Lexus has revamped its IS range with more equipment grades, a new 3.5-litre V6 and sharper pricing
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Lexus is gunning for BMW, Audi and Mercedes with its revamped, revitalised and repriced IS range. Now boasting 10 variants, including two all-new F Sport models, the face-lifted IS range now includes beefed-up '350' family members.
Powered by a direct-injected 3.5-litre V6, the new IS350 range is aimed at the likes of BMW's 335i and V6 equivalents from Audi and Mercedes-Benz. Lexus is claiming class-leading performance with a 0-100km/h time of 5.6sec, in part thanks to the new powerplant's segment-busting 233kW output.
Though equipped to higher levels than equivalent IS250 models, the IS350 range echoes its less powerful sibling by offering entry-level Prestige and top of the range Sports Luxury variants as well as the new, focused F Sport versions.
Include in the new IS lineup are three variants of the IS250C coupe cabriolet and the V8-engined IS F super sedan.
The new IS350 Prestige is priced from $64,800, a premium of $9000 over the equivalent IS250 variant. The F Sport kicks off at $71,800 with the Sports Luxury topping out the four-door IS line-up at $81,300.
All IS250 models have had their pricetags trimmed with the 350's arrival. At $55,800 the Prestige has dropped $100, while the $76,300 Sports Luxury is $1000 cheaper than the model it replaces. The new F Sport 250 is $66,800 -- $1500 less than initially announced.
The price changes and the new IS350's arrival correspond with a midlife freshening for the IS lineup. Key differences include an interior tidy up as well as detailed changes across the car.
Most obvious though are the new upper and lower front grilles and bumper, and the arrival of daylight running lamps (DRL) on all 350s (as well as selected 250 models). New alloy wheels that step up an inch in diameter help deliver a more purposeful stance to the midsize exec.
Include in the revamped IS range's standard equipment list are items that Lexus claims European equivalents still charge extra for. Indeed, Lexus states that depending on the model, the IS enjoys a $30,000-plus advantage over equivalent Euros. By way of comparison, metallic paint, high-spec audio, heated front seats, full leather, eight airbags and reversing cameras are all standard on all updated IS models.
The 350 variants add a DVD-based satnav and HID headlamps with daylight running lamps at both Prestige and F Sport grades. The Sports Luxury 350 adds sunroof, adaptive cruise control, seat cooling, Lexus advanced pre-collision system with auto brake and more.
Selected facelift updates also make their way onto the IS250C and the IS F performance flagship. In the case of the M3-baiting IS F, Lexus has tweaked the rear suspension settings as well as incorporating a new face, DRLs et al. The updated mechanical limited slip differential that was added as a running change in 2009 is retained in the latest IS F.
It's the IS350 F Sport that will get the lion's share of attention at launch, however. A calling card for Lexus' new sports sub-brand, the auto-only sports sedan gets bespoke, lower (10mm) sports suspension with stiffer springs and uprated dampers, upgraded brakes with four-piston monobloc front calipers and reprogrammed electric power steering.
The F Sport 'signature' look includes more aggressive front bodywork and unique upper and low grilles and a rear boot lid spoiler borrowed from the IS F parts bin.
The F's influence continues inside the cabin in the shape of a smaller diameter steering wheel, alloy pedals and leather shifter. Tweaked IS F front sport seats are used, though the F Sport retains a three-place rear bench in lieu of the IS F's buckets.
For the record the IS F program has also donated suspension components to the F Sport, including rear suspension bushes.
While the standard IS350 also gets an upgraded brake package, only the F Sport models (250 and 350) sport wider rear wheels and rubber. All 18s, the rears are 0.5-inches wider at 8.5-inch. Tyres are 225/40 at the pointy end, and at rear -- 255/40s. Bridgestone ER33 Turanzas are standard.
Lexus Australia execs say the arrival of the 350 and the F Sport brand are key to the brand's growth in both the short and medium term.
IS currently accounts for around 40 per cent of Lexus' local volume. Via the facelift, F Sport variants and the arrival of the 350, local boss Tony Cramb is looking to boost overall IS sales. Though he expects some substitution between 250 and 350, incremental volume should increase around 25 per cent, he says.
"IS350 pricing is critical for Lexus -- it has to be realistic. It has to achieve a position of leadership and it has to bring new competition to the luxury sedan segment... Just because you can charge a premium for luxury vehicles doesn't mean you have to," Cramb told the Carsales Network.
"We're really throwing down a challenge to our competitors [with the 350 range]... We identified a massive opportunity in the $65-80K [price range] and we believe we have set a new benchmark for value in the segment.
"The [new] car is well specified and great value. We believe the market will reward us," Cramb stated.
Look out for our launch review of the new IS350 F Sport soon.
Key to pics: XZD 734 IS 350 F Sport, XZD 732 IS 350 Prestige, XZD 740 IS 350 Sports Luxury
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Thứ Năm, 29 tháng 3, 2012
VW Passat R36 now a collector's item
That's all folks! High-powered Passat exits stage right
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One of Australia's favourite executive-express sedans (and wagons) has reached the end of the road.
The high-powered Passat R36 -- at the time it was launched, the fastest production car to ever wear the Volkswagen badge -- is no more.
Once the existing cars in dealer stock in Australia are sold they cannot be replaced.
"There are only a handful of cars left in dealer-land and once they're gone, that's it," VW Australia spokesman Karl Gehling told the Carsales Network at the launch of the new Passat in Barcelona overnight.
"We can't order any more, the factory is not making any more, so once these cars are gone, that'll be it for Passat R36."
The new generation Passat is due to arrive in Australian showrooms in the first half of next year -- and there will not be an R model to accompany it. The lack of a Passat R36 is in line with VW's move away from the 'R' branding, as we reported a few months ago.
Although there will be a version of the new Passat powered by the same 3.6-litre V6 (220kW and 350Nm) engine used in the R36, it will not get the performance wheels and tyres, suspension, sports seats or body kit.
It is also unclear whether or not it will even get the R36's high performance brakes, despite the potent acceleration (0 to 100km/h in 5.6 seconds).
"The R36 has been a very important and very popular car for us in Australia, but unfortunately it is time for it to have a break," said Gehling.
At its peak, the R36 accounted for almost one in five of Passat sales. Although it was popular in Australia, other key markets didn't take as much of a liking to it, preferring instead to opt for the smaller Volkswagen R cars.
"There is definitely a market there for a sports-prestige version of the Passat but we will have to wait and see what the engineers come up with," Gehling observed.
It is unclear what engine will power the next generation Passat R car, although it is believed to be at least two years away. Emissions being a future concern and VW apparently moving away from the in-your-face aspect of the R cars, the next premium-grade Passat may be labeled 'Exclusive', as we reported of the Touareg on Monday.
The current Passat R36 was released in June 2008 in sedan ($64,990) and wagon ($66,990) and was upgraded three times over the past four years.
A quick search on the Carsales website this morning under 'new cars' found about two dozen R36s for sale -- in sedan and wagon body styles -- but already some of them had modest price premiums given their popularity and the lack of an immediate successor. Prices ranged from $68,888 to $86,888 drive-away.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
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One of Australia's favourite executive-express sedans (and wagons) has reached the end of the road.
The high-powered Passat R36 -- at the time it was launched, the fastest production car to ever wear the Volkswagen badge -- is no more.
Once the existing cars in dealer stock in Australia are sold they cannot be replaced.
"There are only a handful of cars left in dealer-land and once they're gone, that's it," VW Australia spokesman Karl Gehling told the Carsales Network at the launch of the new Passat in Barcelona overnight.
"We can't order any more, the factory is not making any more, so once these cars are gone, that'll be it for Passat R36."
The new generation Passat is due to arrive in Australian showrooms in the first half of next year -- and there will not be an R model to accompany it. The lack of a Passat R36 is in line with VW's move away from the 'R' branding, as we reported a few months ago.
Although there will be a version of the new Passat powered by the same 3.6-litre V6 (220kW and 350Nm) engine used in the R36, it will not get the performance wheels and tyres, suspension, sports seats or body kit.
It is also unclear whether or not it will even get the R36's high performance brakes, despite the potent acceleration (0 to 100km/h in 5.6 seconds).
"The R36 has been a very important and very popular car for us in Australia, but unfortunately it is time for it to have a break," said Gehling.
At its peak, the R36 accounted for almost one in five of Passat sales. Although it was popular in Australia, other key markets didn't take as much of a liking to it, preferring instead to opt for the smaller Volkswagen R cars.
"There is definitely a market there for a sports-prestige version of the Passat but we will have to wait and see what the engineers come up with," Gehling observed.
It is unclear what engine will power the next generation Passat R car, although it is believed to be at least two years away. Emissions being a future concern and VW apparently moving away from the in-your-face aspect of the R cars, the next premium-grade Passat may be labeled 'Exclusive', as we reported of the Touareg on Monday.
The current Passat R36 was released in June 2008 in sedan ($64,990) and wagon ($66,990) and was upgraded three times over the past four years.
A quick search on the Carsales website this morning under 'new cars' found about two dozen R36s for sale -- in sedan and wagon body styles -- but already some of them had modest price premiums given their popularity and the lack of an immediate successor. Prices ranged from $68,888 to $86,888 drive-away.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
Lexus pushes performance
Not content to live on luxury, Lexus is pursuing performance
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If you're a performance car enthusiast Lexus has you in its sights. Not content to live off its luxury-oriented lineup, the Toyota-owned top shelf marque is pushing performance as a key part of its growth strategy for the 20-teens.
With the arrival of the facelifted IS range Down Under, Lexus has launched its F Sport brand into the market. Offered as bespoke models in both IS250 and IS350 versions, the F Sports feature recalibrated steering and suspension as well as upgraded brakes, sports seats and exterior differentiation such as bigger wheels and bodykits -- including front and rear spoilers.
Priced midway between entry level Prestige and top of the range Sports Luxury models in their respective capacity segments, the F Sports approximate Audi's S line and BMW M Sport models.
And, say Lexus insiders, the similarity doesn't end there. Like the Germans, it's Lexus' plan to pursue a pyramid of performance with F Sport filling the role as the volume sporties and more aggressive F models above them. The limited edition LF-A supercar and its decedents will sit at the Lexus performance pyramid peak.
The new strategy was spelled out by local Lexus chief, Tony Cramb, at the IS350 launch in Tasmania this week. Though Cramb was careful not to reveal any formal details of future F model plans, he made it clear that the marque was serious about its commitment to a performance strategy.
He hinted strongly that F models above and beyond the existing IS F were a key part of the play.
"Performance is part of a global, long term, serious strategy," Cramb spelled out to the Carsales Network.
"This [F Sport] is a serious commitment... If we can launch more F models that will give F more credibility [as a serious performance sub-brand], this will flow on to F Sport."
Cramb says European and US Lexus execs are aligned with Lexus Australia on the importance of F and F Sport.
"Currently there is a whole lot of customers we can't service [with our current lineup]. We definitely need to broaden our range of vehicles. The local launch of the IS350 [gives us access to new performance oriented customers] but clearly there are other segments we aren't servicing. Over time we will expand the lineup," Cramb explained.
Cramb was tight lipped on the rollout or even the existence of confirmed F models or indeed new F Sports. Lexus' 5 series/E-Class competitor, the GS is the next vehicle due for renewal in Lexus' existing cycle plan. It's a car Cramb believes will make a good second F model and F Sport range addition.
"[The next GS] Would be a very suitable car, if we are looking to expand the F range. But it's not locked and loaded," he says.
According to Cramb, hybrid will still be an important part of Lexus DNA. That said, his comments suggest that perhaps Lexus' performance hybrid days are numbered.
The way forward for the brand may well be a two-pronged strategy of performance and hybrid. Performance injects passion into the Lexus 'family' and via hybrid the marque will address customers with an environmental bent or more urban focus.
The new CT200h is a case in point. Stung by criticism of the car at its European launch, Cramb says an F Sport version of the CT will still come to Australia. He says the focus will be on handling and agility rather than any power-up strategy. Equally he admits there may well be Lexus hybrids launched in the future that do not justify F Sport variants.
"Our consistent brand value is innovation. Why wouldn't we invest in technology and be able to connect with what the customer wants -- be it performance [or ecologically focussed vehicles].
"There's a vast number of [new] customers out there that want different [opposite] things. We are in a transition stage," Cramb opined.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
discount new cars » Get the best price on a new Lexus
If you're a performance car enthusiast Lexus has you in its sights. Not content to live off its luxury-oriented lineup, the Toyota-owned top shelf marque is pushing performance as a key part of its growth strategy for the 20-teens.
With the arrival of the facelifted IS range Down Under, Lexus has launched its F Sport brand into the market. Offered as bespoke models in both IS250 and IS350 versions, the F Sports feature recalibrated steering and suspension as well as upgraded brakes, sports seats and exterior differentiation such as bigger wheels and bodykits -- including front and rear spoilers.
Priced midway between entry level Prestige and top of the range Sports Luxury models in their respective capacity segments, the F Sports approximate Audi's S line and BMW M Sport models.
And, say Lexus insiders, the similarity doesn't end there. Like the Germans, it's Lexus' plan to pursue a pyramid of performance with F Sport filling the role as the volume sporties and more aggressive F models above them. The limited edition LF-A supercar and its decedents will sit at the Lexus performance pyramid peak.
The new strategy was spelled out by local Lexus chief, Tony Cramb, at the IS350 launch in Tasmania this week. Though Cramb was careful not to reveal any formal details of future F model plans, he made it clear that the marque was serious about its commitment to a performance strategy.
He hinted strongly that F models above and beyond the existing IS F were a key part of the play.
"Performance is part of a global, long term, serious strategy," Cramb spelled out to the Carsales Network.
"This [F Sport] is a serious commitment... If we can launch more F models that will give F more credibility [as a serious performance sub-brand], this will flow on to F Sport."
Cramb says European and US Lexus execs are aligned with Lexus Australia on the importance of F and F Sport.
"Currently there is a whole lot of customers we can't service [with our current lineup]. We definitely need to broaden our range of vehicles. The local launch of the IS350 [gives us access to new performance oriented customers] but clearly there are other segments we aren't servicing. Over time we will expand the lineup," Cramb explained.
Cramb was tight lipped on the rollout or even the existence of confirmed F models or indeed new F Sports. Lexus' 5 series/E-Class competitor, the GS is the next vehicle due for renewal in Lexus' existing cycle plan. It's a car Cramb believes will make a good second F model and F Sport range addition.
"[The next GS] Would be a very suitable car, if we are looking to expand the F range. But it's not locked and loaded," he says.
According to Cramb, hybrid will still be an important part of Lexus DNA. That said, his comments suggest that perhaps Lexus' performance hybrid days are numbered.
The way forward for the brand may well be a two-pronged strategy of performance and hybrid. Performance injects passion into the Lexus 'family' and via hybrid the marque will address customers with an environmental bent or more urban focus.
The new CT200h is a case in point. Stung by criticism of the car at its European launch, Cramb says an F Sport version of the CT will still come to Australia. He says the focus will be on handling and agility rather than any power-up strategy. Equally he admits there may well be Lexus hybrids launched in the future that do not justify F Sport variants.
"Our consistent brand value is innovation. Why wouldn't we invest in technology and be able to connect with what the customer wants -- be it performance [or ecologically focussed vehicles].
"There's a vast number of [new] customers out there that want different [opposite] things. We are in a transition stage," Cramb opined.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
New Passat is the new Volvo
Next generation VW goes geeky, with extra safety gadgets and technology
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The next generation Volkswagen Passat will have Volvo-like safety technology, able to avoid crashing into the vehicle ahead and to detect when the driver is drowsy.
But there is a strong likelihood it won't get the one feature that earned the new Passat headlines around the world when it was unveiled at the Paris motor show earlier this month.
The new Passat was billed as the ideal car for shopaholics after VW revealed it had a clever sensor under the rear bumper that opens the boot automatically with a deft swing of your foot.
Owners of the new Passat can open the boot even when their hands are full, providing they can balance on one foot and swing the other past the sensor near the number plate.
But this neat trick may not make it on to models sold in Australia.
"That feature is not confirmed for us as yet," Volkswagen Australia spokesman Karl Gehling told the Carsales Network at the launch of the new Passat in Barcelona overnight.
"It comes as part of the package that includes the proximity key, and we haven't ticked that box for Australia as yet."
The new Passat will, however, be available with a raft of new features including a driver fatigue sensor, automatic high beam operation, a crash avoidance system that prevents or reduces the impact of rear-end crashes, plus a new generation of parking assistance technology that enables the car to squeeze itself into even tighter gaps than before.
But only the fatigue alert system will be standard across the new Passat range; the other features will either be optional on all models or standard on the flagship version.
Although the new Passat is available with 10 engines in Europe, there will be just three engine options when it arrives in Australia mid-year in 2011.
The 1.8-litre turbo petrol and 2.0-litre turbo diesel continue with the same power and performance but come with fuel economy improvements, while the R36 performance version will be replaced by a prestige model that uses the R36's engine but doesn't get the other go-fast bits. As before, all three engine options are backed by twin clutch 'DSG' gearboxes.
The new Passat is billed as the seventh generation model even though it is a significant facelift of the current car -- the exterior sheetmetal, lights and bumpers have changed but the core structure of the car, defined by the door frames and roof pillars, is carried over from before.
The Carsales Network will publish a road test in the coming days once we've tested the car.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
discount new cars » Get the best price on a new Volkswagen
The next generation Volkswagen Passat will have Volvo-like safety technology, able to avoid crashing into the vehicle ahead and to detect when the driver is drowsy.
But there is a strong likelihood it won't get the one feature that earned the new Passat headlines around the world when it was unveiled at the Paris motor show earlier this month.
The new Passat was billed as the ideal car for shopaholics after VW revealed it had a clever sensor under the rear bumper that opens the boot automatically with a deft swing of your foot.
Owners of the new Passat can open the boot even when their hands are full, providing they can balance on one foot and swing the other past the sensor near the number plate.
But this neat trick may not make it on to models sold in Australia.
"That feature is not confirmed for us as yet," Volkswagen Australia spokesman Karl Gehling told the Carsales Network at the launch of the new Passat in Barcelona overnight.
"It comes as part of the package that includes the proximity key, and we haven't ticked that box for Australia as yet."
The new Passat will, however, be available with a raft of new features including a driver fatigue sensor, automatic high beam operation, a crash avoidance system that prevents or reduces the impact of rear-end crashes, plus a new generation of parking assistance technology that enables the car to squeeze itself into even tighter gaps than before.
But only the fatigue alert system will be standard across the new Passat range; the other features will either be optional on all models or standard on the flagship version.
Although the new Passat is available with 10 engines in Europe, there will be just three engine options when it arrives in Australia mid-year in 2011.
