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William Maley

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Everything posted by William Maley

  1. William Maley
    If you happen to be an owner of a General Motors vehicle and are looking to earn some cash, then a new pilot program might be of interest. Bloomberg has learned from sources that GM is planning to launch a program where owners can rent out their vehicles when they aren't driving them - think AirBnb for cars. This will be launch through GM's Maven car-sharing service sometime this summer. A GM spokesman declined to comment. This appears to be another part of GM's plan to transition from manufacturer to mobility provider. GM already has their car-sharing service Maven and invested $500 million into ride-hailing service Lyft. This idea of allowing owners to rent out their vehicles isn't new. Companies like Turo and Getaround have been doing the same thing for a number of years. But Alexandre Marian, a director in the automotive and industrial practice at consultant AlixPartners LLP said GM could have one big advantage, having a huge network of vehicle owners that could be part of the service. But there is a big risk for owners who decide to offer their vehicles up for rent, what happens if they get into an accident? Maven provides liability coverage for its renters. If you offer your vehicle through Turo have the choice of adding commercial coverage through their own insurance or one of the insurance companies that have partnered with the service. We're expecting GM to have some solution in place if they decide to go forward with this program. Source: Bloomberg View full article
  2. William Maley
    More information about "Rumorpile: GM's Maven Plans an AirBnb-Like Service for Your Car"
    If you happen to be an owner of a General Motors vehicle and are looking to earn some cash, then a new pilot program might be of interest. Bloomberg has learned from sources that GM is planning to launch a program where owners can rent out their vehicles when they aren't driving them - think AirBnb for cars. This will be launch through GM's Maven car-sharing service sometime this summer. A GM spokesman declined to comment. This appears to be another part of GM's plan to transition from manufacturer to mobility provider. GM already has their car-sharing service Maven and invested $500 million into ride-hailing service Lyft. This idea of allowing owners to rent out their vehicles isn't new. Companies like Turo and Getaround have been doing the same thing for a number of years. But Alexandre Marian, a director in the automotive and industrial practice at consultant AlixPartners LLP said GM could have one big advantage, having a huge network of vehicle owners that could be part of the service. But there is a big risk for owners who decide to offer their vehicles up for rent, what happens if they get into an accident? Maven provides liability coverage for its renters. If you offer your vehicle through Turo have the choice of adding commercial coverage through their own insurance or one of the insurance companies that have partnered with the service. We're expecting GM to have some solution in place if they decide to go forward with this program. Source: Bloomberg
  3. William Maley
    In a couple of weeks, the New York Auto Show will be underway with automakers showing their various wares. Toyota will be using the show to reveal the 2019 RAV4. Today, the company dropped a shadowy teaser of the next-generation compact crossover. To our eyes, the overall shape looks somewhat familiar to the Jaguar F-Pace crossover. We're expecting some details from the FT-AC concept to appear on the new RAV4. Toyota will likely move the RAV4 onto their New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform which should improve handling. Since Toyota has been ignoring the trend to small turbocharged engines, we wouldn't be shocked if the current 2.5L four-cylinder sticks around. Expect a hybrid variant to be available as well. Source: Toyota View full article
  4. William Maley
    More information about "Toyota Teases 2019 RAV4 Before New York"
    In a couple of weeks, the New York Auto Show will be underway with automakers showing their various wares. Toyota will be using the show to reveal the 2019 RAV4. Today, the company dropped a shadowy teaser of the next-generation compact crossover. To our eyes, the overall shape looks somewhat familiar to the Jaguar F-Pace crossover. We're expecting some details from the FT-AC concept to appear on the new RAV4. Toyota will likely move the RAV4 onto their New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform which should improve handling. Since Toyota has been ignoring the trend to small turbocharged engines, we wouldn't be shocked if the current 2.5L four-cylinder sticks around. Expect a hybrid variant to be available as well. Source: Toyota
  5. William Maley
    It is the same engine as the 2500/3500HD, but with a different tune and parts to meet emissions.
