William Maley

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com December 19, 2012 When Infiniti announced on Monday night that they would be changing their nomenclature to Q and QX, the outpouring of rage and sarcastic comments were overwhelming. Today Johan de Nysschen, Infiniti's president sent an open letter to the press and its fans explaining its decision. de Nysschen explained that Infiniti will be going on a product offensive in the next few years and and found itself in the situation of finding alphanumeric combinations that weren't already taken by another automaker. de Nysschen also said that the current nomenclature is causing confusion in new markets that Infiniti is entering. "Our new customers are unfamiliar with the brand and struggle to understand our range hierarchy. Is a JX above or below an FX? Where does an EX fit? What is the relationship between G and Infiniti M? Research confirms the majority of newcomers to our brand consider the naming to be somewhat arbitrary and confusing." said de Nysschen. There's one part of the letter that has everyone in the automotive media buzzing and dreaming. de Nysschen references a "new high-tech 550+ horsepower performance flagship for the Infiniti M range above it (M56 which uses a V8), using a potent charged induction V6". Interesting if a bit random example to use. But for de Nysschen to reference horsepower and a 'potent charged induction V6' has caused everyone to go into a tizzy about a M or I should say Q70 sedan with a GT-R powertain. We'll wait and see if that comes to fruition, along with seeing if Infiniti's name change is a good idea. 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 A Message from Johan de Nysschen to Infiniti Owners and Fans Dear Infiniti fans: We love you dearly. And we know you love the brand. Which means it’s only natural that you may feel surprised by the announcement that we plan to change our nomenclature philosophy. No one likes change. It was a tough decision. We like our current model names as much as you do. But we had no choice but to change. Let me explain. 1. We are embarking on a massive product offensive, and these new cars need names. There are no suitable combinations of Alphanumeric naming options remaining that are not already trademarked by another automaker. In order to expand our line up with the fascinating new models we are developing, we must create a more flexible nomenclature philosophy. 2. Our new advanced technology engines under development will be smaller, lighter, more fuel efficient yet more powerful. And we will introduce some exhilarating performance machines in the future. I’m sure you will agree, it would be a bit odd to have a powerful, luxurious and refined V8 powered Infiniti M56, then position a new high-tech 550+ horsepower performance flagship for the Infiniti M range above it, using a potent charged induction V6, but then call it Infiniti M30, which we would be obliged to do, following our current naming logic. 3. Infiniti is becoming a global brand now. We are already active in almost 50 countries, the majority only very recently. Our new customers are unfamiliar with the brand and struggle to understand our range hierarchy. Is a JX above or below an FX? Where does an EX fit? What is the relationship between G and Infiniti M? Research confirms the majority of newcomers to our brand consider the naming to be somewhat arbitrary and confusing. 4. Infiniti owns the naming assets of Q plus double digit, and QX plus double digit. And it is a permanent part of our heritage. So the solution is pretty straightforward – use Q for cars, QX for crossovers, and double digits in increments of ten, to denote hierarchy, linked to the price point of the model, not size and not engine displacement. And no, we wont call all-wheel drive models Q50X or QX50X. The fact that a model may feature four-wheel drive will be indicated by specific badging describing this feature on the car and is not part of the model name. The really exciting implication of all this is that it prepares the way for the introduction of several fascinating new models above and below the current line up, and a wider range of powertrains including some truly stunning performance cars in our future. So there is only good news for all Infiniti