• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Auto Trends Magazine

Car reviews, industry news, & advice.

Car and Driver

Fiat Chrysler Peugeot: Now What?

December 19, 2019 by admin Leave a Comment

Chairman of the Managing Board of Groupe PSA Carlos Tavares and FCA CEO Mike Manley share a congratulatory handshake after concluding the merger agreement between their two companies.

Save for regulatory scrutiny, antitrust review, and shareholder approval, Fiat Chrysler and the PSA Groupe are set to merge. The two automakers agreed on a framework for merging the two companies, which will create the world’s fourth-largest automaker after the Volkswagen Group, Toyota Motors, and the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance.
We’re still about a year away from the merger’s completion. In the meantime, we’ll be waiting for word on the new name for the entity. I like “Global Motors” but I think GM would object.

Capacity, Electrification, & Autonomous Vehicles

No matter what happens over the coming months, a lot of what you’ll be hearing will be speculative especially as the companies have been relatively mum on where things are going. We do know no plants will be closed or jobs lost, but with a build capacity of 14 million units and current annual sales of 8.7 million units, there is ample room for consolidation. And it is doubtful we’ll see a significant increase in sales to narrow that gap, although Jeep and Ram may fuel much of the growth moving forward.

But there are certain trends such as electrification and autonomy that will impact the newly minted automaker. Like it or not, the industry is going through an upheaval, but I will say that full electrification isn’t likely to happen in the short term, if ever. Instead, we’re likely to see some sort of “hybrid” system based largely on hybrid electric vehicles. As for autonomy, large cities are the likely place to roll out the technology, but getting it to the masses will take many years and require an enormous amount of capital.

From the left side of the Atlantic, there are a few things we’re all wondering about and are certain to become the topic discussed at your favorite cars and coffee or other automotive meetups in the coming months. Here’s a sample of key questions we believe are foremost on Mopar fan minds.


See Also — Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All


Which brands will die?

The current FCA stable includes Fiat, Chrysler, Alfa Romeo, Dodge, Lancia, Jeep, Maserati, Abarth, and Ram. That’s nine brands to manage and will soon climb to 14 with the Peugeot, Citroën, DS, Opel, and Vauxhall brands. It isn’t inconceivable that an automaker would manage so many brands – the Volkswagen Group is comprised of 12 brands. Even so, we could see a few brands dismissed. Dodge and Chrysler are most vulnerable and Vauxhall could simply be folded into Opel.

End of muscle cars?

FCA has done quite well with its muscle car lineup, with the Dodge Challenger firmly in second place behind the Ford Mustang and ahead of the Chevrolet Camaro. Having the four-door Dodge Charger to complement the sport coupe has always been a plus. Yet, these two models are aged and may not have enough life in them to continue for many more years. One way the models survive is if PSA has a platform to support them. That’s not known, although the new company could tap the Alfa Romeo Giulia/Stelvio’s platform for them.

When will Peugeot begin selling its cars here?

Long absent from the US market, Peugeot has fixed its eyes on returning by 2026. These plans were put in place in 2018, with the company establishing new US headquarters in Atlanta. That timeline was moved up by a few years earlier this year, even before the announced merger. No matter what happens going forward (merger or no merger), Peugeot plans to make its return, according to Car and Driver. Likely, they’ll import models built in Europe, foregoing US manufacturing, at least initially. That’s a sensible approach as FCA capacity is nearly full stateside, while European plants for both FCA and PSA are underutilized.

What’s the role of Opel going forward?

GM owned Opel (and Vauxhall) from 1929 to 2017, before selling the brands to PSA. Since then, Buick has continued selling several Opel products under its name including the now-discontinued Cascada convertible and the Regal sedan/hatchback/wagon. That agreement is coming to an end and soon Buick will sell crossovers only. That could leave the door open for Opel to arrive stateside on its own, but we doubt that’ll happen, at least not before Peugeot.

Getting it Done

No doubt, the FCA-PSA deal will get done. There are some issues to settle, including GM’s suit against FCA alleging racketeering over labor negotiations (which allegedly favored FCA at the expense of GM). Some are arguing the suit is GM’s attempt to thwart the merger and nothing else. Regardless, the matter should be settled before the merger is finalized.