The 1.8-litre turbo petrol and 2.0-litre turbo diesel continue with the same power and performance but come with fuel economy improvements, while the R36 performance version will be replaced by a prestige model that uses the R36's engine but doesn't get the other go-fast bits. As before, all three engine options are backed by twin clutch 'DSG' gearboxes.
The new Passat is billed as the seventh generation model even though it is a significant facelift of the current car -- the exterior sheetmetal, lights and bumpers have changed but the core structure of the car, defined by the door frames and roof pillars, is carried over from before.
The Carsales Network will publish a road test in the coming days once we've tested the car.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
Thứ Hai, 26 tháng 3, 2012
Lexus to field AGP celebrity-cars?
Luxury brand confirms it is in talks with Australian Grand Prix
prestige new cars » Get the best price on a new Lexus Celebrities could be bashing Lexus hybrid cars around Albert Park during next year's Australian Grand Prix. The boss of Lexus Australia Tony Cramb has confirmed to the Cars games ales Network that the company is in discussions with the Grand Prix Corporation – but nothing has been decided.
"Nothing has been signed, no deal has been done," he told the Carsales Network.
"But we are in discussions with them [AGP organizers] about the possibility of being the vehicle supplier for next year's celebrity race."
If the deal goes ahead, it would be the first time Lexus has been used as a celebrity car -- and the first time a hybrid vehicle has been used -- in the lead-up to a Formula One race anywhere in the world.
Lexus is understood to be considering using the CT200h hybrid hatch. The new model (pictured with Lexus' LF-A supercar) is a Corolla-sized vehicle with Prius technology due to be released in Australia next February.
When asked if the hybrid car would be suitable for a racetrack, Lexus marketing manager Peter Evans told the Carsales Network: "Compared to previous celebrity cars [such as a Fiat 500, a Mini or a BMW 1 Series], the CT200h would have no problem at all around a racetrack -- especially in Sport mode.
"It could easily handle the track," Evans said.
The AGP celebrity car deal would mark a return to motorsport in Australia for Lexus. It competed in the Targa Tasmania road rallies a few times in the late 1990s and early 2000s. But the carmaker says it has no plans to use the vehicles in a one-make racing series after they were done as celebrity cars.
A spokesperson for the Australian Grand Prix Corporation would not comment on the Lexus rumours. The F1 organiser stated it was talking to "a number of car manufacturers".
prestige new cars » Get the best price on a new Lexus Celebrities could be bashing Lexus hybrid cars around Albert Park during next year's Australian Grand Prix. The boss of Lexus Australia Tony Cramb has confirmed to the Cars games ales Network that the company is in discussions with the Grand Prix Corporation – but nothing has been decided.
"Nothing has been signed, no deal has been done," he told the Carsales Network.
"But we are in discussions with them [AGP organizers] about the possibility of being the vehicle supplier for next year's celebrity race."
If the deal goes ahead, it would be the first time Lexus has been used as a celebrity car -- and the first time a hybrid vehicle has been used -- in the lead-up to a Formula One race anywhere in the world.
Lexus is understood to be considering using the CT200h hybrid hatch. The new model (pictured with Lexus' LF-A supercar) is a Corolla-sized vehicle with Prius technology due to be released in Australia next February.
When asked if the hybrid car would be suitable for a racetrack, Lexus marketing manager Peter Evans told the Carsales Network: "Compared to previous celebrity cars [such as a Fiat 500, a Mini or a BMW 1 Series], the CT200h would have no problem at all around a racetrack -- especially in Sport mode.
"It could easily handle the track," Evans said.
The AGP celebrity car deal would mark a return to motorsport in Australia for Lexus. It competed in the Targa Tasmania road rallies a few times in the late 1990s and early 2000s. But the carmaker says it has no plans to use the vehicles in a one-make racing series after they were done as celebrity cars.
A spokesperson for the Australian Grand Prix Corporation would not comment on the Lexus rumours. The F1 organiser stated it was talking to "a number of car manufacturers".
Euro COTY falls to LEAF
Nissan scores a coup in Euro Car of the Year voting by being the first EV to score top spot, but the judging was far from unanimous
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A divided jury has named Nissan's all-electric LEAF as the European Car of the Year.
Significant in that a pure EV came home ahead of an impressive list of rivals, the LEAF's scoring of the highest vote from 57 jurors from 23 countries comes as surprise given the car's limited availability and questionable affordability.
The jury was astoundingly divided in its judging of the LEAF. One of the jurors, from the Irish Times in the UK, said in an article that some members of the panel awarded maximum points to the Nissan, while others put it in last place in the final shortlist of seven vehicles.
The five-door electric hatch is larger (about the size of Nissan's Tiida) than Mitsubishi's i-MiEV and is claimed to have a cruising range of about 160km. It is powered by an 80kW motor delivering a healthy, instant 280Nm of torque. An eco mode curbs initial acceleration to help extend the LEAF's range.
In the European Car of the Year judging, the Nissan EV came home ahead of Alfa Romeo's new Giulietta, Vauxhall/Opel Meriva, Ford C-Max/Grand C-Max, Citroen C3/DS3, Volvo S60/V60 and the Dacia Duster.
Australia is on the waiting list for LEAF, with an expected arrival in 2012 at a price expected to top $40,000 even if Nissan Australia does manage to score a government incentive deal. Chances of government help looked fragile earlier this year, but this could change by 2012, given Australia's shifting political climate.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site.
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A divided jury has named Nissan's all-electric LEAF as the European Car of the Year.
Significant in that a pure EV came home ahead of an impressive list of rivals, the LEAF's scoring of the highest vote from 57 jurors from 23 countries comes as surprise given the car's limited availability and questionable affordability.
The jury was astoundingly divided in its judging of the LEAF. One of the jurors, from the Irish Times in the UK, said in an article that some members of the panel awarded maximum points to the Nissan, while others put it in last place in the final shortlist of seven vehicles.
The five-door electric hatch is larger (about the size of Nissan's Tiida) than Mitsubishi's i-MiEV and is claimed to have a cruising range of about 160km. It is powered by an 80kW motor delivering a healthy, instant 280Nm of torque. An eco mode curbs initial acceleration to help extend the LEAF's range.
In the European Car of the Year judging, the Nissan EV came home ahead of Alfa Romeo's new Giulietta, Vauxhall/Opel Meriva, Ford C-Max/Grand C-Max, Citroen C3/DS3, Volvo S60/V60 and the Dacia Duster.
Australia is on the waiting list for LEAF, with an expected arrival in 2012 at a price expected to top $40,000 even if Nissan Australia does manage to score a government incentive deal. Chances of government help looked fragile earlier this year, but this could change by 2012, given Australia's shifting political climate.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site.
L'exhibition delivers record month for Lexus
Light at the end of the tunnel for Japanese luxury brand as the end of 2010 nears?
prestige new cars » Get the best price on a new Lexus Christmas has come early for Lexus. After trailing industry growth for most of the year Toyota's luxury brand finally hit its straps in November.
Figures due to be released this week are expected to show that Lexus recorded its second-best month on record for retail sales, while internal data shows that Lexus took more orders from dealers in November than in any other month in its 21-year history in Australia.
Lexus therefore expected to carry strong sales into the final month of the year.
In the first 10 months of this year Lexus sales were up by 8 per cent in a total market that's up by 13 per cent (key luxury brands have performed even better). But the strong November result means that Lexus is now up by 10 per cent year-to-date.
Lexus dealers retailed 921 vehicles in November -- typically the month that Lexus does its annual L'exhibition sales event. This is almost double the number of cars it sold in October (551) and almost triple the number of cars it sold in September (319).
The sharp turnaround was also buoyed by demand for the new IS250 convertible and IS350 performance sedan, as well as sharp deals on the regular IS250 sedan and RX350 softroader.
The the facelifted IS line-up combined (479) to outsell the normal number-one Lexus model, the RX softroader (381).
"What you see in VFACTS is only part of the story. We had an all-time high order intake in November so a lot of that will carry over into December," boss of Lexus Australia, Tony Cramb, told the Carsales Network this week.
With a year-to-date tally of just under 6000 vehicles, Lexus is already ahead of last year's sales -- with one month still remaining.
"We've had a 'perfect storm', with the arrival of new models and good supply. Plus our marketing activities have paid dividends. We've been highly visible over the past month or so."
Lexus was a sponsor of the Melbourne Cup -- all jockeys sat in the back of Lexus convertibles for the parade through Melbourne before the event. The company has also been doing a mobile roadshow, erecting temporary 'showrooms' in high pedestrian-traffic areas of Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.
Lexus' previous monthly sales record was just before the Global Financial Crisis: October 2007, when 1106 cars were sold. The same month in 2006 was the third best Lexus monthly result on record, with 916 retail sales.
Lexus may have a strong finish to 2010 but it is yet to close the gap with its German rivals. Lexus sales in the first 10 months of this year are roughly half Audi's tally -- and less than one third of BMW and Mercedes-Benz local sales.
prestige new cars » Get the best price on a new Lexus Christmas has come early for Lexus. After trailing industry growth for most of the year Toyota's luxury brand finally hit its straps in November.
Figures due to be released this week are expected to show that Lexus recorded its second-best month on record for retail sales, while internal data shows that Lexus took more orders from dealers in November than in any other month in its 21-year history in Australia.
Lexus therefore expected to carry strong sales into the final month of the year.
In the first 10 months of this year Lexus sales were up by 8 per cent in a total market that's up by 13 per cent (key luxury brands have performed even better). But the strong November result means that Lexus is now up by 10 per cent year-to-date.
Lexus dealers retailed 921 vehicles in November -- typically the month that Lexus does its annual L'exhibition sales event. This is almost double the number of cars it sold in October (551) and almost triple the number of cars it sold in September (319).
The sharp turnaround was also buoyed by demand for the new IS250 convertible and IS350 performance sedan, as well as sharp deals on the regular IS250 sedan and RX350 softroader.
The the facelifted IS line-up combined (479) to outsell the normal number-one Lexus model, the RX softroader (381).
"What you see in VFACTS is only part of the story. We had an all-time high order intake in November so a lot of that will carry over into December," boss of Lexus Australia, Tony Cramb, told the Carsales Network this week.
With a year-to-date tally of just under 6000 vehicles, Lexus is already ahead of last year's sales -- with one month still remaining.
"We've had a 'perfect storm', with the arrival of new models and good supply. Plus our marketing activities have paid dividends. We've been highly visible over the past month or so."
Lexus was a sponsor of the Melbourne Cup -- all jockeys sat in the back of Lexus convertibles for the parade through Melbourne before the event. The company has also been doing a mobile roadshow, erecting temporary 'showrooms' in high pedestrian-traffic areas of Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.
Lexus' previous monthly sales record was just before the Global Financial Crisis: October 2007, when 1106 cars were sold. The same month in 2006 was the third best Lexus monthly result on record, with 916 retail sales.
Lexus may have a strong finish to 2010 but it is yet to close the gap with its German rivals. Lexus sales in the first 10 months of this year are roughly half Audi's tally -- and less than one third of BMW and Mercedes-Benz local sales.
Australian orders roll in for new McLaren supercar
Trivett Classic opens the order books ahead of 2011 deliveries
The McLaren super car games looks set to be a success before it even turns a wheel. New Australian distributor, Sydney-based Trivett Classic, has already taken up to a dozen orders within days of the announcement that the car is headed Down Under -- and before anyone knows how much it will cost.
Much of the McLaren supercar's vital statistics are still a closely guarded secret. Called the MP4-12C in initial releases, there's widespread speculation that the supercar, which will be built alongside McLaren's F1 facility in Woking, will be powered by a twin-turbo 3.8-litre V8.
So far the only clue to its performance is the promise it can reach 200km/h in 10 seconds and it will have "Ferrari-beating pace". McLaren has also stated it will be more fuel efficient than the current crop of supercars.
"It's likely we will sell out of our first year's allocation and possibly go into our second year's allocation," Trivett Classic executive chairman, Greg Duncan, told the Carsales Network. "Although we've not yet been told exactly what our first year allocation will be."
The first McLaren to arrive in Australia will be a show car due next February to be revealed to VIP customers and media. The first test-drive car is due to arrive in July, with the first customer deliveries due in October.
"We've been really impressed with the professionalism of McLaren and we already have a dozen or so serious expressions of interest," he said.
"The price is yet to be confirmed but it's not an issue," he said. "Customers in this league trust the McLaren brand and know it's going to be a very special car."
Overseas reports have the McLaren priced near or below the Ferrari 458 Italia, which in Australia costs in excess of $500,000.
Trivett Classic will initially base all McLaren sales out of its East Sydney showroom, but may expand to Melbourne and Brisbane in much the same way it has with its Rolls-Royce dealerships.
In 1992 McLaren built the world's fastest supercar, the McLaren F1. Powered by a 6.1-litre V12 made by BMW, it had a top speed of 386km/h. Just 106 were sold.
In 2004, McLaren-developed the Mercedes-McLaren SLR supercar in a joint venture with the German car maker. Powered by a supercharged 5.4-litre V8 it had a top speed of 334km/h. Between 2005 and 2007, the company sold 1151 SLRs, well short of the 1500 target.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site.
The McLaren super car games looks set to be a success before it even turns a wheel. New Australian distributor, Sydney-based Trivett Classic, has already taken up to a dozen orders within days of the announcement that the car is headed Down Under -- and before anyone knows how much it will cost.
Much of the McLaren supercar's vital statistics are still a closely guarded secret. Called the MP4-12C in initial releases, there's widespread speculation that the supercar, which will be built alongside McLaren's F1 facility in Woking, will be powered by a twin-turbo 3.8-litre V8.
So far the only clue to its performance is the promise it can reach 200km/h in 10 seconds and it will have "Ferrari-beating pace". McLaren has also stated it will be more fuel efficient than the current crop of supercars.
"It's likely we will sell out of our first year's allocation and possibly go into our second year's allocation," Trivett Classic executive chairman, Greg Duncan, told the Carsales Network. "Although we've not yet been told exactly what our first year allocation will be."
The first McLaren to arrive in Australia will be a show car due next February to be revealed to VIP customers and media. The first test-drive car is due to arrive in July, with the first customer deliveries due in October.
"We've been really impressed with the professionalism of McLaren and we already have a dozen or so serious expressions of interest," he said.
"The price is yet to be confirmed but it's not an issue," he said. "Customers in this league trust the McLaren brand and know it's going to be a very special car."
Overseas reports have the McLaren priced near or below the Ferrari 458 Italia, which in Australia costs in excess of $500,000.
Trivett Classic will initially base all McLaren sales out of its East Sydney showroom, but may expand to Melbourne and Brisbane in much the same way it has with its Rolls-Royce dealerships.
In 1992 McLaren built the world's fastest supercar, the McLaren F1. Powered by a 6.1-litre V12 made by BMW, it had a top speed of 386km/h. Just 106 were sold.
In 2004, McLaren-developed the Mercedes-McLaren SLR supercar in a joint venture with the German car maker. Powered by a supercharged 5.4-litre V8 it had a top speed of 334km/h. Between 2005 and 2007, the company sold 1151 SLRs, well short of the 1500 target.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site.
Australian orders roll in for new McLaren supercar
Trivett Classic opens the order books ahead of 2011 deliveries
The McLaren supercar looks set to be a success before it even turns a wheel. New Australian distributor, Sydney-based Trivett Classic, has already taken up to a dozen orders within days of the announcement that the car is headed Down Under -- and before anyone knows how much it will cost.
Much of the McLaren supercar's vital statistics are still a closely guarded secret. Called the MP4-12C in initial releases, there's widespread speculation that the supercar, which will be built alongside McLaren's F1 facility in Woking, will be powered by a twin-turbo 3.8-litre V8.
So far the only clue to its performance is the promise it can reach 200km/h in 10 seconds and it will have "Ferrari-beating pace". McLaren has also stated it will be more fuel efficient than the current crop of supercars.
"It's likely we will sell out of our first year's allocation and possibly go into our second year's allocation," Trivett Classic executive chairman, Greg Duncan, told the Carsales Network. "Although we've not yet been told exactly what our first year allocation will be."
The first McLaren to arrive in Australia will be a show car due next February to be revealed to VIP customers and media. The first test-drive car is due to arrive in July, with the first customer deliveries due in October.
"We've been really impressed with the professionalism of McLaren and we already have a dozen or so serious expressions of interest," he said.
"The price is yet to be confirmed but it's not an issue," he said. "Customers in this league trust the McLaren brand and know it's going to be a very special car."
Overseas reports have the McLaren priced near or below the Ferrari 458 Italia, which in Australia costs in excess of $500,000.
Trivett Classic will initially base all McLaren sales out of its East Sydney showroom, but may expand to Melbourne and Brisbane in much the same way it has with its Rolls-Royce dealerships.
In 1992 McLaren built the world's fastest supercar, the McLaren F1. Powered by a 6.1-litre V12 made by BMW, it had a top speed of 386km/h. Just 106 were sold.
In 2004, McLaren-developed the Mercedes-McLaren SLR supercar in a joint venture with the German car maker. Powered by a supercharged 5.4-litre V8 it had a top speed of 334km/h. Between 2005 and 2007, the company sold 1151 SLRs, well short of the 1500 target.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site.
The McLaren supercar looks set to be a success before it even turns a wheel. New Australian distributor, Sydney-based Trivett Classic, has already taken up to a dozen orders within days of the announcement that the car is headed Down Under -- and before anyone knows how much it will cost.
Much of the McLaren supercar's vital statistics are still a closely guarded secret. Called the MP4-12C in initial releases, there's widespread speculation that the supercar, which will be built alongside McLaren's F1 facility in Woking, will be powered by a twin-turbo 3.8-litre V8.
So far the only clue to its performance is the promise it can reach 200km/h in 10 seconds and it will have "Ferrari-beating pace". McLaren has also stated it will be more fuel efficient than the current crop of supercars.
"It's likely we will sell out of our first year's allocation and possibly go into our second year's allocation," Trivett Classic executive chairman, Greg Duncan, told the Carsales Network. "Although we've not yet been told exactly what our first year allocation will be."
The first McLaren to arrive in Australia will be a show car due next February to be revealed to VIP customers and media. The first test-drive car is due to arrive in July, with the first customer deliveries due in October.
"We've been really impressed with the professionalism of McLaren and we already have a dozen or so serious expressions of interest," he said.
"The price is yet to be confirmed but it's not an issue," he said. "Customers in this league trust the McLaren brand and know it's going to be a very special car."
Overseas reports have the McLaren priced near or below the Ferrari 458 Italia, which in Australia costs in excess of $500,000.
Trivett Classic will initially base all McLaren sales out of its East Sydney showroom, but may expand to Melbourne and Brisbane in much the same way it has with its Rolls-Royce dealerships.
In 1992 McLaren built the world's fastest supercar, the McLaren F1. Powered by a 6.1-litre V12 made by BMW, it had a top speed of 386km/h. Just 106 were sold.