  6. William Maley
    The Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ coupes have earned a lot of praise agile and nimble handling. But many agree that they could use more power. The 2.0L boxer-four only produces 205 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque. Rumors have been swirling about possibly turbocharging the engine. But the chief engineer on the 86 and BRZ said that turbocharging is not in the cards for this generation. “When we launched 86, I got literally millions of questions from around the world of ‘when would you be launching the turbo version? I believe that often times I answered that there won’t be a turbo version, and there were some articles in the media that Mr Tada doesn’t like a turbo," said Tetsuya Tada, the chief engineer for the two coupes to CarAdvice. “That’s not really true. I do like turbos, however if we come up with a turbo version of the 86 and boost up the power that would result in the necessity of changing the basic configuration completely, to come up with a car that I would be satisfied with.” Emphasis ours. Tada said the current car's weight distribution was designed the 2.0L boxer-four in mind. “One characteristic of the 86 is that in terms of the front balance its slightly front loaded so it makes the handling more fast and agile. So if we were to come up with a turbo version, we would have to go change the weight balance between the front and the rear. That means we have to come up with a completely new platform, so it’s not about just changing or slight modification in the engine parts,” said Tada. But considering how much demand there is for a turbocharged model, it might cause Toyota and Subaru to look at it for the next-generation models, whenever that may be. In the meantime, there a number of aftermarket suppliers who are willing to add a bit of turbo for your current GT86 or BRZ. Source: CarAdvice View full article
  7. William Maley
    More information about "Please Stop Asking About A Turbocharged 86 or BRZ Says Chief Engineer"
    The Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ coupes have earned a lot of praise agile and nimble handling. But many agree that they could use more power. The 2.0L boxer-four only produces 205 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque. Rumors have been swirling about possibly turbocharging the engine. But the chief engineer on the 86 and BRZ said that turbocharging is not in the cards for this generation. “When we launched 86, I got literally millions of questions from around the world of ‘when would you be launching the turbo version? I believe that often times I answered that there won’t be a turbo version, and there were some articles in the media that Mr Tada doesn’t like a turbo," said Tetsuya Tada, the chief engineer for the two coupes to CarAdvice. “That’s not really true. I do like turbos, however if we come up with a turbo version of the 86 and boost up the power that would result in the necessity of changing the basic configuration completely, to come up with a car that I would be satisfied with.” Emphasis ours. Tada said the current car's weight distribution was designed the 2.0L boxer-four in mind. “One characteristic of the 86 is that in terms of the front balance its slightly front loaded so it makes the handling more fast and agile. So if we were to come up with a turbo version, we would have to go change the weight balance between the front and the rear. That means we have to come up with a completely new platform, so it’s not about just changing or slight modification in the engine parts,” said Tada. But considering how much demand there is for a turbocharged model, it might cause Toyota and Subaru to look at it for the next-generation models, whenever that may be. In the meantime, there a number of aftermarket suppliers who are willing to add a bit of turbo for your current GT86 or BRZ. Source: CarAdvice
  8. William Maley
    For a number of years, people have been saying the biggest problem with Volkswagen is they haven't “figured out the American market yet.” Even the automaker admits that it's the reason that its market share has dropped. Volkswagen has tried again and again to make some inroads into the market to no avail. But the German automaker is giving it another go. Automotive News had the chance to do a deep dive into Volkswagen's new plan by speaking with Volkswagen Group of America CEO Hinrich Woebcken. His plan involves turning this division into an American car company - in spirit. It should be noted that Woebcken came to the U.S. as an exchange student in the seventies, something he credits for getting him interested in industrial engineering. "I owe America, I owe Rochester, N.Y., and I owe this metal shop for how I basically went to start my adult life. We want to get more Americanized not only in our product