Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Under The Influence: Pop Top Can Cars are tin cans on wheels]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/17/under-the-influence-pop-top-can-cars-are-tin-cans-on-wheels/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/17/under-the-influence-pop-top-can-cars-are-tin-cans-on-wheels/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/17/under-the-influence-pop-top-can-cars-are-tin-cans-on-wheels/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Stroh's Pop Top Can Cars - Click above for high-res image gallery

Driving with a beer in hand is just bad form. But driving a beer? Well, that's just cantastic!

Our colleagues at Hemmings Auto Blogs turned up a keg's worth of photos and information about these Beetle-based beermobiles from the 1980s. A Florida company called Automotive Innovations owned by Ron Wharton created the cars for the Stroh Brewery Company for promotional use, with one leading a daily parade at the 1982 World's Fair in Knoxville, Tenn.

The builder was granted an exemption from federal safety standards and were limited to building only 300 of the fiberglass-bodied cars a year. Each one was given a new title as a Pop Top Can Car.

Check out our gallery below, then click on over to Hemmings for many more photos of the cars, including orange-juice, motor oil and Mountain Dew themed models.


Gallery: Stroh's Pop Top Can Cars


[Source: Hemmings Auto Blogs]

Under The Influence: Pop Top Can Cars are tin cans on wheels originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beerbeer carBeerCarhemmings auto blogsHemmingsAutoBlogsmountain dewMountainDewpop top can carspop top carPopTopCanCarsPopTopCarron whartonRonWhartonstrohstroh brewery companyStrohBreweryCompanystrohsThu, 17 Sep 2009 19:27:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Ford could have problems with SYNC patents]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/17/report-ford-could-have-problems-with-sync-patents/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/17/report-ford-could-have-problems-with-sync-patents/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/17/report-ford-could-have-problems-with-sync-patents/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



At first, Ford's SYNC wasn't much more than a way for drivers to access music on their MP3 players through their car's radio. But SYNC grew up and, in its last update, gained the ability to summon help in an emergency, access navigation and information services and, basically, match GM's OnStar.

Ford had Joseph Berry to thank for that. Past tense. Had. Back in July, Ford reportedly terminated Berry without getting him to sign over several key SYNC patents. Berry says the patents are based on ideas he came up with before joining Ford and therefore belong to him. But, he says, he'll be happy to license them to his former employer. Ford basically says, "No comment."

The patents are directly related technologies that allow SYNC to use mobile phones to access data such as weather and real-time traffic information. Berry says he's currently in talks with "several automakers" and the head of GM's OnStar division will only say that they "know who Joe Berry is."

Should Ford SYNC users be concerned about losing service? Probably not. It seems likely that as soon as Berry and all the lawyers get their cut, everything ought to be back to normal at Ford HQ.

UPDATE: Ford Communications Manager Alan Hall tells us that Ford isn't saying "No comment," actually. Here's his official statement, "We do not see any risk to current SYNC technology or further innovation and capability development. There is no chance for service disruption or capability reduction for our SYNC owners. In fact, we look forward to announcing more new SYNC applications for customers in the months ahead."

Hall also sought to clarify ownership of the SYNC brand, saying, "The "SYNC" name is a Ford trademark. It is a Ford brand, and therefore cannot be used by anyone else, including being applied to the Microsoft Auto operating platform. The exclusivity contract with Microsoft for the underlying Auto operating system expired in November of 2008, so they can provide the software to other companies, which includes the base capabilities of Bluetooth and USB connection for voice control. But, all the other applications - 911 Assist, Vehicle Health Report, and Traffic, Direction & Information - are Ford developed."

[Source: Detroit News]

REPORT: Ford could have problems with SYNC patents originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordford patentford patentsford syncFordPatentFordPatentsFordSyncjoe berryJoeBerryjoseph berryJosephBerryonstarsyncsync patentsync patentsSyncPatentSyncPatentstelematicsThu, 17 Sep 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Officially Official: 2010 Honda CR-V recieves modest tweakage]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/10/officially-official-2010-honda-cr-v-recieves-modest-tweakage/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/10/officially-official-2010-honda-cr-v-recieves-modest-tweakage/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/10/officially-official-2010-honda-cr-v-recieves-modest-tweakage/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2010 Honda CR-V - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Casual observers will have a difficult time distinguishing between Honda's 2009 and 2010 CR-V. Small exterior tweaks and interior upgrades top the list of changes, while underhood, Honda's cute 'ute gets another 14 horses to play with while returning slightly better fuel economy.

