Showing posts with label Chrysler. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chrysler. Show all posts
http://thetruthaboutcars.com
Sometimes companies do the right thing because it’s the right thing to do. Sometimes expediency rules the day. Not infrequently, legal compulsion provides the motivation.
Whatevs. The Detroit News reports that New Chrysler has donated Old Chrysler’s Political Action Committee (PAC) lobbying fund to the United Way. The semi-nationalized automaker will write checks to local chapters totaling $525,000. This also means that New ChryCo will not use union/taxpayer money to support/reward the election/re-election campaigns of politicians friendly to the unions/federal bailouts.
Chrysler gets props for avoiding an obvious conflict of interest. Or it that confluence The ball’s now in their fully nationalized cross-town rival’s court.
“GM transferred its PAC from the bankrupt Motors Liquidation Co. — the GM entity that remains in bankruptcy — to the new GM. The fund had $418,000 in cash through May 31. GM has said political contributions will not resume until next year at the earliest.”
I’ve got an idea: how about never?
http://www.automotive-fleet.com
Forgotten Harvest, Metro Detroit's only mobile food rescue organization, recently took delivery of its first hybrid-powered truck. The Class 7 Freightliner, donated by Daimler Trucks North America, Daimler Financial Services, and Johnson Refrigerated Truck Bodies, will enable the organization to rescue 850,000 additional pounds of fresh food on an annual basis at a 30-percent fuel savings, according to a Forgotten Harvest statement.
Susan Goodell, executive director of Forgotten Harvest, was presented the keys to the 2009 M2e Hybrid Freightliner diesel-electric truck by Klaus Entenmann, president and CEO of Daimler Financial Services, and Chris Patterson, recently retired president and CEO of Daimler Trucks North America, at Forgotten Harvest's Metro Detroit facility. Ron Ricci, president of Johnson Refrigerated Truck Bodies of Rice Lake, Wis., donated the 20-ft. fiberglass refrigerated truck body with ElectriMax, all-electric refrigeration that will keep the food fresh during deliveries to homeless shelters and social service agencies that feed the hungry throughout Metro Detroit.
"This generous donation...will not only improve our operating efficiency by keeping fuel costs down, it will also allow us to direct more donated dollars to distributing food in a way that protects the environment," said Goodell.
The 31,000-lb. Class 7 truck is the fifth truck donated by Daimler Financial Services and Daimler Trucks North America and aftermarket "body builders" in the past four years, bringing Forgotten Harvest's growing fleet to 21 vehicles.
We expect to see some pretty wild concepts at auto shows, both inside and out. But two dashboards caught our attention from the 2009 Detroit Auto Show last week. Chrysler showed a dashboard in its 200C EV Concept that borrows touch-screen technology from Apple's iPhone, while Lincoln's C concept featured a future version of Ford Sync. And it's not just the futuristic look of the dashes that are cool, but also what they could do if they ever make it into a production vehicle.
The dash in the Chrysler 200C EV Concept featured a large touch screen in place of the usual gauge cluster, and Chrysler claims that it can be reconfigured and personalized to fit individual drivers. A driver will be able to "customize images, backgrounds, mood, volume and lighting by simply touching the screen itself," as with the iPhone.
And Chrysler says that the dash will be a "portal to the outside world" and an "advanced electronic vehicle information center" for the company's next-generation of uconnect infotainment systems, which include Web access.
The dash in the Lincoln C concept is also configurable and operates via touch screen. Plus, the dash will be the platform for future generations of Sync and will include an on-board avatar that can do everything from cue up music to fit your mood to make a restaurant reservation.
Ford previewed the concept ahead of the Detroit Auto Show at the CES in Las Vegas, as part of CEO Alan Mulally's keynote address at the electronics convention. The avatar, called EVA (for Emotic Voice Activation), "lives" in the dash and "can take on a personalized visual image and personality," according to Lincoln.
EVA will even be able to sense drivers' moods through their voice and driving style and suggest a favorite song to soothe the savage commuter. And using in-car Internet access, EVA can gather a driver's favorite news and info from the Web, check e-mail or even access Facebook pages.
While we're excited about the direction these concept dashboard point to, we're not thrilled about the prospect of social networking behind the wheel -- and wonder if dashes like these will become a dangerous distraction.
By Stever Parker
CADILLAC SRX
On-sale in mid-2009 as a 2010 model.
This "Caddy station wagon for the 21st century" will likely use a traditional gasoline powertrain, probably a version of GM's "High Feature" 3.6-liter V6 engine with a six-speed automatic transmission. A gas/electric hybrid version could be added to the SRX roster in late 2010, and the main reason we picked it for our "Most Significant" list. No new SRX pricing as yet; 2009 CTS base prices range from $33,500 to $36,000.
