blognetnews.com
» Autos

The Auto Prophet

  • Do People Want Small Cars?

    Do people want small cars?  The market research so far says "not really".  Paul Eisenstein has a good compact writeup of the issue here.

    Will people buy small cars? Yes, they will, and as time goes on, they will have no choice. 

    I expect the mechanism for this to [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: December 10, 2009, 12:56pm EST

  • Wanted: The Perfect Portable Internet Device

    I want someone to make a little computer which has the following specifications.  Dell, are you listening?

    Tablet format (hidden or no discrete keyboard)10 or 11" touch screenPowerful processor to play video files without stutter (Intel CULV? Ion chipset?) 2GB+ RAMBluetoothWebcamWi-Fi NWindows 7 Home Premium (not Starter)3 hours of battery life [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: December 10, 2009, 11:21am EST

  • The Return of 55mph? Probably Not Yet.

    Over at the Examiner, Mark Tapscot is warning that the EPA is going to inevitably mandate a national speed limit, as a result of its CO2 endangerment finding.

    I don't think the EPA will do it, in part because I am not sure they can. The EPA has' [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: December 08, 2009, 1:51am EST

  • Review: Kirkland Beer (Costco Beer)

    At Costco the other day, I saw that they were selling Kirkland branded beer. Kirkland is Costco's store brand. It was reasonably priced for "real beer", about $18 for a case of 24.


    Four flavors are included, one sixpack each: Hefeweizen, Pale Ale, German Lager, [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: December 05, 2009, 8:58pm EST

  • Mini-Review: WeatherTech Floor Mats

    If you get any auto magazines, such as C&D or AW or MT, you have probably seen the multipage ads for WeatherTech floor mats, the ones that show the ankles and tow cleavage.  I decided to order a set of front "semi custom" mats for my car. 

    While they [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: December 03, 2009, 10:12am EST

  • Stolen Cop Car Possibly Used In Detroit Rape

    I heard on the radio this morning that a parked unmarked police cruiser, a Dodge Charger, was stolen from Detroit, ironically, from a policeman who was with the auto theft unit.  Later, a woman who's car had stalled out on I-94 was raped by two men who drove up in [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: December 03, 2009, 9:49am EST

  • The End Of Saab?

    Bad news for Saab fans today. Koenigsegg, like Penske with Saturn, backed out of the deal, leaving GM with another brand it doesn't want.

    Perhaps Geely will look at it, since it is rumored that they are leading the bidders for Volvo.

    A great place to go' [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: November 24, 2009, 10:53pm EST

  • How To Convert .WTV Files (For Free)

    Windows 7 Media Center records TV shows into a file format called ".WTV".

    I found that you can convert these to .WMV format using the free Windows Movie Maker Live from Microsoft. Then, it can be played on many other devices. [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: November 22, 2009, 2:40am EST

  • Google Chrome's Secret Plan

    Google is making news this week unveiling a prototype of its new OS, which is basically a stripped down Linux based wrapper for their Chrome browser.   As part of the Q&A, Google stated that other browsers (such as Opera or Firefox) won't run on Chrome OS.

    One of the reasons [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: November 20, 2009, 12:43pm EST

  • Buick Manual? NFW!

    Amazing news.  Buick may start selling a Regal in the U.S. with a manual transmission.  I'm blown away.

    This is definitive proof that GM is serious about shifting Buick's image, which it badly needs to do.  Currently, Buick="old". 

    Nothing says "young" like 3 pedals on the floor.
    [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: November 20, 2009, 12:35pm EST

  • Aptera Death Watch?

    Should we start an Aptera Death Watch, TTAC style?

    Not yet, but maybe soon.

    Aptera's difficulties in getting financing, which is very much like Tesla and Fisker's struggles to stay alive, underscores the point that making vehicles is a very tricky business.  It is capital intensive, requires high efforts, and demands a [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: November 19, 2009, 10:26am EST

  • Republicans Hate GM, Democrats Heart Toyota

    Jalopnik asks, "Why Do Republicans Hate American Automakers?", and talks about how some Republican pols are badmouthing GM and Chrysler, including recent presidential election loser John McCain.

