Spare tires may be going the way of tailfins

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DETROIT — Say you just bought a new car, and the right front tire goes flat as you're driving down the freeway.

Don't be surprised if there's no spare when you look in the trunk.

This year, more than 14 percent of new models on sale in the United States came with liquid tire sealant and a portable electric air pump instead of a spare, a trend that is growing as automakers try to shed pounds and boost gas mileage.

But there can be problems. While the sealant works well in most cases, you could be stuck on the shoulder if the hole that caused the flat is larger than a quarter of an inch, or if the puncture is on the side of the tire. In those cases, the only option is to have your car towed, and you may have to wait for a repair shop to track down a new tire.

"The last thing you want to do is find out the hard way that you don't have a spare tire if you're stranded on the side of the road," said Gene Petersen, tire program leader for Consumer Reports magazine.

However, General Motors Co., Hyundai Motor Co. and other automakers that use the pump-and-sealant kits say they have many advantages, mainly the weight savings. The kits are about 20 pounds lighter than a temporary spare and the jack and other tools needed to put on the tire. Also, the inflator kits don't take up as much room in the trunk, leaving more space for luggage or other cargo.

GM, which has made inflators and sealant standard on all but five of its 22 U.S. car and crossover models, said the kits can fix 85 percent of tire punctures. They're easy to use, even for someone who might be afraid of changing a tire, and they're safer because tires can be quickly refilled, getting the driver off the roadside and back in traffic faster than putting on a spare, said Dave Cowger, GM's tire engineering group manager.

Hyundai says the inflator kits help avoid another problem: getting dirty while changing a tire yourself. All you do is attach some tubes and fill the tire with sealant and air.

GM's market research, Cowger said, shows that half of consumers would call for roadside assistance rather than using a spare.

Also, new cars now come with electronic tire pressure monitors, so a slow leak in a tire is likely to be detected and fixed before it causes problems on the road, Cowger said.

GM, like many automakers, offers car buyers the option of getting a spare tire, charging $100 to $150 more for them. Cowger wouldn't say if GM saves money by swapping inflator kits for spares.

But many new car buyers assume that they're getting a spare and don't ask about it, said Ronald Montoya, consumer advice associate with the Edmunds.com automotive website.

"Unfortunately, this is something that many of us don't think of when shopping for a car," he said.

Plus, new cars are often equipped with larger wheels and performance tires with smaller sidewalls than regular tires. That helps a car handle better, but the sides of those tires take more punishment from potholes and are more prone to sidewall punctures, said Petersen.

Still, for the 85 percent of flats that the sealant can fix, there are 15 percent that it can't.

That's why Honda Motor Co. uses spares on all its 2011 models, spokesman Chuck Schifsky said.

"An actual spare tire is the best backup system should a customer have a flat tire," he said. "This is especially true in cases where the tire is damaged beyond what the tire sealant and pump systems can repair."

Nick Romito, an auto finance underwriter from Antioch, Ill., not far from Milwaukee, said he wouldn't buy a car without a spare tire. "I don't have a lot of confidence in those sealant products," he said. His family recently bought two used Ford Fusion sedans, both of which have spares, because Romito fears that the sealant could fail after it's squirted into the tire and under pressure from compressed air.

Automakers, however, say the sealant is reliable, but they recommend checking a few miles after fixing a flat to see if the tire needs a little more air.

GM also recommends that people drive no more than 100 miles before getting a sealed tire repaired. Cowger said drivers can travel at normal highway speeds after sealing a leak.

Like it or not, automakers increasingly are getting rid of spares as they face pressure to meet stricter government fuel economy regulations. By 2025, the U.S. car and truck fleet will have to average 54.5 miles per gallon under the standards, which are being phased in gradually. That's about double what cars and trucks now get.

According to Edmunds, just over 6 percent of all new car models had only the inflator kits in 2009, but that more than doubled by 2011.

"They need to find any way they can to reduce the weight of the vehicle, which will in turn make it more fuel efficient," Montoya said.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Saab denied bankruptcy protection

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STOCKHOLM — Troubled automaker Saab, known for its quirky, rounded cars, moved closer to financial collapse Thursday after a Swedish court rejected its request for bankruptcy protection.

The ruling by the Vanersborg District Court means the Swedish brand, which has struggled financially since General Motors Co. sold it to Netherlands-based Spyker Cars in 2010, is now only days away from facing bankruptcy action from trade unions. Spyker has since changed names to Swedish Automobile.

The company has struggled to pay suppliers and staff, and production at its manufacturing plant in Trollhattan, Sweden, has been suspended for most of the year.

Swedish Automobile said it would appeal the court's decision before the deadline on Sept. 29.

However, it is unclear whether the appeals court will accept the request and the unions representing Saab's 3,700 employees said they would take bankruptcy action within days on behalf of members still waiting for their August salaries.

Bankruptcy protection in Sweden is similar to Chapter 11 in the United States, allowing a company to reorganize, buying it time to improve its finances and stave off liquidation. During that period the Swedish government pays employees' salaries. That government salary guarantee also kicks in if a company is declared bankrupt.

Swedish Automobile had submitted an application for bankruptcy protection on Wednesday, including plans for a reorganization it claimed would help revitalize the brand.

But the court said it remains unclear how Saab — which underwent a reorganization under GM in 2009 — will find the money it needs to stay afloat.

Swedish Automobile's Dutch CEO, Victor Muller, is hoping for a €245 million ($344 million) cash injection from Chinese investors Zhejiang Youngman Lotus Automobile Co. and Pang Da Automobile Trade Co. that is currently awaiting regulatory approval.

"It appears unclear if — and if so when — the relevant Chinese authorities will approve the agreements," the court said, adding that other financial solutions presented by the company don't seem sustainable.

"In sum, the court finds that it appears unclear how the company will be able to solve the liquidity crisis and continue operations," the ruling said.

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Saab said in a statement it was "disappointed" and would appeal the decision and update the market "on further developments" Friday. It gave no details.

Hakan Skott, local club chairman of labor union IF Metall in Trollhattan, called the court's decision "sad" and said union members will consider filing bankruptcy proceedings against Saab within "the next couple of days."

"We are nearing 14 days without salary payments and the financial situation is becoming very difficult for some of our members," Skott said.

Unionen, a labor organization for white-collar workers, said it would wait no more than three days before filing a bankruptcy petition for Saab — if the company doesn't do it before then.

"It is our opinion that an employer that ends up in a situation like this should put itself into bankruptcy," said Martin Wastfelt, the union's chief legal advisor.

Tom Muller, an analyst at Theodoor Gilissen in Amsterdam, said he believes the unions can wait a maximum of two to three days before making a bankruptcy filing.

"The company can do only one thing and that is to give them money," said Muller, who is not related to the Swedish Automobile chief executive. "The members have to eat. ... People cannot live on promises."

He said he doesn't believe Swedish Automobile will manage to find the funds in time.

"It's a good car, there is nothing wrong with the product, but it's the financial situation that's the problem," he said.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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What, not your town? D.C. has worst drivers

AppId is over the quota AppId is over the quota According to a recent report issued by Allstate Insurance Co., Washington, D.C. can lay claim to having the worst — or at least the most accident-prone — drivers among the 200 largest cities in the U.S.

Residents of our nation’s capitol were found to get into collisions on average once every 4.8 years. This means they’re 107.3 percent more likely to get into an accident every time they take the wheel than the typical driver in the U.S., who wrecks his or her car once every 10 years.

Other cities ranking high on the list include such traffic hot spots as Baltimore, Md., Glendale, Calif., Newark, N.J., Providence, R.I., and Philadelphia, Pa. Los Angeles holds down the number 11 position, with the driving population crashing their vehicles once every 6.6 years. Surprisingly, New York City didn’t place among the top 10, being ranked at number 20 in the survey, with motorists getting into collisions on average once every 7.3 years (guess cab drivers weren’t counted as part of the study).

While collisions have been on the decline, fatalities from car crashes still claim over 32,000 lives each year. “Human behavior is the biggest cause of accidents. It is vital for us to educate American drivers about safe driving behaviors they can demonstrate on the road that will help make our roadways safer,” says Mike Roche, executive vice president for Allstate’s claim organization.

The Northbrook, Ill.-based insurer found the safest drivers residing in smaller cities — motorists living in U.S. cities with populations of over one million are more likely than the national average to get into accidents. Allstate says the safest drivers can be found in Fort Collins, Colo., where the average motorist experiences an auto collision only once every 14 years. Other cities on the safest driver list included Boise, Idaho, Lincoln, Neb., Chandler, Ariz., and Huntsville, Ala.

The study was based on property damage claims reported over a two-year period (from January 2008 to December 2009) adjusted for population, with a weighted average of the two-year numbers used to determine the results.

© 2011 Forbes.com

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Honda recalls 962,000 Fits, CR-Vs worldwide

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TOKYO — Honda Motor Co. says it will recall a total of 962,000 cars worldwide to fix power windows and computer systems.

Honda will recall 936,000 units of the Fit subcompact, CR-V crossover and Fit Aria in North America, Asia, Europe and Africa, the company said Monday. The Fit is called Jazz in some overseas markets, while the Fit Aria is also known as City.

Honda says the recall was prompted by defects in driver's-side power window switch units, which could potentially melt and catch fire.

It will also recall 26,000 CR-Z compact hybrids globally due to programming problems with the engine control unit.

There have been no injuries because of the defects, Honda says.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Car veteran Bob Lutz returns to GM

AppId is over the quota AppId is over the quota Whether you know him as “Maximum Bob,” “Capt. Lutz, USMC-Retired,” or simply “Bob,” few executives have had as long or as influential an impact on the automotive industry as Robert A. Lutz.

Now — nearly two years after he reluctantly seemed ready to fade into an affluent retirement — the blunt, cigar-chomping Mr. Lutz is back.

In a news release that many missed going into the long Labor Day holiday weekend, General Motors revealed it has signed the 79-year-old Lutz as a consultant. While specific details were withheld, sources suggest the onetime Marine pilot will be offering advice on a variety of subjects related to product and marketing.

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His appointment could be critical for General Motors. The automaker is pressing hard to make gains at the expense of its Japanese rivals who are still struggling with product shortages caused by the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan last March.

