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2014 Renault Clio Cup【Video】Renault has released the first details for the 2014 Clio Cup. The 2014 Renault Clio Cup will be exclusively offered will go on sale in September of 2013 with pricing starts at €37,800.
Showing posts with label Corporate/Financial. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Corporate/Financial. Show all posts

Spyker signs CPP Global Holdings deal for sportscar arm

发表者 ddgg 2/23/11


Spyker Cars is selling off its sports-car unit to a Russian businessman so that it can concentrate on the operation of Saab Automobile, purchased just one year ago from General Motors.

Antonov, a former Spyker chairman and shareholder, will pay 15 million euros ($21 million) for the maker of the C8 Aileron and other supercar models that retail for more than $200,000, the Zeewolde, Netherlands-based company said today. In addition, Antonov would pay as much as 17 million euros over six years depending on the unit’s future profits.

Antonov used to own part of Spyker, but was forced out as a condition by General Motors to agree to sell the Saab brand in January 2010. At the time, tiny Spyker took out loans to buy it for $74 million in cash.


Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder


Press Release

SPYKER CARS N.V. IN NEGOTIATIONS TO SELL THE SPYKER SPORTSCAR BUSINESS IN ORDER TO FOCUS ON SAAB AUTOMOBILE

  • Spyker Cars N.V.– the EURONEXT-listed holding company which operates the Spyker and Saab Automobile premium car brands – has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to sell the assets of its Spyker sportscar business (the “Spyker Business”) to a private UK holding company, CPP Global Holdings Limited, which is owned by Vladimir Antonov.
  • Indicative terms include a purchase price of 15 million Euros plus a 17 million Euros earn-out. The proceeds will be used to reduce Spyker Cars N.V.’s debt.
  • Within 6 months of completion of the sale and subject to certain conditions, it is envisaged that Tenaci Capital B.V. would convert the 9.5 million Euro Convertible Loan at 3.75 Euros per share and 7.5 million Euros of its loans at 5.50 Euros per share to further reduce debt and interest.
  • This transaction would allow Spyker Cars N.V., which will change its name shortly, to exclusively focus on the Saab Automobile business while reducing debt and improving operating results through reduced interest expenses and removing the operating losses related to the Spyker Business.

Zeewolde, The Netherlands, 24 February 2011 – Spyker Cars N.V. has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with CPP Global Holdings Limited, a UK-based company owned by Vladimir Antonov, concerning a potential sale of the Spyker sportscar business.

The transaction would be structured as an asset purchase of virtually all assets related to the Spyker Business, including the Spyker trademarks and other intellectual property rights, and would be subject to several conditions precedent, including the outcome of Purchaser's due diligence. If completed, the proceeds of the purchase price will be used to reduce Spyker Cars N.V. indebtedness to Tenaci Capital B.V., an investment company controlled by Spyker Cars N.V. CEO, Victor Muller, thereby reducing its interest burden going forward. The indicative purchase price would consist of two elements: 15 million Euros due on closing and a maximum of 17 million Euros payable in instalments over the period 2011-2016 from the Spyker Business’ Earnings Before Taxes.

To further reduce Spyker Cars N.V.’s debt, it is envisaged that within 6 months of completion of the sale Tenaci Capital B.V. would convert its Convertible Loan for the amount of 9.5 million Euros at 3.75 Euro per share as well as convert an additional amount of 7.5 million Euros at 5.50 Euros per share subject to completion of the sale and certain conditions.

Hans Hugenholtz, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Spyker Cars N.V., said: “This transaction will allow Spyker Cars N.V. to focus on the Saab Automobile business exclusively, will eliminate the requirement for us to make further capital investment in the Spyker Business, and will reduce our debt.

“The Spyker Business will benefit from a focused and independent management team to progress the business from a commercial and technological point of view. Victor Muller will continue as CEO of the Spyker Business until a successor is appointed, at which time he will become its non-executive chairman. Mr. Muller remains fully engaged as CEO of Spyker Cars N.V. and Chairman of the Board of Saab Automobile AB.

Victor Muller, CEO of Spyker Cars N.V. and Chairman of the Board of Saab Automobile AB, said: “Without Spyker we would not have been able to acquire Saab Automobile last year but the Spyker Business soon became a small fish in a large pond as a result. In terms of the overall results of Spyker Cars N.V., the Spyker Business had become immaterial, but to develop its business going forward, its cash needs are relatively significant. Therefore the decision to separate the Spyker Business and Saab Automobile from a capital structure point of view is a good one.”

