On it’s path to global domination, Volkswagen has made another official takeover bid, this time for German heavy truck maker MAN.

VW said that on May 9th, that it held more than 30 percent stock in MAN, which under German law, means the company was required to make a bid on all remaining shares in the truck company.

VW’s offer to third party shareholders for the remaining stock, included a price of 95 Euros ($136.80) for ordinary shares and 59.90 Euros ($86.81) for preferred shares.

The acquisition of MAN is part of a wider plan for VW to create a commercial vehicle powerhouse, having already acquired controlling interest in Swedish truck maker Scania.

However, anti-trust laws have placed a few obstacles in the path of bringing MAN, Scania and VW’s own commercial operations under a single umbrella. Nevertheless, the company remains undeterred and is looking to continue the process bit by bit, acquiring between 35 to 40 percent of the outstanding shares in MAN.

This will give VW multiple strategic options to pursue as well as potentially saving some 200 million Euros per year thanks to joint purchasing of all three brands. Both MAN and Scania are somewhat unique in the commercial vehicle sector in that they don’t rely on proprietary sources for major components such as engines, choosing instead to build their own. This aspect alone will give the new triumvirate a very solid position in the commercial vehicle market.

Besides acquiring MAN, VW is also finalizing its takeover of Porsche AG, which, once completed will become the company’s 10th individual brand.

[Source: AFP]

Kimi Raikkonen struggled to a 27th place on his NASCAR Nationwide Series debut at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Raikkonen, driving the #87 NEMCO Motorsports Toyota prepared by Kyle Busch Motorsports, suffered a pit road penalty and damage to the front of his car, dropping from 15th to 27th place.

The iceman enjoyed a great run in practice on Thursday and set some competitive lap times. He felt much more comfortable ahead of the race than a week ago when he made his NASCAR debut in the Truck Series.

Raikkonen qualified 22nd despite skimming the wall on his first flying lap, he made early progress despite not being happy with his car’s balance.

“It was nice in the beginning and I could overtake on the restart and it felt really good when [the car] turned,” said Raikkonen. “Then it really it turned out to be really bad, the handling. Just because I couldn’t even get the car in, even I felt I had to stop in the corner and it was just pushing all the time.

Raikkinen also faced heat issues early in the race. He complained that his feet were getting very hot. NASCAR drivers wear heat-isolating heel protectors over their racing shoes, but Raikkinen said he did not wear them because he did not have any issues last week in the Truck race.

Raikkonen is planning to return to Europe to compete in the Rally Acropolis in Greece next month. He is unsure if he will be travelling back to the US for a possible NASCAR Sprint Cup Series debut next month.

[Source: AutoSport]

Jeep has just hired and filmed a commercial with Lenny Kravitz to give the brand a new cool look. The commercial features Lenny Kravitz off- roading in the backwoods in a 2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. The commercial also features Lenny Kravitz’s new song from his album “Rock Star City Life”.

Check out the video for yourself after the jump!

Continue Reading…

The Ford F-Series pickup isn’t just the best selling truck in America, but the best selling vehicle and it has been that way for almost as long as anyone can remember. That, however, may change, especially if gas prices continue to stay high and jobless rates don’t decline.

According to data released by Ward’s Automotive, in the month of April truck sales made up the smallest percentage of marketshare since the organization started recording data in 1980. In total, trucks made up just 11.8 percent of light-vehicle sales in April, compared to an all-time high of 22.9 percent in July of 2005.

Traditionally the segment that sells the most vehicles has been the mid-size car segment, with an all-time high of 39.8 percent of the market in 1980. That number has dropped considerably over the years, due mostly to the segmentation of the market, and so far in 2011 mid-size cars make up 20.8 percent of registered new vehicles. Trucks, meanwhile, make up just 12.6 percent.

According to Ward’s the main factors affecting truck sales are jobless rates and the price of gas, with those 2005 truck records coming at 5.0 percent unemployment and $2.28 gas prices.

U.S. automakers are still betting heavily on the truck segment, and there’s still plenty of strength left in it with F-Series trucks up 3.7 percent last month.

