A most excellent Sun Bowl win! Now splash on some Brut and go party!
Monday, December 31, 2007
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Fahrvergsnüzin: Bay of VWs
A car transporter driver bound for Los Angeles blacked out and drove into San Diego Bay at a marine terminal in National City. On board (so to speak) were a bunch of brand new Volkswagens. Apparently only three of the VWs actually fell into the bay. However, looking at the precarious position of the trailer, it would seem that all the cars in that shipment will be never be quite the same.
The driver woke up underwater and swam about 13 feet to the surface, where dock workers helped him onto dry land.
source: news10.com
Win A 2008 MINI Cooper Convertible or $25,000 in cash (1/30/2009)
As far as sweepstakes go, this one is a bit of a stinker. Firstly, entries are accepted until January of 2009, so that's a long wait. Secondly, the contest "may be presented in different creative presentations by different organizations" so there are probably countless ways the grand prize is being marketed. The estimated odds of winning is: 1:12,600,000!!! However, there is still a slight chance that you could win! Click here to enter.
I can improve your odds of winning a Mini from 1:12,600,000 to 1:999 for a $50 donation. That's right it's time once again for the Dobbs Ferry Schools Foundation annual car raffle. I enter every year. It's a good cause and they aren't being too greedy with either the ticket price or the number of tickets sold. Click here to check it out!
Legally Purchased That CD? Don't Rip To Your Car Just Yet!
In a previous article, I discussed the legal issues around selling your car without erasing all the music on the built-in hard drive. Things might get even murkier if the RIAA gets its way: It might be illegal for you to rip music from legally purchased CDs into your own car!
This Washington Post article describes an RIAA case against Jeffrey Howell, a Scottsdale, Ariz., man who kept a collection of about 2,000 music recordings on his personal computer, the industry maintains that it is illegal for someone who has legally purchased a CD to transfer that music into his computer. Naturally it wouldn't take much to extend that line of reasoning to include copies of music stored on a built-in hard drive in a car.
Several considerations here: Firstly, the RIAA and the recording industry in general loves to seed stories like this to scare off would-be downloaders. Secondly, it is a pretty big stretch in my mind for it to be illegal to copy music from legally purchased CDs into your computer or car for your own use. Quibbling with paying customers over what exactly is "fair use" for your product is a good way to lose even more business.
Interior Lined In Mink Fur? Yeah, We've Got That
The UK's Telegraph has an interesting article on Germany's Mutec, the only "factory authorized" coach-builder for customizing Rolls-Royces. Whether it is an interior lined in mink fur or getting the exterior of the car to look like a horse drawn carriage, if you've got the cash, they'll get it on the road for you. Mutec does draw the line on some requests, however, as it denied the request to build a solid gold Rolls as well as a shocking pink model.
The whims of the super-rich never cease to amaze me. You can check out the full article by clicking here.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Nothing To Do With Cars, Everything To Do With Life
Totally not car related folks, so for those only in it for the autos you can just skip this one...
Sometimes the worst feeling in the world is just staring at an empty screen, the cursor just glaring back at you "write, write, write..." Being a blogger for several years now has given me a whole new appreciation for Jack Nicholson's writer's block in The Shining, that is for sure. I do not see myself going insane at a ski lodge, so no worries there, but it can be pretty depressing.
Most of the time writing is a joy and I find that I have more to talk about than I have time to cover. However, there are days when even finding one thing that I want to post on is a real challenge. It is usually not for a lack of material, but rather something inside that just holds me back. I tell you, it is even difficult to write this!
So why am I writing and not being able to write? I guess to get it off my chest. These things come and go and I am sure that I will be able to shake this off. Next year is shaping up quite nicely. Kicking things off will be the auto show in Detroit and then just a couple of weeks after that my wife and I are expecting the birth of our second child. I also have one or two auto related irons in the fire and I look forward to sharing more about those projects with you in the New Year.
Cheers!
rwcmick
Friday, December 28, 2007
Win a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan + $10,000 In Cash (12/31/2007)
Another "win a car" sweepstakes that includes cash! That's great news and not a bad way to close out the year. Be sure to enter soon! Click here to enter.
Been Caught Stealing...
At some point do you just give up on life and say "Screw the consequences?" It would appear that one such person who felt this way was a Michigander who decided to steal from a police car that was parked behind a police station.
A police officer leaving the station at around 2:30 a.m. saw a stranger exiting marked patrol vehicles. The officer saw a large bulge in the man's coat sleeve and found that the coat contained two police flashlights and one very stupid man.
source: dailytribune.com
Thursday, December 27, 2007
It Would Have Helped To Have A Little Bit of Sunshine
Rick Wagoner is really wishing for a little sunshine in his life. To be sure, things are better: the product is improving and GM is slashing costs. The torch bearing crowds are no longer congregating outside his office asking for his head. Still everyone is predicting storm clouds on the horizon for 2008. If the market does perform as expected, or worse, then it will be a difficult year for GM. Wagoner is confident that GM can weather the storm and when those rays of sunshine do appear, GM will in a good position to enjoy the fair weather.
