Ford to Invest In Cleveland Plant

Ford is investing $1.8 billion on North American facility upgrades in order to produce its 2011 model year line-up, creating 1,260 new jobs. Included in the facility upgrade is a $155 million investment in its Cleveland Engine Plant No. 1, creating 60 jobs.

The investment is to retool the plant in order to produce the 3.7L DOHC Ti-VCT V6 engine for the 2011 Ford Mustang, capable of 305 horsepower and an expected, class-leading 30mpg.

Bill Russo, director of manufacturing for Ford's powertrain operations said, "Ford is absolutely committed to delivering class-leading fuel efficiency with every new vehicle we introduce, and this investment in Cleveland provides further proof."

-Anthony Alaniz
[Source: Left Lane News]

Term of the Day

Steering Knuckle - Part of the steering system attached to the ends of the steering arms, supported by the upper and lower ball joints or the kingpin, and about which the front wheels pivot.

-Anthony Alaniz

Video of the Day - Porsche Intelligent Performance - Testing Continues

Viper Club of America to Distibute OEM Parts

With the future of the Dodge Viper looking bleak, current owners were planning on getting replacement parts directly from Dodge, though that will not be the case.

The Viper Club of America, formed in 1995 between Dodge and Viper owners, represents over 25,000 members. The club as agreed to acquire select parts, accessories, and rare historical items directly from the manufacturer to offer to Viper owners.

In order to sell these items to owners, Viper Club of America has formed the Viper Parts of America, the venue to buy the acquired parts.

"The Viper is a very important part of our performance car heritage, a true American exotic that first appeared on the North American auto show circuit back in 1989," said Ralph Gillies, President and CEO, Dodge Brand.

-Anthony Alaniz
(Photo: 2010 Dodge Viper ACR-X)
[Source: PRNewsire]

Cummins to Pay $2.1 Million for EPA Violation

Cummins Inc., a company that designs, manufactures, distributes, and services diesel engines, has settled to pay $2.1 million for violations of the Clean Air Act.

Cummins "shipped more than 570,000 heavy duty diesel engines to vehicle equipment manufacturers nationwide without pollution control equipment included."

Along with paying the settlement, Cummins is also recalling just 405 engines that reached the consumer without the proper after-treatment devices, like catalytic converters and diesel particulate filters that aid in the control of pollution.

-Anthony Alaniz
[Source: Environmental Protection Agency]

FBI Raids Three Toyota Suppliers

According to The Detroit News, three automotive supplier's offices were searched by the FBI Tuesday night in connection with an international anti-trust agreement.

The three offices were of Yazaki North America, Denso International, and Tokai Rika within the Detroit metro-area, said Special Agent Sanrda Berchtold.

Denso International is part-owned by Toyota Motor Corp., though the investigation has nothing to do with Toyota's recall issues, said Bridgette LaRose Gollinger, senior public relations specialist.

-Anthony Alaniz
[Source: The Detroit News]

AMG Working on Entry-Level Coupe

AMG, the high performance division of Mercedes-Benz, is introducing its own entry-level coupe based off of the Mercedes-Benz F800 Style concept that is on display at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show.

The new AMG is poised to provide Mercedes-Benz with a rival to cars like the Audi S3 and the Volkswagen Golf R. Mercedes also hopes to attract a younger customers base to its showrooms.

A 2.0L, turbocharged direct-injection four-cylinder engine is planned to power the new AMG coupe. The engine is planned to be paired with a seven-gear dual-clutch transmission and a four-wheel drive system.

The AMG coupe will likely make around 300 base horsepower and 220 lb-ft of torque, though expect a slew of energy saving technology to come standard.

-Anthony Alaniz

(Photo: Mercedes-Benz F800 Style concept)
[Source: Autocar.co.uk]

GM's Global Battery Director Leaves

Denise Gray, an instrumental figure in the development of the upcoming Chevy Volt, announced that she will be leaving GM for an unnamed young venture-capitol funded start-up company based in California.

GM says Gray's departure will not have an affect on the release of the Chevy Volt, hey her departure is another loss to the Volt team. Ronn Jamieson and Bill Wallace are assuming responsibilities that Gray held when she leaves March 5, 2010.

-Anthony Alaniz
[Source: Left Lane News]

Ford F-Series Details Released

If you are in the market for the "most capable, fuel efficient" heavy duty truck that is currently available, you may want to stop by your local Ford dealership this April to take a look at the new, 2011, Ford Super Duty truck line.

