Autoblog

Spy Shots: Unibody 2011 Ford Explorer cometh

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Spy Photos, SUV, Crossover, Ford

2011 Ford Explorer - Click above for high-res gallery

A 2011 Ford Explorer prototype has begun making runs around Michigan, and although the camo is thick, we're getting out first glimpse of what Ford has in store for its unibody 'ute.

Built on the same platform that underpins the Ford Taurus, Lincoln MKS and - more importantly - Flex, the all-new seven-seater Explorer will trade a bit of off-road prowess and towing capacity for a smoother ride and increased fuel efficiency. Under the hood, expect a choice of Ford's newest EcoBoost engines - the 3.5-liter V6 and a new 2.0-liter inline-four - with the latter possibly mated to an all-new dual-clutch gearbox.

Although the camo obscures most of the design details, the A-pillars and greenhouse are reminiscent of the Flex, although the hatch appears canted slightly inward, with a set of LED taillamps mounted in back. The overall shape is sure to take cues from the Explorer America concept show at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, and we plan on getting our first look at the production model early next year before production begins at Ford's Louisville, Kentucky plant in late 2010.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 Ford Explorer

Spy Shots: Unibody 2011 Ford Explorer cometh originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 North American Car of the Year nominees announced

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Etc., Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Toyota, Volkswagen

Here in the car journalism biz, this is that time of year when everyone is evaluating all the recently introduced cars to determine which ones truly stand out. Here in town, the crew from Car and Driver are doing their 10 Best testing this week. Elsewhere other magazines are doing their own evaluations.

The organizers of the North American Car and Truck of the Year awards have just released the short list of vehicles that they have deemed worthy of consideration for this year's awards. The winning vehicles will be announced in January at the North American International Auto Show. For now, the jury has to evaluate a list of 15 cars that includes the new MK VI Volkswagen Golf, Ford's Fusion and Taurus, and a dozen others. The list includes three cars with hybrid powertrains, two that offer diesels and everything from the Kia Soul to the Porsche Panamera.

On the truck side -which also includes crossovers and tall wagons like the new Honda Accord Crosstour, Acura ZDX and Subaru Outback - there are only 10 nominees. Check out the nominees in our galleries below - who will pick up the mantle after 2009's Ford F-150 and Hyundai Genesis?

Gallery: 2010 North American Car of the Year short list

Gallery: 2010 North American Truck of the Year nominees

2010 North American Car of the Year nominees announced originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: 2011 Hyundai Sonata won't offer a V6

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 09:26:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, LA Auto Show, Sedan, Hyundai

2010 Hyundai Sonata - Click above for high-res image gallery

Just a few days ago we saw the first images of the all-new Hyundai Sonata as it was introduced in South Korea. The Korean press release only mentioned two powertrain options, a 2.0-liter four cylinder and a 2.4-liter direct-injected four. No reference was made to a V6 such as the one offered in the current-generation Sonata. Ward's reports that they have been told even the North American-market Sonata will go four-cylinder only.

The current Sonata V6 only accounts for just 15 percent of total sales, and with the DI engine becoming standard in the new model, the larger engine likely be even less popular. We checked with Hyundai spokesman Dan Bedore, who responded "We have officially declined to comment further on that report." Bedore did tell us that further announcements would be coming at either the Los Angeles or Detroit Auto Show when the US model is revealed. The one thing we do know for sure is that a Sonata hybrid is coming later in 2010. Thanks for the tip, Derrick!

Gallery: 2010 Hyundai Sonata (KDM version)

[Source:Ward's Auto World]

REPORT: 2011 Hyundai Sonata won't offer a V6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 Sep 2009 09:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Detroit Auto Show main floor is full, recession officially OVER

Chris Shunk — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 09:13:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Infiniti, Nissan, Porsche

The 2009 North American International Auto Show was a bit of a disaster. The very difficult and uncertain economic conditions resulted in several high-profile automakers dropping out of the exhibition. Among the absent automakers were Nissan, Infiniti, Mitsubishi and Porsche, and a quick jaunt around Cobo's main floor revealed the empty spaces left by those big-time players. The future of the Detroit Auto Show is already looking brighter, however, with the approval of a much-needed overhaul of Cobo Hall, and more good news is coming in the way of a full main floor.

