Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[REPORT: Suzuki CEO indicates joint projects with VW to start in January]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/17/report-suzuki-ceo-indicates-joint-projects-with-vw-to-start-in/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/17/report-suzuki-ceo-indicates-joint-projects-with-vw-to-start-in/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/17/report-suzuki-ceo-indicates-joint-projects-with-vw-to-start-in/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



Volkswagen and Suzuki won't waste anytime at all in getting started on their assorted joint projects. Well, unless you count the holidays, which we'll let slide. At the launch of the new Suzuki Alto, CEO Osama Suzuki told reporters that the newly tied-at-the-hip automakers will begin "Actual, detailed execution - with our people going there and their people coming here... after January."

That first project will be a new small car that will be sold in developing countries, which may or may not be outsourced from Suzuki's Indian Maruti operations and is rumored to cost between $4,300 and $5,400.

Volkswagen has much less experience in building small cars than Suzuki, which is a leader in Japan's tiny Kei car class, and in making money with such low prices.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

REPORT: Suzuki CEO indicates joint projects with VW to start in January originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> emerging marketemerging marketsEmergingMarketEmergingMarketssmall suzukismall volkswagenSmallSuzukiSmallVolkswagensuzukisuzuki volkswagenSuzukiVolkswagenvolkswagen Thu, 17 Dec 2009 09:00:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: GM-SAIC pondering Tata Nano fighter?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/report-gm-saic-pondering-tata-nano-fighter/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/report-gm-saic-pondering-tata-nano-fighter/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/report-gm-saic-pondering-tata-nano-fighter/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



Though the minuscule Tata Nano hasn't even been on the market for a complete year, the impact it's had on the automotive world may be exactly inverse to its size and price. In other words, it's had a huge effect, proving to the world that it's possible to build a business plan around selling super cheap cars in rapidly expanding markets.

You can reportedly add the Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) and General Motors joint venture to the list of automakers that have taken notice of the Nano. According to reports rolling in from China and India, the 50:50 JV is considering a vehicle that would be positioned below the Chevy Spark/Daewoo Matiz that would sell for as little as $3,500.

So far, GM/SAIC isn't commenting on the reports, but has indicated in the past that it plans to build small vans, SUVs and cars for emerging markets like China and India.

[Source: WheelsUnplugged | Image: Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty Images]

REPORT: GM-SAIC pondering Tata Nano fighter? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> emerging marketemerging marketsEmergingMarketEmergingMarketsGMgm saicGmSaicSAICtata nanoTataNano Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:32:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Despite selling off old bits to BAIC, Saab brand still in search of buyer]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/report-despite-selling-off-old-bits-to-baic-saab-brand-still-i/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/report-despite-selling-off-old-bits-to-baic-saab-brand-still-i/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/report-despite-selling-off-old-bits-to-baic-saab-brand-still-i/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2010 Saab 9-5 - click above for high-res image gallery

Here's a little bit more on the salvation/debacle of Saab. First of all, it should be pointed out that after our last report about Holland's Spyker trying to buy Saab, the freaks lovely people over at Saabs United pointed out some gaping holes in our reporting an inconsistency or two with the Reuters/our version of the facts. As such, we've gone ahead and vetted the information we're using for this post with the brain trust over at Saabs United. Hey, they really like Saabs, what can we say? And now, on to the story.

Automotive News is reporting that China's Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Company (BAIC) has reached a deal with General Motors to acquire the tooling for both the Saab 9-3 and 9-5. Not so fast, says Saab's United! What they actually acquired is the tooling for the old 9-5, as well as the stuff for the pre-2006 9-3. Sort of a big difference, as obviously Saab's just getting geared up to roll out the all new 9-5 - and whomever winds up buying Saab will most likely want to offer both it and the existing 9-3 and its derivatives. Spyker's CEO Victor Muller confirms the BAIC deal is for "old equipment" and goes on to characterize the BAIC deal as, "Good news."

Then there's a bunch of no commenting. Obviously, General Motors has no comment on anything, though they do say that once a deal is reached they will say something. As far as we can tell, the pending Spyker deal is still a definite maybe. BAIC could not be reached to make a "no comment," and Saab's Eric Geer's stated, "We can't comment on anything about the sales process." Though our Saabs United source does provide us with a juicy tidbit, "[Geer's] wife is Saab's head legal counsel so he's like the canary in the coal mine. If he ever resigns suddenly..."