Vladimir Antonov, chairman of Convers Group said: "Having created an automotive portfolio over the past two years consisting of premium, world-class companies and brands, we are convinced that Spyker will flourish within the CPP Group and become profitable as planned.”

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Dodge unveils new logo

发表者 ddgg 5/29/10


Chrysler unveiled a new logo for the Dodge brand on Thursday . the new logo that will be used in promotional materials for its cars, as the brand moves to further distinguish its passenger cars from its trucks, which have been rebranded “Ram Truck.”

The Dodge logo has dropped the Ram's head and now features two slanted red racing stripes over the "E" of "DODGE" - written in all capital letters. The aim of the new brand logo is to promote an ideal of "forever young", according to the automaker.

The new logo has been endorsed by Dodge CEO Ralph Gilles, according to Automotive News, and will be used for all Dodge vehicles beginning with the 2011 Dodge Charger.

According to Dodge, the logo exudes a “forever young” attitude and emphasizes Dodge’s performance-car history. (Hash marks give us the same feeling.) Use of the new logo will be limited to Dodge websites, marketing, and merchandise. The two red stripes won’t appear on Dodge dealerships or vehicles.

The new logo also comes at a time of transition for Chrysler. Last week, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne announced that much of its lineup across Chrysler's four brands would be revamped.


Press Release

Auburn Hills, Mich., May 27, 2010 - As the Dodge brand redefines itself with new lifestyle packages, new ads, events and sponsorships, and a slew of upcoming new products, it's using its brand name to send a clear message that its "forever young" attitude and performance-driven history will drive the brand into the future.

The new Dodge brand logo features the DODGE name with a pair of red racing stripes relative to the "E," suggesting speed and agility. Dodge designers sketched the new logo after Dodge and Ram Truck were clearly defined as separate brands with their own identities and consumers, each needing a logo that represents the character of the brand.

The twin red graphic stripes will be used in communications, advertising, internet and merchandising. They will not appear on Dodge products or on the dealership signage.

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Porsche Celebrates 60 Years In America

发表者 ddgg 3/26/10


Porsche had its beginnings in the U.S. on May 25 back in 1950 and now, all these years later, the sports car company is celebrating the 60th anniversary of its decision to bring cars Stateside. But the story of Porsche in the U.S. is really the story of the common vision of three men--FerryPorsche, Max Hoffman and Johnny von Neumann.

Way back in 1950, Ferry Porsche wanted his company to expand to the States to generate more revenue.  He teamed up with Max Hoffman, an Austrian living in NYC who was earning a living importing European cars Stateside.

In the fall of 1950, Hoffman took delivery of two 1.1-liter coupes and put them on display at his 430 Park Avenue showroom in New York. While the 356 had only 44 horsepower and cost as much as a Cadillacconvertible, he thought this little Porsche deserved a chance.

That took care of the eastern half of the United States, leaving the lucrative California market to be ably handled by von Neumann, who bought one of Hoffman's Porsches in New York in 1951 and drove it back to California. The rest, as they say, is history – the Far Left State would go on to become Porsche's largest single market and those early pioneers would prove to be a stepping stone to much greater things with a sportscar heritage that continues down to this day.

Since then, Porsche Cars North America was created, eventually employing 180 people.  The company's cars are sold in 200 dealerships across the region.  You can read more about Porsche's U.S. history in the press release below.


Porsche Celebrates 60 Years In America Porsche Celebrates 60 Years In America Porsche Celebrates 60 Years In America Porsche Celebrates 60 Years In America



Press Release

Porsche Marks 60 Years of Selling Performance in America

The love affair between Porsche and U.S. motoring enthusiasts began in New York in 1950, and that passionate relationship stands the test of time

ATLANTA, March 25 - This year marks the 60th anniversary of one of the most fateful and successful decisions in the annals of automotive history -- Porsche's decision to market cars in the United States. But the story of Porsche in America is really the story of the common vision of three men -- Ferry Porsche, Max Hoffman and Johnny von Neumann.