Detroit show organizers aren't yet ready to tip their hand as to which automakers will be attending the show, but among those likely to return are Nissan and Infiniti, as Japan's number three automaker is just too big to stay out of the North American International Auto Show two years in a row. The Detroit Free Press reports that Porsche has been unhappy with the lack of major media coverage at the L.A. Auto Show, and the German automaker could turn to Detroit to get its media fix. Porsche could also find itself sharing space with its new parent, Volkswagen.

While Detroit looks bring back some automakers that were lost last year, North America's biggest auto show could also bring in some newcomers. Fiat's partnership/ownership of Chrysler could mean that Fiat and Alfa Romeo models wind up parked near the Chrysler booth. India's Mahindra group, which is looking to sell trucks and SUVs here in the States, could be another option, as could China's BYD. We're really looking forward to this year's NAIAS, and it will be nice to once again see a full main floor. Another Detroit January, on the other hand, is something we can do without.

[Source: The Detroit Free Press]

2010 Detroit Auto Show main floor is full, recession officially OVER originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 Sep 2009 09:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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All new 2011 Ford Focus to debut at Detroit Auto Show

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 18:20:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Sedan, Hatchback, Ford

Ford C-Max - Click above for high-res image gallery

The wait for an all-new Ford Focus in North America will soon be over as Ford has announced that it will debut the car at the Detroit Auto Show in January. The Detroit festivities will mark the global debut of the new global Focus that will be sold here, Europe and the rest of the world.

The Ford Focus shares its platform with the C-Max and Grand C-Max that are debuting in Frankfurt this week. North American hatchback fans will be happy hear that the five-door form factor is returning alongside the four-door sedan. Initially, we won't be getting a three-door hatch, but it's a start. The overall look will be very similar to what we see in the C-Max twins, especially at the front and along the sides.

The new Focuses for North America will be built at two U.S. assembly plants in Michigan and will go on sale about a year from now. Ford isn't announcing its powertrain plans yet, but the 1.6-liter EcoBoost will likely find a home in these cars before long.

Check out the latest edition of the Autoblog Podcast as Ford's Mark Schirmer and Mark Kaufman join us to discuss the new C-Max, EcoBoost and the rest of the C-Segment vehicles.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Ford C-Max

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading All new 2011 Ford Focus to debut at Detroit Auto Show

All new 2011 Ford Focus to debut at Detroit Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Volvo reportedly suspends plan to launch production S60 at Frankfurt

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 08:27:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Frankfurt Motor Show, Volvo, Rumormill

Volvo S60 Concept - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Volvo's plan to debut the production version of its all new S60 sedan next month at the Frankfurt Motor Show have apparently been canceled. According to a report out of the Netherlands from Autotelegraaf, the new mid-size sedan now won't launch until sometime in 2010. The S60 was shown in concept form at this year's Detroit Auto Show and was one of several concepts shown with Ford's upcoming 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine. The reason for the delay isn't entirely clear, but there is apparently still work to be done and Volvo will be taking the S60 to the Nürburgring next month for test sessions.

Part of the delay may also have to do with Ford's attempts to sell the Swedish brand. The leading bidder is rumored to be Chinese automaker Geely, but there is opposition in Sweden to Chinese ownership. Separately owned truckmaker Volvo is concerned about damaging the brand name if it falls into Chinese hands and there are also issues with intellectual property rights with technology shared by Volvo and Ford. This last issue is also a concern for GM and Magna's bid to buy Opel with Russian backing. All of which serves to highlight the difficulty of trying to break up a large multi-brand automaker with shared technology.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Volvo S60 Concept

Gallery: Volvo S60 Concept

[Source: Autotelegraaf.nl]

Rumormill: Volvo reportedly suspends plan to launch production S60 at Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is this the new Audi A8?

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 10:46:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Spy Photos, Sedan, Audi, Luxury

Over the past few days, we've received a number of tips about the new Audi A8. First was a report from Inside Line about Audi's top-tier sedan not making it to Frankfurt next month, and it was accompanied by renderings of a swoopy silver sedan (at right). Yet we couldn't figure out if that image, from Fox Syndication, was really the A8 that is said to be showing up in Detroit for it's first public viewing.

Then came a tip from Autoblog reader Ryan. While passing through Arizona on a cross-country road trip, he snapped photos of a couple of camouflaged Routans, as well as numerous pics of the car you see above. After first thinking it was an A6, it appears that what he might have caught is the short-wheelbase, Euro-spec Audi A8 with amber LED turn signals. Mislaid chrome striping apes Mitsubishi's "jet-fighter" grille as part of the disguise, and the cheeky Audi engineers even went so far as to include an inverted Mitsu diamond-star insignia, too.

