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Canadian Auto News Watch - Monday January 12, 2015
General Motors Corporate News
GM to sell 322-km electric car in 2017; Chevy Bolt would cost around $30,000
Note: Also in Okanagan Sunday.
Byline: Tom Krisher The Associated Press, Page: A8, Edition: First
Hamilton Spectator - Mon Jan 12 2015
If de Nysschen is correct, there will be no Infiniti Eau Rouge
Byline: Charles Jolicoeur, Source: AutoGo.ca, Page: D4
The Telegram (St. John's) - Sat Jan 10 2015
December sales drive automakers to record year; More than 1.8M vehicles were sold in
2014 as consumers shifted from cars to trucks
Byline: Gary Grant, Page: W4, Edition: ONT
Toronto Star - Sat Jan 10 2015
Column: Forecasters see higher auto sales in 2015; But Alberta purchases may stall if
oil prices stay in current slump
Byline: Gary Lamphier, Source: Edmonton Journal, Page: C1 / Front, Edition: Early
Edmonton Journal - Sat Jan 10 2015
Software developers set to steal spotlight at Detroit auto show; Cars get screen savvy
Byline: Kristine Owram, Source: Financial Post, Page: FP1 / Front, Edition: National
National Post - Mon Jan 12 2015
Turning on the glitz: Video screens, pricey exhibits built to show off cars, trucks in
Detroit; Bring on the glitz: What to expect at Detroit auto show
Byline: Dee-Ann Durbin And Tom Krisher
Canadian Press - Sat Jan 10 2015
Chevrolet unveils new Volt's front end
Byline: Charles Jolicoeur, Source: AutoGo.ca, Page: D2
The Telegram (St. John's) - Sat Jan 10 2015
Parade of debuts at Montreal car show; Brave wintry Hwy. 401 to see 2016s, raceready Micra, 610-hp Lamborghini
Byline: Costa Mouzouris Special to the Star, Page: W14, Edition: ONT
Toronto Star - Sat Jan 10 2015
Linamar to add 1,200 jobs in boost for auto sector
Byline: GREG KEENAN, Page: B1, Edition: Ontario
The Globe and Mail - Mon Jan 12 2015
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General Motors Product News
Chevrolet Corvette Z06 | Autonet.ca
Permalink: www.autonet.ca...
autonet.ca - Mon Jan 12 2015
You Can Build The Engine In Your Corvette Z06 - The Car Guide
Permalink: www.guideautoweb.com...
guideautoweb.com - Mon Jan 12 2015
Build Your Engine - Corvette Z06
Permalink: www.msn.com...
msn.com - Mon Jan 12 2015
Revealed: 2016 Buick Cascada; Compact convertible has European roots
Byline: JEREMY SINEK
globeandmail.com - Sun Jan 11 2015, 10:29am ET
2016 Buick Cascada convertible unveiled
Permalink: www.autogo.ca...
autogo.ca - Mon Jan 12 2015
2015 GMC Canyon: is there still a market?
Byline: Charles Jolicoeur, Source: AutoGo.ca, Page: D3
The Telegram (St. John's) - Sat Jan 10 2015
Aging Enclave not quite on point
Byline: DANIEL BARRON , DANIEL.BARRON@SUNMEDIA.CA, Page: D8, Edition: Final
The Sarnia Observer - Sat Jan 10 2015
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General Motors Corporate News
GM to sell 322-km electric car in 2017; Chevy Bolt would cost
around $30,000
Hamilton Spectator
Mon Jan 12 2015
Page: A8
Section: Business
Byline: Tom Krisher The Associated Press
general
motors
Also in Okanagan Sunday.
noted
on
Mon
Jan
12
2015
5:45
am
ET
General Motors plans to start selling an affordable electric car in 2017 that will be able to go 322 kilometres on
a single charge.
A person briefed on the matter told The Associated Press that GM plans to start selling a $30,000 battery
powered family car called the Chevrolet Bolt sometime in 2017.
A concept version of the car will be unveiled Monday at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit,
according to the person, who asked not to be identified because the official announcement hasn't been made.
The Bolt has been in the works for years and is designed to compete with electric offerings from Tesla Motors
Inc. and Nissan Motor Co.
The Palo Alto, California-based Tesla has plans for a $35,000 electric car called the Model 3, which also is
expected to go 322 kms per charge. Nissan sells the electric Leaf, which starts at about $30,000 and can go up
to 160 kms per charge.
GM has been selling the Chevrolet Volt plug-in electric car since late 2010, but it goes only 60 kilometres on
electric power before a gas generator kicks in. An updated version of the Volt with greater all-electric range
also will be unveiled at the auto show.
GM conceived the $35,000 Volt as a mass-market car that could handle most trips on electric power, but had
the generator to end worries that people would run out of juice. A concept version of the first-generation Volt
was unveiled eight years ago at a time when GM didn't know for certain that the battery system would work.
The company also offers the all-electric Chevy Spark subcompact that can go 132 kms on a charge. It starts at
$26,685.
Doug Parks, GM's vice-president of global product development, said in 2013 that GM was working on a 320km electric car for around $35,000, confirming that the company was in a race with other automakers to hit that
range at a moderate price.
GM has invested millions in developing electric cars starting with the EV1 in the 1990s.
It doubled the size of its battery testing lab at a technical centre in suburban Warren, Michigan, to 100,000
square feet in 2013, allowing it to test batteries and controls faster. It took about four years for GM to develop
the Volt and bring it to market.