Significantly, the compact Chevrolet Cruze, one of the products Lutz championed before leaving GM in late 2009, has toppled such long-time sales leaders as the Toyota Camry and Honda Civic, to become the nation’s best-selling passenger car in recent months. GM’s challenge is to keep that momentum going.

“It’s not a surprise,” said David Cole, when asked about Lutz’s return.

The Chairman-Emeritus for the Center for Automotive Research, or CAR, in Ann Arbor, Mich., Cole says Lutz “has such a deep passion for the product. It’s probably better to have him working for you than working somewhere else because he’s not going to retire until he dies.”

Lutz began his nearly half-century in the automotive industry with General Motors, signing on shortly after retiring from the Marines. He later jumped to BMW, and then Ford, ultimately moving to Chrysler, where he became the top lieutenant to the legendary Lee Iacocca. It was a stormy relationship, and Lutz’s tendency to shoot from the lip often got the Swiss-born banker’s son in trouble.

Once seen as Iacocca’s eventual successor, Lutz soured his chances two decades ago when he helped to derail a proposed Chrysler merger with Fiat. When he was asked if Chrysler would need to find an alternative partner, Lutz replied that “you can’t find a bridegroom when the bride is on her deathbed.”

After leaving Chrysler in 1998 following the short-lived “merger of equals” between the U.S. carmaker and Germany’s Daimler, Lutz was clearly not ready to retire. He helped fund a short-lived effort to revive the Cunningham sports car company and then landed an equally brief job as chairman of the automotive battery company Exide.

But then came the call from Rick Wagoner, who at the time was Chairman and CEO of General Motors. Recognizing that the car company couldn’t market its way out of trouble, Wagoner realized it was time to reorganize GM’s legendary product development program. And Lutz was asked to take over as Vice Chairman and “car czar.”

It was a slow and agonizing process. By 2002, GM’s product line-up had become an industry joke, Lutz himself deriding models like the Pontiac Aztek as “angry appliances.”

But each year the product line-up started to improve. Even as GM’s finances started to collapse the automaker landed two key victories: the Saturn Aura and then the Chevrolet Malibu were consecutively named North American Car of the Year.

As GM plunged into bankruptcy in 2009, Lutz’s product skills appeared to be more important than ever to the company. But his bluntness didn’t help, especially as he took on controversial issues like global warming (a topic he routinely dismissed as a fantasy). In the final weeks of 2009 GM’s new Chairman and CEO, Texan “Big Ed” Whitacre, announced that Lutz would be retiring.

Lutz might have been nudged out of GM, but the septuagenarian soldier had no intention of fading away. He was, if possible, more visible than before, launching a consultancy and joining several boards, including that of British sports carmaker Lotus. And he announced plans to write a new book.

The latest tome, “Car Guys vs. Bean Counters: The Battle for the Soul of American Business,” picks up where Lutz’s earlier book, “Guts,” left off, arguing that the rise of MIT and Harvard wunderkinds in recent decades, armed with MBA degrees, is really a threat to American business.

Ironically, while best known for his role in product development, Lutz actually trained in marketing.

“What he has been able to do is insert himself in the role of the customer and unleash design and engineering from the business side to put passion into the product,” according to the CAR’s Cole.

And that is likely the role he will continue to play as a part-time consultant for GM. Sources say Lutz will work with a number of senior executives, including Mary Barra, the first woman to head up product development at a major automotive company.

“If I were somebody like Mary I would want somebody like Bob whispering in my ear,” said Cole.

But Lutz will likely also offer advice on the marketing side of the business. Even with the company’s latest products winning steadily improving reviews it has proved especially hard for GM to win over import-oriented buyers, particularly those on the coasts. The question is whether a 79-year-old “kid” like Lutz can make the connection with yet another generation of buyers, said one GM source who admitted being a bit skeptical.

There are few who expect Lutz’s latest assignment at GM to mark his swan song. Despite turning 80 next February, he has the full head of silver-white hair and the ramrod posture that would suggest a man years younger. The voice may be hoarse from a lifetime of smoking Cuban cigars, but his energy and drive remain the stuff of legend.

Lutz is, if nothing else, driven to compete. And the man he is most directly competing with is his own father, who worked until just six months before his death at 94. That, Lutz has hinted, was still too young.

Don’t be surprised, then, to see Lutz still on call at GM — or somewhere else — when he nears 100.

© 2011 msnbc.com.  Reprints

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Sweden's Saab files for bankruptcy protection

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STOCKHOLM — The owner of cash-strapped car maker Saab filed for bankruptcy protection on Wednesday in a last-ditch attempt to salvage a brand crippled by production stoppages, withheld salary payments and mounting debt.

Swedish Automobile, formerly known as Spyker Cars, said Saab and its subsidiaries Powertrain and Tools were included in the application for a voluntary and "self-managed" reorganization filed at a local court in southwestern Sweden. Overseas units were excluded.

If approved by the court and Saab's creditors, an initial three-month court-administered reorganization phase would halt any debt collection processes as well as potential bankruptcy filings. Some of Saab's creditors have threatened to put it into bankruptcy amid its problems in paying suppliers and staff.

The Netherlands-based Spykers Cars changed its name to Swedish Automobile after deciding to focus only on the Saab brand. Led by Dutch businessman Victor Muller, the company has failed to revive the loss-making brand since taking it over in 2010 from General Motors Co., which was in the process of dismantling it.

Failure to pay suppliers for parts forced it to suspend production at its plant in Trollhattan, Sweden. Salary payments for many of Saab's 3,700 workers have been postponed in recent months as the liquidity crisis worsened. These salaries will be sought for under Sweden's state's wage guarantee scheme.

The application for creditor protection calls for cutting costs and "creating a viable, competitive and independent organization," Swedish Automobile said.

"The eventual purpose of the proposed voluntary reorganization process is to secure short-term stability while simultaneously attracting additional funding," the company said.

Saab is hoping for cash injections from Chinese investors Zhejiang Youngman Lotus Automobile Co. and Pang Da Automobile Trade Co. The deals include the manufacturing and distribution of Saab cars in China, but have been delayed because of pending approvals from authorities.

Muller, who is CEO of Saab and Swedish Automobile, said that "a voluntary reorganization process will provide us with the necessary time, protection and stabilization of the business, allowing salary payments to be made, short-term funding to be obtained and an orderly restart of production to be prepared."

He warned that the process would lead to "a number of tough issues and decisions" but added that he believes Saab will exit the process as a stronger and leaner car brand, putting much faith on the future cash expected from Pang Da and Youngman.

Darko Davidovic, union legal adviser for IF Metall which represents around 1,500 Saab workers, welcomed the move. "It is the fastest way four our members to get their money unless the company pays up itself," he told The Associated Press. "All other alternatives would have been worse," referring to a potential bankruptcy which would have drawn out payments.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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The most and least expensive cars to insure

AppId is over the quota AppId is over the quota When it comes to cheaper auto insurance, family-friendly four doors are usually your best bet. The humble though still popular Chrysler Town & Country is a sensible car that’s fairly cheap to insure. On the other hand, if imported luxury is your preferred mode of transportation, be prepared for hefty insurance premiums to go with all the trappings.

Knee-buckling beauties like the 12-cylinder Mercedes SL65 AMG can set you back a national average of $3,543.81 per year in insurance costs alone, making it the most expensive car in America to insure, according to data from Quadrant Information Services commissioned by Insure.com. Overall, European brands including Mercedes, Porsche, Aston Martin and BMW are the most expensive to safeguard.

“Repairing just one feature after a crash could cost a small fortune,” notes Insure.com of the well-stocked BMW 750i which can set you back about $3,280.70 in annual insurance fees.

Meanwhile, American and Japanese non-luxury minivans, SUVs and sedans make up the 10 least expensive cars to insure, according to Quadrant’s data. The top four cheapest cars to insure are minivans.

The four-door, six cylinder Chrysler Town & Country LX, for example, costs an national average of $1,091.80 per year to insure. The five-door, four-cylinder Toyota Sienna costs $1,100.66 per year to insure, and a similar Toyota Sienna LE costs about $1,107.70 to insure.

For comparison’s sake, Quadrant calculates average annual insurance premiums based on a single 40-year-old male driver with a clean driving record, good credit and who commutes 12 miles to work each day.

The premiums Quadrant comes up with include uninsured motorist coverage with policy limits of $100,000 for injury liability for one person, $300,000 for all injuries and $50,000 for property damage in an accident, plus a $500 deductible on collision and comprehensive coverage. Premium quotes come from six large insurance carriers: State Farm, Allstate, Progressive, GEICO, Farmers and Nationwide.

Of course, your own rates may vary based on your personal situation.

And insurance rates can be much higher in certain states. While one might expect that New York and California would top the list of states with the highest average auto insurance premiums, they don’t even make it to the top five.

Michigan, Louisiana and Oklahoma are the top three states with the most expensive average auto insurance premiums, according to Insure.com.

There are a couple of key reasons why Michigan holds the top spot in terms of costly car insurance according to Insure.com spokesman Emmet Pierce. “Michigan is the only state that guarantees unlimited personal injury protection payments to those who are injured in auto accidents,” plus the state includes assistance to help people with catastrophic injuries to pay for medical care, Pierce explains.

But brand and price aren’t necessarily the only factors that come into play when determining insurance premiums. Age and driving experience of owners are also a factor.

“An inexpensive car can be relatively costly to insure if it appeals to younger, less-experienced drivers who tend to get into more accidents,” says Pierce. For instance, a Kia Rio is definitely not considered a luxury car, but at $1,522, the annual insurance premiums aren’t much less than that of a Corvette two-door coupe which costs around $1,741 per year on average to insure.

According to Insure.com’s report, the popular Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla don’t make it to the list of cars that are the least costly to insure. This is largely because they tend to be entry-level vehicles popular among younger drivers who may be more likely to take risks or be distracted by their passengers.

Cars on the list of most commonly-stolen vehicles in the country according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau can also be more expensive to insure than those that aren’t on the list. Those particular cars actually tend to be older models that aren’t equipped with the sophisticated anti-theft and tracking devices that newer vehicles have.

