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February 28, 2005

America's Underclass Agrees: Honda and Toyota are the Vehicles of Choice

Click on the map to find out which vehicles the thieves in your state prefer!

The National Insurance Crime Bureau has posted a new study showing that America's thieves prefer to steal the same model vehicles the rest of us prefer to acquire by more conventional means.

The top spots are occupied by Honda and Toyota, but heavy-selling pickup Chevy and Ford pickups are also well represented in the top ten list of vehicles stolen in 2003.

While the NICB claims that thieves steal these vehicles to sell parts on the gray market, the Notebook takes a different view:

Maybe the demographic of poor, uneducated, desparate people with no socially acceptable mechanical skills aspire to be just like us!

Seriously. If nothing else NICB's statistics show us that thieves have generally the same taste as mainstream citizens. They too admire the styling and safety features of the top two Japanese automakers, yet also demonstrate a penchant for the rugged performance of American four-wheelers.

Even more interesting is the state-by-state hot wheels breakdown available at the NICB website. By clicking on the deep red states, we discovered that Bush supporters overwhelmingly prefer to boost autombiles born in the good 'ol U-S-of-A.

For the Notebook, this is further proof that thieves are not necessarily stealing just to ensure cash flow, but as an affirmation that their consumer and political aspirations are actually in tune with their less brazen nine-to-five brethren.

NICB's Top Ten Stolen Vehicles
in the U-S-of-A for 2003
1. 2000 Honda Civic
2. 1989 Toyota Camry
3. 1991 Honda Accord
4. 1994 Chevrolet Full Size C/K 1500 Pickup
5. 1994 Dodge Caravan
6. 1997 Ford F150 Series
7. 1986 Toyota Pickup
8. 1995 Acura Integra
9. 1987 Nissan Sentra
10. 1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass

Posted by Frank at 06:27 PM | Comments (0)

R2-D2 Actor Fined for Drunk Driving

Kenny Baker, the now-70-year-old actor who piloted the R2-D2 robot to intergalactic fame, has been convicted of drunk driving, according to this report.

Baker was fined $209 and is banned from driving for a year. While contrite about his offense, Baker did say it was an opportunity to hire a female chaffeur, but that might be difficult since he said, "I'd prefer it if she was two foot six inches."

Baker added, "I did break the law, so I have to be punished."

Posted by Frank at 09:55 AM | Comments (0)

Totally Mad! Canadian Car Dealer Takes Cattle as Trade-in, Gives away Free Burgers and Beef to All

Noting that Canadian cattle ranchers have taken it on the cud because of the U.S.'s Mad Cow embargo, Cochrane Dodge Chrysler is taking heads of cattle as partial trade-in on new vehicle purchases.

For the next two weeks, 10 head of cattle can be credited against the price of a diesel truck, and 5 can be put up against a gas-powered vehicle. Ranchers will also be able to put a couple-three head against the purchase of passenger cars.

The U.S. border has been closed to Canuck cattle for nearly two years, and is reopening on March 7, according to the Edmonton Sun. Since only animals under 30 months will be allowed to make the southern trek to U.S. slaughterhouses, ranchers will still have a surplus of beef.

In order to deal with the influx of meat, all Cochrane customers will receive "a quarter-section of beef, including boxed steak and hamburgers, to help move the burgeoning stocks," the paper wrote.

Posted by Frank at 09:28 AM | Comments (1)

Toyota to Share Hybrid Tech with Subaru

According to the Japanese paper Keizai Shimbun, Toyota will share hybrid technology with Subaru. In turn, Subaru may share its own proprietary lithium-ion battery research with Toyota.

Posted by Frank at 09:17 AM | Comments (0)

Wanna' Build Cars? Toyota, Hyundai Factories Hiring

Toyota officials are expecting over 100,000 people to apply for 1,800 jobs at its under-construction San Antonio plant. Starting pay for the assembly-line positions is $15.25 an hour when the plant opens in the fall of 2006, according to this report.

Applicants can apply by (877) ALAMO-56 or visiting AlamoWorkSource.org.

Hyundai, meanwhile, has expanded their applicant search outside the immediate vicinity of their Mobile, Alabama plant. With 1,400 workers already selected, the carmaker needs to fill 600 more positions at its $1 billion plant, which is expected to produce 300,000 vehicles a year.

Posted by Frank at 08:58 AM | Comments (0)

[Race Car] Drivers Wanted

VW-owned Bugatti is nearing completion of a renaissance -- launching an all-new Bugatti motorcar, the Veyron 16.4.

With an MSRP of $1.3 million, the Veyron will not be showing up in a lot of suburban driveways. Good thing, too, as the vehicle's top speed is said to be over 250 mph.

The Veyron 16.4 will make a showing at this week’s Geneva Motor Show, where it was initially introduced four years ago. Production has been delayed partially due to the inability of transmissions to handle the 1,001 horsepower engine.

For sheer fun, check out the Bugatti website, you've got to love a family that has the hubris to name one of their sons, "Rembrandt."

More pics after the jump.

Posted by Frank at 08:38 AM | Comments (0)

February 25, 2005

So Long Hunter

Read Tom Wolfe's elegy to Hunter S. Thompson, American writer.

Posted by Frank at 11:42 AM | Comments (0)

Saab Denies Rumored Sale to China or Renault

Saab officials found themselves putting down rumors that parent company GM is trying to sell the Swedish company off.

This AP story, which came from a Swedish newspaper story, that based it on "unidentified sources," strikes us as the kind of deliberate leak employed to see if there is any interest in the marketplace.

In indeed the "rumor" were true.

By the way, do you still beat your wife?

Posted by Frank at 01:31 AM | Comments (0)

Suitable for E-mail: This Road Rage Derby Enacted by Professional Crazy People

Click pic to play video.

This video might be useful for anger management classes.

Because watching other people lose their minds is more fun than having to clean up your own mess.

Then again, maybe not. It might just give the wrong people the wrong idea at the wrong time.

How would you react if someone said, "It's not like I'm hurting your resale value"?

BONUS UPDATE: I just tracked down the the song that plays in the background during this dark suburban vignette.

"Marshmallow World," written by Carl Sigman, includes the lyrics:
It's a yum-yummy world made for sweethearts,
Take a walk with your favorite girl.
It's a sugary date, so what if spring is late,
In winter it's a marshmallow world...

Yummy!
Hat tip to "Wedley2"!

Posted by Frank at 01:01 AM | Comments (0)

Nearly One Million Ford Seat Belts Subject to Reopened NHTSA Investigation

After receiving over 10,000 complaints that Ford seat belt buckles continued to fail after being fixed, the government is now revisiting the issue which could potentially lead to nearly one million vehicles being recalled a second time.

The original recall involved potentially faulty seat belt latches in 1.3 million vehicles from the 2001 model year. Ford's F-series of pickups made up the majority of recalls, but included Rangers, Windstar minivans, Mercury Marquis, Crown Victorias and Lincoln Navigators.

The buckles were recalled so Ford dealers could test them for defects and replace them if necessary, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA].

About 1.1 million vehicles were brought in by their owners; Ford technicians repaired 167,336 buckles and certified that 829,927 vehicles had both buckles pass. NHTSA has reported complaints from owners alleging the buckles failed following the repairs and that the case has been reopened for further examination.

Full text of NHTSA's investigation report after the jump:

UNDER RECALL CAMPAIGN (01V227), FORD RECALLED APPROXIMATELY 1.3 MILLION VEHICLES TO INSPECT AND IF NECESSARY REPLACE THE FRONT DRIVER AND/OR PASSENGER SEAT BELT BUCKLE. APPROXIMATELY 1.1 MILLION OWNERS RESPONDED BY TAKING THEIR VEHICLES TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION OF THE BUCKLE USING A SPECIALIZED BUCKLE TEST TOOL. FORD REPORTED THAT 829,927 VEHICLES HAD BOTH BUCKLES PASS THE TOOL TEST AND ANOTHER 167,336 VEHICLES HAD ONE BUCKLE PASS. ODI AND FORD RECEIVED COMPLAINTS ALLEGING SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE SHORTLY AFTER PASSING THE ORIGINAL RECALL INSPECTION SERVICE. COMPLAINANTS ALLEGED THAT THE BUCKLE FAILED BY EITHER NOT LATCHING OR FALSE-LATCHING (PARTIAL ENGAGEMENT OF THE LATCH TO THE LATCH PLATE). A FALSE-LATCHED BUCKLE MAY RELEASE WITH MINOR MOVEMENT OR IMPACT AGAINST THE BUCKLE HOUSING INCLUDING INADVERTENT RELEASE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. ODI IS OPENING THIS ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO FURTHER ANALYZE THE FIELD PERFORMANCE OF THOSE VEHICLES THAT FORD DEALERS PASSED (ONE OR BOTH BUCKLES) USING FORD'S RECALL INSPECTION TEST (997,263 VEHICLES)

Posted by Frank at 12:16 AM | Comments (0)

February 24, 2005

Thanks to an Escort named Princess ...

... FHM Mag [UK] has dubbed the Ford, the 'Gayest Car'

According to the website of UTV, "the Ford Escort, once much-loved as a macho status symbol by boy racers, is now seen as the gayest car...The judges said they were swayed in their choice by the discovery of a pink Escort called 'Princess' in Brighton."

Posted by Frank at 05:35 PM | Comments (0)

Honda's Two High-Tech Scooters Going on Sale -- in Ho Chi Minh City

How do you say, "Hey buddy, where's the nearest hydrogen refueling station," in Vietnamese?

In the next couple weeks, Honda will begin selling two scooters in Vietnam that feature fuel cell and hybrid gasoline propulsion.

The two-wheelers go on sale February 28 in Hanoi and March 5 in Ho Chi Minh City.

Pictured at right is the 125CC fuel cell model that comes equipped with Honda's proprietary FC Stack.

Fuel Cells generate electricity from the reaction between hydrogen and oxygen and are considered zero emissions vehicles because their only by-product is water.

The second scooter, above, features a more traditional gasoline engine -- in this case it is mated to an electric motor run off a battery.

Just as with hybrid automobiles, the Honda hybrid scooter uses energy captured during braking and deceleration to recharge the battery that drives the electric motor.

Honda claims their hybrid scooter gets 1.6 times the fuel economy of their comparable 50CC Dio Z4 scooter [not available in the US] and produces 37% less carbon dioxide.

Posted by Frank at 04:51 PM | Comments (0)

"Hybrid Car Parade" to Converge on Maryland Capital in Support of Clean Cars Act

This Saturday, more than 100 hybrid cars and SUVs are expected to rally [responsibly] in Annapolis, MD, in support of a bill requiring the sale of cleaner cars.

Known as the Clean Cars Act, the bill would add Maryland to a list of eight other states that mandate sales of vehicles that meet tougher than Federal emissions standards. If passed and signed into law, the Act would require car makers to sell nearly 90,000 hybrids and 477,000 clean conventional vehicles in Maryland between 2007 and 2010.

According to the parade's sponsor, the Chesapeake Climate Action Network [CCAN], separate caravans of cars will converge on Annapolis from locations all over the state. Once in Annapolis, the hybrids will "drive circles around the Maryland Statehouse and the Governor's mansion, then drivers will meet on foot for a rally to promote the bill."

The proposed bill would add Maryland to a list of eight other states, including California and nearby New Jersey, that require the sale of much cleaner cars within their states, according to CCAN.

Posted by Frank at 03:51 PM | Comments (2)

February 23, 2005

Subaru Sponsors North America's Largest Cross-Country Ski Event

Subaru-Sponsored Race Team Also Competes in "Birkebeiner"

And now for something completely different.

For three days this week, nearly 9,000 skiers will converge on the towns of Cable and Hayward, Wisconsin, and participate in eight different race and family-oriented cross-country events, all sponsored by Subaru.

The centerpiece event is the marathon 51k "Birkebeiner," so named after the birch bark leggings worn by Norwegian skiers in the early 13th century. Hey, we told you this was different.

Started 32 years ago by Tony Wise, a Wisconsin resident of Norwegian descent, the marathon Birkebeiner race has since grown to include several shorter race courses, along with non-competitive and children oriented "Baby Birkies."

Did we mention this three day festival that attracts a total of 26,000 skiers, volunteers and spectator/celebrants of the outdoors is all sponsored by Subaru?

The car company also underwrites "North America's premier cross-country ski team," known as the Subaru Factory Team, whose members will compete in the main event.

According to Subaru's news release,the Birkebeiner attracts, "skiers come from 19 foreign countries and nearly 50 of the United States. Aside from the United States, the top five countries represented are Canada, Germany, Switzerland, Norway and Russia."

Send Car Buyer's Notebook to the NY Auto Show!

Also according to Subaru's release sponsoring the Birkebeiner is a sound expression of their slogan, "The Subaru Commitment to the Outdoors."

And for once, joyously, we are nodding our heads. For our money, this is a fantastic example of a company walking its talk. Hat-tip [ski-tip?] to Subaru!

The following comes from Subaru's news release:

Subaru hosts hundreds of outdoor events each year from coast to coast. This approach helps Subaru learn more about its customers' interests, and enables the company to demonstrate how Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive can complement their active lifestyles. Because of this commitment, many refer to Subaru as the official vehicle of the outdoors.

About The Subaru Factory Team

The Subaru Factory Team has been a fixture on the American Birkebeiner podium since its inception ten years ago. This season the team hopes to once again claim a victory in the men's race with Subaru Factory Team star Ivan Babikov.

Babikov, a Russian native who is immigrating to Canada, is the most dominant North America based skier to contest the Birkie, since Subaru Factory Team star Carl Swenson won the race in 1999. Babikov has proven his speed and fitness this season with eight victories in USSA SuperTour events and two victories in FIS-US Marathon Cup competitions.

At last weekend's Canadian Keskinada Worldloppet Babikov hung with and challenged FIS Marathon Cup leader Stanislav Rezac for 50 kilometers only to lose out in the final sprint by less than 1 second. Babikov finished sixth place in last year's Birkebeiner, just missing out in the final sprint.

In the women's event Abigail Larson, is hoping to become the first American champion since 2002. A native of the mid-west, Larson has had her sights on peaking at this year's Birkie since she finished eighth place (third American) in her first race last year. With podium finishes in two events at the 2005 US National Championships she is hoping her improved fitness and a "Birkie Peak" will allow her to challenge for final victory.

The Subaru Factory Team, America's premier cross-country ski team, is comprised of 13 champion athletes, including two Olympians and one national champion. Winners of the American Ski Marathon series 10 years in a row, the team's mission is to use their unparalleled racing success to show America's snowbound populace how cross-country skiing can maximize their enjoyment of winter. They accomplish this by being the source of cross-country skiing imagery, information, inspiration, education, motivation, tools, and support for cross-country racers, touring devotees, and fitness enthusiasts. Visit the Subaru Factory Team at http://www.enjoywinter.com/.

Posted by Frank at 02:02 PM | Comments (0)

Ford Escape Hybrids Join San Francisco Taxi Fleet

The Progressive City Becomes First in the Country to
Use Hybrid SUVs as Cabs

Fifteen Ford Escape Hybrids are being put into service as part of San Francisco's fleet, according to Mayor Gavin Newsom's office. The SUV hybrids are the first vehicles of their kind to be used as taxis in the country.

Newsom welcomed the Escape City Hall on Tuesday. “San Francisco is proud to be the first city in the United States using hybrid SUVs as taxis," Newsom said. "Our city and county take great pride in being socially responsible, and adding these Escape Hybrids, the most fuel-efficient SUV available, is a big step toward making our civic transportation cleaner and more environmentally friendly.”

Ten of the Escape Hybrids are owned by Yellow Cab Cooperative, which purchased them from San Francisco’s S & C Ford, the other five are operated by Luxor Cab Company, and were also purchased from S&C.

Nate Dwiri, president of the Yellow Cab Co-op, said, the Escape hybrid was ideal for his company because it offered better fuel economy for his company while still giving customers the comfort they desired.

"And it’s the roomier than other hybrids on the market," Dwiri said.

The 2005 Ford Escape is the first SUV hybrid to market; it's top fuel rating is 36 mpg city and 31 mpg highway.

Hat tip to Michael!

Posted by Frank at 12:45 AM | Comments (2)

February 22, 2005

E-mail to a Friend Feature Now Enabled for all Car Buyer's Notebook Entries

Okay, so I know it's like announcing you've put salt on the dinner table, but we all have different skills.

It only took me an hour. Please feel free to use this feature.

Cordially,
Frank Giovinazzi
Editor and reluctant webmaster,
Car Buyer's Notebook
globalepic [at] hotmail [dot] com

Posted by Frank at 08:58 PM | Comments (0)

Porsche 2005: New Products Ready to Turbocharge Sales

Four new vehicles promise to add punch

[Click to watch a pulse-pounding 2005 Boxster video!]

At first glance, Porsche’s sales numbers looked pretty healthy in 2004 -- up 10.7% for the year. But a closer look shows the reality -- the sports car maker’s numbers have been buoyed by sales of the Cayenne SUV.

The Cayenne model line, which had its own new introduction at the beginning of ’04, has enjoyed a 40.2% increase in sales last year, accounting for nearly all of Porsche’s gain.

The new model, a six-cylinder SUV that retails around $41,000, accounted for about a third of sales and gives entry-level[?] luxury SUV buyers the chance to tote around a Porsche keyfob without having to leave the kiddies behind.

Success of the Cayenne notwithstanding, Porsche doesn’t like to see sales of its signature product -- low-slung sports cars that reek power -- turn in a laggard’s performance.

The Boxster line was hit the hardest in ’04, with a 42.3% sales drop, while sales of 911 models treaded water, just slightly below 2003 numbers.

While Cayenne sales are expected to stay solid in 2005, Porsche hopes the introduction of four new vehicles -- a pair each for 911 and Boxster -- will create positive momentum. North America is Porsche’s most important by far; in 2003, the company sold more vehicles here than in its next four leading markets combined.

That hope is already starting to show signs of turning into reality, as sales of the new Boxster jumped 80% in January '05 over last year.

911 sales were up a modest 6.3%; surprisingly, the Cayenne suffered a 22.1% fall-off, and Porsche execs are hoping that doesn't signal a trend that would undo any sales gains from their new car lineup. In total, Porsche sales were off 1.8% for the month.

The new 911s extend a new generation

Porsche started introducing its new 911 iteration in 2004; the two new models, the 911 Carrera Cabriolet and Carrera S Cabriolet, are the next in line to sport the family upgrade.

Slated to go on sale in March 2005 for $79,100 and $88,900 respectively, the new droptops sport an electronic soft roof that can be operated at up to 30 mph.

The new models give Porsche convertible buyers a choice of two engines, a first in the 911 family since 1977. For a $10,000 premium the Carrera S boasts a 355-hp engine that goes from 0 to 62 mph in 4.9 seconds. The [plain?] Carrera’s engine still produces 325 hp though, making the standing sprint in 5.2 seconds.

The Carrera S also comes equipped with 19-inch wheels, opposed to 18s on its less expensive sibling.

Interest in the new models is starting to build quietly, Porsche dealers think they may be able to lure sales that might have gone to other luxury manufacturers.

The ’05 Boxsters -- like new to you

As previously mentioned, the Boxster’s been in need of a little redesign help -- at least to help out sales -- and several car reviewers took a positive spin in the "80%-new" 2005 models.

The new car, also available as a standard and an "S" model, provides what every enthusiast is always looking for -- more power. The Boxster S now delivers 280 horsepower, 20 more than its predecessor, while the [plain?] Boxster maxes out at 240 hp, or 15 more than the version it replaces.

For a nice rundown of the differences between the old and the new Boxster models, read Frank A. Auokofer’s account in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. Prices are slightly higher for the new goodies, though: the 2005 Boxster retails for about $45,000, the Boxster S, $54,000. For a hint of what the new cars are like, and a pulse-pounding video, click here.

Fans, and potential buyers, don’t have to wait any longer: The new Boxster was unveiled at January's Los Angeles Auto Show, and the new 911 Carrera debut at the Detroit Auto Show, also in January.

As for sales performance in 2005? It looks like Porsche has stepped up to the line.

Posted by Frank at 01:25 PM | Comments (0)

Toyota to Build Two More American Plants

Which begs the question, when can we stop calling their cars "transplants?"

Toyota currently builds about 64% of the cars they sell in the United States - in the United States -- in plants that employ Americans.

The output comes from five plants, and they are beginning construction on a sixth in San Antonio. The seventh location will be announced by the end of the year, and they are looking for an eighth site.

One of the most obnoxious phrases in current auto journalism lingo is the term "transplant vehicle" or "transplant production." This term undermines the reality that most Toyotas sold in America are made in America. If Toyota reaches 80 to 90% domestic production, will we then be able to call them "American cars?"

Posted by Frank at 10:50 AM | Comments (1)

The UPDATED UPDATE: XM's Third Satellite Launch Now Set for Friday, February 25

From the website of the company responsible for launching XM radio's third satellite:

"Sea Launch today halted the launch of XM Satellite Radio's XM-3 satellite at approximately seven minutes before liftoff. An out-of-specification condition was identified on the launch vehicle and Sea Launch is in the process of rescheduling the launch. The rescheduled launch will occur no earlier than Friday, Feb. 25."

