Chrysler January 2007 Sale Numbers
Click on image to zoomThursday, February 01, 2007
Thomas W. LaSorda, Board of Managment, DaimlerChrysler, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and President Chrysler Group
Lou Ann Hammond, CEO, www.carlist.com, sits down with Thomas W. LaSorda, Board of Management, DaimlerChrysler Chief, Executive Officer (CEO) and President Chrysler Group, at the 2007 North American International Auto show (NAIAS), and chats about Chrysler’s alternative vehicles and Mahindra bringing an SUV Jeep to America.
SPY PHOTOS: New Chrysler Dodge Crossover
Copyright AUTOMEDIA
Say Good-bye to PT Cruiser
Codenamed JC49, these are exclusive pictures of the upcoming crossover to be built by the Dodge boys in Toluca, Mexico, and sold in Europe as a Dodge and Chrysler – referred to as the “JZ49” – at the same time.
Both versions will be built on the new Sebring platform, with production scheduled to start in December of 2007, and an on-sale date of early 2008. Chrysler’s version will likely not arrive before the 2010 model year and may replace the retro-styled PT Cruiser. Wearing completely unique sheet metal, the Chrysler model will only account for 25% of the total units built.
Size-wise, the new crossover will measure in a bit larger than Honda’s CR-V, Hyundai’s Santa Fe and the Toyota RAV4 – and hopes to compete directly with Ford’s new Edge in the U.S. The car-based crossover will be offered in a FWD configuration, with AWD optional. We’ve heard lot’s of speculation regarding engines and transmissions (and could provide you with a LONG list!), but the 3.5-liter V6 (from the Sebring) is guaranteed to be one of the several offerings.
this Day in Auto History: 01 FEBRUARY
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| Source: Automobile History Day By Day, by Douglas A. Wick |
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
DaimlerChrysler Names Greensboro Auto Auction as Auction of the Year
January 31st, 2007 by admin
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — DaimlerChrysler Remarketing has named Greensboro Auto Auction in Greensboro, N.C., as Auction of the Year. This is the third time in the last five years that Greensboro Auto Auction has been selected by DaimlerChrysler Remarketing as its top- performing auction.
Greensboro Auto Auction, one of 24 DaimlerChrysler affiliated auctions, was recognized for providing the highest residual values, quality and customer service to DaimlerChrysler and its Chrysler, Jeep(R) and Dodge dealers in 2006.
“Since becoming a DaimlerChrysler affiliated auction in 1988, Greensboro Auto Auction has grown to be one of our largest and best-performing auctions in the nation, and securing this award in three of the last five years demonstrates that,” said Peter Grady, Director - DaimlerChrysler Motors Remarketing. “We greatly appreciate their continued commitment to providing the highest quality vehicles in support of our dealers’ retail sales efforts.”
Greensboro Auto Auction features a 24-lane facility situated on 235 acres. The auction sold 19,350 used Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles in 2006 and is also a member of the National and Southern Auto Auction Association.
DaimlerChrysler Remarketing sells vehicles to all Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealers in the U.S., via 24 affiliated auctions throughout the U.S.
…to which I have to say, BFD.
So this announcement is meant to show that DC is thankful to the auction that made it the most money and moved the most units? They “awarded” them what? Seems to me you’re # 1 based on performance, so they moved the most units at the best profits for DC - yippee…all that means is more buyers ended up paying more for used vehicles, IMO.
Too bad - the last Libby CRD I test drove was hardly worth the price tag - and I’m a diesel fan & a Jeep guy. The plastic was cheap, the overall interior design was somehow lacking. Everything was there, but it was like it was molded as one giant piece, cut up and slipped into place.
Oh well - the good news is announcements like this mean there’s still some profits rolling in at DC - better than can be said for GM and Ford these days…
NEWS ALERT - Oil 'Futures' Drops prices
-- Oil extends decline on bigger-than-expected crude, gasoline stockpiles.
