Chris_Doane

I don't know about everyone else, but I haven't been able to get a good idea on just how small these cars are yet. I just got off the phone with AH-HA and others who are on the show floor. They say the cars are B segment sized. In other words, they are Mini Cooper, Toyota Yaris, Chevy Aveo, Honda Fit sized. Maybe these pics with people around the cars will help:

So I just talked to AH-HA and some others from the show floor and he says these are B segment sized cars.... Maybe these pics will help? http://www.cheersandgears.com/forums/index...showtopic=16521

LoL...whoops... Fixed.

Man the Lexus photography sure is nice. As for the vehicle itself... This looks pretty interesting/innovative: All-New 2008 Lexus LX 570 Full-Size Luxury Utility Vehicle Makes World Debut At 2007 New York International Auto Show April 4, 2007 – New York - Lexus unveiled the all-new 2008 LX 570 full-size luxury utility vehicle at a press conference today at the 2007 New York International Auto Show. The all-new third-generation LX will feature more technological advancements to provide added power, luxury, safety, roominess and both on- and off-road capability over the award-winning LX 470 it replaces. "The all-new LX 570 is packed with the luxury appointments and seamless technology our buyers expect of a Lexus vehicle," said Bob Carter, Lexus Division group vice president and general manager. "Equally important, the new LX 570 sets a high-water mark for Lexus by providing more on- and off-highway prowess than ever before, while at the same time providing the amount of interior space, comfort, luxury and ride quality our customers demand." Improved Power Performance The LX 570 will be equipped with a powerful 5.7-liter V8 engine that will produce 381 horsepower, over 110 more than the vehicle it replaces and over 400 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine will be mated to a new six-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission designed and built for large tasks. Both the engine and transmission are controlled and linked by sophisticated electronic management systems that help ensure optimal performance and fuel economy, with minimal emissions at all times. The new LX is expected to be certified as ULEV II. With its upgraded powertrain mated to a new chassis and suspension system, the LX 570 will have a towing capacity of 8,500 pounds, an improvement of 2,000 pounds over the previous model. Innovative Suspension and Technologies Significant upgrades to the suspension and full-time four-wheel-drive system raise the LX to new levels of driving comfort and performance, on- and off-road. A Four-Wheel Electro-Hydraulic Suspension with Active Height Control (AHC) and Adaptive Variable Suspension is quicker and allows for a greater range of adjustment than the system it replaces. The new cross-linked system allows each wheel to react to the driving surface it is in contact with and also react to the actions of the opposing wheels. Using a valve at each corner and a center or master valve, the cross-linked suspension system detects the extension or deflection of each of the LX 570's 20-inch wheels and counters that with appropriate response at the opposite wheels. The intelligence built into the LX 570's new suspension senses chassis roll and helps reduce that roll by more than 30 percent. The system also controls ride height quickly, lowering the chassis by an average of two inches for entry and exit and returning automatically to its normal height when the vehicle begins acceleration. For improved aerodynamics, the new AHC system lowers the vehicle by nearly one inch in front and by a little more than a half inch in the rear at highway speeds. Finally, when the transfer case is shifted into low range, the AHC system raises the vehicle by approximately three inches to provide additional ride height in driving situations where chassis clearance is at a premium. The LX 570 will also include a new Crawl Control feature for increased throttle control when maneuvering over rough or difficult surfaces. When in low range, Crawl Control helps maintain appropriate low speeds allowing the driver to concentrate on steering the LX 570 on the desired path. Similar to cruise control in maintaining vehicle speed, Crawl Control also actuates a set of virtual locking differentials to minimize tire slippage and maximize chassis behavior. Because chassis control is significantly improved, the likelihood of bottoming the LX 570 on the driving surface is significantly reduced. While Crawl Control can be compared in some ways to cruise control, the driver constantly maintains control over the vehicle. Without cancelling