Acura RL Earns Five Star Rating in Crash & Rollover Testing

The Acura RL sedan has been awarded the top U.S. vehicle grade of five stars on all crash and rollover tests, the third vehicle to earn the highest ratings in tests by U.S. auto safety regulators.

The The U.S. auto safety agency performs testing on new car models and redesigned vehicles such as the Acura RL. Controlled procedures include crashing a car into a fixed object to monitor effects on drivers and passengers. A vehicle side crash test, using a sled that slams a vehicle, with resulting assessment of injuries to passengers in the front and rear seats. A car rollover rank is also calculated using test track performance and a formula based on vehicle width and height.

The agency executed 13 crash tests and issued 29 rollover ratings, with the only the Acura RL earning five stars on all crash and rollover tests.

Kia Spectra Earns Insurance Industry's Worst Vehicle Crash Test Rating

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has announced that the Kia Spectra is the first vehicle since 2001 to receive the association's worst safety rating in a frontal crash test.

The Kia Spectra earned the lowest rating of poor after a crash test dummy's head, legs and chest were damaged in a 40 mph crash test. The last vehicle to get a poor rating was the Chevrolet Cavalier in 2001.

"Most manufacturers have figured out how to design vehicles to do a good job protecting people in frontal crashes," said Adrian Lund, the institute's COO. "The Kia Spectra lags behind its competitors."

Kia Motors America Inc. said that it had meetings with institute officials to find out how to improve the car's performance. Kia also said it was comfortable with the level of safety the Spectra currently offers. "Occupant safety is a priority for Kia," Kia responded. "In the development of this car the Spectra has undergone a battery of tests, and we continue to have a high degree of confidence in the real-world protection offered by this vehicle."

The Insurance Institute gave its highest ratings to the Hyundai Elantra and Mazda 3, while second highest ratings of acceptable were given to the Suzuki Forenza and Saturn ION.

Ratings are based on three factors: the amount the vehicle crumples into the driver's space, injuries to the crash test dummy and also a slow-motion analysis of the seat belt at work.

Lund added that, "Besides the Mazda 3 and the Hyundai Elantra, eleven other vehicles have acceptable ratings. They include the Volkswagen New Beetle and VW Jetta, Mini Cooper, Subaru Impreza, Suzuki Aerio, Toyota Corolla, Mitsubishi Lancer, Ford Focus and the Honda Civic." Most of these cars were tested at an earlier date by the insurance institute, who only tests vehicles as they get redesigned.

Kia Reports November Sales Strongest Ever; Kia Optima & Amanti Leading Performers

KIA MOTORS AMERICA PRESS RELEASE
Kia Motors America (KMA) has announced monthly sales of 23,303 vehicles for November 2004, making it the company's best November sales to date. It is a 44.1% increase over the same month in 2003.

Kia Motor's year-to-date sales of 249,947 cars were 14.1% ahead of the record number achieved in 2003. "We're pleased to report strong November sales figures which helped us surpass last year's record yearly sales total with one month remaining in 2004," said Peter M. Butterfield, Kia Motors America's president and CEO. "In the fourth quarter of 2003 we experienced a lack of available inventory and our November 2004 sales are a reflection of our ability to meet the demand of our retailers across the country."

The large premium Kia Amanti sedan also set a new monthly sales record with 3,714 cars sold. The Kia Optima mid-size sedan has continued strongly with sales of 6,043 cars, the second consecutive month Kia Optima sales have eclipsed the 6,000-unit mark.

Kia Motors America is the United States marketing, sales and service branch of Kia Motors Corp. of Seoul, South Korea. the Kia line of vehicles includes the Rio, Optima, Sedona, Spectra-Sephia, Sorento, Sportage and Amanti.

Mazda Tribute Delivered and Available at American Mazda Dealers

MAZDA MOTOR VEHICLES PRESS RELEASE
The New Mazda Tribute, engineered to provide more responsive handling and performance dynamics, is currently available. Equipped with 4-wheel independent suspension that is tuned to provide excellent handling dynamics, the Mazda Tribute also has two available engines.