The new Volt, due out later this year, will hit showrooms at an uncertain time for electric vehicles with gas
prices having fallen considerably.
© 2015 Torstar Corporation
Illustration:
• GM plans to sell an electric car that will be able to go 322 kilometres on a single charge. Its Volt, above, has a range of 60 kms.
Wire services file photo
Edition: First
Length: 394 words
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If de Nysschen is correct, there will be no Infiniti Eau Rouge
The Telegram (St. John's)
Sat Jan 10 2015
Page: D4
Section: Drive
Byline: Charles Jolicoeur
Source: AutoGo.ca
According to Johan de Nysschen, it seems that the Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge project has been abandoned by the
Japanese manufacturer. What makes the statement particularly curious is that de Nysschen is no longer with
Infiniti but instead has found a new home with Cadillac.
The former Infiniti CEO chose to step down last summer to head Cadillac from within its new offices in New
York.
Johan de Nysschen nonetheless attacked his former employer through social media, saying that current Nissan
Vice President of vehicle technologies, Noboru Tateishi, decided to abandon the Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge project
because he (de Nysschen) was no longer there to make it happen.
Johan de Nysschen subsequently added that Infiniti preferred driving aids to driver cars. In short, it would
appear that the relationship between de Nysschen and Infiniti was tense before his departure.
That said, a man in Johan de Nysschen's position cannot afford to make such controversial statements without
first consulting with other members of Cadillac's brass. It therefore seems that Cadillac as a whole is seeking to
attack Infiniti.
The Infiniti Eau Rouge is powered by a twin-turbo, 3.8-liter V6 engine developing 568 horsepower taken from
the Nissan GT-R.
© 2015 Transcontinental Media G.P. All rights reserved.
Length: 197 words
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December sales drive automakers to record year; More than 1.8M
vehicles were sold in 2014 as consumers shifted from cars to
trucks
Toronto Star
Sat Jan 10 2015
Page: W4
Section: Wheels
Byline: Gary Grant
Canadians' lust for new vehicles continued unabated in December, bringing 2014 to a close with sales reaching
an all-time high for the second year in a row.
Consumers drove home more than 1.8 million vehicles last year, up about 6 per cent from 1.7 million cars in
2013, a figure which was also a record.
Overall sales were not the only story however, as there were many brand-specific stories along with sales
trends worth discussing.
Most notable perhaps is the type of vehicles that Canadians are choosing, as passenger car sales remained
flat at 763,792 cars despite strong December sales of 48,002 units.
Light trucks continue to be the hot commodity, as December sales saw a 19.5-per-cent jump to 83,391
vehicles, driving overall annual sales to an 11-per-cent increase which equates to almost 1.1 million new trucks
on the road.
The Honda Civic retained its title as Canada's top selling car for the 17th year in a row. The Ford F-150 kept its
crown as Canada's top-selling pickup, for an incredible 49th year in a row. 2014 marks the 5th year in a row
that the F-150 has been the top selling vehicle in the country. The Canadian sales rankings in December: Ford
(22,625 units), Fiat-Chrysler (21,613), General Motors (19,247), Honda (11,934) and Toyota (10,906). The
same group led the charts in annual sales, however Toyota beat out Honda for the fourth spot.
No fewer than eight manufacturers celebrated their best-ever annual sales in Canada in 2014. Mercedes-Benz
had their all-time best year, while also taking top spot in the luxury category. Porsche scored higher sales for
the fifth year in a row. Land Rover, Honda, Lexus, Nissan, Chrysler, Mitsubishi and Subaru all achieved
records.
A handful of manufacturers had more a challenging 2014. The MINI brand capped off a rough year with a 27.1per-cent decrease in December to bring the annual decline to 10.5 per cent. Parent company BMW managed
to hold on to a 3.5-per-cent increase despite a slight drop in December. Kia enjoyed an explosive 2013, so it is
no surprise that they dropped off 3.4 per cent in 2014, though managing an 18.7-per-cent bump over last
December. Also, Volvo experienced a 4.4-per-cent drop for the year, but a 9.2-per-cent increase over the
previous December.
Motorsport Hall of Fame
calls for nominations
Regular readers may recall that Wheels Editor Norris McDonald was inducted into the Canadian Motorsport
Hall of Fame (CMHF) last fall, becoming the first motorsport journalist to receive the honour.
In the past, inductees have been drivers, builders and those who have been instrumental in guiding the sport.
They have included some of the top racers on the world stage, who also happen to be Canadian. The list of
inductees reads like a who's who of racing, with names like Villeneuve, Moore and Tracy.
Nominations for the 2014 class of inductees has been opened up to racing fans across the country to make
their suggestions.
To be eligible, a person must be "recognized as a Canadian, who has achieved outstanding and extraordinary
success in motorsports, or whose contributions have been a major benefit to Canadian motorsport." They need
to have been retired for at least three years, active for more than 25 years or deceased for at least three years.
To nominate someone you believe should be inducted into the CMHF, visit cmhf.ca and click on the "nominate"
tab to download the form.
First hydrogen-fuelled vehicles from Hyundai land in Canada
From hybrid drivetrains to full electric vehicles, just about every manufacturer has been researching
alternatives to the traditional gasoline powered automobile for years now.
Korean automaker Hyundai is one of the few which have been serious about developing hydrogen power for
use in production vehicles, so much so that in November they promised to make hydrogen fuel cell vehicles
available to Canadian consumers. They made good on that promise this week when the first shipment of
specially equipped Tucson Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) arrived in Vancouver.