© 2011 Forbes.com

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Positive sign for economy: Solid car sales

AppId is over the quota AppId is over the quota DETROIT — Car buyers shrugged off bad economic news and a major East Coast hurricane last month, lifting U.S. sales for most automakers.

General Motors, Chrysler, Ford and Nissan all reported surprisingly strong sales results for the month Thursday. Toyota and Honda, however, continued to be hurt by model shortages from the March earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Both reported large sales drops.

Industry analysts had expected a weaker August because of consumers' anxiety about the economy and Hurricane Irene, which forced many dealers to close during the key final weekend of the month.

But Don Johnson, GM's U.S. sales chief, said other factors are making cars more attractive to buyers, including new products, low interest rates and stronger household budgets.

"Consumers are being cautious, yes, and appropriately so, but they are not retrenching," he said. "All indications to us are that the industry is going to continue to slowly grow through the rest of the year."

Chrysler sales led the way in August with a 31 percent increase from a year earlier, and significantly the automaker outsold Toyota for the third time in four months last month. GM's sales rose 18 percent, Nissan was up 19 percent and Ford reported an 11 percent increase. Toyota sales were off almost 13 percent, while Honda sales were down 24 percent.

"The 'new GM' is making the strides it promised. About the only negative signs on GM's spreadsheet of August sales were for models being discontinued or soon to be replaced," said car research site Edmunds.com's Senior Analyst Michelle Krebs.

Honda and Toyota lost sales because of parts shortages caused by the earthquake. Dealers ran short of many top-selling models. Sales of the Toyota Corolla compact were down 19 percent, while Honda Civic sales were off 47 percent. Both companies expect better sales in September because their factories are returning to normal production.

Chrysler reported its strongest August since 2007 with sales led by Jeeps and minivans, while Ford said sales of its redesigned Explorer sport utility vehicle quadrupled over last year. Nissan's sales were fueled by subcompact and midsize cars such as the new four-door Versa and Altima sedan.

GM's big increase was sparked by the Chevrolet Cruze compact, which accounted for one in every 10 GM vehicles sold. The Cruze, introduced last year, has been a top seller for the company since the start of the year, giving the company its first strong product in a growing market. Cruze sales topped 20,000 for the fifth straight month. Buyers also went for the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain small crossovers.

Auto sales had been a bright spot for the U.S. economy through May, but began sputtering in the summer as consumer confidence waned and a March earthquake in Japan caused shortages of Honda and Toyota models. Then came the hurricane, which forced many East Coast dealers to close in the month's final weekend. Normally buyers come out on the last weekend, lured by deals and advertising.

Even before the storm, J.D. Power was forecasting total sales of 1.07 million for the month. While that forecast is 4 percent higher than August last year, it's still a much slower pace than at the start of 2011.

Sales could improve this fall when automakers offer sweeter deals and a wider selection of models.

Cash-back offers, low-interest loans and other deals have been scarce this summer because of the model shortages. But they're expected to return as Honda and Toyota replenish their dealer lots in September and October and try to win back market share lost during the earthquake shortfalls.

Toyota will also begin selling its new Camry sedan in October, which could lift sales.

The industry remains cautious. The unemployment rate is stuck at 9 percent, food and clothing costs are going up and consumer confidence dropped to its lowest level in more than two years in August.

To boost next month's sales and help people whose cars were damaged by the hurricane, GM is offering to defer payments for 90 days. It's also giving $500 toward the purchase or lease of a new vehicle. The offer is for areas designated major disaster areas by the federal government.

Sales of GM's full-size pickup — the GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado — rose 10 percent after being slow for much of the year.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Life Inc.: Celebrate Labor Day at the car dealer

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If the beach really isn’t your thing and you prefer to spend the last weekend of summer car shopping, Consumer Reports has put together an analysis of the best deals for car buyers in five major cities across the country, including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, New York and Los Angeles.

The end of summer marks the transition between the 2011 and 2012 model year for many automakers. Historically, that means you can find deep discounts on cars for the outgoing model year as manufacturers and dealerships make way for the brand new models rolling off production lines.

Consumer Reports says it’s seeing the trend happen again this summer, and buying a leftover 2011 model rather than a 2012 model can save you serious money upfront.

In Chicago, for example, you can save 20 percent off the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for a 2011 Nissan Altima 2.5 HEV eCVT, according to Consumer Reports data (the offer expires on Sept. 30). And in Dallas you can find a 2012 Ford Mustang GT Premium Coupe with a 15 percent discount on its MSRP until Oct. 30.

 

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GM, Chrysler miss deadline for new contracts

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DETROIT — General Motors Co. and Chrysler Group LLC failed to meet a Wednesday deadline for reaching new contract agreements with the United Auto Workers union. GM negotiators were still in talks early Thursday, but talks at Chrysler appeared to have broken down.

Up until Wednesday, the negotiations that began over the summer appeared to be proceeding without acrimony. But late Wednesday, the CEO of Chrysler fired off a letter saying an agreement likely wouldn't be reached because UAW President Bob King didn't come to the table Wednesday night to finalize the deal.

"I know we are the smallest of the three automakers here in Detroit, but that does not make us less relevant," Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne said in the letter to King, which was obtained by The Associated Press.

Marchionne said he planned to travel out of the country and will return next week. He said he would agree to extend Chrysler workers' current contract for a week, but the decision to extend the contract must be made by the UAW.

A message seeking comment was left late Wednesday with the UAW. A person briefed on the negotiations said the union is reviewing the letter and considering whether to extend the contract. The UAW extended its contract with Ford Motor Co. last week, as talks have progressed more slowly with that automaker. The person requested anonymity because the talks are private.

The union may have little choice but to extend the contract. In the past, workers could strike if an agreement wasn't reached by the deadline. But GM and Chrysler workers can't strike over wages this time, a condition placed on them when the companies took government bailout money two years ago.

Things appeared to be progressing more smoothly at GM. Joe Ashton, the UAW's vice president in charge of the GM negotiations, told local union officials Tuesday night in a note that bargainers have made "much progress" in talks with the company. GM has taken the lead on the negotiations and its agreement may be used to set the pattern for the other two companies.

The contract talks will determine wages and benefits for 111,000 union workers at the auto makers, and they also set the bar for wages at auto parts companies, U.S. factories run by foreign automakers and other manufacturers, which employ hundreds of thousands more. The contract talks are the first since GM and Chrysler needed government aid to make it through bankruptcy protection in 2009.

Ashton wrote that "difficult restrictions" have been placed on the union and company as a result of the bailout. GM nearly ran out of cash and needed $49.5 billion from the government to survive, but it's been making billions in the last two years because its debt and costs were lowered in bankruptcy and its new products have been selling well.

To get the government funding for GM, the union had to agree not to strike over wages at GM and Chrysler. Also, unresolved issues can be taken to binding arbitration, and the union's new contracts must keep the companies' labor costs competitive with Asian automakers such as Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co.

"As you know, several difficult conditions were agreed to in order to obtain financing during the bankruptcy," Ashton wrote in the note to local union officials. "We are confident that we can reach an agreement that will meet many of the goals we set at the beginning of negotiations."

The union has been seeking bigger profit-sharing checks instead of pay raises, higher pay for entry level workers who make $14 to $16 per hour, signing bonuses and guarantees of new jobs as auto sales recover. Ford and GM want to cut their labor costs to get them closer to Honda and Toyota, while Chrysler wants to hold its costs steady.

The contract agreements are only temporary until they are ratified by workers.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Automakers are going back to the future in '12

AppId is over the quota AppId is over the quota Everything old is new again.

Revamped versions of some of America's best-known cars — the Toyota Camry, the Chevrolet Malibu, the Ford Taurus, the Volkswagen Beetle, the BMW 3 Series — are all going on sale in the 2012 model year. The industry hopes that as buyers trickle back after the economic slump, they'll be delighted by new styling, significantly better fuel economy and, in the Camry's case, lower prices.

While gas prices have moderated since the spring, automakers say efficiency remains one of buyers' top considerations, and they'll have plenty of new gas sippers to choose from.

The new Chevrolet Sonic subcompact and redesigned Hyundai Accent, Nissan Versa and Kia Rio are all expected to get close to 40 miles per gallon. Toyota is releasing the Prius V, a wagon version of its wildly popular Prius hybrid, that's expected to get 43 mpg. There will be several new small cars on the market, including the Mini Coupe, Scion iQ, an as-yet-unnamed Dodge and the sporty Hyundai Veloster.

And for those who don't want to use any gas at all, electric carmaker Tesla will be bringing out an all-electric family sedan called the Model S, while Ford will release an all-electric Focus.

But driving enthusiasts, take heart. There will be plenty of brawn on the market, too. The 2012 Jaguar XKR-S coupe is one of the fastest Jaguars ever built, capable of accelerating to 100 miles per hour in 8.7 seconds. Jeep is releasing the Grand Cherokee SRT8, a performance version with a 470-horsepower Hemi V-8. The fifth generation of the BMW M5 sports sedan boasts a 560-horsepower V-8. Even the little Fiat 500 will be getting an Abarth sport edition.

Here is a rundown of new cars that will go on the market between now and next fall:

Acura
TL: Refreshed 2012 version went on sale last spring. Gets new front and rear styling, noise and vibration improvements and a six-speed automatic transmission. City fuel economy goes to 20 miles per gallon and highway to 29, an increase of 3 mpg over the 2011 model. Base price is $36,490 including shipping.

Audi
A6: The big luxury sedan is all new for 2012 with styling that matches the rest of the German automaker's car lineup. The company used aluminum body panels and a steel frame to cut weight by 78 pounds from its predecessor. The new version also has an aluminum suspension. It will be powered by two engines, a 3-liter supercharged V-6 with 310 horsepower and a 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 211 horsepower. Prices start at $42,595 including shipping.

A7: The five-door fastback coupe also is all new for 2012, powered by a 310-horsepower V-6 engine and standard all-wheel-drive. It also has aluminum and steel construction and comes standard with 18-inch wheels, all-season tires and a leather interior. Prices start at $60,125 including shipping.

A8: Gets a 6.3-liter 12-cylinder engine with 500 horsepower.

