Auto news and reviews from Car Buyer's Notebook.com: October 16, 2005

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October 21, 2005

Chevrolet Sponsors Essence Magazine Women Who Are Shaping The World Summit

Five Strong Women are Guests of Chevrolet in NYC

New York – Chevrolet will host five women impacted by Hurricane Katrina this weekend at the 2 nd Annual Essence Magazine Women Who are Shaping the World Leadership Summit in New York City.

Continue reading"Chevrolet Sponsors Essence Magazine Women Who Are Shaping The World Summit"

Posted by Frank at 8:32 PM | Filed under Auto Marketing | Auto News | Chevrolet | GM

Saab Embraces Aircraft Heritage in new "Born From Jets" Ad Campaign

Detroit -- Saab Cars USA reaches back to its unique aircraft roots as the foundation for a new advertising campaign created with Lowe New York. The all-new “Born From Jets” campaign launches this month and supports the most aggressive product portfolio expansion in Saab’s 58-year history as an automaker.

Continue reading"Saab Embraces Aircraft Heritage in new "Born From Jets" Ad Campaign"

Posted by Frank at 8:32 PM | Filed under Auto Marketing | Auto News | GM | Saab

Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #93: Howard Stern Almost Sirius

In this podcast we cover a couple new stories about satellite radio, including Howard Stern's imminent departure for the land of the Sirius and XM's World Series give away.

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 7:16 PM | Filed under Auto News | Car Audio | Podcast

Car Buyer's Notebook Videocast: Bill Ford's New Ad Campaign

To watch the video, right-click on this link and choose 'Save As.'

In this videocast we show Ford Motor Company's new, 60-second spot featuring CEO Bill Ford, who generally chooses to stay out of the limelight. This is Mr. Ford's first commercial for the company in three years, and the first major brand advertising for the company since 2001.

To watch the show, click here to play it directly on your computer.

Or you can subscribe to the daily Car Buyer's Notebook Video Cast feed by putting this URL in your podcatching software: http://carbuyersnotebookvideo.libsyn.com/rss

October 20, 2005

Car Buyer's Notebook Video Cast: Nissan's Concept Cars in Action

To watch the video, right-click on this link and choose 'Save As.'

In this videocast, we take a look at Nissan's wild concept cars -- the futuristic Pivo and the GT-R Proto.

In case you haven't heard, the Pivo pivots and the GT-R Proto roars off the line, pronto.

To watch the show, click here to play it directly on your computer.

Or you can subscribe to the daily Car Buyer's Notebook Video Cast feed by putting this URL in your podcatching software: http://carbuyersnotebookvideo.libsyn.com/rss

Posted by Frank at 11:07 PM | Filed under Auto News | Infiniti | Nissan | Video

OnStar Subscribers Quick to Sign-up for Exclusive Vehicle Diagnostic Service

Enrollment Surpasses 100,000 in First Month Following Announcement

Detroit, Mich. – OnStar subscribers are responding enthusiastically to the opportunity to participate in the OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics program, another valued addition to OnStar’s popular array of safety, security and peace of mind services.

In the first month since OnStar launched the innovative, new, monthly e-mail vehicle diagnostic service, enrollment has surpassed 100,000 customers.

Continue reading"OnStar Subscribers Quick to Sign-up for Exclusive Vehicle Diagnostic Service"

Posted by Frank at 8:32 PM | Filed under Auto News | Car Tech | GM

OnStar Adds Additional Carrier for Hands-Free Calling in Alaska

Detroit – OnStar Hands-Free Calling, the voice-activated in-vehicle safety and security communications system for OnStar subscribers, is now available throughout Alaska with the help of Alaska Communication Systems (ACS).

Originally launched in August 2001, OnStar subscribers today are purchasing over 27 million wireless minutes each month through OnStar Hands-Free Calling.

OnStar Hands-Free Calling is now available to most of OnStar’s current subscribers as well as all future subscribers that purchase a new OnStar equipped vehicle in the state of Alaska.

