Is The End Near For Jaguar X-Type?

Is The End Near For Jaguar X-Type? by Mike Bartley

Earlier this year, Ford announced that they have sold majority of the luxury brand Aston Martin. Following the sale of the famous car brand, rumor has it that the Jaguar brand will be the next on the auction block as the Dearborn-based car manufacturer continues to battle losses in the market.

Although Ford has remained silent about the possibility of selling Jaguar off, a new rumor is milling around the auto industry which concerns the British luxury car brand. It seems that the restructuring plan taken by Jaguar will see the demise of the brand's flagship - the Jaguar X Type. The decision to cut the brand's best selling model may be a part of the new plan which focuses on lesser production but more profits. This strategy has already been seen by the auto industry being implemented by German car manufacturer Porsche.

For the past years, the Jaguar X Type may have earned the praise of automotive experts but has apparently not attracted the attention of car buyers. It can be remembered that Aston Martin was sold by the struggling Ford Motor Company since the company is undergoing restructuring plans which involves increasing their funds. After Aston Martin's departure, Jaguar is pushed as Ford's ultra luxury brand. This was seen by experts in the auto industry as a good sign for the British Jaguar.

This development though has not helped Jaguar as evident in its sales for the past months. Furthermore, the X-Type failed to generate interest among car buyers as much as the company hoped it would. Since its introduction in 2001, the X-Type has only managed to take away a small portion of the market away from the BMW 3 Series. In fact, the X-Type's ineffectiveness at generating interest in the brand is shown by the fact that it has failed to reach the goals set for it by Jaguar.

In its debut year, Jaguar expected to sell 170,000 units of the X-Type per year. Sadly for Jaguar though, the X-Type has even failed to reach its 100,000th sale.

The entry-level luxury car X-Type is derived from the Ford Mondeo vehicle and shares the same platform with it. The X-type is currently Jaguar's smallest sedan. The sedan is being produced at Jaguar's assembly facility in Halewood, England. According to the car company, the parts used on the assembly of the X-Type come from different sources. It was reported that ten percent of the parts used on the X-type are manufactured by Jaguar while twenty percent are from Ford. The rest are manufactured by different parts manufacturers. These parts can be replaced by aftermarket parts such as Accel plugs to enhance the sedan's performance.

Although the X-Type achieved a respectable success in the auto market, the model has not succeeded in turning a profit for Jaguar which Ford badly needs at this point in time. In response to talks that the X-Type may be taken out of Jaguar's lineup, Jaguar Australia's Managing Director David Blackhall has this to say: "The plan in relation to the X-Type is not resolved. There are a number of studies underway in the UK, and a number of alternatives are being considered - including doing nothing at all."

If indeed the X-Type is cut from Jaguar's lineup, Jaguar Australia will be affected negatively. Last year, the company sold 1,071 units of Jaguar X-Types in the said country.

While the X-Type may be cut from Jaguar's lineup, there is good news for the company in the form of the Jaguar XF. This particular model may be what could save Jaguar from further losses. Talking about the XF, Blackhall has this to say: "Without talking too much about our future product plans, there are a lot of variations on this (XF) theme. There's also a much more robust engine strategy with (the XF) than in the past." Blackhall also pointed out the company's expectation for the XF by saying that: "We see this car multiplying itself in a way that the previous S-Type was unable to, and therefore accessing different niches in the market and adding to our volume base, which we see substituting somewhat for the X-Type. I'm not saying the two cars appeal to the same customer, but perhaps as we de-emphasize X-Type a bit, (XF) fills the gap to some degree."

Volvo Delivers Improved V8-Equipped XC90

Volvo Delivers Improved V8-Equipped XC90

by Glady Reign

In the past, Volvo has been known to use five or four cylinder engines and not much with the use of huge V8 engines. The company's preference of smaller engines is, of course, the safety of its consumers. The Swedish car company is also known for the boxy design of their cars, the reason for which is of course safety.

But as time changes, Volvo see it fit that they must attract the younger car buyers and thus they should be able to match what their competitors offer. That is why Volvo has moved away from boxy designs and has started using V8 engines on their vehicles.

The first ever Volvo to be equipped with a V8 is the award winning XC90 which is incidentally is the prize to be given away by Volvo in this year's partnership with Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean film. The XC90 is also the living proof that Volvo has done well in using a V8 engine for their vehicle.

The company has made the XC90 a success because they have taken their time in producing a V8 powered vehicle. By learning what to do and what not to do in the use of V8 engines has made the XC90 an instant hit in the auto market. For the coming years, Volvo XC90's competitors will surely undergo improvements and Volvo appears to be ready to improve the XC90 for it to remain as one of the leaders in its segment.

For the new model year, the XC90 will be still equipped with the V8 developed by Yamaha for the Ford Motor Company. Partnering with the Japanese company, Volvo has developed an engine capable of producing 311 horsepower at 3900 revolutions per minute. This power is enough to give the XC90 good amount of power for normal uses. The engine is 754 mm in length and 635 mm across. The relatively smaller engine tips the scale at 190 kilograms and is considered as one of the cleanest gasoline engines today.

The engine is transversely mounted onto the engine compartment of the Volvo XC90. Initially, one of the problems faced by Volvo in the use of V8 engines on the XC90 is the space on its engine bay. The XC90's predecessors are equipped with in-line engines and therefore occupy less space than the V8. While Volvo may have increased the engine bay of the XC90, it opts to use the V8 engine developed by Yamaha for Ford. The smaller V8 engine uses the same angle commonly found on V6 engines. This configuration allowed Volvo to fit a V8 engine on the XC90's engine compartment.

In terms of safety, the placement of the engine is thought about thoroughly. While other car manufacturers use a 50-50 weight distribution of the two banks of V8 engines, Volvo compromised the balance to give the XC90 a better crash protection. The reasoning behind the compromise is that the slightly out of balance placement of the engine will affect the vehicle's ride comfort in a very small way that it is almost negligible.

Another step taken by Volvo in fitting the V8 engine onto the XC90's engine bay is the elimination of brackets. For example, the vehicle's starter motor is mounted on top of the transmission thus giving space around the engine. The transmission used by Volvo in the XC90 to be mated with the V8 engine is a six-speed Geartronic automatic gear box. One of the most notable features of this gear box is its overdrive gear. This means that the vehicle can have a quieter cruising operation while providing a good fuel efficiency. Shifting the gears can be done manually as Volvo integrated a feature into the transmission which allows driver to do so.

With the high power output offered by the engine and the Volvo XC90's respectable off-road driving capabilities, it is set to once again dominate its segment. Not only does the XC90 posses a highly efficient engine, the exemplary vehicle also exhibits what Volvo calls Scandinavian luxury. The interior of the XC90 offers good comfort to its occupants with a highly efficient cooling system for hot weathers and an equally efficient Volvo heater core for those cold winter driving. Being a Volvo of course means that the XC90 will be loaded with the most advanced safety features developed.

VW Investors Turn Down Porsche's Low-Ball Offer

VW Investors Turn Down Porsche's Low-Ball Offer

by Anthony Fontanelle

The Volkswagen AG investors refused Porsche AG's 35.9 billion euros takeover offer - the lowest allowable under the German law. The offer is 16 percent lower than the company's 42.7 billion-euro market value on March 23 which is a day prior to Porsche's announcement.

The offer, designed to leave Porsche with a controlling stake rather than full ownership, helps block any rival bids for VW as a European court considers invalidating a German law preventing a takeover. VW Chairman Ferdinand Piech, whose family controls Porsche, has increased his dominance since the sports car manufacturer first bought a stake in 2005.

Shares of VW dipped 1.19 euros, or 1.1 percent, to 109.56 euros. This year, the stock has gained 28 percent - the fifth biggest gainer on Germany's benchmark DAX Index. Porsche, which has called an extraordinary shareholders meeting for June 26 to tackle the VW offer, has obtained a 35 billion-euro line of credit to finance the purchase of VW shares.

Porsche, the Stuttgart, Germany-based maker of the 911 sports car, purchased 188 common shares and 13 preferred shares from VW stakeholders as of the end of last week. The information was divulged by the German automaker in Elektronischer Bundesanzeiger, the government's website for financial filings.

At present, the Wolfsburg, Germany-based automaker, famed for the manufacture of durable auto parts like the VW Beetle tail light cover, is aiming at the right bid. Porsche has bid 100.92 euros an ordinary share and 65.54 euros a preferred share. Bid offers started to pour in on April 30 and are set to end May 29. The sports car manufacturer's stake remained at approximately 30.92 percent of the voting rights as of the end of last week. Porsche also said it is not seeking a majority stake at this time.

A bid now for all of VW will enable the sports car manufacturer to make future stake purchases as it sees fit. Once having made the minimum legal bid to all shareholders, Porsche is no longer mandated by law to present additional purchase offers to all investors.