but in our business. It's not that we're giving up on the genes of the Volkswagen brand. Volkswagens are Volkswagens. But what we recognized over the years is ... that we were too much a small-car company, too much a sedan company," said Woebcken. This plan was sparked only a couple months into his position as Volkswagen America's CEO. During a meeting with dealers, Woebcken was introducing the three-row crossover that is now known as the Atlas. But at the time of the meeting, it was wearing the Teramont name. Dealers hated the name and wanted to have Atlas as the name. Woebcken agreed to talk with his bosses about changing the name. "Everybody said there was no chance to convince headquarters to change the name of a regional product. It's not a big thing, I know, but it's a symbolic statement that Wolfsburg said, 'OK, the region is independent. They want to make sure the brand is getting successful in this country. Let them decide for themselves the name,' " explained Woebcken. "It was, in terms of Volkswagen, a pretty big thing that demonstrates ... that this is really an independent company here in America, that the factories report to us, the engineering centers in California and Detroit report to us, the purchasing organization — which is a big leverage for the cost situation — is reporting into the North American region, plus, of course, all the sales and marketing. So we really have all the levers in our hand now, not only to listen to the demands of the market, but really also to implement them." Some of the parts of Woebcken's plan have come to fruition including cutting the prices on various models like the Tiguan and introducing a new 6 Year/72,000 Mile warranty. Other parts of Woebcken's plan include, Shortening Volkswagen's long product cycles with plans to “introduce two new cars every year” to North America Localize part sourcing for their two North American plans in Chattanooga, TN and Puebla, Mexico Roll out Volkswagen's electrification strategy beginning in 2020 with the I.D. Crozz It is an ambitious plan but it seems to be paying off somewhat. Sales in 2017 rose 5.2 percent. In 2018, sales are up 5.8 percent. We highly recommend checking out this piece by Automotive News as we are only scratching the surface. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article
  9. William Maley
    More information about "Volkswagen's North America CEO Tries to Figure Out the U.S."
    For a number of years, people have been saying the biggest problem with Volkswagen is they haven't “figured out the American market yet.” Even the automaker admits that it's the reason that its market share has dropped. Volkswagen has tried again and again to make some inroads into the market to no avail. But the German automaker is giving it another go. Automotive News had the chance to do a deep dive into Volkswagen's new plan by speaking with Volkswagen Group of America CEO Hinrich Woebcken. His plan involves turning this division into an American car company - in spirit. It should be noted that Woebcken came to the U.S. as an exchange student in the seventies, something he credits for getting him interested in industrial engineering. "I owe America, I owe Rochester, N.Y., and I owe this metal shop for how I basically went to start my adult life. We want to get more Americanized not only in our product but in our business. It's not that we're giving up on the genes of the Volkswagen brand. Volkswagens are Volkswagens. But what we recognized over the years is ... that we were too much a small-car company, too much a sedan company," said Woebcken. This plan was sparked only a couple months into his position as Volkswagen America's CEO. During a meeting with dealers, Woebcken was introducing the three-row crossover that is now known as the Atlas. But at the time of the meeting, it was wearing the Teramont name. Dealers hated the name and wanted to have Atlas as the name. Woebcken agreed to talk with his bosses about changing the name. "Everybody said there was no chance to convince headquarters to change the name of a regional product. It's not a big thing, I know, but it's a symbolic statement that Wolfsburg said, 'OK, the region is independent. They want to make sure the brand is getting successful in this country. Let them decide for themselves the name,' " explained Woebcken. "It was, in terms of Volkswagen, a pretty big thing that demonstrates ... that this is really an independent company here in America, that the factories report to us, the engineering centers in California and Detroit report to us, the purchasing organization — which is a big leverage for the cost situation — is reporting into the North American region, plus, of course, all the sales and marketing. So we really have all the levers in our hand now, not only to listen to the demands of the market, but