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The Nissan 370Z is getting up there up in age (almost nearing a decade) and many have been wondering if there would be a replacement. Rumors abounded that Nissan would be showing a new one at the Tokyo Motor Show, but that did not happen. Speaking with the media at the show, chief planning officer for Nissan, Philippe Klein gave a non-committal answer when asked about a 370Z successor. “It’s an interesting question because there is a lot of passion people this vehicle. This vehicle is still very alive but at the same time it is in a segment that is gradually declining, so that is making the [business] case more difficult. “We have also the GT-R, with which we still believe there is some good potential from this, and we are in the same category starting to make a lot of effort on the Nismo side. Which is another way to offer excitement to our customers leveraging the more conventional side. We have no intention to quit excitement but we’re going to make it happen in different ways.” You can read this one of two ways. The first is that there will be no replacement for the 370Z and you'll need to step up to the GT-R if you want a Nissan sports car. The other is that the Z could morph into a crossover. Source: Drive.com.au View full article
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The Nissan 370Z is getting up there up in age (almost nearing a decade) and many have been wondering if there would be a replacement. Rumors abounded that Nissan would be showing a new one at the Tokyo Motor Show, but that did not happen. Speaking with the media at the show, chief planning officer for Nissan, Philippe Klein gave a non-committal answer when asked about a 370Z successor. “It’s an interesting question because there is a lot of passion people this vehicle. This vehicle is still very alive but at the same time it is in a segment that is gradually declining, so that is making the [business] case more difficult. “We have also the GT-R, with which we still believe there is some good potential from this, and we are in the same category starting to make a lot of effort on the Nismo side. Which is another way to offer excitement to our customers leveraging the more conventional side. We have no intention to quit excitement but we’re going to make it happen in different ways.” You can read this one of two ways. The first is that there will be no replacement for the 370Z and you'll need to step up to the GT-R if you want a Nissan sports car. The other is that the Z could morph into a crossover. Source: Drive.com.au -
Cadillac's sedan lineup in the future is going to look much smaller. Cadillac president Johan de Nysschen told Reuters in an interview that the ATS, CTS, and XTS will not be directly replaced when their lifecycles end in 2019. A new model called the CT5 will take their place and cost between $35,000 and $45,000. "We have to rebalance our sedan portfolio," de Nysschen. The CT6 will take care of the top end, while a new small luxury sedan (possibly named CT4) will handle the low end. de Nysschen reiterated plans of Cadillac building out their crossover lineup with the XT4 launching in 2019. de Nysschen also mentioned that Cadillac could be launching a range of electric vehicles in the latter half of the next decade. Source: Reuters -
Cadillac's sedan lineup in the future is going to look much smaller. Cadillac president Johan de Nysschen told Reuters in an interview that the ATS, CTS, and XTS will not be directly replaced when their lifecycles end in 2019. A new model called the CT5 will take their place and cost between $35,000 and $45,000. "We have to rebalance our sedan portfolio," de Nysschen. The CT6 will take care of the top end, while a new small luxury sedan (possibly named CT4) will handle the low end. de Nysschen reiterated plans of Cadillac building out their crossover lineup with the XT4 launching in 2019. de Nysschen also mentioned that Cadillac could be launching a range of electric vehicles in the latter half of the next decade. Source: Reuters View full article
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We know that Jeep is planning to replace the Compass and Patriot with one new model later this year, and we now have our first look at it undisguised. Brazilan outlet AUTOO got their hands of the new model before a photo shoot. We can't tell if the name is Compass or something else on the front door due to the poor quality of the pictures. Everyone seems to believe it is Compass so we're going with that. The design looks to be a mashup of Grand Cherokee in the front and Cherokee for the remainder. There is the iconic seven-slot grille up front, albeit somewhat narrow. AUTOO says the Brazilian-spec Compass will be offered with a 2.0L Tigershark four-cylinder or 2.0L Turbodiesel. Both engines will come paired with a nine-speed automatic and the choice of front or all-wheel drive. It would be safe to assume that the U.S. version will come with the 2.4L Tigershark. Jeep will debut the next Compass at the at the São Paulo Auto Show in Brazil this November. Expect a debut for the U.S. sometime thereafter. Source: AUTOO Pic Credit: AUTOO View full article -
Spying: Jeep Compass/Patriot Replacement Makes An Early Reveal
William Maley posted an article in Jeep