The CR-V's grille gets re-worked with a single chrome bar instead of two, and flows into the headlights instead of being interrupted by body-color trim. The opening below shrinks and receives a honeycomb insert instead of the horizontal slats, and below that, the rugged-looking plastic fascia is totally re-worked with less black, more paint.

From the side, the two are virtually identical, except the rear bumper, where the side markers are a bit more visible. In back, changes to the lower fascia are more discernible, with the black plastic losing some height in exchange for body-color paneling. EX and L models get upgraded to standard ten-spoke wheels instead of 2009's seven-spoke, while inside, Honda has made a few aesthetic and functionality changes including a wider center armrest, new door handle design and new fabric choices. For all the details, make the jump for Honda's press release.


Gallery: 2010 Honda CR-V

2010_honda_crv---112010_honda_crv---092010_honda_crv---152010_honda_crv---262010_honda_crv---12


[Source: Honda]

Continue reading Officially Official: 2010 Honda CR-V recieves modest tweakage

Officially Official: 2010 Honda CR-V recieves modest tweakage originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 cr-v2010 honda cr-v2010Cr-v2010HondaCr-vcr-vhondahonda cr-vhonda suvHondaCr-vHondaSuvnew cr-vNewCr-vThu, 10 Sep 2009 13:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 9.9.09]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/09/daily-u-turn-what-you-missed-on-9-9-09/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/09/daily-u-turn-what-you-missed-on-9-9-09/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/09/daily-u-turn-what-you-missed-on-9-9-09/#comments
Review: 2010 Acura TSX V6 sacrifices twisties for long-haul cruising
The TSX has always been a competent car, but the lack of a V6 powerplant caused some to look elsewhere. Honda's luxury arm has finally addressed the issue, but is it really offer more than its four-cylinder counterpart?		 Floodgates unleashed on Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
Mercedes' new supercar has finally been released into the wild, and we've got all the details on the 563-hp revival of the venerable Gullwing.
McLaren MP4-12C is ready for its close up
How do you fill the shoes of a legend? If you're McLaren, you create an all-new, lightweight supercar with a twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V8 putting out 600 hp and 433 lb-ft of torque that can whisk you to 60 in just over three seconds. But is it a suitable successor to the world-conquering F1?		 Other news of import

Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 9.9.09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>uturnWed, 09 Sep 2009 19:20:00 EST<![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: 2007 Ford Shelby Mustang GT 350 gets backdated to 1969]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/07/ebay-find-of-the-day-2007-ford-shelby-mustang-gt-350-gets-backd/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/07/ebay-find-of-the-day-2007-ford-shelby-mustang-gt-350-gets-backd/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/07/ebay-find-of-the-day-2007-ford-shelby-mustang-gt-350-gets-backd/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Retrobuilt's 2007 meets 1969 Shelby Mustang - Click above for high-res image gallery

Want the muscular, retro look of a 1969 Shelby Mustang without any of the rust, engine problems and, well, cachet of a 40-year-old classic? Then fire up the eBay and check out what Retrobuilt has wrought.

What you see is not a 1969 Shelby fully restored to better-than-new condition. Nor is it a 1969 Mustang Fastback retromodded to look like said Shelby. The car you see is listed on eBay as a 2007 Shelby Mustang GT 350 custom-made by Retrobuilt to fool most casual observers into thinking the car is 38 years older than it is.

The auction description says the car is a prototype created by the company used to produce molds for fiberglass kits for aftermarket customizers. As the car has been built as a prototype, this coupe's doors are metal, as are the fins over the back glass. Front fenders, hood, quarter panels and trunk lid are all rendered in hand-laid fiberglass. The door handles are 1969 repros and the bumpers are triple-chromed steel. The rear wing is a factory-correct 1969 wing stretched four inches to fit the 2007's wider stance.

Barring some slightly wonky proportions, it's certainly a loyal interpretation of the original, and with a current bid of under $30,000, possibly an interesting bargain. Check out the gallery for many more pics.


Gallery: 2007 Mustang Shelby Retrobuilt into 1969 Shelby


[Source: eBay]

eBay Find of the Day: 2007 Ford Shelby Mustang GT 350 gets backdated to 1969 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Sep 2009 19:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1969 shelby gt500 convertible1969ShelbyGt500Convertible2007 mustang shelby2007 shelby2007MustangShelby2007ShelbyfordmustangretrobuiltshelbyMon, 07 Sep 2009 19:08:00 EST<![CDATA[<i>Forbes</i> names 12 hardest new cars to find]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/07/i-forbes-i-names-12-hardest-new-cars-to-find/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/07/i-forbes-i-names-12-hardest-new-cars-to-find/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/07/i-forbes-i-names-12-hardest-new-cars-to-find/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,


2010 Audi Q5 - click above for high-res gallery

With many automakers scaling back production to better balance supply with demand, it's not surprising there are several hard-to-find models right now. Forbes Magazine made some calls and did a little research and turned up what they say is the top 12 most difficult to find cars. After the run on high-mileage cars recently, you'd expect to see hybrid models like the Toyota Prius at No. 2 on the list. Tied for second is a car on the other extreme, the Chevrolet Camaro. Both model are spending an average of 18.5 days on dealer lots.

