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Automobiles

Report: PSA Peugeot-Citroën gets EU approval for life-line loan from France

July 31, 2013 Bartle Doo Leave a comment

PSA Peugeot Citroën is approved by EU to receive governent bailout.

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PSA Peugeot–Citroën has been struggling to offer low finance rates to customers since its banking arm, Banque PSA Finance, had its credit score downgraded, which in turn has made it hard for the French carmaker to compete with brands that offer lower finance rates, such as Volkswagen. The French government recognized the catch-22 and, after negotiations with PSA and European Union approval, has guaranteed the banking arm seven billion euro in bonds to secure its debt and lower borrowing costs, Automotive News reports. The infusion of bonds will be spread from January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2016.

As part of the requirements for EU approval, PSA agreed to refrain from acquisitions in excess of 100 million euro per year and curb its debt levels, Automotive News reports. The EU Comission was required to approve the bond infusion before it could take place in an effort to reduce to a minimum “the damaging effects for competitors who have not received support from public funding,” said Joaquin Almunia, EU Competition Commissioner.

In addition to the bonds for Banque PSA, a diesel-hybrid program will also receive 86 million euro from the French government, which was also approved by the EU Commission.

PSA was hit hard by the European auto-market recession and posted a loss of five billion euro last year, and it still has an appetite of 100 million euro per month. We hope this is the start of a turnaround for the struggling automaker.

PSA Peugeot-Citroën gets EU approval for life-line loan from France originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Jul 2013 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Automobiles

There Will Be a Maybach Successor and It Will Be a Benz

By Jens Meiners

Mercedes will place a new S-class atop its range to replace Maybach, much like this Mercedes Maybach concept from 1997.

Mercedes-Benz is readying an ultra-luxury version of the new S-class that is being designed to take over at a slightly lower market position than the ill-begotten Maybach. Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche told Automotive News that the vehicle would compete with vehicles in the $200,000–$250,000 range—rather than the 400-large-and-up bracket Maybach inhabited. He added that the technological and luxury content will top that of the 2014 S-class as currently offered in the marketplace.

The highest-priced S-class to reside outside this über-luxurious range-topping S-class will the the upcoming S65 AMG—which we hear will bow in Los Angeles this November—the AMG models, however, place high emphasis on extreme power and ostentatious sportiness. Benz’s challenger to the Bentley Flying Spur and the Rolls-Royce Ghost would have to display more restraint and a more-conservative style. The upcoming high-level S-class could have a slightly longer wheelbase than even the long-wheelbase model we get stateside, but it won’t come close to the now-discontinued Maybach 62.

Daimler’s decision means that the brand will abandon the segment occupied by both the Maybach 57 and the Maybach 62, which competed head-on with the Rolls-Royce Phantom and the Bentley Mulsanne. Born out of the inability to snatch up either Bentley or Rolls-Royce brands, Maybach never came close to achieving its projected market performance, and has been regarded as an unnecessary aberration for Daimler at best.

At the S-class launch in May, Mercedes chief designer Gorden Wagener told us that the new S-class is positioned “a half-segment above the outgoing model,” and that its “classic lines” would make it a credible successor of the Maybach. Our own sources tell us that one of the styling elements of the upcoming, top-level S-class will be traditionally styled, high-gloss, machined wheels. The new model is expected to arrive in 2015 as a 2016 model.

Source: FULL ARTICLE at Car & Driver

Automobiles

Report: Chrysler delays 2014 Jeep Cherokee media launch

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Chrysler is making the unusual move of delaying the first media drives of the 2014 Jeep Cherokee, which were slated to start next week in Seattle. And while something like this is a rare occurrence, and one that most of the Autoblog staff can’t recall happening this publicly or so close to the event itself, it won’t effect the actual on-sale date of the new Cherokee, which is set to hit showrooms in September.

“Over the last couple of weeks during final quality and durability testing, we have discovered the opportunity to further improve powertrain calibration,” Chrysler told Automotive News. This marks the second notable delay in the Cherokee’s short life, after production was delayed for roughly a month earlier this summer.

Still, we’d rather Chrysler make sure the Cherokee is ready for primetime before flying media in from around the country. It shows a willingness to get things right the first time, rather than offering media drives and then tweaking the car after the fact.