So there you have it - Saab's future is still totally up in the air. Though our source says that in addition to the 9-5 sedan, there's a 9-5 wagon (SportCombi) that's "pretty much ready to go" as well as the 9-4x which has, "been ready for about a year but Caddy had to get the SRX out first." Plus, a new 9-3 is being worked on. And one more thing - Saabs United is reporting that a Swedish group (not Renco) is also in talks with GM, in addition to the Spyker deal. We'll keep you posted.


Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Saab 9-5


[Source: Automotive News - subs req. | Saabs United]

REPORT: Despite selling off old bits to BAIC, Saab brand still in search of buyer originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2010 Saab 9-32010 Saab 9-3x2010 Saab 9-52010Saab9-32010Saab9-3x2010Saab9-59-39-4x9-5BAICGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsGMRencoSaabSaab 9-3Saab 9-4xSaab 9-5Saab 9-5 Wagonsaab saleSaab9-3Saab9-4xSaab9-5Saab9-5WagonSaabs UnitedSaabSaleSaabsUnitedSportcombiSpykerswedish automakerSwedishAutomaker Mon, 14 Dec 2009 09:28:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Former Volvo directors and politicians fear sale to BAIC]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/report-former-volvo-directors-and-politicians-fear-sale-to-baic/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/report-former-volvo-directors-and-politicians-fear-sale-to-baic/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/report-former-volvo-directors-and-politicians-fear-sale-to-baic/#comments Filed under: , ,



Back in October, Ford anointed China's Geely Holding Group as its preferred bidder for Swedish Automaker Volvo. The move made perfect sense for Ford, simply because Geely was offering money and the recent happenings in the auto industry proved that, beyond the shadow of a doubt, you can never have too much money. But it should come as a surprise of nobody that there is a significant delegation of past and present members of Volvo management that aren't all that thrilled with being engulfed by an up and coming Chinese company.

Sweden news site The Local is reporting that eight former Volvo directors have collaborated on a letter to Ford Chairman Bill Ford Jr. asking the Blue Oval to reconsider a sale to Geely. The letter reportedly states that Geely doesn't have the technical competence to keep the Swedish automaker going. The letter also allegedly stated that Volvo is concerned about technical details being leaked to Geely -- a situation Ford likely wouldn't be too happy with.

While past Volvo directors appear to be very concerned about the prospect of Geely taking over the company, current Volvo management is speaking out in favor of the deal. That's probably a good idea considering the real possibility that the Chinese automaker could soon be the masters of the current management's future with the safety-oriented automaker. Politicians are getting in on the debate as well, as democrats are reportedly likening ceding control of Volvo to Geely to selling the company to China and to Communism.

[Source: The Local | Image: Olivier MorinN/Getty/AFP]

REPORT: Former Volvo directors and politicians fear sale to BAIC originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> fordford geely volvoFordGeelyVolvogeelyVolvovolvo saleVolvoSale Mon, 14 Dec 2009 08:59:00 EST <![CDATA[PSA: Cardboard is probably not the best replacement material for your rig's windshield]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/11/psa-cardboard-is-probably-not-the-best-replacement-material-for/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/11/psa-cardboard-is-probably-not-the-best-replacement-material-for/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/11/psa-cardboard-is-probably-not-the-best-replacement-material-for/#comments Filed under: ,



Many years ago, some jerk smashed in the rear quarter panel of yours truly's 1985 Pontiac Parisienne Safari with a hockey stick. How do we know they used a hockey stick? Because we found the hockey stick in the back of the Pontiac. At that point in time, the poor Parisienne was only running on seven cylinders (we know that because of a compression test) and got parked for the rainy season. Our girlfriend at the time was concerned that our weather-sealing method wasn't very sound. But what do girls know about Glad bags and duct tape?

It then rained from November to March without pause. When we finally decided to open the engine up come Spring, we found mushrooms -- actual mushrooms -- growing all over the Pontiac's expansive carpeting. And before you ask, no, we didn't eat the mushrooms.