Not so fast, says James E. Schrager, clinical professor of entrepreneurship and strategy at the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business. Schrager says that although Wagoner might be a heck of a guy, he has failed to move GM far enough: too much focus on costs and not enough on product.
So, what about the product then? Well, GM's latest batch of vehicles are garnering awards and accolades from the press. There are also improved models coming online in '08 such as the Saturn Astra and the Pontiac G8. I have already covered GM's future product portfolio in great detail, so I won't repeat myself here but I honestly believe that GM will be rolling out a very robust product portfolio over the next few years.
As Bob Lutz says, today's auto business isn't for sissies and there are a lot of challenges. The Toyota juggernaut continues to grow. Toyota has suffered a few quality foibles here and there recently, but the company has such a huge reservoir of goodwill built up that unless there is some sort of catastrophic miscalculation on their part, I don't see how they can be stopped. GM's loyal customers didn't walk away over the last few years, they have been driven away by mediocre product over the past few decades. It's going to take a lot of convincing on GM's part to bring back those buyers and entice a new generation into its showrooms.
One such car that could really turn things around for GM is the Chevrolet Volt. The technology behind that car, if it can be perfected, could be a real game changer for the industry. The problem is, that technology (mainly the batteries) isn't nearly ready for prime time. On a scale of 1 to 10, Lutz gives likelihood that GM can build the car a 9.5, but when it comes to to a 2010 delivery date that confidence dips to 5.5. What's more troubling to me than a slipping launch date is the comment from Lutz that "It probably won't be a flawless launch." However much truth there is to that statement, there is really very little room for error. GM can ill afford an Oldsmobile diesel or Cadillac V8-6-4 fiasco. I mean, there are teething problems and then there are dentures. Hopefully GM and it's partners can find the right chemistry for the battery and debug the massive amounts of software code necessary integrate everything into a seamless system.
sources: ap via chicago tribune, forbes, forbes part 2
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Larger and More Potent...
I'll give you a hint, it's not a magic pill! I'm talking about the new found strength of Shanghai Automotive.
Shanghai Automotive, parent of SAIC Motor Corp., will take over the key assets of Yuejin Motor Group, which owns, Nanjing Automobile (Group) Corp., in a deal valued at about $286 million, the two companies announced Wednesday. The merger will enable SAIC to compete against multinational auto makers more effectively.
Nanjing was working on the relaunch of the MG brand, including manufacturing some MG's in Oklahoma. In all of the articles I scanned today, I could not find any information about SAIC's plans for the MG brand. However, I know that Nanjing's partner, Fiat, was worried that the MG venture was distracting Nanjing from its other commitments. Fiat has announced that as part of the SAIC/Nanjing tie up, it will sell its stake in the 50-50 manufacturing joint venture it had with Nanjing. As for Nanjing's plans for an Oklahoma MG plant? From what I've read, relations between American investors and Nanjing were already strained, so the merger might finish things off.
Both SAIC and Nanjing Automobile were set to manufacture their own versions of the Rover 75 sedan. Undoubtedly, those two copies of the 75 will be combined into one version, which makes more sense for everybody.
The Chinese government encouraging more of its auto manufacturers to merge, creating a healthy stable of three or four automotive groups which would be capable of competing on a global level.
sources: automotive news, wsj
Passat Coupe Spyshot
Volkswagen is going to dip its toes in the "four door coupe" market with this Passat model. Aspiring to be a lower cost Mercedes CLS, this attempt at fielding a luxurious vehicle will probably fare much better here in the USA than the ill conceived (for the US market) Phaeton. Of course, this Passat won't sell for anywhere near Phaeton money, but its slick shape certainly will allow it to command a premium over the sedan. I like the look of the CLS and judging by this photo, I like the VW as well. You can check out other photos at AutoExpress. The production model should debut at the Geneva show in March of '08, so we won't have to wait much longer to see the real deal.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
SF Tickets Stolen Car 29 Times!
Back in September Michelle Vuckovich's Honda Civic was stolen out of her South San Francisco apartment garage . Tough break, but that's the way it goes some times, right? Ms. Vuckovich reported the car as stolen immediately and the make and plate number were entered into a statewide system. A couple weeks later, Ms. Vuckovich received a citation in the mail indicating the car had been ticketed by a San Francisco parking control officer just hours after she had reported it stolen. Okay, that's understandable. The car probably hadn't made it onto the watch lists yet. Another ticket arrives in the mail, this one issued the day after the car was reported stolen, and after it had gone out on the watch-for list. Things are now a little more frustrating. Shouldn't the parking control officer have known the Civic stolen? Then another ticket and then six more tickets in less than a week!
Since the parking tickets seemed to have been coming from the same area, Ms. Vuckovich and a friend decided to try to find the car themselves. As luck would have it, they found the car just as they were about to give up and immediately notified the SFPD. When the officer showed up, he wasn't very interested in finding the car thief but did manage to lose Ms. VUckovich's driver's license.
