William Maley

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com May 28, 2013 General Motors looks to be copying Ford's playbook with pickups. The company is considering adding niche models to the Chevrolet Silverado lineup. "Ford does a lot with co-branding. I can't comment on anything going forward, but I will say our leadership is very aware of not only the (Ford) Harley-Davidson pickup, but also the Raptor. There are a lot of halo vehicles at Ford. They do sell well and they do set a tone for the vehicle. We definitely are looking into that," said Chris Hilts, manager of creative design for GM's full-size pickup truck interiors. General Motors has introduced the first niche model for the Silverado lineup in the form of the High Country, which becomes the flagship model for the Silverado lineup and will compete with the likes of the Ford F-150 King Ranch and Ram 1500 Longhorn. Hills didn't say if GMC would see any of these niche models as well, but did say there are no plans to develop a new model that sits above the GMC Sierra Denali. 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

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com May 28, 2013 We all have that story of that one person we know that underwent a massive transformation. It starts off with the person who dumpy, bit nerdy, either really skinny or fat, or a number of items. Then maybe a few years on, you run into that same person and almost don’t recognize them. They’re dressed up in some nice clothing, loss some weight, built up some strength, and a few other things here and there. The same is true for vehicles. When the first-generation Kia Rio was introduced back in 2000, it became the cheapest vehicle you could buy in the U.S. It also earned the dubious honor of the ‘cheap and cheerful’ label since everything else about the vehicle wasn’t that good. The second-generation Rio brought forth a more aggressive look, but it was a vehicle you would recommend only to your worst enemy. The third-generation Rio, introduced back in 2012, surprised everyone. Here was a vehicle that had sexy styling, a very impressive interior, and some clever tricks. But underneath of that skin, has Kia made a subcompact vehicle that can put its past life to rest? I had a 2013 Kia Rio SX sedan for a week to try and answer this question. There is a golden rule concerning subcompact designs: Most of time, the hatchback is better looking than the sedan. In the case of the Rio sedan, it’s just as good or slightly better looking than the hatchback. Design elements of Kia’s design chief, Peter Schreyer are very evident in the Rio’s design. Starting up front, a smaller version of Kia’s tiger mouth grille makes an appearance and is flanked by a set of swept-up headlights. From the side, the doors feature two distinct character lines; one running along the bottom edge to the rear wheel well and the other running through the door handles to the trunk. There is also a set of seventeen-inch machine-finished alloy wheels that really help finish off the Rio. The Rio’s interior is a nice place to sit. The design is very handsome and puts the controls within easy reach of the driver and passenger. Surprisingly, Kia put a good amount of soft touch materials on the dashboard and door sills which give it an aire of luxury. As for space, the Rio is surprisingly roomy. You can fit four passengers in comfort, if they are all under six-feet. Seats are very supportive for both front and rear passengers. Also helping helping with the luxury aura is the amount of standard equipment. You get a trip computer, Kia’s UVO infotainment system, USB and aux jacks, Bluetooth, side curtain airbags, heated and folding sideview mirrors, and a backup camera. You can increase the luxuries in the Rio by adding the Premium package which includes navigation, leather seats with heat, a proximity key with push-button start, and a sunroof. With a pricetag of $2,350 for the package, I highly recommend it. Powering the Rio is a 1.6L GDI four-cylinder engine with 138 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque. That is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Power in the Rio SX sedan is adequate. It does take a moment or so for the engine to build up some steam. Plus when you’re trying to make a pass, you’re wishing just for a little bit more power. But once the engine is up to speed, it displays a surprising amount of refinement. However, the 1.6L GDI excels at fuel economy. The EPA rates the 2013 Kia Rio SX Sedan 28 City/36 Highway/31 Combined. During my week, I averaged 31.0 MPG. The Rio SX differs from other Rios by coming equipped with sport-tuned suspension and it's a mostly fun car to drive. The part that lets the Rio SX down is its steering. While it has a surprising amount of feel, those who are expected a bit of weight will be disappointed since it's pretty light. Where the steering falls in one area, it exceeds in another area. In this case it's the urban environment and parking lots. The Rio’s steering shines here as its ability to dart around traffic is excellent and can fit into tight parking spots with no problem. As for the sport-tuned