Here's Ford's "job loss protection" plan called Ford Advantage. Ford says they'll make payments for up to a year if you lose your job. Questions to ask would include: "Is this only for the first year of ownership?" "Is there a dollar limit on the payment amount (GM limits to $500/mo)?" I don't have time to keep calling media reps this morning, otherwise I'd find out for you.
Ford Motor Company is introducing the most comprehensive program available to boost consumers’ buying confidence and begin rebuilding the American economy with the new Ford Advantage Plan.
The plan gives customers another reason to “Drive One” with payment protection of up to 12 months on any new Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle, 0 percent financing on select vehicles and added local charity support.
“Consumers remain anxious about the economy and their own outlook for the future. We at Ford want to do our part to rebuild faith in the marketplace by offering payment protection on every new Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle for up to a year if our customers lose their jobs,” said Ken Czubay, vice president of Sales and Marketing.
“Just as important is additional charity support we will provide in conjunction with our local dealers, who are mindful of how non-profit organizations are struggling during this economic downturn,” Czubay said. “Ford and our dealers have always stepped up to take an active lead role in the community, and that’s why we are also including a charity element as part of the Ford Advantage Plan.”
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Ford Advantage Plan
GM Total Confidence
Update: The GM Total Confidence site is now live!
The Hyundai Assurance plan has spawned plans from both Ford and GM. GM is wrapping up its payment protection plan with a number of other services. You've got payment protection for the first 24 months where GM will make up to nine $500 payments should you lose your income. GM will also protect its vehicle's trade-in value if you chose to purchase another GM vehicle. The press release is a bit unclear, but I believe this protection is good for six years. Of course, you also get 5/100,000 powertrain and one year of OnStar.
The details of the plan can found at GMconfidence.com. In an ironic twist, that domain name currently results in a "Page Not Found" error. Hopefully that will be fixed soon!
General Motors today announced the most comprehensive customer protection in the industry with "GM Total Confidence," a plan that protects a customer's paycheck, investment, vehicle and family.
"Our Total Confidence plan is an unprecedented offer that reinvents the ownership experience in an extremely positive way," said Mark LaNeve, vice president, GM North America Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing. "Unlike other programs out there, 'GM Total Confidence' provides comprehensive coverage for new vehicle owners - from protecting their new vehicle investment to protecting their family's income. GM Total Confidence provides customers peace of mind in uncertain times." (Note: See accompanying chart)
The 'GM Total Confidence' plan:
- Protects your Paycheck: 'Payment Protection*' provides up to nine months of payments on vehicle loans or leases ($500 max/month) if you lose your job for economic reasons. When looking for a job, you need a vehicle more than ever. 'Payment Protection' helps you get back on your feet.
- Protects your Investment: During the first two years of ownership, 'Vehicle Value Protection*' helps protect customers against uncertainty in the future used car market. Much as we've seen home prices decline in this tough market - and homeowners may owe more than the current resale value of their house - 'Vehicle Value Protection' provides peace-of-mind for customers when they want to go purchase another GM vehicle.
- Protects your Vehicle: GM's 5 year/100,000 mile transferable powertrain limited warranty (whichever comes first) plus roadside assistance and courtesy transportation. GM protects your vehicle with the best coverage in the business - so you don't have to worry. With the high quality of GM vehicles today, offering the best coverage only makes sense. See your dealer for warranty details.
- Protects your Family: One Year OnStar 'Safety and Security' Package. Knowing that OnStar is there if you should ever need them really makes a difference. With Automatic Crash Response, OnStar's cutting-edge technology that protects your family when they travel. Visit onstar.com for more details.
California Gas Station Owners Getting Hosed?
Gas Station owners throughout California face a Wednesday deadline to upgrade pumps that reduce air pollution. As you might imagine, that sort of change costs a serious amount of cash. Making matters worse, many owners may have put off the upgrades until the last moment, only to find horrific economic conditions that will prevent them from getting the credit necessary to upgrade those pumps. Our illustrious governor, "Ahnold", has attempted to delay the legislation to help station owners, but at this point it looks like the requirement will stand.
source: ap via forbes
Monday, March 30, 2009
VW Golf Backup Camera...Yeah, It Deserves Its Own Post
I suppose I could focus on the day's events: My friends at GM and Chrysler got a big smack down, Rick Wagoner walked the plank and the FDA took away my pistachios. However, I just can't bring myself to deal with all of that today. Nope, instead I'm going to talk about the 2010 Golf's wicked cool backup camera: it hides behind the VW badge. Pretty cool, huh?