With FCA and PSA united, expect other automakers to explore ways to combine synergies through alliances, acquisitions, and mergers. My personal “favorite” alliance is VW-Ford, as the two automakers are currently collaborating on self-driving cars and electric vehicles. That may leave GM as the last “American” automaker standing, besides Tesla, Rivian, Bollinger, and a few other upstarts.


See Also — Emerging Alliances Point to Further Auto Industry Consolidation

Photo copyright Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.

Filed Under: Commentary Tagged With: Car and Driver, CHRYSLER, FCA, FIAT, MERGER, Peugeot, PSA Groupe

Luxury Pioneer: 2017 Lexus ES

November 28, 2016 by admin 5 Comments

2017 Lexus ES 350.
2017 Lexus ES 350.

The Lexus ES is a luxury sedan requiring no introduction. Now in its sixth generation, the ES line is one of two models that launched the Lexus brand in 1989 (the flagship LS is the other one) and remains Lexus’ top-selling model behind the RX SUV.

The ES line has always represented a front-wheel drive model powered by a V6 engine. Only since 2013 has a hybrid 300h variant been offered, a surprising fact to some given that nearly every other Lexus line has offered a gas-electric hybrid.

Model Year Changes

A 2017 Lexus ES 350 sedan was a recent weekly driver and there are several changes of note over last year. The standard equipment list now includes rain-sensing wipers and the Lexus Safety System+ package. The LSS+ features a pre-collision system, lane departure alert with steering assist, intelligent high beams, and radar cruise control.

Also new for 2017 is the Scout GPS Link to its standard display audio system. Lexus says that with the app on the driver’s smartphone, navigation maps, and turn-by-turn directions appear on the car’s central display screen.

2017 Lexus ES 350.

Made in the USA

As has been the case with previous ES models, this sedan typically garners attention from people familiar with the brand. Indeed, I’ve had friends, neighbors, and strangers ask me about the model and more than once they’ve said the ES is or would be their Lexus model of choice. That appeal meshes well with Lexus marketing as the ES remains one of the entry-point models for the brand.

The ES 350 has the distinction of being the only Lexus model built in the US (the RX and RX Hybrid are built in Cambridge, Ontario). In 2015, Lexus shifted ES 350 production from Japan to its Erlanger, Kentucky, manufacturing plant. However, the hybrid variant is still built in Japan.

Exterior Features and Options

Coinciding with the release of the current-generation model in 2013 is when the ES assumed its current design language. A refresh in 2016 only sharpened that look with a more distinctive spindle grille, new headlamps, and more pronounced embrasures for the fog lamps added.

Standard equipment includes LED daytime running lights, halogen headlamps, LED low beam headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, side mirrors with integrated turn signals, and dual exhaust tips. All models also come with a power tilt and slide moonroof.

Factory options include 18-inch alloy wheels, Bi-LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights, fog lamps, automatic high beams, and a one-touch power trunk.

2017 Lexus ES 350.

Interior Features and Options

The Lexus ES is classified as a midsize luxury sedan, but it seems larger than that. This model seats five in comfort with generous amounts of head, shoulder, hip, and leg room all around. This is where the sedan’s front-wheel drive layout works to the advantage of the ES — no big drivetrain hump interferes with leg space.

Plush and supportive bucket seats with 10-way power support are found up front. A three-place bench seat is in the second row with a pass-through to the trunk. By the way, the trunk measures 15.2 cubic feet or about average for this segment.

Standard equipment includes full power accessories; leather or imitation leather (NuLuxe) seats; wood, imitation leather, and piano black trim; an analog clock; personal lamps, puddle lights; and zoned climate control. This model also comes with a remote touch controller, a mouse-like device for controlling audio and navigation.

Tech & Safety

All models are outfitted with an eight-inch touchscreen display and are compatible with Siri Eyes Free. A rearview monitor, an eight-speaker audio system, CD player, HD Radio, satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and USB and auxiliary ports are included. Lexus Enform is included with the available navigation system and brings in apps, safety features including automatic collision notification, and remote access via your smartphone.

Crash test results are pending for the 2017 model. The 2016 edition was an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+ recipient. With the Lexus Safety System+ package now standard, we expect the 2017 ES will retain its top safety billing once again.

