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| Japan's most stolen vehicle is... not what you think |
(Thu, 20 Nov 2008)
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Filed under: Minivans/MPVs, Government/Legal, Toyota 
Drumroll please! The most stolen vehicle in Japan is... the Toyota Hiace van! Bet that wasn't your first guess. The lowly Hiace has been creeping up the charts since 2005 when it was barely in the top ten. A year later it was fifth with a bullet. Now it's number one and not looking back. Scofflaws' taste for this workman van seems insatiable, and thefts of SUVs and luxury cars have dropped as a result. That's probably more to do with the anti-theft devices on those vehicles, which may have caused theft rings to target vans such as the Hiace instead because they usually don't have immobilizers or the like. After thieving the vans, they generally chop them up and ship them to developing countries in Asia, the Middle East and Africa. That's where Hiaces often show up as taxis, buses, or utility vehicles. Hiace engines even show up in fishing boats from time-to-time. Thanks for the tip, catgirlshyla!
[Source: Japan Probe]Japan's most stolen vehicle is... not what you think originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments |
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Author: Frank Filipponio |
Category: hiace |
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| Post-SEMA Surprise: The Scion xB Taco Truck! |
(Fri, 14 Nov 2008)
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Filed under: Concept Cars, SEMA, Minivans/MPVs, Scion, Humor 
Click above for high-res gallery of the Scion xB Taco Truck
 The 2008 SEMA Show ended last week, but for some inexplicable reason, Toyota forget to mention this little diddy that was supposedly tucked away in a corner of the Las Vegas Convention Center. It is exactly what it's name implies: a Scion xB that's been transformed into a taco truck of all things. Normally SEMA project cars are tuned for superfluous high performance and look like rejects from the Paul Walker Sport Compact Hall of Fame, but the xB Taco Truck can at least do something, i.e. serve that staple of the Mexican diet to legions of hungry lunch goers. From what we can tell, the vehicle uses the xB's platform, keeps the front end and dash and ditches the rest to make room for a stainless steel mobile kitchen. The truck was reportedly built from scratch by Louie Contreras with hand-painted graphics applied by Kenton Parker. Good job guys, it's... um... interesting, and probably the most fuel-efficient taco truck ever made. While it may be good on fuel, the Scion xB Taco Truck will likely be responsible for an entirely different kind of gas if it ever gets pressed into service.
[Source: Toyota, Carscoop]Post-SEMA Surprise: The Scion xB Taco Truck! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Nov 2008 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments |
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Author: John Neff |
Category: scion taco truck |
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| Dealer Advertising Fun: Chrysler 300C/Town & Country mashup |
(Tue, 11 Nov 2008)
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Filed under: Car Buying, Minivans/MPVs, Marketing/Advertising, Chrysler, LLC., Humor 
Click image to see the dealer ad
"Truth-enhanced" car dealer advertising is nothing new. After all, how many times have you seen a newspaper ad for a special on, say, a base model, when the accompanying image shows a fully-optioned, range-topping version of the car instead? It's your job to read the fine print and stay informed so that you're not disappointed by the crank-window special the salesman presents when you get there.
To that end, we'd like to offer a helping hand to potential customers of Lynnfield, MA's Kelly Jeep. If you visit their website and click on "New Vehicle Specials" (under New Vehicles), you'll find a listing for an '08 Chrysler Town & Country. Okay, fine -- but the image that's paired with the listing is the one above. It's the Photoshop love child of the Euro-spec 300C Touring and a Town & Country. In fact, it doesn't look half bad with the 300's front end, big wheels, and flared fenders. One might even be tempted to ask, "Damn, that thing got a Hemi?" Whatever the case, it's more appealing than the blandtacular actual Chrysler Town & Country, which is what the nice man at the dealership will be happy to show you. We understand that the car in the photo above is hidden away in a barn where the owner also keeps a stable of unicorns. Thanks to Koko for the tip (and the laugh).