VW Newsroom: VOLKSWAGEN ANNOUNCES RETURN OF GOLF NAMEPLATE FOR U.S. MARKET
Just the final nail in the coffin for the Rabbit. Already disclosed some days ago, this release seals the Rabbit's fate here in the U.S. Honestly, I wondered about the genius of such a move back in 2006. In a fit of nostalgia, I looked up the April 12, 2006 post I had on the name change and came away with this gem of a quote:
“The reintroduction of the Rabbit represents Volkswagen’s commitment to this market and is a nod to the passionate North American enthusiasts who have an emotional connection with the Rabbit name,” said Volkswagen’s Director of Brand Innovation, Kerri Martin, “Volkswagen customers want a relationship with their cars. Names like The Thing, Beetle, Fox, and Rabbit support this,”
Let's contrast that statement, with the new one that VW made today:
Volkswagen of America, Inc. welcomes back the Golf nameplate with the arrival of the sixth generation Golf.
VW Newsroom: VOLKSWAGEN ANNOUNCES RETURN OF GOLF NAMEPLATE FOR U.S. MARKET
Friday, March 27, 2009
Yoink! Hyundai Entourage is Toast!
Grab 'em while you can, folks, because according to Hyundai Motor America acting CEO John Krafcik the Entourage is toast! Just like Johnny Drama's career, the Entourage minivan will disappear by year end.
source: automotive news
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Get Ready to Party! 100 Fiestas Arrive in Oxnard and Baltimore
I am super pumped about the arrival of the Fiesta here in the States a) because we get a hatchback and b) because Ford is promising not to dumb down the Euro model.
The arrival today on U.S. shores of 100 new Ford Fiestas marks an important step in the rollout of the first of Ford Motor Company’s new generation of global small cars.
The European-built Fiestas arrived today at seaports in Baltimore and Oxnard, Calif., and will be loaned for six months to 100 young trendsetters chosen from more than 3,300 applicants as part of the “Fiesta Movement.” Those picked to drive the European Fiesta will share their experiences online through social media sites such as Facebook, FlickR and YouTube to build buzz and anticipation for the vehicle’s North American launch early next year.
The 100 five-door Fiestas coming to the U.S. were built at Ford’s Cologne Assembly Plant in Europe. For many U.S. customers, it will be their first chance to see and read about the small car that is one of three finalists for the World Car of the Year award that will be announced next month at the New York International Auto Show.
“We’re really excited to be able to get our U.S. customers behind the wheel and experience this car,” said Sam De La Garza, small car marketing manager. “It’s all part of a plan to build excitement about the new Fiesta with the next generation of Ford customers.”
Designed and developed as Ford’s first global car, the Fiesta takes the nameplate’s three-decade heritage to a new level with its eye-catching kinetic design, widely acclaimed driving dynamics and unexpected refinement.
Before coming to the U.S., special permission was granted by the EPA and the European-spec vehicles were modified for American drivers.
The language in the vehicles’ instrument panel message center was changed from German to English and the speedometers were changed from kilometers to miles per hour. The voice piping from the Bluetooth-enabled vehicle, however, retains its British accent. All the Fiesta Movement vehicles feature keyless entry with push-button start, EasyFuel™ Capless Fuel-Filler System, 16” or 17” wheels, and many other features typically found on larger or premium vehicles.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
XF Wagon Photo Fun
Auto Express is having a guess at what an XF wagon would look like. Bottom picture is the X-Type wagon, Jag's first foray into the estate market. While wagons sell in small numbers here, but in Europe they are the people and cargo mover of choice. Everybody has a wagon on offer in Europe, heck even Cadillac put one together for the CTS to bolster its Euro effort.
Anyways, whether or not the XF estate in Europe, its chances of making it to our neck of the woods are next to zero.
source: auto express
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Win A Trip To The 24 Hours of Le Mans! (6/15/09)
Win the trip of a lifetime. Fly to Paris. Be a VIP guest of the American Le Mans Series. Stay in a Chateau. Meet the drivers. Visit teams in their garages. See "Le Grand Parade des Pilotes".
