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In an interview yesterday with Automotive News , Honda Motor Company president Takanobu Ito said that moving production of the popular Honda Fit subcompact from Japan to the United States is a "highly likely possibility" in order to reduce the company's financial losses attributed to the yen's eight percent increase in value against the dollar since August. "Considering the foreign exchange, such a structural reform might be called for," Ito said. "That is sort of the direction we are considering." According to Automotive News , approximately 80 percent of all of the cars Honda sells in the United States are built here. The Honda Fit, with U.S. sales nearing 56,000 year-to-date 2009, is imported from Japan. While the Fit has weathered the financial storm this year better than other Honda models, the yen's rise threatens the Fit's profitibility. No announcement was made yet as to when or where in the United States the Honda Fit will be built. ~ Deborah Neal, editorial director, autoMedia.com
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General Motors happily reports that since launching their 60-day love-it-or-return-it guarantee, only one buyer from 150,000 new-vehicle purchases has returned their new GM car, and actually he exchanged it for the same car but with a different transmission. “Out of hundreds of thousands, the people who've selected the 60-day guarantee were in the hundreds,” GM's marketing chief Bob Lutz said during a press conference Wednesday. “We have had one substantiated return of a vehicle.” Actually, of the 150,000 vehicles sold since the sales campaign debuted, only 100 people have opted for the 60-day return offer. The rest of the buyers each chose to take $500 cash. That's $74,900 in sales incentive "costs" the the automaker ... about the value of one nice Vette or a CTS-V ... and an indicator that a lot of people love cash and/or have faith they'll be happy with their new GM purchase decision 60 days down the road. ~ Deborah Neal, Editorial Director, autoMedia.com
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It's the week ending October 2, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather a collection of what we feel is the highlight from each. Toyota is recalling 3.8 million vehicles to check the floor mats and Cash for Clunkers makes it back into the headlines, but we've also got plenty of unusual news sure to entertain the automotive fan....
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Maybe it was a marketing ploy, or maybe GM's marketing chief Bob Lutz had a change of heart. After announcing that GM would not be holding the fall season truck sale in order to focus on their new "May the Best Car Win" campaign, Lutz has decided to hold a fall truck sale after all, starting tomorrow, September 25th. So what is GM said to be offering you on Chevrolet and GMC trucks? According to a report today in Automotive News: $1000 cash on many GMC 2010 trucks, crossovers and SUVs, including Buick Enclave $500 cash on 2009 and 2010 GMC Canyon pickup trucks Zero percent financing for 60 months on all Chevrolet Silverado and Colorado trucks, plus the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu sedan $1500 cash on 2010 Chevrolet Malibu models $1000 on 2010 Chevrolet Impala sedans, Traverse crossovers, Tahoe and Suburban SUVs, and Silverado and Avalanche trucks The caveat right now, according to some Chevrolet and GMC dealers, is that they currently do not have a lot of 2010 models in stock. The fall sale ends November 2, 2009. Ford's fall truck sale opened September 10 and ends October 5, 2009, with incentives as much as $4500 on F-150 model line trucks and $5000 on F-Series Super Duty...
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It's the week ending September 4, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather a collection of what we feel is the highlight from each. Cash for Clunkers and Papa John's Camaro remain in the headlines for another week, and David E. Davis says he wishes Jean Jennings was dead, but besides all that, we've also got plenty of other unusual news sure to delight the automotive fan. Cash for Clunkers rebates undoubtedly fueled robust August car sales , with manufacturers showing increased sales over the same time period a year ago, and even better increases over their sales just one or two months ago. Motor Trend's Todd Lassa shares an astute analysis of these figures , with detailed insights into the best-selling models and manufacturers. Classic Car Examiner Jim Cherry knows cars have had a long and colorful history on TV from the 1966 Batmobile, to Entourage's Maserati Quatroporte, to Starsky & Hutch's Grand Torino. Knight Rider's Kitt car was so popular that Hasselhoff's series was revived years later in the vain hope of selling more lunchboxes. The right car makes the right statement on TV. They hop things up, express...