In 2004, McLaren-developed the Mercedes-McLaren SLR supercar in a joint venture with the German car maker. Powered by a supercharged 5.4-litre V8 it had a top speed of 334km/h. Between 2005 and 2007, the company sold 1151 SLRs, well short of the 1500 target.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site.
Volvo's bold vision for 2020
Using military technology, the Swedish brand expects to sell cars that will ensure zero deaths and zero injuries by 2020
prestige new cars » Get the best price on a new Volvo
Volvo's latest model to arrive in Australia, the S60 sedan, is bristling with technological safety features, some of which have military origins.
The Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake and Pedestrian Detection system uses a combination of radar and surveillance camera technology originally developed by the military, to help it discriminate between general road side objects and human beings. It works by warning the driver and then applying full brakes if necessary, in order to avoid a pedestrian fatality.
"We've been working on this tech for the last 15 years or so," said Thomas Broberg, Volvo's senior technical advisor at the Volvo Cars Safety Centre.
"This [technology] comes from military industries... The trick is to make it applicable to a car."
So rather than 'painting' targets with an infra-red beam and raining down military ordnance from the heavens, the intelligent detection system is designed to reduce pedestrian fatalities.
It is the latest weapon in Volvo's safety arsenal and will eventually trickle down to lesser models in the range, but the Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake and Pedestrian Detection system doesn't come cheap.
Available as an option on the all-new S60 mid-sized sedan as part of Volvo's Driver Support Pack, Pedestrian Detection adds a hefty $4990 to the bottom line.
Volvo's vision for the future is to "design cars that do not crash". The company's aim is that by 2020: "No one should be killed or injured in a Volvo".
"It's a matter of attitude," said Broberg. "Why should we allow the risk when just transporting yourself?"
Volvo's new Pedestrian Detection system does have limitations, however. It cannot detect people below 80cm in height and can only operate in the daylight.
"Will it save everyone? No it won't. There are situations where it won't help. For instance the situation where a pedestrian walks into the side of the car, we won't be able to address that. There are quite a few of these impacts," conceded Broberg.
"In 2006 we launched first generation of the forward collision warning. We had radar, we could detect if the car was to impact a vehicle moving in the same direction. In 2007 we added a camera to the technology, and were able to not only detect vehicles moving the same direction but stationary. Then we applied the brakes when the collision would occur for sure.
"In 2008 we launched CitySafety. We offered avoidance [in stop start traffic]. And now in 2010 we're able to avoid collisions with other vehicles at any speed, and in addition we have detection of pedestrians. Four generations of technology in four years," Broberg explained.
"We know 70 to 80 per cent of what we need to do next [for vehicle safety]. We have to address it from a technology perspective.
"It's a humble approach, and I would say that the S60 is another step towards our 2020 mission," he stated.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site.
prestige new cars » Get the best price on a new Volvo
Volvo's latest model to arrive in Australia, the S60 sedan, is bristling with technological safety features, some of which have military origins.
The Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake and Pedestrian Detection system uses a combination of radar and surveillance camera technology originally developed by the military, to help it discriminate between general road side objects and human beings. It works by warning the driver and then applying full brakes if necessary, in order to avoid a pedestrian fatality.
"We've been working on this tech for the last 15 years or so," said Thomas Broberg, Volvo's senior technical advisor at the Volvo Cars Safety Centre.
"This [technology] comes from military industries... The trick is to make it applicable to a car."
So rather than 'painting' targets with an infra-red beam and raining down military ordnance from the heavens, the intelligent detection system is designed to reduce pedestrian fatalities.
It is the latest weapon in Volvo's safety arsenal and will eventually trickle down to lesser models in the range, but the Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake and Pedestrian Detection system doesn't come cheap.
Available as an option on the all-new S60 mid-sized sedan as part of Volvo's Driver Support Pack, Pedestrian Detection adds a hefty $4990 to the bottom line.
Volvo's vision for the future is to "design cars that do not crash". The company's aim is that by 2020: "No one should be killed or injured in a Volvo".
"It's a matter of attitude," said Broberg. "Why should we allow the risk when just transporting yourself?"
Volvo's new Pedestrian Detection system does have limitations, however. It cannot detect people below 80cm in height and can only operate in the daylight.
"Will it save everyone? No it won't. There are situations where it won't help. For instance the situation where a pedestrian walks into the side of the car, we won't be able to address that. There are quite a few of these impacts," conceded Broberg.
"In 2006 we launched first generation of the forward collision warning. We had radar, we could detect if the car was to impact a vehicle moving in the same direction. In 2007 we added a camera to the technology, and were able to not only detect vehicles moving the same direction but stationary. Then we applied the brakes when the collision would occur for sure.
"In 2008 we launched CitySafety. We offered avoidance [in stop start traffic]. And now in 2010 we're able to avoid collisions with other vehicles at any speed, and in addition we have detection of pedestrians. Four generations of technology in four years," Broberg explained.
"We know 70 to 80 per cent of what we need to do next [for vehicle safety]. We have to address it from a technology perspective.
"It's a humble approach, and I would say that the S60 is another step towards our 2020 mission," he stated.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site.
Thứ Năm, 22 tháng 3, 2012
The 45-grand Grand Cherokee
Jeep's new Grand Cherokee has one moccasin in each camp -- still a luxury SUV, but now targeting Territory and Kluger also
discount new cars » Get the best price on a new Jeep
Chrysler Australia has no doubts whatsoever. The latest Grand Cherokee from American offroad brand Jeep will take sales away from Ford's Territory and Toyota's Kluger.
Traditionally the Grand Cherokee is a luxury SUV, in VFACTS terminology, but Chrysler Australia is also willing to pitch the new, much improved offroad flagship at volume-selling medium SUVs.
It's all about the new Grand Cherokee presenting a strong "value story", explained Craig Bradshaw, Chrysler's General Manager Marketing and Product Strategy. The new model, which shares some underpinnings with the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, will continue to go up against BMW's X5 and the M-Class -- and others -- but with the entry-level Grand Cherokee Laredo now priced from $45,000 the Jeep is also hunting scalps downmarket.
"This is going to be the best value Grand Cherokee we've ever had," explained Bradshaw, who expects the new model to "open up the market" against Territory and Kluger explicitly -- although not just those two alone.
The Grand Cherokee has not gone low-rent to match the medium SUVs. If anything, the new model is significantly improved in numerous ways, not least of all the new 3.6-litre 'Pentastar' V6 engine -- a powerplant that produces 90 per cent of its peak torque from 1600 right through to 6000rpm. Output figures are 210kW of power and 347Nm of torque, measured against combined-cycle fuel consumption of 11.4L/100km.
Then there's also the slinky styling and the admirable interior design -- the first occasion a Jeep has been developed by Chrysler's new in-house design studio, according to Bradshaw.
"It's very intuitive once you get into it..." said Bradshaw about the new interior layout, "what you see is what you get."
While the interior is certainly a step in the right direction for the Jeep brand and the Grand Cherokee in particular, it's not the end of the story for the luxury model.
"The Grand Cherokee is the first product of the new Chrysler organisation," said Bradshaw. "It sets the tone for new products you're going to see in the future."
Riding on four-wheel independent suspension -- a first for the Grand Cherokee -- the new model remains highly capable offroad, but has raised the bar for touring as well. Chrysler is offering Australian-delivered Grand Cherokees with the option ($3250) of Quadra-Lift air suspension, which the company's sales manager, Veronica Johns anticipates will be taken up by the vast majority of Grand Cherokee owners buying during the first year.
Bradshaw declared that the new Jeep "brings on-road dynamics to a whole new level" and will provide a "premium ownership experience".
Contributing to that experience is the new model's double-bulkhead design and double-isolated suspension to reduce NVH. For offroad work, the Grand Cherokee provides Jeep's 'Selec-Terrain' on-demand system to adjust the vehicle's ride height and drive system to suit five different terrains.
The range has launched in Australia with a choice of three levels of trim and two engines. For the moment, there's no diesel option, although a V6 oiler is on the way and is expected within two to three months. The optional 5.7-litre V8 (standard for the Grand Cherokee Overland) develops 259kW of power and 520Nm of torque, versus fuel consumption of 14.1L/100km.
Both engines drive through a standard five-speed automatic and Jeep's Quadratrac II four-wheel drive system. The constant four-wheel drive system features a centre differential and electronically-controlled clutch pack with open diffs front and rear. Quadra-Drive II -- an electronically-regulated limited-slip rear differential -- can be ordered either as standard for the Grand Cherokee Overland or as an option for the Grand Cherokee Limited. It's part of an 'Offroad Adventure Group' option pack also comprising 18-inch alloy wheels and a underbody protection for $1950.
Steering is a power-assisted rack-and-pinion setup, with the Grand Cherokee capable prescribing an 11.6m turning circle. Brakes are ventilated discs at the front, solid discs behind. Ground clearance (with steel springs) is 218mm or it can range from 205m to 270mm with the air suspension that's standard for the Overland, optional for the other variants. Chrysler claims that the standard range of ride heights available for the air suspension (with the twist of a knob in the Select-Terrain system) provides better than two inches of lift (66mm raised), but the vehicle can also sit lower in the Sports mode (13mm) or lower still when parked.
Approach, departure and breakover angles vary according to whether the vehicle is riding on air suspension or steel springs. Approach angles are 25 to 34 degrees for the air-suspended models, 26 degrees with steel springs. Departure angles are 23 to 37 degrees for air, 24 degrees for steel and the breakover angles are 18 to 23 degrees for air, 19 degrees for steel.
The base-grade model, the Grand Cherokee Laredo, is only available with the Pentastar V6 at a price of $45,000. As standard, the base model comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, auto-on/off bi-xenon headlights, electrically-heated/adjustable/folding mirrors, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, heated front seats, eight-way electrically adjustable front seats with four-way lumbar adjustment, reach/rake adjustment for steering column, leather-bound steering wheel, cloth seat trim, trip computer, voice recognition, Bluetooth connectivity, reversing camera, keyless start/entry, tyre pressure monitoring system and 30-gig HDD/CD/DVD audio system with six speakers.
"This vehicle [the Grand Cherokee Laredo] is certainly going to target the heart of the market," Bradshaw observed.
Holding the fort in the midrange is the Grand Cherokee Limited, priced at $55,000 for the V6 variant or $60,000 powered by the 5.7-litre HEMI V8. Standard features in this level of trim include: 20-inch alloy wheels, heavily tinted rear/quarter windows, two-position memory for seats/mirrors/steering wheel, Capri leather seat trim, heated second-row seats and nine-speakers for audio system.
Topping the range is the Grand Cherokee Overland, priced at $69,500 and powered by the standard 5.7-litre V8. Over the equipment fitted to the Limited variants, the Grand Cherokee Overland features as standard Command View panoramic sunroof, powered tailgate, Nappa leather seat trim, ventilated front seats, wood/leather steering wheel and satellite navigation.
Safety features offered across the range comprise: rain-sensing wipers, front airbags, side-impact front airbags, side curtain airbags with integrated roll-detection, knee airbag for driver, electronic stability control, Brake Assist, traction control, Electronic Roll Mitigation, Trailer Sway Control, Rain Brake Support, Ready Alert Braking, Electronic Brake Distribution and tyre pressure monitoring. The Grand Cherokee Limited adds front/rear ultrasonic parking sensors with acoustic guidance and the Grand Cherokee Overland gains: Adaptive Cruise Control (not available at launch), Blind Spot Monitoring/Rear Cross-Path Detection (not available at launch), Forward Collision Warning (not available at launch) and alarm system.
Built in Chrysler's Jefferson North Assembly plant in Detroit, the new Grand Cherokee goes on sale in Australia from February 1.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at cars games ales' mobile site...
discount new cars » Get the best price on a new Jeep
Chrysler Australia has no doubts whatsoever. The latest Grand Cherokee from American offroad brand Jeep will take sales away from Ford's Territory and Toyota's Kluger.
Traditionally the Grand Cherokee is a luxury SUV, in VFACTS terminology, but Chrysler Australia is also willing to pitch the new, much improved offroad flagship at volume-selling medium SUVs.
It's all about the new Grand Cherokee presenting a strong "value story", explained Craig Bradshaw, Chrysler's General Manager Marketing and Product Strategy. The new model, which shares some underpinnings with the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, will continue to go up against BMW's X5 and the M-Class -- and others -- but with the entry-level Grand Cherokee Laredo now priced from $45,000 the Jeep is also hunting scalps downmarket.
"This is going to be the best value Grand Cherokee we've ever had," explained Bradshaw, who expects the new model to "open up the market" against Territory and Kluger explicitly -- although not just those two alone.
The Grand Cherokee has not gone low-rent to match the medium SUVs. If anything, the new model is significantly improved in numerous ways, not least of all the new 3.6-litre 'Pentastar' V6 engine -- a powerplant that produces 90 per cent of its peak torque from 1600 right through to 6000rpm. Output figures are 210kW of power and 347Nm of torque, measured against combined-cycle fuel consumption of 11.4L/100km.
Then there's also the slinky styling and the admirable interior design -- the first occasion a Jeep has been developed by Chrysler's new in-house design studio, according to Bradshaw.
"It's very intuitive once you get into it..." said Bradshaw about the new interior layout, "what you see is what you get."
While the interior is certainly a step in the right direction for the Jeep brand and the Grand Cherokee in particular, it's not the end of the story for the luxury model.
"The Grand Cherokee is the first product of the new Chrysler organisation," said Bradshaw. "It sets the tone for new products you're going to see in the future."
Riding on four-wheel independent suspension -- a first for the Grand Cherokee -- the new model remains highly capable offroad, but has raised the bar for touring as well. Chrysler is offering Australian-delivered Grand Cherokees with the option ($3250) of Quadra-Lift air suspension, which the company's sales manager, Veronica Johns anticipates will be taken up by the vast majority of Grand Cherokee owners buying during the first year.
Bradshaw declared that the new Jeep "brings on-road dynamics to a whole new level" and will provide a "premium ownership experience".
Contributing to that experience is the new model's double-bulkhead design and double-isolated suspension to reduce NVH. For offroad work, the Grand Cherokee provides Jeep's 'Selec-Terrain' on-demand system to adjust the vehicle's ride height and drive system to suit five different terrains.
The range has launched in Australia with a choice of three levels of trim and two engines. For the moment, there's no diesel option, although a V6 oiler is on the way and is expected within two to three months. The optional 5.7-litre V8 (standard for the Grand Cherokee Overland) develops 259kW of power and 520Nm of torque, versus fuel consumption of 14.1L/100km.
Both engines drive through a standard five-speed automatic and Jeep's Quadratrac II four-wheel drive system. The constant four-wheel drive system features a centre differential and electronically-controlled clutch pack with open diffs front and rear. Quadra-Drive II -- an electronically-regulated limited-slip rear differential -- can be ordered either as standard for the Grand Cherokee Overland or as an option for the Grand Cherokee Limited. It's part of an 'Offroad Adventure Group' option pack also comprising 18-inch alloy wheels and a underbody protection for $1950.
Steering is a power-assisted rack-and-pinion setup, with the Grand Cherokee capable prescribing an 11.6m turning circle. Brakes are ventilated discs at the front, solid discs behind. Ground clearance (with steel springs) is 218mm or it can range from 205m to 270mm with the air suspension that's standard for the Overland, optional for the other variants. Chrysler claims that the standard range of ride heights available for the air suspension (with the twist of a knob in the Select-Terrain system) provides better than two inches of lift (66mm raised), but the vehicle can also sit lower in the Sports mode (13mm) or lower still when parked.
Approach, departure and breakover angles vary according to whether the vehicle is riding on air suspension or steel springs. Approach angles are 25 to 34 degrees for the air-suspended models, 26 degrees with steel springs. Departure angles are 23 to 37 degrees for air, 24 degrees for steel and the breakover angles are 18 to 23 degrees for air, 19 degrees for steel.
The base-grade model, the Grand Cherokee Laredo, is only available with the Pentastar V6 at a price of $45,000. As standard, the base model comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, auto-on/off bi-xenon headlights, electrically-heated/adjustable/folding mirrors, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, heated front seats, eight-way electrically adjustable front seats with four-way lumbar adjustment, reach/rake adjustment for steering column, leather-bound steering wheel, cloth seat trim, trip computer, voice recognition, Bluetooth connectivity, reversing camera, keyless start/entry, tyre pressure monitoring system and 30-gig HDD/CD/DVD audio system with six speakers.
"This vehicle [the Grand Cherokee Laredo] is certainly going to target the heart of the market," Bradshaw observed.
Holding the fort in the midrange is the Grand Cherokee Limited, priced at $55,000 for the V6 variant or $60,000 powered by the 5.7-litre HEMI V8. Standard features in this level of trim include: 20-inch alloy wheels, heavily tinted rear/quarter windows, two-position memory for seats/mirrors/steering wheel, Capri leather seat trim, heated second-row seats and nine-speakers for audio system.
Topping the range is the Grand Cherokee Overland, priced at $69,500 and powered by the standard 5.7-litre V8. Over the equipment fitted to the Limited variants, the Grand Cherokee Overland features as standard Command View panoramic sunroof, powered tailgate, Nappa leather seat trim, ventilated front seats, wood/leather steering wheel and satellite navigation.
Safety features offered across the range comprise: rain-sensing wipers, front airbags, side-impact front airbags, side curtain airbags with integrated roll-detection, knee airbag for driver, electronic stability control, Brake Assist, traction control, Electronic Roll Mitigation, Trailer Sway Control, Rain Brake Support, Ready Alert Braking, Electronic Brake Distribution and tyre pressure monitoring. The Grand Cherokee Limited adds front/rear ultrasonic parking sensors with acoustic guidance and the Grand Cherokee Overland gains: Adaptive Cruise Control (not available at launch), Blind Spot Monitoring/Rear Cross-Path Detection (not available at launch), Forward Collision Warning (not available at launch) and alarm system.
Built in Chrysler's Jefferson North Assembly plant in Detroit, the new Grand Cherokee goes on sale in Australia from February 1.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at cars games ales' mobile site...
Anxiety high on agenda
Range anxiety is a serious issue in the uptake and usage of electric cars, says Ford
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Ford will use smart systems to build drivers' confidence in the usability of its electric cars.
Speaking at this week's Detroit electric vehicle media workshop, Ford's Electrified Vehicle Planning Manager Chris Pick (pictured) detailed smart range-defining systems as a key component in giving electric and plug-in hybrid car drivers the confidence to purchase and use their cars.
Though Pick studiously avoided using the term range anxiety in his initial presentation, he conceded it was a major stumbling block in the acceptance and appropriate utilization of electric vehicles.
"It's [range anxiety] the most significant behavior change we face," Pick stated manner of factly.
