FEBRUARY 24, 2016

Tuesday

Feb232016

Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at 08:33AM

Editor-In-Chief's Note: Many readers commented about the juxtaposition between my column and a story in the local Detroit media on Sunday (which also re-ran in USA Today on Tuesday, 2/23), wondering how it happened that two such divergent perspectives could see the light of day. From the moment we started this publication going on seventeen years ago we set out to influence the influencers. What does that mean? In writing about issues and perspectives that other media sources will usually only discuss in "deep background" or in "off the record" conversations, we often find ourselves leading the discussion. There are plenty of media outlets out there that will tell you what the manufacturers want you to hear, but that's never interested us. Most (not all) auto journalists can't or won't report or write about the kinds of issues that we do because ultimately they're beholden to the PR minions at the car companies. As a reminder, in the old days automotive journalism was an exercise of rote regurgitation that went something like this: PR operatives at the automakers would favor journalists who were deemed friendly or at least sympathetic with access to the top executives so that they could write positive stories, while dribbling out an occasional "exclusive" to them to keep things interesting. If the journos played nice, that access to the top execs would continue (which pleased their editors to no end by the way). If they didn't, they would instantly be branded as being "difficult" and put on ice until such time as it's deemed they've been in the penalty box long enough and, sufficiently chastened, would play nice again. It's a nice arrangement for those who choose to participate. On the other hand, we've never been part of the "go along to get along" auto journalism drill. I don't crave or need access to these executives because I know how they think, I know how they operate, and I know what they need and what they want, often before they even articulate it. And, as many executives have related to me over the years, to the degree that they find it "scary."

Obviously, the brain trust at FCA prefers the story that ran in the Detroit Free Press on Sunday, which painted an all-glowing picture of the prospects for FCA in finding a partner, and how The Great Sergio is the sole reason that FCA is now such an attractive proposition. The reality? Well, that's altogether different, and by a wide margin too. FCA is in fact teetering on the edge of oblivion, because despite its often touted, red-hot Jeep sales numbers the company simply isn't making enough money. The Fiat brand in North America is in complete disarray - with dealers bailing left and right - and there's nothing on the horizon to pull it out of its tailspin either. And with the onslaught of ramped-up fuel economy mandates and more stringent emissions requirements, FCA lacks access to the technical wherewithal in order to compete in a rapidly changing market too. As for the the "promise" of Alfa Romeo? A complete non-starter and joke from the get-go, and embarrassingly so too. In short, FCA is teetering on the edge. Marchionne hamfisted his overtures to Mary Barra and GM, and from that point on, he has had his back to the wall. He needs a partner, ASAP, but the crushing reality is that no one is interested, which is why I think he will be forced to part the company out piecemeal, so that he can line his pockets and those of his handlers in the Fiat family one last time. -PMD (Read more of Peter's thoughts on this subject in Reader Mail. -WG)

(Land Rover images)
This is the limited-edition Range Rover created in partnership with Holland & Holland, the oh-so-British producer of world-class and custom shotguns and a holder of two royal warrants. The latest from Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations, this will be the pinnacle of the Range Rover family. Exclusive elements include Holland & Holland signature design details such as specially engraved bright work, French walnut veneers sourced from the same wood as Holland & Holland stocks, custom commissioned plaque and inlays, signature green exterior finish and unique badging. In addition, the deploy-able load floor provides easy access to a lockable leather trimmed gun case. Take a good look, because you're unlikely to see one out in the wild. Why? Just 30 units will be available in the U.S. The price? It starts at $244,500. It will be available this spring.

(McLaren Automotive images)
If it seems that McLaren has more versions of its sports cars appearing almost weekly, that's because it basically does. It's a "three-tier" product strategy according to them, but it seems to make sense only to McLaren. Whatevs. This is the new 570GT, "the most luxurious and refined of any McLaren to date" according to the boffins in McLaren PR. It features "a light, airy cabin upholstered and specified with the highest quality materials throughout" and a side-opening rear glass hatch offering an additional 220 liters of storage on what they call the leather-lined "Touring Deck." Plus a suspension and steering system designed more for real world, long distance comfort. McLaren even includes specially-developed Pirelli P Zero™ tires that include a Pirelli Noise Cancelling System (PNCS) for a more refined ride (!). Pricing starts at £154,000 in the UK. No word yet on the U.S. model pricing.