Continue reading"OnStar Adds Additional Carrier for Hands-Free Calling in Alaska"

Posted by Frank at 8:31 PM | Filed under Auto News | Car Audio | Car Tech | GM

GM Launches Business Central Program For Commercial Dealers

Marketing initiative highlights key services for small business owners

LAS VEGAS - GM Fleet and Commercial Operations (GM FCO) announced a new commercial dealer marketing program targeted to business vehicle buyers.

The new marketing program, Business Central, positions enrolled dealers as a one-stop shop for business owners, specifically small business owners, looking for information on services and products to meet their specific business vehicle needs.

Continue reading"GM Launches Business Central Program For Commercial Dealers"

Posted by Frank at 8:31 PM | Filed under Auto Marketing | Auto News | Finance | GM

Movie Review: Bullitt

So I finally joined Netflix since I'm currently a Blockbuster felon. The selection is better than in stores and I like watching a mix of older flicks.

Figured I'd check out Steve McQueen in Bullitt, and while I enjoyed the movie, the cold truth is that the famous car chase scene just isn't all that.

It does have those two great cars, the Charger and the Mustang, and goes a long way toward making it iconic, but the chase scene itself is kind of tame by today's standards.

Off the strict topic of cars, however, it's a great film, taking a low-key approach to law and order, with an anticlimactic ending. I can't decide yet if McQueen was sleepwalking through the movie or deliberately played Detective Frank Bullitt as a slow, laconic grinder on purpose.

The movie's also a good view for lovers of San Francisco -- seeing The City this way is like watching an animated time capsule.

Posted by Frank at 4:55 PM | Filed under 5th Wheel | Auto News

Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #92: The [Volkswagen] Diesel Scenario

In this podcast we interview Tony Fouladpour, public relations manager for Volkswagen, about the company's diesel offerings as well as the challenges of meeting strict nationwide emissions standards in 2007.

Posted by Frank at 12:29 PM | Filed under Auto News | Diesel | Podcast | Volkswagen

Consumers Slow to Adopt Crossovers?

J.D. Power has a study out that claims consumers need to be convinced that crossover vehicles, such as the Ford Freestyle, Subaru Tribeca and Infiniti FX are as functional and rugged as their traditional SUV counterparts.

This is contrary to what we've been publishing, as statistics show the crossover/sport wagon market has increased to represent nearly half of all SUVs sold. And this is up from only 16.5% in 2000.

The study does suggest however, that consumers still need a little more education that crossovers offer the same ruggedness and versatility of larger SUVs.

"While there may be increased emphasis lately on better fuel efficiency and smaller packaging, the perception of strength and function is still very important to consumers thinking about purchasing a crossover SUV," said Chance Parker, executive director of product and research analysis at J.D. Power and Associates. "It is less of an issue with respect to traditional SUVs, given their generally higher level of rugged and functional styling to begin with. However, among crossover SUVs, it becomes an important positive differentiator."

Important highlights of the study's findings include:

-- Among the 10 crossovers evaluated, the Volkswagen Touareg and Cadillac SRX receive particularly high marks for overall styling. Women, in particular, like the styling of the Touareg, while the SRX is often perceived by consumers as being modern, established and upscale.

-- Despite being the most recently introduced model in the study, the new Mercedes Benz R-Class receives a high level of brand recognition and is perceived to be quite luxurious. However, it does not receive high ratings from consumers for overall styling, largely as a result of somewhat negative perceptions of its exterior design by women.

-- Subaru's B9 Tribeca, which is also very new to the market, has low levels of brand recognition as well as low ratings for overall styling. However, men react much more favorably to the model than do women, perceiving it as an exciting, sporty and trendsetting new design.

-- Though its ratings for overall exterior styling are not high, the Nissan Murano is perceived as a particularly trendsetting crossover SUV and is often associated with being a younger person's vehicle. It also scores well among women, who are likely to view it as a vehicle that can be "shown off," and is perceived to be high tech, modern and flashy.

-- Respondents, especially women, particularly think of the Ford
Freestyle as very functional. However, it does not tend to connect
with consumers in many other respects, and is not associated with being sporty, modern, exciting and high tech.