TT RS: Gets the RS nameplate in the United States with a turbocharged 360-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that goes from zero to 60 in 4.1 seconds. The RS starts at $57,725 including shipping.

Bentley
Continental GT: Bentley has fiddled with the V-12 engine on the Continental GT coupe to squeeze out 15 more horsepower, bringing it to a total of 567. What else would you expect from a six-liter engine that gets 19 mpg on the highway? The GT can go from zero to 60 miles per hour in 4.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 198 mph. Inside, there's a new 8-inch touchscreen in the dash with navigation and other controls, and luxury touches like hand-sewn, fluted leather seats. The GT starts at $189,900.

BMW
M5: The fifth generation of this premium sports sedan is set to go on sale in the spring. The new M5 will have the most powerful engine ever fitted in a series-produced BMW mated to a new, seven-speed double clutch transmission. The V-8 is expected to get up to 560 horsepower, 10 percent more than its predecessor, and 500 pound feet of torque, a 30 percent increase. But BMW says fuel economy will improve 30 percent. A driver's footrest and standard iDrive 10-inch dashboard control screen are among the standard perks. Pricing and exact fuel economy will be released closer to the M5's arrival in dealerships.

3 SERIES: An all-new 3 Series midsize sedan is scheduled to be released this spring as a 2013 model. Few details are available, although spy photos have been popping up on the Internet. BMW is expected to offer a turbocharged, direct-injected four-cylinder engine on the entry-level 328i, instead of a V-6. It's expected to get more horsepower and torque than the current V-6, but will get far better fuel economy. Pricing hasn't been announced, but the current 3 Series starts at $34,600.

Buick
VERANO: The luxury version of the Chevrolet Cruze aimed at the Lexus IS 250 and Acura TSX goes on sale in the fall of 2012. It's powered by the same 2.4-liter, 177 horsepower, four-cylinder engine as the Regal, with a zero-to-60 time of eight seconds and an estimated 31 mpg on the highway. A turbocharged 2-liter engine will come later. General Motors promises that the car will be among the quietest in its class. It's starting price is $23,470 including shipping.

Cadillac
General Motors' luxury brand is getting a little stale, but help is coming in the 2012 model year in two key market segments where it does not now compete.

ATS: The ATS, a rear-drive small car aimed squarely at the BMW 3 Series, will debut in the summer. GM hasn't released many details, but teaser pictures look like a shrunken Cadillac CTS sports sedan with a high rear and sloping hood. We're not sure what will power the thing, but there has been speculation about a turbocharged 2.0-liter four cylinder and a 3.8-liter V6. GM says the car has to perform, handle and ride better than the BMW, and its engineers are working to make sure that comes true. No price was released, but it's expected to come in under the lowest-price 3 Series sedan, the 328i, which starts at $34,600.

XTS: Cadillac hasn't had much to compete with in the big front-wheel-drive part of the market, but that also will change in the spring with the debut of the XTS. The car is likely to have a soft ride and probably won't be a road burner. GM executives have said it's aimed at the traditional Cadillac buyer, and that means senior citizens, few of whom value cornering and zero-to-60 times. But it's likely to get good gas mileage for its size. No details were released about engines, transmissions or price of the car, to be built in Ontario.

Chevrolet
SONIC: The General gets serious about selling mini-cars in the U.S. for the first time with the Chevrolet Sonic, an Americanized version of a new tiny global vehicle. The Sonic comes as a four-door sedan and a five-door hatchback, and it has the same engines as its bigger brother, the Chevrolet Cruze. That means the Sonic will be faster from zero to 60 and should get better gas mileage than the Cruze, upwards of 40 mpg on the highway. The base engine in the Sonic is GM's old 1.8-liter, 135 horsepower four banger. Drivers also can elect the Cruze's 1.4-liter turbocharged engine with 138 horsepower. Five-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmissions are available. GM engineers promise that the car will handle better than its main competitors, the Ford Fiesta and Hyundai Accent. With a base price of $14,495 including shipping, it's pricier than some competitors, but GM says it has more standard equipment, including 10 air bags, air conditioning and alloy wheels. It's due in showrooms this fall.

CAMARO: The all-powerful Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, equipped with massive 6.2-liter, 550-horsepower supercharged V-8 engine, is a new version of the venerable muscle car. General Motors borrowed the name from a 1960s all-aluminum racing engine. The ZL1, due out early in 2012, will look different from the existing Camaro with a new front grille and carbon fiber center section of the hood. The car will have a "track-ready" suspension, high-performance six-speed manual transmission and huge brakes. Performance numbers haven't been released, but the Cadillac CTS-V, with same engine, goes from zero to 60 mph (100 kph) in a crazy-fast 3.9 seconds with a top speed of 191 mph. No price has been announced.

MALIBU: An all-new midsize car built on European underpinnings comes out early next year as a 2013 model, replacing a car that was good in its day but has been passed up by the competition in the highly popular segment. GM says it will have an all-new, 190 horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with direct fuel injection, which makes it more efficient than older engines. The company promises a wider, more athletic stance and handling that's comparable to more expensive sport sedans. GM also brags that it will have best-in-class aerodynamics for better fuel efficiency. Mileage for the base model hasn't been released yet. The current car gets 22 in the city and 33 on the highway. An eco version of the 2013 Malibu with GM's e-Assist technology, which shuts off the engine when the car stops for traffic lights and uses an electric motor to help it accelerate, is supposed to get 38 mpg on the highway and 26 in the city. It also has 10 air bags. GM has not released the price.

Chrysler
300 SRT8: The flagship brand gets a pavement-eating version of the 300 luxury sedan, powered by a 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 with 470 horsepower. It's supposed to go from zero to 60 in the high 4-second range with a top speed of 175 mph. Chrysler promises great handling, too.

Dodge
TOP-SECRET COMPACT: With the U.S. auto market moving toward compact cars for fuel economy and cost reasons, Dodge has been left at the curb with lackluster Caliber. But the new Chrysler-Fiat company is promising far better things with the debut of a new compact sedan in the second quarter of next year. The name hasn't been released yet, but it's code-named "PF," and it's based on the stylish Alfa Romeo Giulietta. The sporty Italian compact is powered by engines ranging from a 1.4-liter turbo with 120 horsepower to a 235 horsepower turbocharged and direct-injected four-cylinder. Alfa also has some small diesels powering the Giulietta, but it's unlikely they will come to the United States. Dodge has released no information on the car but says it will debut at the Detroit auto show in January.

VIPER: The ultimate roadster makes a comeback in 2012 after a one-year absence. Chrysler says it will look different from the 2010 version and will handle better with improvements to its chassis. Horsepower is likely to increase from the 2010 version, which had a whopping 600 with a special V-12 engine. The company has released little information on the car.

CHARGER SRT8: Gets a 470 horsepower, 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 that features 45 more horsepower and 50 more lb.-ft. of torque than its predecessor. Zero-to-60 time in the high 4-second range.

Fiat
FIAT 500 ABARTH: Named for Italian race-car maker Abarth, which is now part of Fiat, the sportier version of the Fiat 500 is scheduled to go on sale in the United States in the first half of 2012. The 500 Abarth is currently sold in other countries with a 135-horsepower 1.4-liter engine, but the U.S. version could get Fiat's turbocharged 170-horsepower 1.4-liter. Fiat plans to announce more in November at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

FIAT 500 CABRIO: The 2012 Fiat Cabrio convertible went on sale earlier this summer. Its fully automatic cloth top can retract at speeds of up to 60 mph. Drivers can choose from three cloth top colors — red, black or tan — to go with the 14 exterior and 12 interior color combinations. The 101-horsepower, four-cylinder engine can get up to 38 mpg when paired with a five-speed manual transmission. The Cabrio starts at $19,500.

ELECTRIC FIAT 500: Fiat plans to sell an all-electric version of the Fiat 500 in the second half of 2012. No other details have been released.

Ferrari
FF: New for 2012, the FF is Ferrari's first four-wheel-drive car. The company says the FF also is its most powerful four-seater ever. It has a new 6.3-liter V-12 with 651 horsepower and can go from zero to 62 mph in 3.7 seconds. The price hasn't been released, but Ferrari says it will be around $300,000.

Ford
ELECTRIC FOCUS: Ford's first all-electric car, the 2012 Ford Focus Electric, goes on sale at the end of 2011. Ford hasn't said how many miles the car will be able to go on a charge, but says it will be competitive with other electric cars like the Nissan Leaf, which has a range of around 73 miles. Ford is also releasing the sporty Focus ST in the latter half of 2012, a specially tuned version with a turbocharged four-cylinder with 247 horsepower. Pricing on those models hasn't been announced.

TAURUS: Ford is releasing a redesigned Taurus sedan in the spring as a 2013 model. It's lower and wider, for a more aggressive look, and will have the MyFord Touch voice-activated entertainment and navigation system. It will also get Ford's 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, which will give it 237 horsepower but keep fuel economy at 31 mpg.

VERTREK: Ford is expected to replace the boxy, aging Escape small SUV with a new small SUV in early 2012. The sleek Vertrek concept, introduced at the Detroit auto show in January, gave a strong hint at what it will look like, but Ford hasn't released other details.

Honda
CIVIC: Redesigned for 2012 but doesn't look dramatically different from the old model. New Civic has a re-engineered 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 140 horsepower and boosts fuel economy. There's also a more powerful 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower in the Si performance version, and a new powertrain in the Civic Hybrid that boosts combined city-highway fuel economy to 44 mpg with a new lithium-ion battery. The gas-powered "HF" — or "high fuel economy" — model gets 41 mpg on the highway. Prices start at $16,355 for a stripped-down DX model, including shipping.

CR-V: The fourth generation of the small crossover SUV vehicle gets a redesign with a sleeker exterior and improvements that make it more fuel efficient. Details haven't been released, but the new CR-V goes on sale in late 2011.

PILOT: The venerable people hauler gets an update with sleeker styling and better gas mileage due to aerodynamic refinements. Goes on sale in September. Further information wasn't released. Prices start at $29,280 including shipping.

