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Sergio Marchionne, who plans to merge Fiat and Chrysler, has said he will file an initial public offering for the U.S. carmaker in the coming days, but it's an IPO that he'll be keen to avoid.

Sergio Marchionne, who plans to merge Fiat and Chrysler, has said he will file an initial public offering for the U.S. carmaker in the coming days, but it's an IPO that he'll be keen to avoid.

Barb Samardzich will be just the third person to be Ford of Europe COO in the last decade when she starts the job Nov. 1. The other two were promoted to a CEO job in a year or less.

Barb Samardzich will be just the third person to be Ford of Europe COO in the last decade when she starts the job Nov. 1. The other two were promoted to a CEO job in a year or less.

Barb Samardzich will be just the third person to be Ford of Europe COO in the last decade when she starts the job Nov. 1. The other two were promoted to a CEO job in a year or less.

Barb Samardzich will be just the third person to be Ford of Europe COO in the last decade when she starts the job Nov. 1. The other two were promoted to a CEO job in a year or less.

German carmaker Volkswagen plans to start selling electric cars in the United States in 2015, the New York Times reported, citing a Volkswagen official.

Volkswagen plans to start selling electric cars in the United States in 2015, a newspaper reported, citing a company official.

BMW disputes claims that subcontractors working for the automaker in France attempted to obtain information about rival Bollore's EV technology.

BMW disputes claims that subcontractors working for the automaker in France attempted to obtain information about rival Bollore's EV technology.

GM says it is hatching a plan on how to best position Chevrolet and Opel/Vauxhall in Europe, but disagreement on branding still exists between the marque's top managers.

GM says it is hatching a plan on how to best position Chevrolet and Opel/Vauxhall in Europe, but disagreement on branding still exists between the marque's top managers.

Electric car company Tesla Motors is working to produce a car capable of running on "auto-pilot" within the next three years, CEO Elon Musk said, joining tech giant Google Inc. and rival carmakers in the race to roll a driverless car into the market.

Nationwide, the title sponsor of NASCAR's junior series will not be renewing as series sponsor after 2014.

“It's a natural evolution for Nationwide Insurance to move our marketing investment to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, and we'll continue to put tremendous effort behind all of our NASCAR marketing platforms in the years to come,” said Nationwide Chief Marketing Officer Matt Jauchius in a news release.

The Sports Business Daily said that the deal, which dates back to 2007, had been worth in the area of $8USD million.

One of the stated reasons was to get exposure relating to NASCAR's premier Sprint Cup Series.

Jauchius said told the SBD "Being a series sponsor was the right thing at that particular time but we see Sundays (for Cup races) as the next step. You'll see us lean into this even more at the Cup level. ... I will spend more money in 2014 and 2015 (in NASCAR) by shifting assets around a bit." NASCAR plans to begin searching for a new title sponsor immediately.”

Thus it's possible that there will be no net loss in NASCAR spending by the Insurance giant, but, a shift to teams. Currently Nationwide has a partial sponsorship deal with Roush Fenway Racing on rookie, Ricky Stenhouse, Jr.'s Sprint Cup Ford Fusion.

NASCAR and Nationwide Insurance have finalized a new agreement to extend Nationwide's position as the official auto, home, life and business insurance partner of NASCAR through 2017. As part of the new contract, Nationwide Insurance also will become the presenting sponsor of the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award.

Portland, OR - Is there anything better than wind-in-your-hair motoring on a hot summer evening? Yes, convertibles may hold a special place in the car enthusiast's heart, yet most of us shy away from such impulsive purchases simply due to practicalities. For a start, it's difficult to source a sporty drop-top boasting anything but two usable seats (unless you count those just-for-show rear pygmy-pockets certain manufacturers fit), and that simply doesn't cut it for most of us.

Then of course, there's the image. A two-seater sports model may well appease one's midlife crisis (and possibly assist a little with your love life), but it's hardly the vehicle to be seen in arriving at your elderly aunt's funeral.