    Anecdotally, however, I can tell you that many Republicans are solidly "buy American" types, from a variety of different backgrounds.  There are [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: November 17, 2009, 10:57am EST

  • Housekeeping

    Google Ads are now gone. They were cluttering up my blog, and though they were paying a little, it wasn't a significant amount. Enjoy.' [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: November 16, 2009, 1:10pm EST

  • GM's Repayment Plan

    In today's news, GM is going to begin repaying its government loan.
    Sort of.
    Most of GM's government debt, which came from the TARP, was converted to ownership in the New GM. So the government loans that GM is going to start repaying are only $6.7 Billion out of [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: November 16, 2009, 12:25pm EST

  • Don't Boycott GM

    I have talked to a few people, and read many more on web forums, who will not buy any GM or Chrysler products because they took a government bailout. Some of these folks also want to stick it to the UAW, who they see as the reason for GM and [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: November 15, 2009, 11:33pm EST

  • Mini Review: Dell Vostro 1520 Laptop

    I ordered a Dell Vostro 1520 from Dell Small Business. It was a screaming deal, $499 after a $50 coupon, stackable with their promotion.

    Unfortunately, I hated the laptop, and returned it after two days.

    The screen was nice. The processor fast. Windows 7 was great. The problem [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: November 10, 2009, 10:03pm EST

  • Ford's New Inflatable Seat Belt

    Update: Wes Sherwood of Ford Safety PR has left answers to my questions in the first comment. Thanks Wes!

    Ford unveiled a new inflatable rear seatbelt design today. (There's a neat video here.)
    This looks like a pretty good idea, but I do have some questions. If any' [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: November 05, 2009, 2:45pm EST

  • Open Question To Chrysler/Fiat

    A question for Chrysler:  why are you going to keep building the Jeep "Pavement" Compass?  How does this product advance your brand?  You can barely sell any of them (8,498 YTD).  The only Jeep model which sells fewer is the bloated Pavement Commander.  
    Don't replace it with a Fiat in [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: November 05, 2009, 2:22pm EST

  • Exotic Car Sighting

    This evening, MI northern 'burbs. Can you name it? (sorry, a little blurry, I don't often shoot photos in my car)

    [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: November 01, 2009, 9:55pm EST

  • Will GM Pay Us Back?

    This is a big question these days, and many observers say "no".  According to Rasmussen, most Americans don't expect GM to be able to pay back the loans.  I think the taxpayer is basically screwed here.  Even if there is a successful IPO, there is no way that the [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: October 30, 2009, 12:05pm EDT

  • Mosler For Pres? Heh.

    Warren Mosler, hedge fund manager and supercar builder, may be running for President.  One of Mosler's proposals is a national 30mph speed limit, to save fuel and reduce accidents.  Yes, that's 30mph.  Read it here.

    Good luck with that.
    [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: October 30, 2009, 9:22am EDT

  • Gettelfinger On Marchionne

    This morning on Paul W. Smith's morning talk show (AM760), Ron Gettelfinger was a guest.  Paul W. tried to extract comments from Gettelfinger about Fiat's leaked plans to kill off some badly noncompetitive Chrysler and Dodge products, and the risk that this plan may hold for UAW employment.  Gettelfinger, as [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: October 27, 2009, 8:31am EDT

  • Paper: LEDs Not As Cool As You Think

    According to a paper published in an IEEE journal, LED lamps can run hotter than equivalent fluorescent lamps.  Where florescents may dissipate 73-77% of their output as heat, the LEDs tested wasted 87-90% of their output!  Source here.

    LED lighting has a long way to go. 
    [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: October 26, 2009, 2:52pm EDT

  • Car Buying Advice

    A friend of mine is working on a purchase of a new vehicle.  She called me in terror the other day and said "they told me I should get paint protection, and rust proofing, and an extended warranty, and I wasn't sure so I said 'ok' let me think about [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: October 26, 2009, 1:43pm EDT

  • Video: OnStar Calls Hennessey

    Tuner Hennessey Performance was testing a 700HP Cadillac CTS-V, and after pulling 0.99g, got a call from OnStar. "Vehicle Event Detected, Connecting To OnStar Emergency"

    [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: October 24, 2009, 11:53pm EDT

  • Internet COTY Voting

    The "Internet Car Of The Year" awards are open for the final voting, here.