But Forbes says the hardest to find new car recently is actually the Audi Q5. The Four-Ringed crossover sat around in showrooms an average of only 16.8 days in June and July. Audi had another hit on the list with its S5, which tied for 12th place with the Mini Cooper.

Only one other American nameplate showed up as a hot seller, and that was Ford's Escape and Escape Hybrid, slipping in at No. 10. Toyota had a whopping five vehicles on the list, including the Prius and the Lexus RX 350/RX Hybrid. The Matrix was No. 4, the FJ Cruiser No. 8, and the RAV4 was No. 9. Said another way, "Thanks, Cash for Clunkers!"

Oddly, the Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen TDI didn't show up on Forbes' list. From our personal experience and reports from readers, the car is almost impossible to find due to production issues and demand -presumably that's because the study calculated days on lots for the entire Jetta lineup, not just specific models therein.


Gallery: Beijing '08: 2009 Audi Q5


[Source: Forbes]

Forbes names 12 hardest new cars to find originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Sep 2009 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audi q5AudiQ5auto salesAutoSalesc4ccamarocash for clunkersCashForClunkerschevy camaroChevyCamarofj cruiserFjCruiserforbesforbes magazineforbes.comForbesMagazinematrixminipriusq5rav4rx 350rx 350 hybridRx350Rx350Hybrids5sportwagensportwagen dieselsportwagen tdiSportwagenDieselSportwagenTdiMon, 07 Sep 2009 12:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Tool Time: Alloy Artifacts separates spanners from sockets]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/06/tool-time-alloy-artifacts-separates-spanners-from-sockets/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/06/tool-time-alloy-artifacts-separates-spanners-from-sockets/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/06/tool-time-alloy-artifacts-separates-spanners-from-sockets/#commentsFiled under:



In the deep recesses of untold numbers of sheds and workshops, sit an even greater quantity of old toolboxes filled with long-unused hand tools. Over time, those tool-filled treasure chests will eventually be discovered and emptied by new owners, some of whom will wonder when and where the grease-encrusted wrenches and pliers were manufactured and how they might have been used.

To most people, the letters, numbers and small geometric shapes forged into the tools' handles give few clues as to their provenance. Luckily, there's Alloy Artifacts, a website dedicated to documenting the implements that kept America's machines running smoothly through the 20th century.

Not sure what you've found? The site has numerous photos of tools along with their intended uses; sometimes you'll even find links to their original patent filings. The odd tool you see above was made by Blackhawk Manufacturing in the early 1920s. According to Alloy Artifacts, it's a "model 6218 9/16 speeder socket wrench with a sliding extension" used to remove the engine base bolts of Model Ts.

Several toolmakers are profiled on the website, including Hindsdale Manufacturing, which made the socket set you see here sometime between 1919 and 1924. You'll also find myriad photos and descriptions of products made by Snap-On, Hinsdale, Duro, and Cornwell just to name a few.

Block off a couple of hours and lock yourself away in the garage. Looking through the site and imagining using the antique tools is time-waster on par with YouTube and eBay.

[Source: Alloy Artifacts via Hemmings Auto Blogs]

Tool Time: Alloy Artifacts separates spanners from sockets originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Sep 2009 10:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alloy artifactsAlloyArtifactsantique toolsAntiqueToolshand toolsHandToolstoolswrenchesSun, 06 Sep 2009 10:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaked: MINI gets larger sticker for 2010]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/04/leaked-mini-gets-larger-sticker-for-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/04/leaked-mini-gets-larger-sticker-for-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/04/leaked-mini-gets-larger-sticker-for-2010/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2009 Mini Cooper S Convertible - Click above for high-res image gallery

The fine folks over at MotoringFile say that the pricing on their favorite little cars will grow in 2010. A combination of higher shipping costs and more standard equipment (including runflat tires), results in a base price bump of $300 to $400 on every MINI model across the board.

