Germans paying American workers less
December 27, 2011 by Obrien Auto Group · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Hybrid , Europe , Technology , BMW , Lexus , Toyota , Diesel Automotive News reports Lexus won’t be getting any diesel engines from BMW as part of the new collaboration between parent company Toyota and the German automaker. BMW and Toyota are set to team up on next-generation green technology, though the two will apparently stick to crafting a new lithium-ion battery instead of swapping diesel tech. BMW will serve up a few small-displacement diesel engines for use in European Toyota models, but it won’t supply direct-competitor Lexus with any oil-burning lumps. Right now, European buyers can expect to see 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter BMW diesel engines to show up under the hoods of certain Toyota products soon. That should help Toyota immensely in a market where 52 percent of all vehicles sold are diesels. Lexus, meanwhile, will continue to focus on plug-in hybrid and hybrid models to position itself as a niche innovation company. Automotive News reports Lexus has nailed down a European market share of just 0.2 percent over the past 11 months. New BMW-Toyota deal doesn’t include diesels for Lexus originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Dec 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
4 wheel drive Jaguars on the horizon (Nov 22)
November 22, 2011 by Obrien Auto Group · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Coupe , Performance , Etc. , Japan , Videos , Toyota Toyota has released a new teaser for the company’s upcoming FT-86 that gives us all a glimpse into the vehicle’s design process. The quick spot depicts designers as they slave over both exterior and interior details by choosing wheel and material options for the two-door sports coupe. We’re guessing the same level of attention to detail went into crafting its North-American-bound twin, the Scion FR-S . The video also gives us a quick glance under the hood, where we see a very familiar-looking naturally aspirated 2.0-liter boxer engine. A fairly stout strut-tower brace is also clearly visible in the ad, though it looks as if Toyota has kept the vehicle’s battery under the hood instead of kicking it to the rear of the vehicle for slightly better weight balance. It’s also worth noting just how low the Subaru flat-four sits in the engine bay of the FT-86. The top of the engine sits well below the strut towers, making for what looks to be a decidedly low center of gravity. While you’re waiting for this car to debut at next week’s Tokyo Motor Show , hit the jump to check out the video for yourself. Continue reading Toyota releases new FT-86 teaser footage ahead of Tokyo reveal Toyota releases new FT-86 teaser footage ahead of Tokyo reveal originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Nov 2011 10:59:00 EST.
2013 Jaguar XKR-S (Nov 15)
November 15, 2011 by Obrien Auto Group · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Etc. , Government/Legal , Ford , Toyota Ford is suing former marketing executive Martin Collins as the result of a job he took with a Toyota distributor. The Detroit Free Press reports that Collins took a position as president of Gulf States Toyota; an apparent violation of his employment contract with Ford. Collins had been the general sales manager of the Ford and Lincoln brands since May. Ford is seeking $25,000 in damages for the alleged employment contract breach and the automaker is also looking to ban Collins from taking the job. Ford said in the suit that the company is concerned that Collins could supply “confidential or proprietary information and/or trade secrets that is valuable and gives a competitive advantage to the company.” Collins’ attorney, William John Bux, counters that the former Ford employee is actually employed by the Friedkin Group – not Gulf States Toyota. Bux adds that Collins will not interact with Gulf States Toyota until after the non-compete clause ends. Ford suing former exec over new Toyota-related job originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Jaguar USA – JAGUAR AND LAND ROVER VEHICLES BOTH RECOGNIZED AS LEADERS IN TOTAL QUALITY
July 18, 2011 by obrienautos · Leave a Comment
The latest from Jaguar and Land Rover brought to you by Jaguar Land Rover of Tacoma, a member of the O’Brien Auto Group! MAHWAH, N.J., July 13, 2011 – Jaguar and Land Rover were each recognized today for their leading ownership experience in Strategic Vision Inc.’s (SVI) Total Quality Index® (TQI). This recognition for both [...]