[Source: Kelly Jeep]Dealer Advertising Fun: Chrysler 300C/Town & Country mashup originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Nov 2008 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments |
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Author: Alex Nunez |
Category: 300c |
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| Detroit Preview: Nissan NV2500 Concept previews commercial vehicle for U.S. |
(Mon, 10 Nov 2008)
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Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Minivans/MPVs, Commercial Trucks 
Click above to for high-res version
Nissan unveiled the NV2500 Concept today, which will debut in the metal at this year's 2009 Detroit Auto Show in January. No, it's not a high-performance sports car, but rather a multipurpose utility vehicle, a.k.a. panel van, that' previews what the Japanese automaker will soon bring to the commercial vehicle market here in the U.S. You may recall Nissan announced back in April that it was developing three new commercial vehicles for U.S. customers, and the NV2500 hints at the first one. It looks like a bit bigger than a Ford Transit Connect and much smaller than a Dodge Sprinter, which may be "just right" for many companies shopping in the segment. Nissan has already told us this first commercial vehicle is a clean-sheet design developed just for the U.S., and that it will be built at its Canton, Mississippi facility.
[Source: Nissan]Continue reading Detroit Preview: Nissan NV2500 Concept previews commercial vehicle for U.S. Detroit Preview: Nissan NV2500 Concept previews commercial vehicle for U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Nov 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments |
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Author: John Neff |
Category: detroit |
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| 25th Anniversary Minivans get interior spiffing |
(Tue, 04 Nov 2008)
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Filed under: Time Warp, Minivans/MPVs, Plants/Manufacturing, Chrysler, LLC., Canada 
Click above to view high-res gallery of 25 years of Chrysler minivans
Looming assimilation by the GM Borg or not, Chrysler's not waiting around for something to happen. The automaker hosted a hootenanny at the Windsor, Ontario plant where its minivans are assembled, and 25th anniversary editions of Chrysler's family haulers were trotted out carrying upgraded interiors intended to thrill consumers into purchasing. The new outfitting comprises two different color combinations - dark slate and medium slate gray, with perforated leather french-stitched onto the seats. The most exciting historical homage, however, is the return of faux wood. The original vans had timberesque hunks of resin plastered around its innards, and it's heartwarming to see Chrysler embracing the 1980s by bringing back this accent and its corresponding "fresh sense of detail." Chrysler wants its employees to give people noogies until they relent and pony up for a new Grand Caravan, and it's still hard to argue with the efficiency with which a Chrysler minivan will haul all of your who knows what.
[Source: Chrysler]Continue reading 25th Anniversary Minivans get interior spiffing 25th Anniversary Minivans get interior spiffing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 09:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments |
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Author: Dan Roth |
Category: 25th anniversary minivans |
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| Mugen JDM Honda Odyssey puts the "get" in grocery getter |
(Mon, 03 Nov 2008)
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Filed under: Tuners, Minivans/MPVs, Japan, Honda 
Click above for high-res gallery of the Mugen JDM Honda Odyssey
Thousands of soccer moms would probably argue that Honda's Odyssey is the greatest vehicle ever built. Well, the rest of us know that the Toyota Sienna is an equal, but both are still relatively boring.
Mugen has been making pedestrian Hondas more exciting for 35 years and its most recent project is the new JDM Honda Odyssey, which is a different vehicle entirely than the Odyssey sold in the U.S. Nevertheless, it could possibly be the most exciting-looking minivan ever created, "looking" being the key word there. For the JDM Odyssey, Mugen leaves its 203-hp four-cylinder alone and focuses mostly on the minivan's appearance. A new grille, new front and rear fascias, sporty-looking rear wing, side ground effects a line of custom wheels make up the Mugenized Odyssey. A sport exhaust and brake kit with slotted rotors are as close to performance upgrades as you're going to get. Nevertheless, it's still cooler than any minivan we have over here. Including the Odyssey and Sienna.
[Source: Nihon Car]Mugen JDM Honda Odyssey puts the "get" in grocery getter originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Nov 2008 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments |
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Author: Chris Tutor |
Category: honda |
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| Rumormill: Caravan, Suburban would move to Lambda platform |
(Fri, 31 Oct 2008)
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Filed under: Minivans/MPVs, SUVs, Crossovers/CUVs, Chevrolet, Dodge, GM, Rumormill 
We reported last month that General Motors could move the next Cadillac Escalade to its Lambda platform that's currently used by the Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave and Chevy Traverse, and now GM Inside News is reporting via an inside source that the Suburban/Yukon XL may also get the unibody treatment. With replacements for the smaller Chevy Tahoe, GMC Yukon and Escalade reportedly cancelled, we think all signs are pointing to each GMT900-based SUV moving over to the Lambda platform with some of the current slow-selling Lambda-based models being cut altogether.