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By all the reports we've seen from the Department of Transportation and other automotive blogs, the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) program was " wildly successful " at driving consumers towards dealerships. With nearly 700,000 vehicle transactions utilizing "Cash for Clunkers" trade-ins, not to mention standard purchases that didn't include the government-subsidized rebates, it's clear that manufacturers benefited from a giant sales infusion during the month of August. When comparing sales figures for August 2009 against August 2008, Ford was the most successful American manufacturer with an increase of 16.99 percent (182,149 units sold) for all of Ford Motor Company and a 21.25-percent jump for just the Ford brand itself. Toyota Motor Company and American Honda were up 6.41 (225,088) and 9.93 (161,439) percent respectively. Unfortunately, even with the incentives, some manufacturers still sold fewer cars than they did a year ago, notably Nissan North America was down 2.93 percent (105,312 units sold), Chrysler was down 15.43 percent (93,222), and General Motors was down 20.19 percent (246,479) from a year ago. (Many thanks to John Neff at AutoBlog...
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It's the week ending August 21, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather a collection of what we feel is the highlight from each. Big news involves the end of the CARS rebates on Monday, as once again the Feds predict the money will run out over the weekend....
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It's the week ending August 7, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather a collection of what we feel is the highlight from each. The biggest news this week continues to be discussion of Obama's Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) program, as websites discussed the outcome of the program's first week, as well as plans for its next installment. Thanks to AutoBlogGreen for the latest update clarifying the mysterious status of the Car Allowance Rebate System legislation, telling us it looks set to continue for at least another month. Apparently, the Senate confirmed the House's $2 billion funding of the incredibly popular program yesterday in a 60-37 vote, Obama is expected to sign it into law soon, and the money should last through Labor Day. Note: If you're considering making a purchase based on CARS rebates, don't delay, as it's not expected to be extended again. A report at Edmunds Auto Observer , which was heavily based on information obtained from a Hyundai press release, states that these new purchases could result in a 59-percent fuel economy improvement between the new and old vehicle of the early clunker trades. In...
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The July automotive sales numbers were released yesterday, showing a tremendous surge over the past week driven by the cash for clunkers program. (Read: “ Cars for Clunkers Works, Time for a Sequel? ”) As a result, sales on fuel-efficient small and midsized vehicles have soared the last few days. Hybrids and fuel sippers are flying off the lots, leaving trucks and SUVs behind. As enthusiasts, we’re left wondering about a certain segment that received too little attention lately, the muscle cars. Car nuts have been bench racing the latest Chevrolet Camaro , Dodge Challenger , and Ford Mustang , as the experts have weighed in with their professional reviews . Horsepower has been boasted, quarter-mile slips compared, and value debated. In the end, the popularity contest that matters most to manufacturers is the sales race. So, for the month of July, the figures break down to: 7,113 - Chevrolet Camaro 886 - Dodge Challenger 6,686 - Ford Mustang More significant is seeing how these reborn legends fair over time, but the midyear introduction of the Camaro and 2010 Mustang mean it is too soon to draw conclusions there. Since we know you’re curious, year to date: 22,510 - Chevrolet Camaro 15...
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The CAR Allowance Rebate System (CARS), popularly known as “ cash for clunkers ” was executed in a bumbling fashion that only government could manage, yet it was a resounding success. Manufacturers have released their July sales figures, and the news is largely good (or at least, not as bad), with most full-line automakers seeing a lift in the past week from the CARS program. (Learn how cash for clunkers works .) Subaru boasted the most impressive gain, comparing July 2009 to July 2008, with a stunning 34-percent increase. Although not known for high fuel economy, much of its model line is eligible for consideration, and the AWD-automaker is drawing showroom traffic with its redesigned Legacy and Outback. Volvo saw a 26-percent gain, with the XC60 crossover gaining new buyers to what is otherwise an aging product line. Hyundai issued CARS credits weeks before the program was finalized, and as a result, the crafty company saw a 12-percent gain. (See “ Hyundai Honors Cash for Clunkers CARS Rebate – Now .”) But the real winner is arguably Ford Motor Company. Ford, Mercury, and Lincoln retail sales increased nine percent versus a year ago; total sales (including fleet) were 158,838, up...
