September 30, 2005
Nissan's Versa Hatchback
Nissan's new hatchback is labeled a 2007 model but will go on sale early next summer.
Starting at about twelve grand, the vehicle is positioned to expland Nissan's car line, grab some Scion mojo and take advantage of the newly revived small car mania.
See, you really can fit a lot into a small set of wheels! A sedan will be available in the fall of 2006.
Versa is an built on Nissan’s “B” platform and will be made at the company's Aguascalientes, Mexico facility, which also builds the Nissan Sentra. Versa will be called the Tiida in Mexico, Japan, China and other markets.
The Versa comes standard with a 1.8-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine, rated at an estimated 120-horsepower and 125-plus lb-ft of torque.
Fuel economy is estimated at a combined 38 miles per gallon with the available Nissan Xtronic CVT. Final engine performance and fuel economy rating will be finalized closer to vehicle on-sale date.
Posted by Frank at 12:09 PM | Comments (0)
Honda Element Refreshed for 2006
The Honda Element is getting a new trim level for 2006, and there are a couple new features for the existing models as well.
The new trim, called EX-P, is really an upgrade from the existing EX with exterior upgrades including painted panels and door handles. The EX-P is available in both 2WD and 4WD, either with a standard 5-speed manual or available 4-speed automatic. The EX-P is available in Alabaster Silver, Tango Red Pearl, Nighthawk Black Pearl, Atomic Blue Metallic, Kiwi Metallic and Tangerine Metallic.
The EX [and EX-P] adds steering wheel mounted audio controls and a new alloy wheel design, while the LX trim receives Anti-Lock Braking with Electronic Brake Distribution and metallic exterior cladding. New exterior colors for both trim levels are Alabaster Silver, Atomic Blue Metallic, and Rallye Red. Kiwi Metallic is available on the LX.
All Elements come with Honda's 2.4-liter, i-VTEC, 4-cylinder engine with 156-horsepower and 160 lb.-ft. of torque. Sixteen-inch wheels are standard on all models.
Posted by Frank at 12:00 PM | Comments (0)
September 29, 2005
Topless Shelby Mustang for Summer '06
Ford upgrades the Shelby Mustang to a drop-top for summer '06. To check out the specs on the 5.4 l V-8 that produces 450 hp, click on the link to see another pic and to read the Ford pr on the sexy Cobra ...
FORD SHELBY GT500 GOES TOPLESS: CONVERTIBLE VERSION ADDED TO SVT LINE-UP FOR 2007
* Most powerful factory-built Ford Mustang convertible in history
* Unique cloth top features material found on much more expensive, exotic cars
* Supercharged 5.4-liter V-8 produces over 450-horsepower
* Hits showrooms in summer 2006
The Ford Shelby GT500, one of the most anticipated and powerful cars coming in 2006, just got hotter with the announcement that a convertible version will join Ford’s line-up. With more than 450-horsepower on tap from its supercharged 5.4L V-8 engine, the Shelby GT500 convertible will be the most powerful factory-built Ford Mustang convertible in history.
Carroll Shelby, the legend behind the original Shelby Mustangs, joined the Ford SVT engineering team early in the program to put his stamp of approval on the convertible version and had nothing but praise for the effort.
“Convertibles often go against the pursuit of high-performance, but not this GT500,” said Shelby . “This GT500 convertible can go up against the best of them, and hold its own. It’s stiff, it’s fast, and I’m looking forward to cruising mine up and down the roads of Texas .”
Driving enthusiasts know all too well that the vastly increased weight and reduced structural integrity of some drop tops over their hard top derivatives sometimes force manufacturers to restrict performance capability. Often it’s a matter of a detuned engine or a softened suspension – that one must suffer for the sake of drivability or durability in convertible models.
The good news is that the same 450-plus horsepower V-8 engine powers the GT500 coupe and convertible. And with the convertible’s added weight kept to a bare minimum, fewer suspension modifications are needed, meaning the handling you experience driving the convertible will be far closer to that of the coupe than ever before.
In designing the Shelby GT500 convertible, Ford SVT engineers were able to start with the same solid chassis structure that benefits the 2005 Mustang convertible. Ford engineers designed the coupe and convertible simultaneously, yielding a convertible with twice the torsional stiffness of the previous generation.
Considering where the convertible would require the most strength and how commonality with the coupe could be integrated into the car’s basic structure, engineers added strength into both models by designing body joints and rocker panels, for instance, which help solidify the convertible without excessive bracing.
As a result, the GT500 convertible is less than 125 pounds heavier than the coupe. This enabled engineers to use the same suspension geometry, with chassis modifications limited to only slightly softer spring rates, sway bars, and damper tuning to fit the convertible’s character.