Whichever way you look at it, it's tough to balance style, prestige and dignified open-air pleasure, or is it?


What is a Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
In my opinion, the E-Class has always been the smart person's choice within the Mercedes-Benz lineup as it simply ticks all the right boxes. Prestigious enough to impress, it's perfectly sized for today's cramped highways and its purchase price won't break your bank manager's heart.

However, the E-Class Cabriolet adds to this with an abundance of open-air fun, which is enjoyable for four reasonably sized adults. In fact, if you're looking for an impressive (yet sensible) convertible, the new 2014 E-Class Cabriolet could be in a “class of its own.”

2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet Price and Specs
Two engines are on offer for 2014: the 302 hp V6 E 350, and the 402 hp V8 E 550, and both feature the superb MB 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission.

Mercedes also thoughtfully included some rather stylish colour schemes for 2014 (see photos) and all Canadian models receive AMG body styling as standard.

Pricewise, the E 350 starts at a quite reasonable $69,800 (a great deal for what you're getting), and there's very little in the way of additional packages to add to this figure as the vehicle comes well-equipped already. The more powerful E 550 will set you back substantially more (a tad over $80k), but performance-driven buyers (and possibly those seeking long-term ownership) may prefer it. Fuel-economy differences between the two aren't overly outrageous.

Two engines are on offer for 2014: the 302 hp V6 E 350, and the 402 hp V8 E 550, and both feature the superb MB 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission. (Photo: Kevin Corrigan)

Driving the 2014 E-Class Cabriolet
I drove both the 2014 E 350 and 2014 E 550, and I enjoyed them each immensely. However, if it were my money being spent, I would probably choose the E 350. In my opinion, it's the best all-rounder. Its V6 propels the vehicle at a sprightly pace without any fuss or drama (particularly in Sport mode), and is surprisingly good at balancing performance with fuel economy (9.0L/100km combined).

The E 550, on the other hand, is perhaps more the choice of the automobile connoisseur as it truly is a refined driving experience (10.2L/100km combined). Its uber-power comes on silky smooth, and it boasts a wonderful exhaust roar at full bore!

If it were my money being spent, I would probably choose the E 350. (Photo: Kevin Corrigan)

Inside and Out of the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet
Like the Mercedes E-Class sedan and wagon, the coupe and cabriolet versions were refreshed for 2014.

The new styling, both front and rear, is now complemented by a host of modern technology that includes something Mercedes refers to as, "Intelligent drive." This innovative system not only constantly scans for wayward pedestrians (it detects pedestrians and initiates autonomous braking at speeds up to 50 km/hr), and is also capable of keeping the vehicle centered in the lane should the driver start to wander (it can even follow the vehicle in front in slow-moving traffic automatically). This remarkable achievement is obtained via extensive use of radar, and with cleverly positioned cameras that effectively operate as all-seeing eyeballs. It's impressive to say the least, and is truly a major leap forward in vehicular safety.

If the stunning curbside appeal doesn't immediately melt your heart, then sliding behind the wheel of the new 2014 E-Class Cabriolet will certainly take care of that problem. Superb fit & finish is typically a foregone conclusion with Mercedes-Benz products, yet the new 2014 Cabriolet somehow manages to raise the bar even higher. Its well-planned cockpit ensures comfort for all shapes and sizes. Pleasant touches, such as contrasting stitching to the leather seating, make you feel special and then some.

Superb fit & finish is typically a foregone conclusion with Mercedes-Benz products, yet the new 2014 Cabriolet somehow manages to raise the bar even higher. (Photo: Kevin Corrigan)

Comparing the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet
Yes, there are other manufacturers offering luxury convertibles, but very few boast products to match the E-Class Cabriolet. Typically, convertible ownership is a compromise between performance, style, and capacity. You either go for all-out performance and suffer the discomfort while cruising or you plumb for a more sedate ride and perhaps greater seating capacity (think Chrysler Sebring). It's rare to find a vehicle that adequately combines sporty performance, style & comfort.