Nissan GT-R Prototype

Nissan unveiled this long-in-development prototype this week -- a repeat of 2001 and 2003 glimpses -- but has now anounced it will see production in 2007.

Based on a long-running design, the GT-R will be built for the global market, that's left and right hand drive, and is expected to retail in the $70,000 range.

To get plenty more pics, and wallpaper, check out www.gtrproto.com.

Posted by Frank at 9:31 AM | Filed under Auto News | Nissan

October 19, 2005

Rupert Boneham of Survivor to Make Public Appearance at the Renaissance Center

Rupert Boneham, the "gentle giant" of CBS's Survivor: Pearl Island and Survivor: All Stars who was voted America 's favorite "survivor" and received a $1 million award by popular vote following Survivor: Pearl Island. Born in Detroit, Rupert now lives with his wife and children in Indianapolis where he operates a foundation for troubled teens, started with his Survivor winnings.

Continue reading"Rupert Boneham of Survivor to Make Public Appearance at the Renaissance Center"

Posted by Frank at 8:31 PM | Filed under Auto Marketing | Auto News | GM | Pontiac

NASCAR Star Jeff Gordon Test Drives New 505-Hp Corvette Z06

DETROIT– Four-time NASCAR Cup champion Jeff Gordon gets behind the wheel of the ultimate Corvette—the new 505-horsepower Chevrolet Corvette Z06—at Road Atlanta with SPEED Channel’s popular Test Drive program and host Tommy Kendall on Sat., Oct. 22, at 6 p.m. ET.

“I had never been to Road Atlanta and I got the opportunity to drive one of the best Corvettes they’ve ever brought out,” Gordon said. “The Z06 has a lot of power, handles fantastic and looks great–I had a blast.” The Corvette Z06 is the fastest car ever offered by Chevrolet or General Motors.

Continue reading"NASCAR Star Jeff Gordon Test Drives New 505-Hp Corvette Z06"

Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #91: Talking 'Bout the 2006 Fuel Economy Guide

In this podcast we break out what the EPA's fuel mileage numbers actually mean, discuss some of the leading vehicles in their category and generally have fun with statistics.

If you want to download the PDF, click on this link. You can also find the guide at www.fueleconomy.gov, along with some other cool information.

Posted by Frank at 4:12 PM | Filed under Auto News | Podcast

Car Buyer's Notebook Video Cast: The Lincoln Mark LT Pickup

To watch the video, right-click on this link and choose 'Save As.'

In this videocast, we take a look at Lincoln's Mark LT pickup, a fully-functioning, snazzy pickup that gets the dirty work done -- and can take you to the opera -- all in the same day.

To watch the show, click here to play it directly on your computer.

Or you can subscribe to the daily Car Buyer's Notebook Video Cast feed by putting this URL in your podcatching software: http://carbuyersnotebookvideo.libsyn.com/rss

October 18, 2005

Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #90: Hyundai Azera -- Gunning for the Pole

In this podcast we discuss the new Hyundai Azera, the company's flagship sedan that's replacing the outgoing XG350. I drove it. It's fast, roomy and full of well-appointed details that make it a contender for the crowded sedan segment.

Posted by Frank at 11:38 PM | Filed under Auto News | Hyundai | Podcast

GM Certified Used Vehicles Sets New Quarterly Sales Record for Certified Pre-Owned Segment

New-Vehicle Employee Discount Promo Drives Top-Selling Certified Brand to All-Time Sales High in Third Quarter

DETROIT - GM Certified Used Vehicles, the industry's top-selling manufacturer-certified used brand, established a new all-time industry quarterly sales record for the certified pre-owned category with 2005 third-quarter sales of 122,039 units, surpassing the previous record of 121,131 units set by GM Certified during the fourth quarter of 2004.

Continue reading"GM Certified Used Vehicles Sets New Quarterly Sales Record for Certified Pre-Owned Segment"

GM Supplies Allison Transmissions for Class 8 Postal Service Tractors

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – GM has been selected to supply Allison Highway Series automatic transmissions for 1,406 United States Postal Service single- and tandem-axle day cab tractors supplied by Mack Trucks, Inc. – the largest-ever single order of 4000 Highway Series (HS) transmissions for use in class 8 short-haul applications.

