Automotive Headlines

[mogandave]

For anyone with an interest:

Ford Opens Fourth Chinese Assembly Plant.

Volkswagen Reports Record 2011 Profit.

Envia Systems To Unveil Affordable, Long-Range EV Battery Today.

[MoonRiverOasis]

Cool

I'll add a few local ones too..

The Suzuki eco-car project has been confirmed to be a current-gen Swift with a smaller 1.3L engine and the March's CVT. Looks well set to raise the bar in the eco car segment.

The next-gen Nissan Teana is in the final stages of development and is expected to enter tooling later in the year. Watch the roads for some test mules coming your way soon

Nissan have revealed teasers of the "Hi-Cross" concept, which provides clues as to the styling direction of next-gen X-Trail.

Chevy Thailand are beating their chests for being the most successful USA brand on sale in TH during 2011 (which is a bit like celebrating coming 2nd last, rather than last )

Toyota TH have announced a 'last minor change' for the Yaris, using some Vitz RS styling parts from the old JDM version - further delaying the release of the next-gen model.

[culicine]

Cool

I'll add a few local ones too..

The Suzuki eco-car project has been confirmed to be a current-gen Swift with a smaller 1.3L engine and the March's CVT. Looks well set to raise the bar in the eco car segment.

The next-gen Nissan Teana is in the final stages of development and is expected to enter tooling later in the year. Watch the roads for some test mules coming your way soon

Nissan have revealed teasers of the "Hi-Cross" concept, which provides clues as to the styling direction of next-gen X-Trail.

Chevy Thailand are beating their chests for being the most successful USA brand on sale in TH during 2011 (which is a bit like celebrating coming 2nd last, rather than last )

Toyota TH have announced a 'last minor change' for the Yaris, using some Vitz RS styling parts from the old JDM version - further delaying the release of the next-gen model.

The suzuki eco car looks great, much more upmarket than the march/brio... from headlightmag.com Any idea on pricing as yet?? HP is 94 . yes?

[Backwoods]

Cool

I'll add a few local ones too..

The Suzuki eco-car project has been confirmed to be a current-gen Swift with a smaller 1.3L engine and the March's CVT. Looks well set to raise the bar in the eco car segment.

The next-gen Nissan Teana is in the final stages of development and is expected to enter tooling later in the year. Watch the roads for some test mules coming your way soon

Nissan have revealed teasers of the "Hi-Cross" concept, which provides clues as to the styling direction of next-gen X-Trail.

Chevy Thailand are beating their chests for being the most successful USA brand on sale in TH during 2011 (which is a bit like celebrating coming 2nd last, rather than last )

Toyota TH have announced a 'last minor change' for the Yaris, using some Vitz RS styling parts from the old JDM version - further delaying the release of the next-gen model.

Lets see what Chevy says in 2012!!!

[mogandave]

“Peugeot May Sell Stake To GM.

Bloomberg News (2/28, Kirchfeld, et. al) reports, "PSA Peugeot Citroen (UG) may announce as soon as this week plans to sell a stake of about 7 percent in the French carmaker to General Motors Co. (GM) as part of a development alliance, people familiar with the matter said. The deal would involve a standstill agreement by which GM would not take a greater holding in the Paris-based carmaker without permission, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the talks are private." They also said "Peugeot may offer additional shares through a rights issue as part of the transaction."

BBC News (2/28) reports, "It is thought that the two companies are discussing a plan to develop vehicles together. They would then sell those cars under their own brands." BBC News notes, "A deal would require the approval of the Peugeot family, which still holds 30% of the company's shares, and because of the way those shares are structured, the family has 48% of voting rights among shareholders."“

“Car Companies Can Barely Keep Up With Sales.

The AP (2/28) reports, "Carmakers are adding shifts and hiring thousands of workers around the country. Carmakers and parts companies added more than 38,000 jobs last year, with industry employment averaging 717,000 for 2011." However, there is a downside to the auto industry's success. It "is straining the factory network of the Detroit automakers, as well as the companies that make the thousands of parts that go into each vehicle. This could lead to shortages that drive up prices."