Compared against Inside Line's rendering and the previously-released PR photo of an Audi exec with a the new A8 under a cloak, the similarities do point to the big sedan: the hood ridges, the canted headlights, the double shoulder line, the sweeping C-pillar and rear decklid treatment all appear to line up. You can check out more shots at the VW Vortex forum, and then tell us what you think: short-wheelbase A8, or something completely different? Hat tip to Ryan

[Source: VW Vortex]

Is this the new Audi A8? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Aug 2009 10:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cobo Hall expansion reportedly cleared, paving way for NAIAS to stay in Motor City

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Government/Legal

It's been a long road with more than its fair share of protracted negotiations and questionable decisions along the way, but the Detroit City Council has finally cleared the path for Cobo Hall to get the much-needed expansion, repairs and ongoing maintenance it's deserved for years. By choosing not to vote on the plan at all, the Council will allow Cobo Hall to be turned over on lease to a regional authority that will oversee the building's day-to-day operations. Says Council President Kenneth Cockrel Jr.:

I know this has been an emotional issue and a controversial issue. But it's real simple: We don't have the money to do this on our own. This thing is a go, and it's something they should be happy about. It's going to allow us to re-position Cobo to make it competitive, to secure the (North American International) Auto Show and attract other kinds of convention business.

With this potential roadblock out of the way, it now seems likely that the North American International Auto Show will indeed stay in the Detroit - assuming, of course, that the world's collection of automakers is willing to continue making the annual trek to the Motor City in January.

[Source: Detroit News]

Cobo Hall expansion reportedly cleared, paving way for NAIAS to stay in Motor City originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: 2011 Audi R8 Spyder will launch with V10 only, next A8 not coming to Frankfurt

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Frankfurt Motor Show, Convertible, Sedan, Performance, Europe, Supercars, Audi

2010 Audi R8 V10 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

It's been all but confirmed by Audi that the R8 Spyder is due to debut alongside the new A5 Sportback at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September, but according to two reports from Car and Driver, there will be one less vehicle on the show stand in Germany and only one engine available in the drop-top supercar.

The 2011 Audi R8 Spyder will reportedly be available with the 525 hp, 5.2-liter V10 at launch -- meaning no V8 -- with a standard six-speed manual gearbox or optional R-tronic automated transmission. The 420 hp, 4.2-liter V8 currently fitted to the standard R8 could be added later, but Audi seems to favor sticking with the V10 until the R8's replacement arrives a few years down the road.

Additionally, it was widely reported that the 2011 Audi A8 would be unveiled in Frankfurt, but C&D says that the launch has been pushed back sometime after the LA Auto Show in December. Apparently, the reason for the delay is two-fold: Audi doesn't want to risk quelling sales of the current A8 in some of its most important markets (China, Europe and the U.S.) and the automaker is (wisely) worried that the unveiling could be overlooked at a large auto show where too many models are vying for attention. As such, the A8 could be shown initially at a private event in Florida later this year, with the first public exhibition being the Detroit Auto Show in January.

Gallery: 2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro

[Source: Car and Driver (1) (2)]

REPORT: 2011 Audi R8 Spyder will launch with V10 only, next A8 not coming to Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Vintage promo film made for Detroit's 1968 Olympic bid reveals city's precipitous decline

Chris Paukert — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Classics, Trends, Etc., Videos

Click above to watch the video after the jump

We often think of the 1950's as being the heyday for Detroit's fortunes, but even in the early-to-mid Sixties, it remained something of a modern marvel, thanks largely to its world-leading auto industry. This archival video was apparently commissioned as part of a failed bid for the 1968 Summer Olympics (which went to Mexico City instead). Reportedly filmed in 1965, Detroit - City on the Move shows the area in full bloom - a startling contrast to the shell of an empire that remains just 44 years later.

With the harmonies of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra as a backdrop, Mayor Jerome Cavanagh takes us through footage of downtown streets bustling with some of the city's two million residents, shots of a startlingly clean and new Cobo Hall (including scenes of the Detroit Auto Show itself), the crisp campuses of the (then) Big Three, and of the city's once-mighty cultural draws. It even has footage of the late John F. Kennedy talking up its virtues as part of the Olympic bid.