But the craziness doesn't end there. GM Inside News also reports an even more surprising vehicle could get moved to the crossover platform: the Dodge Caravan, assuming of course that the General follows through on talks to purchase Chrysler from Cerberus. You may recall that GM abandoned the minivan market earlier this year in favor of its Lambda-based crossovers.
The Lambda platform must be extremely modular if it can be stretched enough to accommodate the size of the Suburban along with the people- and cargo-carrying capacity of a Dodge minivan. Also on the rumormill menu is a possible Chevrolet version of the minivan. These changes are supposedly set to take place by 2014, and plenty of things can and will change by then. In other words, talk this all with a grain of salt.
[Source: GM Inside News]Rumormill: Caravan, Suburban would move to Lambda platform originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Oct 2008 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments |
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Author: Jeremy Korzeniewski |
Category: chevrolet minivan |
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| Honda reveals all-new JDM Odyssey |
(Thu, 16 Oct 2008)
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Filed under: Minivans/MPVs, Japan, Honda 
Click above to view a massive, high-res gallery of the JDM Honda Odyssey
Honda's JDM Odyssey - not to be confused with the U.S.-market people mover that shares the same name - has been hailed as one of the best handling minivans in Japan. For 2009, Honda has taken everything good about the outgoing third-generation model and made it better, beginning with a sleeker exterior that pulls a few cues from the Honda FCX Clarity.
Underneath the new, slightly stretched sheet metal lies a reworked chassis sporting double wishbones at all four corners, optional all-wheel-drive and a 2.4-liter four-cylinder i-VTEC powerplant putting out 171 hp in standard guise and 203 hp in the range-topping Absolute model.
The interior is adorned with all the techy tidbits that made previous generations a hit with family-toting geeks, including a sci-fi inspired dash and a new multi-positioned camera system that allows drivers to get a bird's eye view of the vehicle. Similar to the Fit sold in the States, the seating can be arranged in a multitude of ways, including folding flat to create something resembling a bed. We'd like to scam one out of Honda during our next trip to Japan so we can post on the move and don't have to worry about heading back to our hotel - which is traditionally only slightly smaller than the new Odyssey.
Honda reveals all-new JDM Odyssey originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Oct 2008 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments |
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Author: Damon Lavrinc |
Category: 2009 honda odyssey |
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| First Drive: 2009 Volkswagen Routan |
(Tue, 14 Oct 2008)
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Filed under: Minivans/MPVs, Volkswagen, First Drive 
Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Volkswagen Routan
The Volkswagen Routan's "German Engineering" ad campaign has provided plenty of irony-laced comedic fodder for the Autoblog water-cooler, and VW's own press release doesn't help, heralding the Routan as "a stylish alternative to the minivan." An alternative to what?
In a perfect world, VW would have revolutionized the moribund minivan segment with a production version of the 2001 Microbus concept, thereby capitalizing on V-Dub's cheeky heritage in the same way the new Beetle did in the late '90s, and perpetuated by other vehicles like the MINI Cooper and Fiat 500 today.
Thankfully, all is not lost. According to VW's Product Planning Manager, Bret Scott, "We would never say 'no' to the possibility of a Microbus revival." But in the meantime, we have to make due with this: the 2009 Volkswagen Routan, a reworked Chrysler Town & Country that VW execs call (with a straight face) "The Beetle of minivans."
Photos Copyright (C)2008 Damon Lavrinc / Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading First Drive: 2009 Volkswagen Routan First Drive: 2009 Volkswagen Routan originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Oct 2008 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments |
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Author: Damon Lavrinc |
Category: 2009 |
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| Toyota to export small trucks, minivans and SUVs from U.S. |
(Wed, 08 Oct 2008)
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Filed under: Minivans/MPVs, SUVs, Trucks/Pickups, Plants/Manufacturing, Toyota 
Click above for more high-res images of the Toyota Sequoia
Toyota builds many of its U.S. market vehicles right here in America. Among them are the Toyota Tacoma, Sienna minivan and Sequoia SUV, which is built alongside its Tundra full-size truck sibling. For the most part, they are all meant to be sold in the States, their primary market. It's no secret that sales of these big SUVs and trucks are way down, and Toyota doesn't want to idle its plants if it can help it. Therefore, the Japanese automaker is rumored to be in the midst of sending these light trucks out of the country. The Tacoma, for instance, could be sent to Mexico from Toyota's plant in Baja, California. To keep the plant in Princeton, Indiana running, the Sienna could be exported to Latin America and the gas-guzzling Sequoia to the Middle East, a place where oil supplies are obviously not in danger of dwindling.