The ultimate dream trip for a sports car fan! PLUS a chance to win a $2500 Lowe's gift card, $1500 in Shell gift cards AND a set of four new Michelin® brand Passenger or Light Truck Tires.
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Ford Cuts Salaries of Top Execs, But I'd Still Take the Job
It's all relative. To me, compensation packages of $13,565,378, $4,740,669 and
$4,829,298 still look pretty generous. We're all aware of Alan Mulally and his calming influence during this maelstrom. I'm not that familiar with Mr. Lewis and when it comes to the mullet man himself, Mark Fields, well I have mixed feelings.
Ford is generally perceived as being better off than its domestic rivals. Much of this stems from the fact that Ford setup a lot of credit facilities while conditions were still favorable. Given the court of public opinion, Ford's luster only grows shinier as it appears before various bureaucratic tribunals merely to support others rather than ask for cash itself. This could all come to a screeching halt if things don't turn around in 2010. Ford is banking on not only a general recovery but public acceptance of its European influenced lineup that is headed to a dealership near you. Does this performance justify over $22 million in compensation? You tell me!
Ford Chief Executive Alan Mulally's salary was unchanged in 2008 from 2007 at $2 million. He also received no bonus last year. The company earlier announced that he will take a 30% cut to his salary in 2009 and 2010. Ford has posted $30 billion in losses since 2006.
Mr. Mulally's total listed compensation declined 37% to $13,565,378, according to a government regulatory filing by the company Tuesday. According to earlier U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings, Mr. Mulally has earned nearly $50 million in compensation since taking the helm of the auto maker in late 2006, though the value of his compensation through the company stock has declined.
Lewis Booth, Ford executive vice president and chief financial officer, earned $1,075,000 in salary and no bonus in 2008. His total listed compensation declined 54% to $4,740,669, according to the company's preliminary filing with SEC Tuesday.
Mark Fields, Ford executive vice president and president, the Americas, earned $1,300,000 in salary and no bonus in 2008. His total listed compensation declined 42% to $4,829,298.
source: wsj
RDX Wall Art
“RDX Wall Art: The Making Of” is a new short documentary highlighting some of the pioneers of Bristol, England’s thriving street art community. The clip features the new Acura RDX, Ben Foley and Chris Hopewell from Collision Films (Radiohead’s “There There” music video), and internationally celebrated street artists David Whittle and Henry St. Leger (Sainty), and goes behind the scenes of this 30-second spot to illustrate this massive undertaking which fuses animation with street art.
To learn more about the work of Collision Films and some of the innovators of the Bristol, England street art scene, check out these links.
Collision Films Site: http://www.collisionfilms.com
Henry St. Leger’s Flickr Site: www.flickr.com/sainty_what
David Whittle’s Flickr Site: www.flickr.com/people/davidwhittle/
Monday, March 23, 2009
CTS Coupe With Its Knickers Down
AutoWeek has some excellent spy shots of the CTS coupe posted for your review. Once available, the coupe will complete a tasty trifecta of offerings: sedan, wagon and coupe + the insane CTS-V. Could it get any better? I don't think so! More than likely the coupe will also offer a full range of powertrains just like its siblings. Few manufacturers given you a choice of RWD/AWD, auto/manual, regular and hi-po, but that is exactly what Caddy is serving up. The CTS gets my highest recommendation. If I could pop for a new car today, the CTS would be a the top of my list.
Honda X6 Fighter To Be Call MSX and to be Price Above MDX?
Update: Bah, looks like it will be called the ZDX not MSX.
Rumor has it, from the enthusiast site Temple of VTEC, that the forthcoming luxury crossover from Acura will be called MSX. The name sounds reasonable enough, so I am going to run with it. Word has it the MSX will be priced “well above” the MDX. This also makes sense given the premium position that the X6 enjoys in BMW’s lineup.
Now the question becomes, would you buy one? For me, any car that is priced above $50K has to make a very strong case for itself. I’ll hold off on a final judgment until the official debut in New York, but unless this vehicle possesses an amazing beauty and an equally impressive interior, I’m going to find it difficult to justify the price tag.
