William Maley

Person Who Wrote F-Bomb Tweet On Chrysler Apologizes William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com March 17, 2011 Last week, we reported on Chrysler's F-Bomb tweet which cost a employee and New Media Strategies their jobs. Now, the person who wrote that tweet is speaking out. Scott Bartosiewicz, 28 was the person who wrote the now infamous tweet. “I was late for a meeting (last Wednesday morning) and traffic was a little challenging that day. I ended up sending out a tweet and didn’t think another thing about it,” said Bartosiewicz. The tweet which read: “I find it ironic that Detroit is known as the #motorcity and yet no one here knows how to f—ing drive.” What Bartosiewicz didn't realize was he sent the tweet out from the @ChryslerAutos twitter account, not his personal one. Within hours of the tweet going out, Bartosiewicz lost his dream job. A day after Bartosiewicz's firing, Chrysler decided not renew the contract of New Media Strategies. “This brought a large amount of visibility to (Chrysler’s) brand and to their company that they didn’t want or ask for. And unfortunately somebody has to pay for that and I don’t think they can be blamed for that. (New Media Strategies) acted accordingly in doing what they did.” Bartosiewicz blames an twitter application called TweetDeck which allows users to manage multiple twitter accounts. He tells WZYZ "he deleted the Chrysler account from the program, but somehow it still went out." Bartosiewicz has now hired an attorney, Michael Dezsi who says he has a case. “A simple web search shows a number of other users have encountered the same issues,” Dezsi said. Bartosiewicz says he has learned a lesson after this experience. "The lesson I've taken away was the power of social media and how much of an impact it has on everything we're doing." Source: Detroit Free Press Source: WXYZ

I was trying to figure that why GM wouldn't extend it to the CTS and Camaro.. Came up with nothing

Yeah, they showed it off Monday - http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/14/report-chrysler-updates-imported-from-detroit-logo/

Wait, the first gen CTS-V didn't have a handbrake? Never knew that None of the first gen CTSes had a hand brake. I never knew that.. I had to look at pictures to be sure about that

I don't think they would of had the chance.

That is Chrysler's logo. It's a new one they unveiled this past week

A white Isuzu Ascender which could be the only one sold in the state of Michigan and a Buick GSX

Hello Potluck, welcome to the madness that is known as C&G

Agreed, you have to see the car in person. I still don't know how I feel about the chrome brows on the trunk

Wait, the first gen CTS-V didn't have a handbrake? Never knew that

OnStar Mobile App Adds 14 2010 Vehicles William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com March 16, 2011 OnStar's mobile application which allows owners of 2011 Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC vehicles to check levels, start their vehicles, check if doors are locked, and other features has been well received by owners. Now, GM is extending OnStar's Mobile App to certain 2010 vehicles. The list of 2010 vehicles are, Buick Enclave Lucerne Cadillac DTS Escalade Escalade ESV Escalade EXT Chevrolet Avalanche Impala Suburban Tahoe Traverse GMC Acadia Yukon Yukon XL Press Release is Below Consumer Use of OnStar Mobile Apps Surges Availability for more 2010 vehicles expected to boost downloads beyond current 56,000 2011-03-16 DETROIT – Since being launched last year, the OnStar mobile app has been downloaded by more than 56,000 active users who have amassed 1.3 million interactions. That number is expected to grow in coming months as OnStar today added 14 Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles from 2010 that allow users to download vehicle data and more to their mobile devices. The expanded list of 2010 model year vehicles includes the Cadillac DTS, Escalade, Escalade ESV and Escalade EXT; the Buick Enclave and Lucerne; the GMC Acadia, Yukon, and Yukon XL; and Chevrolet Avalanche, Impala, Suburban, Tahoe and Traverse. OnStar customers are increasingly using their smart phones to remotely check fuel levels and tire pressure, start their vehicles and make sure doors are locked via OnStar’s mobile app, according to data released today from the company. Drivers of the Chevrolet Cruze and Silverado use the app most frequently. “I think it’s safe to say we are very pleased with how drivers have not only downloaded, but interacted with our mobile app,” said Sam Mancuso, chief marketing officer, OnStar. “This overwhelming reaction has confirmed our plans to continue to enhance the mobile app, including the potential development of a destination search and send-to-car feature.” Details on the app’s potential navigation features will be made available at a later date. The top use of the app for all vehicles is updating vehicle data, which includes checking fuel levels, oil life, next scheduled maintenance, and other vehicle usage, status and maintenance information. Owners of the Chevrolet Volt electric car with extended-range capability take advantage of data supplied only for that vehicle, including battery charge level and electricity rate tables. For drivers of other GM vehicles, the second- and third most-used features of the app are locking and unlocking doors remotely and remotely starting the ignition.

