Wednesday, December 06, 2006 Automotive News reports that incoming VW chairman Martin Winterkorn Audi's current CEO may want to sell the SEAT brand. In his current position Winterkorn is responsible for SEAT as it's part of the Audi group. He is apparently frustrated with the Spanish automaker's disappointing profitability and according to Automotive News it's not part of his plans when he assumes his new position.Bernd Pischetsrieder who will be replaced by Winterkorn is said to oppose any such sale because it would include a transfer of valuable VW technical and operational information to the new owner. The anti-sale sentiment is apparently shared by Wolfgang Bernhard but it's reported that he may also be leaving VW and is looking for a way out of his contract. Amidst all the sale talk SEAT sales through October are up 4.4%.The automaker has officially issued a blanket denial of any reports regarding a sale calling the speculation "absurd." [Sources: Automotive News (sub req) SEAT]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time posted by Smile Community @ 10:48 AM
Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing Crossovers/CUVs Nissan  Nissan's new Qashquai crossover (say it fast) the smart-looking little wagonoid introduced earlier this year at Paris officially went into production yesterday at Nissan's Sunderland plant in the UK. It'll be produced alongside the NOTE Micra Micra C C and Primera -- vehicles which like the Qashquai aren't available on these shores. In the next 3 to 4 weeks Qashquai will ramp up to full production and dealers will see them arrive at their lots in February. Over 80% of the cars produced will be exported with greater Europe being the primary beneficiary. It should be noted that Japan is one of the other markets it'll be sent to making it only the second UK-produced Nissan after the Primera to be exported to the automaker's home country. (Press release after the jump) [Source: Nissan] Continue reading Nissan Qashquai production begins
Permalink | Email this | Comments BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time posted by Smile Community @ 10:46 AM
Filed under: Etc. Safety Supercars Ferrari  The world will not miss another red Ferrari. Don't misunderstand watching your car any car burn to the ground is an awful experience. Not only that Ferrari is arguably the exotic brand of choice for good reason. Sonorous engines sumptuous interiors often handsome (sometimes hideous) styling ridiculous and thrilling performance capabilities the list goes on. It's just that this may be part of a bigger cosmic plan to weed out the red Ferraris and replace them with less common hues. Perhaps it's ennui with seeing red on cars carrying the Prancing Horse that leads us to this ho-hum response? Either way this sucks. According to ThisIsHampshire.net the 360 depicted here simply burst into flames on a busy roadway in Southampton earlier this week. Thankfully nobody was inside and based on eyewitness reports we understand that the light show was popcorn-worthy. [Source: ThisIsHampshire.net]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time posted by Smile Community @ 9:09 AM
Filed under: Etc. Safety Supercars Ferrari The world will not miss another red Ferrari. Don't misunderstand watching your car any car burn to the ground is an awful experience. Not only that Ferrari is arguably the exotic brand of choice for good reason. Sonorous engines sumptuous interiors often handsome (sometimes hideous) styling ridiculous and thrilling performance capabilities the list goes on. It's just that this may be part of a bigger cosmic plan to weed out the red Ferraris and replace them with less common hues. Perhaps it's ennui with seeing red on cars carrying the Prancing Horse that leads us to this ho-hum response? Either way this sucks. According to ThisIsHampshire.net the 360 depicted here simply burst into flames on a busy roadway in Southampton earlier this week. Thankfully nobody was inside and based on eyewitness reports we understand that the light show was popcorn-worthy. [Source: ThisIsHampshire.net]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time posted by Smile Community @ 9:02 AM
Filed under: Economy Euro DaimlerChrysler SMART Misc. Auto Shows