    My picks:

    Car: Camaro SS.  The return of a muscle car icon, with sharp styling (though poor rear visibility) and vicious performance.  Yes, the Taurus SHO is good, but it is a $40,000 Taurus.  The Shelby is [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: October 22, 2009, 9:35am EDT

  • Will GDI kill HEV?

    As things currently stand, gasoline hybrid electric vehicles ("HEV" as opposed ot plug-in hybrid vehicles, or "PHEV") cost approximately $3,000 more than an similarly equipped gasoline vehicle, although the actual hardware cost may actually be more. 

    However, a gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine, with turbocharging, such as GM's Ecotec [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: October 19, 2009, 3:56pm EDT

  • GM Marketing Backfire?

    So after a few weeks of voting, GM's TheBestCarWins.com web site has the following results:

    Fuel Efficiency: Toyota (Prius, not Land Cruiser)
    Safety: Volvo
    Quality: Toyota (sans zip ties)
    Performance; BMW
    The Best: BMW

    So what was the point?  Everyone can see that GM's brands aren't the winners.  What did GM gain?
    [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: October 14, 2009, 4:40pm EDT

  • May The Best (Golf) Car Win

    Oops.

    If you type in "May The Best Car Win", you might wind up here.  Not GM.
    [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: October 14, 2009, 4:27pm EDT

  • No Zip Ties For Buick

    From Fritz Henderson's recent web chat:

    15:24 [Comment From Ray Wert ]
    Will Buick seek to add white, plastic floor mat zip-ties in a bid to look more like Lexus? 15:24 Fritz Henderson:  not going to get into this.
    Heh.
    [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: October 14, 2009, 4:13pm EDT

  • Viper's iPhone Remote Start System

    Viper (maker of car alarms and remote starters) sent me a PR kit for a new system which will allow you to remote start your car with your Apple iphone.



    It looks neat, because you can start your car even if it isn't within direct line-of-sight; the' [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: October 13, 2009, 10:01am EDT

  • Cash For Clunkers Credit Not Taxable

    I have gotten one of those chain emails purporting to show that the CARS program (cash-for-clunkers) actually costs you more money than you save if your car had some trade in value.  The email is based on a false premise, that the credit is taxable.  It is not.  According to [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: October 09, 2009, 9:35am EDT

  • Future Cop Cars

    Now that GM has announced that they will bring their Australian RWD V8 sedan to the U.S. as a police car, there is a clearer picture of what the U.S. police car market is going to look like in the next few years.

    2011 Chevrolet Caprice

    RWD, 6.0L [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: October 09, 2009, 12:12am EDT

  • Survey: Customers Regret Buying Small Cars

    The Pittsburg Post-Gazette (link) has an interesting article about sagging demand for small cars in the face of cheaper gas. AutoPacific did a study that asked buyers of small cars what they thought of their purchase, and unsurprisingly (to me), many indicated they'd rather go large next time.
    [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: October 06, 2009, 11:18pm EDT

  • Honda Crosstour?

    I haven't digested all of its stats and photos yet, but from what I see so far, the Honda Crosstour looks like an answer to a question no one asked: "Can you make a cheaper copy of the BMW X6?". To me, the Crosstour looks like a big compromise. I' [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: October 06, 2009, 2:56pm EDT

  • GM Sort Of Leaving RenCen?

    According to a story in the Detroit News (here), GM is considering moving many employees out of downtown Detroit's only modern high-rise, the Renaissance Center, to fill in the empty offices in Warren, where many of the designers and engineers sit.  GM tried to sell the RenCen and then [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: October 06, 2009, 2:43pm EDT

  • How A V6 Beats A V8

    Q: How does a V6 out-run a V8 with more displacement?

    A: On a high altitude hill climb where the V6 has twin-turbos compressing the intake air, while the V8's run at effectively 60% of their displacement.

    Still, it is sort of neat to see a V6 from Ford spank a [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: October 05, 2009, 3:32pm EDT

  • Saturn Dead?

