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Motor Authority - blog Tag: America

  • Alfa Romeo could kick off U.S. return with Giulia large sedan instead of MiTo hatchback

    Alfa Romeo could kick off U.S. return with Giulia large sedan instead of MiTo hatchback August 4th, 2009 ByRalph Hanson Ralph Hanson, Author, August 4th, 2009 Ralph Hanson 6 Comments

    Alfa Romeo could kick off U.S. return with Giulia large sedan instead of MiTo hatchback Americans still haven't fully embraced the concept of the hatchback as a useful, practical vehicle for families, and nowhere is this more true than in the luxury segment. BMW and Mercedes-Benz both make premium small cars, but neither sells the hatch versions in the U.S. And so it appears Alfa Romeo is following a similar line of business logic, with the latest reports indicating the Giulia sedan - a replacement to the European 159 (pictured) - may be the first Alfa Romeo to return to U.S. shores.

    Of course, the Alfa 8C Competizione has been sold in here in the 15 years since the brand left, but the Giulia would mark the return of the... Americans still haven't fully embraced the concept of the hatchback as a useful, practical vehicle for families, and nowhere is this more true than in the luxury segment. BMW and Mercedes-Benz both make premium small cars, but neither sells the hatch versions in the U.S. And so it appears Alfa Romeo is following a similar line of business logic, with the latest reports indicating the Giulia sedan - a replacement to the European 159 (pictured) - may be the first Alfa Romeo to return to U.S. shores. Of course, the Alfa 8C Competizione has been sold in here in the 15 years since the brand left, but the Giulia would mark the return of the everyday production cars to American sales. Earlier reports had pegged the MiTo and Milano as the first models destined for the land of the Stars and Stripes, but a new interview with Alfa Romeo CEO Sergio Cravero points in the opposite direction. "The Giulia is a car that could be the most interesting for the U.S. market,” Cravero told Bloomberg. “We need to build cars together with Chrysler that have an Alfa Romeo soul." And that tells a lot of the story right there - Alfa Romeo is already a none-too-successful division of Fiat in the rest of the world. Making the costly re-entry to the U.S. market can't be another cash-sink for the brand. It needs a financial success more than ever. "We have to find a solution that makes sense economically," Cravero said. "We can’t wait 10 years to see results." The new stance on the Giulia also fits well with recent statements from Alfa that the U.S. simply isn't ready for the MiTo. Large sedans typically have more headroom in their price, meaning more profitability per unit sold compared to small cars like the MiTo. In the currently still-depressed market and with the American intolerance for pricey small cars, the Giulia intro may be the smartest decision. The question then becomes: how do Chrysler and Alfa Romeo build the car to share a platform while maintaining sufficiently independent brand identities while also being competitive in their segments and profitable at the same time?Alfa Romeo Mi.To Official debutAlfa Romeo Milano spy shots Read More

  • Preview: Production Audi A1 headed to Frankfurt Motor Show

    Preview: Production Audi A1 headed to Frankfurt Motor Show July 20th, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, July 20th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 2 Comments

    Preview: Production Audi A1 headed to Frankfurt Motor Show Just a few weeks ago, we brought you news that Audi's all-new A1 and next-gen A8 would be skipping the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show, but a new report today puts the A1, at least, back on for the Frankfurt show.

    But the Frankfurt appearance will be more than just a debut - it will be a launch, reports French site Le Soir. Full production of the A1 is scheduled to start in October, and unlike many of the best small cars in recent times, the U.S. might not be skipped this time around - despite Audi of America's president Johan de Nysschen's comments to the contrary.

    Though the A1's position as a premium mini-car isn't something U.S. buyers... Just a few weeks ago, we brought you news that Audi's all-new A1 and next-gen A8 would be skipping the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show, but a new report today puts the A1, at least, back on for the Frankfurt show. But the Frankfurt appearance will be more than just a debut - it will be a launch, reports French site Le Soir. Full production of the A1 is scheduled to start in October, and unlike many of the best small cars in recent times, the U.S. might not be skipped this time around - despite Audi of America's president Johan de Nysschen's comments to the contrary. Though the A1's position as a premium mini-car isn't something U.S. buyers have had much exposure to, the credit crunch and subsequent curtailing of salaries may have opened the door - along with higher average fuel prices - for a feasible, if small, sales market for the car. Three-door, five-door, electric and hybrid versions have all been discussed, though only the conventional models are expected to be launched later this year. Another angle that might get Audi to bring the A1 to the U.S. is the impending return of Fiat vehicles to America via its new connection with Chrysler. With the Fiat 500 on its way, Audi may want to lay the groundwork for the premium small car segment to help pave the way for future sales. For more on the A1 and its many variants, check out our previous coverage. Via: TheCarConnectionAudi A1 Sportback Concept Read More

  • Video: Ford Fiesta Rallycross preps for Pikes Peak Hill Climb

    Video: Ford Fiesta Rallycross preps for Pikes Peak Hill Climb July 17th, 2009 ByRalph Hanson Ralph Hanson, Author, July 17th, 2009 Ralph Hanson 5 Comments

