When gas stations run out of gas - BusinessWeek.com- msnbc.com
Maybe we could call it the gas price/gas station profit paradox: as prices rise, profits at many stations fall. Simply put as the wholesale price of gasoline rises to new heights, small gasoline stations are finding their margins squeezed. With a tank of gas now easily exceeding the cost of your first “real date” most folks are using credit cards to pay for their little tank of gold. One company has seen credit use go from 25% of their business four years ago to 75% today. The added cost per gallon that a credit card adds varies between 5 and 12 cents, that’s no small figure for all those Gas Buddy comparison shoppers out there. Station owners find that unless they price their gas at unprofitable levels, consumers will choose other stations who are willing and able to make up the cost elsewhere. If giants like ExxonMobil are getting out of the gas station business what does that mean for the little guy on the corner? What may happen is that continued attrition will allow the remaining stations to jack up their prices to more profitable levels. None of this is good news for the consumer.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
When gas stations run out of gas
Astra Days Supply Heads Upward: What Can Be Done?
The Astra's inventory numbers as of June 1 aren't looking so chipper. Back on April 1 dealers had the equivalent of 326 days of supply for the snazzy little hatchback. On May 1 things were looking better as the first two numbers had reversed and the days supply total sat at 236. I was hoping for an even lower number for June 1, but sadly there are now 306 days worth of supply sitting out there in Saturn land. As you well know, I'm quite taken with the car and am disappointed in its performance. Saturn is "rethinking" its advertising campaign but most of those dollars will be dedicated to higher volume models. What can Saturn do?
I think that Saturn has to do something bold. Something that advertising alone cannot achieve. Saturn has to distance itself from its more popular sister, Chevrolet. How can this be achieved when the overlap between the model lines is so great? I think the answer is in the warranty. Saturn should offer a 4 year/50,000 bumper to bumper coverage or at a minimum, free maintenance for the first few years. This will actually give buyers a reason to chose an Aura over a Malibu or an Outlook over a Traverse. The additional showroom traffic might also allow more folks to discover the Astra for themselves. I don't think that an extended warranty would cause Saturn to bump heads with either Cadillac or Saab and the cost would be relatively minor as compared to any other major campaign to boost the brand's awareness.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
GM confident in Volt launch after battery tests | Reuters
GM confident in Volt launch after battery tests Reuters
"'I would say there's almost no reasonable doubt in our minds anymore that this is going to work,' said Bob Lutz, who heads vehicle development for GM"
GM is sounding more and more upbeat that the 2010 launch date will stand. It's my opinion that we'll see the official debut of the production car at GM's centennial event in September and then again in Paris. If the 2010 date is met, it might only be a few cars with things scaling up in 2011.
Looking to Avoid Aggressive Drivers? Check Those Bumpers. - washingtonpost.com
Shankar Vedantam - Looking to Avoid Aggressive Drivers? Check Those Bumpers. - washingtonpost.com
"Drivers of cars with bumper stickers, window decals, personalized license plates and other 'territorial markers' not only get mad when someone cuts in their lane or is slow to respond to a changed traffic light, but they are far more likely than those who do not personalize their cars to use their vehicles to express rage -- by honking, tailgating and other aggressive behavior. "
Are drivers actually visualizing pounding your face rather than world peace? I would say from my experience that bumper sticker applicants are definitely a more vocal group, but I'd stop short of territorial guardians.
Scott Wade's Dirty Car Art!
Scott Wade's Dirty Car Art!
Every now and then Scott's work gets the attention of a website or newspaper. It's cool no matter how many times I see it. Visit Scott's site (link above) to check out his online gallery.
Oil 2.0 Scientists find bugs that eat waste and excrete petrol
Scientists find bugs that eat waste and excrete petrol - Times Online
If high fuel prices are bugging you, then LS9, Inc might just be your kind of company. LS9 is literally cooking up a recipe to use single-cell organisms to produce a substance that is almost pump-ready. The technology is a ways off from mass production, but the article is well worth your time.