SHELBY GT500’S SUPERCHARGED 5.4-LITER DOHC V-8 PRODUCES OVER 450 HP
Just as the original Shelby GT500 was the “step up” to big-block power from the GT350, the new Ford Shelby Cobra GT500 convertible steps up to Ford’s 5.4-liter “MOD” V-8. The result? The GT500 convertible is the most powerful factory convertible Mustang ever. Its supercharged 5.4-liter, 32-valve V-8 evolves from SVT’s experience with supercharging the “MOD” engine to deliver more than 450 horsepower and 450 foot-pounds of torque.
EXCLUSIVE CLOTH TOP IMPROVES APPEARANCE AND PERFORMANCE
The Shelby GT500 convertible features a unique cloth convertible top, replacing the vinyl top of the Mustang GT convertible. The GT500 will be only the second Mustang to feature a cloth top, first introduced on the 2003 SVT Mustang Cobra.
The cloth is similar to that used for high-end, exotic sports cars, providing an elegant visual upgrade to the GT500 convertible. In addition, the thicker fabric is not only more durable than vinyl, but creates a much tauter top resulting in a very quiet interior while driving with the top up.
For top-down driving, the Mustang’s convertible “floating” five-bow power top with z-fold construction tucks nicely into the boot, providing a more finished, tidy, top-down appearance.
The snake is back – Legendary looks with SVT function
The Shelby GT500 convertible combines the dramatic design genes of the all-new Mustang with Carroll Shelby’s legendary performance image to create an SVT Mustang that broadens the power brand’s design approach and appeal.
“The restrained, performance-oriented SVT design theme has become instantly recognizable to enthusiasts,” says Doug Gaffka, design director, Ford SVT. “The GT500 takes a huge leap forward by combining the modern Mustang muscle car with the classic Shelby performance look to expand SVT’s reach to a much bigger audience.”
While the GT500 coupe’s exterior is punctuated by the classic Shelby LeMans-style stripes that race along the car from nose to tail, the convertible will be more subtle with just the side stripes along the rocker reading “GT500”.
The Shelby design elements alone are enough to tell the GT500 story but are not the only visual cues that set this Mustang apart. The reworked front fascia features a functional air splitter and the unique hood has heat-extraction ducts, combining to provide improved airflow and aerodynamics. Revised headlamp insets offer a more aggressive look and result in symmetrical upper and lower grilles with large air openings, creating a visual connection to vintage Shelby Mustangs.
The unique rear fascia features strakes inspired by the Ford GT’s integrated rear airflow diffuser, and a rear spoiler reminiscent of a classic GT500. To mark the collaboration of two Mustang performance icons, the GT500 features Shelby and SVT badging.
Continuing the snake logo tradition of previous SVT Mustang Cobras, and late-model Shelby Mustangs, the fenders each feature an updated design of the Cobra. For the first time on any SVT Mustang, the front grille features an off-center snake in place of the standard running horse. “GT500” is emblazoned inside the side rocker stripes, and the name “ SHELBY ” is prominently featured across the rear deck. The SVT logo can be seen on the wheel center caps, a signature SVT location, as well as on the doorsill plates. To top if off, the “gas cap” medallion between the taillights reads “Shelby GT500” centered on the Cobra image.
Posted by Frank at 01:38 PM | Comments (0)
Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #80: Pischetsrieder's Prescience
In this podcast, we ask if VW Chairman Bernd Pischetsrieder was correct when he said diesels were the best hope for conserving petroleum? His company has six diesels available for sale in the U.S. -- maybe they should try some advertising.
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 01:03 PM | Comments (0)
September 28, 2005
Consumers Run to Small Cars From High Gas Prices
In just a couple days, we'll find out how big the rush to downsize into small cars really is, when September sales numbers come out. This article has anecdotal evidence that small cars are flying off the lot, citing Toyota as having only an 8.7 day inventory of the Corolla on dealers' lots.
Is this month going to be bad for the light truck category? You bet.
Is this permanent? Maybe.
This economist writes that it will take several years of high gas prices to effect a deep, permanent market change from SUVs to cars.
There's also the question of short-term reaction to gas prices, which is for real, and the long-term concept of what people actually need and like to drive.
I covered this in an article on form factor, suggesting that people have both a real need for certain types of vehicles such as SUVs, pickups and minivans, and also react to personal and public emotions regarding vehicles.
For a while SUVs were certainly considered hot by many and loathed by a few. Now the situation, for the time being, is reversed.
That's going to affect buying choices for the next several months. Personally I stand by my idea that crossovers, minivans and station wagons may benefit from a mass migration away from massive SUVs.
People still need seating, storage and functionality in their vehicles.
Posted by Frank at 01:20 PM | Comments (0)
Mercedes to Cut Up to 8,500 Jobs, Learn from Chrysler
Incoming DaimlerChrysler CEO Dieter Zetsche is on record saying that Mercedes can benefit from some of the ideas and processes implemented at Chrysler.
One of those ideas is cutting jobs. Chrysler cut 40,000; Mercedes today said they are going to slice 8,500 positions.
Posted by Frank at 12:42 PM | Comments (0)
President Bush Encourages Personal Virtue
President George W. Bush has asked Americans to conserve on gas.