Well to be fair, that's a small car to the owner.. The daily driver was in the shop

Chrysler Sues Pure Detroit Over Slogan William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com March 16, 2011 Chrysler's "Imported from Detroit" slogan has brought them a lot good press and fanfare. Since then, Chrysler has brought out a line of clothing and trademarked the slogan. That turned out to be a wise idea since a company called Pure Detroit has used the "Imported from Detroit" on a line of clothing and claims to be the exclusive provider. Last night, Chrysler filed a lawsuit against Pure Detroit saying they used the slogan improperly. Chrysler said in their filing, they tried to work it out with Pure Detroit. "Chrysler has repeatedly attempted to resolve this matter without involving the court. It has repeatedly asked (Pure Detroit) to stop, and has sought to have a portion of (Pure Detroit's)' ill-gotten gains contributed to charity." Pure Detroit refused and leaving Chrysler with no choice but to take it to the courts. "No one likes a legal solution to be an issue. It could look like David v Goliath in the Chrysler lawsuit against Pure Detroit. However, we do know that we made repeated attempts to work out a non-legal solution with Pure Detroit. While we are all for entrepreneurs and free enterprise, there are legal considerations we must consider to protect that hard work that went into the Born of Fire commercial. We also want to protect the four charities who benefit from the sale of our Imported from Detroit merchandise. No one wants to get into a court battle. However, when all other reasonable, good faith efforts fail, there are few options," said Mike Driehorst, editorial director for online media for Chrysler in response to the lawsuit. A spokesman for Pure Detroit said the company has no comment. Source: The Detroit News

GM Foundation Contributes $500K to Japan Relief Effort 2011-03-14 DETROIT -- The General Motors Foundation today approved an immediate $500,000 contribution to the American Red Cross relief fund to help earthquake-stricken Japan. GM also has provided a direct web-link that employees can conveniently access from their desktop work stations to contribute personally to the Red Cross disaster fund. Today’s donation is in addition to the GM Foundation’s earlier contribution of $250,000 to the Red Cross as a supporting member of their Disaster Responder program. "Humanitarian relief is an important part of the Foundation’s work and we’re answering the call for help in the wake of such terrible devastation,” said John T. Montford, Chairman of the GM Foundation and Senior Advisor for Government Relations and Global Public Policy. “There is remarkable compassion among GM employees, and I know that same spirit will make a difference in helping the Japan relief effort.” For over three decades the GM Foundation has provided financial support to the U.S. and cities around the world rocked by natural disasters. Recent contributions have helped relief efforts toward the earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand, Haiti and floods in Tennessee and Kentucky. Since its inception in 2000, GM Global Aid has facilitated millions of dollars in donations for disaster relief worldwide. Through this program, GM and its national and international business units and the GM Foundation can quickly direct vehicles, services, or supplies, as well as monetary contributions, to charitable organizations assisting in local disaster relief efforts. An essential component of GM's disaster relief efforts is that which allows GM employees and others worldwide to contribute funds to disaster relief efforts. Donations from the GM Global Aid fund come from the GM Foundation, which was created in 1976.

UAW Meeting Next Week For Bargining Conference William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com March 16, 2011 The United Auto Workers union will hold their quadrennial bargaining conference next week. The conference will focus on negotiating new contracts with Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors. While the current agreement between the automakers and the union expire in September, UAW President Bob King says the union workers should be rewarded for the sacrifices made to help the automakers survive. “All the sacrifices that our members made to turn these companies around were part of the process that’s really led to this amazing turnaround. We want our membership to share in a very meaningful way in the upside of these companies,” King said in a January interview. Another topic of discussion at the conference will be how to stop the decline in the union membership. Currently, the UAW has 355,000 members. That's a large drop from when the union had 1.5 million members in 1979. The UAW is aiming at Asian and German auto companies who have factories in the US. King says he expects to organize a non-union factory by the end of the year. Source: Bloomburg

I don't know.. I've seen this rolling around

That is awesome..