[Source: Ward's]

General Motors has done a commendable job differentiating GMC and Chevrolet even though they share many of the same designs. As proof, one could compare the Terrain to the Equinox or the Acadia to the Traverse and see they share the same underpinnings yet each has a distinctive look.

Mark Reuss, GM President in North America explains that GM’s two-branded approach to trucks needs to be better executed in the future. One way to further differentiate GMC is to head farther upscale with its Denali trim range. ”I think we can do premium Chevrolets, and take GMC and move it even further up,” says Reuss. If GMC were to implement the Denali trim level to increase luxury sales, the brand would have to incorporate the badging on many more vehicle models. The Denali level trim is only available to the Sierra, Yukon, and the Acadia.

[Source: Automotive News via Autoblog]

When Nissan finally gets around to replacing the Titan pickup truck, there’s a solid chance it will come with a diesel powerplant – at least as an option.

Previous reports had indicted that there was a possibility, but in a recent interview, Nissan product boss Larry Dominique gave his strongest endorsement yet, commenting that, “diesel is certainly something we are looking at for the next generation Titan.”

The interview was actually a part of Nissan’s “win a chance to be an auto show reporter” contest, and considering all the questions and answers were likely vetted and prepared, this adds more weight to Dominique’s remarks.

Further discussing the issue of diesels Dominique says the introduction of such a powerplant would be based on “consumer demand for greater fuel economy.” Commenting that most consumers tow under 8,000 lbs and don’t require 800 lb-ft of torque, don’t look for a Heavy Duty diesel-powered Titan in the future. “Small displacement diesels or mid-size displacement diesels are certainly something we’d consider,” says Dominique.

Since a partnership with Chrysler fell through on the next-gen Titan, company execs have remained committed to the idea, but we’re not likely to see a second-generation of the Nissan pickup until at least 2014.

Ford has bowed to pressure from the government’s safety regulator, greatly expanding a previously issued recall for the F-150 pickup truck.

In February Ford announced a recall for 144,000 of the vehicles, but now that number has climbed to 1.2 million, and includes 2004 to 2006 model year F-150s as well as a select few 2006 Lincoln Mark LT trucks.

The recall has been issued for a defect that could see airbags deploy accidentally, injuring occupants says the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Toyota is the latest automaker to adjust their North American production schedules, with plants idling on April 15, 18, 21, 22, and 25. Toyota’s engine and component factories will follow a similar schedule, while their Georgetown, Kentucky facility will remain open on April 21.

Employees at the plants will have the option of report to work for training programs, use vacation time or take unpaid days off. While Toyota claims that 85 percent of their parts are sourced from North America, the fact is that one missing part, no matter how inconsequential, can halt an entire production line for indefinite periods of time, and this phenomenon is something that will be a common occurrence during these next few months.

The agency in charge of vehicle safety is continuing to push for a more wide-spread recall of the Ford F-150 pickup truck, a sign that Ford has failed to appease the government body with its first recall notice.

Back in February Ford announced a recall for 144,000 F-150 models from 2005-2006, although the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration had investigated trucks from the 2004-2006 model years, covering 1.3 million vehicles.

“We would like to see something larger,” said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland to reporters in Washington. While he declined to comment on if NHTSA is looking for a full 1.3 million vehicle recall, it’s believed that is exactly what the agency is aiming for.

The recall surrounds the airbags in F-150 trucks which can accidentally deploy.

[Source: Bloomberg]

It would have been a great April Fool’s joke, had spy photographers not already revealed the new BMW M3 Pickup. Yes, it’s real. But no, you won’t ever be able to buy one – not unless you manage to stumble across this thing on eBay a decade from now.

Easily the best idea since the Subaru Baja (yes, that’s sarcasm) the M3 Pickup sports a diamond-plate bed out back that can hold not one, not two, but 20 golf bags. For the record that’s 19.5 more golf bags than the M3 Convertible. And because load capacity is the sort of stat everyone looks for in a truck, this M3 can handle 1,000 lbs in the bed.