This in light of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, which have put a crimp in U.S. oil and gas supplies.
This contrasts with Vice President Dick Cheney's 2001 comment that conservation efforts are nothing more than "personal virtue".
Posted by Frank at 12:24 PM | Comments (0)
We Get Fan Mail [About Our Podcasts] From a Little Place Called England
I love it when people write in with comments, especially with ideas for coverage, compliments, even critical takes on things which can be improved. This letter from a British kid contained all three, with a good whack of humor to boot:
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My name is Craig (age 14) and I come from a little place called England. After listening to your podcasts for a while, I really enjoy them.
However, after listening to you podcast on the Nissan Quest (which we dont get over here), I was shocked when you complimented the styling. Its so boring, just like the Chrysler Voyager (Town and Country to America).
I'm not sure if you have ever seen a Fiat Multipla or Honda FR-V, but compared to your cars, the're masterpieces. Any way, really love the show and hope it will continue for a long time,
Craig From Birmingham, England (Europe, Near France)
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Editor's note: I added the links so you could see the vehicles he referenced, as well as listen to the podcast in quest-ion.
Posted by Frank at 12:04 PM | Comments (0)
September 27, 2005
Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #79: Ford F-250 Harley Davidson Power Stroke Diesel
Need we say any more?
We did. In this podcast, we talk about taking delivery of the Ford F-250 Harley Davidson diesel pickup. This thing is the Death Star!
Also, an update on our trip to the Fusion Flash Concert tonight, in D.C., featuring Los Lonely Boys.
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 12:54 PM | Comments (0)
Ford Fusion Concert Blogger Has the Best Blogging Gig in the Blogosphere
Los Lonely Boys are playing here in D.C., tonight, the ninth in a series of ten free "Fusion Flash" concerts, sponsored by Ford and Sony. I'm finally getting to one of these throw-downs, to check out the experience, the car and the music -- and to prepare, I touched base with Howie Cockrill, the Cali-based music writer who was hired to run the project's ongoing concert blog.
And what a gig this guy has -- he's flown around to nine different cities now, to watch acts such as Fat Joe, Collective Soul, Pete Yorn, the Wallflowers and more. As part of his paid duties, he attends the show, takes pics and conducts interviews with the band.
The cool thing about the Fusion concert blog is that it includes long-form audio interviews with the band members, such as this one with Collective Soul.
I'll have more on the Fusion, Los Lonely Boys and the show tomorrow. For now, check out this interview Howie did with me via e-mail:
NAME: Howie Cockrill
AGE: 27
LOCATED: Berkeley, CA
OCCUPATION: Editor/Contributor, CrazyTalk.org; 3rd Year Law Student
HOW YOU GOT FUSION GIG: I got the job through a friend of a friend [the way it always works]. One of my friends & another contributor to
CrazyTalk is friends with a guy who works at Sony. Sony is the company that's setting up all the contracts with the artists. Ford hired Sony to organize the whole thing. The Sony guy put out an APB for bloggers to do the gig, my CrazyTalk friend forwarded me the email, and the rest is history....
WHAT THE JOB ENTAILS: The short of it is that I fly to the shows, interview the bands, take pictures of the shows & write "experiential" reviews. The "experiential" part means that I don't write actual critical reviews - I just write about the experience as a whole. The longer version would include all the research I do about the artists prior to the interviews and all the techie stuff I do to get the content up on the Flash Concert website.
HAVING FUN?: Absolutely. While airports have become distinctly less
glamorous over the past few months, this is really an absurdly wonderful job.
BEST PART OF GIG: The best part is being exposed to music I wouldn't
normally listen to & experiencing it through the eyes of the fans.
WORST PART OF GIG: Red eye flights & failing out of law school.
REACTION FROM CROWD & ONLINE AUDIENCE: The reaction from the crowds have been great. Anytime there's a random free show of one of your favorite bands, its exciting. Then a percentage of those people go online to give their thoughts on the show.
OPINION ABOUT IMPACT OF PROJECT: I think there are a few different angles of the impact. One is that its pure goodness to have random free shows of relatively big bands. Another is that this project represents an initial interesting foray of corporations into cross-marketing (car + music) and riding the wave of the blog & podcasting revolution. I think this is just the beginning of major companies attempting to cash in on the indie/underground cache of blogging and podcasting - with the result being the mainstreaming of those new areas of the internet. Its also helping create the model of the interactive blog concert experience - with audio, visual and textual content.
Posted by Frank at 10:20 AM | Comments (0)
Don't Forget Form Factor When Factoring the Automotive Retail Market
What makes us want to buy, drive, covet or loathe a certain kind of vehicle? In my view, styling, amenities and price point receive far too much credit for being the force that drives the automobile market.
While these factors, and others such as quality, reputation and resale value, certainly affect the final stages of the purchase decision, there is a prime mover that is overlooked because it seems so obvious.
