Auto news and reviews from Car Buyer's Notebook.com: July 2005 Archives

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July 31, 2005

Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #52: Top Five Metaphysical Reasons for Keeping Your Car Clean

With a title like that, does this episode really need an explanation? Perhaps the only funny thing here is that I am stone cold serious -- keeping your vehicle clean impacts a host of areas besides just the resale value. Listen and be enlightened!

To listen to the show, click here to play it directly on your computer. Or you can subscribe to the daily Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast feed by putting this URL in your podcatching software: http://carbuyersnotebook.libsyn.com/rss

Posted by Frank at 11:40 PM | Comments (0)

July 30, 2005

Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #51: Highway Bill Contains Hybrid & Tow Truck Rules

This podcast discusses Congress passing a massive highway bill that is going to rain down jobs and moeny to practically every little nook and cranny of their districts -- and there's some new rules tucked in all the little potholes of the new law as well.

Included among these are an exemption allowing hybrids to drive on HOV lanes in California -- if CARB can figure out the language -- and a proviso allowing states to regulate tow truck companies that have been preying on unsuspecting drivers everywhere.

Posted by Frank at 11:18 PM | Comments (0)

July 29, 2005

Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #50: Cadillac Bicycles Are Ready to Roll

This podcast is about the new Cadillac Bicycle line, and why I think they've hit on a winning formula. These bikes are good quality, with a recognizable brand name put out by a real bike company.

For folks in their 30s to 60s, people with actual money to buy consumer goods are going to pick these up and roll onto the streets with them. And on trails, too!

Posted by Frank at 11:24 PM | Comments (0)

Online Used Car Buying Resources

In a recent podcast, I covered some used vehicle buying tips. Scott, a listener, wrote and asked for the links mentioned in the show, so I think it's a good idea to post them here for everyone.

I will maintain my prejudice against Craigslist auto ads until I see some sanity take hold on the pricing there. I am a big fan of CL in general, and it has helped me get jobs, and sell and buy stuff, but the car listings are absurdly overpriced.

Here's the big 'uns:
AutoTrader.com
Cars.com
CarFaxHotList

Posted by Frank at 10:58 AM | Comments (0)

Mercedes by Mail, or S-Class Stands for Saks

Mercedes is marketing 20 S-Class sedans through Saks Fifth Avenue's Xmas catalog, which hits select mailboxes October 16, 2005.

The new S-Class will have its coming out party at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September, and will be on sale here officially in early 2006.

No price has been released for the Saks edition, but the current S sells for between $65,675 to $169,775. The Saks Mercedes comes in Mocha Metallic Black with a "light and warm almond beige interior cabin."

More from Mercedes:
In addition to the distinctive interior and exterior color combinations, a generous complement of standard equipment will be offered. Highlighting the striking interior and creating a greater sense of space, a dramatic transparent glass Panorama Roof will run the length of the cabin. Dynamic Rear View Monitor and Parktronic are especially convenient for city navigation.

Audiophiles will delight in Sirius satellite radio and a DVD audio changer, both of which present superior listening variety and audio quality through all fourteen speakers and 600 watts of the harman/kardon Logic7 surround system. Drive Dynamic Seats have four massage levels that work throughout the seatback to reduce muscle fatigue, and Night View presents infra-red driving assistance.

Car porn at its finest.

Posted by Frank at 07:26 AM | Comments (0)

Honda Jet's Maiden [Public] Flight a Success

Honda's Jet made its public world debut yesterdayat the Experimental Aircraft Association AirVenture 2005 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

The Honda jet is aimed at the business market, and features a number of improvements in its class, according to Honda's press department. Among the benchmarks are an over-the-wing engine-mount, an all-composite fuselage structure, better fuel efficiency, more interior space and higher cruise speed. The Honda Jet is powered by two Honda HF-118 engines.

More from the press release:

Honda first announced the achievement of plane in December 2003, its first test flight from its base at Piedmont Triad Airport in Greensboro, N.C.

The advanced all-composite fuselage structure consists of a combination of honeycomb sandwich structure and co-cured stiffened panels. It was developed to reduce weight and manufacturing costs. This experimental aircraft is also outfitted with a state-of-the-art glass cockpit with an integrated avionics system, as well as an autopilot function.

To date the HondaJet has completed more than 156 hours of flight-testing since December 2003. So far it has achieved an altitude of 43,000 feet and a speed of 393 knots (at ISA+8 degC condition).

Main Specifications
Provisional name: HondaJet
Seating: 6 (2crew + 4 passengers or 1 + 5)
Engine: Honda HF118 Turbofan Engine - x 2
Maximum take-off thrust: 757 kgf (1,670 lbf) x 2
Length x width x height: 41.1 x 39.9 x 13.2 ft
Maximum speed: 778 km/hr (420 knots)
Operational ceiling: 41,000 ft
Range: 2,037 km (1,100 nm)

Posted by Frank at 07:00 AM | Comments (0)

July 28, 2005

Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #49: The Key to Safe Driving is in Your Hand

This podcast is about a PSA campaign I recently worked on, addressing how to limit driver distraction. The solution is simple, and I think more effective than a mere slogan -- because to really get a change in crash statistics you have to change the behaviors that cause them.

Posted by Frank at 11:57 PM | Comments (0)

Cadillac Bicycles: Schwinn Rises from the Dustbin of Cycling History

In a stroke of marketing and branding genius, a bike company has put together a line of middle to high-middle priced bikes emblazoned with the Cadillac crest.

The company, Cadillac Bicycles, is completely separate from General Motors, but has spent two years designing the bikes and working with GM to get the brand on the bikes, while ensuring the quality is up to spec. There are six Cadillac Bicycle models that range in price from $500 to $1,900 -- they're sold in select shops and online, at the Cadillac Bike Store.

Why do I say this is a genius move? Having been a cycling enthusiast for nearly 20 years, having worked in a bike shop and being generally opinionated, here's what I think:

-- The consumer with money to spend on a bike wants a good one -- meaning good quality, comfortable and fun to ride.
-- They're not going to enter the Tour DeLance.
-- They hate the way they're treated in bike shops, by nerds we refer to as members of the "bike tribe," which is why most bikes are bought at Wal-Mart and sporting goods stores.
-- Whenever a tribe member tries to sell a general consumer on a brand name, the suggestion often triggers a contrarian effect, because the customer hates the punk that much.

However, look at the first issue -- consumers with money want a good bike. They don't want an $89 mountain bike from a department store, and yet they still hate going into bike shops and being told what to do by a guy with shaved legs.

Here's where the new line of Cadillac bikes comes in -- it's a recognizable, upscale [newly rehabbed, too] brand name that people trust. It conveys quality, reliability and a certain Richie Richness.

The specs for the bikes are all top end stuff and result in a quality ride. What the general public does not know and really doesn't care about, is that most bike companies now are nothing more than marketers of two-wheelers essentially assembled from a bin of third-party parts. Which is why there are so many crappy, cheap bikes out there.