We know that Jeep is planning to replace the Compass and Patriot with one new model later this year, and we now have our first look at it undisguised. Brazilan outlet AUTOO got their hands of the new model before a photo shoot. We can't tell if the name is Compass or something else on the front door due to the poor quality of the pictures. Everyone seems to believe it is Compass so we're going with that. The design looks to be a mashup of Grand Cherokee in the front and Cherokee for the remainder. There is the iconic seven-slot grille up front, albeit somewhat narrow. AUTOO says the Brazilian-spec Compass will be offered with a 2.0L Tigershark four-cylinder or 2.0L Turbodiesel. Both engines will come paired with a nine-speed automatic and the choice of front or all-wheel drive. It would be safe to assume that the U.S. version will come with the 2.4L Tigershark. Jeep will debut the next Compass at the at the São Paulo Auto Show in Brazil this November. Expect a debut for the U.S. sometime thereafter. Source: AUTOO Pic Credit: AUTOO -
While the replacement for the Jeep Compass and Patriot is just around the corner, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has made the decision to extend production of the two models into the 2017 model year. Sources tell Automotive News that FCA has a plan to end production of both models on December 23rd at the Belvidere, Illinois plant. North American production of the replacement model will begin on January 30, 2017, at FCA's Toluca, Mexico. With a month's gap, FCA wants to make sure they have a stockpile of both models until the replacement model starts arriving at dealers on a regular basis. An FCA spokesman declined to comment. As for Belvidere, the plant will be closed from the holiday break to May 14, 2017 to retool for producing the Cherokee. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) -
While the replacement for the Jeep Compass and Patriot is just around the corner, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has made the decision to extend production of the two models into the 2017 model year. Sources tell Automotive News that FCA has a plan to end production of both models on December 23rd at the Belvidere, Illinois plant. North American production of the replacement model will begin on January 30, 2017, at FCA's Toluca, Mexico. With a month's gap, FCA wants to make sure they have a stockpile of both models until the replacement model starts arriving at dealers on a regular basis. An FCA spokesman declined to comment. As for Belvidere, the plant will be closed from the holiday break to May 14, 2017 to retool for producing the Cherokee. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article
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One vehicle many of us were expecting to debut at the New York Auto Show last week was the replacement for the Jeep Compass/Patriot. But it was a no-show. Instead, we were treated to two new versions of the Grand Cherokee. What happened? Jeep CEO Mike Manley told Australian outlet Motoring.com.au that debut will take place in Brazil as that will be first place where the model will be built. “We decided to launch the new C [segment] SUV in Brazil. It’ll be the first plant that gets the global vehicle, so no delays — it’s on track,” said Manley. As we reported last year, the Compass and Patriot will merge into one new model. It is expected the model will wear the Compass nameplate as Patriot isn't going to work in other markets. Source: Motoring.com.au View full article
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One vehicle many of us were expecting to debut at the New York Auto Show last week was the replacement for the Jeep Compass/Patriot. But it was a no-show. Instead, we were treated to two new versions of the Grand Cherokee. What happened? Jeep CEO Mike Manley told Australian outlet Motoring.com.au that debut will take place in Brazil as that will be first place where the model will be built. “We decided to launch the new C [segment] SUV in Brazil. It’ll be the first plant that gets the global vehicle, so no delays — it’s on track,” said Manley. As we reported last year, the Compass and Patriot will merge into one new model. It is expected the model will wear the Compass nameplate as Patriot isn't going to work in other markets. Source: Motoring.com.au -
What's in store for the Lincoln MKT? If a report from The Truth About Cars has any idea, it looks like it could be going to a normal crossover shape. A source tells TTAC that engineers are working on a project Known internally as ‘Aviator’. This project will be using the next-generation Ford Explorer as a base. No report as to what platform this will use, but some believe its the upcoming D6 platform which will allow for front, rear, and all-wheel drive configurations. The source goes onto say that there will not be a next-generation Ford Flex. “We do not comment on speculation. MKT continues to be present in our lineup, with a new model in 2015. By 2020, we expect to expand the segments that we participate in by adding two new nameplates to the Lincoln brand. We have not provided any indications about the products or their names," said Lincoln spokesman Stéphane Cesareo in a comment to TTAC. Source: The Truth About Cars View full article
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Rumorpile: Lincoln MKT Replacement Could Be Based On Next-Gen Explorer
William Maley posted an article in Lincoln
