Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - (Page 32) 32 • OCTOBER 6, 2008 EUROPE BRANDS AISA BRANDS FUTURE PRODUCTS Mercedes returns to the luxury suite Diana T. Kurylko dkurylko@crain.com Crossman sales start in 2010. Mini follows BMW’s lead By keeping demand ahead of production and developing small vehicles with the performance and equipment that qualify them as premium, BMW has made Mini the “I told you we could do it” brand. Product cadence is also important. Mini variants have been rolled out slowly — the way parent company BMW traditionally does it. Cooper: A freshening is scheduled in two years. The redesigned convertible is expected in 2009. Clubman: The three-door wagon went on sale this year. Crossover: A small crossover concept was shown this month at the Paris auto show. The production version will go on sale in 2010, built by Magna Steyr in Austria. The crossover has been dubbed the Crossman and features four doors, four individual seats and all-wheel drive. — Diana T. Kurylko The grande dame of European luxury has regained her stature. No longer distracted by Chrysler, Mercedes-Benz is climbing back up the quality charts. New products such as the C class have set a sales record. And with CEO Dieter Zetsche at the helm, Mercedes-Benz is flexing its engineering muscle and showing advances in fuel economy and emissions. Some Mercedes vehicles with alternative powertrains, such as the Bclass fuel cell car, are unlikely to head here. But turbocharged engines are. Within 30 months, MercedesBenz will introduce that technology across its range. Mercedes’ biggest launch next year will be the redesigned E class, its volume car in the United States. Executives here hope the new look of the E class will make owners of the previous generation forget those frequent trips to the dealer for repairs. B class: The latest word from Zetsche is that Mercedes-Benz is likely to send the next generation here in 2011. The B-class line will include a small crossover and coupe. C class: The redesigned C class debuted last year. A freshening is planned in 2011. E class: The model that dragged down Mercedes’ reputation because of electrical and quality issues has to be perfect when the redesigned car launches in 2009. That’s the marching order from headquarters in Stuttgart. The redesigned E class will adapt some S-class styling cues, especially the headlight, hood and fender treatments. The E320 Bluetec with newgeneration, urea-injected diesel engines goes on sale in 2010. To spur sales here until the new sedan and station wagon arrive, Mercedes-Benz USA is offering all-wheel drive and an AMG sport package as a The redesigned E class, shown during testing, will be Mercedes’ biggest launch next year. Mercedes’ U.S. executives hope the new vehicle will make owners of the previous generation forget about the electrical and quality problems. CARPIX free option on all E-class vehicles. CLS: The low, sleek sedan will be reskinned in 2010. The CLS is the vehicle that has prompted Audi, Volkswagen and other automakers to create a sedan with coupelike styling. S class: The technology showcase for Mercedes gets its first hybrid next year. The S400 goes on sale late next year with a diesel engine connected to the hybrid motor. Zetsche said the S class is one of a handful of diesel hybrid models coming to the United States. The S400 uses lithium ion batteries developed by Johnson Controls-Saft. A concept was unveiled at last year’s Frankfurt auto show. The S class gets a freshening in 2009. CLK: The redesigned CLK coupe based on the C class is expected next year and will have some new C-classgeneration styling, including rectangular rather than round headlights. The convertible will follow in 2010. CL: A freshening is expected for 2011. SLK: The smallest roadster got a freshening this year, mainly fascia and grille changes. The SLK will be redesigned in 2012. SL: Earlier this year, the SL received a freshening. The special-edition SL65 Black series debuts in January with a 670-hp V-12 engine. The car will carry a hefty price tag — more than $250,000. The high-line roadster will be redesigned in 2013 and likely use some of the technology developed for the Gullwing. SLR McLaren: Next year is the last year for the SLR McLaren. The $500,000 high-performance, twopassenger sports car is assembled at McLaren Group’s factory in Woking, England. The car has experienced lukewarm sales success. Gullwing: “Gullwing” is the codename given to the two-passenger sports car that will replace the SLR McLaren. The car, being developed by Mercedes’ AMG group, will debut in 2010. A V-12 engine producing upward of 700 hp is expected. The car is expected to have gullwing doors. R class: The awkwardly shaped crossover/wagon has been a disappointing seller since its introduction as a 2006 model, but Mercedes executives are committed to keeping it. The R class gets the new Bluetec turbodiesel engine that other Mercedes vehicles offer. A restyling is expected for 2010. GLK: Mercedes’ entry into the compact-SUV segment comes in January with the boxy-looking GLK. Exterior styling sets the GLK apart from other Mercedes SUVs, which are sleeker in appearance. The GLK’s exterior suggests the brand is going after young male buyers who want a ruggedlooking vehicle. The GLK shares a portion of its architecture and some powertrains with the C class. Initially, the GLK will be an awd offering; two-wheel drive will follow later in 2009. The GLK may get the Bluetec clean diesel engine and possibly a diesel hybrid similar to the concept shown in March at the Geneva auto show. M class: The ML got a mild freshening this year with new headlights and a new grille. The new ML320 Bluetec V-6 turbodiesel, which can be sold in 50 states, replaces the ML320 CDI. A gasoline-powered hybrid with a Two Mode transmission will debut in 2009. GL class: Sales are still hot despite high fuel prices. The GL320 Bluetec turbodiesel, the same engine as in the M class, replaces the GL320 CDI. The GL will get a freshening in 2010. G class: As long as there are buyers with deep pockets who want it, Mercedes-Benz will sell this aging SUV that started as a military vehicle. In mid-October, a 30th anniversary edition goes on sale with a new grille and some interior changes. The G550 debuts this month with a 5.5-liter V-8 making 382 hp. c NEED SALES? Repo Joe is ® MORE THAN DOUBLED the ir average weekend numbers These dealers Smart ambitions, like car, remain small The two-passenger Smart ForTwo has a niche following. Through August, Penske Automotive Group sold 18,156 of the diminutive cars. Penske is the U.S. distributor of Smart, which went on sale here in January. No major changes to the ForTwo are expected in the coming years. A full electric version goes into production in 2010, but U.S. sales are not planned. That could change, depending on the price of gasoline. — Diana T. Kurylko Your Weekend Sales or It’s FREE! This event generates floor traffic for your entire dealership and i l doubles kd l for dealers ll consistently d bl average weekend results f d l all across the country. Over 2100 times, the Repo Joe® event has proven to be the most successful used car event in the country. CHEVR LET DEALER E RO THE REPO JOE® SALE IS NOT JUST FOR REPOS. 264% INCREASE ALEXANDRIA, KY 56 VEHICLES • $165,411 GROSS LAK LA ELAND, FL 66 VEHICLES • $141,381 GROSS VE CL DODGE DEALER Few changes are expected in the Smart ForTwo. 2 224% INCREASE The Repo Joe® event marketing package comes complete with manpower, staff training, customized advertising materials, and point of purchase displays. Follow the Repo Joe® marketing plan and we guarantee you will double your average weekend. 273% INCREASE CO CORPUS CHRISTI, TX 42 VEHICLES • $127,591 GROSS GREENSBORO, NC 41 VEHICLES • $121,936 GROSS V FORD DEALER 250-mph Bugatti boosts the excitement How can you measure the success of a brand? Here’s one way: This year the first Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport off the line sold for $3.19 million. The car was auctioned at the Pebble Beach Concours in August, exceeding the sticker price of $2.05 million. The two-passenger car is a convertible version of the limited production Bugatti Veyron 16.4. Production is limited to 150 convertibles. Veyron 16.4: Why all the excitement? With a top speed of nearly 250 mph, the Veyron 16.4 has been called the world’s fastest production car. The 8.0-liter 16-cylinder engine produces 1,001 hp. A targa version is expected next year. NIS N SAN DEALER 20th Anniversary Guarantee offer for first time customers only. 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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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