    Bad news for Saturn.  Penske just announced that they are backing away, because they are concerned about vehicle availability from GM going forward.  WSJ: [online.wsj.com]
    [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: September 30, 2009, 4:49pm EDT

  • "Unintended Acceleration", Don't Pray, THINK

    This morning on the radio, I heard the audio from a 911 distress call that a man placed while driving an out of control Lexus.  This was one of the events which precipated the massive Toyota floor mat recall.  Apparently, his accelerator pedal was stuck to the floor, and his [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: September 30, 2009, 12:24pm EDT

  • NHTSA: Toyota Owners Remove Floor Mats

    NHTSA has an urgent message to owners of many Toyota vehicles:

    2007-2010 Camry 2005-2010 Avalon2004-2009 Prius2005-2010 Tacoma2007-2010 Tundra 2007-2010 ES 3502006-2010 IS 250 and IS350Remove your driver side floor mat and do not replace it with any other mat until otherwise instructed.  For more information see NHTSA at [www.nhtsa.dot.gov]

    This [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: September 29, 2009, 5:51pm EDT

  • On Paddle Shifters

    More and more cars now ofter steering wheel mounted shift levers for cars that have fully automatic transmissions. These are an imitation of the semi-automated manual transmissions typically used in high performance and full-bore race cars such as the Ferrari 430.

    I think this is silly.

    Real paddle-shift [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: September 29, 2009, 6:59am EDT

  • The Truth About TTAC

    The Truth About Cars (TTAC) was started by Robert Farrago, an auto blogger whose calling cards were coprolalia and an obsession with predicting the death of GM.

    So Farrago turned out to be sort of right about GM, they did go bankrupt, though it is still very alive [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: September 29, 2009, 6:15am EDT

  • Review: 2010 Ford Taurus

    I thought I would make an effort to test-drive a 2010 Ford Taurus, since it is an important product for Ford, and I am familiar with the previous incarnation. I talked my mom into buying a used Five Hundred based on the big room, excellent safety, and big depreciation.
    [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: September 27, 2009, 3:25pm EDT

  • The UAW/CAW Car List

    The UAW and CAW have released a list of vehicles which they endorse, because they are assembled by unionized plants in North America.  There are some  "Big 3" vehicles which are notably missing because they are assembled in Mexico, such as the Chevrolet HHR.  Others have an * because some [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: September 25, 2009, 11:16am EDT

  • GMC Terrain Reaction

    The other day, I had a chance to take a close look at a GMC Terrain which was probably a GM employee drive-home, or perhaps a press fleet car, which I spotted around the Troy area.

    Photo courtesy of Edmunds

    I can't say I' [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: September 18, 2009, 2:13pm EDT

  • IIHS At 50: 1959 Bel Aire Vs. 2009 Malibu

    We've come a looong way since 1959 with auto safety.

    This shocking video shows what happens when a 1959 Bel Aire crashes into a 2009 Malibu at 40mph, offset. The Bel Aire weighs about 400lbs more than the Malibu, but it gets seriously destroyed.

    ' [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: September 17, 2009, 11:55pm EDT

  • Equinox Vs Escape Math

    In his recent web chat, GM's Bob Lutz stated that the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox "trounces" the Ford Escape Hybrid. I'll ride to the defense of the Escape Hybrid against the onslaught of Mr. Lutz.
    Let's compare EPA mpg and carbon footprint calculations:
    Equinox FWD 2.4L 22/32 mpg (city/hwy)' [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: September 14, 2009, 10:48pm EDT

  • Lutz "Best Car" Chat

    Bob Lutz had a web chat on the topic of the new GM "return it if you don't like it" marketing campaign, "May The Best Car Win". A few things that I noticed (my creative interpretation in red):

    15:00[Comment From Matteo Ronzoni ]Hi Bob! I realy liked gm latest' [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: September 14, 2009, 10:14pm EDT

  • Aptera Wants It Both Ways

    In order to be able to build and sell a super-efficient vehicle legally, Aptera takes advantage of the federal motor vehicle regulations which consider their 3 wheeled vehicle to be a type of motorcycle, rather than an automobile. This means that the Aptera does not have to meet numerous FMVSS [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: September 14, 2009, 12:36pm EDT

  • People Want PHEVs, But Cheap

    A fascinating survey was publshed by Pike Research (here: [www.pikeresearch.com]) which found that out of 1,041 respondents,  48% are interested in buying a plugin hybrid car (such as a Chevrolet Volt).  The problem is, of those, 65% would pay a premium of an average of 12% over a similar [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: September 10, 2009, 4:05pm EDT

  • Galileoscope: It Really Works!