When the rocket does finally get shot into space it will be televised on live on the Internet.

The live broadcast can be viewed at this page.

Sea Launch, the company responsible for getting the satellite into space, literally launches the rocket from a platform that has been towed into a position on the equator in the Pacific Ocean.

The mission details for XM-3 can be found here. The company has conducted 12 previous launches, including the first two XM satellites, dubbed "Rock," and "Roll."

Pictured above is XM's first satellite, AKA "Rock" that was launched March 18, 2001. "Roll" was lifted into orbit on May 8, 2001. The name of the third satellite has not been released. However, since XM-3 is being lifted into orbit by a Zenit rocket and the satellite itself is made by Boeing, my vote is to call the ship "Ziggy Stardust."

Posted by Frank at 10:30 AM | Comments (0)

February 21, 2005

Frank Giovinazzi, Car Buyer's Notebook Editor, on New York's Longest Running Automotive Radio Show

This week, Professor Wolchuk and the gang from Auto Lab asked me about RFID technology, and what it means for the car industry and consumers. [RFID stands for Radio Frequency IDentification.]

Little did I know that while I was doing the background research on the segment, I would find such an outrageous story such as this:

Exxon SpeedPass Cracked by College Researchers;
Millions of Electronic Car Keys Also at Risk

If you haven't clicked on the link yet, the story is about a group of Johns Hopkins computer whizzes who figured out a way to "steal" coded information from the RFID tags in electronic credit cards and keys. Amazing stuff.

You can listen to the recorded segment by going to the Auto Lab's site, here.

By the way, some of you have written in that I need an about page, as well as a contact e-mail. You're right, and I'm getting to it, I swear. Just so no one thinks I'm hiding, my e-mail is: globalepic [at] hotmail [dot] com.

And as the title of this post says, my name is Frank Giovinazzi.

Posted by Frank at 08:51 PM | Comments (0)

Electronic Stability Control [ESC] Saves Drivers From Themselves

On the heels of two recent studies that show Electronic Stability Control [ESC] reduces single-vehicle crash fatalities by between 56% and 63%, more vehicles than ever are offering the life-saving feature in 2005.

While ESC is marketed under several brand names by different automakers, the function is similar -- brake pressure is applied to individual wheels when sensors detect the vehicle is in danger of going out of control. To read an in-depth description of how ESC works, click here.

SUVs demonstrate greatest benefit

Released in September, a government study showed single-SUV crash fatalities were reduced by 63% in ESC-equipped models. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s [NHTSA] report also showed SUVs had 67% fewer single-vehicle crashes with ESC.

The same study also showed fatalities in ESC-equipped cars involved in single-vehicle crashes dropped 30%; single-vehicle crashes dropped by 35% overall.

In October, The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety [IIHS] reported that fatalities dropped by 56% when ESC-equipped vehicles were involved in single vehicle crashes. Having ESC in vehicles reduced the fatal and non-fatal crash rate by 41%, according to the study.

Both agencies used real-world data to build their results. By comparing crash data between the same vehicles -- model years with ESC and previous versions without the feature -- each report demonstrates an actual drop in fatalities and wrecks.

If the entire U.S. passenger vehicle fleet were equipped with ESC, IIHS predicts that more than 7,000 lives could be saved annually. In addition, as many as 800,000 of the single-vehicles wrecks could also be avoided every year.

Saving drivers from themselves

By combining two safety technologies -- Anti-Lock Brakes [ABS] and Traction Control Systems [TCS] -- ECS acts to prevent vehicles from going into skids or slides that can result in a vehicle rolling over.

While single-vehicle rollover crashes are rare -- making up only 3% of all crashes annually -- they account for nearly 33% of fatalities.

Government data is compelling in making the case that driver error is the primary cause of rollover fatality. Of seven contributing factors, six are attributed to driving behavior, while only one, vehicle type, is purely equipment-related.

In most rollover fatalities, a combination of speed, not wearing seatbelts, alcohol and plain poor driving skills contribute to the event.

NHTSA studies also show that SUVs have the highest probability of rolling over when involved in a single-vehicle crash. In the event of a crash, SUVs as a class have an approximately 28% chance of rolling over.

While ESC can do nothing to counteract the effect of drunk driving or failing to wear a seatbelt, it does mitigate the effects when a driver momentarily loses control, either by trying to take a curve too fast, swerving, or simply not paying attention to the road.

As the NHTSA study showed, SUVs and their drivers are expected to have the most to gain from having ESC onboard. Susan Ferguson, Senior Vice President of IIHS, concurred that result would not be surprising going into the future.

"SUVs typically have high single-vehicle rollover rates," Ferguson said. "And these crashes usually involve drivers losing control of their vehicles."

This article originally appearead at AIADA.

Posted by Frank at 05:24 PM | Comments (0)

Are New Car Buyers Enough to Keep Satellite Radio Alive?

That's the questions Reuters asks in this article, quoting, actually, no one, except an "independent research analyst in New York."

Twice in the article, reporter Martha Graybow uses the phrase, "some analysts say," but a close reading shows only one direct quote from a naysayer. The article, in short, is an opinion piece wrapped around data and an analogy against the recent experience of the dotcom euphoria and subsequent crash.

It does, however, raise a couple legitimate questions about market valuation, and how many subscribers XM and Sirius radio can attract. At current stock prices, XM values each subscriber at about $1,973 and Sirius' is almost double that at $3,686, according to a Banc of America analysis.

Compared to a similar industry, cable television, these ratios are assuredly high, but Graybow is quick to point out that cable is mature, while satellite is still building its customer base.

As both companies are losing money, the key to survival is new subscribers, and here Graybow also raises legitimate concerns. While satellite radio folks quote decade-end figures of 20 million subscribers, and a long-term market potential of up to 50 million users, the problem is that neither optimnists nor pessimists have a crystal ball. The fact is the product is new, and the potential for satellite radio killing apps does indeed loom large.

The key for both companies, and therefore the industry, appears to be in the new automobile market, at least in the short term. Both XM and Sirius have been aggressive in courting exclusive deals with automakers -- particularly in the area of securing factory installed agreements. For vehicles with pre-installed radios, and a free trial period, subscriber conversion rate is running at about 60%, according to Chance Patterson of XM radio.

With a new vehicle market of nearly 17 million vehicles, taking into account the number of factory-installed radios and the subsequent conversion rates, market penetration is estimated at 2-3 million customers annually, for both companies combined.

This is not enough. The better way to think about the new car market for satellite radio is that it acts as an introduction to the service and the admittedly higher quality of experience.

The real growth, and perhaps the linchpin for satellite radio's survival, lies in two areas -- the automobile aftermarket, which has a base of 200 million potential vehicles/subscribers, and the success of the satellite radio industry in securing a permanent place in consumers' media consumption habits. In short, the new vehicle market is a means for satellite radio to gain a beachhead in the public's consciousness, and their wallets.

An additional problem with current stock prices is what I refer to as the "NetFlix phenomenon," where users who enjoy a product wholeheartedly purchase and endorse the provider as an investment vehicle. This has been known to fail investors, and yet sometimes, save companies who benefit from the largesse of fans.

Posted by Frank at 12:48 AM | Comments (0)

February 20, 2005

Infiniti M Series: A Million Reasons to Buy

Starting February 28, Infiniti will begin selling the five models that make up the all-new M Series blitz the company is hoping will reenergize the brand as a top-selling luxury marque.

With three different M35 models, including an all-wheel drive version, plus the two M45 variants, Infiniti is doubling its offering in passenger vehicles.

Parent company Nissan is hoping the effort will aid their quest to top over one million vehicles sales in the United States this year -- after falling short by a little over 14,000 in '04.

Priced from $39,900 to $49,550, the M series features a toned-down version of Nissan's exterior brash styling that still manages to identify an Infiniti as its own brand. In particular, the taillights and nose evoke an upscale Nissan, as do the sides of the vehicle which appear to be "fleshed-out" versions of Maxima/Altima styling.

The M35s share a six-cylinder powerplant that produces 280 hp while the M45s come with a 335 hp V8. Both engines are matched to a five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode. The M35 and M45 both offer a Sport version, which comes standard with 19-inch wheels; 18-inch skins are featured on the rest. Only the M35 offers an AWD option.

The interior may be where the car really shines in the hearts of potential buyers. Pictured below with the optional $600 wood trim, the cabin conveys a sensation of hard earned luxury without allowing you to forget the sport performance underpinnings.

It's easy to see how important the M series is to Nissan by considering the marketing push they're pursuing. The new line is in the middle of a 39-stop tour around the country, including all the major and even the minor auto shows. A new TV, print and internet advertising onslaught was announced last week, including a street team approach in Los Angeles, Chicago and New York, where marketers wil broadcast the campaign's slogan on the sides of 50 buildings.

Posted by Frank at 05:23 PM | Comments (0)

Mercedes Debuts B-Class Crossover in Geneva, Still No Plans for US Market

The Mercedes-Benz crossover vehicle known as the B-class is now in production and will debut at next month's Geneva auto show. The car is a mixture of small to midsize car, hatchback and small SUV, designed to deliver a pleasant driving style, sharp looks as well as practical use.

As previously reported, Mercedes has shelved plans to import the vehicle to the U.S.

For the European market, there are a choice of 6 [six] engines, all 4-cylinder, that produce a range of power from 95 hp to 193 hp. Two of the engine choices are diesel, one of which achieves more than 50 miles to the gallon.

The remaining four engines are gasoline powered, including the B 200 Turbo, which has a max speed of 140 mph. The two diesel models and the Turbo come standard with 6-speed manual transmission, though an automatic is available throughout the line.

Posted by Frank at 03:37 PM | Comments (0)

Volvo to Produce Golf-Like Hatchback

Volvo has revealed plans to produce a small hatchback in 2006 that is a blend of designs from two of the Swedish company's concept cars.

The C30, as it is tentatively called, repesents the best features of Volvo's 3CC [above] and its Safety Car Concept [SCC]. The plans were revealed during Volvo's Detroit Auto Show press presentation, and a production model is expected to be unveiled at next year's show.

Posted by Frank at 03:02 PM | Comments (0)

Nissan Runs Afoul of Florida Authorities for Test Drive in Wildlife Area

The animal police were waiting for Nissan and a dozen journalists last Friday when they showed up at a park -- without a permit -- to rumble around in their new Xterra. The off-road trip was held at the 60,288-acre J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area.

According to the Palm Beach Post, Florida Fish and Wildlife officers collected the $6 entry fee from each person, and remained on hand to ensure the drivers stayed on marked roads.

FF&W acknowledges the incident was a simple oversight on Nissan's part, and the car company's representatives have apologized.

Posted by Frank at 02:32 PM | Comments (0)

February 19, 2005

Newsweek Article on NavTeq has Major Omission

This article about GPS-mapping and traffic company NavTeq is pretty interesting, as far as it goes.

As a way to introduce the reader to the idea of digital map-making companies, the writer uses the hoary old technique of starting with a "real-person" focus on two of NavTeq's employees who drive around mapping roads. Gripping.

But then the lack of knowledge about the topic becomes clear when Brad Stone writes: "the industry has long sought to integrate real-time traffic alerts into navigation products, so that drivers can adjust their routes in a jam."

Hellooo! NavTeq already does this Bradley, for a little company called XM radio, and their joint service, NavTraffic. And they provide the traffic data you so blithely write about to 20 US cities -- and the system is available in two other products you may have heard of -- Acura and Cadillac.

To add insult to injury, Stone then adds this: "Navteq and Tele Atlas have struck deals with radio chains such as Clear Channel and companies that install cameras and sensors on highways, to deliver traffic info to their systems."

Clear Channel! As if they are the pioneers in digitally-delivered data! Oh and by the way, Sirius has also signed a deal with NavTeq, BRADLEY.

Posted by Frank at 08:46 PM | Comments (0)

Ford 500 Takes it on the Chin -- Again

After a near-savaging by Business Week magazine, Car and Driver plays pile on the rabbit and gives Ford's new family sedan a couple cheap shots.

After two pages of moaning, we find out that pretty much everything about the car is satisfying and exactly what sedan buyers are looking for. The biggest complaint is that the 203-hp engine is a little sluggish. [I spoke to a Ford rep last week and will be driving one soon.]

This is the automotive version of pack journalism at its best. Here's the way it works, in terms of categories -- there's a couple of sweethearts than can do no wrong, a couple that are being rehabilitated, one or two on probation, and a couple that everyone acknowledges it's pretty much open season on. There's also everyone's favorite buzzard-baiting contestant on death watch.

For example:

Current sweeties: Toyota, because it's surging, because of Scion, and because if they become even bigger in America, all the journalists want to be sure they're on the friendlies list. Also Chrysler, thanks to one car, the 300C. Right now, they're the automotive version of the Great White Hope.

Rehabilitated: Nissan, thanks to its sales and quality rebound from a couple years ago, of course, but also very much due to the charisma of CEO Carlos Ghosn. There is more than a little bit of the automotive equivalent of jocksniffing around Carlos coverage, and he plays it to the hilt.

Probation: Honda. If sales continue to slip, watch Honda start to take a shellacking later this year. No, it's not good enough to have pioneered the current hybrid craze in America, or set the standard for the minivan space a few years ago. I guarantee that if Honda can't start selling more cars, you'll start hearing the mutters.

Open season: This month, Ford is the kicking stump. Curiously, this news item that they are selling the AWD version of their 500 like hotcakes got no "lift" in the media, whereas if Toyota had an AWD Camry, people would be falling over themselves to kiss their slippers.

Also, GM, and the other day it occurred to me that GM gets no respect for having pioneered the use of telematics, with OnStar, and essentially helped create the satellite radio phenomenon by writing check after check for XM radio.

In imports, VW got slapped around quite a bit last year, but they are about to be upgraded to rehabilitated, as a bunch of new products are rolling into showrooms.

Deathwatch: Mitsubishi.

Posted by Frank at 07:21 PM | Comments (4)

Mercedes Offering $1 Million in Scholarships to First-in-Family College Students

Car Buyer's Notebook -- Mercedes' scholarship program, Drive Your Future, is aimed specifically at potential college attendees who would be the first in their family to attend postesecondary education. The program's $1 million fund will be distributed to 500 high school students in $2,000 increments.

The application deadline is March 31, 2005. Students can learn more about the program and find application materials at http://www.mbusa.com/drivefuture. Scholarship winners will be announced in May 2005.

An average of six students in each state will receive scholarships in addition to students from various youth organizations such as Automotive High School, Boys & Girls Clubs, Big Brothers Big Sisters, FIRST Robotics, Girls Inc., The Mal Washington Foundation, Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, Teach For America, Virtual Enterprises and Young Women's Leadership School.

Posted by Frank at 07:09 PM | Comments (0)

SEC Probes Howard Stern-Sirius Deal for Possible Insider Trading Violations

Several media outlets are reporting the SEC has issued a subpoena as part of a probe into possible insider trading around Howard Stern's mega-deal with Sirius satellite radio. Last October, Stern announced he was joining Sirius in a $500 million dollar, 5-year contract.

The SEC is trying to determine if anyone who had prior knowledge of the Stern-Sirius announcement used that information to profit from the sale of Sirius stock. In the two weeks leading up to the incident, shares of Sirius jumped 40%.

The corporate suite at Sirius has already trotted out the denial; Stern has not commented publicly on the matter.

Chanuce Hayden, the journalist who received the subpoena, is scheduled to testify on Wednesday, Feb. 23.

Posted by Frank at 05:22 PM | Comments (0)

Goodyear Offers Cash for Tire Punctures

Goodyear is offering $50 to any owners of its new DuraSeal tires if they fail to seal punctures up to a quarter-inch in diameter. The new tires feature a built-in sealant between the outer and inner layers that is supposed to fill-in holes and punctures as they occur.

The sealant allows the tires to remain in service until they are retreaded -- and Goodyear is throwing in $25 for that as well, should the tires fail to perform as promised.

Posted by Frank at 05:07 PM | Comments (0)

Exxon SpeedPass Cracked by College Researchers; Millions of Electronic Car Keys Also at Risk

Using a hidden antenna, hackers can steal your SpeedPass info -- or your car key -- and then help themselves!

In this astonishing video, a Johns Hopkins graduate student uses a micro transmitter to "buy" gas by simulating a stolen Exxon SpeedPass account code.

A team of graduate students at Johns Hopkins University have created a process to silently "lift" electronic codes -- literally from your pocket -- and then use that same data to access your gasoline credit account, or even start your car.

The team chose the Exxon SpeedPass, which contains a tiny transmitter to enable users to access gas pumps. They successfully stole the code, then cracked it -- and then used a transmitter to simulate the code and fool the pump into dispensing "free" gasoline. There are approximately seven million SpeedPasses in circulation.

The team also "lifted" a similar code from the ignition key to a 2005 Ford Escape. In this case, the code prevents the car from starting, even if the ignition switch is turned, or hot-wired.

However, with the code, the team demonstrated they were able to use a non-electronic key to effectively "steal" the vehicle. [It belonged to one of the team members.] There are approximately 150 million electronic car keys with similar technology [known as vehicle immobilizers] on the market today.

[More video and photos after the jump.]

Both the Exxon SpeedPass and the key that were cracked are powered by a Texas Instrument chip known as a Radio Frequency IDdentification, or RFID. The researchers contend that the TI device is insufficiently complex to withstand modern hacking capabilities. And they proved it.

For about $5,000, the Johns Hopkins team put together the hardware necessary to accomplish their goal. Using an antenna, the team was able to detect the code from the devices, without physically contacting either of them. That code, however, needed to be deciphered before it could then be turned around and used to communicate with either the gas pump or the Ford Escape's ignition.

It is this part of the process that ordinary thieves are not likely to be able to replicate. Using an array that looks like something out of Star Trek, the students cracked the code.

Truth is Smarter than Fiction
The Johns Hopkins University research team of Adam Stubblefield, Professor Avi Rubin, Steve Bono and Mark Green.	Mr. Spock and Captain Kirk.

Once their computer had determined the actual code of the device, they were able to turn around and "fool" the gas pump into believing it was talking to the actual SpeedPass. In this next video, one of the team demonstrates how they obtained the SpeedPass code with a hidden antenna. For more information on this fascinating -- and sobering -- project, go to the team's website.

This video is something you'd expect to see in a movie thriller, where the secret code is handed off without contact. Briliant!

Posted by Frank at 11:17 AM | Comments (0)

Will the M-Class be the Next Hybrid SUV?

Mercedes Might be Planning to Compete with the Lexus 400h

Here's a brilliant piece of speculation that Mercedes might be thisclose to making the jump into producing a luxury SUV hybrid. The writer, Justin Couture, observes that while Mercedes displayed a hybrid powertrain "concept" at the Detroit Auto Show, the company made no hard announcement.

What's worse, the possibility was overlooked by members of the automotive press. But Couture presses on, noting that GM displayed two vehicles with the "Two-Mode Hybrid" system, and that the technology is being developed in conjunction with DaimlerChrysler.

DCX, however, made no claims that a hybrid M-Class was coming soon, or that the Mercedes display powertrain was in fact the same as the GM version, which is said to be close to complete. If these puzzle pieces all fit together, then Couture is right on the money -- and way ahead of the pack. Great article.

Posted by Frank at 06:59 AM | Comments (0)

XM's Satellite Launch on Hold -- Check for Details

Sea Launch, the company charged with launching XM radio's third satellite into space, is waiting for clear seas. Click here to read the original story, and here for launch updates.

Posted by Frank at 06:32 AM | Comments (0)

February 18, 2005

Big Brother Denied Cameras in Virginia; DC Gives the Go-Ahead to Raise Cash

The state of Virginia has decided to discontinue the use of red light cameras, citing the constitutional rights of citizens to face their accusers.

The District of Columbia, on the other hand, is going ahead with plans to activate four new speeding cameras. The District collected $2.2 million in revenue from its existing nine cameras in January alone. Speeders caught by the new surveillance units up to March 21 will be sent warnings, after that date, tickets up to $200 for each infraction will be mailed to offenders.

Posted by Frank at 05:35 PM | Comments (0)

GMC to Halt Envoy XUV Production

Citing poor sales, GMC will cease to make the XUV version of the Envoy SUV, which can double as a pickup with a convertible rear roof. The company will continue to make seven-passenger versions of the Envoy, including the Envoy Denali, a luxury version.

Posted by Frank at 04:51 PM | Comments (0)

XM Radio Adding 6,000 New Subscribers a Day in 2005

50% of the Satellite Company's Customers
Come From New Vehicle Sales

Coming off a strong 2004 when XM radio added 1.8 million customers, the company projects to end this year with 5.5 million subscribers to its 130-plus channel programming service.

Half of those 2.3 million new customers will come from new vehicle sales, according to Chance Patterson, XM's Vice President of Corporate Affairs.

"The automobile business is the key part of our business," Patterson said during a presentation to journalists this week at XM's Washington, D.C. studios.

