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  • Lexus shifting focus to entry-level models

    Lexus shifting focus to entry-level models July 13th, 2009 ByRalph Hanson Ralph Hanson, Author, July 13th, 2009 Ralph Hanson 4 Comments

    Lexus shifting focus to entry-level models Everyone in the industry is feeling the burn of a long, slow summer, but few are feeling as keenly as Lexus. Perhaps that's because the luxury import carmaker had so far to fall, having been the dominant force in American luxury cars for most of the past decade.

    But there's a plan afoot to help turn things around even as the market continues to falter. How? By shifting its focus to the entry-level luxury segment, reports Automotive News.

    The idea is to catch younger buyers that might not be ready to commit to a top-end vehicle, but want more than the mainstream carmakers offer. The core segment Lexus is focusing on is the 25-49... Everyone in the industry is feeling the burn of a long, slow summer, but few are feeling as keenly as Lexus. Perhaps that's because the luxury import carmaker had so far to fall, having been the dominant force in American luxury cars for most of the past decade. But there's a plan afoot to help turn things around even as the market continues to falter. How? By shifting its focus to the entry-level luxury segment, reports Automotive News. The idea is to catch younger buyers that might not be ready to commit to a top-end vehicle, but want more than the mainstream carmakers offer. The core segment Lexus is focusing on is the 25-49 demographic. Carrying the flag for this entry-level surge are the IS convertible and the HS hybrid. Both cars are edgier, more current and more style-conscious than anything else in the Lexus lineup except perhaps the pricey IS-F. The F-Sport line of performance products aims to add even more edge to draw in younger male buyers that want some go to match their show. But targeting young buyers and actually winning them over are two different things. Unfortunately, like many things in the car industry, it will require a substantial investment of time and money on Lexus's part before they'll know if their play will pay off, but so far, the IS Convertible is selling so well that production is struggling to keep up with demand, and pre-orders for the HS in Japan are at 300% of expected levels. For an idea of what Lexus is doing to help swing younger buyers their way, check out our previous story on the IS Convertible ad campaign.2010 Lexus HS 250h hybrid sedan2010 Lexus IS C F-Sport Read More

  • First look at upmarket interior of Citroen’s DS Inside concept car

    First look at upmarket interior of Citroen’s DS Inside concept car May 28th, 2009 ByKenneth Hall Kenneth Hall, Author, May 28th, 2009 Kenneth Hall 5 Comments

    First look at upmarket interior of Citroen’s DS Inside concept car Moving up in the automotive world is a difficult task, whether it's Acura trying to reach tier 1 luxury status or Hyundai-Kia seeking recognition as a globally competitive carmaker. Citroen has faced its own difficulties in recent years, producing products that outstrip the brand's reputation. The French carmaker recently unveiled a new concept car named after its legendary DS that previews a future range of upmarket vehicles that will help kick off the transformation into a “near-premium” brand.

    The concept was the compact DS Inside, which was first displayed back in March at the Geneva Motor Show. The DS moniker this time... Moving up in the automotive world is a difficult task, whether it's Acura trying to reach tier 1 luxury status or Hyundai-Kia seeking recognition as a globally competitive carmaker. Citroen has faced its own difficulties in recent years, producing products that outstrip the brand's reputation. The French carmaker recently unveiled a new concept car named after its legendary DS that previews a future range of upmarket vehicles that will help kick off the transformation into a “near-premium” brand. The concept was the compact DS Inside, which was first displayed back in March at the Geneva Motor Show. The DS moniker this time around stands for "Different Spirit" and the concept provides the basis for a new line of cars to be named DS3, DS4 and DS5, hinting at bigger and better models to come. The first of these will be the DS3, which has already been spied testing in prototype form. Today, Citroen has given us the first look at the interior of the DS Inside concept car, revealing a stylish and upmarket new design trend that looks almost production ready. Aimed squarely at cars like the Mini Cooper, the DS Inside features full leather upholstery, sporty bucket seats, and an intricate center console with piano-black trim. The premium theme is further emphasized by the thick carpeting, vinyl roof lining, and special DS badging. Citroen's campaign is intended to help realign the public's perception of the brand to better fit with the near-premium product line it offers. The global effort comes as the French carmaker celebrates its 90th anniversary in the business, making 2009 a time for both tradition and innovation. The new logo that debuted at that time can be found on the new DS3. A re-ignition of the DS line is just one line of attack for this global re-branding scheme. The DS held the top slot at Citroen for 21 years, starting in 1955 and running through 1976. Despite the ensuing 33-year hiatus, the iconic outline of the DS is still the first thing that comes to mind for many car enthusiasts when the Citroen brand is mentioned. The new DS Inside bears little or no resemblance to that legendary silhouette, however. Other efforts, in terms of customer service, dealer relations, service and maintenance standards as well as the product initiative, will help Citroen present itself as a more up-scale carmaker.Citroen DS Inside Concept official photos Read More

