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.” Continue reading Audi returns expected to top 10 percent, still no U.S. factory in the works
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. Continue reading Major Mazda Expanding model range, not ad budget
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. Continue reading Jeep hopes to steal the show with Trailhawk concept
Chrysler’s four-door, four-passenger concept embodies a visually compact appearance, while possessing SUV-like interior space thanks to a silhouette recalling old English shooting brake design (Editor’s note: a traditional “shooting brake” design is a two-door wagon; this is Chrysler’s PR-speak calling it a shooting brake). Interior design draw inspiration from contemporary computers, cell phones and music players to provide familiarly between everyday electronics and vehicle controls in order to appeal specifically to younger generations. Nassau is powered by a 6.1-liter HEMI and runs to 60 mph in five seconds. Continue reading Nifty Nassau Chrysler concept blends wagon style, modern design
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. Continue reading Toyota conceives a 21st-century Supra
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. Continue reading Dealers want Nitro’s features showcased
It isn’t often that an exotic brand offers a big bargain, but Maserati North America has 1.9 percent financing for 60 months on its flagship Quattroporte sports sedan. The deal marks the debut of Maserati’s new captive finance arm. Maserati says it’s a one-time deal on the car – the equivalent of a year-end sales event. The deal is only available on the 2006 Quattroporte, which starts at $108,750, including shipping and gas guzzler tax. A spokesman says 60 vehicles remain in dealer stock. The offer expires Sunday, Dec. 31. Continue reading Maserati offers exclusivity—and 1.9 percent financing
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. Continue reading Lincoln’s MKR concept gives thought to business case
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. Continue reading Mercedes-Benz dealership brings service to your door
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. Continue reading Volvo asks consumers to rate C30 in new ads
The magnificent R GTI is easily the nimblest and most fun-to-drive Volkswagen ever built. Volkswagen’s Design Center California and APR of Auburn, Alabama, lightened it up and added huge twists of horsepower and torque. The weight loss came from a carbon fiber hood, front fenders, rear hatch and everything else except the roof, doors and rear quarter-panels. Lighter forged wheels and lighter suspension components combine with the carbon fiber to shave 150 pounds off the curb weight. Continue reading Volkswagen R GTI
We know God loves us. How else can one explain the existence of GeigerCars? Whether it’s a 700-horsepower police H2, an audacious Gulf-liveried HUMMER GT, or any number of the various customer cars the company has prepared, no one knows how to hook up a HUMMER like Geiger. Modders who think they’ve accomplished something by throwing on donks, a killer stereo and calling it a day are simply not in the same ballpark. Continue reading HoliHUMMER GeigerCars Santa-style H2