really also to implement them." Some of the parts of Woebcken's plan have come to fruition including cutting the prices on various models like the Tiguan and introducing a new 6 Year/72,000 Mile warranty. Other parts of Woebcken's plan include, Shortening Volkswagen's long product cycles with plans to “introduce two new cars every year” to North America Localize part sourcing for their two North American plans in Chattanooga, TN and Puebla, Mexico Roll out Volkswagen's electrification strategy beginning in 2020 with the I.D. Crozz It is an ambitious plan but it seems to be paying off somewhat. Sales in 2017 rose 5.2 percent. In 2018, sales are up 5.8 percent. We highly recommend checking out this piece by Automotive News as we are only scratching the surface. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)
  10. William Maley
    The new Honda Accord has been lauded by the automotive press for its design, improved ride and interior, and noticeable increases in fuel economy. In fact, the Accord has been named North American Car of the Year. But dealers are struggling to move the new Accord off lots. In February, sales of the Accord dropped 15.8 percent when compared to the year before. According to Automotive News, inventory levels of the Accord stood at a 104-day supply at the beginning of this month - very high by Honda's sparse count. Some dealers have been turning away shipments from the Marysville, Ohio plant. "Where lease is heavy, like Florida, New York, Ohio and California, that's where we're getting hurt. When you get two cars as close as they are, it's not that much better than the Camry that people are going to pay $50, $60 [or] $80 more a month," said Rick Case, CEO of Rick Case Automotive Group. One of Case's dealers in Florida has more than 600 Accords in stock, about 200 more than its usual stock. They have turned away some Accords in January an February. Sources told Automotive News that dealers in the Miami area have turned down around 1,000 Accords since they have too many sitting on their lots. One reason is how consumers are trending towards to crossovers over midsize sedans. But dealers who spoke with Automotive News say there is another reason - the lack of attractive leasing options. The new Accord has a higher starting price than the previous-generation model which in turn raises the price of a lease. Honda's website lists a 36-month lease for the base Accord LX at $249 per month with a $3,199 down payment. Meanwhile, Toyota is offering a 36-month Camry LE lease in the Detroit area for $229 per month with a $1,999 down payment. In other regions, the Camry deal becomes even sweeter. In the Miami area, Toyota is offering a 36-month Camry LE lease for $199 per month with a $3,198 down payment. The various accolades and high-quality that have been key Accord attributes aren't working at the moment. "The quality gap has narrowed between the domestics, Honda and Toyota. When you're buying a car, you have a great story to tell a customer. When you're leasing, they say, 'Well, it has at least three years of warranty on it.' They're just renting it anyway. It is an uphill battle," said a Honda dealer in the Detroit area. Dave Conant, owner of Conant Auto Retail Group which has four Honda dealers in California says he understand why Honda isn't throwing money at the Accord at the moment due to big investment to get it on the road. But he wouldn't be shocked if the automaker offers some sort of incentive support, especially in terms of leases later in the year. "I'll be surprised if we don't see some help in April or May. They're not going to let the car sit on the lot. Without the incentive support, the payment from the car [that customers are] trading to the new one — the gap is too large. They need to do something to bring that closer, and the car will start selling and leasing well again," said Conant. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article
  11. William Maley
    More information about "A Slow Start for the 2018 Honda Accord"
    The new Honda Accord has been lauded by the automotive press for its design, improved ride and interior, and noticeable increases in fuel economy. In fact, the Accord has been named North American Car of the Year. But dealers are struggling to move the new Accord off lots. In February, sales of the Accord dropped 15.8 percent when compared to the year before. According to Automotive News, inventory levels of the Accord stood at a 104-day supply at the beginning of this month - very high by Honda's sparse count. Some dealers have been turning away shipments from the Marysville, Ohio plant. "Where lease is heavy, like Florida, New York, Ohio and California, that's where we're getting hurt. When you get two cars as close as they are, it's not that much better than the Camry that people are going to pay $50, $60 [or] $80 more a month," said Rick Case, CEO of Rick Case Automotive Group. One of Case's dealers in Florida has more than 600 Accords in stock, about 200 more than its usual stock. They have turned away some Accords in January an February. Sources told Automotive News that dealers in the Miami area have turned down around 1,000 Accords since they have too many sitting on their lots. One reason is how consumers are trending towards to crossovers over midsize sedans. But dealers who spoke with Automotive News say there is another reason - the lack of attractive leasing options. The new Accord has a higher starting price than the previous-generation model which in turn raises the price of a lease. Honda's website lists a 36-month lease for the base Accord LX at $249 per month with a $3,199 down payment. Meanwhile, Toyota is offering a 36-month Camry LE lease in the Detroit area for $229 per month with a $1,999 down payment. In other regions, the Camry deal becomes even sweeter. In the Miami area, Toyota is offering a 36-month Camry LE lease for $199 per month with a $3,198 down payment. The various accolades and high-quality that have been key Accord attributes aren't working at the moment. "The quality gap has narrowed between the domestics, Honda and Toyota. When you're buying a car, you have a great story to tell a customer. When you're leasing, they say, 'Well, it has at least three years of warranty on it.' They're just renting it anyway. It is an uphill battle," said a Honda dealer in the Detroit area. Dave Conant, owner of Conant Auto Retail Group which has four Honda dealers in California says he understand why Honda isn't throwing money at the Accord at the moment due to big investment to get it on the road. But he wouldn't be shocked if the automaker offers some sort of incentive support, especially in terms of leases later in the year. "I'll be surprised if we don't see some help in April or May. They're not going to let the car sit on the lot. Without the incentive support, the payment from the car [that customers are] trading to the new one — the gap is too large. They need to do something to bring that closer, and the car will start selling and leasing well again," said Conant. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)
  12. William Maley
    Some recent comments made by Subaru UK's managing director, Chris Graham has some wondering if manual transmissions will become an endangered species for the company. According to Auto Express, Subaru has been putting more focus on their EyeSight driver-assist technology - comprised of stereo cameras on the windshield to provide adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane keep assist. Subaru doesn't offer this on any model equipped with manual transmission and there doesn't appear to be any plans to engineer EyeSight for manuals. ”I’m not sure if it’s compatible at all with a manual gearbox. There are certainly no rumours we’ve heard that manual will continue, or Eyesight will be [offered] with manual," said Graham. “My gut tells me it will be Eyesight with Lineartronic ongoing and long term. They want to steal the mantle of the safest car in the world. I think if they do that, then they say ‘here’s a manual without Eyesight’, they’ll just ruin that [message]." This decision could affect the next-generation STI. Graham said he would like to see the manual stay, but Subaru has the final say. "For me an STI has to be a manual in the guise it is today, however if you look at [auto-only] M-series BMWs, I don’t think this is the end and I’d be very excited if they had a hybrid petrol STI. That would be phenomenal in terms of its acceleration,” said Graham. Before you start getting out the pitchforks and torches, let us take a few steps back. The comments made by Graham could only be for European market vehicles. As an example, the Crosstrek in the UK is only offered with a CVT. In the U.S., Subaru offers both a CVT and manual transmission. Source: Auto Express View full article
  13. William Maley
    More information about "Subaru's UK Managing Director Hints Manual Transmissions Could Go Away"