Interestingly (and perhaps tellingly), this sanitized look at Detroit all but glosses over mounting troubles with blustery talks of 'rebirth,' it utterly omits mention of the hitmakers at Motown Records, and in retrospect, it fails to adequately address growing racial tensions in the city (Detroit's infamous riots would lay siege just two years later in 1967).

Admittedly, such promotional films show a city in its best light by design, but even still, there's no getting around the fact that the World's Automotive Capitol ain't what it used to be. This video, part of the Prelinger Archives, gives us a glimpse into what Detroit used to be, and perhaps more than anything, what it sought to be. It's an amazing yet sobering look into mid-Sixties America, and it's worth a look. Take a trip back in time by clicking on the jump.

[Source: Archive.org]

Continue reading VIDEO: Vintage promo film made for Detroit's 1968 Olympic bid reveals city's precipitous decline

VIDEO: Vintage promo film made for Detroit's 1968 Olympic bid reveals city's precipitous decline originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Panel okays money for added exhibition space for relocated Detroit Auto Show - if Cobo talks fail

Chris Shunk — Wed, 27 May 2009 09:57:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Government/Legal, Earnings/Financials

The North American International Auto Show is the biggest event to hit the state of Michigan in any given year, but the location of the event has come under fire due to the advanced state of disrepair of Detroit's Cobo Hall. Earlier in the year, the state of Michigan and representatives from Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties approved up to $299 million to repair and expand Cobo in exchange for the facility being turned over to a regional authority run by all three counties.

Even though the city of Detroit would be relieved of $15-20 million per year in repairs and a $20 million cash payment, the city council turned down the Cobo expansion deal. The defeat of the proposal left the future of the show in the state of Michigan in doubt, so Oakland County executive L Brooks Patterson offered up the Rock Financial Showplace as a future site of the auto show.

According to The Detroit Free Press, that idea is one step closer to reality as a state senate panel has approved up to $135 million to expand the much newer convention center to accommodate future auto shows. The money for the proposal would come from hotel and cigarette taxes, and the money officially goes to the Novi, MI facility if a deal on Cobo isn't reached by July 1.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

REPORT: Panel okays money for added exhibition space for relocated Detroit Auto Show - if Cobo talks fail originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 May 2009 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: North American International Auto Show likely to move out of Detroit, see other people

Chris Paukert — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 16:57:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Government/Legal, Earnings/Financials

In car-related news that will further disappoint an already reeling city, the chairman of Detroit's North American International Auto Show has gone on record that he is exploring ways to move the event out of the city.

The very public battle to expand the show's home, Motown's Cobo Center appears to have failed for good, after the Michigan Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the Detroit City Council, in effect killing plans for a $288 million expansion, a plan voted down by council members in February. For his part, city mayor Ken Cockrel Jr. is evidently declining to go to the state Supreme Court to force the issue.

So now, the search is on to take the show to a new venue, likely beyond Detroit's city limits, and potentially beyond the bounds of Southeast Michigan, as well. Automotive News quotes auto show co-chair Douglass Fox as saying:

At this point we need to consider any viable option that might be out there for us... There have been leaders -- (Oakland County Executive) L. Brooks Patterson comes to mind - who have made those overtures. We need to explore those options.

Fox and his team are expected to move quickly, but given the scope of the planning required for a major international auto show, it is perhaps likely that the NAIAS will still be hosted by Cobo next January. Beyond that, though, the city of Detroit looks set to witness yet another auto-related casualty.

[Source: Automotive News - subs. req]

REPORT: North American International Auto Show likely to move out of Detroit, see other people originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Apr 2009 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Michigan's Oakland County to grab NAIAS from Cobo?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Government/Legal

We can't blame Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson one bit for thinking the North American International Auto Show might be better served by moving locations away from Detroit's troubled Cobo Center. The building itself has been in disrepair for years, with a leaky roof and a poor electrical system generally cited as its most urgent needs. When an agreement was finally reached that would have fixed most of Cobo's many woes and expanded it with an additional 166,000 square-feet of floorspace, we all let out a collective sigh of relief.

Unfortunately, in what our own John McElroy called "a stupefying move at the 11th hour," the Detroit City Council voted down the proposed plan by a five-to-three tally, saying that the $20 million the city would be paid to give up power over the dilapidated building wasn't enough. Naturally, this action drew ire from a number of important sources, not the least of which being the automakers who are growing increasingly fed up about the horrid state of affairs at the Detroit Auto Show.

