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With the introduction of the Cullinan "high-sided vehicle", Rolls-Royce now has five models for sale - the rest are Ghost, Dawn, Wraith, and Phantom. But according to Rolls CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös, they aren't planning to expand the lineup with a smaller SUV. “No, definitely not. You need to go with the flow, so for that reason, I’d never say never, never, never – but we don’t currently have any plans to expand our model line-up any further," said Müller-Ötvös. “Our strategy is definitely to maintain our high-end price position and not move the brand just for volume sake into lower-price segments.” It seems to be working as early sales of the Cullinan have exceeded expectations. Source: Autocar View full article -
With the introduction of the Cullinan "high-sided vehicle", Rolls-Royce now has five models for sale - the rest are Ghost, Dawn, Wraith, and Phantom. But according to Rolls CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös, they aren't planning to expand the lineup with a smaller SUV. “No, definitely not. You need to go with the flow, so for that reason, I’d never say never, never, never – but we don’t currently have any plans to expand our model line-up any further," said Müller-Ötvös. “Our strategy is definitely to maintain our high-end price position and not move the brand just for volume sake into lower-price segments.” It seems to be working as early sales of the Cullinan have exceeded expectations. Source: Autocar -
There are days where we find ourselves wondering what goes through the head of executives of German automakers on some of the things they say. For example, BMW Australia’s Managing Director, Marc Werner told Motoring there could be a BMW pickup. “Never say never,” said Werner when asked about Mercedes-Benz's upcoming truck. “We’re watching the space closely.” “It’s easier for Mercedes [to bring a ute to market] because they have commercial vehicles and trucks and vans. We do not.” If BMW was to go forward, Motoring speculates that the tie-up with Toyota could grant them access to the HiLux truck. These comments are the complete opposite from those made by BMW Group’s senior vice-president of Asia, Pacific and South Africa, Hendrik von Kuenheim. “Definitely not, because this does not fit to our genes and our culture.” “There is huge potential in pick-ups. In North America you look at the Ford F-150 pick-up it is the best-selling car. You can do it but then you cannot be BMW. You have to be a different company, but this company is not ready to change from the ultimate driving machine and the ultimate successful company in luxury to a mass manufacturer who goes after the volume of pick-up trucks. Despite that the Ford F-150 is one hell of a vehicle. If you have that in a twin-cab version it is a great car. But that is Ford,” said von Kuenheim. Source: Motoring View full article
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There are days where we find ourselves wondering what goes through the head of executives of German automakers on some of the things they say. For example, BMW Australia’s Managing Director, Marc Werner told Motoring there could be a BMW pickup. “Never say never,” said Werner when asked about Mercedes-Benz's upcoming truck. “We’re watching the space closely.” “It’s easier for Mercedes [to bring a ute to market] because they have commercial vehicles and trucks and vans. We do not.” If BMW was to go forward, Motoring speculates that the tie-up with Toyota could grant them access to the HiLux truck. These comments are the complete opposite from those made by BMW Group’s senior vice-president of Asia, Pacific and South Africa, Hendrik von Kuenheim. “Definitely not, because this does not fit to our genes and our culture.” “There is huge potential in pick-ups. In North America you look at the Ford F-150 pick-up it is the best-selling car. You can do it but then you cannot be BMW. You have to be a different company, but this company is not ready to change from the ultimate driving machine and the ultimate successful company in luxury to a mass manufacturer who goes after the volume of pick-up trucks. Despite that the Ford F-150 is one hell of a vehicle. If you have that in a twin-cab version it is a great car. But that is Ford,” said von Kuenheim. Source: Motoring -
Scion has been called Toyota's experimental division as it allows Toyota to try new products and ideas (although it hasn't been used for this in a few years). Now with this, you would think Toyota would introduce some new hybrid or electric vehicle. But Green Car Reports reports that it will not likely happen anytime soon. Scion chief Doug Murtha tells Green Car Reports the brand is still maintaining its focus on providing vehicles for those under 35, a group that isn't quite ready to spend the cash for these type of powertrain technologies. “People think that this would have a lot of appeal with our target audience; and it absolutely does, and the environmental benefits are nice,” said Murtha. “But where it jumps the track is when we start talking about how much they might be willing to pay for a hybrid system: pretty much zero.” Source: Green Car Reports -