Taking into account the projected growth of one million new customers for its rival, Sirius, the two companies will penetrate between 10-15% of the new vehicle market in 2005. In 2004 XM added an average of nearly 5,000 new customers per day to achieve 1.8 million new subscribers; in '05 XM is adding over an average 6,000 per day toward its 2.3 million goal.

Patterson said that satellite radio is now at the point where enough people know about it that they are walking into new car dealerships asking about the service.

XM's newly acquired profile is due not only to their own advertising efforts, but also to the marketing from two of its key investor partners, GM and Honda.

GM in particular, "carried the satellite radio torch in the early years," Patterson said, and continues to follow through by factory installing 1.5 satellite-ready radios in its vehicles in 2005.

Honda has pledged to factory equip 400,000 of its '05 models with XM radios, including its flagship Acura RL, which comes with a 12-month prepaid XM subscription. The RL also comes with a year free subscription to XM's NavTraffic service, an interactive screen that informs drivers of road conditions in 20 American cities.

XM converts approximately 60% of free trial users into paying subscribers, according to Patterson. GM generally offers a 90-day free trial to new vehicle buyers, after which the cost is $9.99 a month.

But once XM acquires a customer, they are apparently gaining lifers. The company currently enjoys a 98.8% renewal rate for subscribers, Patterson said.

The company's rapid entry into consumer consciousness, aided by programming acquisitions such as Major League Baseball and the Bob Edwards Show, will give them an opportunity to shift their advertising focus. Up until now, XM has concentrated on getting out the idea of what satellite radio is to as many people as possible, largely through traditional broadcast marketing.

"We're getting toward a tipping point to where enough people know about what XM is, and we can start talking about the experience," Patterson said. "Another way to market this product is to talk about how people connect with it."

One example of how the man on the street -- or in the car -- connects with the service can be found in this story about a harried commuter who's daily drive was transformed after his wife gave him an XM radio.

For XM to reach its projected 20 million subscribers by the end of the decade -- an even faster growth rate than this year's goal -- the company will continue to rely on the new vehicle market to get that experience in front of as many potential customers as possible.

New agreements with Toyota and Nissan are part of that ongoing strategy. Toyota will begin factory installing XM radios in 2006 model vehicles, while Nissan, which currently offers XM as an option, has agreed to use the company's NavTraffic system in future models.

Posted by Frank at 04:39 PM | Comments (0)

Mitsubishi Denies Wall St. Journal Claim it Wants to Sell US Operation

Company executives refute a WSJ report they are shopping the US sales operation, and the Normal, Illinois, manufacturing plant, to potential buyers.

AP and Reuters carried the denial stories. Mitsi has recently announced plans to make vehicles for Peugeot Citroen and Nissan.

The WSJ reported that Mitsubishi Motors' new president, Osamu Masuko, presented the sale idea to several parties at the Detroit Auto Show in January.

Posted by Frank at 08:35 AM | Comments (0)

February 17, 2005

XM Radio's Third Satellite Launch to be Broadcast Live over the Internet

XM Radio is launching a third satellite [XM-3] into orbit today, and the event can be viewed live on the Internet. Liftoff is scheduled for 7:53 p.m. PST [10:53 EST].

The live broadcast will begin at approximately 7:35/10:35 p.m. and
can be viewed at this page.

Sea Launch, the company responsible for getting the satellite into space, literally launches the rocket from a platform that has been towed into a position on the equator in the Pacific Ocean. The mission details for XM-3 can be found here. The company has conducted 12 previous launches, including the first two XM satellites, dubbed "Rock," and "Roll."

Pictured above is XM's first satellite, AKA "Rock" that was launched March 18, 2001. "Roll" was lifted into orbit on May 8, 2001. The name of the third satellite has not been released. However, since XM-3 is being lifted into orbit by a Zenit rocket and the satellite itself is made by Boeing, my vote is to call the ship "Ziggy Stardust."

Posted by Frank at 04:08 PM | Comments (0)

Recall Madness!

Wherein the very mention of the word drives people into a frenzy of paranoia and doubt

It looked like it was Toyota's turn to get whacked with the wrong end of the recall stick this week. First, you had 22,228 Tacoma pickups recalled, and today, there's a story that the Feds are looking into a potential problem with brakes on the Lexus RX 330 SUV.

Look a little closer at both stories, however, and it becomes clear that the headlines are disproportionate to the reality. In the Tacoma case, the problem is due to an improperly tightened lock nut on the parking brake cable. Granted, it could loosen and roll down the hill, but we're not talking about a systemic breakdown in Toyota quality. And the repair amounts to taking the truck to a dealer to have the nut tightened.

The example of the Lexus SUV is even more ludicrous. Reading past the the shock and awe headline, you discover there have been [10] ten complaints to the government regarding poor brake performance in extremely cold weather. We're not talking catastrophic brake failure, oh no, the customers had to press really, really hard on the brakes.

Of course, its necessary to alert the public about recalls, and there is a point when too many is too many. But this sentence in the Lexus story, "The investigation could lead to a recall that would be embarrassing for Toyota’s premium Lexus division, renowned for its sterling vehicle quality and low recall rate," seems to be begging the issue, rather than just reporting on it.

Posted by Frank at 01:20 PM | Comments (2)

Over 70% of Motorists Don't Winterize their Vehicles

[To access this interactive maintenance diagram
for automobiles, go to this page.]

The Car Care Council gives us this warning as a means to remind us of what we're supposed to do, but don't. Most people don't even check their coolant levels or wiper blade quality, never mind keep the gas tank more than half full to prevent moisture freezing in the fuel line.

Full list of recommendations after the jump.

Car Care Council Survey Results Reveal Vehicle Owners Not 'Winterizing' Cars

Over 70% of motorists admit that they did not have their cars winterized in preparation for inclement weather, according to a survey conducted by the Car Care Council.

"With the risk for breakdowns or being stranded in severe winter weather, we are surprised that more people do not take preventative action when it comes to vehicle maintenance," said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council. "Just as you wouldn't walk out in the cold without dressing properly, you shouldn't neglect preparing your vehicle for severe weather."

It's not too late to prepare your vehicle for harsh winter weather. The Car Care Council recommends the following tasks be performed by a do-it- yourselfer or professional automotive technician:

-- Check the coolant (antifreeze); coolant should be flushed and refilled every two years in most vehicles.

-- Change oil every 3,000 miles; consider changing to a "winter weight" oil if you live in a cold climate.
-- Check the battery and exhaust system.
-- Be certain the heater and defroster are working properly.
-- Keep the gas tank at least half full, decreasing the chances of moisture forming in the gas lines and possibly freezing.
-- Check tire tread depth and tire pressure; consider special tires if snow and ice are a problem in your area.
-- Check to see that lights work and headlights are properly aimed.
-- Replace wiper blades every six months; consider special snow blades if the weather dictates.

A complete service interval vehicle schedule along with other winter car tips is available at the Car Care Council's website, http://www.carcare.org. The Car Care Council is the source of information for the "Be Car Care Aware" campaign, educating consumers about the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair.

Posted by Frank at 12:33 PM | Comments (0)

Now, More than Ever: "It's the Price, Stupid"

Research company reports one-third of new car buyers shop on lowest price

Scarborough Research has a new study [PDF] showing that low pricing is the number one reason people choose where to purchase their vehicles.

After price, consumers listed the following as their primary factor dictating where they bought: selection [22%], dealer reputation [20%] and location [19%], service [17%], financing [11%], and warranty [10%].

The study also found that 60% of potential buyers plan to purchase a light truck of some kind in the next 12 months. SUVs topped the list with 29% saying that was their preferred vehicle, 19% are planning to buy a pickup and 12% plan to get themselves into a minivan or van.

Posted by Frank at 11:28 AM | Comments (0)

Ballard Power Systems Announces a Hat Trick of Fuel Cell Tech Breakthroughs

To watch a movie explaining fuel cells and how they power automobiles, go to Ballard Power Systems' website and then follow the, "Click here to see how a fuel cell works," link.

Ballard, a manufacturer of fuel cells for such vehicles as the Honda FCX, says they've scored some breakthroughs, including a stack that can start repeatedly from subzero temperatures and operate for more than 2,000 hours with no performance tradeoff.

Our friends over at Green Car Congress break down the details: "The stack operated continuously through numerous drive cycles from August through December 2004. Actual testing results demonstrated durability to nearly 2,200 hours before a 5% reduction in performance was observed. The U.S. DOE goal for durability is 5,000 hours."

The company's press release follows after the jump.

Ballard Achieves Three Breakthroughs in Fuel Cell Technology

Vancouver, Canada – Ballard Power Systems announced today significant progress in three areas crucial to the commercialization of automotive fuel cell stack technology– freeze start capability, durability and cost reduction – without compromising performance. Ballard scientists and engineers have demonstrated a stack design that can start repeatedly from -20 C (-4ºF) and operate for more than 2,000 hours at a substantially reduced cost with no performance tradeoff.

“We achieved a technology hat trick by demonstrating three of the requirements most critical to advancing fuel cells along the path to commercialization. Ballard continues to make considerable progress toward meeting the goals set by the auto industry and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE),” said Charles Stone, Ballard’s Vice President, Research and Development. “We believe we are the first fuel cell developer to successfully demonstrate these key technology milestones simultaneously in a single fuel cell stack design. This industry leading technical benchmark represents a significant stride towards the next generations of fuel cells.”

Real World Test Cycle
“Most demonstrations today involve testing one requirement at a time – freeze start, power density, cost reduction – which involves tradeoffs in other requirements,” Dr. Stone continued. “While important, these types of demonstrations do not give the industry a true picture of where a company stands on the path toward commercialization. This technology demonstration, coupled with more than 925,000 kilometers of on-road experience in 2004, shows we are well on our way to meeting our goals for a commercially viable fuel cell stack by 2010.”

Ballard demonstrated its achievements on a 10-cell demonstration fuel cell stack, reducing the amount of platinum by 30%, and subjecting the stack to start-ups from -20 C, all without compromising performance. Ballard engineers employed a drive cycle testing protocol that simulated real world driving, similar to tests used by auto manufacturers today. The protocol included starts, stops, rapid acceleration and deceleration, much harsher than steady state testing.

Freeze Start at -20 C
Freeze starts were demonstrated from -20 C. The test lowered the fuel cell stack and its supporting systems to -20 C and then subjected the unit to a drive cycle test from start-up through power down. The unit was then allowed to cool to -20 C and the test was repeated. Fifty consecutive freeze start cycles were conducted with no degradation in performance or damage to the stack. “While we have a future goal of operating at -30 C, a -20 C temperature is well within the operating requirements for most of North America and Europe,” said Dr. Stone. Water generation is a by-product of fuel cell operation. As such, managing water within fuel cells presents a substantial challenge in freezing temperatures and has been a key hurdle in the commercialization of the technology.

Durability of 2,000+ Hours or the Equivalent of More than 100,000 Driving Kilometers
The 10-cell stack was continuously operated through numerous drive cycles from August through December 2004. Actual testing results demonstrated durability to nearly 2200 hours before a 5% reduction in performance was observed. At this point, the test was stopped with no indication of any membrane damage – a key failure mechanism in fuel cells. The U.S. DOE goal for durability is 5,000 hours.

Reduced Catalyst Loading Cuts Costs
The new stack design incorporated a 30% reduction in platinum catalyst loading with no reduction in performance. Baseline catalyst loading was reduced from approximately 1 mg/cm2 to approximately 0.7 mg/cm2. Meeting performance, durability and freeze-start requirements is more difficult with less platinum catalyst. “This is a significant development that moves us well along the path towards meeting our reduced cost targets, since platinum is one of the most expensive components in a fuel cell stack” said Dr. Stone.

Freeze start capability, increased durability and cost reduction were identified as three of the crucial performance goals set in 2003 by the U.S. DOE when it launched a $350 million, five-year funding program targeted at making hydrogen-fueled vehicles a commercial reality by 2015. More than half of the announced demonstration fuel cell vehicles to be funded by the U.S. DOE program will be powered by Ballard fuel cells. Ballard-powered fuel cell cars and buses accumulated more than 925,000 kilometers in 2004, more than any other fuel cell developer.

“This on-road experience is critical to improving our current technology and advancing the development of our next generation fuel cell stacks,” said Dr. Stone. “In April, we plan to roll out our technology roadmap, which highlights key technology milestones we intend to meet on the path to developing commercially viable automotive fuel cell stack technology by 2010.”

About Ballard
Ballard Power Systems is recognized as the world leader in developing, manufacturing and marketing zero-emission proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Ballard’s mission is to develop fuel cell power as a practical alternative to internal combustion engines through technology leadership. To learn more about what Ballard is doing with Power to Change the World®, visit www.ballard.com.

This release contains forward-looking statements that are based on the beliefs of Ballard’s management and reflect Ballard’s current expectations as contemplated under section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. When used in this release, the words “estimate”, “project”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “expect”, “plan”, “predict”, “may”, “should”, “will”, the negative of these words or such other variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the current views of Ballard with respect to future events based on currently available information and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in those forward-looking statements.

Posted by Frank at 11:09 AM | Comments (0)

Coming Soon, Everywhere: Average Gas Price of $2 a Gallon

In order to ease the pain, you may want to load up on a case of "Two-Buck Chuck" -- but don't EVER drink and drive!

The U.S. Department of Energy and Good News tells us that gas prices will likely average of over two bucks a gallon everywhere in the U.S. this spring.

Right now, the average nationwide prices is $1.89 a gallon, up twenty-five cents over same time last year, according to AAA's Daily Fuel Gauge Report. Prices are already over two bucks in California and New York.

All that said, now may be a good time to go to Trader Joe's and spend your two bucks on something that will put a smile on your face ...

Posted by Frank at 09:27 AM | Comments (0)

February 16, 2005

Zippity-do-dah -- Car Sharing Service Reduces Number of Cars in Major Cities

Zipcar, a car-sharing rental company in over 20 U.S. cities, has released a study claiming their service helps take privately-owned vehicles off the road. The company's survey indicates that for every Zipcar introduced to a market, nearly 20 privately-owned vehicles are taken off the road.

The theory behind the company, that now seems to be working, is that urban dwellers really don't need to own their own vehicles and can more than get by if a convenient service like Zipcar is available.

The Zipcar service is tres cool. For $8.50 an hour or $59 a day, you get the use of a late model car [they have MINI, Prius, Tacoma], that you can "pick up" wherever the vehicle is parked.

That's right, no schlepping to a car rental place, often inconveniently located at an airport or in a shabby, industrial section of town. All you do is wave your "Zipcard" at the window and you're in. Yes, the keys are left in the car! Zipcars can be reserved online or by phone.

Among the study's findings:
-- While 43% of Zippies owned cars in the last five years, only 11% own one now.
-- Since becoming a Zippie, members now drive about a 1,000 miles a year, versus over 5,000 miles in their pre-Zippie days.
-- Zippies who've gone car-less report saving over $435 a month when compared to car ownership.

Posted by Frank at 07:23 AM | Comments (0)

February 15, 2005

"The six-passenger car is dead"

So says a product guru interviewed for this Detroit News piece on the decline of the large sedan market.

Sales of the "Big Ol" cars, as in "Big Ol Buick," have dropped from a million in 1990 to about 379,000 in 2004, according to the story.

But. Later in the article we discover that sales of so-called "large premium mid-size vehicles," is a growing segment good for about 1.5 million units annually.

Is it possible that big sedans have just gradually evolved into a slightly smaller version of their "Big Ol" selves? I think if you look at the combined "big car/large premium mid-size vehicle" segment as a continuum, there might be less of a dramatic decline. Granted, the cars aren't powered by V8 & rear-wheel drive power combos, but like I said, the segment is evolving, not disappearing.

Except of course, for front bench seats, validating the title quote.

Posted by Frank at 08:23 AM | Comments (0)

Mario Andretti Drops Green Flag for Hyundai

This Friday, the famous race car driver will help Hyundai unveil a new hydrogen production and refueling station at the company's California R&D center. The automaker will have its fuel cell-powered version of its Tucson SUV on hand for refueling demos and test drives.

The combined hydrogen production and refueling station is made by ChevronTexaco Technology Ventures, in a joint project with Hyundai, UTC Fuel Cells and the U.S. Dept. of Energy.

Posted by Frank at 07:17 AM | Comments (0)

Hyundai Launches Task Force in Advance of Kyoto Protocol

Hyundai Motor has assembled a team to research methods to increase energy efficiency in its plants, build more eco-friendly vehicles and strategies to comply with the Kyoto environmental treaty, according to Yonhap [Korean] World News.

"Hyundai Motor hopes to become an environmentally, economically and socially responsible company with the launch of the Kyoto Protocol task force," said Chung In-mo, head of the carmaker's environmental management strategy team.

The global Kyoto pact goes into effect Wednesday, February 16 for 39 of the 141 countries that signed the treaty. Hyundai is launching their effort well in advance of Korea's 2013 implementation date.

For the countries affected this week, including Japan and Western European nations, the Kyoto requirements include mandates to reduce greenhouse gas output by a 5.2 percent average of 1990 levels from 2008 to 2012.

Hyundai has pledged to continue developing multiple eco-friendly vehicle platforms, including hybrids, on which it has already spent more than 100 billion won.

Posted by Frank at 06:48 AM | Comments (0)

February 14, 2005

Honda Price Increase

Despite the best efforts of Comerica Bank to nail down the cost of buying a new vehicle, in a ratio to how many slave-hours must be endured to obtain said vehicle, Honda is increasing prices on select models!

Thankfully, perhaps thoughtfully, Honda is only increasing prices by an average of $150 -- which is a mere pittance, or technically, .58%. Perhaps ominously, Honda adds the phrase, "on a sales weighted basis," and even those of us adept in defensive Orwellian journalistic ju-jitsu have no idea what this means.

Vehicles affected by increases include: the most popular Honda car models, Accord and Civic, up about $100 to $150; light trucks, Pilot, Odyssey and CR-V, go up $200; Acuras get a $200 bump, except for the RSX, which will increase $100.

Vehicles in current dealer inventories will not be affected by this change. Prices on the Honda Element, Insight, Civic LX SE and Acura NSX will not change.

Posted by Frank at 09:11 PM | Comments (0)

Vehicles are Getting More Affordable

This news brought to you by people who really,
really like numbers ...

A new vehicle could be had with about 20.6 weeks of median family income in the fourth quarter of 2004, according to the number crunchers at Comerica Bank. Astonishingly, this is a drop from the 20.8 weeks it took in the third quarter!

Comerica's digit nerds also tell us the average vehicle cost $28,127, which is a 1.8% increase from the third quarter, BUT, median family income is UP 2.6%, so it's a wash!

Have you heard the one about a 1 [one] and a 0 [zero] that walk into a bar ...

Posted by Frank at 08:45 PM | Comments (0)

We Don't Need No Stinkin' Technicians

Company launches diagnostic tool
for DIY-ers

AutoXray, a company that makes professional diagnostic scanners, is selling their first consumer product, dubbed CodeScout. For about $150, consumers will be able to "log in" to their car's computer and get a read on what may be causing the check engine light to come on.

Besides the coolness quotient of being the first guy on the block with such a tool, the company's press release also points out that it's good to know what's wrong before you go in for service, "protecting you from unnecessary repairs."

The device works the way a professional's works -- by plugging a cable into the vehicle's diagnostic port, generally located under the steering column, and then giving the user a reading. The CodeScout will work on 1996 to current model vehicles, and will also inform the user if the vehicle is ready for an emissions test.

A demo video of the CodeScout is available here. The CodeScout will be sold in retail and auto supply stores, as well as through the manufacturer.

Posted by Frank at 06:23 PM | Comments (0)

From the Department of Counterintuitive Thinking

Forget what the auto writers and business journalists say -- Now might be the perfect time to buy an American-made car.

As I was reading this Chicago Tribune article about how domestic automakers are having a problem getting across their value proposition to the buying public, a contrarian notion started gurgling in my head.

If you are in the market to buy a car in the next six months, hang with me as I present a new possibility for you to consider as part of your buying decision matrix -- okay? Here goes:

The traditional rap on domestics is that because they give out high incentives, people think they're dinky. At the same time, the facts show that American brands have improved tremendously in quality and reliability. But, because people think they're dinky, they have to give out higher incentives, and so on. And the domestics sell fewer and fewer cars, reinforcing the idea they're dinky.

Now here's the difference between auto journalism and car buyers: journalists keep repeating the same hoo-haa, jumping on the bandwagon of the day, but they're not making buying decisions! Actual car buyers who are spending real money should take the hoo-haa for what it is, and then make a rational buying decision, based on affinity, quality, price, etc.

Here's another way to interpret the facts, Aristotelian-style:

IFF Domestic cars are comparable in quality, AND
IFF Domestic offer high incentives and lower interest, AND
IFF Domestic cars still aren't selling because of mass opinion,

THEN: Now is the perfect time to buy a domestic vehicle!

Why is this so? Assuming the quality in your chosen vehicle category is equivalent to an import brand, you will be able to get a better price and easier financing, simply because no one else is buying the cars!