"No customer going into a showroom today, with a very, very small number of exceptions, has driven a battery electric vehicle on a frequent basis. There are lots of reports and discussion out there [but] until customers have had real world experience and there are an aggregated number of users, it's going to continue to be a significant concern for customers," he said.
Pick says Ford will use high-spec versions of it's MyFordTouch onboard infotainment and information system to empower users of its electric cars.
"[Range Anxiety] is part of the reason we have put so much emphasis into our [battery electric vehicle and plug-in hybrids] Human Machine Interface [controls] and into our ability to communicate the right information to the customer in the way they want to get it.
"And to be able to communicate that information to them wherever they are -- whether they are in their car or outside of the car. [This will] Give them confidence so that as they gain confidence in their charge surplus they can alleviate some of that range anxiety and understand with as much detail as possible the best way to take advantage of their vehicle."
In addition to coaching functions that will encourage drivers to drive economically and properly exploit the cars' regenerative braking systems, Ford's green vehicles will use data such as vehicle position and distance to nearby charging stations to calculate and display "surplus" driving range.
Pick says driver confidence will be especially important in multiple-vehicle families or fleets where the driver has a choice of operating a conventionally engined car or EV.
The MyFord Touch systems will be standard in an estimated 80 per cent of Ford models (electric, hybrid and conventional) in the USA over the next five years or so. The system is powered by software developed in conjunction with computer giant Microsoft. In conventionally powered vehicles the system delivers simple functions such as climate control but also packs voice activated entertainment and navigation systems as well as wifi internet connectivity.
In addition to the normal onboard functions, the system will also deliver data on electric and plug-in hybrid models' status remotely.
As well as checking on charge levels and charging rates, the drivers of Ford's highest tech models will even be able to precondition the vehicles' cabins while still plugged into the grid. This reduces the load on the electric air-conditioning and heating systems used in the vehicles thus limiting their impact of EV range.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
discount new cars » Get the best price on a new Ford
Ford will use smart systems to build drivers' confidence in the usability of its electric cars.
Speaking at this week's Detroit electric vehicle media workshop, Ford's Electrified Vehicle Planning Manager Chris Pick (pictured) detailed smart range-defining systems as a key component in giving electric and plug-in hybrid car drivers the confidence to purchase and use their cars.
Though Pick studiously avoided using the term range anxiety in his initial presentation, he conceded it was a major stumbling block in the acceptance and appropriate utilization of electric vehicles.
"It's [range anxiety] the most significant behavior change we face," Pick stated manner of factly.
"No customer going into a showroom today, with a very, very small number of exceptions, has driven a battery electric vehicle on a frequent basis. There are lots of reports and discussion out there [but] until customers have had real world experience and there are an aggregated number of users, it's going to continue to be a significant concern for customers," he said.
Pick says Ford will use high-spec versions of it's MyFordTouch onboard infotainment and information system to empower users of its electric cars.
"[Range Anxiety] is part of the reason we have put so much emphasis into our [battery electric vehicle and plug-in hybrids] Human Machine Interface [controls] and into our ability to communicate the right information to the customer in the way they want to get it.
"And to be able to communicate that information to them wherever they are -- whether they are in their car or outside of the car. [This will] Give them confidence so that as they gain confidence in their charge surplus they can alleviate some of that range anxiety and understand with as much detail as possible the best way to take advantage of their vehicle."
In addition to coaching functions that will encourage drivers to drive economically and properly exploit the cars' regenerative braking systems, Ford's green vehicles will use data such as vehicle position and distance to nearby charging stations to calculate and display "surplus" driving range.
Pick says driver confidence will be especially important in multiple-vehicle families or fleets where the driver has a choice of operating a conventionally engined car or EV.
The MyFord Touch systems will be standard in an estimated 80 per cent of Ford models (electric, hybrid and conventional) in the USA over the next five years or so. The system is powered by software developed in conjunction with computer giant Microsoft. In conventionally powered vehicles the system delivers simple functions such as climate control but also packs voice activated entertainment and navigation systems as well as wifi internet connectivity.
In addition to the normal onboard functions, the system will also deliver data on electric and plug-in hybrid models' status remotely.
As well as checking on charge levels and charging rates, the drivers of Ford's highest tech models will even be able to precondition the vehicles' cabins while still plugged into the grid. This reduces the load on the electric air-conditioning and heating systems used in the vehicles thus limiting their impact of EV range.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
Honda extends green purchasing guidelines to cover global operations
In 2009, Honda implemented a green purchasing policy extending right through its supplier matrix in Japan. Now it's set to go worldwide...
discount new cars » Get the best price on a new Honda
Honda has announced plans to extend the green purchasing guidelines introduced in Japan in 2009 to cover its operations around the world.
The guidelines, formulated with the company's supplier network, extend its capacity to audit in ever finer detail its own environmental footprint in keeping with ISO 14001 environmental management standards. The guidelines extend past primary suppliers through multiple degrees of separation along its supply chain.
At its local headquarters in Melbourne, the company runs regular audits to ensure it remains compliant not just with the ISO standards but its own recycling and waste management programs. These include exensive recycling of office paper and plastics, mobile phones and other electronics that would otherwise end up in landfill, and transport and warehouse materials.
Last year saw 32.5 tonnes of timber pallets converted to mulch for use in public recreational areas. Hundreds of mobile phone handsets and other electronic equipment went to electronics and computer recycling specialist MRI Australia along with 12kg of alkaline batteries and hundreds of fluorescent tubes.
The company's national parts warehouse invoicing system has also gone paperless with the introduction of barcoding, cutting paper use by an estimated 700,000 pages a year. It has also embarked on a program with outdoor advertising specialist Adshel to recycle backlit poster skins used in bus shelters and the like - they end up as milk crates, compost bins and worm farms. For its brochures, the company has shifted to paper stock comprising an 80:20 mix of post consumer fibre and new pulp derived from sustainably managed forests, manufactured by an ISO 14001 certified mill and certified chlorine free.
The guiding principles behind the policy date back to 1992, when Honda released what amounted to an environmental mission statement to which it has tied its strategies and activities since:
"We should pursue our daily business interests under the following principles:
- We will strive to recycle materials and conserve natural resources and energy at every stage of our products' life cycle - from research, design, production and sales, to service and disposal.
- We will strive to minimize and find appropriate methods to dispose of waste and contaminants that are produced through the use of our products, and in every stage of the life cycle of these products.
- As both a member of the company and society, each associate will focus on the importance of making efforts to preserve human health and the global environment, and will do his or her part to ensure that the company as a whole acts responsibly.
- We will consider the influence that our corporate activities have on the regional environment and society, and endeavor to improve the social standing of the company."
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site
discount new cars » Get the best price on a new Honda
Honda has announced plans to extend the green purchasing guidelines introduced in Japan in 2009 to cover its operations around the world.
The guidelines, formulated with the company's supplier network, extend its capacity to audit in ever finer detail its own environmental footprint in keeping with ISO 14001 environmental management standards. The guidelines extend past primary suppliers through multiple degrees of separation along its supply chain.
At its local headquarters in Melbourne, the company runs regular audits to ensure it remains compliant not just with the ISO standards but its own recycling and waste management programs. These include exensive recycling of office paper and plastics, mobile phones and other electronics that would otherwise end up in landfill, and transport and warehouse materials.
Last year saw 32.5 tonnes of timber pallets converted to mulch for use in public recreational areas. Hundreds of mobile phone handsets and other electronic equipment went to electronics and computer recycling specialist MRI Australia along with 12kg of alkaline batteries and hundreds of fluorescent tubes.
The company's national parts warehouse invoicing system has also gone paperless with the introduction of barcoding, cutting paper use by an estimated 700,000 pages a year. It has also embarked on a program with outdoor advertising specialist Adshel to recycle backlit poster skins used in bus shelters and the like - they end up as milk crates, compost bins and worm farms. For its brochures, the company has shifted to paper stock comprising an 80:20 mix of post consumer fibre and new pulp derived from sustainably managed forests, manufactured by an ISO 14001 certified mill and certified chlorine free.
The guiding principles behind the policy date back to 1992, when Honda released what amounted to an environmental mission statement to which it has tied its strategies and activities since:
"We should pursue our daily business interests under the following principles:
- We will strive to recycle materials and conserve natural resources and energy at every stage of our products' life cycle - from research, design, production and sales, to service and disposal.
- We will strive to minimize and find appropriate methods to dispose of waste and contaminants that are produced through the use of our products, and in every stage of the life cycle of these products.
- As both a member of the company and society, each associate will focus on the importance of making efforts to preserve human health and the global environment, and will do his or her part to ensure that the company as a whole acts responsibly.
- We will consider the influence that our corporate activities have on the regional environment and society, and endeavor to improve the social standing of the company."
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site
Thứ Sáu, 16 tháng 3, 2012
CN CONFIDENTIAL: Samsung's Sydney sortie
The harbour city plays host to an unusual visitor, Benz spokesperson has his say on prestige pricing and journo's poor judgement hits Mazda for 6
Whether it's from the www, the latest motor show or the back doors of a carmaker near you, Carsales Network Confidential features the good oil other sources either won't publish, don't care about or don't know. Heard an automotive rumour or new model tip? Then let us know - editor@carpoint.com.au
Sydney backdrop for Samsung photo shoot?
It happens every once in a while... a company will decide to film a TV commercial in Australia for an as yet unreleased car.
The current BMW 7 Series was spotted in South Yarra back in 2008 -- over 12 months before the car's local launch.
On one other occasion a film crew from overseas turned up in Melbourne's Docklands precinct to put together a TV commercial for a new Nissan -- and the local Nissan management team reportedly heard about it only after the film crew had been and gone.
Now, as observed by regular reader Derek Mascarenhas, a company that doesn't even sell cars in Australia has dispatched a car to Sydney. The vehicle in question is a Samsung SM5, a small ('C segment') sedan that has only been sold in South Korea, to date. Samsung, possibly better known here for consumer electronics, is owned by Renault and builds the Koleos for the French company.
Renault has consistently argued against importing the products of another budget-brand subsidiary, Dacia, to Australia, so we think it's unlikely that the Samsung marque will make it here as a stand-alone operation -- but who knows what the future holds?
Brickbats for 'briquettes'
David McCarthy is not known to back away from a fight. As Senior Manager Corporate Communications for Mercedes-Benz, he has been a vigorous defender of his employer's position in all things.
When Benz announced the release of the facelifted R 350 CDI last week, he was straight on the phone to point out that the new R-Class variant represented a $12,000 improvement in value for the buyer -- a point likely to be missed by vocal opponents of alleged 'rip-off prices' charged by prestige importers.
McCarthy had noted with interest the Carsales Network's interview with Audi MD Uwe Hagen the week before and was prepared to offer broad support for the points made by Hagen at the time.
"I would say to those ill-informed people who don't do their research -- who don't compare model for model -- and that make an assumption that our prices are unreasonable, they actually need to compare apples with apples, not pineapples with briquettes," he said.
McCarthy, speaking in the specific case of Benz, explained that the importer had been steadily reducing the purchase price or enhancing the standard equipment of its products for the past five years -- at least.
"These value equations that we do; there's not been one case, one model, that we've released in the last four years where there hasn't been at least a four-figure -- and in some cases five-figure -- customer value advantage over the previous model."
With Benz introducing cars at prices actually lower than anticipated, there has been a domino effect among the company's competitors. The price announced for the W204 C 63 AMG led Lexus to revisit the pricing of its IS F model, for instance.
McCarthy lent support to Hagen's views and suggested that buyers genuinely concerned about the cost of a new prestige vehicle could look closer at the part the federal government has to play in the on-road price.
"I think what the Audi chap [Uwe Hagen] said is absolutely right. There's significant cost -- and if people want to point the bone at additional cost, I suggest they point it at Canberra. There is not harmony in safety regulations and emission requirements and fuel requirements with Europe or America," he explained.
It was McCarthy's further contention that people complaining about the price of new cars were drawing an analogy with the cost of a holiday overseas -- often their only personal exposure to the impact of currency exchange rate fluctuations on a budget. And a two-week holiday is a very different proposition from buying an inventory of cars to last a dealer network a year or more.
"Our currency is bought a long time forward and that has a cost as well. We're buying motor vehicles, we're not getting on a Jetstar flight to Bali. We're not buying a small amount of currency for the next two weeks..."
Globally, Benz has turned a profit in the last year, after a posting a loss a year earlier. Even so, the profit for 2010 was a fraction of the sort of profit a milkbar owner can earn from a chocolate bar.
"We're a long way from being the most profitable industry in the world. It's high turnover..."
McCarthy leaves the statement hanging, but the clear conclusion is that the profit doesn't reflect anything like the revenue. Precise figures for Daimler AG last year were €97.8 billion group revenue, versus Net profit of €4.7 billion. At least that's better than savings account interest -- for those who still remember that concept.
I brake for no one - but myself
When a car company -- let's call it 'Mazda' -- lays on an opportunity to drive a high-tech pre-production car in the safe environment of a local racetrack, who wouldn't grab said opportunity with both hands?
But surely some degree of commonsense would prevail among those invited to drive the car, wouldn't you think?
The occasion was the first local drive of the TPV pre-production car with the new SKYACTIV-D engine; the venue was Sandown racetrack to the south-east of Melbourne.
Mazda brought along two current-model Mazda6 variants as benchmarks for the TPV. One of the cars was a diesel with a manual transmission and the other was powered by the 2.5-litre petrol engine driving through an automatic transmission.
Now Steve Maciver, Mazda's PR manager, let the journalists involved know well in advance of driving the TPV that speed should be limited to 150km/h and that it should be treated with kid gloves. The replacement cost for this hand-built vehicle, we were later told, would be $300,000.
In fairness to the journalists there on the day, the TPV survived unscathed. But bearing in mind that the TPV couldn't/shouldn't be driven at race speeds, where was the logic in driving the nuts off the two production cars?
One unnamed journalist was plainly driving the two production vehicles at what passed for '10/10ths' -- in his mind. By the time it was the turn of the Carsales Network's representative to drive the diesel, the brakes were literally smoking and the petrol car's brakes packed up with what was diagnosed by a Mazda technician as a warped disc.
Just because Mazda has chosen a racetrack for a venue doesn't mean that the cars have to be driven in an abusive manner. Sandown is a relatively open track and the Mazdas were unlikely to be reaching the sort of high speeds that required such heavy braking. And if the company wanted some speed freak to set a new land-speed record, the event management staff wouldn't have placed chicanes of witches' hats on both straights, would they?
If it all sounds like sour grapes on our part, it wasn't just the Carsales writer put out by the thoughtless driving of the person concerned. Half the media contingent was yet to drive the cars at that point and Mazda had to cast around for a spare petrol model to stand in for the car that retired, hors d' combat.
We're not actually opposed to giving a car a bit of stick in a closed environment like Sandown, but if a driver is sharing the car with others on the day, surely a duty of care is implicit in his or her use of the vehicle?
Toyota lines up for Amarok?
One of the interesting rumours -- but not altogether surprising if true -- at the Volkswagen Amarok launch in Tassie was the one concerning the first of VW's impressive new light commercial vehicles to touch down here.
Word has it that the first customer for the Amarok, well ahead of the vehicle's official launch, was Toyota...
Opel no threat in Oz, says local VW chief
Volkswagen's local MD, Anke Koeckler is nonchalant about fellow German brand -- and GM property -- Opel entering the local market.
While it's standard operating procedure for the any company boss to talk up her (or his) own brand, it's fairly clear that Koeckler's lack of concern comes from a place beyond the normal promotional and marketing hype from a car company on the ascendancy.
Her attitude towards Opel stems from her German market perception of the GM brand, which was on the cusp of being sold during the GFC -- before GM had a change of heart and decided to retain the iconic company.
"There was a big uncertainty for the [German] customer," said Koeckler, referring to the domestic market's response to the news that Opel was one of the companies GM was looking to offload during its fire sale period around the time it was facing Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings.
As she explained, Opel was once -- about 15 years ago -- a serious competitor to Volkswagen, but in the post-GFC era the company's sales volumes have plummeted. When it was put to her that her 'native' point of view was colouring her assessment of how well the Opel brand will go in Australia, she had other points to make.
It takes a long time to establish a new brand in a country. Fiat and Renault aren't even 'new' brands, properly speaking, but those two companies have failed to gain traction since re-entering the local market after abandoning Australia years earlier. Opel has effectively no history in the country, other than among Holden enthusiasts who recognise the German company's input in the design of the Commodore and the production of some imported products. Even then, we surmise, Holden enthusiasts who recall the German origins of the VB Commodore might be thinking that it was the car that Holden "fixed" after Opel failed to build it strong enough for Australia.
"It won't hurt," said Koeckler about Opel entering the market -- on the basis that the brand has nothing like VW's brand profile here and it's unlikely that all but the very best-informed buyers will even consider one a competitor to the other.
Koeckler foresees problems ahead for GM, when it comes to distinguishing the Holden and Opel brands in Australia. With Holden providing some of the backroom support for Opel and its distribution network, there are bound to be some multi-franchise dealers selling both Holden and Opel products. Opel Astra too expensive? Sell the buyer a Cruze instead... Corsa in short supply? Sell the buyer a Barina instead.
And it may work the other way too, with Opel potentially cannibalizing Holden sales.
"Is it worth it?" Koeckler asked rhetorically, suggesting that a new brand in the country, supported by Holden, would have to work hard in the short term just to shift 5000 units per annum -- a figure that's roughly commensurate with what long-established brand Peugeot has managed to achieve over the past two years. It's Koeckler's contention that a mass-market brand like Holden possibly wouldn't want the added burden of a struggling, largely unknown brand on its plate.
And it's entirely possible that Koeckler speaks from experience, because most of the problems she presents for Holden and Opel sound like they've been written from the Volkswagen and Skoda script, we would suggest...
Holden pays homage to engineer of "Australia's Own Car"
Holden lost the last remaining engineer to have worked on the original 48-215 (later known as the FX) this week, Mr Jack Rawnsley.
Considered royalty among Holden employees past and present, Mr Rawnsley passed away on Monday aged 99. He will be remembered as one of a small team of Australia's best engineers sent to Detroit in 1945 to help develop the foundations for "Australia's Own Car".
After three years in the States, Mr Rawnsley returned to Australia to oversee the 48-215's design, and ensure the vehicle was capable of enduring our country's harsh conditions -- a quality Holden has been proud of ever since.
"Jack and his colleagues were true pioneers and paved the way not just for Holden's success, but the Australian automotive industry as a whole," said current Holden chairman and managing director, Mike Devereux.
"With Jack's sad passing we lose a cherished link with our past. But a daily reminder of his extraordinary work is his legacy of designing, engineering and manufacturing the best possible cars for Australian motorists."
