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September 15, 2006

Automakers report high CPO sales in August

Sales of certified pre-owned vehicles were on the rise in August, with automakers such as Lexus, Toyota, Honda, and DaimlerChrysler reporting strong monthly and even record sales numbers.

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Posted by Frank at 4:42 PM

Drivers take to boxy designs

Whether it's the Honda Element, the Chevy HHR, the Toyota Scion xB or the Mini, boxy designs are attracting buyers, especially among the younger crowd.

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Posted by Frank at 4:41 PM

More gears mean better performance, Lexus says

The new 2007 Lexus LS 460 sport sedan is equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The additional speeds are necessary, according to the automaker, to meet fuel economy and performance targets.

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Posted by Frank at 4:40 PM

Audi strill trying to court U.S. drivers

According to market watchers, U.S. sales of Audi vehicles are roughly on par with U.K. sales, despite the fact that the U.S. market is far larger. Detroit News auto writer Neil Winton takes a look at why the Audi doesn't click with U.S. drivers.

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Posted by Frank at 4:38 PM

Crash-test ratings data to go on sticker

Under new National Highway Traffic Safety Administration rules, price and information stickers on new cars and trucks will carry front- and side-impact crash ratings information. The move is part of the first redesign of vehicle stickers in 21 years.

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Posted by Frank at 4:37 PM

GM to spend $400M on new truck campaign

General Motors is expected to spend almost $400 million on advertising and marketing to support the rollout of 2007 model year GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado pickups. GMC marketing director Steve Rosenblum called the planned ad blitz, "the largest integrated marketing campaign we've launched to date."

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Posted by Frank at 4:35 PM

Ford Accelerates Way Forward Plan, Will Cut One-Third of Salaried Jobs and Make Major Shift in Product Lineup

Ford Motor Co. announced plans this morning to further reduce its capacity and work force and ramp up new product introductions as it accelerates its North America "Way Forward" turnaround plan. Under the revised plan, operating costs will be reduced by approximately $5 billion, including about 14,000 salaried job cuts and buyout offers for all of Ford's hourly UAW employees.

The automaker also announced plans to make a major shift in its product lineup, as 70 percent of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury products by volume will be new or significantly upgraded from today through the end of 2008. Total market share for Ford, Lincoln and Mercury is projected to be in the low 16 percent range by the end of 2006, and the automaker does not expect full year profitability for its North American operations before 2009.

In a media/analyst Q & A session following Ford's announcement this morning, Ford President of the Americas Mark Fields said the reductions "are mainly coming in the fleet area. Our dealers are in a pretty good position to get through this period." He added that Ford will continue to seek voluntary reductions in dealerships in larger metro areas where it makes sense. Responding to reports the automaker is looking to shed its British luxury brand Jaguar, Mark Shultz, head of Ford's international brands, quipped, "Jaguar is not for sale and we'll let you know if that changes." Schultz added; however, that the automaker is examining the Jaguar brand, but that both Jaguar and Land Rover had pretty good product lineups. Bill Ford also said the automaker does not plan on going private as several media outlets had reported earlier this month. Click here to read the company press release.

Posted by Frank at 4:33 PM

Toyota Sets High Goals for New Tundra

Toyota expects to sharply increase its share of the big pickup truck market with the launch of the newly redesigned 2007 Tundra. "We're looking to double volumes and penetration," said Don Esmond, senior vice president of automotive operations at Toyota Motor Sales USA.

"We're focusing on about 200,000 [Tundra sales] next year, which would give us about 10 percent market share, and we'd grow from there." So far this year, Tundra sales account for 7 percent of the total U.S. full-size pickup truck segment. Toyota dealers in the U.S. have invested $1 billion in their facilities over the past three years in order to expand showrooms and service bays to accommodate the next Tundra. They are expected to spend another $2 billion over the next two years, reports The Detroit News.

Posted by Frank at 4:33 PM

Honda Makes Strides In Biofuel Development

Honda announced yesterday that it has developed a way to make ethanol fuel from plant waste matter. The process has the potential to expand the use of biofuels that fight global warming, reports BusinessWeek.

Honda R&D Co. developed the technology with the Kyoto-based Research Institute of Innovative Technology for the Earth. By tapping far greater supplies of inedible plant matter, such as stalks, leaves and rice straw, the new fuel takes a step toward making biofuels more practical, the automaker said : "Expansion of biomass utilization holds enormous potential as a major step forward toward the realization of an energy sustainable society."

Posted by Frank at 4:32 PM

Ford's Stevens to Resign as COO

Anne Stevens - one of the architects of Ford's initial "Way Forward" restructuring plan and one of the highest-ranking women in the automotive industry – is expected to hand in her resignation as early as today, reports the Detroit Free Press. Stevens, an auto industry veteran with experience in engineering, manufacturing, and management, was promoted to chief operating officer of Ford's Americas division last October.

She has been a Ford employee since 1990. Stevens' plan to leave the company is one of several crucial pieces in play in the automaker's revised restructuring plan. A revised plan is expected to be announced at the conclusion of a company board meeting later today. Shares of Ford increased 13 cents yesterday to $9.19 – their highest level since October.

Posted by Frank at 4:30 PM

Toyota Exec Expects 3 to 5 Percent Sales Growth in 2007

Toyota's Vice President of External Affairs Irv Miller said Tuesday that the automaker "can envision" a 3 to 5 percent U.S. sales increase in 2007, reports Reuters. The automaker's U.S. sales have rocketed 11 percent so far this year, with a 13 percent rise in car sales and an 8.5 percent increase in truck sales. Miller said the launch of the next generation Tundra pickup, scheduled for early next year, will be critical to the automaker's sales growth in 2007.

Posted by Frank at 4:30 PM

Bricklin Delays Plans to Import Chery Cars

Entrepreneur Malcolm Bricklin has delayed plans for a third time to bring Chinese-made Chery cars to the U.S., reports Reuters. Yesterday, Bricklin said his company, Visionary Vehicles, has "stopped officially taking money from dealers" until the joint venture with China's Chery Automobiles is signed, and will not begin importing Chery vehicles to the U.S. until the end of 2008 or beginning of 2009.

Bricklin had initially set a target of January 2007 for the first sales of the vehicles; he later moved back the date to the summer of 2007, and then again, to the end of 2007/early 2008. Bricklin says he has 50 dealers on board for the venture, and is planning to launch models priced from $15,000 to $45,000. He predicts the cars should compete with luxury brands such as BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes.

Posted by Frank at 4:29 PM

Toyota FJ Cruiser, Ford Freestyle Earn Top Rating In Side Crash Tests

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently tested four 2007 model vehicles with side airbags: the Toyota FJ Cruiser, Ford Freestyle SUVs, Ford Fusion sedan, and Ford Crown Victoria family car.

The Toyota FJ Cruiser and Ford Freestyle both earned the Institute's top rating of "good" for protection in side crashes. The Ford Fusion was rated "acceptable," and the Ford Crown Victoria was rated "marginal." According to a release by the IIHS, performance in all categories (dummy injury measures, head protection, and structure) for the Toyota FJ Cruiser was "good" across the board.

Each vehicle's overall side evaluation is based on performance in a crash test in which the side of the vehicle is struck by a barrier moving at 31 mph. The barrier represents the front end of a pickup or SUV.

Posted by Frank at 4:29 PM

September 14, 2006

VW's 2007 GTI gets thumbs up for fun

Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced that they are among the recipients of Popular Mechanics 2007 Automotive Excellence Awards. The award was giving to the 2007 Volkswagen GTI which won the “Driving Fun” category.

That the GTI is fun to drive can be attributed to its high-tech, 200 horsepower 2.0T four-cylinder engine, a new fully independent, sports-tuned suspension, a standard six-speed manual transmission, and aggressive exterior styling with a practical interior that equally mixes functionality, flair and a preoccupation with a driver-first focus and layout.

The 2007 GTI is a legendary sports sedan with a unique manual DSGTM transmission that utilizes direct shifting, which essentially automatically depresses clutch-shift points more efficiently and quicker than even a professional driver can. But the GTI today is all purity, and for those who want the unique control of a clutch, the all-new GTI comes with a standard six-speed manual transmission. Top speed is electronically governed at 130 miles per hour in the U.S.

Popular Mechanics chose the winners after test driving over 100 of the newest cars, trucks and SUVs, amassing more than 100,000 miles in the process.

Posted by Frank at 4:33 PM

Ford could lose up to $9 billion this year

Ford Motor Co.’s financial officials are estimating the automaker could lose up to $9 billion this year including the costs of a massive restructuring plan, a newspaper reported Thursday.

The Detroit News reported that Chief Financial Officer Don Leclair’s office has said in a financial forecast report that Ford’s global automotive operations will post a pretax loss of $5.6 billion to $5.9 billion this year.

Once restructuring costs are factored in, the loss could widen to $9 billion, the newspaper said, citing a senior Ford official who it said had firsthand knowledge of the report. The report said most of the loss would come from Ford’s North American operations, the newspaper said.

Ford sales have suffered in North America as the auto market shifts away from trucks and truck-based sport utility vehicles and toward more fuel-efficient models often made by Asian automakers.

Company spokeswoman Becky Sanch said Ford would not discuss the report: “Those aren’t numbers that we shared, and we’re not commenting,” she told The Associated Press on Thursday.

The report comes as Ford’s board of directors was to meet for a second day Thursday to discuss another round of restructuring that likely is to include more plant closures and job cuts.

Posted by Frank at 4:30 PM

Electronic Stability Control mandatory by 2012

New automobiles will be required to have anti-rollover technology by the 2012 model year, which should save thousands of lives annually, the government's traffic safety agency said Thursday.

"No other safety technology since the seat belt holds as much promise to save as many lives and prevent as many injuries as electronic stability control," Nicole Nason, administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, said in announcing the agency's plan.

The electronic stability control requirements will be phased in, beginning with the 2009 model year. They should be fully in effect for vehicles on the market by September 2011.

The agency estimated the rules would eventually save between 5,300 and 10,300 lives each year and prevent up to 252,000 injuries annually.

Posted by Frank at 11:23 AM

September 13, 2006

Danica Patrick's car brought to you Motorola

$25 Million Deal Includes Primary Car Sponsorship

Motorola announced this afternoon its second major sponsorship in a week, becoming title sponsor of Danica Patrick's ride for the 2007 IndyCar Series season.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but executives associated with the agreement between the telecommunications firm and Andretti Green Racing say the three-year deal is worth almost $25 million. Only last week, Motorola extended its agreement with the National Football League for five more years at $250 million.

Motorola will be the primary sponsor for Ms. Patrick's car, but the sponsorship team will also include XM Satellite Radio, GoDaddy.com, Air Tran Airways and her current sponsor, Argent Mortgage. A debate had been brewing for the last six weeks over whether Argent would keep its sponsorship with Rahal Letterman Racing, with whom Ms. Patrick got her start, or jump with the popular female driver, who announced her intentions last month to move to the Andretti Green team for the 2007 season.

Motorola will be the primary sponsor for Ms. Patrick's car, but the sponsorship team will also include XM Satellite Radio, GoDaddy.com, Air Tran Airways and her current sponsor, Argent Mortgage. A debate had been brewing for the last six weeks over whether Argent would keep its sponsorship with Rahal Letterman Racing, with whom Ms. Patrick got her start, or jump with the popular female driver, who announced her intentions last month to move to the Andretti Green team for the 2007 season.

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Posted by Frank at 2:27 PM

The monster smart car

smart forfun2: The combination of two vehicles with cult status

The smart forfun, a smart forfour with monster truck ambitions, caused quite a stir at the Athens Motor Show in November 2005. Following the extremely positive response to this, the decision to develop a further vehicle with a similar character was a logical step.

Following the initiative of Mercedes-Benz Hellas, Stefan Attart (46), Greek Champion in 4x4 Rally Races had clear ideas: the new off-road vehicle should have the body of a smart fortwo. A suitable platform now had to be found.

Awakening the inner child
DaimlerChrysler has always had an unusually large range of off-road vehicles - from the M-Class to the G-model and the Unimog. One look at the smart forfun2 (pronounced smart for-fun to the second) and you see straightaway that it is based on a Mercedes-Benz Unimog 406 series.

This is what makes it so fascinating: the combination of two vehicles, each of which has achieved cult status in its respective segment. So it's no wonder that the smart forfun2 awakens the inner child in everyone who sees it.

Combining vehicle and platform
But first things first: once the platform for the smart forfun2 had been decided, in January of this year Stefan Attart started working on the first designs. It goes without saying that there's more to an off-road vehicle like this than simply screwing four wheels under a smart fortwo.

Based on technical drawings of both vehicles, a design was created that for the first time clearly showed the direction the new vehicle was to take. Stefan Attart laid down the design that was to connect the vehicle with the platform, and precise attachment points were defined on the axles and the chassis.

Oversized dimensions
The engine and transmission were adopted from the Unimog. The OM 352, a six-cylinder diesel engine with a capacity of 5,675 cc, was given a prominent and clearly visible position on the front axle. It delivers 84 bhp - an impressive figure for the smart forfun2. The diesel version of the production car has a 41 bhp engine.

The dimensions also turn heads: tyres on 26 inch rims with a diameter of 140 cm. Not to mention ground clearance of 65 centimetres and an unbelievable total height of 3.7 metres.

Maximum off-road mobility
The designers wanted to give the smart forfun2 maximum off-road mobility - and the platform of the 406 offers optimum prerequisites for off-road driving. The off-road character is further emphasized by oversized wheels and the safety cage made of aluminium tubes.

To optimise the vehicle for off-road driving, in addition to special shock absorbers Stefan Attart fitted manually controlled air suspension. This enables the driver to specifically influence individual springs – a particular advantage on extreme downhill gradients.

Uncompromising vehicle concept
Everything in one car that is sure to divide opinions - or boys from men. Two vehicles, which each represent an uncompromising vehicle concept in their respective environments, and yet remain unique. And this combination in the smart forfun2 is sure to cause even more controversy.

As with the real smart fortwo, some people are sure to find the concept of the smart forfun2 too radical, whilst others will love it - with not many opinions in-between. However running apart from the herd is probably the best prerequisite for achieving cult status.

Posted by Frank at 2:22 PM

Subaru Returns as Presenting and Official Automotive Sponsor of the 10th International Latino Film Festival

Subaru expands sponsorship to include Youth in Video Program

Subaru of America, Inc. today announced that it will return as the Presenting and Official Automotive Sponsor of the 10th International Latino Film Festival (ILFF) - San Francisco Bay Area. In addition to providing funds and other support to the organization year-round, Subaru has expanded its support to include the Youth in Video Program that is designed to inspire and teach the art of filmmaking to youth from minority and underserved communities.

The 10th International Latino Film Festival - San Francisco Bay Area runs November 3-19 with over 70 screenings at movie theaters, community venues and university campuses throughout the Greater San Francisco Bay Area.

"We are so pleased to have Subaru back this year and extend our partnership to include the Youth in Video Program," said Sylvia Perel, founder and director of the International Latino Film Festival. "Over 20 students from diverse backgrounds in Marin, Contra Costa, Alameda and San Francisco counties came together to produce two original short films for Subaru."

Students shot, edited and created original music for the Subaru trailers which will be screened throughout the 2006 Festival venues to promote the 2007 Subaru Tribeca. Subaru will also have a complete star cast of products on display at the Festival.

"This event is a good fit for Subaru as our customers report that enjoying films, theatre and other cultural events are among their favorite activities and top interests," said Jim Pernas, regional vice president, Subaru Northwest Region, Subaru of America, Inc. "We also look forward to showcasing the work of the talented young people that produced the Subaru trailers through the Youth in Video Program this year."

Subaru Sneak Preview - September 16

A sneak preview of the Subaru trailers and the behind-the-scenes footage of the making of them will be screened at the Pier 39 Theater during the Subaru sponsored "Viva Las Americas" event celebration scheduled for Saturday, September 16, 2006. The screenings are free and open to the public. These trailers will roll before each screening over the course of the three-week film festival, as well as during the 2007 festival year. For more information visit: http://www.pier39.com/Events/events.htm.

10th International Latino Film Festival Schedule of Events by Location

Oakland - Grand Lake Theatre, Nov. 8 and 9

Redwood City - New Redwood Century Theatre, Nov. 16, 17, and 18

San Francisco - Castro Theatre, Nov. 3, 4 and 5
- Galeria de la Raza, Nov. 8
- City College San Francisco, Nov. 14 and 15
- Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts, Nov. 17 and 18

San Jose - Mexican Heritage Plaza, Nov. 11 and 12
- MACLA/Movimiento de Arte y Cultura, Nov. 4 and 10
- San Jose State University, Nov. 14, 15, and 16
- CineArts, Santana Row, Nov. 17, 18, and 19

Marin - Sequoia Theatre, Nov. 8 and 9

Berkeley - La Pena Cultural Center, Nov. 16 and 17
- UC Berkeley, Center for Latin American Studies, Nov. 14

San Rafael - Dominican University of California, Angelico Hall, Nov. 10,
15, and 16
- Pickleweed Park Community Center, Nov. 17 and 19

Larkspur - Lake Theatre, Nov. 9, 11, and 12

Tickets are $10 per person and $8 for ILFF members, students and seniors (65 and older). Family film matinees $8, kids under 10 free. To purchase tickets in advance visit http://www.latinofilmfestival.org/ or http://www.ticketweb.com/. Tickets can also be purchased by calling the International Latino Film Festival Box Office at (415) 458-3769.

About International Latino Film Festival - San Francisco Bay Area

The International Latino Film Festival's mission is to promote and celebrate cultural understanding through the art of film and filmmaking. The Festival, which started in 1997 in Marin County with eight films in one location, has grown to as many as 70 film screenings annually in 16 venues throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. For more information visit: http://www.latinofilmfestival.org/.

Posted by Frank at 2:18 PM

Warren Buffett's Lincoln Town Car NOW 'Up for Bids' on eBay to Benefit Girls Inc.

12-Day Auction Offers Opportunity to Own World's Only Car with a Lifetime WARRENty

(Whether You're a Car Buff, a "Buffett" Buff or Somewhere In Between!)

The 12-day eBay auction of Mr. Buffett's personal Lincoln Town Car has officially begun! (Start Date: 6 p.m. ET, Tuesday, September 12, 2006)

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This one-of-a-kind collectable is going "up for bids" on behalf of Girls Inc., the premier youth-service organization that reaches hundreds of thousands of girls, ages 6 to 18, throughout the U.S. and Canada. And, to "sweeten the deal," Mr. Buffett has now confirmed that he will even don a chauffeur's cap and personally pick up the winning bidder at the Omaha, Neb. airport when he or she arrives to retrieve the car.