To add my own experience, my father's car was also stolen and received numerous parking tickets in San Francisco. It wasn't an easy process getting those tickets waived, either!
What's Parking and Traffic's response? The hand-held ticket devices that parking control officers use only store auto theft information from San Francisco's database, not the entire state. Given the parking ticket prices that SF charges, shouldn't it be able to upgrade to either networked devices or ones that can store all the state's info?
source: sfgate
Monday, December 24, 2007
Win A 2008 BMW X5 3.0 (12/31/2007)
Here you go, another chance to win a new ride. This sweeps is for a BMW X5, not a bad catch! Click here to enter.
Crash! Minivan Rams Into Televsion Station!
Chicago's ABC7 made some news of its own when a minivan crashed into its studio. The actual crash happened off camera, but the newscaster is still pretty startled. Full coverage, by ABC7 or course, can be found here.
Chrysler's Project D: Death to Sebring?
Update: Automotive News is reporting that Project D will focus on interior improvements. No timetable is given, but I'd hope to see it in place for the 2009 model year.
Original 12/21/07 post below
--------------------------
A recent WSJ article isn't painting a very rosy picture for Chrysler LLC. Quoting Robert Nardelli as answering the question (at an employee meeting) 'Are we bankrupt?'" by replying "Technically, no. Operationally, yes. The only thing that keeps us from going into bankruptcy is the $10 billion investors entrusted us with." Nardelli later stated that he meant for the quote to "convey a sense of urgency" among employees.
So we know that Chrysler is going to lose around $1.6 billion this year. However, it appears likely that Chrysler will also lose money next year, although hopefully a lesser amount.
Here is a partial list of ailments discussed in the WSJ article:
A program designed to save $250 million to $300 million in parts and other costs is actually saving only $1 million because of rising commodity prices.
The Chrysler Sebring convertible, where Mr. Nardelli found the wind noise to be totally unacceptable and bordering on offensive at speeds of 80 mph.
Cheap interior plastics in many of the company's models that "punish the consumer" to meet cost cutting targets.
Ah yes, but what is this about Project D? According to WSJ sources, Mr. Nardelli and Jim Press are drawing up plans for a crash program, called Project D, to replace the Sebring. There is no telling who these sources are, but rumors have been rampant that Chrysler may give the new Sebring a complete makeover. Would that plan include renaming the vehicle something else?
Fixing the Sebring is just one of the many fires that Chrysler executives are trying to put out. Wringing out cost savings without resorting to soda pop bottle interiors is another task at hand. To help the situation, Mr. Nardelli has brought in ex-Home Depot executive, John Campi, to assist in purchasing. Apparently, Mr. Campi is pushing to buy more parts from Asia including batteries which are difficult to ship and prone to losing their charge in transport.
Chrysler is also looking to dispose of about $1 billion in land, old plants and other assets, even if it means selling them at fire sale prices. "Cash is king," says Mr. Nardelli.
There are also whispers of Chrysler and Nissan joining into some sort of arrangement that could have the companies building pickups and small cars for each other. This scenario would have Nissan supplying something like the Versa to Chrysler and picking up the Ram pickup and perhaps a minivan in return.
The WSJ article also mentioned Wolfgang Bernhard who was retained by Cerebus and initially looked to be taking a great interest in Chrysler. However, after learning that Mr. Nardelli, an automotive novice, was tapped for the CEO position, Wolfie apparently backed away.
So, what about the positive side? Well, this Forbes article paints a rosier picture. It talks about Nardelli ordering, in one day, 200 engineering changes to fix an array of problems and make improvements. Chrysler is also looking to spend money on enhanced features in future products. Management approved an LED tail lamp for the 2011 Grand Cherokee in a move that one Chrysler engineer called an “Earth-shattering moment in time.”
Chrysler has created a “Chief Customer Officer” position which will be guided by the voice of the customer. Engineers are being pushed to quickly identify quality issues that crop up in customer cars and find/implement solutions quickly. I hear about the focus on quality, but yet in the company's brand new 2008 minivans customers are ending up with missing seat heaters and mismatched taillights. Not exactly confidence inspiring stuff.
So much remains to be seen, but the decisions being made now and into 2008 will probably seal the company's fate one way or the other. If Chrysler can bring up quality levels, make needed improvements in its cars interiors and most importantly I think think, dream up relevant, gotta have future products then I think Chrysler will be fine. However, anymore more bungled launches like the Sebring and even the three headed dog won't be able to save it.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Man Buys Ram Truck With Sofas Full of Change
When Paul Brant waltzed into a Dodge dealership to buy a new Ram pickup with loose change, the dealer had to call in an armored car to count and handle the coins. Brant had managed to save more than $25,000 from using the vending machines at his workplace. Now, you could commend Brant for saving his pocket change, but my question is how much money did he waste in those vending machines to amass + $25K in change?
sources: wlky and kdka
The smarts Are Almost Here!
