Automotive News - March 10, 2008 - (Page 6)

6 • MARCH 10, 2008 Breeding a hybrid? Prius could be a brand Kazuo Okamoto, Toyota’s executive vice president for r&d: “Using the Prius platform for various variations is possible.” GENEVA — Is there a family of Prius models in Toyota’s future? Today, there is just one Prius, a five-door hatchback. But next decade, Prius could become a brand of its own with a range of models. “We are studying that, but I can’t say what stage of the study we are in,” Kazuo Okamoto, Toyota Motor Corp.’s executive vice president for r&d, said in an interview. “I do think it is a reasonable direction.” Asked about coupes, sedans and wagons, Okamoto said, “Using the Prius platform for various variations is possible.” Okamoto offered no timetable or hint of what models are being considered. Until this year, the Prius has been sold only in Japan, Europe and the United States. Last year, 281,000 Prius cars were sold worldwide. The United States accounted for 181,221. Said Okamoto: “Prius recognition level is increasing” worldwide, which could result in a wider model line. — Rick Kranz Honda adds benefits for same-sex partners Kathy Jackson kjackson@crain.com The initial production run of 7,100 2008 Challenger SRTs will have a five-speed automatic transmission and a 6.1-liter Hemi V-8 engine. LOS ANGELES — Honda Motor Co. has agreed to offer employee benefits to same-sex partners at its U.S. operations. Partners of its gay employees will be eligible for the same benefits as the spouses of legally married employees, said Honda spokesman Jeffrey Smith. Honda and Acura were among only five auto brands in this country not offering benefits to the partners of gay employees, according to the automotive Web site www.gaywheels.com. “This change clearly supports our ongoing diversity interests,” Smith said. “It is Honda’s philosophy to respect individuals.” The program initially represents employees at four of Honda’s U.S. operations but will be extended to all 26,000 U.S. employees in 12 to 24 months, Smith said. Employees now eligible are at American Honda Motor Co. Inc. and Honda R&D Americas Inc. in Torrance Calif.; Honda Manufacturing of Alabama LLC in Lincoln, Ala.; and Honda Power Equipment Manufacturing Inc. in Swepsonville, N.C. Smith said the program was not rolled out to all employees at the same time because of the “complex structure” of the Honda organization. “But this will be a U.S.-wide program,” he said. Gaywheels.com Publisher Joe LaMuraglia said “it’s a great step” for Honda. He is looking forward to the program being rolled out to all Honda employees. Once Honda and Acura roll out the program nationwide, LaMuraglia says, Hyundai, Kia and Suzuki will be the only brands that do not have benefits programs for all gay employees in this country. c Manual for Challenger waits until ’09 Bradford Wernle bwernle@crain.com DETROIT — Driving enthusiasts who want a Dodge Challenger with a manual gearbox will have to wait. All 7,100 2008 Challenger SRTs — the initial production run — will be equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission and a 6.1-liter Hemi V-8 engine. The powertrain cranks out a tiresmoking 435 hp and 420 pounds-feet of torque. Company and industry sources provided a peek at the Challenger’s equipment. More information will be available at the New York auto show next week. The six-speed manual gearbox, a Tremec 6060, will not be available until the 2009 Challengers arrive later this year. The Tremec box is a modified version of the same 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 unit. The first production Challenger will be built April 14 at Chrysler LLC’s Brampton, Ontario, plant, according to a Canadian Auto Workers official who declined to be identified. To stoke excitement for the retro muscle car, Dodge has adopted an unusual rollout plan. Chrysler usually introduces the SRT performance versions of its vehicles only after it has rolled out the high-volume version. But with the Challenger, the SRT comes first in the short 2008 run, with the lowerpriced units arriving for the 2009 model year. Also in the 2009 model year, Dodge will offer a lower-priced version with a 3.6-liter V-6. By offering a V-6, Chrysler has decided to go toe-to-toe with its rivals, the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro, to appeal to a wider audience. c “ I would hope that most of this could happen in 2008. Volvo signs dealers willing to exit Rick Kranz rkranz@crain.com FREDRIK ARP Volvo ” GENEVA — Volvo Car Corp. is seeking commitments by the end of the year from U.S. dealers willing to give up their franchises. The automaker is targeting marginal and unprofitable dealerships in 20 metropolitan areas. The weak dollar coupled with declining sales has put pressure on Volvo and its U.S. dealers. U.S. sales dropped 8.3 percent last year to 106,213 units, and executives say sales could drop as much as 15 percent this year. Volvo executives expect currency pressures to continue for several years. “I think it is in our interest as well as the dealer’s interest to do this in a relatively compressed time (and) not have it go on forever,” Volvo CEO Fredrik Arp said at the Geneva auto show. “I would hope that most of this could happen in 2008.” Arp would not reveal the number of dealerships targeted or the amount of money set aside to cut the dealer ranks. The automaker has 340 U.S. dealerships, he said. “We will do this on a voluntary basis, metro by metro area,” Arp said. “We are interested in having good profitability at the dealer level and so are our dealers, and we have a good program to take us to that position.” c Top China execs to speak at conference China’s auto market is enjoying vigorous growth, but challenges in the world’s fastest-growing major market are huge. Many Chinese automakers are trying to get their own brand off the ground. Prices of steel and other raw materials, including fuel, are rising. The government is demanding cleaner engines to reduce air pollution. And customers want higher quality and advanced features. The Automotive News China Conference will explore these topics and others in Beijing on April 17-20. Confirmed speakers include leaders of three up-and-coming Chinese automakers: Wang Fengying, president of Great Wall Motor Co. Liu Zhigang, president of Shenyang Brilliance Jinbei Automobile Co. Li Shufu, chairman of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group. On April 19, attendees may tour Great Wall’s factory in suburban Beijing. They will also receive tickets and transportation to the opening press day of the Beijing auto show, Auto China 2008, on April 20. c Key facts What: Automotive News China Conference When: April 17-20 Where: China World Hotel, Beijing Cost: $995 early registration by March 14 (save $200) For information — China: +86 139 18187242, Hong Kong: +852 9318 8135 or mla@netvigator.com. U.S.: +1 313 446-0420 or lirwin@crain.com Registration: www.autonewschina.com/conference http://www.gaywheels.com http://www.Gaywheels.com http://www.autonewschina.com/conference http://www.autonewschina.com/conference

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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