From the beginning, Dr. Ferry Porsche saw the limitations of selling his 356 sports car in the Western European markets. He knew in order to sustain and grow his dream, Porsche would have to export its products to larger, more affluent markets like the United States, which had been virtually untouched by World War II.

This grand show opens in New York City

Enter Austrian ex-patriot and adoptive New Yorker Max Hoffman. Hoffman had already made a name for himself introducing exciting European cars to eager Americans. With the demand for cars running at a fever pitch after the sparse war years' production, Hoffman scoured the continent for marketable products. He knew many returning G.I.s had developed a taste and a romantic fondness for the nimble, fun-to-drive cars they had been introduced to while stationed in Europe.

Hoffman, at the urging of Swiss journalist Max Troesch, accepted the Porsche franchise in the early autumn of 1950. Max caught the Porsche bug, declaring, "I was very excited. This was something completely new, out of this world. I was not 100 percent for Porsches. I was 1,000 percent for Porsches." When Ferry Porsche said he hoped Max could find five American buyers a year, he responded, "If I can't sell five a week, I'm not interested."

In the fall of 1950, Hoffman took delivery of two 1.1-liter coupes and put them on display at his 430 Park Avenue showroom in New York City. While the 356 had only 44 horsepower and cost as much as a Cadillac convertible, he thought this little Porsche deserved a chance.

His faith in Porsche was justified. He imported 32 cars in 1951, and by 1954 he was marketing 11 Porsches a week, or 30 percent of Porsche's production. At its peak, the United States would absorb up to 70 percent of Porsche's yearly production.

Hoffman was also an astute marketer. In 1952 while dining in a New York restaurant, Max told Dr. Ferry Porsche all cars of some standing in the world have a crest. "Why not Porsche, too?" he asked. "If all you need is a badge, we can give you one, too!"

Ferry then grabbed a napkin and began to draw the crest for the state of Baden-Wurtenberg with its curved stag horns. He added a black prancing horse from Stuttgart's coat of arms and the word PORSCHE across the top and handed it back to Max asking, "How about something like that?" With a bit of refinement and color, the famed Porsche Crest was born and today remains true to Ferry's original sketch more than half a century ago.

Porsche and the Hollywood connection

While New York would prove to be central to Porsche's U.S. success, California, even in the early 1950s, was considered the 'Car Mecca of the New World.' The Porsche foothold on the West Coast was established by another Austrian expat named Johnny von Neumann. Von Neumann was the scion of a well-known Viennese doctor and had emigrated to the United States in 1947 and had begun selling cars in the Los Angeles area.

In 1948, he opened up his own shop, Competition Motors in North Hollywood. The name was reflective of von Neumann's primary interest, racing. While most of his business was focused on the repair and maintenance of sports cars, he eventually sold cars, as well.

On a 1951 vacation to New York, von Neumann decided to see his fellow Viennese Hoffman, whom he knew from before the war. "I stopped to say hello and being a 'salesman's salesman,' he asked me to take the car for a ride," von Neumann recalled to a journalist. "I thought the car was way ahead of its time, so I bought one and drove it back to California." It was the first Porsche ever West of the Mississippi.

After selling that first Porsche, von Neumann bought several more, firmly established Porsche's West Coast beachhead, and continued to cater to the famous, the rich and the infamous. It was from von Neumann's Competition Motors shop that James Dean purchased his first Porsche, a 356 Speedster with which he won his first serious amateur race. He then traded that Speedster for the Porsche 550 Spyder in which he famously lost his life while en-route to his first race in the car in Salinas, Calif.

California would become Porsche's single largest market and, if broken out separately from all other U.S. sales territories, would rank as one of the largest markets for Porsche worldwide.

Porsche of America Corp. is born

By 1956, it became increasingly evident Max Hoffman's focus on Porsche had shifted. In addition to Porsche, Hoffman was now importing a sizable portfolio of brands under the Hoffman Motor Cars umbrella. Because of this diversification, it was difficult for Porsche to maintain the support and distribution standards Porsche felt were critical for the growth of the Porsche brand in the United States. This was to be a recurring concern during the history of Porsche in America.

In response to this need, Porsche of America Corporation (PoAC) was established. With headquarters in Teaneck, N.J., PoAC took over and improved and expanded Porsche's distribution network.