We mention all this because according to Metro UK, a Chinese trucker named Sing Li lost his windshield, replaced it with cardboard and then drove 500 miles with his head sticking out the window. Trouble is, by the time the police pulled him over, his head had turned blue and one of his eyes had frozen shut. Says the trucker in his defense, "I didn't want to fall behind in my delivery schedule and I couldn't afford a repair." Turns out that defense didn't work, and a court took his license. Maybe he should have tried Glad bags?

[Source: Metro.co.uk]

PSA: Cardboard is probably not the best replacement material for your rig's windshield originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> CardboardCardboard WindshieldCardboardWindshieldChinese Truck DriverChinese TruckerChineseTruckDriverChineseTruckerPontiacTrucker Fri, 11 Dec 2009 08:59:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: BAIC only interested in parts of Saab, "White Knight" looking increasingly unlikely]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/report-baic-only-interested-in-parts-of-saab-white-knight-lo/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/report-baic-only-interested-in-parts-of-saab-white-knight-lo/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/report-baic-only-interested-in-parts-of-saab-white-knight-lo/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



It seemed pretty obvious when we first heard that China's BAIC wanted Saab's tooling that it didn't want anything to do with purchasing the Swedish automaker's full monty. If BAIC wanted to be in the Saab business, clearly, it would have made overtures for more than just the retired tooling from the older versions of the 9-5 and 9-3. BAIC wants the cars and all the stuff that Saab made to make them, so as to have something else to sell in its home market. The rest of Saab, such as its Trollhattan headquarters and workforce apparently aren't of interest to BAIC, which just secured a line of credit from the Bank of China, presumably to finance this purchase.

General Motors is said to still have some suitors interested in the whole shooting match, instead of BAIC's cherry picking. Since the deal with Koenigsegg fell apart, Spyker has indicated interest in Saab, as has a private concern called Renco Group. Any deal will be carefully vetted by General Motors, and will have a short time-table for completion. If BAIC's bid for the parts of Saab carries through, the rest of the company will almost certainly head for liquidation. It's looking increasingly likely that there will be no stay of execution for Saab, no white knight riding in to save this Swedish automaker in distress. Still, it ain't over until it's over...

[Source: Reuters | Image: AFP/Getty]

REPORT: BAIC only interested in parts of Saab, "White Knight" looking increasingly unlikely originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> BAICbaic saabbaic saab toolingBaicSaabBaicSaabToolingSaabsaab 9-3saab 9-5saab baicsaab toolingSaab9-3Saab9-5SaabBaicSaabTooling Tue, 08 Dec 2009 11:01:00 EST <![CDATA[REUTERS: China's BAIC secures $2.1B line of credit... is it for Saab?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/reuters-chinas-baic-secures-2-1b-line-of-credit-is-it-for/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/reuters-chinas-baic-secures-2-1b-line-of-credit-is-it-for/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/reuters-chinas-baic-secures-2-1b-line-of-credit-is-it-for/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



Beijing Automotive Industry Corporation (BAIC) could still be in the game for Saab, having secured a $2.93 billion line of credit from the Bank of China. On the other hand, BAIC could just be gearing up for its own home-grown expansion plans, with an eye on ramping up production and putting financial and technological legs underneath its partnerships with Mercedes and Hyundai.

Or... it could be doing both: trying to buy Saab and as well as remodel its business. The deal for Saab between GM and Koenigsegg was for about $1 billion: the European Investment Bank approved a loan for $615 million, and BAIC provided about $400 million by buying a minority stake in the Koenigsegg Group. If BAIC did its own deal with GM for that same amount -- although we have a feeling they could get a Christmas discount -- that would leave nearly $2 billion for BAIC to take care of Saab and invest in its own operations.

This is, of course, pure speculation -- BAIC could have something else in mind entirely. All we know right now is that they've got a lotta yuan just sitting around waiting to be spent, and aborted plans to build the new 9-5 in China. This Saab story isn't finished yet...