Volkswagen Suzuki Partnership Making Little Progress William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com March 16, 2011 The Volkswagen Suzuki partnership hasn't gotten off to the best of starts. Formed back in 2009, the partnership between the two has barely made any movement. The two companies had ambitious plans for the partnership; Volkswagen wanted access to Suzuki's Indian subsidiary, Maruti Suzuki which holds about half of the Indian auto market. Suzuki wanted Volkswagen's help on diesel, hybrid, and electric car technology. What is holding up the partnership? “We are still in a period where we have to establish trust. We here in the western world are sometimes more decisive…the Japanese culture of achieving consensus is difficult," said Martin Winterkorn, VW CEO. A source at Volkswagen says the slowdown is due to lack of transparency which caused Suzuki to slow down on decisions, as the brand hasn't gotten all the technology it wants. “They can’t seriously expect that we give away all our treasures to a partner that we only minority-own.” However, Volkswagen says the partnership is still on and the two companies have plans in the works. Whether any of those ideas see the day of light is up in the air. Source: Motor Trend via Financial Times (Subscription Required)

I like your idea of slipping in the 5.0 V8 and 6-Speed Automatic.. (Goes online to see price of 5.0 V8 and Town Cars)

I don't know.. The article and the company's website doesn't list a price tag.

Lincoln Town Car Gets A Second Wind With A Aftermarket Hybrid System William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com March 15, 2011 A company in Somerville, Massachusetts is changing the Town Car into something more environmental friendly. XL Hybrids has engineered a mild hybrid system that includes a small electric motor powered by a battery. The system provides an extra 20 HP and reduces fuel consumption by 15 to 30%. Justin Ashton, co-founder of XL Hybrids says the system was built with fleets in mind, “Before settling on an architecture, we got real-world data from fleets. Due to the extreme nature of their driving, their fuel bills are astronomical.” And how do you sell a hybrid system to fleets? You bring up the savings, “We want to reduce fuel consumption, but we know the only way to do that is by saving people money,” Ashton said The hybrid system takes about six hours to install and can be done in shops that service fleet vehicles. A small lithium-ion battery is installed onto the trunk's parcel shelf while the electric motor and belt drive are bolted at the differential. The engine management system is reprogrammed with new software. XL Hybrids hope to convert 10,000 vehicles annually, with the bulk of them being limousines and vans. Source: Autopia

Volkswagen Wants Alfa Romeo In The Family, Fiat Says NO! William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com March 15, 2011 Volkswagen has been making passes at Alfa Romeo, trying to get the Italian automaker to leave it's parent company Fiat and join the Volkswagen family. Earlier this month, VW Chairman Ferdinand Piech said if Alfa Romeo was under the Volkswagen umbrella of brands, they could see sales of 400,000 vehicles within five years. This week, a rumor has come around saying Porsche could provide assistance to Alfa if they moved to the Volkswagen family. Part of the assistance could be a new flat-four engine Porsche is working on. The engine could be installed into mainstream Alfa Romeo models, separating Alfa Romeos from Volkswagens, Audis, Skodas, and Seats. What does Fiat think about Volkswagen wanting Alfa Romeo? Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne says back off, "As long as I am CEO of Chrysler and Fiat, Mr [Ferdinand] Piech will never have Alfa Romeo. It's hands-off. I told him. I will call him and I will email him." Piech response: “Volkswagen has time.” Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) Source: Autocar

Honda, Nissan, Toyota each are donating $3.75 million.. http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2011/03/honda-nissan-and-toyota-donate-375.html

Volvo does, but I think for a higher mileage. I think Volvo starts at 250,000.. Cummins I know has one and I think Mercedes-Benz as well

It needs to come in white diamond..