Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - (Page 6) 6 • OCTOBER 6, 2008 PA R I S A U T O S H O W U.S. may get more diesel Jettas Volkswagen’s U.S. dealers are sold out of this year’s allocation of about 1,300 diesel-powered Jetta sedans and wagons. But the automaker probably will get a bigger allotment to sell, said Stefan Jacoby, CEO of the Volkswagen Group of America Inc. The cars, available in all 50 states, went on sale in August. VW also will offer a dieselpowered Rabbit when a redesigned version goes on sale next year. A sporty GTI version was shown in concept form at the Paris auto show. Although VW promotes the fuel efficiency of its diesels, “we are not competing with Prius,” Jacoby said. But Volkswagen might import an even more fuel-efficient diesel, the Jetta Blue Motion. With a combined fuel economy of 40 mpg in city and highway driving, its mileage is comparable to a hybrid’s. Volvo plans diesel hybrid by 2012 Mark Rechtin mrechtin@crain.com PARIS — Volvo Car Corp. will introduce a diesel hybrid in 2012 if not sooner, while start-stop technology will arrive in 2009, company executives said here at the auto show. The hybrids will be sold in Europe and the United States. The start-stop technology, which turns off the engine at stops, will be introduced on Volvo’s smaller cars, such as the C30, S40 and V50. Later, start-stop will be spread to the rest of the lineup. Volvo’s Magnus Jonsson: A plug-in variant will come “very quickly” after the initial hybrid arrives. Diesel hybrids will appear first in the larger sedans, crossovers and SUVs. Volvo’s hybrids will be able to operate on battery power alone at low speeds. In the Volvo system, the front wheels are driven by a variant of Vol- vo’s five-cylinder turbodiesel, while the rear wheels get a separate electric motor. A plug-in variant will come “very quickly” after the initial hybrid arrives, said Magnus Jonsson, Volvo’s senior vice president of r&d. Plug-ins use household current to recharge the battery, reducing the need for gasoline or diesel fuel. Diesel engines and electric motors have an inherent shortcoming: Both have ample low-end torque but lack high horsepower at high rpm. Nevertheless, the combination makes the most sense for reducing carbon dioxide emissions, said Lex Kerssemakers, Volvo senior vice president of brand, business and product strategy. Volvo also is studying whether to stop using V-8 engines in favor of turbocharged six-cylinder engines on its high-end models, Kerssemakers said. “I don’t think there is a bright future for the V-8, especially for Volvo,” he said. “It’s the best engine we have. But if the environment is changing, you can be stubborn, or you can look for alternatives.” c Mazda Kiyora Vehicle type: Small coupe Engine: 1.3-liter, directinjection inline-4 gasoline Who designed it: Jo Stenuit, chief designer; Mickael Loyer, exterior; Gregory Vera, interior What’s cool: Filtration system collects roof water and makes it drinkable for car occupants. Carbon filter removes pollutants from the air. Rear seats resemble beach chairs and are made from a membrane that stretches and rebounds. Will it be built: Can you say Mazda1? It could be for Europe and Japan, doubtful for America. DALE JEWETT Opel will get Volt General Motors’ Opel brand will sell its own version of the Chevrolet Volt plug-in just months after the Volt’s promised on-sale date in late 2010, said Hans Demant, managing director of Opel. The Opel plug-in will share the Volt’s powertrain but will have its own design, he said. The vehicles could have similar silhouettes that provide aerodynamic advantages. But “it’s not a badge vehicle, definitely not,” Demant said. GM will be working on developing the infrastructure in Europe to allow for charging the vehicle. Audi to decide next year on U.S. production Richard Johnson rjohnson@crain.com Chrysler nears Russia deal Chrysler LLC expects to complete a deal to build cars in Russia by year end, said Michael Manley, executive vice president for international sales, marketing and business development. Manley said Chrysler will team up with an automaker already in Russia, but he would not give details. PARIS — Audi will decide next year whether to build vehicles in the United States. “Our main competitors are producing in the U.S., so this is something we are analyzing very, very carefully,” said Peter Schwarzenbauer, Audi’s global sales and marketing boss. Audi could use Volkswagen’s plant Audi’s Peter Schwarzenbauer: Vehicle production in the United States “is something we are analyzing very, very carefully.” in Chattanooga, Tenn., where production begins in late 2010, or set up its own factory. “It is a complex decision,” said Schwarzenbauer. “You have to decide (whether) to produce a complete model line in the U.S.” “Chattanooga is one option,” Schwarzenbauer said, “but we are also looking at different options. We are trying to come to a decision within 2009.” Audi is said to be considering its Q5 mid-sized crossover for U.S. production. The Q5 goes on sale in America early next year. Despite the U.S. market crisis, Schwarzenbauer said, Audi is on track to match last year’s 93,506 sales in the country. For 2009, Schwarzenbauer said he wants “to surpass the magic 100,000 number, and I think all the plans and products are in place to do so — unless the crisis we are currently seeing continues far into 2009.” c Toyota, Audi mull tiny cars for U.S. Richard Johnson rjohnson@crain.com show talk “I would jump off a cliff with a big Volvo parachute if it would make safety seem less boring.” — Stephen Odell CEO, Volvo Car Corp. PARIS — More than one European carmaker is on the verge of doing something it wouldn’t have considered a few months ago. They’re thinking of selling very small and fuel-efficient cars to Americans — cars designed and developed with only Europe in mind. Two small cars that debuted at the Paris show are under consideration for the United States. One is the Audi A1 Sportback Concept, which is about 10 inches shorter than Audi’s A3. The production version could hit U.S. shores. “A year ago, I would have said no,” said Peter Schwarzenbauer, Audi’s worldwide sales and marketing boss. “I did not see any trend in the U.S. which showed me that small cars could have a lasting, sustainable chance. I think this has changed. Therefore, we definitely have to reconsider the A1. “Previously, it was not clear that it was right size for the U.S. Now, I say, ‘Guys, let’s have a look at it.’ ” The hybrid A1 concept combines a turbocharged, 148-hp, 1.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine with an electric motor that boosts torque. Meanwhile, Toyota may offer its Smart-like iQ minicar in the United States. At 117.5 inches long — just a tad longer than a Smart ForTwo — the iQ was designed and developed for congested European capitals. But a Toyota source confirmed that the vehicle is being considered for the U.S. market. “We’re looking at it, but no decision has been made,” the insider said. Sales in Europe start in January.c PHILIP MEECH PHOTOS Toyota’s iQ minicar, above, and Audi’s A1 Sportback Concept, left, are candidates for U.S. sales.
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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