The sports car manufacturer is anticipating for the EU's possible repeal of a 47-year-old German law preventing a Volkswagen takeover. An advocate general at the EU's highest court Feb. 13 proposed the scrapping of the so-called Volkswagen Law, saying it "restricts the free movement of capital." Porsche, which supports the abolition of the law, has said that it has bought VW shares to protect its interest in the carmaker. VW is Porsche's biggest supplier. The two auto giants have a number of joint projects.

The Volkswagen AG intends to nearly double the number of its Hungarian suppliers after opening a new purchase centre in Budapest, VW and Audi AG Chairman Martin Winterkorn announced. According to a report in local business daily Világgadaság, Winterkorn met Hungarian Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsány Friday in Budapest.

Porsche has no intention of acquiring the majority in VW via its compulsory bid, which offers investors just under 101 euros per VW ordinary share, a hefty discount to the current market price of over 110 euros.

VW AG currently has about 60 suppliers in Hungary from which it acquires goods to the value of HUF 200 billion a year and that number is about 1.3 percent of the group's purchasing costs. Winterkorn said tha tthe company's new Eastern European centre could enlarge VW's supplier network in Hungary by a further 40 companies. The group is working on a new compact range for which it will also be seeking suppliers in the region, he added.

"We do not only want to buy here, but also establish a joint manufacturing of parts with our local partners," Winterkorn said, adding they chose Budapest for the location of the centre, as it is not far from the Gyõr and Poznan plants and potential new suppliers in the region.

The VW Group delivered 1.5 million vehicles around the globe in Q1 - an increase of 7.9 percent. Sales revenue increased 5.1 percent to EUR 26.6 billion. "The significant progress we have made in improving our competitiveness is positively reflected in our earnings", Hans Dieter Pötsch, Volkswagen AG's CFO said.

BMW Sales: Creeping Once Again

BMW Sales: Creeping Once Again

by Anthony Fontanelle

The BMW Malaysia Sdn Bhd is confident of having another good year, selling more cars than it did in 2006. "We have started well in 2007 with sales growing 37 percent quarter on quarter to hit 535 units in the first quarter," said the managing director Wolfgang Schlimme. "We have been growing for the last four years. Overall sales growth since 2003, when we sold 2,176 vehicles, was about 60 percent," added Schlimme.

Year 2006 was the group's best year ever. The company sold a total of 3,472 vehicles. "We are going in the right direction and setting our priorities in terms of model line-up, availability and pricing. These are the reasons we are different from others. This has led us to continue growing in the past few years against the trend in the auto industry," noted Schlimme.

This year, BMW has launched a bunch of new models - the 325i Sports, 3 Series Coupe, Z4 M Coupe, X3 and the new MINI. Schlimme said that the pace would continue as the group strongly believed customers should have access to the very latest and best of BMW models as soon as right-hand drive versions became available. He also noted that the new X5 will be launched soon.

The BMW 3 Series is an entry-level luxury car which has started production since May 1975. It was the successor to the 2002 coupe, retaining much of that car's styling while adding a more powerful 2.0 L 110 horsepower engine and other performance enhancements. The model, equipped with cream-of-the-crop BMW auto parts, is the automaker's best selling automobile and it is the one accounting for about 40 percent of all automobiles sold in 2005.

Schlimme pointed out that BMW was also a pioneer in new technology, having launched an in-built global positioning system and night vision system for its cars. "A key decisive factor for our success here is our dealer network. At the end of the day, it is not our team in Cyberjaya but our service advisers, sales representatives and management of BMW dealers that provide first impressions and create long-lasting customer relationships for us. The biggest sales success for BMW is contributed by our dealers," he said.

At present, the automaker has 13 dealerships in the country, with another outlet to be opened by year-end in Damansara in the Klang Valley. "Our dealer network is one of our priorities in the day-to-day business. Our dealers are consistently upgrading their existing facilities, capacities and competence for customer convenience," Schlimme said.

To support its dealers, the German automaker is providing architectural consulting, workshop equipment consulting, communications and marketing as well as the availability of demo cars. "We are in the background, supporting and making the dealers' sales and after sales capabilities as strong, competent and credible as possible. This is how it should be," Schlimme stressed.

Over the years, the German automaker along with its partners had invested over RM250mil in the country. The aftermath of the said partnership is the three most essential regional facilities in the country. These facilities play an essential role in realizing the company's goals for the region.

"We are enlarging our training offerings at the centre, which services 14 markets. Our group data centre provides information technology structure support to BMW organizations globally. It also serves the group's worldwide network for specific competences, for example, in the global plant logistics system," Schlimme said.

The BMW group will also start providing its customers a one-stop sales and financing resource, with the completion of its purchase of SimeLease (M) Sdn Bhd and its subsidiary, SimeCredit (M) Sdn Bhd. The two companies, which will be called BMW Lease (M) Sdn Bhd and BMW Credit (M) Sdn Bhd, will allow the company to promote innovative finance solutions to customers via the BMW global network.

Audi's "Truth in Engineering" extends to its user-friendly gizmos

Audi's "Truth in Engineering" extends to its user-friendly gizmos

by Benjamin Hudson

Audi the luxury brand of Europe's largest automaker Volkswagen and manufacturer of VW tie rods has reiterated in its new commercials that it wants to be known as the carmaker that offers top-of-the-line car technology. And as part of the developing the brand identity, Audi would like to extend that concept to every littlest details in each of its vehicles.

The "Truth in Engineering" tagline is also applied in the various Audi gizmos which unlike those of its competitors are not made as complicated. This is because Audi wants for its luxury car buyers to know that its technology is made to make driving easy, fun, and pleasurable.

In order to further enhance the brands popularity and to strengthen its identity, the first ad campaign released by Venables, Bell & Partners from San Francisco is designed to hit rivals, although Scott Keogh, Audi's Chief Marketing Officer has stressed that the said effort is not intended for a specific competitor. He said, "We have a point of view about technology -- that it complements the driving as opposed to having some electronica doing the driving for you. The new campaign is much more about Audi's philosophy about how technology should be used in a car."

The complex BMW system

Despite the many praises that BMW has received it still was broadly criticized due mainly for its iDrive system that was first introduced in 2001 as part of BMW's top-of-the-line 7 series, which is an eight-way controller knob capable of 700 different functions. The feature was simplified three years ago. The current S-class from DaimlerChrysler's Mercedes-Benz is equipped with an adaptive cruise control system that automatically keeps a specific distance from the vehicle ahead of it. Mr. Keogh is pretty much aware of this since he was a former Mercedes marketing manager.

Mr. Keogh also said Audi's new marketing team for the campaign, the Venables, Bell & Partners have conducted research with owners of competitors' models, including with some of the auto bloggers, as well as Audi owners before they have developed the new brand ad approach with the new tagline "Truth in Technology". Venables, Bell & Partners was awarded the $70 million account last year.

The 15-second spots would be telecast tonight on national TV and launch online. The said 15 second spots commercials would feature the TT roadster and hard-top coupe. The 15-second spots are teasers and are part of a broader, umbrella brand campaign that will go on in about a month for the Q7 SUV.

Improving, expanding, developing online promotion...

Since most of the Audi buyers visit the audiusa.com before they purchase, the automaker would be spending more for its online ad this year. Mr. Keogh has said that although he doesn't want to reveal any details of the said plan but one thing is for sure that Audi will be shooting for a viral pass-around of the online portion of the campaign which was handled by Factory design Labs, Denver. The agency has created a small site for the TT launch, the TT-truth.com, and the overall ad messages are directed to drive traffic to the site.

Jeep Compass: Tracking Positive New Direction

Jeep Compass: Tracking Positive New Direction

by Lauren Woods

The Chrysler Group's Jeep brand has one good reason to be thankful about the Compass - its new compact crossover. The Compass, which made its public debut at the 2006 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in January, is now tracking a positive new direction by stealing purchasers from rivals.

The Jeep Compass, according to the automaker, defies expectations and pulls more customers to the brand. The crossover is especially engineered to attract young drivers as well as enthusiasts of other automakers. It may not be featuring the BBK cold air intake and other traditional parts but the crossover boasts its sophisticated equipment and car accessories - more than enough to hold interest and make that interest linger.

Jim Swint, 56, a college professor and a technology consultant from Fremont, Ohio, had a few complaints about the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta which he owned. His wife did not feel safe in the sedan when the couple zipped along I-75 amid a multitude of big rig trucks. Also, there was not enough trunk space to house his golf clubs. And when the sedan needed repairs, Swint had to travel 45 miles to the nearest VW dealership. So he swapped the Jetta for a 2007 Jeep Compass.

Yes, somebody traded an import for an American-made model. And not just any American-made model, one that was widely panned when it debuted last year for not hewing close enough to its Jeep roots. But the Compass - a newbie in the brand lineup known for its rock-crawling capabilities - is defying expectations. The car-based model snubbed by hard-core Jeep fans for being too soft is drawing consumers from other brands at a faster pace than the Jeep brand overall, one of the best known marquees in the world.

