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Just a week ago, we reported that Porsche was getting out of the diesel game as sales of the Macan S Diesel and Panamera 4S Diesel ended. But Porsche's sales chief f Detlev von Platen told Automotive the company is planning to launch a diesel engine for the new Cayenne and possibly offer it in the Macan. Wait, what?! "We're not saying that we are exiting [diesel]," said von Platen. "Presently, the planning process foresees one for the Cayenne and probably for the Macan, too. For the SUV models, it [diesel] makes sense where customers want range and torque." Von Planten also downplayed the importance of diesel to the brand. "It was never extremely relevant. Only about 14 percent of the 246,000 cars we sell worldwide are a diesel. We see big demand for our plug-in hybrids, especially with the latest generation, now that its electric range was extended to 50 kilometers [up from 36km]. That plays a big role." This apparent reversal comes as Germany's highest federal administrative court approved the ban of older diesel vehicles in the cities of cities of Duesseldorf and Stuttgart - the latter being home to Porsche. While it will not affect newer diesels, it only gives the fuel another black eye and will likely cause sales to fall further. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) -
Just a week ago, we reported that Porsche was getting out of the diesel game as sales of the Macan S Diesel and Panamera 4S Diesel ended. But Porsche's sales chief f Detlev von Platen told Automotive the company is planning to launch a diesel engine for the new Cayenne and possibly offer it in the Macan. Wait, what?! "We're not saying that we are exiting [diesel]," said von Platen. "Presently, the planning process foresees one for the Cayenne and probably for the Macan, too. For the SUV models, it [diesel] makes sense where customers want range and torque." Von Planten also downplayed the importance of diesel to the brand. "It was never extremely relevant. Only about 14 percent of the 246,000 cars we sell worldwide are a diesel. We see big demand for our plug-in hybrids, especially with the latest generation, now that its electric range was extended to 50 kilometers [up from 36km]. That plays a big role." This apparent reversal comes as Germany's highest federal administrative court approved the ban of older diesel vehicles in the cities of cities of Duesseldorf and Stuttgart - the latter being home to Porsche. While it will not affect newer diesels, it only gives the fuel another black eye and will likely cause sales to fall further. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article -
Most vehicles sold feature an internal combustion engine running some type of fuel, but a Toyota executive believes this engine will be gone for vehicles by 2050. “We expect that by 2050 we will have reduced CO2 emissions from vehicles by 90% compared to the figure in 2010. To achieve that from 2040 simple internal combustion engined cars will not be made, but they may be the basis of some hybrid or plug-in hybrid cars,” said Seigo Kuzumaki, Toyota’s head of advanced R&D and engineering. Kuzumaki's reasoning for this comes down to governments tightening regulations on emissions. This, in turn, will cause automakers to accelerate development of alternative powertrains such as electrics. Toyota's a latecomer to electric vehicles, instead choosing to focus on hydrogen. But the Japanese automaker is working on a new family of EVs that will launch in 2020. The models will use lithium-ion batteries and have a range of 300 miles. But Toyota hopes to launch solid state batteries only a few years later for their EVs. Solid state batteries use solid electrolytes instead of liquid to hold a charge. This will provide better performance and a smaller size than the lithium-ion battery packs. Source: Autocar -
Most vehicles sold feature an internal combustion engine running some type of fuel, but a Toyota executive believes this engine will be gone for vehicles by 2050. “We expect that by 2050 we will have reduced CO2 emissions from vehicles by 90% compared to the figure in 2010. To achieve that from 2040 simple internal combustion engined cars will not be made, but they may be the basis of some hybrid or plug-in hybrid cars,” said Seigo Kuzumaki, Toyota’s head of advanced R&D and engineering. Kuzumaki's reasoning for this comes down to governments tightening regulations on emissions. This, in turn, will cause automakers to accelerate development of alternative powertrains such as electrics. Toyota's a latecomer to electric vehicles, instead choosing to focus on hydrogen. But the Japanese automaker is working on a new family of EVs that will launch in 2020. The models will use lithium-ion batteries and have a range of 300 miles. But Toyota hopes to launch solid state batteries only a few years later for their EVs. Solid state batteries use solid electrolytes instead of liquid to hold a charge. This will provide better performance and a smaller size than the lithium-ion battery packs. Source: Autocar View full article