    I got my Galileoscope in the mail the other day, and I am really impressed. It has a large, heavy, real glass objective lens. The eyepiece lenses are plastic, but seem to work pretty well.

    It was not too hard to assemble, and is solid when together. I [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: September 06, 2009, 2:01am EDT

  • Read Pete.

    If you aren't reading Peter DeLorenzo, you should be. He's got a lot to say, and it is usually well said. http://www.autoextremist.com.

    (No, he didn't pay me for that.) [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: September 06, 2009, 1:27am EDT

  • Creepy Metal Detector Guy

    I went for a walk to today, and went past a local construction site where the city is re-modeling a municipal park. A metal detector guy had slipped through the construction fence, and was quietly wandering around with his detector, stopping every so often to dig into the exposed earth [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: September 05, 2009, 11:46pm EDT

  • "I Just Sent You An Email"

    Some people at work have this annoying habit of sending you an important email, and then popping into your cube (Yes, I work in a cubicle "office") or call you on the phone to say "I just sent you an email". 

    Look, if it is critical information, call or [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: September 04, 2009, 10:09am EDT

  • Chrysler--Looking Shaky

    Have you noticed the lack of positive news about Chrysler?   How Chrysler's sales numbers continue to slide year-over-year, even after Cash For Clunkers?  How Ford and GM are coming out with new product, and teasing the press with development mules running around in heavy camo, but there are no spy [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: September 03, 2009, 1:50pm EDT

  • Audi Mocks Volt

    In an interview with MSN Autos, Audi of America president Johan de Nysschen mocks would be buyers of the Chevrolet Volt as "idiots" and environmental posers. (Link [editorial.autos.msn.com]). He predicts that the Volt will flop and that Obama will have to prop up the Volt to save face.

    [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: September 03, 2009, 12:44pm EDT

  • Spotted A 2010 Buick LaCrosse

    The other day, I stopped by my local Murray's Auto Parts store to buy some high quality washer fluid.  Pulling in next to me was a new Buick LaCrosse, of the freshly redesigned 2010 vintage.  It was a nice metallic cream color. It had standard plates, but some sort of [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: September 03, 2009, 11:56am EDT

  • Quick Review: 2009 Chevrolet Impala Rental

    I needed a rental car for a couple of days, and the only car available at my local Enterprise store was a red 2008 or 2009 Impala.

    The Chevrolet Impala is a perfect example of why GM nearly went under, and how the Chevrolet brand was adrift without a [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: August 29, 2009, 11:58pm EDT

  • Chevy Mocks Volvo, I Mock Chevy

    In a new ad campaign, GM's Chevrolet division points out the passion that some of their classic cars inspire.  Link: [blogs.edmunds.com].  One of the banners says "They Don't Make Songs About Volvos".

    As a former Volvo 850 owner, I am a little hurt by Chevrolet's blow, implying that Volvo's [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: August 27, 2009, 2:48pm EDT

  • GM Debadges Itself, Finally

    Finally, GM has come to its senses and is removing ([online.wsj.com]) that stupid little square GM badge that they started sticking on every car.  It was a silly idea (and I blogged so), because they were promoting a brand that wasn't really much of a brand, while annoying their [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: August 25, 2009, 1:26pm EDT

  • Bill Frist Trades Down

    Bill Frist said in a Larry King Live interview that he Cash-For-Clunkered a Chevrolet Suburban to get a Toyota Prius.  

    He didn't have to choose Toyota, there are other excellent options. 

    As an employee of an American based automotive related company, I would like to send Mr. Frist a hearty [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: August 24, 2009, 11:54am EDT

  • Fiat 500 to Mexico?

    According to the WSJ ([online.wsj.com]), Fiat will bring assembly of it's b-car 500 (aka Cinquecento) to the Toluca, Mexico plant where PT Cruiser is built.
    This looks bad for Obama, and there is going to be a lot of heat.  A lot of people are going to reasonably ask, [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: August 17, 2009, 1:32pm EDT

  • The Woodward Pre-Cruise: Friday Night

    Friday night in Birmingham. Lots of people, lots of interesting cars.

    Sign of the times.


    Weird Harley powered thing

    Two yellow sleds.

    Monster truck

    [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: August 14, 2009, 8:33pm EDT

  • The Woodward Pre-Cruise

    On Thursday evening I went over to Birmingham and shot some photos of the pre-cruise cruising. It was very busy. I apologize that the photos aren't all sharp, I am still getting the hang of how to use my camera in relatively low light.