Truck or not, it’s still an M3 and sports the car’s 420-hp 4.0-liter V8 engine allowed it to hit 186-mph on the Nurburgring during testing.

But there’s more to this prank than a bed out back, with a removable Targa roof that’s decidedly retro.

BMW didn’t release any fuel economy stats, but with the standard car rated at 13/20-mpg, this 420-hp sports truck gets roughly the same mpg numbers as the Ford Ranger. How’s that for a joke?

GALLERY: BMW M3 Pickup

General Motors will recall 2,000 laid off workers by September according to a Detroit News report, allowing the company to start hiring new workers for its American plants.

While G.M. representatives would not confirm any timeline, Joe Ashton, UAW VP in charge of GM, confirmed that the workers would be back, stating “We will have full employment in September for the first time in a long time,”

Many of the workers are situated in Southeast Michigan, an area devastated by the decline of the auto industry. GM is adding a third shift of 750 employees to its Flint truck plant, a second shift of 600 workers to its Lansing plant to build the Cadillac ATS and recalling 1,550 workers to its Lake Orion small car plant.

New workers will have to contend with a wage of $14-$16 an hour, roughly half of what recalled and current employees will make. The two-tier wage system is a point of contention among union members, but the contract under which is was implemented is scheduled to expire this year and will be re-negotiated by the union and the Big Three this summer.

[Source: Detroit News]

A more significant recall of Ford F-150 trucks is probable, as talks between the automaker and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) continue.

In February Ford issued a recall of 144,000 F-150 models dating from 2005-2006 in response to a request by the government agency. That recall was not, however, satisfactory, with NHTSA requesting a total of 1.3 million trucks be fixed.

The dispute between the agency and Ford is expected to end “soon”, according to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

Currently NHTSA’s records show 269 cases of airbags deploying without cause with 98 recorded injuries from vehicles dating from 2004-2006. That is up from 238 reports and 77 injuries when the first recall was issued in February.

Since the Toyota recall crisis NHTSA has been busy, issuing recalls for issues as trivial as rusting hood ornaments on Bentley models. While that might make the agency look like it’s hunting for work, Ford has shown a general unwillingness to cooperate with the government agency as of late, initially refusing to issue recalls for its Windstar minivan.

[Source: TheDetroitNews]

Ford has announced it will recall a total of 144,000 F-150 pickup-trucks due to airbags that could deploy by accident. The recall affects just those trucks from the 2005-2006 model years, however, a more widespread recall is pending.

Ford initially refused to recall the trucks at all, prompting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to force the issue. This recall has been issued in response to NHTSA and in the hope it will pacify the government agency, which requested 1.3 million of the trucks be repaired.

NHTSA has been on the war-path as of late, issuing recalls for issues as trivial as rusting hood ornaments on Bentley models. Conversely, Ford has shown a general unwillingness to cooperate with the government agency, initially refusing to issue recalls for its Windstar minivan.

Ford has claimed a low number of incidents and that injuries were minor. NHTSA’s records show 238 complaints of accidental airbag deployment on 2004-06 F-150 models, with 77 reported injuries.

NHTSA is said to be currently studying if Ford’s recall is sufficient.

[Source: Detroit News]

Debuting alongside the updated Heavy Duty models, Chrysler’s new Ram truck brand unveiled the Ram Tradesman today at the Chicago Auto Show as a budget oriented model for fleet customers, small contractors and for use on construction sites.

The Tradesman might be light on the frilly things, but it’s ideally equipped where it counts with a standard 5.7-liter Hemi V8 making 390-hp and 407 lb-ft of torque and offering 10,450 lbs of towing capability thanks to a standard Class IV hitch and upgraded engine and transmission coolers.

Available as a regular cab short-bed (6′ 4″) or an 8-foot long bed, the Tradesman will be available as either a 4×2 and 4×4.

Outside, 17-inch steel wheels come standard, while inside it’s equally utilitarian with vinyl or cloth seats.

