NINETY EIGHT REGENCY

Ghosn says Renault-Nissan EVs may be profitable in 3 years Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn has predicted battery-powered autos may account for 10 percent of global auto sales by 2020. November 18, 2010 15:00 CET TOKYO (Bloomberg) -- Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn said the alliance's electric cars business may be profitable within three years as the two automakers plan to introduce new models. “There are customers who want really zero emission cars,” Ghosn said in an interview with Bloomberg Television in New York Wednesday. “This segment is going to grow with time.” Ghosn has predicted battery-powered autos may account for 10 percent of global auto sales by 2020. Higher oil prices, tighter government emission rules and concern such pollution contributes to climate change have prompted Renault SA, Nissan Motor Co. Mitsubishi Motors Corp., Toyota Motor Corp. and other automakers to develop electric cars. The Renault-Nissan alliance has said it will have an annual capacity to build 500,000 electric cars by 2012. The carmakers plan to introduce at least eight electric vehicles including the Renault Fluence and Nissan Leaf, the partners have said, without specifying a timeframe. “When we will be reaching this level, overall product lineup will be profitable,” Ghosn said. “This may happen within next three years.” Nissan plans to sell as many as 25,000 units of the $32,780 Leaf in the U.S. during the model's first year, following its introduction this year. The Leaf will cost about 30,000 euros with incentives when it goes on sale in select markets in early 2011. Read more: http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20101118/ANE/101119802/1193#ixzz15eMmAxOI

JEEP MOVES UPSCALE, ADDS LIBERTY JET AND GRAND CHEROKEE OVERLAND SUMMIT By Mark Kleis Today during the press-only viewing of the Los Angeles Auto Show, Jeep announced two new trim levels that will be added as range-toppers for the Liberty and Grand Cherokee. The two new trim levels are unique in the Jeep family, and neither have been applied to any other models. The Jeep Liberty Jet is an appearance package that can be added to either the Liberty Sport or Limited models, while the Overland Summit trim level is a stand alone level. “While core Jeep enthusiasts will certainly love these vehicles, the new Grand Cherokee Overland Summit and Liberty Jet models are in direct response to consumers in the premium end of the spectrum asking us for our unique, benchmark capability in stunning, luxurious packages,” said Mike Manley, president and CE0 – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “These new vehicles deliver the premium attributes that a growing portion of our customers are asking for, and at the same time, are certain to draw new customers into Jeep showrooms.” 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit For this range-topping trim level, a new and exclusive Rugged Brown paint scheme is in or, sporting a unique front appearance that includes a fully chromed grille and fog lamp bezels, and riding on 20-inch polished aluminum wheels. Inside, the new Overland Summit features unique Black Olive burl real wood trim blended into the instrument panel which then wraps into the upper panels of both the front and rear doors. The wood trim is also used on the standard, leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel. The Grand Cherokee Overland Summit boasts a Black lower and New Saddle upper interior trim color, along with saddle-color Nappa heated and ventilated leather seats – with perforated inserts, accent piping and unique stitching – and Berber floor mats with Black and Chestnut accent binding. Standard on the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit is the Advanced Warning System and Adaptive Cruise Control group, which consists of Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-path detection systems. In addition to the unique Rugged Brown exterior color, the Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit is also available in Mineral Gray, White Gold and Black. The Grand Cherokee Overland Summit edition available at a U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $42,495 (plus $780 destination) for 4×2 models, and $45,995 (plus $780 destination) for 4×4 versions. 2011 Jeep Liberty with Jet Package The 2011 Jeep Liberty Jet appearance package is available on Liberty Sport and Limited models. Exterior features include 20-inch polished aluminum wheels fitted with P245/50R20 all-season tires, chrome lower fascia opening, body side moldings, license plate brow, roof rails and mirror caps, blacked-out headlamps and of course, unique ‘Jet’ badging. The Jet is offered in four exterior colors: Bright Silver, Dark Charcoal, Brilliant Black and Blackberry. Inside, the Jet edition boasts a nine-speaker premium audio system, standard security system that includes supplemental side-curtain air bags and Park Sense rear park assist, available Dark Slate Gray leather seating with accent stitching, heated front seats, available with six-way power function for the driver and two-way for the passenger, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls and one-touch up/down power windows. The Liberty Jet option package is available at a U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $1,495 on Liberty Sport models and $995 on Liberty Limited models. link: http://www.leftlanenews.com/jeep-moves-upscale-adds-liberty-jet-and-grand-cherokee-overland-summit.html

LA Preview: Jeep rolls out premium Grand Cherokee and Liberty trims by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) on Nov 16th 2010 at 4:01PM Jeep is preparing to rumble in to the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show with a pair of upscale variants on two of their most popular models: the Grand Cherokee Overland Summit and the Liberty Jet. The Overland Summit edition of the new Jeep Grand Cherokee stands among the most luxurious and equipped vehicle the Chrysler division has ever made. Jeep has chromed the grille, fog lamp bezels and 20-inch rims and painted it a new shade of Rugged Brown (optional alongside gray, beige and black), decking out the interior with Black Olive veneers, two-tone Nappa leather and Berber floor mats. The Liberty Jet edition also adds a load of chrome to the wheels, lower grille, side moldings, tailgate, roof rails and mirror housings, while blacking out the headlamps to compliment the silver, charcoal, black or blackberry colors available. Inside the Liberty Jet packs a nine-speaker audio system and a host of optional features bundled as standard. The Overland commands a $42,495 MSRP (before destination) in two-wheel drive spec and $45,995 for the 4x4, while the Jet package adds $1,495 to the Liberty Sport or $995 to the Liberty Limited. Both will be unveiled at the LA show before opening the order books in December, but you can check out the details in the press release after the jump right now along with the pair of high-res preview images in the gallery below. Hat tip to Brian! link: http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/16/la-preview-jeep-rolls-out-premium-grand-cherokee-and-liberty-tr/

