It's the week ending July 3, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather a collection of what we feel is the highlight from each. Gas prices and gas deals are a big incentive for car sales this week, as well as news on the status of the automotive industry.
It's a popular car with unpopular reviews! First Jeremy Clarkson blasted it, then Consumer Reports slammed its "ride quality, handling, interior noise, acceleration, rear-seat, access, and visibility," and now AutoBlog has given the 2010 Honda Insight another disappointing review, citing a bouncy ride and small interior space as its major flaws. Doesn't anybody have something GOOD to say about Honda's gas-electric hatchback? Read what we have to say about the Insight here at autoMedia.com
AutoBlogGreen has got a short report on the "Free Gas for Summer" promotion Suzuki is offering on all SX4s sold from now through August 31st, explaining that the purchaser really gets is a pre-paid credit card loaded up with $270 for the SX4 Sedan or $290 for the slightly less fuel efficient SX4 Crossover. Heck, it's a relatively pain-free way for Suzuki to advertise "Free Gas!" and it's still a few hundred bucks back in your pocket.
Free gas and cheap gas must be the hot keywords this week! AskPatty reports that Hyundai is offering a new Assurance program that guarantees a year's worth of gas at $1.49 per gallon on most Hyundai models leased or purchased between July 1 and August 31, 2009. With gas currently hovering around $3.00/gallon, this program could save Hyundai buyers about $500 a year.
Over at Jalopnik, if the article itself isn't entertaining enough, the commentary will get you every time! Which makes me wonder sometimes if their community might have more talent than their staff? NAH! Those guys have got some SKILLZ! Evidence of Jalopnik's true talent is found here in this informative article that describes five ways the new "Car Allowance Rebate System" auto sales incentive program could endanger consumers.
With General Motors officially terminating its joint-venture at the New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. factory, LeftLaneNews says Toyota is weighing new plans for the California plant. While many options are currently on the table now that the Pontiac Vibe is a goner, Toyota could be alter the NUMMI plant to produce the company's popular Prius hybrid.
Speaking of Toyota, AutoSpies reports that Toyota has lost more money than either Ford or GM for the first three months of the year. In a short report full of numbers and statistics, AutoSpies says Ford has outsold Toyota for third month in a row, and that so far this year GM has outsold Toyota 947,518 to 770,449. Is it a twist of fate or justice served?
Want more information on those sale figures? The Detroit Bureau has a colorful graph comparing the top ten vehicle sales in the Domestic market from June 2008 to June 2009. Overall in June, Chrysler Group sales declined to 68,297 vehicles, a decrease of 42% compared with June 2008, while the market is down on average 37%. The Ford F-Series pickup remains a winner, leading sales in 2009, and in the top half of 2008.
Are you traveling with pets over the upcoming holiday weekend? Consider stopping by Mount Dora, Florida, a charming canine-friendly stopoff 20-some miles northwest of Orlando, where according to the dog-loving folks at AutomotiveTraveler "Yappy Hour" events are held at The Wine Den on the third Friday of every month to benefit the Humane Society of Lake County. Woof!
Thanks for joining us for this week's autoMedia.com CARnival! Have you got something of interest you want us to include in a future carnival? Then fill out our online form so we can be notified of your interesting entry to our weekly blog CAR-nival. Check back next week for another installment--until then, have a great weekend!
Brandy Schaffels, Contributing Editor