Automaker offers reinstatement to 50 stores, signals settlement talks with more
Finally, some movement at Chrysler.
After nearly a year of taking a hard line with rejected dealerships, Chrysler Group changed course last week and offered to reinstate 50 stores.
The company also said it will enter settlement talks with an unspecified number of rejected dealerships and disclosed that 36 already have been reinstated nationwide.
One thing hasn't changed, though. Chrysler still favors dealerships that sell all four of its brands: Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and the recently added Ram truck brand. All 50 offers of reinstatement are to stores selling all those brands.
But despite the actions by Chrysler, problems remain.
Dealer lawyers say Chrysler hasn't budged in its approach to arbitration -- for example, demanding that arbitrating dealers sign confidentiality agreements blocking them from sharing Chrysler information with other dealers.
One dealer who received a call from a Chrysler official saying a letter of intent for reinstatement was coming said he was taking a wait-and-see attitude.
"We're looking at it with guarded optimism," said the dealer, who declined to be identified. He remains skeptical because Chrysler had given no previous indication it had any interest in bringing back any rejected dealerships.
A company spokesperson said Chrysler would continue to explore "mutually beneficial options outside arbitration" to settle with dealers who have filed for arbitration.
By offering to reinstate the 50, Chrysler reduced its arbitration caseload to 337, said a company spokesperson.
Ed Tonkin, chairman of the National Automobile Dealers Association, called Chrysler's intention to reinstate 50 dealerships "a move in the right direction." This, coupled with previous contracts awarded to 36 other closed dealerships, brings the total to 86 dealerships that could be reinstated.
In U.S. Bankruptcy Court last year, Chrysler canceled 789 dealerships.
"NADA views this as a good-faith effort and hopes that this carries forward in Chrysler's continuing settlement and arbitration discussions with the other terminated dealers," Tonkin said.
Delays?
Eric Chase, an attorney representing four rejected Chrysler dealers, said the reinstatements do not change his opinion that the automaker won't give in easily on the remaining dealerships seeking arbitration. He said Chrysler has been "obstructive" at every phase of the arbitration process.
Chrysler's demand for a signed confidentiality pledge before it will agree to provide documents in discovery is prompting complaints from dealer lawyers accustomed to comparing notes on strategy.
The company also still is resisting dealers' efforts to find out the specific criteria used in terminating their stores -- information that Chrysler was required under law to provide in January, dealer lawyers said.
"Chrysler continues to resist and contest each and every step in arbitration," said Rob Byerts, a Tallahassee, Fla., lawyer whose firm represents 13 closed Chrysler dealerships. "It appears to be for no good reason other than delay."
Delays benefit Chrysler because if arbitrations aren't completed before the June 14 deadline set by Congress, the dealers lose their cases, said Mike Charapp, a McLean, Va., lawyer.
Chrysler's nine-page "Confidentiality Agreement and Order" -- a copy of which Automotive News obtained -- has touched off wrangling in dozens of arbitrations, seven dealer lawyers said.
Chrysler defended the confidentiality agreement.
"This is a standard request in litigation dealing with sensitive financial and competitive data," the company said in an e-mail last week.
It added that the new law setting up arbitration states that "discovery shall be limited to request for documents specific to the covered dealership."
Dealer lawyers disagreed, saying the standard approach in arbitration is to consider each particular document rather than the documents as a whole.
If a document deals with trade secrets or confidential business information, then it is addressed with the arbitrator, they said. But dealership performance documents rarely raise such sensitive issues.
Hearings in April
Meanwhile, the June 14 deadline looms over proceedings, although arbitrators have the discretion to extend them another month.
A total of 115 hearing dates, scheduled from April 21 into early June, had been set as of last week, said India Johnson, senior vice president of the American Arbitration Association, which is administering the cases.
Hundreds more have yet to be scheduled. The exact figure is a shifting number, as General Motors Co. and perhaps Chrysler move to reinstate dealerships.
A total of 1,550 GM and Chrysler arbitration claims have been filed, but GM has said it is reinstating 661 rejected dealerships and is willing to discuss possible settlement with as many as 499 more.
Johnson has little concern about the arbitrations meeting the congressional deadline. Said Johnson: "We have a lot of other arbitrators that we could throw at these cases."
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
MSC10: My Special Car 2010
Rimini, dal 26 al 28 marzo 2010. La maggiore esposizione tuning italiana.
Monday, March 29, 2010
2000 Ford Windstar temperature control problem
Response:
1) Something blocking the Vent Door and striking the Fan Cage. Probably dropped down thru the Defroster on the dash. If you pull out the Blower Motor you can probably remove the item
2) This is a sign of a worn out Blend Door Actuator. This is quite common. Have it replaced and the noise should go away.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Friday, March 26, 2010
ENCO Gladiator 700 GT Biturbo
ENCO Exklusive is not as famous as a number of other German tuners but their work speaks volumes. The latest project to come from the city of Chemnitz is this ENCO Gladiator 700 GT Biturbo that's based on the Porsche Cayenne Turbo. The Gladiator is preceded by the ENCO 550 GT Biturbo with 405kW (550hp). Thanks to larger turbos, sport catalytic convertors, an ENCO-designed sport exhaust system with manifolds and other modifications, power gains were made.