In the late 80s and 90s, the phrase "form factor" emerged to describe the size and shape of different hand-held gizmos that tech companies were floating to the consumer market, trying to entice people to embrace portable computing and entertainment.
The success stories are easy to remember. While Apple’s iPod is the default choice for playing MP3 audio files, remember the Newton? That was Apple’s attempt at marketing a PDA. Where Apple failed, Palm triumphed with the Palm Pilot, which is now overshadowed by the Blackberry.
Just as any motor vehicle can get us where we want to go, each of these devices performed its intended function. In many cases, the products that failed to catch on in the marketplace were technologically superior compared to the devices that captured the mass pocketbook. Before the DVD, there was the VHS format tape that defeated the Beta platform to deliver video, and everyone acknowledged that Beta was better.
In some cases the battle was won by market savvy or skullduggery. But in the majority, there’s really no explanation that makes sense -- except that consumers made a choice, often based on emotion.
As with technology, the form factor of automobiles affects people more than simply how they feel physically when driving a certain type of vehicle. Equally important is the parallel feedback loop -- how that vehicle is perceived by others influences how people feel emotionally about their vehicle. Compounded by the sheer numbers of the mass market, and either magnified or distored by the media, this emotion gets translated into trends -- often that make no sense -- but which determine the nature of the retail market month after month.
A new trend line is developing in favor of vehicles that get better gas mileage, and to the detriment of larger vehicles, particularly SUVs. Gas prices, which were already on the rise before Hurricanes Katrina and Rita battered the gas production infrastructure of the Gulf Coast, are the seeming cause of this trend.
But that may be too obvious. Trends have natural life cycles, and the hegemony of large SUVs showed signs of crumbling in the early part of this decade. The recent spike in gas prices and the sense of national emergency are emerging as explanatory causes for a phenomenon that was already on the move.
So what we are really witnessing is a battle of form factors -- small, economical vehicles are growing in public esteem, while large SUVs are losing steam. At the same time, there is the other aspect of form factor to consider -- people still desire the visceral experience delivered by a certain type of vehicle.
The obvious contrarian response to the funeral that's being held for SUVs is that people still need vehicles with passenger, storage and hauling capacity. While public opinion and pump price shock will further cool large SUV sales, half the car buying public still needs a form factor that delivers these functions.
Though hybrids are getting the glory press at the moment, in the next six to nine months a new trend may develop -- the rebirth of the station wagon!
The station wagon, of course, is better known today in its repurposed form factors -- the minvan and the crossover.
Posted by Frank at 09:00 AM | Comments (0)
September 26, 2005
Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #78: The Nissan Quest Rules the Minivan Roost
In this podcast I talk about the Nissan Quest, a vehicle I specifically requested because I think it looks so darn cool.
Matter of fact, this van is so cool, I think I look great driving it. The Quest doesn't disappoint -- it's a minivan for the discerning masses!
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 12:03 PM | Comments (0)
Video: Shockingly Bad Toyota Spec Ad, Fun Honda Civic Spot
What was he thinking? Theodore Melfi, a video director who must think he's an artiste, put together a spec Toyota Prius ad that shows a guy trying to commit suicide by sitting in a running vehicle with a hose from the exhaust.
But the guys gets disgusted, see, because the Prius has such low emissions it won't kill him. Get it?
So he gets out of the car, grabs a rope from the trunk and walks off screen.
Ad Age, where you can see the spot, has a note saying that a pr firm is circulating the video as a means to showcase Melfi's work. I predict he is the one who's going to try and kill himself because he just committed career suicide.
On a lighter note, the same page also has a link to a Honda Civic Hybrid commercial that evokes a flower power generation vibe. It's enjoyable, and you'll need the breath of fresh air after watching the Toyota spot.
Posted by Frank at 10:35 AM | Comments (0)
September 23, 2005
New Used Car Buy/Sell Site
LiveDeal.com is a new site trying to make it big in the world of online use car retailing. Good resource to check out if you're buying or selling
In a year, LiveDeal.com, has gone from 10,000 online listings to over 150,000, and they're gunning for the big boys.
Their press release is moronic, however -- they claim there's a glut of used cars, when any idjit knows that Hurrican Katrina just removed 250,000 to 500,000 vehicles from the marketplace.
Posted by Frank at 12:52 PM | Comments (0)
Mitsubishi Gives Away a Year of Free Gas
How does free gas for a year sound? Mitsubishi may be on to something -- through the end of October, buy a Mitsi and you'll get a free gas debit card good for a year's worth of go-juice.
The offer is good only for 2005 model Mitsubishi Galant, Endeavor, Montero Sport, Outlander, Eclipse or Lancer.
The offer is good only for 2005 model Mitsubishi Galant, Endeavor, Montero Sport, Outlander, Eclipse or Lancer.
Buuu-uut, if you opt to take the gas card, you forego other incentives on the vehicles--$500 to $2,000 rebates or zero percent financing depending on the model.
