Oct 24, 2008 -
News From AutoObserver.com
Hi,
Here are some highlights from Edmunds’ AutoObserver.com this week. As always, there is more available directly on www.autoobserver.com:
October Auto Sales to Be the Lowest Since January 1992, Edmunds.com Forecasts- October auto sales are turning out to be every bit as bad as forecasters predicted early in the month. Edmunds.com forecasts October new vehicle sales, including fleet and retail, will again fall below the 1-million mark to 872,000 vehicles sold - about 30 percent below October 2007. October 2008 will mark the U.S. auto industry's lowest sales level since January 1992. For more information on projected auto sales, visit http://www.autoobserver.com/2008/10/2008-paris-auto-show-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly.html
The World Without Chrysler As We Know It - Talk of possible mergers between General Motors and Chrysler or Nissan-Renault and Chrysler are reaching a frenzied pitch. Word is a deal could happen at least by Election Day, Nov. 4. So what automaker would benefit most from a partnership with Chrysler, or which would benefit most if ailing Chrysler simply went away? An analysis of consumer shopping trends by Edmunds.com, parent of AutoObserver.com, shows Chrysler buyers would likely go to GM vehicles if Chrysler simply went away, as GM vehicles are high on the shopping lists of Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep shoppers. For more information on this story, visit http://www.autoobserver.com/2008/10/the-world-without-chrysler-as-we-know-it----and-the-road-kill-left-behind.html
New 'Juice' for Chevy Volt Development- General Motors Corp. reportedly has settled an important matter in the development of its Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric vehicle: the company is said to have decided on the supplier for the critical lithium-ion batteries necessary for the Volt to travel as far as 40 miles on a single charge. GM reportedly will award the high-profile contract to Michigan-based Compact Power Inc., an arm of South Korea's LG Chemical. For more information on this story, visit http://www.autoobserver.com/2008/10/new-juice-for-chevy-volt-development.html
Renault Styling Plays It Safe, But Only Bold Moves Will Ensure the Company's Survival - At the recent 2008 Paris Auto Show, Renault unveiled its new C-segment Mégane hatchback and coupe. Sized and priced to compete with Europe's best-selling vehicle, the Volkswagen Golf, the Renault Mégane is vital to the French automaker's financial health that has been in decline in recent months. As Renault plays it safe with the styling of its Mégane and other models, only a bold move -- as speculation has it with Chrysler or Ford -- may bolster its shot at survival. For more information on Renault’s sales and strategy, visit http://www.autoobserver.com/2008/10/renault-styling-plays-it-safe-but-only-bold-moves-will-ensure-the-companys-survival.html
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