The Carsales Network joins Holden in extending our deepest sympathies to Mr Rawnsley's daughter Brenda, son John, extended family members and friends.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
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Whether it's from the www, the latest motor show or the back doors of a carmaker near you, Carsales Network Confidential features the good oil other sources either won't publish, don't care about or don't know. Heard an automotive rumour or new model tip? Then let us know - editor@carpoint.com.au
Sydney backdrop for Samsung photo shoot?
It happens every once in a while... a company will decide to film a TV commercial in Australia for an as yet unreleased car.
The current BMW 7 Series was spotted in South Yarra back in 2008 -- over 12 months before the car's local launch.
On one other occasion a film crew from overseas turned up in Melbourne's Docklands precinct to put together a TV commercial for a new Nissan -- and the local Nissan management team reportedly heard about it only after the film crew had been and gone.
Now, as observed by regular reader Derek Mascarenhas, a company that doesn't even sell cars in Australia has dispatched a car to Sydney. The vehicle in question is a Samsung SM5, a small ('C segment') sedan that has only been sold in South Korea, to date. Samsung, possibly better known here for consumer electronics, is owned by Renault and builds the Koleos for the French company.
Renault has consistently argued against importing the products of another budget-brand subsidiary, Dacia, to Australia, so we think it's unlikely that the Samsung marque will make it here as a stand-alone operation -- but who knows what the future holds?
Brickbats for 'briquettes'
David McCarthy is not known to back away from a fight. As Senior Manager Corporate Communications for Mercedes-Benz, he has been a vigorous defender of his employer's position in all things.
When Benz announced the release of the facelifted R 350 CDI last week, he was straight on the phone to point out that the new R-Class variant represented a $12,000 improvement in value for the buyer -- a point likely to be missed by vocal opponents of alleged 'rip-off prices' charged by prestige importers.
McCarthy had noted with interest the Carsales Network's interview with Audi MD Uwe Hagen the week before and was prepared to offer broad support for the points made by Hagen at the time.
"I would say to those ill-informed people who don't do their research -- who don't compare model for model -- and that make an assumption that our prices are unreasonable, they actually need to compare apples with apples, not pineapples with briquettes," he said.
McCarthy, speaking in the specific case of Benz, explained that the importer had been steadily reducing the purchase price or enhancing the standard equipment of its products for the past five years -- at least.
"These value equations that we do; there's not been one case, one model, that we've released in the last four years where there hasn't been at least a four-figure -- and in some cases five-figure -- customer value advantage over the previous model."
With Benz introducing cars at prices actually lower than anticipated, there has been a domino effect among the company's competitors. The price announced for the W204 C 63 AMG led Lexus to revisit the pricing of its IS F model, for instance.
McCarthy lent support to Hagen's views and suggested that buyers genuinely concerned about the cost of a new prestige vehicle could look closer at the part the federal government has to play in the on-road price.
"I think what the Audi chap [Uwe Hagen] said is absolutely right. There's significant cost -- and if people want to point the bone at additional cost, I suggest they point it at Canberra. There is not harmony in safety regulations and emission requirements and fuel requirements with Europe or America," he explained.
It was McCarthy's further contention that people complaining about the price of new cars were drawing an analogy with the cost of a holiday overseas -- often their only personal exposure to the impact of currency exchange rate fluctuations on a budget. And a two-week holiday is a very different proposition from buying an inventory of cars to last a dealer network a year or more.
"Our currency is bought a long time forward and that has a cost as well. We're buying motor vehicles, we're not getting on a Jetstar flight to Bali. We're not buying a small amount of currency for the next two weeks..."
Globally, Benz has turned a profit in the last year, after a posting a loss a year earlier. Even so, the profit for 2010 was a fraction of the sort of profit a milkbar owner can earn from a chocolate bar.
"We're a long way from being the most profitable industry in the world. It's high turnover..."
McCarthy leaves the statement hanging, but the clear conclusion is that the profit doesn't reflect anything like the revenue. Precise figures for Daimler AG last year were €97.8 billion group revenue, versus Net profit of €4.7 billion. At least that's better than savings account interest -- for those who still remember that concept.
I brake for no one - but myself
When a car company -- let's call it 'Mazda' -- lays on an opportunity to drive a high-tech pre-production car in the safe environment of a local racetrack, who wouldn't grab said opportunity with both hands?
But surely some degree of commonsense would prevail among those invited to drive the car, wouldn't you think?
The occasion was the first local drive of the TPV pre-production car with the new SKYACTIV-D engine; the venue was Sandown racetrack to the south-east of Melbourne.
Mazda brought along two current-model Mazda6 variants as benchmarks for the TPV. One of the cars was a diesel with a manual transmission and the other was powered by the 2.5-litre petrol engine driving through an automatic transmission.
Now Steve Maciver, Mazda's PR manager, let the journalists involved know well in advance of driving the TPV that speed should be limited to 150km/h and that it should be treated with kid gloves. The replacement cost for this hand-built vehicle, we were later told, would be $300,000.
In fairness to the journalists there on the day, the TPV survived unscathed. But bearing in mind that the TPV couldn't/shouldn't be driven at race speeds, where was the logic in driving the nuts off the two production cars?
One unnamed journalist was plainly driving the two production vehicles at what passed for '10/10ths' -- in his mind. By the time it was the turn of the Carsales Network's representative to drive the diesel, the brakes were literally smoking and the petrol car's brakes packed up with what was diagnosed by a Mazda technician as a warped disc.
Just because Mazda has chosen a racetrack for a venue doesn't mean that the cars have to be driven in an abusive manner. Sandown is a relatively open track and the Mazdas were unlikely to be reaching the sort of high speeds that required such heavy braking. And if the company wanted some speed freak to set a new land-speed record, the event management staff wouldn't have placed chicanes of witches' hats on both straights, would they?
If it all sounds like sour grapes on our part, it wasn't just the Carsales writer put out by the thoughtless driving of the person concerned. Half the media contingent was yet to drive the cars at that point and Mazda had to cast around for a spare petrol model to stand in for the car that retired, hors d' combat.
We're not actually opposed to giving a car a bit of stick in a closed environment like Sandown, but if a driver is sharing the car with others on the day, surely a duty of care is implicit in his or her use of the vehicle?
Toyota lines up for Amarok?
One of the interesting rumours -- but not altogether surprising if true -- at the Volkswagen Amarok launch in Tassie was the one concerning the first of VW's impressive new light commercial vehicles to touch down here.
Word has it that the first customer for the Amarok, well ahead of the vehicle's official launch, was Toyota...
Opel no threat in Oz, says local VW chief
Volkswagen's local MD, Anke Koeckler is nonchalant about fellow German brand -- and GM property -- Opel entering the local market.
While it's standard operating procedure for the any company boss to talk up her (or his) own brand, it's fairly clear that Koeckler's lack of concern comes from a place beyond the normal promotional and marketing hype from a car company on the ascendancy.
Her attitude towards Opel stems from her German market perception of the GM brand, which was on the cusp of being sold during the GFC -- before GM had a change of heart and decided to retain the iconic company.
"There was a big uncertainty for the [German] customer," said Koeckler, referring to the domestic market's response to the news that Opel was one of the companies GM was looking to offload during its fire sale period around the time it was facing Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings.
As she explained, Opel was once -- about 15 years ago -- a serious competitor to Volkswagen, but in the post-GFC era the company's sales volumes have plummeted. When it was put to her that her 'native' point of view was colouring her assessment of how well the Opel brand will go in Australia, she had other points to make.
It takes a long time to establish a new brand in a country. Fiat and Renault aren't even 'new' brands, properly speaking, but those two companies have failed to gain traction since re-entering the local market after abandoning Australia years earlier. Opel has effectively no history in the country, other than among Holden enthusiasts who recognise the German company's input in the design of the Commodore and the production of some imported products. Even then, we surmise, Holden enthusiasts who recall the German origins of the VB Commodore might be thinking that it was the car that Holden "fixed" after Opel failed to build it strong enough for Australia.
"It won't hurt," said Koeckler about Opel entering the market -- on the basis that the brand has nothing like VW's brand profile here and it's unlikely that all but the very best-informed buyers will even consider one a competitor to the other.
Koeckler foresees problems ahead for GM, when it comes to distinguishing the Holden and Opel brands in Australia. With Holden providing some of the backroom support for Opel and its distribution network, there are bound to be some multi-franchise dealers selling both Holden and Opel products. Opel Astra too expensive? Sell the buyer a Cruze instead... Corsa in short supply? Sell the buyer a Barina instead.
And it may work the other way too, with Opel potentially cannibalizing Holden sales.
"Is it worth it?" Koeckler asked rhetorically, suggesting that a new brand in the country, supported by Holden, would have to work hard in the short term just to shift 5000 units per annum -- a figure that's roughly commensurate with what long-established brand Peugeot has managed to achieve over the past two years. It's Koeckler's contention that a mass-market brand like Holden possibly wouldn't want the added burden of a struggling, largely unknown brand on its plate.
And it's entirely possible that Koeckler speaks from experience, because most of the problems she presents for Holden and Opel sound like they've been written from the Volkswagen and Skoda script, we would suggest...
Holden pays homage to engineer of "Australia's Own Car"
Holden lost the last remaining engineer to have worked on the original 48-215 (later known as the FX) this week, Mr Jack Rawnsley.
Considered royalty among Holden employees past and present, Mr Rawnsley passed away on Monday aged 99. He will be remembered as one of a small team of Australia's best engineers sent to Detroit in 1945 to help develop the foundations for "Australia's Own Car".
After three years in the States, Mr Rawnsley returned to Australia to oversee the 48-215's design, and ensure the vehicle was capable of enduring our country's harsh conditions -- a quality Holden has been proud of ever since.
"Jack and his colleagues were true pioneers and paved the way not just for Holden's success, but the Australian automotive industry as a whole," said current Holden chairman and managing director, Mike Devereux.
"With Jack's sad passing we lose a cherished link with our past. But a daily reminder of his extraordinary work is his legacy of designing, engineering and manufacturing the best possible cars for Australian motorists."
The Carsales Network joins Holden in extending our deepest sympathies to Mr Rawnsley's daughter Brenda, son John, extended family members and friends.
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Wind-charged EV completes trans-Australia trip
Germany's high-tech Wind Explorer makes a near-5000 km journey across Australia in 18 days -- on less than $15 worth of power
Two German adventurers have (literally) slipped quietly into Sydney concluding a 4800 km cross-country trip in a lightweight electric and wind-powered car.
Engineer Stefan Simmerer and television broadcaster Dirk Gion took 18 days to pilot the Wind Explorer from the southern WA town of Albany to Sydney. Along the way, they took in three new records. This is the first full crossing of a continent by a vehicle powered by wind. It's also the longest overall distance yet covered by an exclusively wind-powered land vehicle, and the car achieved the longest distance covered by such a vehicle in 36 hours.
The Wind Explorer was shipped together in just a few months with the help of German industrial chemicals giant Evonik. It looks like an aerodynamic billycart, riding on skinny bicycle-style wheels, outboard up front, inboard astern. In fact, it's something of a high-tech tour de force, albeit an esoteric one. The wheels and tyres were selected for low rolling resistance, and its aluminium frame is covered in Evonik-supplied Rohacell sandwich carbon fibre body panels. As a result, it keeps the weight down to just 200 kg, including its Li-ion battery pack.
But while it can be charged conventionally from the grid, the idea behind the Wind Explorer was to make the run with a carbon footprint as near zero as possible. The first pointer to how it does this pokes rudely from the car's posterior, in a pair of what look like those massive aftermarket exhausts you see on ageing WRXs and Evos.
In fact, they couldn't be further removed from it. For a start, they're made of lightweight bamboo. Taken from the body and screwed together like vacuum cleaner bits, they make up the six-metre telescopic mast for a portable wind-powered turbine generator. It takes about half an hour to put it all together. When wind conditions were appropriate, they used the turbine to recharge the 8 kW/h battery pack overnight. Also developed by Evonik, the battery pack is good for around 400 km on a charge. The experiment was useful for Evonik in endurance testing -- it was exposed to ambient temperatures of up to 60 degrees.
For those times when the winds are strong enough, the car even packs its own kite, operated from the passenger seat like one of those surfing kites. When conditions were right, it was pulling Simmerer and Gion along at up to 80 kph.
Leaving on January 26, the 800 km leg from Albany to the Nullarbor Plain was powered entirely by a mix of turbine- and grid-sourced electricity. With strong prevailing winds on the Nullarbor, Simmering and Gion were able to shift to kite power. January 31 saw the vehicle cover a whopping 493 km.
Predictably, the press release material declares the whole project a rousing success -- "pioneering spirit and German high-technology make a dream come true" etc. One important metric gives them reason to: the Wind Explorer carried the two men and at least some of their gear through WA, SA, Victoria and NSW on less than $15 worth of electricity.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
Two German adventurers have (literally) slipped quietly into Sydney concluding a 4800 km cross-country trip in a lightweight electric and wind-powered car.
Engineer Stefan Simmerer and television broadcaster Dirk Gion took 18 days to pilot the Wind Explorer from the southern WA town of Albany to Sydney. Along the way, they took in three new records. This is the first full crossing of a continent by a vehicle powered by wind. It's also the longest overall distance yet covered by an exclusively wind-powered land vehicle, and the car achieved the longest distance covered by such a vehicle in 36 hours.
The Wind Explorer was shipped together in just a few months with the help of German industrial chemicals giant Evonik. It looks like an aerodynamic billycart, riding on skinny bicycle-style wheels, outboard up front, inboard astern. In fact, it's something of a high-tech tour de force, albeit an esoteric one. The wheels and tyres were selected for low rolling resistance, and its aluminium frame is covered in Evonik-supplied Rohacell sandwich carbon fibre body panels. As a result, it keeps the weight down to just 200 kg, including its Li-ion battery pack.
But while it can be charged conventionally from the grid, the idea behind the Wind Explorer was to make the run with a carbon footprint as near zero as possible. The first pointer to how it does this pokes rudely from the car's posterior, in a pair of what look like those massive aftermarket exhausts you see on ageing WRXs and Evos.
In fact, they couldn't be further removed from it. For a start, they're made of lightweight bamboo. Taken from the body and screwed together like vacuum cleaner bits, they make up the six-metre telescopic mast for a portable wind-powered turbine generator. It takes about half an hour to put it all together. When wind conditions were appropriate, they used the turbine to recharge the 8 kW/h battery pack overnight. Also developed by Evonik, the battery pack is good for around 400 km on a charge. The experiment was useful for Evonik in endurance testing -- it was exposed to ambient temperatures of up to 60 degrees.
For those times when the winds are strong enough, the car even packs its own kite, operated from the passenger seat like one of those surfing kites. When conditions were right, it was pulling Simmerer and Gion along at up to 80 kph.
Leaving on January 26, the 800 km leg from Albany to the Nullarbor Plain was powered entirely by a mix of turbine- and grid-sourced electricity. With strong prevailing winds on the Nullarbor, Simmering and Gion were able to shift to kite power. January 31 saw the vehicle cover a whopping 493 km.
Predictably, the press release material declares the whole project a rousing success -- "pioneering spirit and German high-technology make a dream come true" etc. One important metric gives them reason to: the Wind Explorer carried the two men and at least some of their gear through WA, SA, Victoria and NSW on less than $15 worth of electricity.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
An icon turns 100
The famous Rolls-Royce Spirit of Ecstasy mascot was first revealed one hundred years ago this month
discount new cars » Get the best price on a new Rolls-Royce
This month marks the one hundredth anniversary of the most recognised, most iconic mascot in the motoring world: the Rolls-Royce Spirit of Ecstasy.
Nowadays, bonnet ornaments are the preserve of high-end cars games like Mercedes-Benz, Bentley and Jaguar. Once commonplace, they have dwindled to a handful, falling foul of styling, aerodynamics and safety requirements.
Rolls Royce cars were built from 1904, originally without any embellishment on their functional radiator caps -- but a fashion among wealthy owners saw increasingly wacky objects put up front and centre on their imposing cars.
Rolls-Royce MD Claude Johnson was instructed to find something more dignified that could be fitted by the RR factory and the Spirit of Ecstasy has been the Rolls-Royce mascot since 1911 -- and its history is the stuff of legend.
Rolls-Royce owner and aristocrat Lord Montagu of Beaulieu was an early motoring pioneer -- by 1902 he was Editor of The Car magazine and his ancestral mansion is now the home of the British National Motor museum.
Montagu had a secretary, Eleanor Thornton, who became his lover -- but as she was a commoner, they were unable to marry. Montagu had earlier commissioned a friend, sculptor Charles Sykes, to create a mascot for his Silver Ghost -- and Sykes used Eleanor as a model. He depicted a slender woman in fluttering robes holding a finger to her lips -- The Whisper, a private reference to their secret tryst.
Montagu introduced Johnson to Sykes and he reworked the Whisper into a figurine leaning forward into the wind of her progress, her outstretched arms trailing her robes
Initially, it was called the Spirit of Speed -- Ecstasy came later.
The statue had some nicknames too, perhaps the most common being simply the Silver Lady -- which gave rise to the rumour that the mascot was made of sterling silver, making it a target for thieves.
In fact, for three years it was silver-plated but then was nickelled to deter thieves. More recently The Silver Lady has been polished stainless steel. Gold versions are available at extra cost.
But Henry Royce, the surviving partner (Charles Rolls was killed in 1910 in Britain's first fatal air-crash) wasn't convinced that the new mascot was beneficial, suggesting it obscured the driver's view; until his death in 1933, Royce was very rarely seen driving a Motor-Car fitted with the mascot.
Although the intention was to replace individual mascots, the Silver Lady was an optional extra for about ten years. Sykes and his daughter made the mascots until 1948 when Rolls-Royce took over. Over time, eleven variations were made -- for some cars, the mascot was taller and for some models before 1934, she was kneeling.
On their Royal Phantoms, Princess (now Queen) Elizabeth and her sister Princess Margaret specified other mascots: Elizabeth chose St George on horseback, slaying a dragon, while her sister had Pegasus, the winged horse.
The latest mascot, for the Goodwood-built Phantoms, differs from all earlier mascots, being much smaller and lacking much of the original detail in face & clothing.
1970s safety rules required spring-loaded mascots to limit injury to pedestrian. This was later replaced by a sprung retracting mascot, which cut thefts.
Now, Phantom owners can retract their Silver Lady in 'mascot automatic mode' when the doors are locked. In 'mascot manual mode', the owner can choose to leave the mascot visible, or retract it, even while driving.
To celebrate the centenary, one hundred Rolls-Royces took to the streets of London. The convoy made its way past famous London landmarks such as Big Ben, Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus, passing places of significance for Rolls-Royce.
Included were the birthplace of Charles Rolls in Mayfair, the studio where Charles Sykes is thought to have created the Spirit of Ecstasy -- and Berkeley Square, the 21st century home of Rolls-Royce in London.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
discount new cars » Get the best price on a new Rolls-Royce
This month marks the one hundredth anniversary of the most recognised, most iconic mascot in the motoring world: the Rolls-Royce Spirit of Ecstasy.