Of course, this is all speculation at this point since no official info on the vehicle's name or price have been released.
source: vtec.net
photo source: vtec.net member siegen
No Fear Energy Giveaway Here At ACATT (3/23/09)
LAST DAY TO ENTER!
I have linked to a fair share of sweepstakes over the years, but this time around I'm pleased to offer some prizes directly to All Cars, All the Time readers.
No Fear Energy, has launched its first-ever under the tab code promotion—Earn Some Cred. You crack open specially marked cans of No Fear Energy drink, find the code under the tab, enter that code at earnsomecred.com and start earning cred for No Fear gear or if you’re lucky, win a trip to a motocross event, MMA event or a Hawaiian surf trip.
In honor of this promotion, ACATT is giving away a pack valued at $100:
2 – No Fear Hoodies
2 – No Fear T-shirts (one of each style)
1 – No Fear Bloodshot Hat
1 – 12-pack of the new No Fear Bloodshot Energy Drink
1 – Sticky Bumps Surf Wax
1 – Lamb of God’s latest CD “Wrath” released on Feb. 24
In order to enter, all you have to do is type your e-mail address in the box to the right where it says "subscribe." Please note that you have to fully register and appear in my list as a verified subscriber. It's super simple and by registering you'll get a daily e-mail from ACATT with all the latest posts. YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS WILL NOT BE SOLD OR OTHERWISE DISTRIBUTED, THE LIST IS MAINTAINED ONLY TO SEND OUT DAILY UPDATES.
If you are already a subscriber, then sit back and relax. If you win, I'll send you an e-mail and ask for your mailing address. The PR firm representing No Fear Energy will send the items to you directly. If you win, you will have two days to respond to my e-mail, otherwise I draw another name. You have until 11:59PM PST, 3/23/2009 to sign up. I will randomly draw an e-mail address from all the VERIFIED/ACTIVE addresses on the list.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Small Cars Sales Slumping
The small car in America is like the often forgotten friend whom you only call when down on your luck. You know he'll answer the phone and provide a sympathetic ear, but after a few visits you member why he pisses you off so easily. When the good times roll around again, he's off the speed dial.
Last year when gas prices skyrocketed, small cars flew off the lots like nobody's business. Good luck finding a Honda Fit! Now that gasoline has settled back down again, you can have a Fit any which way you like. And to be honest, the Fit has it relatively easy with a 125 days supply. Chevrolet has 427 days' worth of Aveos in inventory.
The argument goes that Americans are a big people and they like their cars equally big. Certainly there is some truth to that. However, I see long term trends changing. The Mini Cooper has show that a competitively fielded small car can be more that a flash in the pan. Mini has consistently posted terrific sales numbers. I think the Ford Fiesta will also be a winner. The Fiesta has great styling and given Ford's recent track record, the car will offer a wide slate of electronic goodies that appeal to many modern customers. You buy cars like the Mini and Fiesta, not so much because they are small, but because they have appealing styling and tons of features.
So it is true that small car sales are slumping, but that is more a function of the economy than anything else. I don't believe that small cars will rule our marketplace like they do in other countries, but there is plenty of the room at the table for well thought out models.
source: Industry's Big Hope for Small Cars Fades - WSJ.com
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Nissan Cube
Nothing much to report here, just another shot of the Nissan Cube. I first grabbed shots of the Cube back at the LA Auto Show. Now there are test drive impressions hitting various sites and Nissan is stepping up its consumer marketing.
I'm looking forward to seeing this puppy on the roads.
2010 Mazdaspeed3
I am a huge believer in the Mazda3, it's a great handler, has (or should I say had) nice styling and can be well equipped. Everything remains the same with the 2010 model--top notch equipment levels and from all the specs we have seen, a great performer. That leaves one fly in the ointment: styling.
Sadly, Mazda has decided to plaster the Joker's grin on every grille of its future lineup. Blech. This treatment is over-styled and really detracts from an otherwise fine looking ride. Don't get me wrong, I'd still drive this car (heck, I drove a bug-eyed WRX for several years) but I'd feel better if it had a less offensive mug.
Return of the Skyhawk?
I have brought it up in the past and now that spy shots of a small Delta-based Buick are floating around, I'll ask it again "Why not bring back the Buick Skyhawk?"