    Work-in-progress[...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: August 14, 2009, 12:34am EDT

  • Why Not A Milder Volt?

    GM has designed a car which can drive 40miles on only battery power, and indefinitely (as long as the gas lasts) on generator power. And this car will cost something like $40,000, and will probably be a big money loser, according to the Obama automotive task force.

    Why is [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: August 11, 2009, 10:21pm EDT

  • The 230 MPG Claim

    This whole 230 mpg claim for the Volt is getting on my nerves.

    First, no one has tested a production level Volt with final calibration and final hardware. GM may discover some late change that needs to be made to fix a driveability issue or whatever, and the number [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: August 11, 2009, 9:49pm EDT

  • GM Time Warp On eBay

    Go to [www.ebay.com]. I was expecting news about the new GM/eBay partnership for California sales, but all I got was a 4 year old tsunami web site. Complete with opening quote by Rick Wagoner!

    The GM sales thing is at http://gm.ebay.com. [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: August 11, 2009, 1:40am EDT

  • The House's "Private Jets"

    Only in the U.S. Congress can something so blatantly hypocritical happen.

    After dragging the CEOs fo the Detroit 3 through the mud for daring to come to Washington in "private jets", what does Congress do for this budget? They double Obama's request, to $550 million, for... wait for it... [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: August 10, 2009, 9:42pm EDT

  • Breaking: GM To Announce PHEV SUV

    I heard on Paul. W. Smith's radio show this morning that GM is gong to announce later today a plug-in hybrid SUV. Paul W. is covering the Management Briefing Seminars in Traverse City. [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: August 06, 2009, 7:17am EDT

  • Why CARS (Cash For Clunkers) Should Be Extended

    I posted previously that I didn't think the CARS program would be extended, and the outcome is still currently doubtful.

    I think that CARS should be extended.  Many billions of dollars have been set aside for banks and insurance companies (some of which are now paying out huge bonuses to their [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: August 03, 2009, 11:59am EDT

  • CARS List Update!

    I updated my original CARS (cash for clunkers) eligible vehicle list with the new data from Edmunds, triggered by NHTSA's re-calculation of some of the fuel economy numbers. Some cars fell off of the list, and some were added on.

    You can see the updated list here.[...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: August 02, 2009, 1:30am EDT

  • Welcome Back, American Muscle!

    My main blog sponsor, American Muscle, has kindly agreed to renew for another year. American Muscle sells all kinds of Mustang parts. I'm not sure if they even sell anything besides Mustang parts. If you want to take a look, just click on the banner up top.

    They' [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: July 31, 2009, 7:23pm EDT

  • Why CARS (Cash For Clunkers) Won't Come Back

    Mark Tapscott, over at the Examiner ([www.examiner.com]) , predicts that the cash-for-clunkers program (CARS) will be extended indefinitely because it is popular, and gives the Obama administration another way to spend money.
    I disagree.  I think that if Congress extends CARS (doubtful), it will be a one-time shot.  The main [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: July 31, 2009, 8:59am EDT

  • Video: Cash For Clunkers Engine Death

    Here is a video from a CARS program engine disablement (sodium silicate solution instead of oil) of a Jeep Grand Cherokee. The engine fights long and hard, but dies in the end.



    This Volvo S80 looks like a nice car, I'm amazed it qualified. Maybe it had' [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: July 30, 2009, 11:48pm EDT

  • Video: Kid Freaks Out (A Little)

    A rich kid gets a surprise birthday present--a beat up pickup truck. He gets mad because he'll look like a "poor kid" if he drives it. He gets a baseball bat...



    Now, I don't think he's 100% serious, because if you notice, he doesn't damage the glass' [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: July 30, 2009, 11:27pm EDT

  • Mahindra Planning A CUV For U.S.?

    I was looking at Mahindra's North America web site ([www.mahindrana.com]) , which advertises its two door and four door diesel pickups (planned for fall of 2009), and its SUV, promised for 2010. 

    If you click on "future vehicle", you see an artsy picture of what looks like a [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: July 28, 2009, 2:53pm EDT

  • CARS: Watch The "Doc Fee" Trick!