Like the title of this entry says, this is counterintuitive thinking. But seriously, I encourage real-world car buyers to take into account that it's always easier to get a deal when buying a good product that no one else has discovered yet.

Posted by Frank at 03:19 PM | Comments (0)

What's the Smart Move for Mercedes? The Little Car Company is Hemorrhaging Cash From the Three-Pointed Star

The news is still a little sketchy right now, but it appears that the Smart car division of Mercedes is responsible for the lion's share of the company's losses.

One article claims that Mercedes profit dropped from 784 milllion euros to only 20 million this year. Then there's this piece that pegs Smart Car's losses at $600 million euros for the year.

Hmmm, Let's see:

$784 million Euros, Mercedes 2004 profit
-$600 million Euros, Smart Car 2004 loss
That leaves $184 million euros.

Subtract a decent amount for Mercedes well documented problems with the exchange rate, flat sales, quality problems and increased raw material costs, and I bet you come pretty close to Mercedes' final result of a $20 million euros profit.

Smart has lost 2.6 billion euros since 1998. Mercedes is under strict orders to turn things around. Smart is under review, in a plan that is expected in early May.

The easy bet is that something is going to change -- either Mercedes walks away completely and hands the keys to the bank, or they take in someone with a lot of cash to lose.

Posted by Frank at 02:29 PM | Comments (0)

Traffic's Bad all Over -- NY City Drivers Give up Their Cars, and the Plight of the Extreme Commuter

Bad news does indeed come in threes. After the Washington Post weighed in with a dismal survey on Metro-DC area commuters, we find Business Week has trumped them with a piece on "Extreme Commuters."

ECs are the lucky folks who spend a month of their life, every year, just getting to and from their jobs. And it looks to be a legit trend story -- the number of ECs has practically doubled since 1990. Technically, you're an EC if your daily round-trip is at least an hour and a half. Or more.

The Business Week article shows commuting is a bad bet, citing its links to, "raised blood pressure, musculoskeletal disorders, increased hostility, lateness, absenteeism, and adverse effects on cognitive performance."

One guy, Jason Hanold, feels compelled to do a 105 one-way drive, due to family dynamics [divorce, kids, new fiance]. Hanold traded in his Range Rover for an $84,000 Mercedes, even though, "I knew it was a splurge," says Hanold, "but I spend more time in my car than in my living room."

New York City drivers, however, are simply trading in whatever vehicle they own for the peace of mind and pocket associated with not owning an autmobile in the Naked City.

Crain's New York Business cites a triple whammy -- parking costs, lunatic ticket enforcement and gas prices that are idling at well over $2 a gallon. Combine all these forces and you get another wild statistic: "an owner of a four-door sedan paid nearly $9,700 to operate the car in New York City."

Posted by Frank at 12:54 PM | Comments (0)

Detroit News: Incredible, Must-Read 4-Article Package on GM vs. Toyota

Christine Tierney and Ed Garsten teamed up to produce a quartet of exhaustively researched articles on the battle for world supremacy between GM and Toyota.

They are worth reading, because this competition goes far beyond the typical this car is better than that car journalism. Some people think GM is fighting for the soul of American manufacturing, others think Toyota is the new breed of world corporation.

One stunning quote: "Toyota's going to be No. 1. And whether they do it under the radar or by announcing it, it's going to happen," said Maryann Keller, a longtime automotive consultant and analyst.

Besides the centerpiece, there's a pair of articles profiling company execs: this one of Frederick "Fritz" Henderson, who's in charge of GM Europe, and this one of Art (Atsushi) Niimi, who runs Toyota's North American Manufacturing unit.

Finally, there's coverage of GM's China successes, where they have captured 11% of the market -- and where Toyota is trailing.

Posted by Frank at 12:25 PM | Comments (0)

Frank Giovinazzi, Car Buyer's Notebook Editor, on New York's Longest Running Automotive Radio Show

This week we talked about my article on the Motor Vehicle Owner's Right to Repair Act, and the panel really got into it, if cordially.

Because there were representatives from the independent aftermarket industry, as well as automobile dealers, the NY metro audience of 400,000 listeners got balanced information on what the act means, its impact on businesses and individual consumers and auto makers and dealers.

You can listen to the broadcast online, by going to this page.

Posted by Frank at 07:10 AM | Comments (1)

"The Bad Boy is the biggest, longest, meanest, heaviest, street-legal military conversion vehicle on the road today"

The title for this story comes directly from the website of Bad Boy Trucks, the Texas company responsible for bringing this $220,000 military-derived pickup to the market.

Keep in mind that's just the base price. As pictured, the Bad Boy has an MSRP of $379k, and can be outfitted with such safety features as nuclear, chemical and biological protection for about $750,000.

Bad Boy Truck Specifications

Accessories & options: Includes a 1,500-pound-lift cargo crane, satellite radio, GPS, DVD, MP3, CD player, motorized LCD flip-down screen, three-camera security system, in-motion satellite television, satellite phone, personal safe with key pad, 6-kilowatt generator, grill-mounted third-generation Starlight night vision, night-vision goggles and 11,000-pound recovery winch

Interior: Charcoal fabric and red leather

Speed: Tops at 72 mph; 58-gallon fuel tank will get you about 400 miles (7 mpg).

Weight: 17,589 pounds — If you don't have time to drive, it can be transported to the deer lease by C-130 and C-5A cargo aircraft.

Base price: $220,000; as equipped, $379,000

Engine: Caterpillar diesel, 6-cyclinder, 442 cubic inches (7.2 liters), 275 horsepower, 817 pound-foot torque at 1,600 rpm.

Transmission: Allison 7-speed automatic

Axle-gear ratio: Overall, 6.14:1

Dimensions: 21 feet long; 8 feet wide; 9.3 feet high

Wheel base: 153.5 inches

Ground clearance: 22 inches, loaded

Electrical: 2,400 watt inverter, with interior and exterior outlets

Posted by Frank at 06:27 AM | Comments (1)

Virginia Wants to End Hybrid HOV Exemption

The Virginia agency responsible for HOV lanes has found that hybrid vehicle use more than tripled in a six-month period in 2004, and have pushed overall volume past recommended capacity.

The Department of Transportation [VDOT] now recommends lawmakers allow the exemption for hybrids to expire in July 2006. Virginia is currently the only state that allows hybrids in HOV lanes, though there is a federal exemption law in the works that would allow states to implement their own policy on a case-by-case basis.

VDOT's study found that hybrids have pushed lane use in one area to 1,700 vehicles an hour, where the recommended capacity is 1,500 to 1,800 an hour. Hybrids account for 18% of total traffic, according to the report.

VDOT also reported that hybrid vegistration nearly tripled in the northern part of the state, from 2,500 in April 2003 to 6,800 at the end of 2004. From the spring of 2004 to October, hybrid use of HOV lanes did triple, from 480 to 1,700.

Posted by Frank at 05:59 AM | Comments (0)

February 13, 2005

Rolls-Royce Sells for 800k -- Complete with Wine Cellar

Rolls built a special "wine lovers" Phantom for a charity auction in Florida and they promptly got $800,000 for the grape whip. The one-off specifications include a cigar humidor in the glove box and a wine cellar in the "boot," according to Rolls Royce.

Good thing, too, because could you imagine the cop's glee at writing an open container ticket to a Rolls owner? Other one-of-a kind specs after the jump.

From the Rolls-Royce PR mavens:

This Phantom was designed specifically to appeal to the tastes of wine lovers. The exterior is a rich Burgundy colour and the interior fitted with the finest leather in a deep moccasin colour. The headliner is cashmere and all wood surfaces feature cross-banded figured Mahogany. A 'cluster of grapes' motif is used on the interior and exterior - most notably as a sterling silver inlay on each of the Mahogany-veneered door cappings. The most intriguing custom features include a "mini wine cellar" built into the floor of the boot and a cigar humidor in the glove compartment. This will be the only car built to this particular specification.

Last year, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars sold almost 800 Phantoms around the world and 420 in North America, making it the world leader in the super luxury saloon market.

Posted by Frank at 03:31 PM | Comments (0)

Traffic Bad, XM Good

It turns out an implicit satellite radio endorsement may be the only good thing to come out of a front page article of the Sunday Washington Post, that tells us the area commute is one of the worst in the nation.

You'd know that if you live here, but the statistics are frightening: 23% of commuters spend more than an hour on the road getting to and from work, while another 25% spend between 30 and 59 minutes making the round trip.

The main article, plus a side piece are litanies of misery. But there is one small piece of good news, found in the last two grafs of the A1 story: one commuter is saving his sanity and his blood pressure with the help of XM radio!

Here are the money grafs:

"John Miller, the federal intelligence agency recruiter who travels between Springfield and Reston each day, found his blood pressure rising every time he traveled on the Fairfax County Parkway. Then his wife gave him satellite radio. So he listens to sports shows on his daily commute and cheerfully ignores the speeders, lane-cutters and road-ragers.

'Now it's their problem,' Miller said with a laugh. 'I turn on XM radio, listen to my shows and pay no attention to what that guy in front of me is doing.'"

Posted by Frank at 03:31 PM | Comments (2)

February 12, 2005

Welcome to the Surveillance Society, Part Deux

[Click to download the AAA Guidebook - PDF.]

Or, the Road to Hell is Paved
with Neighborhood Busybodies

Sometimes you can't believe what you read. Or don't want to. In today's example, we have the AAA Foundation distributing a guidebook about wearing safety restraints and making sure kids are properly situated in their own harnesses. Pretty typical public service announcement hoo-ha.

But. The purpose of the "guidebook" is to instruct people on how to conduct studies of safety equipment usage in their communities.

In other words, a non-profit organization is encouraging people to stand on street corners, highway shoulders and parking lots -- and record data about the safety equipment usage rates of total strangers.

This is mind-boggling. Personally, I understand and support what are known as primary seat belt laws -- which allows police to pull you over if you're not belted.

But now AAA is encouraging citizens -- unauthorized, untrained simple folks without any raison d'etre except to get in your bidness -- to loiter in public with a clipboard and write down whether or not I'm wearing my seat belt!

What's next? Is the Eye, Ear Nose & Throat Foundation going to encourage people to do a study on nose picking in the general populace? Personally, I'd get fingered on that one, but that's besides the point.

And who exactly is going to have the time or inclination to do one of these neighborhood studies? I'll tell you, the same frustrated, this side of postal dweebs who serve on the boards of Home Owner Associations and hang violation notices on your doorknob if you put a three-and-a-half foot Santa on your front lawn, that's who!

This idea is so flawed, so utterly nutty I can't believe it got out of committee. Bad, bad, bad idea. So bad in fact I am breaking my personal "no ranting" rule I have set for myself with this publication.

And I just love some of the goals of the project:

Increase interest in enforcing occupant protection laws
Evaluate the effectiveness of education and enforcement efforts

In other words, collect data, then turn it over to the police -- after standing up in some non-attended city council meeting and waving a sheaf of paper in the air, demanding action, and then talking to some 23-year old girl reporter for the local rag and [humbly] talking about how you wanted to "give something back to the community."

In the study itself, there's another whopper, advising those conducting surveys that maybe they should tell the cops what they're doing:

When conducting traffic safety studies and surveys on the highways, roadways, and at shopping centers, it is wise to inform local law enforcement agencies and government officials about your project and your intent to collect data in their community. Gaining their permission is important.

And what if they observe cops not wearing their safety belts? Are they going to tell their shift supervisors? Or maybe throw it in during their girl reporter interview, for a little spice? And what about perps, do they count? I mean some number-crunching cave fish somewhere has got to have a statistic about how many "alleged" criminals are injured in the back of cop cars because they weren't wearing their safety belts.

Can you imagine: "That's right Sarge. No, he didn't hit his head getting into the car, his entire face is smashed in because I stopped short to talk to these old ladies waving their clipboards around. Yes, sir, I'll make sure all my guests are properly tucked in from now on."

Finally, there's this piece of advice, about doing surveys on private property:

Conducting surveys on private property, such as a shopping center, a fast-food restaurant,or a pediatric center, will also require permission from property managers or owners.

Sure thing, a property owner or restaurant manager is going to let you loiter in their parking lot so you can harass their customers about not wearing their seat belt as they're slurping down a Big Mac while talking on the phone and making a left turn across four lanes of traffic!

And let's not forget about liability, either. Imagine someone, somewhere, getting out of their vehicle, totally unrestrained, and filing that clipboard someplace indelicate.

Right, like the property owner isn't going to get sued for that one: "You shouldn't have let them do it, Jimmy, because you know the customers at your Road House, BBQ Pit and Tattoo Parlor aren't the kind of folks who'd take kindly to that sort of surveillance."

Finally, cause I'm out of steam, what about license plates? Are people going to be writing down the plate numbers, whether AAA advises them to or not, and report offenders to the cops, who, by now are gleefully cooperating with the silver-haired, safety belt KGB?

I seriously hope this moronic idea blows up in non-profit AAA's face.

Posted by Frank at 08:13 PM | Comments (0)

UAW & Chrysler Unveil Exhibit of Worker Artists

[Click to view 2004-2005 gallery of winning entries]

The fifth annual art competition, comprised of over 150 works made by DCX employees, was unveiled at a Detroit reception on Thursday, Feb. 10. Most of the artists were in attendance for the festivities, with the exception of UAW member Aaron H. Masson, a first-time exhibitor who is in basic training with the Ohio Army National Guard.

The 63 finalists made it to the show in a competition judged by art professionals, according to Ron Russell of the UAW-DaimlerChrysler National Training Center, where the exhibit is housed annually. All four previous galleries are online here.

Posted by Frank at 07:49 PM | Comments (0)

Hyundai Translates Well Into Russian, Too

Just in case you were wondering if Hyundai's State-side successes were a fluke, comes this report the company tripled sales in Russia in 2004.

The Interfax story says Hyundai enjoyed a 185% increase in January of this year alone -- and that's after increasing sales from 14,561 in 2004 5o 50,686 automobiles in Russia in 2004!

Posted by Frank at 07:42 PM | Comments (0)

February 11, 2005

Congressional Showdown: Deciding Whether or Not Vehicle Owners and Independent Shops Have the "Right to Repair"

Click on the logo to watch a CBS News
story on the "Right to Repair"

By now many people are aware Congress has passed a highly publicized bill limiting how class action lawsuits can be filed in this country. But another struggle that's happening under the radar, that could conceivably affect more consumers and businesses, is set to start up again in the coming months.

At issue is whether or not consumers and independent service stations can get timely and affordable access to information on today's high-tech vehicle systems.

Consumer groups, parts makers and mechanics are pressing for vehicle manufacturers to loosen up what they perceive as an unfair monopoly on data, particularly software and diagnostic tools that allow technicians to work on vehicles.

At the center of this issue is a proposed law, called the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act, which enjoyed broad support in the last Congress and is about to be re-introduced in this year's session. [To read another PDF fact sheet, click here.]

The Right to Repair act would require automakers to disclose all information necessary to diagnose and repair vehicles to consumers and independent service shops, under threat of civil and government penalties.

Without information from the car makers, advocates say consumers will have limited choices as to where they can get their cars repaired. And not only will independent service and repair companies be shut out of competition, the result would create what many consider an unfair monopoly for service centers located within new automobile dealerships.

Introduced in both the House and Senate, the bill enjoyed bipartisan support from lawmakers during the last Congress. Sponsored by Rep. Joe Barton [R-TX] and Edolphus Towns [D-NY], the House version had 116 co-sponsors. Senator Lindsey Graham [R-SC] had 10 co-sponsors for his version of the bill.

As opposed to other national issues that don't always make an impact on individuals, the central issue behind Right to Repair will ultimately affect every American who owns or operates a motor vehicle.

On one side, independent repair shops and aftermarket parts makers are already feeling the pinch. More than half of all repair shops surveyed report having a difficult time getting information to repair vehicles, and more than two-thirds have had to turn business away due to this inability.

Automakers and their dealer representatives are opposed to the Right to Repair legislation, on grounds it would force them to reveal proprietary trade secrets that could damage their ability to compete.

While there may be some truth to this argument, there is a provision in the legislation to help protect automakers from revealing manufacturing secrets. The core of the issue appears to be an effort to monopolize all vehicle repair and service business within dealerships.

Without the Right to Repair bill, which empowers the Federal Trade Commission to oversee the process of information sharing, groups representing repair shops claim they will suffer irreparable harm.

Indeed, the result would force all vehicle owners to visit only dealership service centers, depriving them of consumer choice and virtually eliminating free-market competition from this industry sector. Taken as a whole, the aftermarket sector is a $200 billion industry with nearly five million workers in 495,000 locations.

It is this dual argument -- protecting business and ensuring consumer choice -- that groups such as the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association [AAIA] are using to promote the Right to Repair legislation. Another industry group supporting the legislation is CARE, the Coalition for Auto Repair Equality. To present their side of the story to members of Congress, AAIA is sponsoring a legislative summit, March 1-2, 2005.

Automakers claim they are already providing technical information to repair shops, such as through these sites from Mazda and Nissan. Regulations passed by the state of California and the Environmental Protection Agency require all manufacturers to provide these sites, for access to emissions-related technical information, and for supporters of Right to Repair, this is a telling factor.

Representatives of the car companies counter, however, that they have undertaken voluntary efforts to share information with independent technicians, thus making the Right to Repair act unnecessary. The National Automotive Service Task Force [NASTF], established in 2000, provides a Service Information Matrix, updated quarterly, that details how to get technical information.

Also at issue is the cost which manufacturers can charge for the information. Yearly subscriptions to the manufacturers' technical websites cost from a low of $350 [Toyota] to a high of $3,225 [Volvo]. The Right to Repair legislation does not specifically stipulate whether there will be limits on how much car companies can charge for access.

While this particular legislative battle will largely take place out of the public eye, the outcome has the potential to affect every American who operates a motor vehicle.

Posted by Frank at 07:14 PM | Comments (0)

February 10, 2005

Yee-haa! Honda's New Civic Si Concept Debut is a Doozy

This car is so hot it has already been named the official vehicle of the 2005 SEMA show, where Honda is the lead manufacturer.

Honda's new Civic Si concept had a coming out party at the Chicago Auto Show today, and there's nothing coy about this baby.

If the specs on the Si concept are even close to what the production model is going to be like, it's a major step forward for Honda -- the engine is a 200-hp screamer with an 8,000 rpm red line, and sports 18-inch wheels and all-around disc brakes.

The current production Si, by contrast, has a 160-hp engine with 16-inch wheels -- that's a 40% boost in power, folks!

John Mendel, Honda's American Senior VP, said the concept car is, "90 percent of what you'll see when the production models debut later this year," and couldn't help but boast just a little.

Saying the 200-hp engine is, "the most powerful motor we've ever put in a U.S. model Civic," Mendel egged the crowd on, "not the kind of engine note that you expect to hear from a 4 cylinder Civic... huh?"

Mendel said Honda pulled out all the stops with this concept, as a means to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Si in America. The car was designed at Honda's Los Angeles R&D Design Center and is the sixth generation Si for the American market.

Mendel also reminded the crowd that the Civic essentially invented the small-car performance and tuner movement in America, which is why Honda is taking the lead as the official manufacturer of the 2005 SEMA show.

The sponsorship is a first for any Japanese manufacturer, and Honda is putting the new Civic Si center stage, as official vehicle of the show.

The actual Civic Si production model will debut at the SEMA show in November, Mendel said, and Honda is also bringing out new 2006 versions of the 4-door sedan, 2-door coupe and a more fuel efficient Civic hybrid, all due in the fall.

Posted by Frank at 04:10 PM | Comments (0)

For Do-it-Yourselfers: Advance Auto Parts Offers Video, Web Resources

[Click to play the video.]

Advance Auto Parts has a video out encouraging people to open their hoods and take on some basic vehicle maintenance tasks. Touting the old maxim that knowledge is power, one of the home-grown experts in the clip says opening the hood is the same as opening a book.

Advance also houses an extensive how-to library at their website, and broadcasts in store DIY webcasts on a regular basis.

Contrary to the common idea that people are doing less work on their vehicles than ever, this study from the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association [AAIA] claims more than two-thirds of people still do some kind of work on their vehicles.

To encourage vehicle owners to keep themselves in the maintenance game, AAIA produces the Be Car Care Aware campaign. The website includes an extensive, interactive database of vehicle systems and upkeep protocols, as well as a Tools for Do-it-Yourselfers page.

Posted by Frank at 03:43 PM | Comments (0)

Hyundai Introduces Family Friendly Vehicle with Suicide Doors

Hyundai's new concept vehicle, the Portico, is a visual stunner that also happens to incorporate high-tech features and a promising crossover design.

For starters, you have just got to love the suicide doors that open up with no middle pillar. Talk about ease of access into and out of the vehicle, for passengers big and small, and for unwieldy packages.

The vehicle, neither traditional minivan, SUV or sedan, clearly has elements of multiple categories, yet looks like something we can actually envision on the road.

If that doesn't do it for you, the Portico is also decked out with front and rear hybrid electric motors -- making it one of the first true all-wheel drive hybrids. The gas engine sitting in the center of the powertrain is a 24-valve V6 that will soon be put into service in Hyundai's current fleet.

