Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 12.22.09]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/daily-u-turn-what-you-missed-on-12-22-09/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/daily-u-turn-what-you-missed-on-12-22-09/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/daily-u-turn-what-you-missed-on-12-22-09/#comments

Review: 2010 Subaru Outback adds size, power and refinement for a big wagon winner

It's longer, wider and heavier than the outgoing Outback, but Subaru's all-new pseudo-SUV proves that bigger and better aren't mutually exclusive.

Ford goes open source, gets students to develop phone apps for Sync

We get a behind-the-scenes glimpse at Ford's efforts to bring apps to its class-leading Sync system.

Aston Martin One-77 closes in on being fastest car in marque's history, breaks 220 mph

The One-77 tops out at 220 mph during another round of shakedown runs before the bespoke coupe enters production early next year.

Also of interest:

Browse our archive of Daily U-Turn posts or subscribe to the RSS feed

Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 12.22.09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>uturnTue, 22 Dec 2009 19:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #158 - 'Twas a few days before Christmas]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/autoblog-podcast-158-twas-a-few-days-before-christmas/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/autoblog-podcast-158-twas-a-few-days-before-christmas/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/autoblog-podcast-158-twas-a-few-days-before-christmas/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

'Twas a couple nights before Christmas, and in the Autoblog house, Paukert and Shunk got Roth off the couch... For episode #158 of the Autoblog Podcast! What better way to get into the holiday spirit than an hour and a half of new Podcast? It's fresher than egg nog this week, as the trio chews on the return of the 5.0 in the Ford Mustang, Audi's more sane torque numbers for the E-Tron, and what may yet be a Christmas miracle: Spyker's dogged pursuit of Saab. Rounding out the sextet of topics are the Alfa Giulietta and its potential as a Chrysler, the BMW Z4 GT3, and General Motors' plan to bring the Buick Regal GS to the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, where it will also debut a Chevrolet Orlando-based vehicle called the GMC Granite.

For the long holiday drives, our colleagues at Joystiq and Engadget do fine work. Let us know what you think of our podcast by dropping us an email at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our survey, or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Thanks for listening!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #158 - 'Twas a few days before Christmas

Autoblog Podcast #158 - 'Twas a few days before Christmas originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 18:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alfa giuliettaalfa romeoAlfaGiuliettaAlfaRomeoautoblog podcastAutoblogPodcastbmw z4bmw z4 mBmwZ4BmwZ4Mbuick regalbuick regal gsBuickRegalBuickRegalGsFord 5.0-Liter V8Ford5.0-literV8giuliettagmc granitGMC GraniteGmcGranitGmcGraniteMustangmustang 5.0mustang gtMustang5.0MustangGtpodcastsaabspykerspyker saabSpykerSaabZ4 GT3Z4Gt3Tue, 22 Dec 2009 18:17:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #158Autoblog1:42:40autoblog podcast; bmw z4 gt3; spyker saab; spyker; saab; gmc granite; detroit auto show; naias; buick regal gs; mustang; 5.0; alfa romeo; giulietta; chrysler<![CDATA[Rumormill: Mercedes-Benz CLS shooting brake in the works?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/rumormill-mercedes-benz-cls-shooting-brake-in-the-works/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/rumormill-mercedes-benz-cls-shooting-brake-in-the-works/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/rumormill-mercedes-benz-cls-shooting-brake-in-the-works/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Mercedes Benz ConceptFASCINATION - click for high-res gallery

German automakers have apparently all developed kyphosis, as witnessed by the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo, the impending Audi A7 Sportback, and the Porsche Panamera. It seems the time is right for humpty-backed automobiles from Deutschland. Mercedes used the ConceptFASCINATION to spearhead the launch of its redesigned E-Class, and while it got everyone all excited during auto show season in 2008, few thought it would amount to anything productiony. That's all changed now. Sure, there are wagons; it's hard to name a more proper Estate Car than the E-Class wagon; but that's not the brass ring everyone seems to be stretching for here.

Expected at the next Paris Motor Show in October 2010, Autointernationaal reports that a new CLS will debut with the expected rakish form - as well as a shooting brake version. While we're all ogling pictures of the fetching three-door concept shown above, the production version is expected to carry four doors and a liftgate. While the show vehicle is fetching with its paucity of points of entry, four doors are apparently important for interesting the Asian market. Don't think of this rumored model as a replacement for anything else utilitarian in the Mercedes lineup; the CLS Brake is unlikely to usurp the R-Class and its unsalability. Rather, it will offer another stylish option in a package that is more car than bus. The world could do with more brakes - shoot on, we say.