2009 Mercedes C-Class Sports Coupe Preview
there are just a few weeks since mercedes unveiled the new C-Class, that will be presented at Geneva Motor Show and there are allready rumors about coupe and station wagon versions. In 2009, Mercedes will launch the Sports Coupe version that will compete with models like the next Audi A5 Coupe, Volkswagen Scirocco and BMW 3-Series Coupe. The prices are rumored to remain on the level of the predecessor.
A Sports Coupe version for the C-Class was first unveiled in 2001 at Los Angeles Auto Show. The car was smaller than the C-Class sedan and it was powered by 2.3-litre engine four-cylinder engine delivering 197 hp. In 2005 the C-Class was droped from the USA line-up and there were rumors that Merceds will discontinue the C-Class sport coupe after just one generation.
But last year Mercedes has announced that the second generation C-Class Sports Coupe is going to be produced. Comparing to the sedan version it will be a few inches shorter and lower.
The second-generation C-Class sports coupe will receive a new steel body shell and a heavily reworked interior, both sharing styling cues with next-year’s C-Class sedan and wagon.
The next generation Sports Coupe will be powered by a range of engines starting from a base turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder gas engine to a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 common-rail diesel. The 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine will deliver from 136 to 170 hp and the V6 engine will deliver from 200 to 270 hp. Comparing to the first generation model the new one will be sold exclusively with rear-wheel drive in a bid to streamline operations. All models in the new C-Class Sport Coupe will come equipped with a six-speed transmission.
The top of the range, the C350, powered by a V6 engine and delivering 270 hp will have a top speed of 155 mph and will make the 0 to 60 mph sprint in 6 seconds.
If the rumors are true and the new generation pricing will remain on the level of the predecessor, we can expect the prices to start from $30.000.
We don’t know yet if the new generation Sports Coupe will be available in North America because the sales of the first-generation C-Class sport coupe failed to live up to expectations when it was launched in the U.S.
And They're Off...Chrysler Brand Announces the 'Sebring Hats Off to the Derby' National Design Competition
Chance to Win an all-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible and weekend trip
including tickets to the 133rd Kentucky Derby
* Hats to be inspired by the elegant design and exhilarating performance of the all-new Chrysler Sebring Convertible
* Enter contest at http://www.chryslersebringhatsofftothederby.com by March 5
* Public helps decide favorite designs
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In honor of a
long- standing tradition of the Kentucky Derby, a sophisticated horse
racing event often known for its fan's fashionable hats, the Chrysler brand
announces today a nationwide hat design competition inspired by the brand's
all-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible launching in spring 2007.
"Chrysler Sebring Hats Off to the Derby" brings together the elegant
design and exhilarating performance of the all-new Chrysler Sebring
Convertible with the high fashion and style associated with the Kentucky
Derby in a fun contest where the top three finalists win tickets to the
derby to wear their winning designs. One grand prize winner will be named
in Louisville, Ky., Kentucky Derby weekend and will receive an all-new 2008
Chrysler Sebring Convertible.
Aspiring fashion designers, horse racing enthusiasts, car aficionados
and all those interested are invited to enter the contest by going to
http://www.chryslersebringhatsofftothederby.com. Entrants must submit a sketch by
March 5 of an original hat design that captures the essence of the Chrysler
Sebring Convertible and the sophistication of the Kentucky Derby. The
design must utilize some material from the Sebring Convertible's soft top
and be accompanied by a 100-word essay on how the styling and features of
the all-new Chrysler Sebring Convertible inspired the hat design.
"The Chrysler brand reinforces its leadership position as America's
favorite convertible company with the all-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring
Convertible, now with a retractable hard top and the only one to offer
three convertible top options," said David Rooney, Director - Chrysler
Marketing and Global Communications. "The convertible's elegant design is a
showcase for those who are expressive, athletic and passionate - traits
shared by derby fans - and make it the perfect vehicle to show off great
hat designs that are synonymous with the Kentucky Derby, one of America's
premiere events."
Entries will also be accepted by mail at:
Chrysler Sebring Hats Off to the Derby Contest
Department 4764
P.O. Box 6650
Stacy, MN 55078-6650
Mailed entries must be post marked no later than March 5, 2007 and
received no later than March 9, 2007. Additional details are provided on
the contest Web site.