suspension, it's firm but not to the point where you’ll be crying uncle. There is one area I wish Kia would address in the refresh or the next Rio; road noise. Driving on the highway, I would have the radio cranked up to try and drown out the excessive road noise in the cabin. I know that most Rio buyers will drive the vehicle in town or out in the burbs, but be prepared for the amount of road noise coming inside if you decide to venture out onto the highway. Kia has a real winner on their hands with the 2013 Rio SX sedan. It raises the bar on what a subcompact vehicle could be in terms of design, features, and powertrain. Kia still needs to work on keeping road noise out and trying to find a balance with the steering weight. For many buyers though, the Rio offers the right combination. From a vehicle that wore the ‘cheap and cheerful’ tag to something that is in contention for being best in class; that's quite the transformation. Disclaimer: Kia provided the Rio SX Sedan, Insurance, and one tank of gas. Year - 2013 Make – Kia Model – Rio Sedan Trim – SX Engine – 1.6L GDI Four-Cylinder Driveline – Front-Wheel Drive, Six-Speed Automatic Horsepower @ RPM – 138 @ 6,300 RPM Torque @ RPM – 123 @ 4,850 RPM Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 28/36/31 Curb Weight – 2,483 lbs Location of Manufacture – Gwangmyeong, South Korea Base Price - $17,700.00 As Tested Price - $21,340.00* (Includes $750.00 destination charge) Options: Premium Package - $2,350 EC Mirror w/ Compass & Homelink - $350.00 Carpeted Floor Mats - $115.00 Rear Bumper Applique - $75.00 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

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com May 26, 2013 Two groups are trying to get their hands on what remains of Fisker Automotive. Group one is VL Automotive (the fine folks who are planning to make the Destino) and China's Wanxiang Group have put in a joint bid of around $20 million, a far cry from Fisker Automotive's almost $2 billion estimate from a investor document filing obtained by Reuters. As we reported earlier this month, Lutz said that VL Automotive could with Fisker's suppliers to keep the Karma in production, but that could become a logistics nightmare. "I want Fisker to live and succeed, if only to ensure a continuing supply of Karma bodies for my and my parter's (sic) VL Destino, a de-electrified Karma with a Corvette drive train, for which there is brisk demand," Lutz wrote in a blog piece for Forbes.com in April. The second group is a investment group being led by Hong Kong billionaire and Fisker investor Richard Li. This group got a huge boost this past week when founder and former CEO, Henrik Fisker joined the group. Sources say the group is offering between $25 to $30 million. Source: Reuters, 2, 3 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

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com May 25, 2013 Nissan was riding high when the announcement came that their NV Taxi would become New York City's Taxi of Tomorrow last year. Since then, Nissan has been under a barrage of attacks. The latest setback comes from New York Supreme Court Justice Peter Moulton who ruled one part of Nissan's and New York's Taxi & Limousine Commission agreement is "null, void and unenforceable". That part is from the Taxi of Tomorrow requirements which asked for a vehicle to be a hybrid - something the NV200 doesn't meet. Nissan argued that it is bringing a hybrid version of the van to market in 2015, but the court ruled against the company. Now this ruling does open the door for taxi companies to buy to non-Nissan hybrid vehicles. Even with this setback, it doesn't sound like this setback will affect Nissan's ten-year contract with New York. 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

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com May 24, 2013 Fiat has announced pricing for the 2014 500L that will be arriving at dealers in June. The base 500L Pop starts at $19,900 (includes $800 destination charge) and comes equipped with a 160 horsepower, 1.4L MultiAir turbocharged inline-four engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission. Standard equipment includes sixteen-inch chrome-accented wheel covers, five-inch UConnect infotainment system, and the usual equipment that most cars come with (air conditioning, power locks and windows, and seven airbags). Next up is the 500L Easy with a price tag of $20,995. The Easy model comes equipped with sixteen-inch aluminum wheels, tinted rear glass, body-colored mirror caps, and a premium audio system. Following that is the 500L Trekking with a price tag of $21,995. That comes equipped with a two-piece front and rear fascias with graphite inserts, fog lamps, and seventeen-inch aluminum wheels. Finally there is the 500L Lounge with a price tag of $24,995. The Lounge model features dual-clutch six-speed transmission, unique sixteen-inch wheels, heated leather seats, and much more. Easy, Trekking, and Lounge models can be equipped with a a no-cost* Premier Package that such items as rear park assist and a 6.5-inch touchscreen Uconnect infotainment interface. (*Note: the Premier Package is only