Update: the final release of the next SMART for the US

2007 Smart Fortwo Coupe & Cabrio

Posted on Wednesday 8 November 2006

MOTOR AUTHORITY AUTO NEWS - - DaimlerChrysler has finally released details and official images of the second generation Smart Fortwo. Only available in a two-door coupe or cabriolet, the new Fortwo has grown in size and power. In order to meet strict new EuroNCAP pedestrian safety regulations, designers decided to add an extra 19.5cm to the vehicle’s length. Storage space is up as well, with the trunk now measuring 220L over the previous model’s 150L.

Powering the new Fortwo are a trio of new three-cylinder engines displacing 1.0L and ranging in output from 61hp to 84hp. A diesel unit is carried over from the previous model and delivers 45hp. The only transmission is a sequential five-speed gearbox from Getrag that enables a maximum speed of 145km/h, 10 more than the old version. A more powerful Brabus enhanced version is due in autumn next year.

The new Fortwo will come in three different flavors including Pure, Passion and Pulse, with the latter model sporting a panoramic glass roof. Sales will start in spring of next year for European markets ahead of its official debut in the US in early 2008, most likely under a new dealer network being run by the United Auto Group.

Click ahead for more images.

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this Day in Auto History: 09 NOVEMBER

This Day in Auto History: 11.9.1893 Clyde Colvin DeWitt, a chemist with the Ford Motor Company 1916-1917, is born in Hyndman, PA 11.9.1929 Racer Joe Lee Johnson is born in Cowpens, SC 11.9.1952 William N. Booth of the Kelsey-Hayes Wheel Corporation dies in Lake Worth, FL at age 86 11.9.1960 Robert S. McNamara is named President of the Ford Motor Company by Chairman Henry Ford II

Source: Automobile History Day By Day, by Douglas A. Wick

2008 Dodge Avenger SRT6?

KBB Picks Best Redesigned Vehicle for 2007

KICKING TIRES BLOG - - Our friends over at Kelley Blue Book have racked their brains to choose what they consider the best redesigned vehicle for 2007. The search included any car, truck or SUV significantly redesigned as a 2007 model. And the winner is — if you couldn’t figure it out from the picture — the all-new 2007 Chevy Silverado.

Why? “The 2007 Silverado solidified its case for Best Redesigned Vehicle with its notably improved steering, braking, ride comfort, handling and power delivery,” said Jack R. Nerad, editorial director for Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com.

Past winners include the 2006 Honda Civic, 2005 Ford Mustang and 2004 Ford F-150. Keep reading for the full list of this year’s contenders to see the Silverado’s tough competition.

KBB's 2007 Top Redesigned Vehicles

• Cadillac Escalade
• Chevrolet Aveo sedan
• Chevrolet Tahoe
• Chrysler Sebring
• GMC Sierra
• GMC Yukon
• Lexus LS 460
• Mercedes-Benz S-Class
• Toyota Camry

Posted by David Thomas on

DaimlerChrysler plans to build a 2nd auto plant in India

AP | NEW DELHI NEWS - - Germany's DaimlerChrysler AG plans to invest about 2.5 billion rupees (US$55 million, €43 million) to build a second auto plant in India, a news report said Wednesday.

The company is scouting for a suitable location in western Maharashtra state, the Business Standard reported quoting the state's elected head, Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh.

DaimlerChrysler has one plant in that state, in the city of Pune, that makes about 2,000 cars a month. The company may choose Pune for the second plant as well, the report said quoting unnamed company officials.

The new plant will likely have the same capacity as the existing one and employ about 350 people, the report said.

The company could not be immediately reached for comments.

In recent years, car sales in India have soared on the back of rising middle class income, driving global automobile companies to expand operations here.

Also, many automakers are trying to take advantage of low labor and material costs by setting up plants that export cars to other parts of the world.

DaimlerChrysler's move to expand its India operation comes three months after General Motors Corp. announced it would set up a new export-oriented manufacturing facility in Maharashtra with an investment of 12.50 billion rupees (US$280 million, €220 million).

Why The Mercedes Benz Amg Is Still The Top Of The Line Luxury Vehicle

By: Ralph Nunes | ARTICLES NEWS - - With high HP engines and a racing build to it, the Mercedes Benz AMG has grown into one of the most popular luxury vehicles on the road. It has gone from a race-style circuit vehicle to now being an every day car on the road. Whether it's a sports car, sedan, or wagon, you are guaranteed to get the highest quality performance out of a Mercedes Benz AMG.

The Mercedes Benz AMG was founded in 1967 as a racing engine force. However, society quickly picked up interest in the vehicle for its high luxury. Today, AMG offers all of the automobile functions needed for a high-class car. Above all, Mercedes Benz AMG is known for its development and production of their high-performance engines.