fans around the globe. We are working very hard to bring you great products, a great brand and a compelling ownership experience. And we are really confident you will love the new Q50. It’s simply that good. Warmest regards, Johan de Nysschen President Infiniti Motor Company Limited View full article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com December 19, 2012 General Motors announced today that they will be buying back 200 million shares of stock from the U.S. Treasury. The buyback will cost GM about $27.50 per share - about $5.5 billion in total. GM says the $27.50 share price represents a 7.9% premium over the closing price on December 18. The share buyback is expected to close by the end of December. After this buyback, the Treasury will still hold close to 300 million shares of the automaker's stock – roughly equal to a 19% stake. Treasury officials say they will begin to sell off the rest of their shares as early as next month, "through various means and in an orderly fashion." The Treasury plans to sell all of its GM shares over the next 12 to 15 months. “This announcement is an important step in bringing closure to the successful auto industry rescue, it further removes the perception of government ownership of GM among customers, and it demonstrates confidence in GM’s progress and our future,” said Dan Akerson, chairman and CEO of GM in a press release today. Source: GM, U.S. Treasury 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 GM to Buy Back Stock from U.S. Treasury Department U.S. intends to fully exit GM investment within 12-15 months 2012-12-19 DETROIT - General Motors today said it will purchase 200 million shares of GM common stock held by the U.S. Department of the Treasury for $5.5 billion, or $27.50 per share. The share buyback is part of the Treasury’s plan, also announced today, to fully exit its entire holdings of GM stock within 12 to 15 months, subject to market conditions. Treasury has announced its intention to sell its remaining shares of common stock into the market through various means and in an orderly fashion. Treasury intends to begin its disposition of its remaining shares as soon as January 2013, consistent with a pre-arranged written trading plan. In addition, Treasury has agreed to relinquish certain governance rights that were included in the U.S. Treasury Secured Credit Agreement with GM. “This announcement is an important step in bringing closure to the successful auto industry rescue, it further removes the perception of government ownership of GM among customers, and it demonstrates confidence in GM’s progress and our future,” said Dan Akerson, chairman and CEO of GM. Dan Ammann, senior vice president and CFO added, “A fortress balance sheet has been a pillar of GM’s financial strategy and has enabled us to undertake today’s actions. GM’s balance sheet will remain very strong, with estimated liquidity of approximately $38 billion at the end of 2012, following the closing of the share buyback.” The repurchase price of $27.50 per share represents a 7.9 percent premium over the closing price on December 18, 2012. The share buyback is expected to close by the end of the year. This transaction will be accretive to earnings per share, as GM’s total shares outstanding on a fully diluted basis will be reduced by approximately 11 percent. In association with this share buyback, GM expects to take a charge of approximately $400 million in the fourth quarter, which will be treated as a special item. After the repurchase, Treasury will continue to own approximately 300 million shares of GM common stock, or approximately 19 percent of the outstanding shares on a fully diluted basis. Government ownership of GM stock was the result of the auto industry rescue that began under President George W. Bush in 2008 and which was expanded by President Barack Obama in 2009. The industry in general, and GM in particular, have rebounded sharply since the rescue. Since the rescue, GM has announced investments of more than $7.3 billion in the U.S. and created or retained more than 20,000 jobs. “We come to work every day grateful that taxpayers from the US and Canada stepped forward to rescue our industry, and determined to show this extraordinary help was worth it,” Akerson said. View full article