2017 Lexus ES 350.

On the Road

Lexus doesn’t mess with success when it comes to the ES powertrain. A 3.5-liter V6 engine making 268 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. No forced induction. No eight-speed transmission. And no optional all-wheel drive.

But with a curb weight of just 3,571 pounds, the ES is surprisingly lightweight and certainly well-suited to move the sedan. Car and Driver recorded a 0-60 mph time of just 5.8 seconds for the 2015 model, a number that comes in much lower than the 7.1 seconds time offered by Lexus. Figure your numbers will fall somewhere in the middle.

Stomp on the accelerator and the ES quickly comes to life. You’ll feel a slight tug of the steering wheel, but torque steer isn’t a significant issue. This sedan zips down the freeway entrance ramp with authority. When passing on the highway you’ll have just the right amount of power to squeeze past that semi. The transmission shifts seamlessly between gears and that’s everything you should expect in the ES.

The Lexus ES is tuned for the road, offering a quiet interior and a soft ride. The drive mode select feature can be dialed to the level of comfort that suits you best — eco, normal or sport. You’ll want to choose the latter for at least some level of driving feedback, otherwise don’t expect much engagement.

2017 Lexus ES 350.

ES Model Considerations

The 2017 ES 350 starts at $38,900; the 300h is priced from $41,820. The hybrid averages 40 mpg, an outstanding number for a vehicle of this size. Choose the ES and you’ll get 24 mpg. That 16 mpg difference is attained in part by the 2.5-liter four cylinder engine found in the hybrid along with the hybrid drivetrain.

If you are seriously considering the 300h, you need to determine whether the reduced level of power in the hybrid is fine for you — there is no escaping the fact that a performance difference is present — 200 hp v. 268 hp. On the other hand, the high mpg potential with the 300h is certainly attractive.

Both models are mono-spec — one trim level. However, package upgrades allow for further customization. Our test model came with two, including luxury ($1,670) — composed of heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, power rear sunshade — and a navigation system with the Mark Levinson audio package ($2,590).

Individual options include such amenities as a heated wood and leather steering wheel ($450), panorama glass roof with power moonroof ($500), upgraded 18-inch wheels ($880), blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert ($500), and LED headlamps ($515). Quite easily, you can add upwards of $10,000 to your final price by claiming every package and choosing most options.

2017 Lexus ES 350.

Parting Thoughts

If you’re looking for the performance side of the Lexus sedan range, check out the compact IS and the slightly larger GS lines. Both models offer standard rear-wheel drive, available all-wheel drive and turbo options. Of course, if it is simply a matter of getting your first Lexus, the CT200h (hybrid), NX200 (SUV), and the IS lines are other places to start.

In all, the Lexus ES provides what the vast majority of luxury shoppers want — a comfortable, well-equipped sedan with high-quality materials, superior fit and finish, and a reliability record second to none. You get all this in more in the Lexus ES — your only dilemma is whether to go with the gas or hybrid model.

See Also — Experienced: 2016 Lexus LX 570

Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: Car and Driver, front-wheel drive, IIHS, leather, Lexus Enform, Lexus ES, Lexus ES 300h, Lexus ES 350, luxury sedan, navigation, NuLuxe, Siri Eyes Free

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • GM Launches BrightDrop, Its Commercial EV Brand
  • The Refreshed and Handsome
    Lexus IS 350 F Sport
  • What We Know About the All-New 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

Recent Comments

  • Fiat Chrysler Peugeot: Now What? — Auto Trends Magazine on Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All
  • Peugeot Prepares for its U.S. Return — Auto Trends Magazine on Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All
  • Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All — Auto Trends Magazine on Stellantis Logo Revealed by Peugeot, Fiat Chrysler Ahead of Spring Merger
  • Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All — Auto Trends Magazine on What We Know About the All-New 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
  • Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All — Auto Trends Magazine on Peugeot Prepares for its U.S. Return

Archives

  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • July 2011
  • June 2011
  • May 2011
  • April 2011
  • March 2011
  • February 2011
  • January 2011
  • December 2010
  • November 2010
  • October 2010
  • September 2010
  • August 2010
  • July 2010
  • June 2010
  • May 2010
  • April 2010
  • March 2010
  • February 2010
  • January 2010
  • December 2009
  • November 2009
  • October 2009
  • September 2009
  • August 2009
  • July 2009
  • June 2009
  • May 2009
  • April 2009
  • March 2009
  • February 2009
  • January 2009
  • December 2008
  • November 2008
  • October 2008
  • September 2008
  • August 2008
  • July 2008
  • June 2008
  • May 2008
  • April 2008

