BMW is slowing development of its so-called 0 Series, the front-drive sub-1 Series that’s a reaction to Audi’s A1. Word is BMW has come to realize it’s working on FWD from both sides. The i3 and i8 electrics will be FWD-based. The all-new 2013 1 Series will be FWD too, though only the hatchbacks sold outside North America. The next 1 Series coupe and convertible remain RWD. BMW already has, of course, a competitor for the Audi A1, called the Mini.
FJ3t will not complete a merger with Chrysler Group until the end of 2014, says Sergio Marchionne, chief executive officer of both companies. Fiat’s share rose to 58.5 percent of Chrysler at the end of 2011 after the Italian automaker met certain performance goals, including the launch of the new 40-mpg Dodge MultiAir-powered compact that makes its debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this January. Marchionne told business reporters in London that it’s “not on the agenda” for Fiat to buy the remaining 41.5 percent of Chrysler from the United Auto Workers’ union retiree healthcare trust in 2012.
All 2012 Chevrolet Volts sold in California early in 2012 will have a special Low Emissions Package that allows access to the state’s High Occupancy Vehicle traffic lanes. Owners will be eligible to apply for one of 40,000 HOV stickers made available in ’12, and are eligible for $1500 in state rebates. Chevy engineers modified the catalytic converter with a secondary air-injection pump that streams ambient air into its exhaust stream and potentially removes more pollutants.
Lots Of assembly plant news. GM is spending $61 million to reopen its Spring Hill, Tennessee, Saturn plant to build Chevrolet Equinoxes in the second half of ’12. The plant will employ 594 hourly and 91 salaried workers, and a second investment of $183 million will be used to build future midsize vehicles there. GM says the plant, which built Saturns from 1990 to 2007 and Chevy Traverses through 2009, is one of the most flexible in the world. Chrysler has announced a $1.7-billion investment in its 2014 Jeep Liberty replacement, which may revert to the Cherokee name. Dodge is expected to drop its slow-selling Nitro variant. The investment includes $500 million to retool Jeep’s Toledo Assembly Complex in Ohio. Finally, Toyota has begun production of the Corolla at its new $800 million Blue Springs, Mississippi assembly plant, Toyota’s 14th in North America.
Audi sells long-wheelbase versions of its A4 and A6 sedans in China, where such cars are chauffeur-driven. It plans to build the upcoming A3 sedan there too. The A3 sedan is designed to take the place of the old, smaller, less-expensive A4 sedan that used to be sold in the U.S., Europe, and China.