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]Toyota to export small trucks, minivans and SUVs from U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Oct 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments |
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Author: Jeremy Korzeniewski |
Category: toyota |
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| U.S. may miss out on production Chevy Orlando |
(Wed, 08 Oct 2008)
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Filed under: Minivans/MPVs, Crossovers/CUVs, Chevrolet, Rumormill 
Click above for high-res gallery of the Chevy Orlando Concept
Just a few days ago, we got to see Chevy unveil the Orlando concept at the Paris Motor Show. We surmised at the time that this seven-seat multi-purpose vehicle seems like the logical next step for the idea that General Motors started with the Chevy HHR. Perhaps it won't be. Motor Authority is claiming that the production version of the Orlando won't be assembled in the U.S. and we may get passed over entirely due to the expected cost of the vehicle, which is based on the same Delta platform as the upcoming Cruze compact car and Volt series hybrid. Additionally, GM has stated that it has no plans to end production of the HHR anytime soon. But this is all speculation for now. As for whether it's much ado about nothing, we'll see.
[Source: Motor Authority]U.S. may miss out on production Chevy Orlando originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Oct 2008 13:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments |
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Author: Jeremy Korzeniewski |
Category: chevrolet orlando |
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| Paris 2008: Chevy Orlando Concept outdoes the HHR |
(Thu, 02 Oct 2008)
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Filed under: Concept Cars, Minivans/MPVs, Paris Motor Show, Chevrolet, GM
Click above for high-res gallery of Chevy Orlando Concept live shots
Ever wish the Chevy HHR would evolve into something more cool than kitsch? What that would be is the Chevy Orlando Concept, a seven-passenger multi-purpose vehicle that will be entering production in Europe sometime in the near future. We sincerely hope General Motors considers selling the production version in the U.S. as a replacement for the HHR, as its slab sides and chunky stance impart a much more grown up and aggressive attitude than Chevy's current compact people mover. And just like the HHR is based on the compact Cobalt's platform, the production Orlando will be based on the same platform as the upcoming Cruze, which itself will be sold in both Europe and the U.S. There's really not a doubt in our minds that the Orlando is being developed to replace the HHR in the U.S. while it simultaneously enters a new segment in Europe for Chevy. As for when the production version will appear, we don't know. All we know is that this MPV has got a lot of promise. Check out our new gallery of high-res live shots below to see if you agree.
Continue reading Paris 2008: Chevy Orlando Concept outdoes the HHR Paris 2008: Chevy Orlando Concept outdoes the HHR originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Oct 2008 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments |
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Author: John Neff |
Category: chevy orlando |
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| VIDEO: Chrysler airbag blows up refrigerator, passes spit test |
(Wed, 01 Oct 2008)
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Filed under: Minivans/MPVs, Videos, Chrysler, LLC. 
Last week we showed you what happens when old Ford and GM airbags are set off in an enclosed place, and now it's time to see what kind of damage an old Chrysler airbag can inflict on a mini fridge. To keep the fridge grounded, Farmer Dave slapped a Reagan era microwave on top of it, wired up the airbag to the battery, and let her rip. The door went flying, the little refrigerator's side walls were compromised, and, well, follow the jump to see it for yourself. It wasn't as explosive as the Ford door, but we love how Farmer Dave employs the saliva test on the back plate of the airbag to see if it's still hot. Sizzling spit is acceptable behavior in YouTube land.