Gallery: Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION


Gallery: Paris 2008: Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION


[Source: Autointernationaal.nl (Google Translated)]

Rumormill: Mercedes-Benz CLS shooting brake in the works? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CLScls classClsClassConcept FASCINATIONconceptFASCINATIONe classE-klasseEClassmercedesMercedes Benzmercedes benz clsmercedes benz eclassmercedes clsmercedes-benzMercedesBenzMercedesBenzClsMercedesBenzEclassMercedesClsparis 2010paris auto salonparis auto showparis motor showParis Motor Show 2008paris motor show 2010Paris2010ParisAutoSalonParisAutoShowParisMotorShowParisMotorShow2008ParisMotorShow2010shooting brakeShootingBrakeTue, 22 Dec 2009 17:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Not digging <i>Top Gear</i> this season? Read this.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/not-digging-i-top-gear-i-this-season-read-this/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/not-digging-i-top-gear-i-this-season-read-this/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/not-digging-i-top-gear-i-this-season-read-this/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Season 14 of Top Gear is nearly finished, and some fans are singing "The Thrill is Gone" where before the tune had been "You Are the Sunshine of My Life." The creators have heard the complaints and producer Andy Wilman doesn't disagree that something is different this time around.

While Wilman's not in league with Internet whiners lamenting about how the show feels overly scripted, he does acknowledge the complaints while stating unequivocally "it doesn't necessarily mean we're going to do anything about them." The overly-scripted feel isn't on-purpose, says Wilman, and while he does acknowledge that things have changed, there have been flashes of the simple formula that's gotten TG to its current stature of greatness. The refusal to submit to any Internet pressure isn't arrogance, says Wilman, "we're not wedding DJs taking requests."

If you don't like everything, Wilman posits, then the creators of what many call the best car show ever haven't stopped trying. It may not all work all the time, but they're not going to give up trying things, right up to the end. When does it end? It's been rumored that this is the final season. Of course, it was rumored that Season 13 was the end, too. "This incarnation of Top Gear is nearer the end than the beginning," says the producer, but clearly the team isn't ready to hang it up just yet.

[Source: TopGear.com]

Not digging Top Gear this season? Read this. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>and wilmanAndWilmanandy wilman top gearandy wilman top gear hondaAndyWilmanTopGearAndyWilmanTopGearHondatop geartop gear andy wilmantop gear blogTop Gear Season 14TopGearTopGearAndyWilmanTopGearBlogTopGearSeason14Mon, 21 Dec 2009 18:58:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: JDM Lexus LFA commercial hits the tubes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/video-jdm-lexus-lfa-commercial-hits-the-tubes/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/video-jdm-lexus-lfa-commercial-hits-the-tubes/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/video-jdm-lexus-lfa-commercial-hits-the-tubes/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Click above to view the video after the jump

Let's all agree that the Lexus LF-A is an uncommonly passionate manifestation of Lexus's relentless pursuit. The buzz that's been generated just by show coverage and reviews have made advertising largely unnecessary, but Lexus has gone and created a spot for its supercar anyway. The music for the commercial is apparently by O.N.O, but it doesn't matter, all you'll be digging on is the shriek of that V10 and a few snow-laden powerslides. Hit the jump to see for yourself.


Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Lexus LFA


[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: JDM Lexus LFA commercial hits the tubes

VIDEO: JDM Lexus LFA commercial hits the tubes originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lexuslexus commerciallexus japanlexus jdm commercialLexus LF-Alexus lfaLexusCommercialLexusJapanLexusJdmCommercialLexusLf-aLexusLfalf-a commerciallf-a spotlf-a videoLf-aCommercialLf-aSpotLf-aVideoMon, 21 Dec 2009 16:59:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Crap Motorsports FTW! - Car Launching]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/19/video-crap-motorsports-ftw-car-launching/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/19/video-crap-motorsports-ftw-car-launching/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/19/video-crap-motorsports-ftw-car-launching/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Car Launching - Click above to watch the video

As the proliferation of LeMons events has proven, there's a fat vein of crap-box motorsports yet to be mined. Northwestern Wisconsin has its own unique brand of vehicular mayhem called Car Launching. The premise is simple: Jump something fetid and ridiculous off an earthen ramp, headed for certain destruction.

It's best to tow something that enhances the punchline. Like a dumpster. It's a much shorter lap than LeMons, but we suppose you could counter that by dragging more than one vehicle with you. Check out the video posted after the jump for the full impact. (We highly recommend clicking the "View Fullscreen" option.)