  • Last Mercury Sable to roll off line Thursday

    Last Mercury Sable to roll off line Thursday May 18th, 2009 ByRalph Hanson Ralph Hanson, Author, May 18th, 2009 Ralph Hanson 1 Comment

    Last Mercury Sable to roll off line Thursday As General Motors sacrifices and sells off about half of its brand portfolio and Chrysler downsizes through bankruptcy, Ford has stayed above the fray. But with the end of production of the Mercury Sable coming this Thursday, talk of the brand's potential demise has come back to life.

    Early in 2008, rumors of Mercury's elimination circulated as news of the lack of new models beyond 2011 broke. Now, the potential for such a decision seems even more realistic as Mercury's lineup has shrunk to just four models, two of which - the Grand Marquis and the Mountaineer - are also slated to stop production soon.

    With no future model outlook and its... As General Motors sacrifices and sells off about half of its brand portfolio and Chrysler downsizes through bankruptcy, Ford has stayed above the fray. But with the end of production of the Mercury Sable coming this Thursday, talk of the brand's potential demise has come back to life. Early in 2008, rumors of Mercury's elimination circulated as news of the lack of new models beyond 2011 broke. Now, the potential for such a decision seems even more realistic as Mercury's lineup has shrunk to just four models, two of which - the Grand Marquis and the Mountaineer - are also slated to stop production soon. With no future model outlook and its current lines dying off, Mercury's future doesn't look bright. The Milan and its hybrid variant are the only two thoroughly modern Ford-family products under the brand right now, and with Ford (Fusion) and Lincoln (MKZ) already featuring their own versions of the same platform, it's not likely that the Mercury variant is adding much to the party. On the other hand, with Ford using Lincoln to firmly grasp the high end of the market and the Blue Oval logo itself to push further into the economy market with the U.S. launch of the new Focus and Fiesta impending, keeping Mercury around to focus on the mid-range may not be a bad idea. Read More

  • Rare Porsche and other classics being auctioned at Brands Hatch

    Rare Porsche and other classics being auctioned at Brands Hatch May 13th, 2009 ByKenneth Hall Kenneth Hall, Author, May 13th, 2009 Kenneth Hall 0 Comments

    Rare Porsche and other classics being auctioned at Brands Hatch Only a month ago we saw two of the rarest cars in the world being put up for auction - including a 1967 Ferrari 330 P4, as well as a 1965 Shelby Daytona Coupe that was expected to sell for between $10 million and $15 million. Potential buyers will now also be able to bid on a handful of other rare cars, including the 1966 Porsche 906 Carrera 6, a car that took part in the Targa Florio and won its class in the Le Man 24-hour race.

    The auction is taking place on May 23 at the Brands Hatch motor racing circuit in the UK, and the ultra-rare Porsche is expected to reach prices of close to £400,000 when it goes under the hammer. The auction will... Only a month ago we saw two of the rarest cars in the world being put up for auction - including a 1967 Ferrari 330 P4, as well as a 1965 Shelby Daytona Coupe that was expected to sell for between $10 million and $15 million. Potential buyers will now also be able to bid on a handful of other rare cars, including the 1966 Porsche 906 Carrera 6, a car that took part in the Targa Florio and won its class in the Le Man 24-hour race. The auction is taking place on May 23 at the Brands Hatch motor racing circuit in the UK, and the ultra-rare Porsche is expected to reach prices of close to £400,000 when it goes under the hammer. The auction will be a part of the annual three-day-long Masters Historic Festival held at the Brands hatch circuit, and will see over 50 cars, 100 items of automobilia and 42 sporting guns all auctioned off. Of the 50-car stable being auctioned off, other highlights include a 1966 Lola T70 Spyder MkII, a 1957 AC Aceca, a 1988 Porsche Kremer 962, and a 1992 Jaguar XJ220. In its heyday, the Jaguar XJ220 held the title for the world's fastest production car until in 1994 when the McLaren F1 came in to steal its thunder. Properly maintained, however, the Jag should still be able to pull of close to 217mph (350km/h) - not bad for a car from almost two decades ago.2009 Brands Hatch classic car auction Read More

