Nov30
Toyota retailers are scrambling to respond to a decision to recall 3.8 million vehicles linked to incidents of sudden acceleration. Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc. told dealers of the campaign today – after it was announced to the public. The timing has led to some confusion. “We haven’t received any notification,” says Earl Stewart, owner of Earl Stewart Toyota of North Palm Bay, FL. “This has been one of the most confusing situations to the dealers and customers, and a little...
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The only benefit to some of those navigation systems the hand-helds didn't offer was a backup camera. And while I like the next gadget, how often would I even use it? I know where I work, where I live and the location of most of the places I go, a nav system seemed extravagant and expensive. However, navigation systems today offer a slew of features that forced me to re-evaluate their benefits. These systems are much more than mere glowing electronic maps mounted in your dashboard...
AutoNation Direct began as a test project in late 2007, and its model is simple: The program is designed to let a consumer buy a new or used vehicle online or by phone and have the vehicle delivered to the dealership or the buyer's home. AutoNation works with affinity groups such as credit unions and employee groups and promises consumers a "dealer-free" and "hassle-free" experience. Every car in the AutoNation network is available for sale.
Nov23
Lexus has a plan to head off speculators when its limited-edition LFA sports car goes on sale in January 2011. The company will offer only two-year leases for the $375,000 two-seater, said Brian Smith, vice president of sales and dealer development for Lexus division. Lexus will hang on to the vehicle's title. "If someone buys it the first month and then decides to sell it, that could be damaging for the ownership experience," Smith said. "If it is not controlled and hits the...
eneral Motors Co. is offering 45-day discounts of as much as $2,000 a vehicle to 950,000 customers of the company's closed dealerships -- a move criticized as “inappropriate” by a leader of a group of rejected dealers. The automaker started sending letters Nov. 16 to some customers of stores that have already shut down or lost a franchise, company spokeswoman Jordana Strosberg said today.
The 2011 BMW 550i will feature the recently introduced, twin-turbo, intercooled, direct-injection 4,395cc V8, which features its turbos tucked into the valley between the cylinder banks. It develops 407 hp between 5,500 rpm and 6,400 rpm, plus 442 pound-feet of torque between 1,750 and 4,500 rpm. BMW claims the BMW 550i will accelerate to 100 km/h (62 mph) from a standstill in 5.0 seconds. Its top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.
Nov20
New Ford M-Sport Fiesta S2000, Lee Noble Launches Fenix Automotive, New Lamborghini M-Sport reveals their new Ford Fiesta S2000 Rally Car, Fenix Automotive -- a new company founded by Lee Noble, looks to be developing their first car. Also, some Lamborghini rumors in the Internet Rumor Mill, and Commenter of the Week. Hosted by Derek DeAngelis.
Ford Motor Co. plans to invest 2 billion reais ($1.15 billion) in Brazil through 2015, most of it on a plant in the northeastern Bahia state, to expand production and benefit from expected growth in Latin America's largest economy, the state governor said on today. As part of the investment plan, which will be officially unveiled in a ceremony with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva later today, Brazil's government will extend state and federal tax breaks to Ford, Bahia state...
Nov19
Porsche puts out another track-car, the 911 GT3 R. Volkswagen has closed a 3-week-long hiring period with great success. Also, the Internet Rumor Mill has a bunch of goodies. Toyota-Subaru's partnership has some more news info on the FT-86 Concept, and could Ferrari be working on a GTO version of the 599GTB? That's all today, plus Shakedown with Leo Parente. Hosted by Derek DeAngelis.
Forecaster J.D. Power & Associates said today that it expected U.S. auto industry sales to increase slightly on an adjusted basis in November from a year earlier due to stable retail sales and growth in fleet sales. U.S. auto sales are expected to grow by 0.4 percent in November when taking into account two fewer selling days this year than last year, J.D. Power said. The seasonally adjusted annualized rate of sales, a key measure for economists, is expected to rise to 10.2 million...