The four-door, 2001 Lincoln Town Car Signature Series registers fewer than 14,000 miles. Featuring a light-gold exterior, light-beige interior and leather seats, this iconic, pre-owned car also includes Mr. Buffett's personalized "THRIFTY" license plate as well as an etched brass plaque bearing his signature.

All auction proceeds will be used by Girls Inc. to fund its many educational programs, which help girls confront subtle societal messages about their value and potential, and prepare them to lead successful, independent, and fulfilling lives.

Posted by Frank at 2:15 PM

Ford heating up marketing for Edge CUV launch

Just weeks before its launch, the new 2007 Ford Edge is creating buzz among potential customers.

"It was very nimble, tight, and it hugged the ground, but still had a high-seated SUV feel to it," said Pasquale Bruno, 39, of Dearborn, who got a chance to drive the Edge during a recent marketing event at Ford Field. "The interior looked gorgeous -- I loved it!"

Since Edge's unveiling at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit last January, Ford has used cutting-edge tools, such as an interactive Web site that allows 360-degree views, to inform and pique people's interest in the bold-looking crossover.

"The Edge has generated a lot of interest, and we've received a lot of great reaction from the press, consumers and Ford dealers," said Jeri Ward, Edge marketing manager, Ford Division. "And the Edge Web site has had a ton of traffic on fordvehicles.com ever since the reveal last January, and what's great is that momentum has continued through the year."

More than 750,000 consumers have visited the Edge Web site since its debut at the auto show -- 40 percent more than Ford experienced with Fusion over the same timeframe. In addition, more than 45,000 consumers have requested information about the vehicle.

"The Web site allows us to have a two-way dialogue with consumers. The site provides an opportunity for consumers to express an interest in learning more about our products and in-turn Ford can provide the information they specifically desire," said Ward.

"We are working to a cadence where we are ramping up with more and more information to keep potential consumers engaged and interested in the Edge, ultimately building up to the vehicle arrival this November."

The Ford Edge reveal Web site also provides a fun experience for consumers to "play" with the Edge online. The site was developed using CGI technology offering visitors the ability to check out features in a 360-degree virtual environment.

"We've made it very interactive and engaging, and we've used a lot of new technology," said Ward. "It's not about listing specifications and every feature in black and white print. We've tried to deliver information in a way that is not only informative, but also entertaining -- it's Edge-utainment. And this is just the beginning; we have many more exciting Web plans still to come."

Besides the Web, Ford interacts with potential customers through auto shows, customer mailings, and ride-and-drive events such as the one Bruno attended.

"The Edge is where I'm trying to go, downsizing a little bit from my Expedition to something that's not a car," said Bruno, who is looking to buy one. "The Edge seems like it'd be a perfect fit."

Ford marketers have taken product mailings to a whole new level, creating an innovative mailer sent out to customers who signed up for updates via the Edge Web site. The unique tabloid-size product brochure highlights the Edge in very interesting ways.

"The tabloids are big, you notice them and they break through in the mail," said Ward. "We've thought about distributing them in coffeehouses and people will read them in their leisure time in places where they hang out."

When you are launching a new car, and a new name in the marketplace, it's all about building brand awareness, she said.

"That's our No. 1 objective -- to build awareness, opinion and consideration for the 2007 Ford Edge," said Ward. "It's all about establishing that Ford has this hot, all-new crossover called Edge, and it's cool, and it's another bold move from Ford."

The Ford Edge will be in dealer showrooms by the end of the year.

Posted by Frank at 2:01 PM

Ford to offer standard Electronic Stability Control on all models by 2009

* Ford Motor Company will build all Ford, Lincoln and Mercury retail cars and trucks with standard electronic stability control by the end of 2009. ESC currently is standard on all Ford mid- and full-size SUVs and will be expanded to small SUVs and all CUVs in 2007.

* Ford Motor Company and its global brands have built 4 million vehicles globally with electronic stability control systems. More than one million of those vehicles feature Ford's industry exclusive, AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control, the world's only system with two gyroscopic sensors to actively measures and help control both yaw and roll movements.

* Electronic stability control offers additional confidence to drivers in emergency situations by helping them stay on the road and avoid accidents.

DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 13, 2006 - Ford Motor Company is announcing it will build all Ford, Lincoln and Mercury retail cars and trucks with standard electronic stability control (ESC) by the end of 2009. Ford already is a world leader in the technology, with ESC currently standard on all Ford mid- and full-size SUVs, and standard ESC expanded to small SUVs and all CUVs in 2007.

“This is an acceleration of our plans to standardize safety features and is in line with our goal to be America’s car company,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Product Development, The Americas. “That commitment and an intense customer focus at the heart of the Way Forward plan led us to accelerate our plans to standardize electronic stability control systems.”

Several studies, including those by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, show that electronic stability control is a highly effective safety innovation. A recent IIHS study indicates ESC systems can reduce single vehicle crashes by more than 40 percent and fatal accidents by 56 percent.

“We believe our electronic stability control systems are further improving vehicle safety by helping prevent many accidents from occurring in the first place,” said Sue Cischke, vice president, Environment and Safety Engineering, Ford Motor Company. “Making families safer is a key part of our pledge to drive safety innovation.”

Ford Motor Company currently has 4 million vehicles on the road globally with electronic stability control systems. More than one million of those vehicles feature Ford's AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control an industry exclusive. AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control, is the only available system which has two gyroscopic effect sensors to measure vehicle motion about both the Yaw and Roll axes.

Ford's first application of electronic stability control debuted in the 2000 model year. The 2003 model year Volvo XC90 was the first sport utility vehicle to feature standard AdvanceTrac ® with Roll Stability Control. AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control is standard equipment on most 2007 model year Ford Motor Company SUVs and crossovers, including, Explorer and Expedition, Sport Trac, Lincoln Navigator, Mercury Mountaineer, Volvo XC90, Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX and on most E-350 passenger Wagons. AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control will be added standard to the 2008 model year Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner. ESC will be added standard to the 2008 model year Ford Freestyle.

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures and distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 300,000 employees and more than 100 plants worldwide, the company’s core and affiliated automotive brands include Aston Martin, Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury and Volvo. Its automotive-related services include Ford Motor Credit Company.

Posted by Frank at 1:58 PM

Scion To Launch Two New Models In Spring 2007 To Replace Current xA And xB

Scion, from Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A. Inc., will launch two new vehicles in spring 2007 to replace current generation xA and xB.

"The xA and xB will always be very special models for us and have contributed greatly to Scion's success, but we're ready to move into our next product phase," said Mark Templin, vice president, Scion. "Scion is a laboratory for change and we will continue to experiment and evolve to meet the needs of our customers."

xA and xB launched in California in June 2003 and completed their nationwide rollout in June 2004. Since their launch 72,011 xA's and 139,091 xB's have been sold nationwide through July 2006.

Production of the 2006 xA and xB will conclude in December of this year. The two all-new vehicles will be designated as 2008 models when they arrive at Scion dealerships next year.

Posted by Frank at 1:57 PM

Hemi.com Gets More Power

DaimlerChrysler launches the newest version of the HEMI® Web site (www.hemi.com) with 80 percent more images than the previous version. New photos, graphics and drawings appear in timelines, galleries, and as downloadable wallpaper images.

The story of the legendary HEMI engine can be told more clearly than ever with these visual additions to the site. Some photos have resurfaced after many years, including extremely rare shots of the 1950s HEMI Indy engine and photos assembled from the archives of Mopar® collector Harold Sullivan.

The HEMI Web site’s interactive and historical timelines are packed with rare vintage photos, while new captions give background facts on the HEMI engine, including the 1951 Chrysler FirePower V8. The history of the legendary 426 HEMI is also featured in great detail to supplement information on new generation 5.7-and 6.1-liter HEMI engines.

New articles include the HEMI engine’s racing appearance in 1952 at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. Revamped graphics are also featured on the Web site, in addition to twice the number of vintage ads and three times as many rare-image wallpapers available for download.

A new section has been added to answer the question, “What is a HEMI?” Also, hemi.com now allows users easy navigation to the Chrysler Group's brand Web sites, www.chrysler.com, www.jeep.com and www.dodge.com, to browse an assortment of vehicles, parts and accessories.

Hemi.com is the official Web site for HEMI enthusiasts.

Posted by Frank at 1:53 PM

Saab Performance Team Goes to the Reno Air Races

Detroit — Saab, the car company that’s “Born from Jets,” is sponsoring the ultimate speed and adrenaline event – the 43 rd Annual Reno National Championship Air Races and Air Show. The world’s fastest motorsport begins today, September 13 and runs through September 17, in Reno, Nev. The partnership gives Saab a major presence at the show, including participation by the “Born from Jets” promotional tour. Special guests during the weekend will be the famous U.S. Air Force flight demonstration squadron, The Thunderbirds, plus Saab’s own Performance Driving Team from Sweden.

The traveling “Born from Jets” tour links Saab’s aircraft heritage and jet-inspired designs with the excitement of air shows across the country. It features an eye-catching semi-trailer that transforms into a small-scale hangar, complete with an attached control tower. When set up at an air show, this mobile hangar houses interactive displays of Saab product features and plasma screens showing Saab footage. A selection of Saab vehicles are on display in front of the exhibit.

Behind the wheel of the Saab Performance Driving Team are four engineers from Saab Sweden. Supported by Continental Tires, the team will demonstrate the performance of the Saab 9-3 Aero V6 Turbo Sport Sedan several times each show day on the airport taxiway.

The “Born from Jets” tour is a major element of Saab’s marketing and advertising strategy. The tour recalls the Swedish automaker’s history as an aircraft manufacturer and the fact that Saab Automobile was started by 16 aircraft engineers. Saab’s advertising positioning is, “Once you’ve built jets, you don’t build just another car.”

“Saab has a great line of products and a unique, exciting aircraft heritage“, said Jay Spenchian, Saab USA general manager. “Our participation in air shows gives us a terrific opportunity to get exposure to millions of consumers in a way that only Saab can do.”

Saab introduced its “Born from Jets” campaign in the fall of 2005 with a series of dramatic television ads including ”Delta Formation” featuring the 9-3, “Transformer” with the 9-7X SUV and recently, “Head to Head,” in which a new 9-5 races a Saab Gripen jet fighter. The next logical step was for Saab to take its aircraft heritage on the road.

The Saab “Born From Jets” tour will also visit Fleet Week San Francisco (October 6-8). Saab expects to reach over 2 million people with its message and products during the course of the tour.

The National Championship Air Races and Air Show began in 1964 and are currently held at Reno Stead Field, which is about eight miles north of Reno. The event, organized by the Reno Air Racing Association, draws fans from all over the world. Directions and more information can be found at www.airrace.org.

Saab: From Aircraft to Automobiles

Saab's aviation roots go back almost 70 years to 1937, when Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget (Swedish Aircraft Company Limited) was founded in the town of Trollhättan, 45 miles (70 km) north of Gothenburg, where Saab cars are still built today on the site of the original aircraft factory.

The company supplied military aircraft to the Swedish Air Force and began diversifying into civil aviation in 1944 and the automotive business in 1947, when its first car, the Saab 92, was unveiled (Saab 91 was a light aircraft used for pilot training). The 92's streamlined, teardrop-shaped bodywork was clearly the work of aircraft engineers and radical for a small production car of the time, as was the use of wind tunnel testing during its development.

The adoption of front-wheel drive for sure-footed handling, excellent road holding and efficient use of space were also unconventional for the time -- more than a decade before the layout was to become popular in the rest of the auto industry.

Another innovative design from Saab's newly-created car division was the Sonett 1, a lightweight sports car for competition use, unveiled exactly 50 years ago this year. Its “monocoque” chassis was made from aviation-specification aluminum panels, instead of the usual arrangement of steel beams and tubes. Although common in aircraft construction, Saab was using this design six years before it was introduced to Grand Prix racing.

Over the years, Saab cars have continued to incorporate aircraft-inspired design features, from wrap-around windshields and cockpit-like ergonomics to green instrument illumination and need-to-know information displays.

And the innovative spirit of those early aircraft engineers, including their pioneering attention to safety, continues to be reflected in Saab's unconventional approach to car design.

Today, more than 4 million cars and 4,000 aircraft later, Saab is one name and two unaffiliated companies. Saab Automobile AB, headquartered in Trollhättan, Sweden manufactures cars and is a subsidiary of General Motors Corporation, the world’s largest automaker. Saab Automobile USA is the importer and distributor of Saab 9-2X, 9-3, 9-5 cars and the 9-7X SUV for Saab Automobile AB. For more information, visit www.saabusa.com.

Saab AB has its main operations in defense, aviation, space technology and civil security. Gripen, developed by Saab AB, is the first of the new generation, multi-role combat aircraft to enter service. For more information about Saab AB, please visit www.saabgroup.com".

Posted by Frank at 1:49 PM

General Motors To Help Bring E85 Ethanol Fuel To North Florida

E85 Ethanol Offered to Public in Florida for First Time Ever

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – General Motors today announced that it has facilitated plans for the launch of E85 ethanol fueling sites in the greater Tallahassee area thanks to a collaborative partnership with Inland Food Stores and the State of Florida. GM has been the catalyst behind several similar partnerships across the country as part of a broader, national campaign to boost the use and awareness of ethanol-based E85 fuel in the United States.

The announcement was made today at the Inland Food Store at 3500 North Monroe, the first location to publicly offer E85 ethanol in Florida, at an event presided over by Florida Governor Jeb Bush.

“Securing a diverse and reliable supply of energy will reduce Florida's dependence on imported oil and ensure that a balanced mix of fuel sources and technologies are available for years to come," said Governor Bush. "The tremendous potential of ethanol to become a major source of transportation fuel for Florida 's energy future will be spurred with greater public access to ethanol fueling stations."

Commenting on today’s announcement, Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles Bronson added, “We congratulate General Motors and Inland Food Stores in the formation of this partnership to bring renewable biofuel to consumers at more retail locations. We’re pleased that the efforts of today’s partnership will help provide more Florida consumers with domestically grown and produced fuel choices like E85.”

Under the partnership, Southwest Georgia Oil Co., Inc. will identify 16 additional fueling stations—under the names Inland Fuel and SunStop convenience stores—in Tallahassee and the surrounding area where E85 ethanol will begin to roll out between now and the beginning of 2007.

“Inland is proud to offer the first retail E85 dispensers in the State of Florida,” said Mike Harrell, President and CEO, Inland Food Stores. “We are committed to making alternative fuel choices like E85 easily available to the public and we are excited to be teaming up with Gov. Bush, General Motors, and our supply partners to promote E85’s availability and to increase consumer awareness. We also wish to acknowledge the help of the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition in our endeavor.”

General Motors will continue to spend significant advertising and promotion dollars to help generate awareness of E85 flexible fuel vehicles—and where consumers can purchase E85 ethanol—with consumer marketing initiatives and dealer outreach.

“GM already has more than two million vehicles on the road today that are capable of using E85 ethanol fuel,” said Elizabeth Lowery, GM vice president of environment and energy. “We appreciate that Inland Food Stores is joining our efforts to make this great fuel alternative available to people in Florida. We also appreciate the support of Gov. Bush and the State of Florida as we continue to promote the use of E85 ethanol and its many benefits for the environment, the economy and consumers.”

The effort is similar to announcements GM has already made with other state government, oil industry, ethanol producers, and retail partners in California, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota and Texas. Since May 2005, GM has announced partnerships with states and fuel providers around the country to locate, to date, up to 170 new E85 ethanol fueling locations by the end of 2006.

“I applaud GM's efforts to provide consumers with greater access to E85,” added Bill Wehrum, Acting Assistant Administrator, Office of Air and Radiation U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “E85 improves our environment, strengthens U.S. energy security and helps to support American farmers. I am pleased that more and more drivers will be able to choose this important alternative fuel.”

Also commenting on today’s announcement, Ed Wall, manager for the Freedom CAR program, Department of Energy said, "The Department of Energy congratulates General Motors, Inland Food Stores and Governor Bush in the formation of this partnership to bring renewable biofuel to consumers at more retail locations. The expansion of the Florida E85 network is particularly significant, as Florida is one of the top three states in registrations of flexible fuel vehicles. DOE is dedicated to developing energy efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles and fuels to meet the needs of all Americans. The efforts of today's partnership will help our nation to wean itself from its addiction to oil by providing consumers with domestically grown and produced fuel choices like E85."

E85 flexible fuel vehicles can run on any combination of gasoline and/or E85 ethanol, a fuel blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. E85 ethanol can contribute to energy independence because it diversifies the source of transportation fuels beyond petroleum, and it provides positive environmental benefits in the form of reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Today, ethanol is primarily made from corn, but can also be produced by a variety of other materials.

At the beginning of 2006, GM launched a major national advertising campaign, “Live Green, Go Yellow” to build consumer awareness around the benefits of E85 ethanol and GM’s E85 flex fuel vehicles. In addition to the general public, GM will help make it easier for consumers to locate E85 fueling stations by using its OnStar technology to provide directions to the nearest station when needed.

GM is a leader in flexible-fuel vehicle production and sales. For the 2006 model year, GM offers nine E85 flexible fuel vehicles, including the Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon XL, Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Chevrolet Avalanche, Chevrolet Impala, and the Chevrolet Monte Carlo. For the 2007 model year, GM will offer additional vehicles for a total of 17 E85 FlexFuel models. In addition to the ’06 models, GM will offer the Chevrolet Uplander, Chevrolet Express, Chevrolet Silverado, Saturn Relay, GMC Savana, GMC Sierra, Buick Terrazza, Pontiac Montana SV6 (in Canada). At the same time, worldwide production of ethanol is increasing every year, and is expected to triple by 2020.

Posted by Frank at 1:48 PM

Ford Bold Moves #12: Win Sunday, Sell Monday

Ford was born on a racetrack, and to this day when racing fans think Ford, they think of that checkered flag. Fans live for Sundays – the roar of the engines, the smell of the exhaust!

Posted by Frank at 1:45 PM

Ernst Lieb named President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA

STUTTGART, GERMANY - The DaimlerChrysler Board of Management has appointed Ernst Lieb (51) as the new President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, effective September 1, 2006. Lieb succeeds Paul Halata (55) who is retiring after 33 years of service with the DaimlerChrysler organization.

Lieb, currently President and CEO of DaimlerChrysler Australia/Pacific Pty. Ltd., will report to Dr. Klaus Maier, Executive Vice President Mercedes Car Group, responsible for Sales and Marketing. In his new role, Lieb will have overall responsibility for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and Maybach in the U.S. He will lead MBUSA's nearly 1,600 employees and 330 retailers throughout the U.S.

