William Maley

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com January 25, 2012 Last year at the Geneva Motor Show, Audi pulled the covers off an A3 Sedan concept, complete with an 408 HP five-cylinder engine. Well, Audi is putting forth an A3 Sedan for the U.S. minus the 408 HP engine. Renderings from Road & Track show the A3 carrying a family resemblance to other Audis, with a large front grill, flared out fenders, and sculpted sides. The A3 Sedan will be about six inches longer than the current A3 five-door. Power will come from 2.0L four-cylinder gas and diesel engines. Hybrid and electric models are expected. Base A3s will come with FWD and a six-speed manual, while quattro and 7-speed S-tronic transmission will be available. The A3 sedan will arrive at U.S. dealers sometime in 2013. Source: Road & Track

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com January 25, 2012 Ford is going down a different path from other automakers. The company says it will not go after the segment leader, the Toyota Camry with its brand new 2013 Fusion. The plan is to focus on a finding a balance between price and volume. “Between price and volume, we’ll sort out the right mix. I don’t think we’re very enamored with being No. 1 just to be No. 1. We’re much more enamored with getting the right price point and the right kind of people to buy the car,” said Jim Farley, Ford’s global marketing chief. Even though Ford’s decision to balance price with volume is a calculated move, Ford couldn’t compete with Toyota on volume if they wanted to. Research firm IHS Automotive says Ford’s production capacity for the Fusion is 400,000. However, Toyota’s production capacity for the Camry is 500,000. Although neither company is planning to run their sedan plants at full capacity, IHS forecasts the Camry will hold a slight lead. This strategy will also cause the Fusion to drop in the sales charts. Jessica Caldwell, sales analyst with Edmunds.com says the Fusion will drop from third to forth place. The Camry will be first, followed by the Accord and then the Altima. t’s going to be hard to outsell the Camry. Camry has been on top so long they’ve built up a huge, loyal owner base. Just from the sheer numbers, Camry is hard to beat,” Caldwell said. Source: Bloomberg

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com January 24, 2012 Chrysler/Fiat has some big plans coming up within the next few years. Starting in 2013, Chrysler will introduce new midsize sedans to replace the 200 and Dodge Avenger. The new sedans will be based on the Dodge Dart's platform. Following along will be the replacements for the Jeep Compass and Liberty, which will also be based on the Dart's platform. Despite using a compact car architecture, Fiat/Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne said, ”It’s going to be a trail-rated, full-blooded Jeep that has its origins in the architecture of a sports car.” Chrysler is also considering a premium compact hatchback in the mix, known for now as the “Chrysler 100." If the vehicle is approved, it will be exported to Europe to be sold as a Lancia. Those who have been waiting for Alfa Romeo to make a comeback will only have to wait till 2013 (we hope). “There will be plants making Alfas in the United States and Europe,” Marchionne said. “I need to export to Europe from the U.S. The volumes I get here are how I reintroduce Alfa to Europe.” The expectations for Alfa Romeo are very high. A 1.8L engine producing an eye-watering 300 HP is currently in the works. "We had to make sure they were lightweight, fast cars with Alfa powertrains," Marchionne said. Source: USA Today

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com January 24, 2012 The UAW has scheduled a strike authorization vote for Thursday after workers at GM’s Fairfax, Kansas assembly plant voted last Friday to reject a proposed contract at the plant. On Friday, 66% of production workers and 58% of skilled-trades workers voted against a contract. "The UAW is working through issues with the company and is optimistic that we will be able to reach an agreement,” said UAW spokeswoman Michele Martin. George Ruiz, president of UAW Local 31 said the strike authorization vote is part of the negotation proces. The vote helps gives the UAW more leverage during negoations. Ruiz said the UAW and GM have taken a break, but expects negoations to resume after the vote is taken. Ruiz wouldn't go into details to what the issues are. GM and the UAW negotiate separate contracts at each of its plants that cover issues like work rules and other items. When asked for comment, GM Spokeswoman Kim Carpenter declined. GM employs 3,400 workers at the Fairfax, Kansas plant which builds the Buick La Crosse and Chevrolet Malibu. Source: Detroit Free Press

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com January 24, 2012 The only way to tell the difference between the current Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra is by slight differences in trim and equipment. That will be changing for the next generation models. Mark Reuss, GM’s North American President said during an interview that the next generation pickup trucks, due out in 2014 will be more distinctive. The plan is to move the Sierra more upmarket with more standard equipment, more distinctive sheetmetal and corresponding higher sticker prices. A plan like this has worked for GMC's SUV lineup. “I think you will see equipment and models attacked very differently. If we are going to carry two brands, we are going to make them pay their way,” said Reuss Source: Autoweek

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com January 24, 2012 The Mini Rocketman, a concept shown at last year's Geneva Motor Show, showed what a smaller Mini could look like. Over the past couple of months, rumors have swirling about Mini developing a production model of the Rocketman. However, a new report from Car says the project has been shown the door. The reason as to why is due to exorbitant costs to develop a production model to meet regulations; specifically, handling, stability and crash standards. Sources say the smaller Mini could have gone into production in 2016. But for now, the smallest Mini you will be able to buy is the Cooper. Source: Car Magazine

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com January 23, 2012 Mazda finally comfirms that a diesel engine will be arriving in early 2013. Mazda spokesman, Jeremy Barnes told Car & Driver that “It’ll be here between 15 and 18 months behind the launch of the Skyactiv-G gasoline engine in the Mazda 3.” The Mazda3 with the Skyactiv-G engine launched last October, so expect the diesel engine sometime between January and April of 2013. The vehicle that will get the diesel engine hasn't been revealed, but rumors point to the CX-5, followed by the 6 and 3. Source: Car & Driver

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com January 23, 2012 GM's Lambda Trio; the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia are still selling very well (sales were up 5% in 2011), but there is no hiding the face that these three models are growing long in the tooth. Outside, the three are still very handsome. But, jump inside or drive one and you realize how old the three are. That will soon change as GM is readying updated models of the Enclave and Acadia, as shown here via some new spy shots. From what the pictures show, the overall shape remains the same. The Enclave gets a new, larger front end and headlights. The Acadia receives similar updates, but judging from the pictures, the grill outline shows designers are attempting to visually tie it to the smaller Terrain. Expect bigger changes under the skin for the two vehicles. The interior of both vehicles were heavily camouflaged, suggesting big changes are in store. GM's 3.6L DI V6 is expected to stay on, but rumors point to turbocharged four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines. We'll likely see both vehicles make their appearance sometime this year, with GMC Acadia appearing at next month's Chicago Auto Show. Source: Motor Trend

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com January 23, 2012 The Chevrolet Volt has been having a tough time in the marketplace. First was the Volt missing it's goal of 10,000 vehicles sold last year (only sold 7,671 vehicles) due to the plant being shut down back in the summer. Then there was the whole NHTSA investigation into Volt's battery, which was closed last week. Now there's another roadblock for the Volt. Automotive News is reporting that some Chevrolet dealers are turning down Volts. In New York City, GM offered 104 Volts to its 14 local dealers last month. Dealers only took 31. Even dealers that had no problem selling Volts are being more cautious. Brett Hedrick, dealer principal at Hedrick's Chevrolet said they have turned down offers for Volts for the past two months. Rob Peterson, a GM spokesman confirmed that "dealer ordering is down" for the Volt. He said the reason for the drop is due to the NHTSA investigation into the Volt's battery. Source: Autoweek

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com January 21, 2012 BMW is a bit late to the four-door coupe game with the 6-Series Gran Coupe, but isn’t wasting any time on adding a performance model to it. Autocar has gotten their hands on some spy shots of 6 Gran Coupe sporting some M hardware. The shots shows the 6 Gran Coupe mule sporting a muscular exterior thanks to new a body kit, quad exhausts and large black twin five spoke alloy wheels. Power will come from the new M5; a 4.4L twin-turbo, direct-injected V8 rated at 560 HP and 500 lb-ft of torque. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic will e standard, while the U.S. will get an optional six-speed manual. The M6 Gran Coupe or whatever it will be called will likely be shown sometime next year. Source: Autocar

Wiliam Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com January 20, 2012 Today, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced they had closed their investigation into the Chevrolet Volt and the potential for battery fires after a crash. "Based on the available data, NHTSA does not believe that Chevy Volts or other electric vehicles pose a greater risk of fire than gasoline-powered vehicles. Generally all vehicles have some risk of fire in the event of a serious crash. However, electric vehicles have specific attributes that should be made clear to consumers, the emergency response community, and tow truck operators and storage facilities," NHTSA said in a statement. NHTSA went on to say in their statement t that it “continues to believe that electric vehicles show great promise as a safe and fuel-efficient option for American drivers. However, due to the unique nature of plug-in electric vehicles, the agency recommends educating consumers, emergency first-responders, and tow truck operators on the differences to ensure user safety. NHTSA is working with the National Fire Protection Association, the Department of Energy and other agencies and organizations to identify appropriate safety measures and recommendations for those groups." GM in a statement said the agency's decision to close its investigation was "consistent with the results of our internal testing and assessment." "We appreciate the confidence our Volt customers continued to provide during the investigation. Our overriding commitment will always be to provide our customers with the best ownership experience and peace of mind in the industry, and we're focused on delivering that every day," GM said in a statement. Source: GM, NHTSA Press Releases on Page 2and 3 NHTSA Statement on Conclusion of Chevy Volt Investigation FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 20, 2012 Contact: Lynda Tran, 202-366-9550 WASHINGTON, DC — The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released the following statement today regarding the conclusion of its safety defect investigation into the post-crash fire risk of Chevy Volts (PE11037): Today, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration closed its safety defect investigation into the potential risk of fire in Chevy Volts that have been involved in a serious crash. Opened on November 25, the agency’s investigation has concluded that no discernible defect trend exists and that the vehicle modifications recently developed by General Motors reduce the potential for battery intrusion resulting from side impacts. NHTSA remains unaware of any real-world crashes that have resulted in a battery-related fire involving the Chevy Volt or any other electric vehicle. NHTSA continues to believe that electric vehicles show great promise as a safe and fuel-efficient option for American drivers. However, as the reports released in conjunction with the closure of the investigation today indicate, fires following NHTSA crash tests of the vehicle and its battery components — and the innovative nature of this emerging technology — led the agency to take the unusual step of opening a safety defect investigation in the absence of data from real-world incidents. Based on the available data, NHTSA does not believe that Chevy Volts or other electric vehicles pose a greater risk of fire than gasoline-powered vehicles. Generally all vehicles have some risk of fire in the event of a serious crash. However, electric vehicles have specific attributes that should be made clear to consumers, the emergency response community, and tow truck operators and storage facilities. Recognizing these considerations, NHTSA has developed interim guidance — with the assistance of the National Fire Protection Association, the Department of Energy, and others — to increase awareness and identify appropriate safety measures for these groups. The agency expects this guidance will help inform the ongoing work by NFPA, DOE, and vehicle manufacturers to educate the emergency response community, law enforcement officers, and others about electric vehicles. Statement on NHTSA Closure of Volt Investigation The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s decision to close its investigation is consistent with the results of our internal testing and assessment. The engineering enhancements that General Motors announced on Jan. 5, 2012 will provide additional protection for the battery, minimizing the risk of a post-crash fire in the days and weeks after a severe crash and rollover. The voluntary action that GM is taking is intended to make a safe vehicle even safer. In fact, the Volt has earned top safety ratings from key third-party organizations such as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which designated it a Top Safety Pick. GM is proud of the technological innovation the Volt represents. We appreciate the confidence our Volt customers continued to provide during the investigation. Our overriding commitment will always be to provide our customers with the best ownership experience and peace of mind in the industry and we’re focused on delivering that every day.

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com January 20, 2012 Earlier this week, General Motors announced that it sold 9.03 million vehicles in 2011, making it the world’s largest automaker by volume. However, Volkswagen is challenging the claim, stating GM included sales of automakers it doesn’t even fully own. Volkswagen's beef with GM's claim is that it includes sales of Chinese automakers SAIC Motor Corp. and Wuling Motors Co. GM has stakes in both companies, but not a majority stake in either. Some analysts exculde Wuling and SAIC in their sales report. Wulling accounted for 1.29 million vehicles, while SAIC accounted for 1.2 million. Remove those two out and Volkswagen would be the top automaker in volume with 8.16 million vehicles. That figure is expected to grow even higher when MAN and Scania trucks announce their sales within a few weeks. What does GM think of VW's accusation? “Our goal is to be the best, not necessarily the biggest. If we had announced plans on world domination, we probably would have been quibbling with the sales of our competitors and that’s as far removed from focusing on the customers as you can get,” said GM Spokesman, Jim Cain. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com January 20, 2012 Back in September, we reported on Hyundai was developing ten-speed automatics for the Genesis and Equus sedans. Today, Hyundai has confirmed to Car & Driver, that yes they’re working on ten-speed automatics. “We confirmed that it [the ten-speed] is a ‘go project’ for development,” a Hyundai rep told Car & Driver. Hyundai isn’t saying when we’ll see the new transmission or what vehicles that it will be in. Car & Driver speculates that the new transmission could end up the Accent and Elantra. Source: Car & Driver Related: 10 Speed Automatics Coming To Hyundai, Kia Vehicles