[Source: Reuters]

REUTERS: China's BAIC secures $2.1B line of credit... is it for Saab? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Dec 2009 12:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> baicBeijing Automotive Industry CorpBeijingAutomotiveIndustryCorpchinafinancialsgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmkoenigseggsaab Sun, 06 Dec 2009 12:37:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: GM selling control of Chinese joint venture to SAIC, half of India operations]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/report-gm-selling-control-of-chinese-joint-venture-to-saic-hal/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/report-gm-selling-control-of-chinese-joint-venture-to-saic-hal/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/report-gm-selling-control-of-chinese-joint-venture-to-saic-hal/#comments Filed under: , ,

It has been a busy week at General Motors. The week started off with CEO Fritz Henderson's abrupt resignation, then executives converged on the LA Auto Show where Bob Lutz was the keynote speaker and then the U.S. market Chevy Cruze was revealed. Now, the General is reportedly deep in negotiations halfway around the world with its Chinese partner, SAIC, to sell its partnership stake in what is now the largest auto market in the world.

Here is how the deal will reportedly break down: According to Reuters, GM will give SAIC a scant one percent of its interest in the China venture and 50% of GM's India operations. In exchange, the General would receive what amounts to about 20% of the value of the China venture. Sounds like a pretty sweet deal considering the fact that GM isn't exactly a big player in the Indian market - but there is a very big downside. If GM cedes one percent of its joint venture with SAIC, then the Detroit, MI-based automaker would no longer control its China operations. The rumored deal will contain a proviso that the General can later buy back its lost percentage for a "premium price." That sounds a little like GM just got a loan from SAIC and put up one percent of its ownership as collateral.

While GM currently has over $40 billion in its cash coffers courtesy of its recent bailout and bankruptcy, The General is in a big hurry to pay back the money it owes the government. It also has to contend with what is still a very soft auto market - not to mention Opel restructuring costs that could tally $5 billion or more. But China is also a monster part of GM's business plan, so any money gained from this deal could come at an even greater cost. We have to wonder if this deal had anything to do with Mr. Henderson's abrupt exit stage left...

[Source: Reuters]

REPORT: GM selling control of Chinese joint venture to SAIC, half of India operations originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chinafritz hendersonFritzHendersongeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmjoint ventureJointVenturesaic Fri, 04 Dec 2009 09:00:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: U.S consortium now in lead for Volvo purchase]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/report-u-s-consortium-now-in-lead-for-volvo-purchase/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/report-u-s-consortium-now-in-lead-for-volvo-purchase/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/report-u-s-consortium-now-in-lead-for-volvo-purchase/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



Just about a month ago, news hit the interwebs that Chinese automaker Geely officially became Ford's preferred bidder for Volvo once concerns over intellectual property were sorted out. Today, though, we're hearing that Crown, a consortium led by former Ford director Michael Dingman, former Ford and Chrysler LLC executive Shamel Rushwin and ex-Volvo CEO Roger Holtback, is gaining momentum in its bid for the Swedish automaker after submitting a revised proposal.

If reports from The Wall Street Journal and Reuters are accurate, Crown's new bid is "on par" with Geely's $1.8 billion offer and is backed by both Swedish and Chinese investors and banks. Not surprisingly, Ford has yet to comment on the speculation, though it has said that talks with Geely are already at an advanced stage. Stay tuned.

[Sources: The Wall Street Journal; Reuters]

REPORT: U.S consortium now in lead for Volvo purchase originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> blue ovalBlueOvalcrowncrown volvocrown volvo bidCrownVolvoCrownVolvoBidfordford motorford motor co.FordMotorFordMotorCo.geelygeely volvogeely volvo bidGeelyVolvoGeelyVolvoBidMichael DingmanMichaelDingmanroger holtbackRogerHoltbackShamel RushwinShamelRushwinvolvo Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:40:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: GM could sell some Saab assets to Chinese; brand has through year's end to find buyer]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/report-gm-could-sell-some-saab-assets-to-chinese-automaker/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/report-gm-could-sell-some-saab-assets-to-chinese-automaker/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/report-gm-could-sell-some-saab-assets-to-chinese-automaker/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



General Motors' Saab brand has been given a one month stay of execution as the Detroit, MI-based automaker has announced that it will hold off on a decision regarding the brand's fate until the end of the year. GM's apparent non-decision comes just one week after it announced that Swedish specialty car maker Koenigsegg unexpectedly pulled out of the running for Saab.