The United States is now the largest market in the world for AMG vehicles because of its 40 percent share of AMG sales. With the high amount of shares, there is a wide selection of AMG vehicles to choose from. You can find some of the older classics that got AMG going in 1967, or you can select one of the many brand new 2007 models available.

Today customers can choose from 16 unique Mercedes Benz AMG with a performance spectrum that varies in between 265/360 HP to 450 kW/612 HP. The driving dynamics are impeccable and make these vehicles suitable for everyday use, while providing you with a luxurious experience.

There are several different styles and models for the 2007 Mercedes Benz AMG's, each offering something a little different. The E-Class AMG offers either a sedan or wagon. The sedan has an all-new 507-horsepower AMG V-8, accompanied by a 7-speed automatic transmission. The wagon is similar to the sedan, but offers a capacity of 7 passengers. These two Mercedes Benz AMG's are on the cheaper end with both pricing in around $85,000.

If you want the top of the line flashy Mercedes Benz AMG, you will want to look at the 2007 SL65 AMG. Coming in at close to $187,000, this luxurious thrill ride is worth every penny. You will get a 604-horsepower twin-turbocharged V-12, with a 5-speed automatic transmission. It comes with race-bred high-performance breaks and 19-inch double-spoke AMG multi-piece wheels.

As you may have expected, the Mercedes Benz AMG cars are by no means cheap. However, the price you put into your luxury vehicle is backed up by the numerous features that make these vehicles stand out from the rest. After 40 years of development and production, the Mercedes Benz AMG is at the top of the market with its high-performance vehicles.

Spy Photos: 2008 W204 Mercedes C-Class

JALOPNICK AUTO NEWS - - A new rear window rake, swage lines and a panoramic glass roof (like its big brother S-Class) distinguish the next-gen Mercedes C-Class, caught by spies in some sort of processing facility in Europe. Despite the diesel badging, says Edmunds Straightline Blog, we can expect the US-bound C-Class to be powered by the corporate 3.5-liter V6, hooked to Merc's 7G-Tronic autobox. We'll see the new C at the Geneva show next year, possibly alongside new GLK mini ute with which it shares architectural components. Flying buttresses sold separately. – Mike Spinelli

FV Report: 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class [Edmunds Straightline Blog]

Related: Spy Photos: More on the W204 Mercedes C-Class [internal]

SCELZI SAYS CHANGES TO MOPAR/OAKLEY DODGE MAY SPOIL EVERYBODY'S DAY IN POMONA

DON SCHUMACHER RACING

2006 NHRA POWERade DRAG RACING SERIES
Round 23 of 23
AUTOMOBILE CLUB OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA NHRA FINALS
Auto Club Raceway at Pomona (Calif.)
Race Date: Nov. 9-12, 2006

POMONA, Calif. (Nov. 7, 2006)

Gary Scelzi has had a tough 2006 season defending his 2005 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series Funny Car championship, and aims to end it by "spoiling everybody's day" at the Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals this weekend.

"I always love coming to Pomona," says the driver of the Mopar/Oakley Dodge Charger R/T Funny Car, a Fresno, Calif., native, "because it's only four hours away from home, and what we learned on Monday testing after the Las Vegas race, with my teammate Ron Capps driving my car, I think, is going to be a big benefit to us at Pomona. The race track is outstanding, I've had a lot of success here over my career, and we think we can cause a lot of problems for the points leaders (John Force, Capps and Robert Hight). While they're out fighting for the championship, we think we can come in and spoil everybody's day. That's what we're hoping to do."

No, the four-time NHRA world champion is not being mean-spirited, just extremely motivated. After winning three events in 2005 to take the championship down to the wire at the final Pomona event that year, he's struggled to win only once in 2006, and stands seventh in Funny Car points.

"We've been pretty quiet for most of the year, except for (winning in) Denver," he says. "And our Mopar/Oakley Dodge hasn't been that consistent, but we feel that the changes that we made in Monday testing at Vegas are going to make our car run really well on a good race track. And that's what we like to see."

As for his difficult season finally coming to an end: "I'm glad it's over," he adds. "It's been a long, frustrating year for all of us. Hopefully Pomona will show that the changes we made finally at the end of the year are going to make our car consistent again, and then we're going to have something to build on with January testing and we'll come right back to Pomona (for the 2007 season opener) in fighting trim. That will be a good thing."

Scelzi's Pomona record includes three Top Fuel wins (Pomona 1 in 1997, Pomona 1 and 2 in 2000), but no Funny Car victories. He's qualified No. 1 four times at Pomona Raceway: three times in Top Fuel, and once in Funny Car, in last year's Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA finals.