According to data from the J.D. Power and Associates' Power Information Network, during the first three months of the year, more than 84 percent of Compass buyers traded in a vehicle from another brand as compared to 69.9 percent of those who bought non-Compass Jeeps. Jeep's new Crossover is drawing in Honda enthusiasts at nearly twice the rate of the Jeep brand. Additionally, the crossover is attracting a younger, more feminine crowd that might otherwise give Jeep a pass.

"This is the first crossover that Jeep has offered," said Tom Libby, the senior director of the Power Information Network. "This is what they hoped for and this is what they got - they got new customers."

By far, among Jeep models, the Compass has the youngest buyers on average, said Mark Heber, the senior manager of marketing for Jeep, a unit of DaimlerChrysler AG's Chrysler Group. Jeep's data reflected that the average Compass buyer is as young as 39 and skews more female than buyers of its brawnier cousin, the new Jeep Patriot.

J.D. Power sets the average age of Compass purchasers at 42, compared to Jeep's 43, with women accounting for faintly over half of Compass sales, up from 38.6 percent for Jeep overall. "Our information is proving that our decision to build both of the vehicles - the Compass and the Patriot, with the great fuel efficiency, the fun-to-drive capability and making them affordable - was the right decision," Heber said.

In October, Catherine Zamieski of Roseville, 39, exchanged a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica for a Compass. The Compass, which shares the same platform as the Dodge Caliber and the Patriot, looks small from the outside but is spacious enough to seat Zamieski's three children and her boyfriend. "And it's under $20,000," she said.

That is the reaction that Jeep hopes more consumers will have, analysts said. Sales of the Compass and the Dodge Caliber, which are built in Belvidere, Ill., are "better than I expected," because they both "look cool," said Karl Brauer, the editor-in-chief of Edmunds.com, a vehicle shopping Web site. "It's all image and looks."

"One of the reasons why it's doing well and is attracting new buyers is probably because it drives better and has better handling than the Wrangler or Liberty because it's a crossover," said Rebecca Lindland, an auto analyst with Global Insight Inc. "It has a friendly but aggressive stance to it."

Lindland said it is hard to pinpoint what is drawing buyers from other brands to the Compass. "But the brand itself has a certain appeal to it," she said. "When you say Jeep, you don't think of an older person. You think youthful and active lifestyle. Something like the Compass allows people to get into the brand without sacrificing ride and comfort."

Ron Kutz, the general manager at Dallas Dodge-Chrysler-Jeep dealership, said tha tthe vehicle does skew toward more women buyers, as Jeep intended. "It's an added value," he said, "but I don't see a lot of Hondas out here parked for trade-ins. I'll be the first to tell you that in the Sunbelt, it's hard to get anybody out of any import into a Compass."

Frank Ban, a civil litigation attorney in Houston, earlier purchased a Compass for his 24-year-old daughter. "We looked at the Corolla and the Civic," said Ban. "She heard through a friend that this came out and we looked at it and she fell in love. She liked the idea that it was a small SUV." During the test drive, Ban and his daughter agreed the Compass had a better ride. "We don't regret our purchase," he noted.

George Horta III, 32, a self-confessed meticulous auto purchaser, said that he was captivated by the new Compass. For six months, Horta perused Edmunds.com, visited a slew of dealerships and test-drove possible cars like the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forrester. "I even got the spreadsheets out," said the Mason, N.H., resident.

Horta, a defense contractor in Tewksbury, Mass. who commutes about 40 miles to his computer security job, was on the search for something with "gusto and more gas mileage." Horta said he wanted good handling and enough room to fit his six-foot, four-inch frame. Although he preferred the CR-V's interior, the Compass won him over because of its four-wheel drive capability, which easily handles the dirt path that leads to his home. "The only complaint I have is there are some blind spots," said Horta, who purchased his leather-seated Compass for $23,000. But for me, it met every single need."

Asian Cars Struggling In Japan

Asian Cars Struggling In Japan by Jenny McLane

Same with the struggle in the American auto market, the Japanese automotive industry is also plagued by sales doldrums. In Japan, sales of cars and trucks fell during the month of April and this is going to be the 22nd month in a row. The decline is pointed to the maturing population and culture changes.

Asian cars, like Detroit automakers, lost another hefty slice of the auto market. Oddly, so did the Asian car manufacturers. The rising fuel prices and the worries about auto economy sapped purchasers' vehicle demand. But the weakness in the sales in the United States is nothing compared with the hardships Asian automakers face in Japan.

In the Japanese fiscal year ending on March 31, sales of cars and trucks, excluding mini cars, decreased to 3.59 million units. In 29 years, the figure is the lowest annual total. The main reasons for the collapse of the Japanese auto market are demographic. Experts said that Japan's population is grayer than most, and it has started to shrink.

The Nissan Motor Co., previously marketing vehicles under the Datsun name, is also affected by the doldrums. "We're pessimistic about the market," said Nissan spokesman Simon Sproule. "People just aren't buying cars."

The Honda Motor Co., a Japanese engine manufacturing and engineering corporation, also is not an exception. Changes in the culture have also lessened auto demand. Japanese now keep their cars longer, and young Japanese are less inclined than their parents were to buy an expensive car to demonstrate that they've "made it," said David Iida, a spokesman for the Honda Motor Co. "There's been a change in the mentality."

In the Japanese territory, Detroit's automakers barely compete. As a fact, General Motors Corp. earlier sold its stakes in Japanese automakers. However, the current plight affects the auto giant directly. Analysts in the industry have this to say: "If the Japanese had better growth prospects at home, they might not be pursuing American customers as doggedly as they are."

The Toyota Motor Corp., the fast rising Japanese multinational corporation, has yet no power to repel sales doldrums. The Japanese automaker has probably invested more in the new Tundra pickup than in any other single vehicle, although the vehicle will be sold only in the North American market.

An analyst added, "Japanese auto giants are also expanding in Latin America and southeast Asia, but they will continue to rely on the U.S. market for the bulk of their profits." In the previous years, North America's auto earnings have accounted for 50 to 60 percent of their total profits. To remedy the deluge in auto sales, Japanese automakers are also competing more aggressively in Europe and this is a trend likely to pile more pressure on GM's and Ford Motor Co.'s European operations.

There is little in the sales numbers to suggest any improvement in the near future in Japan. Car and truck sales decreased 10.2 percent in April to 217,911 units - the second consecutive double-digit monthly dip. Even sales of minivehicles, one of the few profitable segments in the market, plummeted in April for the first time in over a year. Sales of minis, those with engines no larger than 660 cc, dipped at 6.4 percent at 139,779 units.

As the Japanese look to make up sales abroad, the currency is lending a temporary boost. Yen's weakness against the dollar and the euro, by far, is temporarily helping the economy. Deutsche Bank analyst Gaetan Toulemonde estimates that of Japan's four million vehicle exports, 1.7 million are headed to North America and one million to Europe.

The automotive industry is plagued by so many fluctuations. Gas price fluctuations seem to become constant. Auto parts like Monroe shocks do not fall on the exceptions. So are vehicle prices. This is why automakers are doing every clever thing to circumvent the ill-fated occurrences in the industry.

Car Buying Time! - How to Take Advantage of Used Car Auction

Car Buying Time! - How to Take Advantage of Used Car Auction

by Gerry Restrivera

Auctions for used cars can provide you with mounds of opportunities to buy a good car without spending too much money. It is very important, however, to prepare yourself before getting into an auction so that you would be able to really get a good deal and not end up wasting your money on a badly conditioned car. It is important for you to know how to take advantage of used car auction to make the most out of your car buying. Here are some important tips for wiser spending on used car auction.

Before going to a used car auction, you have to be sure about the type of auction you are going into. Usually, car auctions are organized by the police, the government or auction lots. The cars sold here may come from the surplus of government vehicles, repossession, or impounding. You have to understand that you are buying cars as is, and there are no warranties. Returning the car after buying it would be very difficult and thus when you buy one, you really have to sure of its quality.

Check out the schedule of the used car auction. A good auction should have a period for preliminary inspection and you should definitely go there to be sure that the auction is worth going to. While you may not be able to test drive cars during the inspection you can definitely take a look at every nook and cranny of the cars and it is best to take advantage of this opportunity. Mark on your mind 3 or so cars that you would consider so you would have just the right number of options for bidding during the actual used car auction.

List down the Vehicle ID numbers of the cars that you seem to be interested in. Once you get home, you can search for the Vehicle ID on Carfax to check out its history report. A minimal fee would be charged, but this is definitely worth the search because it will let you see how much the car has been use, if it has a clean record, or if it has been taken cared of by its past owners.

When you go to a used car auction, bring a long an auto guide such as the Kelley Blue Book so that you can go about searching for cars with a guide at hand. Such publications are useful in giving you the values of many car models during trade-in, which could help you in finding out whether you are giving a good bid or not. Have in mind all the costs of bidding - you have to pay buyer's premium (from 5 to 10 percent of the bid), or a registration fee for the auction.