Hyundai
ACCENT: The revamped fourth-generation subcompact went on sale in the summer. It has Hyundai's 1.6-liter direct injection engine that puts out 138 horsepower and gets 40 mpg on the highway. Fuel economy is 18 percent better than its predecessor with a manual transmission and 11 percent better with an automatic. It has electronic stability control and six airbags standard. Hyundai claims it has the roominess of a compact even though it's smaller. Base price is $13,205 with a manual transmission, including freight.

GENESIS: Hyundai's full-size luxury entry gets an update with an aggressive grille and front fascia. The 3.8-liter V-6 gets direct fuel injection to boost horsepower by 15 percent to 333, as well as improved gas mileage. Hyundai adds an R-Spec model with a new 5-liter direct injection engine that makes 429 horsepower. All engines get a Hyundai-developed eight-speed transmission. Prices start at $35,050 including shipping.

VELOSTER: The sporty three-door compact coupe has a 138-horsepower, 1.6-liter direct-injection four-cylinder engine and a six-speed manual transmission or dual-clutch automatic and will get 40 mpg on the highway. It has a hatch, one large door on the driver side and two shorter doors on the passenger side. The Veloster will start at $18,060, including shipping, when it goes on sale this fall.

Infinity
JX: Nissan plans to introduce the JX, a seven-passenger crossover, in the spring of 2012 as a 2013 model. The company says the all-new vehicle will have Infiniti's elegant design, flexible seating with easy access to the third row and advanced technology. The company plans to release more details at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.

Jaguar
XKR-S: The 2012 XKR-S coupe is one of the fastest Jaguars ever built, capable of accelerating to 100 miles per hour in 8.7 seconds. It has a top speed of 186 mph. The XKR-S's five-liter V-8 engine, now in its third generation, has been supercharged to give it 550 horsepower, but also has more precise direct injection to save fuel. The XKR-S gets 22 miles per gallon on the highway. It starts at $132,875, including shipping.

Jeep
GRAND CHEROKEE SRT8: The top-selling Grand Cherokee SUV gets a souped-up version from Chrysler's Street and Racing Technology (SRT) team. The high-performance SUV will go from zero to 60 in 4.8 seconds with a top speed of 160 mph, which is comparable or faster than many performance sedans. It's the most powerful Jeep ever with an all-new 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 with 470 horsepower. The company also says it's the best-handling Jeep ever with a new adaptive damping suspension.

Kia
RIO/RIO5: Kia has redesigned its compact sedan and hatchback, giving them more power — 138 horsepower — while still improving highway fuel economy to 40 mpg. The Rio also has some luxurious options, including a hands-free entertainment system and back-up camera. Pricing hasn't been released for the Rio, which is expected to go on sale in October, but its predecessor started at $12,990.

CADENZA: Kia's replacement for the flagship Amanti sedan is expected in the summer. Kia hasn't released details, but dealers say it will have a more luxurious interior and a 165-horsepower four-cylinder engine or 290-horsepower V6.

Lamborghini
AVENTADOR LP 700-4: The new model has a V-12 engine that puts out 700 horsepower. The four-wheel-drive car can go from zero to 62 mph in 2.9 seconds. It costs $389,995 including shipping.

Land Rover
RANGE ROVER EVOQUE: Land Rover is targeting new entry-level customers with the Evoque, a small crossover that comes in either three- or five-door configurations. Land Rover bills the Evoque as its lightest, most fuel-efficient vehicle ever, with highway fuel economy of 28 mpg. But the crossover still has power, thanks to its new 240-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, and off-road capability. It also has lots of luxury features, including a heated windshield and steering wheel. The Evoque starts at $45,995, including shipping.

Lexus
GS 350/450h: Lexus plans to release both the gas version and the hybrid version of the midsize GS sedan early next year as 2013 models. The GS has a new look, with an aggressive, hourglass-shaped grille and a clean design meant to maximize aerodynamic efficiency. Inside, Lexus put more emphasis on the driver by lowering the steering wheel, improving the field of vision and making the seats more supportive. There are nice perks, too, like 18-way power seats. The 350 has a 3.5-liter V-6 engine with 306 horsepower. The 450h mates that engine to an electric motor, boosting horsepower to 338. Fuel economy numbers haven't been released, but Lexus says the 450h will have 30-percent better fuel economy than the outgoing GS hybrid, which gets 25 mpg on the highway.

Maserati
GRANTURISMO CONVERTIBLE: Gets a sport version for 2012 with a 4.7-liter, 444-horsepower V-8 engine, improved handling, new seats and a sportier sound.

GRANTURISMO MC COUPE: Maserati adds a coupe at the top of the MC line and says it's the fastest and best-handling of its cars. The coupe gets the same 444 horsepower V-8 as the GranTurismo convertible plus aerodynamic body work. It has a top speed of 185 mph.

Mazda
CX-5: The CX-5 small crossover, due out in February as a 2013 model, has a new 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that is expected to significantly improve fuel economy. Mazda plans to release more details this fall at the Frankfurt Auto Show.

MAZDA5: The 2012 Mazda5, a small, six-seat minivan that went on sale last winter, has distinctive, swooping lines carved into its sliding doors and more interior room. There's a new, 157-horsepower four-cylinder engine that gets up to 28 miles per gallon. For a sportier ride — or to help you forget you're in a minivan — there's a six-speed manual transmission and an optional spoiler. The Mazda5 starts at $19,990, including freight.

Mercedes-Benz
C-CLASS: A two-door coupe is new for 2012, and the four-door sedan has been refreshed with new bumpers, front grille, headlights and an aluminum hood. The interior also was redesigned. There's a choice of two new direct fuel injection engines with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Depending on trim line, available engines include a turbocharged 1.8-liter, 201-horsepower four-cylinder and a 3.5-liter V-6 with 302 horsepower. The high-performance C63 AMG has a 6.3-liter V-8 with 451 horsepower.

CLS-CLASS: The four-door coupe is all new for 2012 with all models powered by new biturbo direct-injection V8 engines. The CLS550 is powered by a 4.6-liter V-8 with 402 horsepower, yet it gets 17 mpg in the city and 26 on the freeway. The CLS63 AMG has a stop-start system that stops the engine at traffic lights and restarts it almost instantly when the light turns green. The high-performance version has a 5.5-liter V-8 with 518 horsepower. An optional performance package raises output to 550 horsepower.

M-CLASS: The all-new third generation of the SUV hit showrooms earlier in the summer. It sits about an inch lower than its predecessor and is slightly longer and wider. The ML350 BlueTec diesel version has more power than in the past with 240 horsepower, while the ML350 4Matic gets a new direct-injection V-6 engine with 302 horsepower. It starts at $49,874, including shipping.

SLK-CLASS: The third-generation small SLK Roadster is new for 2012. The SLK250 is powered by a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine that has 201 horsepower, while the SLK350 is powered by a 3.5-liter, 302 horsepower V-6. The high-performance SLK55 AMG is the most powerful SLK ever, with a 5.5-liter V-8 with 415 horsepower, and it can go from zero to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. It also features cylinder shutoff to get better gas mileage. The SLK starts at $55,675, including shipping.

Mini
COUPE: The mini-car from BMW that made tiny trendy comes out with its first two-seater, the Mini Coupe. Powerplants range from a 121-horsepower four-cylinder in the Coupe and 181 horsepower in the Cooper S Coupe to the MINI John Cooper Works Coupe, with 208 horsepower. The car has a hard-shell, sloping roof and rear spoilers, as well as a hatch and 9.8 cubic feet of luggage space.

Mitsubishi
LANCER: SE model gets all-wheel drive with its 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and a snowbelt state focus. Heated seats and 16-inch alloy wheels are added. Pricing hasn't been released, but the 2011 model started at $15,295.

Nissan
GT-R: Nissan has modified the 3.8-liter, V6 engine on the 2012 GT-R sports car so it now gets 530 horsepower, compared to 485 on the previous model. To reduce air resistance, Nissan has enlarged the grille openings and added lighter weight, aluminum-forged 20-inch wheels. The GT-R will also be available in a new "Black Edition," with custom black-and-red leather seats and metallic black wheels. The car also gets slightly better fuel economy — 23 miles per gallon on the highway, compared to 21 on the 2011 model. The 2012 GT-R is available now at 650 select Nissan dealers, starting at $89,950.

VERSA: Nissan has redesigned the Versa small car from the ground up. It has a new, lighter underbody for more nimble driving, a new, more fuel-efficient engine and transmission, and a more aerodynamic design. Nissan says the Versa will get 30 miles per gallon in the city and 38 on the highway, an improvement of around 4 mpg over its predecessor. The 2012 Versa went on sale in August and starts at $10,990, excluding shipping, for a manual transmission and hand-cranked windows. If you want power windows and an automatic, the Versa SV starts at $14,560.

Porsche
911 CARRERA: The seventh generation of the 911 Carrera, due out in February, is 4 inches longer but 100 pounds lighter thanks to its new aluminum and steel frame. Porsche said the 350-horsepower, 3.4-liter boxer engine will also save more fuel than previous models, thanks to an automatic stop/start function that reduces engine usage, and other improvements. The sportier 911 Carrera S will have a 400-horsepower, 3.8-liter boxer engine, an improvement of 15 horses over the previous model. The 2012 Carrera will be officially unveiled at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September. The 911 Carrera Coupe will start at $82,100, excluding shipping, while the Carrera S will be $14,000 more.

Rolls-Royce
GHOST: Gets an extended wheelbase model with an additional 6.7 inches of interior space over the standard Ghost. It costs $290,000.

Saab
9-5: Gets a wagon version and choice of two engines, a 2-liter four or a 3-liter V-6. So far, it's unclear how Saab's bankruptcy protection filing in early September will affect sales, but Saab says the filing doesn't affect Saab North America.

Scion
SCION iQ: Scion's iQ minicar, which has been sold as a Toyota in Europe and Asia since 2008, goes on sale on the West Coast in October and will come to the rest of the country over the following six months. It's 120 inches long, or about 4 inches longer than the Fiat 500, and its 94-horsepower engine gets 37 miles per gallon. It starts at $15,995, including shipping.

