Would You Drive A Small Car?

The auto industry has been in turmoil for much of the last year. As the recession set in, car sales plummeted pushing two of this country's Big 3 automakers to request federal help and eventually pushing them both into bankruptcy. Now, as car companies work to turn things around, the federal government is pushing them all-- domestic and foreign-- to produce and sell more fuel efficient vehicles. Translated-- most believe that means large V-8 powered sedans, trucks, sport utility vehicles and performance cars are on their way out, to be replaced by tiny, 4-cylinder powered sub compacts. The big question is would a small car work for you?

GM Unveils 2010 Transformers Special Edition Chevy Camaro

General Motors has announced what many would consider a "no-brainer" decision concerning its hot new 2010 Chevrolet Camaro-- the availability of a TRANSFORMERS special edition. It's a $995 option that puts AUTOBOT shields and TRANSFORMERS logos on various locations of the car, including side panels, wheel center caps and rally stripes. And, of course, the car is yellow, just like the "Bumble Bee," character featured in the 2007 and 2009 Transformers movies.

Here's the GM news release:

Chevrolet announces the 2010 Camaro TRANSFORMERS Special Edition

DETROIT - Fans of the new Camaro and the blockbuster TRANSFORMERS movies can now combine their love of the car and the films with the Chevrolet Camaro TRANSFORMERS Special Edition announced today at Comic-Con in San Diego.

"When the first TRANSFORMERS movie was setting box office records, we had countless customers asking to purchase the 'BUMBLEBEE' Camaro," said Karen Rafferty, product marketing director, Chevrolet. "Now, they can buy one with the new Camaro TRANSFORMERS Special Edition. Streets all over North America will be buzzing in no time."

Features such as an EPA-rated 29 highway mpg on the V6-powered Camaro, Bluetooth phone connectivity, USB connectivity, XM Satellite Radio and OnStar combined with TRANSFORMERS design cues add to the car’s status as a 21st century sports car.

“Hasbro is thrilled to team up with Chevrolet and excited to see the Camaro TRANSFORMERS Special Edition come to market for our fans to enjoy,” said Samantha Lomow, Global Brand Leader for TRANSFORMERS at Hasbro. “The yellow Camaro with the black stripes has become so iconic and closely associated with the BUMBLEBEE character that this edition was a natural fit for both companies.”

While the aggressive styling of the Camaro is unmistakable, true TRANSFORMERS fans will notice some of the unique, but subtle features of the Camaro TRANSFORMERS Special Edition.

The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro TRANSFORMERS Special Edition includes the following:

· AUTOBOT® shield on the driver and passenger side panels

· AUTOBOT® shield on each of the four wheel's center cap

· AUTOBOT® shield embroidered on interior center console

· "TRANSFORMERS" logo on driver and passenger doors' sill plates

· "TRANSFORMERS" logo embedded into the hood rally stripes

· High-gloss black center rally stripe package

· Manufacturer’s suggested retail price of package: $995

Dealers are now taking orders for this car. Customers can order the TRANSFORMERS Special Edition as either a Rally Yellow LT or SS model. The optional RS appearance package can also be added.

The V6-powered Camaro uses a 3.6L engine with variable valve timing to optimize performance and fuel economy. It is SAE-certified at 304 horsepower (227 kW) and 273 lb.-ft. of torque (370 Nm). A six-speed manual transmission is standard with the 3.6L engine; a Hydra-Matic 6L50 electronically controlled six-speed automatic, with TAPshift control, is available.

The high-performance Camaro SS is equipped with a powerful 6.2L V-8, with a choice of a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Manual transmission-equipped models receive the LS3 engine, SAE-certified at 426 horsepower (318 kW) and 420 lb.-ft. of torque (569 Nm). It is paired with a TR6060 six-speed transmission.

A new, L99 V-8 engine is used on automatic transmission-equipped SS models. It is based on the LS3, but also includes GM’s fuel-saving Active Fuel Management feature. It is SAE-certified at 400 horsepower (298 kW) and 410 lb.-ft. of torque (556 Nm). It is matched with a Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed transmission that helps delivers an EPA-estimated 25 mpg on the highway.

Test Drive: 2010 Jaguar XF

This Kitty Really Purrs

The last time I drove a Jaguar car was 1986, I think. I was staying with friends in Silver Spring, Maryland and the XJ had once belonged to my friend's mother. I drove the car to Annapolis to visit friends I had left behind at the U.S. Naval Academy. I remember concluding that the Jag was a nice ride but not for me, mostly because I did not find it very attractive.

Fast forward 23 years. The 2010 XF is a sleek, swift, powerful cat capable of taming tight urban jungles and wide open highway ranges. I am quite impressed with the way it looks and the way it handles, though I feel it falls a bit short in terms of sportiness in the handling category. It lacks nothing in terms of luxury. One look at the XF made my eyes get wide and my jaw drop open. Once I gathered myself, the word "Wow" escape my mouth. That process repeated itself when I got inside.

The XF is loaded with gadgets that put new and interesting twists on old standards. Steering wheel controls for the sound system and cruise control are, themselves, wheels that, at times, felt awkward only because they are different than any others I had ever used. The glove compartment opens in a unique way. Instead of the typical lever on the compartment door, you touch a small sensor on the wood veneer, and voila! The compartment pops open. But, the feature everyone talked about was the gear shifter. It's a round knob that recesses into the console when the car is off and rises when you start the engine. Quite cool.

Speaking of starting the car, that happens at the push of button as long as your foot is on the brake pedal and the smart key fob is with you. Oh, what a nice sound the engine makes. And, oh what a nice ride it provides.

Appearance

The XF has a classic Jaguar profile with a 21st Century flair. The front grill has hints of Bentley while the rear fascia reminds me of a low-slung Lexus LS460. The frost blue color of my test model was absolutely gorgeous. It set the car off. The 20-inch wheels and performance tires also helped give the car an aggressive stance, much like the big feline for which the company is named.

Power

The XF has a 5.0 liter V8 engine that produces 385 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. Acceleration is brisk, but not necessarily sporty. It felt more like a flagship sedan than a performance sedan. That said, cruising the highway was a pure joy. Passing power is great and the ride is always smooth and quiet.

You do pay for all of this power at the pump. The XF requires premium gasoline and gets an EPA estimated 16 MPG in city driving and 23 MPG on the highway. I averaged a little over 14 MPG during my test week. The enjoyment I got out of driving the car made that expense well worth it.

Comfort

The XF's interior is gorgeous. My test model had the ivory/oyster leather seats with burl walnut veneer trim. Sitting in the car truly makes you feel royal. A couple of my friends sat in the car and felt the same way. While the seats did feel a bit narrow, they were quite comfortable and provided great driving support. Leg room is ample and despite the low-profile roof, head room is also plentiful. Rear passengers will also find very comfortable confines.

Features

In addition to the features discussed earlier, the 2010 XF includes a wide range of standard features. Safety and security features include active head restraints, side curtain airbags and a tire pressure monitor system. On the comfort and convenience list, you will find a blind spot monitor system in the side view mirrors, a touchscreen navigation system and a 320-watt sound system which includes a 6-disc CD changer and iPod connectivity with the special cable included. I was impressed when I plugged my iPod in and the Jaguar logo appeared on the player's screen. But, I was disappointed when the system read my iPod music library, but would not access all of the folders. I was able to play some but not all. The same held true for the Bluetooth connection for the phone. The system read my phonebook, but I could not access numbers alphabetically.

Summary

Overall, the 2010 Jaguar XF is impressive. Great looks, great comfort, and for a luxury sedan, not a bad price. The base model XF starts at $52,000. The XF Premium starts at $57,000. Add the Portfolio package, included on my test model, and the starting price goes to $61,000. Those who require supercharged power can opt for the XFR which starts at $80,000. A 4-year/50,000 mile warranty is standard on all models.

Chrysler rips ‘for sale’ sign off Dodge Viper business: AutoWeek Magazine

Chrysler rips ‘for sale’ sign off Dodge Viper business: AutoWeek Magazine

Posted using ShareThis

The New GM Launches

GM CEO announces launch of new, leaner company after clearing bankruptcy in 40 days. Below is GM release on announcement. -MW

DETROIT – The new General Motors Company began operations today with a new corporate structure, a stronger balance sheet, and a renewed commitment to make the customer the center of everything the new GM does.

“Today marks a new beginning for General Motors, one that will allow every employee, including me, to get back to the business of designing, building and selling great cars and trucks and serving the needs of our customers,” said Fritz Henderson, president and CEO. “We are deeply appreciative for the support we have received during this historic transformation, and we will work hard to repay this trust by building a successful new General Motors.”

Created from the old GM’s strongest operations in an asset sale approved by the bankruptcy court on July 5, the new GM is built on:

· Four core brands in the U.S. and the largest, strongest dealer network in the country,

· A fresh lineup of Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC cars, trucks and crossovers, each with leading-edge designs and technologies that matter to both consumers and the environment,

· A competitive cost structure, a cleaner balance sheet, and a stronger liquidity position that will enable GM to invest in new products, key technologies, and its future,

· A winning culture focused on customers and products.

“One thing we have learned from the last 100 days is that GM can move quickly and decisively,” said Henderson. “Today, we take the intensity, decisiveness and speed of the past several months and transfer it from the triage of the bankruptcy process to the creation and operation of a new General Motors.

“Business as usual is over at GM,” said Henderson. “Today starts a new era for General Motors and everyone associated with the company. Going forward, the new General Motors is fully committed to listening to customers, responding to consumer and market trends, and empowering the people closest to the customer to make the decisions. Our goal is to build more of the cars, trucks, and crossovers that customers want, and to get them to market faster than ever before.”

Committed to great cars and trucks

The new General Motors launches with a clear and simple vision – to design, build and sell the best vehicles in the world.

“A successful auto company needs to focus on both the cost and the revenue sides of the business,” said Henderson. “Success on the revenue side means building the stylish, high-quality, fuel-efficient vehicles that customers want – and getting them to market fast.”

Despite the recent downturn, GM has maintained its cadence of strong new products. In the U.S., for example, the Chevy Camaro has surged past its rivals to lead its segment, while the new Chevy Equinox, Cadillac SRX, and Buick LaCrosse are earning strong initial reviews. Later this year, the Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon and GMC Terrain debut, followed next year by the Chevy Volt, Chevy Cruze and Cadillac CTS Coupe.

This emphasis on great new products is also reflected in the Chevy Agile now launching in Latin America, in the Chevy Cruze and Buick Excelle in Asia Pacific, and in the new Opel Astra in Europe.

Just last month, GM announced its intention to build a new small car at a plant in Orion Township, Michigan, which will add to GM’s growing portfolio of fuel-efficient cars and restore approximately 1,400 jobs.

GM also has moved aggressively to develop a full range of energy-saving technologies, including advanced internal combustion engines, biofuels, fuel cells, and hybrids. The company is also a leader in the development of extended-range electric vehicles, with its first model, the Chevy Volt, currently undergoing road testing and scheduled to launch in 2010. The new GM is also taking steps to make advanced battery development a core competency, and expects to make additional announcements on this matter late this summer.

“The success of our recent launches and the exciting new vehicles and technologies we have in the pipeline are evidence of our ongoing commitment to excel at everything we do,” said Henderson. “Our goal is to make each and every General Motors car, truck and crossover the best-in-class.”

Stronger brands and dealers

As part of its reinvention, the new GM has also focused its resources on four core brands and a stronger, more effective dealer network.

General Motors’ core brands – Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC – will have a total of just 34 U.S. nameplates by 2010. This emphasis on fewer, better entries will enable the new GM to put more resources into each nameplate, resulting in better products and stronger marketing.

In May, the company accelerated its dealer consolidation efforts, with the goal of reducing the number of GM dealers in the U.S. from 6,000 this spring to approximately 3,600 by the end of next year. Even so, GM will still have the largest dealer network in the U.S. and GM dealers have committed to continue to improve the total customer experience for GM customers.

“We’re also working on new ways to make car buying more convenient for our customers, including an innovative new partnership with eBay in California to revolutionize how people buy vehicles online,” Henderson said. “Customers will be able to bid on actual vehicles just like they do in an eBay auction, including the option of choosing a predetermined ‘buy it now’ price. We’ll be testing this and other ideas with our dealers over the next few weeks, and hope to expand and build upon them in the coming months. In all cases, our goal is to make the shopping and buying process as easy as possible for GM customers – on their time and their terms. Stay tuned.”

A pledge to regain trust and confidence

General Motors Company is primarily owned by the governments of the United States, Canada and Ontario, and by a trust fund providing medical benefits to UAW retirees. Specifically, common stock will be owned by:

· U.S. Department of the Treasury: 60.8 percent

· UAW Retiree Medical Benefits Trust: 17.5 percent

· Canada and Ontario governments: 11.7 percent

· The old GM: 10 percent

“We are very appreciative of the support provided by the stakeholders through the transformation process. Though General Motors Company will not initially be publicly traded, we will be transparent in our financial and other reporting to further strengthen trust and confidence,” said Henderson. “We expect to take the company public again as soon as practical, starting next year, and to repay our government loans as soon as possible. We are required to pay off the loans by 2015, but our goal is to repay them much sooner.”

Stronger balance sheet

General Motors Company launches with a strong balance sheet, a competitive cost structure, and a strong cash position, enabling it to compete more effectively with both its U.S. and foreign-based competitors here in the U.S., and to continue its strong presence in growing global markets.

The new company acquired old GM’s strongest operations and will have a competitive operating cost structure, partly as a result of recent agreements with the United Auto Workers (UAW) and Canadian Auto Workers (CAW).

In the U.S., the new GM will be a far leaner company. By the end of 2010, the company will operate 34 assembly, powertrain, and stamping plants, down from 47 in 2008, and capacity utilization is expected to reach 100 percent during 2011. Overall U.S. employment will decline from about 91,000 at the end of 2008 to about 64,000 at the end of this year, creating a company sized to respond quickly to changes in the market, while still retaining the global scope necessary to develop world-class products and technologies.

The new GM will begin with a much stronger balance sheet, including U.S. debt of approximately $11 billion, which excludes preferred stock of $9 billion, and could change under fresh-start accounting. In total, obligations have been reduced by more than $40 billion, representing mostly unsecured debt and the VEBA trust fund that provides medical benefits to UAW retirees. The stronger balance sheet and lower break-even point will allow the new GM to reduce its risk, operate profitably at much lower volume levels, and reinvest in the business in the key areas of advanced technology and product development.

GM’s subsidiaries outside the United States were acquired by the new company and are expected to continue to operate normally without any interruption.

A new way of doing business

With the launch of the new General Motors, company leaders will work to change the culture of the company, making the speed and decisiveness that GM demonstrated over the past several months the new way of doing business, and adding an intensified focus on the customer.

Edward E. Whitacre, Jr., who oversaw the creation of the new AT&T, will serve as chairman of a GM board with a number of new directors. Henderson will continue as president and chief executive officer, working closely with Whitacre. He also will take responsibility for GM’s operations in North America, eliminating the GM North America president position.

To speed day-to-day decision-making, two senior leadership forums, the Automotive Strategy Board and Automotive Product Board, will be replaced by a single, smaller executive committee, which will meet more frequently and focus on business results, products, brands, and customers.

Bob Lutz has agreed to join the new GM as vice chairman responsible for all creative elements of products and customer relationships. Lutz and Tom Stephens, vice chairman, product development, will work together as a team, partnering with Ed Welburn, vice president of design, to guide all creative aspects of design. GM’s brands, marketing, advertising, and communications will report to Lutz for consistent messaging and results. He will report to Henderson, and be part of the newly formed executive committee.

“I am pleased to announce that we are ‘unretiring’ Bob Lutz so he can fill this important position in the new GM,” said Henderson. “He has a proven track record of unleashing creativity in the design and development of GM cars and trucks. This new role allows him to take that passion a step further, applying it to other parts of GM that connect directly with customers.”

General Motors will also end its regional operating structure, moving decisions closer to the customer. This eliminates the regional president positions and the regional strategy boards. Nick Reilly will be named executive vice president of GM International Operations (GMIO) which will be based in Shanghai.

GM is also removing layers of management – reducing the number of U.S. executives by 35 percent and overall U.S. salaried employment by 20 percent by the end of this year – flattening the organization and speeding decision making.

Additional details of the new structure and leadership moves will be communicated later this month, said Henderson. “These and other actions will simplify our organizational structure and reduce the level of bureaucracy that, in the past, has prevented GM from moving faster.”

More direct communications

Henderson also announced initiatives to open more direct communications between customers and GM employees at every level. “Beginning next week, we will launch a ‘Tell Fritz’ website where customers, or anyone else, can share ideas, concerns, and suggestions directly with senior management. I will personally review and respond to some of these communications every day.”

Henderson and other General Motors leaders will go on the road regularly to meet with consumers and others with a stake in the new GM. “In August, we’ll begin regular visits with customers, dealers, suppliers, employees and others – in the U.S. and abroad – who impact our relationships with customers. We’ll be listening to their ideas, and acting on the ones that will improve our ability to serve our customers better. And of course, other executives and I will continue to reach out to customers through our ongoing web and Twitter chats.

“Today we launch the new General Motors, and our promise is simple. We will be profitable, we will repay our loans as soon as possible, and our cars and trucks will be among the best in the world,” said Henderson. “We recognize that we’ve been given a rare second chance at GM, and we are very grateful for that. And we appreciate the fact that we now have the tools to get the job done.

“To our current customers, we appreciate the confidence that you have placed in us, and going forward, we’ll offer you nothing less than great cars, trucks and crossovers, with unmatched customer service. To those who have supported us through this challenging time, we are deeply grateful,” said Henderson. “And to those who have never tried a GM vehicle – or who have tried one and been disappointed – we look forward to the chance to win your business and earn your trust.”

Test Drive: 2009 Hyundai Elantra

The Small Car with Big Heart

In this age of fluctuating oil and gas prices, those of us who prefer driving large sedans, muscle coupes, light trucks or sports utility vehicles have-- at the very least-- thought about trading in our gas guzzlers for more economical models. If you are like me, that thought quickly leaves your mind because you just don't think driving a a sub-compact could be comfortable, let alone, fun. Hyundai has found away to make both possible.

The 2009 Elantra is an impressive performer and it's green, to boot. Listed as a PZEV (partial zero emissions vehicle), my test model exceeded my expectations on the road. I was pleasantly surprised by the Elantra's relatively smooth acceleration considering the small four cylinder engine. I was even more impressed by how the car handles on the road.

Hyundai offers the Elantra in three trims: GLS, SE and Touring with starting prices ranging from just over $14,000 to just under $18,000.

Appearance

In size and stature, the Elantra resembles many of its direct competitors. There is nothing to get overly excited about and nothing to really criticize. There are seven available exterior colors and two available interior colors.

Power

The EPA classifies the Elantra as a mid-sized car. That puts it in the same category with the Cadillac CTS, BMW 5-Series and Acura RL. Clearly, the Elantra doesn't compete with any of those cars, all of which are larger and more powerful. The Elantra would be better classified as a compact where it would join the Toyota Corolla and Mazda 3. knowing that the Elantra has a small four cylinder engine, you dodn't expect much in terms of power. Hyundai rates the power plant in my PZEV test model at 132 horsepower and 133 lb-ft of torque. you won't be able to do a lot of spirited driving in this car, but you do get a solid, steady ride on the highway. The car is also good on gas. EPA fuel economy estimates are 25 MPG/City and 33 MPG/Highway. I drove 133 miles in city conditions over my week in the test model, using only 5.5 gallons of gas. That worked out to 24 MPG.

Comfort

The Elantra cabin provides a nice driving environment. Seats are comfortable and include the usual manual adjustments for sliding forward, backward and reclining. The test model had the standard cloth seating surfaces but leather is available. Front leg room is more than adequate and rear leg room is not bad. Another pleasant surprise for those who think smaller car means less roominess.

Features

Standard features on the Elantra are plentiful and some of the features surprised me.

I expect to find electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, and air conditioning on any vehicle. I did not expect to find things like a tire pressure monitoring system, power locks, power windows, and power heated side view mirrors standard. Another surprise was the XM satellite radio, also standard on the sound system. Hyundai provides free activation and the first three months of your subscription.

Two disappointments are the iPod connection to the stereo and the optional Bluetooth hands-free phone system. My test model had a USB connector for the iPod but in order for your music machine to communicate with the system, you must purchase a special connector from Hyundai which costs $30. The Bluetooth hands-free phone system is a nice touch for a car in this class but pairing my phone with the system was far too complicated. The pairing process is accomplished using voice commands and the system often does not process the commands, no matter how loudly and clearly you speak them. Once paired, the system works seamlessly and it automatically detects your phone when in range, providing a clear voice message to warn you of an incoming call. You just push the button and start talking.

Summary

The Hyundai Elantra combines practical size and efficient power with good comfort and better than expected features. Match all of that with what Hyundai calls "America's Best Warranty," including 5 years or 60,000 miles bumper-to-bumper coverage and powertrain coverage through 10 years or 100,000 miles and you have a real winner.

Hyundai Elantra Website

House bill to save terminated dealerships passes committee - Automotive News

This could really change things if it passes. But my gut says, that's not likely.

House bill to save terminated dealerships passes committee - Automotive News

Posted using ShareThis