the Crawl Control mode, the driver can reduce vehicle speed by braking, or alter the speed higher or lower by adjusting a speed selector switch. The new LX 570 will also feature a multi-terrain ABS braking system. This new technology is designed to help reduce stopping distances on slippery surfaces such as sand or gravel. Among its many advanced technologies the LX 570 will also offer a new blind corner monitor feature designed for use in urban settings such as exiting a parking garage. With cameras located within the grille and under the passenger side-view mirror, the driver can easily check hard-to-view areas by simply pressing a button on the dashboard and viewing the camera images on the navigation screen. Lexus Styling The luxury styling of the new LX 570 emphasizes the Lexus identity by combining the muscular strength and sense of security expected in a four-wheel-drive utility vehicle with the simplistic originality of the Lexus L-finesse design theme, making it much more refined and dynamic than its predecessor. The bold theme of the new LX carries over from front to rear with a wide stance and brawny cabin proportions that are accented with subtle character lines and luxury touches such as chrome-plated door handles and moldings. The wide front grille and arrowhead design on the corners reflect a Lexus styling cue. Distinctive character lines in the hood convey a feeling of power. The character lines are integrated into the bumper and lower intake to convey an aggressive stance. The large projector headlights are restyled to add a dose of sophistication to the beefy front end. The cut-line above the front fenders adds to the performance image of the new LX while the wheel arches add an element of ruggedness to its clean profile. The running boards are fitted closer to the body to provide a more integrated appearance. In the rear, the LX features a sculpted rear door for a more dynamic look and wide combination lights that emphasize its large size. The combination lights and license plate are accentuated with tasteful chrome accents. A six-spoke 20-inch alloy wheel design creates a two-dimensional appearance that is sporty yet elegant. The styling is complemented with features that include Adaptive Front Headlights, a power back door, puddle lamps, headlight washers and a front wiper de-icer. Spacious Interior Comfort The overall wheelbase of the new LX 570 is unchanged from its predecessor, helping to maintain its impressive maneuverability. However, interior and exterior length have increased by at least four inches and width by nearly an inch, creating a more inviting and comfortable space for up to eight passengers and their cargo. Inside, the LX cabin is modern, civilized and characteristically quiet. It will also be equipped with an array of luxury amenities including four-zone independent climate control complete with numerous air vents, a power-sliding second-row seat with a 40/20/40 split, a power third-row seat, navigation with Bluetooth® capability, a nine-speaker premium audio system, XM Satellite Radio with XM NavTraffic, a real time traffic information service that provides driver alerts regarding accidents, road closings and traffic, front seat power bottom cushion extenders, and much more. Advanced Active Safety Technologies For enhanced safety, the new LX will feature a segment-leading 10 standard airbags including driver- and front-passenger knee airbags, second-row seat-mounted side airbags and third-row curtains. Among the many safety features on the new LX are Active Front Headrests, a first for a Lexus utility vehicle, second-row seat belt pretensioners, and a direct tire pressure monitor system. Luxury Amenities In addition to its numerous standard features and advanced technologies, the LX 570 will also be available with a number of optional amenities including climate controlled front seats and heated rear seats, a 19-speaker Mark Levinson® audio system with Reference Surround Sound and a hard disc drive capable of storing up to 2,000 songs, a rear seat entertainment system with a nine-inch screen, the Lexus Intuitive Park Assist, a first-in-its-class Pre-Collision System with Adaptive Cruise Control and Lexus Link. Luxury packages will also be offered on the new LX that will include features such as semi-aniline leather interior trim, a cool box in the front center console, illuminated scuff plates, unique wheel finish, a Smart Card key, and Bubinga wood trim, a wood used to craft fine furniture, instruments and to decorate private jets. The all-new LX 570 will reach Lexus dealer showrooms in early 2008.

More/less yea. Though it's probably more aimed at the Asian/DCX minivans.