I actually like the blue.. Not many others though. GS and this are two completely different vehicles and have the price tags to prove it. I think I would choose the S60 over the GS, but I need to spend some time in a GS.

Don't know. If a tall person or someone who likes to sit back, then no. Otherwise, you can fit back there comfortably. Quality is there, no apparent gaps or misallignments Cannot say on this since I haven't spent a lot of time in Volvos during the Ford ownership. Thinking programming and its drive-by-wire. Not a DI. Smooth at idle. Not noticeable when driving normally.. bit of a growl when accelerating hard. I can tell where the front corners are. Rear is somewhat difficult.

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com December 18, 2012 GM's full-size hybrid pickups, the Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid and GMC Sierra Hybrid have offered the best fuel economy in the class since being introduced in 2009. However, they haven't been a sales success as GM had expected. Last year, GM sold 3,114 Hybrid trucks and SUVs, from a high of 8,797 vehicles in 2009. Last week at the press introduction of the new Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra, GM North America President Mark Reuss told GreenCarReports that a hybrid model isn't in the cards. “In this truck we decided to go with the EcoTec3 technology, with the V-6 and the two V-8s, and we think that's the best solution for our customers. So with this next generation it will not be a hybrid,” said Reuss. This response mostly confirms earlier reports, the first being from GMInsideNews.com back in August that cited information from sources that GM would be killing off its hybrid trucks and SUVs. When asked about what the future holds for the hybrid system in SUVs, Reuss declined to comment. Source: GreenCarReports.com 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 December 18, 2012 When we last reported on Chrysler minivan debacle back in May, CEO Sergio Marchionne said that Town and Country would be leaving after 2013, leaving the Dodge Caravan as the sole minivan. Taking the place of the Town and Country would be a crossover in 2014/2015. According to a report from the Detroit Free Press, Chrysler still hasn't made a decision. Chrysler is showing four different concepts; a minivan and crossover from Chrysler and Dodge to consumer clinics before making the final decision. When the decision is made, the redesigned minivan and new crossover will go on sale in 2014 as a 2015 model. Source: Detroit Free Press 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. Related Stories Marchionne Reveals Some Of Chrysler's Future Plans View full article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com December 17, 2012 From the Redundancy Department: Infiniti announced tonight that starting with the 2014 model year they would introduce a new nomenclature strategy that would have their passenger vehicles wearing the Q prefix and crossovers and SUVs wearing the QX prefix. The first vehicle that will wear the Q prefix will be the replacement for the G Sedan, named the Q50, to be shown at Detroit. Why is Infiniti going forth with Q, a prefix that hasn't been used since the departure of the Q45 in 2006. The answer is simplicity. According to Infiniti, going with the Q and QX prefixes is simpler than the current alphabet soup (G, M, EX, FX, JX, and QX). Umm how? Let me demonstrate the new naming convention against the old one. G Sedan = Q50 Sedan G Coupe/Convertible = Q60 Coupe/Convertible M Sedan/Hybrid = Q70 Sedan/Hybrid EX Crossover = QX50 Crossover JX Crossover = QX60 Crossover FX Crossover = QX70 Crossover QX SUV = QX80 SUV Qonfused? (Sorry.) But how will Infiniti show what engine it has? The Q50-37? The Q50 V6? More random letters? Hopefully Infiniti can make this clearer in the near future. 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 INFINITI ANNOUNCES NEW NAMING STRATEGY -- Infiniti models from the 2014 model year to carry Q or QX prefix --New nomenclature symbolizes new brand direction and the commitment to Infiniti under the leadership of Johan de Nysschen --The use of Q & QX captures the inspiration within the next generation of Infiniti models, while relating back to Infiniti's roots of the Q45 --New premium sports sedan to launch at the North American International Auto Show in January will be first Infiniti to carry new Q badge HONG KONG, December 18th 2012: Marking another significant step in its plan to further expand its presence in the premium automotive sector, Infiniti today announced details of a new nomenclature strategy to be applied to its complete product range beginning with the 2014 model year. The first model to carry Infiniti's new Q badge will be the Q50, an all-new premium sports sedan to be unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in January 2013. The premium automotive brand will see its model range simply prefixed either by Q – for sedans, coupes and convertibles, or QX, for crossover and SUV models. Each model will be further identified by a double digit representing hierarchy within the range. This strategic change reflects Infiniti's desire for clarity and cohesiveness as it embarks on ambitious growth plans, including significant expansion of the Infiniti portfolio. Commenting on the revised naming philosophy, Johan de Nysschen, President of Infiniti Motor Company Limited, said: "Over the past few months, we have talked at length with our retailers, our customers, and our business partners about our brand. The need for a new identity and direction to promote consumer familiarity with our model range as we expand the portfolio became evident. To achieve this, we clearly needed a simple and consistent nomenclature framework. After exhaustive research and evaluation, we concluded that 'Q' captured the inspiration within the next generation of Infiniti models, as well as emphasizing our performance credentials while harking back to our heritage with the Q45 – Infiniti's first iconic flagship product in 1989." Infiniti's new nomenclature strategy will be implemented in logical stages within the existing product range, as 2014 model year variants are introduced. The brand's future plans include a range of next-generation Infiniti models that will carry Q and QX badging from the outset. View full article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com December 17, 2012 Last month, Hyundai and Kia announced they had overstated their claims for fuel economy on a number of 2011 to 2013 model year vehicles. Now, the starting point of this whole incident could be from a phone call by a vice-president of an American automaker. Automotive News reports that Margo Oge, retired head of the EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality got a phone call from a "credible" senior VP of a domestic automaker that accused the two Korean brands of ""cheating" to get inflated mpg numbers." Oge didn't divulge the VP or the automaker. Automotive News then contacted Chrysler, Ford, and GM asking if they were the automaker who made the phone call. The responses follow, "It's not us," said Chrysler spokesman Eric Mayne. "We cannot comment on any specific discussions, but Ford routinely speaks with policymakers about a wide variety of issues affecting our industry. We have been -- and remain -- an advocate of driving real fuel economy gains because it is in the best interest of our customers," said a Ford spokesman in an e-mail. "We don't conduct our business in that manner," said GM spokeswoman Sharon Basel in an e-mail. Basel would go onto say the company would not bring in the Government to resolve a dispute. Out of the three, Ford's response doesn't quite pass the Automotive News' smell test. The report does point out that PR people don't always know the goings on of senior management. Will we find out who made the phone call? Maybe, but its highly doubtful. 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

I believe its on all of the time.