According to this thread over at Club smart car, 473 smart fortwo's are headed to the USA (Baltimore). The first batch (195) should be discharged today, 12/23. Another round of fortwo's (130) will arrive on 12/29 and a third group (148) will arrived on 1/7.
The arrival of these smarts should mean that the first dealers will be stocked with demo vehicles and an initial allotment of vehicles for delivery.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Win a 2008 Ford Focus SES (2/1/08)
I just saw a 3 door, Focus ZX3 today. Now, that was a good looking car. Sadly, this 2008 is anything but pretty. However, you can try and win one by clicking here.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Chrysler's Project E: Explain Previous Statements
Update: Okay, I thought about this article and I really don't want to seem like I'm bagging on Chrysler. I don't know, I'm sitting there watching Superbad and I get a little punchy. As I had mentioned in the previous post, Nardelli and his team are ordering up a slew of improvements for existing models. We'll have to see how tangible those items are, but I am impressed with the rate at which these fixes are being tested and approved. I am worried a bit by this new purchasing czar and his fascination with sourcing things like batteries from far flung locations around the world, even when advised against doing so. It makes me wonder what else he might be purchasing against the advice of others. However, I just shake my head when I read that Chrysler engineers are high-fiving because they finally got LED tail lights approved. How hamstrung did Daimler have these guys?
When you use the B (bankruptcy) word, it tends to get people's attention. So today Chrysler PR went on the offensive to calm the troops and respond to the WSJ article 'Chrysler Faces Financial Pinch'. Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli reiterated that the "Operationally bankrupt" remark was indeed merely to shock the whole company into action. In actuality, Nardelli says that Chrysler has "ample liquidity," rather like yours truly after three scotch and sodas.
In his response, Nardelli goes on to say that Cerebus and its investors are quite happy with the progress that is being made. Chrysler is looking forward to a New Year filled with delights such as the new Ram pickup, Challenger muscle car, Dodge Journey crossover and the hybrid Aspen/Durango twins. Yeah, and I'm looking forward to packing on a couple of extra pounds next year. Okay, maybe that's a bit too harsh.
Does Nardelli wish he could take back the 'B word'? Maybe. But Chrysler does need to get the ball rolling. It's my belief that with the exception of the 300C, Daimler really shot Chrysler in the foot. Can Team Cerebus turn things around in time? I hope so!
Nardelli's full response after the jump.
“There have been several recent media reports that have painted an inaccurate picture of Chrysler LLC’s current financial position. Therefore, the management of Chrysler and our parent company, Cerberus Capital Management, L.P., felt it imperative to correct the record since such misinterpretations and misperceptions are misleading and could leave the wrong impression in the minds of investors and other interested parties.
First and foremost, it is important to note that Chrysler is not only meeting, but, in many cases, exceeding its financial targets heading into 2008.
Importantly, Chrysler has ample liquidity. We are fully funded with working capital to meet our present and future needs and objectives. We are doing what any other prudent company is doing during this challenging economic environment. We are trying to instill a sense of urgency throughout the workforce, putting our capital to work effectively and efficiently, streamlining inventory, improving current products and developing new and innovative vehicles. Our dealer body is quite pleased that our inventory of vehicles was down another 4 percent in November.
In a 13-hour meeting this week with the Cerberus board of directors, Cerberus praised and was highly complimentary of Chrysler’s progress to date and unanimously approved our 2008 plan. We have a solid strategic direction to return the company to long-term profitability. We are on target and have the unwavering support of Cerberus, as well as our other key partner, Daimler AG.
Cerberus met with its investors last Thursday to share the progress that has been made and to convey to these investors that the company was meeting – and in many cases – exceeding – its targets. The report was well received.
Like many companies in today’s uncertain economic environment, Chrysler is moving aggressively to improve its business. We recognized in advance the increasingly competitive vehicle market heading into 2008. With that, we have been moving aggressively to make our company leaner. The steps we are taking include previously announced volume-related reductions at several North American assembly and powertrain plants and the elimination of four products from our lineup, which is very customary in the auto industry.
However, we are very excited about the new products coming in 2008. These include the legendary Dodge Ram pickup truck, the Dodge Journey crossover, the relaunch of the historic Dodge Challenger – which has already generated 8,851 customer orders – and two, all-new, large hybrid SUVs, the Chrysler Aspen and the Dodge Durango, demonstrating our support for the environment and more fuel-efficient vehicles.
For our current vehicle line-up we have already approved more than 260 line item improvements to enhance our products – most for the 2008 calendar year.
The recently completed national labor agreement with the United Auto Workers – which includes the establishment of an independent retiree health care trust – provides a framework to improve the long-term competitiveness of the company.
Since August and the first day of the new company, the management team has been working to improve Chrysler’s working capital, disposing of non-core (or non-earning) assets and reinvesting this cash into product development, new technology and new innovations for our customers.”