The Tribute i is equipped with a lightweight aluminum constructed 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine with 153 hp and 152 lb-ft of torque. The Tribute i can be outfitted with either a 5-speed manual transmission or an optional 4-speed automatic, and it arrives standard with front-wheel drive or optional full-time 4-wheel drive.

The Tribute s includes a 3.0-liter V6 with 200 hp and comes standard with 4-speed automatic transmission. Also on the Tribute s four-wheel disc brakes and ABS are standard, with a choice of front-wheel drive or optional full-time 4-wheel drive.

Standard features of the Tribute i include 16-inch alloy wheels, factory Mazda roof rack, a flip-up window on the rear tailgate and an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution. Options include leather-trimmed upholstery, cruise control and fog lights.

The Mazda Tribute s is upgraded with standard painted bumpers and side wheel-arch moldings, fog lights, upgraded cloth upholstery and standard cruise control. Available optional features include leather-trimmed upholstery, 7-speaker premium audio, moonroof, towing package and 6-way power driver’s seat.

Next Generation Mercedes-Benz Photos Released

MERCEDES-BENZ USA PRESS RELEASE
The first official photographs of the next-generation Mercedes-Benz M-Class have recently been released. With a U.S. sales debut planned for spring 2005, the all-new 2006 M-Class is characterized by sweeping front fenders, dramatic shoulder lines and a sharply angled windshield. When the Mercedes-Benz M-Class first arrived seven years ago, the new sport utility vehicle started a trend that inspired the entire auto industry to shift toward more car-like SUVs. Virtually the only SUV at the time with four-wheel independent suspension, the original M-Class was one of the first designed from the ground up, rather than being based on an existing truck platform.

The first-generation M-Class also won an impressive number of auto industry awards, including the prestigious North American Truck of the Year. Scheduled to make its world premiere at the North American International Auto Show in January 2005, the new sport utility is slightly longer, wider and lower than its predecessor.

Beneath the aerodynamic exterior is an all-new unibody platform as well as redesigned suspension that delivers more on-road driving performance and comfort. New and useful technology abounds in the 2006 M-Class, including a standard seven-speed automatic transmission, an even more effective full-time four-wheel-drive system and optional features such as height-adjustable AIRMATIC air suspension. Revised four-wheel traction control now incorporates functions such as a downhill driving aid and Hill-Start Assist.

The new generation M-Class will be available with a choice of two engines. The ML350 is powered by an all-new 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers 268 horsepower, and the ML500 comes with a 302-hp five-liter V8. Inside, a completely new interior features a sport-oriented instrument panel, a multi-function steering wheel, rich materials and improved spaciousness for all five seating positions. By comparison, there are over two inches of additional front leg room, as well as more rear-passenger knee and leg room. The 2006 M-Class comes with adaptive two-stage airbags for the driver and front passenger, curtain side airbags and belt tensioners and belt force limiters for all seating positions.

The new M-Class is built at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Tuscaloosa,Alabama.

Suzuki Presents SUV Concept at Detroit International Auto Show

American Suzuki Motor Corporation recently acknowledged that it will be premiering its first-ever midsize SUV concept, currently labeled Concept X, on Monday, January 10 in Detroit's Cobo Conference/Exhibition Center during the 2005 North American International Auto Show.

As part of its business plan to triple sales by 2007, Suzuki is leveraging its SUV expertise to create the adventure-inspired Concept X, which is described as muscular in style, with daring interior and exterior features, versatility, functionality, safety, performance and "infotainment" features.

Some highlights of the Concept X include a V-6 engine with what Suzuki says will be class-leading horsepower, as well as new full-time four-wheel-drive system combining on-demand low-range ability with typical all-wheel-drive efficiency, and a host of other innovative features.