Now of course, Buick has to be careful here. The last thing it needs is another Cimarron fiasco. The Cimi was a small J-Body just like the Skyhawk was, but offered little in the way of premium car feel or appointments. However, given the proper luxury treatment, I think the brand could make a go of it. The spy shot above does not look that appealing--just a minor retouch of a Chevrolet Cruze from what I can see. That particular car is headed for the Chinese market where I am sure it will find success (they do love their Buicks). If Buick did want to bring a vehicle like that to the U.S. market, it would have to have high grade materials and zippy powertrains to distance itself from its siblings.
Nissan: Keep Us Out of It
Methinks the brand doth protest too much. Nissan wants folks to know that it had nothing to do with this commercial (as if you couldn't have deduced that on your own). That doesn't change the fact that many of us have had our own encounters with smug Prius owners--this one just happens to end in violence :-)
Friday, March 20, 2009
Journalists Prattle On About New Camaro (Am I Bitter?)
My invite to the Camaro launch must have been lost in the mail because I have yet to get behind the wheel of this bad boy. What I can share with you, however grudgingly, is this YouTube reel of journalists talking about their impressions of the 2010 Camaro. Enjoy (even if I didn't). All kidding aside, I wish the Chevy team all the best.
Rattner: Likes GM, Chrysler Leaders But Thinks They May Be Too Optimistic
The Treasury Department's chief auto adviser was generally impressed with Rick Wagoner and Bob Nardelli, but indicated that estimates by both GM and Chrysler may downplay the amount of cash that will be required. Chrysler has received $4 billion in government loans and wants another $5 billion. GM has received $13.4 billion and is seeking another $16.6 billion in loans and a line of credit. How much more are we talking here? Try as much as $30 billion or $40 billion.
Rattner continued the Obama party line when it comes to a Fiat/Chrysler tie-up, "We have not made a determination on whether they could exist on a stand-alone basis, but we do find their idea of partnership with Fiat a worthy idea to consider."
source: Rattner: GM, Chrysler could need more than $21.6 billion detnews.com The Detroit News
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Buick and Jaguar Get Their Quality On
Break out the party hats, Buick and Jaguar have something to celebrate: they have toppled Lexus for a tie as the most reliable brands in North America according to J.D. Power’s 2009 Vehicle Dependability Study.
Rick Spina, GMNA Vice President, Quality, has a post up over at GM's Fastlane about the achievement and will be available @GMBlogs Twitter account tomorrow at 2:30 p.m. EST.
Now I couild be a cynic and say that all three brands: Buick, Jaguar and Lexus skew towards older buyers and these folks aren't as demanding as younger customers. However, why would I want to go spoil a party? Congrats to both brands.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
2010 Lincoln MKZ Fodder
Below is a snippet heralding the 2010 Lincoln MKZ. Is it worthy of your consideration? Personally I’m not that interested in this car. The styling is ho-hum and in this particular segment there are much more dynamic looking options out there. Take for example the CTS. While it may be lacking some of the technological, gee-whiz stuff that the MKZ sports, its styling is off the charts. Am I bitter that Lincoln abandoned the RWD LS sedan? Hell yeah! The LS was an innovator when it arrived on the market, a sign that domestic luxury marks weren’t interested in making barges for retirees forever. The LS was a young, hip sedan. So what if the headliner on my particular example fell down, it was still a very competent car. Since that time, Lincoln elected to go FWD/AWD and left the true sport sedan segment to the CTS. To top things off, Lincoln got rid of the spiffy Zephyr handle and slapped on the much less evocative MKZ badge. Boo, hiss.
Having said all of that, the MKZ could still make a bigger splash if it wasn’t so plain looking. If you still desire this car, I recommend saving the cash and buying a very similar Ford Fusion, just as I would advise you to choose a new 2010 Taurus over an MKS.
Lincoln needs to reboot, yet again, and until it does something in noteworthy like the original LS, I’ll sit on the sidelines. Oh, and another thing, if Lincoln thinks that ugly as sin MKT is going to help matters, I think it is going to be sorely disappointed.
The 2010 Lincoln MKZ offers customers more standard luxury and segment-exclusive safety features for their money, with a starting price of $34,965, including destination and delivery.
