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Toyota dealer group peeved over tax dollar use for GM incentives targeted at Toyota owners Filed under: Car Buying, Marketing/Advertising, GM, Toyota 
Recently, General Motors has been offering special buying incentives specifically tailored to steer people away from Toyota and Lexus dealerships, and even get current Toyota owners out of their cars. And while most people look at this as just a clever marketing technique to promote other automakers in the wake of Toyota's recall wound, a group of dealers are none too happy about the marketing campaign. What's more, because the U.S. government currently owns a 60 percent stake in GM, Toyota dealers have made accusations that American taxpayer dollars are being used to fund these incentives.
The Toyota National Dealer Council, which represents approximately 1,250 Toyota dealers across the United States, claims that using taxpayer dollars for this purpose is "reckless, unfair and detrimental to the entire auto industry." And while we believe it's a completely rational argument for the TNDC to make, we must remember that no specific proof has been presented to completely prove their point. GM may be mostly owned by the U.S. government, but it's still an autonomous company, and no one can say for sure if its marketing decisions are, in any way, influenced by the officials in Washington, D.C. Hit the jump to read the entire TNDC press release.
[Source: Toyota National Dealer Council | Image: Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP/Getty Images]Continue reading Toyota dealer group peeved over tax dollar use for GM incentives targeted at Toyota owners Toyota dealer group peeved over tax dollar use for GM incentives targeted at Toyota owners originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 3.9.10 
We endure the most powerful storm to ever hit France to sample the all-new Jaguar XJ. And it was totally worth it.
We love wagons almost as much as we love pavement pummeling power. Meld the two together and you've got something special. Too bad this SHO five-door is just a glint in one designer's eye.
Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 3.9.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Report: Audi R8 to spawn sportier model, dual-clutch gearbox cometh Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Audi 
Audi R8 V10 - Click above for high-res image gallery
We already know that Audi plans to fit the standard R8's 420-hp, 4.2-liter V8 into its all-new Spyder variant early next year, and now comes word that at least one more version of the R8 is in the pipeline and that the R tronic sequential automatic might not be long for this world.
According to company insiders speaking with Car and Driver, the herky-jerky gearbox will likely be dispatched in favor of Audi's new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. There's no word on the amount of torque the DCT can handle, but considering how much better the R8 V10 performed with the standard sequential tranny, we'd suspect that the dual-clutch setup will make its way onto the V8 models only. And if you're worried about the gated six-speed manual being nixed from the options list, don't be - it will continue to be available on all models.
C&D also reports that a sportier version of the R8, inspired by the LMS model, could be in the cards, packing more power (think: Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera) and a not-so-insignificant weight reduction thanks to the liberal use of carbon fiber. Expect that to only be available on the V10 model and yes, a fully-electric version based on the original e-tron concept is supposedly on the way and due to arrive in a few year's time.
Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Car and Driver]Report: Audi R8 to spawn sportier model, dual-clutch gearbox cometh originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Report: California to amend 'Cool Cars' legislation over... criminal activity? Filed under: Government/Legal 
Is CARB backing down on its so-called "cool cars" regulation? On May 7, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) will have to turn in its final draft of the controversial regulations, which calls for automakers to build cars and trucks with windows that prevent 45% of the sun's energy from entering a vehicle by 2014 and 60% by 2016. Vehicle manufacturers have argued that it will be expensive to meet the requirements, and other groups are complaining for their own reasons. Heck, there was initially concern that off-roaders might lose their beloved Jeep Wrangler altogether. Thank goodness they came to their senses.
While several different groups have significant concerns about the proposal, it looks like CARB might finally be listening to one group in particular - law enforcement. It seems that California's sheriffs, police chiefs and crime victim groups are calling for the plan to be amended... and CARB is actually listening.
According to The Detroit News, The California Police Chiefs Association, California State Sheriffs Association, Crime Victims United of California and other groups are concerned that the required window glazing needed to meet the new regulations will seriously degrade cell phone signals, as well as those from ankle monitoring bracelets. We wouldn't want to lose track of felons now, would we? The other big concern is that 911 calls might not get through if the window treatment prohibits a strong signal.
That seems to be sending CARB back to the drawing board, with suggestions coming that the plan will be revised before the May 7 deadline. As a refresher, the idea behind the "cool cars" regulation is to save gas and reduce emissions. Cooler cars reduce their air con use, and with California's overflowing freeways, that could mean a significant drop. In fact, CARB is predicting that the regulations will save 700,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide by 2020 - the equivalent of parking 140,000 cars a year.