The following related statement can be attributed to Mark Neporent, Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel of Cerberus Capital Management L.P.:
"We remain extremely enthusiastic about our investment in Chrysler. Our underwriting assumed, and fully planned, that Chrysler would incur losses in the near term. Under the leadership of Bob Nardelli, Tom LaSorda and Jim Press, Chrysler is already on track to exceed its multi-year restructuring and recovery plan on virtually all key metrics. We met with the management team this week and fully endorse their strategic direction and their plan to meet the challenges of the current environment. We are confident that Bob, Jim and Tom are taking the right steps to bring Chrysler to profitability. Our mutual resolve to restore Chrysler to its leadership position as an iconic brand is unwavering."
Baby on Board? Try Baby Behind the Wheel!
A hybrid bumper car/robot is being developed by University of Delaware researchers to help developmentally challenged babies discover their world. The idea behind the contraption is that it is extremely important for a baby to explore his or her environment. Children who have trouble with mobility lose out on this opportunity and therefore limits their development even more.
One such commercially available product is England's Wizzybug (pictured above) which was developed by researchers at the Bath Institute of Medical Engineering for disabled 2- to 5-year-olds. The key difference here is that the Wizzybug is for older children. Researchers at the Fighting Blue Hen (Univ. of Delaware) feel that by waiting so long, critical development time is being lost, hence the robotized car.
The name of the Delaware car? UD1 of course! Who said chickens weren't clever?
Mad props to YoUDee!
source: abc13
Thursday, December 20, 2007
When Backing Up Goes Too Far
A woman in Georgia backed up too far and went down an embankment, landing on a parked car below. Always nice to have a helicopter hovering over you, filming video after you've done something really stupid.
source: cnn
A Profile of Tata...Rajan Tata (Get Your Mind Out of the Gutter)
The Times Online has a brief writeup on Rajan Tata of the Tata Group. Tata Motors is considered by most folks to be the front runner for Jaguar/Land Rover. What I found interesting was the slew of take overs and future targets for the Tata Group:
Takeovers
Feb 2000 Tetley tea company, $407 million
March 2004 Daewoo Commercial Vehicle Company, $102 million
Aug 2004 NatSteel's steel business, $292 million
Nov 2004 Tyco Global Network, $130 million
July 2005 Teleglobe International Holdings, $239 million
Dec 2005 Millennium Steel, Thailand, $167 million
Dec 2005 Brunner Mond Group, $120 million
June 2006 Eight O'Clock Coffee, $220 million
Nov 2006 Ritz Carlton Boston, $170 million
Jan 2007 Corus, $11.3 billion
March 2007 Bumi Resources, $1.1 billion
April 2007 Campton Place Hotel, San Francisco, $60 million
Targets
Jaguar and Land Rover, $2 billion
Close Brothers, $2.9 billion
Orient Express Hotels, $2.5 billion
All Cars, All the time, $2.3 billion*
*I might have made that one up
Anyways, to read the full article click here.
2008 smart fortwo In Customer's Hands
Just a few shots from a Canadian member of the Smart Car of America forums who just took delivery of a smart fortwo. I rather like the yellow/silver combination. You can check out the thread by clicking here.
Win a Toyota Camry Hybrid (12/31/2007)
This particular sweepstakes is brought to you by a lamp, well a bunch of lamps actually. Lamps Plus and Westinghouse are giving away one Camry Hybrid to a lucky winner. Click here to enter.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
One ZR1 To Rule Them All
As I pick and chose what to write about, sometimes I'm faced with a dilemma. Like this ZR1 for example. Here's a car that's going to generate a ton of press, many blog entries and a lot of frothing at the mouth. However, I'm not sure what I can add to the mix? All I've got are the same pictures that you see posted everywhere else, vehicle info and a keyboard to write about it. What would really be motivating is some time behind the wheel :-)
The car is loaded with more fiber than a box of Metamucil at Costco. Horsepower from the supercharged mill is rated at 620 and 595 pound feet of torque is on board to push you into the seat back.
This Vette truly has more cowbell.
Carbon-ceramic Brembo brakes, 15.5" in the front and 15" in the back. According to my pal Sam Abuelsamid over at Autoblog, there is an anti-yellowing chemical additive (used in circuit-board manufacturing) for the carbon fiber bodywork that costs $60,000 a gallon before being mixed with the clear coat. The interior has seemingly been left alone for the most part. Too bad because it could have used a little spiffing up.
This car is a tremendous technical achievement for GM and Chevrolet now has a true supercar to represent the brand. For me, however, the look of this ZR1 is just a bit over the top. Is it all the scoops, bulges and flares? I don't know. Maybe it looks better in person.
Word has it that the ZR1 will list for around $100k when it becomes available sometime in 2008. I don't know how many they will produce, but I'm sure that Chevrolet will have no problems selling them.
