Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/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/Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.<![CDATA[Top search on Ford's Cash-for-Clunkers site is... the Mercury Milan?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/10/top-search-on-fords-cash-for-clunkers-site-is-the-mercury-mi/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/10/top-search-on-fords-cash-for-clunkers-site-is-the-mercury-mi/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/10/top-search-on-fords-cash-for-clunkers-site-is-the-mercury-mi/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid - Click above for high-res gallery

On June 25, Ford launched its "Recycle Your Ride" website. The site is an easy guide to determine if your vehicle is eligible for Cash-for-Clunkers, and which Ford family vehicles are a good fit as a replacement. So far, Ford says it's had over 250,000 potential customers fill out the short form, and surprisingly, the modest-selling Mercury Milan is in a statistical dead heat with the Ford Fusion for the top replacement vehicle chosen.

To test out the site, we chose a 1997 Ford F-150 with a 4.6-liter V8 engine. Ford's site brought up 16 vehicles eligible for the $4,500 incentive, including the Focus, Escape, Mariner, Taurus, Fusion and Milan. The picking-up-sales-steam Fusion and the underrated Milan currently account for 30% of overall selections, and Ford tells us that the public is split right down the middle on which vehicle they prefer.

While it's quite surprising that the Milan is garnering as much attention as the more popular Fusion, the real proof is in the sales data. We're guessing that the Milan won't outperform the Fusion's 19,000 June sales any time soon.

[Source: Ford]

Top search on Ford's Cash-for-Clunkers site is... the Mercury Milan? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car buyingCarBuyingcash for clunkersCashForClunkersford fusionFordFusionmercury milanMercuryMilanrecycle my rideRecycleMyRidesalvagetrade intrade instrade-intrade-insTradeInTradeInsFri, 10 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cash-for-Clunkers trade-ins account for 7 percent of Hyundai sales in first week]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/10/cash-for-clunkers-trade-ins-account-for-7-percent-of-hyundai-sal/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/10/cash-for-clunkers-trade-ins-account-for-7-percent-of-hyundai-sal/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/10/cash-for-clunkers-trade-ins-account-for-7-percent-of-hyundai-sal/#commentsFiled under: ,



So far, Hyundai has been the only automaker in the U.S. to accept early trade-ins under the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS), or Cash-for-Clunkers (CFC), program. Most are waiting for the U.S. Department of Transportation to finalize the program's rules and regulations by July 24th, but Hyundai decided to start early since the program covers all transactions dating back to July 1st. Since the government hasn't set up a reimbursement process for the rebates that range from $3,500 to $4,500 just yet, Hyundai is floating its participating dealers short-term loans in the meantime.

After just one week of accepting Cash-for-Clunkers trade-ins, Hyundai has revealed that these deals added up to 7 percent of its overall sales and could reach 10 percent by month's end. The most interesting statistics, however, are what's being traded in. While Hyundai doesn't break it down by model, according to its numbers, 32 percent were Ford vehicles, 23 percent Dodge and the rest were from Lexus, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz. Keep in mind, all these customers are trading in for a Hyundai, and 41 percent chose the Elantra! The Sonata came in second with 29 percent of CFC sales and the Accent third with 16 percent.

Judging by this early report on how the CFC program affects sales, it will be very interesting to see what happens after the hammer drops on July 24th and all automakers begin participating. The effect on July sales will likely be small, so we'll have to wait until the end of August to see if Cash-for-Clunkers has really made a difference. For Hyundai, however, it already has.

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Cash-for-Clunkers trade-ins account for 7 percent of Hyundai sales in first week

Cash-for-Clunkers trade-ins account for 7 percent of Hyundai sales in first week originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car allowance rebate systemCarAllowanceRebateSystemcash for clunkerscash-for-clunkersCashForClunkersCFChyundaihyundai salesHyundaiSalesFri, 10 Jul 2009 17:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Henderson: GM to experiment selling cars through eBay Motors]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/10/gm-to-experiment-selling-cars-through-ebay-motors/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/10/gm-to-experiment-selling-cars-through-ebay-motors/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/10/gm-to-experiment-selling-cars-through-ebay-motors/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



As part of its post-bankruptcy rebirth, General Motors plans to "experiment" selling its cars on eBay. At its press conference this morning, CEO Fritz Henderson let slip to members of the media that the automaker is engaged in talks with online auction site eBay "to revolutionize how people buy cars online." According to Henderson, GM has plans to try selling its vehicles online:
"Customers will be able to bid on actual vehicles just like they do in an eBay auction, including the option of choosing a predetermined 'Buy It Now' price... we'll be testing this and other ideas with our dealers over the next few weeks, and hope to expand and build upon them in the coming months... in all cases, our goal is to make the shopping and buying process as easy as possible for GM customers - on their time and their terms. Stay tuned."
Many individual GM dealers already use the auction powerhouse to sell vehicles, so the move isn't completely uncharted territory, but it isn't immediately clear how (or if) the automaker plans to integrate its dealer body within this process. Henderson was quick to reinforce that the company's plans with eBay are just an experiment, so as the CEO says... stay tuned.