While GM isn't commenting on any potential suitors at this time due to non-disclosure agreements with the parties involved, speculation is that Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Co. and Wyoming-based Merbanco Inc are in the running for the struggling Swedish automaker. BAIC appears to make some sense considering the Chinese automaker's desire to enter the U.S. market and the fact that it was also involved in a bid to purchase Opel from GM earlier in the fall.

Beijing Auto was also reportedly involved in the original Koenigsegg deal, which fell apart for reasons we may never know. GM said in a brief statement (available after the jump) that if no deals materialized by the end of the year, it expects to begin an orderly wind down of the global Saab business at that time."

[Sources: The Detroit News; General Motors | Image: Torsten Silz/AFP/Getty Images]

Continue reading REPORT: GM could sell some Saab assets to Chinese; brand has through year's end to find buyer

REPORT: GM could sell some Saab assets to Chinese; brand has through year's end to find buyer originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> beijing automotiveBeijingAutomotivegmkoenigseggsaabsaab saleSaabSale Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:26:00 EST <![CDATA[New Buick Excelle debuts in China, sedan coming to America soon]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/new-buick-excelle-debuts-in-china-sedan-coming-to-america-soon/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/new-buick-excelle-debuts-in-china-sedan-coming-to-america-soon/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/new-buick-excelle-debuts-in-china-sedan-coming-to-america-soon/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2011 Buick Excelle XT - Click above for high-res image gallery

Back in August, when General Motors gave the media a tour of its design studios to show off pieces of its upcoming lineup, one of the cars we saw was a compact four-door Buick sedan. That sedan was essentially a re-grilled and trunked version of the recently introduced Opel Astra, but GM did not say what badging the car would receive in North America. However, the five-door hatchback version has just debuted in China at the Guangzhou Motor Show as the newest baby Buick.

In what is Buick's largest market, the compact is badged as the Excelle, and we wouldn't be surprised to see that name come to the U.S. provided there aren't any issues with the similarly named (and defunct) Hyundai Excel. The car we saw in August was identical to the Excelle shown above from the B-pillars forward. It only differs at the rear where the hatch was originally a traditional trunk.

Unlike the last Saturn Astra (and previous attempts at smaller Buicks), the inside of the new car looks much more upscale and should be more appealing to American consumers. We'll probably only get the 181-horsepower, 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder in the Excelle in order to set it apart from the 140-hp Chevy Cruze that shares the same platform. If our version gets the 138-hp 1.8-liter at all, it will probably be paired with the automaker's new, second-generation BAS hybrid system.


Gallery: Buick Excelle XT


[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading New Buick Excelle debuts in China, sedan coming to America soon

New Buick Excelle debuts in China, sedan coming to America soon originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 20112011 buick2011 buick excelle2011Buick2011BuickExcellebuickbuick chinabuick excelleBuick Excelle Sedanbuick excelle xtBuickChinaBuickExcelleBuickExcelleSedanBuickExcelleXtchinaexcelle Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:29:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: China's Changan delays plan to enter North American auto market]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/report-chinas-changan-delays-plan-to-enter-north-american-auto/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/report-chinas-changan-delays-plan-to-enter-north-american-auto/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/report-chinas-changan-delays-plan-to-enter-north-american-auto/#comments Filed under: , ,



Changan is coming to America, just not yet. Aiming to establish a base in Mexico with which to move into the U.S. market, the Chinese automaker signed a deal last year to build a plant south of the border. The familiar story of planetary financial catastrophe has encouraged Changan to tap the brakes on its plans, however.

Said the company's R&D head to Reuters, "We are still doing market research there. There won't be any big investment for the time being." As if the crisis weren't enough, Changan, like other Chinese makers, is also looking at getting into the luxury market with a vehicle developed in-house, and that will divert potential resources from overseas expansion. That means we Americans won't get to sample MPVs like the Changan Joice (shown above) for a while longer.

