Automotive News - February 25, 2008 - (Page 21)

FEBRUARY 25, 2008 • 21 Volvo XC60 system senses impact, hits the brakes Wim Oude Weernink woweernink@craincom.de Volvo says its new XC60 crossover will be the first car to offer a safety system that helps drivers avoid lowspeed accidents common in bumper-to-bumper city traffic. The system, called City Safety, automatically applies the XC60’s brakes if it detects that a frontimpact collision is imminent. The system is effective at speeds of up to 20 mph. “The XC60 is the safest car Volvo has ever produced,” says Volvo CEO Fredrik Arp. Volvo says the XC60 will target urban buyers looking for SUV style, high ground clearance and sporty looks. The XC60 will compete in the fast-growing niche for small premium crossovers, such as the BMW X3 and Audi Q5. XC60 sales begin in Europe this Volvo’s XC60 will compete in the premium-crossover market. summer. U.S. sales start early next year. The automaker hopes for annual global sales of 50,000 XC60s. Its five largest markets are expected to be the United States, with projected annual sales of 15,000 to 20,000 units, followed by Germany, the United Kingdom, Russia and China. The XC60 will be built at Volvo’s factory in Ghent, Belgium. c Mitsubishi’s Prototype-S concept showcases a new five-door hatchback. backs and possibly crossovers. The Meriva concept adopts some of the lines that appeared on the GTC coupe and Flextreme concepts last year. The rear lights echo those on the Insignia, Opel’s new mid-sized car that will go on sale in Europe this fall. The Meriva still leads the smallminivan segment, but its European sales fell to 134,000 last year, down from 166,000 the year before, according to JATO Dynamics. ROLLS-ROYCE Rolls-Royce will unveil its new Phantom Coupe, a two-door model that features rear-hinged doors. A special feature is the split trunk lid: One lid lowers, providing a seating platform for two adults. The car is powered by a 453-hp, 6.75-liter V-12. Production begins this summer. TOYOTA Toyota will introduce two models aimed at reducing the Japanese company’s average CO2 emissions in Europe: the iQ minicar and the Urban Cruiser, a small crossover. The iQ will be Toyota’s smallest model in Europe, positioned below the Aygo minicar. It seats three adults and a child behind the driver. The Urban Cruiser is Toyota’s first entry in the small-crossover segment in Europe. It is based on the Japanonly ist and U.S.-only Scion xD. VOLKSWAGEN The “Scirocco” name returns to the Volkswagen line after a 16-year hiatus. But VW has no plans to offer the sleek fastback in the United States. With its distinctive hexagonal grille and low-slung looks, the Golf-based Scirocco is expected to be nearly a clone of the Iroc concept that appeared at the 2006 Paris auto show. The four-seat coupe will be more of an image booster than a volume seller for VW when it goes on sale in Europe in June. Volkswagen plans to build 28,000 Sciroccos annually at its Setubal, Portugal, plant, industry insiders say. If sales go well, annual production could rise to 50,000 units. A VW insider said Scirocco prices will start at about 21,500 euros in Germany, or about $31,600 at current exchange rates. c James Franey, Rick Kranz, Bettina Mayer, John Revill and Wim Oude Weernink contributed to this report Saab 9-1 concept awaits green light Jamie LaReau and John Revill jlareau@crain.com General Motors has been telling Saab dealers to be patient — new products are coming. The next-generation 9-5 is expected to be unveiled this year, possibly in October at the Paris auto show. Next week in Geneva, Saab will debut a concept: the 9-1. The 9-1 is expected to show Saab’s desire to develop a premium entry-level model. If produced, the 9-1 would be aimed at BMW 1-series and Volvo C30 buyers. Sources say that if GM approves production, the 9-1 would be developed on the company’s new global front-drive compact-vehicle architecture and go on sale after 2010, possibly as late as 2012. GM sources say some plans for that vehicle architecture are uncertain because of regulatory issues. Steve Shannon, Saab’s U.S. general manager, told dealers this month at the National Automobile Dealers Association convention in San Francisco that the 9-1 concept is a very small car. Saab has been struggling to become profitable. Industry sources say the brand needs to sell 180,000 units worldwide annually to break even. General Motors thinks a wave of new products will turn Saab’s fortunes around. Last year Saab sold 124,438 units globally, down 7.1 percent from 133,936 in 2006. c Volkswagen’s Scirocco is expected to closely resemble the Iroc concept, shown. Need Salespeople, Tech’s, Managers & Other Employees? The Auto Industry’s #1 Recruiting, Training & Marketing Company Salespeople~BDC~Detailer~Porter~Technician Body Tech~Service Advisor~Service Manager Parts Counter~Parts Manager~Sales Manager Finance Manager~Office Staff~GSM~GM 800-421-4550 www.clickhereforadvice.com Brian C. Hall, President & CEO fenders and headlight modules, and modified gill-type air outlets behind the front wheels. Sales begin this spring. Also on display will be the lightly touched 2009 CLS. U.S. sales begin later this year. MITSUBISHI Mitsubishi unveils the Prototype-S concept, which is essentially the 2009 Lancer five-door hatchback. The company has no plans for U.S. sales, but a Mitsubishi spokesman in the United States said the vehicle has potential for North America. The concept has all-wheel drive and a 240-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The bold-looking front-end styling and wide, low proportions showcase the Japanese carmaker’s new, sportier design identity. OPEL The Meriva concept shows how Opel will incorporate its new styling theme into the redesigned small minivan. It also shows the breadth of General Motors’ new global compact-vehicle architecture, which will be used for sedans, coupes, hatch- Action Events are generating RECO dealers across the country. What’s hot right now? ARE YOURS? RD-BREAKING RESULTS for Chevrolet Dealer - Lakeland, FL “Sold 40 cars during the CarFax Clearance, that’s 25 MORE THAN AVERAGE, and the GROSSES WERE HUGE! 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Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Automotive News - February 25, 2008