Have a working budget when buying a car at used car auction. By setting a ceiling for your budget, you will prevent yourself from bidding more than you can afford. Some people tend to overbid out of their pride to win a bid even if the car does not really cost as much.

Car auctions are great venues to find cars if you are on a budget. But before getting into one, it is important to know how to take advantage of used car auction to be sure that you would not end up losing both your money and the opportunity to drive a decent vehicle.

Why Are More Plug-in Hybrids Available?

Why Are More Plug-in Hybrids Available?

by Gary Ruplinger

Considering all of the aftermarket companies that are popping up that will convert your Prius to a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), have you wondered why auto manufactures aren't rolling PHEVs off the assembly line yet?

I know I have. I'd really like to own a PHEV - the idea of a car that can drive around in town for 40 or 50 miles without firing its gasoline engine just seems really cool to me.

So where are these PHEVs?

Some people are accusing the auto manufacturers of dragging their heels, but the real problem lies in the same thing that powers your laptop - the lithium ion battery.

You see, while a lithium ion battery usually does a good job of powering a laptop, cell phone, or power tool, have you noticed how these batteries lose performance after a few years. Heck, my cell phone is only 18 months old and its battery has gone from lasting almost 7 days to just over 2 days.

In the world of automobiles, long term battery performance like that of a cell phone is completely unacceptable. Automobile manufacturers need the batteries to last at least 10 years or 150,000 miles before you start seeing them.

Fortunately, several companies, such as A123Systems, are getting close to reaching those figures, so that hurdle is about to be cleared - likely sometime in 2007.

The next major hurdle to jump is the safety of the batteries. I think just about everyone heard about the Dell battery recall last year. A battery that starts on fire in a laptop is major inconvenience; however, a battery that starts on fire while you're driving 70mph down the Interstate can be a disaster. Lithium ion battery safety is the next big issue that's keeping PHEVs from becoming production vehicles.

The last one is one of simple economics - price.

Currently, converting a Hybrid Electric Vehicle, like a Prius to a Plug-in Hybrid Electric vehicle will run you about $6,000 in parts, and that's in addition to the premium you pay for the Prius. For production cars, you can initially expect the PHEVs to cost about $10,000 more than its conventional counterpart. Once production increases, that number will increase, but initially, there's a much higher price to pay for a PHEV.

So while the technology is nearly ready (a lot closer than hydrogen), there are legitimate reasons why you're not seeing Ford, GM, and Toyota introduce PHEVs to the market just yet. They're coming, and soon, but for you if you want a PHEV, you'll either have to do it yourself or have an aftermarket conversion company, like Hybrids Plus, to do it for you.

5 Tips To Save Big On Your Next Car Loan

5 Tips To Save Big On Your Next Car Loan

by Scott Conklin

If you think about it, the most grueling part of the car-buying process, after agreeing on a price, is acquiring the right kind of loan for your new or used car. Most consumers enter the car dealership completely unprepared for the loan application process, and that lack of knowledge and planning is costing them millions of dollars every year.

If you want to create a win-win situation for you and the car dealership you purchase your car from, there are five steps to take before you sit down at the negotiation table: get your credit report, surf before buying, go local, speak the language and be prepared to negotiate.

1.) Get Your Credit Report

You can't pick up a personal finance article, magazine or book that does not refer to the importance of knowing what is on your credit report. Despite the fact that modern media has been beating us over the head with this advice for the past couple of decades, most people do not know their credit score or check their credit report on a regular basis. You can get a copy of your report by directly contacting the three credit bureaus: Equifax, TransUnion and Experian (formerly TRW). Not knowing your credit score and the details of your credit report before applying for a car loan is a monumental mistake. You want to have any blemishes on your report resolved before you apply for a car loan, because the results of your lender's credit inquiry directly impact your interest rate.

Your credit report includes: basic information about you - name, address, social security number, etc.; your late payments, any outstanding debts you have, the amount of credit available to you; any public records on you such as judgments and bankruptcies; and inquiries into your credit from potential employers or lenders. And just because you have caught up late payments, cleared outstanding debts or cleared up any judgments does not mean these blemishes are automatically removed from your credit report. Sometimes, you need to follow up with the creditors to make sure they report your reconciliation of debt to all three credit bureaus. In addition, identity theft and/or fraud can result in false, unfavorable records on your credit report. In January 2006, the Federal Trade Commission reported that more than 686,000 people reported identity theft and fraud complaints in 2005. Stolen identity and fraud can result in major credit report issues.

2.) Surf Before Buying

You'll be far less tempted to impulse buy, driving away from the car dealership with a car you can't afford if you have established boundaries in your mind before you begin. You can save big money on your car loan if you have a budget and type of car in mind before you go shopping. One easy way to accomplish this is to go online and check out different car dealership websites. You can compare and contrast vehicle makes, models, styles, features and pricing.

3.) Go Local

There are many national auto websites, but did you know that many local car dealerships are now online as well? The advantage of working with a local car dealership can outweigh working with the manufacturer or a national website when you want the best in quality customer service, a relationship for the lifetime of your car and the best deal on your auto loan.

The advantages of getting a loan through a local dealership is similar to the reason every town in America has a locally-owned restaurant that has regulars: local businesses have a sincere investment in the community. That interest often leads to better customer service, a more customized approach to selling, and the ability to get you a better loan than you will receive from a lender who doesn't know - or care - who you are.

Lastly, the local dealership may have more than one location, increasing your options for finding the car you need but offering the same uniform auto financing options. For example, Conklin Cars Salina, a car dealer in Kansas, is also a Hutchinson car dealer and a Newton car dealer. So, if a customer goes to one dealership and does not find what they need, they can visit another location and expect the same quality customer service.

4.) Speak the Language

There's nothing more frustrating than going through the entire car-buying process, thinking you have a good deal, and learning down the road that you were taken advantage of - simply because you had no idea what your sales rep was talking about.

From dealer holdback to Rule of 78s , make sure you have an understanding of some of the basic industry terms that could be thrown at you during your transaction. With this knowledge, you won't misunderstand the details or find yourself being signing a contract or paperwork that you don't understand.

5.) Be Prepared to Negotiate

If you've followed the four previous steps in this article, you will be armed with the necessary tools to negotiate the best rate possible for your car loan. There's nothing wrong with shopping around and checking with other lenders to see what kind of rate they can offer you, but you must remember that numerous inquiries into your credit report may go against you.

And, when you go through the dealer for your auto loan, the sales rep wants a long-term relationship with you. This motivates them to work harder to get the best rate possible for you. In contrast, an online or off-site lender's interests begin and end with the loan - but the car dealer wants you to: come back and have your car serviced, return when you want to purchase your next car, and tell your friends about them, further strengthening the dealership's reputation in the community and increasing business. Before you sit down to get your next auto loan, take the time to do a little homework so that you can feel confident about securing the best deal for your auto loan. Investing a little time and effort before making the deal can go a long way in creating a win-win situation for you and the car dealership.

NASCAR Tickets - The Rise Of The Stock Car Evolution

NASCAR Tickets - The Rise Of The Stock Car Evolution

by Al Terry

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) will be completing 60 years this December, when the first meeting was organized all those years ago by Bill France Sr., to discuss problems faced by stock car racing. From that first humble meeting, NASCAR has become one of the most popular spectator sports in the world. No one present in that meeting could ever have dreamed that NASCAR would turn out to become what it is today!

The Stock Car Evolution

The first race under the aegis of NASCAR was held on February 15, 1948 at Daytona Beach. This was the post WWII era. Obviously, there was a shortage of new cars. Most people were driving pre-war models, which were in a rattletrap condition, to say the least. The cars were 'modified,' which consisted of merely tweaking and tuning the engine.

Ropes sufficed as seat belts, and the more colorful drivers used aircraft harnesses. Roll bars, which have been mandated since 1952, were not in use during those early years.

The 'stock car' designation was strictly enforced and brought cars from diverse manufacturers, such as Buick, Cadillac, Chrysler, Ford, Hudson, Kaiser, Lincoln, Mercury and Oldsmobile. One of the greatest problems was the failure of the wheels and the suspensions, as the racing surfaces were rough, dirt tracks.

As stock car racing gained popularity, there was fierce competition, and this made modifications necessary. Many modifications were brought in, in the interest of safety, and many special 'high performance' parts found there way into the mainstream models. This enabled these 'special' parts to be used in NASCAR racing. The first special production was that of 'racing tires,' which in 1952, were manufactured and distributed by Pure Oil Company.

This made quite a change from the normal 'street' tires. Development in tires continued, with both Firestone, and Goodyear - to some degree - took keen interest. Such developments were necessitated by increase in car speeds.

In 1952, two-way radios were used for the first time in a NASCAR race, and today it is a vital piece of equipment. Faced with a spate of hubs, axles, and suspension failures, the Oldsmobile, Lincoln and Hudson car companies introduced usage kits, in 1953.

