William Maley

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com April 19, 2013 In 2007, Buick introduced at the Shanghai Motor Show the Rivera Concept. Six years later, Buick unveiled a new Rivera concept the night before the Shanghai Motor Show. Deja Vu? Maybe. Buick says the Rivera concept gives a sneak peek what the brand's design language will look like in the future. The Rivera concept's shape is said to be inspired by "the Dynamic Nature of Water". Buick's trademark waterfall grille is present, along with a set of smooth, sweeping lines. Much like the last Rivera concept, the new concept features a set of gullwing doors. The Rivera concept uses a W-PHEV (wireless plug-in hybrid electric vehicle propulsion system) which means the Rivera can either be charged by plugging the vehicle in or wirelessly via a "sensory recharge panel" underneath it. Other mechanical details include intelligent four-wheel steering, an electromagnetic-controlled suspension, air spring package, and a unique safety system that uses 10 high-res cameras and 18 micro high-precision sensors for image and distance monitoring of objects in the path of the vehicle. The images are displayed on windshield for the driver as a holographic image. Source: Buick 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 New Buick Riviera Concept Vehicle Makes Global Debut Merges avant-garde aesthetics and advanced technology SHANGHAI – The new Buick Riviera concept vehicle made its global debut this evening in Shanghai. The coupe combines avant-garde aesthetics and advanced technology, including plug-in hybrid electric vehicle propulsion, in a single package. It is the fourth global concept vehicle jointly developed by GM's Shanghai GM and Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) joint ventures in Shanghai. "The new Riviera offers a preview of Buick's future design language," said Shanghai GM President Ye Yongming. "By seamlessly integrating advanced technologies, flexible functions and contemporary aesthetics, the new Riviera heralds the start of a new chapter for the 110-year-old Buick brand." Elegant Design Inspired by the Dynamic Nature of Water The new Riviera's designers took inspiration from the Chinese saying: "The greatest good is like water." The vehicle's sweeping design, which goes from thick to thin, has the vibrant nature of a moving river embodied in its athletic shape, elegant ambience and deeply sculpted lines. "Riviera is a design study of the future expression of Buick design with its elegant athletic shape, sculptural beauty, and precision execution," said Ed Welburn, GM vice president of global design. "It is a great opportunity to share Buick's future design language and technology strategy." The concept's silhouette with Buick's recognizable "sweep spear" has a three-dimensional effect that resembles waves in the ocean coming to a standstill for a split second. Buick's unique gull-wing doors exude a dynamic yet elegant ambience. The new Riviera has an ice celadon finish inspired by jade. Up front, the concept vehicle's updated waterfall grille and wing-shaped daytime running lights will both become key elements of Buick's future design DNA. The new Riviera has a low drag coefficient and a harmonious balance between style and performance thanks to its raked windshield, 14-degree fastback design and metallic fiber spoiler, which are complemented by active grille shutters and diffusers, and active pneumatic wheels. The interior carries on Buick's signature 360-degree integrated design with high levels of elegance and refinement. The eaglewood tone interior features the abundant use of refined materials such as sand-blasted aluminum alloy, lava suede and ebony used in a bold style reminiscent of traditional Chinese jade-inlaid wood. This creates a striking visual effect as well as a subdued sense of luxury. The new Riviera's compact yet well-structured center console, front floating seats and adaptive seating system, as well as its noise-absorbing head restraint system, represent the best combination of interior design and elegance. Innovative Propulsion, Infotainment and Safety Technology The new Riviera has adopted BIP (Buick Intelligent Performance) technology. It is equipped with GM's all-new, dual-mode W-PHEV (wireless plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) propulsion system. The user can drive the car on green power in electric mode and enjoy the exhilarating handling and performance of a sports car while driving "green" in hybrid mode. In addition, the vehicle can be charged with a traditional cable or wirelessly via a sensory recharge panel on the car's chassis. The charging port is integrated into Buick's iconic porthole design. The new Riviera is also equipped with intelligent four-wheel steering, an electromagnetic-controlled suspension and an air spring package for sure handling and comfort in extreme conditions. The innovative mobile Internet system adopted in the new Riviera supports high-speed 4G LTE network use. The concept vehicle offers real-time traffic information, weather updates, and news and entertainment while communicating with other vehicles. The vehicle's voice commands and controls along