The cheapest MINI, the R56 Cooper, now starts at $19,500 - $300 more than the '09 model. On the other end of the range, the R57 John Cooper Works MINI convertible also gets a $300 bump and starts at $34,700 before options. In between lies the R55 Clubman series, which carries a matching $300 bump to $21,150 to start and maxes out in JCW guise at $31,700.

MotoringFile has a list of other changes you'll see when ordering our new MINI, including Interchange Yellow replacing Mellow Yellow, fabric on the back of sport seats and some exterior colors available only with certain packages. The memos also make even more official BMW's decision to completely drop the limited slip differential option due to low interest.


Gallery: Review: 2009 Mini Cooper S Convertible


[Source: MotoringFile]

Leaked: MINI gets larger sticker for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Sep 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 mini2010 mini cooper cabrio2010Mini2010MiniCooperCabriobmw miniBmwMiniminimini pricingMiniPricingmotoringfileFri, 04 Sep 2009 16:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: 2011 VW Jetta Sedan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/31/spy-shots-2011-vw-jetta-sedan/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/31/spy-shots-2011-vw-jetta-sedan/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/31/spy-shots-2011-vw-jetta-sedan/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2011 Volkswagen Jetta - Click above for a high-res image gallery

After spending time with the Jetta sedan last year, we came away mostly impressed by its performance and looks. V-Dub's bread-and-butter model is handsome enough to keep buyers interested, but every design gets stale and after wearing the same duds since 2004, VW is working on all-new sheetmetal for the 2011 model year.

KPG caught the new Jetta Sedan undergoing hot-weather testing in Arizona, and while most of the shots show little more than swaths of black camo, the heat and wind worked away at the adhesive to reveal crisper lines, a swoopier roof, a more angled rear side window and some snazzy looking taillights.

VW is calling the revised Jetta its "New Compact Sedan" and the Jetta name is in no danger of being changed. Expect the 2011 Jetta to take aim at the Civic and Corolla with a significant drop in its base price when it goes on sale late next year.


Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 Volkswagen Jetta

01-2011-jetta-kgp02-2011-jetta-kgp03-2011-jetta-kgp04-2011-jetta-kgp05-2011-jetta-kgp

Spy Shots: 2011 VW Jetta Sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>spy photosspy shotsSpyPhotosSpyShotsvolkswagenvolkswagen jettaVolkswagenJettavwMon, 31 Aug 2009 19:28:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Private Chinese investors sought to fund $6 billion auto plant in Mississippi ]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/31/report-private-chinese-investors-sought-to-fund-6-billion-auto/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/31/report-private-chinese-investors-sought-to-fund-6-billion-auto/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/31/report-private-chinese-investors-sought-to-fund-6-billion-auto/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Hybrid Kinetic Automotive Corp. rendering - click above to enlarge

The headline is attention-grabbing. A former Chinese auto executive is proposing a $6 billion plant in economically-distressed north Mississippi that will employ 25,000 people and produce one million cars a year.

Automotive News' story is both intriguing and complicated - and not just because three players are named Wang, one is named Yang - so buckle up for the short-and-sweet Autoblog version.

Yang Rong was once China's third-richest man as the CEO of Brilliance China Automotive Holdings Ltd. But after some disagreements with a Chinese government official in 2002, Yang fled the country and settled in Los Angeles.

Cars are only one of the reasons Yang wants to build $6.5 billion plant in Mississippi (that's six times the cost of Toyota's Mississippi plant, by the way). Another is green cards. When Yang left China, he also left his fortune and has apparently been unable to recoup any of it. It's a scary scenario that many wealthy Chinese fear: upset the government, lose your money. But the U.S. government makes it easy for Chinese residents to both invest their cash in America, as well as move here. Invest a minimum of $500,000 in an economically distressed region of the U.S., creating at least 10 jobs, and you get permanent resident status.

Vincent Wang, an associate of Yang's, says Italdesign Giugiaro is designing the new venture's cars, and documents show Porsche AG providing "our car's engineering design." Giugiaro confirms it has talked with the group, Porsche essentially says it has no comment. Such a controversial car must be powered by something just as unusual, right? Oh, yeah. The CEO of the project, C.T. Wang, tells Automotive News, the cars will be "powered by a combination of gasoline, electric, hybrid and compressed-natural-gas powertrains."

Yang calls his project, Hybrid Kinetic Automotive Holdings, Ltd. One of Yang's former associates has split from the group and also plans to build an automotive plant. That company is now called GreenTree Automotive, after being forced to change its name from Hybrid Kinetic Automotive Corp. Yeah. 'Cause that would have just been too confusing.