However, the Cadillac bikes look good, they use fine components and they have the imprimatur of a long-known brand.

My friends, Schwinn is back from the dead!

Seriously, before the high-tech and mountain bike craze took off, and before Schwinn's management destroyed the company, it was the most famous bicycle brand name in existence.

They sold good bikes for the time, stylish and coveted like the Stingray and the Schwinn Continental, and had a tremendous cachet long before branding was a recognized marketing term.

This seems to me to be exactly what Cadillac Bicycles are all about. In essence, what they've really done is reenvision the Schwinn value proposition with a new brand. It's going to work, I bet.

I believe that newbies with cash, who can afford a good quality bike but don't want to join the bike tribe, will go for the Cadillac brand. In my own personal consumption history, one time I was sold on buying a very expensive backpack [Dana Design], when the outdoor store guy hit me with this phrase:

"Dude, it's the Cadillac of Packs."

At that point, I was owned. And I spent more on that pack than I had budgeted -- and it turned out to be one of my better purchases ever. Even more important, from a branding psychology standpoint, I used to recite that same line to other people about my pack -- and now I'm doing it here. In other words, I was the million dollar customer, the guy who got sold and then went on -- for ten years -- selling others.

All because of the Cadillac name.

Now imagine this scenario, which I call the double-reverse contrarian:

-- Customer goes into one of the 30-some bike shops selling Cadillac Bicycles.
-- Customer is drawn to Cadillac bike, asks bike tribe member for more info.
-- Tribe member derides bike.
-- Customer now insists on buying Cadillac bike.
-- Tribe members tsk-tsks, making customer incensed on buying Cadillac bike.
-- Customer happily rides Cadillac bike into sunset.
---------------------------------------------------
Other bicycle-related articles from Car Buyer's Notebook:
Mercedes Introduces Three New ... Bicycles
How the Automobile Industry is like the Bicycle Market

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

Oprah's Quest for Inspiration

Nissan is running a "Quest For Inspiration" contest, in a joint promotion with Oprah's magazine, O, and the winner gets a trip for two to a Quest for Inspiration live event, where, not surprisingly, the Quest minivan will be on display.

I love the Quest minivan, mainly because of the guts it toook to put that styling in the showroom. As I've said before, I think Nissan is the one to beat right now, in terms of design and marketing.

As for this promotion, the grand prize winner can opt to take the trip for two somewhere else, with a total value of up to $5,000, so it's a pretty decent prize. But the ten runner ups will get a gift basket worth $500, filled with items from the "O List."

To enter the contest, go to http://www.nissanusa.com/Inspiration, and write a 150-word entry nominating someone who inspires you to one of the following, in no particular order:

-- Defy convention.
-- Maintain your individuality.
-- Burn vanilla-scented candles.
-- Inspire others.

Posted by Frank at 12:05 PM | Comments (0)

All You Ever Wanted to Know About Ethanol

The National Corn Growers Association has created a website, http://www.ethanolfacts.com/, to help consumers get information about the corn to alcohol fuel. The site has links and info galore, on how ethanol is made, what automakers think [everyone approves the 10% blend] and other etc. What surprised me is that 11% of the 2004 American corn harvest was used to make ethanol.

Posted by Frank at 10:02 AM | Comments (0)

Sprockets! Juergen Out, Dieter In at DCX

DaimlerChrysler CEO Juergen Schrempp has resigned, effective Jan. 1, 2006, and will be replaced by Dieter Zetsche, the president of DCX's U.S. division.

The promotion is a bit of a surprise, since many in the industry thought the position would go to Mercedes chief Eckhard Cordes, and Schrempp has three years left on his contract. [UPDATE: Reuters is reporting that Cordes has asked the board to accept his resignation.]

Two American executives are getting promotions in the lineup change, including Thomas W. LaSorda, currently Chrysler's chief operating officer, who will will move into Zetsche's chair. Eric Ridenour, a Chrysler R & D executive will get LaSorda's job.

With Zetsche in and Cordes out, speculation is going along two lines -- first, the Smart car project is probably in for yet another shakeup, as it was a Mercedes/Schrempp favorite.

Second, it's hard to see Zetsche leading the charge to break up the German and American divisions, as shareholders have been demanding, since his U.S. division is the one that has been leading the company in terms of buzz, products and profit.

Posted by Frank at 09:32 AM | Comments (0)

July 27, 2005

Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #48: Buying a Used Car -- The Internet is Your Friend

Thinking of buying a used car or truck? One of the most overlooked tools in Internet auto buying is the "radius function" at used car sites.

If you're thinking of spending several thousand dollars, you can save a bundle if you're willing to travel to get the best price. Also, there's some handy negotiating tips in this episode.

Posted by Frank at 05:41 PM | Comments (0)

Porsche's Making a Sports Sedan

Porsche will start selling a fourth vehicle -- the four-door Panamera -- in 2009, and it will be rear-wheel drive and all-Porsche.

No prices have been announced, so are they going to do downslope for Lexus with a $55-$70,000 sporty sedan, or try and own the top end of the over $100K market? With a stated sales goal of 20,000 units annually, about 8,500 in the States, they'll probably be in the under-$75K range.

Porsche will spend about $1.2 billion on the new model and will forego any partnerships, unlike what they did with the Cayenne SUV, which is a joint project with VW.

Posted by Frank at 02:27 PM | Comments (0)

Win a $10,000 Garage Make-Over

Rust-Oleum is running an Ultimate Garage contest and all you have to do is take a picture of your greasy, big boy playpen and explain why you deserve a garage makeover.

Top prize is a $10,000 reno, second prize gets a $5,000 garage do-over and 25 others will receive a kit of EPOXYShield, the company's garage floor coating.

Entries must include a photo and a 300-word essay describing why you deserve the prize. Must be postmarked by September 6, 2005 and either mailed to America's Ultimate Garage Contest (c/o ARS), 2156 W. Fulton Street, 1st Floor, Chicago, IL 60612, or posted to epoxyshield.com or rustoleum.com.

Entries will be judged on the creativity of the essay and clarity of the photo. Winners will be selected and notified on or about November 1, 2005.

Posted by Frank at 01:37 PM | Comments (0)

Party's Over for GM Employee Discount Program

Can you see the ads that are going to run this weekend?

Hurry! The biggest car and truck sale in history ends Monday!

That's right, after two months of selling new vehicles at lower-than-employee pricing, GM is ending the promotion on August 1.

Ford and Chrysler, which announced their own versions of the discount in July, after GM scored a historic, heady sales increase of 46.7% in June, have not said whether they are going to continue their programs. With a full sales weekend in front of us, all three companies are hoping the fear of losing a good deal is going to drive the last holdouts into dealerships.

Posted by Frank at 12:46 PM | Comments (0)

California Car Buyer's Bill of Rights Signed into Law

California Governator Schwarzenegger has signed a Car Buyer’s Bill of Rights into law, that will limit how much dealers can mark up loans and allow a two-day return period for used vehicles.

Going into effect on July 1, 2006, the law limits dealers to 2.5% markup on five-year loans and 2% on longer notes.