[Source: Notes from the Technology Underground]

Continue reading VIDEO: Crap Motorsports FTW! - Car Launching

VIDEO: Crap Motorsports FTW! - Car Launching originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 Dec 2009 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car launchingCarLaunchinglemonsLeMons Racelemons thunderhillLemonsRaceLemonsThunderhillmotorsportsracingwisconsinSat, 19 Dec 2009 20:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Christmas List 2010: Rattner's book to debut in time for next Christmas]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/18/christmas-list-2010-rattners-book-to-debut-in-time-for-next-ch/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/18/christmas-list-2010-rattners-book-to-debut-in-time-for-next-ch/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/18/christmas-list-2010-rattners-book-to-debut-in-time-for-next-ch/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Planning for the future is perhaps an alien concept to big business - even automakers, with their protracted product development cycles. Take a cue of what not to do from them, then, and start planning now for next Christmas. May we suggest that your 2010 wishlist starts with what's destined to be a hotly-anticipated tome: Steven Rattner's memoir of his spearheading the bailout of General Motors and Chrysler. Tentatively titled "Overhaul," the cloyingly-named book will tell the story of the quick-rinse bankruptcies Rattner presided over.

A fascinating piece that Rattner wrote for Fortune Magazine back in October gave us a glimpse of how riveting such a seemingly-dry subject can be. The book is on track for a debut in the fall of 2010, and might be even more interesting in a year depending on how Rattner's deals work out. The hardest part is going to be behaving well enough for an entire year so this thing gets stuffed in our stocking.

[Source: The Detroit News | Image: Neilson Barnard/Getty]

Christmas List 2010: Rattner's book to debut in time for next Christmas originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bailoutbailout planBailoutPlanbailoutsbankruptcychryslerchrysler bankruptchrysler bankruptcyChryslerBankruptChryslerBankruptcygmgm bailoutgm bankruptgm bankruptcyGmBailoutGmBankruptGmBankruptcyrattnerSteven RattnerStevenRattnerFri, 18 Dec 2009 10:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Visions of Grandeur: Refreshed Hyundai Azera on the horizon?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/17/visions-of-grandeur-refreshed-hyundai-azera-on-the-horizon/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/17/visions-of-grandeur-refreshed-hyundai-azera-on-the-horizon/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/17/visions-of-grandeur-refreshed-hyundai-azera-on-the-horizon/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

KDM Hyundai Grandeur - click for high-res gallery

The Hyundai Azera is a perfectly nice car in a background-supporting-role kind of way. While the slow-selling model might seem to be something of a moot point now that the Genesis sedan is on U.S. soil, a refreshed version of the sedan has just debuted in its home country - albeit under the Grandeur nameplate. It's still unclear whether this version of the Grandeur will come to our market as an update for the Azera, but its mere existence signals that Hyundai believes that there's a place for a offering above the swanky new YF Sonata.

The new Grandeur is still conservatively styled and attractive. There's some more angularity up front, a bolder grille and restyled headlamps, but the car is still not in danger of grabbing you by the eye lashes and making you pay attention. LED taillights and a reshaped bumper define the rear view, and a new package brings Alcantara seats to the interior.

No word yet on any further refinements to the interior or any mechanical changes to the 3.3-liter V6 powertrain, but we'll keep hunting for more information.

In any case, being that the Grandeur/Azera is a front-wheel-drive car with more cylinders and more traditional styling than the new Sonata, Hyundai may yet be holding a spot for this vehicle in America - right in the narrow niche between Sonata and Genesis.


Gallery: Hyundai Grandeur


[Source: Hyundai]

Visions of Grandeur: Refreshed Hyundai Azera on the horizon? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>azera redesignAzeraRedesignhyunda grandeurHyundaGrandeurhyundaihyundai azerahyundai kdmHyundaiAzeraHyundaiKdmkdm hyundaiKdmHyundaisouth koreaSouthKoreaThu, 17 Dec 2009 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #157 - Mike Levine trucks along with us!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/autoblog-podcast-157-mike-levine-trucks-along-with-us/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/autoblog-podcast-157-mike-levine-trucks-along-with-us/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/autoblog-podcast-157-mike-levine-trucks-along-with-us/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Our friend Mike Levine from Pickuptrucks.com joins Chris, Sam and Dan for Episode #157 of The Autoblog Podcast, bringing his vast knowledge of all that is crew-cabbed and full framed. Of course, we start off with what we're driving and dreamy talk about the Dodge Ram Power Wagon, but the real meat and potatoes news items begin with a peek at the Mercedes-Benz E-Class cabrio. Staying with Ms. Jellinek's namesake brand, the crew ponders the idea of an electric SLS supercar. Staying charged, we move right into Toyota's recent hybrid news - a tease of an all new hybrid that we'll see at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, and today's announcement of a PHEV Prius. Hybrid pickups come up before we move on to the BMW's Z4 sDrive35is and then questions. One hour, thirty minutes, in time for your Tuesday pick-me-up.