Here are some more pics:

Erm, yes? Zoinks! No, no...well on the first 2 anyway. MC is waaaay dead. GMX511 = Camaro vert GMX521 = Camaro coupe GMX551 = Chevy sedan

I think you missed a photo...

GM @ NYIAS The Chevy Trax, Beat and Groove Complete Concept Photo Gallery Beat: Groove: Trax: SIZE DOESN'T MATTER: THREE CHEVROLET GLOBAL MINICAR CONCEPTS PACK A LOT OF PERSONALITY AND STYLE PER MILE NEW YORK – Three Chevrolet minicar global concepts designed to appeal to young car buyers in urban markets prove that art needn't take a back seat just because the canvas is small. Revealed today at the New York Auto Show, the highly creative Chevrolet Beat, Chevrolet Groove and Chevrolet Trax concepts drive the energy, diversity and excitement of urban life into cars that deliver good-looking fun, fuel economy and value. Democracy lovers will even get the chance to pick their favorite by visiting www.vote4chevrolet.com and casting their vote for the Beat, Groove or Trax. The results will help Chevrolet determine U.S. market interest in the minicar segment, and which design/capability package resonates best with potential buyers. All three concepts were designed at GM's Design Studio in Inchon, South Korea. One of GM's 11 Global Design Studios, the designers in the Korean center are experts in small car product development. Built on GM's global mini architecture, these concepts demonstrate the flexibility, creativity and innovative focus of design in GM's Asia Pacific region. The Chevrolet Beat concept, a running prototype of a micro import tuner, was built in India ; while the Chevrolet Groove and Trax micro urban crossover concepts were built at the GM Tech Center in Warren , Mich. "The Chevrolet Beat, Groove and Trax concepts highlight the strength and diversity of GM's Global Design capabilities, as well as the ability of our Global Product Development team to anticipate and quickly meet the evolving needs of our diverse markets around the world," said Ed Welburn, vice president, GM Global Design. "The design team was so enthused about being given the assignment to develop the perfect small car for urban commuters that they created not one, but three interpretations of how this car may be developed for Chevrolet customers around the world." Chevrolet is one of four GM global brands, meeting diverse customer needs in 120 countries with vehicles that range from subcompacts and family sedans to full-size pickups and SUVs and iconic sports cars such as the Corvette. The concepts revealed in New York , for example, offer three different fuel-efficient engines, including a diesel. "The Chevrolet Beat, Groove and Trax concepts have the potential to expand the reach of Chevrolet – already a beloved brand around the world – even further, connecting with young buyers on multiple continents who desire fun-yet-efficient transportation," said Chevrolet General Manager Ed Peper. "These are the same brand attributes that made Chevrolet a household name in the U.S. " Here's a look at Chevrolet's three minicar concepts: Chevrolet Beat: Designed to evoke the mood of a speedy micro import tuner, the Beat is a front-wheel-drive, three-door hatchback concept built to be personalized, and powered by a 1.2-liter turbocharged gasoline engine mated to an automatic transmission. It's loaded with technology, including a navigation system and premium stereo. Chevrolet Groove: A "funkastalgia"-themed vehicle too tough-looking to be "cute," the Groove concept is a retro-inspired vehicle with bodacious fender flares and an upright windshield. It looks much longer than it is, thanks to its short hood and long cabin. The front-drive Groove is powered by a small, efficient 1-liter diesel engine. Chevrolet Trax: An urban crossover concept that's equally at home on the trails or in traffic, it gets a low-cost all-wheel-drive system and looks the part of a rugged SUV many times its size, thanks to a voluminous one-piece bumper and fender system in the front and back, a rear-mounted spare tire and a roof rack. Trax is powered by a 1-liter gas engine. GM's Global Product Development process The Chevrolet Beat, Groove and Trax concepts were designed and built leveraging GM's Global Product Development process, created from best practices around the world that integrate design, engineering, powertrain and manufacturing organizations to ensure each vehicle program meets its quality, timing and business targets, yet is responsive to the needs in regional markets. As part of its global product development process, GM is growing the skills and capabilities of its design and engineering centers in several emerging markets, using key tools and technologies, such as a global virtual design and engineering network, that allows engineers and designers to collaborate with each other around the world. Chevrolet's global footprint Chevrolet is one of the fastest-growing brands in the world, with a sales increase of 158 percent outside North America since 2001. Chevrolet sold 4.3 million vehicles worldwide in 2006, 2.8 million – or 65 percent – in the United States . From 2005 to 2006, Chevrolet's sales grew 19 percent in the Latin America, Africa and the Middle East region; 19 percent in the Asia/Pacific region; and 15 percent in Europe . The Chevrolet Aveo sedan and five-door subcompact, engineered and built in South Korea , is a strong contender in the very competitive global small car market.