Used vehicles under $40,000 can be returned with a restocking fee in less than two days and 250 miles and dealers must also tell customers their credit score and itemize the cost of additional products and services.

Posted by Frank at 12:34 PM | Comments (0)

July 26, 2005

Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #47: Performance and Racing Schools for Your Next Vacation

This podcast is about driving and performance schools you may want to check out for your next vacation. Why do nothing on your time off? We all work hard and I think it's better to have some rigorous fun than simply vegging out.

Here are the four programs discussed in today's podcast -- Land Rover, Team O'Neil, Skip Barber and The Driver's Edge.

Posted by Frank at 06:53 PM | Comments (1)

Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #46: About This Podcast

This podcast is about ... this podcast. Specifically, I wanted to introduce myself, give some details about my background, invite people to write in with ideas and corrections, ask for help in spreading the word and so on.

In keeping with our regimen of publishing a daily podcast about cars, don't despair, this is a "meta" podcast, and there will be a regular daily update immediately following this one.

Most of all, I wanted to take the opportunity to thank everyone for listening, for their enthusiasm and their kind words. Thanks!
To listen to the show, click here to play it directly on your computer. Or you can subscribe to the daily Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast feed by putting this URL in your podcatching software: http://carbuyersnotebook.libsyn.com/rss

Posted by Frank at 03:13 PM | Comments (0)

July 25, 2005

Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast: Audi Branding, Plus the Solberg Subaru Report

This podcast covers a weird coincidence of two Audi branding spottings, plus a report from the Jersey event where World Rally Champ Petter Solberg signed swag and greeted about 300 fans.

Besides the car carrier carrying Audi's wrapped in branded shrouds, I started watching the movie, I, Robot, before I felt like following the Three Laws of Podcasting and got around to this production -- and what did I see but this future Audimobile, which is pretty well done. Especially, the logo where the four rings are outline in red -- good bang for the product placement bucks, I'd say.

Posted by Frank at 07:32 PM | Comments (0)

Petter Solberg Races to Make the Fans Happy in New Jersey

Petter Solberg, driver for Subaru's World Rally Championship Team, met over 300 dedicated fans in New Jersey last Thursday -- and I say dedicated, because they stood in line for hours waiting for him to autograph posters, assorted Subaru swag and a dizzying array of Impreza car parts.

One of my favorites had to be the giant spoiler one kid unbolted from the back of his rig -- to which Solberg said, "Where's the car?"

He was a good sport during the event, which was free to the public and held at Miller Subaru in Mt. Holly. Everyone wanted to take pics with the 2003 WRC Champ, and though many brought multiple items for him to sign, management had to step in and ask politely for a one-item limit because time was going long.

Though the kid with the whale tail did ask him to sign both sides of the spoiler, the crowd laughed and several people said, "It's only one item!"

Subaru had one of Soberg's WRC Impreza's on hand, displayed in the middle of the showroom, and he said his team and company engineers were always working on ways to improve performance.

"In the Subaru family," Solberg said, and was interrupted by a roar of approval, "Everyone has the same goal and that is to be the best."

During a Q&A session, Solberg joked with the crowd, and even though he showed a better than fair command of English, he did repeat himself a couple times:

Someone yelled, "How many cars are in your garage?"

And Solberg said, "You don't want to know."

And then someone else asked, "How many times have you rolled?"

And Solberg said, "You don't want to know."

[Continued after the pic.]

Though Rally racing is huge in Europe -- races draw 250,000 to 650,000 spectators to every event, it's still very much a grassroots sports here in the States.

Solberg said WRC organizers are hoping to stage a championship round here in the next few years, a move that would raise awareness, and he also had some advice for U.S. rally fans, race teams and organizers.

"I think the most important thing is for someone to take charge -- to take a look at how the WRC is run," Solberg said.

To build Rally in America, manufacturers have to be lobbied to throw support behind the series, according to Solberg. Currently only Subaru sponsors any teams in this country, though in the WRC, well-known American-sold brands such as Ford, Mitsubishi and Hyundai have their own squads. It wouldn't make much sense for Citroen to sponsor a US-based team, as they do in the WRC.

While American Rally stages are run mainly on forest and backwoods roads, due to logistics and liability issues, this makes it difficult for fans to really feel like they're part of the action.

Solberg pointed out that in the Athens round of the WRC, one of the stages is run in the Olympic stadium, giving fans a means to watch an event from start to finish. This, of course, is much closer to what American racing fans are used to, where millions of people show up anually to watch drivers make four left turns.

Finally, as with every burgeoning sport, American Rally needs it's own Lance Armstrong. Solberg had praise for Travis Pastrana, the former X-Games gold medalist who's driving under Subaru's banner.

"I think he's the biggest hotshot you have in this country," Solberg said, adding a rookie talent like Pastrana still has years of experience to gain in front of him.

"I think if somebody takes him and pushes him forward, I think it will build up Rally in America and maybe he can be the first American in world Rally."

Posted by Frank at 04:29 PM | Comments (0)

International Nameplate U. S. Manufacturing Poster

This poster is produced by one of my writing clients, the American International Automobile Dealers Association [AIADA], and depicts all the vehicles made by international nameplates in the United States. To see a much larger, more legible version, click here.

To date, more than 40% of so-called "foreign" cars and trucks are actually made in American-based plants by U.S. workers. It's quite impressive really, and while the general public knows a lot of these vehicles are made here, I don't think the scope of the situation is all that well known.

Posted by Frank at 01:59 PM | Comments (0)

Audi Has Some Smart Advertising

On the drive back from Jersey, I spotted this car carrier with a load of Xmas-wrapped Audis on their way to some dealership. I love this not for the advertising per se, but for the elegant solution combining transport protection and brand recognition.

Posted by Frank at 01:52 PM | Comments (0)

Harley Davidson Gets XM Radio

Harley's 2006 Screamin' Eagle Ultra Classic Electra Glide will come equipped with standard XM Satellite Radio. XM receivers can also be added as an option on Harley-Davidson's 2006 FLHX, FLHTC, FLTR and FLHTCU rides.

Harley is getting Harman/Kardon units made compatible with satellite, and each unit comes with three months of complimentary XM service. The bikes are going to debut during August's Surgis Rally in South Dakota.

Posted by Frank at 12:35 PM | Comments (0)

College-Type Ridesharing Goes Digital

An online service called RideCheck is trying to establish itself as a database where drivers and potential riders can hook up on the way to mutual destinations and share costs.

The founder Clyde Mitchell, was a rideboard user at MIT in the 70s and is trying to take the crunchy granola concept into the new millenium. Security for both parties is achieved by requiring drivers license numbers, and participants are advised to take digital pictures of their travel mates.

Posted by Frank at 11:04 AM | Comments (0)

Nissan to Bring Sport Concept Hatch to America

Nissan's Sport concept vehicle, shown at the NY Auto Show and pictured above, will form the basis of a three-door hatchback to be introduced in 2007. Nissan's been making noise about competing with Scion, and the Sport concept is a smaller vehicle than their Sentra, which will be redesigned in 2006.