Public Helps Pick Finalists
The public will vote on the top 15 hat design submissions to determine
their favorite sketches. The 15 quarter-finalist designs will be posted on
the contest Web site, http://www.chryslersebringhatsofftothederby.com, from March
20 - 26 for public voting.
The top five vote getters will be provided seed money and convertible
top fabric to produce their hat. After viewing the completed hats, judges
will select the top three finalists, who will receive a trip for two to the
Kentucky Derby and a chance to win an all-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring
Convertible. The grand prize winner will be decided by a panel of judges
and announced in Louisville, Ky., Kentucky Derby weekend.
About the 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible
The completely redesigned 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible offers a
sleek and elegant design, exhilarating performance with excellent fuel
efficiency and a spacious interior. The Sebring Convertible also offers
what no other convertible has offered before - three automatically latching
convertible top options: vinyl, cloth and a body-color painted steel hard
top, all of which can be retracted with a push of a button on the key fob.
The Chrysler Sebring Convertible has long held the honor of America's
favorite convertible, solidly leading the segment for the past decade. In
fact, Sebring Convertible has earned the title of best-selling convertible
in the United States for seven of the past 11 years. The 2008 Chrysler
Sebring Convertible is poised to be in the winners circle when it becomes
available in U.S. dealerships in the second quarter of 2007 and in global
volume markets in the second half of 2007.
Déjà Vu: Automobile Magazine Compares The 2007 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, 2007 Audi S6 And The 2007 BMW M5
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DaimlerChrysler small car unit Smart still sees breakeven at opg level in 2007
MADRID (AFX) - DaimlerChrysler AG's small car unit Smart still expects to achieve a breakeven at the operating profit level this year, Smart head Ulrich Walker said.Speaking to reporters last night at the launch of the new Smart Fortwo model, Walker also said the company aims to be profitable in the coming years. He declined to give specifics.He said with the two Fortwo, Smart hopes to get more customers.The previous Fortwo sold a total of 770,000 units during its nine-year model cycle from 1998.marilyn.gerlach@afxnews.com
Two Chrysler engine plants cut production for Durango
Posted Tuesday, January 30, 2007 at 5:56 pm
Chrysler’s Mack I plant, which assembles the 4.7-liter engines, already has laid off 250 of its 780 workers. It has reduced engine production from 1,350 to 850 engines, the Detroit News said, based on a letter from the United Auto Workers union distributed to its members.
The Mack II plant, which assembles the 3.7-liter V6 engines, also is expected to see a decline in production from 1,600 engines to 1,400.
The two engine plants employ about 1,500 people represented by UAW Local 51 in Detroit.
Analysts said the reduction of the engine plants is a sign of the company’s efforts to limit production of weak products such as the Durango for which there hasn’t been a lot of consumer demand.
The letter from the UAW Local 51 was distributed to workers at a time when the company is finalizing its restructuring plans for the company, including closing assembly plants. Analysts speculate the Newark plant, which employs 2,100 workers, is in
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
New Smart Fortwo in Depth
WORLD CAR FANS | Text & Photos edited by Clinton Deacon
Source: DaimlerChrysler AG edited 01-30-2007
The new smart fortwo is the consistent evolution of a car that is unrivalled in terms of shape, use and nature. Launched on the market in 1998, the first generation of the smart achieved cult status in a very short space of time. The smart fortwo sets standards in its class in terms of comfort, agility, safety and environmental friendliness.
The developers have set even higher standards for the new smart fortwo. The optimised running gear, the longer wheelbase and the slightly larger body make the smart fortwo even more comfortable. The active and passive safety have been further improved. The new drive engineering provides for even more agility and driving fun and also gives the new smart fortwo a top position worldwide in terms of environmental friendliness.
Evolutionary design: the evolution of an icon
The carefully developed design gives the smart fortwo a fresh, more masculine appearance. Yet it retains its unmistakable character and it will always be recognised as a smart at first glance. Its one-box design, its compact dimensions, the two-colour and two-material concept with the striking tridion safety cell and the innovative and extremely practical plastic bodypanels – all these features remain.