GM's Volt named 2011 Motor Trend Car of the Year Christina Rogers / The Detroit News Warren— Motor Trend Magazine has named the Chevrolet Volt its 2011 Car of the Year. General Motors Co. received the prestigious industry award this morning during a ceremony from inside a wind tunnel at the automaker's tech center in Warren. Motor Trend Editor-in-Chief Angus MacKenzie said the Volt — GM's $41,000 battery-powered car with a backup gas engine — is one of the most significant vehicles to receive the award in its 61-year history. The accolades come just weeks before the much-anticipated Volt is scheduled to arrive in dealer showrooms. The first Volts began rolling off the line at GM's Detroit-Hamtramck plant this month. "The Volt has some of the most advanced engineering ever seen on an American production car," McKenzie said in a video posted on the magazine's website. GM officials lauded the effort put into the Volt and thanked employees for their work and dedication. "It doesn't get any better than this," said Tom Stephens, vice president of global product operations, as he addressed a crowd of workers and media. The Volt is powered by electricity for a range of about 25 to 50 miles, and a backup gas engine turns on once the battery is about 70 percent depleted. "We expected a science experiment, but this is a moon shot," the magazine's editors described the Volt in a January 2011 issue of Motor Trend. "The Volt delivers on the promise of the vehicle concept as originally outlined by GM, combining the smooth, silent, efficient, low-emissions capability of an electric motor with the range and flexibility of an internal combustion engine," the editors wrote. From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20101116/AUTO01/11160384/GM-s-Volt-named-2011-Motor-Trend-Car-of-the-Year#ixzz15Uzt8225

Motor Trend Car of the Year? The 2011 Chevrolet Volt [w/video] by Jeff Glucker (RSS feed) on Nov 16th 2010 at 9:57AM Motor Trend loves giving out awards, but its most coveted piece of hardware is undoubtedly its Car of the Year trophy. This year, the golden calipers have been bestowed upon the 2011 Chevrolet Volt. General Motors' joins a long line of Motor Trend COTY winners that date all the way back to 1949. Last year, the Ford Fusion took home the prize and prior to that, the Nissan GT-R claimed the magazines coveted spot. The Chevrolet Volt is a hard hitter in each of MT's six categories: Advancement in Design, Engineering Excellence, Efficiency, Safety, Value and Performance of Intended Function. Motor Trend has been a strong champion of the range-extended electric sedan in recent months. The buff book looked past the is-it-just-a-hybrid hoopla and even wrote about how they achieved 127 miles per gallon while putting the car through real world driving conditions. Learn more about why the publication chose the Volt with a video narrated by MT Editor-in-Chief Angus MacKenzie that's located after the jump (warning: auto-play). When you're done checking out the video and the press release, you can learn more about MT's Car of the Year process and finalists here. link: http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/16/motor-trend-car-of-the-year-the-2011-chevrolet-volt-w-v/

Fiat, Ford lead monthly sales decline in Europe Paul McVeigh November 16, 2010 12:37 CET Fiat S.p.A., Volkswagen AG, Ford Motor Co., Opel/Vauxhall, Renault and PSA/Peugeot-Citroen all saw steep declines in their European new-car sales in October as the region's auto market fell by 16.1 percent to 1.06 million units. Fiat brand led the decline with a 36.4 drop in volume last month followed by Ford, whose sales were down by 29.3 percent, according to figures released on Tuesday by ACEA, the European automakers association. Renault brand sales fell 21.5 percent, PSA's volume was down 19.1 percent, while Opel/Vauxhall sales declined 18.7 percent and Volkswagen brand sales dropped by 13 percent. Mass-market carmakers are seeing demand for their cars wane after the expiration of government trade-in incentives. A bright spot was luxury brands. Premium carmakers BMW and Audi saw sales rise 6.2 percent and 2.2 percent respectively, although sales at rival Mercedes-Benz brand fell 2.5 percent. The falling volume “continues to show the difficulties faced by the car industry in the region,” after scrappage programs “heavily boosted” sales a year ago, Jonathan Poskitt, an analyst with J.D. Power & Associates, said. “The underlying weakness of the market is being revealed” as the subsidies end," he said. Spain suffers biggest slump European demand is declining as governments end or trim subsidies that were put in place last year to aid the auto industry during the global recession. The region's five biggest car markets of Germany, Italy, France, Spain and the U.K. all contracted by more than 18 percent last month, with sales in Spain slumping 38 percent, the steepest drop. The October decline was the seventh consecutive monthly drop in European car sales. Ten-month sales are down 5 percent to 11.6 million. Read more: http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20101116/ANE/101119895/1401#ixzz15SQbEMQJ

I remember back in the in the 1970's and 1980's and up to a point in the 1990's when GM cars were spotted and you got photos in the magazines or on Motorweek . I remember when I saw a host of GM cars on the proving grounds taped up or undisguised and had no wheel covers and you had an idea what it was. The lowest point was when the downsized era cars were spied. Man, they looked so bad and so small compared to what was out there, it was a rough time. I remember when they could not tell them apart too. I remember when GM started upsizing and the prototypes were on the proving grounds. They would always refer to it being longer and wider and more. I remember the year to year model changes and I always looked forward to September and October for the new models, new catalogs, and new tv commercials. Some I remember in my mind: 1986 Riviera and Toronado on the proving grounds 1987 Pontiac Bonneville pulling a u-haul 1989 Cadillac Deville in a parking lot 1986 Eldorado parked 1991 Oldsmobile Ninety Eight on the proving grounds 1992 Buick Roadmaster - in a parking lot 1991 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser- behind a fence 1988 Cutlass Supreme on the proving grounds 1988 Buick Regal on the test rack 1991 Chevrolet Caprice - with a lot of tape. It is on this website