[Source: Reuters]

REPORT: China's Changan delays plan to enter North American auto market originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 08:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> changanChangan JoiceChanganJoicechinese automakerchinese carChineseAutomakerChineseCarmexico Wed, 25 Nov 2009 08:44:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: New Chinese-market Cadillac SLS and Buick Excelle XT to debut in Guangzhou]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/report-new-chinese-market-cadillac-sls-and-buick-excelle-xt-to/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/report-new-chinese-market-cadillac-sls-and-buick-excelle-xt-to/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/report-new-chinese-market-cadillac-sls-and-buick-excelle-xt-to/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



General Motors' China's sales are up 60 percent year-on-year, and The General wants to keep the momentum going at its Chinese outpost. Automotive News China reports that the Guangzhou Auto Show will play host to the unveiling of the market-specific Cadillac SLS and Buick Excelle XT, the latter described as a four-door "coupé-like sedan."

The Excelle XT will take a place between the Excelle and the new Regal. The Cadillac gets 3.0-liter and 3.6-liter engines with GM's SIDI technology that also grace Australia's new Holden Commodores. The luxury sedan, a lengthened version of our STS with a superior interior, will also be China's introduction to OnStar.


[Source: Automotive News China - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: New Chinese-market Cadillac SLS and Buick Excelle XT to debut in Guangzhou originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> buick excelle xtBuickExcelleXtcadillac slsCadillacSlschinaexcelle xtExcelleXtgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsGuangzhouGuangzhou 2009Guangzhou Auto ShowGuangzhou2009GuangzhouAutoShowsls Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:59:00 EST <![CDATA[SEAT dominates with second consecutive World Touring Car Championship]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/seat-dominates-with-second-consecutive-world-touring-car-champio/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/seat-dominates-with-second-consecutive-world-touring-car-champio/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/seat-dominates-with-second-consecutive-world-touring-car-champio/#comments Filed under: , , ,


SEAT World Touring Car Championship Team with the Leon TDI - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you would have told us ten or twenty years ago that diesel would come to dominate motor racing, we probably would have laughed in your face. But since Audi charted new territory by dominating Le Mans with its R10 TDI, the competition benefits of burning oil is beyond reproach. Not satisfied to let diesel power dominate endurance sportscar racing, however, sister company SEAT picked up the mantle last year in the World Touring Car Championship with the Leon TDI.

As it turns out, running on diesel came to be a liability for SEAT as the WTCC reformatted the rules to reduce diesel's advantage. But the Sociedad Española de Automóviles de Turismo (Spanish Touring Car Company) pulled together, rallied its team and went on to dominate the World Touring Car Championship for the second year in the row, clinching all three of the series titles this past weekend in Macau - China's closest approximation of Monaco and the final round in the championship.

SEAT won the manufacturers' title, outpacing rivals BMW by three small points and outshining Chevrolet (with their new Cruze-based touring car) and Lada. SEAT's main shoe, Gabriele Tarquini, clinched the drivers' title ahead of his teammate (and defending champion) Yvan Muller. As if that wasn't enough, privateer Tom Coronel drove his gasoline-powered Leon to secure the Independents Trophy as well, making it a resounding triple victory for SEAT and its WTCC crew. Details in the press release after the jump and photos in the high-res image gallery below.


Gallery: SEAT Leon TDI at WTCC Macau


[Source: SEAT]

Continue reading SEAT dominates with second consecutive World Touring Car Championship

SEAT dominates with second consecutive World Touring Car Championship originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> dieselleonleon tdiLeonTdimacauseatseat leonseat leon tdiseat leon wtccSeatLeonSeatLeonTdiSeatLeonWtcctdiworld touring car championshipWorldTouringCarChampionshipwtcc Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:31:00 EST <![CDATA[SAIC-owned MG launches MG 6, first all-new car in 14 years]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/saic-owned-mg-launches-mg-6-first-all-new-car-in-14-years/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/saic-owned-mg-launches-mg-6-first-all-new-car-in-14-years/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/saic-owned-mg-launches-mg-6-first-all-new-car-in-14-years/#comments Filed under: , ,

2010 MG 6 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The last new MG was the MGF sportscar way back in 1995, and oh, what a difference 14 years makes. The MG6 is the first new MG by the company's new owner, Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. (SAIC), and they've chosen a four-door liftback for their coming out party. About the size of a VW Golk/Skoda Octavia, the MG6 will be powered by either a naturally aspirated 1.8-litre four-cylinder with 133 brake horsepower and 135 pound-feet of torque, or a turbocharged 1.8-liter with 160 bhp and 158 lb-ft. Shifting is said to be via five-speed automatic.