Ernst Lieb began his career with DaimlerChrysler as an apprentice in 1978 in the former Daimler-Benz organization and became a spare parts specialist the same year. In 1985, he joined Mercedes-Benz Canada where he held various positions culminating in his promotion to President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada in 1995. Under his leadership, sales of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars in Canada more than doubled. In April 2003, German-born Lieb became President and CEO of DaimlerChrysler Australia/Pacific Pty. Ltd., his most recent post. During that time, Lieb continued his involvement with the North American market by serving on the board of Mercedes-Benz Canada.

Dr. Klaus Maier expressed his sincere thanks to Paul Halata: "Over the last 33 years Paul has made a major contribution to the success of the Mercedes-Benz brand both in Europe and North America, the last seven at the helm of MBUSA. During his tenure, sales of Mercedes-Benz models in the U.S. grew by about 20 percent to the highest volume in the company's history. On behalf of DaimlerChrysler I would like to thank him for the passion and dedication he has given to the three pointed star and wish him well for the future."

Wolfgang Schrempp (56), President and CEO of DaimlerChrysler Italia Holding S.p.A. since April 2000, will succeed Ernst Lieb as President and CEO of DaimlerChrysler Australia/Pacific Pty. Ltd. Schrempp holds degrees in mechanical engineering and vehicle manufacturing and has amongst others worked in the Sales Training Department of the Mercedes-Benz AG. From 1993 to 1995, Schrempp has been the Branch Manager at the Freiburg (Germany) branch and from 1995 to 2000 at the Munich branch.

In Italy, Wolfgang Schrempp will be succeeded by Bram Schot (45), President and CEO of DaimlerChrysler Nederland B.V. since 2003. Dutch-born Schot has held various sales and marketing positions at Mercedes-Benz and DaimlerChrysler in the Netherlands since 1987.

Posted by Frank at 1:45 PM

MG: Plans for Dealer Network on Track; U.S. Sales Launch Set for Mid-2008

MG motors said earlier this week that while it has not yet begun to license U.S. dealers its was drawing up initial distribution plans focused on larger American cities en route to bringing the brand into the U.S. market by 2008. "Based upon our sales ambition and based on where we think our product line will be, we think we need to be looking at a dealer body that's about 300, up to 350 dealers," MG Motors Chief Duke Hale said in an interview with Reuters.

Hale said it was likely that MG would ask new dealers to have a showroom exclusive to the brand, allowing them to share a parts and service department with other car brands.The company plans to begin selling a roadster and coupe in the U.S. by June 2008, which could make it the first Chinese automaker to market a car for American consumers.

Posted by Frank at 1:44 PM

Ford's Restructuring Plan Will Include White Collar Cuts

Ford will aim to cut white-collar staffing, benefits, and other costs by 30 percent as part of a larger restructuring plan the automaker's board of directors is expected to begin reviewing today, reports The Wall Street Journal.

The automaker will aim to cut back mostly on the number of managers and supervisors, with fewer cuts to lower-level salaried workers. The white-collar cuts will take place through the rest of this year and into 2007, said one Ford supervisor. The automaker has about 35,000 salaried workers in the U.S., including about 300 senior-officer positions and another 2,000 in director-level posts.

Posted by Frank at 1:43 PM

Former Auto Execs Offer "Free Advice" to New Ford CEO

Two automotive executives from different paths and perspectives, Charlie Hughes, former CEO of Land Rover and Mazda, and William Jeanes, former editor-in-chief of Car and Driver magazine, yesterday welcomed and proffered some pearls of wisdom onto Alan Mulally, the new CEO of Ford, in a Wall Street Journal editorial entitled, "Free Advice for Ford."

Their free advice was limited to three targeted areas: First, using airplane terminology, they challenged Mulally to consider Toyota as his new Airbus and make Ford the most successful brand in the world; Second, reduce Ford to three brands: Ford, Volvo and Jaguar; sell the Land Rover, Aston Martin and Mazda brands, and shut down Mercury and Lincoln; and third, create a new culture at Ford that wants to beat the competition, not just cut costs and jobs.

The Journal today offered its own advice to Ford's new boss in a "Memo to Mulally." Three points were clearly evident: end all "bankruptcy" talk, enlist the help of Kirk Kerkorian or another credible financial player to pressure the family to give up control of the automaker, and end the 20-year-old no-layoff guarantee when renegotiating the UAW contract for 2007.

Posted by Frank at 1:42 PM

Nissan Completes Staff Move to Tennessee

Nissan's move from California to Tennessee is complete, with temporary headquarters in Nashville fully staffed, reports The Detroit Free Press. The automaker's permanent headquarters in the Nashville suburb of Franklin is under construction and is slated for completion by mid-2008.

Aside from the normal rate of job openings, the positions have been filled, and the headquarters staff is moving forward, said Dominique Thormann, Nissan's senior vice president of administration and finance. The automaker lost just over half of its staff at the California headquarters after they elected to leave Nissan rather than move to Nashville this summer.

Posted by Frank at 1:42 PM

Lincoln Town Car coming to end of road

The Lincoln Town Cars that chauffeur New York investment bankers home at the end of the day soon may be part of Wall Street history.

Ford Motor Co. plans to close the Wixom, Michigan, plant that makes the sedan and hasn't committed to production beyond the 2007 model year. Ford's Mercury Grand Marquis or DaimlerChrysler AG's Chrysler 300 may be called upon to take the Lincoln's place.

The Town Car, which makes up more than 80 percent of New York's 35,000 for-hire fleet, is the ``black car'' of choice in every major U.S. market, said Neil Weiss, editor of industry magazine Black Car News. Without it, life wouldn't be the same for thousands of bankers and executives who have been stretching out in the back seat since 1980, usually at company expense.

Investor Warren Buffett is already giving up the ride. Yesterday, he offered his 2001 Town Car in a charity auction.

``It's spacious, the leather seats are nice, and it's just a nice ride,'' Alex Weiss, an investment banking analyst for Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc., said of the fleet models. Weiss, who uses a car service three or four times a month, estimated his five- minute ride costs Lehman $18, compared with $6 for a taxi.

The Town Car has a manufacturer's suggested retail price starting at more than $40,000. The biggest model is the largest American sedan, at 18 feet, 5 inches (5.6 meters). That's more than a foot longer than the $140,000 Mercedes-Benz S600, based on figures from Ford and DaimlerChrysler's Web sites.

Riders ``feel like kings in the back of these things,'' said Dean Hameed, 36, who has driven Town Cars for 10 years.

Link.

Posted by Frank at 12:18 PM

September 12, 2006

G-Wiz, Brits love electric cars

Designed in California and manufactured in India, GoinGreen's G-Wiz electric cars are a hit in London, where the company has sold over 600 units, making London the electric car capital of the world.

GoinGreen, which was founded in 2004 and has received numerous new business awards, did so purely by word of mouth – without dealers, showrooms, advertising, or sales staff. The company cuts costs by selling directly to consumers through its online store. No need for showrooms, either. Interested consumers can make an appointment to test-drive a vehicle at one of four locations in and around London.

Potential emission-free drivers have a choice of two models, aptly named AC and DC. The standard DC model has a maximum range of 40 miles, can go up to 40 mph and is priced at GBP 5,956. Its slightly faster (45 mph) sibling features optional extras like leather seats, remote central locking, and batteries that are upgradeable to hi-performance lithium-ion. AC is available in a variety of colours, including leopard and tiger prints, and is priced from GBP 6,807. Unlike most electric vehicles, the G-Wiz can seat four.

Besides saving on gas, G-Wiz drivers in London are also exempt from paying the city's congestion charge of GBP 8 per day and don’t have to pay road tax, either. Some neighbourhoods also offer free parking for electric vehicles. Limited range and speed are hardly an issue in the city, where most trips are short and traffic doesn't usually allow for speeds over 15 mph. (To see the G-Wiz in action, check out this video.)

Green to the core, GoinGreen not only lobbies for a switch to emission free transport, but also off-sets CO2 produced in the manufacturing, delivery and first two year's driving of every car they sell. Offsets are bought from Climate Care, which uses the money to fund CO2 reduction projects.

GoinGreen is the first retailer to sell a large number of this model, which is known as Reva in its native India. Reva is said to be the cheapest commercially produced electric car in the world, and suggested niche markets include small island nations (expensive to get fuel to), and postal delivery services, whose vehicles stop and start frequently and don't need to drive at high speeds.

Website: http://www.goingreen.co.uk

Posted by Frank at 1:33 PM

Motorcycle crashes - now more deadly than 9-11

By Dr. Erik Steele

Being a middle-aged wingnut, I have been thinking a lot in the last few years about buying a motorcycle. OK, OK, I’m an ER doc thinking about a motorcycle, so that means I blew my brains out with my last sneeze. But I like the idea of its gas efficiency, the wind blowing through my hair before it is all gone (my hair, that is), and the thrill of open travel on the open road. I know I could get the same things with a horse, but one pet’s poop is all I can stand.

Two things are stopping my hankerin’ for a Harley hog, however: a likely divorce if I dare, and the simple fact that motorcycle crashes are killing Americans in record numbers these days. In fact, for perspective, more motorcyclists are now dying in America each year than died in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

According to 2005 crash data just released, motorcycle crashes killed a record-high 4,553 Americans in 2005. That is 13 percent more than in 2004, more than twice the number killed in 1997, and it was the eighth straight annual increase in the number of motorcycle deaths. On average, more than 12 Americans a day are being killed in motorcycle crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA — Web site www.nhtsa.gov) crash data.

Another 87,000 motorcyclists were injured in 2005. If I ran the math right that means there were about 100,000 crashes that caused those injuries and deaths, and every year about one in every 57 registered motorcycles will be involved in a crash, and one in every 1,200 will be involved in a fatal crash.

Those numbers are making the rest of us all look bad when it comes to traffic deaths. Last year saw the first increase in the overall rate of traffic fatalities per mile traveled in this country since 1986, and the highest number of traffic fatalities (43,443) since 1990. The main cause of these increases is the increase in motorcycle deaths. That’s the bad news; the worse news is that 2006 seems likely to be another banner year.

Why the increases? The growing number of motorcycle deaths in America is the result of a match being put to the gas; the number of people riding motorcycles is rising rapidly, and because motor-cycles "are the most hazardous highway vehicles" (NHTSA publication "Cost of Injuries Resulting from Motorcycle Crashes: A Literature Review"). The result is record numbers of motorcycle deaths in many states; 2004 was the worst year on record in Maine with 22.

The idea that motorcycles are the most deadly means of licensed motor vehicle travel in America may put motorcyclists’ cam shafts in a twist, but it is not meant as an indictment of motorcycles; it is just a fact. On a per- mile traveled basis, a motorcyclist is 34 times more likely to die in a crash than is the occupant of a car, according to the NHTSA. Motorcyclists suffered 39.89 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled in 2005, while car occupants suffered about 1.2.

The number of registered motorcycles on our roads has gone up by almost 400,000 each of the last three years, to almost 6 million in 2004, and up from just under four million in 1995. Further increases seem likely as gas prices go up, although some of us are buying little scooters from Vespa and not two-wheeled street rockets from Kawasaki.

Many of those new bikes on the road are being bought and vrroomed by my fellow middle-aged wingnuts. Baby boomers are not only buying motorcycles in record numbers; they are unfortunately crashing them in record numbers, and the biggest jump in fatalities by age group between 2004 and 2005 was in the over-50 crowd. The average age of a motorcyclist killed in a crash is now 38; this and the other data suggest the popular notion of dead motorcyclists as just 19-year-olds racing recklessly into oblivion is a myth.

The lack of motorcycle helmets on 50 percent of those riding motorcycles is a major factor in motorcycle deaths. Virtually every study ever done on helmet use suggests they reduce the risk of death in a crash by at least 30 percent. The idea that helmets may increase neck injuries — cited by many as a reason not to wear them — is a myth that persists despite subsequent studies discrediting the original single study that suggested this almost 20 years ago.

The injuries suffered in motorcycle crashes are the bottom of the iceberg. About 80 percent of those who crash a motorcycle will be injured, according to the NHTSA, and some of those injuries will be permanently disabling. Unemployment tripled and disability quadrupled in motorcyclists who suffered a brain injury, according to one study.

What’s the answer? It is not to bag motorcycles. Instead, Americans are going to have to approach motorcycles very differently than we have to this point, or the numbers of deaths and injuries will continue to climb as more of us feel the need for motorcycle speed.

Car drivers, who cause many motorcycle crashes, will need to be more "motorcycle-aware"; many of us are "blind" to motorcycles as though a 200-pound person on a 600-pound motorcycle is just noisy thin air. Laws that allow anyone who once had a motorcycle license to always have one need to be tightened to require new training and re-licensing for riders who have been off the bike for a long time. Motorcycle driver courses should be improved, required and repeated intermittently for those who do not ride regularly. Motorcyclists should be a special focus of campaigns against speeding and drunken driving, two common causes of motorcycle crashes.

The 30 American states that allow it, including Maine, should reconsider the freedom most motorcyclists have to ride without helmets. This freedom was a luxury when there were three million motorcyclists and 2,700 deaths 10 years ago, but as the math of more riders multiplies the mayhem, it has become even more of an unaffordable waste of lives and money. The costs of the injuries and deaths, which run into the many billions of dollars (exact numbers are hard to come by), are shared among us all.

At least half of injured motorcyclists are either uninsured or have insurance paid by taxpayers, and the rest have private insurance which we all help pay with our premiums. The old slogan "Let those who ride decide" should be revamped to "Let those who pay have the say."

Finally, any of us thinking about indulging our middle-age "Easy Rider" fantasies should think twice before we join the burgeoning biker crowd. That doesn’t mean don’t buy the bike; it means if you need the wind to whistle through your thinning hair and are not prepared to ride more carefully than you ever drove, and as though your life depends on it, consider just sticking your head out of your car window, or buying that horse.

Erik Steele, D.O., a physician in Bangor, is chief medical officer of Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems and is on the staff of several hospital emergency rooms in the region.

Posted by Frank at 1:26 PM

$100,000 for an electric car?

The 120-M.P.H. Electric Car

This is the electric car that can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds to a top speed of 120 mph in one gear with no shifting thanks to its two electric motors -- smaller versions of the same kind found in diesel-electric locomotives -- that combine to produce over 1,000 lbf ft. of torque.

No wider than most motorcycles at 39", it can fit in a 6' half-lane with more clearance than a semi-truck in a full 12' freeway lane, enabling you to negotiate traffic congestion where lane splitting is permitted.

Its small size eliminates the need for parallel parking as it can park perpendicular to a curb without the need for a full space. The driver and passenger sit in tandem front and back seats that use four-point pilot seat belts with iner tia reels, similar to harnesses found in race cars, yet are easy to use.

The cars chassis is made of stainless steel, and the chrome moly roll cage meets Sports Car Club of America racing standards for safety. The body panels are made of carbon fiber, Kevlar, and fiberglass, and its side impact bars offer four times the protection found in typical SUVs.

The cars unique stability is derived from its low center of gravity, created by 1,100 lbs. of batteries under the floor, giving it a rollover threshold equivalent to a 5-star National Highway Traffic Safety Administration rating found in the lowest-slung sports cars. It has front and rear disc brakes and coil-over shock absorbers.

The car generates no emissions and operates from a set of lead-acid batteries that can recharge using any service up to 50 amps, providing enough power for a range of 40-80 miles, up to four times the average commute in the U.S.

Link.

Posted by Frank at 11:11 AM

Hertz Rolls Out Line of Green, Fuel Efficient Rentals

Hertz now has a new collection of fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly cars that are both easy on the wallet and suitable for families and small groups traveling together.

Officials say the cars will be reservable by specific make and model, with an EPA highway fuel efficiency rating of 28 miles.

"Hertz now offers 42 specific makes and models that can be reserved by customers," said Frank Camacho, Hertz Staff Vice President of Marketing. "We are pleased to be able to extend our vehicle selection program to include Fusion, Camry, LaCrosse and Sonata, a group of fuel-efficient cars that are suitable for families and friends."

The program will be available at 50 major U.S. airports and locations will be added throughout the remainder of this year.

The reservable Green Collection vehicles join the luxury Prestige Collection and sporty Fun Collection vehicles that can be reserved at major airport and resort locations across the United States. The Green Collection cars can be reserved by visiting the Company's webpage, www.hertz.com, or by calling Hertz at 1-800-654-3131.

Posted by Frank at 11:08 AM

Gas prices drop to $2.61 a gallon

According to AAA, the average price you will pay for a gallon of gas in the United States of America on Sept. 12, 2006 is $2.613.

Posted by Frank at 11:05 AM

Surprise! Credit rating companies still trying to screw you

You know the jingle if you've ever watched late-night television: "Free ... Credit Report DOT com."

What you might not know is this: There's nothing free about FreeCreditReport.com. Like so many other come-ons you hear on late-night TV, you just can't trust that word "free."

I'll explain the Web site's misleading advertisements in a moment, but first, here's what you really need to know: When you want to see your credit report, you want to use AnnualCreditReport.com. There, you can actually get your credit report for free. Congress gave you the right to see your report every year for free, so there's no reason to visit any pay sites – like FreeCreditReport.com – to plunk down money for it.

In fact, this month marks the one-year anniversary of the liberation of your credit report by Congress. In September 2005, every consumer in America was granted the right to obtain a free copy of his or her credit report every year.

If you obtained your free credit report at this time last year, here's a reminder that you can get a fresh version now at AnnualCreditReport.com.

Also one year ago, credit bureau Experian was also slapped on the wrist by the Federal Trade Commission for misleading consumers at its FreeCreditReport.com Web site. The FTC said Experian didn't make clear to consumers that they would be charged $79 for an annual subscription after they signed up at FreeCreditReport.com.

What the FTC didn't say (but was abundantly clear to anyone with a brain) was that FreeCreditReport.com and Experian were benefiting from confusion over news stories telling consumers were entitled to a free copy of their credit report every year. And the site was designed to add to the confusion.

While not admitting wrongdoing, Experian agreed last August to give consumers refunds and make the terms of its product clearer. One year later, how is the company doing? The television ads are as misleading as ever. On the other hand, the Web site itself is improved, with a disclaimer featured fairly prominently. But it would be a stretch to say the terms are clear, the price is clear and consumers are being treated fairly.

Link.

Posted by Frank at 10:48 AM

HYDROGEN 7: BMW rolls out the first luxury hydrogen saloon

BMW today announced the introduction of the new BMW Hydrogen 7, the world's first hydrogen-drive luxury performance automobile for everyday use. The car - a vehicle that has undergone the regular Product Development Process - will be built in a limited series and deployed to selected users in the U.S. and other countries in 2007. It is equipped with an internal combustion engine capable of running either on hydrogen or on gasoline and based on the BMW 7 Series.

Hydrogen technology dramatically reduces emissions generated by personal transport and, in particular, minimizes the emission of CO2. Running in the hydrogen mode, the BMW Hydrogen 7 essentially emits nothing but vapor. And, unlike fossil fuels and traditional gasoline, hydrogen is available in virtually infinite supply.