I guess the 4.0L V6 will come later..? Probably the diesel too.

So it's...OK-ish. Pretty much what it was expected to be. The roof is pretty cool anyway. The "Sky Slider" roof: The interior is...well....yea..... It has this trunk in the trunk thing that is sort of interesting. Power outlet in the back. The sport model doesn't have those terrible gray plastic fenders or bumpers anymore. A lesson I'm sure they learned with the Nitro. 2008 Jeep® Liberty – All-new From the Ground Up --- All-new 2008 Jeep® Liberty remains true to its legendary 4x4 heritage --- Improved on-road ride and handling with new independent front and new five-link rear suspension systems --- All-new Jeep classic exterior styling, functional interior space and upgraded amenities designed to broaden its appeal to consumers --- Industry-exclusive Sky Slider™ full-open canvas roof The Jeep® Liberty has remained a leader in the mid-size sport-utility vehicle (SUV) market since its introduction in 2002. The popular mid-size SUV gives off-road enthusiasts and owners their own sense of personal freedom and capability that only defines the Jeep brand. All-new from the ground up for 2008, the Jeep Liberty remains true to its legendary 4x4 heritage by offering two Jeep Trail Rated® four-wheel-drive systems – Command-Trac® and the all-new Selec-Trac® II. On-road ride and handling have been improved and refined with the new independent front suspension, new five-link rear suspension and rack-and-pinion steering. The Liberty’s exterior has been redesigned, and takes on a more rugged, classic Jeep look that is sure to captivate the attention of current Jeep Liberty owners and broaden its consumer appeal. Inside, cargo and storage space increases and seat comfort improves. Making its world debut is the new Sky Slider™ full-open canvas roof, an industry-exclusive; giving the Jeep Liberty that “Only in a Jeep” open-air experience. Remote start, rain-sensing wipers, memory seats and mirrors, and express up/down windows are added to the vehicle’s ever-growing list of available features and options. There are two models – Jeep Liberty Sport and Jeep Liberty Limited. “The all-new 2008 Jeep Liberty stands out from the competition by offering customers classic Jeep design, two four-wheel-drive systems, refined on-road ride and handling, cargo and utility, as well as features that are not typically found on vehicles in the mid-size SUV segment,” said George Murphy, Senior Vice President – Global Marketing, Chrysler Group. The all-new Jeep Liberty is designed to appeal to customers who are looking for Jeep 4x4 capability as well as comfort and convenience. It is targeted to young couples and new families, as well as professional, young single men and women between 30 and 40 years of age, balanced male to female. Jeep Liberty owners will balance day-to-day responsibilities with their passion for adventure as well as the outdoors. They are athletic, and pursue activities that combine their various interests with their active lifestyle. The Jeep Liberty will be available at Jeep dealerships starting in the third quarter of 2007. Engineering The all-new 2008 Jeep Liberty offers a balance of off-road capability and on-road refinement. --- All-new independent front suspension, all-new five-link rear suspension, and a power rack-and-pinion steering system contribute to the all-new 2008 Jeep Liberty’s blend of on-road ride comfort and nimble, confidence-inspiring handling --- Two four-wheel-drive systems – all-new Selec-Trac II, full-time four-wheel-drive system and Command-Trac, a part-time four-wheel-drive system – both are Jeep Trail Rated --- The 3.7-liter SOHC V-6 engine provides the 2008 Jeep Liberty with competitive peak power and torque while providing smooth, quiet operation and proven durability. It produces 210 hp (157 kW) @ 5,200 rpm and 235 lb.