This thing looks so cool, and holds out so much promise, we'll forgive Hyundai for forgetting to put door handles on the outside [see pic above].

Hyundai news release follows:

---------------------------------------------------

Hyundai Portico Concept Vehicle Debuts

Portico Opens the Door to the Next Generation of Family Transport

Hyundai today introduced its new Portico concept vehicle during press days at the Chicago Auto Show. This event marks the world debut of this new design concept from Hyundai. "The Portico is an example of the new market segments Hyundai is exploring -- in this case, the next generation of family transportation," said Hyundai's Vice President of Product Development and Strategic Planning, John Krafcik.

"Portico features seating for six passengers and roomy, flexible cargo space -- previewing the types of attributes we'll be adding to our growing Hyundai lineup in the U.S. We'll have two all-new Hyundai models with seating for seven and roomy, flexible cargo space within the next year or so -- all part of the 24/7 new model launch cadence we started with the Hyundai Tucson last fall."

The Portico concept vehicle previews Hyundai's future growth in the U.S. market and its evolution here to a full-range producer of cars, trucks, and innovative concepts like this one that defy simple categorization.

Created to provide a look at the future of family transportation, the Hyundai Portico is designed to be a versatile vehicle that will adapt to the changing needs of modern families.

The Portico is neither a sedan nor an SUV, but it provides the benefits of both designs with a car-like ride and a large, versatile and "family friendly" interior. Portico combines the functional benefits of current family vehicles in a stylish package with better drivability.

Portico offers a clean aesthetic appeal that delivers a feeling of strength and substance. Designers employed a unique panoramic roof design with glass that can be darkened to control the inside sunload.

The unique seating configuration improves ingress and egress for six passengers and provides better legroom for all the passengers when compared to the common three-row configuration of current family vehicles.

Portico features front hinged front doors and rear hinged rear doors with a pillarless design. With both doors open, the Portico invites passengers into the highstyled interior. The Portico concept vehicle was designed and built by Hyundai's Advanced Design Team at the Design Center in South Korea.

Portico's wide stance and long wheelbase deliver lots of useful interior space. The innovative concept's key feature is the large, comfortable and versatile interior that provides three-across seating and the option of staggered seating for three in both the front seat and the second seat. Using two rows of three seats -- which can be staggered -- allows for comfortable three-across seating. This seating configuration also provides much more space and volume for cargo behind the rear seat -- something that three-row vehicles lack.

Both front and rear seats are power-operated. A DVD-based entertainment center is provided for rear seat passengers. In front, driver and front passengers share a navigation screen and overhead console, providing key road and vehicle information.

Portico is powered by Hyundai's new, high-tech Lambda V6 engine. It's a 24-valve, DOHC V6 with aluminum heads and cylinder block, mated to a six-speed Shiftronic automatic transmission soon to be offered in Hyundai's production vehicles. The Portico is also designed to accept Hyundai's hybrid drive system. This configuration features two electric motors; one driving the front wheels and a second driving the rear wheels, providing efficient AWD (all-wheel-drive) capability. Front power is supplied by a 110 kW (136 horsepower) electric motor; a 60 kW (83 horsepower) motor powers the rear wheels.

SPECIFICATIONS: Hyundai Portico Concept Vehicle

Configuration: Hybrid AWD: Front engine/front drive, rear
motor/rear drive
Wheelbase: 3,070 mm / 120.9 inches
Overall length: 5,000 mm / 196.9 inches
Overall width: 2,000 mm / 78.7 inches
Front overhang: 960 mm / 37.8 inches
Rear overhang: 970 mm / 38.2 inches
Gasoline engine: Lambda V6
Electric motor front: AC li-ion battery power, 100kW
Electric motor rear: AC li-ion battery power, 60kW
Transmission: 6-speed Shiftronic automatic
Tires: P255/60R-18

Posted by Frank at 02:59 PM | Comments (0)

GM Initiates an Avalanche of 193,000 Recalls

General Motors is recalling more than 155k pickups, vans and SUVs that may experience hydraulic fluid leaks which could cause steering and braking problems. The 2004-2005 vehicles affected include the Avalanche, Express, Kodiak, Silverado and Suburban, as well as GMC's Savana, Sierra, Topkick, Yukon XL and the Hummer H2.

Another nearly 20,000 vehicles are being recalled with potential accelerator pedal problems. The 2004 models affected include the Cadillac SRX and XLRs, and the Pontiac Grand Prix.

GM is also recalling 17,815 Buick Rainier, Chevrolet TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy and Isuzu Ascender SUVs from 2005 due to improperly mounted windshields.

Posted by Frank at 02:37 PM | Comments (0)

Dude, I Got a Dell -- and They Threw in a Ford Focus!

It seems younger Focus buyers are snapping up those free $700 Dell computers Ford is giving away in a promotion that lasts through March 31.

According to Ward's Auto, between 30% and 40% of Focus buyers are taking the spiff, versus opting for a cash rebate.

The hit program has led Ford to try other alternative offers, such as a $50 J. Crew gift certificate for people who test drive the Five Hundred sedan or Freestyle SUV.

Posted by Frank at 02:31 PM | Comments (0)

No, You Can't Play with my Tonka Truck

International is showcasing another big boy toy, the RXT pickup, that starts at just under $70,000. The super pickup is in the same family as the company's larger CXT, introduced last year; the RXT is powered by a diesel V8 engine with 230 horsepower and 540-lb.-ft. of torque.

International is going to introduce another vehicle, the MXT, later this year, designed for military and law enforcement customers, and will introduce a commercial version in 2006.

Posted by Frank at 01:44 PM | Comments (0)

Yes, Virginia, there is an Automotive Hall of Fame

The Automotive Hall of Fame, located in Dearborn, Michigan, has been around since 1939, and has inducted over 200 members into their hallowed ranks.

Nissan's Carlos Ghosn was voted Industry Leader of the Year for '04, and if he stays on track, will likely get the call from Dearborn in his lifetime. We don't think auto journalists are invited to vote, as with other Hall of Fame gigs, but can't imagine the general public would read many stories about all the hype and speculation.

The Hall receives 30,000 visitors a year, and also awards more than $20,000 in college scholarships annually to persons interested in an auto related career.

Posted by Frank at 01:27 PM | Comments (0)

February 09, 2005

Nissan Announces 2005 Xterra Pricing

Each of the three trim levels available for the rugged-looking Xterra come standard with a 4-liter 265-horsepower V6 and choices of either 2WD or 4WD. The models -- S, Off-Road and SE -- start at $20,800 and run to $27,300. [Click here to download the PDF spec sheet.]

Nissan news release and another pic after the jump.

Nissan Announces Pricing on All-New Second Generation 2005 Xterra SUV

GARDENA, Calif. -- Nissan North America, Inc. today announced pricing on the revolutionary 2005 Nissan Xterra SUV. The all-new 2005 Xterra, which is scheduled to go on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide February 11, offers improvements on virtually all functional and user attributes with more power, more roominess and more features, including enhanced off-road performance systems.

The 2005 Xterra will be offered in three trim levels -- S, Off-Road and SE. Each model comes with a standard 4.0-liter 265-horsepower V6 and is offered in both 2WD and 4WD. Starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the Xterra S 2WD M/T is $20,800. The Xterra Off-Road model with 4WD M/T features a MSRP of $25,500, while the SE 2WD A/T features a MSRP of $25,300.

The 2005 Nissan Xterra continues the theme of the original -- everything you need, nothing you don't. But now truer than ever. The enhancements for the second generation Xterra, all in keeping with the spirit of the first, include a redesigned interior and exterior, new engine and platform.

The new Xterra utilizes a modified version of the F-Alpha platform, developed for the full-size Nissan Armada and full-size Nissan Titan pickup, tailored to suit this application. For its use in Xterra, the platform utilizes an independent double-wishbone front and solid axle leaf spring rear suspension, standard 4.0-liter DOHC V6 rated at 265 horsepower and 284 lb-ft of torque, and a choice of 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmissions.

The 2005 Xterra is offered with an available enhanced off-road system. The part-time 4WD system includes 2WD/4HI/4LO modes and electronically controlled transfer case. A Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system is also available, along with other advanced off-road capabilities.

Xterra's new exterior styling evokes that of the original, including a highly functional roof rack (now with covered gear box). Inside, the 2005 Xterra offers more room, especially in 2nd row head room and leg room, and enhanced utility of the multi-flex cargo area -- including an Easy Clean Cargo Area and a Utili-Track(TM) channel system in the cargo floor.

"When Xterra debuted in 1999, it truly set the mark in terms of its combination of outstanding purposeful unique styling matched with practical size and functionality," said Mark McNabb, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division. "The all-new Xterra follows this path with an even more capable, more powerful and truly authentic SUV built specifically for the needs of the core outdoor enthusiast."

Posted by Frank at 04:02 PM | Comments (0)

February 08, 2005

Ford Matches GM's Zero Percent Financing

Ford has stepped up and is giving away the finance dollar, just as GM did last week, according to Reuters.

Contrary to GM, most of Ford's deals go to '04 leftovers, such as the E-series vans, small Ranger pickups and Taurus scraps.

GM, on the other hand, is giving away the farm on 2005 Buicks, Chevys, Pontiacs, Saturns and GMCs.

Posted by Frank at 10:43 PM | Comments (0)

You Call that a Deal? Cadillac Charges $3,125 for a Freebie Worth Exactly $41.94

First, let me say I really was ready to write something nice about Cadillac. After all, it was the aspiration car of my youth. When my Dad bought his first Cad-doo, the Jeffersons sitcom was on the air. We used to sing Movin on Up [Click to play the song!] while sitting on the impossibly gaudy red leather seats.

So. Here we have a release from Cadillac announcing that XM's NavTraffic service is going to be available on the CTS starting this month. Hey, they're even going to throw in three months of the $13.98 per month cost as part of your purchase.

But only if you buy the $3,125 DVD navigation option!!!

So let's see. Cadillac will throw you a bone worth exactly $41.94, but only if you spend more than three large. Thanks, GM. Oh, and by the way, the NavTrafic service is only available in 20 US cities:

Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami/Ft. Lauderdale, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York City, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, San Diego, San Francisco/Oakland, San Jose, Seattle, St. Louis and Washington, D.C.

Posted by Frank at 07:01 PM | Comments (0)

DaimlerChrysler Artists to Showcase Work At UAW Center

[Click to view 2003-2004 gallery of winning entries]

The fifth annual art competition, comprised of over 150 works made by DCX employees, will be unveiled at a Detroit reception on Thursday, Feb. 10.

The 63 finalists made it to the show in a competition judged by art professionals, according to Ron Russell of the UAW-DaimlerChrysler National Training Center, where the exhibit is housed annually. All four previous galleries are online here. Russell said the 2004-2005 works will be posted at the site on Thursday.

Posted by Frank at 05:48 PM | Comments (0)

Ford Sees Demand for All Wheel Drive Vehicles Soar

Ford says 25% of Five Hundred sedan buyers are choosing the all-wheel drive option, and that 35% of Mercury Montego buyers are doing the same.

Company research shows that one-third of new car buyers cross-shopped for vehicles that exclusively offered AWD, and that interest has been growing at a fast clip. Ford expects to sell 500,000 AWD vehicles in 2007, when they will have three new AWD cars on the market.

While Ford expects nearly 400,000 of those sales to be from AWD cars, they are also seeing a rise in purchases of their AWD Freestyle SUV, where 55% of buyers chose the four-train option.

Ford's AWD models are less expensive than their counterparts -- from $3k to as much as $22k cheaper -- which the company says is a big factor in their success.

Posted by Frank at 04:22 PM | Comments (0)

Honda Urges Making MPG Rules Tougher

The NYT reports that Honda has asked the federal government to make fuel economy regulations harder, an apparent gesture to environmental groups after Honda and Nissan joined a lawsuit against California's tougher emissions policies.

Other car companies have sued the state to block the state-led effort, that essentially seeks to trump the federal government's rule making authority in environmental policy.

Posted by Frank at 07:49 AM | Comments (0)

February 07, 2005

Moo-va-less! Mercedes to Offer Leather Free Vehicles

Caving in to pressure from the self-styled animal rights group, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, Mercedes has agreed to offer leather-free interiors for all its models. As the Reuters story originated from Berlin, it isn't yet clear whether this applies only to European production, or if it includes worldwide sales.

Nevertheless, the four to fifteen cows needed to supply supple seating and luxurious surroundings for each human conveyance are said to be quite pleased.

Posted by Frank at 04:47 PM | Comments (0)

Taxis Get Internet in Boston, San Francisco and Chicago

Over the next two weeks, 600 cabs in these three cities will be outfitted with Internet-ready touchscreens [pictured above], thanks to a company called Interactive Taxi.

The service will allow passengers to get news, local event listings and book restaurant and show reservations, as well as pay their cab fare. The company is also one of 60 vendors competing for the New York cab market of 13,000 vehicles.

Posted by Frank at 10:40 AM | Comments (0)

Sign Him Up for Netflix! Four-Year Old Boy Drives to Video Store

A four-year old Michigan boy drove his Mom's car to the video store -- at 1:30 in the morning, according to AP.

Finding the store closed, the boy somehow managed to turn the car around -- and find his way home. Unfortunately his parking skills are just about average -- for your average drunk driver -- as he struck two cars when pulling into a space.

Then he really got in trouble. When backing up to correct his angle, the boy hit the police car that followed him home.

Note to Mom: Sign your champ up for Netflix!

Posted by Frank at 10:30 AM | Comments (0)

Test Driving the Hyundai Tucson: Day 5

Hyundai sold 3,420 Tucsons in January 2005, taking some sales away from its Santa Fe model, but together, the two models represent a net gain for the Korean company in the SUV segment.

Through the month of February, Hyundai is offering a $500 discount to military personnel for the purchase of any of their vehicles, and $500 to any current Hyundai owner who buys a Tucson.

In terms of safety equipment, all trim levels come with four wheel anti-lock and power-assited brakes, electronic stability control and traction control. Inside the cabin front and side airbags are standard in the first row; side curtain airbags are fitted in both rows.

I'm pleased to say the vehicle's performance helped me avoid two incidents with other drivers -- one guy pulled out without looking, causing me to swerve. The quick steering maneuver, at speed, did not cause the Tucson to wobble or feel out of control. Indeed, it handled the bank like a car.

Another driver made a careening turn right in front of me. Luckily my foot reacted faster than my brain -- I couldn't help thinking, 'what is that guy doing?' Because my foot hit the brake, slowing the Tucson from about 40 to 15 mph, we avoided any unpleasantries.

The SUV slowed smoothly, with no skid or any of that huffing and puffing ABS brakes are prone to when they're called into harsh action. After the butterflies settled down, I was able to admire the Tucson's ability.

Posted by Frank at 10:26 AM | Comments (0)

Mercedes Says Nein! to Launching B-Hatchback in US

Mercedes is holding off on launching their newest Baby Benz in the US, citing poor exhange rates, according to Reuters.

Posted by Frank at 10:06 AM | Comments (0)

I Believe in the Value of Extended Service Contracts

A few months ago, I interviewed several execs at an extended service contract company, and also visited their call center. I'm not going to mention the company by name, because I don't want to come across as shilling for them.

That's because I came away from the experience convinced that extended service contracts are worth the investment. With cars as complicated as they are nowadays, and costing so much, a little bit of insurance can save you whopping bills a couple years down the road.

Of course, you have to make sure you buy a good contract, from a company that actually pays claims. Caveat Emptor! [that's Latin for Let the Buyer Beware.] Be warned: there are plenty of scammers out there in this field.

Also, new car buyers should know that when they sign up for the contract, they can negotiate the price. This is a very little known fact. But there is massive profit in the contract for the dealer, and you can get them to come down on the price. Hint: offer to pay cash up front for the whole cost of the service contract.

And if my opinion isn't enough for you, consider the graphic I used for this story: it's a warranty for a 1959 Corsair, sold by an Edsel dealer!

What follows is the story I wrote about extended service contracts for AIADA.

----------------------------------------------------

Extended service contracts cover expensive repairs after the manufacturer’s warranty runs out

Imagine the bummer: three or four years into driving your new car there’s a major malfunction -- about $800 worth.

Yet you’re still making payments [$300-$500 a month], plus carrying insurance and paying for gas.

What do you do? If the vehicle’s off the manufacturer’s warranty, you pay for the repair -- in addition to your other monthlies -- which, for many people, requires hitting the credit card.

Cars are certainly built better today than ever before, and need fewer repairs. And warranties have also improved -- most are between three and five years and 36,000 to 50,000 miles, with Hyundai, Kia and Suzuki offering up to 100,000 mile coverage on powertrains.

But there are two factors that argue strongly in favor of purchasing an extended service contract -- essentially an insurance policy for your car’s health -- that should be considered by every new vehicle buyer.

First, many car loans run longer than the manufacturer’s warranty period. For someone with a 60-month loan and a 36-month warranty, this could spell [out-of-pocket] trouble like the scenario described above.

Even if the warranty period matches the loan terms, there’s also the mileage factor to consider -- if you drive more than 12,000 miles a year, the warranty expires before the time period -- again leaving you out-of-pocket.

Second, while cars are more reliable, the average cost of a repair has skyrocketed, from $3,000 engine jobs to $600 electrical system or A/C fixes, or $1,250 for an antilock brake assembly. Even if you’ve finished paying off your car, you may want to know there’s a grace period before you start making a different kind of installment.

That’s where an extended service contract can ease your worries over whether or not you’re playing rolling Russian roulette. Put simply, a service contract takes up where the manufacturer’s warranty leaves off. And in the best scenarios, involves little or no effort from the consumer -- with deductible-style payments as low as from $50 to $100 per repair.

When considering an extended service contract -- often purchased at the dealer when a new car is sold -- it’s best to ask questions not only about the kinds of plans available, but also about your own intended use of the vehicle.

For example, if this is your first new car in ten years, and you expect to go another ten years and 120,000 miles, you should consider that most major repairs occur in the 50,000 to 70,000 mile range. Thus, many vehicles would be off warranty, and you may or may not have paid off the loan. See the above chart for more pertinent questions.

One of the advantages of purchasing an extended service contract when buying a new vehicle is that the cost can be rolled into the financing package. This is especially helpful for those who don’t have the wherewithal -- or the cash flow -- to set aside a small amount monthly for an "emergency repair" fund.

Posted by Frank at 09:40 AM | Comments (0)

U.S. Sales a Mere Echo of Global Retail

This article in the Times of Oman tells us that Toyota has sold 2.5 million of their subcompact Echo cars globally in the last five years. And the Echo is third in sales only to the Corolla and Camry!

In the U.S., however, Echo sales were down 85% in 2004, to a meager 3,899 cars. Of Toyota's 11 car models, Echo came in 10th, barely edging out the MR2. Which is probably why they're discontinuing the Echo after this year.

Besides the possibility that people just didn't like the Echo, its likely Toyota cannibalized their own sales with the popularity of the Scion brand. Slightly more expensive than the Echo, the Scions have proven popular for their styling and perceived good value.

Posted by Frank at 07:45 AM | Comments (0)

February 06, 2005

Test Driving the Hyundai Tucson: Day 4

I was pleasantly surprised to find a "near" full-sized spare underneath the Tucson rear storage bin. By near full-size, I mean that while the tire is the same 16-inch diameter as the regular wheels, it is a little narrower.

Still, when you do have to change a tire, at least you've got something that isn't the equivalent of a pegleg. I hate donut spares. Whenever I've had to use them they feel so unsafe I get right to a tire store. But that's probably the point.

In between the rear floor and the spare is a well thought-out storage tray with multiple compartments. Good for a roadside emergency or first-aid kits, etc.

The Tucson also has retractable side view mirrors which have become pretty standard on cars, and are useful when dealing with tight alleys or parking spaces.

Posted by Frank at 10:30 PM | Comments (0)

Honda Says There Will be an Acura Hybrid, But ...

This article in Ward's details how Acura will definitely bring out a hybrid, but not right away. With the newly redesigned, all wheel drive RL proving a hit with consumers [sales are up 200%], it's likely the TL will get AWD before a hybrid comes online.

When an Acura hybrid does roll into town, Honda will probably use the same strategy they have with the Accord hybrid -- emphasizing performance first, with the added benefit of higher fuel economy and green sentiment.

The article also points out that Honda isn't heavily promoting the Accord hybrid, because they don't have the capacity to build much more than the projected 20,000 units they expect to sell in 2005.

There's also a hint that Honda officials are frustrated with all the attention showered on the Toyota Prius. After all, Honda was first to market with a hybrid, and is actively selling hybrid versions of their Civic and Accord. I'm not counting the Insight because Honda sold exactly seven units of the bullet-shaped vehicle in January and they are phasing it out.

Posted by Frank at 08:02 PM | Comments (0)

The Bonneville Gets Salted

GM is ending production of the Pontiac Bonneville in June, according to Reuters. Pontiac sold only 734 Bonnevilles in January, down nearly 75% from a year ago. The company sold nearly 30,000 units in 2004, which was an 18% increase from '03. GM says the move is to realign their products with a declining market for large car sales.