Dave Schembri, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Mitsubishi, said those who buy or lease a 2005 model will be given a debit card ranging from $1,500 to $2,500 to be used for gas.
"We consider this a breakthrough idea to catch the attention of consumers and address the No. 1 economic issue and concern on their minds right now, the price of gas," Schembri said.
The debit card amount varies depending upon the vehicle purchased, whether it requires regular or premium unleaded and the estimated amount of gas required to run it for 12,000 miles, or the average year's worth of driving. That means lower mileage cars get higher amounts on the debit cards. And there's no time limit for using the cards.
Posted by Frank at 12:48 PM | Comments (0)
I Am Hemi
Dodge is auditioning for an unemployed bonehead to star in the next round of "Hemi Guys" commercials.
And speaking of boneheads, the website, dodge.com/hemistar, where the promotion is supposed to be housed does not work! D'oh! maybe they should let a web programmer be the next Hemi Guy.
While Jon Reep remains Hemi Guy #1, he needs a new sidekick with a case of Hemi envy. The audtions for a sidekick will run through October 8 -- if they get the site working in time.
The winner will be selected through online voting. Hemi Guy #1 Jon Reep will make the final selection, and the winner will co-star in the national Dodge Ram television campaign.
Posted by Frank at 12:46 PM | Comments (0)
Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #77: Bill Ford Steps Up
In this podcast I discuss the real impact of Bill Ford's speech on innovation -- he acknowledged that things have to change at Ford and said, not only does change begin at home -- it begins with me.
I think he positioned himself as the change agent in the company, and by setting his standard by innovation, and research and great ideas, he's working from the right map.
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 09:06 AM | Comments (0)
Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #76: Complete Recording of Bill Ford's Speech on Innovation
This file contains the entire recording of Bill Ford's 9/21/05 speech announcing several company innovations, including a push on hybrids, flexible fuel options and reducing greenhouse gases. This may be the most important speech he's ever given!
Caution: Huge file! 24.6 mb.
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 09:02 AM | Comments (0)
September 21, 2005
Bill Ford's Hybrid Agression
Bill Ford gave one of the most important speeches of his career today -- more than the announcement that half their models will be hybrids by 2010, he stepped up and all but announced that the company is ready to play and here to stay.
In a speech that promised more steady determination than flash, Ford Chairman and CEO Bill Ford, Jr., annunced today that half the vehicles in their lineup will have available hybrid trains by 2010. Ford expects to sell about 250,000 hybrids by end of decade.
Ford also announced that ethanol options will be available for the F-150, Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis and Lincoln Town Car for 2006.
But more than this, Ford trumpeted a return to the company's innovative roots and promised to let the people with big ideas -- engineers, designers and marketers -- have more of a say in getting the good Ford news out to the public.
"From this point forward, innovation will be the compass by which the company sets its direction," Ford told employees. "Today, I am renewing the promise of Ford Motor Company – to again be first in delivering innovative products to our customers – stylish in design, safer for families, first in technology that uses new fuels and offers new services to consumers."
Presently, Ford produces about 24,000 hybrid vehicles annually. Ford is the only American auto company to produce hybrids and was the first in the world to offer an SUV hybrid. That vehicle was the Ford Escape Hybrid, the cleanest, most fuel-efficient SUV on the road.
By 2008, Ford will have five hybrids on the road, including the Ford Escape, Mercury Mariner, Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Mazda Tribute.
In his speech to employees, Bill Ford challenged them to make innovation a top priority, building on the heritage and history of the company.
Posted by Frank at 10:16 PM | Comments (0)
Ya, Fusion Flash. Concerts
With the new Fusion coming out, Ford has been pumping a tres cool grassroots marketing effort -- "flash" concerts in ten cities, announced as they come up.
This Friday, Frankie J is performing at Crobar in Miami. This is a rescheduled concert that got flushed by Hurricane Katrina.
The one I'll be attending, Los Lonely Boys, happens here in DC next week, September 27.
You can find out more about the concerts by going to http://www.fusionflashconcerts.com.
Sign up to get access to the site, you get a free music download, and a chance to win a new Ford Fusion.
Posted by Frank at 10:12 PM | Comments (0)
September 20, 2005
Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #75: Scooters Vs. SUVs
In this podcast, we discuss the alarming trends of SUV drivers who inssit that other SUV drivers give up their SUVs to help save on gas. Class warfare! Also, there's some fun stuff about scooters, the Rodney Dangerfield of two-wheelers.
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 11:07 AM | Comments (0)
Sir Paul Sells Out
When a celeb humps for a car company it's generally a sign they've jumped the shark. Yes, even Snoop.
The former Beatle struck a deal with Lexus to use one of his new songs, Fine Line, in an ad -- but hey, they're donating a one-off Lexus to his charity!
Don't believe the hype. There's no such thing as charity for clebrities.
They are living, breathing, eating, shitting brands on two legs, and their charity efforts are pretty much the same as a big company's "Corporate Citizenship Initiatives."