[ignis]

The suzuki eco car looks great, much more upmarket than the march/brio... from headlightmag.com Any idea on pricing as yet?? HP is 94 . yes?

Told yesterday by a Thai in the Motor Trade, the Eco Swift will start @ 399 k.......... The all new APV, small MPV will start @ 599k also Chevrolet will use this MPV and re-badge it with a Chevy nose.by end of year

[sparebox2]

Don't forget the Mitsubishi Mirage Eco Car. It is coming this March too.

[JeffreyMcCollum]

dam_n, my wife has wanted one of the suzuki swifts. Now I don't have a reason to say no any more

[mogandave]

“Decision On Vehicle Rear-View Cameras Delayed.

The AP (2/29, Lowy) reports, "Rules aimed at preventing drivers from backing over children by requiring automakers to include rearview cameras on new cars and light trucks will be delayed until the end of this year, federal transportation officials said Tuesday." US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood notified lawmakers of the delay in a letter, explaining that "the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration needs more time for 'study and data analysis' before it can issue regulations." LaHood added, "I believe it is important to allot additional time to ensure that the final rule is appropriate and the underlying analysis is robust."

Bloomberg News (2/29, Keane) adds that Congress passed a law in 2008 mandating the cameras, but LaHood has delayed the move twice. In a statement, the Department of Transportation said, "While the department has made progress toward a final rule to improve rearward visibility, it has decided that further study and data analysis -- including of a wider range of vehicles and drivers -- is important to ensure the most protective and efficient rule possible." The President listed the proposed rule "as one of the five most expensive pending US regulations in an Aug. 30 letter" he "sent to House Republican leaders." The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration believes the rule will save 146 lives a year.

Reporting from Detroit, the New York Times (2/29, Bunkley, Subscription Publication) observes that in announcing the rule, LaHood said that "a wider range of vehicles and drivers" needed to be studied "to ensure the most protective and efficient rule possible." LaHood added, "The department remains committed to improving rearview visibility for the nation's fleet and we expect to complete our work and issue a final rule by Dec. 31, 2012." According to NHTSA, the proposal could add up to $200 to the price of a new car.””

“Former Chrysler Co-President Named CEO Of Fisker.

The Detroit Free Press (2/29, Walsh) reports, "Tom LaSorda, Chrysler's former CEO and longtime manufacturing executive at General Motors, was named CEO today of plug-in electric carmaker Fisker Automotive."

The Detroit News (2/29, Shepardson) reports, "LaSorda, a former CEO, president and vice chairman of the Chrysler Group, will also serve as vice chairman and has full responsibility of running Fisker's day-to-day operations. Henrik Fisker, who co-founded the company in 2007, will step down as CEO and become executive chairman, the company said."

The San Jose Mercury News (2/29, Hull) reports, "The executive shake-up comes as Fisker faces several formidable challenges and growing competition as other all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles enter the market. In recent months, Fisker has been beset by production delays, a voluntary recall of battery packs, software glitches, trouble getting the Delaware plant up and running and a freeze on the bulk of its $529 million Energy Department loan guarantee."”

[MoonRiverOasis]

And some more local ones...

Hyundai have announced that they will be releasing an updated version of the H1 van later this month, with improved power output for AT versions, and improved FE for the base MT version.

Mitsubishi have revealed that the Mirage eco car, launching later this month, will be initially launching with 3 different variants, priced from 380K to 550K.

Mitsubishi have signed an MOU with the Natural Energy Development commission to expore the feasability of electric vehicles in TH. Under the agreement, Mitsu will be supplying a number of their i-Miev's for testing and research purposes.

Ford have announced that they wil be releasing a new 'Sport Ultimate' version of the Fiesta at this month's Motor Show. This new range-topper adds a full compliment of 7 airbags the the existing top model 'Sport' (making it the only 5-star rated car in TH under 1M Baht), and will be priced at 759K.

Volvo have confirmed that they will be releasing a "Drive" version of the V60 Wagon at this month's motor show. With the tax benefits of an E85 1.6L turbo gasoline engine, pricing starts from just 2.249M Baht.