For more listening pleasure check out our colleagues at Joystiq and Engadget, and let us know what you think of our podcast by dropping us an email at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our survey, or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Thanks for listening!


Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #157 - Mike Levine trucks along with us!

Autoblog Podcast #157 - Mike Levine trucks along with us! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoblog podcastAutoblogPodcastbmw z4bmw z4 mbmw Z4 sDrive35isBmwZ4BmwZ4MBmwZ4Sdrive35isE-ClassE-Class Cabrioe-class cabrioletE-Class ConvertibleE-classCabrioE-classCabrioletE-classConvertibleelectric slselectric sls amgElectricSlsElectricSlsAmgfeaturedmercedesMercedes BenzMercedes SLS AMGmercedes-benzMercedes-Benz E-ClassMercedes-benzE-classMercedesBenzMercedesSlsAmgmike levineMikeLevinePickupTruckspickuptrucks.compodcastpower wagonPowerWagonram power wagonRamPowerWagontoyota hybridtoyota priustoyota prius hybridToyota Prius PHEVtoyota prius plug intoyota prius plug in hybridToyota Prius plug-inToyotaHybridToyotaPriusToyotaPriusHybridToyotaPriusPhevToyotaPriusPlug-inToyotaPriusPlugInToyotaPriusPlugInHybridTue, 15 Dec 2009 13:40:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #157Autoblog1:35:19podcast; autoblog podcast; toyota hybrid; phev prius; plugin prius; e-class cabrio; mercedes e; toyota; bmw z4<![CDATA[REPORT: Kia Forte Koup may get brand's first-ever turbo]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/report-kia-forte-koup-may-get-brands-first-ever-turbo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/report-kia-forte-koup-may-get-brands-first-ever-turbo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/report-kia-forte-koup-may-get-brands-first-ever-turbo/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2010 Kia Forte Koup - Click above for high-res image gallery

As General Motors' Saturn brand ushers its owners toward orphan-make status, at least one company is swooping in to pick at the bones of its carcass. Kia has been doing well lately, unlike nearly everyone else, its sales actually grew this year. The brand has been adding dealers by picking up ex-Saturn stores and looks to continue building market share in the East, as well as in selected large cities on the West Coast. Kia's VP of sales, Tom Loveless tells Automotive News there has been no concerted plan to go after Saturn dealers, they just happen to be in the markets Kia wants to expand into, and that some ex-Hummer and Chrysler dealers have joined, as well.

More interesting than tales of dealer signage changes is what may be coming product-wise. The Soul and Forte have been getting attention, and more new stuff is on the way as the 2011 Sorento drops in January. The Optima and Sportage both get the re-do treatment for 2011, and a hybrid lands in 2012. To counter the geek-chic of battery power, word is the sharp-looking Forte Koup might get an iron lung hung off its engine, making it the brand's first turbocharged car. Loveless seems open to the idea, calling it "a natural extension, if it makes financial sense." Word.


Gallery: Kia Forte Koup


[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: Kia Forte Koup may get brand's first-ever turbo originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Kia2010 Kia Forte2010 Kia Forte Koup2010Kia2010KiaForte2010KiaForteKoupkiaKia ForteKia Forte CoupeKia Forte Koupkia koupKIA Sorentokia soulkia turboKiaForteKiaForteCoupeKiaForteKoupKiaKoupKiaSorentoKiaSoulKiaTurbokoupkoup turboKoupTurboSaturnTom lovelessTomLovelessturbocharged forte koupTurbochargedForteKoupTue, 15 Dec 2009 10:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Volvo prices 2011 C30 T5 from $24,600, C30 T5 R-Design at $26,950*]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/volvo-prices-2011-c30-t5-from-24-600-c30-t5-r-design-at-26-95/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/volvo-prices-2011-c30-t5-from-24-600-c30-t5-r-design-at-26-95/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/volvo-prices-2011-c30-t5-from-24-600-c30-t5-r-design-at-26-95/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2011 Volvo C30 T5 R-Design - click for high-res gallery

Possibly the biggest news to come out of Volvo's announcement of pricing for the 2011 C30 is that there is going to BE a 2011 C30. We ogled the nipped and tucked C30 T5 in Frankfurt and came away even more smitten than before with Volvo's neo-brake. The revised fascia and nipped and tucked bumpers bring the C30 into line with the future of Volvo design, however shaky that may be.