    Video: Ford Fiesta Rallycross preps for Pikes Peak Hill Climb Ford's new Fiesta won’t be arriving in local showrooms until early next year, but the company is pulling out all the stops to promote the stylish compact with various motorsport and social marketing campaigns to build excitement. To further this, the Blue Oval recently announced a goal to get 100,000 people to test-drive the new Fiesta before the North American production version is released, and now the company has announced that its Rallycross racing version will tackle the arduous Pikes Peak International Hill Climb this Sunday, July 19. A new burnout-laced video and mega-gallery released today document Ford's intense preparation... Ford's new Fiesta won’t be arriving in local showrooms until early next year, but the company is pulling out all the stops to promote the stylish compact with various motorsport and social marketing campaigns to build excitement. To further this, the Blue Oval recently announced a goal to get 100,000 people to test-drive the new Fiesta before the North American production version is released, and now the company has announced that its Rallycross racing version will tackle the arduous Pikes Peak International Hill Climb this Sunday, July 19. A new burnout-laced video and mega-gallery released today document Ford's intense preparation for the event. "We had a few problems this morning, but the car is really nice to drive," said two-time WRC champion Marcus Grönholm on Wednesday. "The handling is perfect, but because of the altitude we were struggling through the hairpins and there wasn't so much power, but when it [power] was coming it was ok. We need to work with our engineer on mapping and things like that. We need a little bit of experience for this race to be competitive and we know that it will be difficult on Sunday." Backing two separate cars will be Sweden’s Olsberg Motor Sport Evolution, headed by Andreas Eriksson. The two Fiestas will be driven by Eriksson and rally legend Marcus Gronholm in the Unlimited Class, and the duo are hoping to be the first team to break the 10-minute mark over the 12.4-mile, 156-turn pavement and gravel course. Andreas Eriksson, 35, is a four-time Swedish rally champion, with multiple Rallycross victories, and Marcus Gronholm, 41, is one of World Rallying’s greatest drivers, with two world championships and 30 WRC victories on his resume. The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb event itself dates back to 1916, and is the second oldest motorsport event in America, taking its name from the famous mountain peak that towers above Colorado Springs in the Rocky Mountains. Ford has been involved with the event since the very first race in 1916, when four Ford-powered cars competed. In 1922, Ford scored its first victory when Noel Bullock raced a 50hp (37kW) Ford Special, nicknamed “Tin Lizzy”, to a surprise victory in the time of 19m 50.9s. Expected to cost less than $15,000 when it arrives early next year, the North American-spec Fiesta will differ slightly from its European counterpart. First and foremost will be the introduction of a sedan variant, although the hatchback will also be offered. Production will be handled at Ford's assembly plant in Cuautitlan, Mexico.2009 Ford FiestaFord Fiesta SedanFord Fiesta Pikes Peak 2009Ford Fiesta demo ahead of Pikes Peak hillclimb attempt Read More

  • China overtakes U.S. as world’s biggest auto market for first half of 2009

    China overtakes U.S. as world’s biggest auto market for first half of 2009 July 9th, 2009 ByJeremy Weber Jeremy Weber, Author, July 9th, 2009 Jeremy Weber 6 Comments

    China overtakes U.S. as world’s biggest auto market for first half of 2009 America’s days as the world’s biggest auto market are coming to an end, with China for the first time ever overtaking the U.S. in vehicle sales for the first of 2009. On the back of strong sales in the month of June, which itself was up 36.5%, China’s total vehicle sales for the first half of the year rose to 6.1 million, up 17.7% from a year earlier despite the harsh economic conditions.

    That easily outpaced the U.S., where vehicle sales in the same period plunged to 4.8 million units. The only month where more vehicles were sold in the U.S. than in China was May. This rate also leaves the U.S. on track for an annual... America’s days as the world’s biggest auto market are coming to an end, with China for the first time ever overtaking the U.S. in vehicle sales for the first of 2009. On the back of strong sales in the month of June, which itself was up 36.5%, China’s total vehicle sales for the first half of the year rose to 6.1 million, up 17.7% from a year earlier despite the harsh economic conditions. That easily outpaced the U.S., where vehicle sales in the same period plunged to 4.8 million units. The only month where more vehicles were sold in the U.S. than in China was May. This rate also leaves the U.S. on track for an annual total of less than 10 million vehicles where as China is looking at more than 12 million. Like most industrial countries, China was not completely immune from the global economic crisis. China's vehicle sales weakened in late 2008 as the crisis hit and the government needed to respond with a stimulus package with sales tax cuts, subsidies to trade in older cars and other incentives, reports the Associated Press. China is one of the most important markets for the major automakers as the demand the country is providing is making up for the slack in more established markets. General Motors, for example, is experiencing a 38% rise in sales in China over the previous year, while its U.S. operations have gone bankrupt. Read More

  • Trio of rally-spec Ford Fiestas to tackle X Games

    Trio of rally-spec Ford Fiestas to tackle X Games July 2nd, 2009 ByRalph Hanson Ralph Hanson, Author, July 2nd, 2009 Ralph Hanson 4 Comments

    Trio of rally-spec Ford Fiestas to tackle X Games Ford's Fiesta small car is just beginning to make its mark in the U.S. with a trial-run for social-media types ahead of its expected American debut early next year. To help get the car's identity - if somewhat loosely interpreted - out to its target audience, Ford is taking on ESPN's X Games with a trio of rally-prepped Fiestas.