Powered by a Ford designed, engineered, and built 6.7L Power Stroke® V8 turbocharged engine, it provides an amazing 735 ft-lb of torque at just 1,600 rpms and 390 horsepower at 2,800 rpms to give it the best-in-class fuel economy. It also has a biodiesel capability up to B20.

The new engine transfers the power to the wheels through a six-speed TorqShift® automatic transmission. This helps the Super Duty achieve a class leading towing capacity of 24,000 pounds and a payload capacity of 6,520 pounds.

The Ford F-Series has been the best-selling truck line for the last 33 years, relying on leading horsepower, torque, towing and payload capacity, fuel economy and reliability.

Also offered in the 2011 Super Duty is the Ford Work Solutions^TM; a new technology that allows customers stay connected with their business and have the ability to track tools.

Chris Brewer, chief designer said, "With all-new powertrains and increased capability, the 2011 Super Duty improves on its proud heritage as the ultimate work truck."

-Anthony Alaniz

(Photo: 2011 Ford F-350 Super Duty)

[Sourec: Ford]

Cadillac's Return to Europe

Europe is known for its lavish luxury cars; Bentley, Mercedes, BMW, and Cadillac? This may just be the case with the establishment of Cadillac Europe. The design of the entity is to market and distribute a few select models from the Cadillac lineup to European customers.

Cadillac it making its first European splash with previewing the Cadillac CTS at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. The CTS is slated to arrive in Europe later this fall.

Also being presented at the Geneva Motor Show are the CTS Sport Wagon, CTS Sprot Sedan, and the CTS-V. Cadillac is also introducing a mid size luxury crossover called the SRX for the 2011 model year. The Cadillac Escalade Hybrid is also jumping ship, also being previewed at the motor show.

Does Mercedes, BMW, and Bentley have a new competitor in their neighborhood? By the looks of the Cadillac CTS-V and CTS-V Coupe, I would say they may have a hard time keeping the 556 horsepower, supercharged 6.2L V8 engine under control.

-Anthony Alaniz

(Photo: 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe)

[Source: GM]

Ford Laysoff Workers at Flat Rock

With sales down, Ford is laying off 900 employees, mostly hourly manufacturing workers, from the AutoAlliance International plant in Flat Rock, Mich., the home of the Ford Mustang. This layoff is the occurrence of many factors; the tough economic situation, stiff competition from the Chevy Camaro, and Ford introduction of new engine for the Mustang this summer, with many potential buyers waiting until the new model is available.

The company will reduce shifts from two to one on July 12, though it will be increasing the pace of assembly at the plant according to Ford spokeswoman Marcey Evans. The Flat Rock plant employs 2,300 people.

Ford Mustang sales were down 27 percent last year, allowing the Camaro to come with 5,000 units of outselling the Ford Mustang, something that has not happened since 1985.

-Anthony Alaniz
(Photo: 2010 Ford Mustang)
[Source: Free Press]

Ford Fiesta hits 6,000 Reservations

With in the first week of launch in Dec. 2009, the new Ford Fiesta had more than 1,000 reservations. Last week FoMoCo confirmed there are now 6,000 reservations, while over half of them are from non-Ford customers.

"Nearly 60 percent of customers are opting for the high series model, while 65 percent are choosing the five-door hatchback. Among the top three color choices are Blue Flame and Lime Squeeze," Ford said in a statement.

Over 100,000 people are showing interest in the new car.




-Anthony Alaniz
(Photo: 2011 Ford Fiesta)
[Source: egmCarTech]

Video of the Day: BMW Joy is Futureproof Commercial

Fiat's Vehicle Platform to Underpin U.S. Chrysler Cars

Fiat's new Compact vehicle architecture is planned to underpin 700,000 Chrysler vehicles a year in the U.S. Chrysler and Fiat currently are working on widening the platform, known as Compact Wide, which is planned to underpin seven new models for Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep Brands.

According to Automotive News, the first Chrysler's to receive the new architecture will replace the PT Cruiser and Dodge Caliber in 2012. The Compact vehicle architecture is scheduled to debut in the 2011 Alfa Romeo Giulietta.

The development of the architecture took into account the "best-in-class performance in terms of handling and steering response, weight-to-power ratio; noise, vibration and harshness, active and passive safety," said Stefano Re Fiorentinn, head of advanced engineering for Fiat.