The company created a website for the project to allow consumers to apply to be one of the first in Canada to
take delivery of the vehicles, which promise a totally clean driving experience. The tailpipe emissions consist of
nothing more than water vapour.
Hyundai Canada president Don Romano says the response to the program has been overwhelming, with
applications coming from all over the country.
The Tucson FCEV reportedly can be fuelled in less than five minutes and has a range of 426 kilometres. Unlike
electric vehicles, this is comparable to traditional gasoline powered vehicles.
Interested consumers can learn more at HyundaiHydrogen.ca.
Gary Grant is a frequent contributor to Toronto Star Wheels. For more Toronto Star automotive coverage, go to
thestar.com/autos.
Email Wheels editor Norris McDonald at nmcdonald@thestar.ca
© 2015 Torstar Corporation
Illustration:
• Hyundai's first Tucson Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles arriving in Vancouver. Customers can apply online to be among the first to get
one. The tailpipe emissions consist of water vapour.
Edition: ONT
Length: 774 words
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Forecasters see higher auto sales in 2015; But Alberta purchases
may stall if oil prices stay in current slump
Edmonton Journal
Sat Jan 10 2015
Page: C1 / Front
Section: Business
Byline: Gary Lamphier
Column: Commentary
Source: Edmonton Journal
North America's surging auto industry is poised to set new sales records in 2015, as the U.S. economy
continues to accelerate.
Canadian vehicle sales are also expected to exceed last year's record tally because of slightly stronger sales in
Ontario and Quebec.
But Alberta - long the Canadian industry's top performer, on a per-capita basis - may see sales soften a bit if oil
prices remain weak.
That's the word from industry forecasters and local auto dealers, as they assess the net impact of falling oil and
gasoline prices on a vehicle market that has been on a steady uptrend since the 2008-2009 recession ended.
"Calendar-year 2015 is likely to set all-time highs for the North American auto market," Scotiabank auto analyst
Carlos Gomes, said in a report Friday.
"Combined vehicle sales and production in Canada, Mexico and the United States are expected to surpass the
2000 peak, when sales totalled 19.8 million units and assemblies topped 17.6 million."
Canada and Mexico, which both set new sales records last year, will top that performance in 2015, he
predicted, with Canadian dealers selling about 45,000 more vehicles to reach the 1.855 million unit mark this
year.
"Meanwhile, U.S. purchases are set to approach 17 million units - the highest level since 2001 - fuelled by the
strongest economic growth in a decade, improved household balance sheets and rising replacement demand."
Here in Alberta, Gomes sees total unit sales falling about two per cent to 266,000 units, down from 271,000
units last year. His views are echoed by local industry players such as Darren Gagnon, the dealer principal at
both Lacombe Ford and Drayton Valley Ford.
"What we're seeing in the short term, is that for the first quarter at least there's not going to be any rollback,"
said Gagnon, who sells about 500 vehicles to fleet buyers each year.
"People are still ordering their vehicles. But what we're hearing is that it's uncertain after that, and if oil prices
continue to fall, that might change."
Still, Gomes figures Alberta will continue to punch far above its weight, with vehicle sales expected to top those
in nearby British Columbia - a province with a population that's about 10 per cent bigger - by more than 70,000
units.
Dennis DesRosiers, president of DesRosiers Automotive Consultants, is equally bullish on the sales outlook for
2015. Although plunging oil prices are a worry in Alberta, DesRosiers said lower fuel costs are a giant net
positive. "The perception that lower oil prices will hurt the auto industry is exactly 100 per cent wrong. Lower oil
prices help the auto sector," he said.
"Remember, every 10 cent-a-litre drop (in gasoline prices) puts $5 billion into vehicle owners' pockets. We're
now down by almost 30 cents a litre and heading toward 40 cents before it bottoms out, so you're looking at
between $15 billion and $20 billion in savings. It's huge."
Although diesel prices haven't fallen as sharply as gasoline, DesRosiers said fuel savings are likely to be hefty
for farmers and fleet buyers.
"The small companies that service the oilpatch are obviously going to get hammered if oil prices stay low, and I
was quoted somewhere saying that. So this farmer calls me up and says 'You're forgetting about people like
me,'" he recalled.
DesRosiers said the farmer told him he expects to save some $7,000 in fuel costs for each of his dozen pickup
trucks this year, and will use those savings to buy a new fleet of vehicles.
"When you look at who the winners are in this environment, it's going to be the bigger, less fuel-efficient
vehicles," DesRosiers said.
"Consumers are upgrading, and it's not just to bigger vehicles with all the bells and whistles. They're taking
some of this money and pouring it into more vehicles."
Besides farmers, DesRosiers sees fleet buyers such as utilities as big winners. On the flip side, he said the
trend toward bigger vehicles will make a mockery of the federal government's fuel efficiency goals.
"Perhaps the biggest loser is the regulatory environment. Our politicians have decided to regulate improvement
in fuel efficiency, and it's going to be nearly impossible for regulations to be met if gas prices stay this low for
any length of time," he said.
"A year or two from now, if we continue at $50 oil and under $1 a litre gas prices, and it becomes more and
more obvious we won't meet these 2016 standards, I think the government will push the standards out," he
said.
"I mean, how can you bail out GM and Chrysler in 2009 with billions of dollars in taxpayers' money - most of
which has not been repaid - and turn around in 2015 or 2016 and fine all these companies because they're
selling less fuel-efficient vehicles?" Another loser? Hybrid plugin vehicles, DesRosiers said.
Sales fell about 12 per cent last year, he notes, while sales of conventional gas-powered vehicles rose.