[Source: YouTube]Continue reading VIDEO: Chrysler airbag blows up refrigerator, passes spit test VIDEO: Chrysler airbag blows up refrigerator, passes spit test originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Oct 2008 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments |
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Author: Chris Shunk |
Category: airbag |
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| Paris 2008: Orlando Concept previews production Chevy MPV |
(Wed, 01 Oct 2008)
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Filed under: Concept Cars, Minivans/MPVs, Paris Motor Show, Crossovers/CUVs, Chevrolet 
Click above for high-res gallery of the Chevy Orlando concept
Now that the Paris Motor Show is finally upon us, General Motors has officially taken the wraps off its new Orlando Concept. In case you hadn't noticed, SUVs aren't selling well right now, GM has given up on minivans and Chevrolet has nothing but CUVs to fill the void. Multi-Purpose Vehicles are hot sellers in Europe and the Orlando gives a clear indication that the General has noticed that trend and will be entering the MPV segment soon. Seven seats fill the large available interior space of the Orlando, which comes courtesy of the modified Delta II platform that's shared with the recently unveiled Cruze sedan. Those seats also fold flat for versatile cargo-carrying utility.
Ice-blue accents cover both the interior and exterior of the Orlando Concept and solar panels are fixed to the roof in a nod to its concept status. On the inside, there's a lot going on with multiple fabric and plastic textures, but the overall layout looks pretty solid. Power for the Orlando comes from a 150-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine that offers up nearly 200 lb-ft of torque. We'll have live shots from the Paris Motor Show soon enough, but in the meantime, check out the early press release after the break and take a look at our large high-res gallery below.
[Source: GM]Continue reading Paris 2008: Orlando Concept previews production Chevy MPV Paris 2008: Orlando Concept previews production Chevy MPV originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments |
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Author: Jeremy Korzeniewski |
Category: chevy |
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| Renault unveils Kangoo Be Bop convertible van |
(Wed, 01 Oct 2008)
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Filed under: Minivans/MPVs, Euro, Paris Motor Show, Renault 
Click above for high-res gallery of the Renault Kangoo Be Bop
 You might think the Renault Kangoo Be Bop is a concept vehicle what with its quirky looks and trick sliding roof. You can credit the quirky styling to it being a Renault, an automaker not known for producing bland production designs. As for the rear roof panel that slides forward to create a van-vertible, that's a direct carryover from the concept on which the Kangoo Be Bop is faithfully based: the Kangoo Compact Concept that debuted at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. The production Be Bop maintains the two-door van layout of the concept, and the ceiling is now comprised of two tilting glazed glass panels up front, one fixed glass panel in the middle, and an opaque roof panel in the rear that lifts up and forward to create an open air experience for back seat passengers. Letting even more light in are expansive side windows, so despite being tiny in dimension, the Be Bop shouldn't feel confining to its passengers. The rear seats can also be removed to increase cargo capacity, and Renault says that passengers can even enter the vehicle through the open rear gate and slide between the rear seats. Power will come from three engines: an 85-hp 1.5L dCi and 105-hp dCi, both of which are paired with a six-speed manual, and a gas-powered 105-hp 1.6L four-cylinder. It's quirky, oddly functional and definitely French, and Europeans will be able to buy a Kangoo Be Bop of their very own this Spring.
[Source: Renault]Continue reading Renault unveils Kangoo Be Bop convertible van Renault unveils Kangoo Be Bop convertible van originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments |
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Author: John Neff |
Category: kangoo be bop |
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| Lights Out: GM Minivan plant closes up shop |
(Mon, 29 Sep 2008)
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Filed under: Minivans/MPVs, Etc., Plants/Manufacturing, Chevrolet, GM, Pontiac
The last aardvark inspired minivan has passed through the doors of GM's Doraville, GA assembly facility. The plant, which opened in 1947, has four developers vying to get their hands on the 165-acre parcel. About 1,500 workers have been idled due to the closing, which was a long time coming. The Doraville plant's closing is an unfortunate consequence of the old GM, and its divestiture is intended to aid General Motors as it continues clawing its way back from the brink.
We can't say the U-Platform vans will be missed. Though significantly changed from its inception as the Lumina APV with its odd styling, the Uplander was a swing of the pendulum to the other side of weird. Smack dab in the middle was the normal, yet lackluster, Venture. None of the platform's iterations managed to ignite buyer passions, coming up short against the competition, and lately completely crushed by the Odyssey/Sienna 1-2 punch, with a kick in the head from the Grand Caravan for good measure.
