William Maley

When Cadillac announced the pricing for the new ELR would start around $75,995 without any incentives added on, a lot people wondered how Cadillac was going move these off dealers. Well, the luxury brand has two different ways of tacking that. The first is for those who decide to purchase an ELR outright. If you happen to be an 'early' buyer, General Motors will throw in a 240-volt home fast charger with professional instillation free of charge. GM doesn't say how long this offer will last in the press release unfortunately. The second are for those who plan to lease. Cadillac is planning to offer a 39-month lease for $699 a month for the ELR. There are some caveats for this offer though. The fine print says to qualify for this lease you either have to be a current owner or lessees of any 1999 or newer GM vehicles and then be ready to pony up $5,999 for a down payment. Now the lease is a "ultra-low-mileage" one which means that you can only travel 10,000 miles a year. Go above that and you'll get hit with a $0.25 surcharge for each mile. Source: Cadillac, Autoblog Green William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 Cadillac Enhances ELR Buying Experience Early adopters to receive complimentary home charger and installation DETROIT – Cadillac is offering a complimentary 240-volt home charging station and installation to early buyers of the all-new 2014 ELR electrified luxury coupe. "The ELR's blend of leading technology with provocative design and fun-to-drive performance is set to bring new buyers to Cadillac and to electrification itself," said Uwe Ellinghaus, chief marketing officer, Global Cadillac. "Professional installation of the fastest home-charging unit is a natural way to mark the introduction of ELR to the luxury market." Cadillac is offering the ELR on an ultra-low-mileage, 39-month lease for qualified lessees at $699 per month with $5,999 due at signing after all offers. The Cadillac ELR offers a convergence of luxury, electrification and sporty driving in a premium coupe with dynamic design and an award-winning range-extended electric powertrain capable of 340 miles of total range. As with all Cadillac models, the ELR comes standard with Cadillac Shield, a comprehensive suite of owner benefits including Remote Vehicle Diagnostics, a Premium Care Maintenance program and 24/7 roadside assistance. ELR also comes with an extended battery and propulsion warranty of eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first, and a four-year or 50,000-mile, whichever comes first, bumper-to-bumper limited warranty. Specially trained and certified dealers nationwide sell and service the 2014 ELR. Backing up the dealership experience, prospective customers and buyers of the ELR can take advantage of their own ELR Concierge Representative. Trained in white-glove customer care, the Concierge Representative is an additional point of contact for information on battery care, home charging, service scheduling, news and updates by calling 1-855-INFO-ELR (1-855-463-6357). View full article