Continue reading"GM Supplies Allison Transmissions for Class 8 Postal Service Tractors"

Posted by Frank at 4:18 PM | Filed under Auto News | Car Tech | GM

First Look: Mercury Montego

Just took delivery on a Mercury Montego and I just love the feeling of driving a four-square sedan, as I pointed out in this review of Montego's cousin, the Ford Five Hundred.

The Mercury Montego starts at only $24,430 for the Luxury front-wheel drive model, and goes for $26,280 for all-wheel drive. The Premier edition starts at $26,880 for FWD and goes for $28,730 with all-wheels engaged.

For 2006, the Montego adds a couple refinements, including a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and speed controls standard on all models, an optional rear-seat DVD entertainment system, optional navigation system on Premier models, power-adjustable pedals available on Luxury series later in the model year and three additional exterior colors.

Gas mileage for the FWD Montego is 20 miles per gallon in the city, 27 on the highwway, AWD gets 19 city/26 highway.

A prominent feature of the Montego is the "high-package" seating position, which places you and your passengers higher than a normal sedan but not as overtowering as in a SUV.

For more info, check out Mercury's website.

Posted by Frank at 8:43 AM | Filed under Auto News | Ford | Mercury

Subaru Becomes Official Vehicle Of Steamboat Resort

Subaru has entered into a two-year partnership with Steamboat Ski & Resort in Colorado, making it official -- Subarus are the vehicle of choice for people who love the outdoors!

Under this partnership, Subaru will provide marketing and advertising promotions, display vehicles and will develop joint promotional programs such as Subaru Master the Mountain.

"Steamboat, one of the premier resorts in North America, and Subaru share the common goal of providing the best product to consumers day in and day out," said Rick Crosson, vice president marketing of Subaru of America. "Subaru has a long-standing association with the ski community, and this partnership with Steamboat is a great way to showcase our proven all-wheel drive traction."

Posted by Frank at 7:55 AM | Filed under Auto News | Subaru

Auto Sales Down 33% in Early October

The Power Information Network [PIN] is reporting that new vehicle sales are down a full third from last October -- which is GREAT news for consumers.

That means the big, new incentives are on their way.

The employee discount plans of the summer have a lot to do with it, as do higher gas prices, low inventory levels and perhaps a smidge from the impact of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

All of the majors lost sales, led by General Motors and Ford Motor Company, down 57% and 45%, respectively, compared to early October of 2004.

Honda had the smallest decline at 8%, followed by Toyota at 14%. DaimlerChrysler was off 32% and Nissan, 21%.

The average price customers paid for a new vehicle in the first nine days of October was $26,123 — about the same as a year ago.

Posted by Frank at 7:10 AM | Filed under Auto News | Finance

October 17, 2005

Car Buyer's Notebook Video Cast: Check Out the New Hyundai Azera

To watch the video, right-click on this link and choose 'Save As.'

We just got back from a drive into California wine country in the new Hyundai Azera [click to watch!] -- let's just say the car was strong enough to impress despite being in such a beautiful setting.

Slated to go on sale later this year, the Azera is Hyundai's new flagship, and it is bound to not only turn heads, but to continue reinforcing the message that Hyundai is a serious competitor for customer's hearts and minds [and driving gloves!].

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

Posted by Frank at 6:46 PM | Filed under Auto News | Hyundai | Test Drives | Video

Pontiac Expands Hispanic Advertising Campaign with Torrent SUV Ad Featuring Racer Milka Duno

DETROIT – The first batch of Torrent SUV advertising for the Hispanic market launches next week to expand upon Pontiac’s largest Hispanic advertising campaign ever. A new original Spanish language television ad titled “Metamorphosis” featuring the Pontiac Torrent SUV and race car driver Milka Duno will begin running October 17.