Here's where Patterson comes into play: "If this thing goes down, I'm done," Patterson has told The Detroit News. "I'm not going to go back to Detroit to try to resurrect the deal. Five years is enough." Unfortunately, Patterson's plan to move the annual event to another location in the Detroit area has a few potential snags of its own. The next largest nearby venue is the Pontiac Silverdome, which is about two-thirds the size and has been empty since the Detroit Lions left the stadium in 2002.

And what does the embattled Detroit City Council have to say about Patterson's proclamations? "He's bullying us as usual... he just wants everything on his own terms" says councilwoman Barbara-Rose Collins.

This is one sordid affair that seems likely to drag on for years with no end in sight.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Michigan's Oakland County to grab NAIAS from Cobo? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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British Motor Show toast for 2010

Chris Shunk — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Tokyo Motor Show, Misc. Auto Shows

The British Motor Show has been canceled for 2010, as poor attendance and a weak economy have conspired to deep-six the bi-annual event. The news comes after a meeting of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, the owners of the show for over 100 years. The British Motor Show was once a vibrant event for showcasing new cars and trucks in Britain, but recent shows have been a near total bust. The event once attracted over 900,000 visitors, but recent shows have drawn half that number. The show was even relocated to London in 2006, and organizers were rewarded with a further drop in attendance for their efforts. While the loss of the 2010 show is depressing for car-lovers, some are speculating that the show may be scuttled all-together due to its long and painful decline.

News of the cancellation follows tough results for auto shows world-wide. Several automakers skipped out on North American International Auto Show in Detroit, while rumors have persisted that the Tokyo Motor Show will be canceled altogether. In Australia, the Sydney show has been canceled, as well. This is bad news for auto show lovers everywhere (*raises hand*), and we're hoping the trend reverses itself soon.

[Source: Car Magazine]

British Motor Show toast for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Mar 2009 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

John McElroy — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 19:26:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Autoline on Autoblog

THE AMAZINGLY STUPID DETROIT CITY COUNCIL

Nobody reading this blog needs to be told how much trouble Detroit is in. Whether it's the Detroit Three, the city of Detroit, or the greater Detroit area, the story's the same: we're in trouble!

One of the very few events that provides positive media coverage for Detroit every year is the North American International Auto Show. I'd rate it as one of the top three auto shows in the world. It brings in thousands of members of the media, as well as executives from automakers and suppliers in Europe and Asia. They fill up every hotel for a 40-mile radius. Thanks to the exhibits that get built, the special events that are held, all the restaurant meals that are ordered and all the taxi rides needed to get around, the show brings in a half billion dollars of desperately needed economic activity every year.

The show is held in Cobo Hall, which was built in 1960. Everyone has known for years that it needs to be renovated and expanded, but that's going to take several hundred millions of dollars and the city is broke.

So it's taken years to carefully craft a deal that involves the governor, the state Senate and House, three different county executives, as well as the mayor and the city council of Detroit. But in a stupefying move at the 11th hour, the city council voted 5 to 3 to reject the deal.

John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit" and daily web video "Autoline Daily". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers.

Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Feb 2009 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit City Council kills plan to expand NAIAS home

Chris Shunk — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 08:03:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show

Each year, thousands of journalists arrive in Detroit to see the best and brightest concepts and production vehicles automakers have to offer. It's estimated that the Detroit Auto Show brings in $500 to $600 million dollars annually to the region, which is struggling more than most due to the global recession. For years, the City of Detroit has failed to expand Cobo, and each year there are threats that the NAIAS will be taken away from the Motor City. The state of Michigan has been working with executives from Wayne and Oakland counties and the city of Detroit to upgrade Cobo, but yesterday the Detroit City Council voted down the proposed plan by a five-three tally. The proposed expansion was to add a much needed 166,000-sq. ft. of floorspace at a cost of $288 million.

The part of the plan that isn't sitting well with Detroit officials is a stipulation that hands control of the aging facility to a regional authority controlled by the tri-county area and representatives from the city and state. The city would receive $20 million dollars in funds to cede power of Cobo, but the council feels they aren't getting fair value for the venue. The city, which has been knee-deep in debt for years, operates Cobo at an annual loss of between $13 and $15 million. Due to disrepair, analysts say the building is worth a negative $284 million dollars.