And where in Mississippi would someone go to gamble $6.5 billion on an automotive plant? Tunica County, of course. Home to nine of the Hospitality State's approximately 30 casinos.

[Source: Automotive News - subs. req.]

REPORT: Private Chinese investors sought to fund $6 billion auto plant in Mississippi originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brilliancebrilliance autobrilliance chinaBrillianceAutoBrillianceChinac.t. wangC.t.Wangchinagamblinggiugiarogreentree automotiveGreentreeAutomotivehospitality stateHospitalityStatehybrid kinetic automotive corp.hybrid kinetic automotive holdingsHybridKineticAutomotiveCorp.HybridKineticAutomotiveHoldingsmississippiporscheporsche agPorscheAgtunicatunicacountyyang rongYangRongMon, 31 Aug 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hughes Telematics and Chrysler relationship looks to be over]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/20/hughes-telematics-and-chrysler-relationship-looks-to-be-over/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/20/hughes-telematics-and-chrysler-relationship-looks-to-be-over/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/20/hughes-telematics-and-chrysler-relationship-looks-to-be-over/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



Back in 2008 at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, we got to spend some time in a Jeep Grand Cherokee outfitted with a bunch of technogoodies from Hughes Telematics. And again at this year's CES, Hughes let us play with even cooler stuff in a Dodge Journey. They bragged of downloadable apps for your Chrysler-branded vehicle and super-cool, futuristic travel guides from your in-dash nav system. Stuff that might convince someone to actually purchase a Journey.

But, alas, since then, Chrysler went bankrupt and it seems the company's relationship with Hughes soured. In an official statement Hughes tells Autoblog:
New Chrysler introduced additional business terms that were not part of either the prior business discussions or the original arrangement. As a result, we reached an impasse in the negotiations and are ceasing our work with new Chrysler to deploy our hardware and launch our services with them in the fourth quarter of 2009, as was previously planned.
That's okay, Hughes says, because they still have Mercedes-Benz as a customer, and they don't need Chrysler anymore. We're not financial experts by any means, but as we stumbled through the SEC report, it was obvious Hughes had invested a lot of time, money and emotions into making things work with Chrysler and that it might take a while to get over losing the bond they once cherished.

In any case, you can read the SEC filing for yourself here or check out Hughes' full official statement to Autoblog after the jump. Thanks for the tip, MBAcurafan!


Gallery: Hughes Telematics at CES 2008


[Source: SEC.gov]

Continue reading Hughes Telematics and Chrysler relationship looks to be over

Hughes Telematics and Chrysler relationship looks to be over originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Aug 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces 2008Ces2008ces2009chryslerhughes telematicsHughesTelematicsSECSecurities and exchange commsecurities and exchange commissionSecuritiesAndExchangeCommsecuritiesandexchangecommissionuconnectThu, 20 Aug 2009 17:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Customer satisfaction study puts Big 3 in top five, Cadillac tied for No. 1 with Lexus]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/18/customer-satisfaction-study-puts-big-3-in-top-five-cadillac-tie/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/18/customer-satisfaction-study-puts-big-3-in-top-five-cadillac-tie/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/18/customer-satisfaction-study-puts-big-3-in-top-five-cadillac-tie/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon - Click above for high-res image gallery

The American Customer Satisfaction Index for automakers from the University of Michigan is being released today, and sitting at the very top are Cadillac and Lexus in a two-way tie for first place. The study continues its Detroit lovefest by giving the third spot to a tie-up of Lincoln-Mercury, Buick and Honda. And that moves us into spot No. 7, where Toyota shows up in a tie with Volkswagen.

Great news for American automakers? Great fodder for the marketing departments at least. Automotive News (sub. req.) quotes Claes Fornell, the director of the MSU's National Quality Research Center as saying the great leap in customer satisfaction is, oddly enough, at least partially due to a huge drop in sales. Fornell says that the few people buying American cars are hardcore American car drivers, and are more likely to respond as satisfied to a survey.

The good news, Fornell says, is that a smaller, more devoted group of buyers is more likely to be repeat buyers. In a New York Times story, Fornell says, "In most cases that's not a good thing, to increase the satisfaction of their customers by losing them. But in Detroit's case, it's probably not that bad. It leaves them with a smaller, more satisfied customer base that they might be able to manage better and build from."

In the study, Volkswagen was the most improved, bettering its placement by 6.2% from last year, and Ford jumped 5%.

A table of scores since 1996 is available here and should be updated sometime today with 2009 numbers.