    Some recent comments made by Subaru UK's managing director, Chris Graham has some wondering if manual transmissions will become an endangered species for the company. According to Auto Express, Subaru has been putting more focus on their EyeSight driver-assist technology - comprised of stereo cameras on the windshield to provide adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane keep assist. Subaru doesn't offer this on any model equipped with manual transmission and there doesn't appear to be any plans to engineer EyeSight for manuals. ”I’m not sure if it’s compatible at all with a manual gearbox. There are certainly no rumours we’ve heard that manual will continue, or Eyesight will be [offered] with manual," said Graham. “My gut tells me it will be Eyesight with Lineartronic ongoing and long term. They want to steal the mantle of the safest car in the world. I think if they do that, then they say ‘here’s a manual without Eyesight’, they’ll just ruin that [message]." This decision could affect the next-generation STI. Graham said he would like to see the manual stay, but Subaru has the final say. "For me an STI has to be a manual in the guise it is today, however if you look at [auto-only] M-series BMWs, I don’t think this is the end and I’d be very excited if they had a hybrid petrol STI. That would be phenomenal in terms of its acceleration,” said Graham. Before you start getting out the pitchforks and torches, let us take a few steps back. The comments made by Graham could only be for European market vehicles. As an example, the Crosstrek in the UK is only offered with a CVT. In the U.S., Subaru offers both a CVT and manual transmission. Source: Auto Express
  14. William Maley
    Nope, these will be only available as Chevrolets. From Automotive News,
  15. William Maley
    We've long suspected that the next-generation 60 Series family would look quite similar to the larger 90 series. After seeing the XC60 and upcoming V60 wagon, we seem to be on the money. But what about the upcoming S60? Thanks to Swedish magazine Teknikens Värld, we have gotten our first look. The publication got their hands on a photo showing various Volvo vehicles in a garage, most likely a test center of some kind. Front and center in the picture is the new S60. The overall profile matches up with the S90 sedan, but Volvo's designers have made some changes to make the S60 standout. The window line along the side has been raised slightly towards to the rear to give it a slightly sporty look. The license plate has moved from the bumper to the trunk lid. There are some other details such as the blacked-out wheels and integrated rear spoiler which lead us to think this is some kind of sports package - possibly R-Line. It won't be long before Volvo debuts the new S60. At the moment, the reveal is expected to take place sometime this summer. Source: Teknikens Värld, Motor Trend View full article
  16. William Maley
    More information about "Spying: Next-Generation Volvo S60 Caught Uncovered"
    We've long suspected that the next-generation 60 Series family would look quite similar to the larger 90 series. After seeing the XC60 and upcoming V60 wagon, we seem to be on the money. But what about the upcoming S60? Thanks to Swedish magazine Teknikens Värld, we have gotten our first look. The publication got their hands on a photo showing various Volvo vehicles in a garage, most likely a test center of some kind. Front and center in the picture is the new S60. The overall profile matches up with the S90 sedan, but Volvo's designers have made some changes to make the S60 standout. The window line along the side has been raised slightly towards to the rear to give it a slightly sporty look. The license plate has moved from the bumper to the trunk lid. There are some other details such as the blacked-out wheels and integrated rear spoiler which lead us to think this is some kind of sports package - possibly R-Line. It won't be long before Volvo debuts the new S60. At the moment, the reveal is expected to take place sometime this summer. Source: Teknikens Värld, Motor Trend
  17. William Maley
    The next-generation Porsche 911 will offer a plug-in hybrid variant and comments made the CEO hint it could be the most powerful 911 ever. “The 911 plug-in must be a very strong performing car. It will be the most powerful 911 we’ve ever had; 700bhp might be possible," Porsche CEO Oliver Blume told Autocar. It should be noted that Porsche already has a 911 that produces 700 horsepower, the GT2 RS. To pull this off, the plug-in hybrid needs a powerful electric motor. Luckily, they have one in the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid which produces 134 horsepower. The gas engine would likely be a turbocharged flat-six. Blume says there would be a button that provides "the electric punch". The 911 plug-in would draw on knowledge from the 918 Spyder and Panamera hybrids, but also come with its own set of technologies. The plug-in variant is expected to launch “a couple years” after the new 911. Considering the next-generation 992 will be debuting at the Paris Motor Show later this year, expect to see it either 2020 or 2021. Source: Autocar View full article
  18. William Maley
    More information about "Upcoming 911 Plug-In Hybrid Could Be the Most Powerful 911 Yet"