FR-S: Scion debuted a concept version of this rear-wheel-drive sports car at the New York Auto Show in April, and said something very similar will be out next year. Scion is using a Subaru 2.0-liter boxer engine, because of its flat size and shape, but few other details are known. Scion says the car will cost less than $30,000.

Subaru
IMPREZA: The fourth-generation of the compact debuts with new four- and five-door designs, more agile handling and better fuel economy. A new 2-liter engine gets the all-wheel-drive car to 36 mpg on the highway and 27 in the city, 30 percent better than its predecessor. Trunk and cargo room are increased. The Impreza starts at $18,245, including shipping.

Tesla
MODEL S: Electric car maker Tesla hopes to extend its customer base beyond its Roaster sports car with the Model S, a sedan due out in the middle of 2012. The sedans will cost around $50,000 — half the price of a Roadster — and will allow drivers to get different battery packs based on their needs, from one that gets 160 miles per charge to one that gets 300. Tesla said it had 5,300 reservations for the sedan at the start of this summer; it plans to produce 5,000 Model S sedans in 2012.

Toyota
CAMRY: Toyota unveiled the new Camry sedan in August. It's quieter and roomier than the 2011 model and gets significantly better fuel economy. The four-cylinder engine gets 35 miles per gallon on the highway, while the hybrid version gets 41 mpg. Toyota will also offer Entune, a new entertainment system that lets drivers connect to mobile phone applications like Pandora through voice commands or a touch screen. The Camry goes on sale in October and starts at just over $22,000, including shipping.

PRIUS V: The five-passenger, wagon version of the wildly popular Prius hybrid goes on sale in October, a launch that was delayed by several months because of the earthquake in Japan. The "V" stands for "versatility," with 6 more inches of cargo space. It's also slightly taller and wider. The Prius V is expected to get 42 miles per gallon. Toyota hasn't announced the price.

YARIS: The three-door and five-door hatchback versions of the Yaris small car are getting a makeover. They've got a sportier design and are nearly 3 inches longer than the 2011 models, improving cargo space. The Yaris starts at $14,875, including shipping.

Volkswagen
JETTA: Gets a GLI high-performance version for 2012 with a starting price of $23,495, excluding shipping. The GLI is powered by a 2-liter turborcharged gas engine with 200 horsepower. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, with a dual clutch automatic optional.

GOLF: Golf R version arrives early next year with a high-output version of the 2-liter turbocharged four, with more than 250 horsepower.

NEW BEETLE: The company's iconic Beetle gets a squat, sloped design for 2012 with 2.5-liter five-cylinder and 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engines. The 170-horsepower in-line five-cylinder engine gets 22 mpg in the city and 29 on the highway. Prices start at $18,995 excluding shipping.

PASSAT: The midsize Passat is all-new with a significantly lower price than its predecessor at $19,995, excluding shipping. The base model has a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine. It also comes with a 2-liter TDI diesel, a turbocharged 140-horsepower 2-liter four-cylinder engine and a 3.6-liter V-6 with 280 horsepower.

TIGUAN: The small crossover SUV gets an update with a sleeker look, and a redesigned grille and redesigned taillights. The transmission was also tweaked to improve fuel economy.

Volvo
S60: The 2012 S60 midsize sedan has a sportier design and improved fuel economy, now up to 30 mpg. The base engine is a five-cylinder with 250 horsepower. Volvo is also offering the world's first pedestrian detection technology. The S60 starts at $32,025, including shipping.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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European car show upbeat, despite economy

AppId is over the quota AppId is over the quota FRANKFURT — Stock markets around the globe are plunging, consumers are retrenching and the threat of another recession seems to be on everyone’s mind these days.

Well, almost everyone. Optimism is the mood of the moment as the biennial Frankfurt Motor Show gets under way this week in Germany.

Never mind that Ford warned recently about sales missing estimates. No matter that automotive executives are watching the economic problems that are threatening to tear the European Union apart. Ford “comes to Europe with optimism,” insisted Stephen Odell, CEO of Ford of Europe, in a speech previewing the carmaker’s new line-up at the German car show.

In fact, Ford may have more reason for optimism than other automakers. The automaker has regained significant sales momentum this year after years of sales and market share declines that only complicated the problems it had in its home market. It has been sitting in the number two spot in Europe, this year, just behind Volkswagen AG — which is itself likely to be the second-largest automaker in the world when the numbers are added up for 2011, thanks to Toyota’s crushing production problems following the March earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

It’s not surprising, of course, to hear manufacturers speak of their hopes and aspirations — it’s what economists suggest consumers want to hear. And nothing spurs optimism more in the auto industry than new sheet metal. This year, there’s plenty of it on show in Frankfurt.

After delaying the introduction of many new models during the worst of the global economic downturn, manufacturers have opened the spigot on their product pipelines. Some 100 new vehicles were launched during the two media that came ahead of the show’s official opening to the public, according to estimates.

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Perhaps the only ones visibly worried about the increase in car introductions were the 10,000-odd reporters gathered in the German financial capital to try to cover the event. Organizers have this year had to double up many of the news conference slots. Most of them were also cut short to just 15 minutes. That was complicated by the fact that it’s nearly a kilometer from one end of the sprawling Frankfurt Messe exhibition center to the other.

In hopes of standing out from the crowd, carmakers have been forced to stage advance “backgrounders,” hoping to get journalists to write more about their products than those of their competitors. The Internet is filled with more than a few “leaked” images that appeared to be stage-managed by the manufacturers themselves.

On the night before the first official media day, there were long lines of limousines and buses outside most of Frankfurt’s major hotels escorting reporters to parties where they could take a look at products they might not get to see during the frenzied media previews.

Volkswagen, for example, provided a look at all its dozen brands’ offerings, including the new production version of the VW Up! microcar, as well as a pair of battery-powered vehicles from its upscale Audi brand.

There are no formal plans to put the A2 show car and Audi Urban Concept vehicles into production — yet. But it’s clear that the various Volkswagen subsidiaries, from pedestrian Seat to luxurious Audi, are convinced that European buyers will continue to look for smaller and greener products that can help them navigate crowded urban roads and survive record fuel prices that, in some national markets, have topped $10 a gallon.

Small and fuel-efficient models are everywhere to be found at the various Frankfurt halls, and even luxury automakers are acknowledging the trend. Lexus has a new version of its GS450h hybrid. And Jaguar’s concept offering, the C-X16, would be, if it went into production, the smallest model the British marque has turned out in over half a century.

Mercedes-Benz, meanwhile, has a striking liquid silver-painted concept dubbed the F125! (exclamation points are in high demand this year). The F125! can run on clean, light hydrogen gas, while BMW stages the formal launch of its new “i” brand with the debut of the i8 and i3 battery-powered cars.

In typical form, the German marques dominate Frankfurt, much as the French brands show off every even year when the event moves to Paris. But with 50 different brands on display in Frankfurt, Teutonic carmakers are getting plenty of competition this year.

The Koreans are proving particularly aggressive, with Kia revealing a coupe-like sport sedan dubbed the GT and Hyundai revealing the i30, which will also be sold in the U.S. as a wagon version of the wildly popular Elantra.

The move by Hyundai underscores one of the significant changes that has reshaped both the auto show circuit and the industry as a whole in recent years: In decades past, a sizable majority of the products shown in Europe would never cross the Atlantic. But these days carmakers are pushing for ever-improved economies of scale, and that means more global products.

The smallest offerings, such as the Mercedes A- and B-Class models, still aren’t coming to the U.S., although that might change if fuel prices at home keep rising, company officials suggest.

Ford’s pre-show preview brought the unveiling of the Evos, a stunning coupe-like sedan with four gullwing-style doors.

“This is the new face of Ford,” said the carmaker’s global design chief J Mays. Although the car’s gullwing doors are “just showbiz,” according to Mays, Ford sources confirmed that many of the Evos’ design details will reappear on the stage at the Detroit Auto Show next January in the form of replacement versions of the U.S. Fusion sedan and European Mondeo.

Once completely separate vehicles, the two cars are now distinct only in their nameplates. By developing common vehicles that can be sold around the world Ford can afford to develop more niche vehicles to target selective groups of consumers.

That’s a strategy that most makers are now adopting, which is why there are 100 or more products all vying for attention in Frankfurt.

The Frankfurt Motor Show, the world’s biggest auto show, runs until Sept. 25.

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Toyota says NA production back to normal

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TORRANCE, California — Toyota Motor Corp. says its North American production is back to normal levels after a six-month slowdown following the March earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

Toyota builds 12 models in North America, including the Camry, RAV4 and Tacoma pickup. Together, they account for nearly 70 percent of Toyota's U.S. sales.

The company said Tuesday it's also on track to open its 14th North American plant in Mississippi. That plant will start making the Corolla in October.

Toyota plans to use overtime and Saturday shifts to help replenish inventory at dealerships.

The company originally thought its production slowdown would last until the end of this year, but it was able to get parts from suppliers earlier than expected. Production in Japan has also returned to normal levels.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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BMW’s Tron-like future cars

BMW's Vision EfficientDynamics, shown at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, has spawned two further cars, the i8 and the i3, which are set to propel BMW into a future of glass, electricity and, yes, laser lights.

While the i8 is a plug-in hybrid, the i3 is a purely electric city car with suicide doors, one that BMW calls the "megacity vehicle," which probably doesn't mean Manila or Addis Abeba but L.A. with more neons. It's the love child of a wedge and a glass bubble and it will come with a 170 hp electric motor.

The plan for BMW's i line is real vehicles in the not so distant future, and the one you will probably want is the i8, which will marry electric power with a three-pot for a 0-to-60 of five seconds with the fuel consumption of a paper airplane. Or not much more.

It looks lovely in person, although a bit too clean and precious for the world beyond BMW's pristine and futuristic exhibition hall. To handle the real world out there, the i cars will offer "more safety, more comfort, and more infotainment".

But don't worry if you like your BMW's loud, brutal and in-your-face. The i cars are definitely the company's future.

The company's present, meanwhile, is the snarling, blue BMW M5, which was driven on the stage at high speed. While the engine's noise was muffled by corporate rock from sound system, it was plenty for a smile.

© 2011 Jalopnik, the most influential blog obsessed with the cult of cars, is the web's top source for breaking automotive news, gossip, edgy commentary and trusted vehicle reviews.