Scion News: Scion Won't Be Seeing Hybrid or Electric Vehicles
William Maley posted a topic in Toyota
Scion has been called Toyota's experimental division as it allows Toyota to try new products and ideas (although it hasn't been used for this in a few years). Now with this, you would think Toyota would introduce some new hybrid or electric vehicle. But Green Car Reports reports that it will not likely happen anytime soon. Scion chief Doug Murtha tells Green Car Reports the brand is still maintaining its focus on providing vehicles for those under 35, a group that isn't quite ready to spend the cash for these type of powertrain technologies. “People think that this would have a lot of appeal with our target audience; and it absolutely does, and the environmental benefits are nice,” said Murtha. “But where it jumps the track is when we start talking about how much they might be willing to pay for a hybrid system: pretty much zero.” Source: Green Car Reports View full article -
Cadillac's president isn't planning to cut prices to reverse the trend of slumping sales for the brand. "We cannot deny the fact that we are leaving behind our traditional customer base. It will take several years before a sufficiently large part of the audience who until now have been concentrating on the German brands will find us in their consideration set," said Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen in a interview with Automotive News. "Either you have to bring your volume aspirations into alignment with reality and accept that you will sell fewer cars. Or you have to drop the price and continue to transact at the prices where you were historically. I think the logical conclusion is that it's better to build off a very solid base in terms of [product] credibility, charge a fair price for the car and realize you have to wait until the volume comes." Some Cadillac dealers and analysts believe the pricing strategy that the brand has taken to be in line with such competitors as Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz is hurting the brand. But de Nysschen is confident in Cadillac's lineup and believes that the brand's legacy buyers will give way to import buyers who are interested in the brand thanks to a better customer experience and a more fleshed-out portfolio. 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
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Cadillac's Boss: No, We're Not Cutting Prices To Counter Slumping Sales
William Maley posted an article in Cadillac
Cadillac's president isn't planning to cut prices to reverse the trend of slumping sales for the brand. "We cannot deny the fact that we are leaving behind our traditional customer base. It will take several years before a sufficiently large part of the audience who until now have been concentrating on the German brands will find us in their consideration set," said Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen in a interview with Automotive News. "Either you have to bring your volume aspirations into alignment with reality and accept that you will sell fewer cars. Or you have to drop the price and continue to transact at the prices where you were historically. I think the logical conclusion is that it's better to build off a very solid base in terms of [product] credibility, charge a fair price for the car and realize you have to wait until the volume comes." Some Cadillac dealers and analysts believe the pricing strategy that the brand has taken to be in line with such competitors as Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz is hurting the brand. But de Nysschen is confident in Cadillac's lineup and believes that the brand's legacy buyers will give way to import buyers who are interested in the brand thanks to a better customer experience and a more fleshed-out portfolio. 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. -
One of the rumors that has been floating around for the past year or so was the Scion FR-S (Toyota GT86) possibly getting a hybrid powertrain as a way of boosting power. "I hope to make an engine upgrade at least one time with this car. We [have] already tried all possibilities and there are several types of 86 prototypes at the Toyota proving ground now; one is a turbocharger, one is bigger displacement and [the other is a] special hybrid system," said Tetsuya Tada, chief engineer of the FR-S last August. Well it seems that the hybrid powertrain is out. According to Autocar, Toyota is having a tough time trying to make a business case for a hybrid FR-S. "We can create a product with this technology, but it needs to make proper business sense. We have to prioritise,” said Toyota marketing director Fabio Capano. Source: Autocar 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. -