Chevrolet Thailand have confirmed that the new Trailblazer SUV (Colorado based PPV) will be launching on March 21st.

Toyota TH have announced a plan to spend a further 6 Billion Baht to expand production capacity at their engine plant for ZR series engines from 100K units to 840K units/year by 2014.

[MoonRiverOasis]

dam_n, my wife has wanted one of the suzuki swifts. Now I don't have a reason to say no any more

Yep, had the wife not recently got a new car, I know she'd be pressuring me for one. Will likely still have to buy one anyway, once she finds out..

[aussiebebe]

Hi everyone, this isn't a Thailand-related headline but it grabbed my attention. A Californian company 'Lit Motors' is developing a gyroscopically-stabilised electric bike with an enclosed, car-like body;

Have a look at Lit Motors website for more details.

I want one.

[mogandave]

It’s all good, but I particularly like the first:

“Intel To Create $100 Million Fund To Invest In Improving Automotive Technology.

The Albany Business Review (3/2, Brown, Subscription Publication) reports, "Semiconductor giant Intel Corp. plans to create a $100 million fund to invest in improving automotive technology, making cars into mobile devices." Intel "will invest the money through its Intel Capital venture unit over the next four to five years. It aims to invest in hardware, software and services businesses that are 'developing technologies to promote new, compelling in-vehicle applications and enable the seamless connection between vehicles and any connected device.'" Intel Capital's president Arvind Sodhani "said the $100 million fund will give consumers what they want -- uninhibited access to the Internet and news, entertainment and social media while driving." “

“Auto Sales Surge In February.

The New York Times (3/2, Bunkley, Subscription Publication) reports, "Auto sales jumped 16 percent last month to the highest level since before the recession, helped by declining unemployment and improving consumer confidence even as gasoline prices topped $4 a gallon in parts of the" US. "The seasonally adjusted, annualized selling rate for new vehicles, a closely watched indication of the auto industry's health, climbed to 15.1 million in February. It was the first time the rate reached that level since 2008. Analysts said it was too early to predict if the February rate was sustainable - March is typically a much stronger month for auto sales and therefore more indicative of long-term trends - but the outlook was bright enough that General Motors, Ford and Chrysler were seeking ways to increase production."

The Detroit News (3/2, Burden, Hoffman) reports, "It was Chrysler's best February in four years and its 23rd consecutive month of sales growth. Chrysler Group LLC's Jeep, Dodge and Ram Truck brands all posted strong year-over-year gains, and Fiat reported its strongest month yet with sales up 69 percent over January's tally. Chrysler brand sales soared 114 percent, with both the Chrysler 300 and 200 sedans posting triple-digit sales gains."

CNNMoney (3/2, Isidore) reports, "Ford, the No. 2 automaker in terms of US sales, reported a 14.4% increase in sales. It was helped by a 114% jump in sales of the compact Focus, the company's key fuel-efficient offering. But truck sales also posted a 20.6% rise, led by a 25.9% increase in sales for the full-size F-series pickup truck."

The Detroit Free Press (3/2, Thompson) reports General Motors "sales grew 1.1% compared with February 2011. Analysts had predicted a sales decline, since GM had goosed sales last year with above-average incentives. Chevrolet's 5.8% gain powered the overall increase, led by a 10.1% gain from the Cruze compact, a 38.6% increase from the Suburban SUV and a 30.7% gain for the Express full-size van."

Forbes (3/2, Schaefer) reports, "Perhaps most importantly for the automaker, GM spent less on coaxing buyers with incentives in February. Incentive spending was down to 9.5% of the average transaction price, from 10% in January and 13.5% a year ago, according to estimates from J.D. Power."

AFP (3/2, Oberman) reports, "The Detroit Three automakers are reaping the rewards of major investments in small cars and overall fuel economy improvements after years of ceding that territory to Asian rivals like Toyota and Honda. Those new models are being introduced amid a steady rise of overall industry sales as the economy climbs out of a deep economic downturn."

The AP (3/2, Krisher, Durbin) reports, "Japanese carmakers are also benefitting. In 2008, they saw sales slide because they couldn't make their most efficient cars, like the Toyota Prius hybrid, quickly enough to satisfy demands. But this February, Toyota Motor Corp.'s sales rose, led by a 52 percent jump in the Prius." Honda Motor Co.'s sales also increased.