For a brand with such an "intelligent" name Smart sure seems to do things backwards. Usually special edition models are released at the end of a model's lifecycle to try to boost sales before its replacement. But DaimlerChrysler have opted instead to release the new Smart ForTwo with the "edition limited one." The special version represents the new-generation ForTwo as the updated city-car makes its public debut at the Bologna Motor Show currently underway. Why Bologna of all places you wonder? Despite its own substantial domestic automotive industry Italy is the largest market for the ForTwo. (Must be the Vespa-esque appeal.) Like any other "special edition" the Smart ForTwo Edition Limited One is essentially the same as the regular version only with special colors and a few options packages included. 1500 examples of the Edition Limited One will be produced most immediately identified by what DCX calls a "pyrite grey metallic" paint job. Complimenting the pseudo-military greenish-grey tint are silver accents in the "Tridion" safety cell side mirror housings and front grille. The car is only available in the coupe bodystyle with a panoramic glass roof. The Edition Limited One also gets 15-inch six-spoke alloys. Inside the special ForTwo gets a unique "nappa leather" package covering the seats steering wheel and shifter in a weathered aged cognac-brown leather trim. Power underhood comes from the stock FourTwo 71-hp gasoline engine driving through a manu-matic five-speed. The Edition Limited One also comes equipped with a/c heated seats clock radio tachometer and cargo cover. DCX promises the pricing for the new ForTwo will remain the same as the model it replaces but no word on what sort of premium the Edition Limited One will command over stock. Overseas the new ForTwo will be ready to order a month from now. Stateside we'll have to wait a bit longer for the asthmatic counter-SUV revolution to begin. Related post: (Follow the jump for the full press release and hi-resolution images of the Edition Limited One plus a few new images of the "stock" new ForTwo.) [Source: DaimlerChrysler] Continue reading SMART launches new ForTwo with "edition limited one"
Permalink | Email this | Comments BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time posted by Smile Community @ 9:00 AM
Filed under: Etc. Safety Supercars Ferrari The world will not miss another red Ferrari. Don't misunderstand watching your car any car burn to the ground is an awful experience. Not only that Ferrari is arguably the exotic brand of choice for good reason. Sonorous engines sumptuous interiors often handsome (sometimes hideous) styling ridiculous and thrilling performance capabilities the list goes on. It's just that this may be part of a bigger cosmic plan to weed out the red Ferraris and replace them with less common hues. Perhaps it's ennui with seeing red on cars carrying the Prancing Horse that leads us to this ho-hum response? Either way this sucks. According to ThisIsHampshire.net the 360 depicted here simply burst into flames on a busy roadway in Southampton earlier this week. Thankfully nobody was inside and based on eyewitness reports we understand that the light show was popcorn-worthy. [Source: ThisIsHampshire.net]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time posted by Smile Community @ 9:00 AM
Filed under: Economy Euro DaimlerChrysler SMART Misc. Auto Shows
For a brand with such an "intelligent" name Smart sure seems to do things backwards. Usually special edition models are released at the end of a model's lifecycle to try to boost sales before its replacement. But DaimlerChrysler have opted instead to release the new Smart ForTwo with the "edition limited one." The special version represents the new-generation ForTwo as the updated city-car makes its public debut at the Bologna Motor Show currently underway. Why Bologna of all places you wonder? Despite its own substantial domestic automotive industry Italy is the largest market for the ForTwo. (Must be the Vespa-esque appeal.) Like any other "special edition" the Smart ForTwo Edition Limited One is essentially the same as the regular version only with special colors and a few options packages included. 1500 examples of the Edition Limited One will be produced most immediately identified by what DCX calls a "pyrite grey metallic" paint job. Complimenting the pseudo-military greenish-grey tint are silver accents in the "Tridion" safety cell side mirror housings and front grille. The car is only available in the coupe bodystyle with a panoramic glass roof. The Edition Limited One also gets 15-inch six-spoke alloys. Inside the special ForTwo gets a unique "nappa leather" package covering the seats steering wheel and shifter in a weathered aged cognac-brown leather trim. Power underhood comes from the stock FourTwo 71-hp gasoline engine driving through a manu-matic five-speed. The Edition Limited One also comes equipped with a/c heated seats clock radio tachometer and cargo cover. DCX promises the pricing for the new ForTwo will remain the same as the model it replaces but no word on what sort of premium the Edition Limited One will command over stock. Overseas the new ForTwo will be ready to order a month from now. Stateside we'll have to wait a bit longer for the asthmatic counter-SUV revolution to begin. Related post: (Follow the jump for the full press release and hi-resolution images of the Edition Limited One plus a few new images of the "stock" new ForTwo.) [Source: DaimlerChrysler] Continue reading SMART launches new ForTwo with "edition limited one"