In those early times, racing drivers did not stick to one particular model, or even make. They fairly jumped from one model, or make, to another, depending on what car or model they thought was suitable for their needs.

Today, the cars and the tracks used in NASCAR racing are a far cry from what they were all those five and six decades ago, when there were 'true' stock cars, racing on rough and dirt tracks.

The Tickets

The NASCAR race calendar is always full, and its fans all over the country eagerly look to purchase NASCAR tickets for the races of their choice.

Your best option to lay your hands on your choice of NASCAR tickets is through legitimate and professional ticket brokers. Competent ticket brokers have the resources to arrange to procure your NASCAR tickets for you, and have them delivered to your doorstep.

Get Your Car: Used car auto Loans

Get Your Car: Used car auto Loans

by Gary Grobowski

Purchasing a car has never been a tough task for the residents of UK. Several manufacturing companies are here to assist customers with up to date cars and with efficient after sales services. And now the process of purchasing a car has become easier with the introduction of used car auto loans.

Used Car Auto Loans help borrowers to go for a good amount of money with which they can get their dream car easily and satisfactorily. These are surely the greatest way to meet the needs of those car aspirants who are seeking adequate finance for a used car of their own.

Used car auto loans can be accessed by placing any of the property of the borrower. This property could be borrower's home, jewellery, valuable paper etc. By placing his property as security against the loaned amount, borrower enjoys several facilities. And at the same time, this security ascertains the safe return of the loaned amount to the lender. Now if the borrower fails to repay the loaned amount in time, the lender can repossess the borrower's property to bring back his money. This is why it is always suggested to repay within the specified time frame set by the lender himself.

Used Car Auto Loans can be best accessed if you go for World Wide Web. Here you can get a chance to meet several lenders who are reputed for offering sound financial solutions to borrowers. Moreover here you can get the facility to access free loan quotes which can be easily compared with the help of online loan calculators, comparison tools etc. And by comparing the loan quotes with one another, you can easily select the best loan offer regarding used car auto loans prevailing in the loan market of UK.

How to Save Real Money When Shopping for a Used Car from a Private Seller

How to Save Real Money When Shopping for a Used Car from a Private Seller

by Bruce Hokin

Apart from your home, this can be one of the largest financial expenditures and therefore one of the most important to your financial well-being. If you can learn a few rules and remember some proven tips then this can be an enjoyable experience. Here's how.

There are a few major items to check out when buying any used car from private sellers and they are listed below. Follow these guidelines BEFORE you pay the deposit and you will reduce your chances of buying a headache. You want this car to run cheaply, keep its resale value, be reliable and look good. Ready to start?

Look over the car generally first. If you think it is suitable, follow these steps.

Check the Title.

It is no use paying good money for what seems to be a bargain, when in a few weeks or months the car is repossessed due to unpaid debts attached to it. There are several ways to check this out depending on your local circumstances:

1. Check the owner details with your local or state government agency and whether there is money still owed on the vehicle. 2. Some agencies can also advise whether the car has been written off or wrecked, and then rebuilt. Definitely stay away from a car that has been "reborn" since your resale value will suffer when you try to sell it eventually.

Check the Authenticity.

1. Look at the Registration papers and ensure that the registration plates, the chassis number or vehicle identification number and engine number are EXACTLY the same as the Registration details.

2. In older cars look at the chassis number on the car and ensure it has not been tampered with. Make sure it looks genuine - not extra clean and just repainted. This could mean that the number has been tampered with by grinding off the old number and replacing it with a new one. Stay right away from a car in this condition.

3. If the car has log books and/or owners purchase papers all the better. Look through them carefully and check these details against the answers you receive from the questions you ask in 4.).

4. Talk to the owner(s) and ask the following questions. If you notice hesitancy or you think they may not be genuine be very, very careful. a) How long have you owned the car? b) Do you know any of the car's history prior to your purchase? c) To your knowledge, are the miles or kilometers genuine? d) What repairs or work have you had done to the car? Do you have receipts for the work?

Check the Car Body

1. Look for rust. This is the major risk when buying second-hand cars. If you are not sure how to do this have a qualified panel-beater or rust repairer check it out. If you want to do this yourself look for the telltale signs of bubbles under the paint or brown/orange color in the following areas: a) Under the mudguards or fenders. b) Around each door, especially under the door. c) In the floor. Lift the mats and carpets if you can, and check out carefully. d) Around the windscreen, where it meets the body. e) Around the roof, especially in the gutters.

2. Look for panel damage and/or repair. Do the panels match properly? Is the paint color consistent on every panel? Has the whole car been repainted recently? If it has had a recent paint job, what is it covering? It could be covering cheap rust repair or panel work.

3. Look under the car. Is it straight and clean? If it's very dirty and the under floor is bent out of shape it could mean the car has had a hard life off the normal roads. This could mean extra stress on steering and suspension components.

4. Look at the paint color. The most serviceable color, and best for resale generally, is white. Darker colors may look good but they show the dirt more and are harder to match if you need minor panel repairs.

Check the Motor.

1. If you are not sure how to do this, have a qualified motor mechanic or your road service organization check it out. If you want to do this yourself look in the following areas: a) Does the car blow smoke at start up? b) Is the motor very oily and dirty? Does it look too clean, just washed? c) Does under the oil filler cap look like the oil is a milky mixture, not black? d) Does the radiator show bubbles being formed in the water when the motor is running? e) Are the other fluid levels low? If any of these problems show up then you may need some more expert help.

Check the Gearbox.

1. Again, if you are not sure how to do this have a qualified motor mechanic or your road service organization check it out. If you want to do this yourself look in the following areas:

Automatics - a) Is the oil level on the dipstick correct and clean? b) Does it change gears correctly when driven? c) Is the gearbox clean and not showing oil leaks? d) Does it sound OK when being driven or is there a whine at certain speeds? If you cannot say Yes to these questions you may need some expert help.

Manuals - a) Is the gearbox clean and not showing oil leaks? b) Does it sound OK when being driven or is there a whine at certain speeds? c) Is the gear change smooth and quiet? d) Does the clutch work properly, with no shuddering at take-off? If you cannot say Yes to these questions you may need some expert help.

Check the Interior.

Look for these potential problems. a) Always check upholstery under seat covers - no matter how nice they look. b) Look for seat belt wear. c) Do all the gauges and controls work properly? d) Is the headlining in place correctly, not dropping or coming undone? e) Does it look cared for, or has it been neglected?

There are other components such as suspension, brakes, air-conditioning and steering that can also cost significant amounts of money to repair or replace, but these are usually serviced by experts.

These are just some basic checks that you can do when looking to buy a used car. Use your common sense. Keep in mind, as with any private purchase, Buyer Beware. If you think you are out of your depth in any of these major areas, it may be better to have the vehicle checked by an expert.

These are just some general tips and hints from my experiences in buying and selling cars over a long period of time. I am passing them on to you to help you with your personal finances. You need to be able to save money wherever you can.

For hints on how to bargain when buying a used car from a private seller see my other article titled "How to Save Real Money When Bargaining With a Private Seller for a Used Car".

Nissan Begins New Altima Coupe Production

Nissan Begins New Altima Coupe Production

by Ryan Thomas

Following the launch of the all-new Altima and its hybrid variant, production started last Monday on the new coupe version which is a sportier version of Nissan's best-selling model that was primarily designed to draw in new customers to their abode.

The Japanese automaker celebrated the Altima's third launch in seven months at its Smyrna plant which is located just 20 miles south of its relocated headquarters in Nashville. Dubbed as "true coupe," the Altima comes as a two-door model that has a shorter wheelbase and a lower profile than its four-door counterpart.

The 2008 Nissan Altima coupe is set for release on the 25th of this month. The coupe, which was officially launched at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show, is engineered to compete against the Toyota Camry Solara, Honda Accord coupe and the Pontiac G6 coupe. The coupe is equipped with reliable Nissan brake pads, and a sport suspension that is mated to two engine choices - the updated VQ35DE, a 270-horsepower 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC V6 or the QR25DE, a 175-horsepower 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder. Also, the driver-centered interior offers a 6.5-inch traffic navigation screen, a rearview monitor, as well as a keyless entry and ignition and hands-free phone system. "There's a lot of coupes on the market, some of which are merely shorter versions of their sedan counterparts, but we didn't want to do that," said John Curl, the regional product manager for Nissan. "It has the proportions of a coupe and not just a 2-door sedan."

Karl Brauer, the editor in chief of Edmunds.com, said that the coupe's almost completely new body panels add sophisticated styling that differentiates it from the sedan. "My first impression was that it looked very upscale," Brauer said. "It will cost you considerably less than a G35 and sends a lot of the same messages."

The Nissan Altima coupe will be priced at $20,490. Its price is far below the company's most comparable model, the Infiniti G35 luxury coupe, and the Z sports car. "In less than a month, we've had a thousand orders, which is fantastic," said Michelle Erwin, a senior manager in marketing. Japan's No. 3 automaker needs the new coupe, along with the Altima hybrid, to compete with rivals Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co. as well as to use it to boost dragging profits. "We're optimistic that we're going to get a lot new owners because we've not had a vehicle in this segment at this price range before," Erwin said.