-Anthony Alaniz

(Photo: 2011 Alfa Romeo Giulietta)
[Souce: egmCarTech]

Term of the Day

GT - This stands for Grand Touring, Grand Tourer, or Grand Turismo. This usually denotes a high-performance car, or a car with a luxury options package. Some examples would be the Ford Mustang GT, and the Bentley Continental GT.

-Anthony Alaniz

Alfa Romeo to Return to U.S. in 2012

After a failed return with General Motors, in 2003, to U.S. shores it appears that Alfa Romeo will be on U.S. roads by 2012.

Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Alfa, Romeo remarked Friday in Toronto that that Alfa should be back in North America within 24 months.

"I'm a lot more confident now that Alfa Romeo will reconstitute a product offering that is acceptable globally, and more in particular in the United States and Canada."

-Anthony Alaniz
[Source: egmCarTech]

Buick Looking to New Coupe

I will be the first to admit, I was excited when I heard about the new Buick Regal; a homage to the Buick people grew to love. One thing I was not excited about was the new Regal's only offering came in the form of a sedan. Even the high-performance GS Concept, that will likely begin production soon, still left me empty about the future of Buick. Buick needs something like the 1987 GNX to spicin' its lineup; developed by McLaren/ACS and underrated at 276 horsepower is something Buick you can use to lure in younger buyers.

Accordint to John Cafaro, Buicks director of design, a coupe is needed, not only to widen its offering to a larger demographic of car buyers, but also make a statement that Buick is not for the older genereations, "A coupe is definately where you say, 'I'm Back'."

In 2007 Buick showcased the Riviera Concpet, a sleek coupe design study that could hint at the future of a new product.

-Anthony Alaniz

(Photo: 2007 Buick Riviera Concept)

[Source: Automotive News]

Tracer Namplate Returning to Mecury Lineup

Heavily promoting its new, redesigned Focus, Ford is apparently not forgetting to update its neglected Mercury lineup. Ford is introducing a new small car under the Mercury marquee, based off of the Focus, for 2011.

According to two dealers present at a brand meeting recently, speculation is suggesting that the new small car will carry the Mercury Tracer nameplate. If the dealers that spoke with Automotive News are correct, the new small car will be badged off of the Michigan-built, 2011 Ford Focus.

Ford is hoping to create more buzz with its Mercury lineup, especially now that it is dropping the Grand Marquis, and Mountaineer.

-Anthony Alaniz

(Photo: 1995 Mercury Tracer)

[Source: Left Lane News]

Ford, GM Gain from Toyota's Woes

With Toyota's current recall woes and less then positive public approval, Edmunds.com, a leading authority in the automotive industry, has changed its 2010 outlook for the automotive market landscape.

Edmunds is predicting that Toyota's lost in sales be Ford's gain. Edmunds.com Senior Analyst Jessica Caldwell, at the Chicago auto show, said, "It now seems clear that Ford will overtake Toyota to reclaim its position as the second largest automaker in the U.S. market."

With Ford releasing new models this year, they are aimed to gain market share. The new Fiesta goes on sale this summer, with pre-sales starting on Monday. The new, redesigned Ford Focus is slated to go on sale this fall.

Analysis shows that Toyota's loss is a gain for everyone; GM, Chrysler, Honda, Nissan, and Hyundai all gaining in 2010. During Toyota's recall woes, GM, Ford, and Hyundai have all been running incentive programs to draw Toyota customers, and according to Edmunds analysts, the programs appear to be working.

-Anthony Alaniz
[Source: Auto Observer]

Video of the Day: Matech Symphony No.1

GM's New Facilites Work Without UAW

It appears that GM's new facilities opening are missing one key, historical group; the United Auto Workers union

The facility designated to produce the lithium-ion batteries in a suburb of Detroit for the Chevy Volt are currently being built without any UAW labor. Delphi is set to open a plant in Indian, lacking the presence of the UAW as well.

This shows that the UAW is losing hold over the auto companies, though it should help reduce the cost of the Volt, and hopefully return the company back to profitability.

Many UAW workers and organizers are upset, believing these new jobs would go to the them. George Shortwell, a retired GM employee said, "We were told that all the concessions we made would make us competitive for new jobs. What happened with these jobs?"