available as a no-cost for this year). Source: Fiat Press Release is on Page 2 ALL-NEW 2014 FIAT 500L EXPANDS THE FIAT BRAND'S PRODUCT LINEUP AND ITS COMMITMENT TO INNOVATIVE AND VALUE-LOADED CARS - All-new 2014 Fiat 500L arrives to FIAT studios this June with a starting price of $19,100 and four value-loaded models - No-charge Premier Package on 500L Easy, Trekking and Lounge models - All-new Fiat 500L expands the appeal of the iconic 500, while adding two more doors, accommodations for five passengers, best-in-class interior volume (120.1 cu. ft.) and advanced European technology May 24, 2013 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Expanding on the style, efficiency and driving enjoyment that has made the Fiat 500 an icon for nearly 57 years, the all-new 2014 Fiat 500L expands the Cinquecento's appeal by offering 42 percent extra interior space with comfortable seating for five, engaging driving dynamics and a 160-horsepower 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine with two fuel-saving, six-speed transmissions. All this comfort and technology is wrapped in contemporary Italian design with a starting U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $19,100 (plus $800 destination). "The all-new Fiat 500L expands the reach of the FIAT brand in North America, appealing to customers who like the contemporary Italian style of the Fiat 500 but need more space and functionality to match their lifestyle needs," said Jason Stoicevich, Head of FIAT Brand North America, Chrysler Group LLC. "The Fiat 500L offers the whole package, with best-in-class interior space, class-leading horsepower, exclusive technology features and the style that only Italians can create." Value-loaded Models Leveraging the style, technology, efficiency and convenience features that made the modern Fiat 500 an international success, the all-new 2014 Fiat 500L builds upon these attributes through four exciting models. Fiat 500L Pop Designed for customers who want Italian style, versatility, efficiency and personalization options, the all-new 2014 Fiat 500L Pop includes a 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine with six-speed manual transmission, premium Koni frequency selective damping (FSD) front struts and rear shock absorbers, bi-halogen headlamps with daytime running lamps, 16-inch chrome-accented wheel covers, all-season tires, stainless-steel exhaust tip, black exterior mirrors with driver- and passenger-side spotter mirrors; heat, air conditioning, power lock and windows with one-touch up/down, cruise control, body-color instrument panel, six speakers, Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) with trip computer, miles-to-empty, average fuel economy and tire-pressure monitoring (TPM) display; steering wheel controls, six-way cloth seats with driver and front-passenger height adjust, 60/40 split-fold rear seatbacks with segment-exclusive fore-aft adjustment, recline and tumble/slide feature; tilt and telescoping steering column, 12-volt console and auxiliary power outlets, multi-position cargo area trunk panel, cap-less fuel-filler door, floor mats, interior observation mirror and dual sun visors with vanity mirrors. In addition, the Fiat 500L Pop includes the innovative Uconnect 5.0 with its 5-inch touchscreen display, radio voice commands, handsfree phone, Bluetooth-audio streaming, text message reader, personalization settings and media hub (USB and auxiliary ports) for seamless integration of portable devices. Safety features include seven standard air bags, reactive front head restraints, vehicle theft security alarm, child seat anchor system and electronic stability control (ESC) with Hill-start Assist. The 2014 Fiat 500L Pop model has a starting U.S. MSRP of $19,100 (plus $800 destination charge). Fiat 500L Easy Providing customers with versatility and efficiency and even more style and comfort features, the all-new 2014 Fiat 500L Easy takes the Fiat 500L Pop model and adds standard 16-inch aluminum wheels, deep-tint rear glass, body-color exterior mirror caps, front-seat center console with armrest, leather-wrapped square-in-circle designed steering wheel, premium leather-wrapped shift knob with chrome accent, vinyl-wrapped instrument panel available in three colors, unique cloth seat fabric and six-speaker FIAT premium audio system with 520-watt amplifier. The 2014 Fiat 500L Easy model has a starting U.S. MSRP of $20,195 (plus $800 destination charge). Fiat 500L Trekking For customers who want the perfect blend of rugged styling and versatility to match their active lifestyle, the all-new 2014 Fiat 500L Trekking adds to the Fiat 500L Easy model with aggressively designed two-piece front and rear fascias with Grigio Chiaro (graphite) inserts, fog lamps, satin-finished "whiskers," door handles and unique lower front- and rear-fascia accents, Grigio Chiaro wheel arch and body-side sill moldings, Grigio Chiaro recessed license plate area and lower left- and right-side reflector surrounds, and larger 17 x 7-inch aluminum wheels with wider 225/45R17 all-season tires. Inside, the Fiat 500L Trekking features a painted instrument panel bezel and a unique two-tone