With a broad base of existing Altima customers, Brauer said a coupe was the next logical step to bring in new buyers - especially when sales are down. Nissan marked its first drop in annual profit in seven years in the January-March quarter, the first such setback under the leadership of Carlos Ghosn, who salvaged the Japanese automaker from collapse. "A lot of people would readily admit that they've slid," Brauer said. "They've stagnated in terms of product and had some duds in terms of sales." The third largest Japanese automaker was in a product lull for over a year before the launch of the new sedan in September.

"Sales for the Altima have been strong since the introduction of the new sedan model" in September, said Catherine Madden, an automotive analyst with Boston-based Global Insight. "Unfortunately other products have lagged."

Auto analysts expect Altima's styling to do well against models already on the market, like the Toyota Camry Solara and the Mitsubishi Eclipse. "Nissan has distinguished itself with the consumer and many of their designs have been ahead of other Japanese companies," Madden said. "We're expecting strong sales for that product."

Honda also plans to roll out a coupe for the 2008 model year. The production could put a cramp in Nissan's first-year sales. "That's where you're going to see a pretty interesting divide" among consumers, Brauer noted.

Toyota produces new engine, to continue fuel cell

Toyota produces new engine, to continue fuel cell

by Jerick Brooks

As an advocate of clean exhaust emissions, Toyota is already producing the brand-new ZR engine at the second plant of Tianjin FAW Toyota Engine Co., Ltd., as announced recently by the Tianjin Economic- Technological Development Area (TEDA).

This engine meets the tail gas emissions set-out by the Euro III standard. According to Toyota, it also has the potential to meet the Euro IV standard, will be installed in Toyota's new Corolla. The said car will be produced at the third plant of Tianjin FAW Toyota Engine Co., Ltd. next month.

The manufacturer of the ZR engine, Tianjin FAW Toyota Engine Co. Ltd., is the core parts manufacturer of Tianjin FAW Toyota Motor Co., Ltd. The ZR engine has the characteristics of high performance yet low fuel consumption and low emissions. It ranks top among its international competitors in terms of motive power, fuel economy and environmental protection.

The environmentally-friendly engines are produced simultaneously and its output will reach 220,000 sets every year. It therefore means the Chinese market is playing an increasingly important role for Toyota and the position of Tianjin Binhai New Area is undoubtedly more and more prominent in its strategy for the China market.

Aside from the announcement of the initial production of the brand-new ZR engine, Toyota also announced today its plans to continue providing its city-gas-powered 1-kW residential fuel cell cogeneration system to Toho Gas Co., Ltd. (Toho), which is participating in the 2007 Large-Scale Stationary Fuel Cell Demonstration Project of Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry by installing and monitoring the system in ordinary homes. Toyota Motor Company's residential fuel cell cogeneration system combines a stationary fuel cell - jointly developed with Aisin Seiki Co., Ltd. (Aisin) - and a hot water storage tank. TMC is going to manufacture 28 units of the system for Toho. These are planned to be installed inside the houses in three prefectures - Aichi, Gifu and Mie - of Japan's Tokai District to collect data for a two-year period ending in March 2010.

TMC has considered global environmental preservation as a priority management issue in terms of its corporate social responsibility. Consequently, it has been actively developing technologies and marketing products that will help solve environmental problems especially air pollution. Toyota Motor Company's continuing research and development of residential fuel cell cogeneration systems is part of this effort.

Toyota is also in the process of enhancing Toyota muffler to provide smoothness both in the engine and the exhaust.

During the three-year period from 2005 through 2007, every year, the New Energy Foundation, the organization carrying out Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Large-Scale Stationary Fuel Cell Demonstration Project, has been encouraging energy suppliers to participate in its verification project. Last year, Toyota Motor Company, as a fuel cell system manufacturer, provided 24 residential fuel cell cogeneration systems to energy supplier Toho.

GM CEO Vows Fight For Sales

GM CEO Vows Fight For Sales

by Lauren Woods

In an email, General Motors Corp.'s Chairman and CEO, Rick Wagoner, told senior executives that the company has not given up the fight despite being outpaced by the Toyota Motor Corp. in global sales during the first quarter of this year. "We still have the majority of the year in front of us, and we will fight hard for every sale - all the while staying focused on our long-term goals as a global, growing company," he wrote Tuesday shortly after Toyota's sales figures were released.

Wagoner said that GM was surpassed by Toyota largely because of its move to reduce unprofitable sales to fleet customers and the fact that Toyota crushes GM in sales in the Japanese market. "Like many of you, I woke up to news reports today of Toyota passing GM in global sales in the first quarter this year, for the first time ever," Wagoner added in the e-mail. "I didn't welcome this morning's news, and I know you didn't either. But what's important is that we stay focused on implementing our business strategies around the globe, because they are working."

GMs top officials have been trying to stress profitability over sales. A strategy of reducing fleet sales "cost us about 70,000 units in lower daily rental sales in the United States and Canada in the first quarter this year nearly the entire amount of our global sales gap versus Toyota. But it was the right thing to do. Our sales and marketing strategy requires patience, but it's working, and we need to stick with it," Wagoner wrote.

GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz offered a curt response Wednesday to Toyota's outpacing GM in the first quarter of the year: "My reaction is 'So what?'" GM has been the worldwide leader in auto sales since 1931, when it has overthrown the Ford Motor Co.

In 2006, the Detroit automaker sold 9.1 million vehicles worldwide, down from the 9.17 million in 2005, reporting a net loss of $2 billion, lessening its $10.4 billion loss in 2005. In the previous year, Toyota sold 8.8 million vehicles, up eight percent and earned over $11 billion in its last fiscal year. The Japanese automaker said that it expects to sell 9.34 million vehicles this year. GM did not disclose its target sales for this year.

In his e-mail, Wagoner noted that GM outsells Toyota in 12 of the 15 top auto markets worldwide, and still outsold Toyota by 1.5 million units in the U.S. in the previous year. "One question is where did Toyota pass us in sales? Basically, Toyota beats us badly in their home market of Japan (by 2.4 million units on an annual basis), and we win in most other markets," he wrote. The CEO also noted that the automaker is "staying focused on further reducing our still huge health care cost disadvantage versus Toyota and other non-U.S. based manufacturers."

Toyota stepped up its lobbying efforts Wednesday in Washington, stressing its investment in U.S. at a time when some company officials fear a backlash. Some 100 U.S. Toyota employees - including assistant regional managers, plant executives and financial executives - fanned out on Capitol Hill to take part in a prescheduled "grassroots lobbying effort," spokeswoman Martha Voss said.

"They are here to touch base and say, 'We're here, we're from your district. Here's what kind of jobs and investments we have,'" Voss said, adding the timing had nothing to do with the sales milestone. Toyota's lobbying efforts are downright obvious. "They outspend us," Lutz said in January. "It is my considered opinion that Toyota has more clout in Washington than we do."

Another issue domestic automakers have been complaining stridently about is the value of the Japanese yen. Automakers dispute Japanese currency "manipulation" unfairly gives Toyota, Honda and Nissan up to a $4,000 per vehicle subsidy. It made American cars more costly in Japan and Japanese imports less expensive in America. This is true with other Detroit automakers. Compared with the assembly of foreign car parts, it would be difficult for the assemblage of Jeep cold air intake and other US auto parts to penetrate other territories especially Japan.

Two-thirds of the U.S. $88 billion trade deficit with Japan is auto-related. Last month, U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Lansing, introduced a bill dubbed the Japanese Currency Manipulation Act, which would force Japan's government "to take action to stop subsidizing millions of auto exports to the U.S. by bringing its currency into proper alignment with the U.S. dollar," said a statement from the Automotive Trade Policy Council, a group representing GM, Ford and DaimlerChrysler AG.

The group said the subsidy provides a windfall that ranges up to "$10,000 per vehicle for higher-end Japanese imported SUVs such as those sold by Toyota under the Lexus brand."

The National Security Council (NSC) spokesman Dave McCormick defended the administration's approach. This is what is has to say: "We look to have open markets in all areas, and are focused on continuing to find ways for Japan to open up its markets, particularly for foreign investment in the automotive sector."

Ford wants it the Foose's Way

Ford wants it the Foose's Way

by Gertrude Sayzer

Ford Motor Co. has recently unveiled the show-and-go hot rod 2008 F-150 Foose Edition, which is dressed to cruise the boulevard.

The design created by Chip Foose, the celebrated custom-car guru and host of TV's "Overhaulin" on the 2008 Ford F-150 stands out from other trucks design although the addition of a nerf bar may also do the Foose Edition F-150 some good. According to Ben Poore, Ford truck group marketing manager, "Fitting Ford's style, Foose creations aren't too 'Pimp My Ride'."