I Am Interceptor...I Mean Legend
As I was sitting, mostly bored to tears, through "I Am Legend" I noticed that in addition to all the other Ford products in the movie there was an Interceptor concept on a billboard. The Expedition looked pretty good in safari gear, but honestly I was kinda hoping for a decked out Flex to make an appearance. I Am Legend has done amazingly well at the box office and it seems a shame that Ford didn't take the opportunity to promote a lot of future products in the film. A thinly disguised 2009 F-150 would have Rocked the Casbah.
Venue for a Venza?
Some buzz today as Toyota announced plans to introduce the world to the Venza "crossover sedan" that incorporates elements of both a sedan and an SUV at the Detroit Auto Show. A lot of folks have visions of AMC Eagles and BMW X6's, but I'm going with something like the above images. Call me crazy.
Santa's Sleigh...Cajun Style
This really has nothing to do with Cajuns...I just like 30 Rock a lot (a related video is shown below). Anyways, to pimp Santa's ride click here.
Elastic Inelasticity and the Gasoline Rebellion
So, what's with the title of the article, right? Do you detect a Hardy Boys / Scooby Doo influence? I really don't know so I'm asking you. Anyways on with the tale of the Gasoline Rebellion.
Many economists will tell you that demand for gasoline is relatively inelastic: whatever the cost, we pay it and keep on moving. Some of my co-workers don't even look at the price, they just swipe the card, pump and go. "Do you want a receipt?" No thanks.
Well, growth in gasoline demand has been slowing all year. In five of the last seven peaks, the amount of gas that Americans consume has fallen compared to the same time last year, according to retail sales data gathered by MasterCard SpendingPulse. What gives? Recession? Trip consolidation? Shift to more efficient vehicles?
Maybe our country's oil waistband does have a bit of give in it after all?
As much as we might try to read the tea leaves at the bottom of the barrel, it's important to remember that there are no tea leaves in gasoline, so the best I can do for you is fish around for quotes:
"It is perhaps premature to conclude that U.S. gasoline demand is inevitably poised to contract significantly in the months ahead," the IEA, energy adviser to industrialized countries, said in its monthly report.
The old joke that asks, "What's round and goes 'Grrrrr?' " is beginning to make itself felt in the nation's economy. Of course, the answer is "a vicious circle," and the relationship of crude prices to inflation and back to crude prices is, indeed, sometimes a circular phenomenon.
The tripling of oil prices since the summer of 2003 has unleashed forces that within the next two or three years will bring oil prices tumbling back down to below $50 a barrel. Looking even further ahead, prices could easily fall to $30 a barrel or even lower. So before you trade in your Cadillac Escalade for a Toyota Prius, think twice: $1.50-a-gallon gas might not be gone forever.
My favorite words of wisdom, however, come from Sheik Yamani, the Saudi oil minister from 1962 until 1986:
"If we force Western governments to invest heavily in finding alternative sources of energy, they will."
“The Stone Age did not end for lack of stone, and the Oil Age will end long before the world runs out of oil.”
In the short term oil prices will undoubtedly bounce around: based off of topical news such as political strife, storms and economic data. However, there is an armada of technology on the horizon to help us get away from the dino juice and at the same time better exploit the oil reserves that we have. It will take some considerable time to pass before the nation's fleet of vehicles is changed in any significant way. Plus, there is the fact that even though we may improve our average fuel economy, we'll also be adding more drivers.
I never paid much attention to MPG when car shopping, but I will definitely consider fuel mileage with my next purchase. Oh yeah, and my "just fill it up" co-worker was talking about diesels this morning. He's never mentioned them before.
A Gasoline Rebellion? You tell me Scooby Doo.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Chrysler's Under the Dodecahedron
...I meant pentastar, darn it can't I get anything right this week? Here is the latest episode in our continuing Chrysler drama “Under the Pentastar.” Yes, it’s all corporate feel-goodery, all the time but that’s how we roll here at ACATT. Donated video conferencing equipment, a Led Zeppelin themed Jeep Patriot and some good news on the international sales front are the highlights for this clip. There I’ve gone and ruined it for you. Sorry, but I’m addicted to spoilers.
Nissan Forum: Pimpin' the Family Truckster
Bonus Nissan Amenio Images From 2005 Toyko Motor Show
I'll tell you this: the minivan is great vehicle. We load up our Odyssey so that is essentially a rolling nursery and we still have room for the dog, firewood and an old CB radio that has never worked. Do we really need all that junk? No, but since the van is so spacious we bring it anyways. Of course, this much room can lead to "Kitchen Sinkitis" and "Costco Sloth" but I always like to think that I'm helping the economy by over-buying. Can you argue with bulk eggnog? I think not! I've never thought to myself, gee what is really missing here is a microwave but Nissan is throwing it into the Forum concept anyway. I say why not (now that microwave popcorn won't kill you) and while your at it throw in the washer/dryer combo from that Ford concept of a few years ago.
The Forum is really classing things up inside and I like it. I don't know about the rotating second row because now I'm starting to expect a disco ball to drop from the roof and the rear seats to fold out into a bed (Penthouse Forum anyone?). I prefer the pop out leg rest/lounger style middle seats that Nissan's Amenio concept had. Keep in mind that the Amenio also had no B-pillars, so Nissan might be serious about this feature.
I love the "Voice of Mom" time out system. A controller located in the lower center portion of the steering wheel allows the driver to simultaneously mute all audio playing in the Forum and broadcast the driver's voice over all interior speakers. That's hilarious and scary all at the same time.
With minivan sales sliding downwards, it's time for someone to throw a Hail Mary and see if they can get a touchdown. Go for it Nissan!
Press release after the jump...
PRESS RELEASE:
Nissan FORUM Concept Utilizes Design and Technology
Innovations to Create a Unique Family Activity Space
The Nissan FORUM, an exploratory design concept developed by Nissan Design America, Inc. (NDA), represents the next revolution in family transportation. Answering the challenge of making family passenger vehicles more appealing to both drivers and passengers, FORUM offers a wide array of innovative ideas – from its trackless sliding side doors and elimination of traditional B-pillars, to an interior featuring a multi-position swiveling 2nd row seat and next-generation entertainment and family communications technology. FORUM makes its world auto show debut at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January.
Two Independent Zones In One Room
As its name suggests, FORUM is conceived as a "gathering place," bringing adults and children together in two independent but linked "zones." Targeting families with older children who not only can entertain themselves but also demand to, FORUM respects the needs and desires of both grownups and kids.
In front is the parents' zone, with advanced information technology controls and seats designed to enhance driving pleasure. The rear zone is the dedicated kids' space, where they can feel comfortable and entertained. FORUM's advanced technology bridges the two zones, as desired, into one unique family "togetherness" space.
"From a conceptual standpoint, FORUM is closer to a family limousine than the minivans Gen Xers have grown up with. But unlike a real limo – or sometimes traditional minivans – the FORUM driver is just as important as the passengers," said Rachel Nguyen, director, Advanced Planning and Strategy, Nissan North America, Inc. "It offers a sophisticated space for adults and an engaging space for children – allowing both groups to enjoy themselves in their own individualistic ways while being connected in one vehicle. Like every Nissan, this dramatic FORUM Concept combines passionate driving, emotive design and an abundance of advanced, user-friendly technology."
The FORUM conceptual and design teams took care to consider the needs of both male and female drivers. "Traditional minivans are often perceived as the 'Mom's car' – but FORUM is designed to be gender neutral. The reality is that both Moms and Dads want style, performance and driving pleasure in their vehicles, whether transporting kids or not."
Research shows that the primary driver of family vehicles often changes depending on the day of the week and family schedules. During the week, FORUM's primary driver might be a mom, picking up the kids at school, dropping them off at practices or lessons – so we've incorporated advanced communications systems such as rear seat camera monitoring cameras and audio controls. "Sometimes being a mom is just about managing the chaos, but moms also deserve some personal space of their own. FORUM is designed to give moms a balance between needs and the kids'," said Nguyen.
On the weekends, a dad might become the primary driver, taking over FORUM for errands, longer trips or recreational drives – so FORUM is designed with responsive power and handling, and more aggressive, performance-car styling than traditional family vehicles. FORUM also offers the exceptional flexibility required to haul large objects and other "weekend gear."
"We also know that with traditional minivans, both moms and dads sometimes feel like they are sitting in a kids' playroom – losing their identities in the vehicle," continued Nguyen. "FORUM lets kids be kids and grown-ups be grown-ups, with the adults firmly in charge."
Ultimately, FORUM is conceived as a place to share – a destination in itself, as well as enjoyable transportation to other venues.
"There are many occasions during a week when, with a family's busy schedule, the vehicle is the only place where everyone is together – so we've incorporated features and technology to enhance this precious 'quality time,'" said Nguyen.
Pushing the Envelope of Exterior Design
Though respecting the basic layout of a "one box" design, FORUM Concept adds a higher level of dramatic styling through its wide stance, high beltline, wide-open visibility and an aggressive front end appearance.
FORUM's design innovations include wide-opening front doors and no B-pillars – creating exceptional access to the 2nd and 3rd row seats. FORUM's front doors open 90 degrees, which combined with the long sliding side doors, create wide openings for easy entry and exit of all three rows. "We were able to engineer the lack of B-pillars through use of extra thick reinforced roof and door frames – putting the material where it needs to go to help maintain structural integrity for this concept," said Bruce Campbell, vice president, Design, NDA. "Not only does this greatly enhance the ease of getting in and out of the rear seats, it allows us to utilize the 2nd row seat as a sort of 'bleacher' – adding a new dimension to watching sports, picnicking or other outdoor family activities."
Another exterior innovation is FORUM's trackless sliding side door design, which offers a clean, uninterrupted, non-traditional profile. A special patented hinge system makes the trackless door possible.