with touch and gesture recognition activate a range of vehicle systems and enable seamless interaction between driver and vehicle. The new Riviera employs a forward-looking active safety system that collects traffic information through 10 high-resolution cameras (for image monitoring) and 18 micro high-precision sensors (for distance monitoring). The information is integrated and presented in a holographic image onto the windshield. The intelligent driver assist system provides occupants a high level of active safety and security. The system incorporates a variety of driver assist functions, including: an eagle view record system, night view assist, side blind-zone alert system, lane departure warning system, full-speed range-adaptive cruise control system, lane change assist system, parking assist system, rear cross-traffic alert system, autopilot system and "transparent" A pillars. The new Riviera will be featured in the Buick display at Auto Shanghai 2013, which runs from April 20-29. View full article

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com April 18, 2013 Chevrolet has announced today that 2014 Cruze Diesel will return 46 MPG on highway based on EPA estimates. This estimate bests the original Highway MPG prediction by about four MPGs. Chevrolet is quick to point out that the 46 MPG makes the Cruze Diesel the highest MPG of a non-hybrid vehicle. If you're wondering, the Volkswagen Jetta TDI gets 42 MPG Highway and the Volkswagen Passat TDI gets 43 MPG highway. Chevrolet says the Cruze Diesel will be able to travel up to 700 miles on the highway or about 10 hours of driving. As for city and combined MPGs, Chevrolet is keeping quiet on that. Most likely we'll find that out when the Cruze Diesel goes on sale later this spring. Source: Chevrolet 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 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel 46 MPG Sets Highway Fuel Economy Benchmark Best Highway Fuel Economy of Any Non-Hybrid Passenger Car in America Can travel 700 highway miles on single tank DETROIT – The new 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel, delivers an industry best EPA-estimated 46 MPG on the highway – better than any non-hybrid passenger car in America. It will be available in certain cities this spring and nationwide and in Canada in early fall. Equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission, the latest addition to the Cruze powertrain family has an estimated range of 700 highway miles on one tank of diesel fuel based on the EPA highway estimate and the vehicle's fuel tank capacity. That's about 10 hours of highway driving. "We harnessed generations of diesel expertise to adapt our world-class global engine for the North American market," said Gary Altman, chief engineer, Chevrolet Cruze Diesel. "The Cruze Diesel is the best diesel passenger car out there. Chevrolet is redefining the meaning of great fuel economy with this car." With a starting price of $25,695, including an $810 destination charge, the Chevrolet Cruze Diesel is a better value than a similarly equipped VW Jetta TDI automatic. Compared with Jetta, the Cruze Diesel offers standard equipment including the Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system, larger 17-inch alloy wheels, leather-appointed seating, a longer five-year 100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, and a two-year maintenance plan. Cruze Diesel also beats its rivals in performance with a segment-leading estimated 148 horsepower (110 kW) and estimated 258 lb-ft of torque (350 Nm), and can go 0-60 in about 8.6 seconds. Its advanced 2.0L turbo-diesel engine has an overboost feature capable of increasing torque to an estimated 280 lb-ft (380 Nm) for short bursts of stronger acceleration when needed, such as entering freeway traffic. Cruze Diesel is powered by the cleanest diesel passenger car engine produced by General Motors. The vehicle generates 90 percent less Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) and particulate emissions when compared to previous-generation diesels. Chevrolet has sold more than 2 million Cruze models globally since it was launched in mid-2010. More than 33,000 of those were diesel powered. View full article

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com April 17, 2013 A fresh batch of spy photos of the 2015 Hyundai Genesis were released today and it looks like the new model will be carrying some of the cues seen on the HCD-14 Concept shown earlier this year at the Detroit Auto Show. The most notable parts of the 2015 Genesis are the front and rear clips, which look almost like the clips on the HCD-14 Concept. The front features a large, square grille and rectangular LED headlights. The back end has a raked rear window and detailed LED taillights. Moving inside, the 2015 Genesis takes some ideas from the new 2014 Equus with a much cleaner center stack and a mix of analog gauges paired with digital screens. Source: Automobile Magazine 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 April 17, 2013 Cadillac has announced some executive changes to help take full advantage of the sale increases the brand is experiencing. Don Butler who is Cadillac's U.S. VP