Monday, June 16, 2008
And The First Shall Be First: Jamie Lee Curtis among first five to get Honda FCX Clarity fuel-cell car
Jamie Lee Curtis among first five to get Honda FCX Clarity fuel-cell car - AutoWeek Magazine:
"Actress Jamie Lee Curtis--the 'scream queen' and comedic actress--headlines the quintet of environmentally conscious consumers who will get the first batch of fuel-cell Honda Clarity sedans when they arrive in the United States in July."
What better way to spread the hydrogen gospel than with globe hugging, AARP topless modeling JLC. Honestly I've got nothing against JLC and I'm happy that she's getting a new car. Also scoring FCX rides are: Ron Yerxa, a film producer who first learned of the FCX Clarity in a car magazine, Jon Spallino, CFO of an engineering and construction firm in California, who's been leasing a first-generation Clarity since 2005, businessman and car enthusiast Jim Salomon, and actress Laura Harris.
Brits Crack Down on Limos
Party's over for big limos - Home News, UK - The Independent
I myself have often wondered about the safety of giant limos, converted by God knows who. Seems the Brits are wondering the same thing. Council chiefs are preparing a crackdown on the giant vehicles amid fears that many do not comply with road safety legislation.
Penny For Your Thoughts? $8 Million to You Buddy
Fuel price costs are in the post - 17 Jun 2008 - NZ Herald: World / International News
Every time the price of petrol goes up a penny it costs the United States Postal Service US$8 million. Wowzers. That's some serious coin. I double that the recent 1 cent rate hike is going to last more than a few months. Could a 50 cent stamp be that far off?
Woman oblivious to 'WTF' license plate - UPI.com
Woman oblivious to 'WTF' license plate - UPI.com
"A computer trainer in Lafayette, N.C., says she was oblivious to the profane modern meaning of her license plate 'WTF' until her grandchildren told her."
With the popularity of texting abbreviations, I'm sure that many license plates will take on new meanings LOL.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Will Toyota's iQ be Smart enough? - Automotive News
Will Toyota's iQ be Smart enough? - Automotive News
"'We are trying to change the compact vehicle itself,' Nakajima says. The iQ goes on sale in Japan in November and hits European showrooms in January. U.S. sales are a good possibility someday, Nakajima says. 'From the early stages of development, we didn't recognize that oil prices would be like this,' he says. 'Also, the Smart is very successful in the U.S. market.'"
More potential signs that the iQ may be heading to our shores. While the iQ doesn't have quite the quirky charm that the smart does, it would have a longer warranty and the ability to stuff 1.5 more bodies inside.
UN chief: Saudi to boost oil production
WANE TV Channel 15 - Fort Wayne Weather and News UN chief: Saudi to boost oil production
"Saudi Arabia plans to increase its oil production by 200,000 barrels a day next month.
That's according to a spokesman for U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. The U.N. chief met with Saudi Arabia's oil minister during a 1-day visit to the world's largest oil producer."
How about that, the Saudis are willing to sell us more oil at crazy prices. Nifty. The oil futures market has become such an artificial construct that I am dubious that a few more barrels one way or the other is going to have a long term impact. Am I extra grumpy today because my card hit the $75 limit at the gas station and I had to start all over to finish the job? Maybe. Maybe I am.
Hornet To Be Built By Nissan?
Update: Story is available now. A few more details from the article: "The Hornet concept was a three-door hatchback with more than a passing resemblance to the Mini Cooper. Industry sources familiar with Chrysler's plans say the Hornet will likely be an upscale small car designed to compete against the Mini."
Automotive News is citing "sources" who say that the Hornet will be brought to life courtesy of Nissan. It was only recently that Nissan and Chrysler created a pact to manufacture vehicles for each other. If the Hornet design can be adapted to Nissan's platform and still look reasonably like the concept then I'm all for it. The Hornet is hot!
Saturday, June 14, 2008
New kits can turn your car into a hybrid
New kits can turn your car into a hybrid - ForbesAutos.com- msnbc.com
"Soon drivers will be able to get at least double the gas mileage of a Toyota Prius hybrid, thanks to a spate of new aftermarket kits that convert any car into a plug-in electric vehicle. But they’ll have to pay upwards of $10,000 to do so."