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If you have read any review of the all-new Subaru Impreza, then you'll know there is one issue that many have pointed out - the anemic 2.0L four-cylinder. Masahiko Inoue, Subaru project general manager product and portfolio division told CarAdvice that he has been getting a lot of complaints with this engine. “Everybody is requesting from me a more powerful engine. Everybody thinks it needs more power. They are satisfied, they understand the Subaru Global Platform and the new 2.0-litre engine – but needing more power is a common complaint from everybody,” said Inoue. Inoue said the brand is looking at various options to solve this issue such as using a larger displacement engine (possibly the 2.5L from the Forester), turbocharging, or even a hybrid. But the final decision ultimately rests on how well the Impreza and sister model, the XV (Crosstrek for North America) sells. “Of course, we are studying, and we are now studying one of the options: a 2.4- or 2.5-litre engine, downsized and turbocharged, and power supported by motor, a hybrid. Every way we are studying for the next model, or the future model," said Inoue. “But we cannot spend money on this vehicle, because this is an entry vehicle for Subaru. We have to keep competitive with the cost for the entry vehicles, so if the turbocharged model is requested, maybe it will go to the Forester, or the Levorg, or another vehicle.” Source: CarAdvice View full article
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If you have read any review of the all-new Subaru Impreza, then you'll know there is one issue that many have pointed out - the anemic 2.0L four-cylinder. Masahiko Inoue, Subaru project general manager product and portfolio division told CarAdvice that he has been getting a lot of complaints with this engine. “Everybody is requesting from me a more powerful engine. Everybody thinks it needs more power. They are satisfied, they understand the Subaru Global Platform and the new 2.0-litre engine – but needing more power is a common complaint from everybody,” said Inoue. Inoue said the brand is looking at various options to solve this issue such as using a larger displacement engine (possibly the 2.5L from the Forester), turbocharging, or even a hybrid. But the final decision ultimately rests on how well the Impreza and sister model, the XV (Crosstrek for North America) sells. “Of course, we are studying, and we are now studying one of the options: a 2.4- or 2.5-litre engine, downsized and turbocharged, and power supported by motor, a hybrid. Every way we are studying for the next model, or the future model," said Inoue. “But we cannot spend money on this vehicle, because this is an entry vehicle for Subaru. We have to keep competitive with the cost for the entry vehicles, so if the turbocharged model is requested, maybe it will go to the Forester, or the Levorg, or another vehicle.” Source: CarAdvice -
Everyone Take A Breath, Next Ford Bronco Will Not Be A Reworked Everest
William Maley posted an article in Ford
It was an exciting day when Ford announced that the Ranger and Bronco would be coming back. But then disappointment arrived as an alleged Ford employee said on Reddit that the Bronco would be a slightly re-worked Everest SUV (cue sad trombone). A Ford executive has cleared the air somewhat on the Bronco, and it is good news. Ford's Chief Technical Officer Raj Nair told Autoline in an interview that while the Bronco would be based on the Ranger/Everest platform, it would be its own vehicle. “No, it’s a separate vehicle. It will be an incremental vehicle from the Everest. The Everest kind of serves a lot of off-road capability; maybe the space of the Explorer serves here in the U.S., but with a body-on-frame construction with a lot more off-road capability for the rest of the world. This Bronco is completely unique from that Everest. It is body-on-frame and so again, focusing on that off-road capability.” Nair also revealed that the Bronco would be somewhere in between the small Bronco (1966-1977) and big Bronco (1992-1996). “This new Bronco will be based off the Ranger platform and so it’s going to be a similarly sized vehicle to what you see in the Ranger. Now, for our American customers who have never seen that global Ranger, it’s a bit bigger than the Ranger we used to have here in the U.S., so I would say it’s kind of in-between in what you saw with that really big Bronco and then the smaller Bronco,” said Nair. So everyone, take a deep breath. It seems that it is going to be ok. Source: Autoline -
It was an exciting day when Ford announced that the Ranger and Bronco would be coming back. But then disappointment arrived as an alleged Ford employee said on Reddit that the Bronco would be a slightly re-worked Everest SUV (cue sad trombone). A Ford executive has cleared the air somewhat on the Bronco, and it is good news. Ford's Chief Technical Officer Raj Nair told Autoline in an interview that while the Bronco would be based on the Ranger/Everest platform, it would be its own vehicle. “No, it’s a separate vehicle. It will be an incremental vehicle from the Everest. The Everest kind of serves a lot of off-road capability; maybe the space of the Explorer serves here in the U.S., but with a body-on-frame construction with a lot more off-road capability for the rest of the world. This Bronco is completely unique from that Everest. It is body-on-frame and so again, focusing on that off-road capability.” Nair also revealed that the Bronco would be somewhere in between the small Bronco (1966-1977) and big Bronco (1992-1996). “This new Bronco will be based off the Ranger platform and so it’s going to be a similarly sized vehicle to what you see in the Ranger. Now, for our American customers who have never seen that global Ranger, it’s a bit bigger than the Ranger we used to have here in the U.S., so I would say it’s kind of in-between in what you saw with that really big Bronco and then the smaller Bronco,” said Nair. So everyone, take a deep breath. It seems that it is going to be ok. Source: Autoline View full article