Posted by Frank at 10:33 AM | Comments (0)

Tokyo Auto Show Expands to 17 Days

The 39th Tokyo Motor Show, scheduled for October 21 to November 6, 2005, has expanded to include three weekends, to alleviate congestion -- the show drew 1.42 million visitors last year and organizers are shooting for 1.5 mil this year.

The first Tokyo show was held at an outdoor park in 1954, and featured mostly commercial vehicles, at a time when many Japanese either did not own personal vehicles, or purchased American-made cars.

This page has a show-by-show library of links, along with many posters from over the years. This page is the jump point for this year's show.

Posted by Frank at 10:24 AM | Comments (0)

July 24, 2005

Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast: GM to Extend? What About VW? And Some Other Audio Bits

In this podcast, we join the guessing game about whether GM is going to extend their employee discount program, discuss what VW is going to do to increase sales, and also discuss a couple audio sites we've found recently.

Posted by Frank at 06:40 PM | Comments (0)

July 23, 2005

Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast: Jaywalking is Bad, Complete With Retro Jingle

Driving around this Saturday, I couldn't believe how many people were tempting fate by jaywalking with their eyes apparently closed. This podcast covers jaywalking, complete with an audio clip of a cover version of an early 1960's anti-jaywalking jingle -- totally cool!

For the record, the jingle was written by composer Vic Mizzy, whose contribution to public safety was detailed in this New York Daily News article. The cover version of the jingle, "In the Middle, In the Middle, In the Middle," was performed by the alternative rock band, They Might Be Giants.

Posted by Frank at 07:20 PM | Comments (0)

July 22, 2005

Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast: Nissan May be the One to Beat, Plus Smokies in Full Force

Driving to Jersey and back, the Smokies were out in full force and it made me wonder about the days when you used to get some verbal abuse with your tickets. Also, I talk about the power of Nissan's bold design moves in this podcast -- and thereby dub the carmaker the one to beat.

Posted by Frank at 08:18 PM | Comments (0)

July 21, 2005

Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast: Back-up Sensors, Rear View Cams, Employee Discount and Sexy to a Fault

This podcast covers some more high-tech goodies, rear sensors and cameras, mid-month results from Detroit's employee discount programs and a pair of "Fifth Wheel" stories -- including the video game sex scandal and blood for oil.

Posted by Frank at 12:26 PM | Comments (0)

Dacia, the Developing World's World Car, Gets Noticed

Business Week has done a nice write-up on Dacia, the Renault-owned Romanian automaker that is a textbook example on how to seize new markets.

We covered the Logan, Dacia's 5,000 Euro car, in this April 29 Notebook story. Renault bought the former commie car works, and reenvisoned it as a virtually single product plant to design and produce a cheap vehicle for Africa, the Middle East and Eastern Europe -- but now Western Europeans are lining up to buy the cheap model as well.

However, we didn't get to go to the plant, like the BW writer did, and she imported this money quote:

The Logan was conceived with an emphasis on space -- designed to comfortably accomodate "four adults, a pig, 220 pounds of potatoes and a kitchen sink," according to one Logan manager. Renault originally had no intention of selling the no-frills Logan in the West, but reports of the $6,000 car had consumers demanding it from dealers.

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

Employee Discount Plans Creating Strong Results Through Mid-Month

Through July 15, Detroit's tripartite gamble on employee discounts seems to be paying off, according to data from J.D. Power. Ford and Chrysler have come back strong after GM reported nearly a 50% sales gain after offering the discount solo in June.

So far in July, Ford's sales are up 27%, Chrysler's 11%. GM's sales are up 42% in the first half of July, compared to the same period last year. Here's a Notebook story that includes links to all the companies' discount programs.

"Although GM is tracking slightly behind its June numbers, the company is still having an impressive month," said Tom Libby, senior director of industry analysis at the [J.D.] Power Information Network. "Since Chrysler and Ford adopted similar programs, they are also seeing substantial sales increases."

Yet even though the domestics' sales and market share are up, Japanese carmakers are also reporting increased sales. This goes back to my assertion that the biggest international nameplates are benefitting from the rising tide, or activity in the marketplace. In a couple weeks, we'll know if my other prediction, that the "value" import brands such as Hyundai, Kia and Suzuki, will suffer losses, will come to pass.

So far in July, Nissan sales are up 22%, Toyota's 17% and Honda, 16%.

In related news, Roger Penske, who heads the ccountry's second largest auto retail group, came out in the Detroit Free Press in favor of "no-haggle pricing across the board because customers like it better."

"My one takeaway is that ... the closer we can get to one price in this business, the better we are going to be long-term," Penske is quoted as saying.

Plus, comScore Media Metrix, a web statistics firm, is reporting that the discount programs are driving traffic to the automakers' websites. GM's stats are up 60% compared to last year, and Chrylser's are up 17%.

Mitsubishi also had some good news -- increasing 259% -- thanks to an agressive online campaign for the new Eclipse.

Posted by Frank at 06:31 AM | Comments (0)

Toyota Recalling 345,000 Sienna Vans

Sienna XLE.jpg

Toyota is recalling 345,000 Sienna minivans due to a glitch in the middle row shoulder seat belts that can get stuck. The recall of '04-'05 vans in voluntary, the result of 14 complaints but no injuries. The Sienna is the fourth best selling minivan in the U.S., behind the Dodge Caravan, Chrysler Town & Country and Honda Odyssey.

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

San Andreas Maker Admits Sexy Fault

The rating on the video game, "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas," has been changed from "M" for Mature, to "AO" for Adults Only, due to a scenario in the game where players' avatars can have sex with on-screen characters.

The sneaky, skeevy game maker, Rockstar Games, finally admitted that the sex content was actually in the game, and not the sole work of a hacker, as previously claimed.

Patrick Wildenbourg, the Dutch programmer who developed a modification to unlock the content, had asserted all along that all he did was create a key to access the pre-existing code. Rockstar tried to blame the mod on him, thus avoiding responsibility, and a tougher rating, which would restrict access to many retail outlets that won't stock the raunchier material.

Hey, companies can sell just about anything these days -- just tell people what they're getting.

Posted by Frank at 05:58 AM | Comments (0)

New Meaning to the Phrase, "Blood for Oil"

This story reminds me of an Olde New York Phrase, "Whaddya' want, my blood?"

As a matter of fact, the Inova Blood Donor center needs blood donors, and they're giving out $10 gas cards to all successful donors, according to this story in the DC Examiner.

Five Inova collection centers are participating in the program that started July 14. They are apparently getting a lot of mileage out of the promotion.

Posted by Frank at 05:50 AM | Comments (0)

July 20, 2005

Wolfgang Bernhard's Summer Reading List

Wolfgang Bernhard, VW's new chief, is coming off a positive meeting with U.S. auto dealers, and he should keep those memories close to his heart.