Nero/Marrone (black/brown) interior environment that carries through on its leather-wrapped steering wheel, door and door-panel armrest bolsters, low-back bucket premium cloth seats and floor mats. The 2014 Fiat 500L Trekking model has a starting U.S. MSRP of $21,195 (plus $800 destination charge). Fiat 500L Lounge Tailored for individuals who want their all-new Fiat 500L to reflect their stylish lifestyle and need for premium appointments and convenience technologies, the all-new 2014 Fiat 500L Lounge model adds on to the Fiat 500L Easy model with an innovative Euro Twin Clutch six-speed transmission, 16-inch aluminum wheels, fog lamps, chrome body-side moldings and mirror caps, dual sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors, premium vinyl-wrapped instrument panel available in two colors, premium heated leather front seats with power four-way adjust, two-way power driver's side lumbar, 60/40 split-fold rear seatbacks with segment-exclusive fore-aft adjustment, recline and tumble feature; integrated armrest with cup holders, automatic dual-zone climate control and auto-dimming rear-view mirror with compass. The 2014 Fiat 500L Lounge model has a starting U.S. MSRP of $24,195 (plus $800 destination charge). Premier Packages Include No-charge Technology Features and More than $1,700 of Added Value During the first year of Fiat 500L production, a no-charge Premier Package will be included with Easy, Trekking and Lounge models. This limited-time launch package will include ParkSense rear-park assist, ParkView rear back-up camera and Uconnect 6.5 with a larger 6.5-inch touchscreen and navigation. The Uconnect 6.5 features voice operation of navigation, AM/FM and mobile phones; handsfree phone and Bluetooth-streaming audio, text message reader, personalization settings, premium media hub with SD card reader, auxiliary jack and USB inputs. For customers that want even more technology on the Fiat 500L Easy and Trekking models, the Premier Package +Beats/SiriusXM is available and adds SiriusXM and Beats Audio studio-quality sound system with six premium speakers, 6.5-inch dual-voice coil (DVC) subwoofer with trunk-mounted enclosure and eight-channel amplifier with Beats Audio digital sound processing (DSP) algorithm. View full article

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com May 23, 2013 Some sad news to report from Australia today. Ford Australia announced that they will be shutting down operations on October 16, 2016. The shut down will close two factories - Broadmeadows and Geelong in Victoria - and cause the loss of 1,200 jobs. During a press conference, Ford Australia President and CEO Bob Graziano explained the company could not keep building vehicles in a country in the country after reporting a loss of $141 million after tax last year, and losses totaling more than $600 million in the past five years. "Our costs are double that of Europe and nearly four times Ford in Asia. The business case simply did not stack up, leading us to the conclusion that manufacturing is not viable for Ford in Australia in the long-term," Graziano said. In a statement, Ford said they looked at all possibilities, including an extensive export program and manufacturing various types and combinations of vehicles for the marketplace. “We did not leave any stone unturned but even with these assumptions the business case did not stack up,” said Graziano. Ford says they will still maintain a presence in Australia through 1,500 team members, including designers and engineers, and more than 200 dealers. The company also announced updated versions of the Falcon sedan, Falcon Ute and Territory SUV. Source: Ford 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 Important announcement from Ford Australia Thu, May 23, 2013 Ford Accelerates Australian Business Transformation Ford is transforming its Australian business by accelerating the introduction of new products for Australian customers, enhancing the sales and service experience, and improving its business efficiency and profitability To better position the company to compete in a highly fragmented and competitive market, Ford will cease local manufacturing in October 2016. All entitlements are protected for the 1200 employees whose jobs are affected, and the company will work through the next three years to provide support Ford will proceed with plans to launch updated versions of the Falcon, Falcon Ute and Territory in 2014, as well as offering other world-class products, such as the Ford Kuga, Ranger and Focus. The company will also strengthen its product lineup even further with a 30 per cent increase in the number of new vehicles offered to Australian customers by 2016 Ford’s presence in Australia will remain significant – with 1500 team members, more than 200 dealers nationwide and a continued strong commitment to supporting the communities in which the company operates MELBOURNE, Australia, 23 May 2013 – Ford Motor Company is transforming its business operations in Australia to provide customers with even more new products, and improved sales and service, while creating a more efficient and profitable business structure. Ford