Standard equipment includes a locking tailgate, rear wheel well liners, a 3.55 rear axle ratio, 700-amp battery and 17-inch wheels. Inside it gets AC, a 12-volt outlet, six-speaker audio system, assist handles, tilt steering and variable intermittent wipers. (Yup, the basics).

Plenty of options will be available, however, including 3.21 and 3.92 rear axle ratios, power locks and windos, remote keyless entry, a spray-in bedliner, Bluetooth, cruise control and a trailer brake controller.

Available in Q2 of this year, the Ram Tradesman will be attractively priced from just $22,780 including the destination charge.

GALLERY: Ram Tradesman

Official release after the jump:

Continue Reading…

Even though Toyota saw its dealerships and other facilities picketed by UAW members in 2010, Honda is taking a tough stance on any interference by the United Auto Workers, with John Mendel, Honda‘s executive vice-president, dismissing them in a speech made on Tuesday.

“The union announced that they’re going to target the operations of international automakers this year,” said Mendel, while speaking to the American International Automobile Dealers Association. “The issue of union representation is one for our associates to decide, not us. Having said that, we do not believe that an outside party will improve upon [our] outstanding track record of success … over the past 30-plus years.”

Mendel stressed that the prime directive for dealers was to “remain focused on your relationship with your customers and associates.

[Source: Automotive News], [Photo Credit: Al.com]

The Chrysler Group of brands is set to unveil several new models at the Chicago Auto Show later this week, with rumors pointing towards a new commercial vehicle for the Ram truck brand. According to Automotive News, the vehicle will be, “a truck aimed at carpenters, plumbers and other tradesmen.”

Ram (formerly Dodge trucks) already offers the large Sprinter, although it may look to get into the smaller side of the commercial vehicle segment to challenge Ford’s Transit Connect. Chrysler has reportedly been looking at ways to introduce a version of the Fiat Doblo (above) to the U.S. market.

At this point it’s all speculation, as are reports of a new high-performance Dodge model for Chicago. All that is certain is that Chrysler will show-off the re-engineered 200 Convertible.

[Source: Automotive News]

At this year’s North American International Auto Show, General Motors teased truck lovers by unveiling the All-Terrain HD Concept, an off-road, pre-runner inspired vehicle in the SVT Raptor idom and derived from the current GMC Sierra HD.

At the time, the official line was that the truck is merely just a styling exercise, though it looks like there’s a possible chance it might actually be headed for production. GM designer Carl Zipfel, is reported to have said that the company is now considering the possibilities for bringing the All-Terrain to market.

Making the task easier is the fact that it is already based on production pickup. When asked if an enthusiast could essentially replicate the All-Terrain via a parts catalog, Zipfel said absolutely, “everything but the [LED] lights,” he declared.

Hinting that it wouldn’t be too difficult to make this thing into a production vehicle were further comments from the designer. ”You can’t get the 5’8″ bed on the 2500 Duramax HD, and widening the track by four inches would be a slightly lesser challenge. Otherwise, the chassis wasn’t chopped to create the shortened front end. We [also] think we’re in striking distance for crash testing if GMC decided to build it.”

If the General does give the All-Terrain the green light, there’s no question that it will be one of the biggest and baddest factory off-road pickups to ever hit the streets.

GALLERY: GMC Sierra All Terrain HD Concept

[Source: Autoblog]

Small pickups have virtually gone the way of the dinosaur when it comes to the manufacturers in North America, but on the used market, they’re still popular with younger buyers, many of whom modify and personalize them.

Scion, Toyota’s youth brand has been all about personalization since it launched the original xA and xB; though it was the latter, a box on wheels that really helped cement the marque’s reputation. Now with four models in the lineup, Scion might be looking to branch out into a new segment and many believe a small truck would be the logical choice.

However, according to Jack Hollis, Scion’s vice president, it would have to be something a little more than just your standard pickup. “Scion is about innovation and doing things differently,” he said. “That’s why if we were ever to do something crazy, it would likely be more like a Surprise Utility Vehicle.”

In other words, it would likely take the form of a car based utility, possibly spun off the xB – think something along the lines of a modern day Subary BRAT (the Toyota A-BAT hybrid concept shown a few years ago springs to mind).

