Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011
1st Gear: The Geneva Motor Show isn't the only big event with automotive ramifications going on over here in Europe today. There's also CeBIT 2011. Aside from being the name of the Black Eyed Peas next song, the Hanover techgasm is one of the world's top tech fairs. How important is it? Ford CEO Alan Mulally is there instead of here in Geneva. Why he'd ever want to miss this show, I have no idea. Wait, yes I do.
2nd Gear: The Lancer Evolution X will be the last Evo, according to Matt Prior from Autocar who spent a half-hour speaking with Gayu Eusegi, Mitsubishi's global product director. "There is still a demand [for the car]," he said, "but we must stop." Stop what? Making cars people want to buy? If this is true, we now hate you Mitsubishi. By the way, that sound you hear? That's Subaru cheering.
3rd Gear: We know how badly I love the Alfa Romeo 4C concept unveiled yesterday here at the Geneva Motor Show. My craving — and likely yours — will soon be sated. Not only is Alfa planning to build the hot little 40,000 Euro mid-engined Italian mini-supercar, Alfa Romeo CEO Harald Wester tells us it's coming to the United States. Oh dear god, I think I just orgasmed again. Do want SO badly.
4th Gear: According to Automotive News, Ford's next-generation pony car (expected to debut in 2014 or 2015) will be the first Mustang that won't have the U.S. studio solely responsible for Mustang design. Instead, themes will be pitched by studios in Australia, Europe and other regions. One Ford designer told us "Not that they'll accept those other [un-'merican] styling themes, but, you know, they'll get to feel like they're part of the process."
5th Gear: Bloomberg reports Fiat and Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne confirmed to reporters in Geneva late yesterday that they plan an initial public offering of Chrysler after the Italian automaker reaches a 51% stake in the company. They currently own 25%. When they'll buy the other 26% is anyone's guess.
6th Gear: In more Fiat news — the Italian superautomakereloceleggera is considering going it alone in Russia, despite seeing a key partnership fall through, CEO Sergio Marchionne said Tuesday. Italian auto mafia vs. Russian auto mafia — I've no idea who the winner is in that fight, but I sure as hell want to watch.
Reverse:
⏎ How will Ford beat GM's Opel division minivans in Europe? A door war. [Automotive News]
⏎ Hyundai inks deal with Vodafone to explore telematics solution in Europe. Watch out OnStar, they're comin' right for ya! [ABR]
⏎ Renault and Hertz partner to rent electric cars in Europe. Hope they're more ready for rental electric cars than we are. [Renault]
⏎ Warren Buffett explains why America's "love affair with cars" will come back. This is why we love Warren Buffett. [CNBC]
⏎ Evo's Harry Catchpole looks funny in a Jaaaaaag. [Evo]
⏎ SaabsUnited's Steven Wade is a blogging slut? [ttela]
⏎ Nissan's "Hail Mary" pass to boost Infiniti. [AutoExtremist]
Today in Automotive History:
On this day in 1966, in Dearborn, Michigan, the Ford Motor Company celebrates the production of its 1 millionth Mustang. It was a white convertible. [History]
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