Why can’t we have this much fun in the States? Ecurie Ford France put together a collection of five (only 5), special editions of the European Ford Focus RS in special Le Mans historic victories. The Focus’s will take part in the Le Mans Classic event July 9-11, then will be sold. No word on what the selling conditions has to be, new or crumbled.

Me personally, I want the Euro Ford Focus RS as a choice in the USA, but to also have one painted in the old Gulf colors, I WANT! Plus you get Recaro seats in leather, leather-trimmed center armrest, handbrake and gearshift boot. Ford also plans to provide each buyer with a limited-edition Le Mans Class three-dial chronograph.

ME STILL WANT!!

Source:insideline.com
Video: Ecurie Ford France - Facebook

I want to thank GQ Magazine for publishing my diagram. If you’re a subscriber to GQ Magazine - Taiwan and looking for the detail version of what was printed,please pick here.

Does this mean the writing is on the wall? Hybrid’s are here to stay! BMW has plans to take the ActiveHybrid concept into full production as early as next year is it’s 5 Series, but also in it’s 3 Series.

The X6 SUV is the only full hybrid in the BMW’s line-up. The 7-Series hybrid, called ActiveHybrid 7, is due out soon, but it’s a mild hybrid, meaning it’s not capable of being powered on electric power alone.

Source:autoweek.com

I finally had some time to update the Automotive Family Tree. There might be a bug or two as I updated it. Please send me an email if you find one.
Automotive Family Tree

Thanks,
Andy

Busy week for the Automotive Family Tree updates. Autoweek is reporting that Daimler AG and Renault SA have agreed on share resources on a wide range of products for Mercedes-Benz, Smart, Renault and Nissan. The three primary areas of connection are small-car and light-commercial vehicle platforms, small gasoline and diesel engines and electric drive systems. And to make sure there is cooperation between the two brands, Daimler and Renault will enter into an equity swap, about 3% for each company.

BMW looking into collaboration with Daimler early 2009, but differences in engineering philosophy broke off the talks. However it seems BMW is now looking at working with the other large French connection, PSA (Peugeot and Citron).

Source:autoweek.com

Time to draw another connection in my Automotive Family Tree. Looks like Mazda is going to lease hybrid drivetrain technology from Toyota Motor Corp. Now what makes this an interesting tell is the longtime partnership of Ford Motor Co. Over the recent years Ford has started to sell its stake in Mazda, from 33% down to 13%. Makes you wonder if Mazda is trying to stretch out more on its own?

Anyway, look for Mazda to use the third-generation Toyota Prius electric-hybrid powertrain system.

Source:autonews.com (subscription maybe required)

*NOTE: File this under “When did I miss this?”, Toyota also supplies hybrid system used in the Nissan Altima hybrid sedan.

It took me awhile to update, but I’ve made some minor tweaks to the Automotive Family Tree for the end of 2009. We’re still waiting on GM to figure out what they are doing with SAAB and what Ford is doing with Volvo. I think for the most part, all the trading is done for awhile.

AutomotiveFamilyTree.com

China’s BAIH (Beijing Automotive Industry Holdings Co.) has signed a deal with Koenigsegg Group AB. No financing deal was released, but BAIH now has a small stake in Koenigsegg, which recently bought Saab Automobile from General Motors Co. The two companies plan to expand on Saab and BAIH products in China and other international markets.

So, does this mean we’ll see BAIH cars being sold at Saab dealerships? I doubt that, but I do see BAIH cars being badged as Saab’s. I sure hope not!

Source:autonews.com (subscription maybe required)

At this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, Fiat’s performance division Abarth, will show a 695 Tributo Ferrari, or a supped up Fiat 500. This will be one hot hatch with a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine with 180 HP, F1-style 6-speed transmission, tuned suspension, red (of course) Brembo brakes with 17-inch alloy wheels.

No word if this would be made for the American market or not.

Source:AutoExpress.com via jalopnik.com

GM must be really pissed at Canada. Two former GM brands, Saturn and Saab, will no longer be sold in Canada. Penske Automotive Group, who is buying Saturn from GM, told the 46 Canadian Saturn dealers that it will no longer be selling the brand later this year. Meanwhile, Saab is also out, according to GM. But once the sale of Saab to Koenigsegg is complete, they could return.

Source: thecarconnection.com