Exported From Detroit: 65 People A Day, Says Census
If you take recent media messaging—especially that from the auto industry—at face value, Detroit has been undergoing a resurgence.
While that's easy to see in the industry, in stronger, better-rated, better-received product lines from General Motors and Ford—and the winds of change at Chrysler—it's harder to say that about the city itself. Or by Detroit's numbers, which still say that it's a dying—or, to be kind, rapidly shrinking—city.
According to final census figures just released, Detroit has lost an average of 65 people a day, over the past ten years. That's close to a quarter of a million people since 2000.
Looks can be deceiving, as it appears that the city has come back to life in some respects. At least at city center, near the Cobo Center that hosts the annual North American International Auto Show, we've in recent years noticed new condos, more people walking on sidewalks, and a more inhabited look to the area. And there's been much said about a new entrepreneurial spirit in the city. That's apparently not the case for huge swaths of the city that, as our John Voelcker pointed out months ago, "properly evokes a mix of horror, pity, and contempt."
Chrysler has brought the focus back to Detroit with its successful Super Bowl ad this year, featuring Eminem, and the show Detroit 1-8-7 has also brought the city into the spotlight, if not always a positive one. The same goes for the seemingly endless "spoiled grandeur" slideshows (like this, this, or this) of Detroit and more than a few empty high-rises, large churches, and huge schools that remind us that all is not so well in the Motor City.
Can the city that's come to symbolize the U.S. auto industry make a comeback for itself—or get people to move back? Let us know what you think.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe Preview
What is it? Cadillac's answer to the BMW M3 coupe and the Audi S5 Coupe and Cabriolet
The basics: A monster 556-horsepower supercharged V-8, rear-wheel drive, automatic or manual transmissions
On sale: Fall 2010, with a world debut at the 2010 Detroit auto show
Price: $70,000-plus (est.)
Been wanting more, ever since GM announced its new 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe? More is exactly what Caddy has in mind with the latest iteration of the V-Series--the CTS-V Coupe.
Set for a global launch at the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the CTS-V Coupe shares all its running gear with the CTS-V sedan and most of its looks with the coming CTS Coupe. To the Coupe's handsomely angled sheetmetal, the CTS-V adds a bulging hood with room for a supercharger; new front and rear ends to help air flow; and a new saffron-tinted interior option, with faux-suede inserts on the seats, and with golden stitching on the dash top.It's the V-8 underhood that will draw the most attention, though. The 2011 CTS-V Coupe borrows the sedans' 556-horsepower, supercharged V-8 and should generate near-identical performance, maybe with a bit better traction thanks to a wider rear stance. With either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic with a manual-shift mode and paddle controls, Cadillac predicts a 0-60 mph time of 3.9 seconds.
Cadillac promises optional Recaro seats up front, with 14-way power adjustments, more faux-suede trim on the shifter and steering wheel, and piano-black trim on the dash. The door handles have been replaced by a touch pad that obviates the need for a handle cutout, too. Classy. The CTS's wonderful navigation system and pop-up LCD screen, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, and 40GB hard drive for music and maps will be standard features.
Pricing has not yet been announced. The 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe enters production in the summer of 2010, with sales beginning in the fall.
More:
2011 Cadillac CTS-V preview and photos
2010 Detroit auto show preview
2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe preview
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
BREAKING: Ford, Geely Reach Deal To Sell Volvo
After months of negotiations and numerous trips to the bargaining table, Ford has finally brokered a deal to sell Volvo to Chinese automaker Geely. According to a Ford press release, an official agreement will be signed by Ford and Geely in the first quarter of 2010, with the sale to close in the following quarter, provided that financing arrangements and approvals by various regulatory agencies stay on-pace.
Neither party has yet discussed specifics of the sale. However, we know that Ford bought Volvo for around $6 billion in 1999, and since most of the rumors surrounding these negotiations set Geely's bid between $2 billion and $3 billion, the sale is likely to represent a big cash loss for Ford. It's also safe to assume that Ford's concerns over intellectual property rights have now been addressed, as has Ford's wish to see Volvo's base of production remain in Europe (even though Geely has already begun expanding its resources in China). We also gather that the American investment consortium known as Crown was unable to make a compelling offer.
There isn't much new information included in Ford's press release (pasted below), but halfway down, we do find this little nugget: "While Ford would continue to cooperate with Volvo Cars in several areas after a possible sale, the company does not intend to retain a shareholding in the business post-sale." That decision is in keeping with the "ONE Ford" strategy that the company has employed the past few years -- a policy that prioritizes focus on Ford's core operations. Such a streamlined, cautious approach is smart these days, considering the instability in the international economy; however, given China's surging auto market -- which has grown 45% in 2009 -- there might've been some advantages to obtaining a share of Geely/Volvo.