It's hard to deny the allure of the stylish little dumpling, and it won't even break the bank. Available in the United States exclusively in T5 trim for 2011, $24,600 (plus *$850 for destination and delivery charges) will get you into the Swedish hatch with a 227 horsepower inline-five hooked to a six-speed manual. If the swoopy Swede isn't enough for you in stock trim, the C30 T5 R-Design brings lowered ride height and a monochromatic bodykit that makes the car look like it's hunkered way down over its new 18-inch wheels.

The best part of the R-Design package are the suspension tweaks. Volvo says the stiffer bushings make the steering more direct and the rack's ratio is faster, too. Spring rates are up, and both the dampers and the swaybars have been stiffened, as well. Sounds expensive, doesn't it? Not so much - $26,950 (plus $850 D&D) strikes us as a small bargain for the nattily styled Volvo hatch with sharpened teeth. Of course, that's before a visit to Ye Olde Options List, where the bottom line can get pretty daunting pretty quickly. Press release posted after the jump.


Gallery: 2011 Volvo C30 T5 R Design


Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Volvo C30


[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading Volvo prices 2011 C30 T5 from $24,600, C30 T5 R-Design at $26,950*

Volvo prices 2011 C30 T5 from $24,600, C30 T5 R-Design at $26,950* originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 volvo2011 volvo c302011Volvo2011VolvoC30volvovolvo c30Volvo C30 Hatchbackvolvo c30 pricevolvo c30 r-designvolvo pricingvolvo r-designVolvoC30VolvoC30HatchbackVolvoC30PriceVolvoC30R-designVolvoPricingVolvoR-designMon, 14 Dec 2009 16:01:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Next UAW president to be Ford lead negotiator King]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/report-next-uaw-president-to-be-ford-lead-negotiator-king/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/report-next-uaw-president-to-be-ford-lead-negotiator-king/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/report-next-uaw-president-to-be-ford-lead-negotiator-king/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Ron Gettelfinger, the United Auto Workers' (UAW) president during the recent tumult, is moving on from his post, and has thrown his support behind Bob King. King is currently a vice president in the union and manages the relationship with Ford.

While the outlook is positive for King's nomination, he's going to have some reconciliation to do. In the last go-round with Ford, King asked his membership to agree to concessions that took strikes off the table, which the UAW's rank and file promptly denied. Despite the contention, King has been thought of as Ron Gettelfinger's replacement for some time, and the union hopes King will be a tougher customer in the throes of negotiation.

[Source: Wall Street Journal - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: Next UAW president to be Ford lead negotiator King originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bob kingbob king uawBobKingBobKingUawRon GettelfingerRon GettlefingerRonGettelfingerRonGettlefingeruawUAW contractuaw forduaw presidentuaw president gettelfingerUawContractUawFordUawPresidentUawPresidentGettelfingerMon, 14 Dec 2009 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[J.D. Power ranks Mercedes-Benz #1 for customer retention]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/13/mercedes-benz-ranked-1-for-customer-retention-by-j-d-power/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/13/mercedes-benz-ranked-1-for-customer-retention-by-j-d-power/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/13/mercedes-benz-ranked-1-for-customer-retention-by-j-d-power/#commentsFiled under: , ,



That's customer retention, not retentive customers, though Mercedes-Benz could be said to enjoy both. J.D. Power and Associates has been indexing customer retention for seven years, and Mercedes-Benz tops the list in 2009. Power measures how many vehicle buyers are replacing an older model from the same brand, and Mercedes-Benz's 67-percent retention rate tops all others, including the usual suspects, Honda and Toyota.

What's resonating with customers are resale value and quality. Even used Mercs are spendy, but they all ooze an air of quality. Ingot-solid platforms and the fine sheen of obsessively-perfected engineering seem to convince buyers that the cars will last forever and are of the highest quality. Why said customers might then trade a car with such inherent awesomeness, which is built to withstand all manner of circumstances, is another story entirely, but Mercedes-Benz's first-place finish this year caps a five-year run of increasing numbers, culminating with this year's best-ever 67 percent, the highest the Power study has measured.