[Source: Auto News - sub req]Lights Out: GM Minivan plant closes up shop originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Sep 2008 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments |
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Author: Dan Roth |
Category: chevrolet uplander |
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| Paris Preview: Chrysler to unveil 25th Anniversary minivan, Jeep Compass Overland |
(Fri, 26 Sep 2008)
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Filed under: Minivans/MPVs, Paris Motor Show, Crossovers/CUVs, Chrysler, LLC., Jeep 
Click above for more high-res shots of the Jeep Compass Overland
We already took a look at MOPAR's first concept due to be displayed at the Paris Motor Show next week, and it turns out that it has a twin. This one is based on the unloved Compass mini 'ute and reuses the Overland moniker that's been popular with the Jeep brand, once owned by Willys-Overland. It's painted in a classically-Jeep dark green color that covers almost the entire exterior, minus some silver accent panels on the sides (why?) and a mesh grille that's actually kind of cool. On the inside, it's been tarted-up with new sill plates and seats with stitched-in Overland logos.
The last (and least?) vehicle Chrysler is set to show off in Paris is a 25th Anniversary Chrysler Grand Voyager, which has French-stitched leather seating surfaces and "Blackwood accents." Outside are 17-inch rims, chrome trim and special badges. All in all, pretty mundane stuff. Oddly, nobody ever asks us for our opinions. If they did, we'd tell them they could leave these two at home. Chrysler has issued a press release detailing everything it's bringing to Paris, see it after the break.
[Source: Chrysler]Continue reading Paris Preview: Chrysler to unveil 25th Anniversary minivan, Jeep Compass Overland Paris Preview: Chrysler to unveil 25th Anniversary minivan, Jeep Compass Overland originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Sep 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments |
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Author: Jeremy Korzeniewski |
Category: 25th grand voyager |
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| Kia Rondo recalled for fuel pump issue |
(Wed, 24 Sep 2008)
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Filed under: Minivans/MPVs, Recalls/TSBs, Safety, Kia 
2008-'09 Kia Rondos packing four-cylinder engines are being recalled to fix a fuel pump issue that could lead to fuel starvation. Nearly 7,000 Rondos in EX and LX trim are effected, and will get an improved fuel pump to resolve the issue. The NHTSA has warned that the problem is unusually severe, and vehicle behaviors such as poor starting and hesitation could lead to a crash. If you own Kia's funk-tacular MPV with the 2.4-liter engine, get thee to a dealer, or call Kia at 800-333-4542.
[Source: Inside Line]Kia Rondo recalled for fuel pump issue originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Sep 2008 07:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments |
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Author: Dan Roth |
Category: kia fuel pump recall |
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| Breaking: Dodge EV sports car, range-extended Town & Country, Wrangler previewed |
(Tue, 23 Sep 2008)
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Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Minivans/MPVs, Sports/GTs, SUVs, Green, Chrysler, LLC., Dodge, Jeep  CNBC's Phil Lebeau got a sneak peek at the new EVs Chrysler is developing, and it looks like Auburn Hills is pulling a Tesla, among other things. The yellow Dodge EV you see here is basically an electrified Lotus Europa. Presumably equipped with lithium ion battery power, the Dodge EV has a reported operating range of 150 - 200 miles and can be plugged in to household 110 or 220 outlets. Figure a four-hour charge on the latter, and 8 or so on the former. Zero-to-sixty is said to be under 5 seconds. Like we said, this is basically Chrysler's Tesla, right down to the Lotus-sourced donor vehicle.
We'll see the Dodge EV introduced formally later this afternoon, along with range-extended EV versions of the Chrysler Town & Country (can you say, "killer app"?) and Jeep Wrangler. With regard to timing, Chrysler says it would like to have "at least one" of these vehicles on the market by the end of 2010, the unofficial official year of the electric/plug-in car.
Look for all three prototypes to head to D.C., where they'll be showcased for Congressional leaders who have a say in whether or not Washington will show Detroit the money they've been asking for.
For now, you can watch the preview unveiling of the cars on CNBC by watching this video. Chrysler's got something planned for 1PM today, so we expect to have a lot more info and photos then. Stay tuned.
UPDATED: Full details now posted here.
[Source: CNBC]Breaking: Dodge EV sports car, range-extended Town & Country, Wrangler previewed originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Sep 2008 09:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments |
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Author: Alex Nunez |
Category: breaking |
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