As clues go, it was a big one. Revealed with much pomp and ceremony at the Geneva motor show in 2004, Rolls-Royce’s spectacular 100EX concept car was created to celebrate the famed British car maker’s centenary. That was the official line, at least. When probed, the only thing officials would reveal was that there were considerations to building the big convertible—with the quick caveat that nothing was certain. Continue reading 2008 Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe
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BMW of North America is on track to set a sales record this year, despite the changeover of its X5 crossover. “The 2007 model year cars are just coming onstream now,” said Tom Purves, CEO of BMW (US) Holding Corp. “It’s tough to predict. But we will be better than last year, and the momentum is very good.” Last year BMW AG, including Mini and Rolls-Royce, sold 307,402 vehicles in the United States. In an interview with Automotive News, Purves touched on a variety of other issues. 
Audi’s return on capital this year will exceed 10 percent for the first time, company sources have told Automobilwoche. Last year the figure was 9.7 percent. That will approach the returns of rival BMW. Given Audi’s heavy spending for new models and the expansion of its dealer network, says Albrecht Denninghoff, an analyst at Commerzbank, “10 percent is a good figure.” 
Mazda blew it big time 15 years ago when it tried to cram its dealerships full of flashy new models without the marketing muscle to back them up. The brand has been paying the price ever since. So is Mazda on the brink of repeating that mistake in 2007? Not if David Klan can help it. The new director of marketing operations for Mazda Motor Corp.’s North American sales arm faces a tough challenge in 2007. But Klan says he is not worried about Mazda losing its zoom-zoom mojo. 
Combining traditional off-road features with refined on-road cruising capabilities, Jeep builds on the new Wrangler Unlimited platform to bring us a new take on open-air motoring. Removable tinted glass panels cover the first- and second-row seats, over the cargo compartment and swing-up backlight. When removed, passengers enjoy the same open-air experience found in traditional soft top Jeeps. A 3.0-liter BLUETEC 215-hp 376 lb-ft diesel powers the Trailhawk. 
About a year ago, Toyota asked its designers and engineers a simple question: “What would be a suitable and appropriate Toyota sports car for the 21st century?†The result is the car you see on these pages, the FT-HS concept. FT-HS is a hybrid sports car designed at Toyota’s Calty design center in Newport Beach. The idea was to find out if it is feasible to combine ecology and emotion in a sports car; to make an eco-friendly car that is fun to drive. Why bother? Because Toyota thinks drivers of the future will be eco-conscious but won’t want to give up performance cars. 
Dodge dealers love the new Nitro SUV’s looks and price. But many complain about the edgy Nitro ads created by the agency BBDO. One TV ad shows a Nitro jump-starting another car. The Nitro driver guns his engine, and the other car blows sky-high. Another ad shows a Nitro falling through the center of the earth and through hell to emerge on a street in an Asian country. Arresting as they are, the ads don’t say anything about the Nitro’s features. Therein lies the dealers’ beef. 
With the MKR concept, Lincoln revisits a proud heritage, hints at its design future and kicks off what could be a final effort to survive in the increasingly tough luxury market. Ford Motor Co. is counting on North American styling chief Peter Horbury to right Lincoln’s sinking ship with a new design theme. And the MKR, which debuts next week at the Detroit auto show, showcases that new direction. Some touches, such as the glass roof, aren’t practical and seek to generate excitement for a brand in desperate need of a makeover. But many key decisions — such as the platform, suspension and engine — were made with a business case in mind, a sign Ford Motor knows it needs to move fast. 
Can’t bring the E class in for service? Beck Imports will bring the service to you. The Mercedes-Benz dealership in Charlotte, N.C., now offers mobile maintenance and repair. Two Sprinter vans, each carrying $30,000 worth of service equipment, meet customers at their homes or offices — or, in one recent instance, the golf course. Other dealerships across the country offer mobile service. But Richard Mikels, Beck Import’s general manager, said the service his store rolled out in November is the state of the art. 
Breaking a long-held advertising taboo, Volvo is bringing to the United States a campaign that dares to show consumers disrespecting its brand. The push asks consumers whether they love or hate the all-new Volvo C30 — and goes so far as to show a theater audience booing and throwing tomatoes at a woman onstage unveiling the car.