    The next-generation Porsche 911 will offer a plug-in hybrid variant and comments made the CEO hint it could be the most powerful 911 ever. “The 911 plug-in must be a very strong performing car. It will be the most powerful 911 we’ve ever had; 700bhp might be possible," Porsche CEO Oliver Blume told Autocar. It should be noted that Porsche already has a 911 that produces 700 horsepower, the GT2 RS. To pull this off, the plug-in hybrid needs a powerful electric motor. Luckily, they have one in the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid which produces 134 horsepower. The gas engine would likely be a turbocharged flat-six. Blume says there would be a button that provides "the electric punch". The 911 plug-in would draw on knowledge from the 918 Spyder and Panamera hybrids, but also come with its own set of technologies. The plug-in variant is expected to launch “a couple years” after the new 911. Considering the next-generation 992 will be debuting at the Paris Motor Show later this year, expect to see it either 2020 or 2021. Source: Autocar
  19. William Maley
    Back in December, Jaguar's head of Design, Ian Callum revealed that work had begun on the next-generation XJ. Not many details were given except that the new XJ would be "something quite special." This week at the Geneva Motor show, Callum let loose a few more details. A key complaint about the current XJ is a cramped interior. Callum said the new model would address this issue. “It’ll be different. And it will have more room inside it. One of the biggest criticisms XJ has had is that a lot of people think the room inside the car is not big enough. I don’t believe in segmentation like this — I don’t believe in an F Segment as such,” explained Callum. “I think we should just do a luxury vehicle that matches people well. That’s what we’ve done for XJ, which is what the first one was all about. A lot of our market is far-eastern and people are using these big cars to be driven in, so we must accommodate that better.” The next XJ will about the size of a Mercedes-Benz S-Class, but Callum said the XJ will be focused more as a driver’s car. “I never saw XJ as an S-Class competitor. Mercedes-Benz have created that place — the three-box limo sedan,” said Callum. “I just don’t think that’s a Jaguar. A Jaguar is a sportier entity and it should reflect that. Yes it will take four [people] to market in comfort and luxury, but that’s where the similarities stop. It will still be a driver’s car. I don’t think many Mercedes-Benz S-Classes are driver’s cars, with the exception of AMGs or something. If you drive an XJR575, it’s a driver’s car. It just happens to be able to take three people in comfort. I don’t buy this segmentation.” CarAdvice expects we'll see the next XJ at the end of this year. But as we reported previously, Callum said the new XJ wouldn't debut in 2018. We're expecting to see it sometime next year at the earliest. Source: CarAdvice View full article
  20. William Maley
    More information about "Jaguar's Head of Design Says Next XJ Will Be Larger, Sportier"
    Back in December, Jaguar's head of Design, Ian Callum revealed that work had begun on the next-generation XJ. Not many details were given except that the new XJ would be "something quite special." This week at the Geneva Motor show, Callum let loose a few more details. A key complaint about the current XJ is a cramped interior. Callum said the new model would address this issue. “It’ll be different. And it will have more room inside it. One of the biggest criticisms XJ has had is that a lot of people think the room inside the car is not big enough. I don’t believe in segmentation like this — I don’t believe in an F Segment as such,” explained Callum. “I think we should just do a luxury vehicle that matches people well. That’s what we’ve done for XJ, which is what the first one was all about. A lot of our market is far-eastern and people are using these big cars to be driven in, so we must accommodate that better.” The next XJ will about the size of a Mercedes-Benz S-Class, but Callum said the XJ will be focused more as a driver’s car. “I never saw XJ as an S-Class competitor. Mercedes-Benz have created that place — the three-box limo sedan,” said Callum. “I just don’t think that’s a Jaguar. A Jaguar is a sportier entity and it should reflect that. Yes it will take four [people] to market in comfort and luxury, but that’s where the similarities stop. It will still be a driver’s car. I don’t think many Mercedes-Benz S-Classes are driver’s cars, with the exception of AMGs or something. If you drive an XJR575, it’s a driver’s car. It just happens to be able to take three people in comfort. I don’t buy this segmentation.” CarAdvice expects we'll see the next XJ at the end of this year. But as we reported previously, Callum said the new XJ wouldn't debut in 2018. We're expecting to see it sometime next year at the earliest. Source: CarAdvice
  21. William Maley
    That's without the $995 destination charge. The price I mentioned in the story adds it in.