Nowadays, bonnet ornaments are the preserve of high-end cars games like Mercedes-Benz, Bentley and Jaguar. Once commonplace, they have dwindled to a handful, falling foul of styling, aerodynamics and safety requirements.
Rolls Royce cars were built from 1904, originally without any embellishment on their functional radiator caps -- but a fashion among wealthy owners saw increasingly wacky objects put up front and centre on their imposing cars.
Rolls-Royce MD Claude Johnson was instructed to find something more dignified that could be fitted by the RR factory and the Spirit of Ecstasy has been the Rolls-Royce mascot since 1911 -- and its history is the stuff of legend.
Rolls-Royce owner and aristocrat Lord Montagu of Beaulieu was an early motoring pioneer -- by 1902 he was Editor of The Car magazine and his ancestral mansion is now the home of the British National Motor museum.
Montagu had a secretary, Eleanor Thornton, who became his lover -- but as she was a commoner, they were unable to marry. Montagu had earlier commissioned a friend, sculptor Charles Sykes, to create a mascot for his Silver Ghost -- and Sykes used Eleanor as a model. He depicted a slender woman in fluttering robes holding a finger to her lips -- The Whisper, a private reference to their secret tryst.
Montagu introduced Johnson to Sykes and he reworked the Whisper into a figurine leaning forward into the wind of her progress, her outstretched arms trailing her robes
Initially, it was called the Spirit of Speed -- Ecstasy came later.
The statue had some nicknames too, perhaps the most common being simply the Silver Lady -- which gave rise to the rumour that the mascot was made of sterling silver, making it a target for thieves.
In fact, for three years it was silver-plated but then was nickelled to deter thieves. More recently The Silver Lady has been polished stainless steel. Gold versions are available at extra cost.
But Henry Royce, the surviving partner (Charles Rolls was killed in 1910 in Britain's first fatal air-crash) wasn't convinced that the new mascot was beneficial, suggesting it obscured the driver's view; until his death in 1933, Royce was very rarely seen driving a Motor-Car fitted with the mascot.
Although the intention was to replace individual mascots, the Silver Lady was an optional extra for about ten years. Sykes and his daughter made the mascots until 1948 when Rolls-Royce took over. Over time, eleven variations were made -- for some cars, the mascot was taller and for some models before 1934, she was kneeling.
On their Royal Phantoms, Princess (now Queen) Elizabeth and her sister Princess Margaret specified other mascots: Elizabeth chose St George on horseback, slaying a dragon, while her sister had Pegasus, the winged horse.
The latest mascot, for the Goodwood-built Phantoms, differs from all earlier mascots, being much smaller and lacking much of the original detail in face & clothing.
1970s safety rules required spring-loaded mascots to limit injury to pedestrian. This was later replaced by a sprung retracting mascot, which cut thefts.
Now, Phantom owners can retract their Silver Lady in 'mascot automatic mode' when the doors are locked. In 'mascot manual mode', the owner can choose to leave the mascot visible, or retract it, even while driving.
To celebrate the centenary, one hundred Rolls-Royces took to the streets of London. The convoy made its way past famous London landmarks such as Big Ben, Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus, passing places of significance for Rolls-Royce.
Included were the birthplace of Charles Rolls in Mayfair, the studio where Charles Sykes is thought to have created the Spirit of Ecstasy -- and Berkeley Square, the 21st century home of Rolls-Royce in London.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
AMG C coupe faster than M3
AMG's head of development says the new Benz hot haus' coupe is faster than BMW's benchmark… And that's before the Black version
prestige new cars » Get the best price on a new Mercedes-Benz
Geneva International Motor Show
Things are about to hot up in the world of premium midsize performance cars. Shown to journalists on a strict 'no cameras' basis on the eve of the Geneva show last night, the AMG version of Mercedes-Benz's new C-Class coupe is claimed to be faster than BMW's benchmark M3.
The claim comes from AMG's Director of Vehicle Development Tobias Moers. Moers told the Carsales Network point blank the new two-door C-Class is "faster than the M3".
Moers stated in back to back testing that the new two-door C63 had recorded faster lap times around Hockenheim circuit than BMW's so far untouchable M.
"It is faster than the M3. I will say that," Moers told the Carsales Network.
The new coupe boasts many of the features of the updated sedan and wagon versions of AMG's "Bread and Butter" model. It features the new-to-C-Class-AMGs Speedshift MCT multiplate clutch automatic transmission as first used in the SL 63 and E 63 models.
Moers says that the hard parts of the gearbox are identical to the unit used in the E63. Only calibrations have changed. The gearbox retains the SL launch control mode.
He also claims the gearbox is superior in operation to twin-clutch gearboxes offered in some performance cars – including the M3.
"We have a twin clutch gearbox available to us in the SLS… But I would say the MCT is the perfect combination [for a road car like the C 63]. It is super sporty on the track and very comfortable in normal driving. This you cannot have in most twin clutches…"
The C-AMG coupe also benefits from significant suspension refinement, says Moers. New dampers and spring settings and major changes to the rear suspension's elastokinematics (how geometry alters as the wheels move through the suspension stroke) deliver higher grip levels, better steering response and better traction, Moers claims. The changes are shared across the now-three-car C 63 line-up.
The AMG coupe's body-in-white is the same as the cooking model C-Class Coupe which debuts in Geneva today. In typical AMG fashion there are bodywork tweaks, big wheels and unique front and bonnet panels. The AMG C-Class coupe won't steal the standards car's thunder, however. Mercedes made journalists check cameras at the door of the sneak peek session in a converted sewing machine factory in Geneva's south.
The Benz performance offshoot will not release images of the muscled up two-door until closer to its April New York Motor Show debut. But expect shots to leak in the coming days…
If Moers claim that the coupe is faster than the M3 around a racetrack is sure to whet the appetite of buyers and get the online forums humming, his refusal to rule out the addition of a hotter, lighter Black Series version of the car is sure to set them on fire.
AMG has sold three Black Series models to date: hardtop versions of the SLK 55 and SL 65 and the racetrack-focus CLK 63. AS there are no plans for an AMG version of the E-Class coupe, it seems almost certain now that Black badges will find their way onto the new two-door.
"We have said that a Black Series must be always a two-door. It will never be a four-door… Now, we have [a two-door C-Class]," Moers told the Carsales Network.
"It [a C-Class Black Series] may be your dream, I cannot say… But I would not say no," he said, grinning.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site
prestige new cars » Get the best price on a new Mercedes-Benz
Geneva International Motor Show
Things are about to hot up in the world of premium midsize performance cars. Shown to journalists on a strict 'no cameras' basis on the eve of the Geneva show last night, the AMG version of Mercedes-Benz's new C-Class coupe is claimed to be faster than BMW's benchmark M3.
The claim comes from AMG's Director of Vehicle Development Tobias Moers. Moers told the Carsales Network point blank the new two-door C-Class is "faster than the M3".
Moers stated in back to back testing that the new two-door C63 had recorded faster lap times around Hockenheim circuit than BMW's so far untouchable M.
"It is faster than the M3. I will say that," Moers told the Carsales Network.
The new coupe boasts many of the features of the updated sedan and wagon versions of AMG's "Bread and Butter" model. It features the new-to-C-Class-AMGs Speedshift MCT multiplate clutch automatic transmission as first used in the SL 63 and E 63 models.
Moers says that the hard parts of the gearbox are identical to the unit used in the E63. Only calibrations have changed. The gearbox retains the SL launch control mode.
He also claims the gearbox is superior in operation to twin-clutch gearboxes offered in some performance cars – including the M3.
"We have a twin clutch gearbox available to us in the SLS… But I would say the MCT is the perfect combination [for a road car like the C 63]. It is super sporty on the track and very comfortable in normal driving. This you cannot have in most twin clutches…"
The C-AMG coupe also benefits from significant suspension refinement, says Moers. New dampers and spring settings and major changes to the rear suspension's elastokinematics (how geometry alters as the wheels move through the suspension stroke) deliver higher grip levels, better steering response and better traction, Moers claims. The changes are shared across the now-three-car C 63 line-up.
The AMG coupe's body-in-white is the same as the cooking model C-Class Coupe which debuts in Geneva today. In typical AMG fashion there are bodywork tweaks, big wheels and unique front and bonnet panels. The AMG C-Class coupe won't steal the standards car's thunder, however. Mercedes made journalists check cameras at the door of the sneak peek session in a converted sewing machine factory in Geneva's south.
The Benz performance offshoot will not release images of the muscled up two-door until closer to its April New York Motor Show debut. But expect shots to leak in the coming days…
If Moers claim that the coupe is faster than the M3 around a racetrack is sure to whet the appetite of buyers and get the online forums humming, his refusal to rule out the addition of a hotter, lighter Black Series version of the car is sure to set them on fire.
AMG has sold three Black Series models to date: hardtop versions of the SLK 55 and SL 65 and the racetrack-focus CLK 63. AS there are no plans for an AMG version of the E-Class coupe, it seems almost certain now that Black badges will find their way onto the new two-door.
"We have said that a Black Series must be always a two-door. It will never be a four-door… Now, we have [a two-door C-Class]," Moers told the Carsales Network.
"It [a C-Class Black Series] may be your dream, I cannot say… But I would not say no," he said, grinning.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site
Holden's 'own' new small car
It's been a long time since Holden looked outside the large-car square... But our local brand is committed to a successful small-car formula in the new Cruze hatch
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Australia's own small car was unveiled this week at Holden's Elizabeth Plant in South Australia.
The Cruze heralds a new era for Holden, according to company execs. After several years selling Australia's favourite large car, the company wants to exploit a shift in buyer requirements with the new small hatch.
It's a big departure from the large car brief the company has continually tapped, with only short-term ventures in other segments apart from import of vehicles to suit.
The last time Holden's assembly lines were assigned to a model other than Commodore was the last-sold mid-size Vectra offering, circa 2000.
Holden's latest endeavour stands to do better, however, due to timing. Buyers are downsizing and are offered (and generally opting for) more efficient options -- Holden claims the Cruze range hosts the most efficient home-grown vehicle in the 2.0-litre diesel model, rated at 5.6L/100km.
The small car segment remains healthy with several importers offering sharply priced, popular models: Mazda3, Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf currently enjoy strong sales. With exception of the Golf, the main players have a combined small sedan and hatch lineup.
GM-H's managing director Mike Devereux admits Holden's effort in the small car segment with Cruze has so far been hampered by the lack of a hatch model. He's also quick to point out the Cruze's success since its release, despite only in sedan form.
"The vehicle segment we're now launching into is the biggest in the country. We already have a top-ten vehicle [in sales] and we think we have a top-five vehicle when we get the hatch," Devereux told the Carsales Network.
"We've been duking it out in a segment that's 50 per cent hatch and we haven't had one so it's quite remarkable."
The significance of today's unveiling was not lost on Holden workers, union representatives or politicians.
Recalling Prime Minister J.B Chifley's involvement in the release of Australia's "Own Car" in 1948, PM Julia Gillard was in attendance at Holden's Elizabeth plant Monday morning to drive the new hatch "off the line".
"Chifley wasn't just building a car; he was building a nation," said Ms Gillard.
The government's multi-million dollar tip-in to Holden and its Cruze was "an investment, not a subsidy" she added. Australia's GDP incorporates 9 per cent contribution from the manufacturing sector; employing around one million people with approximately 60,000 in or involved with the automotive industry, according to Gillard.
Local manufacture of the Cruze hatch is expected to "fill the hole" left in the company's production capability after the Pontiac G8 contract was dropped.
Devereux says the Cruze hatch designers and planners "worked hard to improve on the current model by tailoring the Cruze to better meet the needs of Australian motorists".
The Series II update brings a restyle front and rear and uprated engine offerings including the aforementioned diesel and a 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine. The 1.4 models are available in SRi or SRi-V specification with more equipment including sports-styled 17-inch alloys, extra chrome (door handles), and leather trim (for SRi-V, pictured) above the CDX spec.
Holden has scheduled the launch of the Cruze hatch for October. Visit the Carsales Network again for our drive review.
Holden Cruze pricing
CD 1.8L Petrol $20,990
CD 1.4iTi $22,240
CD Diesel $24,990
CDX 1.8L Petrol $24,490
CDX Diesel $28,490
SRi 1.4iTi $24,490
SRi V 1.4iTi $27,990
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site
discount new cars » Get the best price on a new Holden
Australia's own small car was unveiled this week at Holden's Elizabeth Plant in South Australia.
The Cruze heralds a new era for Holden, according to company execs. After several years selling Australia's favourite large car, the company wants to exploit a shift in buyer requirements with the new small hatch.
It's a big departure from the large car brief the company has continually tapped, with only short-term ventures in other segments apart from import of vehicles to suit.
The last time Holden's assembly lines were assigned to a model other than Commodore was the last-sold mid-size Vectra offering, circa 2000.
Holden's latest endeavour stands to do better, however, due to timing. Buyers are downsizing and are offered (and generally opting for) more efficient options -- Holden claims the Cruze range hosts the most efficient home-grown vehicle in the 2.0-litre diesel model, rated at 5.6L/100km.
The small car segment remains healthy with several importers offering sharply priced, popular models: Mazda3, Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf currently enjoy strong sales. With exception of the Golf, the main players have a combined small sedan and hatch lineup.
GM-H's managing director Mike Devereux admits Holden's effort in the small car segment with Cruze has so far been hampered by the lack of a hatch model. He's also quick to point out the Cruze's success since its release, despite only in sedan form.
"The vehicle segment we're now launching into is the biggest in the country. We already have a top-ten vehicle [in sales] and we think we have a top-five vehicle when we get the hatch," Devereux told the Carsales Network.
"We've been duking it out in a segment that's 50 per cent hatch and we haven't had one so it's quite remarkable."
The significance of today's unveiling was not lost on Holden workers, union representatives or politicians.
Recalling Prime Minister J.B Chifley's involvement in the release of Australia's "Own Car" in 1948, PM Julia Gillard was in attendance at Holden's Elizabeth plant Monday morning to drive the new hatch "off the line".
"Chifley wasn't just building a car; he was building a nation," said Ms Gillard.
The government's multi-million dollar tip-in to Holden and its Cruze was "an investment, not a subsidy" she added. Australia's GDP incorporates 9 per cent contribution from the manufacturing sector; employing around one million people with approximately 60,000 in or involved with the automotive industry, according to Gillard.
Local manufacture of the Cruze hatch is expected to "fill the hole" left in the company's production capability after the Pontiac G8 contract was dropped.
Devereux says the Cruze hatch designers and planners "worked hard to improve on the current model by tailoring the Cruze to better meet the needs of Australian motorists".
The Series II update brings a restyle front and rear and uprated engine offerings including the aforementioned diesel and a 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine. The 1.4 models are available in SRi or SRi-V specification with more equipment including sports-styled 17-inch alloys, extra chrome (door handles), and leather trim (for SRi-V, pictured) above the CDX spec.
Holden has scheduled the launch of the Cruze hatch for October. Visit the Carsales Network again for our drive review.
Holden Cruze pricing
CD 1.8L Petrol $20,990
CD 1.4iTi $22,240
CD Diesel $24,990
CDX 1.8L Petrol $24,490
CDX Diesel $28,490
SRi 1.4iTi $24,490
SRi V 1.4iTi $27,990
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site
Ford Ranger Wildtrak unveiled
The wraps have come off the range-topping Ford Ranger model, Wildtrak, displaying a sporty new look and delivering class-leading towing, high-end technologies and more
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Geneva International Motor Show
The Ford Ranger Wildtrak ute has broken cover at the Geneva International Motor Show, presenting a bold new look while at the same time upping the ante in both the technology and safety stakes in the segment.
Featuring an all-new electronic stability program, the Ford Ranger Wildtrak is expected to be one of the safest vehicles in its class.
Despite having a claimed 3350kg towing capacity, the Ford Ranger Wildtrak is being positioned as a lifestyle vehicle, and will be fitted with the kind of features normally reserved for European prestige cars, such as touch-screen satellite navigation, leather upholstery, Bluetooth connectivity and voice control over the audio, climate control and telephone systems.
Other interior features of the up-spec Wildtrak include a 'hydrographic' finish on the centre console, seating for five, Bluetooth audio streaming, USB and iPod connectivity, plus numerous storage spaces for everything from mobile phones and laptops to drinks and wallets.
First seen at the Australian International Motor Show (Sydney) in October 2010, the Australian-developed Ford Ranger ute is scheduled to arrive locally in late 2011. The Wildtrak version will be the hero model of the range, fitted with an head-turning bodykit.
The front fascia has been given a sporty new style, while the side mirrors, door handles and side air vents are colour-coded to create a premium look. The high-riding Ford Ranger Wildtrak sits on large 18-inch alloy wheels and is fitted with a roof rack and integrated sports hoop over the rear of the cabin.
"Wildtrak's aggressive look and bold new graphics are a perfect fit for those who appreciate a sporty and more expressive image," said Ranger's chief designer, Craig Metros. "It will look fantastic transporting the latest quad bike or jet ski for their weekend getaways".
Motive force for the new Wildtrak is likely to be taken care of via one engine choice, the range-topping 3.1-litre five-cylinder turbodiesel engine, which is good for 147kW/470Nm. Other engines in the range include the entry-level 110kW/375Nm 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine and a sole petrol variant, a 2.5-litre 'Duratec' unit that is likely to find favour with fans of LPG conversions.
Ford will offer both six-speed manual and automatic transmissions with the new models, though the Australian-spec Wildtrak can be expected to be auto-only.
The all-new Ranger also packs a number of driving aids, including Adaptive Automatic Mode, which the company says "adapts gear shifts according to driving style". This is coupled with Grade Control Logic, "which automatically downshifts when driving downhill and the brake pedal is depressed."
The new generation Ford Ranger ute is set to arrive locally at the end of 2011 and will be sold in some 180 countries world wide. It will be manufactured at three different plants: Thailand, South Africa and Argentina.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site.
discount new cars » Get the best price on a new Ford
Geneva International Motor Show
The Ford Ranger Wildtrak ute has broken cover at the Geneva International Motor Show, presenting a bold new look while at the same time upping the ante in both the technology and safety stakes in the segment.
Featuring an all-new electronic stability program, the Ford Ranger Wildtrak is expected to be one of the safest vehicles in its class.
Despite having a claimed 3350kg towing capacity, the Ford Ranger Wildtrak is being positioned as a lifestyle vehicle, and will be fitted with the kind of features normally reserved for European prestige cars, such as touch-screen satellite navigation, leather upholstery, Bluetooth connectivity and voice control over the audio, climate control and telephone systems.