With the BMW Hydrogen 7, the BMW Group is laying down a marker for sustainable mobility. This car will play a pioneering role in driving forward hydrogen technologies. BMW has gained an excellent reputation for significantly reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by using ultra efficient, yet very dynamic gasoline engines. Together with clean performance diesel cars and the technologically advanced hybrid systems currently under development within the BMW EfficientDynamics project, the BMW Group has a clear strategy for sustainable mobility with hydrogen as the ultimate solution.

With all the comforts and amenities of a non-hydrogen BMW 7 Series, the BMW Hydrogen 7 is powered by a 260 hp twelve-cylinder engine and accelerates from 0-62.1 mph in 9.5 seconds. Top speed is limited electronically to 143 mph. The BMW Hydrogen 7 also features a dual-mode power unit - controlled at the touch of a button - that can switch quickly and conveniently from hydrogen to conventional premium gasoline.

The car's dual-mode drive provides an overall cruising range of more than 400 miles and enables the driver of a BMW Hydrogen 7 to enjoy virtually unlimited mobility, even when far away from the nearest hydrogen filling station. This technology is a viable solution until the hydrogen infrastructure is fully developed.

BMW CleanEnergy: paving the way into the future.

The BMW Hydrogen 7 perfectly captures the essence of the BMW CleanEnergy strategy. By using hydrogen produced from water and renewable energy, such as wind, sun or hydropower, in an internal combustion engine, the car's emissions are essentially nothing but vapor. And, with this emitted water vapor, the cycle can start again and the dream of sustainable mobility without using fossil fuel resources and without impacting the earth's climate can become a reality. The complete change from a fossil fuel infrastructure to a hydrogen economy will require decades, but with the Hydrogen 7, BMW shows that bringing hydrogen technology to the road is indeed feasible.

BMW Hydrogen 7: Industrializing hydrogen technologies.

The BMW Hydrogen 7 has successfully completed the entire Product Development Process (PDP) obligatory for all new BMWs. In this process, all components of the new technology were integrated into the overall vehicle according to the same challenging criteria applied to "regular" production cars. The BMW Hydrogen 7 is not a hand made concept car, but rather, a milestone in industrializing hydrogen technologies for automotive use.

The knowledge gained in the PDP has not only made a decisive contribution to the everyday driving qualities of the BMW Hydrogen 7, but it will also significantly impact the development and production of future hydrogen car concepts, with the principle of dual-mode drive and the features of other components now going through the strict test of everyday driving practice.

Dual-mode combustion engine for enhanced flexibility.

While cruising range is a significant consideration to consumers in any car, BMW recognizes that it is of critical importance in a hydrogen-powered vehicle, because there is not yet a full network of hydrogen filling stations in the United States.

For precisely this reason, the BMW Hydrogen 7 features dual-mode drive technology and a combustion engine capable of running on both hydrogen and gasoline. The cruising range in the hydrogen mode is more than 125 miles, with another 300 miles in the gasoline mode. Thus, the driver of a BMW Hydrogen 7 is able to use the vehicle without problem even when the nearest hydrogen filling station is far away.

The BMW Hydrogen 7 clearly proves that liquid hydrogen may by all means be used as a source of energy for the production car. By introducing the BMW Hydrogen 7, the BMW Group establishes powerful momentum for the ongoing development of a supply infrastructure serving above all to set up additional hydrogen filling stations providing sustained mobility on a broad basis also in the future.

Two tanks: Smooth transitions and maximum cruise range.

To offer the longest conceivable cruising range, the BMW Hydrogen 7 comes with both a conventional 74-litre (16.3 Imp gal) gasoline tank and an additional fuel tank taking up approximately 8 kilos or 17.6 lb of liquid hydrogen. Stored in a high tech tank, liquid hydrogen offers significant advantages in energy density enhancing the cruising range of the hydrogen car.

The driver is able to switch from hydrogen to gasoline mode manually by pressing a button on the multifunction steering wheel. Because engine power and torque remain exactly the same regardless of the mode of operation, switching from one mode to another has no effect on the driving behavior and performance of the BMW Hydrogen 7.

The control system in BMW Hydrogen 7 gives priority to the use of hydrogen. And, should one of the two types of fuel be fully consumed, the system will automatically switch over to the other type of fuel in the interest of secure, ongoing supply.

Luxury class comfort for four.

The BMW Hydrogen 7 is a four-seater with the two passengers at the rear enjoying the same high standard of comfort in the world's first hydrogen car developed for everyday use as in one of BMW's "regular" luxury performance vehicles.

The BMW Hydrogen 7 comes with an unusually wide range of standard features. In addition to the high level of equipment featured from the start in the BMW 760i, the BMW Hydrogen 7 comes inter alia with climate comfort composite glazing, BMW's high-end automatic air conditioning, auxiliary heating, electric seat heating for the driver, front passenger and rear seats, lumbar supports, electric seat adjustment with memory function on the front seats, ISOFIX child seat fastenings, Park Distance Control, a rain sensor, exterior and interior mirrors with automatic anti-dazzle, Soft Close Automatic for the doors and a headlight assistant. A complete entertainment and communication package adds to the comfort a BMW 7 Series can provide.

Progress without compromises.

BMW Hydrogen 7 emphatically proves that changing over to an alternative form of energy doesn't mean missing out on superior driving dynamics and comfort. The departure from fossil fuel does not in any way mean giving up the dynamics and performance typical of a BMW. Mobility of tomorrow and driving pleasure of today are compatible, with the drive concept of BMW Hydrogen 7 being directly transferable to future models. Driving a car of this caliber will be just as thrilling in the future as it is today, but at the same time cleaner than ever before.

BMW Group: "Sustainability. It can be done."

Sustainable action and corporate success belong together. With this clear commitment, the BMW Group has integrated sustainability as part of its corporate strategy for many years and takes responsibility for its products throughout their entire life cycle - from production to end-of-life recycling. The BMW CleanEnergy strategy aims to create a sustainable future for individual mobility independent of fossil fuels. With BMW EfficientDynamics, the company enhances fuel economy with every new product while still offering the customer the best in class performance.

With recycling-optimized product design and life cycle assessment, BMW reduces the impact on the environment. The use of benchmark technologies in its clean production program significantly reduces the consumption of water and energy during the production process. There are many examples of the advantages of adhering to BMW's mantra, "Sustainability. It can be done." The benefits are enjoyed by not only the company and its associates, but also the environment and, most importantly, the customer. To learn more about BMW Group and sustainability, please visit www.bmwgroup.com/sustainability.

Posted by Frank at 9:23 AM

September 11, 2006

Bob Seger ditches Chevy in the levee

No More Chevrolets for Environmentally Friendly Bob Seger

Bob Seger has shocked car makers at Chevrolet after decades of loyalty by admitting he prefers Porsches and Nissans. The Michigan musician famously sang about his love for Chevrolet in his 1976 track “Night Moves” and allowed General Motors to use his song “Like A Rock” in their advertisements.

But after watching Al Gore's global-warming documentary An Inconvenient Truth, Seger admits he is starting to see the beauty in smaller, more environmentally-friendly vehicles and his love affair with Chevrolet is over.

He says, "I don't have any of them anymore. Not one, no. You just look at oil prices, and it's just, 'Wow! You've gotta do something.' We consume so much and it can't be good for the economy, the whole country in the final analysis to consume as much as we do."

In his new song “Between” from his latest album Face The Promise, Seger sings, "We buy a bigger engine and say it isn't me."

Posted by Frank at 5:39 PM

GM rolls out a drivable high-tech, hydrogen prototype

GM Reinvents The Automobile: Chevrolet Sequel Is A Better, Cleaner, Petroleum-Free Solution

SAN DIEGO – General Motors today announced a driveable version of the most technologically advanced automobile ever built – the Chevrolet Sequel, GM’s solution to provide the world with a cleaner, petroleum-free vehicle that is better in nearly every way.

“General Motors is proving that advanced technology can remove the automobile from the environmental debate and reduce our dependence on petroleum," said Larry Burns, GM vice president, research & development and strategic planning. “Chevy Sequel clearly shows that our vision for the future of the automobile is real and sustainable.”

Sequel was introduced in 2005 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It is the first vehicle in the world to successfully integrate a hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system with a broad menu of advanced technologies such as steer-and brake-by-wire controls, wheel hub motors, lithium-ion batteries and a lightweight aluminum structure. It uses clean, renewable hydrogen as a fuel and emits only water vapor.

“Sequel fundamentally changes the DNA of today’s automobiles … exchanging an internal combustion engine, petroleum and mechanical systems for fuel cell propulsion, hydrogen and electrical systems,” Burns said. “In Sequel, GM has created a real vehicle that promises to excite customers and lead to long-term, sustainable automotive transportation.”

Compared to other fuel cell vehicles, Sequel has an unprecedented range of 300 miles between fill-ups and spirited acceleration, attaining 60 mph in just 10 seconds. Sequel also has all the amenities one would expect in a premium, five-passenger crossover SUV, including impressive styling, a spacious interior and an all-aluminum body and structure designed to meet all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. It has a low-profile, skateboard-like chassis that houses all of its main propulsion, braking and chassis components.

“Sequel is a vehicle that is better in nearly every way – quicker, more sure-footed, easier to handle, easier to build and better looking, while being safe and emitting only water vapor,” said Burns.

Other benefits include:

* Unequaled control on snow and ice, or uneven terrain
* 70-percent more torque for unparalleled acceleration
* Shorter braking distances
* Ability to “talk” to other vehicles about traffic congestion or road conditions

“Four years ago, our chairman and CEO, Rick Wagoner, challenged us to completely rethink the automobile,” Burns said. “With the Chevy Sequel, we have now met Rick’s challenge by reinventing the automobile and making it real. We’ve proven a new DNA for vehicles that is viable for the future.”

Posted by Frank at 4:44 PM

Toyota Breaks New Ground in Michigan

700-Acre Site in York Township for Expansion of North American Research & Development
Operations Represents $187 Million Investment

Toyota Technical Center (TTC), a division of Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing, North America (TEMA) broke ground on a 700-acre site in York Township today for an expansion of Toyota's Research and Vehicle Development operations in North America. Government officials and community leaders joined Toyota executives to celebrate this milestone.

"Toyota is committed to building a world class research and development operation in Michigan and today we break new ground as we move forward with the next phase of Toyota Technical Center's future," said Yasuhiko Ichihashi, president of Toyota Technical Center.

Toyota Technical Center will be constructing an engineering design facility (350,000 square feet and $150 million investment) and a safety test facility (180,000 square feet and $37 million investment) during the first phase of construction. In addition, there will be 400 new jobs added by 2010. Currently, there are 756 team members that work at TTC's R&D operations in Michigan.

"The Toyota Technical Center represents a win for Michigan and our workers, and exemplifies the kind of jobs we want to continue to work to bring to our state," said Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. "Our reputation as an automotive powerhouse brought Toyota here, and we will continue to attract R&D and advanced manufacturing jobs based in the auto industry here because of our global leadership in automotive technology."

Posted by Frank at 4:37 PM

Mercedes-Benz S-Class wins automotive excellence award

New S550 Garners Top Safety Award from Popular Mechanics Magazine

MONTVALE, NJ – The new-generation 2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan, the company’s latest flagship sedan and the successor to a long line of premium luxury vehicles, has won a coveted Automotive Excellence Award from POPULAR MECHANICS magazine, one of the largest and most trusted technology magazines that reaches more than 8.6 million readers each month. Chosen by the magazine’s experienced team of automotive editors, the new S550 model won their Safety award, one of ten categories that comprise their Automotive Excellence Awards, which recognize exceptional 2007 model-year vehicles.

Don Chaikin, automotive editor, POPULAR MECHANICS, said, “With the changing environment and economy, automotive manufacturers have to provide consumers with innovative, cost-effective and better-performing vehicles in order to stay competitive in today's market. It's hard to find a model that doesn't have some great new feature, but our automotive team sought the best of the best for our readers and has singled out these ten models as our top-of-the-line picks.”

PRE-SAFE, Distronic Plus and Much More
The new-generation S-Class sedan made its U.S. debut earlier this year with an impressive array of industry-leading safety features. First, the revolutionary PRE-SAFE® system senses loss of control and automatically takes measures to protect occupants before a possible impact.

The new radar-based Distronic Plus cruise control can maintain a pre-set following distance behind the vehicle ahead and it is networked with other systems so that Brake Assist can be readied and PRE-SAFE measures can be triggered if the closing speed to the next vehicle is too great. Extensive testing suggests that these features will reduce rear collisions.

Infra-Red Night View Assist
Another innovative technology that made its debut on the 2007 S-Class is Night View Assist, a new option that can extend the driver’s ability to see ahead to nearly 500 feet. An industry first, and in contrast to passive systems that rely only on thermal imaging, this active system bathes the road ahead with invisible infra-red light from two projector beams mounted in the headlights. An infra-red camera discreetly mounted in the windshield receives the reflected images and displays them in a high-resolution display in the instrument cluster.

The Industry’s First Rapidly Flashing Brake Lights
The new-generation S600 and S65 AMG models are equipped with adaptive brake lights that can flash rapidly during emergency braking, a feature that’s expected to reduce rear collisions. Another industry first from Mercedes, the rapidly flashing LED brake lights are triggered primarily by the car’s Brake Assist system (standard on all Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles since 1998), which automatically provides full-power braking assist whenever it senses faster-than-usual brake pedal application.

How the Winners Were Chosen
To determine the winners, POPULAR MECHANICS’ automotive editors drove over 100 of the newest cars, trucks and sport-utility vehicles, amassing well over 100,000 miles in the process. The team, headed by Chaikin, is comprised of senior automotive editor Mike Allen, Detroit editor Jim Dunne and West Coast editor Ben Stewart, and collectively represents nearly 100 years of automotive editorial experience.

The complete report on the 2007 POPULAR MECHANICS Automotive Excellence Awards winners can be found in the October issue of POPULAR MECHANICS, on newsstands September 12, 2006 and online at www.popularmechanics.com.

Posted by Frank at 4:15 PM

Chrysler backs, believes in future of [bio]diesel

Modern, Clean Diesel Technology Made Better with Biodiesel, DaimlerChrysler Executive Says

* Diesel seen as key to nation's energy, economic and environmental solutions
* Biodiesel, coupled with advanced diesel technologies, addresses health impacts of automobiles
* Today's diesels reduce particulate emissions by 80 percent; biodiesel cuts levels another 15 percent or more

Modern, clean diesel engines will be a cornerstone of America’s energy solutions, and clean, renewable biodiesel fuel will be critical to the success of diesel-powered vehicles in the U.S. market, a DaimlerChrysler executive says.

DaimlerChrysler will continue to expand its lineup of diesel-powered vehicles in the coming months, at the same time it broadens its programs to educate the American public on the benefits of home-grown biodiesel fuel.

“Diesel will be good for America, and biodiesel makes diesel better,” said Loren Beard, Senior Manager – Fuels for DaimlerChrysler in Auburn Hills, Mich. "Emissions of particulates – an important issue in congested urban areas – can be reduced more than 80 percent with modern, clean diesel engines running on biodiesel."

Beard addressed a conference on the fuel savings, air quality, and health benefits of biodiesel in Washington, D.C., today, hosted by capital-area chapters of the American Lung Association and the National Biodiesel Board. Beard reported that B20 (20 percent biodiesel blended in conventional diesel fuel) can reduce particulate matter emissions by up to 15 percent.

Technology advances in the past two decades have improved the power, performance, efficiency and emissions of diesel engines. As a result, today’s modern, clean diesel engines produce 80 percent reduction in particulate emissions and 70 percent reduction in NOx emissions at the same providing 50 percent more power and 30 percent more torque – which we experience as "pickup" time or performance.

DaimlerChrysler will market five diesel-powered passenger vehicles in the U.S. in 2007: Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD sport-utility vehicle with 3.0-liter diesel engine; Mercedes-Benz E320 luxury sedan with 3.0-liter engine and BlueTec emissions technology; and three new Mercedes-Benz utility vehicles, R320 CDI, ML320 CDI, and GL320 CDI. In addition, the Dodge Ram pickup and Dodge Sprinter van are also equipped with diesel engines for the U.S. market.

Beard noted that diesel vehicles have significant environmental and consumer benefits compared with gasoline vehicles:

* An average of 30 percent better fuel economy;
* Up to 20 percent less emissions of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas;
* Increased performance, range and towing capability; and
* Longer life and increased resale value.

According to the U.S. EPA, if the U.S. had a light-duty fleet that was one-third diesel, the country would reduce its oil consumption by up to 1.4 million barrels of oil per day. That is equivalent to the amount of oil the U.S. imports daily from Saudi Arabia.

"Use of biodiesel extends the benefits of diesel technology," Beard said.

Biodiesel significantly reduces overall greenhouse gas emissions from diesel vehicles, because plants absorb carbon dioxide during growth. Tailpipe emissions are also lower with biodiesel.

In addition to its environmental benefits, biodiesel reduces dependence on oil and supports the U.S. agricultural economy.

If B5 (5 percent biodiesel blended in conventional diesel fuel) were used in all diesel fuel for on-road use in the U.S., it would reduce fuel consumption by 1.85 billion gallons, the amount of fuel made from all oil imports from Iraq.

DaimlerChrysler is promoting use of biodiesel fuel through several programs:

* The Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel, like its predecessor the Jeep Liberty CRD, will be delivered to customers running on B5 biodiesel fuel.
* The Dodge Ram diesel is also approved for use with B5 fuel. This fall, DaimlerChrysler will begin testing B20 biodiesel fuel in the Ram with its commercial, government and military fleet customers.
* DaimlerChrysler is working with Michigan State University researchers, the U.S. EPA, the State of Michigan, NextEnergy, the Detroit-based research organization, and the National Biodiesel Board to develop better biodiesel fuel crops.

“As our President & CEO Tom LaSorda has pointed out, biofuels are proof that at least part of the solution to our energy, environment and national security issues can be homegrown," Beard said.

Posted by Frank at 3:03 PM

GM swinging a $4.4 billion marketing stick, asking for deep integration in ad placements

A who's who of media titans -- likely armed with reams of ideas and plans -- will descend on New York's Lincoln Center this week to court the company that wields $4.4 billion in marketing spending.

The invited guests to General Motors Corp.'s first Media Partner Summit include executives from Time Warner, Viacom, Universal, Walt Disney Co., Google, NBC Universal and Hearst Corp., who will meet with GM Chairman-CEO Rick Wagoner; Mark LaNeve, VP-vehicle sales, service and marketing; and Mike Jackson, VP-marketing. One goal of the three-and-a-half-hour meeting is to forge more cross-media deals and integrated, multiplatform marketing opportunities.

"We want to be more than the biggest spenders," Mr. Jackson said. "We're all about building relationships with our key media partners."

Link.

Posted by Frank at 3:01 PM

Team HUMMER Wins at Las Vegas Primm

Hall Pilots H3 to Third Consecutive SCORE Race Class Victory

DETROIT - In his first-ever running of the SCORE International Las Vegas Primm 300, Rod Hall piloted the Team HUMMER H3 to a stock mini class victory in Saturday's 148-mile race. Hall finished the race in 4:39.30 hours, nearly 30 minutes ahead of the nearest class competitor.

Hall, who remains the only driver to have raced in all 38 SCORE Baja 1000 races, has piloted the Team HUMMER H3 to a class victory in every SCORE International race in which the HUMMER has been entered. His Primm win follows decisive victories at the 2006 SCORE Baja 500 and 2005 Baja 1000. In fact, Hall's victory at the Baja 500 marked the first time since 2001 that a mini stock class vehicle finished the race.

"This was my first Primm and the H3 was a natural in this race," said Hall. "There was a lot of rough stuff for a stock truck, but the HUMMER handled it just fine."

Team HUMMER's victory at Primm also marks the 14th consecutive race in which the team has placed a HUMMER on the podium.

Team HUMMER's next stop is the Best in the Desert Racing Association "Las Vegas 300", October 14, 2006.

About Team HUMMER
Team HUMMER was founded by legendary off-road racer Rod Hall in 1993. Since then, Rod and his sons Josh and Chad have compiled 10 class wins at the Baja 1000; 44 podium finishes in the Best in the Desert (BitD) Racing Association series; and five BitD class championships. Team HUMMER competes with the H1 Alpha, H2 and H3 in the stock class, which features production-based vehicles with stock frames, stock suspension designs and production-based engines. For more information about Team HUMMER and the season schedule, visit www.rodhallracing.com.

Posted by Frank at 2:56 PM

Ford to accelerate downsizing

Ford Motor Co. plans to accelerate its downsizing, first with more voluntary buyout packages and then with involuntary severance packages, a report says.

The No. 2 U.S. carmaker already has laid off 4,000 white-collar workers this year, but more than that will be released in the coming months, the Detroit News reported Monday.

The exact size of the salaried staff reduction has yet to be determined.

Ford, which has between 35,000 and 40,000 salaried workers in the United States, already had offered a series of buyout packages to hourly workers at several of its U.S. plants that have been accepted by more than 6,500 workers.

Copyright 2006 by United Press International

Posted by Frank at 2:51 PM

Hyundai adds its first financial credit field office

Hyundai Motor Finance Company (HMFC), the credit lending arm of Hyundai Motor America, announced its first-ever expansion with a new credit service center in Austell, Ga. HMFC’s Eastern Region Service Center will manage the credit underwriting and funding activities for Hyundai’s Eastern and Southern Region dealers.

The new facility will add 40 full-time positions to Hyundai Motor Finance Company’s current employee count of 325 working from its Fountain Valley, Calif. headquarters. The facility will foster the continued growth of HMFC by improving Hyundai’s ability to service loan transactions and expand market opportunities for dealers located in the Eastern Time Zone.

“As we continue to grow, we are looking to better service our dealers and consumers on the East Coast,” said Michael Buckingham, president, Hyundai Motor Finance Company. “Establishing the East Coast Credit Center allows us to accomplish this goal.”

The facility will be located near Hyundai’s Southern Region office in Austell, Ga. to conveniently serve Hyundai’s East Coast dealerships. HMFC aims to open the credit center in early 2007.

HMFC’s growth mirrors the brand’s tremendous sales volume gains. Since 1999, Hyundai sales in the U.S. have increased by an unprecedented 400 percent. Likewise, HMFC increased loan and lease volume by more than 60 percent, and its dealer commercial volume by 140 percent in 2005 alone. Nearly 50 percent of Hyundai’s 2005 U.S. vehicle sales concentrated in the Southern and Eastern regions.

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif. is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea. Hyundai cars and sport utility vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced by more than 725 Hyundai dealerships nationwide.

Posted by Frank at 2:49 PM

VW tops environmental index from J.D. Power

Volkswagen of America, Inc. is the industry’s most environmentally friendly automaker according to J.D. Power and Associates’ just-released, 2006 “Alternative Powertrain Study, ” which includes the Automotive Environmental Index. Volkswagen places three products on the automotive researcher’s list of low emission vehicles—including the Golf, Jetta and New Beetle. The study includes gasoline, diesel and hybrid powered vehicles.

The new study combines U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) data with voice-of-the-customer information to scrutinize 37 automotive brands relative to a range of environmental factors, including fuel economy, emissions and air quality. The vehicles are then ranked to determine an Automotive Environmental Index (AEI), with Volkswagen topping the list as the product leader in environmental performance.

Said Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard, chairman of the Volkswagen brand: “The “Alternative Powertrain Study” is testament to our intensive and global commitment in the area of economic engines. And this innovative strength continues to have an impact, via our range of TDI vehicles. No other manufacturer has sold more diesel cars in the United States and that upward trend continues.”

The J.D. Power and Associates study also recognizes Volkswagen and its products as strong performers in the diesel arena. ­Volkswagen is the leading manufacturer of diesel cars in the United States, including the new Touareg V10 TDI— ­the first turbodiesel SUV in America with a particle filter, and the Jetta TDI, the industry’s top selling diesel vehicle.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Rabbit, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, GTI, GLI, Jetta, Passat, Passat wagon, Eos, Touareg and Phaeton through more than 600 independent U.S. dealers.

Posted by Frank at 2:48 PM

VW calls for tax breaks for biofuels

BERLIN, Germany - As part of its fuel and powertrain strategy, Volkswagen is backing innovative second-generation biofuels and is calling on politicians to develop a sustainable tax model providing a secure framework for investing in the development and market launch of these new fuels.

"The present assessment regarding the sustainability of first and second-generation biofuels is entirely unsatisfactory, both in economic and environmental terms. One biofuel is not the same as another: some first-generation biofuels can best be described as a ‘wolf in sheep’s clothing’. Some of them have a worse CO2 balance than conventional gasoline fuels, but nevertheless still bear the name of ‘biofuel’", Dr. Bernd Pischetsrieder, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, commented in Berlin on Thursday. "First-generation biofuels receive tax incentives from scarce budget resources and consequently constitute a bad investment. That cannot be considered sustainable in either the ecological or the economic sense of the word."

Volkswagen has for many years been working intensively on concepts for reducing fuel consumption and substituting fossil energies. "Our fuel concept is based on second-generation biofuels which can be produced from biomass, are to a large extent CO2 neutral and do not compete with food production," Pischetsrieder added.

Second-generation biofuels are now on the threshold of commercialization. "In technical terms, second-generation biomass fuels are easy to blend with other fuels and thus help to reduce CO2 levels in the short term", said Pischetsrieder. Relatively high manufacturing expenditure means that second-generation biofuels cannot yet be produced economically on a large scale. Production costs alone for the cellulose ethanol process are currently higher than the costs for both mineral oil-based gasoline and conventional bioethanol. Long-term conditions that also provide a financial incentive for greater CO2 efficiency are needed in order to bring these second-generation fuels to market despite these obstacles and to encourage the further development of the process to bring costs down.

"With a sustainable, holistic tax model offering market-oriented incentives, second-generation biofuels can establish itself on the market," Pischetsrieder said. Apart from taking CO2 efficiency as a yardstick, he also called for further sustainability criteria, oriented for example to factors such as the use of fertilizers and pesticides, the protection of rainforests, social standards, employment potential and security of supply, to be included in fuel taxation. "Excessive subsidization and the misallocation of politico-economic resources must be avoided," Pischetsrieder commented. Volkswagen has developed a tax model catering for both CO2 efficiency (primary criterion) and the sustainability criteria he outlined. Volkswagen believes that such a system could encourage tax harmonization in Europe.

"Volkswagen is already working on concepts for the industrial production of second-generation biofuels and is willing to encourage their production through substantial investment," Prof. Dr. Jürgen Leohold, Head of Group Research at Volkswagen, said. He added that Volkswagen welcomed the German government’s plans for a lower tax rate on Biomass-to-Liquid and cellulose ethanol fuels until 2015. "However, we doubt this is sufficient for the long-term planning security needed for major investment, "Leohold added.

New biofuels bring significant reduction in carbon dioxide emissions

Second-generation biofuels include SunFuelâ , a synthetic Biomass-to-Liquid fuel, and cellulose ethanol, which can be produced from whole grains or various kinds of agricultural residue such as corn stover. First-generation biofuels, such as biodiesel or bioethanol, are mainly produced from the grain kernels only. Second-generation biofuels triple the yield per hectare and, unlike first-generation biofuels, do not compete with food production.

Volkswagen cooperates closely with other automakers, bio-tech companies and mineral oil corporations in developing fuels. Volkswagen supports the development of promising processes and is already working on powertrains that can run on biofuels: Volkswagen has developed the fully synthetic SunFuelâ diesel fuel together with CHOREN Industries GmbH and other partners. By using biomass, the CO2 cycle can be almost completely closed and greenhouse gases cut by approx. 90 percent. With regard to gasoline fuels, Volkswagen is cooperating with partners such as the Canadian Iogen Corporation, whose process for producing cellulose ethanol offers a similarly high CO2 reduction potential.

Posted by Frank at 2:47 PM

VW going after the aftermarket

VOLKSWAGEN SERVICE PRESENTS SOME 50 PRODUCTS AND SERVICES AT AUTOMECHANIKA 2006
Automechanika Innovation Award for VW vehicle diagnostics concept

WOLFSBURG, Germany - “So that your Volkswagen remains a Volkswagen”– Europe’s largest automaker is presenting some 50 products, services and concepts under this motto at Automechanika 2006, the international leading trade fair for the automotive industry, taking place in Frankfurt from 12 - 17 September. In Hall 3.1, Volkswagen will not only be showing numerous innovations and trends for technical maintenance and service, but also making a comprehensive presentation of its accessories and genuine parts business.

Volkswagen will receive the Automechanika Innovation Award 2006 for the first series-model use of new vehicle diagnostics communication standards. Volkswagen service partners have been using the ASAM-UDS basic system, an internationally defined protocol standard in diagnostics communication, in their VAS-505 diagnostics equipment for the VW Crafter since May 2006.

Volkswagen will in future be offering its service partners an enhanced standard of training through a new concept for training and certifying qualified Volkswagen Service Trainers in five fields of competence (technical, brand, method, HR and social competence), which are integrated in on-site training at service partners.

The Volkswagen Job Exchange has established itself as a successful and sustainable instrument for the labor market. 1,500 dealers and service partners of Volkswagen in Germany already use this free internet platform to recruit skilled employees, and there have been more than 12,500 applications since 2003.

Volkswagen is now introducing a mobile platform for many of the low-cost, alternative repair methods featured in its Clever Repair Program. As a result, customer service becomes even more flexible, especially for small repair jobs. By the end of the year, VW workshops plan to deploy at least 30 of these new Clever Repair mobile vehicles.

Volkswagen is ready to meet increased demand from customers for diesel particle filter retrofits and has a wide range of available kits. VW service partners offer diesel particle filters for almost every model series. These filters have been endurance tested and specially designed or engineered for each model and engine range.

Under the EU’s Leonardo da Vinci project, Volkswagen TV is investigating whether its successful concept of interactive training and information broadcasting for VW service partners can also be transferred to small and medium-sized enterprises throughout Europe. Volkswagen has won a total of 20 project partners in nine countries for this research project.

The new aerodynamics package from Volkswagen Accessories demonstrates that the Volkswagen Passat has what it takes to set sporting highlights. The sporty-design premium set comprising front apron, side skirting, rear apron, rear spoiler lip and twin tail pipe trim, refines the optical impression and reduces air resistance. The set will be available from VW partners from the end of 2006.

Volkswagen is presenting these products and services, together with many more, at Automechanika 2006. "Providing service for over ten million Volkswagen brand vehicles in Germany and more than 50 million vehicles all over the world represents a great challenge and brings enormous potential for a successful service business. That is what we are aiming to bring across to visitors at Automechanika," said Dietmar Hildebrandt, Head of Volkswagen After Sales. Service quality, market development and customer satisfaction go hand in hand in meeting this challenge.

Posted by Frank at 2:45 PM

Audi Q7 V12: the most powerful diesel SUV you can't buy

Note: There are currently no plans to import this engine to the U.S.

INGOLSTADT, Germany - Audi is proud to present a world first – the first twelve-cylinder diesel engine in a series passenger car. This six-liter V12 makes its debut in the Audi Q7. It produces a colossal 500 hp and 738 ft.-lbs. of torque. With this engine Audi has opened a new chapter in diesel history.

The V12 TDI is reminiscent of the engine featured in the new R10 Le Mans racing car – it catapults the driving performance of the Audi Q7 into the echelons of top-class sports cars. The car sprints from 0 to 62 mph in just 5.5 seconds, and has an electronically governed top speed of 155 mph. Maximum torque is available from just 1,750 rpm. The high-tech diesel engine, with the world’s first 29,000 psi Bosch Common Rail system, provides the high-performance Audi SUV with superior power reserves in any situation. The impressive sound of the new Audi is provided by the ultra-modern piezo-injection system. The V12 TDI transmits this power through a new six-speed tiptronic gearbox to the quattro permanent four-wheel drive system.

Although the V12 TDI belongs to the Audi V-engine family, this model features a special cylinder angle of 60° – perfect for this engine type. Apart from the light and highly durable crankcase, a further highlight is the new chain drive assembly. This includes the two newly developed high-pressure pumps in the common rail injection system.

Up to 29,000 psi of pressure is kept within the twelve piezo injectors – a further technological breakthrough. Both performance and efficiency are optimised by this high injection pressure, and the running smoothness also remains excellent. Exhaust emissions are also low. The twin-turbo V12 TDI conforms to the Euro 5 emissions class which should come into force in 2010. Fuel consumption is nearly 20 mpg. With the high-tech twelve-cylinder engine using TDI technology, the diesel pioneers at Audi have opened new horizons in motoring.

Posted by Frank at 2:42 PM

Chrysler Announces Record-Setting Month for Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle in August 2006

Chrysler Group reported that its Five Star dealers posted a new Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle (CPOV) August sales record of 9,728 units, increasing 8 percent from August 2005 sales and rising 12 percent from July 2006 results. Year-to-date sales also set a record of 79,078 units, increasing 10 percent from year-to-date sales last year.

Strong sales of the Chrysler 300/300C and the Chrysler PT Cruiser helped to raise total Chrysler brand sales 13 percent to 3,289 units in August. Jeep® brand sales rose 26 percent to 2,432 units for the month. Dodge brand sales fell 4 percent to 4,007 units in August, yet year-to-date sales were up 1 percent for the brand.

“There are two important components of a CPOV sale, the skilled service technician to conduct a 125 point inspection and assure the vehicle is held to rigorous standards, and the sales professional to effectively communicate the value of owning a CPOV,” said Peter Grady, Director – DaimlerChrysler Motors Remarketing. “Our Five Star dealers have managed to excel in both areas, which is evident by our consistent month-over-month sales success in the certified used-vehicle segment.”

Chrysler Group offers one of the most comprehensive Certified Pre-owned Vehicle programs in the industry. For a vehicle to be certified under the Chrysler Group's used vehicle program, it must be a 2001 through 2006 model pre-owned vehicle with less than 65,000 miles and pass a stringent 125 point inspection. Chrysler Group's CPO vehicles are backed by an 8-year/80,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, a 3-month or 3,000-mile Maximum Care™ warranty, 24-hour, 365-day full roadside assistance and a $35 per day rental car allowance, in addition to a CARFAX™ vehicle history Report and a CARFAX Buyback Guarantee™.

Marketed as "Brand Spankin' Used™," Chrysler Group's CPO vehicles are sold only through Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealerships which have earned the automaker's Five Star Certification. Five Star Certification is a comprehensive validation of the dealership's facilities, operational processes, salesperson and technician training accreditation as well as customer satisfaction survey ratings. Approximately 2,100 Chrysler Group dealerships in the U.S. are certified Five Star dealers.

Posted by Frank at 2:06 PM

President Clinton gets himself a Mercury Mariner hybrid

INNOVATING FOR ENERGY INDEPENDENCE AND SUSTAINABILITY

* Mercury Mariner Hybrid “Presidential Edition” is the first hybrid vehicle to be outfitted for presidential service
* Full-hybrid, all-wheel drive powertrain delivers an impressive 32 miles per gallon in city driving and ultra-clean emissions

Ford Motor Company today announced the delivery of a Mercury Mariner Hybrid “Presidential Edition” to former President Bill Clinton – the first hybrid vehicle to be outfitted for presidential service.

The Presidential Mariner Hybrid will be formally accepted by President Clinton at the Clinton Global Initiative conference set for Sept. 20-22 in New York City.

“Ford is deeply committed to greener miles – to reduce America's dependence on foreign oil, save our customers money at the pump, and improve our environment,” said Bill Ford, Ford Motor Company Executive Chairman. “The Mercury Mariner hybrid we're delivering today meets that commitment, bringing American innovation to an American President.”

The development of the Presidential Mariner Hybrid is a showcase of Ford’s and the Clinton Foundation’s commitment to innovation in the areas of energy and climate change. Earlier this month, President Clinton announced the formation of the Clinton Climate Initiative (CCI), a project of his foundation that is dedicated to making a difference in the fight against climate change in practical and measurable ways.

“My Foundation is committed to making a difference in the fight against global warming,” said former President Bill Clinton. “The Clinton Climate Initiative is working with some of the world's largest cities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. I'm happy to have a fuel efficient vehicle to do my part and I’d like to thank the Ford Motor Company for this.”

Recently, the Mercury Mariner Hybrid and Ford Escape Hybrid were named among the top 30 environmentally friendly vehicles, according to J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Alternative Powertrain Study.

The Ford Escape Hybrid and the Mariner Hybrid are one part of Ford Motor Company’s approach to deliver greener miles with less pollution and greater fuel economy. Ford has expanded its work on hybrids in the U.S. and Europe and will add three more hybrid vehicles to its lineup by 2008. That strategy also includes E85 ethanol-capable vehicles, including the flex-fuel F-150, clean-diesel technologies, and hydrogen-powered vehicles.

Ford is a leader in hydrogen internal combustion engines, and will deliver more than 20 shuttle buses equipped with the engines to customers this year. Ford also is actively engaged in research on other bio-fuels and is deploying advanced engine and transmission technologies across its powertrain lineup.