Like Gomes, DesRosiers believes North American sales are on a sustainable long-term growth track. "It's
heading to 22 million or 23 million units a year, so we've got a lot more upside. You could even build a case
that the North American market could grow to 24 million or 25 million units, so we're still in the early stages."
glamphier@edmontonjournal.com
© 2015 Postmedia Network Inc. All rights reserved.
Illustration:
• John Bazemore, The Associated Press / Buoyed by a resurgent economy, Americans headed to car dealers in droves last month,
pushing full-year sales to what may be the highest level since 2006.
Edition: Early
Story Type: Column
Length: 853 words
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Software developers set to steal spotlight at Detroit auto show;
Cars get screen savvy
National Post
Mon Jan 12 2015
Page: FP1 / Front
Section: Financial Post
Byline: Kristine Owram
Source: Financial Post
Engineers and designers may be feeling a tad insecure as they head to Detroit for the 2015 North American
International Auto Show, as it's the software developers who are set to steal the spotlight at one of the most
important industry events of the year.
Unlike the 2014 show, which was dominated by the buzz around Ford Motor Co.'s aluminum-bodied F-150, no
one vehicle is likely to be the star attraction when this year's event opens to the press on Monday. Instead, the
50 or so attendant automakers will be vying to outdo each other with the newest technology.
"Technology is really becoming one of the key words at auto shows, with each and every automaker working
very hard to be relevant in that space," Ed Kim, vice-president for industry analysis at consulting firm
AutoPacific, said in an interview.
"I think that will be one of the most significant themes at this show and all shows going forward."
And it's not just that technology is starting to dominate auto shows - automakers are
also starting to dominate technology shows. The Consumer Electronics Show, which just wrapped up in Las
Vegas, included major displays by Ford, General Motors Co., Toyota Motor Corp., Volkswagen AG and several
other automakers, and auto-related technology generated more buzz than the usual electronic gadgets this
year.
It's probable that this buzz will carry over to the Detroit show, which opens to the media just three days after
CES ends.
"I'd be astonished if [technology] wasn't a key talking point at just about every manufacturer's stand at the auto
show this year," Bill Visnic, senior editor at automotive data website Edmunds. com, said in an interview.
"There is a race on, and the luxury carmakers in particular want to have not only the most high-tech stuff
available but also the best way to actually integrate it and make it useful to drivers."
Mercedes-Benz, for example, used CES to show off a self-driving, hydrogen-powered concept car called the
F015 Luxury in Motion. The car, which will also be showcased in Detroit, features multiple touchscreens and
swivelling lounge chairs so passengers can face each other and chat while the car takes them to their
destination.
And it's not just the luxury automakers that are pushing the boundaries of new technology. Toyota announced
this week that it is opening up its hydrogen fuel-cell patents to its competitors, royalty-free, in an attempt to
stimulate the market for fuel-cell powered vehicles. Toyota's own hydrogen-powered vehicle, the Mirai, went on
sale in Japan on Dec. 15 and will be available in North America later this year.
Connected-car technology - everything from touchscreen dashboards to cars that can park themselves - will
also be on display in Detroit.
But some of this is blue-sky technology that won't become reality for years, if ever, not least because vehicles
still can't talk to each other or to their surroundings, Mr. Visnic said.
"When you start to talk about the most sophisticated capabilities, like fully self-driving cars, it's really going to
require a two-way communication ... and none of that stuff is there yet," he said.
"For now, everything we're talking about has to be more or less limited to on-board technology."
Mr. Visnic believes that the biggest technological change in the near-term will be cars that can park themselves
after dropping off the driver.
This year's technology-dominated show comes at an upbeat time for the industry, despite the millions of recalls
that raised questions about safety and quality control in 2014.
U.S. auto sales hit 16.5 million last year, the strongest industry showing since 2006, and Canadian sales hit a
second consecutive record of 1.85 million.
"The momentum gained as the year went on and we finished on a very strong note," Tom Libby, manager of
industry analysis at IHS Automotive, said in an interview.
"Frankly, the industry is doing almost as well as it's ever done and I think the mood will reflect that."
T he Nor th American International Auto Show will be open to the public from Jan. 17-25.
kowram@nationalpost.com Twitter.com/KristineOwram
© 2015 Postmedia Network Inc. All rights reserved.
Illustration:
• David Paul Morris, Bloomberg News / The Mercedes-Benz F015 concept vehicle aims to be a rolling luxury lounge that chauffeurs
passengers autonomously.
Edition: National
Story Type: News
Length: 675 words
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Turning on the glitz: Video screens, pricey exhibits built to show off
cars, trucks in Detroit; Bring on the glitz: What to expect at Detroit
auto show
Canadian Press
Sat Jan 10 2015
Section: International,Business
Byline: Dee-Ann Durbin And Tom Krisher
DETROIT - A walk around the floor of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit leaves you with
one message: The U.S. auto industry, which nearly collapsed six years ago, is back with as much flash as
ever.
Multi-story exhibits have been under construction since October. There are giant video screens, including one
that is 140-foot-long at the Infiniti stand. And there's an elaborate Buick exhibit with two-story arches strong
enough to hold the company's new convertible above the ground.
With house-like construction that includes sophisticated lighting, stages and the video screens, a few exhibits
will cost around $20 million, said Bobby Whiting the show's construction manager. "There's nothing here less
than a million (dollars)," says Michael Cherubin, project manager on the Audi exhibit.
The exhibits will showcase new models that likely will make millions for companies as sales continue to grow in
North America, China and many other markets.
Organizers are still tallying the number of new models to be unveiled, but say it's likely to top the 47 that were
rolled out last year in Detroit. Among them are two new pickup trucks from Japanese automakers designed to
take on Detroit rivals, three sporty new convertibles trying to take advantage of growing disposable incomes,
and a 2.0 version of the Chevrolet Volt plug-in electric car.
The show opens to the media Monday, Jan. 12, at 6:30 a.m. ET at the Cobo Center in Detroit. The public show
opens Saturday, Jan. 17, at 9 a.m. and runs through Sunday, Jan. 25.
Here's a rundown of what to expect this year:
CONVERTIBLES: As the economy improves, U.S. buyers have the discretionary income to spend on
something a little less practical, like a convertible. Buick will unveil a European drop-top at this year's auto
show, and Alfa Romeo is expected to show a convertible version of its sporty 4C coupe. BMW will reveal an
updated convertible version of its 6 Series sedan.
ELECTRIC CARS/HYBRIDS: Sales of hybrids and electric cars took a hit last year as gas prices fell. But with
more stringent federal fuel economy rules on the horizon, automakers are still under pressure to make their
vehicles more efficient. General Motors will debut a new version of its plug-in hybrid Chevrolet Volt. It's the
Volt's first update since it went on sale in 2010. Audi will show off a plug-in hybrid version of its Q7 SUV, which
mates an electric battery to a diesel engine. Hyundai will reveal hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of its Sonata
sedan. Even Acura's new NSX supercar gets a power boost from its hybrid engine.
TRUCKS: U.S. pickup truck sales are booming as the economy improves, and automakers are expanding and
improving offerings in a bid to grab a bigger slice of this lucrative market. Toyota - under threat from the new
Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon - hopes to defend its leadership of the small pickup market with a
redesigned Tacoma. It's the Tacoma's first revamping since 2005. Nissan will show a new version of its Titan
full-size truck in an effort to crack a market that's still dominated by Detroit. And Ram will debut the Rebel, a
sporty, youth-oriented version of its 1500 pickup.
LUXURY: Sales of luxury cars outpaced sales of mainstream models in the U.S. last year, and they're
expected to do the same this year. Jaguar, Volvo and Porsche are all expected to unveil new models in Detroit.
Maserati has two concept cars. Lincoln will show its new MKX crossover, while Infiniti will debut its Q60
concept coupe.
PERFORMANCE CARS: With Detroit out of bankruptcy and the economy steadily improving, the show will
have an exuberance it lacked six years ago when the bottom fell out from under the market. High-speed
performance cars match the mood. General Motors will show the Cadillac CTS-V, the most powerful vehicle in
Cadillac's 112-year history. Its supercharged V8 gets 640 horsepower and has a top speed of 200 mph. BMW
will show its new M6 performance coupe as well as the Mini John Cooper Works Hardtop, which is billed as the
fastest Mini ever. Lexus promises a track-ready high-performance F version of its GS sedan.
Copyright © 2015 The Canadian Press
Length: 686 words
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Chevrolet unveils new Volt's front end
The Telegram (St. John's)
Sat Jan 10 2015
Page: D2
Section: Drive
Byline: Charles Jolicoeur
Source: AutoGo.ca
Chevrolet has given those gathered in Las Vegas at the Consumer Electronics Show a glimpse of the nextgeneration Chevrolet Volt. Indeed, the American manufacturer unveiled the front of the 2016 Volt, a little over a
week before its official unveiling.
The official launch of the new Volt will take place at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit
(January 12-25, 2015). That's when eco-friendly vehicle enthusiasts will be able to see the 2016 Chevrolet Volt
in its entirety. The new model will replace the current Volt which has been on the market since 2010.
Chevrolet did not provide much information about the upcoming Volt, but the automaker promises that it will be
faster than the model it replaces while offering greater range in electric mode. The current Chevrolet Volt can
travel about 60 km using only its electric motor, and therefore without re-quiring a drop of fuel. A gasoline
engine can then be called upon to charge the batteries that supply the electric motor, thus transforming the Volt
into a go-anywhere vehicle.
The next Volt's gas engine will be a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It will be 5 to 12 percent more efficient than
the current engine, according to General Motors. The battery in the Volt will also be more compact while being
able to store more energy.
© 2015 Transcontinental Media G.P. All rights reserved.
Length: 211 words
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Parade of debuts at Montreal car show; Brave wintry Hwy. 401 to
see 2016s, race-ready Micra, 610-hp Lamborghini
Toronto Star
Sat Jan 10 2015
Page: W14
Section: Wheels
Byline: Costa Mouzouris Special to the Star
If you don't mind the 550-km drive, you can get your first glimpse in Canada of several upcoming 2015 and
2016 cars at the 47th edition of the Montreal International Auto Show, taking place for 10 days beginning Jan.
16 at the Palais des Congrès in the city's centre.
This year, the show will feature three North American and 41 Canadian debuts. Among the 2016 model-year
Canadian debuts you'll find the mildly refreshed Audi A7 and S6 sedans, the all-new A3 e-Tron plug-in hybrid,
the Fiat 500X and Honda HR-V crossovers, the Kia Sorento and the Mazda CX3.
Making its North American debut will be the Mazda2, the latest car from Mazda to receive a Skyactiv drive
train.
A handful of supercars will make an appearance this year, among them the all-wheel-drive, 610-hp
Lamborghini Huracan. More significantly, perhaps, is the Canadian-made Magnum MK5.
Designed by former racer Bruno St-Jacques, the MK5 is powered by a 250-hp four-cylinder engine and weighs
just 545 kg. It's currently in limited production, and although it is street legal, it is designed primarily as a trackday car, with features like a carbon fibre body, a removable steering wheel, and a zero to 100 km/h time in
under four seconds.
Alfa Romeo will show the 4C, a 237-hp rear-drive two seater that will be available in only four dealerships
across Canada, including one in Vaughan.
A number of concept cars will get their North American debuts in Montreal, including the Hyundai Intrado fuelcell crossover, which was revealed in Geneva last year, and the Subaru Viziv 2 diesel hybrid crossover.
Volkswagen is looking to expand its SUV line up and will present the T-Roc crossover concept, which also
premiered in Geneva. Although the concept is a three-door model, more likely to see production is a five-door
model, which features a shorter wheelbase than the current Tiguan.
On the car show circuit since 2013 but making its first Canadian appearance will be the Cadillac Emiraj, and
Toyota will have on hand the FT-1 concept, a super sporty coupe featured in the Gran Turismo video game,
and that many are speculating will be the next Supra.
Nissan will display the BladeGlider concept, an odd-looking EV whose wing-shaped body was inspired by
Nissan's aerodynamic DeltaWing race car.
Perhaps more accessible than the BladeGlider, Nissan's Micra will also be at the show, but in full racing guise.
The Micra, with its sub-$10,000 starting price, has been a popular choice among budget-conscious drivers, and
Nissan wants to offer a similar low-budget car to aspiring race drivers by creating the Nissan Micra Cup, a 10race spec series that for now is limited to Quebec race tracks.
A fully kitted Micra Cup race car costs $19,998, and includes modified brakes and suspension, race wheels and
tires, as well as all the necessary safety equipment.
More than 200,000 visitors attended the Montreal show last year.
The Canadian International Auto Show will be held next month at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre Feb.
13-22.
Based in Montreal, Costa Mouzouris is a frequent contributor to Toronto Star Wheels. For more Toronto Star
automotive coverage, go to thestar.com/autos. To reach Wheels editor Norris McDonald: nmcdonald@thestar.ca
© 2015 Torstar Corporation
Illustration:
• The Canadian-built Magnum MK5 is a street-legal track car and will be on display in Montreal. Alain Peeri/Magnum Cars
Edition: ONT
Length: 521 words
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Linamar to add 1,200 jobs in boost for auto sector
The Globe and Mail
Mon Jan 12 2015
Page: B1
Section: Report on Business
Byline: GREG KEENAN
Auto parts maker Linamar Corp., plans to create 1,200 new jobs at its operations in Guelph, Ont., with a major
investment backstopped by financial assistance from the federal government.
Transport Minister Lisa Raitt and Canada's second-largest auto parts maker are set to unveil an investment of
more than $500million on Monday.
"This major announcement will support jobs and innovation in Canada's world-class auto sector," a senior
federal government source said.
Such policies as low taxes, investments in key industries and free-trade agreements are increasing Canada's
competitive position internationally and creating new job opportunities, the source said.
It's the second major job and investment announcement the Conservative government has made in the past six
weeks as the government moves to support manufacturing in key industrial areas of the country ahead of the
federal election this fall. Last month, the government said it will provide $300-million in loans to Pratt & Whitney
Canada as the airplane engine maker invests in plants in Mississauga and Longueil, Que.
In addition to creating new jobs in Guelph, the investment is also expected to secure more than 1,500 existing
jobs at Linamar, which has grown from a company founded in 1966 by entrepreneur Frank Hasenfratz into a
global powerhouse in the auto parts sector - one of just a handful of Canadian companies that can make that
claim.
The announcement of 1,200 new jobs is a shot in the arm for the auto-parts sector, which is capitalizing on
robust vehicle production amid booming auto sales in the U.S. market and record deliveries by auto makers in
Canada.
But there is also growing concern about the medium and long-term future of vehicle assembly in Canada and
thus many of the 80,000 jobs at Canadian auto-parts suppliers, the bulk of which exist to support auto makers'
assembly plants in the country.
New investment by auto makers has been flooding in to Mexico and the southern United States in recent years.
That poses a danger to Canadian jobs because parts makers need to locate their own factories close to vehicle
assembly plants to meet just-in-time delivery schedules.
The federal government has supported the industry financially through the Automotive Innovation Fund, which
was established in 2009 and renewed in 2013.
The government was negotiating a financing package with Ford Motor Co. last year, hoping to secure a new
investment in engine plants in Windsor, Ont., but Ford decided to make the investment in Mexico instead.
Canada's auto parts makers shipped $24-billion worth of components last year, although as a producer mainly
of parts that go in engines and transmissions, Linamar does not ship directly to vehicle factories, but rather to
engine and transmission facilities that then deliver to assembly plants.
In addition to its auto parts business, Linamar also has an industrial equipment division whose products include
scissor lifts used in construction and warehousing.
Linamar has more than 18,000 employees, several thousand of whom work at a cluster of factories and the
company's head office operations in Guelph, Ont. The company also has plants in the United States, Mexico,
Europe and China.
Linamar has already tapped Ottawa's auto fund, which is designed to help companies innovate and develop
new technologies, borrowing $55-million beginning in 2009.
The recovery in vehicle production is generating improved financial results at Linamar.
The company reported a profit increase of 54 per cent in the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2014. Profit rose to
$248.8-million from $161.1-million a year earlier. Revenue rose to $3.2-billion in the period from $2.7-billion.