    Joe over at MyFordDreams2 was talking to a Mercury salesman about the CARS (aka cash for clunkers) program, and the guy tried to tell him that there was $50 documentation fee.

    As I posted previously, (see here) and I'll do it again as a public service:
    [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: July 26, 2009, 6:38pm EDT

  • Why NUMMI Is Probably Closing

    With GM out, Toyota has to decide if it wants to keep NUMMI going.  Here are a few reasons why they won't.
    NUMMI is the most expensive, labor-wise, of any of Toyota's plants in NA (Detroit Free Press) The Corolla is also built in Canada, at the TMMC plantThe Tacoma is [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: July 24, 2009, 3:49pm EDT

  • Cash For Clunkers Details

    In addition to the already released rules, some additional details have been posted by NHTSA at the www.cars.gov web site:
    Only one voucher per customer.  You can't trade in 2 cars for 2 vouchers for 1 new car.  Leases may be purchased with the voucher, however, the least must be [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: July 24, 2009, 1:12pm EDT

  • Cash For Clunkers: Engine Death

    The NHTSA has released instructions for dealers on how they must destroy the trade-in car's engine.  Dealers are to replace the engine oil with about 2 quarts of sodium silicate solution, and run until the engine siezes. The sodium silicate in the oil path will heat up, and form a [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: July 24, 2009, 12:59pm EDT

  • G8 Dead Again

    After studying the issue, Bob Lutz says on GM Fastlane Blog that there isn't a business case for the G8 after all, sorry to get your hopes up.
    That’s all still true. But I have to say that, with my new “marketing” hat on, upon further review and careful' [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: July 17, 2009, 12:01am EDT

  • Maximum Bob Rides Again

    I love Bob Lutz.

    From the recent web chat on GM's Fastlane Blog. Italics are my, er, interpretation.

    2:13 [Comment From Guest ]
    What is your number one priority in your new role and please be as specific as possible? 2:14 Bob Lutz: Until I know [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: July 16, 2009, 11:37pm EDT

  • Tragic Stupidity: Five Die In Canton, MI

    Yesterday, a 19 year old idiot with a suspended drivers license tried to beat an Amtrak train, and lost big. His Ford Fusion was struck in the side as he tried to race through the crossing. The barriers were down, and the lights were flashing, and the train was moving [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: July 10, 2009, 7:08pm EDT

  • "Cash For Clunkers": Check If Your Car Qualifies

    Updated: I re-did the table with the new data from Edmunds, after NHTSA updated some of their mileage numbers.

    Use my handy applet below to look up your car to see if it might qualify for the CARS "cash for clunkers" voucher from the Uncle Sam. This is a [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: July 08, 2009, 7:15pm EDT

  • Ford and Hyundai Jump on CARS Program, Others Dawdle

    Ford has really jumped on the "cash-for-clunkers" news. Before Obama's ink was dry, Ford put up a web site (the impossible to type www.letfordrecycleyourride.com) which lets you input you car to check if it is eligible. Then the page shows you a list of Ford vehicles which would qualify [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: June 25, 2009, 9:42pm EDT

  • Tesla?!

    Tesla?!
    Why would the Department of Energy give half a billion dollars to Tesla?
    I understand Ford. Ford has many projects, such as GTDI and electrification, that can be filed under CAFE compliance.
    Nissan was moneyed to show that there is no favoritism to domestic brands, and to spread [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: June 23, 2009, 10:11pm EDT

  • The MKS Abomination

    I saw this abomination near downtown Birmingham tonight. A new Lincoln MKS with a blue faux roof.

    [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: June 22, 2009, 11:45pm EDT

  • The Bentley At Einstein's

    This morning I stopped in at Einstein's for a $1 refill (bring your own mug), and I noticed a Bentley Continental had parked nearby, with Ontario plates.  I guess I didn't realize that there would be Canadians rich enough to flaunt a Bentley, but there isn't any reason to think [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: June 16, 2009, 2:29pm EDT

  • Autoweek Journalist Survives Bouncing Wheel Of Death In Fiesta

    This is an interesting read: [www.autoweek.com]

    Natalie Neff was test driving a Ford Fiesta when a loose wheel from an old Olds nailed her.  She is impressed how well the car stood up to the pounding, and attributes it to the use of high-strength steel.