In the past Scion has even commissioned tuners to build a pickup based off of the xB for display at the SEMA Show. A similar production model would also line up against a possible Kia small pickup based on the Soul.

Hollis says that in order for such a project to get the green light, it would have to have a “strong value,” equation, meaning that much of its engineering would have to be borrowed from existing product lines, though he did say that platform sharing isn’t something the brand is considering for new vehicles, at least in the short term.

However, rumors that GM’s Chevrolet division might be considering a small truck of some description, might get the ball rolling at Scion. Stay tuned for further developments.

[Source: Pickup trucks.com]

At the recent North American International Auto Show, Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne, during a round table discussion, said that the tools to bring a light duty Ram diesel pickup to market are there, it’s just a question if there’s enough demand for it.

“We can do it all,” he said. “We have the engines, the know-how, because as you well know, Fiat is the repository of a huge amount of diesel know-how because of our industrial applications and even on the passenger car side. We’d love to do it, but the question is, will it sell?”

Marchionne also referred to the fact that several Chrysler vehicles, including the Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee have long been offered with diesel engines in Europe, but in North America, the reception at best has been lukewarm, previous attempts to offer diesels in Jeep SUVs proving shortlived.

We’ve reported before that Cummins, which builds the straight-six turbo diesel available in the Ram Heavy Duty has developed a V8 diesel for use in 1/2 ton trucks and a version of this could be adapted for the Ram 1500, no doubt enhancing the truck’s towing and payload capability, but again, it all hinges on demand.

Given that light trucks now come under the same CAFE umbrella as passenger cars, it will probably be legislation that eventually drives demand for light duty diesel pickups. In Europe, largely due to taxation reasons, diesels are now the norm in passenger cars, their combination of torque output and fuel efficiency hard to beat. This contrasts with a generation ago, when they still represented less than half the market.

It’ll also be interesting to see if Ford and GM further pursue diesels for their light-duty pickups, previous plans have so far been put on hold.

[Source: Pickup trucks.com]

Compared to the Ford Raptor, the GMC Sierra All Terrain HD Concept is a T-Rex. Based on GM’s new Heavy Duty platform, this truck is in a whole other segment than the Raptor and was never meant to be a Baja machine.

Unfortunately, this is just a concept and GMC execs aren’t commenting on production possibilities. What’s more likely is that some of the design cues featured here will trickle down to the standard truck. With tight budgets during the recession, GMC opted to spend all their cash on a new frame and new engine. As a result, the truck is a dud in the looks department. It certainly won’t be, however, once some of this truck’s styling has been adapted.

Combining the standard Crew Cab with the 5′ 8″ box currently not offered on HD models, the All Terrain concept then gets a special front end with a massive front grille, custom matte-chrome accenting and LED lighting. A two-inch lift is also part of the package, with Fox Shox and custom control arms. To help the truck’s off-road capability, it has sculpted front end to deliver a maximum approach angle and the side steps that are retractable as well. In addition, the entire undercarriage is coated in a special hard composite for maximum durability.

Custom 20-inch 8-lug wheels give a real rig look to the diesel monster, as do flared fenders that house a two-inch wider track. Those 20s also help give excellent AWD capability when matched with a set of 35-inch-tall BFGoodrich KM2 “mud terrain” tires.

Under the hood continues to be GMC’s new 6.6-liter Duramax diesel V8 making 397-hp and 765 ft-lbs of torque.

Check out all the pics in the gallery below and see more 2011 Detroit Auto Show coverage here.

GALLERY: GMC Sierra All Terrain HD Concept Debut

Read AutoGuide’s Review of the 2011 GMC Sierra HD Here

With a planned debut at the Detroit Auto Show next week, GMC has released a new selection of photos of its overtly excessive Sierra All Terrain HD Concept. We first brought you coverage of this new truck several weeks back, but the new gallery of pics provides more angles and shows the big off-roader’s interior.