Because now he has to go back to Germany and sort out a series of massive problems that literally threaten the survival of that country's biggest carmaker.

As outlined in this Business Week article, Bernhard has to deal with quality problems, excess production capacity, the highest wages in the industry, and an only-in-Europe labor situation where both the government and the unions have a tremendous say in how the company is run.

The situation at VW is a degree or three more severe than the one Bernhard faced -- and solved -- at Chrysler here in the states. Juding from the pictures, you know I'm thinking VW is more like the Nissan that Carlos Ghosn was given to rehab.

Besides fixing the problems, VW needs new product. Actually, it's more accurate to say that as VW fixes their problems, they need to come up with something that announces the company is once again a contender.

But please, no new new Bug -- and god forbid we should see a VW Bus or a Vanagon. As I mentioned in this podcast, VW needs a new iconic vehicle, one that shows off high-performance and demonstrates the company can compete for the hearts of consumers.

Tall order -- but I bet there is some undervalued, overlooked designer in that company with the plans for a German Crossfire or Pacifica in their desk, waiting to be pulled out and set in clay, at first.

What VW needs, for the sake of morale inside the soon to be gutted werks, is a project that helps the remaining workers forget the pain and focus their vision on something that will keep them moving forward for the day when the sun comes out again.

And no Phaeton or Touareg -- VW needs a Mustang.

Posted by Frank at 04:48 PM | Comments (0)

Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast: Dates 'n Events

This podcast is all about dates and events -- covering Ford's Fusion Flash Concerts, Subaru's SUV in Seattle, Honda's new jet and delivery of Pontiac's long-awaited new Solstice.

Posted by Frank at 12:32 PM | Comments (0)

Subaru's SUVing in Seattle this Saturday

A dozen Subaru dealers are hosting a super-luxe rollout of their B9 Tribeca in Seattle [and other Washington cities] this weekend -- complete with spa treatments and a gourmet lunch. Visitors can get a manicure or a massage and receive a free pass to either the Seattle Art Museum or Experience Music Project.

Consumers can just drop by any of the following stores, or call 800-429-6223 to make a reservation. For more details and hours of the July 23 event, call the dealership where you wish to attend.

Subaru's new Tribeca is a wonderfully polished, stylish SUV, competing against other upscale, near luxury models such as the Volvo XC90 and BMW X-series. And they're not being shy about it.

Auburn Subaru, 3025 Auburn Way North, Auburn
(253) 737-1345
Chaplin's Bellevue Subaru,15000 SE, Eastgate Way, Bellevue
(425) 641-2002
Peninsula Subaru, 3888 West State Hwy 16, Bremerton
(360) 479-4320
Skagit River Ford-Subaru, 680 Auto Blvd., Burlington
(360) 757-7737
Eastside Subaru, 11803 NE 116th St., Kirkland
(425) 820-8993
Roy Robinson Subaru, 6616 35th Avenue, NE, Marysville
(360) 659-6236
Hanson Motors, 2300 Carriage Loop SW, Olympia
(360) 943-2120
Koenig Chevrolet Subaru, 3501 Highway 101 East, Port Angeles
(360) 457-4444
Subaru of Puyallup, 800 River Road, Puyallup
(253) 286-5900
Walker's Renton Subaru, 720 Rainier South, Renton
(425) 226-2775
Carter Subaru, 17225 Aurora Ave., N., Seattle
(206) 542-1166
Tacoma Subaru, 3838 S. Tacoma Way, Tacoma
(253) 473-6200

Posted by Frank at 11:13 AM | Comments (0)

TONIGHT: Fat Joe Gets Fused in Philly

As part of their street-level campaign to get consumers psyched about the new Fusion, Ford is sponsoring "Fusion Flash Concerts," ten shows in ten cities this summer and every one of the shows is free.

Tonight, Fat Joe is performing at The Trocadero in Philly. Jermaine Dupri has already done his show, and the Wallflowers, Staind, Yellowcard, Collective Soul and Pete Yorn are among the other acts in the series.

The trick here is that you're advised to sign up at the website for info on the shows, because the whole idea of the "flash" concert is a riff on the spontaneous mob concept. Dates and locales are not being revealed until a day or two before the show -- but if you register, you'll get a text message or e-mail about the next gig.

Oh yeah, and you can register to win a free Fusion as part of the promo at the site.

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

For Leasing, BMW 325 is the Most Requested Vehicle

LeaseCompare.com is reporting that the most requested vehicle on its website is the BMW 325 -- knocking the Infiniti G35 out of the top spot for the first time in two years.

If you're interested in leasing, remember we did an interview with Tarry Shebasta, prez of LCC, which you can listen to in this podcast.

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

HOV Lanes: Fast, but Deadly

Taking a page from Mickey Spillane, HOV lanes are proving to be a dangerous solution, according to the Texas Transportation Institute.

TTI has released a study of Dallas HOV lanes that showed a dramatic increase in accidents -- but only in cases where the lanes had no barriers, according to MSNBC.

In HOV lanes where nothing but paint separates fast from slow, accidents increased 41% to 56% after they were added to existing highways.

TTI is the entity that brings us the annual cheery news about how traffic keeps getting worse in this country. Americans are now spending an extra 32 hours stuck in traffic, compared to 1982, according to TTI's latest mobility study.

Posted by Frank at 06:00 AM | Comments (0)

Pontiac Solstice Shipping in Two Weeks

The first recipients of the all-new, Miata-killing Solstice will be the lucky 1,000 who put their money down during the recent Apprentice promotion. In addition, dealers have taken deposits for another 9,000 of the drop-top 4-cylinder roadsters. For twenty grand, you can't go wrong.

Check out the Solstice site, here, where you can get a wallpaper version of the above photo.

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

Honda Jet Takes Off July 28

Honda's experimental compact business jet will make its first public demo flight on July 28 at the EAA AirVenture air show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

Honda's aircraft is not available for sale yet, but you can see a corporate video by going to this page.

Honda formed a joint jet engine project with GE last year and is in the process of trying to sell engines to other aircraft manufacturers.

Posted by Frank at 05:39 AM | Comments (0)

July 19, 2005

Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast: John Cleese Talks About Aftermarket Navigation Systems

In this podcast, TomTom, a European manufacturer of aftermarket GPS navigation, that looks like it has some pretty cool products -- including custom voices that give you directions in a more realistic dialect than standard-fare computer-generated voices. Included among these are famed silly man Basil Fawlty, aka John Cleese.

Also in this episode -- Commie Nostalgia in a Can, and How News Really Works in America.

Posted by Frank at 12:11 PM | Comments (0)

The Final [British] Words on Aftermarket GPS Navigation, Courtesy of the Very British John Cleese

Podcast listener Glenn Q write in with a suggestion we check out TomTom, a portable navigation device manufacturer, and what we found was John Cleese.

Actually, we found a little animated picture of Cleese, along with a recorded message -- that you can literally buy a navsystem that uses his voice to give you directions!

How cool is that -- and they also have additional voices such as [Sexy] Sylvia, NY Cabby, Granny Rose and others. Consumers purchase and download the voices online, then port them over to the unit via USB.