Continue reading"Pontiac Expands Hispanic Advertising Campaign with Torrent SUV Ad Featuring Racer Milka Duno"

Posted by Frank at 4:18 PM | Filed under Auto Marketing | Auto News | GM | Pontiac

GM and UAW Reach Tentative Agreement on Health Care

* Agreement to Reduce Retiree Health-care Liability by About $15 Billion

* Sale of Controlling Interest in GMAC to Strategic Partner Explored

* GM Structural Cost Reduction Run Rate Target of $5 Billion by End of 2006

DETROIT – General Motors Corp. and the United Auto Workers reached a tentative agreement early today to reduce GM’s health-care costs significantly while maintaining high quality health-care benefits for its hourly employees and retirees in the United States.

Continue reading"GM and UAW Reach Tentative Agreement on Health Care"

Posted by Frank at 4:18 PM | Filed under Auto News | Finance | GM

GM Reports Third-Quarter Financial Results

DETROIT – General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM) today reported a loss of $1.1 billion, or $1.92 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2005, excluding special items and a tax-rate adjustment. These results compare with net income of $315 million, or $0.56 per share, in the third quarter of 2004. Revenue rose more than 5 percent to $47.2 billion.

Continue reading"GM Reports Third-Quarter Financial Results"

Posted by Frank at 4:18 PM | Filed under Auto News | Finance | GM

GM Chairman and CEO to Address Employees, News Media

General Motors Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner will address employees concerning third-quarter earnings and significant developments regarding GM’s business operations at 8:30-9 a.m. EST today at the GM Renaissance Center, followed by a 30-minute press conference.

Continue reading"GM Chairman and CEO to Address Employees, News Media"

Posted by Frank at 4:17 PM | Filed under Auto News | Finance | GM

GM Doling Out $500 Gas Cards

GM is offering $500 gas cards to customers who purchase a 2005 or 2006 SUV or pickup, through the end of October.

While this program hasn't been openly advertised yet, so far GM intends to distribute the gas cards directly to dealers, based on sales volume -- which means you may have to know about it in advance and specifically ask for it.

Posted by Frank at 8:29 AM | Filed under Auto News

Toyota Recalls 75,000 Priuses

Based on 428 complaints from Prius owners, Toyota is recalling 75,000 units of the popular gas electric hybrid to fix a software problem that is causing the vehicle to stall out.

The recall affects 2004 and early 2005 model year vehicles; Toyota sold 53,991 Priuses in 2004 and 81,042 through Sept. 30 of this year.

Toyota will mail notices to affected owners by the end of October, dealers will repair the problem at no charge.

On the positive side, the problem, which affects the Electronic Control Module (ECM) system, the electric motor in the Prius will continue to operate as will the electrically-powered brake and steering, allowing the the driver to pull the vehicle over and away from traffic.

Posted by Frank at 8:15 AM | Filed under Auto News | Toyota

Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #89: Hyundai Accent -- Safety First

In this podcast, we go over the new Hyundai Accent, scheduled to go on sale later this year, and find that for the price point -- $12K-14K -- the car delivers a solid value package while at the same time delivering a host of standard safety features.

Posted by Frank at 6:19 AM | Filed under Auto News | Hyundai | Podcast

Get an Almost Free DVD of BMW's The Hire

BMW has canceled their short film series, The Hire, starring Clive Owen as a mercenary driver. End run is scheduled for October 21, but you can get the 8 short films on DVD for only $3.75 plus tax -- or you can still watch them online at BMW Films.

Besides the mini-movies themsevles, there's also special features such as making of documentaries as well as one on driving techniques described by Bill Auberlen, BMW Team PTG driver that includes stunt highlights from the entire series.

Posted by Frank at 5:27 AM | Filed under 5th Wheel | Auto News | BMW

DUI Ankle Bracelet

This ankle bracelet is considered a good thing by law enforcement and anti-DUI forces, because it unobtrusively monitors a subject's alcohol level by testing sweat off your ankle.

Known as SCRAM, for Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor, the device has already seen service on over 8,600 sweaty ankles since it was introduced two years ago. More governments are trying to put them into service, such as Suffolk County, New York.

SCRAM can test your sweat as often as 48 times a day; the results are beamed to your keeper via modem. To find out more about how it works, check out the company website.

Posted by Frank at 5:02 AM | Filed under 5th Wheel | Auto News | Safety