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Spare tires may be going the way of tailfins

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DETROIT — Say you just bought a new car, and the right front tire goes flat as you're driving down the freeway.

Don't be surprised if there's no spare when you look in the trunk.

This year, more than 14 percent of new models on sale in the United States came with liquid tire sealant and a portable electric air pump instead of a spare, a trend that is growing as automakers try to shed pounds and boost gas mileage.

But there can be problems. While the sealant works well in most cases, you could be stuck on the shoulder if the hole that caused the flat is larger than a quarter of an inch, or if the puncture is on the side of the tire. In those cases, the only option is to have your car towed, and you may have to wait for a repair shop to track down a new tire.

"The last thing you want to do is find out the hard way that you don't have a spare tire if you're stranded on the side of the road," said Gene Petersen, tire program leader for Consumer Reports magazine.

However, General Motors Co., Hyundai Motor Co. and other automakers that use the pump-and-sealant kits say they have many advantages, mainly the weight savings. The kits are about 20 pounds lighter than a temporary spare and the jack and other tools needed to put on the tire. Also, the inflator kits don't take up as much room in the trunk, leaving more space for luggage or other cargo.

GM, which has made inflators and sealant standard on all but five of its 22 U.S. car and crossover models, said the kits can fix 85 percent of tire punctures. They're easy to use, even for someone who might be afraid of changing a tire, and they're safer because tires can be quickly refilled, getting the driver off the roadside and back in traffic faster than putting on a spare, said Dave Cowger, GM's tire engineering group manager.

Hyundai says the inflator kits help avoid another problem: getting dirty while changing a tire yourself. All you do is attach some tubes and fill the tire with sealant and air.

GM's market research, Cowger said, shows that half of consumers would call for roadside assistance rather than using a spare.

Also, new cars now come with electronic tire pressure monitors, so a slow leak in a tire is likely to be detected and fixed before it causes problems on the road, Cowger said.

GM, like many automakers, offers car buyers the option of getting a spare tire, charging $100 to $150 more for them. Cowger wouldn't say if GM saves money by swapping inflator kits for spares.

But many new car buyers assume that they're getting a spare and don't ask about it, said Ronald Montoya, consumer advice associate with the Edmunds.com automotive website.

"Unfortunately, this is something that many of us don't think of when shopping for a car," he said.

Plus, new cars are often equipped with larger wheels and performance tires with smaller sidewalls than regular tires. That helps a car handle better, but the sides of those tires take more punishment from potholes and are more prone to sidewall punctures, said Petersen.

Still, for the 85 percent of flats that the sealant can fix, there are 15 percent that it can't.

That's why Honda Motor Co. uses spares on all its 2011 models, spokesman Chuck Schifsky said.

"An actual spare tire is the best backup system should a customer have a flat tire," he said. "This is especially true in cases where the tire is damaged beyond what the tire sealant and pump systems can repair."

Nick Romito, an auto finance underwriter from Antioch, Ill., not far from Milwaukee, said he wouldn't buy a car without a spare tire. "I don't have a lot of confidence in those sealant products," he said. His family recently bought two used Ford Fusion sedans, both of which have spares, because Romito fears that the sealant could fail after it's squirted into the tire and under pressure from compressed air.

Automakers, however, say the sealant is reliable, but they recommend checking a few miles after fixing a flat to see if the tire needs a little more air.

GM also recommends that people drive no more than 100 miles before getting a sealed tire repaired. Cowger said drivers can travel at normal highway speeds after sealing a leak.

Like it or not, automakers increasingly are getting rid of spares as they face pressure to meet stricter government fuel economy regulations. By 2025, the U.S. car and truck fleet will have to average 54.5 miles per gallon under the standards, which are being phased in gradually. That's about double what cars and trucks now get.

According to Edmunds, just over 6 percent of all new car models had only the inflator kits in 2009, but that more than doubled by 2011.

"They need to find any way they can to reduce the weight of the vehicle, which will in turn make it more fuel efficient," Montoya said.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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VW recalls 30,000 Jettas to fix long tailpipes

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DETROIT — Volkswagen is recalling more than 30,000 Jetta sedans from the 2011 and 2012 model years because the tailpipes can stick out too far and burn people.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says on its website that stainless steel exhaust pipe tips installed at ports of entry and dealerships can stick out farther than the factory-installed tailpipes.

If the tips are hot, people could be burned on the legs.

Documents on the website say Volkswagen received complaints of burns in July and began investigating. Volkswagen said Monday that fewer than 10 people have complained of burns, but a specific number wasn't available.

Dealers will inspect the cars to see if the exhaust tips are too long and replace them free of charge if necessary.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Saab denied protection

STOCKHOLM-troubled automaker Saab, known for his quirky, rounded cars moved its request for bankruptcy protection closer to financial collapse Thursday after a Swedish court rejected.

The judgment of Rattvik District Court means that the Swedish brand, which has struggled financially, because General Motors co., Netherlands-based Spyker sold cars in 2010, now only days before the bankruptcy action of trade unions before. Spyker has since changed name to Swedish car.

The company has fought Sweden, most of the year was interrupted for the suppliers and employees, and production in its plant in Trollhattan, to pay.

Swedish automobile said that it the decision of the Court before the deadline to Sept. 29 would appeal.

It is unclear whether the Court of Appeal accepted represented 3,700 employees said the request and the unions Saab, that they within bankruptcy days for members still awaiting their August salaries would be.

Bankruptcy protection in Sweden is similar to Chapter 11 in the United States, allowing a society, reorganize time to improve their finances and wound up avoid buying. The Swedish Government employee salaries paid during this period. The Government salary guarantee occurs even if a company in bankruptcy.

Swedish car filed an application for bankruptcy protection on Wednesday, including plans for a reorganization, it claimed would help reinvigorate the brand.

But the Court said it remains unclear how Saab - in 2009, she was a reorganization under GM - the money needs to find water.

Swedish car Dutch CEO Victor Muller, hoping for a 245 million € ($ 344 million)Cash injection of Chinese investors Zhejiang Youngman Lotus Automobile Co. and Pang as automobile trade co., the currently regulatory approval is waiting.

"It seems unclear if - and if so, when - the Chinese authorities approve the agreement" the Court said, adding that other financing solutions, non-sustainable seem presented by the company.

"In sum, the Court notes that it seems unclear, how the company can the liquidity crisis to solve and operations," the ruling said.

Saved last survivor of the 9 / 11: "I can't believe I'm here" raising to love a pint lost like 9 / 11 Pakistan-9/11-firefighter changed: proud in his heart, dust in his lungs is A snap! Vote for your favorite travel photo best bets: 'Survivor', 'Top Model' return to TV

Saab said in a statement, it was "disappointed" and would appeal the decision and update of the market "further developments" Friday. It gave no details.

Hakan Skott, Heimatverein of Chairman of Trade Union IF metal in Trollhattan, the decision of the Court called "sad" and said Union members checks filing bankruptcy proceedings against Saab in "the next couple of days."

"We are approaching 14 days without salary payments and the financial situation is always hard for some of our members, said Skott."

Union, an organization of work for employees, said it would wait no more than three days before the filing of a bankruptcy petition for Saab - if the company does not do it until then.

"It is our opinion that an employer, which ends in a situation like this even in bankruptcy, after", said Martin Wastfelt, senior legal advisor to the Union.

Tom Muller, analyst at Theodoor Gilissen in Amsterdam, said that he believes that trade unions can maximum wait two to three days before the filing of a bankruptcy.

"The company can do only one thing and that is to you money," said Muller, not related to the Swedish car Chief Executive. "The members have to eat." ... "People can not promise life."

He said he does not believe that Swedish car the means be able to find at the time.

"It is a good car, there is nothing wrong with the product, but it is the financial situation, which is the problem," he said.

Copyright 2011 of the associated press. All rights reserved. This material cannot be published, sent, rewritten or redistributed.

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Car veteran Bob Lutz again GM

Whether you know him as "Maximum Bob," "Captain Lutz, USMC retired" or few executives had simply "Bob" Lutz as long or as an impact on the automotive industry as Robert A..

Now - almost two years after he seemed reluctantly willing, fade into a wealthy retirement - that blunt, chomping a cigar Mr Lutz is back.

In a press release that weekend to go holiday yielded many in the long labor day General Motors it 79-year-old Lutz has signed as a consultant. While certain details were withheld, suggest sources the unique marine pilot will offer advice on a variety of topics relating to product and marketing.

They call in life Inc.: the New York Times reported that Yahoo CEO Carol Bartz while was fired by phone on the way to New York from Maine. Is it by phone thrown OK at all someone? Life Inc. list of the week: Pacific Northwest Palace life Inc.: the best car seats under $100 controversial car veteran Bob Lutz GM life Inc. again: the second language of business

His appointment could be for General Motors is crucial. The automaker pushes hard to make more profits at the expense of Japanese competition still struggling with product deficiency caused by the earthquake and tsunami, the Japan in March of this year hit.

The compact Chevrolet Cruze, one of the products of Lutz before leaving GM's end of 2009 championed such long-standing distribution leader as the Toyota Camry has significantly, and crashed the Honda Civic, to the best selling car of the country in recent months. GM challenge, that to keep momentum.

"It's no surprise," said David Cole, Lutz asked return.

The Chairman Emeritus of the Center for automotive research or car, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, says Cole Lutz "has a so deep passion for the product." It is probably better, it works for you, than to work somewhere else because he dies not in retirement, until he. "

Lutz began his nearly fifty years in the automotive industry with General Motors, shortly after his retirement from the Marines login. He later jumped BMW and Ford, ultimately go to Chrysler, where he on the top Lieutenant of the legendary Lee Iacocca. It was to a stormy relationship, and Lutz to shoot the Swiss born banker son in trouble often of the lip tendency.

The eventual successor once seen as Iacocca, Lutz sour his chances two decades ago, when he helped to derail a merger of Chrysler with Fiat to. When he was asked whether Chrysler would need to find an alternative partner, Lutz said that "a bridegroom can find you, if the bride is on its deathbed."

