Nutson's Nuggets: Last Week's (October 31 - Nov 4, 2011) Automotive News Factoids - In Case You Were Not Paying Attention

Auto Central Louisville KY, November 6, 2011; Each week Larry Nutson, The Auto Channel's Chicago Bureau Chief, along with Steve Purdy and Thom Cannell from The Auto Channel Detroit Bureau give you the past week's automotive news highlights you may have missed. Plus if you are a car nut like we all are here you can easily "catch up" on the past 16 years 657,000 automotive news articles found in The Auto Channel Automotive News Archive...have fun.

* The big news this week is October auto industry sales that saw an 8% gain over a year ago. Ups and downs are: GM +2%, Ford +6%, Chrysler Group +27%, Nissan +18%, Honda -1%, Toyota -8%, Mazda +2%, Hyundai/Kia +22%, VW Group +36%, BMW/Mini +17% and Mercedes-Benz +27%.

* Chevrolet's official 100th anniversary was celebrated this week. It was November 3, 1911 that famous race driver Louis Chevrolet hooked up with GM's founder, William "Billy" Durant to start a new car company. Through out that century Chevy produced over 200 million cars and trucks while creating the first SUV and extended range electric among dozens of other firsts.

*The huge, important SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) show is going on this week with lots of surprises. How about Toyota's introduction of a concept Yaris B-Spec Club Racer. Who would think of a Yaris in racing terms. With no commitment to actually offer it as a turn-key race car to customers, Toyota hints that it could happen.

* Ford, on the other hand, is going to offer a turn-key racing Focus ST next year called Focus ST-R. Price has not been announced and it will be powered by the new 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine and it will come with rollbar, racing suspension and brakes.

* At SEMA, Chevy unveiled a COPO Camaro drag racer. Powered by a supercharged 5.3-liter V8 mated to a 2-speed Powerglide automatic with features such as unassisted brakes and steering, a live rear axle with front and rear drag-tuned suspension, an NHRA-certified rollcage plus other safety equipment. The interior has racing front seats, no rear seat, a large tach and shift light plus a complement of gauges. Perhaps we will see this Camaro at the 1/4 mile starting line against the likes of the Dodge Challenger Drag Pak and the Cobra Jet Ford Mustang purpose-built drag cars that have been runningā€¦think 9.8 secs at 130+mph. Perhaps next, a Camaro in NHRA Pro-stock to replace the deceased-brand Pontiacs.

* Ford Motor Co. is offering unpainted body shells that can be made into 1964 1/2, 1965 or 1966 Mustang convertibles, depending on the restoration parts and powertrain that the buyer installs during the rebuild. Unlike a restoration, the metal is new and the welds solid, making it a durable template. The body shell for the original Mustang convertible is now in production and is sold as a Ford-licensed restoration part by Dynacorn International. Nearly all the parts needed to build a complete new 1964-66 Mustang convertible, except for some minor body hardware, are now available from Ford-approved classic parts suppliers.

Customers can find parts at www.fordrestorationparts.com.

* The Japanese auto companies are taking their lumps this year. If the earthquake and tsunami weren't enouihg, now the flooding in Thailand is causing supply shortages. Honda will cut production in half at its six assembly plants throught the second week in November. The launch of the 2012 CR-V may be delayed. Toyota is also experiencing production supply shortages.

* Mini has revealed the production version of its 2012 roadster. Planned to be produced alongside the coupe, the compact two-seater arrives a little more than two years after it was first shown as a concept car at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show. The Mini roadster is planned to make its public debut at the Detroit auto show in January with sale in North America in mid-2012. Pricing is for the base Cooper model is expected to start at about $24,000.

* "Small but wicked" refered to Karl Abarth's cars in the 1960s. The new 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth will makes its debut at the Los Angeles auto show. With its all-new 1.4-liter MultiAirĀ® Turbo engine, Abarth-tuned suspension and brake systems, race-inspired design, and technology features not traditionally included on a small car, the new 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth will unleash the brand's legendary performance heritage to American streets.

* Minivans made by Chrysler, Honda and Toyota earned "Top Safety Pick" honors from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

The five minivans deemed the safest were the 2012 Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan and the Chrysler-assembled Volkswagen Routan, the Institute said today in a statement. The Nissan Quest was rated "acceptable," while the Kia Sedona received the lowest possible rating of "poor."

* Ford is starting to take orders for their long-awaited full electric Focus due out next year. Available first just on the west and east coasts the price is listed at just over $39-grand. Seems a lot for a Focus, does it not? That prices, of course, is before incentives.

* On the EV scene, Chevy has sold about 5000 Volts and Nissan about 8000 Leafs.

Larry Nutson Senior Editor, Chicago Bureau, The Auto Channel Member, Midwest Automotive Media Association Director, Individual Communicators Network (ICN)