-Anthony Alaniz
[Source: Left Lane News]

Car Fact of the Day

Volkswagen is more than just a German automotive company; it is determined to be one of the world's largest automotive companies. It includes such prestigious brands like: Bently, Audi, Lamborghini, and Bugatti. It also operates SEAT, a Spanish company, and Skoda, a company based in Czechoslovakia. Volkswagen also holds a 49.9 percent stake in Porsche, and a 19.9 percent stake in Suzuki.

-Anthony Alaniz

More Woes for Toyota

As if Toyota did not have enough PR mess to deal with, it appears that the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration is looking into another safety issue; this time dealing with power steering. Eighty complaints have rolled into the NHTSA of wandering cars, and difficult lane management on the 2009 and 2010 Toyota Corollas.

The NHTSA said that it is looking into the complaints to see if an investigation is necessary.

-Anthon Alaniz
[Source: egmCarTech]

Opel to Invest $15 Billion by 2014

GM's European brand, Opel and Vauxhall, CEO Nick Reilly said today that $15 billion is to be invested to liven up the current carlines of the automaker.

One of Opel's more highly anticipated models is the new Ampera; an extended-range electric vehicle based off of Chevy's upcoming Volt.

Also $1 billion dollars is being invested in fuel-efficient powertrain technology to help introduce its new line of green vehicles.

-Anthony Alaniz

(Photo: 2011 Opel Ampera)

[Source: egmCarTech]

V6 Possible for Ferrari

What do you think of Ferrari; blaring European V8 sound, high performance, super cars? Well Ferrari's CEO Amedeo Felisa stated that V6 engines may be in Ferrari's Future. When asked about the possibility Felisa said "If I had to answer that question a year ago I would have said no, but attitudes are changing and we build cars for the consumers."

If Ferrari is developing some new six-cylinder engines is unknown, though we will just have to wait and see what the Italian automaker comes up with to satisfy its customers.

-Anthony Alaniz
[Source: Autocar.co.uk]

NHTSA Doing Its Job

It seems like auto companies are just tossing out recalls left and right. With Toyota's ongoing acceleration issue, and now the Prius' braking problem. The Ford F-150's accidental airbag deployment. The knowledge of the Lexus, the luxury brand of Toyota, E350 unintended-acceleration issue that has been reported to be known since 2007. GM seems to want to jump in on the action.

With 1,132 complaints, and 11 reported crashes, the Chevrolet Cobalt is the newest addition to come under the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration scrutiny. Consumers have complained about a sudden loss in power steering. 905,000 vehicles are potentially affected; 2005 to 2009 Cobalts, and 2008 to 2009 Cobalt SS models, by the NHTSA investigation. GM has stated that it is "...cooperating with the agency in the investigation."

-Anthony Alaniz

(Photo: 2009 Chevy Cobalt XFE)

[Source: Autoblog]

Ford to Fix Fusion & Mercury Milan Hybrid Break Issue

Ford Motor Co. announced Thursday that it has a fix for the software that operates the brakes in its Fusion and Milan Hybrid models.

Drivers may feel a loss of pedal feedback, even though they still have full braking capabilities. The brakes in hybrid cars are more than just pads and rotors; the electric motors also help slow the car as well, helping to recharge the batteries. In some cases the Fusion bypasses the "regenerative braking" phase, causing the loss of pedal feel, while relying on the hydraulic brakes.

Owners are asked to bring their cars in for the patch, even if they have not experienced any braking problems.

-Anthony Alaniz
[Source: CNN Money]

Video of the Day: The R8: The Slowest Car Audi Ever Built

2010 World Car of the Year Nominees

There are three catergories for this years World Car of the Year: Car of the Year, Performance Car of the Year, and Green Car of the Year. Three finalists from each catergory are to be chosen at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. While the winners will be announced in March at the New York International Car Show, voted upon by 59 automotive writers from 23 countries.

2010 World Car of the Year

• Audi Q5
• BMW X1
• Chevrolet Cruze
• Kia Soul
• Mazda Mazda3
• Mercedes-Benz E-Class
• Opel/Vauxhall Insignia/Buick Regal
• Porsche Panamera
• Toyota Prius
• Volkswagen Polo

2010 Performance Car of the Year

• Astin Martin V12 Vantage
• Audi R8 V10
• Audi TT RS Coupe/Roadster
• BMW Z4
• Ferrari California
• Jaguar XFR
• Lotus Evora
• Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG
• Nissan 370Z
• Porsche 911 GT3
• Porsche Boxter/Cayman

2010 Green Car of the Year

• Ford Fusion Hybrid
• Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid
• Honda Insight
• Toyta Prius
• Volkswagen Bluemotion model Range

-Anthony Alaniz

[Source: Left Lane News]

Panamera Helps Increase Porsche Sales

Porsche seems to have an odd way of proving its skeptics wrong, and the Panamera is no different.