The nav units themselves include a portable GO series for autos [retail $700-$900], and the TomTom Rider, for cyclists on the go.

Recorded voices can only be purchased for units that are rated "TomTom Plus Ready." Based in Europe, the company sells its products in major electronic stores and online.

Posted by Frank at 09:28 AM | Comments (0)

America's Most Stolen Cars -- or, A Tale of Two Press Releases

My journalistic spidey-sense started tingling when I saw the list of "most stolen vehicles" in this press release, and again, in this AP story.

The list doesn't look like anything I remembered from the National Insurance Crime Bureau data, which I reported here. NCIB reports they get their info from the National Crime Information Center, a government source.

So I went to CCC Information Services site, the source for the story, and found this company press release from July 13, that said they had reached an $8 million out of court settlement with plaintiffs in a class action lawsuit, who accused CCC of undervaluing their totaled vehicles in insurance claims. The claims reach back 16 years, to 1989.

Do you remember reading that story anywhere? No, neither do I. But today's story, on "most stolen vehicles," gets carried everywhere, because AP picked up the press release, and now it's all over every news outlet and website. In other words, it's an easy press mention. CCC reports they take stolen vehicle reports from insurance carriers, then compares that to the number of like vehicles on the road, and arrive at a weighted ranking.

FYI: It costs about $1,000 to blast out a national press release on services like Business Wire and PRNewswire.

Getting positive mention for your company following an $8 million class action lawsuit settlement? Priceless.

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

Volvo's C70 Hard-Top Convertible

You read the title right. The new C70 will have a three-piece metal retractable roof that will do double duty as a 'vert and coupe.

To be introduced in Frankfurt in September, the C70 will have a five-cylinder turbo that produces 218 hp. Volvo expects to sell about 8,000 units annually in the states, because they are betting consumers want a hard-top convertible.

Posted by Frank at 07:58 AM | Comments (0)

Commie Nostalgia in a Can

We have spoken of the joys of the East German Trabant before -- now an entrepreneur has canned the desire for nostalgia for those halcyon days when half the human race was enthralled in godless slavery.

For a little less than five bucks American, commie lovers can inhale the canned perfume of the Trabant's exhaust fumes.

That's right, by holding cotton wool over the exhaust of a running motor vehicle, this entrepreneur and his friend then canned the evidence, and are selling the fragrance to people who long for the good old days.

Here on the other side of the globe, godless personal injury lawyers are trying to get hold of the guy who held the cotton wool over the exhaust, so he can sue the crap out of his friend.

Posted by Frank at 06:39 AM | Comments (0)

WRC Champ Petter Solberg to Introduce 2006 Impreza Line

We covered this in a podcast a few days ago -- 2003 WRC Champ Petter Solberg is going to help launch the 2006 Subaru Impreza on Thursday, in New Jersey. A long way from Norway, and "Hollywood."

Besides Solberg, and the new rigs, a Subaru World Rally Team Impreza will also be on hand. To find out more about the team, visit http://www.swrt.com/. For more about Solberg: http://www.pettersolberg.com/

The event goes off July 21, from 6-8 p.m., at Miller Subaru, Route 38 East, Mt. Holly, NJ 08060 -- http://www.millersubaru.com/

Yes, we are going -- check back in a couple of days for great pics, and a Solberg interview. I hope he speaks English, because my Norwegian is rusty. Solberg just finished third in last weekend's Rally Argentina, and is in second place for this year's WRC Championship series.

Posted by Frank at 06:14 AM | Comments (0)

July 18, 2005

Nissan Recalling 125K Muranos

Nissan's recalling over 125K Murano SUVs because of a wiring problem that could potentially cause engine failure and result in a crash, according to the Feds.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the problem, affects 2003-2005 Muranos, caused by a wire in the alternator.

Posted by Frank at 02:11 PM | Comments (0)

Want Aftermarket Navigation? Garmin's Got Plenty

Here's a link to Garmin's whole line of aftermarket GPS navigation systems you can use in any vehicle. I love navi. It brings a whole new level of pleasure to driving.

Pictured here is the Street Pilot i3, available in August that should retail for $399, according to a recent press release.

Garmin has just released two products in the "i" series, a new Street Pilot 340, a MS-based PDA called the iQue M3, and the high-end Street Pilot 2720.

If you've ever been lost without the aid of navi, you don't know what you're missing.

Posted by Frank at 01:33 PM | Comments (0)

Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast: iPod Your Car, Employee Discount Update

In this podcast, we talk about a couple auto iPod solutions, and give you an update on the employee discount programs that appear to be sending Detroit Three sales up between 30-50%.

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

iPod Your Car

Apple's iPod site has a link taking you to this "Auto Integration" site, that allows you to check out a bunch of options for getting your playlist to pump through your car speakers.

The usual suspects include new head units, vehicle integration options [with links to auto company sites], conversion units, such as this Dension Ice>Link, which Ken tipped us off about.

Wireless transmitters, such as the Griffin iTrip are listed under iPod accessories.

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

Mercedes New R-Class Unveiled, G-Class Redesign coming.

The new R-Class is rolling off the Tuscaloosa, Alabama assembly line, and the vehicle is a must-win for Mercedes, in terms of quality and consumer acceptance.

I crawled in and out of it at the NY Auto Show, and while it is a crossover in its own way [car-minivan-SUV-all-in-one], it's also a pretty big vehicle in an era when people are downsizing.

But as I've written before, the well-heeled market for big-'uns has its own core devotees, and at $48,000 for a 268-hp V6-powered and $55,500 for the 302-hp V8, it's not for everyone. In short, it's a large-scale crossover for the luxury market.

At the same time, word "leaked" out last week that Mercedes will redesign the G-Class Gelaendewagen, and build it at the Alabama plant. I have high hopes for this vehicle, as the G is a classic vehicle, that with a little redesign [not too much!] could become the next Escalade, 300C, etc.

Posted by Frank at 10:18 AM | Comments (0)

July 17, 2005

Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast: More Aftermarket GPS/Navi Systems Set to Hit the Shelves

Just a day after we talked about buying aftermarket navigation systems, Garmin released information on five new products that fit a range of budgets. Listen to hear more about these upcoming products.

Posted by Frank at 02:36 PM | Comments (0)

July 16, 2005

Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast: Gelaendewagen Redesign, Volvo's New Convertible, VW Rattling

In this podcast, Mercedes has announced they're going to build a third SUV in Alabama, Volvo's got a brand new hard-top convertible [?] and VW's new chief is rattling the saber of change.

Posted by Frank at 12:40 PM | Comments (0)

July 15, 2005

Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast: New Subaru Impreza, World Rally Champ Peter Solberg and American Rally

There's two Subaru-centric events on tap this month -- first, they're rolling out the 2006 Impreza, including the WRX and STI models, and World Rally Champ Peter Solberg will be on hand in Mt. Holly, New Jersey on July 21 to sign autographs.