Full Lexus press release follow:
Paul McCartney New Release Featured in Lexus Hybrid Ad
McCartney's New Release 'Fine Line' in RX 400h Spot, Part of Sponsorship Which Includes Donation of One-of-a-Kind McCartney-Themed Signature Edition RX 400h to Adopt-a-Minefield
TORRANCE, Calif. -- A new Lexus television spot features the music from Paul McCartney's just-released CD "Chaos And Creation In The Backyard," marking the first time the music legend's new recording has been released to any company for use in advertising. Lexus is featuring the music of McCartney in the spot for its RX 400h, the world's first luxury hybrid SUV.
The 30-second spot called "Alternative," which began running on national network and cable outlets beginning this month, is one of many marketing communications extensions of Lexus' sponsorship of the Paul McCartney 'US' Tour Presented by Lexus.
"It's good to be involved with a company that sees the value of an environmentally conscious product," said McCartney. "I was happy to provide the music for the spot."
The ad, which features the single Fine Line from McCartney's 20th album release since the Beatles, "Chaos And Creation In The Backyard," debuted during the US Open and depicts a Lexus RX 400h speeding past other awkward, less powerful alternative energy vehicles.
The voiceover states: "It's time for an alternative vehicle that's fuel-efficient ... yet spacious. That runs cleaner ... yet more powerfully. " The spot communicates that with the RX 400h, Lexus has perfected the luxury hybrid. The RX 400h provides a true performance alternative to V8 powered luxury SUVs but offers more than a 100- percent improvement in city fuel economy, all while producing 90-percent fewer smog-forming emissions.
"We're thrilled with the new creative," said Deborah Meyer, vice president of marketing for Lexus. "It not only supports the performance of our hybrid SUV, a first in its class, but it also introduces the newest of Paul McCartney's unique, iconic music to everyone." In addition to the new ads, Lexus is supporting the "Chaos And Creation In The Backyard" CD through a promotional sweepstakes and a special Web site www.lexus.com/mccartney.
Lexus has also announced the donation of the Paul McCartney Signature Edition Lexus RX 400h to Adopt-a-Minefield(R), a charity close to McCartney's heart. The organization, which works to resolve the global landmine crises, will award the commemorative vehicle to the winner of an online fundraising sweepstakes. (See www.landmines.org/wincar for more information on the sweepstakes.)
Part Gas, Part Electric, All Paul McCartney
The Paul McCartney Signature Edition Lexus RX 400h's graphic theme reflects something that has become iconic of Paul McCartney's on-stage image and which has been with him throughout his career -- a 1962 Hofner Bass and VOX(R) AC30 amplifier. Their lines and textures are incorporated throughout the vehicle design in a way that is both dramatic and classic. The only one of its kind in the world, the luxury hybrid SUV will be fully loaded with Lexus' suite of luxury amenities, a reissue 1962 Hofner Bass with case, a VOX amplifier, a collection of McCartney's music, a premium Mark Levinson(R) sound system and a plug-and-play outlet in the rear of the vehicle.
The exterior of the Paul McCartney Signature Edition RX 400h is hand- painted to mirror the features of McCartney's famous Hofner Bass guitar. The fine points of the wood grains and inlay piping of the guitar are featured on both the driver's and passenger's sides, including such detailing as the unique white pearloid pickguard and strings.
Other special elements include a painted illustration of the Hofner head on the rear window, McCartney's signature painted on the passenger side and a subtle white insignia hand striped on the hood.
The McCartney-themed design also extends into the vehicle's interior. The custom-made seats are created to reflect the famous VOX amplifier used by the legendary musician.
Lexus sourced actual VOX diamond-pattern fabric for the front seat center panels, and each one is embroidered with McCartney's signature. The center console integrates the white pearloid pickguard from the Hofner Bass guitar and a classic Shure 55 Unidyne Microphone acts as the gear shifter. A "Paul McCartney Signature RX 400h" logo authenticates the commemorative vehicle.
A giant stereo turntable has also been created to display the Paul McCartney Signature Edition RX 400h, which will be showcased at Paul McCartney concert venues from Sept. 16 through Nov. 30 and at select auto shows.
McCartney fans and locals in concert cities and at auto shows across the country will have the opportunity to view this spectacular vehicle before Adopt-A-Minefield awards it to the lucky sweepstakes winner.
Posted by Frank at 09:56 AM | Comments (0)
10 Things Never to Say to a Car Dealer
From Forbes, we have this guide to avoid falling into uttering the linguistic catchphrases that all essentially mean, "Here's a blank check, just tell me how much you made it out for."
Here's the accompanying article.
1. "I'm ready to buy …"
2. "I can afford this much … "
3. "Yes, I have a trade-in …"
4. "I'm only buying the …"
5. "I'm not sure … which model …"
6. "Oh, I've wanted one …"
7. "I'll take whatever …"
8. "What's the lowest price …"
9. "Sure, I'll look at the numbers ..."