In future, too, the new smart fortwo will embody the brand's core values of innovation, functionality and joie de vivre. It is a classless car that conveys a positive attitude to life. Its owners have a modern way of thinking and show social and environmental responsibility, demonstrating the form that perfect urban mobility can take today. For them the smart fortwo is a kind of automotive declaration of independence to the effect that this is all the car a person needs in the city.
No other car has a younger clientele. 85 percent of buyers are under 40. They are people with individual lifestyles from different social classes. They all drive a smart. Apart from being extremely economical, lively and easy to drive, with its length of less than three metres this vehicle also takes up very little space on the road and in car parks. The smart fortwo has become a familiar part of the roadscape in many cities, it is now sold in 36 countries worldwide and it is well-liked everywhere. More than 770,000 first generation smart fortwos have been built since 1998.
Engines: powerful, clean, economical
The smart fortwo will be launched in April 2007 with reengineered uprated petrol engines. The three cylinder engine has capacity of one litre and delivers 45 kW, 52 kW or 62 kW (61 bhp, 71 bhp or 84 bhp). The smart fortwo cdi has a power output of 33 kW (45 bhp).
All engines are linked to a new automated manual five-speed transmission from Getrag. The petrol variants now have a maximum speed of 145 km/h - 10 km/h more than the predecessor model.
Despite the greater engine power, the petrol variants consume just 4.9 litres per 100 kilometres under standard conditions. The 45 kW and 52 kW variants of the smart fortwo coupé consume even less: the consumption under standard conditions in accordance with the New European Driving Cycle is just 4.7 litres per 100 kilometres.
The diesel version boasts even lower consumption. The new smart fortwo cdi does not only comply with all European exhaust gas standards - with standard consumption of just 3.4 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres it has the lowest consumption in its class. With CO2 emissions of just 90 grams per kilometre, the smart fortwo cdi achieves "three litre" status and has the lowest CO2 emissions of all cars on the market today.
Still smart – inside and out
The dimensions have increased as against the first generation. The 19.5 centimetre increase in length benefits pedestrians, rear impact protection and especially ride comfort.
The luggage compartment can now hold 220 litres – 70 litres more than before – and when loaded to the roof there is space for up to 340 litres (an extra 80 litres). The new smart fortwo also features the familiar twin-section tailgate. The lower part can be used as a little platform and facilitates loading and unloading. When folded down it can take a load of 50 kilograms.
Like the exterior, it goes without saying that the interior of the smart fortwo remains truly smart. Features include the characteristic external-mounted air vents and dials, the large fabric-covered areas on doors and instrument panel, the safety seats with integral seat belts and last but not least the ignition lock behind the shift lever.
The observer immediately notices that the instrument panel is no longer curved in an S-shape towards the passenger side but is now straight. This is partly to comply with US crash regulations. Nevertheless – and perhaps because of this – the new smart fortwo offers a unique feeling of spaciousness.
Safety at the highest level
The high level of passive safety has been further improved. The new smart fortwo has been subjected to extensive tests. These do not only include the requirements of EuroNCAP; as the new smart fortwo will also be sold in the USA from 2008 it also complies with American crash regulations. As well as this, the extremely strict standards of the Mercedes Car Group apply to the smart.
New regulations concerning pedestrian protection have been implemented in the front section. Furthermore, new head/thorax side airbags offering extensive protection in the event of a side crash are available as an option.
smart fortwo cabrio with an electric soft top
The smart fortwo cabrio's electric soft top is a further example of the enhanced comfort. It can now be fully automatically operated and infinitely adjusted to any position. This means that the rear part, too, can be opened to the final position and closed again at the touch of a button.
Unique: the smart fortwo does not have to be stationary for the soft top to be opened or closed – this can be done at any speed. Furthermore, the roof bars can be removed and stowed in a special compartment in the tailgate. The soft top offers further added comfort and safety thanks to the heated rear window made of glass.