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It came as a shock to many when Volkswagen admitted that it used illegal software to cheat emission tests with their diesel. But there was one group that wasn't surprised, automakers. Kent Falck, a future product specialist at Volvo said a recent event that many automakers were very suspicious of Volkswagen's emission results with their TDI engines. Falck explained that many were puzzled as to how Volkswagen was able to achieve lower emissions despite using the same suppliers as other automakers. “We have the same suppliers, we have Bosch, we have Denso, we are working with the same partners, so we know this technology doesn’t exist,” said Falck. “I have known that for seven years.” “We sat in a room and reviewed all the facts, figures, whatever we have, with the specialists. (But) we can’t manage it, how are the others doing it? We don’t know.” At first, Falck thought Volkswagen had some sort of proprietary technology to pull this off without resorting to such technologies such urea injection. “There is always intellectual properties in the world ... there might be something out there in the technology ... that we are not allowed to buy because it’s owned by a supplier. We were wondering how (VW met strict US emissions targets) that’s for sure.” But soon enough, Falck and other people at various automakers realized Volkswagen was going at it an illegal way. Source: News.com.au -
It came as a shock to many when Volkswagen admitted that it used illegal software to cheat emission tests with their diesel. But there was one group that wasn't surprised, automakers. Kent Falck, a future product specialist at Volvo said a recent event that many automakers were very suspicious of Volkswagen's emission results with their TDI engines. Falck explained that many were puzzled as to how Volkswagen was able to achieve lower emissions despite using the same suppliers as other automakers. “We have the same suppliers, we have Bosch, we have Denso, we are working with the same partners, so we know this technology doesn’t exist,” said Falck. “I have known that for seven years.” “We sat in a room and reviewed all the facts, figures, whatever we have, with the specialists. (But) we can’t manage it, how are the others doing it? We don’t know.” At first, Falck thought Volkswagen had some sort of proprietary technology to pull this off without resorting to such technologies such urea injection. “There is always intellectual properties in the world ... there might be something out there in the technology ... that we are not allowed to buy because it’s owned by a supplier. We were wondering how (VW met strict US emissions targets) that’s for sure.” But soon enough, Falck and other people at various automakers realized Volkswagen was going at it an illegal way. Source: News.com.au View full article
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Chrysler has announced some new appointments to its leader which take effect immediately. Head of the Ram Truck brand Reid Bigland becomes the new head of Alfa Romeo in the North America. Robert Hegbloom, who was the brand director of Ram Trucks becomes the head of the brand. With these appointments, both Bigland and Hegbloom become members of Chrysler's NAFTA Leadership Team. Bigland also gets a seat on Fiat Chrysler Group Executive Council – the highest decision-making body for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. Source: Chrysler 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 Chrysler Group Announces Executive Appointments August 18, 2014 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Chrysler Group LLC today announced that Reid Bigland is appointed Head of Alfa Romeo Brand for the NAFTA region. Bigland continues as Head of U.S. Sales and as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Chrysler Canada. He will also continue as a member of the NAFTA Leadership Team and the Fiat Chrysler Group Executive Council (GEC). In addition, Robert Hegbloom is appointed Head of Ram Truck Brand. In his new role, Hegbloom will become a member of the NAFTA Leadership Team. Both appointments are effective immediately. "I am delighted to be able to announce these appointments. Reid has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills in managing Chrysler's consistent rise in sales and market share in both Canada and the U.S.," said Sergio Marchionne, Chairman and CEO, Chrysler Group and CEO of Fiat S.p.A. "The addition of Alfa Romeo to his portfolio of responsibilities is an indication of how committed we are to the establishment of this brand in the North American market, a process that has already started with the introduction of the Alfa Romeo 4C. Much more is expected from this brand in the next few years as outlined in our five-year plan presented on May 6, 2014, and Reid's seniority and experience are ideal for the significant task that is now getting underway. "Reid has been working intensely with Bob in the establishment of the Ram Truck Brand after separation from Dodge, and it is appropriate that Bob now be given the opportunity to continue and intensify the work started by Reid. "These appointments are a clear reflection of the value we at Chrysler place on people development and the nurturing of leadership skills. Both Reid and Bob have grown tremendously as leaders in the last five years, and the time has come for them to have expanded leadership roles." Hegbloom previously served as the Director of Ram Truck Brand. He has held a series of positions with increasing responsibility supporting the Company's truck brand. Hegbloom joined Chrysler in 1986. View full article