Poore also added that Foose is more minimalist in his styling and preferred to show a truck's natural lines. Foose's designs interest a wide range of consumers. "If you look at who is on his show, there's a cross section of America."

Poore said that the initial meeting with Foose was a lot like being a guest on 'Overhaulin'. Poore has discussed with Foose about creating the F-150 Foose Edition, based on the F-150 FX2 Sport.

The meeting between Poore and Foose transpired at the 2006 Specialty Equipment Market Association convention in Las Vegas, where Foose was hosting his TV show. The plans for the F-150 Foose Edition were discussed on the set at the table where Foose draws and plans custom treatments with guests.

"He did with me what he does with the other people on his show," Poore said. He says, 'Ben, what are you looking for in a truck'?" to which Poore replied that he wants a Ford street-rod truck. He added that he wants Foose to take the FX2 and give it a street-rod kind of look. Foose immediately jot down all the information. "He starts scribbling", Poore said. "You can't talk to him without his hands starting to move. It's just amazing."

Terms such as "tough luxury" and "street-rod tough" bounce around- keeping the toughness of the brand, but getting that street-rod look even more into it, Poore said. Foose also asked where Ford wants to put the most focus, on the interior or exterior. "Absolutely the exterior," Poore said. Then Foose asked about the wheel size that Ford wants. "At least 20s," Poore said. "Let's try to go for 22s," Foose said, and Poore agreed.

The wheels used for the F-150 Foose Edition are forged, polished wheels wrapped by P275/45R-22 tires. They are covered by flared fenders that give the impression of a lowered look. The show truck is lowered by 1.5 inches which may be different on production model and Foose created an effect to make it look more lowered by putting the body kit with custom rocker panels all the way around the vehicle instead of fitting a chin spoiler up front.

To further enhance the grounded look of the F-150 Foose added some bold racing stripes that begin at the leading edge of the hood. The cascading down stripes narrows significantly at the front fenders and then continuous rearward as a trim band, above door handles, and across to the tailgate. It ends with two wide stripes dipping down the tailgate.

The wide stripes balance out the front design elements of the F-150. For exhausts, Foose selects squarish dual outlets to match the shapes of the ducts in the front chin spoiler. The dual exhausts were derived from Ford Racing parts, providing the F-150 Foose Edition the most potent engine in an under-8,500-GVWR-class pickup. It's a supercharged 5.4-liter V-8, revving up 450 horsepower and 500 lb.-ft. of potent torque mated to a four-speed automatic transmission.

Poore said, "This will be the fastest truck in the lineup, absolutely. ---Its tremendous power off the line. If you are going to cruise the highway and you get the rpm up and you just let it kick in, it just keeps going, and going and going." He also added that the powertrain and the exterior is where most of the extra attitudes are invested stressing the fact that the FX2 interior already contains some special touches.

The changes on the interior design o fteh F-150 Foose Edition were made minimal. Its center console armrest is fitted with a full-leather, while the front headrests were provided with contrast stitching and are embossed with the Foose signature. Ford carpeted floor mats with the Foose logo were also added. A personalized build sequence badge turns the F-150 into an official Foose creation.

For admirers who are dying to know the source of the remarkable F-150's design, there are "FOOSE DESIGN" badges on the rear flanks. Ford may also take things further by substituting the F-150 badges on the front fenders with "FOOSE F-150" badges.

Ford's F-150 Foose Edition is scheduled for sale in the first quarter of 2008. No announcements yet have been made with regards to pricing of the number of limited-edition pickups that are to be produced. "They will not be easy to come by," Poore said.

Nissan Titan Gets 2008 Prices

Nissan Titan Gets 2008 Prices

Are you in the market for a Nissan Titan? If you are, then you would most certainly want to know that the Nissan Motor Corporation has already sent out the new prices for this vehicle models in their range.

The Nissan Titan which comes as a full sized pickup truck was first launched in the year 2004 and for this year, this model would come with two new additions to its long bed configurations. It would also come with some redesigns and restyling changes like the new grille, a choice of interior designs and larger wheels. This vehicle would also be having larger rotors for the front as part of the brake system which has also undergone some changes although the Nissan brake dust shield would still remain as is. Other interesting features would include the XM satellite radio, the new wood-like trim, and a phone system which allows the driver to use it hands-free via Bluetooth.

The prices start at $23,700 and that would be for the Nissan Titan 2WD King Cab XE with a standard bed. However, if you would opt to have the 2WD Crew Cab XE with standard bed, that would be for $26,550. $26,900 would be the price you would have to shell out to own the 4WD King Cab XE with a standard bed and some $29,750 for the 4WD Crew Cab XE. For the new addition, the Titan PRO-4X, that version is priced for $31,450 (King Cab) and $33,950 (Crew Cab).

This vehicle uses Nissan's platform for pickups - the F-Alpha. For power, it also comes with a DOHC Endurance V8 engine unit with 5.6 liters capacity. This unit can spurt out 317 horsepower as well as 385 pound feet.

Bill Bosley is the vice president and the general manager for the Nissan brand division and he explains what the 2008 Nissan Titan is all about: "The 2008 Titan, with its freshened styling, new wheel styles, new seat design, refined meter clusters and available features such as Bluetooth(R) hands-free phone system, XM(TM) satellite radio tuner, heated leather- appointed bench seat and larger, 8.0-inch DVD screen, offers more choice and greater value than ever before. Titan remains first and foremost a powerful, go- nearly-anywhere, tow-nearly-anything workhorse. For 2008, it's also a refined partner for work and play."

GM sells more than 2.2 million vehicles from January to April 2007

GM sells more than 2.2 million vehicles from January to April 2007

by Gertrude Sayzer

According to preliminary sales figures released earlier this week, General Motors sold a record of 2.26 million cars and trucks, along with their GM truck accessories, around the world this year from January to April. GM global first quarter sales were up 67,000 vehicles, or 3 percent, compared with sales of 2.19 million in the first quarter of 2006.

GM Vice President John Middlebrook said GM's posted record sales in the first quarter was driven by exceptionally strong demand in emerging markets such as the global sales, service and marketing operations. He further said the company saw more than 20 percent growth in the Asia/Pacific region and had 17 percent growth in the Latin America, Africa and Middle East region. He added that the 6 percent growth in Europe where they sold more than a half-million vehicles and established a new sales record was very significant to them.

Three cars from GM are showing a global success, each showing their most marketable GM truck part: Chevrolet, HUMMER and Cadillac.

A 4 percent increase from last year was seen in the Chevrolet global sales of 1.04 million vehicles. The global increase was attributed to a 33 percent growth in Europe, 12 percent in Asia- Pacific and 19 percent in Latin America, Africa and the Middle East.

GM also retains its strong luxury truck portfolio growth, due to the incomparable GM truck parts, which comprise the vehicle. Evidence is the HUMMER sales that grew 37 percent in the Latin America, Africa and the Middle East region. Around the world, HUMMER recorded 15,000 vehicle sales. With the Hummer H2 mid-cycle enhancement, addition of the V8-powered HUMMER H3 Alpha in North America and start of production of the right hand-drive HUMMER H3 in South Africa, HUMMER products are well-positioned to respond to demanding customers' needs.

Outside North America, Cadillac had a sales increase due to the 89 percent sales growth in Europe, a 55 percent increase in Latin America, Africa and the Middle East and 47 percent growth in Asia/Pacific.

Several GM regional brands also experienced notable growth in the first quarter of 2007.

Opel and Vauxhall, for instance sold 443,000 vehicles for the months January to April this year. Vauxhall was up 6.3 percent and Opel was up about a half percent with 1,200 more vehicles sold this year compared with those sold in the first quarter of 2006. The brands achieved segment leadership with Opel Meriva and Opel Zafira -- in the monocab segment -- and second position with Opel Astra in the popular compact segment.

Largely based on the popularity of the new 2007 Saturn Aura, 2007 Saturn Sky, 2007 Saturn Vue, 2007 Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid, and 2007 Saturn Outlook crossover utility vehicles, Saturn sales in the United States and Canada were up by 19 percent. Saturn anticipates stronger sales this year as it continues the launch of the Saturn Outlook crossover and welcomes Saturn Astra, the Ion small-car replacement,. Reports say Saturn is undergoing the most extensive product rebirth in its history.

Not minding South Korea's strong market growth on the back of its Winstorm SUV and Tosca medium car, Daewoo sales of 35,000 vehicles were up 31 percent.

GM expects more increased sales these coming years as it continues to innovate what was then already way far from others.

Study Shows Chevy Blazer Has Highest Driver Fatality Rate

Study Shows Chevy Blazer Has Highest Driver Fatality Rate

by Jenny McLane

According to a recent study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), General Motors Corp. vehicles had the highest and lowest driver fatality rates from 2002 through 2005. And the highest rate is linked to Chevy Blazers.

The study found that the Chevrolet Blazer which comes as a two-door, two-wheel drive SUV built from 2001 to 2004, had the highest rate of driver fatalities which amounts to 232 per million registered vehicles during the four-year duration.

