AD #2277 – Murano CrossCabriolet In High Demand, New Jeep Cherokee Impressions, FCA Says It Will Out Earn Ford
January 26th, 2018 at 11:26am
Runtime: 8:26
0:25 FCA Says It Will Out Earn Ford
1:07 Ampere Targets Elio Motors
1:34 Murano CrossCabriolet In High Demand
2:58 Rochling Creates Washer System for Sensors
3:51 New Jeep Cherokee Impressions
5:42 Ford Says Hybrids Make More Sense for Autonomy
Visit our sponsors to thank them for their support of Autoline Daily: Bridgestone , Dow Automotive Systems and Lear Corporation.
On today’s show…Ford says hybrids are better for ride sharing than electrics…FCA says it will out earn Ford this year…and Nissan has the last laugh with the Murano CrossCabriolet. All that and more coming right up on Autoline Daily.
This is Autoline Daily the voice of the automotive industry.
FCA SAYS IT WILL OUT EARN FORD
Wow, would this be a role reversal. FCA could make more money than Ford this year. FCA is projecting its EBIT earnings could hit 10.8 billion dollars this year, while Ford is predicting it will hit $9.2 billion. On a conference call with stock analysts Sergio Marchionne said, “I think there is a very strong likelihood that we will outperform Ford in terms of operating earnings in 2018, and that’s something that if I told any of us in the room here that would have been doable five years (ago), nobody would have believed this.” That’s right, no one would have believed it, especially the people in Dearborn.
AMPERE TARGETS ELIO MOTORS
Elio Motors has been talking for years about its gasoline powered two seater, but this two- seater electric could beat it to the market. It’s the Ampere, with a range of 100 miles and a price tag just under $10,000. That’s about $2,500 more than an Elio, but it sure looks terrific. It will be manufactured in Los Angeles and the company claims they will be on sale next year.
MURANO CROSSCABRIOLET IN HIGH DEMAND
Do you remember Nissan’s funky Murano CrossCabriolet? It was a weird mash-up of an SUV and convertible that never sold in big numbers and was eventually axed in 2014. The media mocked it, but Nissan is having the last laugh. The vehicle is in high demand on the used market. According to CarGurus.com data, the median price is $25,000, which is about two-thirds of the original sticker price, much higher than other vehicles from the same time which are at 43% on average.
Next week we’ll be revealing some of the details on the tear down of a Tesla Model 3 that’s going on right now at Munro and Associates. That’s the company that does competitive benchmarking for automakers and suppliers, and they’ve found some interesting issues with the car. And you will be the first ones to see them.
Autonomous cars represent the highest level of technology in the automotive industry, but it’s going to take the most basic level of technology to make it all work, and that’s coming up next.
ROCHLING CREATES WASHER SYSTEM FOR SENSORS
Radar, Lidar and video cameras on cars can give them amazing vision of what’s going on around you. But if they get covered with dirt, snow or even rain they’re useless. So how do you keep them clean? The supplier Rochling has come up with a solution, called the Advanced Active Cleaning System that essentially outfits a vehicle with 9 washer nozzles. When the system detects a sensor is blocked it will spray a cleaning fluid to wash it off and it uses electronics to automatically determine which lens needs cleaning and regulates how much fluid is sprayed on each part. That makes sure the tank lasts as long as possible. It has a large reservoir, it’s heated to prevent the fluid from freezing and will warn you when it’s getting low. This seems like a pretty simple solution to make sure all these Advanced Driver Assistance systems work the way they’re supposed to.
NEW JEEP CHEROKEE IMPRESSIONS
Before I get into my impressions of the new Jeep Cherokee, I need to thank some of you for pointing out that I completely misquoted the power numbers for the new 2.0L turbo engine. It puts out 270-horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. With that out of the way, I feel like this engine should have been offered from the get go. Not only does it suit the Cherokee very well, but it makes the crossover much more competitive in the segment. It’s now the top-of-the-line choice in powertrain, but only carries a $500 premium over the V6. The big differences between the two engines is that the turbo 4 puts out 56 more lb-ft of torque and the V6 can tow 500-pounds more. And speaking of weight, the Cherokee went on a bit of a diet and dropped 150-pounds. Things like an aluminum hood and a composite liftgate helps contribute to the savings. The suspension was also re-tuned in part because of the lightweighting efforts. So, now you have a better riding vehicle with an engine that really suits it. We’re expecting Jeep to have a really good 2018. Pricing for the new Cherokee starts at just over $25,000 and goes up to about $37,500. Jeep expects the 2019 models to start hitting showrooms in the next month or so.