[Source: J.D. Power]

J.D. Power ranks Mercedes-Benz #1 for customer retention originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Dec 2009 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Customer Retention Studycustomer retention surveyCustomerRetentionStudyCustomerRetentionSurveyJD POwerjd power and associa...JD Power and AssociatesJD Power associatesJD Power rankingsJdPowerJdPowerAndAssocia...JdPowerAndAssociatesJdPowerAssociatesJdPowerRankingsmercedesMercedes Benzmercedes customer retentionmercedes jd powermercedes-benzMercedesBenzMercedesCustomerRetentionMercedesJdPowerpower customer retentionPowerCustomerRetentionSun, 13 Dec 2009 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: 1980 Range Rover 6x4 custom pickup is full of hot air]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/ebay-find-of-the-day-1980-range-rover-6x4-custom-pickup-is-full/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/ebay-find-of-the-day-1980-range-rover-6x4-custom-pickup-is-full/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/ebay-find-of-the-day-1980-range-rover-6x4-custom-pickup-is-full/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Custom Range Rover crew-cab truck - click above for gallery

So you've got a hot air balloon and a Range Rover, no problem so far. Then, one day you catch the "you got chocolate in my peanut butter" fever, and it's time to create a Rover/Balloon mash-up. Your handy pile of old money means that the Rangie goes off to a bespoke vehicle specialist, said to specialize in "stretch Rolls Royce and 6-wheel Range Rovers for oil sheiks." Well, who else would you send it to, anyway?

Of course, since the balloon runs on LP gas, converting the Rover to run on the same fuel will save some money. With the dosh you save, you might as well install some big, chunky tires so that it "rides like a big Range Rover on chunky tires," and trashes fuel economy a little, too. The vehicle is in the UK, but the seller will ship. Construction quality is reportedly epic, and who doesn't have a desire for the castoffs of the wealthy? Looking at the photos, it appears to have taken its share of (ab)use lately; the blue hood is a nice touch, along with the various trappings of old Rovers, like the permanently exposed fusebox. It's on eBay for just under $8,000 - a pittance for a custom crew cab Range Rover pickup, especially if you've got a hot air balloon kicking around.


Gallery: Crew Cab Range Rover Pickup


[Source: eBay Motors]

eBay Find of the Day: 1980 Range Rover 6x4 custom pickup is full of hot air originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>custom range rovercustom roverCustomRangeRoverCustomRovereBayeBay auctionebay Find of the Dayebay range roverEbayAuctionEbayFindOfTheDayEbayMotorsEbayRangeRoverrange rover truckRangeRoverTruckThu, 10 Dec 2009 13:01:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Chrysler dealers unhappy over new ads, want regional marketing spending restored [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/report-chrysler-dealers-unhappy-over-new-ads-want-regional-mar/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/report-chrysler-dealers-unhappy-over-new-ads-want-regional-mar/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/report-chrysler-dealers-unhappy-over-new-ads-want-regional-mar/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

New Jeep spot - click above to view commercial

Spend any time in the advertising business, and you'll see this kind of struggle. So called "high-concept" advertising is what tends to be what consumers emotionally engage with and remember. Usually, only big brands with a national presence and lots of money can pull off advertising that is more about the spot than the product it's hawking. Running with the big boys requires vision on the part of decision makers. While big companies have marketing specialists with high falutin' degrees and summat, the retailers that close sales and take the money from your hand focus much more on product.

According to Bloomberg, Chrysler and its dealer body are playing out this very struggle. Dealers are unhappy with the company's new advertising efforts and budget changes that have been made as part of the recently enacted five year business plan. Facing sales that were down twenty five percent in November, dealers have asked that the new ads focusing on lifestyle and brand-building, such as the latest Jeep spots, be stopped. Advertising that shows vehicles and their features, along with a harder sell on the price and incentive front would be preferable to the dealers.

Cash on the hood is down, however, and Chrysler has some vehicles that are challenging to sell. Regional advertising budgets have been readjusted, as well, siphoning off funds from some higher-volume dealers to regions without enough volume to get any help in the fourth quarter otherwise. The plan in Auburn Hills is to aggressively rebuild its brands over the next five years, which is an image-building operation where the new campaign makes sense. In the meantime, however, the company needs to sell cars to stay solvent until its touchy-feely advertising takes root; an effort that may be better served by the product-centric advertising the dealers want. While everyone loves clever advertisements, sometimes it's just best to scream about the deals on Sunday, Sunday, SUNDAY!

Hit the jump to see an example of the new commercials.