  22. William Maley
    Rumors about the demise of the Volkswagen Beetle have been flying around for the past few years, but we finally have confirmation that it is ending. Volkswagen's R&D boss, Frank Welsch tells Autocar that there will not be a replacement for the Beetle. Welsch said "two or three generations is enough now" for the model and that the upcoming I.D. Buzz will take the place of the Beetle. No timeframe was given as to when Beetle production would end. The news isn't so shocking when you take a look at the Beetle's sales numbers which have been in freefall since 2013, 2013: 43,134 2014: 29,182 2015: 22,667 2016: 15,667 2017: 15,166 It should be mentioned that Volkswagen brand boss Herbert Diess hinted back in October that the Beetle could go full electric, but we're not holding our breath on that. Source: Autocar View full article
  23. William Maley
    More information about "There Will Not Be A Successor to the Volkswagen Beetle"
    Rumors about the demise of the Volkswagen Beetle have been flying around for the past few years, but we finally have confirmation that it is ending. Volkswagen's R&D boss, Frank Welsch tells Autocar that there will not be a replacement for the Beetle. Welsch said "two or three generations is enough now" for the model and that the upcoming I.D. Buzz will take the place of the Beetle. No timeframe was given as to when Beetle production would end. The news isn't so shocking when you take a look at the Beetle's sales numbers which have been in freefall since 2013, 2013: 43,134 2014: 29,182 2015: 22,667 2016: 15,667 2017: 15,166 It should be mentioned that Volkswagen brand boss Herbert Diess hinted back in October that the Beetle could go full electric, but we're not holding our breath on that. Source: Autocar
  24. William Maley
    NHTSA document filings are always interesting as they give us a possible look into the future into an automaker's lineup. Case in point, Jalopnik reports recent filings by GM list a model called the Chevrolet Bolt Incomplete. This is listed alongside commercial models like the Cadillac XTS. A GM representative confirms this will be going into production and said, "This is a new way for fleet customers to leverage the Bolt EV’s incredible range.” No other details were given by the representative. But the folks at ChevyBolt.org were able to uncover a fleet order guide listing a few more details on the Bolt Incomplete. The rear seats will be removed along with the floor mats and air bags to make for a small cargo area Will not be available with either the Comfort and Convenience or Driver Confidence Packages to help with pricing 16-inch steel wheels wrapped in all-season rubber will be standard Production will take place at Orion Assembly before being shipped off to Knapheide Truck Equipment in Flint for the build out. It will then return to Orion to be sent out. This could be the perfect vehicle for those doing local deliveries such as auto part stores. Source: Jalopnik, ChevyBolt.org, GM Fleet Order Guide View full article
  25. William Maley
    More information about "Chevrolet Plans A Two-Seat Bolt"
    NHTSA document filings are always interesting as they give us a possible look into the future into an automaker's lineup. Case in point, Jalopnik reports recent filings by GM list a model called the Chevrolet Bolt Incomplete. This is listed alongside commercial models like the Cadillac XTS. A GM representative confirms this will be going into production and said, "This is a new way for fleet customers to leverage the Bolt EV’s incredible range.” No other details were given by the representative. But the folks at ChevyBolt.org were able to uncover a fleet order guide listing a few more details on the Bolt Incomplete. The rear seats will be removed along with the floor mats and air bags to make for a small cargo area Will not be available with either the Comfort and Convenience or Driver Confidence Packages to help with pricing 16-inch steel wheels wrapped in all-season rubber will be standard Production will take place at Orion Assembly before being shipped off to Knapheide Truck Equipment in Flint for the build out. It will then return to Orion to be sent out. This could be the perfect vehicle for those doing local deliveries such as auto part stores. Source: Jalopnik, ChevyBolt.org, GM Fleet Order Guide
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