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Chrysler has announced some new appointments to its leader which take effect immediately. Head of the Ram Truck brand Reid Bigland becomes the new head of Alfa Romeo in the North America. Robert Hegbloom, who was the brand director of Ram Trucks becomes the head of the brand. With these appointments, both Bigland and Hegbloom become members of Chrysler's NAFTA Leadership Team. Bigland also gets a seat on Fiat Chrysler Group Executive Council – the highest decision-making body for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. Source: Chrysler 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 Chrysler Group Announces Executive Appointments August 18, 2014 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Chrysler Group LLC today announced that Reid Bigland is appointed Head of Alfa Romeo Brand for the NAFTA region. Bigland continues as Head of U.S. Sales and as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Chrysler Canada. He will also continue as a member of the NAFTA Leadership Team and the Fiat Chrysler Group Executive Council (GEC). In addition, Robert Hegbloom is appointed Head of Ram Truck Brand. In his new role, Hegbloom will become a member of the NAFTA Leadership Team. Both appointments are effective immediately. "I am delighted to be able to announce these appointments. Reid has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills in managing Chrysler's consistent rise in sales and market share in both Canada and the U.S.," said Sergio Marchionne, Chairman and CEO, Chrysler Group and CEO of Fiat S.p.A. "The addition of Alfa Romeo to his portfolio of responsibilities is an indication of how committed we are to the establishment of this brand in the North American market, a process that has already started with the introduction of the Alfa Romeo 4C. Much more is expected from this brand in the next few years as outlined in our five-year plan presented on May 6, 2014, and Reid's seniority and experience are ideal for the significant task that is now getting underway. "Reid has been working intensely with Bob in the establishment of the Ram Truck Brand after separation from Dodge, and it is appropriate that Bob now be given the opportunity to continue and intensify the work started by Reid. "These appointments are a clear reflection of the value we at Chrysler place on people development and the nurturing of leadership skills. Both Reid and Bob have grown tremendously as leaders in the last five years, and the time has come for them to have expanded leadership roles." Hegbloom previously served as the Director of Ram Truck Brand. He has held a series of positions with increasing responsibility supporting the Company's truck brand. Hegbloom joined Chrysler in 1986. -
The past few years have seen truck manufacturers engage in a war of fuel economy numbers. Using new engines and fuel saving technologies, manufacturers are using fuel economy as a big selling point. Speaking with Automotive News, Ram brand director Bob Hegbloom says there is a big prize that all truck companies are aiming for: 30 MPG. "The first manufacturer that gets to 30 mpg wins," said Hegbloom. "We are seeing that with our 28 mpg EcoDiesel as well as the 25 mpg on the Pentastar V-6 model that fuel economy is so important. We are seeing it in the share gains and the growth for the brand. That's a number that is out there, but I don't think you can stop there." Hegbloom didn't comment when or how Ram would achieve the 30 MPG, but did say, "I just want to have continuous improvement and to keep gaining every day. We sat still in the past and it doesn't lead to a great place. We are focused on constant improvement every single day." 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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Ram Trucks Executive: First Truck Manufacturer With 30 MPG Wins
William Maley posted an article in Ram Trucks
The past few years have seen truck manufacturers engage in a war of fuel economy numbers. Using new engines and fuel saving technologies, manufacturers are using fuel economy as a big selling point. Speaking with Automotive News, Ram brand director Bob Hegbloom says there is a big prize that all truck companies are aiming for: 30 MPG. "The first manufacturer that gets to 30 mpg wins," said Hegbloom. "We are seeing that with our 28 mpg EcoDiesel as well as the 25 mpg on the Pentastar V-6 model that fuel economy is so important. We are seeing it in the share gains and the growth for the brand. That's a number that is out there, but I don't think you can stop there." Hegbloom didn't comment when or how Ram would achieve the 30 MPG, but did say, "I just want to have continuous improvement and to keep gaining every day. We sat still in the past and it doesn't lead to a great place. We are focused on constant improvement every single day." 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. -