Equipment variants pure, pulse and passion, BRABUS
The equipment variants go by the names of pure, pulse and passion. Whereas the basic pure version has a plastic roof, the pulse and passion feature a transparent panoramic roof made of polycarbonate. Fans of the BRABUS variant also have something to look forward to: the introduction of an uprated BRABUS variant is planned for autumn 2007.
Extensive range of standard equipment and options
The most important standard features include the tridion safety cell, front airbags, seat belts with belt tensioners and belt-force limiters and safety seats with integral seat belts. Further features that are unique in the standard spec of vehicles in this class include esp, abs and an integrated brake assist.
Further excerpts from the long list of standard equipment: H7 headlights featuring projection technology, central locking with radio remote control, folding driver and passenger seat backrests that can be adjusted with a notch lever, an exterior temperature indicator, comfort windscreen wipers with speed-sensitive interval wiping and indicators with lanechanger function.
The smart fortwo can be individualised and tailored to customer requirements with a wide range of extras. These include head/thorax side airbags, air conditioning (standard for passion), electric power steering, heated seats, alloy wheels (standard for pulse and passion), leather seats, Isofix child seat fastener, a high quality audio system with a CD changer for 6 CDs and a sound system featuring a subwoofer and an MP3 interface.
Furthermore, a portable navigation system that can be integrated in the car is available. Voice instructions are given via the loudspeakers of the stereo system. Further options that are often only found in high-end cars include a light and rain sensor and electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors.
Special model "edition limited one"
When the first smart was introduced in 1998 customers had an opportunity to buy a special limited edition given the name "limited/1". A limited edition of 7,500 exclusively equipped vehicles was produced and today this model is a sought-after collector's item.
For the market launch in April 2007 a limited edition of the new smart fortwo will once again be available. Just 1,500 units of the "edition limited one" will be produced as a coupé version only.
The exterior of the "edition limited one" is characterised by a silver tridion safety cell and bodypanels in exclusive pyrite grey metallic. The door mirror caps and radiator grille are also painted silver. Alloy wheels in a six-spoke design with wide tyres and the panoramic roof are further stylish exterior features.
The "edition limited one" is powered by a three-cylinder 52 kW (71 bhp) petrol engine. Interior features include air conditioning, heated seats and a radio.
The special model boasts special exclusive cognac brown used-look nappa leather upholstery which is also featured on the three-spoke sports steering wheel (incl. steering wheel gearshift) and the gear knob. The velour floor mats also have a leather trim.
Hambach: exemplary modular production and protection of the environment
The smart fortwo is produced in the French town of Hambach. System partners on site deliver pre-assembled modules straight to the production line. The production process has been optimised and the production time reduced as against the predecessor from 9.5 hours to 8 hours. The whole final assembly, which only took 4.5 hours for the predecessor model, now takes just 3.5 hours.
Great importance is given to protection of the environment in Hambach. For example, only water-soluble, solvent-free base coats are used for the smart fortwo's plastic bodypanels.
The tridion safety cell is powder coated and no solvents are needed here, either. The solid colour bodypanels in the colours black, white and yellow are fully recyclable.
E-Class Prototype Spotted
GERMAN CAR SCENE | Posted on 28th January, 2007 by Warren M
This Mercedes E-Class was spotted recently during winter testing. Underneath the disguise we can expect the current twin headlights to be replaced by one piece items.
Advanced safety features will include the PRE-SAFE collision warning and mitigation system. Inside, the driver will have access to a new multimedia interface operated by a centrally mounted dial.
The new E-Class will be available with the super-clean BLUETEC diesel units when it gets released in 2009. The current model will use BLUETEC powerplants in Europe from next year.
[Source: Auto Express]
DCX Trademark: LOAD-N-GO
Mark
(words only): LOAD 'N GO
Standard Character claim: Yes
Current Status: A statement of use has been filed and the application and statement of use have been forwarded to the examining attorney for examination.
Date of Status: 2007-01-27
Filing Date: 2005-11-21
Transformed into a National Application: No
Registration Date: (DATE NOT AVAILABLE)
Register: Principal
Law Office Assigned: LAW OFFICE 103
Attorney Assigned:
RICHARDS SUSAN ANN Employee Location
Current Location: L30 -TMEG Law Office 103
Date In Location: 2007-01-27
1. DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Address:
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
CIMS 483-02-19 800 Chrysler Drive
Auburn Hills, MI 48326
United States
Legal Entity Type: Corporation
State or Country of Incorporation: D.C.