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com December 17, 2012 While GM showed off the new full-size trucks this past week, they are still busy working on the new full-size SUVs. GM North American President Mark Reuss told the Detroit Free Press that redesigned versions of the automaker's full-size SUVs - Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL will be arriving in 2014. Reuss didn't give an explanation as to why there is a delay to the full-size SUVs. While the popularity of SUVs have falter somewhat, they still represent a important part of GM's lineup. Reuss said that GM owns a 70% share of the SUV market. Source: Detroit Free Press 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 December 17, 2012 We know Maserati has some new vehicles coming in the pipeline. There's the new Quattroporte which will be shown at Detroit Auto Show next month, a smaller sedan named the Ghibli, and a new SUV wearing the Levante nameplate. Car and Driver has caught wind of some other Maserati products coming soon. First up is the next-generation GranTurismo due out in 2014. Maserati chief designer Lorenzo Ramaciotti has said that it would be a more sports-car-like vehicle unlike the current model which is heavy and large. The GranTrurismo will use the underpinnings of the new Quattroporte. That will be followed by the GranTurismo cabriolet in 2015. Also in 2015 will be a new small SUV or crossover to challenge the Audi Q5 and Porsche Macan. The interesting bit of news with this is the SUV/Crossover will use Fiat's CUSW (Compact US Wide platform), built for front-wheel and all-wheel-drive vehicles and seen on such vehicles as the Dodge Dart. Source: Car and Driver 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 December 15, 2012 I'm very excited with this week's vehicle at the Cheers & Gears' Detroit Garage since its a Volvo and very special one at that. This happens to be the 2013 Volvo S60 T6 AWD R-Design. Now, the R-Design adds some performance goodies to a normal S60 T6 AWD in the form of some changes to the body giving it a more aggressive look, a R-Design sport chassis, and some performance tweaks to the 3.0L turbocharged six-cylinder engine. The pricetag on this S60 T6 AWD R-Design is $48,195.00 thanks in part to the S60 Platinum package which adds navigation, upgraded audio system, and a rear camera for $2,700, and the climate package which adds heated seats, an air quality system, and heated windshield nozzles for $700.00. First impressions are very positive. I like the looks and the interior. The engine moves the S60 at a very rapid pace. The AWD makes sure that power is getting onto the road and keeping the vehicle on there as well. Couple concerns I have so far with the S60. One: the back window is very small. This isn't helped with the back seat headrests that cause some big blind spots. Two: the gas has two positions. Lightly touch the pedal and you're moving at a normal pace. Touch the pedal like you normally would and you're entering hyperspace. There isn't a smooth increase of acceleration when you press on the pedal. Its either on or really on. I will have more thoughts on the S60 during this week. In the meantime, if you have any questions about this, drop them below. 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

GM isn't telling at this moment

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com December 14, 2012 The next-generation Ford F-150 could be aiming for the best-in-class fuel economy. A source tells Reuters that the 2015 F-150, due out in late 2014, is aiming for a 15-20% improvement in fuel economy. The 2015 Ford F-150 "will be a game-changer that will alter the dynamics of the truck segment. They're shooting for best-in-class fuel economy," the source told Reuters. When asked about this, Ford spokesman Mike Levine said, "Ford is committed to offering our customers leading fuel economy (but) it's premature to talk about future products," Ford increasing the fuel economy of the next F-150 is due to two reasons; the tougher fuel-economy standards that take effect in 2015 and 2016, and Ford wanting to keep its dominance in the truck market. The 2015 F-150 is expected to shed as much as 750 lbs through the use of aluminum body panels and other lighter components like the brakes and axles. Ford is also working on a eight-speed automatic and hybrid system with Toyota. Reuters also reports that Ford is readying a a new family of turbocharged, direct-injected engines under the code name of Nano. The first of these engines will be a 2.9L V6 arriving sometime in 2016. Source: Reuters via 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

Nope. I'm sure we'll those within the coming months