Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - (Page 8) 8 • OCTOBER 6, 2008 advertising PA R I S A U T O S H O W Coupelike styling is back in a big way Richard Johnson PARIS — It was Fashion Week at the auto show, and coupelike shapes on sedans and wagons were the really hot outerwear. Judging by the crush of reporters and photographers, two of the biggest stars were the Lamborghini Estoque (eh-STO’-kay) luxury sedan and the Mercedes Fascination concept, a station wagon with long, languid lines. Coupes used to be a big deal. But they faded as SUVs, then crossovers, became the niches of choice. Now coupes are few and far between. Passe, really. Those big, unwieldy doors and all that squeezing into cramped back seats. Still, buyers seemed to miss coupe styling. Now, the trend that began with Mercedes’ CLS is coming back strong in a variety of price segments. The Estoque, a near production-ready concept car, wowed them here. “We think there is a lack of a true Italian sedan which is at the same time very sporty and elegant,” said Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann. The Estoque would compete with PHILIP MEECH PHOTOS The Lamborghini Estoque concept would compete with coupelike luxury sedans from Aston Martin and Porsche. two other coupelike luxury sedans in the works: Aston Martin’s Rapide and Porsche’s Panamera, which is due next year. Lamborghini aims to sell 3,000 Estoques a year worldwide. Gorden Wagener, Mercedes-Benz’s new design chief, said the Mercedes Fascination is “a modern shooting brake,” his term for a truly sporty station wagon. The Fascination has a long hood, small side glass and a back end that angles down sharply. Wagener called it a “streamlined coupe shape with a functional rear.” He also said the front end’s crisp contours reveal the “future face of Mercedes design.” Mercedes won’t say whether the The Mercedes Fascination concept has a long hood, small side glass and a back end that angles down sharply. Next summer, Audi plans a European launch for the A7, an all-new four-door that targets CLS customers. “It is a very important trend for the character of a brand,” said Audi group design chief Wolfgang Egger. The idea is to preserve the functionality of the four-door sedan while giving the vehicle more character. “The four-door coupe seems younger,” Egger explained. “It’s like the coupe of 30 years ago. But the coupe is getting older and more classical. The fresh one is a four-door or five-door coupe.” You may e-mail Richard Johnson at rjohnson@crain.com comment Richard Johnson is managing editor of Automotive News. Fascination will be produced, but other such vehicles are coming for sure. Volkswagen’s CC, positioned above the Passat, has coupelike styling and four doors. BMW is working on 2 small crossovers Diana T. Kurylko dkurylko@crain.com Honda Insight target price: Around $19,000 The new Honda Insight, the automaker’s long-awaited challenger to the Toyota Prius hybrid, will get the same fuel economy as the larger Civic Hybrid but will cost less. The Insight’s price target: around $19,000, the company said. The sticker price would deliver on Honda’s promise of an “affordable” hybrid in its quest to unseat the popular Prius. The Prius starts at $22,000 and the Civic Hybrid at $23,550, excluding destination charges. — Hans Greimel PARIS — BMW AG is reacting to the sagging economy and rising fuel prices with two small crossovers, the BMW X1 and Mini Crossover Concept, says CEO Norbert Reithofer. He said the old product plan, which included the now discontinued X7 SUV, would not have generated sufficient growth through 2013. A production version of the fourseat Crossover Concept is expected to go on sale in 2010. The X1, based on the 1-series car, is expected to go on sale in the United States by 2010 or 2011. Reithofer said the X1 will be a volume vehicle rather than a niche car such as the larger X6 crossover. The four-seat Mini Crossover Concept is expected to go on sale in 2010. And later this year, BMW will launch a diesel-powered 3 series and X5. Reithofer declined to disclose the premium that BMW will charge for its diesels. Mercedes-Benz charges about $1,500 more for its 50-state clean diesels, which went on sale this month. Although BMW has not sold diesels in the United States, they could account for about 15 percent of sales in the coming years, Reithofer said at the Paris auto show. BMW is also working on Project i, what Reithofer calls a “mega city car.” The company has not approved production of the car, possibly an electric. Also uncertain is the car’s brand. Reithofer said the first fruits of Project i will be 500 electric Mini cars to be given to “special customers” at the end of 2008 and beginning of 2009 in New York, New Jersey and California for a one-year trial. c A concept version of Honda’s fivedoor, five-passenger Insight hybrid was unveiled at the Paris auto show. Mercedes plans U.S. sales of hybrids in S, E, C classes Diana T. Kurylko dkurylko@crain.com PARIS — In the next several years in the United States, Mercedes-Benz will sell a hybrid powertrain vehicle in each of its three major volume lines, Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche said. The company also will sell an electric version of the Smart ForTwo. The first hybrid, the S400, goes on sale in the United States next fall. It will be powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 gasoline engine and lithium ion batteries. An E-class hybrid will debut when the new generation goes on sale in Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche introduces the Mercedes-Benz S400 at the Paris auto show. The S400 hybrid goes on sale in the United States next fall. 2010. A C-class hybrid will be last, most likely coming when the current generation gets a freshening. “We have decided on hybridization on all of our cars in the future and so far we have had a lot of questions and excitement, but I don’t know how that will translate into a take rate,” Zetsche said at the Paris auto show. Mercedes also will build 1,000 electric Smart ForTwo cars in the coming year for trials in Europe and possibly the United States, he said. In 2012, annual production will rise to between 12,000 and 15,000 electric Smart cars, and some will be offered in the United States, Zetsche said. He said the electric and hybrid programs are part of Mercedes’ strategy to meet rising corporate average fuel economy standards in the United States and carbon-dioxide regulations in Europe with technology rather than downsized vehicles. c http://www.zadv.com http://www.zadv.com
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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