Integrated into the SkyView moonroof panels are hidden sunshades, which allow the glass panels to be closed off during hot days. Other exterior features include LED lights front and rear, with a subtle LED light bar accenting the sweeping grille and hood design; soft-edged side outside mirrors; wide six-spoke alloy wheels and low-profile tires; a wide rear hatch; and dual exhaust outlets.
A Suite Interior
Inside the sophisticated skin is where FORUM really comes alive. The aniline leather-appointed, pedestal-style driver's and front passenger seat and cockpit area – surrounded in rich aluminum and wood – offers "front cabin" comfort and control.
FORUM's dramatic "floating" instrument panel design blends next-generation communications technology with simple, intuitive controls. The instrument panel includes dual climate controls, Bluetooth wireless technology and mood lighting under the upper and lower console areas. A built-in console-mounted microwave, sized to fit a standard bag of microwave popcorn, is accessible from the front and center seats.
FORUM also features special vertical wave pattern carpeting. The one-inch thick "modern shag" style carpeting is 100 percent wool and, despite its elegant appearance, is easy to clean.
Designed in conjunction with the pillar-less side doors, Forum's revolutionary "Turntable Seating" 2nd row bucket-formed seat rotates 90 degrees to either side to create "grandstand" seating for watching sports or for picnicking and "side-gating."
The seat also rotates a full 180 degrees to face the three-passenger rear seat, creating family-style seating for up to five passengers. The 2nd row seat is operated by a small motor mounted in the vehicle floor. When it is time to rotate the seats, the center console lifts up and the two seat halves come together. At the same time, the two front seats move forward to aid in rotations clearance.
The 2nd row seat also includes individual wireless monitors, located in the seat console, for watching DVDs or playing games, and integrated seat belts (also utilized in the front and 3rd row seats).
Togetherness Through Technology
FORUM's interior is also a showcase for the latest mobile communications technology, much of it developed in conjunction with the Bose Corporation.
"With older, more self-sufficient children, the driver's role become more of a coordinator, rather than a protector, allowing the driver to enjoy her or his own time while facilitating togetherness," said Campbell. "The idea is to enable controlled craziness in the rear zone, rather than complete chaos – which we've accomplished with a combination of communications and monitoring systems."
Close watch on rear cabin occupants is provided by a "Kids Cam" monitoring system, which utilizes 2nd and 3rd row cameras mounted in the headliner and connected to the main instrument panel LCD display monitor. Selectable camera control switches are mounted above the rearview mirror.
A one-button audio muting "Time Out" system, with the controller located in the lower center portion of the steering wheel, allows the driver to simultaneously mute all audio playing in the FORUM and broadcast the driver's voice over all interior speakers – enabling quick and easy communication to both rows of rear seats.
"The 'Time Out' system gives the driver and passengers a sometimes much-needed time out, while the rear zone cameras enable observation – and interaction – when needed, while helping drivers keep their primary attention on the road," explained Campbell.
FORUM also offers an advanced Bose Media System, which combines infotainment features and intelligent design, with single knob proximity sensor-based controller helping the driver, again, keep their focus where it should be – on the road. Waving a hand near the controller triggers infrared sensors to bring up the initial system interface.
The Bose Media System's unique interface allows easy access to a wealth of features, including XM Satellite Radio, hard disc drive music storage, DVD, iPod interface, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System and an advanced navigation system.
FORUM also employs Nissan's advanced Around View Monitor (AVM) system, found in the new 2008 Infiniti EX35. The AVM system includes front, side and rear-mounted cameras and an advanced controller that combines the images together to give the driver a unique view of all four sides of the vehicle – helping to reduce driver blind spots when parking.
State-of-the-art audio is provided by the Bose SeatCentric system, which includes headrest and seatback speakers for consistent stereo image event as the seat swivels – along with independent audio programming for all three rows.
Working in conjunction with the wide opening sliding side doors is the Bose FreeSpace outdoor audio system, with speakers mounted on the trailing edges of the sliding doors and a wireless media player controller – providing full-range audio entertainment outside the FORUM.
Respect For The Environment
FORUM's efficient, intelligent design features also extend to the powertrain. Though as a design exploration, FORUM's emphasis is limited to form and functionality, conceptually a modern, next-generation family passenger vehicle would include a clean diesel or other environmentally sensitive powerplant.*
"Nissan has previously announced that it will be offering a clean diesel engine in the United States in the next generation Maxima, so a similar powerplant would be a definite consideration for a vehicle like FORUM," said Campbell. "Nissan is also an industry leader in CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) technology, so you could predict smooth, responsive performance worthy of the Nissan badge."
Redefining Family Transportation and Quality Time
"While some people think that family transportation vehicles are a thing of the past, Nissan's view is that vehicles just need to evolve along with changing family dynamics," concluded Nguyen. "Quality time used to be more about the quantity of time spent together with the kids. Today, it's more about dedicated moments for family fun, entertainment and communication. FORUM is a great place to gather together and rediscover each other once in a while."
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