Today, Fiat SpA's board of directors announced Fiat SpA and Chrysler Group LLC will become Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA). This comes as part of restructuring plan of the two automakers that was agreed by the board. “A new chapter of our story begins with the creation of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. A journey that started over a decade ago, as Fiat sought to ensure its place in an increasingly complex marketplace, has brought together two organizations each with a great history in the automotive industry and different but complementary geographic strengths,” said John Elkann, chairman of Fiat. The restructuring plan also notes that FCA will be listed on the Milan and New York Stock Exchange, and will be controlled by a parent company known as Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. That company will be incorporated in Holland. “Five years ago we began to cultivate a vision that went beyond industrial cooperation to include full cultural integration at all levels. We have worked tenaciously and single-mindedly to transform differences into strengths and break down barriers of nationalistic or cultural resistance,” Fiat and Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne said today. “Today we can say that we have succeeded in creating solid foundations for a global automaker with a mix of experience and know-how on a level with the best of our competitors. An international governance structure and listings will complete this vision and improve the Group’s access to global markets bringing obvious financial benefits.” The plan still needs to get final approval from the board and shareholders which is expected to happen by the end of this year Source: Chrysler William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 Fiat S.p.A. Reorganizes After Completion of the Purchase of Chrysler Group LLC January 29, 2014 , Turin, Italy - Today, the Board of Directors of Fiat S.p.A. (“Fiat”) approved a corporate reorganization and the formation of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (“FCA”) as a fully-integrated global automaker. Following Fiat’s acquisition of the minority equity interest in Chrysler Group LLC, previously held by the VEBA Trust, the Fiat Board of Directors has reviewed options for the most appropriate governance and corporate structure. In order to establish a true peer to the major global automotive groups, in both scale and capital market appeal, the Board has decided to establish Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V., organized in the Netherlands, as the parent company of the Group. FCA’s common shares will be listed in New York and Milan. “A new chapter of our story begins with the creation of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. A journey that started over a decade ago, as Fiat sought to ensure its place in an increasingly complex marketplace, has brought together two organizations each with a great history in the automotive industry and different but complementary geographic strengths. FCA allows us to face the future with a renewed sense of purpose and vigor,” said John Elkann, Chairman of Fiat. Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat and Chairman/CEO of Chrysler Group said: “Today is one of the most important days in my career at Fiat and Chrysler. Five years ago we began to cultivate a vision that went beyond industrial cooperation to include full cultural integration at all levels. We have worked tenaciously and single-mindedly to transform differences into strengths and break down barriers of nationalistic or cultural resistance. Today we can say that we have succeeded in creating solid foundations for a global automaker with a mix of experience and know-how on a level with the best of our competitors. An international governance structure and listings will complete this vision and improve the Group’s access to global markets bringing obvious financial benefits.” Under the proposal approved by the Fiat Board, Fiat shareholders will receive one FCA common share for each Fiat share they hold and the FCA common shares will be listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) with an additional listing on the Mercato Telematico Azionario (MTA) in Milan. FCA is expected to be resident for tax purposes in the United Kingdom, but this is not expected to affect the taxes payable by Group companies in the jurisdictions in which their activities are carried out. In order to foster the development and continued involvement of a core base of long-term shareholders, FCA will adopt a loyalty voting structure, under which Fiat shareholders who are present or represented by proxy at the Fiat shareholder meeting called to vote on the proposal and who continue to hold their shares until the closing, regardless of how they vote, are eligible to receive special voting shares equivalent in number to the newly-issued FCA common shares they receive. The special voting shares will be subject to specific terms and conditions. After the closing, shareholders who hold their FCA common shares for at least three years would also be entitled to participate in the loyalty voting structure. FCA shareholders will be eligible for loyalty voting until they transfer their common shares. This structure is intended to facilitate a stable shareholder base and reward long-term share ownership, while allowing the Group enhanced flexibility to pursue strategic opportunities. The proposed transaction is subject to approval of the final documentation by Fiat’s Board of Directors and shareholders. The transaction would also be subject to limited closing conditions, including listing on the NYSE and a €500 million cap on the exercise of withdrawal rights arising under Italian law by Fiat shareholders and opposition rights by Fiat creditors. Listing on the MTA in Milan is expected to occur after trading on the NYSE has commenced. The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of the year. Today’s decisions, and the jurisdiction of the parent company in particular, are based on the needs and opportunities resulting from the creation of a large, global auto group through the union of Fiat and Chrysler. The existing organization based on four operating regions will remain central to the operating and management structure of the new Group. All activities forming part of FCA will continue with the same mission, including manufacturing plants in Italy and elsewhere around the globe, with no impact on headcount. The Group will present a long-term business plan to the financial community at the beginning of May 2014. View full article