What's in store for the Lincoln MKT? If a report from The Truth About Cars has any idea, it looks like it could be going to a normal crossover shape. A source tells TTAC that engineers are working on a project Known internally as ‘Aviator’. This project will be using the next-generation Ford Explorer as a base. No report as to what platform this will use, but some believe its the upcoming D6 platform which will allow for front, rear, and all-wheel drive configurations. The source goes onto say that there will not be a next-generation Ford Flex. “We do not comment on speculation. MKT continues to be present in our lineup, with a new model in 2015. By 2020, we expect to expand the segments that we participate in by adding two new nameplates to the Lincoln brand. We have not provided any indications about the products or their names," said Lincoln spokesman Stéphane Cesareo in a comment to TTAC. Source: The Truth About Cars -
Replacement for Aston Martin Rapide Will Take Form In Two Models
William Maley posted an article in Aston Martin
Aston Martin has an interesting plan when it comes time to replace the somewhat old Rapide. Car and Driver spoke with Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer who said they have two new models that will take the place of the Rapide; a new crossover and a sport sedan wearing the Lagonda nameplate. “However, we have a [further] business plan, and within that there’s three legs to the strategy. First is replacing the entire sports-car range; second is the DBX, and that appeals to a different set of audiences; and the third is the sports sedan, which will carry that beautiful badge,” (Lagonda label pin on his coat) said Palmer. First off is a production version of the DBX concept shown at the Geneva Motor Show. Whereas the concept looked like a V8/V12 Vantage with an increase in ride height and electric powertrain, the production model will go with a five-door style and come powered with either a gas and plug-in hybrid powertrain. As for the new sport sedan wearing the Lagonda name, this isn't the current sedan known as the Lagonda Taraf that will be sold in Middle East and a few other markets. Instead it will be an all new model. Source: Car and Driver -
Aston Martin has an interesting plan when it comes time to replace the somewhat old Rapide. Car and Driver spoke with Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer who said they have two new models that will take the place of the Rapide; a new crossover and a sport sedan wearing the Lagonda nameplate. “However, we have a [further] business plan, and within that there’s three legs to the strategy. First is replacing the entire sports-car range; second is the DBX, and that appeals to a different set of audiences; and the third is the sports sedan, which will carry that beautiful badge,” (Lagonda label pin on his coat) said Palmer. First off is a production version of the DBX concept shown at the Geneva Motor Show. Whereas the concept looked like a V8/V12 Vantage with an increase in ride height and electric powertrain, the production model will go with a five-door style and come powered with either a gas and plug-in hybrid powertrain. As for the new sport sedan wearing the Lagonda name, this isn't the current sedan known as the Lagonda Taraf that will be sold in Middle East and a few other markets. Instead it will be an all new model. Source: Car and Driver View full article
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Honda is making some changes to its executive staff with a number of new appointments. The big change is the announcement of current CEO and president Takanobu Ito stepping down in June. Ito became the CEO back in 2009 and led the company through a tumultuous period which included the financial crisis, the massive earthquake and tsunami in 2011; and fluctuating currencies. More recently, Ito has received a lot of criticism for flagging quality issues which has led to a number of recalls, along with delays on a number of key products for the company. Despite the recent problems Ito has been dealing with, he has also introduced a number of reforms to get the company back on track. Such reforms include the retooling of the r&d division, delegating power and responsibility to six global hubs, and the return of such models of the Acura NSX and Honda Civic Type R. Taking Ito's place is Takahiro Hachigo. Hachigo has been with the company since 1982 and has held a number of roles at Honda including the head of the r&d department in the U.S. At the moment, Hachigo is the managing officer at Honda's office in China. “We are going forward. I believe this is a good opportunity to revamp our entire operations,” said Ito today at a news conference. “In 2015, Honda is ready to make a huge leap forward. To do this, I believe, Honda needs to overcome challenges under a new, younger leader as a team.” Now this change will need to ratified by Honda's shareholders, which is expected to happen at June's annual shareholders' meeting. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), Honda Press Release is on Page 2 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Announces New President & CEO TOKYO, Japan, February 23, 2015 - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (“Honda Motor”) today announced that Takahiro Hachigo, currently the company’s Managing Officer, will become Senior Managing Officer effective in April 2015, and will become President, Chief Executive Officer and Representative Director in late June 2015. Takanobu Ito, the current President, Chief Operating Officer and Representative Director, will remain on the board and assume the post of Director and Advisor to Honda Motor. This management succession will occur following the final decision of the Honda Motor Board of Directors after the company’s annual shareholders’ meeting, scheduled for late June 2015. Hachigo joined Honda in 1982, and began his career in its automobile research and development operations, principally as an engineer in the area of chassis design. Hachigo was in charge of developing the first-generation of U.S.