ON THE TABLE - FEBRUARY 5, 2014
Monday, February 3, 2014 at 11:34AM 
Sergio Marchionne. Editor-in-Chief's Note: One thing that can be definitively said about FCA Chief Honcho Sergio Marchionne is that he's a gifted - make that brilliant - deal maker. When he managed to abscond with Chrysler and Jeep for around $6 billion, all-in, he pulled off one of the most extraordinary deals in automotive history. And industry execs are shaking their heads while giving him props for it. Why? The Jeep brand alone is worth $6 billion. The rest of it is pure gravy. - PMD
FCA, Ford, GM, VW, et al. Editor-in-Chief's Note: The most ominous news for the business to emerge this week is that Toyota is projected to deliver a profit of $18 billion for the year. That annual profit will "easily exceed the combined earnings in 2013 for General Motors, Ford and the Chrysler division of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles," according to The New York Times. Fueled by a weakened yen - exactly the way the Japanese government prefers it - Toyota is accumulating a massive war chest to expand its reach in new markets and to judiciously wreak havoc in existing markets with targeted incentives designed to disrupt their competition. All together now: Not. Very. Good. Unless you're Akio, of course. - PMD
Tesla, Subaru. Maybe the above point doesn't matter, because according to Consumer Reports we're all going to be driving a Tesla or Subaru soon enough anyway. Oh joy.
FCA. Editor-in-Chief's Note: Speaking of incentives, the resident geniuses out in Auburn Hills are dumping massive incentive money (approaching $5,000, the highest in the business by far) on their Ram Trucks, which, last time I checked, have only been in the market for a year. Why are they doing it? To remain competitive in the market with the new GM pickups and to compete with Ford, which is clearing the decks of its current F-150 in preparation for the launch of its all-new aluminum F-150 next fall. But that's the blah-blah-blah explanation. The real reason is that with FCA being propped-up by the profits from Jeeps and pickups, Sergio needs the cash flow to keep the Fiat Empire (choke, cough) afloat. But the problem is FCA is painting themselves in a corner with these heavy incentives and when the competition really heats up in the market, they will have nowhere to go except to ratchet-up the incentives even higher. Oh, and by the way, it destroys residual values too. Goodnight and good luck. - PMD
(BMW Group)
The new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe shares the same length, width, wheelbase and track with the two-door version, but the roof-line is 4.4 inches (112 mm) longer and the silhouette is half an inch (12 mm) higher to offer more headroom and comfort for rear-seat passengers. It's also a hatchback.
(BMW Group)
Two engine choices power the new 2015 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe. A Turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 240HP in the 428i, while the 435i Gran Coupe will be powered by the TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter inline six with 300HP. The 428i xDrive Gran Coupe with BMW’s intelligent all-wheel drive system will also be available at launch. All versions will be offered in the US with an 8-speed sport automatic transmission.
(BMW Group)
The interior of the new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is well, typical BMW.
(BMW Group)
In the ongoing explosion of BMW models, the 2015 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe will be available beginning early summer. It will make its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March and its U.S. debut at the New York International Auto Show in April.
(Chevrolet/newspressUSA)
Malcolm Smith, defensive standout for the Seattle Seahawks, won the Most Valuable Player award for Super Bowl XLVIII. His prize? A 2014 Chevrolet Silverado High Country, the Official MVP Vehicle of Super Bowl XLVIII.
(Ford/newspressUSA)
A new pinball game from Stern Pinball, featuring the all-new Ford Mustang and celebrating 50 years of the original pony car, makes its debut at the Chicago Auto Show. Stern Pinball will also offer a premium game featuring Mustang Boss 302, Boss 351 and Boss 429, plus a limited-edition game honoring the 1965 original and all-new 2015 Mustang. Champion pinball player Zach Sharpe will challenge journalists to beat his high score on the new machines during media preview days at the Chicago Auto Show on Feb. 6 - 7.
(Ford/newspressUSA)
(BMW)
The 2015 BMW X3 has some significant updates. A rear-wheel drive BMW X3 sDrive28i will be available for the U.S. market for the first time. And a diesel-powered version - the X3 xDrive28d - will make its debut. The exterior and interior of the new X3 receive updates as well. The new X3 goes on sale in the spring as a 2015 model. Prices in the U.S. will start at $39,325 for the X3 sDrive28i. The X3 xDrive28i (with BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive) will start at $40,725, while the top-of-the-line X3 xDrive35i will sticker for $45,825. The all-new X3 xDrive28d will start at $42,825. (All prices include $925 Destination & Handling fee.)
(Subaru/newspressUSA)
Subaru, the hottest car company that no one ever really thinks about - except for its loyalist buyers of course - has introduced an all-new 2015 Legacy sedan at the Chicago Auto Show. The highlights? It's the roomiest Legacy ever with the largest passenger cabin in the midsize segment, a segment Subaru is desperate to crack. A higher level of comfort, quiet and refinement with revised powertrains and standard Lineartronic® CVT on all models. Other new stuff includes standard Active Torque Vectoring for greater agility; EyeSight driver assistance system with improved camera performance; available safety technology including rear radar with Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and infotainment technology with an available 12-speaker premium audio system. Fuel efficiency for the new Legacy is an estimated 26 mpg city/36 mpg highway for the 2.5i model.
(Subaru/newspressUSA)