Compared with other midsize luxury sedans – such as the Lexus ES350 and Cadillac CTS – the MKZ comes with more standard luxury features, such as Bridge of Weir leather seats, genuine wood trim, heated and cooled front seats, the popular SYNC entertainment and connectivity system, a reverse sensing system and driver multi-adjustable power seat.
source: Ford
Expect GM to Slather More Cash On Its Vehicles
What is it going to take to get you to buy a car today? How many times have we heard that refrain? "Not enough!" says GM. Well, actually they didn't say that, I did. Still, I bet you they are thinking those very words.
The Financial Times reports that GM will launch a flotilla of incentives in order to coax buyers into its showrooms. Will more cash on the hood, in the trunk and stuffed into the tailpipes persuade buyers to sign on the dotted line? It can't hurt!
Personally, I'm waiting for the "We'll trade you straight across for a new CTS" offer that should arrive any day now into my inbox.
It's a shame that it has come to this...each manufacturer trying to one-up the others with a new promotion that will break through the clutter. So far, only Hyundai seems to have a real winner on its hands with its offer to buy back your car if you lose your job. Everything else seems to fade into a misty cloud of sameness.
source: FT.com - GM to cut prices to lure back US buyers
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
What? Your Tax Dollars Not Going Where You Thought They Would?
Voters in San Francisco passed Proposition A with the intent of improving bus service, but low and behold, it would appear that those very funds are being sucked up by other City departments...
Supervisor Bevan Dufty called for a hearing into the practice by such departments as police, public health and the 311 call center, which bill Muni for work their employees perform ostensibly on behalf of Muni - reimbursements for such services as security, auditing, legal advice and technology support.
As reported in The Chronicle last month, the payments, known as work orders, are expected to balloon from $53 million in the fiscal year that ended in June 2008 to nearly $81 million at the close of the fiscal year in June 2010. The $28 million increase is almost the exact amount of additional money San Francisco voters intended to pump annually into Muni to improve service with the passage of Proposition A in 2007.
source: sfgate
Check Out Your Friend's DL Picture!
National Motor Vehicle License Organization web site - offering a free searchable database of over 121 million U.S. driver's license photos. Search using the box below. The United States amendment to the Freedom of Information Act enacted on Sept. 3rd 2007 provides public access to motor vehicle driver's information in an electronic format. Under the Motor Vehicle Operator License Identification Act (MOLIA), all US states are required to adhere to the Driver's B.S. statute and store an electronic copy of all valid drivers licenses in their state. We do our best to make all license photo's searchable.
Click here to check it out!
Sorry...I Couldn't help myself :-)
When You Are Drunk, Everything Sounds Good...Such as Picking Up Your DUI Buddy at the Po-Po
"Can you bail me out?" "Sure, just let me finish my drink and down a few pills first." That's pretty much how it went down for Mary A. Campbell of Bullville, NY when she went to pickup her DWI buddy at the state police headquarters early Saturday morning. Needless to say she now has herself a court appearance. No word if a third drunk buddy was enlisted to pickup the first two.
source: recordonline.com
Monday, March 16, 2009
Obama Team: Approval of Fiat/Chrysler Deal Still Being Mulled
In my opinion, Fiat is Chrysler's "Great Italian Hope" for a semi-independent future. Starved of any real, competitive smaller cars, Chrysler simply doesn't stand a chance on its own. While the terms of the Italian deal aren't ideal, there aren't any other serious offers out there.
If the Obama team nixes support for the Fiat deal, there is a chance that the Italians might come back with a juicier offer or they could just wait until Chrysler keels over and the proceed to pick at its bones. Let's face it, there are other ways to crack the U.S. market. For example, Saturn presents a nearly turnkey operation for a company looking to setup shop here. Need manufacturing capacity in North America? You can easily acquire that from any number of sources.
Given that Chrysler has such a weak bargaining position and really no chance to stand on its own, Obama's team would be well-advised to think long and hard about Fiat.
source: Obama auto team still undecided on Chrysler-Fiat deal detnews.com The Detroit News
Acura Teases Us With Crossover Shots...This Time With No Flashlight
You might recall protoypes of this vehicle zipping around Death Valley at night with the engineers shining lights at photogs in a very ineffective attempt to thwart pictures from being taken.
Whatever.