One of the rumors that has been floating around for the past year or so was the Scion FR-S (Toyota GT86) possibly getting a hybrid powertrain as a way of boosting power. "I hope to make an engine upgrade at least one time with this car. We [have] already tried all possibilities and there are several types of 86 prototypes at the Toyota proving ground now; one is a turbocharger, one is bigger displacement and [the other is a] special hybrid system," said Tetsuya Tada, chief engineer of the FR-S last August. Well it seems that the hybrid powertrain is out. According to Autocar, Toyota is having a tough time trying to make a business case for a hybrid FR-S. "We can create a product with this technology, but it needs to make proper business sense. We have to prioritise,” said Toyota marketing director Fabio Capano. Source: Autocar 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
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com June 4, 2013 In a surprising form of defiance, Chrysler has said no the demand made by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to recall 2.7 million Jeep Grand Cherokees and Liberties due to fuel tanks that could catch on fire in a rear end accident. NHTSA has been investigating since 2010 and alleges that 1993 through 2004 Grand Cherokee and 2002 through 2007 Liberty are more prone to fuel leaks and fires. In its analysis, NHTSA found that 51 deaths involved Grand Cherokees and Liberties in rear-end accidents that caught on fire. NHTSA alleges the reasons for this are the tanks being made out of plastic and being placed behind the rear axle. In a statement released today, Chrysler says they do "not agree with NHTSA’s conclusions and does not intend to recall the vehicles cited in the investigation. The subject vehicles are safe and are not defective." Chrysler goes onto say their "vehicles met and exceeded all applicable requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, including FMVSS 301, pertaining to fuel-system integrity." Also, the company says in their tests the problem occurs less than once for every million years of vehicle operation and argues that NHTSA's analysis of the problem is not complete. So what happens next? Motoramic reports that NHTSA could hold a public hearing and declare the two vehicles defective. The agency could also take Chrysler to court to force the recall. It's a game of chicken and the question is, who blinks first? Source: Motoramic, Chrysler Chrysler's Press Release and White Paper is on Page 2 Chrysler Group LLC Responds to NHTSA Recall Letter June 4, 2013 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) has issued a recall request letter proposing that Chrysler Group recall the Jeep Grand Cherokee in model years 1993 to 2004 and the Jeep Liberty in model years 2002 to 2007 (a total of approximately 2.7 million vehicles). Chrysler Group has been working and sharing data with the Agency on this issue since September 2010. The company does not agree with NHTSA’s conclusions and does not intend to recall the vehicles cited in the investigation. The subject vehicles are safe and are not defective. We believe NHTSA’s initial conclusions are based on an incomplete analysis of the underlying data, and we are committed to continue working with the Agency to resolve this disagreement. “The safety of drivers and passengers has long been the first priority for Chrysler brands and that commitment remains steadfast,” said Sergio Marchionne, Chairman and CEO of Chrysler Group LLC. “The company stands behind the quality of its vehicles. All of us remain committed to continue working with NHTSA to provide information confirming the safety of these vehicles.” Chrysler Group’s position on this matter is clear. These vehicles met and exceeded all applicable requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, including FMVSS 301, pertaining to fuel-system integrity. Our analysis shows the incidents, which are the focus of this request, occur less than once for every million years of vehicle operation. This rate is similar to comparable vehicles produced and sold during the time in question. Chrysler Group stands behind the quality and safety of its vehicles. It conducts voluntary recalls when they are warranted, and in most cases, before any notice or investigation request from NHTSA. Customers who have questions or concerns can call the Chrysler Group’s customer care line: 1-800-334-9200. View full article
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Chrysler Says No To NHTSA Request To Recall 2.7 Million Jeeps
William Maley posted an article in Jeep