Phone Number: 248 944-6511
Fax Number: 248 944-6537
International Class: 012
Class Status: Active
Extendable and retractable rubberized rear floor panel incorporated as an integral part of passenger land vehicles and designed to increase accessibility to floor space
Basis: 1(b)
First Use Date: 2006-11-01
First Use in Commerce Date: 2006-11-01
(NOT AVAILABLE)
(NOT AVAILABLE)
2007-01-27 - Statement of use processing complete
2007-01-27 - Extension 1 granted
Mercedes-Benz Financial's Continued Support for the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO)
Mercedes-Benz Financial's Continued Support for the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) and New Entrepreneurs Kicks Off 2007 Schedule this Week in Los Angeles
Tuesday January 30, 5:00 am ET
The 2007 schedule of the Accelerator Program for first-stage entrepreneurs kicks off tonight with reception followed by a one-day seminar Wednesday at the W Hotel in Westwood for first-stage entrepreneurs from Southern California.
"We are very excited about the opportunity to help EO mentor new entrepreneurs through the important early stages of their start-up ventures," said Juergen Rochert, Vice President of Mercedes-Benz Financial. "These innovative business people will create jobs and stimulate economic development in their communities throughout North America."
Following the Los Angeles kickoff, the Accelerator Program's quarterly seminars will launch in St. Louis, Feb. 8-9; Dallas, April 17-18, Boston in April and New York in May.
"The Accelerator Program was developed by entrepreneurs, for entrepreneurs, to help them survive and grow in the crucial start-up phase of their businesses," said Dan Glisky, President and founder of Compsat, an information storage technology firm in Southfield Mich., and EO Global Chair of Accelerator Program. "This is a way to reach out to support budding entrepreneurs during those early years of a start-up business. We've found that an entrepreneur alone is an entrepreneur at risk. This program minimizes that risk through education and support."
In late 2006, 75 owners of new start-up businesses enrolled in the quarterly Accelerator Program offered in EO chapters in Detroit, New Orleans, Charlotte, Vancouver and Minneapolis/St. Paul.
TAG Heuer SLR for Mercedes-Benz Exclusive Automatic Chronograph
"TAG Heuer SLR for Mercedes-Benz" Exclusive Automatic Chronograph
Limited-edition timepiece for sports car enthusiasts
“TAG Heuer SLR for Mercedes-Benz” automatic chronograph with five-row steel-link strap
The “TAG Heuer SLR for Mercedes-Benz” mechanical automatic chronograph is perfectly matched to the needs and wishes of the sports car enthusiast. Its unique styling features afford this exceptional timepiece a special position in the upmarket segment. The buttons for the stopwatch functions guarantee simple and precise operation, being arranged at an angle of 45 degrees to the plane of the dial and directly next to the outer bezel, where they are within especially easy reach. This sophisticated design, in the style of the shift buttons on the SLR, has been patented around the world by the Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer.
650 hp: Mercedes-Benz Rolls Out SLR McLaren 722 Edition
The limited-edition model — only 150 are being made — outstrips the peak performance of the current SLR model. The SLR 722 Edition is powered by a 5.5-liter supercharged V8 that is assembled by hand at the Mercedes-AMG engine workshops in Affalterbach, Germany. The engine is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission which the company says was developed in-house.
The special model sprints from zero to 62 mph in 3.6 seconds versus 3.8 seconds in the SLR. It also beats the conventional SLR in top speed. The SLR 722 Edition has a top speed of 209 mph versus a top speed of 207 mph in the current SLR.
There is a story behind the car's intriguing name. Mercedes says the SLR 722 Edition is inspired by a 1955 victory by British motor-racing legend Stirling Moss and his co-driver Denis Jenkinson at the Mille Miglia, the classic Italian endurance race. Moss piloted a Mercedes-Benz 300SLR with start number 722, which denoted the car's start time of 7:22 a.m. As the company notes, the new model is designed to "outperform its historic forefather."