Saab Currently Testing Prototype Infra-red Safety System in Saab 9-3

Saab announced that its engineers are developing a new safety system which uses a pair of miniature cameras with infra-red lenses to monitor a driver's head and eye movements. It detects whenever the driver looks away from what it deems the "primary attention zone" - the center part of windscreen directly in front - and is instructed to react if the eyes and head don't come back to the straight-ahead position within a few seconds.

According to Saab Motors a warning buzzer then sounds, and if the driver doesn't react and respond, then a braking pulse is sent through the Saab ESP braking system. The computer software is engineered to distinguish between busy city driving and open road or highway driving.

The camera system is still in a prototype stage and is being tested in a Saab 9-3. The detection system could have further applications. For instance, Saab stated, it might be able to monitor the driver's eyelid movements and detect any signs of possible dozing off. Other applications could be to store infra-red facial images, recognize individual drivers at the wheel of the same car, and also adjust everything from seat, steering wheel and mirror positions to preferred radio stations.

BorgWarner's VW-Audi Gasoline 4-Cylinder Engines Facility Breaks Ground in Ningbo, China

BORG-WARNER PRESS RELEASE
BorgWarner has begun construction on a new factory in Ningbo, China for the assembly of engines products for the VW-Audi gasoline 4-cylinder engine. The state-of-the-art manufacturing facility will be the first of several operations that are planned for BorgWarner's campus in the Ningbo Yinzhou industrial zone, all of which will be part of BorgWarner Automotive Components (Ningbo) Co., Ltd., the company's newly established wholly foreign-owned enterprise.

The manufacturing plant is expected to be completed in May 2005. "This new facility constitutes another significant investment in Ningbo, and marks another important step forward as we continue to advance our growth strategy for China," said Tim Manganello, BorgWarner Chairman and CEO.

BorgWarner expects that the facility will support production of engine and drivetrain systems and components for several local Chinese automakers. "The importance of fuel economy and air quality is increasing, as more automakers adopt European emissions standards and need the advanced powertrain technologies required to meet them," Manganello said. "Growth opportunities in China, Asia and elsewhere are continuing to multiply in these key areas. As a global powertrain product leader, BorgWarner is taking steps to ensure that we are well-positioned to take full advantage of this growth."

In addition to this venture, BorgWarner operates two other joint ventures in China. The first was formed in 1993 to supply transmission products to Beijing Jeep. That business was restructured in 2000 to focus on four-wheel drive/all-wheel drive products. A second joint venture, also in Ningbo, was formed in 1998 for the production of thermal products. Borg Warner also opened offices in Shanghai in November.

Current customers in China include FAW, Dongfeng, Shanghai VW, FAW VW, Chang'an Ford, Beijing Foton, Great Wall, Jeely, Chery, Beijing Jeep, Yulin Diesel, Weifang Diesel, Nanjing Iveco, Shanghai General Motors, Zhengzhou Nissan, China Brilliance, Shanghai Hino, Dongfeng Cummins, and Chongqing Cummins. BorgWarner has also recently announced $1.4 billion in expected new business between 2005-07, 20% of which is forecasted in Asia. The company anticipates that Asia will account for 14% of its global sales by 2006, driven by customer needs in fuel efficiency, emissions reduction, vehicle stability and demand for advanced technology.

2005 Mini Cooper S Offers New Performance Options

Mini USA recently announced the availability of a limited slip differential and also an automatic transmission as new options for the 2005 Mini Cooper S. Several product enhancements and price adjustments across the 2005 Mini Cooper model range will also take effect. Product changes are effective on vehicles produced January, 2005 and later, with new pricing to take place on cars wholesaled after January 1st.

According to Mini USA, the Mini Cooper S and Mini Cooper S Convertible can be optioned with a new limited slip differential, a performance feature coveted by motoring enthusiasts. The limited slip differential helps to divert more torque towards the drive wheel with better traction, ensuring power is transmitted to the road surface more effectively, helping to increase traction under acceleration or during cornering, resulting in improved handling and increased stability.

