The 2009 Nissan cube has four models: 1.8 equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission, with a starting Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)* of $13,990. 1.8 S, priced at $14,690 with the 6-speed manual and 1.8 S at $15,690 with the Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission); cube® 1.8 SL, priced at $16,790, Xtronic CVT is standard [...]
Gene Brown, Vice President of Marketing for Suzuki sat down with me at the 2009 Chicago auto show. Gene's answer to the last question was enlightening. I asked all the executives the same questions: 1. Are we looking at a fundamental downsizing of the industry? 2. What is the one thing that will capture the [...]
2009 Chicago auto show (CAS) Moray Callum, Ford's director of car and crossover design talked to me at the 2009 Chicago auto show. Like many designers, Callum is concerned about designing a car that has such a brand image. But, what was the car that stretched Callum's creative abilities the most?
John Krafcik has been promoted to Acting President and Chief Executive Officer of the company. Krafcik sat down with me at the 2009 Chicago auto show. I asked all the executives the same questions: 1. Are we looking at a fundamental downsizing of the industry? 2. What is the one thing that will capture the [...]
Jeff Conrad is the Vice President of Acura sales. Conrad sat down with me at the 2009 Chicago auto show. I asked all the executives the same questions: 1. Are we looking at a fundamental downsizing of the industry? 2. What is the one thing that will capture the imagination and wallet of tomorrows buyer? [...]
Mike Martini, President Bridgestone Consumer Original Equipment talked to at the 2009 Chicago Auto show about Bridgestone's new tire, the ecopia.
Ed Peper, General Motors, North America vice president of Chevrolet, talked to me about Tuesday's (the 17th) report of viability that will be submitted to Congress by General Motors. What does Peper think of Rick Wagoner calling GM "a company in crisis"? GM and Chrysler are looking for a federal rescue loan to stay afloat. [...]
Ed Welburn is General Motors Vice President of Global Design. The conversation started as always, light and lively, but then I asked Ed a question that he said no one had ever asked him. Listen as Ed talks about the car design that stretched his imagination and creativity the most. It's a great lesson for [...]
Don Esmond is the Senior Vice President of Automotive Operations, Toyota Motor Sales, USA. Esmond set down with me at the 2009 Chicago auto show. I asked all the executives the same questions: 1. Are we looking at a fundamental downsizing of the industry? 2. What is the one thing that will capture the imagination [...]
Jim OSullivan is the President and CEO, Mazda North America Operations; Managing Executive Officer, Mazda Motor Corporation. I asked all the executives the same questions: 1. Are we looking at a fundamental downsizing of the industry? 2. What is the one thing that will capture the imagination and wallet of tomorrows buyer? 3. The car [...]