2009 North American International Auto Show

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North American Int’l Auto Show

Reports of Acura’s Death Greatly Exaggerated, Says Exec
Jan 21, 2009 9:00 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Christie Schweinsberg
The Internet rumor mill has been buzzing with talk of the future viability of the brand, whose sales declined 19.8% in the U.S. in 2008 to 144,504 units, Ward’s data shows.

Diesel Option Destined for Audi A3, VW Rabbit
Jan 20, 2009 8:59 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Eric Mayne
The Volkswagen Group’s aggressive diesel-engine proliferation strategy flies in the face of market and regulatory pressures that have caused other auto makers to backtrack on their plans.

Cadillac Converj Prompts Branding of Chevy Volt Electric Propulsion System
Jan 20, 2009 8:06 AM, WardsAuto.com, By James M. Amend
GM’s Bob Lutz says the auto maker might go with a larger battery for future applications outside of the Chevy Volt, or a larger range-extending engine.

GM Moving Tools From Struggling Suppliers
Jan 16, 2009 2:58 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Tom Murphy
Bo Andersson describes GM’s supplier relationships, overall, as more constructive than three or four years ago, due in part, ironically, to the enormous challenges facing suppliers.

Owners Not Loyal to HEVs
Jan 16, 2009 11:28 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Steve Finlay
Dealers have seen canceled hybrid-electric vehicle orders, the result of tightening personal spending.

Reporter’s Notebook: When Chips Are Down, Hold Your Nose
Jan 15, 2009 3:07 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Ward’s Staff
Ward’s writers pass along the buzz at this week’s 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Federal Money to Complete, Not Start, GM Recovery Plan, Exec Says
Jan 15, 2009 2:03 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Jim Mateja
“Buick buyers save for what they want and typically pay cash, so they buy even in a down economy,” says Susan Docherty, GM North American vice president-Buick-Pontiac-GMC.

Winter Tire Message No Snow Job, Continental Says; Dealers Stand to Benefit
Jan 15, 2009 12:08 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Eric Mayne
Continental’s campaign message reminds snow cover isn’t the only winter road condition that mars tire performance.

Reporter’s Notebook: Fit to Print, or Not
Jan 14, 2009 3:02 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Ward’s Staff
Ward’s writers pass along the buzz at this week’s 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Mini Unveils New Convertible
Jan 14, 2009 2:33 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Drew Winter
New features include an improved electro-hydraulic-powered roof that retracts in 15 seconds and allows the driver to open and close the soft top while the car is in motion up to 20 mph.

Jaguar Design Chief Enjoys Freedom of Tata Ownership
Jan 14, 2009 1:36 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Byron Pope
Under Ford ownership, Ian Callum says approval of his designs would take weeks, a process that is completed in mere hours under the auspices of Tata.

Diesel Audi R8 Unlikely to See Market
Jan 14, 2009 1:18 PM, WardsAuto.com, By David E. Zoia
Rather than a diesel, a new 525-hp V-10 gasoline engine will be available later this year in the R8.

GM’s Cowger Confident Labor Deal Will be Reached
Jan 14, 2009 10:04 AM, WardsAuto.com, By David C. Smith
The government is demanding that the UAW reduce its compensation to match that of foreign transplant auto makers.

Purchased Plant Among Options for Audi in North America
Jan 14, 2009 9:46 AM, WardsAuto.com, By David E. Zoia
A volume product would be needed for the new plant, with an all-new model a possibility, a top U.S. executive says.

Sen. Corker ‘Stunned’ at UAW Resistance to Lower Labor Costs
Jan 13, 2009 6:13 PM, WardsAuto.com, By James M. Amend
Corker tells Ward’s his goal is to help GM achieve long-term viability, so it can bring vehicles such as the Volt and Converj to the American people.

JCS Inks Deal to Hybridize Commercial Vehicles; JCI Introduces Lighter Seats
Jan 13, 2009 5:15 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Christie Schweinsberg
Johnson Controls-Saft CEO Mary Ann Wright says innovative technologies highlighted at this year’s Detroit auto show are an important step in establishing the U.S. as a technology and manufacturing leader.