American Honda CEO Tetsuo Iwamura told reporters at Tokyo Motor Show in November that his biggest challenge is Acura. Sadly, it's easy to see why Iwamura says this. Most of Acura's lineup are either half-baked ideas or showing their age. Even with those issues, sales for the brand were up 5.9 percent at the end of 2013. Thats thanks to Acura's refreshed SUV lineup which includes the MDX and RDX. These two models made up 59 percent of Acura's total sales for 2013. This begs the question of what is the automaker doing right with their SUVs. To find out, I spent a week with the 2014 Acura MDX. There are two ways to describe the 2014 MDX's design. Its either a last-generation MDX that has been smoothed over or the RDX hit with an enlarging ray. Either way, the MDX's design is not as polarizing as the last-generation model which in my eyes is a very good thing. The front end still has the bread-slicer/bucktooth grille, although a bit toned down. There is also a set of jewel-eye headlights sitting on either side of the grille. There is some RDX influence in the back as the two models have a similarly styled tailgate. Moving inside, Acura has made massive improvements to the MDX. The most noticeable one is the center stack. With the previous-generation MDX and a few other Acura models, the center stack was filled to brim with buttons to control the climate control and infotainment system. Trying to find the button for the certain function you wanted was a nightmare. To solve the button overload, Acura is using a dual screen setup. There is a seven-inch touchscreen on the bottom that features haptic-feedback and an eight-inch screen that is controlled by a knob at the bottom of the stack. This setup is very easy to use since Acura made the interface very understandable and has kept certain buttons and knobs. But Acura's setup isn't all flying colors. For example; if you want to enter an address into the navigation system, you have to use the knob and top screen to enter it. There is no option to punch in the address on the lower touchscreen which would be much easier. Also, do I really need to see my presets on both screens when changing a station?! This new setup shows Acura going in the right direction, but it needs some more work. Aside from the center stack improvements, the 2014 MDX really shows a step up in design and materials. The interior is appointed with leather and wood trim throughout making it feel very special. Comfort is up as well with supportive seats and loads of head and legroom. There is a third row, but its best reserve for small kids or folded into the floor. See the next page for impressions on the powertrain and handling. A peek under the MDX's hood reveals a brand new 3.5L Earth Dreams V6 with variable cylinder management. The engine is rated 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. This is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a choice of either front-wheel or Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). While the 2014 MDX is down 10 horsepower and 3 pound-feet when compared to the 2013 model, the engine is more than powerful to handle it. This comes down to two things. One is that the 2014 MDX is 275 pounds lighter than the outgoing model thanks to new platform which is comprised of high-strength steel, aluminum, and magnesium. The other reason comes down to the six-speed automatic which is lightning fast on up and downshifts to keep you right in the power. One other item of note: I had a front-wheel drive MDX and was worried that torque steer would be a problem. I can say that there were no signs of it at all with the MDX during the week. Well done Acura. The EPA rates the 2014 Acura MDX FWD at 20 City/28 Highway/23 Combined. During my weeklong test, I hit the combined number. This is partly thanks to the variable cylinder management system which can cut the 3.5 V6 from running on six-cylinders to three. The Acura MDX was known for being a fun to drive crossover and the 2014 model continues that. Acura has fitted the Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) which alters the electric power steering, throttle response, suspension, and even the engine note. There are three different settings to choose from; Comfort, Normal, and Sport. Put the MDX into Sport and it becomes a joy to drive. The steering and suspension firm up and make the MDX feel like a sports sedan and not a crossover. We Come In Peace.. Click to enlarge. Even more impressive was the balancing act Acura was able to do MDX's suspenion. Put IDS into Normal or Comfort and the MDX becomes a very relaxing crossover. The suspension softens up to provide a comfortable ride that is very capable of smoothing over bumps and imperfections. The MDX is also very quiet. Acura worked hard on improving the NVH levels on the MDX with such items as Active Noise Cancellation and special engine mounts. The 2014 Acura MDX is marked improvement over the previous model. Acura kept the items that worked on the MDX and focused on the areas that needed to be improved. With that mindset, the 2014 Acura MDX stands out as being one of the best luxury crossovers. That's my big takeaway with the 2014 Acura MDX. They focused on the parts which needed to be changed and kept what worked pretty much the same. If they can apply this to their other models, then maybe Acura can enjoy the sweet success all around. Disclaimer: Acura Provided the MDX, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2014 Make: Acura Model: MDX Trim: Tech Entertainment Engine: Earth Dreams 3.5L SOHC V-6 W/Direct-Injection Driveline: Front-Wheel Drive, Six-Speed Automatic Horsepower @ RPM: 290 @ 6,200 Torque @ RPM: 267 @ 4,500 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 20/28/23 Curb Weight: 4,063 lbs Location of Manufacture: Lincoln, Alabama Base Price: $48,465.00 As Tested Price: $49,550.00 (Includes $985.00 Destination Charge) Options: N/A William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

Mitsubishi told its dealers yesterday at the NADA Convention about a plan to reintegrate the brand's tired lineup. The lynchpin to this plan is a new midsize sedan that will come out of a new partnership between Mitsubishi and Nissan/Renault. Don Swearingen, Mitsubishi Motors North America executive vice president tells Automotive News that the two are still in negotiations about the new sedan. "We abandoned a huge market and we have to find a way to fill those customer's needs. Many of those customers are coming back to market, and we tried to move them into our other offerings, but if they're looking for that D segment sedan, we just don't have it," said Swearingen. Other products/updates Mitsubishi is considering include a sedan version of the Mirage subcompact for the U.S., the addition of a 2.4L four-cylinder to the Outlander Sport, a new CVT for the 2015 model year, and the arrival of a refreshed Outlander in 2015. The reaction of the dealers were very positive. "For dealers, new products never come fast enough. But Mitsubishi did a good job of showing us that they are committed to delivering product and change and answers," said Stacey Gillman Wimbish, CEO of Gillman Cos. auto group in Houston, Texas. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

Last week, we brought you a story talking about what Global Cadillac's Vice President, Robert E. Ferguson would like to see happen with the ATS lineup. This week, we bring you a couple more items from the VP's wishlist. Edmunds had the chance to talk with Ferguson at the Detroit Auto Show and he said that he would like to have a diesel engine for most of the lineup in this decade. "I think that would speed our growth in Europe, and it would help us with environmental issues here and in Asia," said Ferguson. A good candidate for a diesel engine would be the new Escalade Ferguson went onto say. "I would love to see it in that time frame, but I can't commit to it. I think it would help. (Escalade) is a great selling vehicle and it is a big profit machine for us, so the more markets we can get into, the better." Another item on Ferguson's wishlist, a subcompact crossover for Cadillac. "If you look at any growth forecast, or even look at present-day growth, I would say every luxury provider is looking hard at that set. We would be silly not to. I think the Encore is a terrific vehicle and the perfect size. I would love to have a really luxurious competitive vehicle with that stance," Ferguson said. Source: Edmunds William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article