If you're considering the purchase of a convertible sometime in the near future, you owe it to yourself to check out the new 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet. It truly is an exceptional vehicle.

Your iPhone is a work of art. Engineered to be both aesthetically pleasing and usable, the iPhone was designed with the user in mind. Or was it? I don't know about you, but those flimsy little buttons to lock and mute my iPhone4 are bloody annoying. And that glass back? Yeah, I cracked that ages ago. Super practical, guys; thanks.

So, what's going through the mind of designers and engineers when they put together items like the iPhone, your microwave, your TV or the car in your driveway? In some cases, it's clear that function wins out over form, but more often than not I see form taking precedence over all, and that's not necessarily a good thing.

Take for example the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class. You'd think this behemoth of an SUV would have practicality and usability written all over its massive flanks -- and, in essence, it does. However, one small detail left me scratching my head and wanting to ask Mercedes: “Why?!”

Equipped with a specific package, the GL had power-folding seats in both the second and third rows. At the touch of a button the seats would fold or unfold themselves -- a great feature if you've got a big family with lots of people moving in and out of each row. But what happens when you add a baby seat to all of that (a likely scenario for a large family)? Well, that's where it gets dicey.

The headrests in the second row are so massive that my baby seat was being pushed a good 3” off the backrest (no good). So, I tried to remove said headrest. No matter what it wouldn't budge. Online research revealed that this is a major issue with the GL-Class: The headrests are not removable on the power-folding seats.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

How does that make sense? Such a simple thing could make a huge difference in a family's life, and ultimately in their decision to buy a certain vehicle.

The Acura ZDX is another prime example of (horrible) form over function. The rear door openings are so severely angled you are guaranteed to smash your head every time you get in or out, unless you're an expert yoga practitioner and can fold your body perfectly in two as you slide in.

You like turning knobs to adjust volume, temperature, or browse radio stations? Don't get into a Fiat 500 or a Lincoln MKX; you'll only be greeted with a multitude of buttons to push or touch-sensitive panels, respectively.

I get the appeal of designing something that looks spectacular; sex sells, after all. Engineer and design a car that looks stunning and you've won half the battle, but is it worth sacrificing practicality especially when it comes to vehicles that are supposed to be practical (like the GL-Class)?

There is no such thing as a perfect car or a perfect phone for that matter, but there are levels of perfection that can be attained by paying attention to everyday user struggles and addressing those while still keeping the product attractive.

That's what redesigns and updates are for, and I look forward to every new vehicle that hits the market, eager to see the form vs. function battle rage on.

Ford's EcoBoost engines are so popular now that two million units have been built since 2009. The milestone engine wound up in a Ford Escape produced in Louisville, Kentucky.

More than 100,000 EcoBoost engines are currently built every month, with a target of 1.2 million for 2013 -- up more than 60% from 2012. For the first time, EcoBoost production is expected to exceed Ford's global diesel engine production.

Customer demand so far exceeds projections globally, with 90% of Escape buyers in North America and 95% of Kuga buyers in Asia choosing EcoBoost. Moreover, in diesel-centric Europe, 39% of Focus customers opt for EcoBoost.

Ford had to double output at its Cologne plant in Germany, which builds a thousand 1.0L EcoBoost engines per day. It also invested $200 million to build 2.0L EcoBoost units in the U.S.

Photo: Ford

Tesla CEO Elon Musk told the Financial Times he hopes to put a self-driving car on the road within three years, well before other manufacturers.

“We should be able to do 90% of miles driven within three years,” he announced, meaning that drivers would only have to grab the wheel 10% of the time.

Musk did not reveal further details of Tesla's autonomy project, but said it was “internal development” rather than technology being supplied by another company.
Daimler, Nissan, and Google are also working on a driverless car.

Of course, laws and regulations will need to change. In Europe, for instance, drivers are required to maintain control of their vehicle at all times. Moreover, insurance companies and road users will have to have complete faith in the safety of self-driving cars, which definitely won't happen overnight.