The Blazer was launched in 1969 on the C/K pickup truck chassis that produces GM's trucks. In 1970, the largest automaker introduced Jimmy - its own model of the truck which was produced until the arrival of GMC Yukon in 1992. The Blazer is replaced by the Chevrolet Tahoe which is now a full-size SUV.

The Blazer and Jimmy, based on the short wheelbase trucks, were made available with either four-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive. Its long wheelbase sibling is called the Chevrolet Suburban. Both the K5 Blazer and the Jimmy were given fabulous removable tops for the first few years until 1976 when the half-cab body style was launched. In 1983, the S-10 Blazer and S-15 Jimmy, all smaller models, were introduced. The original Blazer and Jimmy remained in production until 1991.

GM's Chevrolet Astro, on the other hand, is the recipient of the lowest rate with only seven fatalities per million registered vehicles. The Astro boasts of powerful auto parts that consist of engines, AEM intakes, radiators, filters and more. The midsize van, which has debuted in 1985, is engineered to compete with domestic rivals like the Dodge Caravan. The Astro shares the same platform with GMC Safari which is its sibling.

In connection with the rating, the Infiniti G35, BMW 7 Series and the Toyota 4Runner came next to the Chevrolet Astro. Additionally, the two-door Acura RSX had the second-highest rate with 202 driver deaths followed by the Nissan 350Z, with 193 deaths.

The Chevy Astro and Blazer went out of production in 2005.

Automakers said the study was limited in scope because it did not include factors such as driver behavior that could play a key role. "It's difficult to really draw much significance," said GM spokesman Alan Adler.

Nissan said its vehicles, including the 350Z, are designed to meet government safety regulations and the automaker's internal safety requirements. Chris Naughton, a spokesman for Acura parent Honda Motor Co., said that the Acura RSX had younger buyers, which could have contributed to its ranking.

The IIHS found the average death rate decreased from 110 from 1990 to 1994 to the current rate of 79 for the 2002 to 2005 period.

GM together with its China family joins 2007 Shanghai Auto Show

GM together with its China family joins 2007 Shanghai Auto Show

by Jerick Brooks

General Motors--world's largest automaker and manufacturer of quality Oldsmobile mufflers --- together with its China joint ventures are going to showcase a couple of vehicles under the theme Driving China's Automotive Industry into the Future at the Auto Shanghai 2007. 41 vehicles from GM, SAIC-GM-Wuling, and Shanghai General Motors are to be presented on the 4,500 square-meter stand at the Auto Shanghai 2007.

GM China Group President and Managing Director Kevin E. Wale, "GM is proud to be joining our joint ventures to show the people of China our unmatched lineup of vehicles in addition to some new products and technologies that are making their first appearance in China. Our stand demonstrates how China's vehicle buyers are benefiting from our partnerships today and will continue to benefit from our partnerships well into the future."

The main focus of the GM's stand is the two concept vehicles that are making their worldwide premier. The two products are to be personally introduced by GM Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner.

The Buick Riviera is a charming coupe developed with global design input by GM's Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) in Shanghai. The Riviera concept was created to showcase Buick's new global design direction that combines East and West. The Riviera also marks the return of a popular Buick nameplate after an eight-year break.

Aside from the Riviera Concept, the producer of the renowned Oldsmobile muffler will also showcase its latest achievement in electric and fuel cell technologies which is the next iteration of the E-Flex electric architecture. This second variant of E-Flex system that will make its first appearance in Shanghai makes use of GM's new fifth-generation fuel cell propulsion technology and a lithium-ion battery.

The system was first launched last January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in the form of the Chevrolet Volt concept vehicle. Chevy's Volt will also be displayed at GM's stand for the 2007 Shanghai Auto Show.

Aside from the Buick Riviera and E-Flex system there would be other concept vehicles that are going to be displayed on the GM stand such as the Chevrolet Camaro sports car, the Chevrolet WTCC race car, and the Cadillac Cien sedan.

Production Vehicles on Display In addition to the concept vehicles, GM together with its joint ventures are also going to display its array of products that are currently or will soon be offered in China such as the following:
Another new addition to the Buick range is the Buick Park Avenue luxury sedan which is the brand's top-of-the-line model. The rest of Buick lineup includes the three members of the Excelle family, Buick LaCrosse premium sedan, and Shanghai's best-selling model the Buick GL8 executive wagon.

The Cadillac which is GM's American luxury brand has displayed all five vehicles that are presently being offered in China. One of the best-selling Cadillac products, the Cadillac SLS luxury business sedan is making its first appearance at the Auto Shanghai.

Chevrolet has also presented its range of cars starting off with its Chevrolet Spark mini-car and the all new Chevrolet Epica intermediate sedan which has started selling last March. The Chevrolet Aveo hatchback together with the popular Chevrolet Lova compact sedan will also be put on display at the GM stand.

GM's Opel import brand from Germany will also show for the first time in China its two new models, the Opeal Astra GTC that features a panorama windshield that provide both the driver as well as the front seat passenger with an unlimited field of vision. Passengers also get to experience their surroundings with a feel just like being inside the cockpit of an airplane since there is no crossbeam that is limiting the view. The Opel Astra Twin Top which was launched in Europe last May 2006 is a slimline four-seat cabrio-coupe and the first car in its class to feature an innovative three-part roof system.

Saab, which is GM's premium brand from Sweden, is displaying four members of its Saab 9-3 family that includes the Convertible, Sporthatch, Linear sedan, and vector sedan. Also joining the display is the Saab 9-5 Aero sedan.

The Wuling mini-vehicle brand from SAIC-GM-Wuling is going to be represented by the Hong Tu minivan which is making its first appearance at the Shanghai auto show. The Sunshine minivan which is GM China family's most popular model will also be displayed at the Shanghai Auto Show.

The Shanghai Auto show began last April 22 and will run through April 28 at the Shanghai New International Expo Center. The vehicles of GM and its joint ventures are on display on the GM stand in Hall E1.

H4: The smallest Hummer to arrive in 2010

H4: The smallest Hummer to arrive in 2010

by Jerick Brooks

The Hummer is the result of General Motor's quest to come up with a vehicle that could rival the iconic Jeep brand of Chrysler. Compared to other automakers the growth of General Motors' Hummer brand is measured in pounds shed and inches lost as oppose to the usual increase in dimensions. But although this is the trend for the Hummer it still make sure that it maintains quality throughout the range by utilizing only quality auto components such as flowmaster muffler which includes Hummer brand mufflers.

The H1 which is the original Hummer, possess military heritage combined with technology and combat-proven durability. Although it was considered as an army's general best friend in duty it was still too big for urban use. After the H1 came H2. It was made smaller than the H1 but still considered enormous for urban dwellers.

Then came, the H3 which is further reduced in size as compared to its H2 brother but despite the size reduction it still takes up road space as compared to that of a Toyota Camry. But according to some sources inside GM, the automaker is developing a new Hummer that's smaller as compared to its predecessors.

The new Hummer will obviously be called H4 and designed to target the compact and crossover segment. According to Hummer's general manager Martin Walsh, the H4 is going to be paired in development with another GM product. Walsh said during an interview with GoAuto, "Our growth will be downwards in terms of size . . . opportunities will lie in smaller segments."

General Motors has not yet released any statement on whether the production of the H4 will be made into a global effort but judging by GM's desire to market the Hummer as a global brand it is not a remote possibility that Holden or Opel may also be involved in the project.

However there is one issue that the brand will have to face when it comes to the H4 and it's in term of its design which somehow softens its hard-core image. And if ever Hummer would decide to use a monocoque chassis and independent suspension, which mostly customers prefer since it provides better comfort and more car-like road holding, the brand would face backlash from Hummer enthusiasts as well as the off-roading community similar to what Jeep experienced when it launched the Dodge Caliber-based Compass.

In addition, a company insider said that in order for the automaker to maintain the strong image of the Hummer, the H4 would be made to ride on a separate chassis, showcasing a different approach, breakover and departure angles with copious amounts of ground clearance. The H4 will also possess some of the vital Hummer design cues. With the H4 made smaller, more efficient, and more affordable, Hummer predicts that it could sell between 30,000 and 40,000 units which are rather low considering the fact that Hummer sold almost 70,000 vehicles in 2006.

Hummer also plans to expand their H3 product range. And in addition to selling the current model globally with right-hand drive and diesel powertrain options, it is expected that an "SUT" truck version will also arrive next year. This is a smart idea, considering that the H3 wagon is based on GM's compact Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon pickups.

Insiders further say that it will initially be offered as a four-door crew-cab, and will be followed by a regular or extended cab, which would help the Hummer brand to gain a new market and access to the compact pickup arena. General Motors have opted to invest greatly in the Hummer brand a few years back, and with its expansion to smaller vehicles that are better suited to non-North American markets and environmentally conscious buyers, its investments are finally paying off.