News across the intarweb is hinting at three new buyers for General Motors' Hummer brand, two from overseas companies and one located in the United States. The bidding price is approximately $100 to $200 million cash which includes a network of 125 dealerships and does not include any advertising needed to help establish the brand once again.
Even though sales are in the tank, Nissan has remained committed to their Titan pickup truck regardless of Chrysler's partnership status and eligibility to build a combined Dodge Ram and Nissan Titan pickup. Nissan is preparing to extend production of the Titan at their Canton, Mississippi plant and still have plans for their Dodge Ram based pickup stating plans are "nearly complete".
Mopar today unveiled a significantly expanded parts catalog for Jeep and Dodge truck customers. The Mopar parts catalog now has approximately 100 new Authentic Jeep Accessories, Authentic Dodge Accessories and Performance Parts from Mopar, solidifying the brand’s place as a major competitor in the Jeep and truck accessory and performance marketplace.
Hub Garage is a new online community of automotive enthusiasts that was founded by Chris Jacobs of Chip Foose's hit show "Overhaulin". Members can share photos, videos, publish their own automotive news, and more. Check it out at www.hubgarage.com
Since the birth of Grave Digger in 1982, Monster Trucks have been very popular across the country. Known for their high powered engines, over sized off-road tires, and a love for crushing and destroying anything in its path, not everything always goes smoothly for these gentle giants. The following video is a compilation of monster truck crashes over the years.
Unfortunately there's no audio with the video due to copyright issues, so fire up iTunes (check out MOTORZ TV!!) or favorite music program and blast some metal.
Now available: a dynamic new look for www.SEMA.org and a host of new benefits for SEMA members. The modernized site blends new technologies to enhance networking and delivers information more concisely, based on user preferences. The website overhaul is part of a continuing investment by SEMA in better networking and communications for SEMA members. “Over the years we heard from the membership about ways that the website could serve the industry better,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “Most recently, the team assigned to building the site reached out to our members to understand specific improvements that could be made.”
THI, the parent company of the Extang Corporation and TruXedo Inc., has acquired the assets of BedRug from Wise Industries Inc. North American soft-tonneau manufacturer THI was created as an investment vehicle of the private-equity firm Kinderhook Industries.
The Internet's most popular automotive enthusiast site, CarDomain, has purchased the second popular site, Streetfire.net yesterday in a deal that would create the largest social network for automotive enthusiasts.
Chrysler LLC introduced today an all-new line of V-6 engines that will improve fuel efficiency across the Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge lineup by 8 percent on average compared with previous Chrysler V-6 engines. This more refined and fuel-efficient V-6 engine will ultimately replace seven current Chrysler V-6 engines. The new 3.6-liter V-6 engine—named Pentastar—is part of the company’s overall $3 billion powertrain offensive. It will first be offered in the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, unveiled today at the New York International Auto Show and at the Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah.
Porsche will offer U.S. customers a very limited version of its Cayenne SUV, the 2010 Cayenne GTS Porsche Design Edition 3. Featuring interior and exterior styling cues that help communicate this unique Porsche's high-performance personality, it is the first time the Porsche Design stylists have chosen an SUV rather than one of Porsche's sports cars.
Ford are making sure their new 6.7 liter "Scorpion" diesel V8 motor, slated for the next generation Super Duty, doesn't reach the hands of its competitors by filing patents for the new engine. The patent describes a pushrod, 4 valve per cylinder set up that utilizes an inboard exhaust along with a turbo charger. Details filed with the patent also state the engine could be used in both the gasoline and diesel configuration. There's even some speculation that the motor could show up in the 2010 Mustang but that has not been confirmed by the automaker.
In the search for the optimum hybrid system for the premium motor car, the engineers were already sure of one thing right from the concept phase: a Mercedes-Benz SUV with a hybrid drive would have to share the same typical brand attributes as any other Mercedes vehicle. Essential elements such as the greatest possible active and passive safety, optimum ride comfort and ease of operation, uncompromising reliability over a long period and high-quality workmanship with select materials would have to be on a par with a comparable, conventionally powered standard-production vehicle. And all combined with the greatest possible efficiency. At the same time, the drive system should be testimony to the company's innovative strength and cutting-edge technology.
The all-new 2009 Dodge Ram earned a place on Ward’s distinguished list of winners, taking home the “2009 Interior of the Year” award in the popular-priced truck category. The all-new 2009 Dodge Ram has won 15 awards since its introduction. “From the big, chunky knobs on the dashboard to the in-floor storage bins and the folding second-row seats, the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram reminds us that big trucks can be rugged, functional and cool, all at the same time,” said Tom Murphy, executive editor of Ward’s AutoWorld magazine.
Nearly 18 years ago, Jeep invented the premium SUV segment with the introduction of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. More than 4 million sales later, Jeep improves the formula and hits the sweet spot of real-world capability and on-road refinement with the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers premium on-road performance while maintaining the Jeep brand’s legendary four-wheel-drive, torque-on-demand two-speed transfer case and towing capability. It also offers improved fuel economy (up to 11 percent) and a world-class interior cabin.
Chevrolet announced the 2010 Equinox crossover will carry a MSRP of $23,185, including a $745 destination charge, for the FWD LS model. It goes on sale this June. "Offering the fuel economy of a sedan with the functionality of a crossover, the Equinox is a superior value for our customers," said Ed Peper, GM North America vice president, Chevrolet. Chevy expects its Equinox to have best-in-class fuel economy at 30 MPG with its advanced 4-cylinder, direct injected engine. It is available in LS, LT and LTZ trim, with available all-wheel-drive. Two new engines are offered, each with fuel-saving direct injection and variable valve timing technology.
Facing a 30 percent decline in sales, Honda is now being forced to cut production and salaries of workers in North America. Honda will shut down plants for thirteen days next month and cut production of 62,000 vehicles including the Ridgeline pickup truck, car, crossover, SUT, CUV, uni-crap, sporttruck, UTE, err...whatever it is. Salary and hourly pay will also be cut along with employee bonuses and Honda has offered buyouts to 32,400 workers in the United States.
The all-new 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 and Dodge Challenger continue charging ahead, taking home the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press (RMAP) Association’s “Truck of the Year” and “Car of the Year” awards. “Both the Dodge Ram 1500 and the Dodge Challenger were decisive winners in this year’s competition,” said Michael Cotsworth, President of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. "It is exciting to see, in the current economic environment, the high regard RMAP members have for these two Chrysler products." The 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 beat out the new 2009 Ford F-150 and the Nissan Titan for the Truck of the Year title, while the Dodge Challenger outpaced the Jaguar XF and the Nissan Maxima in the Car of the Year race.
Last week Ford's DigiKnows brought you their 5th live episode discussing the background of technology behind Ford's Work Solutions. This week host Michael Collins will be interviewing Kim Cape and Andrew Ashman, Ford, Lincoln and Mercury Marketing Managers, to discuss Ford’s commitment to offering peace of mind to Americans who are considering the purchase of a new vehicle. Michael and his guests will outline the features of the new Ford Advantage Plan and how it compares to others offered. The webcast will also include a step-by-step look at how to get the most residual value in the next vehicle you buy.
Tune in tomorrow here at Truckblog at Noon eastern time to watch the live show.