The Panamera, which has been positively accepted by American consumers, sold a total of 534 units in the U.S. This allowed Porsche to sell 1,786 units in January; with 503 units of the 911 model, 590 units of the Cayanne, and 159 units of the Boxter.

-Anthiny Alaniz
(Photo: 2010 Porsche Panamera)

[Source: egmCarTech]

Ferrari Working on New Models

Ferrari CEO, Amedeo Felisa, recently announced that Ferrari is working on three new models in the coming years.

Felisa mentioned that a convertible version of the new Italia is currently in development. A production version of the 599 Hybrid, which is expected to improve fuel economy by 25 percent, is still five years away. Though a 599 Hybrid is still a ways out, a GTO version is "coming soon," though no specifications were revealed.

Ferrari is also working on an adequate replacement for its popular, and well known, Enzo.

-Anthony Alaniz
[Source: Left Lane News]

Wolfgang Bernhard to Return to Mercedes-Benz

Remember the Tomahawk from the 2003 Detroit Auto Show? The 500 horsepower V-10, Viper powered motorcycle? Well the man that drove that into Cobo Hall, Wolfgang Bernhard is back at Daimler as a member of the Board of Management; and one of his chief responsibilities: Mercedes-Benz.

Bernhard has been with Mercedes-Benz since 1990 in various positions and forms, and his new appointment, not yet approved, should have a positive influence on the jumbled brand.

-Anthony Alaniz
[Source: Daimler]

Next-Generation Camaro to Shrink

With the next-generation Camaro expected to debut in 2014 as a 2015 model, consumers should expect a smaller, more fuel efficient Camaro.

According to Motor Trend, GM has okay'd the development of the next-generation Camaro to be built upon the new rear-wheel Alpha platform. The wheel base is expected to remain the same, though the overall length of the car could be as much as a foot shorter.

With the downsizing of the body, the engine bay will also be shrinking. The next-generation Camaro will likely drop its V8 in favor of a supercharged or turbocharged version of GM's 3.6L direct injection V6 engine.

-Anthony Alaniz

(Photo: 2010 Chevy Camaro Synergy Edition)

[Source: Left Lane News]

Video of the Day: First Ride: 2011 Ford Mustang V-6

Term of the Day

Fastback - A closed body style, usually in a coupe form, but seen in a sedan as well, where the roof slopes gradually in an unbroken line from the windshield to the rear edge of the car.

-Anthony Alaniz

Chevy Dropping Tagline

It appears that out with the old and in with new for GM is partaking to its marketing as well. Chevy is dropping its tagline "An American Revolution" that it has been in use since 2003.

Chevy General Manager told Automotive News "There's not really an all-new theme. It's really communications focused at those target customers." Meaning Chevy is using the brands as their new tagline.

-Anthony Alaniz

[Source: egmCarTech]

Tesla To End Roadster

If you are a fan of the Tesla Roadster, but never snatched one up; you may want to get out there. Tesla is planning to kill off the electric sports car sometime in 2011. Tesla is not planning a replacement until sometime in 2013, if anything ends up on the road then.

Tesla is betting on the success of its new sedan, the Model S, to help spike profits. Though ending the production of the Roadster creates a dire situation; Tesla has no car to sell, and with that, no revenue coming in.

-Anthony Alaniz
[Source: Wired]

Lotus' Director of Vehicle Engineering Retiring

After 44 long years, Rober Becker is retiring from Group Lotus. Becker joined Lotus in 1966 as an assembly line worker. Lotus founder, Colin Chapman quickly saw Becker's engineering skill and moved him to that department, where he spent the next four decades creating someone of most exotic desgins ever seen on the road.

Last year, Lotus introduced the Evora, with the direction of Becker; going from idea to production car in just two-and-a-half years.

-Anthony Alaniz

(Photo: Roger Becker and the Lotus Evora)

[Source: Autoblog]