The Volkswagen years

For many years Dr. Ferry Porsche felt the only way to sustain the company in the long run and for it to remain an independent entity was for Porsche to develop a lower cost, higher volume model. While Porsche toyed with the idea of a less expensive 911 -- the 912 was one such short-lived attempt -- Dr. Ferry Porsche saw this could diminish the stature of the flagship 911.

In partnership with Volkswagen AG, Porsche developed the 914, a mid-engined, two-seat Targa-type sports car available in two configurations -- the Porsche powered six-cylinder 914/6 and the less expensive and higher volume VW powered 914/4.

But the increased volume these two new cars were intended to generate could not be handled through the existing PoAC channel. And, as the volume 914/4 was to be powered by the flat four from the Volkswagen 411 and utilized many shared components, it made perfect sense to team up with Volkswagen of America (VoA). In addition, the Porsche family had long and close ties with Volkswagen, and in fact had used VoA's distribution chain elsewhere for many years.

During the partnership, VoA and Porsche sold more than 250,000 Porsches in the United States.

The birth of PCNA

In January 1984, the 323 U.S. Porsche-Audi dealers were notified after August 31 they would no longer be receiving Porsche cars, parts or support from Volkswagen of America, but from a new entity, Porsche Cars North America (PCNA).

With the establishment of its plant in New Stanton, Pa., Porsche felt VoA, as a U.S. auto manufacturer, would be more focused on increasing volume of the VW model line-up. The new Porsche sales chief, M. J. Nedelcu stated, "the quality of the marketing organization could no longer develop in sufficient measure to suit our exclusive automobiles."

With the termination of the distribution agreement, PCNA set up its operation in Reno, Nev. in September of 1984 to oversee all of the importation and distribution tasks formerly handled by Volkswagen of America. PCNA remained in Reno until March 10, 1998 when it relocated to its current home in Atlanta.

Today, PCNA is the exclusive importer of Porsche vehicles for the United States. It is a wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG. PCNA employs approximately 180 people who provide Porsche vehicles, parts, service, marketing and training for its 200 dealers. The dealers, in turn, provide Porsche owners with best-in-class service.

PCNA, which imports the iconic 911 series, the highly acclaimed Boxster and Cayman mid-engine sports cars, high-end Cayenne sport utility vehicles and the four-passenger Panamera Gran Turismos, strives to maintain a standard of excellence, commitment and distinction synonymous with its brand.

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SPYKER SECURES FURTHER FINANCING OF SAAB DEAL

发表者 ddgg 2/10/10



Spyker Cars N.V. announces today that Spyker has entered into a USD 25 million convertible loan agreement with an investment company owned by Heerema Holding Company Inc.

The USD 25 million loan has a 2 year term, an interest of Euribor + 10% and is convertible into shares at EUR 4 each. This loan secures the funding necessary to close the Saab transaction as the first USD 25 million has already been paid to GM on January 26, 2010. The convertible loan is conditional on SAAB receiving the EIB loan. On July 15 of this year a final payment of USD 24 million is due to GM. Spyker is confident that it will secure the funding for this second installment.

The European Commission approved the Swedish state guarantee for Saab. With respect to the approval of the Swedish state guarantee, competition commissioner Neelie Kroes said: "The state guarantee will contribute to the implementation of Saab's business plan without giving rise to any undue distortions of competition".

Victor Muller, Spyker's CEO said: "We are delighted that Heerema has decided to become an investor in our company. I had the privilege to work for Pieter Heerema from 1984 through 1991, initially as his counsel, later as Director of Corporate Affairs, and we have come to know each other very well as a result. It is the intention to nominate a representative of Heerema as a member of the Supervisory Board".

"The positive decision of the European Commission to approve the Swedish state guarantee is another major step towards closing of the Saab acquisition. We are grateful to the Commission of their willingness to work so hard on this decision within the limited time available."

Pieter Heerema added: "Although providing convertible loans such as this one is not in the ordinary course of our business, the positive developments of the past few months involving the SAAB brand and its sympathetic connotation, together with the worldwide support of loyal customers, dealers, employees, suppliers and other stakeholders represents a unique value. This value represents much more than money alone. We are confident that when the company's management gets the opportunity to implement the business plan we will see a good financial return on our investment as well".
Source: Spyker

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Chavez Threatens to Expel Toyota

发表者 ddgg 12/28/09

2007 Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series: (L-R) LC78 Troop Carrier GXL and LC79 Cab Chassis GXL

Toyota responded by saying the automaker had already requested permission to import the Land Cruiser well before Chavez' comments.  The company says the Venezuelan government has not yet ruled on the import license application.  Venezuelan production of the Land Cruiser 70 halted in 2007, and the government had been informed in advance of the model's cancellation.

Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series with GXL cab-chassis

President of Venezuela, Hugo Chavez, has announced that Toyota could be kicked out of that country if the Japanese automaker persists in not building a replacement to the Land Cruiser 70 4x4 in Venezuela.  Chavez believes the all-terrain vehicle is critical for providing transportation in less-developed parts of the country.

2007 Toyota LandCruiser 78 Troop Carrier Workmate

If Toyota were kicked out, Chavez would likely authorize the confiscation of Toyota factories in Venezuela, possibly using the facilities to create a new national automaker.  Since Chavez became president in 1999 he has nationalized the domestic energy and oil industries.

2007 Toyota LandCruiser 76 Wagon Workmate

Chavez made the threatening comments last Wednesday at an event in Caracas.  Believing that his government must force Toyota to produce "rustic" models, he said, "And if they don't, then they should leave and we'll bring another company in. The Chinese want to come and they make 'rustic' models," according to published reports.

2007 Toyota LandCruiser 76 Wagon GXL

"Companies who come here to set up must be ready to transfer technology to us," Chavez said.

"If they don't want to, they should go away. I invite them to pick up their things and go."

2007 Toyota LandCruiser 78 Troop Carrier Workmate

Toyota has asked for diplomatic assistance from the Japanese government, saying Chavez' office never once contacted the automaker to discuss the issue.

2007 Toyota LandCruiser 76 Wagon GXL interior

2007 Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series 4.5-litre V8 turbo-diesel engine

More Photos

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Saab Killed Off as Last Ditch Talks Collapse

发表者 ddgg 12/18/09

Saab 9-5 hearse artist rendering

General Motors announced today that the intended sale of Saab Automobile AB would not be concluded. After the withdrawal of Koenigsegg Group AB last month, GM had been in discussions with Spyker Cars about its interest in acquiring Saab. During the due diligence, certain issues arose that both parties believe could not be resolved. As a result, GM will start an orderly wind-down of Saab operations.

“Despite the best efforts of all involved, it has become very clear that the due diligence required to complete this complex transaction could not be executed in a reasonable time. In order to maintain operations, Saab needed a quick resolution,” said GM Europe President Nick Reilly. “We regret that we were not able to complete this transaction with Spyker Cars. We will work closely with the Saab organization to wind down the business in an orderly and responsible manner. This is not a bankruptcy or forced liquidation process. Consequently, we expect Saab to satisfy debts including supplier payments, and to wind down production and the distribution channel in an orderly manner while looking after our customers.”

Saab will continue to honor warranties, while providing service and spare parts to current Saab owners around the world.

As part of its efforts to become a leaner organization, GM began seeking a buyer for Saab’s operations in January. Last week, Saab Automobile AB announced that it had closed on the sale of certain Saab 9-3, current 9-5 and powertrain technology and tooling to Beijing Automotive Industry Holdings Co. Ltd. (BAIC). GM expects today’s announcement to have no impact on the earlier sale.

As the company continues to reinvent itself, GM has been faced with some very difficult but necessary business decisions. The focus will remain on the four core brands – Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC – and several regional brands, including Opel / Vauxhall in Europe. This will enable the company to devote more engineering and marketing resources to each brand and model.

A media conference call with John Smith GM Vice President, Corporate Planning and Alliances will take place at 9:45 a.m. Eastern Time.
via:worldcarfans

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Range Rover: GM Cancels L.A. Auto Show Press Events

发表者 ddgg 11/25/08


You know an automaker is in trouble when they are canceling press conferences at auto shows. These are the kinds of venues where automakers are supposed to trot out their shiny, new products and rake in all the marketing benefits from the free media exposure. Read Article



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2009 loses Ferrari, Rolls-Royce and Land Rover at Detroit Auto Show

发表者 ddgg


With the financial crisis in full swing and bankruptcy rumors continuing to dog the big three, the North American International Auto Show in Detroit was already expected to have a rather somber tone this year. Now reports indicate that Ferrari, Rolls-Royce and Land Rover won't be attending the show at all.
Read Article



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Tesla Roadster Headed for Europe

发表者 ddgg 4/3/08


Europeans rejoice! The Tesla Roadster will be available for sale in Europe beginning next year, according to the Financial Times. Due in large part to an exchange rate that benefits those across the pond the electric two seater should be a big hit. Priced under €100,000, the Roadster will hit Euro shores in Fall 2009.