Chevrolet Cruze Eco could be GM's game changer 08:47 AM The new Chevrolet Cruze Eco and its 42 mile-per-gallon highway gas mileage rating is likely to send the rest of the auto industry scrambling. Suddenly, every chief engineer is going to have to measure the fuel mileage of vehicles under development against a General Motors sedan. It could be a painful exercise. At 42 mpg with a manual transmission, Cruze Eco is 2 mpg better than even GM had forecast. More significantly, it bests smaller cars like Honda Fit and Ford Fiesta. It's better than some hybrids, which can cost a lot more. How did Chevy do it? It added more body panels to reduce wind drag, among other things. Now other automakers are going to have to struggle for mpg boasting rights. A new Hyundai Elantra could deliver. So could the next Honda Civic. But if they can't best 42 mpg or come close, there could be hell to pay when sales are counted. Interestingly, even though gas prices have remained stable below $3 a gallon, surveys show buyers still care a lot about fuel conservation. Cost is the key. Adding hybrid systems, turbochargers or diesel engines significantly increase their cost. The Cruze Eco will be more expensive than the base model, but won't blow the bank. Cruze Eco starts at $18,895, including shipping. The base model Cruze starts at $16,995. Chrissie Thompson of the Detroit Free Press says that's at least several hundred dollars more than its targeted foreign competitors, but Cruze Eco comes with more standard features. The company will start building the Eco model this month, spokeswoman Lesley Hettinger tells the Free Press. Sales of the Eco model start by the end of the year, she said. Just how does Cruze Eco's manual-transmission fuel economy stack up?: At 28 m.p.g. city / 42 m.p.g. highway, it compares with the 26 / 35 offered by the Toyota Corolla, the Honda Civic's 26 / 34, the Ford Focus' 25 / 35 and the Hyundai Elantra's 26 / 35. link: http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2010/11/chevrolet-cruze-eco-could-be-gms-game-changer/1

Renault Sued For Naming New Car Zoe “First names are for humans,” argues lawyer for two young girls named Zoe Renault. by Paul A. Eisenstein on Nov.11, 2010 It's probably a nice name - unless your name is Zoe Renault. It can be tough to be given the wrong name. But what’s the problem with being named Zoe? Nothing – at least not until a French automaker decided to use that name for one of its new models. Now, Renault is facing a legal challenge filed on behalf of two young girls who just happened to be named Zoe Renault. “First names are for humans,” attorney David Koubbi told the Associated Press, explaining why he has gone to court to block the automaker from launching its new electric car, the Renault Zoe. (The fact that Koubbi’s own daughter is name Zoe convinced him to take the case on pro bono, the AP reports.) While a French court this week rejected Koubbi’s claim, he plans to appeal. “Can an industrialist swoop in steal our names so as to sell his products?” Koubbi added, explaining his case for the two girls, aged 2 and 8 – never mind the 35,000 other French women that bear that name. While other common names, including the Renault Clio, have not kicked up a stir, the campaign to challenge the carmaker’s use of Zoe has already generated 6,000 signatures on Facebook. And in an interview with Europe-1 radio, Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn hinted that the automaker might wave the white flag. “We don’t want our car to come on the market with a name that is a handicap,” he declared during an interview. Picking a name for a new car has become an increasingly difficult challenge, especially in the age of globalization. A classic example is the old Chevrolet Nova which, in Spanish, translated loosely into “no go.” Volkswagen’s Sharan minivan took some teasing from the British, who use that name for a naughty sort of girl. And even the brand name Lexus created problems for Toyota, 20 years ago, when the owners of the Lexis/Nexis database server sued to block its use. Eventually, Toyota prevailed in a lawsuit. But such incidents help explain why more and more makers have abandoned evocative names, like Fairlane, Bonneville or possibly Zoe, more and more migrating to less emotional but safer alphanumeric designations. Unless your new model is named THX1138 – the title of an early George Lucas film, your company is likely not going to offend anyone.

GM will have an interesting Chevrolet showroom. They will have Cruze on one side and Volt on the other. Cruze may pick up some Volt buyers who cannot afford the Volt.

I have this Grand Prix in blue. It is quite nice.

Just like Mitsubishi they just keep on hanging on...

New Chevrolet Cruze Eco Returns 42 mpg Highway, 28 mpg City THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2010 General Motors announced today that the Chevrolet Cruze Eco, which goes on sale in January 2011 for $18,895, delivers an EPA-estimated 42 mpg (5.6 lt/100 km) on the highway and 28 mpg (8.4 lt/100 km) in city, delivering a better fuel efficiency than hybrid models like the Ford Fusion Hybrid or Toyota Camry Hybrid. The Detroit automaker's engineers achieved this by making the powertrain more efficient, further reducing the car's weight and improving the Cruze's aerodynamic coefficient. The Cruze Eco is powered by a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, delivering 138 hp and 148 lb-ft (200 Nm) of torque. To get the most out of it, GM optimized the torque range and made the peak value constant between 1,850-4,900 rpm. Furthermore, the transmission's gearing has been adjusted for the model's 17-inch wheel and tire combination. Low gears have aggressive ratios, while the sixth is a "tall" gear, better suited for highway driving. The announced fuel economy concerns the model with the manual transmission , but there's also a 6-speed automatic available, with EPA-estimated fuel ratings of 26 mpg (9.05 lt/100 km) city and 37 mpg (6.53 lt/100 km) highway. The Cruze Eco underwent a thorough mass-optimization process as well. It tips the scales at 3,009 lbs (1365 kg), meaning it's 214 lbs (97 kg) lighter than the Cruze 1LT. Weight-saving measures include the use of lighter wheels and tires, as well as reduced weld flange length and sheet metal gauge thickness. Aerodynamic improvements are just as important when aiming for low fuel consumption and the Cruze Eco is a rolling proof of this. According to GM, "aerodynamic improvements over non-Eco manual-transmission models contributed approximately six mpg to the Cruze's EPA-estimated 42 mpg highway fuel economy." Engineers used lower front air dam extensions, rear spoiler and underbody panels that smooth the airflow beneath the car. They also lowered the ride height. The technical tour de force is completed by the air shutter incorporated in the lower front grille that closes at higher speeds to reduce drag and opens at lower speeds to optimize engine cooling. Below you can see how the Cruze Eco stacks up to non-hybrid and hybrid competitors By Csaba Daradics link: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2010/11/new-chevrolet-cruze-eco-returns-42-mpg.html