The MG 6 will go on sale in China first, but it has reportedly been engineered to meet global safety standards and is expected to be exported. SAIC hasn't given any numbers or even locations for export yet, but the company president said they plan to produce it in the UK by the end of next year.


Gallery: 2010 MG6


[Source: Autoblog China (translated)]

SAIC-owned MG launches MG 6, first all-new car in 14 years originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2010 mg62010Mg6chinaGuangzhouGuangzhou 2009Guangzhou Auto ShowGuangzhou2009GuangzhouAutoShowhatchbackMGMG 6mg6saic Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST <![CDATA[Spy Shots: Next-gen Buick Excelle for China snapped]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/spy-shots-next-gen-cruze-based-buick-excelle-for-china-snapped/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/spy-shots-next-gen-cruze-based-buick-excelle-for-china-snapped/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/spy-shots-next-gen-cruze-based-buick-excelle-for-china-snapped/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Next-gen Buick Excelle for China - Click above for high-res image gallery

Soon Buick will have an entire lineup of competitive vehicles with the Enclave, all-new LaCrosse and soon-to-arrive-from-Europe Regal. Since the latter model is basically a direct port of the Opel Insignia, its success may help General Motors decide whether or not to snag a fourth model from another overseas market. The likely candidate is this car, the next-gen Buick Excelle that is currently sold only in China.

Recently snapped by spy photographers while undergoing testing with very little camouflage, the next-gen Excelle will adopt GM's Delta II small car platform that also underpins the new Chevy Cruze and Opel Astra. It's more closely related to later, however, as previous generations have been not much more than rebadged Astras. Just because Buick could sell the Excelle in the U.S., however, doesn't mean it should. Would the market really accept a Buick this small, especially when the Cruze is on sale across the street? Time will tell but you can let GM know what you think now in the comments.


Gallery: Spy Shots: Next-gen Buick Excelle for China


[Photos: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: Next-gen Buick Excelle for China snapped originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> buickbuick chinabuick excelleBuickChinaBuickExcellechevroletchevrolet cruzeChevroletCruzechinacruzeexcellespy picsspy shotsSpyPicsSpyShots Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:33:00 EST <![CDATA[Can You Hear Me Now? China reportedly developing 3G-based 'smart' car]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/can-you-hear-me-now-china-reportedly-developing-3g-based-smart/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/can-you-hear-me-now-china-reportedly-developing-3g-based-smart/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/can-you-hear-me-now-china-reportedly-developing-3g-based-smart/#comments Filed under: ,



Chana Auto, otherwise known as Changan (that's their Benni Sports pictured), has entered into an alliance with China Mobile "to develop a smart vehicle based on 3G wireless technologies." In actuality, however, it sounds like it's not the vehicle that will be smart, but what you can do with it.

From Gasgoo's report, it sounds like Changan wants to put an iPhone on wheels. That "wireless communications package" will feature all the web content - and e-mail and videoconferencing - you've practically come to expect from a car. Beyond that, it will enable owners to perform functions remotely such as control and management of the car, diagnostics, positioning and tracking, and "technologies which emulate an office environment." Pretty soon, even in China, there'll be no such question as "Dude, where's my car?"

[Source: Gasgoo]

Can You Hear Me Now? China reportedly developing 3G-based 'smart' car originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 3gchanachanganchina mobileChinaMobile Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:29:00 EST <![CDATA[Geely looking for 1M units from Volvo, plans Chinese factory]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/15/report-geely-looking-for-1m-units-from-volvo-plans-chinese-fac/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/15/report-geely-looking-for-1m-units-from-volvo-plans-chinese-fac/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/15/report-geely-looking-for-1m-units-from-volvo-plans-chinese-fac/#comments Filed under: , , ,



Should Geely succeed in its bid to purchase Volvo, the Chinese automaker does not plan to spend any time playing in its new Swedish sandbox. Ford moved about 380,000 Volvos around the world last year; Geely wants to sell 2.5 times that amount within five years. How so? By injecting "two or three bigger, more luxurious cars" into the lineup and working its home market of China, which Geely feels could be unlocked for 200,000 vehicles alone. Those units could be supplied by a Chinese factory capable of making 300,000 cars per year and would presumably be larger than the upcoming redesigned S60 (above).