Manufactured by GKN Driveline, the system is a torque-sensitive differential that manages torque output under acceleration and offers a 30% slip rate. In other words, there is no loss of torque if the difference in grip between the two wheels is 30% or less. Mini also stated the that the system also allows the threshold for Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) to be increased without impeding the system's safe intervention in slippery situations.

Drivers of a Mini Cooper S will feel the difference mostly when the vehicle is driven to its performance edge. The limited slip differential is currently priced at $500 and is only available with the manual 6-speed transmission.

In related news, the Mini Cooper S and Mini Cooper S Convertible will now be offered with a six-speed automatic transmission including Steptronic mode and Steptronic shifting paddles on the steering wheel. Unlike the Mini Cooper Continuously Variable Transmission, this new automatic transmission has fixed gear ratios which result in quick gear changes and a dynamic driving experience tuned specifically to match the Mini Cooper S' sporty performance character. The new automatic transmission is built by Aisin.

Chrysler 300 & Land Rover LR3 Named 2005 Urban Elite Car & SUV of the Year

AUTOMOTIVE RHYTHMS PRESS RELEASE
Chrysler's ultra-hip 300 and the go anywhere, do-it-all Land Rover LR3 have been named the 2005 Urban Elite Car and SUV of the Year by Automotive Rhythms Communications, LLC. The Urban Elite Awards were created by Automotive Rhythms' President and Publisher Kimatni D. Rawlins to honor manufacturers that include the all-important Urban demographic in the design, marketing and execution of vehicles.

The 2005 Chrysler 300 is the ultimate iteration of Chrysler's "Letter Cars." According to Rawlins, "Chrysler has tapped into a niche market which has generated instant street credibility. Anytime your vehicle is referenced as a 'Baby Bentley,' then you automatically know it's worthy. This car was a natural to win the first 'Urban Elite' Car of the Year Award." Automotive Rhythms honored the vehicle because it is blessed with incredible looks, can easily be custom tailored, and is very affordable.

Land Rover, simply put, is the urban "Crown Jewel" of SUVs. Said Automotive Rhythms Editor-in-Chief Brian Armstead, "The LR3 has inherited big brother Range Rover's style, comes with a strong V8, conquers anything in its path, and still has a well justified price point. When it's time to flex SUV style, it doesn't get much better than the LR3. Congratulations to Land Rover for winning the first 'Urban Elite' SUV of the Year Award."

In selecting Urban Elite awardees, careful consideration was given to a very capable field of competitors. Selection criteria included a five point system with the following parameters: Urban Appeal (Is it suited for both tough and trendy urban environments?)* Price Point (Best value in its segment) Ability to Customize (What's the "bling" factor?) Off the Showroom Floor Looks (If bling is not your thing) Street Buzz (Is it the real deal?)

The Urban Elite Awards will be presented to DaimlerChrysler and Land Rover during Press Preview Day for the 2005 Washington Auto Show December 20, 2004. Automotive Rhythms worked with the Washington Area New Automobile Dealers Association (WANADA) and the Washington Automotive Press Association (WAPA) to coordinate this special presentation.

Acura RD-X Concept Car to Premier at 2005 Detroit Auto Show

Acura has announced the Acura RD-X Concept car will premier at the 2005 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. The Acura RD-X is a concept version of the still to be released Acura entry SUV, which is reported go on sale in 2006. Acura sources state the vehicle combines the performance of an Acura sports sedan with the utility and versatility of a premium SUV.

The RD-X is to be marketed to active urban professionals, and Acura hopes to be successful with features including superb performance and technology. The RD-X Concept features aggressive styling, a wide track, bold fender flares, and a unique wood and leather interior. Additional details are to be announced Jan. 9th at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Toyota Lexus & Scion to Offer Sirius Satellite Dealer Install Opions

SIRIUS Satellite Radio recently announced that Toyota will be offering SIRIUS, as both an aftermarket and dealer installed option, in nine models including Lexus and Scion models. The program is scheduled to begin in February 2005.