-built Odyssey minivan, which was launched in 1999 primarily for the U.S. market. Hachigo went on to assume responsibilities as the person-in-charge of developing the second generation CR-V, Honda’s highly successful compact sport-utility vehicle for the worldwide markets, in 2001. From April 2004 to March 2006, Hachigo was stationed in the U.S. as Senior Vice President of Honda R&D Americas, Inc., where he became actively involved in the local development of Honda and Acura automobiles. In April 2006, Hachigo became Operating Officer of Honda R&D Co., Ltd. (“Honda R&D”) and subsequently gaining promotion to Managing Officer in April 2007. After retiring from this position in March 2008, Hachigo became General Manager of Purchasing Division No.2 of Purchasing Operations, Honda Motor, in April and became Operating Officer of Honda Motor in June of the same year. Hachigo then assumed a role in the area of manufacturing as General Manager of Honda’s Suzuka Factory in April 2011. He served as Vice President and Director of Honda Motor Europe Ltd. from April 2012 to March 2013 and also as President and Director, Honda R&D Europe (U.K.) Ltd., from September 2012 to March 2013. In 2013, Hachigo’s responsibilities shifted to China, becoming Vice President of Honda Motor (China) Investment Co., Ltd. in April, simultaneously becoming Representative of Development, Purchasing and Production (China), Honda Motor, and Vice President of Honda Motor Technology (China) Co., Ltd. In April 2014, Hachigo was promoted to Managing Officer of Honda Motor, a title he currently holds. Ito joined Honda in 1978 and began his career in the company’s automobile research and development operations, primarily as a chassis design engineer. Ito was in charge of developing the all-aluminum uni-body frame structure for the highly acclaimed first-generation NSX sports car that went on sale in 1990. In June 2000, he was appointed a member of the Honda Motor Board of Directors, subsequently assuming responsibilities as President and Director of Honda R&D, General Manager of the Suzuka Factory, and most recently, President, Chief Executive Officer and Representative Director of Honda Motor, a title he has held since June 2009. During the six years of Ito’s leadership, Honda was able to actively evolve its global manufacturing structure, notably the establishment of automobile plants in Mexico, Brazil, Thailand, Indonesia, India and China. Also under Ito’s leadership, Honda succeeded in solidifying its business foundation by enhancing its product development capabilities—from the hugely popular N-series mini-vehicles, to automobile powertrain development as represented by the Earth Dreams Technology, to the establishment of product development structures in each of Honda’s global regional operations. Furthermore, an all-new FCV that Ito has led in an effort to realize a CO2-free automobile, as well as “fun to drive” vehicles including the S660, Civic Type R and NSX models are scheduled to be launched during the fiscal year ending March, 2016. Likewise, Honda’s participation in Formula 1, the pinnacle of automobile racing, and foray into aviation businesses with HondaJet and jet engine will take place during the same period. -
Honda is making some changes to its executive staff with a number of new appointments. The big change is the announcement of current CEO and president Takanobu Ito stepping down in June. Ito became the CEO back in 2009 and led the company through a tumultuous period which included the financial crisis, the massive earthquake and tsunami in 2011; and fluctuating currencies. More recently, Ito has received a lot of criticism for flagging quality issues which has led to a number of recalls, along with delays on a number of key products for the company. Despite the recent problems Ito has been dealing with, he has also introduced a number of reforms to get the company back on track. Such reforms include the retooling of the r&d division, delegating power and responsibility to six global hubs, and the return of such models of the Acura NSX and Honda Civic Type R. Taking Ito's place is Takahiro Hachigo. Hachigo has been with the company since 1982 and has held a number of roles at Honda including the head of the r&d department in the U.S. At the moment, Hachigo is the managing officer at Honda's office in China. “We are going forward. I believe this is a good opportunity to revamp our entire operations,” said Ito today at a news conference. “In 2015, Honda is ready to make a huge leap forward. To do this, I believe, Honda needs to overcome challenges under a new, younger leader as a team.” Now this change will need to ratified by Honda's shareholders, which is expected to happen at June's annual shareholders' meeting. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), Honda Press Release is on Page 2 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Announces New President & CEO TOKYO, Japan, February 23, 2015 - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (“Honda Motor”) today announced that Takahiro Hachigo, currently the company’s Managing Officer, will become Senior Managing Officer effective in April 2015, and will become President, Chief Executive Officer and Representative Director in late June 2015. Takanobu Ito, the current President, Chief Operating Officer and Representative Director, will remain on the board and assume the post of Director and Advisor to Honda Motor. This management succession will occur following the final decision of the Honda Motor Board of Directors after the company’s annual shareholders’ meeting, scheduled for late June 2015. Hachigo joined Honda in 1982, and began his career in its automobile research and development operations, principally as an engineer in the area of chassis design. Hachigo was in charge of developing the first-generation of U.S.-built Odyssey minivan, which was launched in 1999 primarily for the U.S. market. Hachigo went on to assume responsibilities as the person-in-charge of developing the second generation CR-V, Honda’s highly successful compact sport-utility vehicle for the worldwide markets, in 2001. From April 2004 to March 2006, Hachigo was stationed in the U.S. as Senior Vice President of Honda R&D Americas, Inc., where he became actively involved in the local development of Honda and Acura automobiles. In April 2006, Hachigo became Operating Officer of Honda R&D Co., Ltd. (“Honda R&D”) and subsequently gaining promotion to Managing Officer in April 2007. After retiring from this position in March 2008, Hachigo became General Manager of Purchasing Division No.2 of Purchasing Operations, Honda Motor, in April and became Operating Officer of Honda Motor in June of the same year. Hachigo then assumed a role in the area of manufacturing as General Manager of Honda’s Suzuka Factory in April 2011. He served as Vice President and Director of Honda Motor Europe Ltd. from April 2012 to March 2013 and also as President and Director, Honda R&D Europe (U.K.) Ltd., from September 2012 to March 2013. In 2013, Hachigo’s responsibilities shifted to China, becoming Vice President of Honda Motor (China) Investment Co., Ltd. in April, simultaneously becoming Representative of Development, Purchasing and Production (China), Honda Motor, and Vice President of Honda Motor Technology (China) Co., Ltd. In April 2014, Hachigo was promoted to Managing Officer of Honda Motor, a title he currently holds. Ito joined Honda in 1978 and began his career in the company’s automobile research and development operations, primarily as a chassis design engineer. Ito was in charge of developing the all-aluminum uni-body frame structure for the highly acclaimed first-generation NSX sports car that went on sale in 1990. In June 2000, he was appointed a member of the Honda Motor Board of Directors, subsequently assuming responsibilities as President and Director of Honda R&D, General Manager of the Suzuka Factory, and most recently, President, Chief Executive Officer and Representative Director of Honda Motor, a title he has held since June 2009. During the six years of Ito’s leadership, Honda was able to actively evolve its global manufacturing structure, notably the establishment of automobile plants in Mexico, Brazil, Thailand, Indonesia, India and China. Also under Ito’s leadership, Honda succeeded in solidifying its business foundation by enhancing its product development capabilities—from the hugely popular N-series mini-vehicles, to automobile powertrain development as represented by the Earth Dreams Technology, to the establishment of product development structures in each of Honda’s global regional operations. Furthermore, an all-new FCV that Ito has led in an effort to realize a CO2-free automobile, as well as “fun to drive” vehicles including the S660, Civic Type R and NSX models are scheduled to be launched during the fiscal year ending March, 2016. Likewise, Honda’s participation in Formula 1, the pinnacle of automobile racing, and foray into aviation businesses with HondaJet and jet engine will take place during the same period. View full article
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Rumorpile: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution's Replacement To Be An SUV
William Maley posted an article in Mitsubishi
We've been reporting on the departure of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution for the past year or so. But the big question of what would replace it has been up in the air. But a new report from Autocar says that a SUV would take its place, at least in spirit. “It will not exist as we know it. It will be replaced in spirit by an SUV with high performance,” said Kanenori Okamoto, Mitsubishi's product boss. This new SUV will apparently incorporate lessons learned from the MiEV Evolution III, which broke the EV record at Pikes Peak this year. The MiEV Evolution III will likely give a number of technologies, including its advanced Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system. 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. -