Also covering the story are the Wall Street Journal (3/2, Bennett, Tadena, Subscription Publication), the Christian Science Monitor (3/2, Trumbull), the Cleveland Plain Dealer (3/2, Schoenberger), Bloomberg News (3/1, Trudell), Reuters (3/2, Seetharaman, Klayman), the Financial Times (3/1, Bond, Subscription Publication), MarketWatch (3/2, Andrejczak) and other media sources.

Auto Sales Up In Canada. The Canadian Press (3/2, Freeman) reports, "Some of the world's largest automakers saw Canadian sales grow by double digits last month as more customers flocked to showrooms shopping for fuel-efficient vehicles amid a spike in gasoline prices. Overall vehicle sales were up 11.2 per cent last month to 106,712 from 96,006, according to a report from DesRosiers Automotive Consultants. Car sales shot up 17 per cent to 46,285 last month from 39,514 in February 2011."

Canada's Financial Post (3/2, Deveau), Canada's Globe and Mail (3/2, Keenan, Krisher), Canada's CTV News (3/2, Mangione), Canada's CBC News (3/2) and other media sources also cover the story.”

”Startup Says It Has Built Batteries That Can Store More Energy Than Those Currently In Electric Cars.

Technology Review (3/1, Bullis) reported, "Envia, a startup funded by GM and the US government's Advanced Research Projects Agency for Energy (ARPA-E), says it has built batteries that store more than twice as much energy as the ones in electric cars now. If the technology comes to fruition, it could halve the cost of batteries-the most expensive part on an electric vehicle." The company's "technology is based on work originating in the DOE's Argonne National Lab, which identified a material with a novel microscopic structure that could help improve the storage capacity of one of the battery electrodes." “

[WarpSpeed]

Unfortunately while producing new batteries that store more power it seems that electric cars are still struggling to gain traction..

http://www.inquisitr...ing-slow-sales/

So will the Volt go the way of the DoDo and the Ev1?

As we know Tesla has already struggled financially as well.. Practicality and prohibitive costs are still the major setbacks..

Edited March 5, 2012 by WarpSpeed

[mogandave]

“Obama Announces Plan To Increase Infrastructure For Alternative Energy Vehicles.

The Detroit Free Press (3/8, Spangler) reports that, during a visit to a Daimler Trucks North America plant in Mount Holly, North Carolina, "President Barack Obama on Wednesday proposed an expanded $1-billion energy initiative that would help 10 to 15 communities across the US develop infrastructure to support alternative fuel vehicles." The Free Press reports, "Unlike a similar plan drawn up previously, the new $1-billion National Community Deployment Challenge to help selected communities invest in necessary infrastructure for alternative fuel vehicles will not be tied to electric vehicles, allowing, the White House said, 'communities to determine if electrification, natural gas or other alternative fuels would be the best fit.' The program would support the development of as many as five liquid natural gas corridors where alternative fuel trucks would be able to transport goods without using any gasoline or diesel."

Bloomberg News (3/8, Runningen) reports Obama also "proposed expanded tax credits." The President "is asking Congress to make two changes in tax law to coax drivers into less-polluting vehicles. One would raise the tax credit to $10,000 from $7,500 for the purchase of a so- called advanced vehicle. The credit would be applied instantly at the dealership, according to a White House fact sheet."

The Detroit News (3/8, Shepardson) adds, "It would also reform the credit for EVs - so it is no longer based on the size of the battery - meaning some plug-ins would qualify for larger credits." Also, the administration "is proposing to spend $1.7 billion to create a new credit to allow commercial truck buyers to get credit for half of the additional costs of buying an advanced-technology vehicle. Under new rules, medium and heavy duty trucks must improve efficiency by about 20 percent by 2018. The government estimates it will provide $49 billion in benefits - but will add $8 billion to the cost of the vehicles."