The Toyota models include the Camry, Solara (and Solara Convertible), Lexus LS 430, Land Cruiser, Lexus ES 330, Lexus LX 470, Scion xA, Scion xB and Scion tC. Toyota now joins a number of other automotive partners offering SIRIUS Satellite Radio packages, including Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Infiniti, Jeep, Lincoln-Mercury, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Nissan, Porsche and Volkswagen.

"We are very excited that Toyota will be offering SIRIUS as both a post production and dealer installed option in their quality vehicle lineup," said Mel Karmazin, CEO of SIRIUS. "It goes without saying that Toyota is one of the most successful premier auto manufacturers in the world, offering vehicles of exceptional reliability and performance. We believe that SIRIUS Satellite Radio, and its premium programming, will complement Toyota’s well-earned reputation, and will add to its ability to offer customers even more of an enhanced driving experience."

Roger Penske, Chairman and Chief Executive of United Auto Group, the second largest publicly-traded automotive retailer in the U.S., said: "This is terrific news for the many Toyota customers. At our Toyota and Lexus dealerships throughout the country, we are focused on giving customers the very best in service and premium content as a part of our partnership with SIRIUS Satellite Radio."

The MSRP will be $299, not including installation labor costs for dealer installed vehicles. Toyota, Lexus and Scion will also be using the SIRIUS Interior Glass Mounted Antenna (SIGMA) on nearly all vehicles, which provides the most integrated antenna installation solution available in the industry currently.

Ford & GM Announce Reductions and Temporary Assembly Plant Down-Time

Following dissappointing sales in November, both Ford and GM have announced cutbacks in production. Hitting most deeply the pickup truck and sport utility lines.

Ford recently reported it will be dropping a shift at its St. Louis plant, where it assembles the Explorer, Mercury Mountaineer and Lincoln Aviator. In February of this year, Ford closed its Edison, N.J., plant, where it manufactured the Ford Ranger pickup. For full-sized truck pick-ups such as the Ford F-150 and Super Duty pickups the automaker has no plans to cut production however.

Temporary shutdowns are ocurring throughout the first quarter at other Ford plants. Notably Ford's Michigan Truck plant in Wayne, Mich., which assembles the Expedition and Lincoln Navigator. Michigan Truck previously operated without an inventory-related shutdown for nearly four years. The plant will be shutting down the week of Dec. 20 and stay closed through the first week of January, says Brian Quantz, vice president of UAW Local 900. The shutdown includes the normal one-week holiday break.

GM has also warned suppliers that it will be reducing production of the mid-sized SUVs. GM will eliminate a Saturday shift at its Moraine, Ohio, plant, which manufactures the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier and Isuzu Ascender. The automaker has told hourly workers to expect downtime at four more plants that produce SUVs and other trucks.

The automaker is eliminating a third shift at a Pontiac, Mich., plant that produces the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups. About 900 employees will be laid off in January. GM's assembly plant in Arlington, Texas, will also schedule downtime in the first two weeks of January. The plant builds the Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe, and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL. The GM assembly plant in Janesville, Wis. will shut down in January, late March and early April. Janesville assembles the Yukon and Yukon XL and Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban.

The Oklahoma City assembly plant will schedule downtime in early January. Oklahoma City builds the GMC Envoy XL and Envoy XUV and Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT. When workers return Jan. 18, GM will reduce the line speed, cutting production by 20 percent. And the automaker has announced that the Lansing, Mich., Craft Centre, which builds the Chevrolet SSR pickup, will have downtime the week of Jan. 3, as will the adjacent car plant building the Pontiac Grand Am and Chevrolet Classic.

Recently, GM also announced that it will be laying off nearly 1,000 workers at its Linden, N.J., plant next year as it discontinues the Chevy Blazer and GMC Jimmy SUV models. GM continued to sell the low-priced SUVs after introducing their replacements in 2002. GM also is closing a plant in Baltimore that makes Chevrolet Astro and GMC Safari vans.