-ft. (319 N•m) of torque @ 4,000 rpm. Fuel economy has been improved and now achieves an estimated *16 city (18 mpg using 2007 EPA standards), and *22 mpg on the highway (23 mpg based on 2007 EPA standards). --- Two transmissions are offered on the Jeep Liberty in the United States: a six-speed manual transmission and a four-speed automatic transmission --- The 2008 Jeep Liberty was designed and engineered under the Chrysler Development System (CDS), the comprehensive, coordinated and disciplined product creation process that improves quality and speed-to-market while reducing costs and encouraging practical innovation in new products Design In its first redesign since its introduction, the all-new 2008 Jeep Liberty embraces its roots by taking on a more rugged, classic Jeep design that is guaranteed to strengthen its draw to current owners and broaden its appeal to a new audience. --- Jeep classic exterior styling and functional interior space are designed to broaden its consumer appeal --- Industry-exclusive Sky Slider full-open canvas roof brings “Only in a Jeep” open-air experience to mid-size SUV market --- Cargo capacity increases and front and rear passengers will notice the improved seat comfort along with added space Safety and Security The 2008 Jeep Liberty has a full range of active and passive safety systems. Among the vehicle’s standard equipment are Electronic Stability Program, Electronic Roll Mitigation, All-speed Traction Control, Brake Assist, advanced anti-lock brakes, rain sensing wipers, Tire Pressure Monitoring, and side-curtain air bags. Technology The 2008 Jeep Liberty offers the MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System™ a completely integrated audio, navigation, entertainment and hands-free communication system. MyGIG allows customers to use touch screen or voice commands to control features, and includes a 20-gigabyte hard drive where music and photos can be stored. The system also includes a voice-memo recorder feature. MyGIG supports real-time traffic information, available through SIRIUS Satellite Radio, and can provide an alternate drive route based on traffic conditions. All of these functions can be controlled through voice commands and by utilizing a touch screen. SIRIUS Satellite Radio provides U.S. customers with 130 channels, including 100 percent commercial-free music, sports, news, talk, entertainment, traffic and weather. And the UConnect® hands-free communication system uses Bluetooth® technology to provide wireless communication between the customer’s compatible mobile phone and the vehicle’s on-board receiver. Manufacturing The 2008 Jeep Liberty will be built using Chrysler Group’s modern production process, called the Flexible Manufacturing Strategy (FMS). FMS allows multiple products to be produced at one plant in a time-efficient manner that are a higher quality for lower cost. At the core of the new manufacturing process is the heavy use of robots at the Toledo (Ohio) North Assembly Plant. The Jeep Brand Today, with the all-new 2008 Jeep Liberty mid-size SUV, Jeep offers customers the freshest, most capable and widest range of sport-utility vehicles under one brand in the industry. The Jeep vehicle family consists of seven SUVs that represent four distinct vehicle segments. In late 2006, production began on the newest member of the lineup, the all-new Jeep Patriot. Earlier that year was the debut of the redesigned Jeep Wrangler two-door, the icon of the brand; the all-new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, the first-ever four-door Wrangler; and the all-new Jeep Compass. The Jeep Commander – the first Jeep vehicle with seven-passenger seating – was introduced one year earlier. It shares its platform with the Grand Cherokee, a descendent of the Wagoneer and the legendary Grand Wagoneer.