of marketing will become VP of global Cadillac strategic development. Butler's goal in this new position is to drive the next phase of Cadillac growth internationally," planning strategy and developing new markets. Taking Butler's place as Cadillac's U.S. VP of marketing will be Steve Majoros. Majoros worked at Campbell-Ewald as its managing director and has "Like a Rock" and "American Revolution" campaigns under his belt. Source: General Motors 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 Leadership Moves Drive Further Growth New alignment supports global expansion DETROIT, 2013-04-12 – As part of its ongoing global growth, Cadillac today enhanced its leadership team with two new executive appointments aimed at extending the brand's momentum. U.S. Vice President of Marketing Don Butler will take on the position of Global Cadillac Strategic Development vice president. In this newly created role, Butler will drive the next phase of Cadillac growth internationally, including new market development and strategic global planning. He will continue to report to Bob Ferguson, GM vice president, Global Cadillac. "Cadillac is continuing to expand in our home market and globally, which demands that we continually enhance our team's focus and capabilities," said Ferguson. "Don's international experience and deep product knowledge will be major assets as we take our global growth to the next level." Steve Majoros is named director, Global Cadillac Marketing. He will report to Ferguson and will lead the Cadillac global marketing team. In his new role, Majoros will assume responsibility for domestic and global marketing to ensure tight coordination between Cadillac's marketing, advertising and sales field teams. Prior to joining Cadillac, Steve was managing director, Campbell-Ewald. "Steve's extensive expertise in automotive marketing and his proven leadership record will significantly strengthen Cadillac's focus on global expansion," said Ferguson. "In our continuing effort to elevate Cadillac, Steve's unique perspective will complement our already-strong organization." Cadillac ended the first quarter of 2013 as the fastest growing full-line luxury brand in the United States, with sales increasing 38 percent. Brand growth has been driven by the all-new ATS sport sedan, the current North American Car of the Year, and the new XTS luxury sedan. Cadillac began the next phase of its ongoing global growth plan recently, with the start of production of the XTS in China, leading the brand's expansion in the world's largest luxury market. Earlier this year, Cadillac revealed the next models in its product-driven expansion, the 2014 Cadillac ELR extended range electric vehicle and the all new Cadillac CTS. Cadillac has been a leading luxury auto brand since 1902. In recent years, Cadillac has engineered a historic renaissance led by artful engineering and advanced technology. More information on Cadillac can be found at media.cadillac.com. View full article

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com April 17, 2013 Alfa Romeo has a very ambitious plan to triple their sales by 2016, meaning the brand would be selling around 300,000 vehicles. Looking at Alfa Romeo's current lineup that is only made up of the subcompact MiTo and the compact Giulietta, its a bit of a tall order. However Alfa Romeo's European boss, Louis-Carl Vignon believes the brand cannot not only meet the goal, but exceed it. So how is Alfa Romeo planning to do this? Well a big part of the plan deal with Alfa Romeo's return to the U.S. Alfa Romeo expects the U.S. and Europe to be their big markets by 2016. "Alfa's brand awareness in the U.S. is still at a relevant level despite an absence of nearly 20 years," Vignon said. Alfa Romeo will also introduce new models to fill out their lineup. This will begin with the new 4C Sports Car in 2014. That will be followed by, Midsize Guila Fullsize Luxury Sedan (using the underpinnings of the Maserati Ghibli) Spider (using the underpinnings of the next-gen Miata) Midsize SUV 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

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com April 16, 2013 With gas prices on the rise, you would think sales of subcompact vehicles would also be rising? No. Wards Auto reports that subcompact sales are off since October, even though the price of a gallon of gas is rising and holding steady at $3.50 to $4.00 across the country. So why the drop off in subcompacts? Wards has a couple ideas to explain this. For one, the reason might lie in the boom/bust cycle that comes as a result of new or aging models in each segment. For example, the large crossover class are up a whopping 61% in the same time frame, thanks in part to new models and derivatives. But as Wards points out, most of the subcompact lineup are only two years old or less. The more likely reason for the drop off may have to deal with compact cars getting the same fuel economy as subcompacts. Also the difference in price between compacts and subcompacts isn't really there. Source: Wards Auto 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 April 16, 2013 A few weeks after Subaru showed off the WRX Concept at the New York Auto Show, spy photographers caught the first images of a heavily camouflaged WRX making its way onto the Nürburgring. While the concept was very radical and dare I say sexy, the one in the spy shots looks to be toned down from the concept and appears to be derivative of the current model. Now it could be Subaru is still trying to figure out what the final design will look like. We'll be keeping a close eye on this. Source: 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