announced the plan today, including its intention to cease its local manufacturing operations in October 2016. The decision on local manufacturing was driven by increasingly challenging market conditions – including market fragmentation and the high cost of manufacturing. Ford losses in Australia in the last five years have totaled approximately $600 million (AUD). “All of us at Ford remain committed to our long history of serving Australian customers with the very best vehicles that deliver cutting edge technology at an affordable cost,” said Bob Graziano, president and CEO of Ford Australia. “Unfortunately, due to challenging market conditions we are unable to do that longer-term while continuing to manufacture locally.” Support for Employees Approximately 1200 jobs in Ford’s Broadmeadows and Geelong manufacturing plants will become redundant when manufacturing at those sites ceases in 2016. All manufacturing employees’ benefits will be provided in line with current agreements. During the next three years, Ford will work with affected employees and their representatives on support arrangements and provide clarity about the closure process. “We know this announcement is very difficult, especially for our employees,” said Graziano. “Providing support to those in our team whose roles will be affected is a key priority for us during this three-year transition period.” Future vision for Ford Australia While the way Ford is structured is changing, Ford’s commitment to Australia remains strong. “Ford will remain a significant employer in Australia, with more than 1500 team members, as will our network of more than 200 dealers around the country,” said Graziano. “The Australian team’s role as a global centre of excellence for vehicle development also will continue to be an important focus for us.” Australia is currently one of four product development hubs for Ford globally. Recently, the Australian team has been responsible for designing, engineering and testing global vehicles, including the Ford Ranger and Ford Figo, and will continue this expertise. Today, Ford has more than 1000 team members in product development in Australia, giving the company more designers and engineers than any other auto company in Australia. “Our customers will buy and service Ford vehicles through the same great dealers we have throughout the country today, and we will continue to support the communities in which we operate,” said Graziano. Decision follows comprehensive review process Given the changing dynamics of the auto industry, a number of business scenarios were reviewed during the past year to determine next steps for Ford’s Australian business. All viable alternatives were evaluated as part of the process including manufacturing various types and combinations of vehicles for local sale as well as the viability of a significant export program. The scenarios investigated also included varying levels of government support, manufacturing cost reductions and productivity improvements. Australia has annual sales of approximately 1.1 million new vehicles, and customers have access to more than 65 brands and 365 models available for sale. This makes Australia one of the most competitive and crowded automotive markets in the world. “Given the fragmented marketplace and the low model volumes that result, we decided that manufacturing locally is no longer viable,” said Graziano. More New Products As part of the transformation, Ford has aggressive plans to introduce even more new products for Australian customers – including a 30 per cent increase in the number of new vehicles offered to Australian customers by 2016. That is in addition to already announced new versions of the Ford Falcon, Falcon Ute and Territory, as well the new Ford Kuga, Ranger and Focus. “We will be introducing a number of exciting new vehicles and technologies during the next few years that will excite our Australian customers,” said Graziano. “The breadth of our line-up will increase by more than 30 per cent, ensuring we continue to offer our customers an outstanding range of cars, SUVs and light trucks long into the future.” Upgraded Sales and Service Experience Ford also is significantly enhancing its approach to the sales and service experience. The company has appointed a dedicated Consumer Experience team to introduce a series of initiatives to provide customers with even better after-sales care. “We have a range of projects under way to significantly enhance our customer’s experience with Ford,” said Graziano. “This includes one of the only programs in Australia that provides a capped price on all servicing costs for seven years.” Ford continues to be part of Australian communities “Ford vehicles have been part of the automotive landscape in Australia for almost 110 years and we have manufactured here since 1925. We are proud of that history. We are proud of our role in Australia and we haven’t made this decision lightly. “Overall, we are changing, but our commitment to Australia remains strong. We’ll move through this transition and continue to be a vibrant and strong part of the Australian driving experience,” said Graziano. View full article