You can find out more about Solberg, who races under the Subaru banner, at www.SWRT.com.

Then, from July 28 to 30, the 15th annual running of the Maine Forest Rally will take place, where many of the top teams will be competing in Subaru-platform vehicles. Maybe, now that soccer and bike racing are gaining a foothold in America, this other world-fanatic sport will start to take hold.

Check out these other Rally articles:
Subaru Supports Rally in a Big Way
What is Rally?
Off to the Races: 2005 Susquehannock Trail ProRally
Seize the Joystick: CPD Racing Team

Posted by Frank at 02:30 PM | Comments (0)

Biggest [Intentional] Traffic Tie-Up on East Coast Starts Today

Starting at 8 p.m. on July 15, a one-mile section of the Washington Beltway, or 495, will be reduced to one-lane to allow workers to realign a new ramp leading to the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. The closure will last until approximately 5 a.m. Monday morning -- and is expected to create the worst traffic problems of the 11-year bridge project.

While the lane closure is expected to make one of the worst traffic areas in the country even more miserable for the weekend, its impact is likely to be felt in surrounding areas as hundreds of thousands of vehicles seek alternate routes to avoid the bottleneck.

Drivers traveling north from Richmond are advised to take Route 301 and avoid the D.C. area altogether. Specific information is available in this PDF factsheet, and the Bridge Project has put together an impressive video, titled "The Beltway Shift" here.

If you are traveling on the East Coast this weekend, you're advised to find alternate routes around the D.C. area -- check with AAA, or fiddle with Mapquest or your navigation system, which we covered in yesterday's podcast [audio file].

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

July 14, 2005

Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast: Must Have High-Tech Gizmos

Hey, not everybody can afford a fifty to seventy thousand dollar car that has every imaginable gizmo pre-installed for their opulent enjoyment.

However, there are two high-tech accessories -- satellite radio and navigation systems -- that offer so much enjoyment and utility that they are quickly becoming must have items. Listen to this podcast to find out more!

Posted by Frank at 01:02 PM | Comments (0)

Is There a Problem Brewing with the Employee Discount Programs?

In what may turn out to create a down the road sales blowout [the negative kind] GM's employee discount plan may not be as overall effective as it might be. The Detroit News reports that GM's sales in June came mostly from existing owners of their brands, and not from other carmakers.

The wonderfully macho industry term, "conquest," refers to one car company converting another's buyers to their brands. New GM buyers in were composed of 63.1% of existing owners, which means the rest traded in other companies' vehicles.

The conquest rate from the year before was 64%. The problem then, is known as "pulling sales forward" meaning that future GM buyers all ganged up to take advantage of the deal, and by then won't be around to buy cars and trucks in later months.

GM disputes the report, asserting that 50% of new GM buyers came from other brands.

Posted by Frank at 09:10 AM | Comments (0)

Ford Field Getting Big Blue Tattoos

In advance of the 2006 Super Bowl, Ford is laying down a couple giant logos atop Ford Field, at a cost of $175,000.

We're talking big, hard to miss branding here -- each logo measures 153-by-316-feet, and one each appears on either side of the stadium's vaulted roof. The Detroit News figures the cost makes sense -- a 30-second Super Bowl ad costs $2 million -- so Big Blue is hoping a ten second shot will get them a good ROI.

Detroit News has a real pic, unlike the Photoshopped version above.

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

July 13, 2005

Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast: Thinking Certified Pre-Owned? Think About These Pointers First

If you're thinking of buying a CPO, or certified pre-owned vehicle, this podcast includes eight things to think about before you pay a premium on a used vehicle.

Like a lot of things, sometimes CPO is worth it, sometimes not -- it always comes down to -- "Let the Buyer Beware."

Posted by Frank at 07:37 AM | Comments (0)

July 12, 2005

Don't Drive Trunk

A 38-year-old woman has been charged with a pair of felonies for making her two daughters, ages 8 and 10, ride in the trunk of a Nissan Sentra, on a trip from Alabama to Virginia, according to AP.

Her explanation was that the car was crowded -- another 12 year-old daughter was in the car, as was the girl's friend of the same age, an infant -- and a Boston Terrier.

At least the dog wasn't forced into the trunk -- could you imagine? The animal activists would be on the march.

Posted by Frank at 08:30 PM | Comments (1)

Honda Halting NSX Production

Honda will stop making the 15-year-old all-aluminum supercar, which sold for $86,000 to 120,000. Sales have dwindled to a few hundred in the U.S.

They're going to make a new sports car soon. Yea.

Posted by Frank at 03:47 PM | Comments (0)

Subaru Comes Out Swinging

The video ad for the Subaru's B9 Tribeca SUV takes no prisoners! While I personally love this vehicle and think Subaru should win a best new something of the year for it, the video they have promoting it is shocking in its brazen assault on other SUVs.

In other words, I love the ad, too!

Here's the link: http://www.subaru.com/Dust

Using the song, Dust in the Wind, is just icing on the cake. Bravo, Subaru.

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

Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast: In-Depth Look at Big 3 Discount Programs

Listen to this podcast to hear details about the great deals to be had with the Employee Discount programs from Ford, Chrysler and GM -- including the most overlooked fact. And don't put it off because the sales only last until August 1.

For convenience sake, here is a list of how to get to each company's website where the magic numbers are displayed:

Ford, Lincoln, Mercury

Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep

General Motors -- good for all brands, including Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, Pontiac, Hummer, GMC, Saturn and Saab.

Posted by Frank at 08:37 AM | Comments (0)

July 11, 2005

Toyota and GM Finalizing Fuel Cell Deal

Two of the world's largest automakers are close to a deal where they would cooperate on fuel cell technology, according to AP.

Toyota's new president, Katsuaki Watanabe, freely stated his company intends to compete with GM to the fullest, and denied recent price hikes have anything to do with fears of a protectionist backlash against Toyota. Indeed, thanks to GM's recent success with their employee discount promotion, a great deal of pressure seems to evaporated off Toyota's back.

Posted by Frank at 03:24 PM | Comments (0)

VW Does Not Need This Corporate Scandal

Forbes is reporting that the fallout from VW's alleged corporate bribery scandal is still reverberating. Peter Hartz, a top exec, tendered his resignation Friday to take responsibility for problems caused by employees, and a labor rep has also stepped down.

At issue is whether or not VW execs provided luxury trips to to labor leaders in exchange for favorable negotiation terms, and also that some VW execs may have received kickbacks from parts makers.

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

Guide to Employee Price Quotes for Each of the Big Three Automakers

By now everybody knows the Big Three automakers are going toe to toe with employee pricing promotions, in the wake of GM's massive success with the concept in June.

Consumers responded by signing on the dotted line for GM, and now Ford and Chrysler are following suit -- but each of the programs ends August 1.

Fortunately, not only are the prices no haggle, but each of the companies is making the real numbers available on line, so it's not a case of "I'll show you mine if you show me yours."