Mercedes Unveilings Play to Volume Segment, Niche Market
Jan 13, 2009 3:54 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Eric Mayne
The SLR Stirling Moss, available only outside North America, is sold with a helmet and goggles, while Mercedes insiders are pushing to introduce start-stop technology in the U.S.

Tesla Battery to Power Smart EV
Jan 13, 2009 3:27 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Eric Mayne
Tesla is anxious to partner with other auto makers as electric-drive programs proliferate.

Reporter’s Notebook: My Way or Highway
Jan 13, 2009 3:09 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Ward’s Staff
Ward’s writers pass along the buzz at this week’s 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Michelin Hypes Green Tire Technology
Jan 13, 2009 2:45 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Eric Mayne
Michelin wants to ensure the aggregate fuel consumption of tires in 2030 will not exceed current levels.

China’s Brilliance Makes U.S. Debut, But No Firm Sales Plans
Jan 13, 2009 12:59 PM, WardsAuto.com, By David E. Zoia
Brilliance won’t “use low price to open the door” to the U.S. market, a top executive says.

Ford Taps Young Designers for Fresh Perspective
Jan 13, 2009 12:27 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Byron Pope
Young designers are driven by creativity and “don’t know the reasons why you can’t do something,” says Peter Horbury, executive design director-The Americas.

BMW Survives 2008 With 4% Sales Loss
Jan 13, 2009 10:49 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Drew Winter
BMW executives feel luckier than most to escape last year with a sales loss in the single digits.

Toyota Names First American-Born Chief Engineers
Jan 13, 2009 10:31 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Christie Schweinsberg
Greg Bernas is appointed chief engineer for the development of the Venza CUV and Solara coupe. Randy Stephens becomes chief engineer for the Avalon large sedan.

Toyota Aims for 400,000 Annual Global Sales of New Prius
Jan 12, 2009 4:37 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Christie Schweinsberg
Toyota’s U.S. sales goal for the third-generation Prius’ first full year is 180,000 units, nearly matching the hybrid’s best-ever 181,221, Ward’s data shows.

Volvo S60 Concept Reflects Scandinavian Heritage
Jan 12, 2009 4:29 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Byron Pope
The vehicle’s interior is a “completely new take on modern Scandinavian design” that is more upscale than previous Volvo models, design chief Steve Mattin says.

Lincoln C Concept Worth Expense, Fields Says
Jan 12, 2009 4:07 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Byron Pope
The vehicle is powered by a 1.6L direct-injected, turbocharged 4-cyl. EcoBoost engine that produces 178 hp and 177 lb.-ft. of torque and is capable of 43 mpg on the highway.

VWA to Offer Hybrid, Diesel Options in Four Core U.S. Models to Come
Jan 12, 2009 3:40 PM, WardsAuto.com, By David E. Zoia
Two undetermined models, which Jacoby expects to fill out the core of VW’s North American lineup, will be smaller, Polo-sized vehicles.

GM Taps LG Chem for Chevy Volt Battery; Reveals Aggressive Roadmap
Jan 12, 2009 3:12 PM, WardsAuto.com, By James M. Amend
The auto maker intends to build the largest battery lab in the U.S., likely in Michigan, pending negotiations with the state.

Toned-Down Detroit Auto Show Stays Upbeat
Jan 12, 2009 2:59 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Steve Finlay
Those expecting a dark mood at the Motor City’s auto show were relieved, “and that includes just about everyone I’ve talked to,” says a show co-chairman.

Lamborghini Grows Global Sales in 2008, Despite 20.3% Drop in U.S.
Jan 12, 2009 12:53 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Derek Stark
The Italian auto maker will launch at least one new model each year, while continuing its expansion into new markets, such as the Middle East and Asia.

Bentley Pins U.S. Hopes on New Continental GTC Speed
Jan 12, 2009 12:40 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Derek Stark
The new Continental GTC is the most powerful convertible ever made by Bentley.

Reporter’s Notebook: Ditch the Gloom
Jan 12, 2009 12:23 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Ward’s Staff
Ward’s writers pass along the buzz at this week’s 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Ford’s Cischke Urges U.S. EV Battery Development
Jan 12, 2009 12:23 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Byron Pope
America is falling behind Asia in advanced-battery technology and production largely because the consumer-electronics industry here has been driving the development of batteries.