[Source: Bloomberg]

Continue reading REPORT: Chrysler dealers unhappy over new ads, want regional marketing spending restored [w/VIDEO]

REPORT: Chrysler dealers unhappy over new ads, want regional marketing spending restored [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brandingchryslerchrysler advertisingchrysler brandingchrysler dealersChryslerAdvertisingChryslerBrandingChryslerDealersdodgedodge advertisingDodgeAdvertisingThu, 10 Dec 2009 11:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #156]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/autoblog-podcast-156/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/autoblog-podcast-156/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/autoblog-podcast-156/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Editor Chris Paukert has apparently been bitten by the podcasting bug, and he once again joins Shunk and Roth for Episode #156 of the Autoblog Podcast. We dive right in to reminiscence about the recently finished Los Angeles Auto Show. Moving on from there, we talk about Audi's new A7 Sportback and its extreme gorgeousness, as well as the new A8 and all its massive awesomeness. Speaking of awesomeness, Shunk thinks that the $199,950 Aston Martin Rapide is one very attractive four-place supercar. Going to the other end of the spectrum, rumors about Volkswagen's upcoming Jetta replacement gets some head scratches from us before we moved on to prognosticating about a unibody Dodge Dakota replacement. We wrap up a chewy hour-and-forty-five minutes by addressing some of your questions and calling it a night.

Don't forget to check out our colleagues at Joystiq and Engadget, and let us know what you think of our podcast by dropping us an email at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our survey, or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Thanks for listening!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #156

Autoblog Podcast #156 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a7 sportbackaston martinaston martin rapideAstonMartinAstonMartinRapideaudiaudi a7audi a8audi s8AudiS8autoblogautoblog podcastchryslerdakotadodgedodge dakotaDodgeDakotafeaturedjettaLA 2009LA Auto showla auto show 2009la show 2009La2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009LaShow2009los angeles auto showlos angeles auto show 2009los angeles autoshow 2009los angeles autoshow2009LosAngelesAutoShowLosAngelesAutoshow2009podcastsportbackunibody dakotaunit body dakotavolkswagenvolkswagen jettavwvw jettaTue, 08 Dec 2009 16:40:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #156Autoblog01:41:22la auto show; aston martin; aston martin rapide; rapide; audi a7; sportback; a8; audi; volkswagen; jetta; dakota; dodge dakota; podcast; autoblog podcast<![CDATA[REPORT: BAIC only interested in parts of Saab, "White Knight" looking increasingly unlikely]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/report-baic-only-interested-in-parts-of-saab-white-knight-lo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/report-baic-only-interested-in-parts-of-saab-white-knight-lo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/report-baic-only-interested-in-parts-of-saab-white-knight-lo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



It seemed pretty obvious when we first heard that China's BAIC wanted Saab's tooling that it didn't want anything to do with purchasing the Swedish automaker's full monty. If BAIC wanted to be in the Saab business, clearly, it would have made overtures for more than just the retired tooling from the older versions of the 9-5 and 9-3. BAIC wants the cars and all the stuff that Saab made to make them, so as to have something else to sell in its home market. The rest of Saab, such as its Trollhattan headquarters and workforce apparently aren't of interest to BAIC, which just secured a line of credit from the Bank of China, presumably to finance this purchase.

General Motors is said to still have some suitors interested in the whole shooting match, instead of BAIC's cherry picking. Since the deal with Koenigsegg fell apart, Spyker has indicated interest in Saab, as has a private concern called Renco Group. Any deal will be carefully vetted by General Motors, and will have a short time-table for completion. If BAIC's bid for the parts of Saab carries through, the rest of the company will almost certainly head for liquidation. It's looking increasingly likely that there will be no stay of execution for Saab, no white knight riding in to save this Swedish automaker in distress. Still, it ain't over until it's over...

[Source: Reuters | Image: AFP/Getty]

REPORT: BAIC only interested in parts of Saab, "White Knight" looking increasingly unlikely originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BAICbaic saabbaic saab toolingBaicSaabBaicSaabToolingSaabsaab 9-3saab 9-5saab baicsaab toolingSaab9-3Saab9-5SaabBaicSaabToolingTue, 08 Dec 2009 11:01:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Toyota to add 850 more jobs in San Antonio to build more pickups]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/report-toyota-to-add-850-more-jobs-in-san-antonio-to-build-more/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/report-toyota-to-add-850-more-jobs-in-san-antonio-to-build-more/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/report-toyota-to-add-850-more-jobs-in-san-antonio-to-build-more/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2007 Toyota Tundra Limited - click above for high resolution gallery

NUMMI's loss will be San Antonio's gain. Toyota is adding a second shift at its truck plant and looking to hire 850 workers for the production increase, and since Toyota's suppliers are located on-site, they're also adding a second shift and hiring.