Ford has designated Geely its preferred bidder for Volvo. However, in an echo of the tensions between General Motors and Magna's Russian bidding partner Sberbank, Geely will need to address Ford's intellectual property concerns among other issues to complete a sale. Volvo's technologies and reputation for safety are probably worth as much as the company's physical assets, so it's not surprising that Ford wants to negotiate the technology transfer. Assuming they can come to terms, closing the deal is expected to cost Geely $2 billion.


Gallery: 2010 Volvo S60


[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]

Geely looking for 1M units from Volvo, plans Chinese factory originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> acquisitionchinafordgeelyproductionvolvo Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:59:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Chinese automaker SAIC accused of hybrid tech theft by SsangYong]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/report-chinese-automaker-saic-accused-of-hybrid-tech-theft-by-s/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/report-chinese-automaker-saic-accused-of-hybrid-tech-theft-by-s/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/report-chinese-automaker-saic-accused-of-hybrid-tech-theft-by-s/#comments Filed under: , ,



In the beginning of the decade, before SsangYong got into really deep doo-doo, the Korean automaker began work on a hybrid control unit (HCU) with German engineering firm FEV. From 2004 to 2008, as the research continued, the South Korean government provided nearly half of the financial resources for the development of the technology. In 2005, as Ssangyong's stumbles began, Chinese automaker SAIC took a majority stake in the Korean company.

A year later, in 2006, SAIC saw the success SsangYong was having with the HCU and allegedly pressured SsangYong engineers to hand over the technology. And that, according to Korean state prosecutors, violated laws regarding the transfer of "homegrown technologies... without state permission." Since the Korean government paid for almost half of the tech, SAIC's rights to the HCU needed to be approved by the Korean government.

Seven indictments have been brought against SsangYong engineers, none of whom were financially compensated for revealing the HCU plans to SAIC. It appears to be a simple case of bullying. No action is planned against SAIC. Hat tip to Regular Man!

[Source: Korea Times | Image: Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty]

REPORT: Chinese automaker SAIC accused of hybrid tech theft by SsangYong originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chinagovernmentintellectual propertyIntellectualPropertylegalsaicshanghai automotive industry corpShanghaiAutomotiveIndustryCorpsouth koreaSouthKoreassangyong Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:32:00 EST <![CDATA[Brilliance importer for Europe goes belly up]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/brilliance-importer-for-europe-goes-belly-up/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/brilliance-importer-for-europe-goes-belly-up/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/brilliance-importer-for-europe-goes-belly-up/#comments Filed under: , ,



When Chinese automaker Brilliance wanted to invade The Continent, it chose Germany-based importer HSO Motors to introduce models like its BS4. Brilliance kept up its end of the agreement, shipping cars to HSO; HSO, however, couldn't get the cars sold, and a little more than a year into the partnership HSO has gone bankrupt.

Three reasons are blamed for the flame-out: the crash test videos for the BS4 and BS6, along with pricing. If you'll remember, when the German ADAC tested the Brilliance BS6, the result was a horror film that would have frightened Freddy Krueger with an official rating of zero stars. After a great deal of improvements and added equipment were put on the BS4, tested two years later, the results were much more palatable -- yet the car still received just three stars. The ADAC's had raised its testing standards, so what would have earned the BS4 a three-star rating under the old methods was only good for zero this time around. That didn't make German buyers comfortable.

The ADAC's testing methods have been labeled unfair, and it's been noted that the ADAC is not a regulatory body. Yet other cars tested under the new methods, like the Skoda Yeti and Honda Jazz, earned five stars. Beyond that, the BS4 is priced at about €16,000 ($24,000 U.S.). Even though it's larger, it's priced against cars like the Focus and Golf, and well above a Skoda Octavia. As a maker trying to earn its way into the field of German car offerings, Brilliance will need to go well beyond the norm to to make its case. For now, Brilliance has taken over HSO Motors' role as importer.

[Source: Euro Car Blog]

Brilliance importer for Europe goes belly up originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> adacBrilliancebrilliance bs4BrillianceBs4chinaeuropegermanyhso motorsHsoMotors Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:02:00 EST