Gallery: 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon


[Sources: Automotive News and The New York Times]

Customer satisfaction study puts Big 3 in top five, Cadillac tied for No. 1 with Lexus originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>american customer satisfaction indexAmericanCustomerSatisfactionIndexautomotive newsAutomotiveNewsbuickcadillachondalexuslincolnlincoln-mercurymercurynational quality research centerNationalQualityResearchCentertoyotauniversity of michiganUniversityOfMichiganvolkswagenTue, 18 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Analysts: Say hello to the new GM, same as the old GM [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/17/analysts-say-hello-to-the-new-gm-same-as-the-old-gm-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/17/analysts-say-hello-to-the-new-gm-same-as-the-old-gm-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/17/analysts-say-hello-to-the-new-gm-same-as-the-old-gm-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


GM explains "New GM" in new commercial - Click above to watch video after the jump

Remember the old General Motors? Too many brands, too many models, advertising campaigns that petered out too soon, and multiple products competing for the same buyers. That's changed, officials from the new GM say, promising a leaner lineup of four brands and just 25 models by 2011.

But automotive analysts quoted by Advertising Age say that's a good start, but critics say the automaker's weight loss plan needs more fiber and less frosting. First, the still-huge GM hasn't enough cash to properly market even four divisions, one expert says, citing Honda-Acura, Toyota-Lexus and Nissan-Infiniti as examples to follow. Three analysts recommend GM hold on to just Cadillac as the premium brand and Chevrolet as the mainline marque.

Then there's the company's marketing plan. Dump the GM name from ads, analysts told AdAge, and just sell the cars. "They shouldn't even identify themselves as GM. People don't buy GM cars; they buy Cadillacs and Chevys, and that's what they ought to be talking about," auto consultant Maryann Keller tells AdAge.

AutoPacific's president George Peterson has another issue with GM's marketing strategy. He points out that the company spent more than $100 million to launch the new Chevy Malibu in 2007, but it hasn't advertised the car in nearly a year. "It seems like they are going back to their old ways," Peterson said.

[Source: Advertising Age]

Continue reading Analysts: Say hello to the new GM, same as the old GM [w/VIDEO]

Analysts: Say hello to the new GM, same as the old GM [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen Phaeton - Click above for high-res image gallery

At least as far back as March 2007, we were reporting that Volkswagen might bring back their range-topping and bank-draining Phaeton sedan to the States. Back then, it was the company's CEO Martin Winterkorn predicting the car's return to America, but in more recent times, we haven't heard much news about the luxury liner. Then spyshots of a re-designed 2011 Phaeton emerged in June of this year, but we speculated there was zero chance of the much-maligned model being sold here.

Of course, Stefan Jacoby, president and CEO of Volkswagen of America had to prove us wrong by telling The Detroit News that yes, there will again be Phaetons sold on American VW dealers' lots. He doesn't get specific about when the luxury sedan will return (or even if it will be anything like the model American consumers already shunned), but he does say it will indeed be the range's high-end flagship once again.

Jacoby also lays out the brand's U.S. strategy to pretty much have something to offer in every category save perhaps amphibious vehicles. He admits additions to the German carmaker's U.S. lineup could include a Polo-sized car below the Jetta, a compact SUV to be produced next to a new midsize sedan in Chattanooga, which will be topped by another new midsize sedan "like the Avalon for Toyota."


Gallery: VW Phaeton (facelifted)


[Source: The Detroit News]

REPORT: VW CEO confirms Phaeton will return to America, doesn't say when originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo's three-point seat belt - Click above to watch the video after the break

Back in 1958, most Americans wouldn't have been caught dead wearing a seat belt. That was mostly because safety belts were optional equipment in every car sold in the U.S. and drivers were suspicious of the things.

Just one year later, though, Nils Bohlin of Sweden invented and patented a three-point safety belt system that Volvo immediately made standard on its Amazon model. Variations on that system are still being used today in virtually every modern car.

Volvo, as you might expect, is pretty proud of itself, bragging that Mr. Bohlin is personally responsible for saving a million lives and that the three-point safety belt is Volvo's most important innovation and "almost certainly the most important invention in the whole history of traffic safety." Hmm. Maybe, but what about the, um, stop sign? Or double yellow line? Just saying. Then again, Volvo says the German patent office called the three-point belt one of the eight patents that had the greatest importance to mankind between 1885 and 1985. Surely that's now been trumped by 24-7 cable news networks.

Regardless, if you want to celebrate 50 years of safer driving with Volvo, chill the beer, fire up the grill and watch the video after the break. There's some great historical footage including one of a crash test with a live person as well as, more importantly, gratuitous footage of a girl in short shorts. Hit the jump to watch the video and read the full press release from Volvo.

