Automotive News - July 7, 2008 - (Page 14) 14 • JULY 7, 2008 With Traverse, Chevy crosses over Rick Kranz rkranz@crain.com EDITORIAL STAFF 313-446-0361 E-mail autonews@crain.com Web site www.autonews.com Keith E. Crain Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Peter Brown Associate Publisher and Editorial Director DETROIT 313-446-0361 Fax: 313-446-0383 1155 Gratiot Ave. Detroit, MI 48207-2997 David Sedgwick Editor dsedgwick@crain.com Edward Lapham Executive Editor elapham@crain.com Richard Johnson Managing Editor rjohnson@crain.com John K. Teahen Jr. Senior Editor Mary Beth Vander Schaaf Deputy Managing Editor Charles Child International Editor The 2009 Chevrolet Traverse crossover is basically a restyled Saturn Outlook. Or is it a restyled GMC Acadia? Either way, it’s a good thing for Chevrolet because both General Motors vehicles have received high marks from the motoring press and a “Recommended” pick from Consumer Reports. Basics: The Traverse (truh-VURSE’) seats up to eight people and is Chevrolet’s latest attempt to woo consumers looking for a family hauler. There have been failed attempts, most recently with the Uplander minivan. “The minivan stigma continues to get stronger, and we see more people leaving and going to crossovers,” said Don Butler, executive director of truck marketing for Chevrolet. “We expect to take advantage of that trend.” Under the skin, the Traverse’s mechanicals are identical to those of the 2009 Acadia and Outlook. Those vehicles, along with the Buick Enclave, are built on the mid-sized Lambda architecture. Differences are limited to suspension changes to give each crossover its own ride characteristics. The Traverse — at least for the topof-the-line LTZ model and, to a lesser extent, the LT — gets an emphasis on ride and handling that is uncharacteristic of many crossovers. In several runs through a cone-dotted autocross course at GM’s proving ground in Milford, Mich., the LTZ’s ride and handling seemed more in line with German-engineered cars than the Detroit 3. Ditto for the precise feel to the electronic variableeffort power steering as the Traverse zigzagged around cones. Electronic power steering is optional. The 2009 Traverse introduces GM’s new direct-injection, 281-hp, 3.6-liter V-6 to the Lambda architecture. The Chevrolet is expected to tout the ride and handling, safety and interior space of the new Traverse. David Kushma Retail Editor Dave Guilford News Editor Philip Nussel Special Projects Editor James B. Treece Industry Editor Jesse Snyder Senior Writer Karen Faust O’Rourke Insight Editor COPY EDITORS: Bob Allen, Tom Fetters, Patricia C. Foley, Kenn Jones, Gregory Skwira Susan Zavela Bamford/Graphics Editor Rick Kranz/Product Editor REPORTERS: Leslie J. Allen, David Barkholz, Mary Connelly, Ralph Kisiel, Jamie LaReau, Arlena Sawyers, Robert Sherefkin, Richard Truett, Bradford Wernle, Amy Wilson Mary Raetz Director, Automotive News Data Center Debi Domby, Camille Pippen Research Assistants Dan Jones Office Manager Robertta Savage Editorial Assistant Corinne M. Price, Michael Garrison Information Center LOS ANGELES Mark Rechtin/Bureau Chief 310-739-8009 Fax: 310-832-6362 Kathy Jackson/Reporter 323-370-2481 Fax: 323-655-8157 Alysha Webb/Reporter awebb@crain.com 6500 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048-4947 Sizing up the Traverse Chevrolet will emphasize the size and capability of its new crossover. 2009 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER Wheelbase Length Width Height Curb weight Base engine Horsepower Torque, lbs.-ft. EPA mpg Base price* *Includes shipping 118.9 in. 205.0 in. 78.4 in. 72.8 in. 4,720 lbs. (fwd) 3.6-liter V-6 281 @ 6,400 rpm 253 @ 5,500 rpm 17 city/24 hwy. (2wd) $28,990 109.8 in. 188.4 in. 75.2 in. 69.3 in. (with roof rails) 3,979 lbs. (fwd) 3.5-liter V-6 270 @ 6,200 rpm 248 @ 4,700 rpm 18 city/24 hwy. (2wd) $28,185 other Lambda-based crossovers will add that engine for the 2009 model year. The engine feels like a V-8 and provides maximum towing capacity of 5,200 pounds. Front- and all-wheeldrive models are available, equipped with a six-speed automatic transmis- sion co-engineered with Ford Motor Co. Notable features: In a market flooded with crossovers, Chevrolet is expected to tout safety, interior space and ride and handling. Standard safety equipment includes stability control with rollover mitiga- tion, side curtain airbags and OnStar Generation 8, which provides automatic crash notification. Even if airbags are not deployed, sensors built into the car determine whether there