Other interior features of the up-spec Wildtrak include a 'hydrographic' finish on the centre console, seating for five, Bluetooth audio streaming, USB and iPod connectivity, plus numerous storage spaces for everything from mobile phones and laptops to drinks and wallets.
First seen at the Australian International Motor Show (Sydney) in October 2010, the Australian-developed Ford Ranger ute is scheduled to arrive locally in late 2011. The Wildtrak version will be the hero model of the range, fitted with an head-turning bodykit.
The front fascia has been given a sporty new style, while the side mirrors, door handles and side air vents are colour-coded to create a premium look. The high-riding Ford Ranger Wildtrak sits on large 18-inch alloy wheels and is fitted with a roof rack and integrated sports hoop over the rear of the cabin.
"Wildtrak's aggressive look and bold new graphics are a perfect fit for those who appreciate a sporty and more expressive image," said Ranger's chief designer, Craig Metros. "It will look fantastic transporting the latest quad bike or jet ski for their weekend getaways".
Motive force for the new Wildtrak is likely to be taken care of via one engine choice, the range-topping 3.1-litre five-cylinder turbodiesel engine, which is good for 147kW/470Nm. Other engines in the range include the entry-level 110kW/375Nm 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine and a sole petrol variant, a 2.5-litre 'Duratec' unit that is likely to find favour with fans of LPG conversions.
Ford will offer both six-speed manual and automatic transmissions with the new models, though the Australian-spec Wildtrak can be expected to be auto-only.
The all-new Ranger also packs a number of driving aids, including Adaptive Automatic Mode, which the company says "adapts gear shifts according to driving style". This is coupled with Grade Control Logic, "which automatically downshifts when driving downhill and the brake pedal is depressed."
The new generation Ford Ranger ute is set to arrive locally at the end of 2011 and will be sold in some 180 countries world wide. It will be manufactured at three different plants: Thailand, South Africa and Argentina.
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Toyota's profit target: US $12 billion
Expansion into "emerging markets" expected to raise profit to one trillion yen by 2015
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Toyota has revealed ambitious plans for its future profitability. In a report by business media group Bloomberg, the Japanese company has committed to achieving its goal of posting a profit of one trillion yen (US $12 billion) by 2015.
To do so, Toyota will shake up its management structure, introduce 10 new hybrid models and focus more energy on developing business within emerging markets. The report quoted Toyota President Akio Toyoda at length in the week prior to the earthquake and tsunami that devastated the north of Japan.
Since the natural disaster, Toyota has announced in response that production in all Japanese plants had been halted and the likely effect would be a 40,000-unit shortfall in production for the year. But it seems unlikely that the disaster will have long-term impact on the company's plans to achieve the new profit target -- not when the target is contingent on building nine million cars games per annum. 15 per cent of that number is anticipated to be sold in China, the fastest growing market in the world and currently the largest market for domestic automotive sales since overtaking the US two years ago.
Up to this point, 60 per cent of Toyota's profits have come from North American sales, but, Bloomberg reports, bad publicity for Toyota around the world and particularly in the USA has constrained profit, relative to archrival Honda. Toyota posted a profit in the last financial year of 550 billion yen, based on selling 7.5 million cars around the world. But to put that profit in perspective -- and also to illustrate how far the company's profit had fallen during the Global Financial Crisis -- profit in 2007 was 2.27 trillion yen. In the post-GFC world, Toyota is anxious to dole out its eggs to more 'emerging' baskets over the next few years.
"We will focus on emerging markets and environmental vehicles," President Akio Toyoda said during a Tokyo press conference reported by Bloomberg. "We will decide when and how much to increase capacity in emerging markets if we need to."
As part of his 'Global Vision' plan, Toyoda announced the small Etios model for India at the end of this year, followed by launches in China, Thailand and Brazil.
Picture: Akio Toyoda standing alongside the FT86 sports car at the 2009 Tokyo motor show.
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Toyota has revealed ambitious plans for its future profitability. In a report by business media group Bloomberg, the Japanese company has committed to achieving its goal of posting a profit of one trillion yen (US $12 billion) by 2015.
To do so, Toyota will shake up its management structure, introduce 10 new hybrid models and focus more energy on developing business within emerging markets. The report quoted Toyota President Akio Toyoda at length in the week prior to the earthquake and tsunami that devastated the north of Japan.
Since the natural disaster, Toyota has announced in response that production in all Japanese plants had been halted and the likely effect would be a 40,000-unit shortfall in production for the year. But it seems unlikely that the disaster will have long-term impact on the company's plans to achieve the new profit target -- not when the target is contingent on building nine million cars games per annum. 15 per cent of that number is anticipated to be sold in China, the fastest growing market in the world and currently the largest market for domestic automotive sales since overtaking the US two years ago.
Up to this point, 60 per cent of Toyota's profits have come from North American sales, but, Bloomberg reports, bad publicity for Toyota around the world and particularly in the USA has constrained profit, relative to archrival Honda. Toyota posted a profit in the last financial year of 550 billion yen, based on selling 7.5 million cars around the world. But to put that profit in perspective -- and also to illustrate how far the company's profit had fallen during the Global Financial Crisis -- profit in 2007 was 2.27 trillion yen. In the post-GFC world, Toyota is anxious to dole out its eggs to more 'emerging' baskets over the next few years.
"We will focus on emerging markets and environmental vehicles," President Akio Toyoda said during a Tokyo press conference reported by Bloomberg. "We will decide when and how much to increase capacity in emerging markets if we need to."
As part of his 'Global Vision' plan, Toyoda announced the small Etios model for India at the end of this year, followed by launches in China, Thailand and Brazil.
Picture: Akio Toyoda standing alongside the FT86 sports car at the 2009 Tokyo motor show.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
New, lightweight Holden Commodore due in 2013
Aluminium panels and other weight-saving measures planned as Holden embarks on battle of the bulge
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The Holden Commodore is going on a crash diet -- the lion could soon become an alloy cat.
In an attempt to burn the kilos the car maker is planning on using lightweight aluminium for key components such as the bonnet, boot and some underbody parts.
The Carsales Network understands that Holden has had to take the drastic measures to ensure the Commodore meets stringent internal fuel economy targets, and is well-placed for sharp rises in petrol prices.
Aluminium is more expensive than regular steel and is typically only used on luxury cars such as the Jaguar XJ and Audi A8 limousines. If the Commodore were to adopt the precious metal for body parts it would become the first Australian-made car to do so.
The Carsales Network understands that Holden has managed to slash between 50kg and 100kg from the Commodore’s 1800kg average weight. This may not sound like much, but on such a large vehicle, a weight loss of this magnitude is equivalent to winning The Biggest Loser.
Meanwhile, at the media preview drive of the new Holden Cruze small car yesterday, the company's chief designer Tony Stolfo let slip when we can expect a new Commodore, and gave a hint to at least one of its visual cues.
When describing a sharp vertical crease in the new Cruze’s rear bumper during a walkaround presentation, Stolfo said: "See that hard edge on the rear corner ... it gives you clues [to] Model Year 14 Commodore, and the distinct styling we’ll drive into that vehicle, and also the aero attributes we’re pushing into the vehicles."
Similar bumper creases are used on eco models such as the Toyota Prius and are designed to improve freeway fuel economy by separating air turbulence from the rear of the car.
Using history as a guide, "Model Year 14" likely means the next Commodore will be introduced some time in 2013. Until now, Holden had not indicated when a new Commodore would arrive in showrooms.
The VE Commodore, released in 2006, was originally due for replacement in 2012 following a five or six year model cycle. Instead, it released a mildly updated Series II model in 2010, with new front and rear bumpers and a touch screen display.
The Global Financial Crisis in late 2008 -- which forced General Motors North America into bankruptcy and almost saw the closure or sale of Holden -- delayed the development and introduction of a new Commodore.
But Holden must be close to finalising a new model. The global head of General Motors design, Ed Welburn, was in Australia last month to view the new Commodore and other models that Holden's highly regarded design team is working on for other General Motors divisions around the world. (More than two-thirds of Holden's design work is for foreign General Motors brands.)
What's not clear is whether the 2013 Commodore is an all-new model or a facelift of the current vehicle. In an interview with the Carsales Network, a guarded Holden boss Mike Devereux said: "I think Tony [Stolfo] and Ed [Welburn] have said all that we want to say about future Commodores.
"My preference is to not put things out there that begin to create speculation given how veraciously Australian consumers consume news about this particular vehicle. I'm not trying to be cute but I think Ed and Tony have said all we want to say about any Commodore development at this point in time, on the record, publicly."
When asked about the possibility of using aluminium in the new Commodore, Devereux said: "The industry has the capability of doing it."
When asked if Holden could do it, he said: "Of course. Anything is possible but there are cost tradeoffs and materials tradeoffs. We don't stamp anything like that today."
Devereux said the Commodore was in a perpetual fuel economy drive and there were "five or six" ways to cut consumption and mass: "Over time we will try to lightweight Commodore, even in its current form. We will do things to reduce fuel consumption every single year."
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discount new cars » Get the best price on a new Holden
The Holden Commodore is going on a crash diet -- the lion could soon become an alloy cat.
In an attempt to burn the kilos the car maker is planning on using lightweight aluminium for key components such as the bonnet, boot and some underbody parts.
The Carsales Network understands that Holden has had to take the drastic measures to ensure the Commodore meets stringent internal fuel economy targets, and is well-placed for sharp rises in petrol prices.
Aluminium is more expensive than regular steel and is typically only used on luxury cars such as the Jaguar XJ and Audi A8 limousines. If the Commodore were to adopt the precious metal for body parts it would become the first Australian-made car to do so.
The Carsales Network understands that Holden has managed to slash between 50kg and 100kg from the Commodore’s 1800kg average weight. This may not sound like much, but on such a large vehicle, a weight loss of this magnitude is equivalent to winning The Biggest Loser.
Meanwhile, at the media preview drive of the new Holden Cruze small car yesterday, the company's chief designer Tony Stolfo let slip when we can expect a new Commodore, and gave a hint to at least one of its visual cues.
When describing a sharp vertical crease in the new Cruze’s rear bumper during a walkaround presentation, Stolfo said: "See that hard edge on the rear corner ... it gives you clues [to] Model Year 14 Commodore, and the distinct styling we’ll drive into that vehicle, and also the aero attributes we’re pushing into the vehicles."
Similar bumper creases are used on eco models such as the Toyota Prius and are designed to improve freeway fuel economy by separating air turbulence from the rear of the car.
Using history as a guide, "Model Year 14" likely means the next Commodore will be introduced some time in 2013. Until now, Holden had not indicated when a new Commodore would arrive in showrooms.
The VE Commodore, released in 2006, was originally due for replacement in 2012 following a five or six year model cycle. Instead, it released a mildly updated Series II model in 2010, with new front and rear bumpers and a touch screen display.
The Global Financial Crisis in late 2008 -- which forced General Motors North America into bankruptcy and almost saw the closure or sale of Holden -- delayed the development and introduction of a new Commodore.
But Holden must be close to finalising a new model. The global head of General Motors design, Ed Welburn, was in Australia last month to view the new Commodore and other models that Holden's highly regarded design team is working on for other General Motors divisions around the world. (More than two-thirds of Holden's design work is for foreign General Motors brands.)
What's not clear is whether the 2013 Commodore is an all-new model or a facelift of the current vehicle. In an interview with the Carsales Network, a guarded Holden boss Mike Devereux said: "I think Tony [Stolfo] and Ed [Welburn] have said all that we want to say about future Commodores.
"My preference is to not put things out there that begin to create speculation given how veraciously Australian consumers consume news about this particular vehicle. I'm not trying to be cute but I think Ed and Tony have said all we want to say about any Commodore development at this point in time, on the record, publicly."
When asked about the possibility of using aluminium in the new Commodore, Devereux said: "The industry has the capability of doing it."
When asked if Holden could do it, he said: "Of course. Anything is possible but there are cost tradeoffs and materials tradeoffs. We don't stamp anything like that today."
Devereux said the Commodore was in a perpetual fuel economy drive and there were "five or six" ways to cut consumption and mass: "Over time we will try to lightweight Commodore, even in its current form. We will do things to reduce fuel consumption every single year."
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
MOTORSPORT: $10m dispute in V8 Supercars
A blast from the past re-emerges, if only in correspondence, making a big demand on V8 Supercars over a failed credit card venture last decade
V8SE dismisses Gore claim as 'spurious'
A $10 million dispute has come to light in V8 Supercars just as the Australian season gets underway this weekend with Adelaide's Clipsal 500.
Controversial Gold Coast businessman and former V8 Supercar team owner Craig Gore has made a claim on V8 Supercars Australia for that amount over the failed Supercar credit card venture.
The claim is made by Supercar Supercard Pty Ltd in correspondence on the letterhead of financial group WPS -- the acronym for Wright Patton Shakespeare with which Gore became synonymous.
No writ has been issued, but the author of the letter, Mark Adamson, apparently a solicitor for WPS Law, wrote that he was "taking instructions to issue proceedings against V8 Supercars Australia Pty Ltd".
V8SE says it has responded to the letter and that it "rejects outright the vague and spurious claims made against it by Supercar Supercard Pty Ltd".
"An agreement once existed between V8 Supercars, V8 Supercar Supercard and WPS, however it was terminated in January 2007 following payment defaults under the agreement by Supercar Supercard," V8SA told the Carsales Network.
"Any suggestion that V8 Supercars has any liability to Supercar Supercard is baseless and without merit."
V8SA has so far declined our invitation to provide its written response to Adamson. This correspondent contacted WPS seeking to speak to Adamson but the receptionist could not find any record of him.
A message for another solicitor listed as a WPS Law principal has not been returned.
The claim is seen by some in the inner circle of V8 Supercars as an attempt by Gore to muddy the waters as the organisation negotiates the possible sale of a controlling interest in V8SE, which has been seen as likely to be finalised within the next few weeks.
Gore last year avoided a second bankruptcy (his first was in the 1990s), settling debts of almost $500 million by paying $3 million -- and then landing a position with a reported $2 million salary.
He was a colorful and outspoken figure in V8 Supercar racing for several years, and in American racing where he sponsored Australians Will Power and Marcos Ambrose. He was long seen as a close friend of V8SA chairman Tony Cochrane and WPS at one time supplied the V8 Supercar safety car in its livery. However, that deal faltered and Gore abruptly shut his V8 Supercar team just weeks before the 2008 season.
Gore's claim over the Supercard will be seen as opportunistic, especially after the comparatively paltry amount he paid to settle almost half a billion dollars of debt.
The Adamson/Supercar Supercard letter of March 7 said it was giving notice of "a claim for damages for breach of agreement".
"The company (Supercar Supercard) entered into an exclusive dealing agreement with Austalian Vee-Eight Supercar Company Pty Ltd (the previous name of V8 Supercars Australia Pty Ltd," the letter said.
"Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, the parties entered into an exclusive arrangement to co-brand a Visa or Mastercard affinity card with the intent of generating income and also raising the profile of each of the parties as well as the V8 Supercar Championship Series in general.
"The nub of the (Supercar Supercard) company's complaint is that the V8 Supercars Australia Pty Ltd failed to perform in terms of the agreement.
"As a consequence... the (Supercar Supercard) company suffered a substantial loss and damage -- by way of indication, the company estimates the loss and damage as an amount not less than $10,000,000."
Adamson wrote that "the director of the company" (Gore, although the letter does not contain his name) "is disappointed with the conduct of V8 Supercars Australia Pty Ltd".
"What weighs heavily in the mind of the director... is that the company suffered a massive loss of commercial opportunity -- particularly having regard to the fact that our client and its resources were tied up in the agreement thereby depriving our client of the opportunity to earn profits from other business opportunities that could have been undertaken by it," Adamson concluded.
The matter may well prove to be a mere pimple on the skin of the V8 Supercars organisation, although any potential buyer of a majority stake in V8SA is likely to want that clarified promptly before signing on the dotted line.
Rain on the radar for Clipsal 500
The latest Gore issue aside, V8 Supercar fans are relieved that the season is finally underway on home soil -- five weeks after the opening round in Abu Dhabi.
Adelaide's Clipsal 500 is now well established as the second biggest event in the championship after Bathurst, but there is a prospect of rain in the City of Churches this weekend.
It hasn't rained during a Clipsal race since Mark Skaife's memorable last-to-first victory in 2000. While the weather could toss up a surprise winner if rain eventuates Saturday or Sunday afternoon, the favourites must be the drivers in the main Holden teams -- reigning champion James Courtney and Garth Tander at Toll Holden Racing Team and dual champion and Clipsal specialist Jamie Whincup and Craig Lowndes.
Although Whincup and Courtney won the Abu Dhabi races, the Fords showed great pace in the Middle East.
Factory team Ford Performance Racing needs Mark Winterbottom and Will Davison to perform well now that the series is on home ground, while the Stone Brothers Falcons could be the year's big improver -- and a victory cannot be far away for Shane van Gisbergen.
Jason Richards, the popular Brad Jones Racing driver sidelined late last season by cancer, makes a welcome return this weekend -- although not in the "main game".
Richards is still battling his illness but will be racing a Ferrari in the GT category and a Greg Murphy Racing Commodore in the Fujistu development series.
Hoping to be return full-time to V8 Supercar competition by this year's endurance races, Richards says he sees this week's activity as "therapy". He's sure to have everyone's best wishes.
American racing getting into top gear
The racing year is starting to get into full stride. In America this weekend it's the Sebring 12-Hour sports car event in Florida, while NASCAR's Sprint Cup resumes after a week's break with its fourth round at the famed Bristol, Tennessee, short oval -- and the IndyCar series starts next week.
Aussie NASCAR racer Marcos Ambrose is looking to follow-up his strong fourth at Las Vergas for his new team Richard Petty Motorsports at Bristol.
The Sebring classic, the first round of the American Le Mans Series (ALMS), is likely to be a duel between sports car racing's heavyweights Audi and Peugeot, while the new Honda Performance Development car to be driven by David Brabham has shown promise in this week's testing.
Apart from racing again this year for Highcroft Racing in ALMS, Brabham will drive a Nissan GT-R in the European-based GT1 championship.
The four-car SUMO Power team includes two other ex-Formula One drivers, Brazilians Enrique Bernoldi and Riccardo Zonta, as well as Peter Dumbreck -- the Englishman who had a similar spectacular crash in a Mercedes-Benz to the two of Australian Mark Webber at Le Mans in the late 1990s.
Brabham's teammate will be Jamie Campbell Walter.
SUMO Power is being managed by Brit Nigel Stepney, who was run out of Ferrari and F1 in the infamous "Spygate" saga in 2007.
Rally officials seek WRC round every year
Australian rallying officials are lobbying hard for a World Championship Round next year.
Talks were held with Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) president Jean Todt during his Australian visit this week.