CNNMoney (3/8, Valdes-Dapena) reports, "Mike Levine, spokesman for Ford trucks, pointed out that Ford already has the broadest range of commercial trucks, including vans and large pickups, with natural gas-ready engines. With more demand, he said, Ford is ready to do more with natural gas commercial trucks. Both General Motors and Chrysler Group have announced they will soon be making bi-fuel pickups that can run on both natural gas and gasoline."

Also covering the story are the Wall Street Journal (3/8, Favole, Subscription Publication), Politico (3/8, Epstein, Wolfe), the Cleveland Plain Dealer (3/8, Nieves), Portfolio (3/7, Hoover) and other media sources.

Automakers To Start Introducing More Natural Gas-Power Vehicles To The Market.

The AP (3/8) reports, "More natural gas-powered vehicles will hit the market soon, as rising gasoline prices, booming natural gas production and proposed tax credits make them a more attractive option." GM and Chrysler plan to introduce natural gas-powered pickup trucks later on this year. However, "US buyers have been slow to adopt natural-gas vehicles" due to the lack of fueling stations, lack of models to choose from, and the price of the vehicles. Mary Barcella, IHS CERA director of North America Natural Gas research for IHS CERA, says that "natural gas vehicles will only become more popular if pump prices rise and stay high for a long time."

European Automakers Seek Alliances Against Harsh Market.

The AP (3/8) reports, "While alliances have been around for a while - some more successful than others - the brutal European car market characterized by plummeting sales, idled factories and fierce competition is pushing many automakers to look for partners for new technology and access to fresh markets without reinventing the wheel." The AP reports, "Industrial tie-ups are becoming even more urgent as the European market continues to contract. Sales were down 200,000 units, or 9 percent, in the first two months of the year, and the car market has lost some 2.5 million vehicle sales from its peak in 2006-07, according to figures from IHS Automotive."

Peugeot CEO: Peugeot, General Motors Cooperation To Focus On Model Expertise.

Bloomberg News (3/8, Webb) reports PSA Peugeot Citroen "said it may help General Motors Co. develop smaller models while gaining its partner's expertise in sport-utility vehicles as the manufacturers' alliance expands." Peugeot CEO Philippe Varin told reporters at the Geneva Motor Show that "Peugeot can also offer Detroit-based GM help with hybrid- powered models, with GM assisting on models in the so-called D segment of mid-size sedans." The automakers "have estimated that cost savings will reach $2 billion annually in about five years, evenly split between the two companies, coming primarily through developing models together. The carmakers will also reduce costs through global joint purchasing with combined volumes of $125 billion in materials annually."

Renault May Join Nissan In Developing Vehicles For Russia.

Bloomberg News (3/7, Webb) reported Renault SA "may join Japanese affiliate Nissan Motor Co. in developing models targeted at Russia once the companies complete a deal to buy a majority stake in OAO AvtoVAZ." Philippe Klein, head of the French carmaker's product planning, said "Renault may seek to make use of AvtoVAZ's facilities to develop vehicles for the Russian market." Carlos Ghosn, head of Renault and its Japanese partner, said earlier this week that the "Renault-Nissan alliance expects to conclude an agreement with AvtoVAZ's top two Russian shareholders to buy a controlling stake in the automaker in coming weeks."

Nissan To Invest $198 Million To Build New Compact Car At Its UK Factory.

The AP (3/7, Jordans) reports, "Nissan said Tuesday it is investing 125 million pounds ($198 million) to build the new Invitation compact car at its British factory." The company's "announcement during the Geneva Motor Show marks a rare expansion of auto production in western Europe, where manufacturers have been looking at ways to close down assembly lines left idle by flagging consumer demand."

AFP (3/7) reports, "The new vehicle will be built at Nissan's Sunderland plant from mid-2013 in a project which will also be supported by a government grant of £9.3 million, the automaker said in a statement." The hatchback vehicle, "which will compete models like the Ford Fiesta and the VW Polo, was unveiled on Tuesday at the Geneva Motor Show by Nissan Executive Vice President Andy Palmer."

Also covering the story are Reuters (3/7, Jones), BBC News (3/7), the UK's Financial Times (3/6, Reed, Subscription Publication) the UK's Daily Telegraph (3/7, Gribben, Millward), UK's The Guardian (3/5, Milmo) and other media sources.