Shorter driving distance and tax benefits for electric and zero-emission cars were cited as other main reasons for entering the EU. Tesla CEO Ze'ev Drori told the Financial Times, "There are many compelling reasons for us to be in Europe."

Germany, France, the Netherlands, as well as Norway and Denmark are being seen as the initial target markets in Europe for this car. Denmark is already in the process of building a recharging network to support electric cars being made by Renault, with discussions underway in other European nations for similar infrastructure. Britain will have to wait a bit, as Tesla does not yet manufacture right-hand-drive cars. Ironic considering the chassis is based on a Lotus Elise, and much of the assembly takes place at the Lotus factory in Hethel, England.

If Tesla moves ahead as planned, it will be a big blow for Monaco-based car manufacturer Venturi. Their electric roadster, the Venturi Fétish, will be released earlier than Tesla's, but at a cost nearly three-times higher. The Tesla Roadster reportedly has a longer range, higher top speed, and quicker acceleration than the Venturi Fétish.

Production has just begun on the Tesla Roadster, and the company hopes to increase production to 100 units per month beginning next year. 1,000 of the cars have been backordered from the company by customers in the U.S. The first run of vehicles for the EU will be limited to 250.

Source: Financial Times


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Corvette ZR1 Police Car

发表者 ddgg 3/29/08

Imagine cruising in Michigan, going a smidge over the speed limit, when you see through your rear-view mirror a ZR1 with mars lights racing up behind you. If you're anything like us, you would probably need to change your Jockeys after such a sight.

Luckily for us, the Michigan State Police Corvette ZR1 Bob Lutz posted to the GM FastLane Blog earlier today is not exactly a reality. Lutz is the Vice-Chairman at General Motors. We called the Michigan State PD just to be safe, and they assured us that they are not taking possession of any $100,000 cars... no matter how fun it would be to drive.

The 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 has a LS9 supercharged 6.2L V8 engine, getting 620 horsepower and 595 ft-lb of torque. With a race hardened six-speed manual transmission, gigantic brakes, suspension providing more than 1g cornering grip, and a dual-disc clutch, you would have a very difficult time outrunning the 5-0. 0-60mph in 3.5 seconds is nothing to take lightly.

"I think Lutz was just having fun," the police spokesman said.

Although it would be cool to see helicopter video of one of these ZR1 chasing down drug runners and human traffickers coming into Michigan after taking a shipment at the Port of Indiana, for now that type of thing will just have to play out on the big screen.

Source: GM


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What Happens Next at Land Rover and Jaguar?

发表者 ddgg 3/28/08


Now that Tata Motors has firmed up a deal with Ford to acquire Land Rover and Jaguar, the Indian company can set their eyes on the future. With Ford agreeing to supply the two brands for the next quarter, Tata can work a little more on long term planning for the two new brands without sacrificing efforts to become ready for their acquisitions.

AutoWeek has published a timeline for the two companies through 2016. We begin first with 2009, where it looks like the Jaguar XFR and XKR will continue on, as planned, with a new 5.0-liter V8. The direct-injection petrol engine will be available with a supercharger, getting up to 500 horsepower. 380 hp for the naturally aspirated engine. Meanwhile, over at Land Rover, the updated Range Rover and Range Rover Sport will also get the new V8s from Jaguar. Both Range Rovers will get a bit of an overhaul inside, with new instruments and trim.

2010 should see the entrance of an updated Jaguar XJ, as the X-Type gets put to pasture. Keeping its elite status feel, the XJ will give driver and passengers a bit more room inside. The X-Type, which never quite got the fan base Jaguar expected, will likely go away as the new decade begins. A facelift is also coming to the Land Rover LR3, with an updated interior being included. Upgrades will include a new console and instrument panel. The previously mentioned naturally-aspirated 380 hp V8 will likely be found on this SUV.

