Detroit motor show report + pics

Porsche, everyone agreed, trumped the rest of the car companies all over again. As they'd done in Geneva the previous March, they announced some earth-shattering news at an unbelievably early press conference on the first morning of the 2011 Detroit motor show – is 6.30am early enough for you? – so that for the rest of the day everyone else's news seemed just that little bit tame.
See all the best show pics from the Detroit motor show 2011

The news? The arrival on the stand of a magnificent coupe version of the previously seen 918 Spyder, under its own power, and the announcement that the transfer of long-time Porsche technical boss Wolfgang Durheimer would probably result in the development of some co-operative performance cars between Porsche and Bentley. Bentley back to Le Mans? No one ruled it in… or out.
Ford was the biggest mover among American companies. It showed the promised range of four 'electrified' Focus family vehicles, plus an elegant SUV called Vertrek, obviously designed to unify the European Kuga and US Escape models in their next generations (a couple of years away) and to correct the one criticism of the otherwise successful Kuga: that its rear passenger and boot package are on the tight side.
There were strong claims for the sales performance of the recently launched Fiesta (which JD Power says has raised the likelihood of repeat purchases by customers by nearly 30 points to Honda-Toyota levels), which makes the company very optimistic about the new Focus, which is nearing launch.

The thing that raises a question mark over the wisdom and success of this so-far-successful 'One Ford' philosophy (under which Ford will sell its mainstream cars in near-identical spec in all major markets) is that Volkswagen chose this show to launch a US Passat, having launched a quite different-looking (and shorter) European Passat a couple of months ago.
Ford says the same products can work everywhere; VW chooses to differ. Who's right? It's possible they both are; more than ever, it will depend on the individual quality of the products.
The other big American companies, GM and Chrysler, were in cautious mood. GM, having just pulled off the biggest flotation in US corporate history, seemed to be showing how well it could guard shareholders' money. Its only launch was the conservative showing of the Buick Verano (a booted Astra), which is supposed to sell against the Lexus IS and BMW 3-series. It was no oil painting, but had a price advantage. And Buick has been expanding quickly in America.

Chrysler showed what it called an all-new 300C, a very good-looking, typical car so similar dimensionally to the previous model that it just had to use common underpinnings. Whatever, it looked great. Again, Chrysler was otherwise keeping its powder dry. Restraint was evident everywhere, but so was an expectation that sales would now grow slowly.
Toyota's fightback continued. Company boss Akim Toyoda was present in person to announce the opening of a $50 million US 'safety cent re' and to reveal that the name 'Arius' would soon apply to four vehicles: the existing hybrid saloon, a plug-in version, an estate and the so-called C Concept, believed (despite the lack of hard evidence) to be a spoiler for the recent and increasingly well regarded Honda CR-Z hybrid coupe. Ford has just beaten Toyota to the position of No 2 car maker in the US, something you'd have thought incredible a year ago, but no one doubts the Japanese giant's comeback power.

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Detroit motor show: VW Passat US-spec

Volkswagen has used today’s Detroit motor show to unveil the new Pastas, developed for the United States and set to be manufactured there, in Tennessee, in preparation for a massive sales push this summer.
At 4.868m long, it is just over 10cm longer than the European Pastas saloon, a little wider, and the largest car ever to carry that badge.
See the official pics of the new VW Passat saloon - now updated with more Detroit show pics
However, the new US-market Pass-at is just the start of a product blitz for VW in America, confirmed the company’s US boss, Jonathan Browning.

A large seven-seat SUV, designed exclusively for America, is at the top of the list of new cars to allow the company hits its US sales targets. Brit-born Browning has aggressive plans to quadruple VW’s US sales to one million cars by 2018.
The company still has no plans to attack the domestic makers with a pick-up truck. “A pick-up is not at the top of our priority list. Not even by importing the Argentina-built Amarillo,” he told Auto car.
Chas Hallett blog: VW bids to conquer America
Unlike Jetted in the US, which get simpler rear suspension set-ups than the European versions, the new American Pas-sat has a mufti-link rear suspension that’s similar to the models sold in the UK. Every body panel has been changed, though, and the dashboard, door trims and major switchgear is all new.
The decision to localization production at a facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee, should allow W to trim several thousand dollars off the starter price. The firm estimates that entry-level variants will cost from $20,000 (£12,850).

