"Daily Octane" (dailyoctane)
10/07/2013 at 14:15 • Filed to: None
4
0|
"Daily Octane" (dailyoctane)
10/07/2013 at 14:15 • Filed to: None | 4
| 0 |
So, I've been doing competitive intelligence newsletters at work for years, and finally realized I should be doing it for the auto industry since A) I'm reading this stuff anyway, 2) I eventually want to start my own competitive intel business, and I can't practice doing it within my the same industry as my actual job, and D) I worked at both one of the big three and for a major electronics manufacturer, so I feel like I know my stuff.
You may note I'm trying harder to be informative than entertaining, and that while there is some concept overlap with the Morning Shift, I'm really trying hard (i.e. spending a LOT of time) to be very inclusive of everything that is important to dealers and OEMs.
Anyway, this is today's issue. Any feedback?
(Crossing my fingers the format doesn't go wonky...)
THE PURE ESSENCE OF TODAY’S AUTOMOTIVE NEWS | October 7, 2013 | www.dailyoctane.com | Subscribe
New Cars:
Audi RS3 caught testing near the Nurburgring, expected to get the 340 hp 2.5-liter 5-cylinder from the Audi TT RS. [ !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! ]
BMW’s next generation M5 and M6 could reportedly get AWD to better compete with competitors from Audi and Mercedes that offer AWD. [ !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! ]
!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!
BMW points out that the AWD systems would be optional rather than standard, and also makes clear that the upcoming new M3 / M4 will not get an AWD option.
Mercedes GLK successor caught testing in heavy camouflage, appears to be slightly larger to better differentiate it from the upcoming GLA small crossover. [ !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! ]
The new car will share its platform - and likely powertrains - with the 2015 C-Class, which is expected to be announced at the Detroit Auto Show in January.
Updates:
Mercedes will not launch a diesel version of the CLA or GLA in the US; given the aggressive pricing for the new CLA, the urea injection system that would be mandatory in the US is too expensive to be fitted to the Renault-sourced diesels in the new Mercedes. [ !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! ]
Chevrolet: the new C7 Corvette Stingray automatic has been EPA rated at 16 mpg city / 29 mpg highway. [ !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! ]
Toyota GT-86 / Subaru BR-Z / Scion FR-S convertible cancelled - again. The convertible has been reported on-again / off-again several times, but at the moment appears to be in off-again status. [ !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! ]
With much of the engineering work already completed, the convertible could be fast-tracked if management decides to move forward with the variant.
Ford is recalling 24,000 Focus Electric and C-Max Hybrid and Energi models equipped with the company’s push-button ignition because the cars’ door chime does not sound when the door is open. [ !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! ]
Peugeot reportedly working on a 308 GTI with roughly 250 hp, revised suspension, brakes, steering, and 19” wheels. [ !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! ]
Top Gear reported last month that Peugeot is also working on an R version of the 308 that will have 308 hp.
Business:
GM has released a new Military Discount program that offers active duty, reserve, veterans who have been out of the service for less than a year, and military retirees and their spouses new vehicles at invoice pricing; Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC vehicles qualify for the program. [ !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! ]
VW will invest $236 Million to build a new plant in Brazil that will build the Golf; plant output will reportedly be roughly 60,000 units annually. [ !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! ]
German supplier Schaeffler has replaced CEO Juergen Geissinger as part of a strategy shift, with CFO Klaus Rosenfeld acting as interim CEO. [ !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! ]
Geissinger was instrumental in Schaeffler’s hostile takeover of Continental AG in 2008; the debt burden from that move is reportedly one of the reasons for his replacement and the company’s planned strategy shift.
Technology:
Tesla is in talks with Samsung SDI as an additional supplier as the company prepares to to launch the Model X SUV and the smaller, less expensive model to be launched in 2016. [ !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! ]
Comparisons / Reviews:
Mercedes S-Class S350. [ !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! ]
2014 Kia Soul. [ !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! ]
2013 McLaren MP4-12C Spider. [ !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! ] [ !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! ]
2013 Lexus RX 350 F Sport. [ !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! ]
2015 Audi A3 e-tron Prototype. [ !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! ]
Audi RS3
Mercedes GLK