Next-Gen Prius Debuts With Estimated 50-MPG Rating
Jan 12, 2009 11:30 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Christie Schweinsberg
The world’s best-selling hybrid is new for ’10, with fuel economy increased using a variety of measures, including a bigger engine.

Legacy Concept Reminder Subaru is Sedan Brand Too
Jan 12, 2009 11:00 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Christie Schweinsberg
The size of the concept vehicle is bigger than the current-production Legacy, but Subaru’s chief designer says size doesn’t impact performance.

Top Designer Says Outgoing Ford Taurus ‘Too Conservative’
Jan 12, 2009 9:40 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Byron Pope
Ford designer J Mays says the original Taurus, launched in 1986, did not inspire the design of the new sedan.

GM Admits Attempts to Groom Saturn Unsuccessful
Jan 12, 2009 9:12 AM, WardsAuto.com, By James M. Amend
GMNA President Troy Clarke says it remains unclear exactly how GM might detach itself from Saturn, given the expensive lesson it learned when it killed the Oldsmobile brand several years ago.

Lincoln MKT Further Establishes Brand’s Identity
Jan 12, 2009 12:01 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Byron Pope
The exterior of the MKT boasts Lincoln’s signature split waterfall grille, which has helped the brand forge a “family resemblance” in the showroom.

Chrysler Stands Ground Against Critics
Jan 11, 2009 6:39 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Eric Mayne
Robert Nardelli concedes Project D, a D-segment, vehicle-development program, is no longer a high priority.

Ford to Bring Electric Vehicle to Market in 2011
Jan 11, 2009 5:13 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Byron Pope
The auto maker says it has entered into a 4-way “Eco-Partnership” in China to expand its expertise with electric-powered vehicles.

GM to Reveal Chevy Volt Battery Supplier
Jan 11, 2009 4:44 PM, WardsAuto.com, By James M. Amend
The auto maker was to announce the supplier last year but reportedly held off so the team could collaborate further.

Production Possibilities for VW Roadster
Jan 11, 2009 4:31 PM, WardsAuto.com, By David E. Zoia
Micro-hybrid-type technology that includes start/stop and energy-regeneration systems boosts fuel economy another 5% for the Bluesport concept.

BMW Unveils Z4 With Retractable Hardtop
Jan 11, 2009 4:25 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Drew Winter
The new roof is comprised of two aluminum shells that fold into the trunk in 20 seconds, while allowing enough room for a medium-size suitcase or one golf bag.

Chrysler 200C EV Concept Hints at Future Electric-Range Technology
Jan 11, 2009 4:09 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Eric Mayne
Jim Press says the concept car underscores what is possible at Chrysler, if the auto maker is given a chance to succeed.

JCI Plug-in Concept Seats 5
Jan 11, 2009 3:20 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Tom Murphy
The supplier’s “re3” concept, based on the subcompact Fiat 500, cleverly packages 96 lithium-ion battery cells in the space of the center console, making room for three occupants in the back seat.

Audi Sportback Concept Peek at New A7
Jan 11, 2009 2:55 PM, WardsAuto.com, By David E. Zoia
Audi says the show car indicates a determination to broaden its Sportback lineup, which for now consists of the 3-door A3 and upcoming smaller A1 Sportback that was unveiled in concept form at the Paris auto show in October.

Mazda North America to Kill B-Series Pickup by 2011
Jan 11, 2009 2:43 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Christie Schweinsberg
Mazda executive says the small-pickup group could be revived in the U.S. if a 24% import tariff was eliminated, noting a vehicle that size would be perfect for the youth market.

Cash-Strapped GM Defies Doomsday Fatalists
Jan 11, 2009 1:53 PM, WardsAuto.com, By James M. Amend
GM reveals plans to build two fuel-efficient small cars, the Chevy Spark minicar and Orlando MPV.

Lexus Sets HS Sales Goal at 30,000 for First Full Year
Jan 11, 2009 1:22 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Christie Schweinsberg
The luxury brand’s first dedicated hybrid shares its engine and platform similarity with the Toyota Camry and European Avensis.