The relocated Tacoma production from NUMMI is projected to roll 150,000 vehicles out per year, still below the 200,000 trucks Toyota wanted to be making when it launched the current Tundra. It's a way for Toyota to hedge its pickup bets. When the market for the biggies sags, Tacomas may be more appealing; the plant could adjust its mix and keep going. While Toyota's pickup volume is a small slice of the market, San Antonio may wind up loving the Tundra and Tacoma in a big way.


Gallery: 2007 Toyota Tundra Limited


[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: Toyota to add 850 more jobs in San Antonio to build more pickups originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nummitoyota hiringtoyota jobstoyota nummitoyota planttoyota productiontoyota san antoniotoyota san antonio second shiftToyota san antonio truck planttoyota second shifttoyota tacomatoyota tundraToyotaHiringToyotaJobsToyotaNummiToyotaPlantToyotaProductionToyotaSanAntonioToyotaSanAntonioSecondShiftToyotaSanAntonioTruckPlantToyotaSecondShiftToyotaTacomaToyotaTundraTue, 08 Dec 2009 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bogus car hauler stealing luxury autos from dealers in several states?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/bogus-car-hauler-stealing-luxury-autos-from-dealers-in-several-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/bogus-car-hauler-stealing-luxury-autos-from-dealers-in-several-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/bogus-car-hauler-stealing-luxury-autos-from-dealers-in-several-s/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Hauler

Luxury cars are nice. Most people would consider some kind of sacrifice to own one, while others plant their behinds in Corinthian Leather through ill-gotten gains. When something is desirable, there's no end to the scheming. The latest tactic for driving luxe without earning it is pretty blatant: just show up and take it! Automotive News reports that the FBI is currently looking into an operation that's using the identity of Atlas Towing and Recovery of Illinois, a real, legitimate business, to take luxury vehicles right out from under the noses of dealerships.

The false haulers are apparently showing up at dealers and picking up cars using Atlas Towing's credentials, causing the National Auto Auction Association to send out a warning. Over the summer, Manheim Auto Auctions also got hit with a fake car hauler, and that operation is believed to be connected to the more recent activity. Dealers have been warned to notify the authorities if anyone posing as Atlas Towing and Recovery comes calling and and tries to pick up vehicles. It is pretty slick, though, showing up with a truck and an air of official-ness. Points for cleverness, but it's likely not clever enough to avoid capture eventually.

[Source: Automotive News - sub req, | Image: BringATrailer]

Bogus car hauler stealing luxury autos from dealers in several states? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Dec 2009 09:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auction auto theftAuctionAutoTheftauto theftauto theft schemeAutoTheftAutoTheftSchemecar auction theftcar theftcar theftsCarAuctionTheftCarTheftCarTheftsfake auto transport schemeFakeAutoTransportSchemevintage auto theftVintageAutoTheftSun, 06 Dec 2009 09:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Mitsubishi's new sub-CUV will be called RVR in Japan... what will it be called when it hits the US?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/mitsubishis-new-sub-cuv-will-be-called-rvr-in-japan/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/mitsubishis-new-sub-cuv-will-be-called-rvr-in-japan/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/mitsubishis-new-sub-cuv-will-be-called-rvr-in-japan/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Mitsubishi RVR - click for high-resolution gallery

Mitsubishi is dusting off and old name for its new compact crossover. The new RVR that will be released in Japan next spring is nothing like past Mitsus wearing the moniker, a model we knew here as the Expo LRV. The RVR shares the Mitsu family's nose and physique, though the compact body is being described by officials as lightweight.

When it launches in Japan, the RVR will carry a 1.8 liter four-cylinder, and the MIVEC engine figures to keep the appetite for fuel in check. Mitsubishi is staggering the RVR's rollout, so its spring 2010 arrival in Japanese showrooms will be first, but North American sales are promised eventually. From where we sit, the RVR and Colt are two bits of triple-diamond excitement to look forward to in the coming year, especially if the company goes all Ralliart-crazy on both. Official press release posted after the jump.


Gallery: Mitsubishi RVR


[Source: Mitsubishi]

Continue reading Mitsubishi's new sub-CUV will be called RVR in Japan... what will it be called when it hits the US?

Mitsubishi's new sub-CUV will be called RVR in Japan... what will it be called when it hits the US? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crossoverJDMmitsumitsubishimitsubishi crossovermitsubishi rvrMitsubishiCrossoverMitsubishiRvrrvrrvr crossoverRvrCrossoverThu, 03 Dec 2009 10:29:00 EST