FORD FUSION HYBRID/MERCURY MILAN HYBRID
On-sale mid-2009 as a 2010 model.
Ford's all-new 2010 Fusion hybrid has been certified by the EPA at 41 mpg/city and 36 mpg/highway, with a combined rating of 39 miles per gallon. That beats the hybrid versions of Camry, Malibu and Altima. Based on the competition's '09 ratings for combined city and highway driving, the new Fusion hybrid beats every widely sold vehicle in America except the Toyota Prius hybrid (46 mpg combined) and the smaller Honda Civic hybrid (42 mpg combined). Pricing will start around $27,000.
PONTIAC G8 GT
On-sale now.
The G8 is almost certainly the last big family-sized rear-wheel drive sedan from the Pontiac division. Sometime soon, Pontiac will become a niche brand with just one or two models (sold at dealers selling several GM makes). G8's three engine offerings, a 256-hp 3.6-liter V6, a Corvette-derived 361-hp 6.0-liter V8, plus a new GXP package with a 402-hp 6.2-liter V8 and a 6-speed automatic are not high-mileage units. It's built in Australia by GM's Holden division. Base prices from $28K to $31,500.
FORD FLEX
On-sale now.
Like the Pontiac G8, Flex probably looked great - on paper - about four years ago, when planning for future production models really begins. Flex's one engine choice is its biggest drawback: a thirsty 262-hp 3.5-liter V6 mated to a 6-speed automatic (16mpg in-town, 22 highway). All-wheel drive is available. Flex would have been a great car - in 2002. Base prices start between $28,000 and $36,000 for 2009 models.
CHEVROLET MALIBU HYBRID
On-sale now.
Malibu's "single-mode" hybrid, with a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder gas engine mated with an electric motor, produces 164-horses and mpg figures of 26 in-town and 34 on the highway. New for 2010 (on-sale late 2009) is rumored to be a Malibu "two-mode" hybrid. That model would use a gasoline 3.6-liter V6 + an electric motor to make 255-hp. Both hybrid systems stop the gas engine at red lights, and the two-mode allows the vehicle to run at low speeds on electric power only. Malibu hybrid prices start at $26K; 2010 pricing hasn't been announced.
CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY/DODGE GRAND CARAVAN
On-sale now.
When Lee Iacocca was fired from Ford and went to lead Chrysler, he took with him Ford engineer Hal Sperlich, who brought with him a van project that became the first US minivan in 1983. Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan still dominate the minivan market, and offer a 3.3-liter V6, a 3.8-liter V6 and a 4.0-liter V6. Some models still have stone age four-speed automatics; others a modern six-speed. 2009 base-prices go from $24,230 to $36,550.
2010 LINCOLN MKZ
On-sale Spring, 2009
Lincoln's 2010 MKZ gets somewhat-new looks inside and outside. MKZ comes with one drivetrain choice: a 263-hp 3.5-liter V6 Duratec engine with a six-speed automatic transmission (similar to Ford's Flex wagon drivetrain). MKZ offers a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. MKZ is easy to spec out, with options kept to an enjoyable minimum. 2010 MKZ is built in Hermosillo, Mexico. 2009 models are base-priced between $32,695 and to $34,585.
2010 CHEVROLET CAMARO
On-sale first quarter 2009 as a 2010 model.
A two-door coupe will add a convertible version in late '09 (Camaro in photo is a convertible prototype). A base 3.6-liter V6 engine produces 300 horsepower. Automatic-equipped SS models get a 6.2-liter V8 making 400 horses and has Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation (which most owners will switch "off"). SS versions with a manual transmission get a monster 422-horse 6.2-liter V8. Mileage figures and official pricing haven't been announced. Can't wait to see those mileage figures ... and, I'd wager, neither can Congress.
2009 PONTIAC VIBE
On-sale now.
Vibe is built on the same Fremont, California assembly line as its near-twin, Toyota's Matrix. GM shares the factory with Toyota, and New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. (NUMMI) was the first joint venture between GM and an import carmaker. The 2009 Vibe is redesigned inside and out and has more power and other new features, including the return of all-wheel drive, a definite plus. Two engines are offered, a 1.8-liter 132-horsepower four, and a 158-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder. Mileage ranges from 20 mpg in-town to 26 highway, depending on the model. Base prices range from $16,100 to $20,875.
JEEP WRANGLER
On-sale now.