GMC reps haven’t made any comments about if the All Terrain HD Concept will see production. Instead, its likely to preview certain styling elements that the Sierra HD will get in the near future, and could hint at a special off-road package.

Combining the standard Crew Cab with the 5′ 8″ box currently not offered on HD models, the All Terrain concept then gets a special front end with a massive front grille, custom matte-chrome accenting and LED lighting. A two-inch lift is also part of the package, with Fox Shox and custom control arms. To help the truck’s off-road capability, it has sculpted front end to deliver a maximum approach angle and the side steps that are retractable as well. In addition, the entire undercarriage is coated in a special hard composite for maximum durability.

Custom 20-inch 8-lug wheels give a real rig look to the diesel monster, as do flared fenders that house a two-inch wider track. Those 20s also help give excellent AWD capability when matched with a set of 35-inch-tall BFGoodrich KM2 “mud terrain” tires.

Under the hood continues to be GMC’s new 6.6-liter Duramax diesel V8 making 397-hp and 765 ft-lbs of torque.

Look for more news and info and live pics of this truck with coverage from the Detroit Auto Show starting Monday, January 10th. Until then, check out our Detroit Auto Show Preview here.

GALLERY: GMC Sierra All Terrain HD Concept

Fiat is looking to up their stake in Chrysler from 20 percent to over 50 percent, according to reports in the Detroit News. Fiat was awarded a 20 percent stake in the company as part of Chrysler’s bankruptcy proceedings in 2009, and can increase its ownership as it passes a series of milestones. Marchionne also hinted that a Chrysler IPO may come in the second half of 2010.

The company can own another 15 percent upon building engines in North America, marketing an American made car that can hit 40 mpg and meets sales targets for export markets. Paying back government loans before 2013 will also give the company an option to another 16 percent of Chrysler.

[Source: Detroit News]

In a bid to meet strict 2016 Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, the pickup truck segment might face the biggest challenge of all. While more efficient engines are part of the solution, automakers are increasingly looking at cutting weight as a way to improve overall fuel economy.

The first of a new generation of pickup trucks will be the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado, and according to Rick Spina, head of full-size truck development for General Motors, it could be as much as 500 lbs lighter than the current model. Spina didn’t stop there, however, stating that by the 2020s GM hopes to cut as much as 1,000 lbs from its trucks.

To do so GM will have to move away from steel and begin using more steel alloys, aluminum and even magnesium in it trucks – all of which are certain to increase manufacturing and, therefore, retail costs.

2016 CAFE regulations will require a 35.5 mpg average, and with roughly half of all vehicle sales consisting of light trucks, then the auto industry is looking at having to build trucks that get 30 CAFE mpg. (It’s important to note here that CAFE is roughly 25 percent higher than the EPA sticker MPG that consumers are used to seeing on cars).

Still, Chevy has a long way to go to meet that goal and all other automakers will be forced to follow suit, effectively turning around an historical piling-on of weight while fuel economy increases have been minimal. Since 2000, the average weight of light duty trucks has gone up 22 percent, while fuel economy has improved just 2 percent.

[Source: Reuters]

Large panel vans are perhaps the ultimate form of mobile blank canvas – the acres of sheetmetal representing the perfect opportunity to install your own logo. Increasingly, companies are using vehicle wraps to market their product or service on their own vehicles and it’s proven to increase public awareness.

Now, Nissan North America is teaming up with Lakewood, Colorado based Original Wraps Inc. to offer specific wrap applications for customers of the new NV commercial van. Original Wraps has developed a software program that allows owners of Nissan’s new commercial van to create their own logos and designs on the Nissan Commercial Vehicle Website. Once the design has been finalized, it can then be printed on 3M Scotchprint Vinyl and shipped to the customer within 7-10 days ready for installation.

“We’re pleased to offer high quality, customized vehicle personalization with hundreds of different graphic designs created specially for the new Nissan NV,” remarked Joe Castelli, vice president, Nissan Commercial Vehicles and Fleet, NNA. “It’s part of our innovative approach to thinking about how our customers use their vans – including as a vehicle for advertising their company and services.”

The program is scheduled to start in January 2011.