After leave in 1998 from the short-lived "merger of equals" between the US carmaker and Germany's Daimler Chrysler, Lutz was clearly unwilling retirement. He helped to finance a short-lived effort to revive the Cunningham sports car company and then automotive battery Exide got a short job as CEO of the company.

But then came the call from Rick Wagoner, who at the time was General Motors Chairman and CEO. Recognizing that the car companies market, could not the way out of trouble realized Wagoner, that it was time to reorganize GM legendary product development program. And Lutz was asked to take over, known as Deputy Chairman and "Car czar".

A process was slow and torturous. By 2002 GM product line an industry joke, Lutz ridiculous get become models like the Pontiac aztek as "evil appliances."

But every year the product line-up to improve. As GM, finance reduce the automaker landed two important victories: the Saturn Aura and Chevrolet Malibu then one after the other North American car of the year named.

How GM bankruptcy in 2009 overthrown, Lutz seemed more important than ever for the company product capabilities. But his bluntness helped, especially since he took on controversial issues such as global warming (a theme that he regularly dismissed as a fantasy). In the last few weeks of 2009 GM new Chairman and CEO Texans "Big Ed" Whitacre, announced that Lutz would leave.

Lutz of GM could came, but the septuagenarian soldier had no intention of fading. He was more clearly than before, if possible, advice start and add different boards, including the British carmaker Lotus sport. And he announced plans to write a new book.

The latest Tome, "car of guys vs. bean counters: the battle for the soul of American business," takes where Lutz earlier of book, "Guts," stopped, argues that the rise of MIT and Harvard wunderkind in recent decades, armed with MBA degrees, really is a threat to the US operations.

Ironically, trained and best known for his role in product development, Lutz actually in marketing.

"What he could do is add in the role of customers and unleash, design and engineering of the business page to passion in the product," so the car Cole.

And this is probably the role that he continues to play as a part-time consultant for GM sources say that Lutz with a number of senior executives, including Mary Barra, the first woman, head of product development for a large automotive company works.

"I would be someone like Maria I someone like Bob would like to me in the ear whispering", Cole said.

But Lutz is probably also advise you on the marketing side of the business. With the latest products win improve ratings, particularly difficult, has been found to it import-oriented buyers, particularly along the coasts to win for GM. The question is whether a 79-year-old "Child" as the connection with still a further generation of buyers, Lutz said a GM source that is allowed a little bit skeptical.

There are a few, his swan song mark the latest Lutz map GM expected. Despite what 80 February of next year, he has the full head of silver white hair and the ramrod bearing, a man, years younger would suggest. The voice can smoke Heiser from a lifetime of Cuban cigars, but his energy and drive are legendary.

Lutz is, if nothing else, dangers to compete. And the man, the, which he most directly competes with, his own father, who worked until six months before his death at 94. The Lutz has suggested, was too young.

Be not surprised, then, to see, Lutz still on call with GM - or anywhere else - when he is approaching 100.

© 2011 msnbc.com.  Reprints

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Sweden's Saab files for bankruptcy protection

STOCKHOLM - the owner of the coffers of automaker, on Wednesday in a last-ditch effort to save Saab for protection submitted a mark, debts crippled production losses, salary payments and to assemble withheld.

Swedish car, formerly known as Spyker cars, Saab and its subsidiaries, the Powertrain, and tools in the application for a realignment of voluntary and "self-managed" said filed that were included on a local court in the southwest of Sweden. Overseas units were excluded.

The Court and Saab of the creditor must, a phase of the first three months would court all collection operations managed reorganisation debts as well as the possible bankruptcy stop submissions. Some of the Saab of creditors have threatened to it into bankruptcy in their problems on paying suppliers and employees.

The Netherlands-based Spykers cars changed its name in Swedish car after the decision to focus only on the Saab brand. Under the direction of Dutch businessman Victor Muller, the company could the loss-making brand since he in 2010 from General Motors co., which was to revive it when the disassembly.

Suppliers of parts forced Sweden to suspend production at its plant in Trollhattan, for non-payment. Salary payments for many of the Saab deteriorated in recent months as liquidity shifted 3,700 workers crisis. These salaries are among the Swedish state wage guarantee scheme for aim.

The application for bankruptcy protection for cost reduction and "Creating a viable, competitive and independent organization" calls, said Swedish car.

"The ultimate purpose of the proposed voluntary reorganization to secure short-term stability while at the same time attracting additional resources," said the company.

Saab hopes cash injections by Chinese investors Zhejiang Youngman Lotus Automobile Co. and Pang da automobile trade co. The offers include the production and distribution of Saab cars in China, but due to the pending approvals by authorities have been delayed.

Muller, the CEO of Saab and Swedish car, said that "a voluntary reorganization is the time required, the protection and stabilization of business us." so that salary payments made to obtain short-term financing and prepared an ordered restart of production

He warned that the process to "Results in a number of difficult issues and decisions", but added that he believes that Saab put great confidence to the future cash Pang da and Youngman expects as a stronger and leaner car finished.

Darko Davidovic, union legal advisor for IF metal represents approximately 1,500 Saab workers, welcomed the move. He said "it the fastest four of our members, their money to get, unless the company pays itself," the associated press. "All alternative worse," the payment would have had on a possible bankruptcy.

Copyright 2011 of the associated press. All rights reserved. This material cannot be published, sent, rewritten or redistributed.

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What, not your city? D.C. has the worst drivers

According to a recent report issued by Allstate Insurance Co., Washington, D.C. entitled can - set for the worst, or at least the most driver - driver among the 200 largest cities in the United States

Found in collision on average every 4.8 years receive people of our nation Capitol. That means, are more likely to get in an accident, every time when the steering wheel as the typical driver in the United States to take, his or her once every 10 years applied 107.3%.

Other cities, ranking high on the list are such traffic hotspots as Baltimore, MD, Glendale, California, Newark, n.j., Providence, r.i., and Philadelphia, PA. Los Angeles holds the position as the number 11, with people driving their vehicles crashing every 6.6 years. Surprisingly place not New York City in the top 10, reached spot at number 20 in the poll with driver, always in collisions on average every 7.3 years (guess taxi drivers were counted as part of the study).

During collisions on the retreat, victims of road accidents claim, yet every year more than 32,000 lives. "Human behaviour is the most common cause of accidents." It is important for us to educate us drivers about safe driving behaviours that they can prove on the road towards that helps "Our streets safer, says Mike Roche, executive Vice President of Allstates claim organization."

Northbrook, Illinois-based insurer here in smaller towns - motorists, who are living in cities of the United States with a population of more than one million more than the national average for accidents to get found the safest drivers. Allstate says the safest drivers in Fort Collins, Colorado, can be found, where the average driver a car collision only once every 14 years of experience. Other cities in the safest driver list contain, Boise, Idaho, Lincoln, Neb., Chandler, Arizona, and Huntsville, Ala.

The study is based on property damage claims population reported adjusted over a two year period (from January 2008 to December 2009), a weighted average of the two-year numbers used to determine the results.

© 2011 Forbes.com

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Most and the least expensive cars to insure

When it comes to cheap auto insurance, family four doors are usually best. The town modest, although still popular Chrysler & land is a reasonable car that is quite cheap to insure. On the other hand, if imported luxury your preferred mode of transportation, be ready to go with the insignia for high insurance premiums.

Knee buckling beauties such as 12-cylinder Mercedes SL65 AMG can you again the national average is $3,543.81 a year in insurance costs alone, so that it is the most expensive car in America to insure according to quadrant information services, which set the order of Insure.com. The most expensive are to protect a total European brands such as Mercedes, BMW, Porsche and Aston Martin.

"Repair only one feature, a small fortune could cost after a crash" again notes can Insure.com from the well-stocked BMW 750i, which you set about $3,280.70 in annual insurance fee.

In the meantime make American and Japanese non-luxury vans, SUVs and sedans of the 10 least to insure expensive cars, according to the quadrant. To assure the first four cheapest cars, vans.

Forbes.com slideshow: most and the least expensive cars to insure

The 4-door, 6-cylinder Chrysler Town & country LX, costs $1,091.80 per year to insure, for example, national average. The 5-door, four-Toyota Sienna costs to insure $1,100.66 per year, and a similar Toyota Sienna LE costs to approximately $1,107.70.

For comparison, quadrant calculates average annual premiums based on a single male 40-year-old driver with a clean driving record, good credit and who commutes 12 miles to work every day.

The bonuses include those which quadrant comes with, not driver assured coverage with policy limits of $100,000 for injury liability for one person, $300,000 for all injuries and $50,000 for damage to property in an accident, as well as a deductible of $500 on collision and comprehensive coverage. Premium quotes come from six major health insurance: State farm, Allstate, progressive, GEICO, farmers, and nationwide.

Of course, your own prices vary based on your personal situation.

And insurance rates may be much higher in some States. While one would expect that the list of States with the highest average car insurance premiums would above New York and California, not they make five, even the top.

Michigan, Louisiana, and Oklahoma are the top three countries with the most expensive average car insurance premiums, according to Insure.com.

There are a few reasons why Michigan insurance according to the Insure.com spokesman Emmet Pierce holds the top spot of expensive car. "Michigan is the only State, the unlimited personal guarantees protection payments to those who are injured in traffic accident," as well as the State provides support for people with serious injuries explains to pay for medical care, Pierce.

But brand and price are not necessarily the only factors that come into play, if to determine insurance premiums. Age and driving owners are also a factor.

"A cheap car can relatively expensive to insure, if it appeals to younger, less experienced riders who tend to get more accidents," says Pierce. For example a Kia Rio is definitely not as a luxury car, but at $1.522, the annual premiums are not much less than in a Corvette two door coupe around $1.741 per year in the average cost to insure that.

Insure.com according to the report do not the popular Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla to the list of cars that are the least expensive to insure that. This is mainly because they tend to popular younger driver for entry-level vehicles, may be more take the risks or are distracted by their passengers.

Cars on the list of most stolen vehicles of the country according to the national insurance Crime Bureau can also more expensive than to assure that be not on the list. Certain vehicles tend to be actually older models with sophisticated anti-theft and tracking devices are equipped not, which are newer vehicles.

© 2011 Forbes.com

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