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Bob Lutz is changing GM's design process to emphasize style more and unwanted technological doodads (presumably such as computerized oil change lights and night vision) less.
Mercedes is recalling 65,000 vehicles for exploding batteries, while GM pulls in 546,000 SUVs for failure of brake and hazard lights.
The all-wheel-drive Caravan is back, with a 3.8 liter engine to boot, but commercials showing the Caravan beating a snowplow have been pulled due to safety concerns.
Dieter Zetsche's European influence on Chrysler is continuing, with a welcome change to the popular Chrysler Sebring convertible: a manual transmission / 200 horsepower V6 combination. Available in the Sebring GTC (following the tradition of the popular Chrysler LeBaron GTC convertible), there will be no cost savings for getting a manual - the automatic and five-speed GTC are both $25,710. However, the manual transmission provides a more sporty experience, increases acceleration, and reduces fuel use.
An new light truck based on Honda's Model X concept vehicle will be produced by Honda of America Manufacturing at its East Liberty (Ohio) Plant beginning late this year. /rant/ Seems that the protectionist aspects of our arcane fuel economy laws are starting to break down. /end rant/
NHTSA is asking for public feedback (required by law - not really wanted) on their proposal to keep the "SUV loophole" alive through 2004 by freezing current fuel economy standards for minivans, pickups, and SUVs. Congress had forbidden NHTSA from even considering changes until very recently. The current set of standards was determined at a time when light trucks were used primarily in farming and industry - at the moment, more than half of all vehicles sold in the US are classified as light trucks, resulting in a net decline in overall fuel economy. NHTSA is at www.nhtsa.gov
Jeep is conducting a voluntary recall of some 2002 Grand Cherokees to repair the on-board refueling vapor recovery system (ORVR), which is required on 2002 and later vehicles. The recall will affect about 76,000 vehicles with brush guards, built in 2001. About two thirds of these will be checked for other issues which can cause fuel to spit back or can prevent gasoline from entering the gas tank. The recall is partly the result of tests which shows that fuel could leak in a post-crash rollover after a high-speed rear impact. There have been no reports of related accidents or injuries.
The AP reported that Chrysler chief Dieter Zetsche said that Toyota would never pass Chrysler for the number 3 spot in North American market. He reportedly said, "I see no scenario whatsoever where Toyota will pass us in share." In 2001, Chrysler's share feel nearly 10% to 13.2%, while Toyota climbed 7.5% to 10.1%. However, a new Toyota Sienna is in the works, and the new Camry and Corolla are likely to find additional buyers - in addition, Toyota is planning a new light truck plant in North America to grab some pickup sales.
Showing contempt for the plight of laid-off Chrysler (and GM and Ford) workers, and for that matter for the environment, Mercedes is planning to build a new "greenfield" plant in the South, even as GM, Ford, and Chrysler are shuttering plants - possibly including Chrysler's own Pillette Road plant, which just underwent a major expansion. The likely reason is to avoid using union employees.
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