A simple look at the Cherokee’s powertrain is all that’s needed to understand how big of a deal it is. Everything under the oddly styled CUV’s hood is new, from a tweaked 2.4-liter engine to a new 3.2-liter V-6, to the first use of Chrysler Group’s new nine-speed automatic, developed jointly with ZF. The pressure to get this right must be immense. We’ll find out if Chrysler succeeds in September.

Chrysler delays 2014 Jeep Cherokee media launch originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Jul 2013 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Automobiles

Official: Chrysler banks $507 million in Q2, trims 2013 earnings forecast

Continue reading Chrysler banks $507 million in Q2, trims 2013 earnings forecast

Chrysler Technical Center, Auburn Hills, Michigan

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Chrysler has some good news and some bad news. First, profits were up 16 percent over the second quarter of 2012, bringing the Auburn Hills, Michigan-based manufacturer $507 million on the back of strong demand for trucks and SUVs (a recurring theme this quarter, particularly in the US). Q2 revenue was up as well, from $16.8 billion in 2012 to $18 billion in 2013. The bad news is that the Pentastar’s overall earnings forecast for net income in 2013 has been trimmed from $2.2 billion to between $1.7 and $2.2 billion, according to Automotive News.

In addition to the adjusted net income forecast, Chrysler tweaked its operating profit from $3.8 billion to between $3.3 and $3.8 billion. This has gone largely unexplained by Chrysler, perhaps hoping the news of a three-percent increase in its transaction prices for Q2 will allow it to sweep this adjustment under the rug.

The star of the show for Chrysler has been its US sales, which saw a 10-percent jump, both bettering the industry average of eight percent and improving over the same stretch of 2012. As with the increase in transaction prices, Chrysler has the new Ram pickup and Jeep Grand Cherokee to thank. Perhaps most worrying from this report, though, is that every brand in the automaker’s stable saw an increase in sales… except for the Chrysler brand itself.

Chrysler’s minor woes aside, the second quarter has largely been a good one for American brands, with Chrysler joining Ford and GM in seeing healthy profits on the backs of strong new product. Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne also released a letter to the company’s employees about all of this, which you can read over at The Detroit News.

Chrysler banks $507 million in Q2, trims 2013 earnings forecast originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Jul 2013 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Automobiles

Report: Proposed advertising merger will bring competing auto brands under one roof

Publicis Omnicom merger sign goes up at stock exchange

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Publicis Groupe SA and Omnicom Group are a pair of major marketing companies that are on the brink of merging, a move that will form the largest advertising company on the planet. Naturally, this effects the automotive world, as the two companies count a number of ad houses that service the industry under their respective umbrellas, including BBDO Worldwide, Goodby Silverstein and Partners and Saatchi & Saatchi.

According to a report on Automotive News, the pending merger will bring a number of brands’ advertising efforts under one very large roof, and could lead to a shakeup in how auto marketing functions. With Chevrolet, Cadillac, Toyota, Lexus, Nissan and Mercedes-Benz all run by the same group of agencies, the potential for conflicts of interest is obvious.

What this means in the short term isn’t entirely clear. As AN states, one agency managing multiple auto clients isn’t unheard of. It’s merely the scale of the Publicis/Omnicom merger that has people concerned. In the long term, the joining could lead to some realignment, although Ian Beavis, executive vice president of the Nielsen Company’s global automotive group, told AN, “I wouldn’t expect any wholesale changes,” as any movement is, “going to take a while.”

Still, the deal hasn’t received approval from regulators. According to Automotive News, if the deal is given the go-ahead, the agency would have a combined revenue of $22.7 billion in 2012.

Proposed advertising merger will bring competing auto brands under one roof originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Jul 2013 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Automobiles

Report: NADA angers some by choosing Hillary Clinton as convention keynote speaker

Filed under: Car Buying, Government/Legal

Automotive News is reporting a serious backlash from car dealers regarding the North American Dealers Association’s choice of keynote speaker for the annual industry confab in January: former first lady and secretary of state, Hillary Clinton.

AN spoke to one dealer that not only cancelled his trip to the NADA conference, but revoked his dealership’s membership outright over the association with Clinton. In defense of its choice, NADA Chairman David Westcott argued that the dealer advocate wanted “somebody well-known, with a name – a draw.”

Still, NADA members aren’t pleased with the choice, with dealers delivering a barrage of angry messages since Clinton’s selection, according to Automotive News. Some of the angry messages relate to the former secretary of state’s politics, no doubt, but some might just be upset about the expense of such a big-name speaker – AN cited media reports that Clinton commands about $200,000 per speech.

NADA isn’t backing down, though, with its president, Peter Welch, delivering a level-headed response to AN’s inquiry about the choice: “Our job is to provide our members with exposure to all facets of business and government that can affect their dealerships. Like her or not, Senator Clinton is perhaps the most prominent woman of modern times.”

NADA angers some by choosing Hillary Clinton as convention keynote speaker originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Jul 2013 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Automobiles

Report: GM execs fired over fraudulent India emissions testing

By Jonathon Ramsey

Chevy Tavera Neo3 - front three-quarter view

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General Motors hadn’t had a recall in India since 1995. That changed when it was discovered that certain employees were playing tricks with local emissions testing in order to ensure passing grades for engines. More than ten GM Powertrain employees in India and the US have been let go over the ensuing emissions flap, including Sam Winegarden, VP of global engine engineering, a man who has been with the company since 1969, leading development of some marquee powerplants.

According to Automotive News, an internal investigation revealed that employees “violated testing procedures,” sometimes swapping specially prepared low-emissions engines during testing regimes for the Chevrolet Tavera SUV equipped with the 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter engines. Employees were also manipulating weights in order to get vehicles placed into different emissions categories. The discovery has led to GM recall the 114,000 Taveras produced over an eight-year period and halting their production and sale.

The Economic Times of India reports that the issue is due to “a faulty component.” GM has developed a solution to the issue, and once it is validated in testing and approved by the Indian authorities, the recalled vehicles will be fixed at dealers and production will resume.

GM execs fired over fraudulent India emissions testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Jul 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Automobiles

Report: Toyota reaffirms commitment to body-on-frame SUVs

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Toyota sold 121,055 Highlander CUVs in 2012, according to Automotive News. By comparison, it sold 78,457 examples of four different body-on-frame, truck-based SUVs (4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Sequoia and Land Cruiser). One could argue then, that the traditional SUVs aren’t pulling their weight from a sales perspective. Yet that isn’t stopping Toyota from reaffirming its commitment to a segment that has seen its former champions – Ford, General Motors and Chrysler – abandon it with alarming speed. Ford and GM still offer body-on frame utilities, but only in the very largest offerings, catering to seven or even eight passengers. Everything outside of the Expedition or Tahoe rides now on a unibody.

Toyota’s decision to stick with the technology is good news if you’re in the market for smaller SUVs that are still capable of heading well off the beaten path. Outside of the Jeep Wrangler, Grand Cherokee (a unibody) and perhaps Nissan Xterra, there’s not much in terms of capable SUVs between $20,000 and $50,000. As the Toyota brand’s US head, Bill Fay, says, “Clearly, the trend has shifted, but there is still an owner base that is interested in these vehicles.”

We don’t doubt Fay on that, but it may also be somewhat telling that Toyota’s SUV lineup is aging, and we haven’t seen or heard much about replacement models in the pipeline. Admittedly, the 4Runner (pictured) has been facelifted for 2014, but it’s mostly cosmetic in nature. Despite Toyota’s posturing, we still expect its body-on-frame lineup to thin in the coming years as sales dwindle and escalating fuel-economy standards make business cases even tougher. Here’s hoping that Toyota manages to keep at least one rough-and-tumble SUV in its lineup in the coming years.

Toyota reaffirms commitment to body-on-frame SUVs originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Jul 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Automobiles

Report: Mercedes S-Class stretch variant to command $200,000+

By Jeffrey N. Ross

Stretched Mercedes-Benz S-Class prototype - front three-quarter view

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We recently spotted a stretched version of the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, but it sounds like this new ultra-luxurious version of the sedan might not be quite as much of a Maybach-replacing model that we initially expected. Automotive News says that the car has somewhat more modest targets, with the so-called “super S-Class” expected to list in the $200,000 to $250,000 range when it goes on sale in 2014. That’s hardly chump change, but it’s about $175,000 less than the now-dead Maybach 57.

After speaking with Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche, AN’s article says that this new S-Class model will be targeted at the Bentley Flying Spur and Rolls-Royce Ghost rather than more expensive models like the Mulsanne and Phantom, which makes sense since the Maybach brand was killed off due to slow sales. Of course, there is still the possibility that the three-row S600 Pullman could reach a little higher to fill in the void of those $400,000 sedans. Aside from the stretched body, Zetsche also promises cabin tech and luxury not offered on the standard S-Class, which is hard to imagine since the new S-Class has gobs of both already. During our recent first drive of the standard S-Class, we said that its interior is “going to give Bentley and Rolls-Royce night sweats,” so it sounds like Daimler will be aiming for breathing difficulties and heart palpitations with this new model.

Mercedes S-Class stretch variant to command $200,000+ originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Jul 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Automobiles

Report: Optimistic Lexus bumps US sales target higher

By Jonathon Ramsey

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Last year Lexus sold 244,166 cars in the US, slotting into third place in the luxury segment behind BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Earlier this year Lexus said its target was 260,000 units in the US (which would still put it behind BMW’s and Mercedes’ numbers from last year), but Automotive News reports that it has raised its upper outlook to 270,000 cars.

The half-year pace hasn’t been enough to make either number, but Lexus is gunning for a 15-percent gain in IS sales behind the arrival of the 2014 model, and this is also the first full year of sales of the new ES and LS. Lexus will most likely end the year in third place in the luxury segment behind BMW and Mercedes again, even if it does sell 270,000 units, but has said its prime directive is “good, steady growth.”

Optimistic Lexus bumps US sales target higher originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Jul 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Automobiles

Cadillac to Prune Wreath from Logo, According to Reports

July 24, 2013 Bartle Doo Leave a comment

By Andrew Wendler

According to a report in Automotive News, Cadillac is working on the first major revision of its logo in a decade. The report quotes several unnamed sources as saying that the redesign will eliminate the “classic laurel wreaths that surround its crest,” and will “likely appear on concept vehicle Cadillac plans to show next month at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.” Continue reading Cadillac to Prune Wreath from Logo, According to Reports →

Automobiles

Report: Ford to build next F-150, outgoing model concurrently?

July 24, 2013 Bartle Doo Leave a comment

Ford's Atlas-based F-150 testing spy photo

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Ford is rumored to be considering concurrent production for old and new F-150 models in a bid to minimize supply chain disruptions and inventory. Automotive News is reporting that the Blue Oval will build both the current F-150 and its replacement, which we showed you testing just last month, side by side for about half a year before switching over entirely to next-generation production.

As IHS Automotive analyst Mike Jackson told AN, “In order to ramp up, you have to retool…and that means you have to take capacity offline.” Building both models alongside could allow Ford to cope with the still strong demand for the current F-150, while populating dealer supplies and working out supply chain kinks for the new model before making a full-time switch.

A loss of capacity when demand is so strong, even for a short period, could spell bad news for Ford, which nets an estimated 90 percent of its global profit on pickups and large SUVs. As AN states, Ford produces the F-150 in both Kansas City, Missouri and Dearborn, Michigan, which allows it to maintain some degree of flexibility in production. The new F-150 is expected to arrive at the 2014 North American International Auto Show as a 2015 model, with a design inspired by the Atlas Concept first shown at the Detroit Auto Show last January.

Ford to build next F-150, outgoing model concurrently? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Jul 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Automobiles

Report: Cadillac logo losing its wreath?

By Jeffrey N. Ross

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The easily recognizable Cadillac logo dates back to the company’s founding in the early 1900s, but over the last 110 years, there has been an on-again, off-again love affair with the wreath surrounding the crest. Cadillac’s current badge design has used the wreath since the 1980s, but Automotive News is reporting that GM’s luxury division is planning to ditch the laurel wreath for a cleaner-looking logo.

The new logo could make its debut as early as next month on a new concept car that will be revealed at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, although the report also says that it might be until 2015 before it makes its way to a production car. Even then, it doesn’t like anything has been finalized yet, as the article also says that plans could still change.

As Cadillac looks to improve its global presence as a luxury automaker, the report says that a simpler logo could make it easier for designers to incorporate the badge onto the car – either in the grille or above the grille (possibly in a fashion similar to Mercedes-Benz). Head on over to the AN article, which shows the Cadillac logo dating back to its earliest design.