We've been reporting on the departure of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution for the past year or so. But the big question of what would replace it has been up in the air. But a new report from Autocar says that a SUV would take its place, at least in spirit. “It will not exist as we know it. It will be replaced in spirit by an SUV with high performance,” said Kanenori Okamoto, Mitsubishi's product boss. This new SUV will apparently incorporate lessons learned from the MiEV Evolution III, which broke the EV record at Pikes Peak this year. The MiEV Evolution III will likely give a number of technologies, including its advanced Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system. 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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Last night, General Motors announced that the ignition switch has been expanded to include an additional 824,000 vehicles. The vehicles include, 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR 2008-2010 Pontiac G5 2008-2010 Pontiac Solstice 2008-2010 Saturn Sky This brings the total number of vehicles involved in the recall to over 2.6 million vehicles. Like the previous recalls, GM is urging owners to remove all of their keys except the ignition key to prevent the switch from moving. GM said replacement parts will begin arriving at dealers starting on April 7th. "We are taking no chances with safety. Trying to locate several thousand switches in a population of 2.2 million vehicles and distributed to thousands of retailers isn't practical. Out of an abundance of caution, we are recalling the rest of the model years," said GM CEO Mary Barra in a statement. This isn't the only problem GM is going through at the moment. Reuters reports that repair shops can buy the ignition switch from Delphi involved in the recall. While the switches may not be defective thanks to a fix in 2007 which replaced the tenser spring, the only way to be sure is to either take it apart or check the manufacturing history. This is due to GM keeping the part number the same on the new part, a bit surprising to those who are in the know. "When you make a change, you change the part number so everybody understands what happened," said a former GM executive to Reuters. GM Spokesman Jim Cain said they company is looking into this matter. "We are in the process of responding to the very questions you are asking, per our pledge to be fully cooperative with NHTSA," said Cain. Source: General Motors, Reuters William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 GM Moves to Secure Recalled Ignition Switches 2014-03-28 824,000 models sold in the U.S. from 2008-2011 will get new ignition switch Parts return sought from aftermarket distributors DETROIT – General Motors today said it will replace the ignition switch in all model years of its Chevrolet Cobalt, HHR, Pontiac G5, Solstice and Saturn Ion and Sky in the U.S. since faulty switches may have been used to repair the vehicles. The parts are at the center of the company's recently announced ignition switch recall, which originally extended through the 2007 model year. About 95,000 faulty switches were sold to dealers and aftermarket wholesalers. Of those, about 90,000 were used to repair older vehicles that were repaired before they were recalled in February. Because it is not feasible to track down all the parts, the company is taking the extraordinary step of recalling 824,000 more vehicles in the U.S. to ensure that every car has a current ignition switch. GM is unaware of any reports of fatalities with this group of vehicles where a frontal impact occurred, the front air bags did not deploy and the ignition is in the "accessory" or "off" position. As with the earlier recalls, if the torque performance is not to GM specification, the ignition switch may unintentionally move from the "run" position to the "accessory" or "off" positions, leading to a loss of power. The risk may be increased if the key ring is carrying added weight or if the vehicle goes off road or experiences some jarring event. The timing of the key movement out of the "run" position relative to when the sensing algorithm of a crash may result in the air bags not deploying, increasing the potential for occupant injury in certain kinds of crashes. Until the recall has been performed, customers are urged to remove all items, including the key fob, from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. "We are taking no chances with safety," said GM CEO Mary Barra. "Trying to locate several thousand switches in a population of 2.2 million vehicles and distributed to thousands of retailers isn't practical. Out of an abundance of caution, we are recalling the rest of the model years. "We are going to provide our customers with the peace of mind they deserve and expect by getting the new switches into all the vehicles," Barra said. GM records indicate the service parts may have been used for ignition repairs in: 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalts 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHRs 2008-2010 Pontiac Solstice 2008-2010 Pontiac G5 and 2008-2010 Saturn Sky Owners who may have had a suspect part installed will receive a letter the week of April 21. GM dealers will replace their ignition switch free of charge as parts become available. Customers who paid to have their ignition switches replaced will be eligible for reimbursement. Dealers, distributors and other parts customers will be told about the recall beginning March 31. Information on the ignition switch recall is available www.gmignitionupdate.com. -