    [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: June 11, 2009, 1:21pm EDT

  • Tata Nano In The U.S.?

    According to Automotive News, Tata says that it could bring the Nano to the U.S. as soon as 2011 or 2012. However, you can bet your bottom rupee that it won't cost $2000, won't weigh 1300lb, and probably won't get 61mpg.

    Before Tata can sell the thing in the' [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: June 07, 2009, 11:35pm EDT

  • Excerpts From GM Live Chat

    Fritz Henderson did a live chat on GM's Fastlane Blog. Here are some interesting Q's and A's, excerpted form the whole chat. Red highlights are mine.

    Fritz Henderson GM CEO, LIVE Webchat (06/04/2009)

    15:07
    [Comment From Bing ]
    Mr. Henderson, If you were starting a "new"' [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: June 07, 2009, 11:03pm EDT

  • An Open Letter To GM

    Dear GM,

    Despite your decision that keeping Pontiac around is not a good business plan, I am asking you to consider saving some of Pontiac's product. Over the last few years, you started to build some Pontiacs that were actually exciting.

    (Photos courtesy of Edmunds)
    [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: June 07, 2009, 10:29pm EDT

  • How do these two brands survive?

    In May, Mitsubishi sold 4,352 vehicles. Dying Saturn sold twice as many cars, and dying Pontiac three times as many. And Mitusbishi's sales were down by 58% over last year.
    Suzuki sold only 2,585 vehicles in May, down a whopping 75% over last year.
    The entire Suzuki line-up was outsold' [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: June 03, 2009, 12:00am EDT

  • Props To Fritz

    You have to give credit to GM... they have the fortitude to post difficult, pointed questions on their Fastlane Blog. Sample:

    “Mr. Henderson, I have been a loyal GM owner until June 1, 2009. I will no longer purchase a GM car because owners of the 566 million [...]

     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: June 02, 2009, 10:30pm EDT

  • Vista Problem: Filling My Hard Drive

    I ran into my first major headache with Windows Vista. After I added a second internal hard drive to my system, it quickly began to fill up, to the point where it is now 99% full. But I am only storing about 40% worth of stuff on it!

    At [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: June 02, 2009, 10:03pm EDT

  • Video: Amazing Rally Race Crash

    Somehow I missed this when it first came out. Ford rally racers Jan-Matti Latvala and Mikka Antilla went over a railing and rolled down a hill, over and over again. It is a testament to the engineering that goes into these cars that they were not seriously injured. The hard [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: June 02, 2009, 9:55pm EDT

  • GM Announces U.S. Small Car Plant

    It looks like the UAW (and Obama) took GM out behind the shed for a little talk... GM is announcing that the will re-tool on of their U.S. plants (not "North America") to produce a small car (maybe the Spark).

    Actually, it was not just coercion, but [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: May 31, 2009, 9:47am EDT

  • Digging Into "Dealergate", Part II

    Doug Ross continues to assert that the Obama administration chose to close Chrysler dealers based on their political donations, but he relies on some one-sided data, hanging a lot on the closing list.

    For my second look at the issue, I thought I'd look locally. What I did was' [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: May 31, 2009, 1:23am EDT

  • No Obvious Political Bias In Chrysler Dealership Closings

    Update: Blogger Marla Singer at Zero Hedge did some actual statistcs on the entire dealer open and closing list, and found a small correlation between open dealers and donations to Hillary Clinton's campaign, but not a very significant difference between Democrat and Republican giving overall (0.93 vs 1.05 odds' [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: May 28, 2009, 12:34am EDT

  • CAFE vs. EPA

    Edmunds is making a big deal about the difference in EPA "window sticker" vs CAFE fuel economy standards. Read about it here. They're reminding us that the window sticker fuel economy is a (downward) adjusted number which takes into account more typical customer usage (like A/C). The CAFE city' [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: May 22, 2009, 7:34am EDT
← The Truth About Cars Green Car Congress →

Blog Info:
The Auto Prophet

» http://theautoprophet.blogspot.com/

Categories

BNN Traffic Index

Alexa: 710,690
279,283

Compete: No data
0

Quantcast: No data
14

BNN Traffic Index: 279,283

BNN Authority Index

Technorati: 0

Google: 0

BNN Authority Index: No data

» Subscribe to the The Auto Prophet feed