[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading Party Time: Volvo celebrates 50 years of the three-point belt

Party Time: Volvo celebrates 50 years of the three-point belt originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Aug 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3-point belt3-point safety belt3-pointBelt3-pointSafetyBeltsafetysafety beltSafetyBeltseat beltseatbeltvideovolvoFri, 14 Aug 2009 08:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Your chance to be among the first to test drive a new Mahindra pickup]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/18/your-chance-to-be-among-the-first-to-test-drive-a-new-mahindra-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/18/your-chance-to-be-among-the-first-to-test-drive-a-new-mahindra-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/18/your-chance-to-be-among-the-first-to-test-drive-a-new-mahindra-p/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Are you holding out for a Mahindra trucks and wondering how they stack up against more established brands? Then you need to head on over to Mahindra's Web site and sign up for some seat time.

Mahindra importer Global Vehicles is all set for a fourth-quarter 2009 launch of their first offerings from India and is taking names for early test drives. From what we can gather from the company's U.S. Web site, they'll be parading around the country soon, giving interested pickup shoppers a spin around the block in its two- or four-door diesel-powered pickup trucks. On the site, there's a lot of bragging about the two-door's seven-foot bed (Toyota's Tacoma has a six-footer), four-year, 60k-mile warranty, six-speed automatic trans, and clean-burning, four-cylinder diesel engine.

No word yet on, well, a lot of things. Like what cities this national tour will be trucking through or even when it will begin. More importantly, the company has said it has 325 dealers lined up, but still hasn't brought up pricing, EPA fuel economy numbers, crash test ratings or an exact date that sales will begin. For now we'll have to make do with the vague "fourth quarter of 2009" and the promise of an early test drive.

[Source: All Cars All the Time]

Your chance to be among the first to test drive a new Mahindra pickup originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 18:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Listen up, all you people in New York, Dallas, Detroit and Atlanta. Settle down. You, too, Minneapolis. There's no excuse for the kinds of things you're doing out there on the road. That's right, we saw you. Well, not us, but your fellow drivers who tattled on a new AutoVantage survey about road rage. Those were the five worst cities for road rage incidents this year, with respondents citing hot-tempered drivers and aggressive speeding and horn honking.

But wait - there are two sides to the road named rage. Something must have set off those finger-waving commuters. And that would have been all the other drivers out there who are talking on their phones, tailgating, eating, emailing and checking Autoblog on their netbooks and iPhones. Those people, the survey says, are the ones getting on the nerves of the short-fused.

So where can a mild-mannered driver go and cruise the roads in peace? AutoVantage's survey lists Portland, Oregon as the most courteous city with Cleveland, Baltimore, Sacramento and Pittsburgh following. While we're at it, we'd like to spotlight Baltimore as a shining example of how a city can make a road-rage u-turn. That city moved up from No. 4 on last year's least courteous list. Now why can't the rest of you behave as well?

Here's a few more interesting numbers the survey offers. St. Louis drivers, 92% of them, reported seeing someone talking on a mobile phone every day. It's also a city where you're more likely to see drivers eating in their cars. A majority of Minneapolis drivers surveyed said they witness tailgating every day, and that city's drivers also reported more incidences of red light running. In Miami, you're less likely to see drivers signaling lane changes but much more likely to get a text message from a fellow driver. Maybe they're just texting their intent to come into your lane. "Can U belev I jst got cutof??? Had 2 run light 2 catch up 2 him at 90mph!!!"

Ironically, 7% of the drivers surveyed said they reacted to displays of bad driving by calling the cops... on their mobile phones, we assume.

Check out the press release after the jump. But you might want to wait until you finish your drive home. It's kinda long.

Continue reading Study: Where does your city rank among the road-rageous?

Study: Where does your city rank among the road-rageous? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Jun 2009 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autovantagebad drivingBadDrivingcell phone driverscell phonesCellPhoneDriversCellPhonesdrivingdriving while textingdrivingwhiletextingmobile phonesmobile phones drivingMobilePhonesMobilePhonesDrivingroad rageroad rage surveyRoadRageRoadRageSurveytexting championshiptexting drivingtexting lawstexting while drivingTextingChampionshipTextingDrivingTextingLawsTextingWhileDrivingtraffictraffic accidentstraffic jamTrafficAccidentsTrafficJamTue, 16 Jun 2009 18:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Superior Glass Works to sell 54 Sports Wagon based on C5 Corvette]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/10/superior-glass-works-to-sell-54-sports-wagon-based-on-c5-corvett/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/10/superior-glass-works-to-sell-54-sports-wagon-based-on-c5-corvett/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/10/superior-glass-works-to-sell-54-sports-wagon-based-on-c5-corvett/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Superior Glass Works 54 Sports Wagon - Click above for high-res image gallery

About two years ago, there was a nasty rumor that Ford was developing sedan and wagon variants of (gasp!) the Mustang. Torches were lit and pitchfork futures soared until Ford totally debunked the rumor.