CHEVROLET ANNOUNCES 42 MPG HIGHWAY FIGURE FOR CRUZE ECO By Andrew Ganz Chevrolet has announced official EPA mileage figures for its green-minded Cruze Eco model. When equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, the Cruze Eco is capable of 4 2mpg on the highway and 28 mpg in the city. The Cruze Eco features a number of changes aimed at decreasing fuel consumption, like an optimized front axle ratio and ultra low rolling resistance Goodyear tires and lightweight 17-inch alloy wheels. A lowered stance reduces mpg-robbing air turbulence at highway speeds, while a lower front grille “air shutter” closes at higher speeds to improve highway aerodynamics. Chevrolet also modified the upper grille and added in a new front lower air dam extension and a rear spoiler to make the Cruze Eco even more slippery to the wind. The Cruze Eco will come standard with the aforementioned six-speed manual, but it will also offer a six-speed automatic. The automatic version of the Cruze Eco is slightly less efficient than its manual counterpart, earning an EPA rating of 37mpg highway/26mpg city. Regardless of transmission, the Cruze Eco will come standard with the 138-horsepower, 148 lb-ft. of torque 1.4-liter turbocharged Ecotec four-cylinder rather than the base Cruze LS’ naturally aspirated four-cylinder. With that turbocharged engine, Chevrolet says that the Cruze Eco should be good for a 0-60 mph sprint of about 9 seconds with the manual and 10 seconds with the automatic. Look for the Chevrolet Cruze Eco model to roll into dealer showrooms in January, carrying a sticker price of $18,895. link: http://www.leftlanenews.com/chevrolet-cruze-eco.html

2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco rated at 42 mpg highway by Steven J. Ewing (RSS feed) on Nov 11th 2010 at 12:31PM General Motors has released official fuel economy numbers for the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco, and the automaker's original target of 40 miles per gallon (highway) has been surpassed. The Cruze Eco is officially rated at 28/42 mpg with the six-speed manual transmission, making it the segment-leader in terms of efficiency. To achieve this, the Eco uses GM's latest 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-four, rated at 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. On its own, the engine is efficient enough to deliver 24/36 mpg, but a host of aerodynamic changes and weight reductions on the Eco account for the extra bump in fuel economy. In addition to a lower front air dam extension, rear spoiler, lowered ride height and revised underbody panels, the Cruze Eco rides on lightweight 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in low-rolling-resistance tires. What's more, a front grille shutter has been developed to improve airflow at higher speeds, thus accounting for a 10 percent coefficient of drag over standard Cruze models. The Cruze Eco is priced from $18,895 and hits dealerships in January of next year. For the full details, hit the jump for GM's press blast. New Chevrolet Cruze Eco Achieves Segment-Leading 42 MPG On The Highway Hybrid-Like Fuel Economy Starts at $18,895; Goes on Sale in January DETROIT – The official fuel economy numbers for the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco are in and they're good. Segment-leading good. It delivers an EPA-estimated 42 mpg on the highway (manual transmission models), with equally impressive city fuel economy of 28 mpg. Cruze Eco's highway fuel economy beats non-hybrid segment competitors – including 23 percent greater highway fuel economy than the Honda Civic – as well as the Ford Fiesta subcompact and many hybrid models. In fact, it's better than Ford Fusion Hybrid, Nissan Altima Hybrid and Toyota Camry Hybrid. "Chevrolet Cruze continues to redefine the compact segment, offering class-leading standard safety features, upscale amenities – as well as hybrid-like fuel economy without the price," said Chuck Russell, vehicle line director. "The Cruze Eco is in a league of its own and will challenge perceptions of the efficiency available in a more affordable non-hybrid." The Cruze Eco carries an MSRP of $18,895 (including destination charge). It goes on sale in January. To achieve its segment-leading fuel economy, Cruze's engineers focused on aerodynamic performance, mass optimization and powertrain enhancements. The refinements in each area paid big dividends towards the car's overall efficiency, while providing engineers with valuable information to help enhance the efficiency of future Chevrolet models. "We left no stone unturned or piece of sheet metal un-weighed," said Russell. "Our engineers were comprehensive and thorough when it came to evaluating and modifying the aspects of the car's performance that contribute to fuel economy." Aero enhancements Aerodynamic improvements over non-Eco manual-transmission models contributed approximately six mpg to the Cruze's EPA-estimated 42 mpg highway fuel economy. Many were developed and refined in more than 500 hours of wind-tunnel testing of the Chevy Volt, which shares a core architecture with the Cruze. Examples include the upper grille, which has more "closeouts" to improve aerodynamics, a lower front air dam extension, a rear spoiler, a lowered ride height and underbody panels that smooth airflow beneath the car. The Eco model also features an all-new technology in the compact segment: a lower front grille air shutter that closes at higher speeds to reduce aerodynamic drag and opens at lower speeds to optimize engine-cooling airflow. Another contributor to reduced drag is the use of ultra-low rolling resistance 17-inch Goodyear tires (used with lightweight wheels), which are also used on the Volt. As a result of the aero enhancements, aerodynamic drag was reduced by 10 percent over a non-Eco model, with a coefficient of drag of 0.298. That places Cruze at the top of the class for mainstream compact cars. Mass optimization More than 42 changes were made on the Eco to reduce weight. It weighs in at 3,009 pounds (1,365 kg), compared to the 3,223 pounds (1,462 kg) of the Cruze 1LT. The diet program for the Cruze challenged engineers to look at all aspects of the vehicle's construction, including hundreds of weld flanges on the vehicle. They were reduced 1 mm to 2 mm in length, which saved several pounds, while the sheet metal gauge thickness was reduced by about 0.1 mm in select components. This saved weight while preserving structural integrity. Lighter wheels and tires are used on the Eco. They're stylish, polished 17-inch alloy units with Goodyear tires that weigh only 36.5 pounds (16.6 kg) apiece. That's 5.3 pounds (2.4 kg) less than the 16-inch wheel/tires of the Cruze 1LT for a complete savings to the vehicle of 21.2 pounds (9.6 kg). Efficient powertrain Cruze Eco is powered by power-dense Ecotec 1.4L turbocharged engine and a standard six-speed manual transmission. The transmission's gearing is optimized for the model's specific 17-inch wheel/tire combination and includes aggressive ratios for first and second gear coupled with a highly efficient, "taller" sixth-gear ratio for highway driving. That means engine rpm is reduced on the highway, which in turn reduces fuel consumption. A six-speed automatic transmission is available, with EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 26 city and 37 highway. The Ecotec 1.4L turbo's power ratings are 138 horsepower (103 kW) and 148 lb.-ft. of torque (200 Nm) between 1,850 rpm and 4,900 rpm. The wide rpm range for the maximum torque – a specific trait of turbocharged engines – helps the engine deliver a better driving experience and performance. The turbocharger is integrated within the exhaust manifold, for reduced weight and greater packaging flexibility. The engine also features premium design elements that give it world-class smoothness and durability while also contributing to the Cruze Eco's lower curb weight. They include a cast iron block with a hollow frame structure, hollow-cast camshafts and a plastic intake manifold. Comparing the competitors As a result of aerodynamic improvements, mass reduction and powertrain optimization, the Cruze Eco offers the best fuel economy in the compact segment, while delivering hybrid-like fuel economy without the hybrid price. The following charts show how it compares with primary competitors and popular hybrids. link: http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/11/2011-chevrolet-cruze-eco-rated-at-42-mpg-highway/