The time, date and exact location of the first public road test of a GMX521 prototype. Also take a camera with you to Milford. The worst they can do is say "you can't bring that in here." GM has been known to "accidentally" drive prototypes in front of groups of media/analysts before.

LoL wow do you get email other than spam? Hahaha and that "Sexy Lingerie" is just poor marketing! Oh I didn't even bother to look and see it was your bulk folder.

"Keith Richards snorted his father's ashes" http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article.../ENT07/70403039

Boy, Subaru really seems to have lost their way lately. This front end is less offensive than the last, yes. But, it's a Chrysler grill?!

Yea you're right, I should've worded that another way. Heh I guess I'll just fall back on my "it was 4am" defense again.

Speculation. So far that’s all we really have. Since Chrysler’s restructuring plan was announced February 14th, the speculation machine has been set to “puree.” We haven’t seen a frenzy like this since the days of GM’s supposed, impending bankruptcy. Just to review, on February 14, 2007, DCX announced a restructuring plan for the Chrysler group that consisted of 13,000 job cuts, plant closures and a reduction in the number of cars Chrysler would build each year. Then we also had the magic words from Dr. Z: If a company is in big trouble, of course they will look at all options.It’s very possible my thoughts that follow are totally wrong. If they are, I’ll be the first to say “yep I wasn’t even close on that one.” That said, these are the things that make me think a sale of Chrysler is not imminent: GM and Ford have restructured, now it's Chrysler's turn. Leading up to Valentines day 2007, Dr. Z had not been feeling the love from the German shareholders. They were unhappy with the Chrysler group’s woes bringing down the DCX business as a whole. Hard to blame them. Among other things, Joe Eberhardt's sales bank had become a total disaster with unsold trucks sitting all over Detroit. Sales for 2006 were down 7% from 2005. Pretty rough when you consider 2005 sales were up 5% from 2004. Clearly it was time for some new thinking at Chrysler. First, Mr. Eberhardt was more/less shown the door at end of 2006. Officially he stepped down, but...uh....yea. Then on the February 14, a restructuring plan was presented much like GM and Ford had already done. The plan would cut costs and get Chrysler back to profitability by 2008. Of course there was the “all options” comment as well. 48 hours later, the speculation train had left the station and was steaming away at full speed. Some might suggest it was DCX’s intention to drive the stock price up with their “all options” comment. I’m not ready to say that was intentional, but Zetsche had to say or do something to get the shareholders off his back. Perhaps the “all options” comment was just something for the share holders to grasp at while LaSorda and Zetsche work frantically the next 5-6 months to get things turned around? However if giving a bump to the stock price was DCX’s intention, it may have worked a little too well. I’ll address that further down. Dr. Z's quotes since Valentines Day Since February 14, there have been more than a few occasions where Dr. Z was quoted saying things that suggested the Chrysler group wasn't necessarily for sale and that it was entirely possible that DCX would keep Chrysler for the time being. Why would he keep reiterating this idea? To me, for a guy who said all options were on the table, he sure sounded like someone trying to hint that the Chrysler group may very well not end up being sold. I really feel there was at least some effort to downplay the idea of a Chrysler sale. Now obviously the financial analysts and fund managers weren't having any of that view. But what did they care? With the stock up $10-$20 on rumors, they were bathing in money. With the additional rumors about an announcement at the shareholder meeting in Germany on Wednesday, the stock has closed today at $84.02. However there is an interesting story that just hit the wires as I write this about that shareholder meeting. I’ll address that separately. There is a plan In all the speculative stories about Chrysler’s sale, it seems to have been lost that they have a plan to turn things around. The plan was unveiled about 45 days ago. They say it will get the Chrysler group back to profitability by 2008. Now whether they can actually achieve that is anyone’s guess, but it seems like there is enough there to give it a little more than 45 days. The example GM is currently setting shows these plans can work. Now if the Chrysler group were to be showing no signs of hope in 8-12 months, then yes, I suppose I could see DCX just wanting to get rid of them at any cost. In the very recent past, it was the M-B group in trouble and needing a restructure while the Chrysler group was humming along. The shareholders threw a $h!-fit then, and M-B got things going back in the right direction. Now that the roles are reversed, it would only seem logical that the Chrysler group would at least be given a chance to execute a similar restructure. A chance that amounts to more than 45 days anyway. Haven't we heard this song before? All this speculation starts to remind me of all those "GM is going to file for Chapter 11 soon" stories we had back in 2005. Delphi was in big trouble and GM was too. Then Delphi filed for chapter 11 and lots of people were saying GM was next. Didn't happen. Instead of declaring bankruptcy, they announced a restructuring plan, sold 51% of GMAC, and oh yea, got Captain Kirk for a year. Today, a lot of those same people who were dooming GM then are the ones saying the sale of Chrysler is a done deal. Hmm. While the situations surely differ, GM and DCX are both global auto manufacturers that had, or have, some similar problems. So