Mercedes Accelerates Green Vehicle Development
Jan 11, 2009 12:42 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Eric Mayne
Daimler’s lithium-ion battery venture will “separate the wheat from the chafe” in the escalating battle to develop alternative powertrains, says Chairman Dieter Zetsche.

Hyundai, Ford, Win North American Car, Truck Awards
Jan 11, 2009 12:38 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Drew Winter
In a bit of a shocker, Hyundai’s Genesis luxury sedan wins North American Car of the Year award, while the Ford F-150 easily grabs truck honors.

Lexus Unveils HS 250h Dedicated Hybrid
Jan 11, 2009 12:13 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Christie Schweinsberg
The ’10 HS 250h, going on sale in the U.S. in late summer, is the luxury brand’s’ first dedicated hybrid-electric vehicle and also the first in its lineup to be powered by a 4-cyl. engine.

Chrysler Cockpit Concept Wired for Future
Jan 11, 2009 12:01 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Eric Mayne
The concept is the handiwork of a dedicated team within Chrysler to improve cockpit design and functionality.

Patriot Concept Adds to Intrigue Surrounding Chrysler’s Electric-Drive Ambitions
Jan 11, 2009 12:01 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Eric Mayne
While Chrysler says its EV plans are “on track” for the planned 2010 launch, the auto maker concedes Li-ion technology for automotive powertrains still is evolving.

Ford Hopes ’10 Taurus Recaptures Magic of Original
Jan 11, 2009 12:01 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Byron Pope
To further differentiate it from other midsize sedans, Ford engineers went to considerable lengths to imbue the ’10 Taurus with sporty driving dynamics.

Toyota EV Due in 2012; New Hybrids Announced
Jan 10, 2009 3:00 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Christie Schweinsberg
The auto maker also moves up the fleet introduction date of a plug-in Prius one year, to late 2009, with 150 units allotted for U.S. lease customers.

Kia Details Soul’ster Concept Ahead of Detroit Debut
Jan 10, 2009 6:00 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Christie Schweinsberg
The Korean auto maker will unveils yet another concept version of its upcoming production Soul CUV, this one aimed at outdoor, beach-going types.

’10 Buick LaCrosse ‘Next Step’ in GM Division’s Revitalization
Jan 8, 2009 10:43 AM, WardsAuto.com, By James M. Amend
The exterior design of the new LaCrosse draws heavily from the well-received Buick Invicta concept car GM introduced at the 2008 Beijing Auto Show.

’10 Shelby GT500 Mustang Draws Upon Past, Present
Jan 7, 2009 9:52 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Byron Pope
From the onset, famed racer and automotive designer Carroll Shelby had input on nearly all aspects of the new 540-hp muscle car, Ford says.

Buick Marketers Take Cues From Cadillac Revival
Jan 5, 2009 9:33 AM, WardsAuto.com, By James M. Amend
Buick General Manager Susan Docherty says the brand’s 3-product portfolio finally provides the focus it needs.

’10 Cadillac SRX Carries More SUV-like Design, High-Tech Powertrains
Jan 4, 2009 12:01 AM, WardsAuto.com, By James M. Amend
Although GM moves the SRX from the current generation’s Sigma architecture to Theta Epsilon, officials are quick to distance it from new platform mates such as the more frugal Saturn Vue.

Auto Shows Losing Luster?
Nov 25, 2008 3:22 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Eric Mayne
Nissan had planned a Detroit debut for a light-commercial vehicle concept the auto maker plans to build at its plant in Canton, MS.

Brilliance to Show Vehicles at Detroit Show
Nov 12, 2008 10:54 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Ward’s Staff From Wires
The Detroit auto show has been the site of numerous appearances in recent years by individuals or firms with intentions of bringing Chinese cars to North America.

Nissan to Show LCV Concept at Detroit Auto Show, Retools Canton Plant
Nov 11, 2008 1:12 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Ward’s Staff
Nissan signaled its plans to become a player in the light-commercial-vehicle segment last spring, announcing it would build several models at its Canton, MS, plant.