has been a front crash, rear crash or rollover and the force of the impact. Besides the seating for eight, the Traverse offers a cargo space behind the upright third-row seat, large enough for two golf bags or three large suitcases. What Chevy says: While Ford’s new crossover, the 2009 Flex, purposely has a polarizing, boxy shape, Butler says the Traverse is aimed at “families who are looking for practicality with a little bit of pizazz. They are not ostentatious. They don’t need to stand out from the crowd. But they need to feel good about what they are driving. We think Traverse fits that bill.” Nuts and bolts: Sales begin this fall with a sticker price of $28,990, including shipping, for the base LS model. The skinny: Chevrolet finally gets a solid, comfortable, well-handling, attractive people mover. c Milestones Mike Thompson of Montrose Ford in Akron, Ohio, received a 25-year award for Ford from Ford Motor Co. NEW YORK Diana T. Kurylko/Reporter Phone/fax: 908-273-6059 dkurylko@crain.com WASHINGTON Donna Harris/Reporter 540-668-7295 Fax: 540-668-7296 Harry Stoffer/Reporter 202-662-7212 Fax: 202-638-3155 814 National Press Building Washington, DC 20045-1801 Other Robert Glaser, president of the North Carolina Automobile Dealers Association, was named association executive of the year by the Association Executives of North Carolina. Executives are honored for outstanding leadership, contributions to voluntary membership organizations and participation in civic and community affairs. ■ 25 with Chevrolet Bruce Farrell, left, of Berglund Chevrolet in Roanoke, Va., receives a 25-year award for Chevrolet from Garret Dvorsky, Chevrolet’s Southeast regional sales and marketing manager. six people. Please include names (left to right), titles, dealership name and city, franchise(s) held and franchise for which award is given. You may send a photo electronically in jpg format and at high resolution (300 dpi). E-mail items to: autonews@crain.com Or send them to: Dealers Section Automotive News 1155 Gratiot Ave. Detroit, MI 48207-2997 MID-SOUTH Lindsay Chappell/Bureau Chief 615-371-6654 Fax: 615-371-6655 April Wortham/Reporter 615-371-6617 104 East Park Drive, Suite 315, Brentwood, TN 37027 TOKYO Hans Greimel/Asia Editor +81-3-3828-9060 Fax: +81-3-3828-9061 hgreimel@crain.com Yurakucho Denki Bldg., 20th Floor 1-7-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0006, Japan TURIN Luca Ciferri/Reporter lciferri@craincom.de +39-011 961 0194 Fax: +39-011 961 0113 Viale Cavaglia, 8 10029 Villastellone (TO) Italy STAFF CORRESPONDENT: Eric Freedman/Legal file, 517-337-0269 www.autonews.com DETROIT Victor Galvan/Web Editor vgalvan@crain.com 313-446-0345 Scott Kennedy/Multimedia Editor ■ Chicago dealers elect officers Members of the Chicago Automobile Trade Association elected officers. Seated, from left, are Mark Scarpelli of Raymond Chevrolet and Raymond Kia in Antioch, Ill., chairman of the 2009 Chicago Auto Show; and John Phelan of Jack Phelan Chevrolet in Lyons and Jack Phelan Dodge-Suzuki-Isuzu in Berwyn, association chairman. Standing, from left, are Michael Ettleson of Ettleson Cadillac-Buick-Pontiac-GMC and Ettleson Hyundai in Hodgkins, secretary; Steven Foley Jr. of Steve Foley Cadillac-Bentley and Rolls-Royce in Northbrook, treasurer; Kevin Mize of O’Hare Honda and O’Hare Hyundai in Des Plaines, association vice chairman; and Jerry Cizek III, president. Dealer anniversary awards We invite news items and top-quality photos for the dealers section. Please include a phone number or e-mail address. We do not run items for anniversaries of fewer than 25 years. Photos for 25-45 years (one-column photos) should include only two people posed shoulder to shoulder. 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Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Automotive News - July 7, 2008 Automotive News - July 7, 2008 Turnaround trouble: Mitsubishi back on the skids It's a panic — but don't panic CAUGHT FLAT-FOOTED Japan's new diet plan: Slim down, ounce by ounce Amid sale rumors, Volvo has upmarket plans Reynolds sues dealer over computer upgrade Chrysler and dealers to improve Internet marketing strategies Seat strategy: Lear aims to make more profits by producing more parts Nissan: Despite a truck glut, Titan gets no more incentives American Axle cuts staff; boosts India business, CEO bonus Bosch sees N.A. red ink this year Bill Mitchell's designs blew away the past Hyundai Santa Fe to get a 4-cylinder GM Europe exec: Curbing CO2 is 'around the clock' effort Supplier input varies in Nissan's