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Reversing a decision made earlier this year to kill the PT Cruiser after 2009, Chrysler Group LLC announced this weekend plans to continue production of their retro-style wagon at its Mexico assembly plant. Chrysler has sold over 1.3 million PT Cruisers in 60 countries since its 2000 debut as a 2001 model. Even though sales have significantly softened during the first half of 2009 - and it has yet to receive a substantial redesign since its launch - the very distinct PT Cruiser has continued to earn awards, model year after model year. In June, the PT cruiser tied with Honda's CR-V for first place in J.D. Power's Initial Quality Survey IIQS) in the compact truck/multi-activity vehicle category. While changes - if any - for the 2010 PT Cruiser model have yet to be disclosed, Fiat's alliance with Chrysler appears to reveal a partnership that recognizes the PT Cruiser's popularity around the world. -Deborah Neal, Editorial Director
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Acura announced today changes to their quintessential MDX SUV for the 2010 model year. Updates include a revised grille, a new hood and front fascia, new rear bodywork, improvements to its 300-horsepower, 3.7-liter V6 powertrain (that includes better fuel economy), and a new six-speed automatic transmission. An all-new Advance Package offers a revised Active Damper System and new, 19-inch wheels and tires. New, 18-inch wheels are standard. As with recent MDX model years, the 2010 MDX transfers power to the wheels through its renowned Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system that actively distributes the optimum amount of power to all four wheels. On the inside, the 2010 MDX features a new, bolstered, Milano-leather steering wheel with paddle shifters, new gauges and available AcuraLink Real-Time Weather and Traffic Rerouting via a new, full VGA eight-inch navigation screen. A new rear-view camera is also on the options list, and features three different view choices. Acura says, “ In keeping with Acura’s leadership in the application of advanced, customer-relevant features, the 2010 MDX is available with an array of technologies to improve convenience, including an all-new blind...
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The world’s first dedicated hybrid luxury vehicle arrives in dealerships in late August. Lexus announced pricing this morning for the all-new sedan, which starts at $34,200 for the standard model, and $36,970 for the Premium edition. An additional $875 for delivery and handling will apply. The HS 250h is Lexus’ fourth luxury hybrid and the most affordable. It also offers the best combined Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mileage rating of any luxury vehicle in the U.S., and produces 70 percent fewer smog-forming emissions than the average new car, according to Lexus. EPA estimated city/highway mpg is 35/34, with a combined 35 mpg result from 87-octane fuel. Read our 2010 Lexus HS 250h complete test drive review , and Vie to Win a 2010 Lexus HS 250h Luxury Hybrid . ~ Deborah Neal, Editorial Director, autoMedia.com
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Lexus says their research has revealed that “more than 60 percent of entry-luxury car buyers would have considered a hybrid if available,” which means the all-new 2010 Lexus HS 250h should be a huge hit when it reaches showrooms later this summer. If you want a chance to drive one for free—for either one week or an entire year—go to www.drivehs.com and enter by July 31, 2009 for a chance to win. There are several ways—and prizes—to win. First you can create an account to become a potential driver or just vote for others to win, based upon their profile as to why they believe they should be selected. If you think you’re the best potential driver, create your own Driver Profile explaining why you should be voted to win the chance to drive the new HS 250h. In the world of social networking, you can campaign to your heart’s content through facebook, Twitter, You Tube or any other legal means to persuade friends, family, coworkers and strangers to vote for you. Not only that, every person who submits a vote for a “driver,” will get their name entered into a random drawing to also win. The Voter-only grand prize is a one-year Lexus HS 250h lease and a Lexus Hybrid Living gift bag (contents...
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Proving it is increasingly clever and aggressive, Hyundai will honor Car Allowance Rebate System ( CARS ) credits at its dealers nationwide, well ahead of then the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is expected to have sorted out the program details. Technically, the law states the program began July 1st, though NHTSA was given about three weeks to develop the process to ensure dealers are reimbursed, cars crushed, and fraud averted. Hyundai is providing funds to its dealers, providing the CARS cash in the interim. (Read: " Ready to Go Car Shopping? Obama signs Car Allowance Rebate System into Law .") In May, Hyundai research showed that 11 percent of car buyers delayed their purchases until the CARS legislation was resolved. This strategy positions Hyundai to get a sales boost from the pent up demand from current owners of gas-guzzlers seeking the significant funds to put toward a new, more fuel-efficient model. Under the CARS program, consumers qualify for a $4,500 rebate on the purchase or lease of new vehicles that achieve 10 miles per gallon more than a trade-in car or five miles per gallon or more than a trade-in light truck. New vehicles that achieve...
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