Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - (Page 26) 26 • OCTOBER 6, 2008 EUROPE BRANDS AISA BRANDS FUTURE PRODUCTS Rolls-Royce goal: Add customers Diana T. Kurylko dkurylko@crain.com CARPIX Rolls-Royce is counting on the RR4 — a new smaller, less expensive model — to attract new customers. With global sales of 1,010 cars last year, Rolls-Royce is clearly the winner in the ultraluxury car class. That’s quite an accomplishment, considering Rolls-Royce models start at around $350,000. By contrast, Maybach has been a flop. Bentley has been successfully attracting buyers with the Continental range. But those models are priced under $200,000, far below Rolls-Royce’s current line. In 2010, Rolls-Royce will try to hold onto its buyers and attract new ones with a new smaller, less expensive model. That car, currently referred to as the RR4, is expected to boost Rolls’ annual global volume as high as 1,800. RR4: Rolls-Royce says its new smaller model will have “a more in- formal presence” than the Phantom and a bigger “emphasis on driving.” The RR4 is expected debut next year at the Geneva auto show. The issue for Rolls-Royce is price. It wants to avoid drifting the brand too far downmarket — relatively speaking. Rolls thinks the sweet spot is around $250,000, comfortably above the models of Rolls owner BMW and well below Rolls-Royce’s Phantom models. Phantom: The first Coupes arrive in the United States this fall. The car retains many of the styling cues seen on the 101EX concept car. The Coupe is sold out through this year. The three-model range — Phantom sedan, Drophead Coupe convertible and Coupe — is not expected to receive any major changes in the foreseeable future. c Uncertainty surrounds Volvo’s product plan Mark Rechtin mrechtin@crain.com Not long ago, Volvo was the darling of Ford Motor Co.’s luxury brands. But as the euro soared against the dollar, profits evaporated and the product plan has suffered. What’s more, rumors that Volvo is for sale have added to the uncertainty. Dealers are struggling to sell an aging vehicle lineup. Volvo’s volume model, the S60 sedan, is about 10 years old, and the redesign is two years away. The XC90 crossover is about 6 years old. The S40 sedan and V50 wagon, which have fallen short of sales targets, were launched about four years ago. With profits down, so is investment in hybrid development. Initially, Volvo had looked to use a variant of the Ford Escape hybrid drivetrain. But now the Swedish brand is concentrating on using turbochargers in smallerdisplacement engines. Volvo’s V-8 offerings might be pulled from the lineup to make room for turbo-sixes. C30: The compact three-door hatchback has a cult following, but it is a small cult. The C30 is powered by a turbo-five engine, but Volvo has no desire to bring in the more fuel-efficient, normally aspirated fourbanger that is available in Europe. Volvo is losing money on every C30 it sells here, so why compound the problem? No major changes are expected for the C30. V30: A five-door version of the C30 is likely to arrive in Europe in 2010. The strong euro and weak dollar make export to America unlikely. There are even reports that Volvo is considering spiking the car to concentrate on higher-profit models. S40: The small sedan probably won’t be replaced after the 2011 model year. V50: With sales of the compact wagon slow, Volvo hasn’t decided whether the next generation will be sold here. For the redesigned V50, Volvo could adapt the Mazda3 platform or shrink the next-generation EUCD platform that will be used for the brand’s larger cars. The redesign is expected in 2011. The V50 would be- come more of a hatchback and assume the role of both the current S40 and V50. XC50: While the redesigned V50 is uncertain for the United States, the upcoming XC50 is a likely candidate. The vehicle, essentially a “butchedup” version of the V50, goes into production in 2011. Following the recipe for the V70 and XC70, Volvo will raise the vehicle’s height and add cladding to give the XC50 a more substantial presence. S60: The redesigned S60 arrives here in late 2010. Volvo will launch a slightly smaller sedan to create a wider gap between the S60 and the flagship S80. The current S60 is nearly the same size as the S80. The new S60 will be based on a stretched version of parent Ford’s Converged C1 platform, which shares much of its architecture with the EUCD platform. So there will be a high degree of parts commonality with other Volvo models. A sedan concept that shows the car’s styling direction will debut at the Detroit auto show in January. XC60: The five-seat crossover — derived from the EUCD platform that also spawns the S80 sedan and Land Rover LR2 — will arrive here in April. The XC60 will be larger than the LR2. Volvo wants to make a sporty statement, targeting such vehicles as the BMW X3 and Acura RDX. Initial plans call for the XC60 to offer two inline six-cylinder engines: a 235-hp and a 265-hp turbocharged version. C70: The hardtop convertible receives a reskin in 2009. V70: No major changes planned. XC70: No major changes planned. S80: No major changes expected. XC90: A reskin is scheduled for 2009. Volvo has delayed the XC90’s re-engineering until 2011. Expect it to remain on the existing P2 platform to reduce cost, rather than migrate to a new platform. V90: A flagship wagon based on the VCC concept was under consideration. But the weak dollar and poor sales for the Mercedes R class have quashed any chance of it happening. c Ferrari’s California, a two-seat convertible with a retractable hard top, has specifications similar to those of the F430, but its emissions are lower and its fuel economy is better. Ferrari: Recession-proof and turning … green? Luca Ciferri lciferri@craincom.de VILLASTELLONE, Italy — High gasoline prices. A melting credit market. Ferrari owners don’t care. Ferraris sent to the United States are sold before they even arrive. Once sold, most models appreciate wildly. But Ferrari is adjusting its successful formula a bit because the automaker wants to send a signal that it is environmentally conscious. The new Ferrari California has specifications similar to those of the F430, but its emissions are lower and fuel economy is better. The California will be the fourth Ferrari model. California: The California debuted this month at the Paris auto show. One model is offered — a two-seat convertible with a retractable hard top. Sales in Europe will begin by the end of this year; shipments to the United States begin next June. The all-aluminum Pininfarina-designed California has a 460-hp, 4.3liter V-8. The engine is mounted behind the front axle. On the California, Ferrari unveils direct gasoline fuel injection. The car also introduces Ferrari’s seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. F430: The midengine F430 will be redesigned in the second half of 2009. The car will feature a new aluminum chassis and a direct-injection engine derived from the California, as well as the new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. 