Posted by Frank at 07:18 PM | Comments (0)

Ford Recalls Focus with Rear Door Problems, Chrysler Recalls Some Durangos

Ford is recalling 359,000 of its Focus vehicles due to a problem that could cause the rear doors to open while the car is in motion. Reuters reports the problem is caused by built-up corrosion that can prohibit the doors from closing securely. The recall is for the 2000-2002 model years.

Chrysler is recalling about 26k '05 Durangos because of a possible fuel leak from the filler neck of the gas tanks. In December, Chrysler recalled 600,000 Durangos and Dakota pickups over a wheel defect.

Posted by Frank at 02:24 PM | Comments (0)

We're in the Age of the High-Tech Lemon

This NYT article includes an estimate that high-tech electronic and software problems may be the root of a third of all warranty claims.

Besides a couple horror stories about electronics just bugging out -- and then unbugging themselves so techs can't find them -- there's also speculation that what modern cars need is a master operating system that makes sure all the software code works together.

IBM claims to be getting into that new tech space -- let's just hope they don't use Microsoft.

A few months back a Volvo dealer told me that nearly half of all repairs on late model vehicles involve a download -- for him, from Sweden. This brings around the discussion about training today's auto technicians. Again, this dealer told me they basically have to be part computer experts and part old-school mechanics.

Just by coincidence, the NY State finals for the National Automotive Technology Competition are being held on Feb. 8. The competition requires the teams of students to debug the rigged flaws in their vehicles, many of which will be electronics-based.

The winners of the NY round will compete against other state finalists at the New York Auto Show, March 29 and 30. And these kids are motivated by more than pride -- the prizes amount to $3 million in prizes, scholarships and two new Pontiac Vibes.

Posted by Frank at 01:20 PM | Comments (0)

Talk About Taking the Super Bowl Siriusly

For all those Mandarin-speaking NFL fans out there, Sirius radio is broadcasting the game in the Chinese language [channel 127]. The game will also be covered in German [ch. 148], Spanish [ch. 181] and Japanese [ch. 126].

There will also be three English language broadcasts. One in neutral sports-speak, one in the New England patois and one in the Philadelphia dialect.

What? Seriously now, there will be a typical national broadcast [ch. 124] plus one each from the Patriot [ch. 123] and Eagles broadcasting teams [ch. 125].

Fans at the game are also getting a souvenir transistor radio, which will receive in-stadium feeds of pre-game talk from Sirius and FOX TV. During the game, fans can hear the FOX broadcast, both local play-by-play versions, the national broadcast and the Spanish broadcast.

Posted by Frank at 12:33 PM | Comments (0)

February 05, 2005

Test Driving the Hyundai Tucson: Day 3

A word about pricing: I'm driving the Tucson GLS V6 with 4 wheel drive -- it sells for about $21,549. That's in the same price range as a Honda CR-V, though there are some differences in the packages.

However, the CR-V only comes with a 4-cylinder 160 horsepower motor, whereas the Tucson six has 173 hp. In this class, I call the Tucson the winner.

While the 4-cylinder Tucson is cheaper than the lowest-end CR-V, the Hyundai four only has 140 hp. In situations like this, it comes down to emotion.

The Tucson 4-cylinder starts at 17,499, for 2WD, and the Tucson LX 6-cylinder, with leather interior, tops out at $22,799.

Besides the Tucson being about eleven inches shorter than the CR-V, they match up in most other dimensions, as well as fuel economy. The Hyundai six-cylinder gets 19 mpg city and 24 on the highway.

I'm not saying the CR-V is the only vehicle that matches the Hyundai, but am using it for comparison. There are at least two kinds of car buyers -- brand and segment. Some people are looking for their next Hyundai, and some are looking for their next compact SUV.

Posted by Frank at 10:41 PM | Comments (0)

Frank Giovinazzi, Car Buyer's Notebook Editor, on New York's Longest Running Automotive Radio Show

This week, Professor Wolchuk asked me about hybrid vehicle sales in the United States, in particular, J.D. Power's dour report that sales would peak at three percent of the market by 2011.

You can listen to the show by clicking here, or go to the show's page and then click through.

The guys got real vocal on this one, basically saying it was easy to do this kind of forecasting. Who's going to call you out on something like this five or six years from now?

The consensus was that hybrids are going to become more popular, given other variables such as government incentives, gas prices and environmental sentiment on the part of consumers. Two other variable that may help or hurt sales: first, the powerplants are going to come down in price, second, in the next five years we're going to find out just how durable those batteries are. If they fail, or cause injury, you'll see the media turn on them faster than they forgot about Jimmy the Greek.

Since running the J.D. Power story, I found a more optimistic estimate of 800,000 to 1,000,000 hybrids sold by the end of the decade.

And Green Car Congress has two good stories, one a beautiful wrap-up of 2004's 84,199 units sold, and a January report on how sales practically doubled over last year.

Posted by Frank at 08:57 PM | Comments (0)

Cadillac's Super Bowl Ad Does Not Feature Tom Brady

[Click on the pic to watch video.]

Cadillac, the official vehicle of the Super Bowl, has got to be praying that Tom Brady does not win the MVP award. As you'll remember from this post, Brady is suing Cadillac for using his image past the expiration of their contract.

If the Pats win, and Brady takes MVP, then he's going to be presented with -- a new Cadillac! During a live ceremony! Oh boy. I haven't heard if they've settled the case or not, but nevertheless I think GM execs are quietly praying the QB doesn't win.

In other news, Caddy is running two ads tomorrow. One during the game, and one during the MVP award ceremony. Neither one of them features Brady. Click on the pic above to watch clips from both.

Posted by Frank at 06:23 PM | Comments (0)

Now that's What I Call Getting Fired! Volvo Shoots Richard Branson into Outer Space

So here's the deal on Volvo's "Boldy Go" ad for the Super Bowl. First they compare their V8 SUV to a spaceship. Then the astronaut flips up his visor to reveal himself as Richard Branson, the Virgin guy -- then he'll announce Volvo is giving away a free seat on the world's first-ever commercial space flight, which Branson runs.

Get it? Volvo's been hyping this ad for weeks; it better be good.

Branson -- that's Sir Richard to you -- plans to launch flight operations of his Virgin Galactic project in 2007. The company is using the technology of the ship that won the Ansari X Prize by becoming the first privately funded, manned suborbital space flight:

Taking off from a traditional runway, the spacecraft is powered into sub-orbit by a hybrid engine. During the flight, passengers experience weightlessness, view the stars above and see planet Earth below.

Trump that, Donald.

Posted by Frank at 05:23 PM | Comments (0)

Viva Hydrogen! Honda Leases Fuel Cell Vehicles to Las Vegas

Honda is leasing a couple of their FCX hydrogen-powered vehicles to the City of Las Vegas, for $500 a month each. I'm pretty sure my Dad only pays $479 for his Lincoln.

But Las Vegas is going to have negligible fuel costs, as they'll be refilling them at city-owned hydrogen "pumps". This makes the number of pollution-free FCX cars leased around the country to 14 -- mostly municipalities.

Honda chose Vegas for its desert clime, after previously leasing FCXs in upper New York state, to test the vehicle's cold weather operating capabilities.

Posted by Frank at 04:35 PM | Comments (0)

Saab Gets its New SUV On

As part of the promotion to generate "hand raisers," Saab has announced they're giving away three years of On Star and XM satellite radio service to anyone who buys a 9-7X by August 15. That's worth about $700.

Saab is also offering lease extensions to current Saab drivers whose lease expires the next few months, so they can take delivery of a 9-7X. To qualify, potential buyers have to sign up here.

The SUV comes with either a V6 or V8, and will be priced between $33 and $38k. Curiosly, Saab positions the price as being about $7,000 less than a Volvo XC-90, while taking this swipe:

The 9-7X has more headroom and legroom, towing capability and torque than any comparably equipped Volvo XC90, its principal competitor.

Posted by Frank at 04:24 PM | Comments (1)

Honda Ridgeline Super Bowl Ad, Pricing

[Click on the pic to watch video clip.]

Honda is making a big push for its new pickup, the Ridgeline, this week, with a price announcement and Super Bowl ad [click above].

The four-door, 255-hp pickup is getting strong reviews for its performance and its looks. Personally, I think it has more personality than the Nissan Titan, which has always struck me as a non-descript slab of sheet metal.

The Ridgeline will retail for between $27,700 and $34,640 when it goes on sale March 1. At all levels, the Ridgeline comes pretty stacked with features -- among them the "In-Bed Trunk." Pics and Honda news release after the jump.

2006 Honda Ridgeline Truck Pricing Starts at $27,700 Well-Equipped

Innovative Four-Door Truck With In-Bed Trunk(TM) Delivers Class-Leading Safety Features and Four-Wheel Drive as Standard Equipment on All Models

TORRANCE, Calif. -- American Honda Motor Co., Inc. today announced pricing for the all-new Honda Ridgeline truck, scheduled to make its debut at Honda dealerships nationwide on March 1.

The 2006 Ridgeline will be available in three trim levels starting with the well equipped RT, the fully featured RTS and the luxury-oriented RTL. Prices will range from $27,700 for the RT up to $31,490 for the RTL. RTL models may also be equipped with a Moonroof, XM Satellite Radio and Honda's satellite-linked Navigation System with Advanced Voice Recognition.

"Honda is entering the truck market with a product that delivers a combination of performance, features, value and refinement unique in the truck segment," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda. "The Ridgeline has all the utility of a half-ton truck while maintaining the fundamental Honda qualities of being fun-to-drive, environmentally responsible and safe, with characteristic Honda dependability, quality and reliability."

All Ridgeline models will come with a long list of standard comfort and convenience features including the most comprehensive list of standard safety equipment in its class.

In keeping with Honda's industry-leading 'Safety for Everyone' initiative, all Ridgeline trucks are equipped with standard anti- lock brakes with Electronic Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Assist with Traction Control, advanced dual-stage, dual-threshold driver's and front passenger's Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbags, driver's and front passenger's side airbags (passenger side with Occupant Detection System), two- row side curtain airbags with rollover sensor and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Additional standard features on all Ridgeline models include a 255-horsepower VTEC V-6 engine; 5-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission; advanced Variable Torque Management four-wheel drive system; air conditioning; tilt steering wheel; power side windows, power sliding rear window and door locks; cruise control; keyless entry; automatic heated wiper zone; 6-speaker 100-watt audio system with CD player; 60/40 split lift-up rear seat with underseat storage; all-weather floor mats; 5-foot cargo bed with six heavy duty tie down cleats and 4 bed lights; an 8.5 cubic foot secure, lockable In-Bed Trunk(TM); and dual-action tailgate.

All models also come equipped ready to tow with standard transmission and oil coolers, heavy duty brakes, dual radiator fans, an exclusive fresh air intake system for improved towing performance in hot weather conditions, and pre-wiring for 4- and 7-pin trailer hook up.

The Ridgeline RTS adds alloy wheels, a seven-speaker 160-watt audio system with subwoofer and six-disc, in-dash audio system with steering wheel controls, dual zone automatic climate control and an eight-way power driver's seat.

The Ridgeline RTL adds leather seating surfaces, HomeLink(R) remote system, an interior compass in the rearview mirror and heated front seats and an available power moonroof. Models with the power moonroof are equipped with

standard XM(R) Satellite Radio and are available with the Honda Satellite- Linked Navigation System.

The mid-size Ridgeline introduces a number of innovative and exclusive new features to the half-ton truck segment including a secure, lockable In-Bed Trunk with room enough to store a 72-quart cooler, three sets of golf bags or other bulky items under the pickup bed; a dual action tailgate that allows for easy loading and unloading of the In-Bed Trunk and truck bed; and the segment's first fully independent four-wheel suspension. Its unique body architecture, featuring two fully-boxed longitudinal frame rails and seven high strength steel cross members in a unitized body construction, delivers vastly superior body rigidity and provides the foundation for the Ridgeline's spacious interior cabin and bed, outstanding safety performance and class- leading ride and handling performance.

2006 Honda Ridgeline Highlights

* Four-Door Cab Design with spacious 5-passenger seating and re-
configurable second row seating for people and/or cargo
* 5-foot Steel Reinforced Composite (SRC) bed with six integrated heavy
duty-tie down cleats and 1100-pound (1/2-ton) bed payload capacity,
with minimal wheel well intrusion and dual action tailgate
* Secure, lockable In-Bed Trunk
* 255-horsepower, 3.5-liter SOHC VTEC V-6 engine with 252 lb.-ft. of
torque
* EPA fuel economy ratings of 16/21(1) for city/highway driving with a
22-gallon fuel tank and a maximum driving range of 462 miles
* Integrated closed-box frame with unibody construction offers up to
20 times the torsional rigidity of traditional body-on-frame truck
designs
* Best-in-class 1,550-pound total vehicle payload capacity
* Independent front and rear suspension for improved ride and handling
* True 5,000 lb. towing capability with standard transmission and
steering coolers with trailer pre-wiring factory installed
* Advanced VTM-4 four-wheel-drive with lock mode and medium duty off-
road capability

(1) Estimate of EPA fuel economy rating based on internal Honda data

2006 Honda Ridgeline Pricing
Trim Level MSRP
Ridgeline RT $27,700
Ridgeline RTS $30,075
Ridgeline RTL $31,490
$32,640 with Moonroof and XM Satellite Radio
$34,640 with Moonroof, XM Satellite Radio and
Navigation System

Destination and handling charges for all Honda vehicles are $515.

Posted by Frank at 06:26 AM | Comments (0)

All of a Sudden, the Fuel Economy Report Seems Like a Good Read

As gas prices soar to record levels, MPG again becomes a selling point for consumers

For many auto buyers in the big, bigger and biggest SUV-years, the MPG ratings were something of an abstraction. Just another detail on the manifest, along with color and trim details.

But now, with average gas prices across the nation at over $1.90 per gallon -- and a high of $2.69 in Kihei, HI, the amount people are forking over at the pump is a wake-up call.

More and more people are changing the way they live, and drive, to deal with the reality of their gas expenses. For most people who live on biweekly paychecks, as they pay more for gas, they are having to cut back on other areas of their household budgets.

So, the EPA’s 2005 fuel economy guide, while not destined to become a best seller [it’s free], is likely to be something people turn to as part of their new vehicle shopping research.

The report includes data according to vehicle category, then analyzes individual models by engine type, size and transmission.

There is also a figure that more people may begin to attention to -- the estimated annual fuel cost. While it translates the MPG abstraction into real dollars and cents, it also pays to consider how this figure is calculated.

The EPA assumes 15,000 driving miles a year, roughly split between city and highway miles, and then multiplies that by $1.80 per gallon. Potential vehicle buyers may want to crunch the numbers based on their own driving patterns to get a real sense of their own estimated expenses.

Not surprisingly, gas-electric powered hybrids top the agency’s list of most fuel efficient vehicles.

Different configurations of the Toyota Prius, Honda Insight and Honda Civic are reported to be the top five most fuel efficient vehicles for the new model year. Between them, the models are rated between 47 and 66 MPG in different types of driving.

For people who are watching their very real gas expenses, that translates into an approximate halving of their current spending.

Diesel-powered vehicles also score well in the ratings, at a time when Volkswagen and Mercedes are making a go of marketing and introducing models to the U.S. market.

VW dominates that category, with the Beetle, Golf, Jetta Wagon and the Passat Wagon all winning their respective categories in the diesel-powered section of the report. Mecedes’ new E320 is ranked as having the best gas mileage for a diesel in the Midsize category.

Posted by Frank at 04:37 AM | Comments (0)

February 04, 2005

Test Driving the Hyundai Tucson: Day 2

Running some errands this afternoon, I got a feel for how the Tucson handles on the road. First, in terms of profile, I found myself a little higher than minivan drivers and a little lower than bigger SUVs. A nice vantage height, actually.

The 6-cylinder, 173-horsepower engine gave me the right amount of acceleration, up inclines and for getting around a city-owned pickup truck driver who didn't seem in a hurry to get anywhere to do anything. I dubbed this the "Goldilocks" powerplant -- not too much and not too little -- the power was just right.

The power assisted rack and pinion steering was also right smack in the middle. Turning the wheel takes just enough grip to make you feel in control of the vehicle without working too hard or having that weird, too-loose spinning effect you get with some power steering.

I experimented with the Shiftronic transmission shifter, trying to get the hang of something I've never really understood. In the move to all-automatic transmissions all the time, many car makers have gone to these trannies that provide you with a gate, off to the side, that allows you to manually shift through the four speeds.

I'm a manual transmission guy, and am proud to say I've never had to replace a clutch on more than half a dozen stick shifts I've owned. So I'm not that happy with the loss of choice in transmissions.

After awhile, I got over my resistance and got the hang of using the hybrid shifter. I can say that it definitely felt as if I got some control of the vehicle back, and was able to do things like downshifting to use the engine to brake, and revving the engine higher before shifting up. The Shiftronic system is dummy-proof, autmomatically shifting back down to first when you bring the Tucson to a stop.

I've included some pictures of the Tucson's rear hatch -- one through the window, with the 40-split seat folded down, the other a few steps back with the 60-side down. The independent hatch and window opening option is reminiscent of old-school station wagons. Given the moderate height of the Tucson, most people will be able to open the window to place bags and other "stuff" in through the window.

With both seats up, the Tucson has nearly 23 cubic feet of storage space, with them down, a little over 65 cubic feet. The vehicle comes with a thick rubber cargo tray mat, and a cover that fits between the rear seats and the hatch door.

One thing that struck me unusual about the Tucson is the inclusion of an ashtray, lighter and cassette player. Let's do the time warp again! But just because I won't use these features doesn't mean they won't be appreciated by actual Tucson buyers.

Posted by Frank at 04:47 PM | Comments (0)

Oh, the Irony! Cable Guy Sold on Satellite Radio

So I'm in my new office getting set up and the cable guy comes to do the install. One of the first things I had done was set up my Sirius radio, to alleviate the spartan surroundings.

Because I was going a little stir crazy, I had been flipping through the channels and left it on one of the classic rock stations. Not my usual fare, but whatever.

The cable guy got into it, so I left it alone. He asked me what I was listening to and I told him -- and the questions started coming. How much is it, where can you get it, etc. In the interest of fairness I told him about Sirius and XM, their price points, etc.

Then he starts telling me about how his favorite rock station in DC, WHFS, just switched over into Spanish one day. I had heard about the format change, and there's been plenty of coverage about the decline of broadcast rock stations.

Bottom line: The cable guy's getting a satellite radio.

Besides the weird feeling I was in one of those cable vs. satellite commercials, it was interesting to see a "man on the street" reaction to a consumer product like satellite radio. This guy's listening preferences made him a model prospect, and his connection to those preferences made the price question virtually meaningless.

Bonus coincidence: when I went to grab a graphic from the Sirius site, I clicked on the thumbnail of the unit I have. Little did I know the radio was tuned to a rock channel when they took the shot!

Posted by Frank at 04:35 PM | Comments (0)

An Open Letter to Howard Stern Fans ...

[Note: This is my infamous satellite radio piece that was posted on Howard Stern's website and got me thisclose to being a guest on the show. But that was the week he got in trouble for talking about satellite too much and they decided not to have me on.]

Satellite Radio Update: An Open Letter to Howard Stern Fans ... And Other Radio Listeners

February 4, 2005

Dear fans of Howard and other radio listeners:

I’ve been listening to satellite radio for a month and wanted to share my experience with those of you who aren’t convinced this thing has legs.

What started off as research for an article has turned into a conviction.

I have heard the future -- and it came to me via satellite:

"Radio is dead. Long live radio!"

In other words, the kind of radio that you’re familiar with -- littered with commercials, computer-generated playlists and shoddy news -- is obsolete and will die a slow, painful death.

In its place, we’re all going to enjoy listening to Satellite radio -- featuring more than a hundred crystal clear channels of music, sports and news.

In our not too distant, Satellite-nation future, we’re going to look back and wonder how we ever put up with the lousy broadcast radio we grew up with. We’re going to wonder how we ever tolerated the lack of choice and cynical programming that gets stuffed into our auditory canals.

After listening to satellite these past weeks -- my favorites are classical, Elvis Radio and a variety of news stations -- I’ve gotten hooked on the purity of each channel. And on the ability to choose what I want to listen to, whenever I want.

On my desk, is a Sirius receiver, connected to computer speakers. [Both Sirius and XM Radio were gracious enough to provide me with a radio. I don’t have a preference for one over the other -- but I’m clear I love the satellite experience and am not switching back.]

The remote control and channel chart are always in reach. You need a chart to understand how much there is to choose from -- it’s like a menu from a New York Deli. If I’m surfing the Internet, Elvis Radio is a lot of fun. If I’m writing an article, classical suits me fine. When it comes time to do administrative work, I tune into CNN, Bloomberg or Fox News. It’s like cable TV for your ears.

Each channel delivers exactly what it promises. The programing is top-notch. The announcers stay in the background. The experience is enjoyable -- all the time -- not just in-betwen commercials or idiotic chatter I don’t want to hear.