In a brutal year that's seen the demise of so many brands -- some that needed shuttering, others that did so prematurely -- it's nice to close out 2009 on an up note, don't you think?
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Ford Confirms Settlement of All Substantive Commercial Terms to Sell Volvo to Geely in 2010
DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) confirmed today that all substantive commercial terms relating to the potential sale of Volvo Car Corporation have been settled between Ford and Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Company Limited.
While some work still remains to be completed before signing - including final documentation, financing and government approvals - Ford and Geely anticipate that a definitive sale agreement will be signed in the first quarter of 2010, with closing of the sale likely to occur in the second quarter 2010, subject to appropriate regulatory approvals.
The prospective sale would ensure Volvo has the resources, including the capital investment, necessary to further strengthen the business and build its global franchise, while enabling Ford to continue to focus on and implement its core ONE Ford strategy.
While Ford would continue to cooperate with Volvo Cars in several areas after a possible sale, the company does not intend to retain a shareholding in the business post-sale.
More details will be made available once the expected definitive sale agreement is signed in the first quarter of 2010.
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Michigan, United States, manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 230,000 employees and about 100 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
GM On The Fast Track: Saab Sold Or Shuttered By December 31
When the Saab sale to Koenigsegg fell through last week, a variety of sources lay the blame at GM's feet -- specifically, the way those feet were dragging. That same snail's pace approach to business may be partly responsible for Fritz Henderson's abrupt dismissal yesterday. But if a new statement from General Motors is any indication, the company is about to zip into the passing lane.
The statement in question was posted yesterday to GM's media site under the straightforward title "GM Statement Regarding Saab Negotiations". In it, the company says:
"The GM Board of Directors has received expressions of interest in Saab since the conclusion of negotiations with Koenigsegg Group AB. The Board will evaluate potential bids between now and the end of December. At that time, we will determine whether a suitable arrangement for Saab exists. If not, we will begin an orderly wind down of the global Saab business at that time."
This is a distinct change of tone for GM -- and frankly, the change is welcome. Saab fans may take comfort in the fact that there are bidders at the table (BAIC being the most notable), but GM clearly isn't going to pussyfoot around the issue much longer. As much as we'd hate to see another GM brand bite the dust -- even an underperforming one like Saab -- it's refreshing to see General Motors acknowledge that it might be time to cut its losses and move on. For a sprawling, segmented entity like GM, such big-picture thinking isn't easy to do.
GM's statement also demonstrates some calculated swagger directed at Saab's potential buyers -- the equivalent of a classified listing in the local paper that reads "serious inquiries only". Surely GM recognizes the value of the Saab brand to smaller outfits like BAIC that want to become players on the world stage. Even though Saab has performed poorly for General Motors, it's got strong brand recognition, which could offer smaller outfits entree to the international marketplace. GM's "put up or shut up" stance is slightly intimidating, and if the company can maintain it at the bargaining table, it'll be a distinct advantage.
We're happy to see this potential change at GM, which is more in keeping with the aggressive tone set by Alan Mulally at Ford and even Sergio Marchionne at Chrysler. We'll see if the company -- and whomever it taps to be CEO -- can keep it up in the coming months.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
WTF Friday: Peugeot Concept Gives Us Pause
We were going to write something potentially clever about this new mass transit concept from Peugeot--the Globule--that's made from four electric pods covered by a flexible polymer coating. We'd planned to discuss its complete lack of practicality. We'd hoped to talk about Peugeot and how it never gets the international recognition it so desperately craves. But come on, look at the thing. We're not touching that one. That's what the comments section is for--right?
[Ecofriend via NBCLosAngeles]
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
2011 Detroit Auto Show: Hello, Novi?
Everyone complains about the Detroit auto show--and now someone's trying to do something about it.
The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) could find a new home in the far western Detroit suburb of Novi, Michigan, if the latest efforts to keep the show vital are successful. The latest plan, reported by the Detroit Free Press, is to expand a convention center in Novi to accommodate the auto show, which is held in Detroit's Cobo Hall, pictured here in its usual January shade of grey.
The new Oakland County home for the show wouldn't be ready until 2011, which would leave it in Cobo Hall for 2010--and likely, minus a few more automakers who have declined to spend money at an auto show with a shrinking consumer audience, inside an aging facility, in a month that does nothing to burnish the reputation of the city. Last year, a handful of brands pulled out of the show--Nissan, Porsche and Suzuki among them--leaving main floor space available to new companies from China that don't even sell vehicles in the U.S. Yet.