Chevy's 2011 Cruze Eco: 42 mpg highway, 28 mpg city Christina Rogers / The Detroit News Chevrolet's new 2011 Cruze Eco will get 42 mpg highway and 28 mpg city, according to new estimates released today by the Environmental Protection Agency. The mileage figures, based on models with a six-speed, manual transmission, put the Cruze Eco at the forefront of fuel economy in its class, beating out some larger hybrid vehicles and smaller cars sold by its competitors, such as Ford Motor Co.'s Fiesta, which gets 40 mpg highway. The Cruze Eco — GM's more fuel-efficient version of its all-new compact — goes on sale in January with a price tag of $18,895, about $1,900 more than the base model. With an automatic transmission, the Eco gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg city and 37 mpg highway. The Eco has a smaller 1.4-liter turbo engine than the standard Cruze LS, which is equipped with a 1.8-liter engine and gets 26 mpg city and 36 mpg highway with a manual transmission. The Cruze began arriving in dealers' showrooms in late September and is General Motors Co.'s latest shot at putting a small, entry-level car on the market that will rack up large sales volumes for the automaker. With the Cruze Eco, GM says it buyers can achieve better gas mileage than some of the segment's top-selling leaders, such as Toyota's Corolla, which gets 35 mpg highway, and Honda's Civic, which gets 34 mpg highway. The Cruze Eco even beats out some hybrids in fuel economy but with a much lower sticker price. The Toyota Camry Hybrid, for instance, gets 33 mpg city and 34 mpg highway and costs $26,150, the automaker said. Ford Motor Co.'s Fusion Hybrid, however, did beat the Cruze Eco — at least in city driving with an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 41 mpg. But the Cruze Eco trumped it on the highway with the Fusion hybrid averaging 36 mpg. From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20101111/AUTO01/11110461/Chevy-s-2011-Cruze-Eco--42-mpg-highway--28-mpg-city#ixzz151Y79Aqy

Renault can keep Zoe name for electric cars The Zoe is due to go on sale in 2012 as part of a big push towards electric vehicles by Renault and Nissan. November 11, 2010 09:46 CET PARIS (Reuters) -- Renault said it can keep the name Zoe for its future small electric car after a judge ruled that girls called Zoe did not face imminent harm or a threat to their private life or dignity. Lawyer David Koubbi had brought a case against the carmaker's choice of name on behalf of Zoes and two women named Zoe Renault in particular. He said he would appeal the ruling, French newspaper Le Figaro said. "For my clients, it would be intolerable to hear 'the Zoe has broken down' or indeed 'he or she killed herself in a Zoe'," Koubbi had written in a letter to Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn. In the letter, which was published on the Web site of ADNP -- a French association for the defense of given names -- Koubbi said he was already hearing reports from his clients of the teasing girls called Zoe were suffering at school. Zoe is the 11th most popular given name in France according to L'Officiel des Prenoms -- a list of the most popular names given each year. The compact Zoe electric car -- whose Z and E stand for Zero Emissions -- is due to go on sale in 2012, part of a big push towards electric vehicles by Renault and its Japanese alliance partner Nissan Motor Co. The partners are jointly investing 4 billion euros in electric vehicles. Nissan's Leaf hatchback is due to arrive in some European markets early next year, while Renault's first two electric models, the Fluence and the Kangoo, will go on sale in September. Read more: http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20101111/ANE/311119970/1193#ixzz14zOGEAdZ

Congrats to you sir! I know you well do well at your new job.