Categories

  • Auto Parts
  • Auto Shows
  • Automotive Career
  • Automotive News
  • Book Reviews
  • Car Tips
  • Classics & Discontinued Models
  • Commentary
  • Commercial Vehicles
  • Concept Vehicles
  • Dealers
  • Engineering & Technology
  • Fleet
  • Fun News
  • Maintenance & Repairs
  • Motorsport
  • New Car Reviews
  • New Models
  • Ownership Experience
  • Product Reviews
  • Special
  • Specifications
  • Uncategorized

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

New!
Check out our Jobs Board!

via GIPHY

Subscribe to Auto Trends

Subscribe in a reader

Social Media

Visit our social media pages:
Facebook
Twitter
Google+
Pinterest

Where is Matt Currently Published?

The Carolinian (new car reviews)
NAPA Know How Blog
On the Road Again

Pages

  • About
  • Authors List
  • Automotive Brochures
  • Contact
  • Industry Jobs
  • Write
    • Style Guide

Categories

Recent Posts

  • Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • GM Launches BrightDrop, Its Commercial EV Brand
  • The Refreshed and Handsome
    Lexus IS 350 F Sport
  • What We Know About the All-New 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
  • The All-New and Formidable 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • Fuel-Efficiency and AWD Champion: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
  • Midsize Performance Master: 2021 Hyundai Sonata N-Line
  • Performance Hatchback: The All-New 2021 Mazda Mazda3 Turbo!
  • NACTOY Finalists For 2021 Offer Familiar and Futuristic Choices
  • Super Trooper: Nissan Titan Pickup
  • Behind the Wheel of the Popular 2021 Toyota Corolla Sedan
  • Lucid Motors Completes Arizona Factory
  • A Robust Turbodiesel Comes to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • Mid-Engine Masterpiece: The Eighth-Generation Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
  • Compact Performance:
    2021 Cadillac CT4-V
  • All-Wheel Drive Supplies the Nissan Altima With a Competitive Edge
  • Return of the Toyota Venza!
  • Lexus Brings a Convertible to the Gorgeous LC 500 Line
  • Stellantis Logo Revealed by Peugeot, Fiat Chrysler Ahead of Spring Merger
  • Preview: 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • How to Fix a Broken Rivian Vehicle
  • Cadillac Gets Most Things Right
    With the XT6 Crossover
  • The High Potency Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Coupe
  • The All-New Chevrolet Trailblazer Forges Urban Paths
  • The Small Infiniti QX50 is Big on Tech and Engineering Features
  • Toyota Brings the TRD Treatment to the Midsize Camry Sedan
  • The Kia K5 Outclasses Most Competitors, Including the Departing Optima
  • Can the Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road Handle Tough Terrain?
  • Subaru WRX Showcases Its Performance Chops
  • Infiniti Overhauls QX80 Trims and Makes This Important Safety Feature Standard
  • Ford F-250 Super Duty and a Trail-Stomping Tremor Package
  • A Cut Above: Mazda’s Mazda3
  • The Highly Efficient Hyundai Ioniq
  • Volkswagen Atlas Revels in its Strengths
  • General Motors Deepens Partnership With Honda, Takes Stake in Nikola
  • Smart Concept: Jeep Grand Wagoneer
  • More Than an Encore: Buick Encore GX
  • Got a Recall? There’s an App for That.
  • Refreshed Nissan Titan Makes Its Case
  • BMW M235i: Not Your Typical Coupe
  • Hot Stuff: Lexus RC F Sport Coupe
  • Will the Electric Vehicle Boom Create New-Found Dependencies for Foreign Minerals?
  • Rumors? We Got Them!
  • About Bollinger Motors, EV Startup
  • Raptor Fighter: Ram 1500 TRX!
  • White Space Wonder: 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport
  • About the 2021 Genesis GV80
  • The Toyota Supra Gets a Four-Cylinder Engine and We’re Simply Gobsmacked!
  • Jim Farley Appointed Ford President and CEO
January 2021
S M T W T F S
 12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
31  
« Dec    

Copyright © 2021 · News Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in