DIY hybrids...Interesting stuff. I'm most keen on VS Composites' $4,000 Electrocharger because it sounds the least intrusive and can be installed on almost any car. Of course, claims can run wild and real life can offer a set of harsh realities. During times of shocking price increases, folks might be more willing to believe hype that would otherwise be dismissed. I'm always very cautious about any modifications to a car's powertrain. Vehicles are finely tuned instruments and simply slapping on a set of small electric motors onto the rear wheels could have unknown effects in certain scenarios. I applaud the efforts but I strongly urge potential buyers to research any new technologies. A few extra gallons of gas may dent the wallet, but you'll still be around years from now to "remember when."
Friday, June 13, 2008
Diesel Maxima To Be Manual Only?
Rumors are swirling around that the forthcoming diesel Maxima may be a manual transmission only vehicle. If this turns out to be the case, I'm all for it as this should "maximize" mileage. We'll see soon enough how the Maxima is equipped. Can't wait!!!
Hey, more details on this one from Automotive News:
Nissan worries that drivers will be unaccustomed to the lag between stepping on the accelerator and feeling the turbo kick in. Nissan worries that the jolt will turn drivers off to diesels altogether. It's a problem for introducing the technology not only to Japan but to North America, Yo Usuba, senior vice president in charge of powertrains said. The solution, according to Nissan: Pair the turbodiesel with a manual transmission because manuals offer more seamless, fluid acceleration than automatics.
Win a 2009 Pontiac Vibe GT (7/15/08)
Friday the 13th? Bah humbug! Change your luck and enter to win a Vibe courtesy of Kat Von D and Maxim magazine! Click here to enter.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
The Associated Press: Teachers defend shock tactics in DWI program
The Associated Press: Teachers defend shock tactics in DWI program:
"On a Monday morning last month, highway patrol officers visited 20 classrooms at El Camino High School to announce some horrible news: Several students had been killed in car wrecks over the weekend. Classmates wept. Some became hysterical. A few hours and many tears later, though, the pain turned to fury when the teenagers learned that it was all a hoax — a scared-straight exercise designed by school officials to dramatize the consequences of drinking and driving."
While there might have been good intentions, I hardly think this is the way to go about teaching students the dangers of drunk driving.
ExxonMobil to sell 2,220 gas stations - CNN.com
ExxonMobil to sell 2,220 gas stations - CNN.com
"Oil giant Exxon Mobil Corp. plans to sell its company-owned gas stations, saying they aren't profitable enough even with gasoline selling at $4 per gallon. The 2,220 stations make up about 1/5 of the Exxon and Mobil stations in the United States. The nation's largest oil company, which earned nearly $41 billion last year, says it will sell more than 2,000 stations over the next few years."
When you're only making $41 billion, you've got to cut corners somewhere. The truth is that gas stations really aren't raking in the cash unless they are selling tons of chips and soda. The only thing that ever distinguished Exxon/Mobil stations in my mind was the Speedpass RFID payment system.
Jammed transit systems running on fumes - Consumer news- msnbc.com
Jammed transit systems running on fumes - Consumer news- msnbc.com
"Transportation experts who have pushed mass transit since the 1970s are getting their wish as soaring gas prices persuade Americans to abandon their cars for buses and trains in record numbers. But as the adage says, be careful what you wish for."
Standing room only on buses sounds like a great thing for mass transit advocates. However, transit authorities are paying huge sums for fuel while revenue from gasoline taxes are down. It's a topsy, turvey time in our nation's transportation history. Records are being smashed in every direction whether it be the price of fuel or the number of mass transit riders. I'm still very convinced that much of this is the work of speculative investing, but no matter we're having to deal with the aftermath. I'm happy to see people turning to mass transit and I hope that the systems will not only stand up to the pressure, but convince folks that long after this upheaval is over that there are alternatives commuting as a solo driver.
New Mondeo Coupé curves up a treat--Auto Express News |
New Mondeo Coupé curves up a treat Auto Express News News Auto Express
Gotta love Auto Express and their speculative illustrations. I hope that the real version would look a little better integrated than this number. The Mondeo sedan is gorgeous and Mulally's son did tell his father that he wanted one. C'mon Alan, give the boy his present already!
I certainly hope that Ford brings as much of its European lineup as it can to our shores. It just kills me that Ford of Europe could have such compelling, fantastic products and we get the old Focus with its now dowdy styling.