Browning is also considering the possibility of selling smaller cars, such as the Polo. “A Polo for the USA is a possibility for the future, but it’s not in current plans. Though it does depend on gas prices and US economy regulations, I would like to extend the range down and up,” he said.
Any future US VW is likely to be made in America to offset currency fluctuations. Company insiders believe that a larger SUV could be built at the same Tennessee factory as the Pas sat. The plant currently has a capacity to build 150,000 cars per year, but with extensions that could be pushed to 500,000, according to plant boss Frank Fischer.
Read Autocar's first drive of the new European VW Passat
Three engines will be offered in the US Pas sat. The base unit is a 2.5-lit re five-cylinder petrol motor producing 168bhp at 5700rpm. With a manual transmission it can take the Pas-sat to 60mph in 8.2sec; the more likely choice for US buyers, a six-speed auto, does the same in 8.7sec.
The other petrol motor is a 3.6-lite six-cylinder unit with 276bhp at 6200rpm and 258lb ft of torque. It gets a DSG dual-clutch gearbox as standard and can reach 60mph in 6.5sec.
The oil-burner option is a 2.0-lite four-cylinder common-rail turbo-diesel producing 138bhp. VW claims it can go from 0-60mph in 9.3sec, return 43mpg and travel for around 800 miles on a single tank.
Read more a hybrid version of the new VW saloon

Although the regular Pass at saloon has been adapted specifically for American buyers, the CC ‘coupe’ version is considered a success in the US, so it will continue to be sold in its current form.
Expansions for VW in America will not include introducing European brands such as Skoal and Seat. Browning has ruled out either being transferred, on grounds on cost and viability. It's also unlikely that any US-made VW will make its way to Europe, although the new Pas-sat or SUV could be sold in other markets.

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Honda Civic to get Reloaded

Yes, the news from Honda Siel Cars India (HSCI) is that the Honda Civic, which we all love for its trendy looks, is getting more trendier with a whole new lot of features. The new Honda Civic SMT is now going to get innovative and will be equipped with enhanced technical features like steering mounted cruise control system, which would be a great advantage on highways where you just want to cruise along the way.

The riders will feel the magic of this new system as you will get the desired speed. It will be fun to use the one-touch operations on the console and the new model consists of ORVM turn indicators to make the ride more convenient.Other versions, VMT and VAT are equipped with back up sensors that gives the drivers the specific views while reversing and parking, hence giving maximum comfort and hassle free driving.

Honda Civic has received high appreciation since its introduction in India because of its unparalleled driving pleasure, contemporary styling, and advanced features. We are now delighted to introduce value added features that will make it even more desirable

- is what Mr. Tatsuya Natsume, Director Marketing, Honda Siel Cars India Ltd, had to say when asked about the car.Safety is given considerable amount of attention.
New Civic will have features like:

• ABS with EBD
• Dual SRS airbags
• Brake Assist

Technical Features:

• G-CON
• Survival Zone with High Integrity

Talking about the engine, Honda does not disappoint here as well.
Leave the disappointment aside; you will be all rejuvenated when you hit the roads.This 1.8L i-VTEC engine is said to be the most superior thing in its segment of cars.The VTC technology provides with better fuel efficiency and you would be amazed by the powerful ride. The fuel economy results are great at 15.5kmpl as per provided by ARAI in Pune, and thus the Civic evolving in this section.Its known by all that the Civic launched in 2006 was a new venture in the then segment of cars. Honda gives its customers a total of 4 years warranty and also 24 hour roadside assistance for people who want to be its proud owners.
Pricing :

Honda Civic is priced at (Ex showroom Delhi):

• Honda Civic 1.8 SMT: 12.2 Lakhs(INR)
• Honda Civic 1.8 VMT: 13.07 Lakhs(INR)
• Honda Civic 1.8 VAT: 13.81 Lakhs.(INR)

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FAQ about CARS (Car Allowance Rebate System)

How do I find out when my vehicle was manufactured?

The month and year of manufacture (e.g., 1-96 (January 1996)) appear on the safety standard certification label that is located on the frame or edge of the driver’s door in most vehicles.

Do I need to get a voucher or sign up for this program?

No. You do not need a voucher and you are not required to sign up or enroll in this program. Participating new car dealers will apply a credit, reducing the price you pay at the time of your purchase or lease, provided the vehicle you buy or lease and the vehicle you trade in meet the program requirements. The dealer will then obtain reimbursement from the government.

May I receive or use more than one credit under the CARS program?

No, the CARS Act specifies that not more than one credit may be issued to a single person, not more than one credit may be issued for joint registered owners of a single eligible trade-in vehicle, and that only one credit under this program may be applied toward the purchase or lease of any single new vehicle.

What is the amount of the credit?