Suzuki to Reduce Production of Vehicles Due to Steel Shortage

Suzuki Motor Corporation said it will be reducing Japanese production for a second time in four months because of a steel shortage. Suzuki will be cutting production from January, 2005 to March, spokesman Takuma Mizuyoshi said, confirming a Nihon Keizai newspaper report. The carmaker will make 20,000 units fewer than planned, the report said. Mizuyoshi would not confirm the figure.

Suzuki is cutting production by 13,000 units this month as the high demand for steel from Chinese companies, shipbuilders and appliance makers has made the metal more scarce. Nissan Motor Co., Japan's second-largest carmaker, has also had to scale back production due to a lack of steel. Both companies have turned to Posco, South Korea's largest steelmaker, for assistance.

The shortage in steel was further caused by carmakers such as Nissan, which is releasing six new vehicle models in five months from September to bolster sales, said Itaru Koeda, chairman of the Tokyo-based Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association and a co-chairman of Nissan.

Japan's steelmakers are providing more steel to automakers by reducing their exports and raising their production efficiency, Koeda said. The companies are also improving their technology to be able to produce more sheet steel while using less alloy, he said. Suzuki already buys steel from Posco in Hungary where it makes the Ignis cars, the company's Mizuyoshi said.

The cuts will mean overall production in the second half ending March 31, will rise by a smaller-than-expected 11 percent or 13 percent, compared with a planned 17 percent increase, Suzuki said.
"Suzuki appeared to have mentioned that they would like more steel in working level meetings, but they haven't requested officially,'' Posco's spokeswoman Kim Soo Jung said.

Ford to Launch New Land Rover SUV in North America for 2005

Ford Motor Co.'s Land Rover brand is planning to roll out a new sport utility vehicle in North America next year as way to entice more young buyers, the company said recently. "We aim to sell to a young, affluent, well-educated customer," Land Rover spokesman Larry Rosinski said.

The new LandRover SUV, labeled the Range Rover Sport, will be manufactured in the automaker's Solihull plant in the British Midlands, where new operating and working procedures are being implemented to improve quality and efficiency.

The luxury SUV maker, which is part of Ford's stable of foreign brands dubbed Premier Automotive Group, placed 28th recently in the J.D. Power and Associates 2004 initial quality study, well below the industry average and trailing sister company Jaguar, which was ranked third.

Land Rover stated that it expects the recently-introduced LR3 SUV and the Range Rover Sport, which will be priced below the Range Rover, will help to boost its image and reputation. The Range Rover Sport will be priced above the LR3, which starts at a suggested price of about $45,000 in the U.S., Land Rover said.

Land Rover has recently been hit hard by quality problems, poor exchange rates and somewhat shrinking sales. Its sales in the critical U.S. market are down 19.5 percent so far this year. The company was on shaky financial footing even before Ford bought it in 2000 from BMW. Ford expects the luxury brand to contribute significantly to its mid-decade pretax profit target of $7 billion.

Ford Focus to Compete in 2005 FIA World Touring Car Chamionship

Ford Motors has recently announced that the German Hotfiel Sport team will enter two of its new Ford Focus touring cars in the 2005 World Touring Car Championship. Hotfiel is a long-term Ford team and has previously competed with a three-Focus squad in the German DMSB Produktionswagen Meisterschaft this season with frontrunners Patrick Bernhardt, Thomas Klenke and Michael Funke in the drivers' seats.

The team driver line-up for next year will be unveiled in a future Ford release.The team also co-operated closely with the RS-Line team which drove two Ford Focus cars in the FIA European Touring Car Championship this year. Ford motorsport director Jost Capito stated: “We're delighted that Hotfiel has taken the initiative to enter the new Ford Focus in 2005, and we will be watching their progress with great interest. We hope this will inspire other teams to develop their own programs using the new Ford Focus."

Ford competed in the first, and so far only, World Touring Car Championship in 1987 with its powerful Ford Sierra RS500.