The custom interior of the Presidential Mariner Hybrid emphasizes the comfort, convenience and productivity of an executive office, with details such as unique LED lighting, a 110-volt outlet and a new writing table. The Mariner Hybrid’s full-hybrid powertrain was unchanged, preserving its impressive 32 miles per gallon in city driving, 29 mpg on the highway, and ultra-clean emissions.

The Mercury Mariner Hybrid’s full-hybrid blends the best features of a gasoline engine and an electric motor to deliver comparable acceleration and passing performance to the conventional Mariner equipped with a 200 horsepower V-6 engine, and nearly a 50 percent increase in fuel economy. Ford Motor Company has received more than 150 patents on the hybrid powertrain system.

As a full hybrid, the Mariner Hybrid is capable of traveling up to 25 miles per hour solely on electric power, with no fuel consumption or emissions.

When the output of the 2.3-liter gasoline is not needed – during coasting, idling at stoplights, or crawling through slow traffic – the gasoline engine automatically shuts off. On demand, the gasoline engine and electric motor automatically team up to deliver maximum acceleration or passing performance.

“This project perfectly showcases the distinctive styling of the Mercury brand, as well as the environmental and energy benefits of the Mariner Hybrid,” says Nancy Gioia, director, Ford Sustainable Mobility Technologies and Hybrid Programs.

This combination of style, fuel efficiency, utility and clean emissions earned the Mariner Hybrid the Green Car Journal Green Car of the Year award for 2006, the journal’s first such award.

The Presidential Mariner Hybrid is the first Mercury outfitted for presidential transportation, an honor associated with the Lincoln brand since Franklin D. Roosevelt commissioned a 1939 Model K V-12 limousine – nicknamed the “Sunshine Special.” And now, the Mariner Hybrid also has the distinction of being the first and only hybrid to be outfitted for presidential service.

Posted by Frank at 2:03 PM

September 10, 2006

Gov. Schwarzenegger may order Californians off their cellphones

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is weighing a legislative bill that would prohibit drivers from using handheld mobile phones. Drivers would have to use headsets or other hands-free devices beginning July 1, 2008.

Link.

Posted by Frank at 2:05 PM

GM Performance Parts Launches New Website

New website name - gmperformanceparts.com
Configurator technology to be unveiled over the next several months

DETROIT – GM Performance Parts (GMPP) is unleashing a new power – and instead of delivering it in a crate, this power is delivered on the web at GMPP’s all-new website, www.gmperformanceparts.com. As the leader in providing high performance solutions to the automotive aftermarket, GMPP is extending its horsepower expertise to this newly launched website created by advertising agency, Leo Burnett Detroit.

“Over the past several years we’ve introduced some exciting new products, like the 350/290 HP, the ZZ572 and the LS7,” said Lisa Reffett, marketing manager, GM Performance Parts. “It seems only fitting that our website should reflect the same exhilaration you feel when you rev up one of those engines; so we knew that it was time for an overhaul!”

Prior to the launch of the new site, GMPP information could be found through the GM Goodwrench website. However with the growth in the GMPP portfolio, that site had become limited in its functionality and it was time for an overhaul.

The new site, which also has new web address, will roll out in two phases, offering visitors a whole new level in visual appeal, as well as dynamic functionality. Here’s a quick look at what you’ll find on the site during each phase.

Phase One – off the starting line
The website lights it up with a complete new design. From new photography that showcases GMPP crate engines like never before, to sections that help visitors browse the entire GMPP lineup, you won’t believe your eyes.

The homepage offers three new sections designed to assist GMPP visitors in their quest for performance:

* Dream It – experience what GMPP can do. We’re in love with performance and power – we’re enthusiasts just like you. Check out some of the dreams of the GMPP team, and make a few of your own.
* Build It – we’ve got the parts, you bring the project. Determine which parts will make your next project the custom build of a lifetime.
* Race It – if winning wasn’t important; there’d be no need for a checkered flag. Get advice from six-time NHRA Pro Stock Champion and GMPP sponsored driver, Warren Johnson.

The 2006 GMPP catalog has been flying off dealership shelves and is now available for download on the new site. Visitors can also locate the GMPP Authorized Center and GM dealership nearest them by entering their zip code.

Phase One also includes a new “parts finder” tool to help visitors easily find what they are looking for, using the part number or just the part description.

We can’t leave out the engine showcase where visitors will find a full display of GM Performance Parts crate engines, from small-blocks to big-blocks, including GMPPs racing engines and the next generation of V8 performance, the LS family. We’ve also included regular production engines you can buy in a crate. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find it on the new GMPP website.

Phase Two –shifting into second gear
GMPP adds dramatic interactive enhancements in the second phase of the website development, with an all new engine configurator. Face it, who else but GMPP would allow you to select an engine, pick and choose various engine dress-up accessories, and then replace the original part with a new GM Performance Part? In fact, visitors will be able to watch as those parts “fly” on and off, changing the entire look and performance of the engine.

If that’s not cool enough, next, an industry-leading dyno configurator will allow visitors to select performance upgrades on the engine of their choice and then run it on a virtual dyno which will then graph out the results, displaying horsepower and torque increases for their combination. By the way, it looks and sounds cool, too.

Phase two enhancements will begin with the initial engine configurator going live on the site near the end of September. Additional engines will be added throughout the remainder of the year.

“We’re very excited about the new website and the configurator capabilities,” said Reffett. “Anyone who has a custom project will be able to visit our site and build the engine that suits their needs.”

GM Performance Parts continues to set the standard for performance and value. Enthusiasts who crave the latest technology, maximum horsepower and the expertise and confidence backed by GM, can purchase GMPP crate engines, blocks, heads and components, from GM dealerships and GMPP Authorized Centers nationwide. For more information or to locate the closest GM dealership visit www.gmperformanceparts.com.

Posted by Frank at 1:53 PM

Saab announces 2007 lineup pricing

2007 Saab Family of Vehicles: Priced and Ready to Roll

Saab USA has released prices for the brand's family of vehicles for model year 2007. Consumers can step into the entry-luxury vehicle segment starting at $26,915. The line-up tops out at $43,120. Following are the MSRPs, including a $745 destination fee, for the entire vehicle line-up. Included in the overall line-up are seven car variants that achieve 30 mpg, as rated by the EPA, or better on the highway.

Saab 9-3: New interior inspired by classic 900

The biggest news for the 9-3 range is the new interior for 2007. It features a redesigned cockpit with new automatic climate control and infotainment systems, a larger instrument cluster with chrome details and new interior trim. The new interior bears resemblance to the classic lines of the first generation Saab 900, and features a new navigation system as an option.

The Saab 9-3 2.0T Sport Sedan is priced at a very attractive $26,915, while the Aero V6 model takes off at $33,220. Drivers looking for a little more diversity in their vehicle's capacity can get into a Saab 9-3 2.0T or Aero V6 SportCombi priced at $27,915 and $34,120 respectively. Those who long for the open air while cruising around town can opt for the Saab 9-3 2.0T or Aero Convertible, priced at $37,515 and $43,120 respectively.

Saab 9-5: Return of the Aero

The Saab 9-5 line, refreshed inside and out just this spring, begins at $35,115 for the 2.3T sedan, and $36,210 for the Aero Sedan - both representing an excellent value in its segment. Customers seeking more cargo options can hop into a 9-5 2.3T or Aero SportCombi starting at $36,115 and $37,210, respectively.

With its exemplary safety, surprising functionality and standard fuel economy, the 9-5 SportCombi is an excellent option for those looking for a sophisticated alternative to a traditional truck.

Saab 9-7X SUV: OnStar-based Navigation Standard

The Saab 9-7X sport utility vehicle, which made its debut in 2005, is an enticing option for drivers looking for the ride height and versatility of a SUV with sporty sedan-like road manners. New for 2007 is standard turn-by-turn navigation. The 9-7X 4.2i and the 9-7X 5.3i V8 are priced at $39,735 and $41,735 respectively.

For the 2007 model year, the Saab 9-2X has been discontinued as a result of the dissolution of the General Motors relationship with Fuji Heavy Industries.

Fuel Economy: Seven variants at 30 mpg

Included in the overall line-up are seven car variants that achieve 30 mpg, as rated by the EPA, or better on the highway. Those vehicles are the Saab 9-3 2.0T SportSedan six-speed manual; 9-3 2.0T SportSedan five-speed automatic; 9-3 2.0T SportCombi six-speed manual; 9-3 2.0T SportCombi five-speed automatic; 9-3 Convertible 5-speed automatic; 9-5 2.3T Sedan five-speed manual; and the 9-5 2.3T SportCombi five-speed manual.

Saab is a division of General Motors Corp. Saab USA is the importer and/or distributor of Saab 9-3, 9-5 and 9-7X automobiles for Saab Automobile AB, Sweden. Saab offers vehicle warranty coverage up to five years or 100,000 miles. Visit www.saabusa.com for more information.

Posted by Frank at 1:49 PM

Chevy giving students chance to produce Super Bowl ad

Chevrolet is kicking off a unique contest for college students -- giving them a chance to compete for the opportunity to have their idea for a Chevy ad produced for the 2007 Super Bowl—one of the most coveted advertising spots on television with about 140 million viewers. The winning student team will also get to participate in the ad production process as their idea goes from concept to reality and is then aired during Super Bowl XLI.

Teams will create the idea for a commercial promoting Chevrolet’s bold new designs and innovative lineup of cars and crossovers, specifically the Aveo, Cobalt, HHR and Equinox. Since these cars and crossovers are particularly suited to the younger buyer’s lifestyle and taste, contestants will design their ads to specifically target the youth market.

“Chevrolet is America’s No.1-selling automotive brand.” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet’s General Manager. “The Super Bowl is an American institution, and the commercials have become almost as big a tradition as the football. Who other than college students could breathe more fresh life into Super Bowl advertising? We’re excited that Chevy, and our American Revolution, can bring them all together.”

The stu dents will submit their ad ideas in a professional layout to be judged later this fall. The five finalist teams will be given all-expense paid trips to Detroit to present their concepts in person to Chevrolet and ad agency executives. The winning team will then have the chance to be part of the ad production process as their idea is developed, produced and then aired during the big game on February 4, 2007.

Chevrolet is contacting advertising, marketing, design and film programs at about 340 colleges and universities across the country. They are also reaching out to hundreds of other schools, including community colleges, to give as many students as possible the chance to enter the contest. The “Chevy Super Bowl College Ad Challenge” is open to all full-time U.S. college students, who will compete in teams of up to three people.

“We can’t wait to see how the students respond to this real-world advertising challenge ,” Peper said. “We’re proud that Chevrolet’s ‘An American Revolution’ campaign has revamped Chevy’s entire line-up in the past two and a half years, and we’re eager to get the word out about the expressive designs and spirited performance of our vehicles. This is a unique way to give students a platform to tell us what they think will make a great ad and to participate in the production process. It’s a fantastic opportunity for them and for us.”

To register for the contest and read the official rules, go to the Chevy Super Bowl College Ad Challenge website at www.edventurepartners.com/chevysb Registration ends on September 22, and contest submissions are due by October 13th. The contest blog, with advice and updates is at www.chevycollegead.com.

Posted by Frank at 1:47 PM

GMC supports the Dwayne Johnson ROCK Foundation

MIAMI – The GMC division of General Motors sponsored the September 8 Miami premier of the new movie, “Gridiron Gang”, starring actor and sports entertainer, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, where execs presented the star with a check for $170,000.

“Gridiron Gang” is based on a true story about two juvenile detention camp probation officers who turn a group of troubled teens into a disciplined high school football team in four weeks, while teaching them self-respect and responsibility.

The movie’s Miami premiere and after-party will serve as a fundraiser for Dwayne Johnson’s new non-profit organization, The ROCK Foundation, which provides programs designed to enrich the lives and self-esteem of underserved, at-risk youth and children hospitalized for medical disabilities, disorders and illnesses.

At the event, GMC will present The ROCK Foundation with a charitable donation to support the foundation’s efforts to provide opportunities and programs that empower and enrich the lives of children.

“The ROCK Foundation is a great organization dedicated to helping young people boost their self-esteem and fulfill their dreams, and GMC is proud to support such a cause,” said Steve Rosenblum, GMC Marketing Director.

In the spirit of giving, movie premier guests are encouraged to donate a toy to The Rock’s Toy Chest, which supports playrooms in various children’s hospitals.

Posted by Frank at 1:45 PM

Suzuki pounds out a 16% August sales increase

Company is up 30% for the year to date

Grand Vitara and Forenza family leading Suzuki to best sales year in company history

American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) today announced sales of 8,399 units in August – an increase of 16 percent over August 2005. Year-to-date sales total 73,388, up 30 percent over the previous year. Suzuki’s monthly sales increases continue the company’s recent sales momentum which included record sales of 82,101 in 2005 – the best sales year in American Suzuki’s 21-year history.

ASMC’s August increase was led by the sales of its Grand Vitara, which sold 2,136 units, an impressive 517 percent increase over last year’s numbers. The top-selling Forenza family of vehicles also contributed to Suzuki’s impressive month, with 4,949 units sold in August.

“American Suzuki continues to perform well each month and our sales pace puts the company on track to set a new sales record in 2006,” said Koichi Suzuki, president of American Suzuki’s Automotive Operations. “The success of the Grand Vitara and the Forenza models, combined with the scheduled launch of two new Suzuki vehicles (the all-new Suzuki SX4 with standard all-wheel drive which is arriving in dealer showrooms now and the 2007 Suzuki XL7 SUV which is due in showrooms later this year) puts American Suzuki in position for a successful sales year.”

Suzuki’s expanding product line in the United States includes the media-acclaimed Grand Vitara, the popular Forenza sedan and Forenza Wagon, the five-door Reno, the Aerio and Aerio SX, the Verona and the Suzuki XL-7, one of the most affordable seven-passenger SUVs sold in the United States.

In addition to the strong vehicle lineup, Suzuki automobiles feature America’s #1 Warranty with its industry-leading 100,000-mile/7-year, zero deductible, fully transferable limited powertrain warranty.

Posted by Frank at 1:31 PM

Volvo sales down 2% in August

Volvo Cars of North America, LLC reports sales in the United States of 10,606 units for August -- trending upward 2 percent over the previous month. Compared to August of last year, the results are off slightly by 2 percent.

For the month, the Volvo XC90 performed well up nearly 15 percent, within an SUV segment trending down industry wide.

Overall, Volvo sales in North America (United States, including Puerto Rico, Canada and Mexico) were 11,875 units -- down 2.3 percent for the month. Volvo Canada sales were 968 units and 301 units were sold at Volvo in Mexico, ... down 7 percent and up 3 percent respectively.

Posted by Frank at 1:29 PM

BMW Group posts 3% August sales increase

The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI brands combined) reported year-to-date sales of 206,530 vehicles, an increase of 3 percent over the 200,562 vehicles sold in the first eight months of 2005. The BMW Group also reported a decrease of 11 percent in August sales for 25,673 vehicles over the 28,879 vehicles reported in 2005.

BMW Brand Sales Increase in August
BMW brand sales were up 5 percent year-to-date, to 179,724 vehicles compared to 171,579 vehicles sold in the same period in 2005.

Sales of BMW brand vehicles dropped 12 percent in August for a total of 22,421 compared to 25,537 reported in the same month a year ago.

BMW Automobile Sales
Year-to-date, sales of BMW brand automobiles were up 13 percent to 140,250 automobiles compared to 124,406 in the same period of 2005. Automobile sales were off slightly in August to 17,053 versus 17,254 in the same month a year ago as the company managed inventory in advance of the launch of several new models, including the all-new 3 Series Coupe which is just arriving at dealerships.

BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Sales
Sales of BMW Sports Activity Vehicles were down 35 percent in August to 5,368 vehicles over the 8,283 sold last August. BMW will introduce an all-new X5 Sports Activity Vehicle and inventory of this model is deliberately low in preparation for the launch. Year-to-date, sales of BMW Sports Activity Vehicles were also off 16 percent, to 39,474 vehicles compared to the 47,173 sold in the same period in 2005.

Certified Pre-Owned [CPO]
Sales of BMW's Certified Pre-Owned vehicles were up 4 percent, and the company reported its best August ever with sales of 6,713 CPO vehicles versus 6,470 vehicles reported last year. Year-to-date, CPO sales were up 17 percent, to 58,129 over the 49,620 reported in the same period in 2005.

MINI Brand Automobiles
MINI USA reported August sales of 3,252 automobiles, down 11 percent from the 3,342 cars sold in August 2005. Year-to-date, the division reported sales of 26,806 automobiles, a drop of 8 percent, compared to the 28,983 cars reported in the first eight months of 2005.

Posted by Frank at 1:25 PM

Mitsubishi does it again with a slight sales increase in August

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., reports August sales of 10,954 units, an increase of 0.1% over last August's total of 10,945.

It marked the sixth consecutive month that Mitsubishi U.S. sales topped the 10,000 mark and the second consecutive month of year-over-year increases. August marked the fourth month in the last five that MMNA has surpassed the sales of the same month a year ago.

MMNA President & CEO Hiroshi Harunari said, "The consistency of the sales performance of our products in the U.S. is an excellent indicator of the growing strength and stability of our business in this market. We are particularly pleased to show sales increases month after month, at a time when our industry as a whole has shown declining sales."

Harunari added that Mitsubishi business should further strengthen when the all-new, fuel-efficient Outlander crossover SUV arrives at dealerships in October.

August sales highlights:
* Eclipse was the volume leader at 2,966 up 27.6% from last year's
volume.
* Lancer closed at 1,797 units, up 34.3% from last year's volume.
* Eclipse Spyder sales were 773 units, up 145.4% from last year's volume.

Posted by Frank at 1:24 PM

Kia Motors America up 5.4% for Best August Sales Ever

Kia Motors America today announced record August sales of 25,114 units, a 5.4-percent increase over the same period last year. Year-to-date sales for Kia totaled 198,121 units, a 2.7-percent improvement over the record-setting sales pace in 2005.

"Even with high gas prices and a tough-selling summer for the industry, Kia has once again proven itself as a major player in the business," said Len Hunt, executive vice president and COO of KMA. "Stay tuned for more exciting and enabling product with the upcoming launches of Rondo and short wheel base Sedona."

August was the best month ever for the Kia Sorento midsize SUV at 5,713 units sold. The Kia Spectra also posted a strong month with 7,665 units sold.

Posted by Frank at 1:19 PM

Hyundai sales up 6% in August

Hyundai Motor America continued its record sales pace with 44,635 sales in August, a new all-time record for the month. The new Sonata continues to post gains with total sales of 13,184 in August, a 32 percent increase over last year. The all-new 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe is off to a strong start and helped total Santa Fe sales increase 25 percent over August 2005. The national advertising campaign for the all-new Santa Fe launches in September.

"We are closing out the 2006 model year on a high note, with new record sales for the month of August," said Mark Barnes, vice president, National Sales, Hyundai Motor America. "With the 2007 models entering dealerships now, we are poised to continue our record pace through the end of the year."

All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by The Hyundai Advantage, America's Best Warranty. Hyundai buyers are protected by a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, a 7-year/unlimited-mile anti-perforation warranty and 5-year/unlimited-mile roadside assistance protection.

Posted by Frank at 1:18 PM

Honda sales up 10.5% in August

American Honda light truck sales increased 10.5 percent for August and set an all-time record with sales of 69,385 light trucks. American Honda year-to-date sales are up 5.3 percent to 1,044,284 units, while sales for the month are down 6.7 percent to 151,253 units based on the daily selling rate.

Honda Division light truck sales also posted an all-time record with 63,731 units delivered, up 11.4 percent. Odyssey sales of 18,773 units broke the all-time record, increasing 11.6 percent over year-ago results. Also setting records for the month were the Pilot and CR-V, both posting record August sales of 19,100 and 16,321 units, increasing by 31.6 and 6.8 percent respectively. Total Honda division sales were down 6.5 percent for the month to 132,990 units, while year-to-date sales are up 7.5 percent to 911,517.

"American Honda has successfully achieved year-over-year increases for more than a decade," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "The arrival of the all-new 2007 CR-V as well as the Civic Si sedan should allow us to continue our strong year-to-date momentum."

Acura Division posted record August sales for light trucks with 5,654 sales. The all-new RDX signals a successful start with 1,361 units sold since its introduction less than a month ago. The TL luxury performance sedan was Acura's best selling model with 6,339 units.

Posted by Frank at 1:17 PM

Volkswagen sales up 1.5% in August

Best Month in 2006
Rabbit Doubles Sales of Golf Predecessor

Volkswagen of America, Inc. announces its highest monthly sales volume for 2006 with 23,420 retail deliveries for August. This represents a 1.5% increase over August 2005. Volkswagen maintains its marketplace momentum, as year-to-date sales are running 14.7% ahead of 2005.

Significant in the August results is the market acceptance of the recently introduced all-new Rabbit. With a starting price of $14,990 and a high level of standard features and equipment, it has attracted many new buyers to the Volkswagen brand. Rabbit posted sales of 1,983 units versus 946 sales for its Golf predecessor in August 2005.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Rabbit, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, Jetta, GTI, GLI, Passat, Passat wagon, Eos, Touareg and Phaeton through more than 600 independent U.S. dealers.

Posted by Frank at 1:16 PM

Mercedes-Benz USA reports best ever August sales

MONTVALE, N.J. – Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported its highest August on record with sales of 20,602 new vehicles, an increase of 6.9 percent over last August. This brings MBUSA’s year-to-date sales to 157,128 a 13.3 percent increase over year-to-date 2005.

August sales were boosted by the Mercedes-Benz flagship S-Class which rose by 105.9 percent over August 2005 (2,427 v. 1,179 units). The SLK-Class roadster also proved a strong summer performer with a 7.5 percent increase over August 2005 (834 v. 776).

Sales for Mercedes-Benz vehicles in the luxury light truck segment -- M-Class, R-Class, GL-Class and G-Class -- continue to demonstrate impressive gains with a combined 66.2 percent increase over last August and an 86.9 percent increase over year-to-date 2005 (41,394 v. 22,142).

Separately, through the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned program, MBUSA sold 4,221 vehicles in August, an increase of 15.3 percent over August 2005, bringing the year-to-date total to 31,482 units, a 2.7 percent increase over year-to-date 2005.

In 2005, MBUSA achieved its twelfth consecutive year of sales growth by setting the highest sales volume in its history with 224,421 new vehicle sales. Headquartered in Montvale, N.J., MBUSA is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz products in the United States.

Posted by Frank at 1:09 PM

Toyota increase sales 11% in August

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported best-ever August sales of 240,178 vehicles, an increase of 12.6 percent over August 2005. Calendar-year-to-date (CYTD) sales total 1,705,546 units, up 11.0 percent over the same period last year.

"We are grateful to have the fuel-efficient models today's market demands," said TMS Executive Vice President Jim Lentz. "But it's the strength of our dealer network which is proving increasingly central to our growth."

The Toyota Division posted best-ever August sales of 209,104, up 13.6 percent. The Lexus Division reported best-ever August sales with 31,074 units sold, an increase of 6.4 percent.

Toyota Division
Toyota Division passenger cars recorded best-ever August sales of 125,768, up 14.7 percent over the same period last year. Passenger car sales were led by the Corolla, which posted best-ever August sales of 34,971 and an increase of 7.4 percent over last August. The Camry Hybrid, which went on sale in late April, reported sales of 4,977 units in August. Total Camry enjoyed combined August sales of 42,227 units, up 1.9 percent. The all-new Yaris subcompact, which went on sale in March, posted sales totaling 11,392 units for the month. The Prius gas-electric hybrid mid-size sedan posted best-ever August sales of 11,177, an increase of 9.3 percent.

Toyota Division light truck sales were up 12 percent, with a best-ever August total of 83,336 units. Light truck sales were led by the RAV4 compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) with all-time best-ever monthly sales of 14,363, up 87.4 percent over the same period last year. The all-new FJ Cruiser, which went on sale in March, reported sales of 6,259 units. The Highlander Hybrid gas-electric mid-size SUV reported sales of 2,581 units for the month. The Highlander and Highlander Hybrid posted combined August sales of 11,645.

Scion reported all-time best-ever monthly sales with 19,252 units sold. The tC sports coupe led the way with unsurpassed monthly sales of 9,185 units, up 18.5 percent. Scion xB sales were up 35.1 percent, posting monthly sales of 6,956 units. The xA posted sales of 3,111 units, up 6.8 percent.

Lexus Division
Lexus passenger cars posted all-time best-ever sales of 18,376 units, an increase of 21.0 percent over August 2005. Passenger car sales were led by the all-new ES 350 luxury sedan with best-ever August sales of 7,973 units, up 4.5 percent. The IS luxury sport sedans reported all-time best-ever sales of 5,553 units, a 710.2 percent increase over last August. The IS 250 sales totaled 3,890, with the IS 350 recording sales of 1,663 units. The all-new limited-production GS 450h luxury hybrid performance sedan posted sales of 192 units, while combined sales of the GS 430 and GS 450h totaled 362 units. The V6 powered GS 300 added 2,609 units to the GS series total.

Lexus Division light trucks reported August sales totaling 12,698 units. The 2006 RX 400h luxury hybrid SUV reported sales of 1,514 units for the month. The RX 350 and RX 400h enjoyed combined August sales of 9,805 units.

TMS calendar-year-to-date hybrid sales totaled 126,249 units. In August, hybrids sales posted 25,994 units.

Sales of North American-built vehicles accounted for 48.9 percent of total August sales. There were 27 selling days this sales month compared to 26 selling days last August.

Posted by Frank at 1:08 PM

Chrysler Group Sales Drop 4% in August

* Chrysler 300 Sales Rise 13 Percent Year-Over-Year
* Jeep® Compass Continues Arriving at Dealerships to Positive Customer Reception
* Chrysler Town & Country Sales Improve 9 Percent Over Last Year
* Zero-percent for 72 Months Incentive Program Announced for 2006 Models

Moving in stride with overall industry sales trends this month, Chrysler Group reported U.S. sales for August of 179,165 units, a decrease of 8 percent (4 percent decrease unadjusted) compared to August 2005 sales of 187,085 units. All sales are reported on an adjusted basis unless otherwise indicated.

“Our product portfolio transition continues with the successful launch of the Jeep® Compass on the heels of the brisk-selling Dodge Caliber along with eight additional products this year,” said Steven Landry, Chrysler Group, Vice President – Sales and Field Operations. “Strong customer demand for the Dodge Caliber and the Jeep Compass has set the standard for our other vehicle launches.”

Chrysler Group saw sales strength in several key products during August, including the Chrysler 300, Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Charger, Dodge Caliber and the Jeep Compass.

Strong sales of the Chrysler 300 and Chrysler Town & Country minivan helped to push the Chrysler brand to sales of 47,132 units, an increase of 3 percent over previous year sales of 44,279 units. The Chrysler 300 posted sales of 11,703 units, an increase of 13 percent over August 2005 sales of 9,934 units. Sales of the Chrysler Town & Country increased 9 percent to 11,981 units compared to 10,614 units sold in August 2005.

The Jeep brand posted sales of 42,243 units, a slight increase compared to previous year sales of 40,659 units for the brand. The Jeep Commander posted sales of 8,012 units, a 1 percent increase over July 2006 sales of 7,363 units. The Jeep Compass is beginning to arrive at Jeep dealers nationwide and feedback is positive from dealers and customers. Sales of the Jeep Compass totaled 2,061 units this month despite limited availability, as dealers are still receiving shipments.

The Dodge brand saw strong sales from several products within its portfolio during August. Sales of the Dodge Caliber continue to be brisk with 8,877 units sold this month, an increase of 14 percent over July 2006 sales of 7,187 units. Demand for the Dodge Caliber continues to be strong; days supply for the vehicle is 23 days. The Dodge Charger posted sales of 10,461 units, an increase of 93 percent compared to August 2005 sales of 5,222 units. The Dodge Dakota posted a sales increase of 4 percent to 8,891 units. Sales of the Dodge Dakota totaled 8,206 units last year.

Beginning today, Chrysler Group announces 0 percent financing for 72 months on nearly all 2006 model year vehicles. Qualifying customers can choose zero percent financing for up to 72 months or cash back amounts up to $5,000. The program runs through Oct. 2, 2006. Chrysler 300, Dodge Magnum and Dodge Charger vehicles are excluded.

“We wanted to address customer concerns about higher interest rates and fuel prices,” said Mike Manley, Chrysler Group, Vice President – Sales Strategy and Dealer Operations. “This first-time program will allow consumers to own a new vehicle that fits their budget and reinforces the value of products we offer to customers.”

Chrysler Group finished the month with 502,946 units of inventory, or a 76-day supply.

Posted by Frank at 1:06 PM

Ford drops 12% in August

* Combined sales for the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, and Lincoln Zephyr in August were 22,863 – easily eclipsing the previous monthly sales record for company's new mid-size sedans.
* Overall, Ford's August sales up 6 percent compared with July 2006, but down 12 percent compared with August 2005 when Ford offered employee prices to all customers.
* Car sales were up 9 percent compared with July and 9 percent compared with August 2005; truck sales were up 4 percent compared with July, but down 21 percent compared with August 2005.
* Ford Mustang posts best August sales since 1979 including over 800 Shelby GT 500 models. Total Mustang sales were 17,933, up 64 percent from August 2005.
* Ford F-Series posts second highest sales month in 2006. Total sales were 76,804, up 11 percent from July, but down 15 percent from last year's record sales.

Consumer demand continues to grow for Ford's new mid-size sedans (Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, and Lincoln Zephyr). Combined sales for the trio totaled 22,863, up 13 percent from the previous best sales month (20,267), which was May 2006. Demand for these products is expected to remain strong in the coming months as 2007 models will incorporate several standard safety features (e.g., side air bags) and all-wheel drive as an option.

August sales totaled 255,112, up 6 percent from July 2006, but down 12 percent compared with August 2005 when Ford offered employee prices to all customers.

The Fusion, Milan, and Zephyr are helping the company to increase car sales and market share. Total Ford car sales were 9 percent higher than July and 9 percent higher than a year ago.

Ford Mustang "rocked the house" in August with sales of 17,933, up 64 percent compared with August 2005. It was the highest Mustang sales in August since 1979. Included in the total were over 800 Shelby GT 500s.

The company's truck sales were up 4 percent compared with July 2006, but down 21 percent compared with August 2005. Ford's F-Series truck had its second highest sales month in 2006. Sales for America's best-selling truck in August were 76,804, up 11 percent from July 2006, but down 15 percent from last year's record sales of 90,388.

"Retail business was very strong at the end of the month," said Al Giombetti, president, Ford and Lincoln Mercury sales and marketing. "Zero percent financing put a big dent in 2006 model inventories." Giombetti noted August retail sales challenged March as the best retail month of the year.

Posted by Frank at 1:02 PM

GM Sales Up 8% in August

* Sales Gains Driven By Launch Vehicles
* GM's Fuel-Efficient Vehicles Post Significant Increases: Pontiac G6 Up 35 Percent, Chevrolet Impala Up 29 Percent In Total Sales
* Full-Size Pickup Truck Retail Sales Up 27 Percent; Large Utilities Up 22 Percent

DETROIT - General Motors' dealers in the United States sold 368,776 new cars and trucks in August. Retail sales were up 8 percent on a sales day adjusted basis, compared with August 2005.

"August retail sales were up almost 30,000 units compared to last year. That's great news. This was one of the stronger retail months of 2006, with our performance led by such launch vehicles as the Pontiac Torrent and G6, Saturn Sky, Chevrolet Cobalt, Impala and Buick Lucerne," said Mark LaNeve, General Motors North America vice president, Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing.

"Importantly, we're capitalizing on the sale of fuel-efficient cars and trucks including such "30 mpg and Above Club" members as Pontiac G6 coupe and G5, Chevy HHR, Cobalt, Malibu and Impala, and Saab 9-3. Our large pickup retail sales for Chevrolet Silverado, Avalanche and GMC Sierra were up 27 percent compared with a year ago. Customers clearly are responding to the quality, value, versatility and fuel efficiency of our cars and trucks. We encourage everyone in the new-vehicle market to take advantage of our Final Summer Bonus Cash sales event that runs through September 5."

Due to the success of new products, GM has seen sales strengthen over the last few months. GM market share on a retail basis has improved significantly in the last 90 days due to great launch vehicle performance and a broad-range of fuel-efficient vehicles.

Consistent with our North America turnaround plan, GM continues to run above 3 million retail units on an annualized basis.

GM also continues to reduce its reliance on low-margin daily rental sales. Daily rental sales were down 20 percent compared to year-ago levels, and were down 23 percent compared to July 2006. Total fleet sales (including daily rentals) were down 15 percent (14,112 vehicles) compared to year-ago levels.

Total GM U.S. retail passenger car sales are up 5 percent versus August last year, demonstrating that GM can compete in all product categories and take advantage of shifting consumer preferences.

Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, Saab and Buick all saw retail sales increases in August.

Buick Lucerne, Pontiac G6, Chevy Malibu and Impala drove the mid-car category. There were retail deliveries of 9,021 Buick Lucerne; 7,889 Pontiac G6 (up 18 percent) and 10,109 Chevy Impala (up 62 percent) vehicles last month.

Chevrolet retail sales were up 8 percent, to 144,640 vehicles, led by an 11-percent increase in retail truck deliveries. Chevrolet also had a 3-percent hike in retail car deliveries, driven by more than 60-percent increases in both Monte Carlo and Impala.

GMC retail sales were up 17 percent for August with 36,394 vehicles delivered, driven by 9,407 all-new 2007 Yukon and Yukon XL sales.

Cadillac retail sales were up 17 percent, to 17,062 vehicles, led by a 22-percent hike in retail trucks, including 3,762 all-new 2007 Escalade and Escalade ESV sales. There was a 13-percent rise in Cadillac retail car deliveries, including 4,041 CTS; 3,138 DTS; and 2,658 STS.

Saab delivered 3,157 retail vehicles in August, up 18 percent compared to last year. Saab 9-3 sales were up 39 percent retail.

Buick retail deliveries were up 10 percent, to 17,711 vehicles, powered by a 31-percent rise in retail car deliveries. There were 13,981 combined retail deliveries of LaCrosse and Lucerne, marking the third consecutive month exceeding 10,000 units.

Saturn retail car sales are up 5 percent compared with August 2005, with 8,677 vehicles delivered, including 1,073 Skys.

Chevrolet HHR and Equinox, Saturn Vue and Pontiac Torrent pushed total small utility sales up 18 percent compared with a year ago, and up 45 percent in the first eight months of the year compared to the same period a year ago. Chevrolet HHR saw a 62-percent increase in retail sales compared to last year and had CYTD deliveries of 53,208 vehicles. Chevrolet Equinox had one of its best retail sales months of the year with 7,737 deliveries.

On the truck side of the market, large pickup truck retail deliveries were up 27 percent with 43,185 Chevy Silverado and 16,530 GMC Sierra trucks sold. Chevy Avalanche retail sales were up 42 percent compared to a year ago. GMC had one of its best retail sales months of the year, with 36,394 vehicles delivered, a 17-percent increase from August 2005. There were 2,002 GMC Canyon retail deliveries. GM sold 5,214 all-new 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche; 11,144 Tahoe; 5,332 Suburban; 5,869 GMC Yukon; and 3,538 Yukon XL vehicles at retail in August.

HUMMER had its second-best total sales month of 2006 with 6,711 total deliveries. H3 led the charge, up 10 percent in total sales over August 2005 with its third best month since launch. CYTD total HUMMER sales of 46,497 vehicles were up 49 percent compared with the same eight months one year ago.

GM's luxury utilities also posted solid retail sales results in August, with the all-new 2007 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV and Cadillac SRX. August was the best retail sales month of the year for large utilities, up 22 percent retail; large luxury utilities were up 17 percent.

GM sports cars also posted very strong August retail sales results, with a 93-percent improvement compared with year-ago levels. Corvette retail sales were up 31 percent, with 2,984 vehicles delivered. Pontiac Solstice (1,515 vehicles) and Saturn Sky (1,073 vehicles) are continuing their brisk retail sales pace.

LaNeve was very encouraged by strong June, July and August sales performances, led by GM's launch vehicles and passenger cars. "Offering industry-leading products with best-in-class features and outstanding fuel economy means we are doing the right thing for the customer. We are seeing a continuing stability in our sales and positive momentum."

Certified Used Vehicles

August sales for all certified GM brands, including GM Certified Used Vehicles, Cadillac Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles, Saturn Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles, Saab Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles and HUMMER Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles, were 44,717 units, down 12 percent from last August. Total year-to-date certified GM sales are 347,596 units, down nearly 4 percent from the same period last year.

GM Certified Used Vehicles, the industry's top-selling certified pre-owned brand, posted 38,123 sales in August, down 13 percent from August 2005. Year-to-date sales for GM Certified Used Vehicles are 300,205 units, down 2 percent.

Cadillac Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles posted 3,609 sales in August, up 4 percent from last August. Saturn Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles sold 1,976 units, down 30.5 percent. Saab Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles sold 928 units, up 2 percent. In its eighth month of operation, HUMMER Certified Pre-Owned sold 81 units.

"Although August sales were challenging, the industry's top-selling certified brand, GM Certified Used Vehicles, increased sales 14 percent over July, while both Cadillac and Saab Certified Pre Owned Vehicles showed positive year-to-year gains in August," said LaNeve.