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com April 16, 2013 Mercedes-Benz is preparing an all out attack with the BMW 3-Series when the next-generation C-Class when it goes on sale next summer. The current C-Class has been making some inroads into the 3-Series. Comparing just the sedan variants, the C-Class sold 70,493 C-Classes in North America last year – just 4,690 fewer than the 3-Series sedan in the same timeframe. However, the 3-Series has a much bigger lineup that includes a sedan, wagon, coupe, convertible, hybrid, and diesel. Mercedes-Benz has the C-Class sedan and coupe. Compare them again with their entire model lineup and the 3-Series has a huge lead. In 2012, BMW moved 99,602 3-Series vehicles. Mercedes-Benz only moved 81,697 C-Class vehicles. "We were fighting the 3 series with two arms tied behind our back, and now we will change that," Mercedes-Benz USA CEO Steve Cannon said in an interview with Automotive News. When the new C-Class goes on sale next summer, it will initially debut as a sedan. That will be followed by a coupe and convertible in 2015. Sometime thereafter will be a diesel, hybrid, and all-wheel drive models. 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 April 15, 2013 Back in October, we reported that Ford and General Motors signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly develop next-generation nine and ten-speed automatic transmissions. Today, both auto manufacturers have gone on the record and confirmed this joint operation. The two automakers aren't saying which specific vehicles will get the nine and ten-speed transmissions, but did say the transmissions are designed for front- and rear-wheel-drive cars, crossovers, trucks and SUVs. "Engineering teams from GM and Ford have already started initial design work on these new transmissions," said Jim Lanzon, GM vice president of global transmission engineering in a press release today. This joint operation marks the third time the automakers have worked together. Previous efforts have included building six-speed automatics found in the Ford Fusion, Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Cruze, Chevrolet Malibu and few others. "The goal is to keep hardware identical in the Ford and GM transmissions. This will maximize parts commonality and give both companies economy of scale. However, we will each use our own control software to ensure that each transmission is carefully matched to the individual brand-specific vehicle DNA for each company," said Craig Renneker, Ford's chief engineer for transmission and driveline component and pre-program engineering. Source: Ford, GM Press Release is on Page 2 Ford and GM to Jointly Develop Advanced Nine- and 10-Speed Automatic Transmissions - New project to build on success of previous collaborations - Initial design and engineering work is already under way - New transmissions will improve fuel economy and enhance performance DEARBORN, Mich., April 15, 2013 – Ford Motor Company and General Motors Corporation have signed an agreement under which both companies will jointly develop an all-new generation of advanced-technology nine- and 10-speed automatic transmissions for cars, crossovers, SUVs and trucks. The new transmissions, to be built in both front- and rear-wheel-drive variants, will improve vehicle performance and increase fuel economy. The collaboration enables both automakers to design, develop, engineer, test, validate and deliver these new transmissions for their vehicles faster and at lower cost than if each company worked independently. "Engineering teams from GM and Ford have already started initial design work on these new transmissions," said Jim Lanzon, GM vice president of global transmission engineering. "We expect these new transmissions to raise the standard of technology, performance and quality for our customers while helping drive fuel economy improvements into both companies' future product portfolios." A track record of success This new agreement marks the third time in the past decade that GM and Ford have collaborated on transmissions. These collaborative efforts have enabled both companies together to deliver more than 8 million durable, high-quality six-speed front-wheel-drive transmissions to customers around the globe. Ford installs these six-speed transmissions in some of America's favorite vehicles, such as the Ford Fusion family sedan, the Ford Edge crossover and Ford Escape and Explorer SUVs, while GM installs them into a variety of high-volume, award-winning products such as the Chevrolet Malibu, Chevrolet Traverse, Chevrolet Equinox and Chevrolet Cruze. That original collaboration served as a template for the new one. As before, each company will manufacture its