Last night, General Motors announced that the ignition switch has been expanded to include an additional 824,000 vehicles. The vehicles include, 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR 2008-2010 Pontiac G5 2008-2010 Pontiac Solstice 2008-2010 Saturn Sky This brings the total number of vehicles involved in the recall to over 2.6 million vehicles. Like the previous recalls, GM is urging owners to remove all of their keys except the ignition key to prevent the switch from moving. GM said replacement parts will begin arriving at dealers starting on April 7th. "We are taking no chances with safety. Trying to locate several thousand switches in a population of 2.2 million vehicles and distributed to thousands of retailers isn't practical. Out of an abundance of caution, we are recalling the rest of the model years," said GM CEO Mary Barra in a statement. This isn't the only problem GM is going through at the moment. Reuters reports that repair shops can buy the ignition switch from Delphi involved in the recall. While the switches may not be defective thanks to a fix in 2007 which replaced the tenser spring, the only way to be sure is to either take it apart or check the manufacturing history. This is due to GM keeping the part number the same on the new part, a bit surprising to those who are in the know. "When you make a change, you change the part number so everybody understands what happened," said a former GM executive to Reuters. GM Spokesman Jim Cain said they company is looking into this matter. "We are in the process of responding to the very questions you are asking, per our pledge to be fully cooperative with NHTSA," said Cain. Source: General Motors, Reuters William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 GM Moves to Secure Recalled Ignition Switches 2014-03-28 824,000 models sold in the U.S. from 2008-2011 will get new ignition switch Parts return sought from aftermarket distributors DETROIT – General Motors today said it will replace the ignition switch in all model years of its Chevrolet Cobalt, HHR, Pontiac G5, Solstice and Saturn Ion and Sky in the U.S. since faulty switches may have been used to repair the vehicles. The parts are at the center of the company's recently announced ignition switch recall, which originally extended through the 2007 model year. About 95,000 faulty switches were sold to dealers and aftermarket wholesalers. Of those, about 90,000 were used to repair older vehicles that were repaired before they were recalled in February. Because it is not feasible to track down all the parts, the company is taking the extraordinary step of recalling 824,000 more vehicles in the U.S. to ensure that every car has a current ignition switch. GM is unaware of any reports of fatalities with this group of vehicles where a frontal impact occurred, the front air bags did not deploy and the ignition is in the "accessory" or "off" position. As with the earlier recalls, if the torque performance is not to GM specification, the ignition switch may unintentionally move from the "run" position to the "accessory" or "off" positions, leading to a loss of power. The risk may be increased if the key ring is carrying added weight or if the vehicle goes off road or experiences some jarring event. The timing of the key movement out of the "run" position relative to when the sensing algorithm of a crash may result in the air bags not deploying, increasing the potential for occupant injury in certain kinds of crashes. Until the recall has been performed, customers are urged to remove all items, including the key fob, from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. "We are taking no chances with safety," said GM CEO Mary Barra. "Trying to locate several thousand switches in a population of 2.2 million vehicles and distributed to thousands of retailers isn't practical. Out of an abundance of caution, we are recalling the rest of the model years. "We are going to provide our customers with the peace of mind they deserve and expect by getting the new switches into all the vehicles," Barra said. GM records indicate the service parts may have been used for ignition repairs in: 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalts 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHRs 2008-2010 Pontiac Solstice 2008-2010 Pontiac G5 and 2008-2010 Saturn Sky Owners who may have had a suspect part installed will receive a letter the week of April 21. GM dealers will replace their ignition switch free of charge as parts become available. Customers who paid to have their ignition switches replaced will be eligible for reimbursement. Dealers, distributors and other parts customers will be told about the recall beginning March 31. Information on the ignition switch recall is available www.gmignitionupdate.com. View full article
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Fiat is planning to expand their 500 lineup once again by introducing a larger five-door model that will replace the aging Punto. Auto Express reports that Fiat engineers will use the Punto's platform as the base for the larger 500 and not use the current 500's platform. As for the design, the new model will retain many of the cues found the normal 500 such as the two-part headlights and short hood length. The new model could arrive in 2015 and slot in between the standard 500 and 500L. Source: Auto Express 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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Fiat is planning to expand their 500 lineup once again by introducing a larger five-door model that will replace the aging Punto. Auto Express reports that Fiat engineers will use the Punto's platform as the base for the larger 500 and not use the current 500's platform. As for the design, the new model will retain many of the cues found the normal 500 such as the two-part headlights and short hood length. The new model could arrive in 2015 and slot in between the standard 500 and 500L. Source: Auto Express 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.
