Lincoln MKZ hybrid to debut at 2010 NY International Auto Show???
I have been wondering how long it would take before Ford started to offer a Lincoln MKZ hybrid. I mean, the MKZ went through a very substantial redesign for 2010 just like the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan sedans, yet it was the only one not available with a hybrid option. That will change this year, now that Ford has planned to unveil a hybrid version of the MKZ at this year’s New York Auto Show. Since the MKZ hybrid will most likely feature the exact same powertrain as the Fusion/Milan hybrid, it should hit close to the same 41 city / 36 highway miles per gallon of the less sedans. This would position it above the Lexus HS 250h as the most fuel efficient luxury car available on the market. For more details, stay tuned or click on over to The Detroit News or Autoblog.
(Image source: Ford)
GM adds a third shift to build the Chevrolet Cruze…before it is in production
That’s right folks, General Motors has announced that it will be adding a third shift to the Lordstown, Ohio plant that will be building the Chevrolet Cruze. The interesting thing is that the Cruze hasn’t really gone into production yet…no matter. The announcement from GM came today and they have stated that they will be adding 1,200 jobs which I’m sure will be welcome news to people in the area. For more news, head on over to The Detroit News.
(Image source: GM)
Are Lincoln dealers upset about the price disparity between their vehicles and normal Ford’s?
According to an article in The Detroit News, some Lincoln dealers are a bit upset about how long the Lincoln transformation is taking. They are also upset about the fact that an MKS costs $10,000 more than its sibling D-car, the Ford Taurus. Many dealers complain that the cross shopping isn’t happening between Lincoln and Audi/Mercedes/BMW/Lexus, but instead people are cross shopping Lincoln with Ford. I for one am glad that vehicles like the MKS/Taurus and MKT/Flex have different top hats completely, but I think the other vehicles in Lincoln’s lineup need to follow suit. The 2011 Ford Edge and MKX didn’t go far enough in my book to separate the two models from each other. Customers want to feel like they got a car that is more special than a fancy Ford since they paid a good deal more for it. For the full story, head on over to The Detroit News.
(Image source: Lincoln)
Ford will be showing its new 2011 Edge midsize crossover to the crowd (including yours truly) at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show next week. The ’11 Edge is expected to feature high grade interior materials, improved fit and finish, a new front end, rear end and instrument panel. That new instrument panel will be Ford’s first application of their new MyFord touch system. MyFord touch allows users to control almost all of the traditional interior functions of a car using simple voice commands. For more details, head on over to The Detroit News.
(Image source: LeftLaneNews.com)
Chrysler will not have a press conference at the Detroit Auto Show!
Chrysler has decided to keep things low key at this January’s Detroit Auto Show by skipping a press conference altogether. This seems odd to me, as well as many auto industry insiders who feel that Chrysler needs to start talking about new product in the pipeline. Last year saw some very sharp concepts roll out, such as the 200C above, but this year the best we can hope for are several limited edition models. For more, head on over to the Detroit News.
(Image source: Chrysler)
An interesting article on Chrysler’s strategy going forward
I found this article today in the Detroit News about what Chrysler is doing to conserve cash, and what they will be doing in the near term to help increase sales. I think it’s a very interesting look into the struggles and cuts the automaker has had to make in order to survive bankruptcy restructuring and continue to produce and sell cars right here in the good old U.S. of A. For more, head on over to the Detroit News.
(Image source: Wikimedia)
Ford having early success with EcoBoost both in orders and transaction prices!
For the first few months, it appears that EcoBoost is a hit with consumers. The take rate on vehicles with available EcoBoost has been higher than originally predicted. This is great news, but there is more! The transaction prices on the EcoBoost equipped cars is some $5,000 to $10,000 higher than their non-EcoBoost counterparts! Not only that but the EcoBoost models are seeing a higher conquest rate than their similar non-EcoBoost models. This sounds to me like nothing but good news for Ford, and the U.S., seeing as the 3.5L V6 EcoBoost is built in Ohio, along with the Ford Taurus SHO and Lincoln MKS with EcoBoost. For more details (and quite a detailed write-up) head on over to The Detroit News.
(Image source: Ford)