© 2015 The Globe and Mail Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Edition: Ontario
Length: 571 words
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General Motors Product News
Chevrolet Corvette Z06 | Autonet.ca
autonet.ca
Mon Jan 12 2015
View original item at www.autonet.ca...»
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You Can Build The Engine In Your Corvette Z06 - The Car Guide
guideautoweb.com
Mon Jan 12 2015
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Build Your Engine - Corvette Z06
msn.com
Mon Jan 12 2015
View original item at www.msn.com...»
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Revealed: 2016 Buick Cascada; Compact convertible has European
roots
globeandmail.com
Sun Jan 11 2015, 10:29am ET
Section: Other
Byline: JEREMY SINEK
2016 Buick Cascada
What is it?
Buick's big "surprise" reveal on the eve of the Detroit auto show has actually been around in Europe since
2013; it's a compact 2+2 convertible based on GM Europe's Opel Cascada, which is based in turn on the Delta
architecture that also underpins the Chevrolet Cruze.
Signature feature
This is Buick's first convertible since the little-missed Reatta passed on in the early 1990s. Its insulated fabric
top lowers in 17 seconds and can do so while the car is moving, at speeds below 50 km/h. And unlike many
rag-tops, the Cascada looks almost as good with the top up as with it down.
What else is new?
Like the also Opel-based Buick Regal, the Cascada promises European driving dynamics, with body rigidity
that Buick claims is a match for the BMW 4 Series convertible. The front seats automatically power forward at
the touch of a button for access to the rear seats.
Under the hood
The front-wheel-drive powertrain comes over as-is from Europe, with a mere 1.6-litre turbocharged fourcylinder engine putting out 200 horsepower and (with temporary over-boost) up to 221 lb-ft of torque. The Opel
can be had with a six-speed manual, but the Buick version is a six-speed automatic only.
When can we buy it?
No plans at this point for Canada, but it goes on sale in the United States later this year. If it was sold in
Canada, we estimate pricing in the mid-$40,000 range.
Cool quotient
4 stars (out of 5)
It's pretty, and promises an affordable alternative to Audi and BMW cabriolets.
© 2015 The Globe and Mail Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Length: 255 words
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2016 Buick Cascada convertible unveiled
autogo.ca
Mon Jan 12 2015
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2015 GMC Canyon: is there still a market?
The Telegram (St. John's)
Sat Jan 10 2015
Page: D3
Section: Drive
Byline: Charles Jolicoeur
Source: AutoGo.ca
Behind the wheel of the new 2015 GMC Canyon, on a road without any turns whatsoever, I ask myself the
following question: are there still midsize truck buyers? If so, they must not be happy campers.
Let's face it; the midsize truck segment, until November 2013, when General Motors unveiled its new Chevrolet
Colorado, was remarkably stagnant.
But now, General Motors has decided to inject some life into the segment, first with the Colorado, and then with
the Canyon that we had the opportunity to drive in a straight line for a day on the outskirts of Toronto.
The 2015 Chevrolet Canyon is the second generation of a model introduced ten years ago. Completely
redesigned, it is bigger, more robust visually as well, and much more refined inside.
Elegant, inside the Canyon again reminds us of the GMC Sierra, although on a smaller scale. The centre
console is easy to use and the materials are of good quality. The seats are comfortable, and the cabin is
relatively quiet. The Canyon certainly can play the role of a comfortable daily driver, both on the highway and in
the city.
Two cabin configurations are offered, extended or crew. With the crew cab, space in back will be adequate for
children and adults, while the rear seats of the extended-cab version are best suited for young children.
A rearview camera is standard, which is good news since it's not easy to see what is happening behind the
vehicle from the passenger compartment.
The GMC Canyon will eventually be offered with three engines, including two four-cylinders, one of which will
be a diesel. However, we had to content ourselves with the 3.6-litre V6 engine developing 305 horsepower and
269 lb-ft of torque during our test. Offering the highest towing capacity in its class, this engine allows the 2015
Canyon to haul up to 7,000 lbs. Meanwhile, payload is set at 1,600 lbs. This is more than the Tacoma and
Frontier, but let's not forget that these two models are rather dated. The four-cylinder engine comes standard
and offers 200 horsepower and 191 lb-ft of torque.
Despite its 305 hp, the GMC Canyon V6 is not exactly springy. Acceleration is ok, and the engine is noisy when
pushed to its limits. Inversely, it is particularly fuel efficient with an average consumption of 13.5 L/100km in the
city and 9.8 L/100km on the highway in 4WD versions. Rear-wheel-drive versions claim an average fuel
consumption of 13.0 L/100km in the city and 9.2 L/100km on the highway. Obviously, versions powered by the
four-cylinder engine will be even more fuel-efficient.
Currently, if you are looking for a midsize truck, the 2015 GMC Canyon and its brother, the Chevrolet Colorado,
are the only really interesting options. All new, they are modern both in terms of technology, style, and interior.
In addition, they offer noteworthy towing capacity and payload. However, despite its attractive starting price, the
Canyon can be costly in the end, and buyers must figure out how they plan to use the Canyon in order to
ensure they do not overpay for a version they do not need.
PROS
Towing capacity with V6 engine
Daily-driving comfort and size
Choice of powertrains
CONS
Can get expensive with options
Small rear seats in extended-cab version
Noisy V6 engine under full throttle
© 2015 Transcontinental Media G.P. All rights reserved.