This Day in Auto History: 08 NOVEMBER

This Day in Auto History: 11.8.1908 Electric automobile pioneer William Edward Ayrton dies in London, England at age 61 11.8.1916 The International Motor Company reorganizes as the International Motor Truck Corporation, with their principal business the manufacture of Mack trucks 11.8.1931 Racer Peter Collins is born in Kidderminster, England 11.8.1954 Ralph L. Busse, retired Vice President of the Timken-Detroit Axle Company and an employee of the firm since 1915-1951, dies at age 64 11.8.1971 William Klein Jr., a chocolate manufacturer and noted collector of classic Rolls-Royce and Bentleys, dies in Harrisburg, PA at age 54

Source: Automobile History Day By Day, by Douglas A. Wick

Chrysler Group Continues Sales Success Outside North America

* 17 consecutive months of year-over-year sales increases

* Chrysler Group sales outside North America up 20 percent in October 2006 (17,393 units)

* Year-to-date sales increased 14 percent making it the best January - October sales since 1997

* Sales for all three Chrysler Group brands remain strong

* Dodge Caliber sales exceed 12,000 units

Chrysler Group’s sales success outside North America continued in October with monthly sales increasing 20 percent (total of 17,393 units) and marking 17 consecutive months of year-over-year sales gains. The positive results in October follow the best September ever for Chrysler Group sales outside of North America.

All of the regions achieved sales improvements for the month, with Chrysler Group’s largest volume region, Western and Central Europe, increasing sales by 22 percent. For four consecutive months, June through September, the Chrysler Group has been the fastest growing automotive brand family in Western Europe.

Year-to-date, sales increased 14 percent and reached 167,180 units, making it the best January through October since 1997. 2006 sales accomplishments can be attributed to continued strong sales for all three of Chrysler Group’s brands. For the year, Jeep brand sales remained steady (69,064 units) compared with last year and Chrysler sales were up nine percent with 75,355 units sold. Dodge sales have reached 22,761 units and account for roughly 14 percent of 2006 sales outside North America, compared with roughly six percent in 2005.

“The consistent sales performance of all three brands suggests that we are heading in the right direction as we develop and produce vehicles for the global market,” said Thomas Hausch, Executive Director of International Sales and Marketing. “Since its worldwide launch, Caliber sales have exceeded 12,000 units, and Dodge brand sales have grown 161 percent. By taking into consideration the needs of customers outside North America, we have built an American vehicle that appeals to customers all over the world.”

All three of the Company’s brands are represented by top-selling vehicles for the month of October. The Jeep Grand Cherokee (3,329 units) was the highest volume vehicle this month, followed by Chrysler Voyager, Chrysler 300C, Jeep Cherokee and Dodge Caliber. “We are pleased by the sales performance of the current portfolio, but realize that the competition is not going to get any easier. We still have several products that will launch soon and help to sustain our growth in the global market,” said Hausch.

All five of Chrysler Group’s top-five markets have seen double-digit increases for 2006 sales. The U.K., the Company’s largest-volume market outside North America is up 36 percent for the year, with 17,058 units sold through October. It is followed by Italy (up 12 percent), Germany (up 14 percent), Venezuela (up 36 percent) and Spain (up 41 percent). Though ranked as number five, Spain in the fastest growing market for Chrysler Group sales in Western Europe this year.

Chrysler has abandoned Pacifica replacement, insiders say

Free Press Business Writer |

By Katie Merx

Auto industry sources say the Chrysler Group has stopped work on the crossover code-named the CT that was planned to replace the Chrysler Pacifica in the 2009 model year.

Three suppliers say they’ve been directed to stop work. One said it was forced to layoff contract workers – an engineer and designer –- it hired to work on the new vehicle.

Chrysler spokesman Rick Deneau said the company doesn’t talk about future products.

The suppliers did not want their names to be used, because they are not authorized to speak about internal Chrysler matters.

Chrysler introduced the Pacifica in 2003. It was one of the early crossover vehicles, marketed as a cross between a car, SUV and minivan. Sales of the vehicle were down 2.8% in October compared with a year ago. Sales were down 9% in the first 10 months of the year compared with a year ago.

Caliber leads Dodge European invasion

ROCKFORD REGISTER STAR

2007 Dodge Caliber SRT-4. (Dodge)

BELVIDERE, Ill. — The Dodge Caliber is not just DaimlerChrysler’s attempt to reinvent itself in the small-car market in the United States, it’s the lead car in the company’s attempt to introduce Dodge to the world.