[Source: The Detroit News]
Report: California to amend 'Cool Cars' legislation over... criminal activity? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Report: Daimler dumping stake in Tata Motors Filed under: Mercedes-Benz, Tata 
Daimler has been hit hard by the weakening global demand for luxury automobiles, as evidenced by the German automaker's larger than expected 2009 losses and the company's decision to cut its dividend for the first time in 14 years. Automotive News reports that Daimler is looking to raise money to rebuild its business in developed regions by selling its 25.6 million shares of Tata Motors stock. The move would reportedly net the German automaker an estimated $429 million, four to seven percent below market value. Shares of Tata Motors stock are up 19 percent since February 26, so Daimler stands to earn some serious coin from the share sell off.
AN quotes Juergen Pieper at Metzler Equities as saying "we certainly now have as a priority turning around the mature markets and then China. This is certainly now a higher priority for Daimler than India." And while Daimler is selling, it appears that Tata isn't buying, stating that its collection of companies isn't interested in purchasing the shares. Daimler is looking to sell the stocks on the open market in block deals, which moves large amounts of stock at once.
Daimler's break from Tata will be likely be a clean one considering the two companies reportedly don't have any joint ventures or collaborative projects in the pipeline. Analysts reportedly don't foresee Daimler's sale of Tata shares affecting the Indian automaker's stock price.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req. | Image: Sascha Schuermann/AFP/Getty Images Report: Daimler dumping stake in Tata Motors originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
IIHS releases latest round of safety scores for Infiniti M, Lexus HS and Toyota 4Runner Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, SUV, Safety, Infiniti, Lexus, Toyota, Luxury, Off-Road 
First the Oscars and now this! The envelope please! The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has released a bevy of scores for the Infiniti M, Lexus HS 250h and Toyota 4Runner and it was nothing but "Good" all around. The Infiniti and Toyota were tested for frontal offset and side impacts, with their "Good" score maintaining the scores of their predecessors. The Lexus scored a first-time Good" in the frontal offset test. You can get all the details on the most recent round of crash-testing here and scan the IIHS archives to see how the competition stacks up.
[Source: IIHS]IIHS releases latest round of safety scores for Infiniti M, Lexus HS and Toyota 4Runner originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Autoblog Podcast #169: Wagons and SuperDuty and NASCAR, Oh My! Filed under: Motorsports, New York Auto Show, Podcasts, Safety, Acura, Cadillac, Ford, Honda, Toyota, Rumormill 
Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!
Episode #169 of the Autoblog Podcast has arrived, and it's Chris, Sam, Alex, and Dan again this week. As usual, the Autoblog Garage starts us off, this time with a couple Suzuki Kizashis, a Ford Transit Connect, and the Cadillac SRX. The first topic for discussion are the latest developments in the ongoing Toyota Recall issue. The Cadillac CTS-V Wagon catches our fancy next, and we stay on the wagon tip to talk about the Acura TSX Wagon, which will debut at the New York International Auto Show. Honda's CR-Z is next, before we go big and talk about the 2011 Ford SuperDuty. Wrapping up on a sporting note, we offer totally uninformed commentary on the Carl Edwards NASCAR wreck before taking a few listener questions and calling this turkey done. Thanks for listening!
Direct fanmail to Podcast at Autoblog dot com, review the show in iTunes, fill out our survey or even leave us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Until next week, hit up Joystiq and Engadget when podcast loneliness sets in. Thanks for listening!Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #169: Wagons and SuperDuty and NASCAR, Oh My! Autoblog Podcast #169: Wagons and SuperDuty and NASCAR, Oh My! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Report: Toyota continues to work on floormat fix for 2004-09 Prius Filed under: Hybrid, Recalls, Safety, Hatchback, Toyota 
In the wake of yesterday's "runaway Prius" in San Diego, Toyota says it's still working on a fix for the thousands of hybrids included in the 4.36 million vehicles recalled last November. The source of the unintended acceleration on these affected Prius models is the same as the other vehicles involved in the recall: A floor mat that gets jammed up against the throttle. Unfortunately for Toyota, the owner of yesterday's "runaway Prius" claims the floormat wasn't his car's problem.
Regardless, Toyota says that new, smaller pedals and redesigned floor mats are in the works for these vehicles, but modifications haven't begun because the automaker is still working on a more specific solution. Yeah, we're a bit confused as well.