Details of note include chassis construction with an antiroll bar positioned above the front axle where it is controlled via rocker arms, or identical to the setup found on a Formula 1 car. The chassis also has been lowered for increased directional stability and better handling. Body roll in corners has been cut by more than 20 percent. The SLR McLaren 722 also gets new 19-inch forged aluminum wheels, larger Brembo brakes with red-painted brake calipers, and a body shell made from carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic, another technology borrowed from Formula 1.
An air splitter at the front end increases downforce while reducing the drag coefficient. Small wheel spoilers reduce air swirl at the rear axle.
The German automaker says the SLR McLaren 722 is aimed at "gentleman drivers and affluent sports car collectors."
No word yet on pricing.
What this means to you: The Dubai unveiling is no accident. You'll need to own a couple of oil wells to be able to get your hands on this beauty.
2008 Mercedes-Benz B-class
 Hans G. Lehmann / Hidden Image |
DaimlerChrysler AG is updating its Mercedes B-Class. The facelift includes a new front grille, new air intakes under the bumper and new headlights. Under the hood, the car will get new gas and diesel engines with more power and better mileage.
Mercedes B-class update includes more power, better mileage
This photo shows a prototype B-Class, which features a turn signal indicator on the side mirrors, different tail lights and a modified rear bumper. The new B-Class is scheduled for launch in spring 2008.
-- Scott Burgess / The Detroit News
Brabus Transforms Mercedes Sprinter From Workhorse to Playground
BOTTROP, Germany — Taking a page from the playbook of American tuners, German customizer Brabus has transformed the workhorse Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van into "an ideal playground for creating a multimedia studio on wheels."
The tuning program for the Sprinter puts a premium on engine upgrades, appearance makeovers, custom wheels and interior enhancements.
For the Sprinter's 2.2-liter CDI engine, Brabus offers its PowerXtra D3 III performance kit that adds some significant torque to the common-rail turbodiesel. At 2,000 rpm, it produces a peak torque of 280 pound-feet. Horsepower increases from 150 to 180. For the top-of-the-line turbodiesel Sprinter 218, 318 and 418, Brabus offers the PowerXtra D6 III performance kit that bumps power to 224 horses and produces peak torque of 354 lb-ft. The tuner has tweaked the gas V6, too, increasing displacement from 3.5 to 4.0 liters with an increase in power from 258 to 310 hp. Peak torque rises from a standard 251 to 295 lb-ft.
Exterior upgrades include fender flares, custom-made headlamp inserts and nine-spoke wheels. The interior can be configured as a conference room, office or multimedia studio with state-of-the-art entertainment technology.
Chrysler's looming shake-up has engine workers on edge
Robin Buckson / The Detroit News
"It's a somber mood," says Terry Ammons, a worker at Mack I, where the factory's work force has dropped to 530 from 780. "It's a helpless kind of feeling."
Chrysler's looming shake-up has engine workers on edge
Josee Valcourt / The Detroit News
Robin Buckson / The Detroit News
Arvelle Alexander says he thinks he will work at the plant for a while. Chrysler is preparing to announce major downsizing Feb. 14 that is expected to include plant closures and job and production cuts. See full image
Related Articles and Links
DETROIT -- At Chrysler's two engine plants on Detroit's east side, production has declined and so has workers' confidence in their future.
The president of United Auto Workers Local 51, which represents about 1,500 workers at Chrysler's Mack I and Mack II engine plants, sent a sobering three-page letter to his members late last week.
"Unfortunately most of the news is not very good news for us in UAW Local 51," Lorenzo Poole wrote in the letter obtained by The Detroit News. "We have been bombarded with massive layoffs at Mack I and tons of rumors and uncertainty at Mack II."
The factory workers are on edge as the Auburn Hills-based Chrysler Group, a unit of DaimlerChrysler AG, prepares to announce a major downsizing Feb. 14 that is expected to include plant closings, production slowdowns and job cuts.