Cadillac logo losing its wreath? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Jul 2013 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Automobiles

Lexus Reportedly will Debut RC350 at Tokyo Auto Show, RC F in Detroit

By Andrew Wendler

When we caught a few spy shots of the pending Lexus RC hiding under that swirly black and white camouflage earlier this month, we already had a pretty good bead on the car’s architecture and potential powertrain options, but could only speculate regarding its timeline for rollout. Now, Automotive News is reporting that the RC350 will debut at November’s Tokyo auto show, followed by debut of the RC F performance variant in January at the Detroit auto show.

Being conscientious types, we got on the horn to Lexus pronto, hoping for an official comment. True to form, the brand had none, other than mentioning that any official teasers or pre-previews probably would take take place “three months or so” before any legitimate unveiling. Based on such a timeline, expect to see Lexus’s first teasers for the new RC in August.

Automotive News goes on to say that the RC350 will begin trickling into showrooms in late 2014. Predictably, the RC350 will be powered by Lexus’s ubiquitous 3.5-liter V-6, while AN reports that Lexus sources say the RC F will be powered by a 460-hp V-8. Video of the RC F being tested would suggest that’s the case, but our sources hinted that a 3.5-liter V-6 with forced induction was a real possibility. Regardless of engine choices, it’ll be interesting to see how much of the LF-CC concept’s styling makes the transition to these production vehicles.

Source: FULL ARTICLE at Car & Driver

Automobiles

Report: Jaguar 3 Series fighter to be aluminum?

Jaguar XF-based 3-Series fighter mule - front three-quarter view, winter testing

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Jaguar’s upcoming BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class fighter that we’ve seen testing wearing a modified XF body is poised to use a lot of aluminum in its construction. Edmunds reports that the entry-level luxury sedan, long rumored to be called XS (or perhaps the Q-Type, according to Edmunds), will have an all-aluminum monocoque body structure, similar to the XJ, to save weight. Edmunds also reports that it will go on sale in 2014 as a 2015 model. Automotive News has a different story, and reports that a range of all-aluminum entry-level Jaguars, including the XS, a wagon and a crossover, will hit the market in 2015.

The XS will replace the long-dead X-Type, finally giving Jaguar a product in the highly competitive luxury compact sedan segment. As we’ve reported before, the new Jaguar is expected to be offered in the US initially with turbocharged four- and supercharged six-cylinder engines, although we have seen a diesel version testing.

In addition to the aluminum Jaguars, Jaguar Land Rover has reportedly stated that it plans to use aluminum monocoques for all upcoming Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles, and that it will invest 2.75 billion pounds ($4.22 billion) on new products and production facilities each year for the next four years.

Jaguar 3 Series fighter to be aluminum? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Jul 2013 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Automobiles

Report: Slumping VW rolls back US sales targets

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After three years as one of the fastest-growing car brands in the US, Volkswagen has hit a sales rut, and it can’t get out. In response, Volkswagen Group of America downgraded VW’s 2013 US vehicle sales target to 440,000, from the original target of about 486,000, reports Automotive News. The stair-step incentive program under which dealerships earn bonuses also was restructured early this month, yet VW USA remains committed to its goal of producing 800,000 cars annually by 2018.

Many VW dealerships rely on bonuses earned from an incentive program to make a profit, and the program was built around sales targets. But the reality of VW sales in 2013 had a number of dealers resorting to sales tactics that strained relationships with customers and other dealers in an attempt to meet the targets. This was reflected in a recent National Automobile Dealerships Association’s survey that ranked VW’s dealer policies last.

Volkswagen of America COO Mark McNabb has indicated that, through lowering US sales targets, simplifying bonus calculations and giving the incentive program clearer goals and more predictable monthly payments, VW is trying to ease the pressure on dealerships that rely on the bonuses, Automotive News reports.

Dealers are confident that sales will pick up when new models roll in, but VW dealership owner and chairman of the company’s national dealership council, Jim Ellis, admits that right now VW is “getting kicked around a little bit here,” reports Automotive News, by stronger-than-expected competition in the compact and midsize sedan segments.