Officials think it might cost up to $180 million to update the Rock Financial center in Novi to hold the show. The Detroit City Council recently turned down a $288 million plan to reinvent Cobo with new convention space.
For car fans, the decline of the Detroit auto show could be one more signal that the difficulties in Motown run far deeper than any quick fix.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
BMW Announces Pricing For X5 M And X6 M
BMW recently unveiled two additions to its lineup: the BMW X5 M SUV and the BMW X6 M sedan. We knew that both would feature the trademark M-style performance enhancements, and we knew that both would start roaming America's streets this fall. What we didn't know is how much one of these babies would set us back.
Well, the wait is over. BMW announced pricing for both models today: the X5 M will go for $86,225, and the X6 M will run $89,725. The X5 M and the X6 M each feature twin-turbo V8s that kick out 555hp and hit 60mph in 4.5 seconds. Also included: "enormous brakes". Which is good, because we think we'll be needing them.
If you've got nothing better to do with your Monday, (a) we're seriously jealous, and (b) you can peruse the full press release below.
[source: BMWgroup]
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BMW X5 M AND X6 M U.S. PRICING ANNOUNCED
04/27/2009The latest models from BMW's M Division arrive in U.S. Dealers this Fall.
Woodcliff Lake, NJ - April 27, 2009... On the occasion of the world debut of the BMW X5 M at the Shanghai International Auto Show, BMW today announced U.S. retail pricing for both the X5 M and the X6 M. The X6 M was unveiled for the first time at the New York International Auto Show on April 8th. When the X5 M and X6 M go on sale this fall as 2010 model vehicles, they will retail for $86,225 and $89,725 respectively (including $825 Destination & Handling).
Both the BMW X5 M and X6 M feature a new reverse flow V8 engine with patented twin-turbo technology. The lag-eliminating Cylinder-bank Comprehensive Manifold (CCM) enables the engine to produce 555 horsepower and accelerate both models from 0 to 60mph in 4.5 seconds. At BMW M, "the chassis must always be more powerful than the engine." The X5 M and X6 M exploit the limits of physics through their reworked Integrated Chassis Management systems to provide maximum road-holding without conceding to harsh ride characteristics.
Power is delivered through an M derivative of BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive, allowing M typical throttle-steering. At the rear axle is BMW's revolutionary Dynamic Performance Control, tailored by BMW M to ensure near-perfect distribution of power. Four M-characteristic tailpipes emerge from the aerodynamic diffuser in the rear. Enormous brakes round out the package, providing confidence under all conditions.
The modern, sustainable legacy of BMW M began in 1985 when engineers placed the snarling, race-bred inline-6 engine from the M1 supercar into the production BMW 5 Series sedan, reworked the suspension and brakes, and created BMW's first M5. The M5 redefined the capabilities of a sedan with levels of power, precision, and linear control never before imaginable. Ever since, the craftsmen at BMW M have been focused on finding new ways to expand the performance boundaries using existing BMW models as a basis.
Additional information, videos and photographs of both the X5 M and X6 M are available at www.bmwusanews.com.
BMW Group In America
BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and the Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, a strategic design consultancy in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group's global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all X5 Sports Activity Vehicles and X6 Sports Activity Coupes. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 338 BMW passenger car centers, 335 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 142 BMW motorcycle retailers, 83 MINI passenger car dealers, and 30 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group's sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.
Information about BMW Group products is available to consumers via the Internet at:
www.bmwgroupna.com
www.bmwusanews.com
www.press.bmw-motorsport.com
# # #
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
Ford Fiesta Marketing Campaign–Now In ‘American Idol’ Flavor
One of the bigwigs at Ford must've recently discovered Malcolm Gladwell's The Tipping Point, because the American ad campaign for the Fiesta is straight out of Gladwell's bestselling playbook.
Here's how the campaign works: folks 21 and older are invited to submit videos explaining why Ford should give them a Fiesta for six months. The 100 people who make it through the "audition" process will be sent on "monthly secret assignments"--which essentially means that they'll be making lots of road trips with their cool friends and recording everything on video, providing Ford with even more product-placed clips to share virally and on its website. (Side note: it's probably safe to assume that drivers and friends will be what we'd call "camera-friendly".) No word yet on whether there's going to be one grand winner, but the campaign's following standard reality TV format, so somebody ought to walk out of there with something.