Contrary to a report by the Wall Street Journal, a new recall isn't in the cards for the last-gen Prius and Toyota spokesperson Brian Lyons told The Detroit News that while he can't disclose exactly when this floormat fix will happen for affected Prius models or how the correction will be implemented, the changes will take place "sometime this year." Here's hoping it's sooner rather than later.
Tired of Toyota recall news? Try out the recall-free version of Autoblog.
[Sources: Detroit News, Wall Street Journal - Sub. Req.]Report: Toyota continues to work on floormat fix for 2004-09 Prius originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Video: Running the 'Ring in reverse in a VTEC'd Mini Filed under: Videos, Mini
The Nurburgring is the gold standard for any track not comprised of a banked oval, and it's a blast to watch dashboard-mounted video of various vehicles taking on the best the Nordschleife has to offer. We typically share with you videos of ZR-1s and GT-Rs, but this time we have something a bit different. Achim Korden and co-pilot Guido Heindl of ringmini.de fame run the 'Ring in reverse in an old school Mini (1971 Clubman Estate) equipped with a 1.6-liter Honda drivetrain, and they mean business.
Hit the jump to watch the little Mini battle a rain-soaked Nordschleife while starting at the end and making their way to the beginning. It's an odd experience and further proof that you don't need to have big power to have big fun.
[Source: YouTube]Continue reading Video: Running the 'Ring in reverse in a VTEC'd Mini Video: Running the 'Ring in reverse in a VTEC'd Mini originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Spoon developing parts for Honda CR-Z Filed under: Aftermarket, Hybrid, Japan, Hatchback, Honda 
Spoon Honda CR-Z - Click above for image gallery
With Honda's in-house parts department in the game and Mugen developing it's own line of kit for the CR-Z, the tuner trifecta is almost complete with the release of Spoon's performance parts for Honda's hybrid hatch.
While we thought bright blue wheels went out of vogue (even in the U.S.) in 2008, Spoon has coated its CR93 rollers in the company's signature hue, along with upgraded calipers clamping onto 15-inch slotted discs. A ride height lowered by 50mm comes courtesy of front coilovers and a spring and shock combo in the rear, while the body has been subtly altered with the addition of a carbon fiber hood, mirrors and front lip spoiler.
More importantly, a new N1 exhaust has been fitted and Spoon is fiddling with the ECU to churn out a few extra (and much-needed) ponies. There's no word on what the rejiggered computer and exhaust is good for power-wise or how Spoon is manipulating the hybrid drive system to boost performance, but considering the company's past endeavors, we're expecting good things.
[Source: Spoon via 7Tune]Spoon developing parts for Honda CR-Z originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Mazda reportedly adding brake override systems to all future models Filed under: Safety, Mazda 
2010 Mazda6 - Click above for high-res image gallery
According to a recent report, Mazda will be installing brake override systems on all of its models in the near future. Whenever that happens, the brake will automatically get priority over the accelerator in a situation where both of them are simultaneously depressed. Nissan already has such a system installed on most of its cars, and Toyota has already pledged to do so. As far as Japan goes that leaves companies like Honda, Mitsubishi, Subaru and Suzuki in the "Undecided" column.
A Mazda spokesman said the company wasn't aware of any unintended acceleration issues with its vehicles anywhere in the world that would necessitate such a system. This really looks to be a proactive move, since the estimated $50-per-car cost of the brake override will be much less hurtful than having to recall an untold numbers of cars... and you'll be paying for it, anyway. The company doesn't have details yet on the specifics of implementation, but it will eventually apply to every car the company sells.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]Mazda reportedly adding brake override systems to all future models originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Video: Honda execs talk up historical link between CR-Z and CRX Filed under: Hybrid, Videos, Hatchback, Honda 
Honda execs relate CR-Z to the original CRX - Click above to view the video after the jump
Looking at the 2011 CR-Z, it's hard not to think back to the original Honda CRX. The two-seat configuration, double-paneled glass hatch and sport compact styling are what made the CRX a huge hit for Honda buyers some two decades ago, and the automaker is hoping to recapture that magic with the CR-Z, though with a slightly different approach.
The big difference with the CR-Z is that it uses a hybrid powertrain rather than a standard petrol mill. And while the automaker's decision to give the CR-Z a gas/electric powertrain isn't necessarily sitting well with everyone, Honda reassures us that the fundamental values that made the CRX a success are very much present in the CR-Z. John Mendel, executive vice president of auto sales, says, "We hope consumers look at this car and see all the passion around the original CRX, but [we're] taking that passion and moving it into a whole new generation." See what other Honda execs and enthusiasts have to say about the CR-Z by watching the video after the jump.