And I haven’t even listened to most of the other 120 channels. So for the rest of you who don’t dig on the King of Rock and Roll, you can tune into pop, or hip-hop, four kinds of country, ESPN and so on.

Now I understand a bunch of folks are skeptical that people will pay for satellite radio.

First of all, it’s not that expensive. The monthly rate only costs as much as two or three trips to to Starbuck’s. And just like our country’s favorite fix, once you try satellite radio you won’t ever be able to shake the habit.

I’m confident that people who drive to work are going to realize pretty quick that they take back psychic control of their commutes and turn it into an enjoyable experience.

The key to converting drivers is coming through the new vehicle market, which I cover for this publication. In the next couple years, millions of automobiles, from Acura to Volvo, are going to come equipped with satellite radios, ready to roll. And right now, a lot of companies are offering free trial periods. The conversion rates from free to paid is running high -- and the product hasn’t even reached critical mass yet.

Finally, what about Howard Stern fans? Just about the whole world knows Sirius placed a $500 million bet that the King of All Media would bring a good chunk of his base into the satellite fold. While some people doubt they can be converted, I’m not one of them. Stern’s fans are all over the Internet, surfing for stories on the new deal, and discussing it on fan sites.

For example, back when we published our original satellite article, the story got picked up by KOAM, a Stern fan site. That one link drove thousands of visitors to our site -- and they’re still coming. So thanks again to Kevin Renzulli, the webmaster of KOAM! So yeah, judging from the rabid interest, I think plenty of Stern fans -- especially the ones that have jobs and can afford new cars -- are going to get Sirius about radio.

Here’s to the future of [satellite] radio!
Frank G.

This article originally appeared at AIADA.

Posted by Frank at 02:45 PM | Comments (0)

Foreign cars gain market share in an otherwise disappointing month

While auto sales in the United States were decidedly soft in January, International nameplates lost fewer sales than domestics, resulting in a record-breaking 42.8% market share for the first month of 2005. This is a 1.5% increase in market share over a likewise record-breaking 2004 performance.

Another bright spot is that more than half of the 454,000 International vehicles sold were made by workers in plants located in the United States. [click here to view the sales chart -- PDF.]

BMW, Hyundai and Nissan lead the way

BMW scored the greatest gain of all brands, with a 25.9% increase. While sales of the popular X3 and X5 SUVs increased over 50%, BMW also had good news in car sales -- the 3 series sold 10% more units in January over last year, and the 5 series sold 22% more.

Hyundai continues its steady inroads into the U.S. market, recording a 9.6% sales increase, thanks to sales of the Tucson, its new compact SUV. The Sonata sedan also sold more vehicles in January, after coming off a record-breaking 2004.

Nissan’s sales increased 7.5% overall, due to a 32.7% jump in SUV and light truck transactions. The good news was spread over several models -- the Pathfinder, Murano, Armada and Titan all posted best-ever January performances. While Pathfinder sales more than doubled, the Titan increase of 62.5% bodes well for Nissan’s attempt to gain share in the large pickup segment. Including sales from the Infiniti division, Nissan is slightly off pace to record the vaunted one million sales mark the company came within 14,011 units of in 2004.

Toyota and Honda post mixed results

Toyota sold nearly 10% more cars in January than it did last year -- the gain coming from its hot Prius hybrid and Scion models. Despite media coverage that the Prius was hard to come by, Toyota sold 5,566 units in January, a 90% increase over last year. The three Scion models sold a combined 8,940 units, putting Toyota on track to break over 100,000 units in the second full year of sales.

SUVs and light trucks were another matter for Toyota. Sales fell 12%, mostly due to drops in Sienna minivan and Tacoma pickup sales. The company’s large pickup, the Tundra, gained 11%, however, another good sign that Internationals are competing in that segment.

Acura brought home the good news for Honda -- sales of the new all-wheel drive RL model nearly tripled, and the TSX, its entry-level luxury model, recorded a 20% rise in sales.

While Honda saw modest increases in Odyssey minivan and Pilot SUV sales, Honda division sales dropped 11.9% in January.

Suzuki and MINI outpace the big boys, Kia stays even

Suzuki’s 6.1% January sales increase marks the twelfth consecutive month of growing sales for the company. Led by a 65% increase in sales of the Forenza car platform, which includes the Forenza sedan wagon and Reno hatchback, the company’s XL-7 SUV also aided the cause with a 24% sales increase.

MINI continues to perform well with its sporty Cooper, selling 5.8% more units in January. The new convertible version of its Cooper and Cooper S model found 848 customers in the U.S. -- in January, not a time of year usually associated with strong drop-top sales.

While Kia posted a negligible gain of .7% in sales, the company expects its new Sportage compact SUV, on sale March 1, to further aid its growth in the U.S. While sales of several Kia models were slightly off, the losses were offset by a 142% increase in volume from the Amanti sedan.

Audi and Volkswagen up their game

Audi’s A6 model posted a 48.3% increase in January, leading the automaker to a slim 1.4% sales increase for the month. This is encouraging news for Audi, which saw a nearly 10% drop in sales in 2004.

Volkswagen posted a 4% drop in sales for the month, but this can be considered an improvement over last year, when VW dropped volume by 15%. The newly redesigned Jetta and Passat models are welcome news for VW dealers, who expect the cars to turn around the brand’s fortunes in the United States.

Porsche, Volvo, Land Rover and Saab slightly off pace

Porsche execs are mighty happy with sales of the new Boxster -- despite only having the car on the ground since January 15, sales of the company’s entry-level sportster jumped 80% in January. While sales of the 911 were up slightly, Porsche saw a 1.8% drop in overall volume, due to a 22% decline in sales of its Cayenne SUV.

Volvo experienced a similar drop, of 1.6%, but sales of the S40 and new V50 continue to be especially strong. Even sales of the XC70 wagon, which have suffered due to the popularity of the XC90 SUV, posted a slight rise. Sales of the XC90 are up 3.2% for the month, despite a short supply of the new V8 model. Volvo has been heavily promoting its first-ever Super Bowl ad, featuring the V8, which is expected to increase interest in the new model even further.

While Land Rover dropped 2.1%, the all-new LR3 sold 1,310 units for the month, outpacing last year’s sales of the Discovery, the model it is replacing. Saab’s sales were off only .5% in January, but the company expects the new 9-7 SUV, due in the spring, to boost its fortunes.

Subaru, Mazda and Mercedes slow down

Subaru’s 12,340 cars sold accounted for an overall 5% drop in sales, while recording a 31% volume for the Legacy. Mazda, while posting an overall 8.5% drop, got encouraging news from big increases in 3 and 6 series vehicles.

The only good news for Mercedes came from sales of its SLK-class vehicles, which more than doubled in volume. Overall, Mercedes dropped 20% in January.

Mitsubishi, Jaguar and Isuzu continue apace

Mitsubishi’s sales dropped 54.1% in January, continuing its slide, though the company announced a $2.1 billion bailout last week to help its turnaround efforts. Jaguar also continued to lose sales, dropping 38.4% and Isuzu lost 32.4% in January sales.

Posted by Frank at 07:50 AM | Comments (0)

February 03, 2005

Test Driving the Hyundai Tucson: Day 1

It's always a thrill to walk up to a new test car -- kind of like meeting a new friend. Will you meet or exceed my expectations? Are you going to disappoint me with some bizarre defect? Or did you hype your quals like so many people do on online dating boards?

My first thought on approaching the 2005 Hyundai Tucson was that it looked a little like a baby Porsche Cayenne -- the haunchy profile, especially in the rear, gives it a muscular, capable look.

The "Mesa Red" paint, really a lighter shade of burgundy, adds to the rich appearance of the vehicle. Personally, I like the wraparound body moulding and think it gives the Tucson a nice finish.

This isn't the first time I've mistaken a Hyundai for a more expensive model -- at least at first glance. A few months back an XG350 pulled into a parking lot, and out of the corner of my eye I thought it was a Lincoln [Especially in the grill.]

Of course, the Tucson is not a Cayenne -- the point is, Hyundai is adept at making cars that look richer than their price point.

Inside the cabin is a different story, but a pleasant surprise in its own right. The controls are simple, big-buttoned and easy to reach. The Shiftronic transmission stick is elevated off the floor, which is not only an ergonomic but also an aesthetic detail.

The Tucson's cabin and dash features are decidedly manual -- the only power options are windows and door locks. But in a year when over 30 million vehicles were recalled due largely to complicated electronics, the manual seat controls and relatively simple systems provide a sense of sturdiness rather than sacrifice.

One little feature that appealed to me was the location and operation of the cruise control stalk. Tucked under the right side of the steering wheel, the stubby control was intuitive to find and simple to operate.

I've found that long stalk cruise control levers often confuse me and get in the way of the main light and windshield washer stalks. [Scroll down to see the close-up shot.]

I've got the car for several more days, and will be weighing in with observations as I go -- following that, there will be a comprehensive review.

Posted by Frank at 08:03 PM | Comments (0)

Hybrid Vehicle Reality Check: J.D. Power Says Sales won't Keep Going and Going and Going ...

Despite all the hoopla, hybrid sales just aren't going to add to that much in the next few years, according to a new study from J.D. Power and Associates.

Indeed, one stat is particularly telling -- the 88,000 hybrids sold in the U.S. last year amount to only half of one percent of the more than 16.9 million cars sold in 2004.

2005 will be a bigger year for hybrids, thanks to new models -- but will still add up to only 200,000 units sold, or about 1.9 percent, according to the report. By 2011, J.D. Power estimates there will be nearly 40 models available, with sales over half a million, or about 3 percent of total U.S. volume.

Toyota is expected to have about 40 percent of the market by 2011, down from the 60 percent it commands now. Honda currently has 31 percent of the hybrid market and is expected to slip to 20 percent by 2011. Chevrolet will likely be the largest domestic brand, growing its market share to nearly 15 percent.

Full J.D. Power press release after the jump:

J.D. Power and Associates Reports:
Hybrid Vehicle Market Share Expected to Peak at 3 Percent

Thirty-Eight Hybrid Vehicle Models to be Available by 2011

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.—Despite rapid growth in hybrid-electric vehicle sales forecasted over the next few years, hybrid market share is expected to top out at 3 percent of the U.S. automotive market by 2010, according to the J.D. Power-LMC Automotive Forecasting Services Hybrid-Electric Vehicle OutlookSM released today.

Nearly 88,000 hybrid-electric vehicles were sold in the United States in 2004, comprising 0.52 percent of the total U.S. light-vehicle market. With the number of vehicle models utilizing a hybrid-electric powertrain in the U.S. market expected to increase from 8 to 11 in 2005, J.D. Power-LMC anticipates hybrid sales will surge to more than 200,000 units this year, resulting in a market share increase to 1.19 percent.

Seventeen hybrid-electric models will be available in the U.S. market by 2006, when sales are expected to climb to more than 260,000 units and market share to reach 1.53 percent. J.D. Power-LMC anticipates that number to grow to 38 hybrid models—17 cars and 21 light trucks—by 2011, with sales reaching 535,000 units, or 3 percent of U.S. sales.

"Despite the significant growth in the number of models and annual sales over the next five years, we anticipate hybrid market share to reach a plateau of approximately 3 percent near the end of the decade," said Anthony Pratt, senior manager of global powertrain forecasting at J.D. Power-LMC

"This is related primarily to the price premium of $3,000 to $4,000 that consumers must pay for a hybrid vehicle, compared with a comparable non-hybrid option, and to competing technologies such as more fuel-efficient gasoline and diesel options that will be available after 2006."

Among automotive nameplates, Toyota—which currently holds more than 60 percent of the hybrid market in the United States—is expected to maintain the greatest hybrid share through 2011, when it likely will hold 40 percent of the hybrid market. Honda currently holds 31 percent of the hybrid market share but is expected to see its share slip to 20 percent by 2011. Chevrolet is expected to be the largest domestic brand in the hybrid market, growing its market share to nearly 15 percent by the end of the decade.

Released quarterly, the Hybrid-Electric Vehicle Outlook examines the sales and market share forecast for hybrid vehicles in the U.S. market. J.D. Power-LMC Automotive Forecasting Services is a division of J.D. Power and Associates.

Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., J.D. Power and Associates is an ISO 9001-registered global marketing information services firm operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, consulting, training and customer satisfaction. The firm’s quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually. Media e-mail contact: michael.greywitt@jdpa.com or john.tews@jdpa.com

No advertising or other promotional use can be made of the information in this release without the express prior written consent of J.D. Power and Associates. www.jdpower.com

Posted by Frank at 04:21 PM | Comments (0)

King of Swaziland Criticized for Buying $500,000 Maybach

King Mswati the Third may find it difficult to enjoy his new ride, thanks to this article at AllAfrica.com.

The author wonders how the king of Swaziland could have bought the super-luxe Maybach 62 sedan, when these conditions prevail in his country:

"...a quarter of Swaziland's 970,000 people are dependent on non-governmental organisations for food aid, and many who are HIV-positive go without the anti-retroviral drugs needed to prolong their lives. The Southern African kingdom currently has the world's highest HIV prevalence rate, of about 39 percent."

With an unemployment rate of about 40%, Swazi palace officials admitted it "would be discreet for the king to keep his new car in the garage for a while," according to the article.

Posted by Frank at 04:00 PM | Comments (0)

New Lexus GS Series on Sale in March

It's going to cost you a pretty penny to get your hands on the new Lexus GS 300 or GS 430 when they are available. The price for the GS 300 went up over $4,000, to $42,900, while the GS 430 is priced at $51,125, for an increase of $3,150.

Both vehicles comes with all-wheel drive -- a first for Lexus passenger cars -- and there is a new V6 engine for the GS 300. The six boasts 245 horsepower, over last year's 220 hp. The V8 for the GS 430 remains the same. The official Lexus spec sheet is here.

There's also the dramatic new look, of course. Can you say, "swoosh"? More photos and the Lexus corporate release after the jump.

Third-Generation GS Luxury Sports Sedan Brings New Lexus Design to Market; Raises Bar on Performance, Comfort, Luxury and Safety

TORRANCE, Calif. -- Lexus elevated the bar once again, with the launch of the next-generation 2006 GS 300 and GS 430 performance sedans. With the start of production, the all-new GS is ready to deliver using the latest in advanced design and technology to raise performance, comfort, safety and luxury to new levels. The new GS is also the first in a new wave of Lexus products to reflect a new, more passionate direction in styling.

"We think the new GS' engaging, emotional design by itself will create strong desire for the car," said Denny Clements, Lexus group vice president and general manager. "And the unexpected levels of performance, luxury and comfort will surprise and delight anyone that drives it."

The newly expressive GS family combines available all-wheel drive (GS 300 only) for the first time in a Lexus passenger car, with a powerful new 3.0-liter V6 engine, new dynamic and safety technology and a long list of comfort and luxury features in a right-sized package. A new 6-speed automatic transmission is used with both the new V6 and the proven 4.3 liter V8, which accelerates from 0-60 mph in only 5.7 seconds.

New Lexus Design Direction

From an architectural standpoint, the GS marks a move towards a more sculptural direction ... that is artistic, dynamic, simple ... yet intriguing. A two-inch longer wheelbase and a one-inch wider rear track create a wide, powerful stance. A long hood, pulled-back cabin and short rear deck recall classic sports car proportions while the vertical grille surrounded by four independent headlamps connects the new GS with the outgoing model, but with a futuristic look. The front also features an aggressive lower valance with integrated fog lamps. Dynamic 18-inch aluminum wheels with wide, low-profile tires on the GS 430 help tie the muscular yet elegant look together (new 17-inch aluminum wheels are standard on GS 300).

The creation of a unique spatial feeling in the passenger compartment is central to the new Lexus design direction.

The interior of the new GS has a precision, luxury feel with ultra-premium wood, polished metal and leather accents. Everything inside the GS is designed and styled to create a haven for peaceful comfort and harmonious interaction, with touch points that convey quality and controls that respond with confidence.

Intuitive Inside

Going beyond design and color, the interior of the new GS also aims to make drivers and passengers feel at one with the car by providing an intuitive and naturally comfortable environment. It begins with the Smart Access keyless entry and new push-to-start ignition system that allows the driver to keep the access fob in their pocket or purse. A comprehensive interior lighting system provides just the right amount of light where driver and passengers need it.

A secure and distraction-free setting allows the driver to get the most from the considerable performance of the car. A new gauge cluster was developed that features machined aluminum facings. In order to minimize reflections from their faces, a unique lighting system uses variable transparency glass to help optimize visibility in all lighting conditions-from bright sun to dark of night. The gauges also feature a quick-response tachometer that moves more directly in concert with changes in engine rpm.

A hidden but easily accessed dash panel on the left side of the steering wheel reveals buttons and switches that are not frequently needed when driving in order to simplify the driver's view. Multi-adjustable front seats feature standard heating and optional fan ventilation, while an electronic tilt/telescoping steering wheel helps ensure a comfortable fit. The standard Regency leather-trimmed seats are supportive and comfortably contoured for long trip support.

First All-Wheel Drive Lexus Passenger Car

Significantly, the new GS 300 features available all-wheel-drive, the first such application in any Lexus passenger car. The new AWD system uses a wet-type multi-disc clutch and planetary gear set in the transfer case. The system employs an electronic control strategy that takes inputs from driver activity such as steering and throttle angle, combined with vehicle signals from wheel speed and yaw rate sensors.

Hydraulic controls are also employed to vary the front/rear torque split ratio from 30/70 to 50/50. This arrangement allows the traditional performance advantages of a rear-drive vehicle to remain with the confidence of all-wheel traction when needed.

Ultra-Advanced Dynamics

A completely new suspension system draws on the highest engineering principles to bring new levels of performance, comfort and fun to the GS driving experience. Both front and rear suspensions employ optimized geometry to virtually eliminate unwanted wheel angle changes during suspension movement. The result is a natural, confident feel that's also spirited.

An Adaptive Variable Suspension in the GS 430 automatically selects appropriate suspension damping for driving conditions while allowing the driver to select a sport mode for a tighter, more precise feel.

The new GS 430 offers the performance enhancements and advanced vehicle control of the Lexus Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system. VDIM is an all-new system that integrates and manages a new Electronically Controlled Brake system (ECB), Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS), Electronic Power Steering (EPS), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), ABS, Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and engine torque via the electronically controlled throttle.

Monitoring a variety of sensors, the system is designed to anticipate the onset of a vehicle skid or slide and then help correct the situation with a combination of braking, throttle and steering control in a way that's essentially transparent to the driver. Data is gathered from more sources and processed earlier and faster than previous designs, helping to make VDIM less obtrusive yet highly effective.

Intelligent and Powerful Brakes

A powerful new braking system combines several leading-edge technologies that by themselves provide superior braking performance. But when combined with new dynamics technology such as EPS and VGRS and managed by VDIM in the GS 430, braking performance improved substantially.

It starts with new mechanical components that significantly increase brake friction and improve stopping power, while effectively eliminating brake fade. Anti-lock Brakes (ABS), Brake Assist (BA) and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) help make the best use of the newfound power. The new Electronic Controlled Brake (ECB) system in the GS 430 translates the driver's effort precisely into effective stopping power. VDIM's ability to provide overall management of all these systems maximizes brake performance and vehicle stability in virtually any driving situation.

V6 Performance Redefined

Joining the GS 430's potent and refined 4.3-liter V8, is an all-new 3.0-liter, 245-horsepower V6 engine replacing the inline six in the GS 300. The new V6 uses a new direct fuel injection system that offers much finer fuel mixture control to improve both power and fuel economy. "Dual" variable valve timing technology that acts on both intake and exhaust valves further enhances performance through a wide rpm range. The result is a wide, flat torque curve that provides crisp throttle response and quick acceleration at virtually any engine speed.

Measures to reduce internal friction such as chain drive for the camshafts and roller rockers to operate the valves, contribute its superior fuel economy of 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. The new V6 also achieves an EPA-certified Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) emissions rating.

New 6-Speed Automatic

Both the powerful V6 and V8 engines benefit from an intelligent all-new close-ratio 6-speed automatic transmission with a sequential manual-shifting mode. The combination provides faster and substantially smoother acceleration for even better performance and, surprisingly, improved fuel economy. And like the latest LS 430, the new automatic also uses a special transmission fluid that never needs to be checked or replaced.

New Intelligent Luxury Sport Sedan

In addition to a new look and feel, the new GS also improves upon the increasingly complex nature of automotive technology. The GS offers numerous standard features such as Bluetooth(R) wireless telephone capability and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPM) that can detect and notify the driver via an indicator warning light of a significant loss in pressure in one or more tires. The GS will also feature the Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS), which helps illuminate a curve as the driver steers into it.

A rear back-up camera is also added for 2006, helping to provide an extra margin of confidence when reversing the vehicle. Available in conjunction with the optional navigation system, it automatically projects an image of what the camera lens can detect behind the vehicle onto the navigation screen when the vehicle is in the reverse gear.

The GS will also be available with Intuitive Park Assist which uses ultrasonic sensors to detect the presence of objects close by and warn the driver of their proximity.