far, GM’s restructuring plan is addressing these problems without totally decimating the structure of GM as we know it. I don't mean to trivialize the large layoffs at GM. My point is that nothing insane, like selling off or closing Buick, Pontiac and GMC, had to happen. DCX’s plan for Chrysler could work as well. UAW There is another theory floating around that the whole thing is a ploy on DCX’s part to get concessions from the UAW on health care. Normally I would totally brush that idea off as being far too conspiracy theorist. However when you factor in that the UAW has given GM and Ford concessions, but not Chrysler, it becomes maybe...slightly believable? News reports late last week had the UAW reconsidering some concessions for DCX after their two-day bargaining convention in downtown Detroit. If the UAW were to give concessions to DCX, the outlook for Chrysler could change quickly. Bad for Daimler? If DCX were to sell Chrysler, Daimler themselves could become a takeover target. Something Dr. Z acknowledged a few weeks ago. The fact that Dr. Z even mentioned this in public suggests to me that he might not be too hot on the idea of selling Chrysler just yet. Hyundai/Kia talked again recently about their desire to start a Lexus like luxury brand. To think they, or a private equity group, couldn’t come up with the financing to make a run at a Chrysler-less Daimler is foolish. The same could probably be said for a Chinese company or two.Merger at last There are meaningful joint Chrysler/M-B projects now in the pipeline. I know, 9 years later and now the merger finally amounts to something?? That said, things are in the works. Things that would help business cases for Chrysler AND M-B. No news at the shareholders meeting? The breaking story I referred to earlier is that reports now say there will be no talk about a potential sale of Chrysler at the shareholder meeting Wednesday. http://www.reuters.com/article/mergersNews...228950120070402 Assuming that’s true, it could suggest things in either direction. Maybe the idea is dead in the water? Maybe they need more time to work a deal? Maybe it doesn't mean anything? We’ll have to wait and see what, if anything, transpires. Bids Bids will surely come in for the Chrysler group. It seems there will be three. Blackstone, Cerberus and perhaps a Magna/Ripplewood offer. To many, it seems a forgone conclusion that DCX will accept one of them. I feel like Im stating the obvious here, but, DCX doesn’t have to do anything with any of those bids. “Thank you very much, we will study your offer,” is all we may hear about the bids for a while. Perhaps it was the news that these private equity groups were "in the building" or "looking at the books" with JP Morgan that made several think a sale will absolutely happen. Again though, DCX said they would explore all options. We knew this would be one they'd look at. So far no guarantees of a sale, just other companies saying "hey can we take a look" and DCX saying "OK." Why now? With all the problems Chrysler has lately, it’s not the best time to sell. Chrysler is undervalued. That’s why the private equity firms want to try and snatch it up now. They see potential for a few billion in profit. However there is no reason DCX couldn’t realize that few billion on their own. If DCX thinks they can get Chrysler “fixed” and profitable in 1.5-2 years, why not wait until then to sell? If a broken Chrysler would sell tomorrow for $6-7 billion, would a fixed Chrysler sell for $10-11 billion (more?) in 1.5-2 years? Of course “the big if” is whether DCX has faith in this restructure. So far, the public comments indicate they do. What they are saying behind the closed doors of the boardroom could be totally different. Stock price problem/What could actually happen? Those are my thoughts on why I think DCX won't sell Chrysler now. However, even if I’m right, there is still a problem. $84.02. The price DCX stock closed at today (4/2/07.) All that from rumors and speculation. The feeling now is, with the stock price climbing so high, DCX has to do something significant to preserve as much of those gains as possible. Let’s assume that, for the time being, DCX doesn't want to sell Chrysler. Let's also assume they've looked at some other options that make good business sense and would counteract a steep drop in stock price from a "no sale" announcement. What could those other options be? -- A separate stock listing for Chrysler. This was an idea being floated several weeks ago, though apparently, forgotten about lately. If the German shareholders think they will do better on their own, let them be on their own. Not only would they be happier, but it would surely give Chrysler more incentive to get things turned around. -- A total, or controlling stake, sale of Chrysler Financial. Cerberus snatched up 51% of GMAC, maybe they’d like to get in on Chrysler Financial too? -- The sale of other assets? Perhaps parts of the commercial truck group? Some or all of Mopar? Though probably not Smart and certainly not the Dodge, Jeep or Chrysler brands alone. -- Announce they have confidence in the turn around plan and go into very specific detail about how Chrysler will be turned around. Whether this alone would do much to avert a steep drop in stock price is questionable. The details would have to be pretty convincing. -- All of those things? None of those things? Hurry up and wait DCX has said they don't want to draw things out and will make an announcement about their intentions soon. However, discussion of the possible sale of Chrysler is not on the agenda for the shareholders meeting. The only remotely related item is a vote on returning the name of the company to Daimler-Benz if Chrysler is not disposed of by March 2008. DCX is recommending the shareholders vote against this proposition. So, when will we have answers to any of this? Uh...”soon”?