Court Gives Renault Green Light to Use Zoe Name By William Diem WardsAuto.com, Nov 10, 2010 2:21 PM PARIS – A French judge will let Renault SA call its 2012 electric car the Renault Zoe, over the objections of two families who have daughters named Zoe Renault. The families formed an association for the defense of first names and family names and argued their girls will be teased because they have the name of a car. Their lawyer asked the courts Oct. 13 to prevent Renault from using the name Zoe (which has a ZE in it, for Zero Emissions). However, the Tribunal de Grande Instance ruled Nov. 10 not to grant the request, saying there was no imminent harm, nor an attack on privacy or dignity as a result of Renault using the name on a car. “Renault is satisfied with this decision,” the company says in a statement. link: http://wardsauto.com/home/renault_zoe_name_101110/

Girls named Zoe lose suit against Renault for naming electric car Zoe 04:23 PM Renault today dodged a bullet for car companies trying to christen new models: being sued because it's someone's name. A French judge said it could keep the name Zoe for its cute little electric car with spa-like aroma therapy ventilation due out mid 2012. Lawyer David Koubbi sued on behalf of two girls named Zoe Renault (ages 2 and 8 ), contending their name on the car would set them up for a lifetime of grief, from playground taunts to sexual innuendo. He said his Zoe Renaults (no relation to company founder Louis Renault) would be most hurt, but all of France's estimated 35,000 Zoes would feel the sting. "Can you imagine what little Zoes would have to endure on the playground, and even worse, when they get a little bit older and someone comes up to them in a bar and says, 'Can I see your air bags?' or 'Can I shine your bumper?'" Koubbi told The Associated Press in an interview. Seems a reach to us -- and a French judge agreed, ruling the parents would have a case only if they proved the car name would cause the girls "certain, direct and current harm." Companies naming a car already tiptoe through a minefield to avoid rights issues, vulgar or negative meanings in other languages, names unpronounceable in some countries, etc. Koubbi said he'll appeal, but Renault is sure to keep fighting. Two of its current models -- Megane and Clio -- already carry popular girls' names in France. Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn said in June he was aware of the Zoe issue and wanted to avoid any controversy that could hurt sales. But a Renault official told the AP there are no plans to change the name: "We ordered several studies that showed that it's not a handicap for the car, so there's no reason to make any changes. We're very happy with the judge's decision." Ironically, the little $20,000 electric hatchback clearly aims to be popular with women, not least for the novel skin treatment and scent system in the ventilation developed with cosmetics maker L'Oreal. Here's Renault's description of the "sensuous" Zoe preview model shown recently at the Paris Auto Show: ZOE Preview is evidence that "zero-emission" cars can combine sensuous, reassuring, sculpted styling with the promise of real driving enjoyment.The forward position of its windscreen and the teardrop form of its rear end emphasise the impression of fluidity, while its specific electric-car architecture permit a blunt bonnet and an intake-free front-end which contribute to its compact footprint and efficient aerodynamics. It stands at just 4.10 metres in length and is powered by 60kW (80hp) motor with torque of 222Nm (124 lbs.-ft.) that enables it to zip silently through city traffic. ZOE Preview is also ideal for out-of-town journeys thanks to its 19-inch wheels and reassuring, profiled flanks. Renault ZOE Preview's battery can be charged in one of three ways: standard charge (between 6 and 8 hours depending on the available electric power), quick charge (37 miles range in less than 10 minutes or 80% battery capacity in 30 minutes) or "quickdrop" (a 3-minute battery exchange). A "Spa Car" for the ultimate relaxing ride Renault ZOE Preview's equipment package ensures the wellbeing of its occupants thanks to a triple-effect system developed in association with Biotherm, the skin biology brand of L'Oréal's Luxury Products Division: Skin hydration: Conventional air conditioning systems can have a dehydrating effect on skin during longer journeys, but ZOE Preview's smart climate control system automatically adjusts the humidity level inside the car to optimise the comfort of its occupants. Detox effect: A toxicity sensor monitors air quality and automatically closes the air vents if necessary. Harmful substances are trapped in the cabin filter to ensure that cabin air stays clean at all times. Stimulating or relaxing scent diffuser: An electric system actively releases different scents depending on the needs of the moment (e.g. a relaxing fragrance during the drive home from work or, on the contrary, a scent to stimulate driver vigilance when traveling at night). This package comes along with a specific audio ambience, with music selected in partnership with specialist agency Creative Diffusion (associated with Qwartz, International New Music Awards) to harmonise the audio and relaxing experience inside the car. Finally, ZOE Preview features a light therapy function. The central screen exudes a light that stimulates the occupants' energy and further enhances the impression of wellbeing. This feature forms part of a joint-project with the world-renowned light therapy specialist, Philips. link: http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2010/11/girls-lose-renault-zoe-electric-car-lawsuit-over-name/1