In case you're curious, here's the copy you'll find on the "Join the Ford Fiesta Movement" webpage:
Do You Have What It Takes?
One of Motor Trend's Gotta Have Cars for 2010, the Ford Fiesta will make a bold statement on the American road. This is your chance to drive the international model here before its official US debut. We're looking for an elite crop of drivers to take the wheel: people with a strong presence on the web, an ability to craft a compelling story through video, and a hunger for adventure. As a driver, you'll receive monthly secret assignments from Ford Mission Control that will take you to places you've never been, to meet people you've never met, and to experiences you'll never forget. And you'll bring your friends and followers along for the ride.
We'll hand you the keys to your own Fiesta for a six month period, and we'll even handle the gas and insurance for you, too.
Many will apply. Only 100 will be chosen. Show us you've got what it takes to join the Fiesta Movement.
Translation: bloggers and folks with Facebook friend counts over 1,000, please apply now!
Now, on the one hand, it's reassuring to know that Ford is trying to keep up with the latest marketing trends. On the other hand, we wonder why the company didn't so something similar when The Tipping Point was first published, almost a decade ago. Which begs the question: would we be in the pickle we're in today if automakers were awake at the wheel?
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
Mitsubishi Lancer Evo Picked For Top 10 World Performance Cars
Yesterday the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo was picked as one of the top 10 contenders for the World Performance Car of the Year honors. As such, it joins with some pretty impressive company the likes of:
- Audi RS 6 Avant
- BMW 135i Coupe / Cabriolet
- Corvette ZR1
- Lamborghini LP560-4 Gallardo
- Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG
- Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG
- Nissan GT-R
- Porsche 911 Carrera
- Subaru Impreza WRX STI
The World Performance Car of the Year jury will evaluate the group of high performance metal until the first judgment day in February at which time three finalists will be selected; those three will be announced on March 9. Finally, the winner will be announced at the New York International Auto Show on April 9.
The Evo has been doing battle with Subaru's Impreza WRX for years, with both Japanese sedans duking it out for recognition as THE top turbocharged, all-wheel drive performance sedan. Auto reviewers have tended to favor the WRX in comparisons, its growly flat-four delivering better low- and mid-range punch and its packaging and design making for better day-to-day livability. But the Evo should now play better, as it has recently been fortified with new techology including a twin-clutch automated manual, the same transmission design that's been garnering rave reviews when fitted to Porsches, VWs, and Audis.
Helping push the Evo into contention for top honors are 291 hp and 300 lf-ft torque from its 2.0-liter turbo four, Brembo high performance brakes, and an active center differential to seamlessly apportion torque to all four corners. In addition, an NHTSA 5-star Safety Rating and IIHS Top Safety Pick credentials give the Evo a strong dose of practicality for roadway peace of mind.
Over in our Car Reviews section, we concluded that "the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X has the acceleration and handling of a Porsche—at half the price." We found that auto journalists across the board had praise for its turbocharged power and all-new twin-clutch gearbox.
Stay tuned for our New York Auto Show coverage in April when the winner of this competition is announced. And may the best wheels prevail.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
Honda S2000 Bows Out After 2009
Honda's track-ready, no frills S2000 roadster will no longer be produced after the 2009 model year. When it debuted in 1999 for the 2000 model year, the Honda S2000 wowed enthusiasts with impeccable chassis control, fantastic feedback, a 9000-rpm VTEC four-cylinder, and an impressive 120 hp per liter.
Evolutionary changes in 2004 included a small increase in engine displacement (to 2.2 liters), tweaks to its handling to reduce a tendency towards oversteer, and a wider gear ratio spread. The S2000 CR (club racer) edition was announced at the 2007 New York International Auto Show and featured quicker steering, a stiffened suspension, and fattened Bridgestone Potenza RE070 performance tires; a body kit increased downforce to improve stability at high speeds.
Driving an S2000 from Los Angeles to the famed Willow Springs racetrack in 2001, I was initially underwhelmed by modest low-rpm power and a relatively punishing suspension. Engine drone and wind rush from the soft top soon became tiring on the highway. But once on the track the S2000 came alive; its light weight, tenacious handling, and ferocious high-rpm thrust made it a grin-inducing ride that was controllable and fun even at the limit.
The Honda S2000 has a fair share of enthusiastic fans, including Car and Driver who placed it on their "10-Best" list for four years. The roadster's longevity is considerable; it was initially intended only as a limited-production vehicle to celebrate Honda's 50th anniversary. To date, cumulative worldwide sales have topped 110,000 units.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