"It's a somber mood," Terry Ammons, a worker at Mack I and a Detroit resident, said Monday afternoon before pulling out of the factory's mostly vacant parking lot. "It's a helpless kind of feeling."
The engine plant complex on Mack Avenue could find itself in the cross hairs of Chrysler's restructuring. And Poole offered the workers scant reassurance that their place in the global auto industry is secure.
"The Chinese are coming" he wrote, referring to a deal between Chrysler and China's Chery Motors -- "and our German parent company probably wishes that they never took us over, or merged."
At Mack I, 250 workers who were laid off indefinitely filled out unemployment paperwork and cleaned out their lockers last week.
"It's just hard for me to realize that I wasn't going back to work today," said Joe Wisniewski, one of the laid off workers. "I kind of looked up and it was almost 3 p.m. and I just said, 'This is how it's going to be. I'm not going to work today and I'm not going to work tomorrow.'"
Daily production of the 4.7-liter engines at Mack 1 has fallen to 850 engines from 1,350, and the factory's work force has dropped to 530 from 780.
"With the industry conditions, there is no guarantee when these members will work for DaimlerChrysler again," Poole wrote.
At Mack II where smaller 3.7-liter V-6 engines are assembled, production is expected to tumble to 1,400 from 1,600 units produced daily, according to the letter.
Both plants make engines for the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Commander, Jeep Liberty, Dodge Durango, Dodge Dakota and Dodge Ram -- vehicles that were overbuilt last year and piled up in lots around Metro Detroit as Chrysler tried to reduce its truck-laden inventory.
"Long-term future for both plants continues to be our main concern as we await the DaimlerChrysler restructuring plan that is promised by (Chrysler CEO) Tom LaSorda," wrote Poole, who couldn't be reached for comment.
Chrysler on Monday issued what's become a standard response to questions about possible plant closings.
"We continue to evaluate our operations in an effort to remain competitive," said spokeswoman Michelle Tinson. "As stated previously, the company will announce restructuring actions aimed at sustainable growth once approved by the board of management."
Workers at the Mack complex are keenly aware their future is clouded by a consumer shift toward smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles. "We're at the mercy of the economy of the American consumer," Ammons said. "If you buy a truck or SUV, we're in business. If you don't then the production count goes down and they're going to have to do further cuts."
Chrysler saw sales of its light trucks -- SUVs, pickups and minivans -- fall 8.4 percent in 2006, according to AutoData Corp.
The Chrysler Group, which includes the Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep brands, is trying to rebound from a $1.5 billion loss in the third quarter of last year and an expected $1.2 billion full-year loss.
Until then, a cloud of uncertainty hangs over the engine complex on Detroit's east side.
Personally, Ammons, who was laid off in the late 1980s when Chrysler closed its Lynch Road engine plant, doesn't feel his own job is at risk. His 33 years of seniority has afforded him the chance to retire if more layoffs are announced or if plants are closed.
But he worries for his co-workers, especially younger workers with families and mortgages.
"There's a bond between us," said Ammons, recounting the eight-hour shifts and overtime weekends spent with colleagues. "You definitely have some feelings as far as when that person is losing their job."
The Mack complex traces its roots back to 1916 when it was opened by the Michigan Stamping Co. Chrysler bought the plant in 1953 and made car bodies there until its financial crisis in 1979 forced it to close the facility.
In the mid-1990s, Chrysler invested hundreds of millions of dollars to revamp the facility for engine production. Mack I opened in 1998 and Mack II started production two years later.
Poole told workers that the union membership is "in for the fight of our lives and our jobs (literally) in the year of 2007! All we can do is continue to come to work daily and continue to produce a quality product."
To boost employee morale amid the uncertainty, the engine plants' walls are festooned with posters inscribed with inspirational messages about striving to be the best and quality assurance.
A banner hangs above the doors inside Mack I that reads, "The people that walk through these doors are our most valued assets."
this Day in Auto History: 30 JANUARY
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 | Source: Automobile History Day By Day, by Douglas A. Wick |
Monday, January 29, 2007
This Day in Auto Histroy: 29 JANUARY
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| Source: Automobile History Day By Day, by Douglas A. Wick |