When it comes to autonomous ride sharing, what’s better, pure electric cars or hybrids? Ford has some strong opinions on it and that’s coming up next.
FORD SAYS HYBRIDS MAKE MORE SENSE FOR AUTONOMY
Both GM and Ford are developing autonomous vehicles for ride sharing. But their strategies are a bit different. GM is going to use the all-electric, Chevy Bolt for its fleet, while Ford is going the hybrid route. On Autoline This Week we’re joined by Hau Thai-Tang, the Head of Product Development and Purchasing at Ford. And he explains why Ford believes hybrids make more sense for autonomous vehicles.
(The ATW preview is only available in the video version of today’s show.)
For a deeper dive into product development at Ford, you can watch that entire discussion right now on our website, Autoline.tv or you can find it on our YouTube channel.
But that’s it for today, thanks for watching and have a great weekend.
Thanks to our partner for embedding Autoline Daily on its website: WardsAuto.com
Share
Permalink
Comments (23)
January 26th, 2018 at 11:49 am
Are there any good applications for that Ampere 3-wheeler? I don’t see anyone in their right mind driving that thing on any public road. iIf you get rear-ended by anything larger than a 10-speed bicycle, you’re toast.
It’s no good to use as a golf cart. And it’s too big to drive down a sidewalk (like a Segway scooter).
So what really is the point of such a vehicle?? (and, yes, I know the Polaris Slingshot is essentially the same thing, but even when I see those being driven down the freeway it feels like the occupants have a death wish)…
January 26th, 2018 at 11:54 am
I really don’t think anyone at Nissan is laughing over the Cross Cab. They are still red-faced over the lack of sales and the losses they took on the investment in this vehicle. It also did not provide the halo effect they were likely hoping for. Instead, it became an industry joke, second only to the Aztek in recent automotive folklore.
The people who bought them at a steep discount from a dealership that was dying to get it off their lot, and now are selling it at a high resale price are the ones that are laughing. The high demand you mention is of course, relative. Since the supply is so low, it only seems like the demand is high.
Still, its one of those interesting case histories that make our industry so fascinating. Thanks for the update!
January 26th, 2018 at 11:57 am
And, here I thought that this would bomb when it was introduced. Shows you what I know, but you can’t be right all the time. The OEMs certainly aren’t.
January 26th, 2018 at 12:01 pm
-Fruit Cake
-Pajama Pants in public
-Tube Socks in Sandals
-Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet
Some things you just can’t explain…
January 26th, 2018 at 12:08 pm
Sean, do you know what gas they recommend for the new Chrysler turbo? Hopefully, it will be regular, given the market segment of the Cherokee and other products that will use the engine.
January 26th, 2018 at 12:09 pm
Pardon me if I don’t get excited over keeping sensors clean. What happens when it doesn’t work or out of fluid while you are on I80 in Nebraska going 80mph. Auto makers can’t get basic things right such as paint that doesn’t chip with minor impacts or using light bulbs in tail lights that last more than 9 months. How many times have you seen a new car going down the street with one tailight out? Ford can’t keep Carbon monoxide out of there Explorers.
January 26th, 2018 at 12:14 pm
#1 MJB. Considering most electric motorcycles are close to the 20k price tag its amazing they can build a 3 wheel car for half the price. I would say its an option and as safe as riding a motorcycle which is what three wheeled vehicles fall under in most states.
January 26th, 2018 at 12:14 pm
#1 Machines like Slingshot, and Can Am Spyder compete with motorcycles, not cars. People who drive them, presumably, would realize that they are less safe than most four wheeled vehicles, and are willing to take the risk.