By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com April 17, 2013 Cadillac has announced some executive changes to help take full advantage of the sale increases the brand is experiencing. Don Butler who is Cadillac's U.S. VP of marketing will become VP of global Cadillac strategic development. Butler's goal in this new position is to drive the next phase of Cadillac growth internationally," planning strategy and developing new markets. Taking Butler's place as Cadillac's U.S. VP of marketing will be Steve Majoros. Majoros worked at Campbell-Ewald as its managing director and has "Like a Rock" and "American Revolution" campaigns under his belt. Source: General Motors 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 Cadillac Leadership Moves Drive Further Growth New alignment supports global expansion DETROIT, 2013-04-12 – As part of its ongoing global growth, Cadillac today enhanced its leadership team with two new executive appointments aimed at extending the brand's momentum. U.S. Vice President of Marketing Don Butler will take on the position of Global Cadillac Strategic Development vice president. In this newly created role, Butler will drive the next phase of Cadillac growth internationally, including new market development and strategic global planning. He will continue to report to Bob Ferguson, GM vice president, Global Cadillac. "Cadillac is continuing to expand in our home market and globally, which demands that we continually enhance our team's focus and capabilities," said Ferguson. "Don's international experience and deep product knowledge will be major assets as we take our global growth to the next level." Steve Majoros is named director, Global Cadillac Marketing. He will report to Ferguson and will lead the Cadillac global marketing team. In his new role, Majoros will assume responsibility for domestic and global marketing to ensure tight coordination between Cadillac's marketing, advertising and sales field teams. Prior to joining Cadillac, Steve was managing director, Campbell-Ewald. "Steve's extensive expertise in automotive marketing and his proven leadership record will significantly strengthen Cadillac's focus on global expansion," said Ferguson. "In our continuing effort to elevate Cadillac, Steve's unique perspective will complement our already-strong organization." Cadillac ended the first quarter of 2013 as the fastest growing full-line luxury brand in the United States, with sales increasing 38 percent. Brand growth has been driven by the all-new ATS sport sedan, the current North American Car of the Year, and the new XTS luxury sedan. Cadillac began the next phase of its ongoing global growth plan recently, with the start of production of the XTS in China, leading the brand's expansion in the world's largest luxury market. Earlier this year, Cadillac revealed the next models in its product-driven expansion, the 2014 Cadillac ELR extended range electric vehicle and the all new Cadillac CTS. Cadillac has been a leading luxury auto brand since 1902. In recent years, Cadillac has engineered a historic renaissance led by artful engineering and advanced technology. More information on Cadillac can be found at media.cadillac.com. View full article
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By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com April 17, 2013 Cadillac has announced some executive changes to help take full advantage of the sale increases the brand is experiencing. Don Butler who is Cadillac's U.S. VP of marketing will become VP of global Cadillac strategic development. Butler's goal in this new position is to drive the next phase of Cadillac growth internationally," planning strategy and developing new markets. Taking Butler's place as Cadillac's U.S. VP of marketing will be Steve Majoros. Majoros worked at Campbell-Ewald as its managing director and has "Like a Rock" and "American Revolution" campaigns under his belt. Source: General Motors 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 Cadillac Leadership Moves Drive Further Growth New alignment supports global expansion DETROIT, 2013-04-12 – As part of its ongoing global growth, Cadillac today enhanced its leadership team with two new executive appointments aimed at extending the brand's momentum. U.S. Vice President of Marketing Don Butler will take on the position of Global Cadillac Strategic Development vice president. In this newly created role, Butler will drive the next phase of Cadillac growth internationally, including new market development and strategic global planning. He will continue to report to Bob Ferguson, GM vice president, Global Cadillac. "Cadillac is continuing to expand in our home market and globally, which demands that we continually enhance our team's focus and capabilities," said Ferguson. "Don's international experience and deep product knowledge will be major assets as we take our global growth to the next level." Steve Majoros is named director, Global Cadillac Marketing. He will report to Ferguson and will lead the Cadillac global marketing team. In his new role, Majoros will assume responsibility for domestic and global marketing to ensure tight coordination between Cadillac's marketing, advertising and sales field teams. Prior to joining Cadillac, Steve was managing director, Campbell-Ewald. "Steve's extensive expertise in automotive marketing and his proven leadership record will significantly strengthen Cadillac's focus on global expansion," said Ferguson. "In our continuing effort to elevate Cadillac, Steve's unique perspective will complement our already-strong organization." Cadillac ended the first quarter of 2013 as the fastest growing full-line luxury brand in the United States, with sales increasing 38 percent. Brand growth has been driven by the all-new ATS sport sedan, the current North American Car of the Year, and the new XTS luxury sedan. Cadillac began the next phase of its ongoing global growth plan recently, with the start of production of the XTS in China, leading the brand's expansion in the world's largest luxury market. Earlier this year, Cadillac revealed the next models in its product-driven expansion, the 2014 Cadillac ELR extended range electric vehicle and the all new Cadillac CTS. Cadillac has been a leading luxury auto brand since 1902. In recent years, Cadillac has engineered a historic renaissance led by artful engineering and advanced technology. More information on Cadillac can be found at media.cadillac.com.