William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com June 4, 2013 In a surprising form of defiance, Chrysler has said no the demand made by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to recall 2.7 million Jeep Grand Cherokees and Liberties due to fuel tanks that could catch on fire in a rear end accident. NHTSA has been investigating since 2010 and alleges that 1993 through 2004 Grand Cherokee and 2002 through 2007 Liberty are more prone to fuel leaks and fires. In its analysis, NHTSA found that 51 deaths involved Grand Cherokees and Liberties in rear-end accidents that caught on fire. NHTSA alleges the reasons for this are the tanks being made out of plastic and being placed behind the rear axle. In a statement released today, Chrysler says they do "not agree with NHTSA’s conclusions and does not intend to recall the vehicles cited in the investigation. The subject vehicles are safe and are not defective." Chrysler goes onto say their "vehicles met and exceeded all applicable requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, including FMVSS 301, pertaining to fuel-system integrity." Also, the company says in their tests the problem occurs less than once for every million years of vehicle operation and argues that NHTSA's analysis of the problem is not complete. So what happens next? Motoramic reports that NHTSA could hold a public hearing and declare the two vehicles defective. The agency could also take Chrysler to court to force the recall. It's a game of chicken and the question is, who blinks first? Source: Motoramic, Chrysler Chrysler's Press Release and White Paper is on Page 2 Chrysler Group LLC Responds to NHTSA Recall Letter June 4, 2013 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) has issued a recall request letter proposing that Chrysler Group recall the Jeep Grand Cherokee in model years 1993 to 2004 and the Jeep Liberty in model years 2002 to 2007 (a total of approximately 2.7 million vehicles). Chrysler Group has been working and sharing data with the Agency on this issue since September 2010. The company does not agree with NHTSA’s conclusions and does not intend to recall the vehicles cited in the investigation. The subject vehicles are safe and are not defective. We believe NHTSA’s initial conclusions are based on an incomplete analysis of the underlying data, and we are committed to continue working with the Agency to resolve this disagreement. “The safety of drivers and passengers has long been the first priority for Chrysler brands and that commitment remains steadfast,” said Sergio Marchionne, Chairman and CEO of Chrysler Group LLC. “The company stands behind the quality of its vehicles. All of us remain committed to continue working with NHTSA to provide information confirming the safety of these vehicles.” Chrysler Group’s position on this matter is clear. These vehicles met and exceeded all applicable requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, including FMVSS 301, pertaining to fuel-system integrity. Our analysis shows the incidents, which are the focus of this request, occur less than once for every million years of vehicle operation. This rate is similar to comparable vehicles produced and sold during the time in question. Chrysler Group stands behind the quality and safety of its vehicles. It conducts voluntary recalls when they are warranted, and in most cases, before any notice or investigation request from NHTSA. Customers who have questions or concerns can call the Chrysler Group’s customer care line: 1-800-334-9200. -
By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com April 24, 2013 Since Volvo was bought by Chinese automaker Geely back in 2010, talk emerged that Volvo was considering a flagship. This would be further fueled by comments from Geely Chairman Li Shufu who said Volvo should compete directly with BMW, Mercedes and Audi; and the introduction of two concept vehicles, the Concept Universe and Concept You. Volvo's CEO at the time, Stefan Jacoby said a luxury sedan doesn't fit the image of the brand. Jacoby's sucessor agrees. "We don't have any ambitions to go into a segment where we would compete with vehicles that have V-8 or V-12 engines. We don't believe it would fit our brand image," said Volvo CEO Hakan Samuelsson. Samuelsson's current focus is to get the replacements for the XC90 and S80, both to be underpinned by Volvo’s new scalable platform architecture (SPA) out on the market. Source: Automotive News Europe (Subscription Required) William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article
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By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com April 24, 2013 Since Volvo was bought by Chinese automaker Geely back in 2010, talk emerged that Volvo was considering a flagship. This would be further fueled by comments from Geely Chairman Li Shufu who said Volvo should compete directly with BMW, Mercedes and Audi; and the introduction of two concept vehicles, the Concept Universe and Concept You. Volvo's CEO at the time, Stefan Jacoby said a luxury sedan doesn't fit the image of the brand. Jacoby's sucessor agrees. "We don't have any ambitions to go into a segment where we would compete with vehicles that have V-8 or V-12 engines. We don't believe it would fit our brand image," said Volvo CEO Hakan Samuelsson. Samuelsson's current focus is to get the replacements for the XC90 and S80, both to be underpinned by Volvo’s new scalable platform architecture (SPA) out on the market. Source: Automotive News Europe (Subscription Required) William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