NSW's Coffs Coast will host its first Rally Australia this September 8-11, but -- with the WRC calendar limited to 12 or 13 rounds a year these days -- it is hard to see Oz, unlike the "old days" in Western Australia, doing better than having a round every two years, alternating with New Zealand.
Next year's calendar should be finalised in early April if not by the end of March.
Red Bull splashing its money around
Some big pay rises have been awarded at Red Bull Racing following its first constructors' world championship.
World champion driver Sebastian Vettel, still only 23, is reportedly on about $24 million a year now -- probably twice as much, or more, than his Australian teammate Mark Webber.
Team principal Christian Horner says he and Webber will discuss his future mid-season.
Perhaps depending on Webber's performances in the early races of the season starting next weekend in Melbourne, another one-year extension of his contract could be agreed before mid-year.
Webber will drive a Red Bull F1 car over Melbourne's Bolte Bridge tomorrow (Saturday) morning, then on to Docklands.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site
V8SE dismisses Gore claim as 'spurious'
A $10 million dispute has come to light in V8 Supercars just as the Australian season gets underway this weekend with Adelaide's Clipsal 500.
Controversial Gold Coast businessman and former V8 Supercar team owner Craig Gore has made a claim on V8 Supercars Australia for that amount over the failed Supercar credit card venture.
The claim is made by Supercar Supercard Pty Ltd in correspondence on the letterhead of financial group WPS -- the acronym for Wright Patton Shakespeare with which Gore became synonymous.
No writ has been issued, but the author of the letter, Mark Adamson, apparently a solicitor for WPS Law, wrote that he was "taking instructions to issue proceedings against V8 Supercars Australia Pty Ltd".
V8SE says it has responded to the letter and that it "rejects outright the vague and spurious claims made against it by Supercar Supercard Pty Ltd".
"An agreement once existed between V8 Supercars, V8 Supercar Supercard and WPS, however it was terminated in January 2007 following payment defaults under the agreement by Supercar Supercard," V8SA told the Carsales Network.
"Any suggestion that V8 Supercars has any liability to Supercar Supercard is baseless and without merit."
V8SA has so far declined our invitation to provide its written response to Adamson. This correspondent contacted WPS seeking to speak to Adamson but the receptionist could not find any record of him.
A message for another solicitor listed as a WPS Law principal has not been returned.
The claim is seen by some in the inner circle of V8 Supercars as an attempt by Gore to muddy the waters as the organisation negotiates the possible sale of a controlling interest in V8SE, which has been seen as likely to be finalised within the next few weeks.
Gore last year avoided a second bankruptcy (his first was in the 1990s), settling debts of almost $500 million by paying $3 million -- and then landing a position with a reported $2 million salary.
He was a colorful and outspoken figure in V8 Supercar racing for several years, and in American racing where he sponsored Australians Will Power and Marcos Ambrose. He was long seen as a close friend of V8SA chairman Tony Cochrane and WPS at one time supplied the V8 Supercar safety car in its livery. However, that deal faltered and Gore abruptly shut his V8 Supercar team just weeks before the 2008 season.
Gore's claim over the Supercard will be seen as opportunistic, especially after the comparatively paltry amount he paid to settle almost half a billion dollars of debt.
The Adamson/Supercar Supercard letter of March 7 said it was giving notice of "a claim for damages for breach of agreement".
"The company (Supercar Supercard) entered into an exclusive dealing agreement with Austalian Vee-Eight Supercar Company Pty Ltd (the previous name of V8 Supercars Australia Pty Ltd," the letter said.
"Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, the parties entered into an exclusive arrangement to co-brand a Visa or Mastercard affinity card with the intent of generating income and also raising the profile of each of the parties as well as the V8 Supercar Championship Series in general.
"The nub of the (Supercar Supercard) company's complaint is that the V8 Supercars Australia Pty Ltd failed to perform in terms of the agreement.
"As a consequence... the (Supercar Supercard) company suffered a substantial loss and damage -- by way of indication, the company estimates the loss and damage as an amount not less than $10,000,000."
Adamson wrote that "the director of the company" (Gore, although the letter does not contain his name) "is disappointed with the conduct of V8 Supercars Australia Pty Ltd".
"What weighs heavily in the mind of the director... is that the company suffered a massive loss of commercial opportunity -- particularly having regard to the fact that our client and its resources were tied up in the agreement thereby depriving our client of the opportunity to earn profits from other business opportunities that could have been undertaken by it," Adamson concluded.
The matter may well prove to be a mere pimple on the skin of the V8 Supercars organisation, although any potential buyer of a majority stake in V8SA is likely to want that clarified promptly before signing on the dotted line.
Rain on the radar for Clipsal 500
The latest Gore issue aside, V8 Supercar fans are relieved that the season is finally underway on home soil -- five weeks after the opening round in Abu Dhabi.
Adelaide's Clipsal 500 is now well established as the second biggest event in the championship after Bathurst, but there is a prospect of rain in the City of Churches this weekend.
It hasn't rained during a Clipsal race since Mark Skaife's memorable last-to-first victory in 2000. While the weather could toss up a surprise winner if rain eventuates Saturday or Sunday afternoon, the favourites must be the drivers in the main Holden teams -- reigning champion James Courtney and Garth Tander at Toll Holden Racing Team and dual champion and Clipsal specialist Jamie Whincup and Craig Lowndes.
Although Whincup and Courtney won the Abu Dhabi races, the Fords showed great pace in the Middle East.
Factory team Ford Performance Racing needs Mark Winterbottom and Will Davison to perform well now that the series is on home ground, while the Stone Brothers Falcons could be the year's big improver -- and a victory cannot be far away for Shane van Gisbergen.
Jason Richards, the popular Brad Jones Racing driver sidelined late last season by cancer, makes a welcome return this weekend -- although not in the "main game".
Richards is still battling his illness but will be racing a Ferrari in the GT category and a Greg Murphy Racing Commodore in the Fujistu development series.
Hoping to be return full-time to V8 Supercar competition by this year's endurance races, Richards says he sees this week's activity as "therapy". He's sure to have everyone's best wishes.
American racing getting into top gear
The racing year is starting to get into full stride. In America this weekend it's the Sebring 12-Hour sports car event in Florida, while NASCAR's Sprint Cup resumes after a week's break with its fourth round at the famed Bristol, Tennessee, short oval -- and the IndyCar series starts next week.
Aussie NASCAR racer Marcos Ambrose is looking to follow-up his strong fourth at Las Vergas for his new team Richard Petty Motorsports at Bristol.
The Sebring classic, the first round of the American Le Mans Series (ALMS), is likely to be a duel between sports car racing's heavyweights Audi and Peugeot, while the new Honda Performance Development car to be driven by David Brabham has shown promise in this week's testing.
Apart from racing again this year for Highcroft Racing in ALMS, Brabham will drive a Nissan GT-R in the European-based GT1 championship.
The four-car SUMO Power team includes two other ex-Formula One drivers, Brazilians Enrique Bernoldi and Riccardo Zonta, as well as Peter Dumbreck -- the Englishman who had a similar spectacular crash in a Mercedes-Benz to the two of Australian Mark Webber at Le Mans in the late 1990s.
Brabham's teammate will be Jamie Campbell Walter.
SUMO Power is being managed by Brit Nigel Stepney, who was run out of Ferrari and F1 in the infamous "Spygate" saga in 2007.
Rally officials seek WRC round every year
Australian rallying officials are lobbying hard for a World Championship Round next year.
Talks were held with Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) president Jean Todt during his Australian visit this week.
NSW's Coffs Coast will host its first Rally Australia this September 8-11, but -- with the WRC calendar limited to 12 or 13 rounds a year these days -- it is hard to see Oz, unlike the "old days" in Western Australia, doing better than having a round every two years, alternating with New Zealand.
Next year's calendar should be finalised in early April if not by the end of March.
Red Bull splashing its money around
Some big pay rises have been awarded at Red Bull Racing following its first constructors' world championship.
World champion driver Sebastian Vettel, still only 23, is reportedly on about $24 million a year now -- probably twice as much, or more, than his Australian teammate Mark Webber.
Team principal Christian Horner says he and Webber will discuss his future mid-season.
Perhaps depending on Webber's performances in the early races of the season starting next weekend in Melbourne, another one-year extension of his contract could be agreed before mid-year.
Webber will drive a Red Bull F1 car over Melbourne's Bolte Bridge tomorrow (Saturday) morning, then on to Docklands.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site
Thứ Ba, 13 tháng 3, 2012
SHANGHAI AUTO SHOW: Next-gen Tiida unveiled
Nissan takes the wraps of its shapely new C-segment hatch in Shanghai
discount new cars » Get the best price on a new Nissan
The car that will become the new-generation Tiida in China has debuted at this week's Shanghai Auto Show.
Sold in 165 counties across the globe, Tiida has been on sale in Australia since early 2006, where it has achieved more than 50,000 sales.
All-new Tiida hopes to refresh its image with a marketing campaign Nissan says it targeted at "young families who value quality life", and hasl reappointed the car games accordingly to deliver 'premium and agile styling' and 'class leading comfort'.
In China, Tiida will be powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine the brand says is 'fluid and brisk', and though we can only speculate as to the mill's capacity at this stage, a Renault-derived 1.6 could be on the cards.
The shapely new hatch presents more balanced proportions than that of the outgoing model, with more attention to detail evident in the car's fascia, grille, head and tail lamps. Wheelbase grows by 100mm to extend rear legroom, while increased length and breadth of the front windscreen and 'optimally-shaped' side mirrors improve visibility.
Indoors, the new Tiida draws on the motif of 'calm and refined', its more comfortable accommodation -- including new low vibration front seats -- complemented by wide, 'super-soft' armrests. A precise, elegant instrument cluster replaces the more basic two-gauge display found in Tiida's forebear.
Nissan Australia has confirmed the new C-segment hatch for local launch in 2012 but has not fixed on committing to the Tiida nameplate. Specification and pricing details will be made available at a later stage.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site
discount new cars » Get the best price on a new Nissan
The car that will become the new-generation Tiida in China has debuted at this week's Shanghai Auto Show.
Sold in 165 counties across the globe, Tiida has been on sale in Australia since early 2006, where it has achieved more than 50,000 sales.
All-new Tiida hopes to refresh its image with a marketing campaign Nissan says it targeted at "young families who value quality life", and hasl reappointed the car games accordingly to deliver 'premium and agile styling' and 'class leading comfort'.
In China, Tiida will be powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine the brand says is 'fluid and brisk', and though we can only speculate as to the mill's capacity at this stage, a Renault-derived 1.6 could be on the cards.
The shapely new hatch presents more balanced proportions than that of the outgoing model, with more attention to detail evident in the car's fascia, grille, head and tail lamps. Wheelbase grows by 100mm to extend rear legroom, while increased length and breadth of the front windscreen and 'optimally-shaped' side mirrors improve visibility.
Indoors, the new Tiida draws on the motif of 'calm and refined', its more comfortable accommodation -- including new low vibration front seats -- complemented by wide, 'super-soft' armrests. A precise, elegant instrument cluster replaces the more basic two-gauge display found in Tiida's forebear.
Nissan Australia has confirmed the new C-segment hatch for local launch in 2012 but has not fixed on committing to the Tiida nameplate. Specification and pricing details will be made available at a later stage.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site
SHANGHAI AUTO SHOW: Volvo unveils its vision for the S80 sedan
Worlds collide as the Swedish maker unveils its first show car under Chinese ownership
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Forget the Star Trek-style bonnet, grille and headlight treatment. Universe is an appropriate name for Volvo's latest concept for an entirely different reason.
It's the first car conceived by the Swedish company under Chinese ownership, with influences from opposite sides of the world.
Unveiled at the Shanghai motor show, the Universe also delivers the large luxury car its new Chinese owners ordered when they took over the brand a year ago.
When Volvo was bought by Chinese car maker Geely, the heads of both companies had opposite views on what types of vehicles were important for the future of the Volvo brand.
The Chinese believed Volvo needed go more upmarket and compete with limousines from BMW and Mercedes-Benz – large luxury cars are big business in China and highly profitable – while Swedish management was focused on smarter, more fuel efficient small cars for Europe and te rest of the world.
The upshot is that both partners were right: Volvo is full speed ahead developing a new generation of small cars and it is also planning an executive sedan for the all-important Chinese market and beyond. Volvo is also planning to eventually build cars in China.
So the Universe concept is in some ways and overdue thank-you present to Geely for saving them from extinction – but it is not quite what the Chinese had in mind.
It is not a BMW 7 Series or Mercedes-Benz S-Class rival, it is the next category down – similar in size to the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The concept car didn't even have an engine – it had to be pushed into position onto Volvo's motor show stage.
"It is a design study with a big question mark on the end of it," said Duncan Forrester, head of public affairs for Volvo Cars in the UK. "The front end is very much designed with China in mind. But if it goes into production it will be a global car."
In a roundtable discussion with the media, Volvo president and CEO, Stefan Jacoby, said he did not believe Volvo needed a car as big as a BMW 7 Series.
"We know that space is important here in China, we see a lot of extended versions [of sedans], we have ourselves the S80 as an extended version here. [But] whenever we just extend the vehicle we lose a little bit of the fine design language."
Given that the Universe was the first concept car developed under the joint ownership of the company, Jacoby was again asked about how much freedom Volvo had from its Chinese parents.
"You know what? I have to disappoint you and I know you like to have the mystery of [Volvo] being owned by a Chinese company," he told the gathering.
"I'm wearing a white shirt, I'm wearing a tie, and I shave myself in the morning and I speak my language. I don't speak Chinese yet.
"Short story … you need to understand that the Chinese economy needs to invest their surplus which they are generating, not only in American bonds but also in proper investments, and we can appreciate this.
"The more China is getting integrated into the global economy, the better it is not only for the global economy, but also stabilizing political questions and integrating China more into the global world.
"Geely is not only a Chinese company it is also a Chinese non-state-owned company, it's an entrepreneur."
Jacoby said Geely were good business managers – and he reported to the board, not Geely hierarchy.
"I can tell you there is a lot of dynamic, there is extreme flexibility, there is a deep understanding about the automotive industry and the demands we have in our industry in respect of the investment and the returns for this investment, which are longer than they may be in other industries," he said.
"[That] is a big advantage, for example, compared if you would be owned by private equity, which actually expects in a very short term the right return.
"Our industry is depending on the [model] cycle. We expect a return in a cycle of five to seven years. So we have here a huge understanding of the specifics of the industry."
He said the Chinese board had so far allowed the Swedish company relative freedom to do what it does best – in much the same way that Jaguar and Land Rover have blossomed since being severed, also from Ford ownership.
"What I like most is actually that we are running both Geely and Volvo independently from each other," he said. "We are serving in different markets, we are serving also to different segments, and to mingle that up would make no sense because Volvo is a global brand and … is serving the upper scale segment, and we have only limited opportunities for shared technology.
"So that actually offers us a lot of opportunities to run parallel to conquer our market segments. We are of course looking for opportunities also to work together where it makes sense."
He also said that while Volvo returned to profitability last year it still was not "weather-proof" and needed more time to build its equity.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site
discount new cars » Get the best price on a new Volvo
Forget the Star Trek-style bonnet, grille and headlight treatment. Universe is an appropriate name for Volvo's latest concept for an entirely different reason.
It's the first car conceived by the Swedish company under Chinese ownership, with influences from opposite sides of the world.
Unveiled at the Shanghai motor show, the Universe also delivers the large luxury car its new Chinese owners ordered when they took over the brand a year ago.
When Volvo was bought by Chinese car maker Geely, the heads of both companies had opposite views on what types of vehicles were important for the future of the Volvo brand.
The Chinese believed Volvo needed go more upmarket and compete with limousines from BMW and Mercedes-Benz – large luxury cars are big business in China and highly profitable – while Swedish management was focused on smarter, more fuel efficient small cars for Europe and te rest of the world.
The upshot is that both partners were right: Volvo is full speed ahead developing a new generation of small cars and it is also planning an executive sedan for the all-important Chinese market and beyond. Volvo is also planning to eventually build cars in China.
So the Universe concept is in some ways and overdue thank-you present to Geely for saving them from extinction – but it is not quite what the Chinese had in mind.
It is not a BMW 7 Series or Mercedes-Benz S-Class rival, it is the next category down – similar in size to the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The concept car didn't even have an engine – it had to be pushed into position onto Volvo's motor show stage.
"It is a design study with a big question mark on the end of it," said Duncan Forrester, head of public affairs for Volvo Cars in the UK. "The front end is very much designed with China in mind. But if it goes into production it will be a global car."
In a roundtable discussion with the media, Volvo president and CEO, Stefan Jacoby, said he did not believe Volvo needed a car as big as a BMW 7 Series.
"We know that space is important here in China, we see a lot of extended versions [of sedans], we have ourselves the S80 as an extended version here. [But] whenever we just extend the vehicle we lose a little bit of the fine design language."
Given that the Universe was the first concept car developed under the joint ownership of the company, Jacoby was again asked about how much freedom Volvo had from its Chinese parents.
"You know what? I have to disappoint you and I know you like to have the mystery of [Volvo] being owned by a Chinese company," he told the gathering.
"I'm wearing a white shirt, I'm wearing a tie, and I shave myself in the morning and I speak my language. I don't speak Chinese yet.
"Short story … you need to understand that the Chinese economy needs to invest their surplus which they are generating, not only in American bonds but also in proper investments, and we can appreciate this.
"The more China is getting integrated into the global economy, the better it is not only for the global economy, but also stabilizing political questions and integrating China more into the global world.
"Geely is not only a Chinese company it is also a Chinese non-state-owned company, it's an entrepreneur."
Jacoby said Geely were good business managers – and he reported to the board, not Geely hierarchy.
"I can tell you there is a lot of dynamic, there is extreme flexibility, there is a deep understanding about the automotive industry and the demands we have in our industry in respect of the investment and the returns for this investment, which are longer than they may be in other industries," he said.
"[That] is a big advantage, for example, compared if you would be owned by private equity, which actually expects in a very short term the right return.
"Our industry is depending on the [model] cycle. We expect a return in a cycle of five to seven years. So we have here a huge understanding of the specifics of the industry."
He said the Chinese board had so far allowed the Swedish company relative freedom to do what it does best – in much the same way that Jaguar and Land Rover have blossomed since being severed, also from Ford ownership.
"What I like most is actually that we are running both Geely and Volvo independently from each other," he said. "We are serving in different markets, we are serving also to different segments, and to mingle that up would make no sense because Volvo is a global brand and … is serving the upper scale segment, and we have only limited opportunities for shared technology.
"So that actually offers us a lot of opportunities to run parallel to conquer our market segments. We are of course looking for opportunities also to work together where it makes sense."
He also said that while Volvo returned to profitability last year it still was not "weather-proof" and needed more time to build its equity.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site
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