GM North America Reports August 2006 Production, 2006 Third Quarter Production Forecast Remains Unchanged at 1.050 Million Vehicles; 2006 Fourth Quarter Production Forecast Set at 1.130 Million Vehicles

In August, GM North America produced 465,000 vehicles (179,000 cars and 286,000 trucks). This is down 25,000 units or 5 percent compared to August 2005 when the region produced 490,000 vehicles (181,000 cars and 309,000 trucks). (Production totals include joint venture production of 26,000 vehicles in August 2006 and 28,000 vehicles in August 2005.)

The region's 2006 third quarter production forecast remains unchanged at 1.050 million vehicles (405,000 cars and 645,000 trucks). In the third quarter of 2005 the region produced 1.146 million vehicles (423,000 cars and 723,000 trucks). Additionally, the region's initial 2006 fourth quarter production forecast is set at 1.130 million vehicles (455,000 cars and 675,000 trucks), down approximately 12 percent, or 150,000 units, compared to 2005 fourth quarter actuals. This production adjustment does not reflect a reduction in GM's sales outlook, but is consistent with our strategy to reduce low-margin daily rentals, and takes into account the plan to shift production of pick-ups to the next generation pick-ups during the fourth quarter.

Posted by Frank at 1:01 PM

Nissan's August Sales Down 6.3%

Nissan North America, Inc. reports sales of 89,848 units in August, which is a decrease of 6.3 percent from the prior year. The Nissan Division sales decreased by 3.2% over last year, while the car segment increased by 4.8%. The Murano had its best August ever with sales of 6,440 units. The Infiniti Division posted a sales decline of 26.4 percent versus the prior year.

NISSAN HIGHLIGHTS
-- August sales for Nissan-brand vehicles of 80,419 units decreased 3.2 percent on a daily sales rate basis when compared to last year with 80,026 units sold. Without adjusting the selling days, the Nissan Division had its best August ever in volume.

-- The car segment increased by 4.8%, while the truck segment decreased by 12.0%

-- The Murano had its best August ever with sales of 6,440 units.

-- The new Versa subcompact, which is in its second month of sales, continues to deliver strong sales of 3,832 units.

INFINITI HIGHLIGHTS
-- Sales for Infiniti were down 26.4 percent with 9,429 units sold as compared with last August's 12,339 units.

NNA INFORMATION
-- Combined August sales for Nissan and Infiniti totaled 89,848 units, a 6.3 percent decrease when compared to last year with 92,365 units.

-- The product pipeline will be revamped with key new models for this fall including the new Sentra, which will be out in October, and the new Altima and Infiniti G35 sport sedan, which will be on sale in November.

Posted by Frank at 12:58 PM

Survey: Shoppers staying away from big vehicles

According to an Autobytel survey released last week, almost half of new-vehicle shoppers would not consider buying a large truck or SUV -- even if the fuel costs were mitigated by a dealer discount. As Autobytel.com's Brian Chee told the Detroit Free Press, "Bad fuel mileage is a nonstarter for today's buyers, which is why automakers have finally conceded to cut inventory rather than continuing to rely on incentives."

Link.

Posted by Frank at 12:57 PM

Auto workers still value careers on the line

While salaries for United Auto Workers members aren't what they used to be, workers still covet factory jobs with automobile and auto parts manufacturers.

Link.

Posted by Frank at 12:56 PM

Chrysler shelves Dr. Z campaign

Chrysler Group is suspending an advertising campaign starring DaimlerChrysler AG chairman Dieter Zetsche, in favor of ads touting the automaker's new zero-percent financing.

Link.

Posted by Frank at 12:53 PM

Commentary: The future of the GM, Renault, Nissan alliance

General Motors Corp., Renault SA and Nissan Motor Co. are in the midst of a 90-day study exploring the virtues and drawbacks of a corporate alliance, but Detroit Free Press columnist Tom Walsh thinks it's more likely than not that the companies will forge a long-term partnership.

Link.

Posted by Frank at 12:53 PM

GM announces production cuts

In keeping with the general industry-wide trend, General Motors announced last week that it would cut vehicle production, mainly of SUVs and trucks, for the fourth quarter of 2006, as auto buyers look to economize with fuel efficient vehicles.

Link.

Posted by Frank at 12:51 PM

Alan Mulally takes over as Ford Motor CEO

In a surprise move, Bill Ford Jr., the great-grandson of company founder Henry Ford, announced that he was stepping aside as CEO of Ford Motor Co., to make room for Boeing executive Alan Mulally. Mulally is widely credited with restoring Boeing's flagging fortunes in the wake of the airline industry downturn that followed the 9/11 attacks. Ford will remain chairman and says he plans to have an "active partnership" with Mulally.

Link.

Posted by Frank at 12:50 PM

Ford video racing game coming to a console near you

Are you dying to get behind the wheel of the outrageous 2007 Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang but can’t scrape together the down payment? Rev up your PC, PlayStation 2 or Xbox this month to experience the next best thing, courtesy of Ford Motor Company and video game giant Eidos.

Ford Bold Moves Street Racing will put you in the driver’s seat of 18 new or classic Ford-licensed street machines: the 1968 Mustang GT, 1969 Mustang Boss 302, 1970 Capri Mk I RS2600, 1970 Mustang Boss 429, 1973 Escort RS2000, 1975 Torino Sport, 1985 RS200, 1987 Sierra RS500, 1992 Escort RS Cosworth, 1995 GT90 Concept, 2000 Ford SVT Cobra R, 2002 Focus RS, 2004 Fiesta ST, 2004 Mustang GT-R Concept, 2004 SVT F-150 Lightning, 2006 Ford GT, 2006 Mustang GT and the outrageous 2007 Shelby GT500.

The game structure includes challenges, competitions and leagues for one or two players racing on 24 highly detailed tracks based on the streets of Los Angeles. Players win cash to repair cars and purchase higher-performance cars and options.

A unique patented feature, Maximum Team Control Racing, allows competitors to command a team of up to three cars at once, switching from car to car on the fly to increase the racing excitement. As an added touch of realism, the cars show progressive damage from side-by-side racing, affecting the car’s appearance, performance and drivability.

Developed by Razorworks, the game is slated for release this month and is rated “E” so everyone can enjoy the excitement.

Posted by Frank at 12:43 PM

Ford Crown Victoria still top cop cruiser

You dread the day that you see those lights flashing in your rearview mirror but love the feeling of safety they provide as they cruise your neighborhood. Love ’em or hate ’em, odds are very good that the police cruiser you see is a Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor.

Kevin Fitzpatrick, Ford Motor Company State and Local Government sales manager, says Ford owns about 80 percent of total annual sales in the police vehicle market and is on track to sell about 50,000 Police Interceptors this year.

Fitzpatrick says the reason is simple: Ford is the only manufacturer that has continuously offered a police package in its carline since 1950. While other manufacturers have come and gone with police entries applied to front-wheel-drive cars and unibody rear-wheel-drive cars, Ford continues to offer the market’s only standard V-8, rear-wheel-drive and body-on-frame vehicle.

Fitzpatrick also cites Ford’s commitment to its police customers, evidenced by a strong dealer support network and the early establishment of the Police Advisory Board.

“We were the first in the industry to establish this,” he says of the board, which works to help Ford provide for the needs of law-enforcement customers.

Michael Blackmer, Ford Police Package chief engineer, says having rear-wheel-drive, body-on-frame construction is important to this segment.

“The predictable handling of rear-wheel drive is a benefit,” says Blackmer.

In addition, body-on-frame means the car’s chassis components (steering, suspension) are mounted to a frame, not to the car’s body. This is important for the heavy-duty driving often associated with police work.

The frame is there to take the chassis loads instead of sending them through the body, Blackmer says. This, in turn, helps keep repair costs down and contributes to the longevity of the vehicle. The Dodge Charger and the Chevrolet Impala police sedans do not offer this form of construction.

The 4.6-liter V-8 makes 250 horsepower by incorporating the airbox from the performance-oriented Mercury Marauder. The package includes a high-output, 200-amp alternator, an engine oil cooler, heavy-duty shock absorbers, a heavy-duty front suspension, speed-sensitive steering with power steering oil cooler, a transmission oil cooler and heavy-duty steel wheels.

All Police Interceptors feature rack-and-pinion steering for improved handling and an available Fire Suppression System and ballistic door panels.

The Crown Victoria Police Interceptor also features a large, 20.6-cubic-foot trunk with a full-size spare; spacious, 106.4 cubic feet of interior passenger volume; and an exemplary safety record that includes dual five-star frontal crash ratings for driver and front passenger in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s test every year since 1996. The Crown Victoria Police Interceptor is tested in a 75-mph rear-end crash, something no other car manufacturer publicly claims. As an added benefit for police agencies, Ford’s new five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty is included on the Police Interceptor for the 2007 model year.

Posted by Frank at 12:37 PM

Ford plugging away with the Mercury Mariner, Escape hybrids

The Mercury Mariner Hybrid and the Ford Escape Hybrid are key components in Ford Motor Company’s commitment to building a better world. They combine all the attributes and functionality of a stylish sport utility vehicle with the ultraclean emissions and impressive fuel economy of a gas-electric hybrid to deliver an impressive 32 miles per gallon in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

The hybrid powertrain is made up of an electric traction motor and 2.3-liter gasoline engine that work together through an advanced electronic control system. As full hybrids, the vehicles are capable of running on only electric power up to 25 mph, making them ideal for city driving. When more power is required, the gasoline engine comes on, joining with the electric motor to deliver acceleration and performance comparable to the conventional V-6-powered Escape or Mariner.

As an added benefit, the gasoline engine will shut down when the vehicle is idle, further reducing emissions and improving fuel mileage. The system works seamlessly and is self-sufficient, requiring no more driver effort or input than a conventional gasoline-powered Escape or Mariner.

Hybrid owners can also benefit from a number of local, state and federal government perks, such as reduced car insurance premiums, access to high-occupancy vehicle lanes and free parking. Those offers vary from state to state and by vehicle make, with new incentives being added all the time.

Escape Hybrid and Mariner Hybrid customers can also use Ford Motor Company’s Hybrid Hotline, where Ford and Mercury salespeople have instant access to the most up-to-date tax and incentive information in their area.

Posted by Frank at 10:47 AM

Bringing the office to your F-150

Ford Motor Company is adding another tool to make F-Series pickups, America’s hardest working trucks, into the hardest working offices with a new in-vehicle computer. FordLink™ is a rugged yet lightweight, portable mobile office system available as a dealer-installed accessory through Ford U.S. dealer network.

FordLink™ combines the best productivity tools from Ford, Microsoft and mobile solutions company Azentek, into an intuitive, multi-functional productivity package.

“The FordLink™ system is great for busy contractors or anyone who spends much of their business day on the move,” says Ben Poore, Ford Truck group marketing manager. “It makes travel easy by helping you map locations and routes. You can review specs or orders onsite, then take a credit card payment and print a receipt without the delay of dealing with distant offices or stopping at hardware supply stores.”

The foundation of the computer system consists of a portable, tablet-style computer running Microsoft Windows XP. Internet access is available through a wireless broadband connection. Other features include GPS navigation with audio prompts, USB 2.0 ports for various computer accessories, a printer connection and compatibility with any Windows XP-based program.

The Azentek computer is a rugged, lightweight touch-screen slate model mounted within easy reach of the driver. When mounted in its vehicle cradle, the computer is powered by the truck’s battery and is directly connected to optional equipment such as a GPS antenna, printer, credit card scanner or digital camera.

The touch-screen computer can be removed from the cradle and carried along just like an ordinary laptop, but without the unnecessary weight of a keyboard unless the optional keyboard attachment is needed. The slate design is lightweight and versatile with a screen that is visible in sunlight for easy group viewing to review blueprints or online order tracking. It is also rugged enough to stand up to typical job-site use, including the occasional drop onto a dirt parking lot.

FordLink™ will be available on 2007 F-Series trucks this fall and on the new 2008 Super Duty that goes on sale early next year. The system is also compatible with all Super Duty trucks from the 1999 model year forward, and all F-150s produced since model year 2004.

Posted by Frank at 10:45 AM

The Crown Vic that wouldn't die

465,000-mile 2003 Ford Crown Victoria is chronicled in owner’s book

John Hiner’s 2003 Ford Crown Victoria doesn’t look different from any other Crown Victoria on the road today. The Victoria wears a nondescript Arizona Beige paint job and sports standard cloth seats and an AM/FM stereo with cassette tape and CD player. The only thing unusual about this car is the number on the odometer: 465,015.

That’s 465,015 actual miles.

Hiner is publisher of Twenty First Century Publishing in Harrah, Okla., near Oklahoma City, so it comes as no surprise that he’s written a book about his car titled “The Car I Couldn’t Wear Out.”

“Maybe I should have called it ‘The Car I Can’t Wear Out,’ ” laughs Hiner who still tools America’s highways in his car.

Hiner’s book chronicles the tale of how he came to be the owner of the Crown Vic, while his wife has suffered through a host of Chrysler minivans.

Hiner grounded himself after 9/11, not because of a fear of flying, but more because of a disgust with the way airlines were treating business passengers. Hiner, an executive platinum frequent flier with more than a million miles on American Airlines, found himself delayed by luggage searches and missing flights on many occasions.

“After a year or two of going through this rigamarole at the airports, I said enough is enough. I’m going to get a car and start driving,” he says.

He decided to narrow his choices to cars made in North America and, remembering his pleasant experiences in rented Lincoln Town Cars, went shopping for the Ford equivalent. The Crown Vic fit Hiner’s criteria for safety and the capability for carrying books and other products.

He routinely drives across the United States from Harrah to Orlando, Fla., or Los Angeles to catch flights out of the country, leaving the Vic parked for weeks at motels.

What may be more impressive than the 465,015 miles on the odometer is that Hiner has driven that far without making any major repairs other than replacing a rear wheel bearing at 110,000 miles. He changes the oil every 9,000 miles and has the fluids topped off. He averages 24 miles per gallon driving 75 mph on Oklahoma interstates. The Crown Vic’s 4.7-liter V-8 is still on its original set of plugs.

“I bought a set at Wal-Mart just in case,” Hiner says. “They’re still in the Wal-Mart bag in a box in the trunk, along with a set of belts.”

Mounted in the trunk next to the box of plugs is the original full-size spare.

“It’s been on a few times,” Hiner says. “But I only left it on long enough to get the tire repaired.”

He’s on his third set of Michelins. The car went 106,000 miles on its first set, and Hiner got 160,000 miles out of the second set.

Speaking of Wal-Mart, Hiner spent several years working for a company that sold hand trucks to Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club stores. He thinks Wal-Mart would be a great place to sell the Ford Crown Vic.

Posted by Frank at 10:39 AM

DaimlerChrysler and UAW Talks on Health Care Stalled

Statement from John Franciosi, Senior Vice President - Employee Relations, DaimlerChrysler Corp.

Auburn Hills, Mich., Sep 8, 2006 - DaimlerChrysler and the UAW were unable to reach an agreement on health care at this time.

We were advised by the UAW that based on its financial analysis, it did not believe its members would ratify an agreement that achieved economic parity with deals reached at General Motors and Ford. The company was prepared to accept a proposal that did not reach full economic parity, however, the UAW was not willing to move forward with that proposal.

In this era of global competitiveness, health care relief is as important to DaimlerChrysler as it is to Ford and GM. At $2.3 billion this year, health care will represent DaimlerChrysler’s single-largest fixed cost.

As Ron Gettelfinger said recently, the domestic industry needs a level playing field with transplant manufacturers. Currently DaimlerChrysler's labor cost disadvantage to transplant automakers in the U.S. is $1000 per vehicle. Even a pattern health care agreement would reduce that disadvantage by only 20% for DaimlerChrysler. It is unfortunate that the UAW wasn't willing to assist us in taking the first step to leveling that playing field.

Sooner or later, we -- including the UAW -- are going to have to deal with this greater issue.

Posted by Frank at 9:51 AM

Chrysler looking for a healthcare deal

DaimlerChrysler is still hoping to win cost-saving concessions on healthcare from its unionized U.S. workforce despite resistance from the head of the United Auto Workers, reports Reuters.

UAW President Ron Gettelfinger, who currently sits on DaimlerChrysler's board, said yesterday that workers will not agree to concessions on health care costs with the Chrysler group as it did with GM and Ford in the past year. Chrysler says it spends $2.3 billion a year on healthcare for 360,000 employees and their families, which translates into $1,400 per vehicle sold or 7 percent of the average vehicle price.

Posted by Frank at 8:50 AM

Automakers Must Post Crash Test Data on Cars in 2007

Within the next year, automakers will be required to display crash-test scores on the window stickers of new cars, minivans, and SUVs. The data must be on 2008 models no later than Sept. 1, 2007, according to Nicole Nason, administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA was required to set the deadline under highway legislation enacted in August 2005, reports Bloomberg. The crash scores will come from NHTSA's own tests.

Posted by Frank at 8:49 AM

Nissan Announces Additional $34.7 Million Expansion of TN Powertrain Plant

During a ceremony yesterday celebrating the beginning of crankshaft forging at Nissan's powertrain assembly plant in Decherd, TN, executives from the automaker announced an additional $34.7 million capital investment to expand the 1 million sq. ft. plant by 51,000 sq. ft. to add cylinder block casting production in the spring of 2008.

The addition of cylinder block casting represents the fourth expansion of the Decherd facility since it started production in May 1997. Nissan invested $48 million in the new crankshaft forging operation, which will reach full production in March 2007. The forging operation requires about 60 employees; at full capacity, the upcoming cylinder block casting operation (used for the Altima sedan's 3.5-liter VQ V6 engine) will require an additional 50 employees.

Posted by Frank at 8:48 AM

Survey: Most Americans Understand Options in Auto Financing

According to a new public opinion survey, 83 percent of Americans know they have many options when it comes to vehicle financing and 58 percent feel informed about the auto financing process, reports Auto Remarketing. The survey was conducted by AWARE, a nonprofit consumer education group focused on auto financing.

"Financial literacy efforts are paying off as more and more consumers feel informed and know about their options when it comes to auto financing," said Eric Hoffman of AWARE. "And while this news is encouraging, clearly an education opportunity still exists for organizations like AWARE to fill." For more information about AWARE, visit www.autofinancing101.org.

Posted by Frank at 8:48 AM

Audi Expects Sales To Top 90,000

Audi of America Executive Vice President Johan de Nysschen said yesterday that he plans to boost 2007 U.S. sales to more than 90,000 cars and SUVs, reports Bloomberg. The company's CEO, Martin Winterkorn, is rolling out 10 new models this year, including an A4 convertible and the Q7 SUV. Audi's year-to-date U.S. sales rose 5.4 percent over the same period a year ago, and the automaker is on pace to set an annual sales record.

Posted by Frank at 8:47 AM