We love the Detroit show, but the fact is that Cobo is a bit of a dump. The escalators don't always work, the cars are crammed into the limited floor space, and last year a fork lift collapsed into the Cobo floor. Automakers have been making their concerns known, with several pulling out of Detroit this year and a few more revealing no new products. NAIAS organizers say that Cobo must be repaired in 2010 or the city could lose its International designation. Exactly what the struggling city and region don't need right now.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Detroit City Council kills plan to expand NAIAS home originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Feb 2009 08:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Cadillac considering four-door Converj

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Hybrid, Sedan, Cadillac, GM

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Cadillac Converj Concept

GM is beating on the drums -- softly, to be sure -- and the message they're sending is that the Cadillac Converj Concept could see production. The first issue with building such a car is money, and GM's problems in that arena are already well-documented. If that hurdle were to be cleared, GM has said that the next question is the number of doors: two or four?

A four-door car has a much better chance at the kind of volume GM would need in order to make the Converj a worthy proposition and Lutz apparently said that a production Converj would be as close to the concept as the production Camaro. If GM adds an extra set of doors while maintaining the go-fast profile, it would still have a car that could drive straight into a buyer's heart.

But how much would it cost? The Volt -- under the mass-market Chevy brand -- is expected to run about $40,000 when it arrives. Add in the brand premium and the requisite luxury accoutrements, and when it's tallied up, a theoretical Cadillac version is likely to wear a substantially higher sticker price. Would buyers be ready to embrace it?

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Cadillac Converj

[Source: Motor Trend]

REPORT: Cadillac considering four-door Converj originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Feb 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Detroit Auto Show media days cut down by one, starts on Monday

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 11:20:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Trends

It looks like we'll have one less day to report on all of the debuts from Detroit next year. According to the Detroit News, the North American International Auto Show's organizers have decided to cut the number of media preview days from three to two for next year's show. The move will bring the show in-line with other domestic shows that typically only have two days of media press conferences.

The 2010 Detroit Auto Show will officially kick off on Monday, rather than on its traditional Sunday launch. There will be about 30 time slots for press conferences during two full days of festivities, eliminating the usual half day on day three. Industry days will continue to be held on Wednesday and Thursday. While this probably means very little to all of you, we're looking forward to sleeping in on Sunday. Hey, if nothing else, we figure to be that much better-rested come Monday so that we can bring you all of the latest news. That said, we don't imagine local hotel and parking lot owners are terribly excited about this development.

[Source: The Detroit News]

2010 Detroit Auto Show media days cut down by one, starts on Monday originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Jan 2009 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota EV coming to the U.S. in 2012?

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 20:34:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Budget, Hybrid, Hatchback, Toyota

Click on the image above for a high-res gallery of Toyota's FT-EV concept

Toyota has announced that they will be selling a new pure electric vehicle in the U.S. by 2012. We're guessing that it could be a production version of the FT-EV concept that Toyota showed at the Detroit Auto Show. Based on the iQ urban runabout sold overseas, the diminutive city car could meet some of Toyota's stated goals pretty easily. Toyota's national alternative-fuel vehicle manager, Bill Reinert, said the company is "looking for a 50-mile range right now," even when features like the defroster, heater, windshield wipers and stability control are in operation.

The car is expected to be powered by lithium-ion batteries. Reinert wants a charge time of about six hours using a conventional 110-volt household outlet or about two hours using a 220-volt outlet. Toyota still hasn't decided whether or not the car will be available for purchase or if it will be lease only. Where and for how much they'll be sold hasn't been ironed out yet either, but we'll be sure to fill in some of the details as they are issued.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Toyota FT-EV Concept

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req.]

Toyota EV coming to the U.S. in 2012? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Jan 2009 20:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2009: The odds, the ends

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Etc., Marketing/Advertising

Click above for a high-res gallery of odds & ends from the 2009 Detroit Auto Show

Auto shows throw massive amounts of promotions, marketing, branding, communications and event planning brainpower into one little bowl. Everyone is trying to be distinctive, and sometimes they do it with the cars, sometimes with the merchandise, sometimes with lures that are meant to get you to their stand at all. Yet there are only so many positions in which to mount a car and so many ways to put a logo on a jacket, right? Inevitably, that means you come across a few nifty novelties, and you also discover a few more things that fell through the cracks and make you wonder "What is this... doing here?" These are few of those odds and ends we found at last week's 2009 Detroit Auto Show.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: The odds, the ends

Detroit 2009: The odds, the ends originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Jan 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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