A production version of the Land Rover LRX concept should become the sixth model in Land Rover's 2011 lineup. Meant to compete against the MINI Cooper and Audi TT, the diminutive three-door could be a home run for Tata if the current supermini consumers decide they need a slightly bigger vehicle.

Aiming for a $50,000 price point, the production version of the two-seat Jaguar F-Type concept could see its debut in 2012. With Tata at the helm, it would not be surprising to see this car fast tracked and possibly released in 2011. We also would not be surprised to see a new concept or prototype of this car in 2010. 2012 may aso see a seven-seat version of the Land Rover LRX, but meant to keep a bit of sex appeal.

Five years fron now, we would like to see the Jaguar XF Coupe. This could come in 2013, but Tata could also red light the project. At Ford-owned Jaguar, the car was based more on the C-XF concept as a short hardtop. A brand new Range Rover is due out in 2013. Expected to be larger but sportier, design of a new Range Rover could still be modified by the new owners. AutoWeek seems to think a $200,000 Range Rover with alloy body and hybrid powertrain is not unlikely.

The all-new Jaguar XF should show up in 2014 with an alloy body. An all-new Range Rover Sport will likely appear this year as well, but with an aluminum body. Land Rover may introduce the all-new Land Rover Defender this year as well, with Tata planning on putting forth a simple 4x4 for developing markets. Tata could also create a similar 4x4 under the Tata moniker, and share platforms.

Over the 2015-2016 two-year period, Tata should bring us an all-new Jaguar XJ to replace 2010's facelifted the Jaguar XJ. An all-new Land Rover LR3 may come out this year as well.

Source: Autoweek


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Ford sells Jaguar, Land Rover?

发表者 ddgg 3/26/08


Although there hasn’t been any official word from either Ford or Tata Motors, the Financial Times has already told the world that the sale of Jaguar and Land Rover by Ford to Tata has gone through. According to the news, the Indian conglomerate passed on a cool sum hovering around USD2 billion to Ford as compensation for giving up the two British-born brands. It is not expected that only cash will pass hands as this would be too hefty even for Tata.

Tata has been the key bidder in this whole process since Jag and LR were announced to be going on sale. Ford lost USD2.7 billion last year and has been in great danger of sinking into bankruptcy for over three years now. Selling the two luxury brands would inject some much-needed cash into its operations and possibly reverse a Titanic situation. Jag and LR were purchased by Ford in 1989 and 2000 respectively, the latter from BMW which was also disappearing fast no thanks to LR debt and bad product. Land Rover has come back with guns blazing in the past year and is now seen as a very attractive buy for anyone, while Jaguar is still redefining its space yet again with new product such as XF.

Source: Financial Times via Reuters


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Tesla Roadster Gets Air Bag Exemption

发表者 ddgg 3/18/08

Good and bad news coming out for the Tesla camp in San Carlos, California. The company, which has a highly anticipated all-electric sports car coming to the market this year, was granted a waiver by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on a key airbag issue that could have stalled production, and possibly bankrupted the company.According to the Associated Press, the NHTSA decided yesterday that the automaker had gone to great lenths to comply with a mandate forcing car companies to install advanced airbags on all new models. The stepped-up safety measure uses airbags that release with an adjusted amount of force, depending on the impact of each individual crash. This news comes on the heels of the Tesla Roadster's passing grade in U.S crash testing.

Citing the company's desire to also bring a fully electric sedan to market by 2010, and Tesla's $43 million operating losses from 2003-2006, the NHTSA granted a three-year exemption on the advanced air bag rule to Tesla. The $98,000 Tesla Roadster will still have standard airbags.Of course, this would all be fair and good if the first production Tesla had made it to San Carlos in the first place. Greentech Media is reporting that the first real Tesla Roadster was trucked to Amsterdam presumably from the Hethel Engineering Centre in Norfolk, England. The car was supposed to be loaded on a plane, with arrival at company headquarters happening sometime today.
Sadly, the car missed its flight at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, and should now reach San Carlos sometime later this week.Despite reports of transmission problems with the Roadster, the first edition of the car should begin building on March 17. The Series One Hundred edition of the Tesla Roadster sold out thanks to pre-orders taken in 2006 pre-order. The company plans on building a total of 625 Roadsters in 2008, and 800 each year through 2010.
Source: AP, Greentech Media

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