Automotive News - March 10, 2008 - (Page 32)

32 • MARCH 10, 2008 G E N E VA A U T O S H O W Toyota could bring tiny 4-seater to U.S. Rick Kranz rkranz@crain.com GENEVA — A four-passenger Toyota car not quite a foot longer than the tiny two-passenger Smart will be sold in the United States if it performs well in crash tests. The 9-foot-9.5-inch 2009 Toyota iQ is the automaker’s newest microcar. It debuted last week at the Geneva auto show. Sales in Europe and Japan begin this year. “We are studying the possibility of launching it in the United States,” said Kazuo Okamoto, executive vice president for r&d at Toyota Motor Corp. The iQ was engineered for the United States. But “for the North American market, there are very stringent requirements for crash safety,” Okamoto said in an interview last week. “We still need to do the final testing.” Okamoto did not specify areas of concern, but the heads of passengers in the second seat are just inches from the rear glass window. Large headrests are positioned on the top of the rear seat. The iQ is intended as urban transportation for such things as trips to the mall or picking up the kids at school. The vehicle seats four people: three adults and a child behind the driver. The four-passenger seating is the result of the iQ’s 78.7-inch wheelbase and innovative interior packaging. For example, a smaller-thanusual heating and air conditioning unit frees up legroom for the frontseat passenger. Toyota says the iQ has more interior space than the 12-foot-6.6-inch ROGER HART If Toyota’s iQ performs well in crash tests, the wee four-passenger car might go on sale in the United States. Yaris Liftback, currently the smallest Toyota sold in the United States. Although there is no luggage space behind the second seat, the seat folds flat in a 50-50 split to carry suitcases. A large tray is hidden under the rear seat for valuables. Toyota says the short front overhang is the result of a newly engineered compact differential. The carmaker did not give details about the differential and powertrain.c Need Salespeople, Tech’s, Managers & Other Employees? The Auto Industry’s #1 Recruiting, Training & Marketing Company Salespeople~BDC~Detailer~Porter~Technician Body Tech~Service Advisor~Service Manager Parts Counter~Parts Manager~Sales Manager Finance Manager~Office Staff~GSM~GM Hummer to push H3 pickup’s usefulness Jamie LaReau jlareau@crain.com 800-421-4550 www.clickhereforadvice.com Brian C. Hall, President & CEO NEED SALESPEOPLE? NO! You need committed, well trained salespeople with no bad habits that understand how to talk to a ‘fresh’ customer, but are more focused on driving in their own business! ROGER HART The 9-X BioHybrid concept signals Saab’s interest in the high-mpg niche. Dealers say they were told a U.S. production version is being considered. STOP Letting your salespeople dictate how busy you are and START Expecting your salespeople to develop their own book of business through NETWORKING! 2-week classes available! Specialize in Business Development and Network Marketing! We can get you new people or train the ones you have! Saab hybrid concept has solar roof panels Jamie LaReau jlareau@crain.com • • Don’t wait another second CALL 800-878-5090 NOW! www.automaxtraining.com GENEVA — At the auto show here, General Motors took the wraps off what could be Saab’s entry in the super-fuel-efficient small-car wars. It’s the 9-X BioHybrid concept, a coupe that runs on E85 and uses a mild hybrid system. Saab executives would not confirm TIM DEESE’S First quarter’s almost over. Used car department profit where you want it? Inventory controlled? Train your manager NOW!! Make 2008 you’re most profitable year. Let us show you how!! Call Joan 904 264 7408 or visit www.probac.com Training Used Car Managers for over 26 years production, but dealers who attended last month’s National Automobile Dealers Association convention in San Francisco were told the car is being seriously considered for the United States. The 9-X BioHybrid is about the same size as a Volvo C30 hatchback. “Our goal is to offer a portfolio that has something for everyone,” said Bob Lutz, GM’s vice chairman. The concept car has some neat touches, including solar panels on the roof that recharge the battery pack for the hybrid system. GM says the 1.4-liter engine — tiny by U.S. standards — cranks out 200 hp. It is teamed with a six-speed manual transmission. “This latest concept draws on the design cues of the Saab Aero X,” said Lutz. If GM builds the car, it would be called the 9-1, Lutz said. Dealers say Saab needs an entrylevel car and a crossover to return the brand to profitability. c GENEVA — Hummer’s advertising this year will tout the utility of all its vehicles, especially the new H3T pickup due in September. Hummer executives also look eventually to add smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles to the lineup, Martin Walsh, the brand’s general manager, told Automotive News here at the auto show. Hummer’s ad agency, Modernista, of Boston, is completing the H3 campaign. Commercials will likely focus on lifestyle, Walsh said. “Our thinking wasn’t so much to produce a pickup that can haul 2-by4s and carry cement as much as something that would respond to consumers’ interest in pursuing whatever their passion is, whether it be motocross, mountain biking, skiing or snowboarding,” he said. “This is a vehicle that is equipped to get them to those kinds of places.” Because about 70 percent of Hummer’s customers get their vehicle information from the Internet, the campaign will include an aggressive online push, Walsh said. The pickup also comes with a storage box that has an aluminum strip for hanging accessories. Dealers can expect a strong promotion for accessories with the vehicle. Last year, Hummer began running ads that showed how rescue workers and emergency personnel have used Hummers in dangerous situations because the vehicles could navigate rough terrain. That message will continue as part of the brand’s attempt to overcome what Walsh said are three anti-Hummer prejudices among consumers: price, size and fuel economy. “Because of our heritage, there’s been a perception in the marketplace that our vehicles might be larger than the typical entry needs to be, but the typical H3 has the same turn radius as the Toyota Camry,” Walsh said. “We need to get that message out.” Nevertheless, Walsh said that as the Hummer portfolio evolves, it will continue in the direction of smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles such as the HX concept shown in January at the Detroit auto show.c ©AM-2008 ■ BMW M3 convertible The BMW M3 convertible is powered by a new 4.0-liter, 420-hp V-8 engine, ROGER HART mated to either a six-speed manual or a new seven-speed double-clutch gearbox. The roof is an electronically operated hard top. The M3 convertible goes on sale in late spring as a 2008 model. Pricing is expected to be in the high $60,000s. http://www.clickhereforadvice.com http://www.automaxtraining.com http://www.probac.com http://www.probac.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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