VW plans a `new' New Beetle
A "new" New Beetle is being developed by Volkswagen and may appear as a 2011 model, Motor Trend reports, although VW of America has not officially confirmed the next new Beetle. This new Beetle may also include a hybrid version. No word yet on price.
Chrysler, Nissan may team up on some cars
Chrysler is in talks with Nissan about jointly producing midsize cars, the Wall Street Journal recently reported. The two companies agreed earlier this year to team up on pickup trucks and subcompact cars. Since then, they have been discussing an agreement under which Nissan would produce midsize sedans that Chrysler would sell in the United States under its own brand.
Ford, Chrysler thinking small
What are Ford and Chrysler doing regarding the production of smaller cars? Motor Trend reports that an all-new C2-platform Focus, which will be similar to the Mazda3, will launch in the 2011 model year. Meanwhile, Ford is going even smaller, with its sub-compact Fiesta, which will be available early in 2010 as a 2011 model, available in four-door sedan and three-door hatchback body styles. At Chrysler, the compact Dodge Caliber is in for a major change for 2012. And, an as-yet-unnamed sub-compact car - being produced with Nissan, using Nissan's Versa platform - will arrive in 2010 as a 2011 model. A Chinese Dodge/Chery entry-level car may be ready for 2012 as well.
Visit MotorMouth blog
Are you a fan of collectible or classic cars? If you are, then check out the MotorMouth blog at Startribune.com/cars. MotorMouth Kris Palmer, freelance auto writer and editor, who also puts together this section's Weekend Garage column every Saturday, blogs about vintage cars, the collectible auto scene and just about everything else that goes vroom. And, as with any good blog, you can participate. You can post comments and converse with others about a wide variety of vintage car topics.