Automotive News - February 25, 2008 Chamco's 'consultant' is forced into limelight Group 1, Gulf States clash Dealer profit stuck in neutral Ghosn: Autos are in recession NHTSA investigates Toyota, Pontiac cars' windows The upside of upside down: Better belts Push buttons will alter interiors Schwarzenbauer leaves Porsche for Audi CSM: Cuts in auto output to ease in 2nd quarter Ford's Hispanic ad campaign takes it to the mat Hydrogen slips as a solution for the greening of autos Kia to spend big to upgrade dealerships GMAC: Office cuts won't affect dealers LaSorda: Chrysler's $700 million axle plant is 'going up' Toyota hybrid battery partner boosts output Buick may add a car below the LaCrosse Toyota could add 2 more small vehicles to U.S. lineup Calif. regulators shoot for 40-plus mpg by 2020 Loyalty/conquest: Power's best, worst Chrysler firm on retrieving tools from Plastech Former NUMMI exec applies Toyota ideas to aircraft industry Kozyra's resume reflects volatile supplier climate Obituaries Chrysler, Plastech now have chance to work together Do it the NADA way Hail, Geneva; spring must be near Volt's potential is unlimited The Volt is terrific; give GM a hand Beware of high tech running amok Teach reporters half full/half empty Dealer wants to view Conti exec: Inside, it's about the info Dealers Caddy chief's goals: Build on CTS, prestige, high-tech Geneva looks like another green scene Volvo XC60 system senses impact, hits the brakes Saab 9-1 concept awaits green light GM: Supply of vehicles to certify will stay steady Used-vehicle supplies up, prices down in Jan. Black Book plans daily updates Cars.com rolls out video service Manheim launches search tool Luxury sales channel is high on GM agenda GM seeks dealers' help with 5-point green plan Northwood offers dealer MBA Court rejects Chicago dealer's appeal Taxes distort Jan. sales in Europe Nissan to cut designers NHTSA studies window woes Bank: Autos easier to afford VW labor boss gets jail term Delphi sells 2 units Toyota Tundra had tough Jan. Chrysler's white knight: We're investors, not heroes Ford's 'Knight Rider' is Sync on steroids GMAC parties have lost a bit of their pizazz Global warming? It's a crock - but . . . Nardelli's NASCAR debut is a winner A frosty reception for the TSX

Automotive News - February 25, 2008

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