Car King
Hurry if you want a tax credit on Toyota/Lexus hybrids.22 August 2006
If you are one of the people planning on purchasing a hybrid, and are counting on receiving the full tax credit, be aware that if you’re eyeing a Toyota or Lexus, you must purchase the vehicle by September 30th. The rules on the tax credit involve the number of units sold by the manufacturer. The quarter after the 60,000 units are sold, the tax credit is no longer available. So, buy it soon if you’re banking on the credit. After September 30th the credit for Toyotas and Lexus’ will drop 50%. Read Comments (0)
 The new “Big 3″ automakers.2 August 2006
July of ‘06 saw a changing of the guard. Ford and Chrysler took a back seat to Toyota and Honda (GM still leading the pack, slightly). While U.S. auto sales are down this year, Toyota and Honda have increased sales. Don’t expect changes to this trend until American automakers improve their products, both reliability and design. While steps have, inarguably, been taken in this direction, the major Japanese car manufacturers are still perceived as offering better products. CK Read Comments (0)
Check out Tesla Motors.26 July 2006
If things stay as they are, the newly introduced sports car from Tesla Motors will cost about 1 penny a mile to run, is completely electric, silent, go 0 to 60 in 4 seconds, travel 250 miles on a single charge, and cost a whole bunch to purchase…but it looks damn cool. Tesla Motors site here. CK Read Comments (0)
AutoTrader merges with Onlane Group.25 July 2006
Creating the largest online auction site (specifically for dealers selling wholesale vehicles) AutoTrader and Onlane Group have merged. The new company will provide a larger base of dealers, and thus inventory. Dealers will have more options, and will be able to select from commercial fleets and off-lease vehicles. The merger will create additional benefits of logistics and management of the inventory to better serve clients and get them what they need faster. CK Read Comments (0)
Toyota to partner with GM?17 July 2006
We reported on the possible partnering of GM with Nissan, but it looks like (or at least Business Week is suggesting) that Toyota may be examining the same. Toyota’s motivation seems to be two-fold. One, a business alliance between Nissan and GM doesn’t help Toyota any. So, if they were to step in, it could possibly help their business. Second, Toyota believes a soci-political backlash could occur if GM were to collapse. Visit Business Week for the full story. CK Read Comments (0)
Alfa Romeo wants a piece of the action.13 July 2006
After the announcement that MG would be returning state-side, the folks at Alfa Romeo may have become a tad jealous. So we find now that the Italian car manufacturer is eyeing a 2009 return to the U.S. We can expect to see the Brera coupe, 159, and Spider convertable in dealerships. These will all receive design modifications, but completely new version will not be available until 3 to 4 years later. CK Read Comments (0)
China to manufacture cars in the U.S.?10 July 2006
The world we live in sure is changing. We’ve heard the rumblings that China wants to sell car in the United States. We heard these would be affordable vehicles, and we heard the critics’ opinions that the cars would be sub-par technologically and in terms of reliability. The strength of the Chinese cars would have been price-point, however; which makes the news that China’s government majority owned automaker plans to bring back the MG, and may build some cars in the United States. They are also planning manufacturing in England. While the return of the MG is exciting, we know this venture, if built in the United States, will likely not have the price-point advantage. But, who cares? The unbelievable idea of jobs coming to the United States from China is a nice change. CK Read Comments (0)
GM + Nissan/Renault5 July 2006
Kirk Kerkorian, the billionaire who owns about 10% of the GM shares, has seemingly proposed an alliance between GM and Nissan-Renault on his own. Nissan-Renault would be game for the alliance, which would have them purchasing a minority share of GM stock, if the board of General Motors approves. GM’s CEO Rick Wagoner was not a part of this discussion with Kerkorian, which allegedly caused an emergancy meeting last friday. Given the state of GM’s affairs, whould this alliance be beneficial enough to be a no-brainer? What are your thoughts? CK Read Comments (0)
Dodge Challenger concept to be produced.1 July 2006
Dodged has officially announced that their Challenger concept car (based, obviously, on the old Dodge Challenger) would be mass-produced. This isn’t a surprise. The concept received positive feedback, and the announcement has been expected. Plus the concept uses an existing engine, so getting the vehicle to the masses shouldn’t be too costly. Expect to see them in dealerships in 4th quarter 2007, or some time in 2008.
CK Read Comments (0)
The big car trend going small.1 July 2006
The big car trend seems to be getting small, that is, the massive SUVs introduced in the 90s, and swallowed up by Americans, may be taking a back-seat to smaller, more affordable and more environmentally friendly, automobiles. Don’t believe it? I don’t blame you. SUVs are everywhere, and it seems every other commercial totes the offroad capabilities of vehicles that will spend their lives “onroad”. So where does my statement come from? Well, $3.00 for a gallon of gas has people talking, and to understand the trends we need only look at the people who listen. That is, examine the offerings of today’s car manufacturers. More than ever, automobile companies are listening to the public’s wants, and creating vehicles to appease them. That’s just smart business. And what are the manufacturers hearing. Well, if it’s any indication, more and more affordable, and smaller, vehicles are being introduced that get much better gas milage than the large SUVs. Want proof? Honda will release the Fit, a 5-door version running $13,850, next year. Toyota’s now got the Yaris, various styles are available, the lowest base price being $10,950. The Americans are on board too. Dodge has the new Caliber that starts at $13,985. “But car makers have always had the smaller more affordable vehicles to offer” you say. True, no doubt. But think about this, the absolutely tiny SmartCar (by DaimlerChrysler) will be introduced to the U.S. market in 2008. This vehicle is about 9 feet long, and gets almost 70 miles to the gallon (average of 40mpg overall). It will sell for under $15,000, and will be a version of its “fortwo” model. Still not convinced? How about, Dodge can’t make their new Calibers fast enough to keep up with sales? The truth is, smaller cars are already the new trend. Car makers have adjusted for our desire for more options in affordable, efficient, vehicles. And it’s a trend that will be beneficial to our wallets and planet. CK Read Comments (0)
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