Jazz is the quintessential American music, and Jeep's Wrangler is the quintessence of American cars. Jeep's logo ties at #1 as most-recognized product symbol worldwide along with Coca-Cola's, and Wrangler and Corvette remain America's most authentic cars. All models have a 3.8-liter V6 engine, making between 202- and 205-horsepower, depending on model. Manual or automatic transmissions are available. "There's nothing like the real thing." Base prices range from $20,460 to $31,840.
Some photos by www.SteveParker.com.
Huntington Post
Since every automotive enthusiast publication, website, and magazine runs some sort of "Best of" list every year, we're listing those we think are Detroit's "Most Significant" for 2008 and 2009, and some early available news on 2010 models. After reading this post, we'd really like to know where you think we're right - or wrong - and tell us what cars should be on this list, and why. They are listed in no specific order.
CADILLAC SRX
On-sale in mid-2009 as a 2010 model.
This "Caddy station wagon for the 21st century" will likely use a traditional gasoline powertrain, probably a version of GM's "High Feature" 3.6-liter V6 engine with a six-speed automatic transmission. A gas/electric hybrid version could be added to the SRX roster in late 2010, and the main reason we picked it for our "Most Significant" list. No new SRX pricing as yet; 2009 CTS base prices range from $33,500 to $36,000.
FORD FUSION HYBRID/MERCURY MILAN HYBRID
On-sale mid-2009 as a 2010 model.
Ford's all-new 2010 Fusion hybrid has been certified by the EPA at 41 mpg/city and 36 mpg/highway, with a combined rating of 39 miles per gallon. That beats the hybrid versions of Camry, Malibu and Altima. Based on the competition's '09 ratings for combined city and highway driving, the new Fusion hybrid beats every widely sold vehicle in America except the Toyota Prius hybrid (46 mpg combined) and the smaller Honda Civic hybrid (42 mpg combined). Pricing will start around $27,000.
PONTIAC G8 GT
On-sale now.
The G8 is almost certainly the last big family-sized rear-wheel drive sedan from the Pontiac division. Sometime soon, Pontiac will become a niche brand with just one or two models (sold at dealers selling several GM makes). G8's three engine offerings, a 256-hp 3.6-liter V6, a Corvette-derived 361-hp 6.0-liter V8, plus a new GXP package with a 402-hp 6.2-liter V8 and a 6-speed automatic are not high-mileage units. It's built in Australia by GM's Holden division. Base prices from $28K to $31,500.
FORD FLEX
On-sale now.
Like the Pontiac G8, Flex probably looked great - on paper - about four years ago, when planning for future production models really begins. Flex's one engine choice is its biggest drawback: a thirsty 262-hp 3.5-liter V6 mated to a 6-speed automatic (16mpg in-town, 22 highway). All-wheel drive is available. Flex would have been a great car - in 2002. Base prices start between $28,000 and $36,000 for 2009 models.
CHEVROLET MALIBU HYBRID
On-sale now.
Malibu's "single-mode" hybrid, with a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder gas engine mated with an electric motor, produces 164-horses and mpg figures of 26 in-town and 34 on the highway. New for 2010 (on-sale late 2009) is rumored to be a Malibu "two-mode" hybrid. That model would use a gasoline 3.6-liter V6 + an electric motor to make 255-hp. Both hybrid systems stop the gas engine at red lights, and the two-mode allows the vehicle to run at low speeds on electric power only. Malibu hybrid prices start at $26K; 2010 pricing hasn't been announced.
CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY/DODGE GRAND CARAVAN
On-sale now.
When Lee Iacocca was fired from Ford and went to lead Chrysler, he took with him Ford engineer Hal Sperlich, who brought with him a van project that became the first US minivan in 1983. Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan still dominate the minivan market, and offer a 3.3-liter V6, a 3.8-liter V6 and a 4.0-liter V6. Some models still have stone age four-speed automatics; others a modern six-speed. 2009 base-prices go from $24,230 to $36,550.
2010 LINCOLN MKZ
On-sale Spring, 2009
Lincoln's 2010 MKZ gets somewhat-new looks inside and outside. MKZ comes with one drivetrain choice: a 263-hp 3.5-liter V6 Duratec engine with a six-speed automatic transmission (similar to Ford's Flex wagon drivetrain). MKZ offers a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. MKZ is easy to spec out, with options kept to an enjoyable minimum. 2010 MKZ is built in Hermosillo, Mexico. 2009 models are base-priced between $32,695 and to $34,585.
2010 CHEVROLET CAMARO
On-sale first quarter 2009 as a 2010 model.
