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GM has completed its first major redesign of its full-size vans, the Chevy Express and GMC Savana. The 2003 models include updated powertrains and safety features, along with new usability features for targeted commercial buyers. Dodge has neglected its B-series commercial vans for an amazingly long stretch of time, and will be ceasing production shortly, leaving the Pillette Road plant where they are made empty - as far as we know. There was talk of Mercedes building Sprinters there, but Mercedes has so far resisted using any ex-Chrysler plants, preferring to have Southern states and cities bid against each other for new, non-union plants.
Mercedes introduced their top-end Maybach line, to be sold this fall, at the Geneva International Auto Show. The Maybach will sell for over $250,000, and will be made entirely by Mercedes. It will use a V-12 engine, just like the old Maybachs. Detroit News pointed out that Mercedes' recent track record for new vehicles has not been stellar.
Maybach will offer two models, one simply named Maybach, the other called (appropriately, given its size) Zeppelin. The V-12 will have 550 horsepower. Production is limited to 1,000 cars per year, and all are built to order.
At the same time, the Bentley and Rolls-Royce marques are being rejuvenated - one will be owned by Volkswagen, the other by BMW. It seems that the super-luxury field has become the province of Germany.
Maybach has long been more prominent on DaimlerChrysler's press Web site than Chrysler, taking the second line of the main index. Chrysler Group comes just after Maybach, but Dodge and Jeep are not mentioned - though Maybach is a separate unit, on paper, it is made and designed by Mercedes.
Meanwhile, on a more pedestrian and probably more important note, Ford will be pushing diesels more in the United States - a good move for dramatically raising gas mileage.
Did you ever get the idea the auto industry was filled with whiners who exaggerated the harmful effects of all auto regulations, going back to the 1970s with "all cars will get horrible mileage, have no power, and not idle properly if we have to use pollution controls!" ? To gain a little perspective, consider that Microsoft is now saying that following antitrust rulings - after being found to have violated antitrust law, and also after having been caught falsifying evidence during the trial - would cause the company to have to abandon Windows. Read more.
Microsoft announced that the BMW 7 series' iDrive system is based on Windows CE for Automotive. Microsoft's Bob McKenzie said, according to just-auto.com, "When we heard about BMW's telematics vision, we knew the exceptional quality in Microsoft technology would fit hand-in-hand." Of course, if you use Consumer Reports to judge BMW's quality, this statement makes sense...particularly with regard to the BMW SUV... perhaps if Toyota used Windows CE, we'd be more impressed.
Chrysler is considering other PT Cruiser derivatives including a wagon and small pickup, according to Detroit News, though these would most likely appear after the 2003 debut of the turbocharged GT Cruiser and the 2004 convertible version. Where's the panel van?
Ford and GM are in a battle for market supremacy, with Chrysler paying the price (since imports seem to be less price-sensitive). Ford will continue zero percent financing and rebates of up to $2,500 on most models, while GM is offering $2,002 rebates with financing of 0% to 3.9% depending on the loan period. The GM plan covers Chevrolet, Pontiac, GMC, Buick, and Oldsmobile through the end of March (Cadillac, Saturn, and Saab are not in the program). Chrysler is currently offering $2,500 rebates.
...according to Detroit News today. It has two doors.
We correct the following story: the Scion (a plant term like Corolla) is not a new brand, as previously expected, but a new line of cars.
Even as Chrysler has shed Plymouth, Toyota is planning a third brand in the US. It has finally named its youth-oriented brand "Scion." We'd guess Toyota either knows something Chrysler doesn't, or vice versa, or both.
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