    The X Games will run from July 30-August 2 in Los Angeles. Behind the wheel of the three Fiestas will be the famous Swedish driver Kenny Brack, driving for Olsbergs Motor Sport Evolution, and also ROCKSTAR Energy Drink drivers Tanner Foust and Brian Deegan.

    “The new Fiesta is already creating headlines around... Ford's Fiesta small car is just beginning to make its mark in the U.S. with a trial-run for social-media types ahead of its expected American debut early next year. To help get the car's identity - if somewhat loosely interpreted - out to its target audience, Ford is taking on ESPN's X Games with a trio of rally-prepped Fiestas. The X Games will run from July 30-August 2 in Los Angeles. Behind the wheel of the three Fiestas will be the famous Swedish driver Kenny Brack, driving for Olsbergs Motor Sport Evolution, and also ROCKSTAR Energy Drink drivers Tanner Foust and Brian Deegan. “The new Fiesta is already creating headlines around the world,” said Brian Wolfe, director of Ford North America Motorsport. “The announcement that it would compete at Pikes Peak was greeted so positively by enthusiasts everywhere. Now, to back it up with competition at the X Games will just create even more buzz for the car.” The Pike's Peak Fiesta was a sight to behold, looking almost like a WRC-class car and piloted by the brilliant Marcus Gronholm and Andreas Eriksson. These X Games Fiestas will be somewhat tamer, but still fully capable race cars out to win the X Games Pro Rally title. With drivers like Tanner Foust (2007 X Games Gold Medalist, among many other honors), 1999 Indy 500 winner Kenny Brack, and 10-time motorcross medalist Brian Deegan at the wheels of the cars, Ford won't have any excuses for failing to deliver a win. This is the first time a Ford has competed as a race car in X Games competition, however. "We are very excited to see the Fiesta competing not only at the Pikes Peak Hill Climb, but also at the X Games in LA,” said Jost Capito, director of Ford Global Motorsport Business Development. “The competition will be extremely strong in both events, but we’ve put together a strong team with the ROCKSTAR/BF Goodrich Tires Fiestas and our all star drivers."Ford Fiesta S performance hatchFord Fiesta Pikes Peak 2009 Read More

  • Report: Alfa Romeo to sell re-branded Dodge cars in Europe

    Report: Alfa Romeo to sell re-branded Dodge cars in Europe July 1st, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, July 1st, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 4 Comments

    Report: Alfa Romeo to sell re-branded Dodge cars in Europe Last week we brought you news of Alfa Romeo's plans for the U.S. and the support and enthusiasm that's growing over Alfa's attractive designs. This week there's news of cars going the other way across the Atlantic, this time Dodges to be re-branded as Alfa Romeos for Europe.

    It's not the only brand-switcharoo planned for Fiat and Chrysler, but it might be the most significant for Americans. Finding a way to meet Alfa Romeo's needs with re-purposed Dodge vehicles could help reinvigorate U.S. production and supply chains.

    Marchionne sees a lot of overlap between the Dodge and Alfa Romeo brands. “Dodge is the American muscle car, while... Last week we brought you news of Alfa Romeo's plans for the U.S. and the support and enthusiasm that's growing over Alfa's attractive designs. This week there's news of cars going the other way across the Atlantic, this time Dodges to be re-branded as Alfa Romeos for Europe. It's not the only brand-switcharoo planned for Fiat and Chrysler, but it might be the most significant for Americans. Finding a way to meet Alfa Romeo's needs with re-purposed Dodge vehicles could help reinvigorate U.S. production and supply chains. Marchionne sees a lot of overlap between the Dodge and Alfa Romeo brands. “Dodge is the American muscle car, while Alfa Romeo is the European muscle car. How we dovetail these two brands is very important,” said Marchionne according to an Autocar report. The implication is that the Alfa Romeo brand would compete with Dodge if it were to be offered side by side, and so Marchionne is also believed to be considering selling all Alfas in the U.S. as Dodges. There are also reports that Fiat vehicles, not well-loved for their last stint in the U.S., may be re-branded and sold as Alfa Romeos. Such a plan would sidestep the sticky issue of the Fiat brand reputation in the U.S. while still allowing an outlet for all brands both here and abroad, yet avoiding undue competition between brands. Returning to the issue of selling Dodges as musclecars in Europe for a moment, consider what an Alfa Romeo re-body of a Dodge Viper might end up like. Remember, too, that Fiat was recently handed the reins of the Viper business. Now that's a partnership to look forward to.Dodge Viper SRT 10 ACR2009 Alfa Romeo 159 Read More

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