A two-door coupe will add a convertible version in late '09 (Camaro in photo is a convertible prototype). A base 3.6-liter V6 engine produces 300 horsepower. Automatic-equipped SS models get a 6.2-liter V8 making 400 horses and has Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation (which most owners will switch "off"). SS versions with a manual transmission get a monster 422-horse 6.2-liter V8. Mileage figures and official pricing haven't been announced. Can't wait to see those mileage figures ... and, I'd wager, neither can Congress.
2009 PONTIAC VIBE
On-sale now.
Vibe is built on the same Fremont, California assembly line as its near-twin, Toyota's Matrix. GM shares the factory with Toyota, and New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. (NUMMI) was the first joint venture between GM and an import carmaker. The 2009 Vibe is redesigned inside and out and has more power and other new features, including the return of all-wheel drive, a definite plus. Two engines are offered, a 1.8-liter 132-horsepower four, and a 158-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder. Mileage ranges from 20 mpg in-town to 26 highway, depending on the model. Base prices range from $16,100 to $20,875.
JEEP WRANGLER
On-sale now.
Jazz is the quintessential American music, and Jeep's Wrangler is the quintessence of American cars. Jeep's logo ties at #1 as most-recognized product symbol worldwide along with Coca-Cola's, and Wrangler and Corvette remain America's most authentic cars. All models have a 3.8-liter V6 engine, making between 202- and 205-horsepower, depending on model. Manual or automatic transmissions are available. "There's nothing like the real thing." Base prices range from $20,460 to $31,840.
Some photos by www.SteveParker.com.
The Associated PressLANSING, Mich. — Gov. Jennifer Granholm has differed in the past with U.S. automakers, squabbling with the United Auto Workers union over party politics and wishing out loud that Michigan’s fortunes weren’t so tied to the ailing industry.
But when detractors in recent weeks portrayed the Big Three as manufacturing dinosaurs that didn’t deserve bridge loans to avoid bankruptcy, Granholm became an impassioned advocate for the industry. "It has been extremely frustrating, and I have probably used some words I should not be using," she said.
The two-term Democratic governor has been a frequent guest on national talk shows and news programs, taking on the naysayers. She has rallied governors worried about losing major factories and suppliers, plotted Capitol Hill strategy with congressional members from Michigan and other states, and sent letters to President George W. Bush.
"The auto industry is seeking only a fraction of what was given to the . . . financial industry and it’s a loan. And that loan is going to ensure that we have a manufacturing infrastructure and 3 million jobs are protected in this nation all across the country, not just in Wall Street but in small communities all over," Granholm said on PBS’ Nightly Business Report this month.
The feisty and hard-charging governor, who ran a half-marathon in less than two hours this fall, is easily angered by injustice, and she thinks that the automakers and her state are being wrongly maligned.
The Senate’s failure to pass a $14 billion bridge loan for General Motors Corp. and Chrysler Llc. — which could run out of money within weeks without assistance — infuriated Granholm, who sits on President-elect Barack Obama’s transition economic advisory board. She accused Senate Republicans who refused to back the bridge loans of "protecting the foreign companies that are in their borders. They’re not acting as Americans."
When former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney said during an exchange Sunday with Granholm on NBC’s Meet the Press that U.S. automakers had a cost disadvantage compared with foreign automakers, an impassioned Granholm skewered his comments as inaccurate and pointed a finger at him as she argued over legacy costs.
During an appearance last month on CNN, she accused Romney of "breathtaking hypocrisy" for saying in January during his presidential campaign that he’d be a partner to the automakers and fight for jobs, then arguing in November against giving them the loans.
More than a few television anchors have felt the governor’s polite but pointed displeasure. When CNN’s Kyra Phillips asked why auto companies deserved the bridge loans, Granholm took aim at the financial-sector meltdown and shot back that "it’s really important to know that the auto industry didn’t put us into this position."
She also hasn’t pulled any punches in her news conferences.
"I really felt so deeply for these workers who have felt powerless to be able to change the minds of people in Congress who were spouting untruths about the industry," she said after watching the bridge-loan plan fall apart. "Those who caused this financial meltdown were allowed to walk away with $700 billion, with no oversight, many of them ultra-rich hedge-fund players. Those who were the victims of their greed — people who work on the factory line — were blamed and were asked to pay the price," she added.
Don’t tell her automakers aren’t trying to lower costs to match their foreign competitors or that they haven’t improved quality or taken steps to move more fuel-efficient cars and hybrids.
"The bottom line is, the industry has recognized that it must change," the governor said.
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