Permalink | Email this | Comments BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time posted by Smile Community @ 9:00 AM
Filed under: Etc. Safety Supercars Ferrari The world will not miss another red Ferrari. Don't misunderstand watching your car any car burn to the ground is an awful experience. Not only that Ferrari is arguably the exotic brand of choice for good reason. Sonorous engines sumptuous interiors often handsome (sometimes hideous) styling ridiculous and thrilling performance capabilities the list goes on. It's just that this may be part of a bigger cosmic plan to weed out the red Ferraris and replace them with less common hues. Perhaps it's ennui with seeing red on cars carrying the Prancing Horse that leads us to this ho-hum response? Either way this sucks. According to ThisIsHampshire.net the 360 depicted here simply burst into flames on a busy roadway in Southampton earlier this week. Thankfully nobody was inside and based on eyewitness reports we understand that the light show was popcorn-worthy. [Source: ThisIsHampshire.net]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time posted by Smile Community @ 8:59 AM
Filed under: Economy Euro DaimlerChrysler SMART Misc. Auto Shows
For a brand with such an "intelligent" name Smart sure seems to do things backwards. Usually special edition models are released at the end of a model's lifecycle to try to boost sales before its replacement. But DaimlerChrysler have opted instead to release the new Smart ForTwo with the "edition limited one." The special version represents the new-generation ForTwo as the updated city-car makes its public debut at the Bologna Motor Show currently underway. Why Bologna of all places you wonder? Despite its own substantial domestic automotive industry Italy is the largest market for the ForTwo. (Must be the Vespa-esque appeal.) Like any other "special edition" the Smart ForTwo Edition Limited One is essentially the same as the regular version only with special colors and a few options packages included. 1500 examples of the Edition Limited One will be produced most immediately identified by what DCX calls a "pyrite grey metallic" paint job. Complimenting the pseudo-military greenish-grey tint are silver accents in the "Tridion" safety cell side mirror housings and front grille. The car is only available in the coupe bodystyle with a panoramic glass roof. The Edition Limited One also gets 15-inch six-spoke alloys. Inside the special ForTwo gets a unique "nappa leather" package covering the seats steering wheel and shifter in a weathered aged cognac-brown leather trim. Power underhood comes from the stock FourTwo 71-hp gasoline engine driving through a manu-matic five-speed. The Edition Limited One also comes equipped with a/c heated seats clock radio tachometer and cargo cover. DCX promises the pricing for the new ForTwo will remain the same as the model it replaces but no word on what sort of premium the Edition Limited One will command over stock. Overseas the new ForTwo will be ready to order a month from now. Stateside we'll have to wait a bit longer for the asthmatic counter-SUV revolution to begin. Related post: (Follow the jump for the full press release and hi-resolution images of the Edition Limited One plus a few new images of the "stock" new ForTwo.) [Source: DaimlerChrysler] Continue reading SMART launches new ForTwo with "edition limited one"
Permalink | Email this | Comments BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time posted by Smile Community @ 8:53 AM
Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing Crossovers/CUVs Nissan Nissan's new Qashquai crossover (say it fast) the smart-looking little wagonoid introduced earlier this year at Paris officially went into production yesterday at Nissan's Sunderland plant in the UK. It'll be produced alongside the NOTE Micra Micra C C and Primera -- vehicles which like the Qashquai aren't available on these shores. In the next 3 to 4 weeks Qashquai will ramp up to full production and dealers will see them arrive at their lots in February. Over 80% of the cars produced will be exported with greater Europe being the primary beneficiary. It should be noted that Japan is one of the other markets it'll be sent to making it only the second UK-produced Nissan after the Primera to be exported to the automaker's home country. (Press release after the jump) [Source: Nissan] Continue reading Nissan Qashquai production begins
Permalink | Email this | Comments BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time posted by Smile Community @ 8:48 AM
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