GM's Decision To Suspend Volt Production Sparks Concern Over Electric Car Industry.

The New York Times (3/7, Ewing) reports, "General Motors' decision last week to suspend production of its Volt electric sedan because of slow sales has renewed questions about whether customers are willing to pay extra for the new technology." As a result, auto executives are torn as to whether electric vehicles will become an important part of the auto industry.

Car Companies Preparing For A Deeper Slump In European Sales.

Bloomberg News (3/7, Reiter, Kinnander, Trudell) reports, "Ford Motor Co. (F), Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW), Toyota Motor Corp. and their competitors are preparing for a deeper slump in European sales after deliveries at the beginning of the year were at the low end of their expectations." BMW and Toyota "are predicting a contraction of about 5 percent in Europe this year, the fifth straight annual decline, as the sovereign debt crisis prompts people to rein in spending." Car companies "are struggling to make a profit in Europe as overcapacity, which executives estimate at around 20 percent, forces them to increase incentives and lower prices."

BMW In Cooperation Talks With General Motors.

Bloomberg News (3/7, Reiter, Kinnander, Trudell) reports, "BMW said today it's in talks with GM on various topics."

The AP (3/7) reports, BMW chairman Norbert Reithofer said "his company already has joint ventures with French firm Peugeot in Europe and Japan's Toyota in Asia. He says the luxury car company is now on the lookout for a partner in North America." Reithofer "declined to say what areas of cooperation the two companies are exploring."

Reuters (3/7, Cremer) also covers the story.

Toyota Looking To Supply Tens Of Thousands Of Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Cars By 2020.

Bloomberg News (3/7, Ohnsman) reports Toyota "wants to be able to supply thousands of hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles annually in the next decade in anticipation of demand for petroleum-free autos." Yesterday, "the carmaker displayed its hydrogen-powered FCV-R concept car...at the Geneva motor show, reiterating its intention to sell vehicles based on the non-polluting sedan by 2015." Didier Leroy, who heads up Toyota's European operations, remarked, "We are preparing to be able to produce tens of thousands per year in the 2020s."

Chrysler Unveils Plans To Build Pickups Primarily Powered By Natural Gas.

The AP (3/7) reports, "Chrysler aims to be the first US automaker to produce a factory-built pickup truck that is powered mainly by natural gas." On Tuesday, Chrysler "said...that its new Ram 2500 Heavy Duty CNG truck will be sold to commercial customers that operate truck fleets." The first deliveries of the vehicle will be made in July.”

[ignis]

Noticed a report today about the new MORGAN Plus E......... 5 speed electric

[mogandave]

“Audi In Talks To Buy Ducati.

Bloomberg News (3/14, Thomas, Ebhardt) reports, "Audi AG is in talks to buy Ducati Motor Holding SpA, the maker of luxury motorbikes ridden by celebrities such as Brad Pitt, from owner Investindustrial SpA, according to two people familiar with the" talks. "Audi, which has the right of first refusal on a purchase until mid-April, is considering a total price of about 850 million euros ($1.12 billion) for the Italian company, which would include assuming some 800 million euros in liabilities, said one of the people, who declined to be identified discussing private negotiations."

Reuters (3/14, Schwartz, Clark), Dow Jones Newswires (3/14, Rauwald, Subscription Publication) and the Financial Times (3/14, Mundy, Bryant, Sanderson, Subscription Publication) also cover the story.”

[MoonRiverOasis]

And some local news...

* Hyundai have now (finally) officially launched the Elantra in Thailand with special introductory prices starting at 899,000 Baht (first 200 units only) after which prices will range from 1.088M to 1.198M. Bookings open this weekend.

* Toyota have officially launched the 2012 Camry in Thailand, with prices ranging from 1.299M for the base "G" spec 2.0L, to 1.869M baht for the top-spec 2.5L Hybrid.

* Nissan have announced a nano change for the March, with a new color on offer (Purple), new 60:40 rear seats and an improved glove box design on higher badged variants.

Edited March 15, 2012 by MoonRiverOasis