Posts Tagged ‘Model’

Ford Revolutionizes Model Plans to Cope

25 January 2010 | 51 Comments » | admin

Ford Motor Co. has recently unleashed its revised recovery plan. Said plan covers the release of additional models and the slashing of tired warhorses in the lineup. The automaker is also planning to create a more appealing and relevant showroom.

Expected additions include inexpensive high-fuel economy subcompacts. Said additions are expected to expand the market of the automaker. This time around, Ford will also be dealing with younger generation market unlike before. Ford Fiesta parts will also be enhanced to improve performance, style and driving feel.

Since small cars are also in the hype, Ford will also compete with the fast-growing market. Bestsellers in the small car segment include Chevrolet Aveo, Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit. Hence, Ford is also planning to produce a midget from to compete with these bestsellers. Ford Escape parts will also be improved to create a smaller version of compact SUV. These new additions are anticipated to go on sale in the year 2009.

The introduction of S-Max microvan to the automotive market is also anticipated in 2009. This new car is inspired by Focus compact car. However, it will be shorter than Fusion sedan and smaller than Honda Civic coupe. It will feature seven seats. A sporty compact coupe is also contemplated upon. The latter will be designed to slash the cost of fuel. It will be using diesel power.

Ford Fairlane is also expected to wow customers and make them acknowledge the new concept of the American family hauler. This concept will is a combination of practicality and style. According to Ford, “Nobody has come up with the defining model for this new segment yet. We think we have a chance to do that with the Fairlane.” The sale of Fairlane is expected to start on 2008.

Among the line of those models which will be discontinued are Ford Taurus and Ford Freestar. The former is a midsize sedan, which was once considered America’s favorite car. Freestar, on the other hand, was the formerly called Windstar minivan. Before, said vehicle but along with its change of name is a major drop in sales. The production of both vehicles is expected to end next year.

Chuck, a 38 year old freelance writer from Charleston, South Carolina, has been specializing on automotive-related articles and news. He has a degree in Automotive Technology.

Chrysler LX Platform May Power Upcoming Alfa Romeo Model

17 January 2010 | No Comments » | admin

Just days after Fiat took over Chrysler’s operation, the Italian automaker is unveiling some of its plans for the newly combined entity, one that may go well beyond Fiat supplying vehicle platforms, engines and transmissions for several upcoming small vehicles to be built in North America.

Sharing The Chrysler LX Platform

According to Canada’s Financial Post, Fiat has been eying Chrysler’s LX platform, the Daimler derived platform which currently underpins the Chrysler 300C and Dodge Charger full-sized sedans. That platform could be used to build a third model ? which would be the most upscale of the three ? and one sporting the Alfa Romeo moniker at that.

Alfa Romeo along with Ferrari, Maserati, Lancia and Fiat are all owned by the Fiat Group. Alfa Romeo falls somewhere in the middle of the Fiat pricing pack, but the sedan being considered for production in North America would most likely compete against some of Europe’s finest models including those built by Mercedes and BMW.

The 2012 Alfa Romeo 169

The Financial Post says that Fiat is weighing plans to build the Alfa Romeo 169 at the company’s Brampton, Ontario facility alongside that of the Charger and the 300C, beginning in November 2011. That move would time with the introduction of the next generation release of the Dodge and Chrysler models which initially were to roll out in late 2010 for the 2011 model year.

Some sources have pegged the 169’s price at about $62,000 which would be some $25,000 more than a fully equipped Chrysler 300C. However, the sedan would likely share few components beyond the platform, getting its own interior, suspension, engine and transmission.

Bringing Back Alfa Romeo

Well before Fiat had its eyes on Chrysler, the automaker had been wanting to reintroduce Alfa Romeo to the North American market, but the economic climate precluded its return. Fiat ceased selling Alfa Romeo models in North America in 1995, more than a decade after pulling the Fiat brand out of that highly competitive market. Ferrari and Maserati are still sold the US and Canada, although through separate dealer networks.

Chrysler’s slice of the North American market continues to shrink rapidly, something that Fiat hopes to stem with a bevy of new models. Between its Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep brands along with Fiat and Alfa Romeo, the combined manufacturing capacity of the Chrysler Group could help the newly combined entity recapture some of what has been lost.

Matthew C. Keegan is a freelance writer who resides in North Carolina. Matt is a contributing writer for Andy’s Auto Sport an aftermarket supplier of quality parts including BMW body kits and Toyota Celica body kits.