own transmissions in its own plants with many common components. "The goal is to keep hardware identical in the Ford and GM transmissions. This will maximize parts commonality and give both companies economy of scale," said Craig Renneker, Ford's chief engineer for transmission and driveline component and pre-program engineering. "However, we will each use our own control software to ensure that each transmission is carefully matched to the individual brand-specific vehicle DNA for each company." "With the jointly developed six-speed automatics we have in production today, we've already proven that Ford and GM transmission engineers work extremely well together," said Joe Bakaj, Ford vice president of powertrain engineering. "Our front-wheel-drive transmissions have exceeded expectations and there is every reason to believe we will have the same success with these all-new transmissions." "This agreement provides tremendous benefits for both companies, and it will pay big dividends for our customers and shareholders," added Lanzon. "By jointly sharing the development of these two new families of transmissions, both GM and Ford will be able to more efficiently use our respective manpower resources to develop additional future advanced transmissions and bring them to market faster than if we worked alone." Further technical details and vehicle applications for these transmissions will be released by each company at the appropriate time before launch. View full article

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com April 15, 2013 Well this is a bit of surprise. Last Friday, Nissan announced that Ram Trucks CEO Fred Diaz will become its new divisional vice president for sales and marketing. Diaz’s role at Nissan will have him oversee all sales and marketing for the U.S. market, which includes Nissan’s Commerical and Fleet division. Since 2009, Diaz was the head of the Chrysler Group’s Ram division (established in 2009 as well). During Diaz’s tenure, Ram saw it sales rise and and taking home the North American Truck of the Year this year. "Fred Diaz is one of the most experienced, results-driven sales and marketing executives in our industry, and we are privileged to welcome him to Nissan. As Nissan Division continues to grow in the United States, we expect Fred to convey a fresh perspective to our dealers and the entire divisional operations team that he will now lead," said José Muñoz, senior vice president, sales & marketing for Nissan Americas in a press release. Source: Nissan 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 Fred M. Diaz Named Divisional Vice President, Nissan Sales & Marketing for Nissan Division in the U.S. NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nissan today announced that Fred M. Diaz has been named to the newly formed position of divisional vice president, Nissan Sales & Marketing, Nissan U.S., reporting to José Muñoz, senior vice president, Sales & Marketing, Customer Quality and Dealer Network Development, Nissan Americas. Most recently, Diaz was president and chief executive officer - Ram Truck Brand, Chrysler Group, LLC as well as president and chief executive officer, Chrysler de Mexico. In this new leadership role, Diaz will assume full responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the Nissan Division in the United States, including all sales, marketing, fixed operations, parts and service and administration functions. He will lead the Nissan Division team with the Marketing, Light Commercial Vehicle & Fleet, Parts & Service and Regional Operations functions reporting directly to him. "Fred Diaz is one of the most experienced, results-driven sales and marketing executives in our industry, and we are privileged to welcome him to Nissan," said Muñoz. "As Nissan Division continues to grow in the United States, we expect Fred to convey a fresh perspective to our dealers and the entire divisional operations team that he will now lead." Previously, Diaz was Chrysler's chief executive in charge of the Ram Truck Brand, a position to which he was named in October 2009. In 2011, Diaz was appointed as the chief executive of Chrysler's Mexican operations where he was the corporate representative responsible for all of the company's business brands in Mexico, including Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram and Mitsubishi. During his 24-year career at Chrysler, Diaz progressed through a series of sales company roles beginning as a trainee and zone manager through to the head of national sales and, ultimately, CEO of the Ram brand. He has extensive automotive experience across the sales, field operations, distribution, service and marketing arenas. Diaz is a respected executive in the automotive industry who has overseen a period of tremendous growth at the Ram brand. In addition to the Ram brand's 17 percent sales increase in 2012, he was instrumental in leading the brand to win the 2013 'North American Truck of the Year' award for the new Ram 1500 pickup truck. Diaz earned a bachelor's degree in management with an emphasis in psychology from Texas Lutheran University and a master's degree in business management from Central Michigan University. View full article