Slumping VW rolls back US sales targets originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Jul 2013 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Automobiles

Read This: Is it time for American carmakers to give up on dual-clutch transmissions? [w/poll]

July 22, 2013 Bartle Doo Leave a comment

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Last week, in the midst of Detroit’s first days seeking relief in Chapter 9 of the bankruptcy code, Automotive News contributor Larry P. Vellequette penned an editorial suggesting that American car companies raise the white flag on dual clutch transmissions and give up on trying to persuade Americans to buy cars fitted with them. Why? Because, Vellequette says, like CVT transmissions, they “just don’t sound right or feel right to American drivers.” (Note: In the article, it’s not clear if Vellequette is arguing against wet-clutch and dry-clutch DCTs or just dry-clutch DCTs, which is what Ford and Chrysler use.) The article goes on to state that Ford and Chrysler have experimented with DCTs and that both consumers and the automotive press haven’t exactly given them glowing reviews, despite their quicker shifts and increased fuel efficiency potential compared to torque-converter automatic transmissions.

Autoblog staffers who weighed in on the relevance of DCTs in American cars generally disagreed with the blanket nature of Vellequette’s statement that they don’t sound or feel right, but admit that their lack of refinement compared to traditional automatics can be an issue for consumers. That’s particularly true in workaday cars like the Ford Focus and Dodge Dart, both of which have come in for criticism in reviews and owner surveys. From where we sit, the higher-performance orientation of such transmissions doesn’t always meld as well with the marching orders of everyday commuters (particularly if drivers haven’t been educated as to the transmission’s benefits and tradeoffs), and in models not fitted with paddle shifters, it’s particularly hard for drivers to use a DCT to its best advantage.

Finally, we also note that DCT tuning is very much an evolving science. For instance, Autoblog editors who objected to dual-clutch tuning in the Dart have more recently found the technology agreeable in the Fiat 500L. Practice makes perfect – or at least more acceptable.

What do you think? Vote in our poll below, then have your say in Comments.

View Poll

Is it time for American carmakers to give up on dual-clutch transmissions? [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Jul 2013 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Automobiles

Report: Mercedes FWD platform to last until 2018, convertible and two-seater future uncertain

July 22, 2013 Bartle Doo Leave a comment

2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA sedan - front three-quarter view, silver

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Mercedes-Benz seems to be expecting a lot of success from its front-wheel-drive CLA-Class. Automotive News is reporting that the sub-C-Class sedan could grow when its second generation arrives in 2018.

The current FWD platform for MB underpins the CLA, the B-Class, the GLA-Class, and the A-Class. The B-Class will arrive in North America as an EV for spring of 2014, while the production GLA crossover will arrive three to four months after that. The five-door A-Class won’t be crossing The Pond. Sad faces all around.

According to AN, another model will be based on the front-drive architecture, but it won’t be coming to the US market. Set to arrive next year, rumors are that it’ll be a wagon version of the CLA, sort of like the ill-named five-door CLS Shooting Brake that is also a Europe-only item.

As for the rumored CLA convertible and two-seat roadster, if those two arrive, it’s not going to be until the second-generation of the current architecture hits the market. Even then, their future is in uncertain, as Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler AG told Automotive News, “We are considering the final portfolio of the next generation of our compact cars. We have to define it and we may expand the portfolio.”

Mercedes FWD platform to last until 2018, convertible and two-seater future uncertain originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Jul 2013 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Automobiles

Report: Organizers vow city bankruptcy won't affect Detroit Auto Show

July 22, 2013 Bartle Doo Leave a comment

2013 North American International Auto Show - Cobo Hall sign

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Detroit’s bankruptcy is going to mess up a lot of stuff in the coming months – if not years. One thing that shouldn’t be affected, though, is the North American International Auto Show, held at downtown Detroit’s Cobo Center.

Currently in the midst of a much-needed $299-million renovation, Cobo’s operation was taken over by the Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority in 2009, essentially protecting the convention center, and by extension, the auto show, from the city’s ills.

Speaking to Automotive News, executive director of the Detroit Auto Dealers Association, Rod Alberts, said he isn’t worried about the effect of Detroit’s bankruptcy on the show’s most visible municipal presence – security. City officials are committed to providing the same degree of activity as in previous years. In addition to the regular police presence, the auto show will hire its own security forces for this year’s show rather than contracting out. Not all the pressure is on the show and the DPD, though, as Alberts pointed out to AN, “‘I know we can lean on other agencies to help us out if we need to.'”

Held annually at Cobo since 1965, the North American International Auto Show is one of the premiere events on the global auto show calendar. Held every January, it has been a regular source of ~~frostbite~~ news and new vehicle introductions for media from around the world.

Organizers vow city bankruptcy won’t affect Detroit Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Jul 2013 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.