The amount of the credit is $3,500 or $4,500, and generally depends on the type of vehicle you purchase and the difference in fuel economy between the purchased vehicle and the trade-in vehicle. Different requirements apply for work trucks.

What is the amount of the credit?

The amount of the credit is $3,500 or $4,500, and generally depends on the type of vehicle you purchase and the difference in fuel economy between the purchased vehicle and the trade-in vehicle. Different requirements apply for work trucks.

What is the value of the credit for the purchase or lease of a new van, pickup truck or SUV?

The value of the credit given for the purchase or lease of a category 1 or 2 truck also generally depends on the difference between the combined fuel economy of the vehicle that is traded in and that of the new vehicle that is purchased or leased. If the new vehicle is a category 1 truck that has a combined fuel economy value that is at least 2, but less than 5, miles per gallon higher than the traded-in vehicle, the credit is $3,500. If the new category 1 truck has a combined fuel economy value that is at least 5 miles per gallon higher than the traded-in vehicle, the credit is $4,500.

If both the new vehicle and the traded-in vehicle are category 2 trucks and the combined fuel economy value of the new vehicle is at least 1, but less than 2, miles per gallon higher than the combined fuel economy value of the traded in vehicle, the credit is $3,500. If both the new vehicle and the traded-in vehicle are category 2 trucks and the combined fuel economy of the new vehicle is at least 2 miles per gallon higher than that of the traded-in vehicle, the credit is $4,500. A $3,500 credit applies to the purchase or lease of a category 2 truck if the trade-in vehicle is a category 3 (work) truck that was manufactured not later than model year 2001, but not earlier than 25 years before the date of the trade in.

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WHAT IS SALVAGE TITLE or REBUILT TITLE?

A salvage title is an automobile title with a notation that the vehicle has been damaged in excess of approximately 70% of its pre-accident market value. The exact percentage depends on the insurance provider and any applicable laws and regulations. This notation gets applied to a title when an insurance company pays a total-loss claim on a vehicle, but then sells the vehicle at an auction center. If the vehicle is kept by its owner through a buy-back program, then the vehicle will retain a clean title. A properly restored vehicle is still safely drivable even if it is technically considered a total loss by an insurance company, particularly with older vehicles where even minor cosmetic damage would cost more to fix than the vehicle’s pre-accident market value.
A “rebuilt vehicle” is a salvage vehicle that has been repaired and restored to operation. These vehicles are often damaged before they are rebuilt and new parts are typically used during reconstruction. In most states, an inspection of the vehicle is required before the vehicle is allowed to return to the road, to prove that it is road worthy.
There is no specific formula in most states that specifies when a vehicle is deemed salvage; this is typically decided on a case by case basis. Once the auto is involved in an accident, the insurance company then offers the vehicle back to the owner as an insurance buyback or the car is sold to insurance auction centers, such as IAAI or Copart. With an insurance buyback the owner is responsible for getting the repairs made and having the car inspected by the highway patrol or a state regulated inspection facility. At this point, the car still has a clean title, no matter of the degree of the damage done, because it was never owned by the insurance company. If the auto is not a buyback, it is towed to a salvage auction where it will be sold to an auto recycler or a rebuilder, and given a salvage title. A rebuilder can sell the car as-is or fix the car and resell it as a rebuilt salvage titled car.
Having a “Salvage” or “Junk” title only applies to the United States and Canada. All vehicles imported or exported to other countries will automatically obtain a “Clean” title, even if they have been involved in an accident.
Some companies in the United States, such as Carfax, sell title reports to prospective car buyers which, among other things, reveal these title statuses. The information, however, might be far from being complete because of the inability of these companies to check accident records in 23 states and because not all accidents get reported to the authorities (particularly when there are no injuries). In 2007, Carfax settled a nationwide class-action lawsuit and the company will now include prominent warnings that its reports may not be complete.
Industry standards followed by and noted in print by the National Automobile Dealers Association (N.A.D.A.) Appraisal Guides, Kelley Blue Book Market Report Official Guide, the International Society of Automotive Appraisers (I.S.A.A.) and additional automotive business entities within the United States of America, all devalue a motor vehicle that is in possession of a “Salvage Title”, by 20% – 50% of the normal, fair market retail value of the vehicle without a “Salvage Title”. The percentage variance increases with the younger age of the vehicle at issue and the retail value of that vehicle. Any vehicle that is more than 10 years old carries the 20% minimum devaluation to the fair market value of the vehicle. Once a vehicle is branded with a “salvage or junk” title of ownership, this type of tarnished history stays with the unit, even if the branded title is “washed clean” in another state to be free of the designation “salvage or junk”.

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