[Source: YouTube]Continue reading Video: Honda execs talk up historical link between CR-Z and CRX Video: Honda execs talk up historical link between CR-Z and CRX originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Cadillac distancing itself from parent GM to elude bankruptcy stigma? Filed under: Etc. 
Cadillac XTS Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
There's no way to misunderstand Cadillac spokesman Nick Twork on this: "The Cadillac brand is best communicated as Cadillac without GM." For proof of his intent all you'll need to do is swing by a Cadillac showroom where soon you'll be unable to find any trace of the words "General Motors" or any hint of marketing strategies like Red Tag Sales. Even Cadillac employees are changing their e-mails from @gm.com to @cadillac.com.
Cadillac's 2009 sales posted a slightly steeper drop than GM's overall decline, and this year the luxury brand is rebounding at about half the pace of GM overall, with a 14 percent rise vs. 31 percent for its parent. That doesn't mean we should assume that the perhaps unsavory associations with "Government Motors" is what's holding Cadillac back, but the brand doesn't want to leave anything undone in its quest to again be the best.
GM wants to move 140,000 Cadillacs this year, representing a 28 percent jump over last year's depressed figures. It's starting consumer research to figure out what buyers think of the brand, will soon reveal the first round of creative by its new ad agency Bartle Bogle Hegarty, and will introduce more leasing deals that luxury buyers are keen for. And neither it nor its dealers will bring up The Brand Which Must Not Be Mentioned. Hat tip to John!
[Source: Bloomberg]Cadillac distancing itself from parent GM to elude bankruptcy stigma? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Video: C/D takes the Lotus Evora Hybrid for a virtual spin Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Hybrid, Geneva Motor Show, Technology, Videos, Lotus 
The manufactured sounds of the Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid - Click above to watch video after the jump
Two years ago, we wrote about Lotus' Safe and Sound hybrid technology which added a V8 soundtrack over the quietude of a hybrid's electric motor. That demonstrator was a Toyota Prius, but at the Geneva Motor Show Lotus had an Evora 414E Hybrid equipped with several versions of aural enjoyment: a V6, a V12 and a non-ICE audio stab at what an electric car could maybe possibly sound like. Think Buck Rogers. Car and Driver magazine's technical editor Michael Austin sat with a Lotus engineer and tried it out. Follow the jump for the first strains of the future.
[Source: Car and Driver]Continue reading Video: C/D takes the Lotus Evora Hybrid for a virtual spin Video: C/D takes the Lotus Evora Hybrid for a virtual spin originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Report: BMW working on new FWD model below 1 Series Filed under: Hatchback, BMW, Luxury 
Rumors of a front-wheel drive model to slot in below the 1 Series have been circulating for some time, with the most recent report coming last October. Now, Autocar has confirmed with BMW's chairman, Norbert Reithofe, that an all-new model is coming from the automaker, designed to compete with the recently introduced Audi A1 and built atop the next generation Mini's platform.
However, the unsurprising introduction of a new premium sub-compact won't just be limited to BMW - Reithofer told Autocar that, "We will be extending the BMW and Mini brands into the small car segment with new models and variants." The exec also took pains to differentiate the new Bimmer from the upcoming Mega City EV, saying that this new model is being developed for both front- and all-wheel drive applications, and that the new urban runabout is a separate endeavor.
Combined with the next Mini, due out as early as 2013, the automaker wants to become more than a bit player in the compact class, and in order to keep volumes of scale in check, the new FWD BMW is likely to be built alongside its Mini counterpart in Oxford.
Plans for a revamped 1 Series are also in the works, but the automaker hasn't determined whether the next 1er will be rear- or front-wheel drive. Regardless, the introduction of BMW's first FWD model signals a significant shift, but as long as the brand's patented driving dynamics are present and accounted for, it's hardly the end of the world.
[Source: Autocar]Report: BMW working on new FWD model below 1 Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Video: Promolicious clips of the Audi RS5 meeting its Ur Quattro brother Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Audi, Luxury 
2011 Audi RS5 promo footage - Click above to watch video after the jump
In what is currently raw footage but what will soon undoubtedly be slickly produced promotional material, the brutalicious 2011 Audi RS5 growls around a track and on various European roads. For a brief spell it even shares the screen with one of its spiritual brethren, the Ur Quattro.
These things don't need lots of explaining - follow the jump for the sight and sounds of two of the finest Audi models ever.
Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Carscoop]Continue reading Video: Promolicious clips of the Audi RS5 meeting its Ur Quattro brother Video: Promolicious clips of the Audi RS5 meeting its Ur Quattro brother originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Video: Gran Turismo 5 "Nights" trailer has it all Filed under: Videos, Toys/Games 
Gran Turismo 5 "Nights" trailer - Click above to watch video after the jump
Perhaps Polyphony Digital should just go into the commercial rendering business. Gran Turismo 5 remains stuck behind a palisade of silence, but new trailers for the game are thrown over the barriers to the salivating hordes every couple of weeks.
A few days ago, Polyphony laid out a NASCAR feast, while this latest, called "Nights," is a potluck dinner with regular gameplay, sports car racing, pit stops, NASCAR, night racing and damage scenes. Plus, a lot of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. And music from Ibiza. Follow the jump to sample the newest dish.
[Source: Joystiq]Continue reading Video: Gran Turismo 5 "Nights" trailer has it all Video: Gran Turismo 5 "Nights" trailer has it all originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Review: 2011 Jaguar XJ is indisputably British and not afraid of a storm Filed under: Sedan, Jaguar, Reviews, Luxury 
2011 Jaguar XJ - Click above for high-res image gallery
Xynthia ripped into France merely hours after our arrival. Packing gale-force fury, the ruthless wind and rain battered the coast before moving inland with its crushing blow - sadly, it was the country's deadliest storm in more than a decade. While we were spared most of its rage, the countryside outside Paris was a soggy debris-laden mess - not exactly optimal conditions to test the latest flagship sedan from Jaguar.
Soldiering forth - and more intrigued than ever with the all-new saloon - we ignored the rain and spent a long day trekking around the drenched landscape with both the short- and long-wheelbase models. What makes this new XJ so different from its predecessors? Does its performance mirror its powerplants? And, what's up with that painted C-Pillar? The answers, and more, are found after the jump.
Photos by Michael Harley / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading Review: 2011 Jaguar XJ is indisputably British and not afraid of a storm Review: 2011 Jaguar XJ is indisputably British and not afraid of a storm originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Rendered Speculation: Ford Taurus SHO wagon is the apple of our eye Filed under: Performance, Wagon, Ford, Design/Style 
Many of us who sit around the Autoblog campfire every day are fans of station wagons. We love cars and love the idea of having some extra utility without giving up the generally superior driving dynamics of cars versus SUVs or crossovers. We also like the idea - if not necessarily the execution - of the Ford Taurus SHO.
Being aware of that fact, one of our readers put his Photoshop skills to work and created the rendering you see here of a SHO wagon. Ford, of course, has never officially built an official SHO wagon - either with the current model or with its predecessors. Naturally, there have been some aftermarket and homebuilt conversions over the years, and even at least one that we know of that was built inside Dearborn.
Of course, building a wagon off of previous models was substantially easier because Ford actually marketed a wagon bodystyle in the first couple of Taurus iterations. Not so with today's massive-yet-handsome sedan. Judging by reader Josiah's rendering above, that's a real shame, because the 2010 Taurus could really put some of its continental bulk to good load-lugging effect with an estate variant. Unfortunately, we'll likely never see anything like this slick wagon produced. The closest we figure to get is an Ecoboost Flex, which isn't exactly a bad alternative. Thanks for the great rendering, Josiah!
[Source: JosiahLacolla.com]Rendered Speculation: Ford Taurus SHO wagon is the apple of our eye originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Hummer plant coming back online to fill 849-unit order? Filed under: SUV, Plants/Manufacturing, GM, Hummer, Off-Road 
Hummer H3T - Click above for high-res image gallery
Unless a buyer for Hummer materializes in the next few months, General Motors will continue to wind-down its environmental group dart board. The slow death of Hummer has actually been in process since before The General announced that the sale of the brand to China's Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machinery fell through, as the company's Shreveport, LA facility stopped making H3 and H3T models in January.
But while Shreveport has been down for two months, it looks like the plant could dust off the H3 tooling to fill one more big order. Brandcentric site Hummerguy.net is reporting that GM is ramping up production of the H3 from April 12 to May 13 to fill a 849 unit order. The General reportedly didn't announce the purchaser of the reported mega Hummer order, but the Detroit, MI-based automaker did say that the order was not related to the brand's wind-down or sale.
We're thinking this news won't stop Hummer from off-roading into the sunset, but it does at least prove that there are still people that like Hummers. Now all GM needs is a Hummer lover with a spare $150 million laying around the compound to step up and buy the withering brand.
[Source: Hummer Guy]Hummer plant coming back online to fill 849-unit order? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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