A maximum of 700 horses (515kW) has been released to accompany the 850Nm of torque sent to all four wheels. Zero to 100km/h is achieved in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 290km/h is possible. All that from a 2.5-tonne SUV. Stopping power comes from 410mmx36mm brake disks and 12-piston callipers up front and 380mmx32mm disks with 4-piston callipers at the rear. Black and red ENCO Jura alloy rims sized 11" x 23" are fitted inside 315/25R23 Dunlop Sport Maxx GT tyres.
Exterior kit includes daytime running lights, a front apron, a carbon fibre bonnet, a roof spoiler with air flow openings and side skirts. Inside there are four carbon fiber race seats (from the 911 GT3) covered in leather/Alcantara and a roll cage. The black and red theme is carried through the interior carbon fibre fittings on the centre console, door lining and steering wheel among others.
Audi TT-RS with 460hp by AVUS
Avus Performance has unveiled a new tuning package for the Audi TT-RS. Dubbed the "new Ur-Quattro," the car features a modified ECU, a revised turbocharger, and a high performance exhaust system with racing catalysts. While this doesn't sound like much, the changes enable the 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine to produce 460 bhp and more than 472 lb-ft (639 Nm) of torque. In terms of performance, the car accelerates from 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds and the top speed is a breathtaking 194 mph (312 km/h).
For comparison, the standard TT-RS "only" has 340 hp and 332 lb-ft (450 Nm) of torque. It runs from 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds, before topping out at an electronically limited 155 mph (250km/h).
Avus also equipped the car with an adjustable coilover suspension (€1299), a matt black vinyl wrap (€1999), and gloss black 20-inch Sportec Mono wheels outfitted with 255/30/20 Hankook S1 Evo tires.
Toyota creates team for U.S. quality and recalls
Toyota's North America production and engineering company said today it has formed a Quality Task Force to help restore Toyota's quality reputation.
A key part of it: asserting U.S. consumer interests on future safety recall issues.
The U.S. group will be headed up by Steve St. Angelo, executive vice president of Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America Inc. in Erlanger, Ky.
Dino Triantafyllos, vice president of quality in Erlanger, has been given the task of improving how Toyota manages product safety issues.
The move is part of Toyota Motor Corp. CEO Akio Toyoda's efforts to regroup in the wake of a massive global product recall and U.S. Congressional hearings into Toyota safety problems.
Toyota's handling of consumer concerns was a hot issue during government hearings on the recalls this month. Congressmen, as well as litigants now involved in several consumer lawsuits against Toyota, have claimed that Toyota knew of U.S. problems with unintended acceleration in some models long before taking action to correct them.
Triantafyllos has been tasked with speeding up safety-related discussions through Toyota in North America, improving the way Toyota addresses them and playing a “key role in decision-making with regard to recalls,” according to a statement released today by Toyota in Erlanger.
Handling complaints
During this month's Congressional hearings, Toyota was chided for the way North American safety complaints were handled. Senior Toyota officials acknowledged that all recall decisions were made in Japan and that U.S. executives had no authority to order recalls.
“The aim of our new quality task force is to assure that all of us in North America listen and respond to the voice of the customer,” Triantafyllos said in the statement. “My primary responsibility is to assure that we utilize all of the data at our disposal and that we promptly decide the appropriate action.”
St. Angelo met today with presidents from all of Toyota's North American vehicle and parts operations at Toyota's Georgetown, Ky., assembly plant, where he holds the additional title of president.
He will fly this weekend to Japan, where on March 30 Akio Toyoda will convene a newly created Special Committee for Global Quality. St. Angelo has been tapped to represent all North American quality improvements for the committee, which reports directly to Toyoda.
Toyoda's mandate
“The new organization will open the lines of communication globally and enable us to respond faster here in North America to any concerns about our vehicles,” St. Angelo said in the statement.
“In keeping with Akio Toyoda's mandate, North America will have greater autonomy and play a critical role in decision making on recalls and other safety issues.”
The company's Erlanger task force also will work with former U.S. Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater. Slater was asked this month to lead a separate and independent North American Quality Advisory Panel to advise St. Angelo and the Kentucky group on improvements. Slater and Toyota will appoint other members to the outside panel.
A key part of it: asserting U.S. consumer interests on future safety recall issues.
The U.S. group will be headed up by Steve St. Angelo, executive vice president of Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America Inc. in Erlanger, Ky.
Dino Triantafyllos, vice president of quality in Erlanger, has been given the task of improving how Toyota manages product safety issues.
The move is part of Toyota Motor Corp. CEO Akio Toyoda's efforts to regroup in the wake of a massive global product recall and U.S. Congressional hearings into Toyota safety problems.
Toyota's handling of consumer concerns was a hot issue during government hearings on the recalls this month. Congressmen, as well as litigants now involved in several consumer lawsuits against Toyota, have claimed that Toyota knew of U.S. problems with unintended acceleration in some models long before taking action to correct them.
Triantafyllos has been tasked with speeding up safety-related discussions through Toyota in North America, improving the way Toyota addresses them and playing a “key role in decision-making with regard to recalls,” according to a statement released today by Toyota in Erlanger.
Handling complaints
During this month's Congressional hearings, Toyota was chided for the way North American safety complaints were handled. Senior Toyota officials acknowledged that all recall decisions were made in Japan and that U.S. executives had no authority to order recalls.
“The aim of our new quality task force is to assure that all of us in North America listen and respond to the voice of the customer,” Triantafyllos said in the statement. “My primary responsibility is to assure that we utilize all of the data at our disposal and that we promptly decide the appropriate action.”
St. Angelo met today with presidents from all of Toyota's North American vehicle and parts operations at Toyota's Georgetown, Ky., assembly plant, where he holds the additional title of president.
He will fly this weekend to Japan, where on March 30 Akio Toyoda will convene a newly created Special Committee for Global Quality. St. Angelo has been tapped to represent all North American quality improvements for the committee, which reports directly to Toyoda.
Toyoda's mandate
“The new organization will open the lines of communication globally and enable us to respond faster here in North America to any concerns about our vehicles,” St. Angelo said in the statement.
“In keeping with Akio Toyoda's mandate, North America will have greater autonomy and play a critical role in decision making on recalls and other safety issues.”
The company's Erlanger task force also will work with former U.S. Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater. Slater was asked this month to lead a separate and independent North American Quality Advisory Panel to advise St. Angelo and the Kentucky group on improvements. Slater and Toyota will appoint other members to the outside panel.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
1998 Olds Silhouette abs light / brake lights act funny when abs light on
I found part numbers for a connecter and plug but can't find where to buy them.I will change them myself.
#12533714 (socket) 12101854 (connecter)
Where can I buy them?
Response:
1) go to www.gmpartsdirect. com and you should be able to type the part number in and maybe find it
2) goto http://www.oehq.com/
3) The REASON the light comes on is to let you know there IS a Problem.
4) Have you had the brakes checked? That is what you should do 1st. If you have and you know for sure the problem is this connection you should start by calling some of the parts stores if they can't help you try the
dealer.
#12533714 (socket) 12101854 (connecter)
Where can I buy them?
Response:
1) go to www.gmpartsdirect. com and you should be able to type the part number in and maybe find it
2) goto http://www.oehq.com/
3) The REASON the light comes on is to let you know there IS a Problem.
4) Have you had the brakes checked? That is what you should do 1st. If you have and you know for sure the problem is this connection you should start by calling some of the parts stores if they can't help you try the
dealer.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Chrysler to launch electric Fiat 500 minicar
Fiat 500 Electric minicar
Chrysler said the electric 500 will use an "advanced" lithium ion battery pack but did not give any technical specifications of the car, which will be sold as a Fiat model.
The company said the car's pricing will be announced closer to launch and will be competitive with similar electric vehicles in the market.
At the Detroit auto show in January, where a concept of an electric Fiat 500 was unveiled, Fiat and Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne said the concept would sell for about $32,000 if it went on the market, of which $16,000 covered the cost of the batteries.
Chrysler did not announce a production target for the 500EV. Marchionne said in November that Chrysler plans to produce about 56,000 electric vehicles annually by 2014.
Chrysler said all powertrain engineering and vehicle development for the 500EV will take place at the company headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan.
Chrysler is the vehicle electrification center of competence for both Chrysler Group and Fiat Group.
Scott Kunselman, Chrysler's senior vice president of engineering, said the alliance with Fiat presented opportunities to merge Chrysler engineering knowledge with new platforms from Fiat.
“The Fiat 500EV is an outstanding example of our efforts: the Fiat 500 is a small, lightweight platform perfect for integrating electric-vehicle technology,” Kunselman said in a statement.
Chrysler will launch U.S. sales of the Fiat 500 powered by a 1.4-liter gasoline engine in December. The car will be built in Mexico for the North American market. In Europe, Fiat revived the 500, an iconic car of the post-war years, in 2007.
Fiat S.p.A., which owns 20 percent of Chrysler, said, “We are currently evaluating the commercial potential of this electric car for Europe.”
Fiat's rivals in Europe, Peugeot and Citroen, will begin selling electric cars in European markets by the end of the year. Renault will follow in 2011 and Volkswagen in 2013.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
'96 Tahoe DRL
My '96 Tahoe Daytime Running Lights quit. The indicator lamp on the dash is on and goes out when I press the parking brake and comes back on when I release it.
The headlight work and the manual says the DRL uses the headlights at a reduced level.
I checked the fuse to the DRL relay and it's OK. Can't find the relay though. The manual shows the fuses and relays for other things but not the DRL relay.
Anyone have a suggestion ?
Response:
Pushing on the parking brake is supposed to shut off the DRL, so you don't have to sit with your lights on when you are parked with the motor running as in winter (heat) or summer (a/c). I've had the DRL go out on my '99 Savana only to return later. I'm usually unaware if they're working or not because it's daytime and I'm not a big fan of DRL except on motorcycles where I believe they're necessary.
The headlight work and the manual says the DRL uses the headlights at a reduced level.
I checked the fuse to the DRL relay and it's OK. Can't find the relay though. The manual shows the fuses and relays for other things but not the DRL relay.
Anyone have a suggestion ?
Response:
Pushing on the parking brake is supposed to shut off the DRL, so you don't have to sit with your lights on when you are parked with the motor running as in winter (heat) or summer (a/c). I've had the DRL go out on my '99 Savana only to return later. I'm usually unaware if they're working or not because it's daytime and I'm not a big fan of DRL except on motorcycles where I believe they're necessary.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
March Car Sales rise as U.S. industry turns to incentive 'drugs'
Auto sales gained strength in early March as automakers offered big incentives and melting February snows made it easier for buyers to reach showrooms.
Edmunds.com Inc. forecasts a seasonally adjusted annualized sales rate of 13.2 million for the month. Except for a 13.7 million spike in August 2009 during cash for clunkers, that would be the highest monthly SAAR since August 2008.
J.D. Power and Associates predicts a 12.1 million SAAR in March, with 1,092,000 vehicles sold. That would be 27 percent higher than March 2009.
“The industry has been recharged by incentive offers from Toyota and other automakers,” said Edmunds.com analyst Jessica Caldwell. “There’s a lot of money in the marketplace right now, and people are responding.”
Edmunds.com projects industry spending on spiffs this month will approach $3,000 per vehicle. That’s close to the industry’s record of $3,165 set in March 2009.
When that record was set, manufacturers were reeling from a February that included the lowest SAAR in decades and record high U.S. inventory levels.
What about Toyota?
“There is some risk that the incentives offered by Toyota could spark an incentive war,” Power’s forecaster Jeff Schuster warned. “While that may lead to a temporary increase in sales momentum, it could also potentially slow the pace of long-term recovery.”
Schuster is keeping his 2010 full-year forecast unchanged at 11.7 million units, with retail sales accounting for 9.6 million of that. U.S. sales totaled 10.4 million in 2009 after topping 16 million annually this decade through 2007.
A key question is how long Toyota will continue its high incentives.
Analyst Himanshu Patel of J.P. Morgan Securities thinks most other manufacturers “will feel the need to match Toyota aggressively,” without speculating how long the higher spiffs would last.
Addiction continues
George Magliano, director of North American auto research for IHS Global Insight, says the industry “is back on drugs” until the general U.S. economy starts a general recovery, which he considers unlikely before the second half of the year.
Patel noted that March sales are helped by better weather. Heavy snow in much of country slowed retail traffic in February.
Edmunds.com CEO Jeremy Anwyl thinks the sales flurry will begin to moderate later this month.
“We shouldn’t view this as a sign that the economy is recovering. This sales bounce is driven by incentives,” he said. “Take away the incentives and the sales will slow dramatically.”
Edmunds.com Inc. forecasts a seasonally adjusted annualized sales rate of 13.2 million for the month. Except for a 13.7 million spike in August 2009 during cash for clunkers, that would be the highest monthly SAAR since August 2008.
J.D. Power and Associates predicts a 12.1 million SAAR in March, with 1,092,000 vehicles sold. That would be 27 percent higher than March 2009.
“The industry has been recharged by incentive offers from Toyota and other automakers,” said Edmunds.com analyst Jessica Caldwell. “There’s a lot of money in the marketplace right now, and people are responding.”
Edmunds.com projects industry spending on spiffs this month will approach $3,000 per vehicle. That’s close to the industry’s record of $3,165 set in March 2009.
When that record was set, manufacturers were reeling from a February that included the lowest SAAR in decades and record high U.S. inventory levels.
What about Toyota?
“There is some risk that the incentives offered by Toyota could spark an incentive war,” Power’s forecaster Jeff Schuster warned. “While that may lead to a temporary increase in sales momentum, it could also potentially slow the pace of long-term recovery.”
Schuster is keeping his 2010 full-year forecast unchanged at 11.7 million units, with retail sales accounting for 9.6 million of that. U.S. sales totaled 10.4 million in 2009 after topping 16 million annually this decade through 2007.
A key question is how long Toyota will continue its high incentives.
Analyst Himanshu Patel of J.P. Morgan Securities thinks most other manufacturers “will feel the need to match Toyota aggressively,” without speculating how long the higher spiffs would last.
Addiction continues
George Magliano, director of North American auto research for IHS Global Insight, says the industry “is back on drugs” until the general U.S. economy starts a general recovery, which he considers unlikely before the second half of the year.
Patel noted that March sales are helped by better weather. Heavy snow in much of country slowed retail traffic in February.
Edmunds.com CEO Jeremy Anwyl thinks the sales flurry will begin to moderate later this month.
“We shouldn’t view this as a sign that the economy is recovering. This sales bounce is driven by incentives,” he said. “Take away the incentives and the sales will slow dramatically.”
Friday, March 19, 2010
2006 Chevy 3500 High RPM Engine Code P0507
Customers Vehicle: 2006 Chevy G3500 Express (Box Truck)
Engine Size: 6.0L
Complaint: High Engine RPM and Check Engine Light On
Previous Work: New Map Sensor, TPS and Both Upstream O2 Sensors
Problem: Engine is idling at 3,300 rpm and will not idle down
Shop Work Performed:
1) Computer Diagnostics and Scan for Codes
Code P0507 - Idle Air Control System RPM Higher Than Expected
Possible causes:
A vacuum leak : Leaking air intake after the throttle body, EGR valve leaking vacuum, A faulty positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve
Damaged/failed/dirty throttle body
Failed EVAP system
Failed IAC (idle air controller) or faulty IAC circuit
We used Brake Wash (flammable) to spray around potential vacuum leak areas and came up empty. We hooked up a smoke machine to confirm there were no vacuum leaks and test was positive for no vacuum leaks.
We removed the throttle body and inspected and found an extremely clean throttle body. While it was of we cycled the key and watched the IAC valve to see if it was stuck. It looked like it wasn't moving as it should... but did move some. With our Scan tool attached, we could see the IAC circuit was not functioning as it should.
THE PROBLEM FOUND AND FIXED
We then Isolated the IAC wiring from the IAC valve and the pcm and checked continuity and found two wires had none going and if we wiggled the harness, sometimes it would. We found the two wires had broken inside less than an inch form the plug in at the IAC valve, We repaired the wiring by soldering them and tested. FIXED!!! Runs great and customer is happy....
Engine Size: 6.0L
Complaint: High Engine RPM and Check Engine Light On
Previous Work: New Map Sensor, TPS and Both Upstream O2 Sensors
Problem: Engine is idling at 3,300 rpm and will not idle down
Shop Work Performed:
1) Computer Diagnostics and Scan for Codes
Code P0507 - Idle Air Control System RPM Higher Than Expected
Possible causes:
A vacuum leak : Leaking air intake after the throttle body, EGR valve leaking vacuum, A faulty positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve
Damaged/failed/dirty throttle body
Failed EVAP system
Failed IAC (idle air controller) or faulty IAC circuit
We used Brake Wash (flammable) to spray around potential vacuum leak areas and came up empty. We hooked up a smoke machine to confirm there were no vacuum leaks and test was positive for no vacuum leaks.
We removed the throttle body and inspected and found an extremely clean throttle body. While it was of we cycled the key and watched the IAC valve to see if it was stuck. It looked like it wasn't moving as it should... but did move some. With our Scan tool attached, we could see the IAC circuit was not functioning as it should.
THE PROBLEM FOUND AND FIXED
We then Isolated the IAC wiring from the IAC valve and the pcm and checked continuity and found two wires had none going and if we wiggled the harness, sometimes it would. We found the two wires had broken inside less than an inch form the plug in at the IAC valve, We repaired the wiring by soldering them and tested. FIXED!!! Runs great and customer is happy....
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Chevrolet goes digital at Texas tech-fest
Chevrolet has affixed QR codes on the hoods of cars that, when photographed with a camera phone, will launch microsites with features info.
Chevrolet is making a big splash at the South by Southwest Interactive conference now taking place in Austin, Texas, and it's just the beginning of the GM brand's planned 30 percent commitment to digital this year.
"This is not a nine-day one-off," said Christopher Barger, General Motor Co.'s director of social media. "Everything we're doing here needs to have applications we can build on beyond Austin."
This program is one of the first major social-media and technology campaigns from a Detroit Three automaker other than Ford Motor Co. since the industry took a nosedive in 2008.
But Barger said Chevy's social-media, augmented reality and mobile programs at the conference are not intended to steal the digital-savvy spotlight from Ford. Instead, they're test pilots for Chevrolet, which Barger said plans to commit about 30 percent of its marketing money to digital this year.
Chevrolet is launching an extensive digital campaign at the music, film and interactive festival, including a tie-in with Austin-based Gowalla, where users check in from their phones around the city to get messages and offers from the GM brand. For example, those flying into Austin can check in at the airport for a free ride downtown in a Chevrolet Equinox.
"The reason we're doing this here is so really smart tech people can make suggestions," Barger said of the swarms of digital agency and technology people that descend on Austin every March. "This is a place for us to learn. How do we apply this to the rest of the marketing we'll be doing moving forward?"
Chevrolet has also affixed QR codes on the hoods of cars that, when photographed with a camera phone, will launch microsites with features info. Chevy has also released the iReveal app to view three-dimensional, augmented reality models of cars on the streets of Austin. While none of these programs -- save free rides from the airport -- sound revolutionary, the moves mark a start for an automaker that has fallen behind Ford on digital innovation.
Barger said that while GM has kept its eye on Ford like any company does with a competitor, it's not looking to emulate what Ford has done in social or digital media.
"If really all you're doing when building a strategy is looking to what others have done, you're not going to be successful," he said of GM's plans for digital vis-a-vis Ford. "You need to draw attention to your own brand and find something unique to you."
Chevy has also handed out eight cars for teams to road trip to Austin from all corners of the country, while completing missions determined by Twitter followers along the way and tracking their progress through OnStar and Facebook, though the idea to put people in a car and have them document their experience through social media bears some resemblance to Ford's Fiesta Movement.
Toyota Prius by Tommy Kaira and ASI
Eco-friendly cars are the talk of the town for the moment. Every manufacturer is either producing one or planning to. Toyota is an acknowledged leader in the field with its Prius hybrid as well as others. Few respected tuners have embraced the green thing so far, unless they are based in Japan where it almost seems the government has a decree forcing tuners to work on "green" cars as well. How else do you explain the flurry of activity coming from enviro-friendly garages around the country? This Prius done by Tommi Kaira is but one of these. It features low front lips, big front air dams shaped like those of an Audi R8, thick rims, wide side skirts and a new rear bumper. The Prius logo is missing, as is the discretion normally linked to the car. Most striking though are the four tailpipes which do not in any way suggest "green". In fact they have the opposite effect on the eye.
Cars like the GT-R or the Impreza STI are well-suited for power and body upgrades. They are expected to pollute the eardrum along with the planet, and their fans love them for it. Prius and Honda Insight are quite different simply because of the statement they make.
There certainly is a future in eco-tuning (new word for you) but no one is quite sure what it looks like. That's perhaps why cars like this one could be discarded in current tuning circles. One such tuner is Ben Schaffer, owner of Bespoke Ventures. His company is a major American/international parts distributor and marketer for top Japanese tuning brands (KenStyle, Top Secret). Schaffer's view is that eco is good yes, but it has no place in the world of powerhouses like the R35 GT-R. Moderation is the key instead of jumping on the bandwagon. He reminds his fellow competitors/colleagues not to lose sight of their core business and enthusiasm which is sports cars.
Ferrari 458 Italia by ASI
Japanese tunere ASI is used to taking on risky projects. They have attacked many already-high priced cars, and tried to make them better. Previous cars they have modified include the Bentley Continental GT, called the ASI Tetsu GTR, and the Ferrari 430.
Company CEO Satoshi Kondo has announced that his team of engineers are hard at work on their latest project: an aerokit for the Ferrari 458 Italia. Kondo authorized the release of these sketches, well in advance of the final prototyping, in effort to prevent future accusations of design theft.
A new front end is amongst the expected design changes, featuring with a new nose, larger hexagonal air intakes, and vents in front of the blacked-out wheels. The sketches also show a new wing mounted at the back.
If the company's mods on the F430 are any indication, do not expect a retuned engine. Instead, look for the new body parts to shave weight when compared to the old parts. The ASI F430 received a 27kg weight reduction when it was introduced in June.
AC Schnitzer Tuning Program for BMW Z4 (E89)
Under the hood, Schnitzer upgraded the turbocharged 3.0-liter engine (sDrive35i) so it now produces 360 hp. Thanks to the extra 60 hp, the Z4 accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds before hitting a top speed of 286 km/h (178 mph). Other performance modifications include a stainless steel sport exhaust system (with chromed 'racing' tailpipes) and a revised suspension.
To enhance the Z4's good looks, Schnitzer added an aerodynamic body kit with a new front spoiler, a chrome grille, aggressive front fenders (with integrated air vents), and a two-piece rear spoiler. The styling can be further accented by a wide variety of custom AC Schnitzer wheels available in 18, 19 or 20 inches.
Inside, the company adds an aluminum cover for the iDrive controller and an aluminum pedal set.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
BMW to make their smaller cars FWD, CEO says
“There will be front-wheel-drive BMWs in the smaller vehicle classes in the future,” BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer (pictured) said at the company's annual financial results press conference here today.
Currently, all BMW models are rear-wheel drive and all Mini variants are front-wheel drive.
BMW development boss Klaus Draeger said the new vehicle architecture will debut in 2014 with the arrival of the third-generation Mini hatchback.
He said the new architecture will enable BMW to produce a range of vehicles that are between 3800mm and 4300mm long. By comparison, Volkswagen's Fox, Polo, Golf, Beetle and Scirocco model lines fit within the same size range, which covers everything from minicars to subcompacts to compacts.
Sources said that at its peak the new architecture will underpin up to 20 different BMW and Mini model variants.
For BMW, the new front-wheel-drive models will fit below its entry-premium 1-series models, which Draeger said would keep their rear-drive architecture.
BMW needs to meet a growing demand for smaller, more fuel-efficient cars. The company also will have to cope with tougher European CO2 emission rules that start to take effect in 2012.
Reithofer said: "We expect the premium small car segment to grow by 4-6 percent annually until 2020," adding that the group would cut its CO2 fleet emissions by at least 25 percent by 2020 versus 2008 levels, when they were 156 grams per km.
The decision to create a new joint architecture is also a sign of the times. Automakers are under increasing pressure to share investments between brands or with partners to save money.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Obama Motors in Russia Doing Well
Opel workers demanded reassurances that its European brand will not be disadvantaged at the expense of sister brand Chevrolet, after Opel lost responsibility for the Russian region to an Asian arm of General Motors Co.
GM transferred responsibility for Russia to GM International Operations (GM IO), based in Shanghai, sparking fears that Opel could lose access to a key growth market that almost overtook Germany by size in 2008, before collapsing last year.
Opel labor representatives will discuss GM's plans on Monday at a meeting of the Opel steering committee.
"General Motors has not given any thought about what negative effects this decision could have on the negotiations of Opel/Vauxhall with the European governments, since Russia plays a decisive role as a market of the future," unions warned in a flyer to staff obtained by Reuters.
Opel workers will "demand a convincing plan for the Russian business of Opel/Vauxhall be presented (that entails) no restrictions to the market and a further expansion of the sales activities," works council members wrote.
A spokesman for Opel said the decision was made to consolidate key sales and manufacturing operations in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States under one managerial roof. The measure would not be to the detriment of Opel, he added.
Nonetheless, German auto workers union IG Metall fears German jobs could be threatened down the line and demanded that GM commit to expanding, rather than limiting, Opel's sales in Russia.
Jilted Opel suitor Magna International Inc. had centered its growth plans for the German carmaker around the Russian market, before GM chose to retain, rather than sell Opel.
Based in Shanghai, GM IO is considered by German unions to be a proxy for the lower priced Korean-built Chevrolets that had earned higher margins than Opel.
A recent decision to build a small SUV in Korea rather than Antwerp, Belgium, was a blow to the Belgian plant, which GM has said will close in the middle of this year to reduce European overcapacity. The Korean plant already makes the Opel Antara mid-sized SUV.
Opel closes 2 key deals
In a separate development, Opel said it reached a deal with unions in Spain over 900 job cuts, a precursor for government aid. The local state of Aragon is expected to provide 200 million euros alone should it approve plans for production in the Zaragoza plant.
Great Britain said on Friday it would provide a 270 million pound loan guarantee to GM, but the U.S. carmaker is still seeking about 1.5 billion euros ($2.07 billion) in state aid from European governments.
"Today marks an important step for the future of Opel/Vauxhall," Opel CEO Nick Reilly said in a statement, thanking the British government for its support.
"I am also grateful for the Spanish government's role in moderating the discussions between management and unions resulting in the important agreement reached early this morning," he added.
Negotiations with Germany remain particularly sluggish, with Berlin's economics ministry saying on Friday GM has yet to update its application for government funding ever since Detroit tripled its commitment to fund Opel's operations.
GM transferred responsibility for Russia to GM International Operations (GM IO), based in Shanghai, sparking fears that Opel could lose access to a key growth market that almost overtook Germany by size in 2008, before collapsing last year.
Opel labor representatives will discuss GM's plans on Monday at a meeting of the Opel steering committee.
"General Motors has not given any thought about what negative effects this decision could have on the negotiations of Opel/Vauxhall with the European governments, since Russia plays a decisive role as a market of the future," unions warned in a flyer to staff obtained by Reuters.
Opel workers will "demand a convincing plan for the Russian business of Opel/Vauxhall be presented (that entails) no restrictions to the market and a further expansion of the sales activities," works council members wrote.
A spokesman for Opel said the decision was made to consolidate key sales and manufacturing operations in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States under one managerial roof. The measure would not be to the detriment of Opel, he added.
Nonetheless, German auto workers union IG Metall fears German jobs could be threatened down the line and demanded that GM commit to expanding, rather than limiting, Opel's sales in Russia.
Jilted Opel suitor Magna International Inc. had centered its growth plans for the German carmaker around the Russian market, before GM chose to retain, rather than sell Opel.
Based in Shanghai, GM IO is considered by German unions to be a proxy for the lower priced Korean-built Chevrolets that had earned higher margins than Opel.
A recent decision to build a small SUV in Korea rather than Antwerp, Belgium, was a blow to the Belgian plant, which GM has said will close in the middle of this year to reduce European overcapacity. The Korean plant already makes the Opel Antara mid-sized SUV.
Opel closes 2 key deals
In a separate development, Opel said it reached a deal with unions in Spain over 900 job cuts, a precursor for government aid. The local state of Aragon is expected to provide 200 million euros alone should it approve plans for production in the Zaragoza plant.
Great Britain said on Friday it would provide a 270 million pound loan guarantee to GM, but the U.S. carmaker is still seeking about 1.5 billion euros ($2.07 billion) in state aid from European governments.
"Today marks an important step for the future of Opel/Vauxhall," Opel CEO Nick Reilly said in a statement, thanking the British government for its support.
"I am also grateful for the Spanish government's role in moderating the discussions between management and unions resulting in the important agreement reached early this morning," he added.
Negotiations with Germany remain particularly sluggish, with Berlin's economics ministry saying on Friday GM has yet to update its application for government funding ever since Detroit tripled its commitment to fund Opel's operations.
Mansory Cyrus based on Aston Martin DBS
Mansory presents the Cyrus package based on the Aston Martin DBS or the DB9. The Cyrus emphasises masculinity and power with its newly designed front skirt with enlarged air inlets, the carbon fibre wing extensions and the newly designed rear skirt with an integrated diffuser. The two slotted power domes on the carbon fibre bonnet send extra air into the 12 cylinder engine. Completing the picture are the stainless steel tailpipes attached to the sonorous sport exhaust system. The car squats on large 9x20 front and 10.5x21 rear ultra-forged rims wrapped in 255/30ZR20 front and 295/25ZR21 rear Dunlop Sport Maxx tyres. The coilover suspension has been adjusted to lower the centre of gravity and improve road holding.
Mansory's definition of luxury extends to the interior where tailor-made carbon fibre parts are found. They include some bits from the dashboard, the centre console and the re-designed steering wheel. Foot pedals are made of aluminium while the door sills and head rests feature embroidered CYRUS logos. Hand-stitched leather covers the seats, parts of the dashboard and inside the door panels.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Geiger GTS with 710hp Based on Corvette ZR1
GeigerCars is based in Munich but American cars are its focus and have been for many years. At Frankfurt the tuner presents its latest high performance car in the form of the Geiger GTS. This supercar is based on the Corvette ZR1, one of the most coveted and respected sports cars of the past couple of years and a recognised slayer of the Nürburgring. Some of its well-documented handling credit must go to the electronically controlled suspension system dubbed Magnetic Selective Ride Control. Describing the ZR1's engine as "primitive" Geiger set about to extract more out of the factory 6.2-litre LS9. Power has gone up to 522kW (710hp) at 6,600rpm and torque reaches a maximum of 918Nm at 4,200rpm. The 0 - 100km/h sprint takes a mere 3.6 seconds and top speed is 342km/h.
The list of mods includes a wide air vent on the nose, LED foglights, a massive rear diffuser and LED rear lights. The body paintwork is a pearl varnish that appears to change when looked at from different angles and lights.
Wheels measuring 285/30ZR19 at the front and 345/25ZR20 at the back are mated with 10x19 and 12x20 inch high-performance tyres respectively.
Enzo XX Evolution with 840hp by edo competition
Meet the new edo Enzo XX Evolution, the next step in the process. Power is up and weight is down, a sure recipe for good performance numbers. By increasing the Enzo's 6.0-litre V12 cubic capacity to 6.3-litre, installing new camshafts, modified cylinder heads, titanium valve spring retainers and connecting rods, high flow catalytic converters, mufflers and air filters and new high performance exhaust headers edo did just this. A lot more was done like improving the transmission's shift times to 60 milliseconds - 20 milliseconds less than an F1 car and using lighter drive shafts.
In the end 100kg (220 lbs) was shed and extra horses were brought into the stable. Now the car makes 618kW (840hp) and maximum torque of (575 ft-lb) is available at 5,800rpm. Moreover removing the muffler frees an extra 20 horses (15kW).
Performance figures are 0 - 100km/h in 3.2 seconds, 200km/h (124mph) in 9 seconds and 300km/h in 19 seconds. Top speed is said to go beyond the 390km/h (242mph) point thus presenting a real challenge to the 407km/h recorded by the Veyron under the skilled tutelage of one James May.
Exterior changes include a new retractable rear wing, new LED taillights and a new rear skirt with winglets.
Edo Competition will throw in a test day with an instructor and full hospitality package for those who choose to convert their prized Enzos.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Electric Modles expected to make up 5% of Audi's Car Sales
Audi A1 e-tron
GENEVA – About 5 percent of Audi's new-car sales could be electric models in 10 years, the brand's technology chief Michael Dick said.At the Geneva auto show last week, Audi unveiled the A1 e-tron, a nearly production-ready concept developed from its new A1 subcompact.
The A1 e-tron is the third electric car concept from the German brand. Audi unveiled larger e-tron cars at the Detroit auto show in January and in Frankfurt last year.
Audi has already said it will bring an e-tron sports car to market in 2012. A prototype will soon be tested and Audi will head into intensive trials with three to four vehicles by the end of the year, Dick said.
Audi's management board hasn't officially made a decision on the A1 e-tron, but it's very likely that the concept will be built, Dick told Automobilwoche. He expects a three-year development period.
The range of the 102-hp A1 e-tron is about 50km in city traffic. A small single rotor Wankel engine achieves an additional range of 200km. When needed, the engine charges the lithium ion battery like a generator.
Audi is developing components and systems that could also be used in smaller electric cars. For example, the battery cell is the same for both the A1 and a larger e-tron sports car concept.
Dick said that, with its e-tron range, about 5 percent of Audi car sales could be electric models by 2020.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Hamann Ferrari California Tuning Programme
HAMANN Motorsport has developed a full tuning programme for the new Ferrari California. Promising to make Ferrari fans' hearts beat faster, HAMANN made changes to the entire car. The 4.3-litre normally aspirated V8 has a standard power rating of 338kW (460hp). That will be increased by 20% to 406kW (552hp). To achieve that figure engineers are working on, among others, the engine management system as well as a sports exhaust.
It doesn't stop there. The exterior has a new aerodynamic kit that includes a lift-reducing front spoiler, a carbon fibre bonnet, side skirts that calm the air between the axles, a rear spoiler that increases contact pressure and a 3-part rear diffuser. Maximum grip is thus attained.
Still on maximum grip the car comes running on 245/30ZR21 tyres with 9.0Jx21 rims up front and 345/25ZR21 rubber on 12.5Jx21 at the rear. The wheels are black varnished multi-piece HAMANN aluminium with titanium bolting and are quite light to help reduce unsprung weight.
A full customisation application is available for the interior and ranges from a complete leather interior to personalised floor mats.
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