599 GTB Fiorano: The car has a yearlong waiting list; the planned retractable hardtop variant has been rescheduled for 2011 or 2012. 612 Scaglietti: A replacement is planned for 2011. Limited-edition car: The time frame is unclear for Ferrari’s next limitededition high-performance car, possibly 2010 or 2011. The car will use lightweight construction inspired by the Millechili concept, which was unveiled last year at Ferrari’s 60th anniversary event. The concept has a 550-hp, twin-turbocharged, direct-injection 3.0-liter V-8. The production car will be powered by a V-12. c Maserati: Sporty gets even sportier Luca Ciferri lciferri@craincom.de As if Maserati isn’t sporty enough, the proud Italian automaker is adding two S models — as in sport — and a bigger V-8 to its GranTurismo and Quattroporte lines. The 4.7-liter V-8 had been created for the limited-edition Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione. Fiat Group Automobiles S.p.A. owns Alfa Romeo, Ferrari and Maserati. GranTurismo: The GranTurismo S joins the line this year, packed with a 439-hp, 4.7-liter V-8. The base GranTurismo has a 405-hp, 4.2-liter V-8. The S model is equipped with a sixspeed automated manual transmission. By comparison, the base model is offered with a six-speed automatic transmission developed by ZF Friedrichshafen. Smaller coupe and sedan: Maserati and Alfa Romeo have a technical alliance to share platforms and components on future models. If Alfa adopts a rear-wheel-drive platform from another automaker, Maserati could add a sedan smaller than the Quattroporte and a coupe smaller than the GranTurismo. Like its Alfa stablemates, these two new smaller Maseratis would appear no sooner than 2011. GranTurismo cabriolet: Spotted while testing in heavy disguise was Maserati’s answer to the BMW 6-series cabriolet and Mercedes-Benz CLK. The four-seat cabriolet will sport a canvas top and debut late next year. Quattroporte: The sportier sedan is called the Quattroporte S and has a 430-hp engine, up from 400 on the base model. Kuban GT: The sporty wagon apparently has been axed from the company’s plans. c
Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Automotive News - October 6, 2008 Automotive News - October 6, 2008 Many dealers floored by floorplan limits, costs THE GREAT COLLAPSE September was awful, and 2009 looks ugly GMAC is out of leasing — at least for now Versical, Nussel take new Automotive News posts GM to shut Ohio SUV plant 2 years ahead of plan VW commits to minority purchasing goals in Tenn. Chrysler exec to outline EV strategy at green conference Automakers are high on electrics Dealers give mixed reactions to Chrysler incentive program Chrysler boosts 2009 vehicle prices Lenders move fast to liquidate Heard's stores Mazda Kiyora Toyota, Audi mull tiny cars for U.S. Audi to decide next year on U.S. production Volvo plans diesel hybrid by 2012 Coupelike styling is back in a big way Honda Insight target price: Around $19,000 Mercedes plans U.S. sales of hybrids in S, E, C classes BMW is working on 2 small crossovers VW-Porsche feud risks growth plans Let's get clunkers off the road and spur the economy Europe: Still very different from us It could improve Caddy's image Shouldn't Cadillac try something new? A 4-cylinder is just what Cadillac needs Government's a player in Europe, too The Chevy Cruze should be big news Simple steps would revive industry Ford stops buying nonessential factory supplies Chevy, Mazda execs to speak at congress Automakers find India tough market to conquer Mahle CEO: Most engines will be smaller by 2012 GM begins streamlining purchasing TL stretches factory's flexibility Personnel Study: Dealers gain on independent shops Chrysler offers service contracts on certified vehicles No label Flashes of genius, years of turmoil VW seeks excitement with Routan, CC, Rabbit Sales soft, but Europeans plan to expand lineups 2010 redesign planned for Bentley flagship Alfa beyond Competizione Ferrari: Recession-proof and turning ... green? Maserati: Sporty gets even sportier Uncertainty surrounds Volvo's product plan Rolls-Royce goal: Add customers Panamera: Can Porsche defy skeptics again? Audi longs to join luxury big-leaguers in U.S. BMW plans more variants beyond sedans, wagons Under new owner, Aston Martin back in the race Lagonda's forte: Luxurious sedans that go very fast Couped-up? Lamborghini considers a sedan 250-mph Bugatti boosts the excitement Mercedes returns to the luxury suite Mini follows BMW's lead Smart ambitions, like car, remain small Suppliers cut staff, output to cope with downturn Driver monitoring systems differ High-tech mirrors are poised to make big gains IAC will open first India plant Supplier personnel Engineers call for common electric car standards Land Rover aims to boost the fuel economy of its SUVs Maybach adds open-top 62S Landaulet Saab gets a crossover in 2009; everything else is on hold Jaguar regains its focus on low volume, high end Dealers Economic winds batter Sept. sales Jaguar Land Rover joins group Ford aids minority suppliers CarMax plans 600 job cuts Ruling could ease disputes Feds seek more time for roof strength rule Suzuki seeks floorplan credit partner for dealers Toyota battles Detroit 3 with cheap loans $25 billion: How'd they do that? Peapod: Innovator's little big idea FOR SALE: Heard condos, mansion, jet Is film a flash in the pan? Ford hopes so VW: Next New Beetle will be 'more mature' Renault's U.S. ally of choice? Probably not Chrysler Automotive News - October 6, 2008 Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - GMAC is out of leasing — at least for now (Page 1) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - GMAC is out of leasing — at least for now (Page 2) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Automakers are high on electrics (Page 3) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Lenders move fast to liquidate Heard's stores (Page 4) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Lenders move fast to liquidate Heard's stores (Page 5) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Volvo plans diesel hybrid by 2012 (Page 6) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Volvo plans diesel hybrid by 2012 (Page 7) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - BMW is working on 2 small crossovers (Page 8) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - BMW is working on 2 small crossovers (Page 9) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - VW-Porsche feud risks growth plans (Page 10) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - VW-Porsche feud risks growth plans (Page 11) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - A 4-cylinder is just what Cadillac needs (Page 12) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - A 4-cylinder is just what Cadillac needs (Page 13) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Simple steps would revive industry (Page 14) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Simple steps would revive industry (Page 15) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Chevy, Mazda execs to speak at congress (Page 16) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Chevy, Mazda execs to speak at congress (Page S-1) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Chevy, Mazda execs to speak at congress (Page S-2) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Chevy, Mazda execs to speak at congress (Page S-3) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Chevy, Mazda execs to speak at congress (Page S-4) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Chevy, Mazda execs to speak at congress (Page S-5) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Chevy, Mazda execs to speak at congress (Page S-6) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Chevy, Mazda execs to speak at congress (Page 16A) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Automakers find India tough market to conquer (Page 16B) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Automakers find India tough market to conquer (Page 16C) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - GM begins streamlining purchasing (Page 16D) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Personnel (Page 17) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Personnel (Page 18) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Personnel (Page 19) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Chrysler offers service contracts on certified vehicles (Page 20) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Flashes of genius, years of turmoil (Page 21) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Sales soft, but Europeans plan to expand lineups (Page 22) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Alfa beyond Competizione (Page 23) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Alfa beyond Competizione (Page 24) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Alfa beyond Competizione (Page 25) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Rolls-Royce goal: Add customers (Page 26) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Rolls-Royce goal: Add customers (Page 27) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Panamera: Can Porsche defy skeptics again? (Page 28) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Panamera: Can Porsche defy skeptics again? (Page 29) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - BMW plans more variants beyond sedans, wagons (Page 30) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Couped-up? Lamborghini considers a sedan (Page 31) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Smart ambitions, like car, remain small (Page 32) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Suppliers cut staff, output to cope with downturn (Page 32A) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Driver monitoring systems differ (Page 32B) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - High-tech mirrors are poised to make big gains (Page 32C) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Engineers call for common electric car standards (Page 32D) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Jaguar regains its focus on low volume, high end (Page 33) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Dealers (Page 34) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Dealers (Page 35) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Dealers (Page 36) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Dealers (Page 37) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Dealers (Page 38) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Dealers (Page 39) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Dealers (Page 40) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Economic winds batter Sept. sales (Page 41) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Economic winds batter Sept. sales (Page 42) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Feds seek more time for roof strength rule (Page 43) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Toyota battles Detroit 3 with cheap loans (Page 44) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Toyota battles Detroit 3 with cheap loans (Page 45) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Renault's U.S. ally of choice? Probably not Chrysler (Page 46) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Renault's U.S. ally of choice? Probably not Chrysler (Page 47) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Renault's U.S. ally of choice? Probably not Chrysler (Page 48)
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