Although currently available in the Lexus LS 430 and LX 470, the GS takes the idea a step further by adding a steering input sensor to help the system better judge changes in distance to objects. "With the new GS we took all that was good in terms of technology and found ways to make it more intuitive, more intelligent and more relevant to the needs of its driver," said Clements.

Advanced Safety Features

The GS will also offer an optional Pre-Collision System (PCS) that can help reduce collision damage. The system uses a millimeter-wave radar sensor to help detect obstacles in front of the car and a pre-collision system computer with vehicle speed, steering angle and yaw rate inputs that help to determine in advance whether a collision is unavoidable. It then switches the AVS to "Sport" mode, preemptively retracts front seat belts and pre-initializes Brake Assist so that increased braking is applied the instant the brake pedal is depressed. The system also incorporates "Active Braking" which will automatically apply the brakes up to a deceleration of 0.3 Gs in the event the driver fails to react to system warnings.

In addition, the new GS gains new knee airbags for the driver and front passenger as well as front and rear side curtain airbags as standard equipment. The Supplemental Restraint System in the new GS also includes variable-force front airbags for both driver and front passenger. Sensors determine the severity of the accident and in turn the force with which to deploy the front airbags, helping to provide an appropriate level of occupant restraint.

"Nearly every feature on the GS makes this sports sedan more manageable and more engaging to drive," said Clements.

Mind-Expanding Audio Systems

A refined standard premium audio system brings more power and three new speakers to the 2006 GS and uses an Automatic Sound Levelizer (ASL) to maintain consistent sound levels at varying vehicle speeds.

Music aficionados will appreciate the newest generation of the optional Mark Levinson audio system in the new GS. Using a 7.1 channel speaker architecture, this leading-edge design uses 11 channels of amplification with a total of 330 watts playing through 14 speakers to bring a major new dimension to automotive audio systems.

The Mark Levinson audio also takes advantage of DVD audio and video technology, allowing users to play both conventional CDs and DVDs. DVD movies can be viewed on the color 7-inch touch screen when the vehicle is parked.

Luxury Alive in the Details

Newly optional ventilated front seats and a power rear sunshade work in concert with the standard dual-zone climate control that filters and deodorizes the air to keep occupants comfortable.

An upgraded navigation system offers more than 6 million points of interest (POI). The multi-information display makes key information readily available and easy to see.

Rich new exterior colors and interior wood and leather selections coupled with the Lexus' boldest design to date make choosing the right GS luxury sport sedan more intriguing than ever before.

The all-new 2006 Lexus GS luxury sport sedans go on sale in early March. Prices begin at $42,900 for the GS 300, $44,850 for the GS 300 AWD, and $51,125 for the GS 430.

Posted by Frank at 03:23 PM | Comments (0)

The Name Game, or, Does that Studebaker Dictator Come with its Own Army?

Ralph Kinney Bennett has written an interesting piece about the origin of proper names for automobiles. Tech Central Station has kindly given us permission to reprint the whole article, which reveals little-known names such as the Chevy Confederate, the Hudson Big Boy, and yes, the Studebaker Dictator.

Full story follows:
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Yes, it was once possible to get behind the wheel of a Dictator -- a Studebaker Dictator. That's what the car was called, believe it or not, and it sold pretty well. More about that shortly. This all came to mind as I was reading over the names of the new cars introduced or specially touted at the auto shows in Detroit and Los Angeles in recent weeks.

There were a lot of the familiar names, of course -- Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, Ford Mustang and Explorer, Volkswagen Jetta, Dodge Magnum, to name a few.

But there were new names, too, some edgy, some cryptic, some bewildering. I'm still coming to grips with the Chevrolet Avalanche, so I'm not sure what to make of the new Pontiac Torrent. I'm just thankful for the GM public relations guys that they didn't name it the Tsunami. That's not much of a stretch; Jeep is displaying a show vehicle called Hurricane.

Then there's the Ford SynUS, which looks a lot like a miniature Brinks armored truck. The name, despite the capitalization of the last two letters, still conjures for me some new medication for post-nasal drip. But then, it was Ford that brought us a small car called the Probe.

Kia has a new car called the Mesa. Mercury has one called Meta. Then there is the Infiniti Kuraza and the Nissan Azeal and the GMC Graphyte. Perhaps the closest to a more traditional sounding name is the exciting Jeep Gladiator pickup truck.

Many of the show car names continue the recent trend of crypto-techno numerology, with a smattering of letters and a continued obeisance to the mystic power of "X." In the Detroit show we have the Lexus LF-A, the Acura RD-X, the Suzuki Concept X, the Mazda MX, the Toyota FDSX, and, nudging close to X, the Cadillac STS-V.

What's in a Name?

The idea of giving cars model names beyond the brand name really began to take hold in the industry about 70 years ago. Up until that time, although there were notable exceptions, cars were usually designated by model numbers (Buick model 50, Locomobile Model 48), letters (Ford Model-T being the most famous example) or generic model names (sedan, club coupe, touring sedan etc.). Some were known primarily by their engines, like the storied Packard Twin Six, the Hudson Big Six or Super Six, and the Ford V-8.

Some of the exceptions were cars that quickly built legends around their names. The Stutz Bearcat is perhaps the best known. Others were the Jordan Playboy, a car whose aura long outlived it, and the very rare Pierce Silver Arrow, one of the earliest American streamlined cars.

Another popular way of differentiating models within brands was the use of "quality level" designations like standard, deluxe, special deluxe, super deluxe and custom, to name the most common ones.

But in the 1930s, as the American auto industry pushed its way out of the Great Depression, the idea of evocative names for various models began to catch on. Chevrolet was one of the first to try this by meandering through an exercise in stodgy history and civics searching for an identity. In 1930, it was the Chevrolet Universal. In 1931 it was the Independence (a typical model that year was an "Independence 5-passenger Special Sedan").

In 1932 Chevrolets became Confederates. I'm not kidding. The whole Chevy model line consisted of cars like the "Confederate Deluxe Sport Roadster" or "Confederate Deluxe Landau Phaeton." It's not clear whether or not this designation helped sales in the south, but the next year all Chevys became Eagles or, believe it or not, Mercurys (Ford had not yet pinned down that name).

This name game ended in 1934, when Chevrolets became either Standards or Masters. Soon it was felt that Standard sounded, well, too standard, so the Chevy line consisted of Masters and Master Deluxes. In 1940, at the higher end of the Chevy line, the Special Deluxe came into being. Ford answered Chevy by calling its top line cars Super Deluxe.

In the early '30s Chrysler dubbed most of its cars Model "70" or "77" or "New Eight," but it called its top line cars Imperials. In 1933 it added Royal to the line, then Airflow and Airstream (read about the innovative but ill-fated Airflows in an earlier TCS article "Ahead of the Curve"). Eventually there came the New Yorker, Saratoga, Windsor, and in1941, the famed Town & Country. All the names aimed at a certain upper crust aura for the cars.

But it was Buick that really established the name trend with the wholesale redubbing of its models beginning with the 1936s. That year its model lines -- previously designated as Series 40, 50, 60 and 90 -- became the Buick Special, Century, Roadmaster and Limited. These names, with an added one, Super, would serve Buick into the 1950s and some would be reintroduced in later years.

Studebaker Nomenclature

As interesting as Chevrolet's brief romance with the Confederacy was Studebaker's experience with model nomenclature. The President of Studebaker in the 1920s was a man named Albert Russell Erskine, who had started out as an accountant with the venerable old firm (a wagon maker long before cars came into being). In the late '20s, he named a car after himself. But the Erskine did not sell well. Even today it has a sort of Edsel sound to it. Then he named a car the Rockne, after fabled Notre Dame football coach Knute Rockne, one of the most famous men in the country at the time. Like the Erskine, it was underpowered, indifferently built, and lasted only a couple years with dismal sales.

By this time, Studebaker models were designated as Commanders, Presidents and, yes it's true, Dictators. The company had chosen the name well before the advent of a certain Adolf Hitler in Germany, and although Benito Mussolini had established himself as dictator of the new Italian "Corporate State" in 1925, the world was still not quite sure what to make of Il Duce.

Then, too, Studebaker did place both its President and Commander lines above the Dictator models, thus giving the nod to the superiority of democracy. The Presidents and Commanders were eight-cylinder cars, the Dictators, sixes.

But the Dictators were pretty good cars and they sold well for Studebaker, far outdistancing the Presidents. Even after Hitler came to power in 1933 the name persisted and flourished (by Depression sales standards). In 1936 more than 50,000 Dictators were sold. For under $800 you could get behind the wheel of a big brand new Dictator St. Regis Cruising Sedan.

In 1937 more than 90,000 Studebaker Dictators were sold, but by this time, as Hitler loomed ever larger on the world stage, whatever imagined cachet the name might have held was fading fast. Dictators disappeared from the 1938 Studebaker line, as the company introduced a new Raymond Loewy-designed body in the teeth of a recession. Dictators were replaced by State Commanders.

One of the other model names from the 1930s that always struck me as odd was the Hudson Big Boy. Big Boy! Since I am inevitably influenced by that fat kid in the checkered pants holding up the hamburger, I'm not sure what the name was intended to conjure in the late '30s when it was introduced. Hudson's line then was an interesting oddment -- Deluxe, Pacemaker (that wouldn't work today) and Country Club. And there among them was this big six-cylinder "commercial" sedan (and a pickup) called the Big Boy.

Ah, well, no time to go into all the nomenclature of the flamboyant fifties, when even stodgy Dodge came out with models like the Custom Royal Lancer Hardtop Coupe, and Buick had its Century Caballero Station Wagon. Studebaker, long past the age of Dictators and in fact on its agonizing way out of the car business, came up with a car called the Scotsman, a dreary, barebones, uncarpeted, unsoundproofed exercise in miserly minimalism that appealed to a handful of economy-minded buyers. In one way it was a forerunner of today's cars. Its bumpers were painted instead of chromed.

I'll just close by noting that some names -- Cadillac Eldorado, Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Corvette -- achieved immediate and lasting places in our automotive hearts because the cars themselves were great. And in that connection, it still bothers me that Acura, which now calls its cars by uninspiring techno names like 3.2TL and 3.5RL, has abandoned one of the best names ever -- of the car that really started the small luxury sedan craze, the Legend. There's a name that begs to be revived.

Posted by Frank at 02:18 PM | Comments (0)

Dude, You Could've Gotten a Ford!

Through March 31, when you buy a 2005 Ford Focus, they'll throw in a free Dell desktop computer. according to this Reuters report.

Ford is also raising cash rebates on 2005 model-year Freestar minivan by $1,000 [up to a total of $3,000] and it E-Series commercial van by $500 [to $1,500].

Ford's sales fell 12.5% last month, compared to January last year, according to Autodata.

Posted by Frank at 02:06 PM | Comments (0)

February 02, 2005

Test Driving the Honda Accord Hybrid -- Green Power!

This third generation hybrid is geared for the mainstream -- eco-friendly, high tech and high performance all in the same package

I was exhilarated. After driving the high-performance 2005 Accord Hybrid for a couple hours -- punching it over 80 on the straights and taking tight banking curves way over the limit -- I met a friend.

After telling her I’d been driving a hybrid, she asked: "Yeah, but does it go regular speed?"

Maybe it’s not a laughing matter to Honda executives. It’s understandable, though.

Consumer surveys indicate nearly half the population thinks of an extension cord when you mention the word, "hybrid." Perhaps another good percentage thinks of an aerodynamically shaped sci-fi mobile. That you have to get folded into before journeying across the fifth dimension.

The 2005 Accord Hybrid will dispel those misperceptions. This car not only delivers excellent gas mileage for its class -- 30 mpg in the city, 37 highway, it has more power than a standard Accord and all the appointments of the company’s flagship sedan.

During the first drive, as a passenger, I blurted out matter-of-factly, "It’s a car."

After the backseat chatter died down, I clung to my idiot savant observation: the Accord Hybrid is simply a car sold by Honda. It just happens to have a gas-electric powerplant that delivers better gas mileage than standard V-6 models. And more power.

Which is exactly how Honda execs want the car to be perceived.

Billed as their third-generation entry -- following the Insight and the Civic Hybrid, Honda has delivered another one of their mainstream models with a hybrid option -- the same way a consumer might choose the Accord DX, or LX or EX-V6. Like optional leather seats or a sunroof.

The Accord Hybrid, however, delivers 255 horsepower, more than its sibling V-6s, and more torque as well -- which, in technical terms, gives it a little more oomph in the passing lane. And up hills and around corners.

It does so by combining the technology of the electric motor so few people understand, on top of the six-cylinder gas engine we’re all familiar with. Though really, when was the last time someone discussed internal combustion theory at a coffee shop?

This is the sum of Honda’s third generation approach -- combine hybrid technology in such a way to give the car a performance edge while still delivering improved gas mileage. And do so in a package looks and handles in a way their customers are already familiar with.

In short, it’s a car.

In the driver’s seat
But it’s a car that is fast, looks good and feels solid and is fun to drive. Tooling up the George Washington Memorial Parkway, about 50 mph, I hit the gas. Hard. Simply to verify the advertised five-second 50-70 acceleration time.

The Accord Hybrid responded immediately, smoothly and was going near 80 before I had a chance to set my stopwatch. For the sake of techies who might be reading this, the electric motor kicked in to assist the six-cylinder engine without a hitch. It occurred to me that it felt the same way any car does when its automatic transmission shifts to deliver more speed.

Also for techies: when the electric motor kicks in, a blue indicator light surges in the instrument panel, informing you the car is using battery power.

The rudimentary explanation for how hybrids work is this: the electric motor uses battery power when accelerating, and recharges the batteries when braking or decelerating. When the motor is in recharge mode, a bar of green lights indicates this function.

So when I went into the banking turn at Turkey Run Park, and hit the brakes, I got a fat green line telling me the electric motor was recharging the batteries.

The braking and handling was so smooth, I went a little too fast through the turn, enjoying the centrifugal hug and the sensation of the car under my control.

The hybrid powerplant indicators -- either blue or green -- require no input or understanding from the driver -- the same way RPM gauges really serve no purpose when you’re running out to buy cat treats before the grocery store closes.

Indeed, one thing the Honda execs kept mentioning was the running debate over whether or not to even include the light show. The Accord Hybrid only bears a few physical clues that it’s powered by anything other than gas -- and some think that the way to overcome consumer confusion is simply to sell the car with a hybrid option under the hood and jettison calling attention to the mechanics.

It was fun, though, in the course of a single day’s test runs, to put the car through calisthenics and watch the blue and green lights come to life. The side streets of Arlington, Virginia, which no one is ever going to confuse with San Francisco, offered the kind of stop and start city driving that really put the hybrid powerplant to work.

From a dead stop up a 30-degree hill, the blue lights flashed, showing the electric motor was helping the engine. Right turn and down a long, sloping stretch, foot off the gas, the green lights indicated the batteries were getting juiced back up. Of course, as all hybrid-educated know, when the car was at a stop, the gas engine hibernated in "Auto Stop" mode, waiting for the gas pedal to awaken it from its slumber.

Because the 2005 Accord Hybrid is only the fifth model to come on the market -- after the Insight, Civic, Toyota Prius and Ford Escape -- it’s expected that reviews will spend some time on the technology. However, since it also simply another car Honda is selling, it’s time to pay attention to the ordinaries.

The Bottom Line
The 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid will sell for about $30,000 when it becomes available Dec. 3. That’s about $3,000 more than a comparably equipped Accord EX V-6. With the federal tax deduction of $2,000 still in effect for this year, plus assorted state credits, the premium is reduced. For committed buyers, there’s always the rationale that the extra 15 horsepower the hybrid delivers is worth the cost.

With four people in the car, everyone announced they were quite comfortable in the leather seats. Rear leg room was more than adequate, and one passenger found the rear cup holders. [The Accord Hybrid has eight total -- for those cynics who insist this is a make-or-break buying feature.] Safety features include front and side curtain airbags.

The front air conditioning system has dual controls mounted amidst the dash command center -- and Honda informs us that the AC compressor is even powered by the hybird powerplant -- but for me, that detail’s a lot like e-mail. It works. And the Accord Hybrid is also equipped with an XM satellite stereo with CD player, as well as a voice activated navigation system. One caveat: users should spend some time orienting themselves with the controls before they pull out of the driveway. It’s feature-rich and potentially distracting for the uninitiated.

The Accord’s hybrid components are covered by an 8-year, 80,000-mile warranty; the car is otherwise covered by Honda’s bumper-to-bumper 3 year, 36,000 mile plan.

Honda will have 1,000 Accord Hybrids on the ground in December, allocating about one vehicle for each of its U.S. dealers. The company projects Accord Hybrid sales of 25,000 vehicles in 2005, and claims they will sell 45,000 hybrid Accords, Civics and Insights combined next year.

This article originally appeared at AIADA.

Posted by Frank at 09:14 AM | Comments (0)

February 01, 2005

Test Driving Volvo's Luxury SUV, the XC90

This high-end hauler has it all -- looks, comfort, performance and the Swedish brand’s hallmark, safety.

It had been awhile since I’d driven an SUV. Within minutes of climbing into the cab of Volvo’s XC90, the reasons people love them came back to me.

For one, looking through the windshield is like playing a video game called "Road Commander." The plate glass in front of you is the game board, and you’re the navigator in your very own virtual reality driving game. The world around you -- beneath you, actually -- rolls past as you imperiously drive ...

You understand what I’m saying. Driving an SUV is a luxurious pleasure in a hard world -- and that pleasure is trebled when you’re behind the wheel of Volvo’s luxury XC90.

We piloted the T6 All-Wheel-Drive version -- a six-cylinder, 268-horsepower machine with 18-inch wheels and back-up sensor that has a sticker price of $46,125. The four-speed six had more than enough thrust to get us through local driving on urban and suburban roads -- the 2005 8-cylinder model will presumably not fail anyone’s power needs.

Over the course of a week in the XC90, many of the other reasons people love SUVs came back, not least among them first-class-wide leather seats and the wide-angle lens sensation of being able to take in more of the world through windows that have more square footage than a New York City studio apartment.

The XC90 is handsome. Its Euro-style body sculpture makes it seem more like an oversized, though well-proportioned, wagon than box-like SUVs. And for all its graceful styling, when I viewed it parked behind a Mercedes ML 320, the XC90 also projected more sheer presence.

Indeed, walking up to the vehicle, you feel like an old fashioned "man of substance" as you press the remote to unlock the doors.

And one day, coming from behind the XC90, I was taken by the elegance -- and substance -- of its rear end styling. In modern terms, baby’s got back.

Yes, there are plenty of safety features -- what many Volvo buyers have come to expect -- but the point with the XC90 is that style, pleasure and performance have not been sacrificed to deliver peace of mind. More on safety in a moment.

Driving the vehicle could distract one to believe the world outside is friendlier than we know. Acceleration is throaty; steering truly feels more like navigation than sports car cornering and the suspension smooths out irregular asphalt patches. The 18-inch tires pre-empted any worries in wet weather driving and even hard braking doesn’t provoke a severe ’nose-down’ effect as might be expected from a big vehicle.

All controls are within easy reach of an average-sized driver, and the combination of tilt-telescope wheel and 8-way power seat make it easy to accommodate dimension-challenged operators. A particularly nice feature is the 3-preset memory for seat position, which can forestall dreaded family arguments about how you left the seat too far forward, too high, too back and so on. [Some social scientists have theorized such arguments may be more destructive than those over money.]

The seven seat version we drove [three-row seating]] boasts a somewhat humorous 64 different seating positions. We haven’t seen a Kama Sutra-like pictorial of the possibilities on the Internet, but never underestimate the ingenuity of fan sites. It is necessary, however, to take a peek at the owner’s manual to get the gist of unlatching, folding and tucking the seats into different poses.

And back benchers aren’t neglected in terms of comfort or amenities. The second row has a pair of stereo outlets with independent controls and headphone jack. Chalk up another family tension breaker for Volvo. Both second and third rows had separate air controls. Front row occupants have separate temperature controls for their air vents.

Now for safety. Anti-lock brakes are standard, as are two separate systems that regulate brake force distribution and aid hard braking. Volvo has Roll Stability Control, its branded version of ESC, that acts to regulate speed and braking if the XC90 is in danger of rolling over. In case of an actual rollover, side curtain airbags deploy to protect occupants’ heads. There’s also Dynamic Stability and Traction Control [DSTC], that reduces wheel speed if the vehicle loses traction.

Of course, there are the limitations in real-world driving SUV owners are well aware of. Driving between brick pillars at the bank required concentration to get the ship through the channel, and tight turn-arounds require almost as many maneuvers as the XC90 has seating positions. Maneuvering in tight spaces is aided by the back-up sensor audio warning that sounds at five feet and increases in intensity as you get closer to kissing a wall.

There are benefits to size, though. The Wendy’s drive-thru handoff was executed at a favorable angle for the driver and I’m happy to report the cupholders pass the Biggie-Size Cup Test.

The overall experience of driving the Volvo XC90 might sound like a slogan from an American Express commercial:

The pleasure of having arrived. In style.

This article originally appeared at AIADA.

Posted by Frank at 01:05 PM | Comments (0)