  • Chrysler resale values down 6% in a week as uncertainty rules the day

    Chrysler resale values down 6% in a week as uncertainty rules the day May 11th, 2009 ByRalph Hanson Ralph Hanson, Author, May 11th, 2009 Ralph Hanson 0 Comments

    Chrysler resale values down 6% in a week as uncertainty rules the day It's simple math: carmaker plus bankruptcy equals uncertainty and lower resale values. But Chrysler owners are feeling the bite of that equation as the value of their vehicles dropped 6% on average in a single week.

    In the week after Chrysler filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, owners of Jeep and Dodge vehicles saw their 36-month resale value go from 38.4% and 37.3% of their original price, respectively, to just 32.4% for Jeep and 31.2% for Dodge. Chrysler-branded vehicles fell an even 6% from 34.8% to 28.8%, reports the Detroit Free Press.

    That's a very rocky patch, worsening Chrysler's already middling place in the world of... It's simple math: carmaker plus bankruptcy equals uncertainty and lower resale values. But Chrysler owners are feeling the bite of that equation as the value of their vehicles dropped 6% on average in a single week. In the week after Chrysler filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, owners of Jeep and Dodge vehicles saw their 36-month resale value go from 38.4% and 37.3% of their original price, respectively, to just 32.4% for Jeep and 31.2% for Dodge. Chrysler-branded vehicles fell an even 6% from 34.8% to 28.8%, reports the Detroit Free Press. That's a very rocky patch, worsening Chrysler's already middling place in the world of resale value, and making it that much harder for current Chrysler owners to get out of their current cars and trucks and into new ones. What effect a similar drop in General Motors resale values might have on a marketplace already biased toward used car sales is unclear, but it can't bode well for the people trying to move new cars out of stagnant dealer inventory. Read More

  • Docherty: Pontiac decision may have to wait until next year

    Docherty: Pontiac decision may have to wait until next year April 13th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson Nelson Ireson, Author, April 13th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 2 Comments

    Docherty: Pontiac decision may have to wait until next year As General Motors prepares for its June 1 bankruptcy-or-viability deadline, the decision on what to do with Pontiac is sitting on the back burner. In fact, dealers may have to wait until next year to find out what the General has in store.

    Or so says Susan Docherty, vice president of GM's Buick-Pontiac-GMC group. "The Pontiac decision is pretty low on the priority list for right now," Docherty told Automotive News. "The decision we make for Pontiac is not going to be the savior for GM."

    Previous talk of focusing the brand on cars and even on Pontiac's 'driving excitement' performance background sprang out of GM's viability plan, submitted... As General Motors prepares for its June 1 bankruptcy-or-viability deadline, the decision on what to do with Pontiac is sitting on the back burner. In fact, dealers may have to wait until next year to find out what the General has in store. Or so says Susan Docherty, vice president of GM's Buick-Pontiac-GMC group. "The Pontiac decision is pretty low on the priority list for right now," Docherty told Automotive News. "The decision we make for Pontiac is not going to be the savior for GM." Previous talk of focusing the brand on cars and even on Pontiac's 'driving excitement' performance background sprang out of GM's viability plan, submitted to Congress last December. One word in particular - 'niche' - drove a lot of the talk, and has led to rampant speculation that Pontiac might go RWD-only or other such drastic measures. "I think if we had to write the viability plan over again, that word would have been on the delete button," said Docherty. Nevertheless, Docherty announced last month that the decision to end the Pontiac Torrent SUV was part of a larger decision to focus Pontiac on its cars. That focus might not be a bad idea, considering the Torrent's sales were dismal at best - down over 50% in February - while the G8 has seen record numbers despite the downturn, rising 27% on its previous monthly best in February.Pontiac G8 Read More

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