10. "I think you can do a lot better …"
Posted by Frank at 09:16 AM | Comments (0)
September 19, 2005
Further Proof that Selling New Cars is Becoming a Commodity Business
This article from today's Washington Post details how dealer profit on the sale of new cars has shrunk considerably over the past several decades.
The main factor is the Internet, and the myriad means of getting information about vehicles, and especially, obtaining price quotes from multiple dealers on as many different vehicles you may be cross-shopping.
There's also material in the article about how dealers are beefing up their used car and service departments, as a means to bolster profit. What the article failed to mention is that dealers make between two-thirds and eighty percent of their profit from their finance office.
For consumers, this means getting a good deal on a vehicle is relatively easy nowadays, and will only get easier.
One of the other things the article failed to bring to the table is that this is part of a broader trend, you might call it the Wal-Mart-ization of the economy, where prices from manufacturer to consumer are flattening out, pretty much in every industry.
Except for Microsoft, of course, which has an unregulated monopoly on the worldwide computer software market.
Posted by Frank at 03:37 PM | Comments (0)
First Look: Nissan Frontier
This $26,000 flame red beauty came with a long-throw six-speed and felt more like a bigger pickup than it's so-called "small" status would have you believe.
As I was driving the Frontier around town, throwing the gears around and rolling over curbs at abandon, I couldn't help but notice that small pickups ain't so small any more.
Look around the road, especially at older Frontiers, Tacomas and Rangers and they look like Tonka trucks. Compared to the current generation of small pickups, anything more than a couple years old is teeny-tiny.
The small pickup, like this Frontier, is about the size of 10 or 15 year old big trucks -- and full-size pickups today have become behemoths.
The Frontier share looks and a basic body platform with its big brudda' Titan, and the engine is no slouch 4.0L, 265-hp V6 with 248 lb-ft. of torque.
I happen to like the Nissan interior -- it's certainly comfortable but the coarse-look patterning on the seats make it feel like you're driving in a truck. Like Titan, the Frontier offers an available high-utility bed that includes a factory-applied spray-in bedliner and the new Utili-track tie-down system first introduced on Titan.
The Utili-track system provides ultimate cargo hauling flexibility through the use of five special "C" cross-section rails mounted in the bed (two channels in the bed floor, and one each on the bed side rails and the bed header panel). Removable utility cleats slide into the channels, providing a wide range of attaching points for securing cargo.
Posted by Frank at 07:36 AM | Comments (0)
Now You’re Driving With [Free] Grease!
Mass. Company Converts Diesels to Run on Vegetable Oil
Now that gas price hysteria is reaching War of the Worlds levels, wouldn’t you like to hear how you can escape the tyranny of one hose bandits?
Apparently, so do the hundreds of customers of Greasecar, a company that fabricates $795 conversion kits that allow diesels to run on used vegetable oil.
Based in Florence, MA, Greasecar fabricates a system that includes an extra fuel tank, a heater and all the hardware necessary to convert driving from a fee to free experience. The conversion kit is designed as a do it yourself project, and can be installed with a solid weekend’s effort, according to the company.
Greasers, as driver-evangelists are sometimes called, collect and filter used cooking oil from restaurants, and add it to the newly installed 15-gallon grease tank. Most greasers have no problem arranging for the free oil, as restaurants normally pay a rendering company to remove the waste.
The Greasecar conversion works by working in tandem with the original diesel tank; after starting the engine with diesel, heat exchangers warm the veggie oil to a low simmer, allowing it to start fueling the engine. At that point, the diesel supply is shut off, and the car is running on grease.
End result – Greasecars wind up getting over 200 miles per gallon of diesel they paid for, due to the low initial consumption. Grease mileage average the same as when the vehicle ran of pure diesel – but since it’s free, greasers wind up reducing their annual fuel bill by over 90%. Figuring the current cost of diesel and average driving habits, Greasers pay for the conversion in six to eight months.
Lee Briante, a Greasecar technical service rep – and proud Greaser himself – says the company is selling 40 to 60 of the kits every month, and is steadily increasing sales, thanks to the dual effect of gas prices and to a lesser extent, the Iraq war.
“In the beginning, it was environmentalists and hippies, but now we’re seeing a different kind of clientele,” Briante said. While many are motivated by some kind of green concern – for the planet or their pocketbook – Greasecar has seen several current or former military personnel become customers.
Briante said these customers, “know firsthand the importance of using foreign fuels versus American-produced vegetable oil, there’s a certain patriotic thing going on.”
Environmentalists, the frugal and the patriotic notwithstanding, Greasecar’s biggest opportunity for growth is probably in commercial sales. Pfizer, the pharmaceutical company, converted a delivery truck to run on vegetable oil collected from their own cafeteria, garnering savings as well as local green bennies.
Briante said Greasecar has interest from trucking and bus fleets, and is negotiating to convert several taxi companies as well.