Since making its debut on U.S. dealer lots early this year, salespeople have sold 75,791 of the aggressive-looking, sporty coupe/SUVs. Those are solid numbers, especially considering the car didn’t make it to all lots until March. Still, the Caliber’s numbers are behind the 110,370 Dodge Neons sold through the first 10 months of 2005.

But increasingly DaimlerChrysler is looking to add sales in markets from Europe to Sri Lanka, and the Caliber is cracking into countries where the Neon never ventured. Through October, the company has sold 12,175 Calibers to buyers outside the U.S. That’s more than the full-year international sales totals of the Neon in 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005.

"We’ve had Jeep and Chrysler out there (internationally) for 10 or 15 years. We introduced the Dodge Viper, but that’s aimed at a niche group of buyers; the Caliber is our first volume car for the Dodge brand internationally," said Thomas Hausch, the former Mercedes-Benz executive who is now running the Chrysler Group’s international operations, which include dealerships in about 120 countries.

"It’s very affordable, very aggressive, very price-oriented with a lot of thoughtful features," Hausch added, "but it’s also not an easy segment to get into. There is formidable competition in the (small-car) segment."

Indeed, while trucks and SUVs are the most common vehicles found on U.S. roadways, the small car is king in places such as Western Europe, where drivers in countries like Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Belgium and France typically pay $4.50 to $6 a gallon for gas. In Europe, the Caliber is competing with European stalwarts such as the Volkswagen Golf, Peugeot 307 and the Mazda 3.

The early returns have been encouraging. In September, DaimlerChrysler sold 3,011 Calibers internationally, and the company hasn’t even rolled it out to dealers in Japan or much of Asia. That was better than the top month for the Neon in any year this decade.

When you factor in international with U.S. sales of the new Calibers and Jeep Compasses and the final few Neons, the company sold 117,415 of models made in Belvidere compared with the 110,370 Neons sold worldwide through October 2005.

September was a stellar month overall for DaimlerChrysler’s international efforts; the company sold 20,493 vehicles outside the U.S., a 5 percent increase from September 2005. Including October, international sales have increased year-over-year for 17 straight months and are up 14 percent compared with 2005. It’s a silver lining for a company whose U.S. sales are down 9 percent — from nearly 1.8 million units through October 2005 to just over 1.62 million through October 2006 — because buyers have been shifting from trucks and SUVs to smaller cars.

"We’re very happy with the Caliber’s reception," Hausch said. "If you look at joint brands, Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge have been described by some groups as the fastest- growing brands in Europe, and Caliber is responsible for much of those gains."

All of the various versions — diesel, nondiesel, left-hand and right-hand drive — of the Caliber and Compass and eventually the Patriot, which will go into retail production in December, are being built in Belvidere, except for the Calibers and Compasses on sale in Venezuela. Because of steep fees charged on imports, workers at a plant in Venezuela make the cars for that country’s buyers.

The fact the Belvidere plant is making so many combinations has been the lone rough spot in the Caliber’s launch. After spending $419 million last winter to renovate the more than 40-year-old staff and retrain its unionized auto workers to build cars in the Japanese-style team systems, software problems in the 3.9 million-square-foot plant’s robotic body shop has caused frequent shutdowns, slowing the flow of available cars for sale. The body shop problems have been cited for slowing the sales gains in the U.S. and are hurting international sales as well.

"The full launch is going to take its time," Hausch said. "We had very aggressive plans and they were overfulfilled from a demand standpoint."

Erich Merkle of Michigan-based auto market research firm IRN Inc. cautioned that although it’s good that DaimlerChrysler is increasing its sales internationally, that alone won’t be enough to lift its flagging earnings. The company reported a $1.5 billion loss in the third quarter.

"It will be helpful, but you’re not looking at sales of 100,000 Calibers," Merkle said. "You’re looking at 15,000 to 20,000 if you’re doing well. They still need to focus on success in the North American market. That’s where their bread is buttered."

Update: Jeep News - SEMA: Jeep MK49 Compass Rallye

8 11 2006

TSKIOT / AUTOBLOG - - John Neff has found a Jeep Compass we can all get behind. Look, we constantly rail against the Jeep Compass for being a car in Jeep’s clothing. Does the MK49 Compass Rallye butch it up? You bet it does. It certainly looks ready to go tackle some tall brush and kick up a little gravel. While there are no engine mods (what?!?!?!), the suspension’s been dialed in by the wizards at SRT and a strut-tower brace has been added. We fully dig the wheels and Yokohoma rubber, as well as the HID driving lamps, which should totally be an option on the Compass. In fact, this whole car is what the Compass should have been to begin with. If the engine were tuned we’d be more impressed. Are you listening, Jeep?

(Photo gallery after the jump)

JEEP MK49 COMPASS RALLYE: