Automotive News - March 10, 2008 - (Page 30)

30 • MARCH 10, 2008 G E N E VA A U T O S H O W Ford may consider hatchback for U.S. Dave Guilford dguilford@crain.com ROGER HART Audi plans to market the redesigned 2009 A4 Avant station wagon as an alternative to minivans and SUVs. Audi to launch A4 sedan, wagon together Diana T. Kurylko dkurylko@crain.com GENEVA — The redesigned Audi A4 Avant station wagon that debuted here at the auto show goes on sale in the United States in September, the same time as the redesigned A4 sedan. The redesigned sedan already is on sale in Europe. Audi of America Inc. says the two models are likely to boost sales but isn’t ready to make specific predictions — especially since prices haven’t been announced, says Scott Keogh, chief marketing officer. “Because the A4 generates a lot of traffic, it makes sense to launch the sedan and station wagon together and tell the full story,” he says. Audi says the redesigned A4 and the A4 Avant are the brand’s first real competitors to Lexus, BMW and Mercedes entry-level vehicles in the United States. The current A4 models bring in former Honda and Volkswagen buyers, says Keogh. The 2009 Avant has 20 percent more cargo room than its predecessor and is nearly 5 inches longer. The interior room is increased because of a new modular chassis architecture that debuted with the A5/S5 coupes. The larger size will make the redesigned station wagon easier to market as an alternative to minivans and SUVs, says Keogh. The vehicle has a longer wheelbase and wider track than the model it replaces. Audi says the longer wheelbase gives the wagon a more comfortable ride. The Avant will be available only with the new-generation Quattro allwheel drive. The sedan will continue to have standard front-wheel drive. The Avant will be powered by a new generation of Audi’s turbocharged 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder engine with 160 hp, teamed with a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. The S tronic transmission no longer will be offered. The wagon is also available with a 3.2-liter V-6. c GENEVA — Officially, Ford Motor Co. says it has no plan to bring the hatchback versions of the Fiesta small car to the United States, where hatches traditionally have been a drag on the market. But as three- and five-door production versions of the Fiesta rolled out at the Geneva auto show last week, new marketing chief Jim Farley sounded like he might be ready to toss out conventional thinking about hatchbacks in the United States. Farley said a decision will come within 12 months. But he said Ford’s research shows that younger auto buyers don’t have the anti-hatchback feeling that older consumers do. “We have an opportunity, and we’re studying it very carefully,” Farley said. Part of that study has involved surveying consumers at second-tier U.S. auto shows. Farley said young buyers often relate hatchbacks to the SUVs and crossovers they grew up with, which also have top-hinged rear doors. The Fiesta, which is based on the Ford’s Jim Farley says research shows that young buyers don’t have the aversion to hatchbacks that older consumers do. Verve concept, is the product of Ford’s lengthy search for a global Bsegment car — one about the same size as the Honda Fit or Nissan Versa. It is the first product of Ford’s new global product development system under CEO Alan Mulally. The hatchbacks are the first Fiesta production versions shown. They go on sale in Europe this fall. So far, Ford has said it plans only a sedan for the United States, although Ford showed hatchback versions of the Verve at Detroit, Chicago and other auto shows. Joe Bakaj, vice president of product development for Ford of Europe, said the decision rests with Farley and Mark Fields, Ford’s president of the Americas: “I’m waiting to hear back from Mr. Farley and Mr. Fields.” c ROGER HART The Infiniti FX50’s new technologies include a smarter braking system. Infiniti FX showcases new Nissan technology Lindsay Chappell lchappell@crain.clom The redesigned 2009 Infiniti FX50 offers U.S. customers several new technologies. Chief among them: A seven-speed automatic transmission, developed with Nissan Motor Co. subsidiary Jatco Ltd. Brakes that apply automatically before a collision. A distance control assist that maintains safe distances between vehicles in heavy traffic. Brakes that warn drivers of a collision and then brake automatically with as little as one second of response time. A continuous-damping active suspension that smoothes the ride, courtesy of ZF Friedrichshafen AG. The 5.0-liter, V-8-powered crossover — which Nissan unveiled last week in a garage beneath its temporary U.S. headquarters in Nashville as well as at the Geneva auto show — also received a power boost to 390 hp. The model it replaces, the FX45, offered 320 hp. The FX50 will go on sale in June in the United States and during the fourth quarter in Europe. The V-6 version of the FX — the current Infiniti FX35 — is scheduled for a later release. Advanced technology will be critical in bringing recognition to the Infiniti brand in Europe. Infiniti is opening dealerships there for the first time this year, and observers think competition will be difficult. Only 78 dealers are expected to be open by 2010. The vehicle’s new styling accentuates the sporty positioning of the model, which has been selling primarily to male buyers in the United States. Jim Detrude, director for the Infiniti model line, said 65 percent of current FX buyers are men. Infiniti is hoping to keep it that way. It recently introduced a smaller, softer-edged crossover, the EX, which it expects to attract more female buyers. “It will be interesting to see how FX and EX play together during their life cycles,” Detrude said. “FX is very much a male vehicle. Our mission was to make the new generation even more FX.” c http://www.mudd.com http://www.mudd.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Automotive News - March 10, 2008