GM's 3Q profit to be its 3rd in a row Report may sway IPO investors By CHRISSIE THOMPSON Free Press Business Writer Today, General Motors reports third-quarter earnings that are expected to nearly match its profit from the first half of the year. It is GM's last financial report before the automaker's planned return to the stock market Nov. 18 -- a chance to convince investors that GM has eliminated the problems that led to four-straight years of losses, totaling $82 billion, that led it into bankruptcy. Today's quarterly profit will be GM's third in a row. But is that enough? "It's not so much whether they've had three, four or five quarters of earnings," said Matt Therian, an IPO analyst at Renaissance Capital in Greenwich, Conn. "It's more whether they can convince investors that those earnings are stable." GM said last week it expected to post $1.9 billion to $2.1 billion in third-quarter net income. The automaker also said it expects the fourth quarter to generate positive earnings before interest and taxes. That would lead to its first full-year profit since 2004. And GM has said profits will continue. Chief Financial Officer Chris Liddell said last week in an online investor video that GM will be able to make $11 billion to $13 billion before interest and taxes in a moderate sales year and $17 billion to $19billion when sales are at their peak. That's largely because GM's bankruptcy restructuring lowered its break-even from at least 15.5 million in U.S. sales to sales of 10.5 million to 11million vehicles, Liddell said. U.S. sales of light vehicles totaled 10.4 million in 2009 but were often in the 16-million range before the recession. If GM delivers on the high end of its third-quarter profit forecast, it could match the $2.1-billion quarterly profit Ford has averaged this year. GM's quarterly results have improved this year, from $865 million in the first quarter to $1.3 billion in the second. In the IPO next week, the U.S. government will start recouping the remaining $40 billion of its $50-billion investment in GM by selling some of its GM stake. Read more: GM's 3Q profit to be its 3rd in a row | freep.com | Detroit Free Press http://www.freep.com/article/20101110/BUSINESS01/11100424/GM-s-3Q-profit-to-be-its-3rd-in-a-row#ixzz14wKDDyzI

Renault plan to name car 'Zoe' sparks legal spat Jenny Barchfield / Associated Press Paris— A French lawyer has a warning for parents-to-be: Naming your baby girl Zoe could set her up for a lifetime of annoyances — everything from playground teasing to sexual come-ons. At least that's the contention of David Koubbi, who is wrangling with French carmaker Renault about its plans to call its new electric car "Zoe." Koubbi is representing the parents of two little girls named Zoe Renault — no relations to the French automaker — who are outraged their daughters might have to share their names with a car. They want Renault to find another — non-human — name for the model. A judge is expected to rule on the case later today. "There's a line between living things and inanimate objects and that line is defined by the first name," Koubbi told the Associated Press in an interview. "We're telling Renault one very simple thing: First names are for humans." That means names shouldn't be co-opted by multinational companies to market products, he said. "Can an industrialist swoop in and steal our names so as to sell his products?" Koubbi asked. "We don't think so." While it's clear the Zoe Renaults of the world would be most affected by the release of the car — slated for 2012 — Koubbi insisted that all France's estimated 35,000 Zoes would feel the sting. "Can you imagine what little Zoes would have to endure on the playground, and even worse, when they get a little bit older and someone comes up to them in a bar and says, 'Can I see your airbags?' or 'Can I shine your bumper?' " Koubbi said. The two Zoes at the heart of the case are 2 and 8 years old and their parents are not seeking any damages, Koubbi said. Renault, one of France's two main carmakers, has already given several of its cars female first names — including its compact hatchback Megane and its mini Clio — both popular girls' names in France. There was no organized opposition to either name. Yet the spat over the "Zoe" has garnered considerable media attention in France, where a petition on a Facebook page called "Zoe's not a car name" has garnered more than 6,000 signatures. In June, Renault Chief Executive Carlos Ghosn said he was aware of the issue and wanted to avoid any controversy that could potentially hurt the car's sales. "We don't want our car to come on the market with a name which is a handicap," he told Europe-1 radio. A Renault spokeswoman said today the automaker had no further comment on the matter. Koubbi, a high-profile lawyer who's represented French celebrity clients in the past, is handling the case on a pro-bono basis. Why? Because his stepdaughter's name is Zoe. From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20101110/AUTO01/11100401/Renault-plan-to-name-car-‘Zoe’-sparks-legal-spat#ixzz14wIWNRK1

General Motors posts $2 billion Q3 gain Christina Rogers / The Detroit News Detroit — General Motors Co. today reported a third-quarter net income of $2 billion — its third consecutive quarter in the black — as it prepares to begin selling its stock on the New York Stock Exchange Nov. 18. The company's performance was up from the second quarter, when it reported $1.33 billion in net income, and is a reversal of its deep third-quarter loss last year of $1.15 billion. The results put the Detroit-based automaker on track for its first profitable year since 2004. Revenue also climbed in the third quarter to $34.1 billion, up from $33.2 billion in the second quarter of 2010 and an increase from $28 billion in the third-quarter in 2009. "We've arrived here because we continue to deliver on our major business objectives," said CEO Daniel Akerson. "We've increased our global market share relative to the first quarter. On a year-to-date basis, we've sold more vehicles in the U.S. with four brands than we did last year with eight brands." Akerson attributed the third-quarter profit to the company's success in reducing cost in North America, so it can continue making money when industry sales are low, as well as its strong sales position in emerging markets of China, India, Brazil and Russia. Operating income for the quarter that ended Sept. 30 increased to $1.9 billion from $1.8 billion in the second quarter, despite sales softening globally for GM and growing losses from its European operations. GM Europe posted a pretax loss of $600 million, compared to a second-quarter loss of $200 million. "We know we have much more work to do," Akerson said. "We still need to fix Europe." GM's global market share fell slightly in the third quarter to 11.5 percent, from 11.6 percent in the previous quarter. The company's international operations reported a profit of $600 million before interest and taxes, but that was down from $700 million in the second quarter. North American operations posted a pretax profit of $2.1 billion, up from $1.6 billion in the second quarter. The automaker reported net operating cash flow of $2.6 billion in the third quarter and free cash flow of $1.4 billion, compared to free cash flow of $2 billion in the second quarter. In the third quarter 2009, GM reported $3.3 billion in operating cash flow. GM's debt grew in the third quarter to $8.6 billion from $8.2 billion in the previous quarter. Its underfunded pension obligations also increased in the last quarter, to $29.4 billion from $26.4 billion in the second quarter. Analysts have pointed to underfunded pensions as a concern for potential investors, although GM said last month it would make a contribution of at least $6 billion in cash and stock to the plans, in hopes of tidying up its balance sheet. GM executives expect the post-bankruptcy company to earn money in the fourth-quarter, as well, before interest and taxes, but it will be less than previous quarters. With these latest results, GM continues its money-making streak, having exited bankruptcy last year, with year-to-date earnings for 2010 totaling $4.2 billion after taxes and interest. They come at a crucial time for the automaker, as its executives travel to Canada, Europe and to major cities in the United States, trying to drum up interest among big institutional investors in next week's initial stock sale. GM said last Wednesday it will sell 365 million shares priced between $26 and $29 a share. A final strike price for the offering will be announced Nov. 17, with trading beginning the next day. From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20101110/AUTO01/11100380/General-Motors-posts-$2-billion-Q3-gain#ixzz14wGRGvwA