Source: ft.com

Photo: Wikipedia

Frankfurt, Germany - Nobody likes a show-off. Well, nobody who stands in the shadow of the one in the spotlight, that is.

Audi's doing really well on a global scale. They hold their share of the blame for Volkswagen Auto Group's (VAG) continued growth and success. In these tough economic times, especially in Europe where there is plenty of tension in the car market, VAG managed a 4.5% increase in overall deliveries (6.2 million so far), year-over-year, from January to August. In fact, of the projected 9 or so million sales for the group this calendar year, Audi will be responsible for at least a million of them. That's big.

Audi likes it this way. It is, therefore, fitting that for the biggest auto show of them all, Audi would go correspondingly big. Of the 11 pavilions (14 in all, actually) of the Frankfurt Messe used for the 2013 IAA, Audi preferred to build their own. Yes, that's right: They erected a temporary structure for the sole purpose of the Frankfurt Auto Show.

Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre

For most, that structure alone would be enough, but then they don't compete with the likes of Mercedes-Benz and BMW, both of which have enormous pavilions in which they create mind-blowing displays with ramps, multiple levels, countless cars, and eye-popping shows.

Audi did it big, and their way.

The structure stands in the middle of the Agora of the Frankfurt Messe. Construction of Audi's pavilion started in mid-July and was completed in seven weeks. The “building” features 2,300 sq. meters of mirrored surfaces, 150 kilometers of cable and has a total of 3,400 square meters of floor space. Also, it is white, imperial, and statuesque. Obviously, they didn't stop there.

Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre

The interior features a stage large enough for five cars (there are three, including the stunning Sport Quattro Concept), a stand for an R18 with its latest trophy, a green carpeted section for three tron cars. The majority of the floor is dedicated to at least 10 other cars, graciously spaced apart from the new A3 cabrio to an R8 V10 spider and a 4.0T A8 L. Throw in a large boutique-style shop, numerous displays for engines, transmissions, and technologies and you only get half the picture.

The ceiling is the other half. With trees, buildings, screens, mirrors, and countless signs, it is essentially an upside down cityscape. Mental.

Then there's the whole second floor with a gourmet restaurant, beautiful bathrooms, and tasteful elegant décor. All of which will be torn down by the time Fall officially arrives...

Yes, Audi does it big because they can. This manufacturer of hot-ass cars is currently enjoying fabulous amounts of attention and has become an incredibly desirable brand, one that many around the globe aspire to own. Why not boast and even be a little arrogant about it?

Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre

Siegfried Marcus was born on September 18th, 1831, in Malchin, Mecklenburg, Germany. This man built four of the world's earliest gasoline-powered vehicles, including the first combustion-engined automobile in 1864.

Because the machine had no clutch, the rear wheels had to be lifted off the ground before the engine could be started. Dissatisfied with its performance after one test drive, Marcus dismantled the vehicle and took on other projects.

Ten years later, his next vehicle featured a remarkably advanced electrical system. It is currently preserved in the Technical Museum for Industry and Trade in Vienna as probably the oldest gasoline-powered automobile extant.

First gasoline-powered vehicule by Marcus, 1870 (Photo: Wikipedia)

Why isn't he more famous?
Because Marcus was a Jew, museum authorities had to hide the vehicle to prevent its destruction during the Nazi occupation. However, the Nazis managed to destroy all original documents, photos, and patent filings in both Berlin and Vienna.

Marcus was removed from German encyclopedias as the inventor of the modern car, under a directive from the German Ministry for Propaganda during World War II. He was replaced with the names of Gottlieb Daimler and Karl Benz, who were then credited with inventing the world's first combustion-engined automobile in 1885.

Following repeated requests by inventor Mario Petrucci, the memorial in front of the Vienna museum was rebuilt in 1949. A year later, Marcus' hidden automobile resurfaced and enjoyed major restoration.