For convenience sake, here is a list of how to get to each company's website where the magic numbers are displayed:

Ford, Lincoln, Mercury

Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep

General Motors -- good for all brands, including Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, Pontiac, Hummer, GMC, Saturn and Saab.

Posted by Frank at 02:52 PM | Comments (0)

Buy Your Mercury Mariner Hybrid Online

Mercury is bringing their Mariner Hybrid SUV to market early, due to consumer interest, but the company reports only 2,000 will be manufactured for the 2006 model year. I read the release twice, and don't understand it -- the Escape Hybrid is selling over a thousand units a month.

That may explain why the company is taking orders online at a special website, instead of going to the bother of trucking one each to every dealer in the country. With such a limited supply, it doesn't make sense to move them anywhere. It will be interesting to see how fast what is essentially a limited run will sell out.

Pricing starts at $29,840.

Posted by Frank at 11:43 AM | Comments (0)

Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast: High Gas Prices, Low Used SUV Prices

This podcast covers how one analyst is reporting record high gas prices, while at the same time prices of used large SUVs are reportedly dropping.

Coincidence? Whether it's due to high gas prices, or a glut in the market, maybe now is the time to buy a big hauler.

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

July 10, 2005

Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast: Free Credit Reports Available

If you're in the market to purchase a new vehicle, chances are you're going to finance -- and your credit rating is all important relative to the deal you get.

This podcast covers why getting your credit report is important, and how consumers in most of the country can not get a free report, by going to AnnualCreditReport.com.

Posted by Frank at 03:32 PM | Comments (0)

July 09, 2005

Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast: Scion Gets Podcasting

Scion has announced each one of their three models will have an optional stereo which you can play your iPod through. The sporty tC coupe already has the unit, the xA hatch and xB wagon get these options starting next week.

In this podcast we describe the new stereo option -- now you can listen to this Podcast in your new Scion! -- and also explore the details of the Scion phenomenon.

For more information click on these links:
xA Hatchback brochure
xA Hatchback specs
xB Wagon brochure
xB Wagon specs
tC Coupe brochure
tC Coupe specs

Posted by Frank at 11:07 AM | Comments (0)

July 08, 2005

Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast: Recalls, VW Troubles, GM's Boycott and a Radar Gun Donation

For this Friday's podcast, we have a selection of stories, including the latest recalls, an update on VW's troubles and GM's boycott of the LA Times -- plus a not so altruistic radar gun donation?

Posted by Frank at 08:20 AM | Comments (0)

July 07, 2005

Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast: Find Cheap Gas Online, Plus Iacocca's Back

AAA's Fuel Price Finder is back online -- listen to this podcast to find out how to use the nifty service.

Also, Lee Iacocca is back as Chrysler's pitchman, ending an estrangement with the company he saved from bankruptcy. Lee's going to revive his old tagline, "If you can find a better car, buy it," as a means to help Chrysler breakaway from the employee discount clutter.

Posted by Frank at 07:33 AM | Comments (0)

Iacocca Back as Chrysler Pitchman

Lee Iacocca, the former Chrysler CEO credited with saving the company from self-immolation in the 80s, is back as company pitchman, touting the new employee discount program.

The TV ads starring Iacocca will start running today, and feature a revival of his tagline, "If you can find a better car, buy it."

The move comes at a time when Iacocca's legacy is in question. This article suggests he was the fountainhead for the recent CEO-led fiscal crisis that rocked American business, and several commentators have suggested that if Chrysler had been allowed to die a natural death, GM and Ford perhaps would not be in the dire straits they find themselves in today.

And the irony of Iacocca pitching for what is essentially a foreign-owned corporation should not be lost -- Iacocca is less remembered for his efforts to close the American market to foreign competition with lobbying for higher tariffs against the Japanese. As reported in Automotive News, Chrysler CEO Dieter Zetsche had to first grant approval to give Lee a job.

Posted by Frank at 06:51 AM | Comments (0)

Find Cheap Gas Online with AAA

AAA has an online "Fuel Price Finder" that survey prices at 85,000 gas stations nationwide daily -- and you can use the service to locate the cheapest gas in your neighborhood.

There's no direct link, so you have to go through www.AAA.com, type in your zip code to go to the regional AAA site, then click on the Fuel Price Finder link on the left hand column.

Once there, you'll have to enter your zip again, and you'll get a list of gas stations, ranked by lowest price first, and an interactive map that will help you locate the nearest, cheapest stations. Both the map and the individual station listing are easy to navigate, making this a useful way to save cash per tank.

Posted by Frank at 06:21 AM | Comments (0)

July 06, 2005

Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast: Everyone's an Employee -- of Ford, Chrysler and GM

Minutes after GM announced they were extending their Employee Discount plan, Ford jumped in, and now Chrysler has joined the pool party. You can listen to this podcast for the details.

There are some exclusions, of course, notably the hot cars, but the deals are as good as 25% off full sticker price for many models. It's going to be a hot summer for car sales.

Posted by Frank at 01:36 PM | Comments (0)

Cadillac Sponsors Search for 2nd Annual Gay Entrepreneur of the Year

Run by PlanetOut, a gay media company, the award honors a dynamic LGBT [that's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender] business leader, and Cadillac is sponsoring the show.

The 2005 PlanetOut Entrepreneur of the Year will be announced and profiled on Gay.com and PlanetOut.com in mid-September. The award recipient will receive $5,000.

"At Cadillac, we are aiming our sights on being the standard of the world in the automotive industry," said Tom Hassett, a marketing manager for Cadillac. "As a result of our focus, it is with great pleasure that we sponsor the search for the person who is already setting the standard in their field."

Last year's Entrepreneur of the Year recipients were Bryan Janeczko and Mark Newhouse, founders of NuKitchen, "an affordable personal chef," based in Long Island City. The two men deliver gourmet prepared meals customized to nutritional needs and personal taste.

For more information about this year's contest, to enter, or to nominate someone you know for PlanetOut Entrepreneur of the Year, please visit:

PlanetOut.com: http://www.planetout.com/money/entrepreneur
Gay.com: http://www.gay.com/business/entrepreneur

Posted by Frank at 07:48 AM | Comments (0)

Toyota to Double Hybrid Output

Toyota will double its gas-electric hybrid output to half a million vehicles in 2006, according to the Asahi Shimbun daily.

Toyota is on track to sell at least 100,000 Prius hybrids this year, and sales of its Lexus RX400h and Toyota Highlander hybrid are both strong. Toyota claims nearly 80% of the U.S. hybrid sales market.

Posted by Frank at 07:38 AM | Comments (0)

International Nameplate Sales for June 2005 -- GM's Push Drops Market Share Under 40%

International nameplate sales rose a healthy 7.2% in June, despite the onslaught by General Motors’ incentive program that pushed the domestic automaker’s sales up 46.9% for the month. GM’s sales push caused June market share for internationals to dip slightly below the 40% mark for the first time in over six months, but year to date share still stands at 43.3%.

Nissan, Toyota Honda lead the way
International sector gains were almost wholly covered by the top three manufacturers. Toyota’s sales were

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