European loss burdens GM's bright Q3 results Paul McVeigh Automotive News Europe -- November 10, 2010 14:43 CET General Motors Co.'s European operations posted a wider loss in the third quarter compared to the previous quarter, blighting otherwise bright results ahead of the U.S. automaker's initial public offering next week. GM Europe's third-quarter loss was $559 million before interest and taxes, more than double the $160 million in the three months ended June 30. GM Europe lost $1.2 billion on an Ebit basis in three quarters this year. Helped by an accelerating turnaround in North America, GM posted third-quarter net income of $1.96 billion on revenues of $34.06 billion. In the third quarter of 2009, GM posted a $1.2 billion loss after going through a U.S.-funded overhaul in bankruptcy court. GM Chief Financial Officer Chris Liddell said the European loss largely stemmed from a normal industrywide reduction in volumes during the summer period. The launch of the new Opel/Vauxhall Meriva and an increase in Chevrolet sales in Europe, as well as favorable foreign exchange rates, had helped limit the loss, he said on a conference call with analysts and journalists on Wednesday. GM CEO Dan Akerson said: “We know we have much more work to do. We still need to fix Europe. We continue to be vigilant in reducing cost in the enterprise, and we have just started doing a better job in marketing our brands to consumers.” GM Europe unit sales were 391,000 in the third quarter ending Sept. 30, down from 409,000 the year before. Nine-month volume was 1.24 million, down from 1.3 million the year before. Opel/Vauxhall sales were 272,000 for the third quarter, down from 299,000 the year before. Nine-month volume was 881,000, down from 944,000. Chevrolet Europe's sales increased to 118,000 in the quarter from 103,000 the year before, helped by the introduction of the new Spark minicar. Read more: http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20101110/ANE/101119994/1193#ixzz14tXr9xXE

General Motors announces Q3 profit of $1.96 billion ahead of IPO by Zach Bowman (RSS feed) on Nov 10th 2010 at 9:29AM General Motors posted its last financial report before the company's initial public offering of stock next week. In it, the company reported that in the third quarter of 2010, it earned a net income of $1.96 billion on a total of $34.06 billion in revenue. That puts the automaker's 2010 figures at $4.16 billion of net income on $98.17 billion in revenue, though GM does say that it expects earnings to fall in the fourth quarter thanks to costs associated with developing new vehicles and launching products like the Chevrolet Volt and Cruze. The GM numbers put the company ahead of both Ford, which posted a third-quarter profit of $1.7 billion and Chrysler, which recently announced a net loss of $84 million for the same time period. GM has seen sales climb by six percent so far this year, even while losing around 11 percent of its market share thanks to the sale or demise of brands like Hummer, Saab, Pontiac and Saturn. Hit the jump for the full press release. [sources: Automotive News, GM] Show full PR text GM achieves third consecutive quarter of profitability and positive cash flow Net income of $2.0 billion, earnings per share of $1.20 DETROIT, Mich. – General Motors Company today announced that for the third quarter ending September 30, 2010, the company generated: Revenue of $34.1 billion Net income attributable to common stockholders of $2.0 billion Earnings per share on a fully diluted basis and adjusted for 3-1 stock split of $1.20 Earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) of $2.3 billion Net cash flow from operating activities of $2.6 billion Free cash flow of $1.4 billion "As demonstrated by our third consecutive quarter of profitability and positive cash flow, these results continue our significant progress," said Chris Liddell, vice chairman and chief financial officer. GM North America had EBIT in the third quarter 2010 of $2.1 billion, up from $1.6 billion in the second quarter. GM Europe had a loss before interest and taxes of $0.6 billion, down from a loss of $0.2 billion in the second quarter. GM International Operations posted EBIT of $0.6 billion, down from $0.7 billion in the second quarter. Net cash flow from operating activities was $2.6 billion and after adjusting for capital expenditures of $1.2 billion, free cash flow was $1.4 billion. GM expects to also report positive EBIT for the fourth quarter, albeit at a significantly lower run rate than each of the first three quarters, and profitable year-end results for calendar year 2010. Filed under: GM, Earnings/Financials link: http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/10/general-motors-announces-q3-profit-of-1-96-billion-ahead-of-ipo/