Cheaper small cars are part of VW's U.S. plan Ford offers to buy back 81 stores As dollar dives, automakers juggle global strategies Jaguar-Land Rover deal will be signed within weeks GM Planworks chief leaves Jacoby cites dealer role in VW makeover Slim fast Nissan: Electric car to get here in 2010 Family honor Suddenly, Arkona's a key software player Chrysler may build vehicles in Russia Congress may ban mandated arbitration Volvo signs dealers willing to exit Breeding a hybrid? Prius could be a brand Honda adds benefits for same-sex partners Top China execs to speak at conference Manual for Challenger waits until '09 Ex-Sonic president: Gulf States raided Sonic GM, American Axle: Ties that bind Boardroom coup ousts Chamco executives False data imperil all auto financing Dealers would suffer if Calif. gets its way GM, Ford should bring Euro cars here Fresh ideas are fine, but Chrysler must be wary We need that 10% of useful inventions Safety options: Let consumers decide Tire monitors are full of problems Germany's labor setup just doesn't work Alabama adding auto jobs more slowly Engineer Banks strives to sip fuel, burn rubber Toyota Financial takes risks to aid dealers Honda captive beefs up dealer training in leasing NADA releases 2 subprime guides ADP develops e-sales brochure Credit unions' share of auto loans declines Upgraded auction ID carries a fee Dealers At hard-charging Hyundai, the plan is simple: More — now Genesis sedan's assignment: Boost image of all Hyundais Allied will supply sensing systems to Magna Haldex opens Mexico plant Behr gets Nano pact How Tupelo talked Toyota into building a plant there Infiniti FX showcases new Nissan technology Ford may consider hatchback for U.S. Audi to launch A4 sedan, wagon together BMW M3 convertible Saab hybrid concept has solar roof panels Toyota could bring tiny 4-seater to U.S. Hummer to push H3 pickup's usefulness New look for the SL Tiny Nano makes big waves GM's Opel unveils small hatchback that could become part of Saturn line Who says Americans don't want hatchbacks? 9-3 will dominate Saab marketing Lutz: Green takes greenbacks Leap year added to Feb. misery 9 U.S. Toyota executives will retire Ford gives employees $1,000 bonus Denso picks new N.A. CEO GM extends buyout offers CAW OKs TRW pact Lampert ups AutoNation stake Sagging Chrysler boosts spiffs Feb. output is up slightly Buick offers the Cadillac of caddies GM's board: The royal robe fits Fritz Be it metal or men, Geneva all about style Raising the roof (price) Italian cops bust Fiero-aris Consumer Reports' verdict on Chrysler products: Eeeee-uuw!

Automotive News - March 10, 2008

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