Briante said most Greasers have their oil collection and filtration task down to about an hour a week, which is not bad for a dedicated hobbyist. But how many individuals are willing to stick with the discipline?
With a fleet of several vehicles, however, the process benefits from economies of scale – instead of a pump jockey, companies will probably have to create a designated grease ranger.
Greasecar customers, Briante included, have reported hundreds of thousands of friction-free driving with veggie oil. Besides the financial benefits and pride of place, Greasers also tout the sulfur-free and 25% to 50% reduction in carbon monoxide from the tailpipe of a veggie car.
Besides information on their products, the Greasecar website has a list of customer profiles, as well as a classified section where greaser wannabes can shop for retro-diesels or post-conversion Greasecars.
Editor's note: This article is from our archives, but it seems like a good time to bring it back out on display. Also, I'm negotiating to get a new diesel from a car company to convert to SVO, and drive for an extended road test.
Here's a recent article from Smithsonian magazine.
Posted by Frank at 07:21 AM | Comments (0)
New Spectator Sport: Watching People Try to Save Gas
Am I the only one who's noticed people driving in such a way as to try and conserve gas?
It's conspicuous once you're attuned to it. Keep an eye out for people driving the speed limit of highways where the average speed is 20-30 mph over the post, coasting up to a traffic light or smoothly accelerating from a dead stop.
It's also hilarious because it's like putting a band-aid on a bullet wound. If you don't have a vehicle that gets 40 mpg, Christmas is going to be lean this year.
Photo from RedAdair.com
Posted by Frank at 07:14 AM | Comments (0)
Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #74: When Free Parking Ain't
In this podcast, we find out how geting free parking can be a curse in disguise.
I was driving the Infiniti QX56 SUV this weekend and was determined to get free parking rather than pay $20, during a trip to a trade show at the Washington, DC Convention Center.
The only problem was, I didn't make a mental note of what street I was on before walking away.
By the end of the day, I had walked more than 22,000 steps as recorded on my pedometer, and when I took my shoes off at one point, they were smoking like an old time athlete's foot commercial.
Ouch -- and that's my feet talking. Funny stuff!
Finally, the day was saved because god's grace brought me the nicest cab driver behind a wheel that day.
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 06:48 AM | Comments (0)
September 15, 2005
Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #73: Ike and the Interstate
In this podcast, I talk about the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Interstate System -- and how I found the info in the 2006 edition of the Old Farmer's Almanac!
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 12:56 PM | Comments (0)
September 02, 2005
Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #72: There are No Accidents
In this podcast, we relate the scene of how a Suzy Soccer Mom in a Chevy Suburban rear-ended a Honda Del Sol and tried to explain her innocence to a police officer. Honestly, I wasn't on the phone or talking to my child or worried about getting to the gym to see my personal trainer. Honest.
Then we segue into the brutal reality of traffic science -- there are no accidents, someone is always responsible.
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 07:26 AM | Comments (0)
My Watermelon Won't Wear a Seat Belt
I know, probably not the most important safety dilemma, statiscally speaking, but have you ever tried to place an item with some mass on the passenger seat of a newer vehicle?
What you'll find, to your annoyance I'm sure, is that the sensor in the seat registers the weight. And then the warning bell, whistle, dong or light will not leave you alone. Until you either buckle up your watermelon, or put it on the floor of the car.
Posted by Frank at 04:56 AM | Comments (0)
September 01, 2005
Buying A Car? Use This Real-World Yardstick
If you're thinking about buying a vehicle that represents a new brand, body style or model for you, and you're not sure if you'd be happy after you drive it off the lot, try keeping an eye out for it in traffic for a week or so.
The other day, I was crossing the street when a Ford Five Hundred was in the lead from a gang of cars taking off from the light. It was black, and it occurred to me that I liked the way the car looked -- the Five Hundred is a larger midsize sedan, looks a little richer than its price point, and for lack of a better word, is a handsome vehicle.
While driving a couple days before that, I saw a lovely pearl white Honda Ridgeline pickup truck cruise past me, and man, it looked sharp in that color. There's also a guy driving around town in an electric blue Cadillac Escalade that makes the vehicle look less imposing and garish, and quite frankly, like a lot of fun.
With each of these three examples, I had the opportunity to assess these vehicles not from behind the wheel, but from the point of view of what I call the "road fleet."
I think everyone is interested not only in how their new vehicle drives, but also in how it appears to the world at large. Cars are an expression of our personalities, careers and lifestyle, and different cars say different things about people.
So if you're considering a new vehicle purchase, you may want to keep an eyeball on how it looks in the road fleet -- specifically what your gut impression and attitude toward it is when someone else is driving it. Because after you drive it off the lot, you'll be stuck with other people treating you and your new vehicle in pretty much the same manner.
Posted by Frank at 07:01 PM | Comments (0)
Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #71: Hurricane Katrina
In this special podcast, we discuss how hope should be our guiding principle in response to this tragic event.
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 08:11 AM | Comments (0)