement with General Motors to purchase Saab, many thought that General Motors would dump the Swedish automaker much like it did the Saturn brand. But it appears that The General is still willing to look for another interested party, and speculation is that two perspective buyers are at the front of the line. The Swedish press is reporting that China's Beijing Automotive (BAIC) and Wyoming-based merchant bank Merbanco have shown renewed interest in perennially cash-poor Saab.

Saab spokeswoman Gunilla Gustavs reportedly told Automotive News that there were 27 suitors interested in the Swedish automaker prior to Koenigsegg becoming the preferred bidder and confirmed that there are now other bidders interested. "We have a close dialog and close contact with several who have expressed interest in buying Saab Automobile," Gustavs says.

if another bidder does win the opportunity to purchase Saab, they'll inherit an automaker that expects to lose $427 million in 2009 and a similar amount of cash in 2010. That buyer will also run into plenty of resistance when trying to get its hands on GM's technology assets. One issue that reportedly derailed the Koenigsegg bid was GM's reluctance to share its tech for new products like the new Saab 9-5. On the upside, the aforementioned 9-5 sedan has just begun serial production, the 9-3X allweatherwagon is ready to go, and the 9-4X looks to be just around the bend, too.

Earlier in the week, GM released a statement stating that it would "take the next several days to assess the situation and will advise on the next steps next week." Thanks for the tips, everyone!

Gallery: 2010 Saab 9-5

[Sources: Autocar; Automotive News; Auto Motor und Sport]

REPORT: Saab still has at least two interested parties - BAIC and Merbanco originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Nov 2009 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments