William Maley

Mercedes-Benz Close To A Decision With Maybach William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com June 14, 2011 It's no secret that Maybach, Daimler AG's upper luxury brand has been a loser for the company. Originally, Maybach was projected to sell 1,500 units per year. Last year , the brand only sold 157 vehicles worldwide. Now, Daimler has set a date of July 1st on which a decision will be made on Maybach's future. Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche said at recent press event that "there is a higher likelihood to come to a positive decision" if a partner was to come along and help out. Who could partner up with Maybach? The only automaker that has been in talks with Daimler is Aston Martin. If the two companies partnered up, they could share development costs, Daimler could use Aston Martin’s production facilities in Gaydon, England, and Aston Martin in turn could get engines and transmissions from Daimler. Source: Autoweek

Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles Get New Name and Features 2011-06-10 Chevrolet, Buick and GMC offer two-year/30,000 mile standard vehicle maintenance GM Certified Used Vehicles program renamed Chevrolet/Buick/GMC Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles DETROIT – Starting Saturday, two years of standard maintenance including oil changes will be part of purchasing a Certified Pre-Owned Chevrolet, Buick or GMC vehicle as General Motors moves to tie pre-owned cars, trucks and crossovers to its brands. Owner Care, a first in the certified pre-owned vehicle industry that includes a two-year/30,000-mile standard vehicle maintenance program, will cover oil changes based on each vehicle’s Oil Life Monitor system, tire rotations, and multi-point vehicle inspections at no charge to the customer. The Certified Pre-Owned program bearing the Chevrolet, Buick and GMC names will continue to offer a 12-month/12,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, and a five-year/100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty with 24-hour roadside assistance and courtesy transportation. A more rigorous 172-point inspection – increased from 117 points – and reconditioning along with free trials of OnStar and Sirius/XM Satellite Radio will remain standard. “Customers demand more value for their money, and we have responded,” said Jennifer Costabile, general director of marketing and sales support, GM Fleet and Commercial Operations. “We believe our enhanced program offers our customers an outstanding experience from the moment they drive their Chevrolet, Buick or GMC Certified Pre-Owned vehicle off of the lot.” The GM Certified Used Vehicle brand in the United States is being phased out. The Cadillac Certified Pre-Owned program will continue unchanged. According to Don Johnson, vice president, U.S. Sales Operations, adding more value to the GM Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle program will ultimately help the company sell more new vehicles. “One of the most important things we can do is manage the business to help increase the value of Chevrolet, Buick and GMC used vehicles," Johnson said. “This increased value gives potential new vehicle customers more for their trade-ins, thereby lowering their ownership costs.” For more information about Chevrolet/Buick/GMC Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles, to locate a dealer or to learn about the details of the warranty and benefits, please visit www.gmcertified.com.

Toyota OK With Losing No.1 Spot William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com June 13, 2011 Since 2007, Toyota has held the title of being the world's largest automaker. However, quality problems would cause sales to drop during 2009 and 2010. Toyota would blame the rapid growth they experienced over the past few years. Then the earthquake hit Japan in March, crippling production of vehicles and causing Toyota lose they No.1 position. Currently, Toyota predicts their global sales for the fiscal year will stand at 7.24 million, a drop of 1%. Toyota doesn't seem to mind losing the No.1 spot at all. "There is no meaning in us being the global No. 1," said Toyota's Executive Vice President, Satoshi Ozawa. Ozawa said that quality and ustomer satisfaction is more imporant than vehicles sold. Source: Automotive News - Subscription Required

Lincoln Announces Prices For Dealer Renovations William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com June 13, 2011 Lincoln invited 120 dealers to a meeting in Detroit last week to talk about the future of the brand. Part of the meeting dealt with renovations for Lincoln dealerships. According to Ford CEO Alan Mulally, a standalone Lincoln dealer can expect to pay $1 million for renovations while a Ford-Lincoln dealer can expect to pay around $1.9 million. Dealers who decide not to take part in the renovations can expect their Lincoln franchise taken by Ford in exchange for money. This is Ford's way of cutting down Lincoln dealers from 500 last October to a goal of 325 dealers. A dealer who attended the meeting said, "Every dealer is different and has different levels of renovation. That's a ballpark average of what has to be done out there." Dealers who decide to begin remodel must begin by the end of 2011 and be finished by 2013 said Mulally. The reason being is the redesigned MKZ sedan and a small crossover will be released around that time. Source: Automotive News - Subscription Required

Rolls-Royce Owners Not Thrilled On 102 EX William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com June 12, 2011 Currently, the new thing in the automotive industry is showing off electric vehicles. One the surprises from March's Geneva Motor Show was the Rolls-Royce 102 EX concept. Rolls took a Phantom sedan, removed the 6.75L V12 engine and replaced it with a two electric motors and a massive 71-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery. Figures for the 102 EX stand at 290kW (388 HP), torque of 800Nm (590 lb-ft of torque), and a range of 100 miles. Recently, Rolls-Royce sent the 102 EX on a tour to let owners and enthusiasts drive it and give feedback to Rolls. When it was all said and done, the feedback showed owners and enthusiasts weren't sold on the idea. Rolls-Royce CEO, Torsten Mueller-Oetvoes said in a interview with Automotive News Europe, he thinks the Phantom EV wasn't a success due to most of their owners and buyers living outside of major cities, making the 100 mile range of 102 EX kind of moot. "Let's wait and see what our customers are telling us, but hybrids have a certain capability to deliver both electric driving combined with a normal combustion engine, and that might be a solution," said Mueller-Oetvoes. Source: Automotive News Europe

Coming Soon To A Lincoln Dealer Near You: A Redesigned MKS And MKT William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com June 10, 2011 With all the successes Ford has been having for the past year, you would think the successes would have extended over to their luxury brand, Lincoln. Not so, Lincoln sales have seen a 7.5% drop in sales so far in 2011. Only one Lincoln vehicle has seen success so far 2011; the MKZ has seen its sales increase by 23% due to the new MKZ hybrid. However, the drop in overall sales has caused Ford to accelerate plans for redesigned models. Ford has moved up the timeline for the MKS and MKT redesigns to be ready by November. The reason for the shift in date is due to the poor sales of the two models. The MKS' sales are off 40% so far this year while the MKT is the slowest selling model in Lincoln's lineup; only 2,112 have sold through this month. The vehicles are expected to have a sleeker design and new technologies. “Lincoln will give [customers] opportunities to tell a story about what is unique in their vehicle. You think of BMW as engaging to drive; you can think of Lexus as refined. Bring them together and it is a new experience no customer has ever had,” said Ford global product chief Derrick Kuzak. Ford's plan to help Lincoln differentiate from Ford and other luxury manufacturers is to add more technology to their vehicles. According to a report from the Wall Street Journal, Lincoln will introduce a noise cancelling technology to make their vehicles quieter. Also on the table will be a upgraded version of MyLincolnTouch and Computer-adjustable steering and suspension system. Kuzak promises Lincoln will be more exclusive and different from their Ford counterparts; something the brand has been lacking since the nineties. The question remains if Ford will spend the money on Lincoln to have different platforms and powertrains. Source: Left Lane News

NADA Guides Releases Their “Hardest to Find” list William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com June 10, 2011 NADA Guides just put out their list of the “Hardest to Find” vehicles. NADA did a analysis of dealer inventories and sales data to help them compile their list. They also avoided low production models since their short supply is due to exclusivity. The list of vehicles that are in short supply are the Ford Explorer, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Sorento and Toyota Prius. NADA says all of the vehicles had less than a 30 day inventory supply. Automakers consider anything with less than 50 day supply – an estimate of how long it would take for dealerships across the country to have their stock of a model be depleted - a good thing. Source: Left Lane News

I thought GM had it figured out.. Chevrolet would become the entry level brand while Opel was the step up

GM Says Selling Opel Report Is Speculation William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com June 9, 2011 General Motors is on the offensive with a report about them possibly selling Opel to another automaker. In a article published by Auto Bild and Spiegel, GM is considering whether to sell Opel due to management losing confidence in Opel returning to profitability. The article also points out that GM can use Daewoo to engineer and source small cars and low emission engines, something Opel has provided GM. So, who are the possible buyers for Opel? The article points to the Chinese automakers and Volkswagen as possible buyers. Volkswagen could do it easily since they are currently sitting on 20 billion euros ($29.3 billion). Volkswagen declined to comment. GM is not happy with the report. When asked for a comment, a spokesman for Opel said, ''It is speculation and we don't comment on speculation.'' Opel's CEO, Karl-Friedrich Stracke sent a letter out to employees today, calling the report speculative. The letter also states for employees not to be influenced by the report. Sources in GM say executives are concerned about Opel. They're getting frustrated with the pace of Opel's recovery and are worried about Opel's future. A sale though is out of the question. Opel is tightly integrated with GM's global operations on technology and vehicle platforms. One source says CEO Dan Akerson is getting frustrated with Opel. "Akerson is fed up with Opel, and the turnaround isn't gaining traction. He is trying to think of all possibilities to improve performance. But a sale is wishful thinking." If GM was to make a move with Opel, most likely it would end up partnering with another automaker. Source: Reuters

Hyundai Goes 2 For 2: 2 Coupes For 2 Auto Shows William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com June 8, 2011 The auto show season doesn't start for few months, but we're already hearing about possible reveals from automakers. First up is Hyundai with Coupe double. Inside Line is reporting that Hyundai will be introducing a Elantra coupe at the LA Auto Show in November. The coupe is expected to carry the 1.8L four-cylinder producing 148 horsepower and 131 pound-feet of torque used in the sedan and a turbocharged four-cylinder that will also be used in the Veloster. A six-speed DCT from the Veloster could be used with the the turbo 4. The coupe is expected to have the same amount of equipment as the sedan. Coupe #2 is a refresh of the Genesis coupe. Inside Line reports that the refreshed coupe will make its premier at the Detroit Auto Show in January. The exterior will be given a once over while the 2.0T four-cylinder and 3.8 V6 will see increases in horsepower and torque. Source: Inside Line, 2

Original story - http://chinaautoweb.com/2010/09/cadillac-sponsors-communist-propaganda-film/

Vauxhall Struts Out The Astra GTC William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com June 6, 2011 Vaxuhall Astra GTC Gallery Vauxhall has pulled off the covers on their brand new Astra GTC and all we can say is WOW! The car will be going after the Renault Mégane coupé and Volkswagen Scirocco in the European market. The body carries the design of the 2010 GTC Paris concept with its sleek lines and low, wide stance. The only items the Astra GTC shares with the rest of the Astra family is the antenna and door handles. Engine choices will range from a 1.4L petrol with either 118bhp or 138bhp, a 178bhp 1.6L petrol and a 2.0L diesel with 163bhp. The chassis uses a HiPer strut front suspension and a Watt’s link axle at the rear. Vauxhall says the combination will reduce torque steer, improve grip and cornering power, and bolster precision and feedback. The Astra GTC will also use GM's FlexRide adaptive damping system which allows the driver to pick from three different settings - Standard, Sport and Tour - for varying road surfaces and conditions. The Astra GTC arrives at Vauxhall dealers later this year. Press Release is below Astra GTC Set To Rock Mid-Size Coupe Class As Vauxhall Opens Order Books 2011-06-07 Vauxhall’s mid-size coupe challenger available to order from today Dramatic design will set it apart from rivals – as will sub-£18.5k entry price! Driver-focused chassis layout derived from Insignia VXR and fine-tuned in the UK World debut at next month’s Goodwood Festival, reflecting UK market’s dominance Luton – These are the first official shots of the new Astra GTC, which will lay down the gauntlet to VW’s Scirocco and Renault’s Megane Coupe with a heady mix of dynamic excellence, dramatic design features and competitive pricing as order books open at Vauxhall retailers today. Closely based on last year’s stunning GTC Paris concept, the production Astra GTC enters the UK market – the biggest in Europe for this model - priced from just £18,495, nearly £1,100 less than the basic VW Scirocco. But even in entry-level trim, the Astra GTC adopts the sophisticated front suspension from the Insignia VXR, featuring Vauxhall’s HiPerStrut (High Performance Strut), combined with the clever Watt’s link rear axle for unmatched stability and handling precision. The third body style to come off the new Astra’s Delta platform (following the Hatch and last year’s Sports Tourer), the only elements the GTC shares with its siblings are door handles and the roof aerial – even the wheelbase and tracks are different. Brit, Mark Adams, Vauxhall’s Vice President of Design, has aimed to create a car that looks like it’s been plucked from the class above, with its low, wide stance and simple, yet rakish lines. But don’t be fooled: the GTC’s ‘straight-from-concept’ looks shroud a cabin that’s roomy and comfortable enough to accommodate four adults and their luggage. So while the GTC will appeal to UK car enthusiasts, its practicality will ensure that it accounts for around 20 per cent of all Astra sales when it arrives in UK showrooms towards the end of this year. “The GTC is a high-profile addition to the Astra range and one that’s sure to appeal to anyone who loves cars and driving,” said Duncan Aldred, Vauxhall’s Managing Director. “Better still, its chassis has been fine-tuned by Vauxhall Engineering Centre in the UK, reflecting the importance of our Millbrook-based operation, and also the fact that the UK will be the dominant market for GTC when it arrives in showrooms later this year.” The GTC will receive its world premiere at next month’s Goodwood Festival of Speed (July 1-3), reflecting the importance of the UK market to this model. High-tech front and rear suspension Right from the start of the Astra GTC’s development the target was to deliver a focused and driver-orientated feel to the car, and one that worked well on UK roads. As a result, significant changes were made to the front suspension, including the adoption of Vauxhall’s HiPerStrut (High Performance Strut) used on the 325PS Insignia VXR. Much proving work was also done on British roads by engineers from Europe and VEC (Vauxhall Engineering Centre) to hone the car’s damper and steering performance, recognising the unique nature of our road network. The HiPerStrut uses the existing attachment points from the regular Astra, and has a reduced kingpin inclination and a shorter spindle length. This reduces levels of torque-steer, improves grip – and therefore cornering power – while also enhancing steering precision and feedback. At the rear, the GTC continues to use the compound crank with a Watt’s link that has been employed with such success on the Astra Hatch and Sports Tourer. This unique and innovative combination is far more compact and light weight than a multi-link set up, while providing excellent control and stability, as well as excellent noise insulation. Compared with the Astra Hatch, the GTC’s ride height has been lowered by 15mm, while the wheelbase has grown by 10mm, from 2685mm to 2695mm. Both tracks are wider, too, at 1584mm (+ 40mm) front and 1588mm (+ 30mm) rear. This allows the option of larger rims (up to 20-inch), as well as improving stability. Enhancing the GTC’s chassis still further is the option of Vauxhall’s FlexRide adaptive damping. FlexRide automatically adapts to prevailing road surfaces and driving styles, providing drivers with fully optimised handling, even in the event of an emergency situation. In addition, FlexRide offers a choice of three settings – Standard, Tour or Sport - which will change the car’s character on demand at the push of a button. Sleek and handsome lines frame spacious and practical cabin Since the Astra GTC shares no body panels with either the Astra Hatch or Sports Tourer, it has a unique appearance in the range, and one which has largely stayed faithful to last year’s stunning GTC Paris concept. “We wanted the Astra GTC to be the ultimate expression of Vauxhall’s design language, and to embody our passion for the motor car,” said Mark Adams, Vice President of Vauxhall/Opel design. “But we didn’t want emotion to get in the way of functionality: the Astra GTC still needed to be clever, affordable and practical.” In profile, Mark and his team created tension in the GTC’s shape by minimising the lines running along the body. Vauxhall’s signature blade, a crisp line that sweeps up from the rocker at the front of the door, is now similar to the Insignia’s, but runs the opposite way to other Astras. A second line strikes through the door handle, stretching to the rear, while a third line follows the roof’s profile, guiding the eye to the sharply integrated spoiler. At the front of the car, a centreline crease is complemented by slim, ‘eagle-eye’-style headlamps featuring wing-shaped daytime running light graphics. A chrome emblem bar running across the dramatic trapezoidal grille – mounted lower than on other Astras – completes the picture from the front. The GTC’s rear treatment is equally dramatic. Its powerful shoulder section gives the car imposing proportions and a purposeful road presence. The line from the C-pillar wraps around the tail and the rear spoiler, which integrates with the roofline. LEDs – optional across the GTC range – highlight the stretched ‘wing’ motif created by the tail lamps. Four engine line-up, with high output unit for VXR to follow in 2012 The Astra GTC can be ordered with a choice of four engines – one diesel and three petrols. With 165PS, the 2.0 CDTi is an upgraded version of the diesel that’s fitted to some models in the Insignia and Astra ranges. All engines have a diesel particulate filter, six-speed transmission and Start/Stop as standard, maximising economy and performance. Delivering 380Nm of torque (including overboost function) the 2.0 CDTi engine provides excellent mid-range acceleration for the GTC, combined with a 0-62mph time of 8.9 seconds and a top speed of 130mph. That torque also allows the GTC a relaxed cruising gait, meaning a combined mpg of 57.6mpg and C02 emissions of just 129g/km. It also gives drivers a range potential in excess of 700 miles. Start/Stop and a six-speed gearbox are also standard on both versions of the 1.4-litre Turbo petrol engine. With either 120PS or 140PS, the 1.4T achieves a combined 47.9mpg and 139g/km of C02 emissions, yet each still delivers crisp performance with maximum torque of 200Nm delivered between 1850-4200rpm. The most powerful engine in the range is the 1.6-litre Turbo, which produces 180PS and allows the GTC to hit a top speed of 132mph. In 2012, a high output VXR model is set to wow British hot-hatch enthusiasts – more news on that later in the year. Practicality and technology enhance GTC’s appeal for all drivers Don’t be fooled by the GTC’s swooping lines and sporting looks: unlike many of its competitors, functionality has not been compromised. Not only can the GTC accommodate four adults in comfort, but its luggage compartment provides between 370 and 1235 litres – over 200 litres more than some of the competition. In line with the current Astra, storage volume in the cabin has also been improved by 50 per cent over the current model, with items like the standard electronic park brake liberating space around the centre console in every GTC. Standard equipment is generous no matter which GTC model customers choose. Even in entry-level Sport trim, the GTC comes equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, DAB stereo and USB functionality. Move up to the top-spec SRi, and buyers get as standard tinted glass, onboard computer, leather-trimmed steering wheel and fog lamps. The latest generation Bi-Xenon Advanced Forward Lighting (AFL), which offers nine separate light beams, is optional across the range. A range of new colours and materials, bespoke to the GTC, set the car apart from others in the Astra range. Morello Red, a new premium leather trim, is also available as an option and brings with it six-way adjustable front seats. Pricing The GTC range starts at £18,495 for the 120PS Sport 1.4 Turbo and extends to £22,430 for the 165PS SRi 2.0 CDTi. A full list is shown below. As with all cars in Vauxhall’s range, the GTC comes with a 100,000 mile Lifetime Warranty, available to first owners. This is supported by 12 months’ Vauxhall Assistance breakdown cover and six years’ body panel anti-perforation warranty.

Well, the pic I used is the Cruze hatchback.. The site did have a possible rendering of the wagon.