Length: 539 words
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Aging Enclave not quite on point
The Sarnia Observer
Sat Jan 10 2015
Page: D8
Section: Autonet
Byline: DANIEL BARRON , DANIEL.BARRON@SUNMEDIA.CA
Column: Autonet
How is it possible that something as big and spacious as the 2015 Buick Enclave can feel so insignificant?
Buick has been operating well outside of its comfort zone in recent years, offering up gas-electric hybrids,
nimble turbocharged sedans, and fuel-efficient pint-sized wagons. At the risk of sounding terribly cliche, this
isn't your grandfather's Buick.
Except when it comes to the Enclave, which is much like Buicks of old -- huge, (mostly) modest, and more
comfortable than your favourite hoodie.
The Enclave, which is still in its first generation, launched for the 2008 model year, right around General
Motors' lean years and when gas prices were moving ever higher.
It managed to weather those storms, remaining a part of Buick's growing -- but still modest -- lineup that's
currently five vehicles strong.
Changes to the Enclave over the years have mostly revolved around interior and exterior styling tweaks,
although this crossover still exists as it always has -- to be an entry-level luxury vehicle that can hold a large
family and that family's stuff in all sorts of comfort.
For the 2015 model year, Enclave is essentially a 2014 carryover, with some new interior and exterior colours,
as well as an available heated wood steering wheel.
There's no doubt the interior has received the over-the-hill rock star treatment, with the butterscotch interior of
my test vehicle incorporating big, comfortable seats and soothing ambient lighting. An icy-blue strip of light runs
the length of the dashboard, and its subtleness classes up an otherwise busy interior.
Everything from the analog clock sandwiched between the central air vents, to the radio and climate control
knobs are surrounded by chrome, which perfectly match the excessive chrome pattern of the vehicle's exterior.
This is a handsome vehicle made needlessly gaudy, kind of like George Clooney hitting the red carpet with
well-coiffed hair, a slick three-piece suit ... and a platinum grille covering his teeth.
It may very well be an anomaly, but I have constant issues with the software running the Enclave's infotainment
system. I see it all it seems, from the backup camera not activating when I put the vehicle in reverse, to random
freezing, to different screens (such as the map and radio info) overlapping into an unreadable mess.
It's the Enclave's powertrain that surprises me the most. This vehicle has always used a V6, and for 2015, it
once again uses a 3.6-litre powerplant outputting 288 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.
That doesn't sound like much considering this is a hefty all-wheel drive crossover that can seat up to eight
people, but I'm plenty impressed at the engine's ability to get the Enclave moving in a hurry, and without much
fuss. The six-speed automatic transmission may not sound as technologically-advanced and sexy as a seven-,
eight-, or nine-speed, but it's smooth and quick. I really can't ask for much more in a transmission.
I'm also happy to see my final fuel economy numbers. The 12.7 L/100 km I finish at is nigh-astounding
considering (again) the size of this vehicle.
The Enclave, unfortunately, surprises in bad ways as well, such as the tiny and uncomfortable third row bench
seats. I'm not exactly expecting Porsche Panamera- like rear seat comfort in any third row, but some vehicles
can pull off a passable third row. The Enclave clearly does not.
The two second row captain's chairs are comfortable to sit in, though I have a heck of a time manipulating them
when it comes time to get to the third row, or to use the Enclave primarily as a cargo mover. Simply put, it's not
a simple one arm process flipping the seats up and down and forward and backward.
Although I'm still surprised Buick doesn't have an "in between" crossover to complement the large Enclave and
tiny Encore (the Buick Ensuite?), it's smart of the company to have a three-row model in its lineup, as those
aren't as numerous these days as they were in the past.
The Enclave certainly has its merits, but is beginning to show its age. The time is ripe for it to learn a thing or
two from the more modern vehicles in the Buick lineup.
--FACT FILE: 2015 Buick Enclave
Trim level: Premium
Price as tested (before taxes): $58,110
Options on test vehicle: Dual panel moonroof ($1,685), Trailering Package ($550), Crimson red tintcoat ($515)
Freight/PDI: $1,650
Configuration: Front engine/ all-wheel drive
Engine/transmission: 3.6L six-cylinder / six-speed automatic w/ sequential shift
Power/torque: 288 hp/ 270 lb-ft
Fuel (capacity): Regular (98L)
Fuel economy ratings (L/100 km): 14.6 city, 10.2 hwy
Observed fuel economy (L/100 km): 12.7 over 527 km
Warranties: 3 years/ 60,000 km (basic), 5 years/ 160,000 km (powertrain)
Competitors: Acura MDX, Audi Q7, Infiniti JX, Lincoln MKT, Volvo XC90
Strengths: Engine, comfort, relative fuel economy Weaknesses: Infotainment software, third-row seats, styling
Report Card (out of 10)
Fuel Economy: 4 -Not a high number, but an impressive return for such a large vehicle.
Equipment level: 7 -A lot of stuff on offer, but nothing we haven't seen before.
Price: 7 -Price climbs high, but this is for a virtually fully-loaded Enclave.
Styling: 6 -Excessive chrome brings things down a notch.
Comfort (front): 9 -No doubt it fits the bill here.
Comfort (rear): 8 -The ride is soft for everyone, but third row seats are small.
Handling: 4 -Not great, but probably not a reason anyone would buy an Enclave.
Performance: 7 -V6 does a good job of getting the big, heavy Enclave moving.
Storage: 8 -Once the seats are folded, there's lots of room here for cargo.
Overall: 6 -Has its fair share of noticeable strengths and weaknesses.
© 2015 Osprey Media Group Inc. All rights reserved.
Illustration:
• AUTONET
Edition: Final
Length: 909 words
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