Oh, I forgot I even made this post. It was 4am when I made it afterall. I'll work on writing it up later tonight. Then again we'll probably know what's happening for sure on Wednesday morning.

Boy, why did they even bother with those exterior changes? Can't even really call them changes. At least with the Magnum you could tell they changed it a little.

*yawn*

Oh well even better. I ride Yeti bikes myself. http://www.yeticycles.com/ Probably want your all-mountain out there....I assume that's your full suspension bike. Oh I forgot to mention Dead Horse State Park too: http://www.stateparks.utah.gov/park/index.php?id=DHSP It's on the way to Canyon Lands NP. A place I heard about after my vacation was over unfortunately. Everyone told me it was incredible.

Yea that's all there is to do in Moab. (Oh by the way I didn't bring anything up from the past Bobby, you did. All I did was respond to something I disagreed with.)

Yes, most deserts, or near desert areas, are like that. Make sure to take a water bottle on your hike. That's why you go to Moab or Park City...you won't run into any of that. Besides he's going on a vacation, not moving there. Lighten up, it's a beautiful state.

Vacationed there a while ago. Going to Moab is a must. Arches National Park is right in Moab. Canyonlands NP is near by too. Great hiking, biking, 4x4'ing (huge network of 4x4 trails in Canyonlands) and white water rafting. You can rent a Wrangler in Moab if you dont have an offroad vehicle. Can also rent Mt. bikes. If you don't have a GPS, don't hike in the back country. Pretty easy to get lost...and then...pretty easy to die. Arches NP: http://www.nps.gov/arch/ Canyonlands: http://www.nps.gov/cany/ Monument Valley in the SE corner of the state should also be on your list. http://www.americansouthwest.net/utah/monument_valley/

The other interesting add is for one of the Lamborghini LM2 Americana SUVs. Oh and there is a Z8 Hmm, no prices listed.....why could that be.