But 55 years ago, something similar took place at the 1954 Motorama in New York when Chevrolet displayed a Corvette-based wagon called the Nomad. The difference in the two stories, according to at least one Web site, is that the public absolutely loved the show car's styling. Smelling opportunity, GM management rushed the Nomad into production without even one trace of Corvette styling.

There are those who still hold a grudge against GM for not following through with a Corvette-based station wagon. For the latter fans, their 55-year wait might be over if they saved at least $2,300 a year.

For $125,000 Superior Glass Works will sell you a 1954 Corvette Nomad recreated in fiberglass and fittingly built on a Corvette C5 chassis. The choice of engine, interior and wiring is up to you after you get it home and at extra cost. A $50,000 deposit will reserve one of the 25 copies to be built. Brad Peterson, owner of Specialty, tells us that pre-orders were not taken and no cars have yet been sold. But if you're interested, he said you can check out the Superior 54 Sport Wagon in person at Back to the 50s in St. Paul, Minn. June 19-21 or at the NSRA Street Rod Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky, August 6-9.


Gallery: Superior 54 Sport Wagon


[Source: Hemmings Autoblogs]

Continue reading Superior Glass Works to sell 54 Sports Wagon based on C5 Corvette

Superior Glass Works to sell 54 Sports Wagon based on C5 Corvette originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Remember the Bailey Blade coupe being created by Neal Bailey in his Texas garage? Not only is Neal still at it, but he tells us he'll have at least one, possibly three, prototypes ready for testing in October. That's a big change in status from the last time we checked in on Neal in November. Back then he was having serious funding problems but was keeping the dream alive by soliciting small investments from enthusiasts.

Seven months later, things are much sunnier for what's now known as BXR Motors. Neal has moved the project out of his garage to a much larger facility at MotorSport Ranch in Cresson, Texas; hired a consultant to help work out a business plan; and, most importantly, attracted a private investor, which has allowed Neal to focus on the car's development full-time.

"Getting an investor has not changed development process of the Blade at all," Neal told us via email. "However, developing a business plan and strategy has greatly educated us in the world of business and venture capital investments. There is a great deal to learn as developing a business plan like this is almost as difficult as developing the car itself. The business plan and marketing strategy has helped us to focus on making sure that we succeed. It forces you to take a deeper look into the project and apply real numbers to see if this dream will produce real profits. As for pressure from our investor, there has been little involvement. The investor has seen our plan and the engineering behind it and simply wants us to succeed."

Neal says with the investor's funding, he has confidence he'll have at least one -- hopefully three -- Blade prototypes ready by October for road testing. Neal has stayed true to the original design, applying just a few tweaks to update the look.

Click through the jump to read much more about the Blade's development.


Gallery: UPDATE: Bailey Blade prototype expected in October 2009


Gallery: Original Baileyspeed Blade

Continue reading UPDATE: Bailey Blade prototype expected in October

UPDATE: Bailey Blade prototype expected in October originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 31 May 2009 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche owners have long reveled in their ability to smoke the competition on track and street, but now Porschephiles can also leave their marque's mark on the backside of burgers, hotdogs and ribeyes. Grill marks, of course.

Barbeques Galore and Porsche Design Studio have burned the midnight oil for two years while working on the the new X-Series Grill. Under its sleek, German-styled exterior lies some fairly hot grilling technology. Instead of the standard gas burners found in most grills, the X-Series uses four infrared burners that can crank out 52,000 BTUs using 50% less fuel with 80% fewer flare-ups. By our very rough shadetree estimates, that should be good for a zero to steak time of about 10 minutes. Or so.

With a starting sticker price of $5,999 Porsche Design's first grill comes with a motorized rotisserie, an LCD temp display with remote probe, and an insulated double-walled hood. Step up to the X-Series Island (above) for $8,499 for a stainless steel finish and concealed cupboards and gas cylinder storage.

All models are covered under a lifetime warranty for service, parts and repair. Also included is the right to brag to your numbers that you have a Porsche in your backyard.

Car-B-Q: X-Series Grill by Porsche Design Studio originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 May 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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