Well, now that the vehicle is progressing towards showrooms, we are being officially teased by this "concept." I use the term concept very loosely because there won't be much of a difference between the model we see in New York and the one that you will be able to buy. This Acura model and a squared off version for Honda called the Crosstour will be plying the highways and byways very soon.
What's missing from these shots is any clear view of the grille, arguably the most offensive element of current Acura products.
I applaud any people carrier than a) isn't body on frame and b) sports a hatch. Of course, the swoopy looking rear will ruin cargo capacity, but I'll take whatever I can get. I just hope that the Crosstour doesn't sport the same crappy interior plastics that recent Hondas have been showing up with.
Batsmart Up For Grabs
Remember this baby from the 2008 SEMA show? How about the car, remember that as well? Now you can buy the car for your very own on eBay. Bidding is currently at $7,300 and I have no idea what the reserve is.
To me the car looks ridiculous and the second the beautiful model walks away from it, it looks even more ridiculous. However, if you like George Barris' other creations, such as the original Batmobile, then maybe this car is for you?
Camaro Videos Galore...
Ignore the error that you probably see above...My ongoing struggle to consistently be able to embed videos from GM continues. However, don't let that stop you from checking out the latest Camaro videos. Click here to check 'em out!
Sunday, March 15, 2009
2010 Kia Sorento
The current Sorento is one of those vehicles that from time to time, I forget that it is still obeing sold. The new U.S. made 2010 model should help turn things around, with a much more attractive design and unibody platform. It's going to need to bring its best wares to the party, because it is getting c-r-o-w-d-e-d in this space. Every full-line manufacturer out there realizes that this type of vehicle is important and will take over where truck based SUVs left off. It's all great news for customers however, as we finally get back some sanity in the people mover market.
For a refresher, here's what the current model looks like:
Traffic Jams Harm the Heart
Forget road rage. A new study out of Germany has uncovered evidence that getting stuck in traffic prompts an even more serious and immediate consequence -- a much higher risk for suffering a heart attack.
source: us news
Saturday, March 14, 2009
2011 Focus
U.S. To Get Two Versions of Polo
Automotive News is reporting the the United States will get two versions of the new Polo: a sedan and hatchback. Here's the rub, both models will be designed especially for our market. The Polo sedan will be smaller that the Jetta and the Polo hatch will be similar in size to the Honda Fit.
Hopefully the American Polo won't be too "dumbed down." Pictured above is the Euro Polo.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Save $100 On Top of DIRECTV Best Offer
Okay, this is a shameless plug, by hey it's Friday.
If you are thinking of signing up for satellite TV, then consider this. If you happen to choose DIRECTV I can save you an extra $100 (Update: Now it's $100, not $50!) . It's a member referral program. The basic deal is that you get whatever the current promotion happens to be plus bill credits for a total of $100. Pretty sweet way to get DIRECTV and save a few extra bucks. The credits come through right away, usually starting on your first bill provided you mentioned it while ordering.
Just call 1-800-507-4045 and tell them your friend Michael referred you. They'll ask you for an account number, which is 51761260, and you are off to the races!
If you want to try Dish Network instead, I've got saving for you as well. I can save you $30 in addition to their latest offer. You can use these codes: VCD0003604276, VCD0003675427, DRC364898966, or DRC400477220 (if all of these codes have been used, just leave a note and I'll post some more). The redeem the codes, www.dishnetwork.com or call 1-888-920-GIFT (4438).
Consumer Reports: Prius, Edmunds: Civic...Do I Hear "Great Taste! Less Filling!"
Who knew that when Consumer Reports pronounced the Prius Touring as "best value" that it would get people so upset. Emunds.com is objecting to the pick and instead is promoting its choice, the Honda Civic...
“Anyone truly concerned about their household expenses should ask some questions about any methodology that finds a premium hybrid vehicle to be an excellent value, especially when gas prices are so low,” warns Edmunds.com CEO Jeremy Anwyl. “It makes sense that value is top of mind for many car buyers; for consumers seeking the absolute best new car value, the 2009 Honda Civic is the best choice, not the Prius.”
source: WSJ
Maserati Monthly
I been awhile since I put the spotlight on an issue of Maserati Monthly. Since we currently have an Italian house guest, now is as good a time as any. Click here to enjoy!