tech plans Great Wall becomes Chrysler's 2nd Chinese partner Steel prices nudge up Nano's costs Analyst: GM could tap UAW benefits fund Automakers create opportunities for Mexican molders Chrysler pitches gas savings on hybrid SUVs Researchers test capturing CO2 before it leaves the car Some execs win even when their companies lose Tata's personal touch Show me the money Obituaries Study: Dealership service shops extend their hours New Web tool promotes GM service Fiat CEO Marchionne is Industry Leader of Year Jim O'Sullivan Johan de Nysschen Sergio Marchionne Ratan Tata Dick Colliver Fritz Henderson Martin Thall Jim Farley Jack Stavana Roger Penske Walter de' Silva Mike Stanton Tim Manganello David Friedman Jim Hallett Larry Jutte Kim Kosak Ron Gettelfinger Tom Stephens Bob Lutz Tom Shoupe Jay Amestoy June caps a dismal first half Personnel Auto roof rule due by Oct. 1 Mitsubishi dumps 9 ad associations Small-car transaction prices rise in June Turbo taboo may end for BMW M's The mpg fracas: Pick your favorite fairy tale Great news? Analysts shun the Kool-Aid at Chrysler And now, from Wall Street, a short tale of terror VW tells builders: Plan for Southeast plant Dodging a bullet: Half-off deal busts dealer's Ram jam To run the train, should you be an engineer? Automotive News - July 7, 2008 Automotive News - July 7, 2008 - CAUGHT FLAT-FOOTED (Page 1) Automotive News - July 7, 2008 - CAUGHT FLAT-FOOTED (Page 2) Automotive News - July 7, 2008 - Amid sale rumors, Volvo has upmarket plans (Page 3) Automotive News - July 7, 2008 - Seat strategy: Lear aims to make more profits by producing more parts (Page 4) Automotive News - July 7, 2008 - Seat strategy: Lear aims to make more profits by producing more parts (Page 5) Automotive News - July 7, 2008 - Hyundai Santa Fe to get a 4-cylinder (Page 6) Automotive News - July 7, 2008 - Hyundai Santa Fe to get a 4-cylinder (Page 7) Automotive News - July 7, 2008 - Analyst: GM could tap UAW benefits fund (Page 8) Automotive News - July 7, 2008 - Analyst: GM could tap UAW benefits fund (Page 9) Automotive News - July 7, 2008 - Chrysler pitches gas savings on hybrid SUVs (Page 10) Automotive News - July 7, 2008 - Chrysler pitches gas savings on hybrid SUVs (Page 11) Automotive News - July 7, 2008 - Show me the money (Page 12) Automotive News - July 7, 2008 - Show me the money (Page 13) Automotive News - July 7, 2008 - Show me the money (Page 14) Automotive News - July 7, 2008 - Show me the money (Page 15) Automotive News - July 7, 2008 - Obituaries (Page 16) Automotive News - July 7, 2008 - Obituaries (Page 17) Automotive News - July 7, 2008 - Obituaries (Page 18) Automotive News - July 7, 2008 - Obituaries (Page 18A) Automotive News - July 7, 2008 - Obituaries (Page 18B) Automotive News - July 7, 2008 - Obituaries (Page 18C) Automotive News - July 7, 2008 - Obituaries (Page 18D) Automotive News - July 7, 2008 - Obituaries (Page 18E) Automotive News - July 7, 2008 - Obituaries (Page 18F) Automotive News - July 7, 2008 - Obituaries (Page 18G) Automotive News - July 7, 2008 - Obituaries (Page 18H) Automotive News - July 7, 2008 - Obituaries (Page 18I) Automotive News - July 7, 2008 - Obituaries (Page 18J) Automotive News - July 7, 2008 - Obituaries (Page 18K) Automotive News - July 7, 2008 - Obituaries (Page 18L) Automotive News - July 7, 2008 - New Web tool promotes GM service (Page 19) Automotive News - July 7, 2008 - Dick Colliver (Page 20) Automotive News - July 7, 2008 - Walter de' Silva (Page 21) Automotive News - July 7, 2008 - Larry Jutte (Page 22) Automotive News - July 7, 2008 - Jay Amestoy (Page 23) Automotive News - July 7, 2008 - Jay Amestoy (Page 24) Automotive News - July 7, 2008 - Jay Amestoy (Page 25) Automotive News - July 7, 2008 - Jay Amestoy (Page 26) Automotive News - July 7, 2008 - Jay Amestoy (Page 27) Automotive News - July 7, 2008 - Jay Amestoy (Page 28) Automotive News - July 7, 2008 - June caps a dismal first half (Page 29) Automotive News - July 7, 2008 - Personnel (Page 30) Automotive News - July 7, 2008 - Mitsubishi dumps 9 ad associations (Page 31) Automotive News - July 7, 2008 - Small-car transaction prices rise in June (Page 32) Automotive News - July 7, 2008 - Small-car transaction prices rise in June (Page 33) Automotive News - July 7, 2008 - To run the train, should you be an engineer? (Page 34) Automotive News - July 7, 2008 - To run the train, should you be an engineer? (Page 35) Automotive News - July 7, 2008 - To run the train, should you be an engineer? (Page 36)
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