January 26th, 2018 at 12:21 pm
Id like to see more convertibles but with SUV/CUVs being the hot thing looks like it will be limited to just the few sports cars and the Beetle. I liked it when almost all of the Cadillac’s could be had in a convertible.
January 26th, 2018 at 12:22 pm
You have to wonder how the Murano Cross Cab got past the execs and bean counters at Nissan. Nissan has a two door convertible the Z. Did it come out of some odd European idea of a AWD cuv ragtop nightmare?
January 26th, 2018 at 12:23 pm
I really like the Ampere Just wish it was enclosed or at least had a removable roof. Those in LA seem to forget the midwest doesnt have the great weather they do.
January 26th, 2018 at 12:42 pm
Speaking of the Midwest, did anyone recognize what National Monument she is standing in front of with the Ampere?
January 26th, 2018 at 12:46 pm
Sorry, I tried to link the gallery photo on my name. The monument is at 1:15 in the show or the 6th photo in their gallery.
January 26th, 2018 at 12:49 pm
Maybe now is the time to buy an Evoque convertible, the heir apparent for Murano ragtop fans.
10 According to the linked Ampere site, there will be an optional removable roof. Like the Elio, though, the thing will probably never exist, and if it does, the price will be much higher than $10K. The cheapest Zero electric motorcycle is $11K, and the BMW electric scooter is almost $14K.
January 26th, 2018 at 1:41 pm
I can’t find a sales breakout for the Evoque convertible. They are just included in one line of Evoque sales, which were up nicely in 2017. To my eye, the Evoque convertible has much nicer styling than the Cross Cabriolet did. I think it has been somewhat successful for Land Rover, as a niche model.
January 26th, 2018 at 1:41 pm
I just watched the Autoline This Week TV segment with Hau Thai-Tang. ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC perspectives about autonomy, batteries, ride sharing, and supplier/OEM collaboration. If Hau wasn’t so busy, he’d make a better industry spokesman than Elon, Sergio, Carlos, Akio, Mary, or Jim… and Ford stock would reverse direction. JMHO
January 26th, 2018 at 3:20 pm
15 Yeah, I agree on the styling. The Evoque looks much better. If I wanted a convertible, though, I think I’d rather save about $20K, and get a Mustang or Camaro, or a Corvette convertible for only a little more than the Evoque.
January 26th, 2018 at 5:53 pm
It would help if you would mention at what RPM the power and torque are produced, especially for turbo engines, so that we could get a sense of whether we have to ring the piss out of it to get it going or will it jump off the line without much prodding. I’d ask for torque and power curves but I think that would be pushing my luck.
January 26th, 2018 at 6:12 pm
18 Here is some info on that.
https://www.allpar.com/mopar/fours/hurricane.html
Also, just google “chrysler 2.0 turbo” and you will get lots of info.
January 26th, 2018 at 10:19 pm
#5. Kit, the 2018 Wrangler uses the same 2.0 turbo engine and in the service manual it gives the fuel specs-87 Octane Minimum – 91 Octane Recommended, 0-15% Ethanol.I believe this motor was going to go in the SRT-4 Dart if it had been built because in the fuel system diagnostics of the service manual it shows-NOTE:
The fuel pressure specification for all engines, not including an SRT-4, is 407 kPa +/- 34 kPa (58.0 psi +/- 3.0 psi). An SRT-4 engine fuel pressure specification is 552 kPa +/- 34 kPa (80.0 psi +/- 3.0 psi).
January 27th, 2018 at 8:19 am
20 Tbanks, Mark
January 27th, 2018 at 11:18 am
What goes around, comes around…The 1984 vintage Jeep Cherokee has a composite liftgate. When that model got a refresh around 1990, it got a steel liftgate that dealers were instructed to list as an improvement. Now the 2019 gets a composite liftgate! In ll seriousness, the cleaner lines of the ’19 are an improvement, and the 2.0 turbo is the perfect fit for so many vehicles!
January 27th, 2018 at 12:35 pm
The 2.0 liter turbo four is to the present, what the small block V-8 was to the 1960′s.