William Maley

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com October 15, 2013 On the face of it, sales for new vehicles haven't been better. Total sales for new vehicles could reach 15.5 million this year and some analysts believe that 2014 will see total sales reach 16 million vehicles. But with increase in sales, warning signs are appearing in automotive loans and leases which could put an end to the increases. Automotive News that the average loan length has gone up to 65 months (about five and a half years). While the longer length means a lower payment, it also means that many consumers will still be in the process of paying their old vehicle off when they decide to buy a new one. Also seeing a rise is the amount of subprime loans. During the second-quarter of this year, subprime loans accounted for 27.4 percent of loans made. That's an increase of two percent when compared to the same time last year. Now the good news is that delinquent loans (loans that three months or more overdue) are low and haven't increased with the number of subprime loans. Analysts worry that the gains gotten by 'easy credit' could easily tumble if interest rates are raised. That could lead to slower sales, increased inventory, and the piling on of incentives. 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

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com October 15, 2013 It has been a few weeks since we reported on the Jeep Cherokee and its transmission woes and the news hasn't gotten better. The Detroit News is reporting that Cherokees are still parked at the Toledo factory where they are built. There is some good news though. Chrysler appears to be in final stages of testing a new powertrain calibration that should help the transmission and get vehicles onto dealer lots. “Chrysler Group is in the final stages of validating the updated powertrain calibrations,” said Gualberto Ranieri, vice president of communications for Chrysler. “Once the latest powertrain calibration is validated, the company will be able to quickly update the powertrain software on Cherokees already built and ship vehicles to dealerships around the country in quantity.” This should be good news to buyers who have been waiting quite awhile to get their hands on their vehicles. Source: The Detroit News 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

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com October 15, 2013 When General Motors introduced their next-generation full-size SUVs last month, some people were expecting some major changes to the powertrains. What was introduced were the next-generation of V8 engines and that was really about it. However, GM's chief engineer for trucks says changes are coming. "We've got some interesting powertrain technologies coming on the SUVs over the next few years," said GM's executive chief engineer for trucks, Jeff Luke. For example, Luke hinted that the Escalade's current six-speed automatic will give way to a higher-geared transmission in the future. Under consideration is the return of a hybrid model and the introduction of a diesel model. 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

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com October 14, 2013 Last week, a report came out of Australia that said a refresh of the smallest Lexus, the CT200h could happen as early as 2014. Well new spy shots this week show that a refresh is coming soon. The shots reveal the CT200h will become more integrated into Lexus' current lineup with a spindle grille, new fog and headlights, and bumper. Towards the back is a revised bumper and what looks like a small diffuser. We don't have any pictures of the interior, but we expect some minor changes. Don't expect any changes to the hybrid powertrain. Source: The Motor Report, Autoblog 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

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com October 14, 2013 When the first-generation of the new MINI was introduced back in the early 2000's, it was very simple. There was a three-door hatchback, a convertible, and a long-wheelbase wagon. Come to the second-generation and the family grew. Alongside the three models of the first-generation, MINI added a three-door and five-door crossover, two-seater coupe, and roadster. Now with the third-generation MINI waiting in the wings, there is the possibility of the family growing again. "With the new ULK architecture, we currently have in mind eight to 10 models," said Peter Schwarzenbauer, BMW's board member in charge of Mini to Automotive News Europe. The ULK architecture Schwarzenbauer is referring to the new front-wheel drive architecture that will underpin the next-generation of MINIs and some upcoming front-drive BMWs. When asked about if the brand will offer direct replacements to their current lineup or introduce new styles, Schwarzenbauer said the company is still thinking about it. Schwarzenbauer revealed some interesting details concerning powertrains. He said the company is considering whether or not to add diesel engines to the lineup. "I think that the U.S. market is ready for diesel engines now and this is something we definitely have to consider also for Mini," he said. Schwarzenbauer also said a plug-in hybrid model is coming. As for electric power, that is currently under investigation. Source: Automotive News Europe (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