Henderson: GM to experiment selling cars through eBay Motors originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auctionscar auctioncar buyingcar salesCarAuctionCarBuyingCarSaleseBayeBay MotorsEbayMotorsfritz hendersonFritzHendersonGMonline auctionOnlineAuctionFri, 10 Jul 2009 10:58:00 EST<![CDATA[GM expects sales in China to grow 20% in 2009]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/10/gm-expects-sales-in-china-to-grow-20-in-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/10/gm-expects-sales-in-china-to-grow-20-in-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/10/gm-expects-sales-in-china-to-grow-20-in-2009/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

General Motors boasted in April that it would double sales in China by 2013 with the introduction of 30 new or upgraded models over the next five years.

Last month, GM forecasted that its vehicle sales in China would grow 10% this year alone and now it seems those numbers may have been a bit conservative. Kevin Wale, GM's China Group President, has just announced that the company expects vehicle sales in the region to grow by a little more than 20% in 2009.

While the rest of the global automotive industry is stuck in a rut, the emerging Chinese market seems largely unaffected by stagnant North American sales or GM's bankruptcy filing in early June. As of now, China is the company's second largest market (thanks in part to their insatiable appetite for Buicks).

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

GM expects sales in China to grow 20% in 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20 percent20PercentChinaChineseGMincreaseKevin WaleKevinWaleRiseSalesvehiclesWaleFri, 10 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: China passes U.S. in auto sales]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/report-china-passes-u-s-in-auto-sales/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/report-china-passes-u-s-in-auto-sales/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/report-china-passes-u-s-in-auto-sales/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Most of the world has been knee deep in a wicked recession for quite a while, and auto sales have been hit especially hard. Here in the U.S., the numbers have been abysmal, as the first half of the year saw only 4.8 million sales through June. China, on the other hand, is running away with the overall sales lead, as the emerging emerged market has added 6.1 million cars and trucks to its still developing roadways. According to The Associated Press, June sales were up 36% over the same period in 2008, and they're up 17% on the year.

The big winner in the market so far this year appears to be General Motors. The struggling Detroit, MI-based automaker has seen its China sales jump by 38% this year; while its U.S. sales have tanked. Industry analysts are predicting that the overall market for passenger cars in China will be between 10 and 11 million units.

Most experts weren't expecting China to pass the U.S. in overall sales for another decade, but the crumbling American auto industry has expedited the power shift, at least for the short term. With 1.3 billion people and a healthy economy, this day was destined to come.

[Source: The Associated Press via Google]

REPORT: China passes U.S. in auto sales originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto salesAutoSalescar salesCarSaleschinachina car saleschina salesChinaCarSalesChinaSaleschinesechinese car salesChineseCarSalesus salesUsSalesThu, 09 Jul 2009 16:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #135]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/autoblog-podcast-135/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/autoblog-podcast-135/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/autoblog-podcast-135/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Episode #135 of the Autoblog Podcast is here. Chris, Sam and Dan took time out to chat about GM's fast-moving reorganization, Smart's dubious $99/month deal, raising gas taxes as a better way to increase fuel economy, and Shunk's new car dilemma. To wrap up, we hit a question, and that's it - a nice, tidy 65-minute affair. Tell us how we're doing by filling out our survey, if you haven't already, and we'll see you next week. In the meantime, you can drop us a note at Podcast at Autoblog dot com. Thanks for listening!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #135

Autoblog Podcast #135 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoblog podcastautoblog podcast 135AutoblogPodcastAutoblogPodcast135featuredgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgm bankruptcyGmBankruptcypodcastpodcast 135Podcast135smartsmart carsmart fortwoSmartCarSmartFortwowall street journalwall street journal cafeWallStreetJournalWallStreetJournalCafewsjThu, 09 Jul 2009 11:41:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #135Autoblog65:00autoblog podcast, podcast, <![CDATA[REPORT: 2010 Ford Mustang GT500 production limited to 2,000 units [<i>*UPDATE:</i> FALSE]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/report-2010-ford-mustang-gt500-production-limited-to-2-000-unit/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/report-2010-ford-mustang-gt500-production-limited-to-2-000-unit/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/report-2010-ford-mustang-gt500-production-limited-to-2-000-unit/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


2010 Ford Shelby GT500 - Click above for a high-res gallery

With new sheetmetal, more power and an upgraded chassis, the new Ford Mustang GT500 was destined to be a hot for the 2010 model year. The pony king may have just just gotten a whole lot more exclusive, too, as production has reportedly been limited to only 2,000 units. Team Shelby forum member 06VistaBlueGT posted a PDF with important ordering information for dealers that explains the production cut.

Production cut on Shelby GT500. To date, 1,700 GT500s have not been scheduled and the plant only had the capacity to build 2,000 for the 2010 MY (model year). If you signed the agreement, you are guaranteed 1 Shelby GT500 for the model year.

The move figures to severely limit the amount of GT500s a dealer can order, with many likely receiving either zero or one model for the year. The good news for the 2,000 lucky owners of the GT500 is that the lower production totals could make the 2010 model the most collectible (and valuable) model since the 2007 was introduced. If you haven't already signed up for a new GT500, though, dealers may now jack up the price even higher over MSRP to capitalize on the newfound shortfall of 540 horsepower pony cars. Hat tip to Murray!

*UPDATE: We reached out to Ford to ascertain the veracity of this Team Shelby document, and they have categorically denied the website users' claims. 2010 Mustang GT500 production has NOT been limited to 2,000 units, and the report is inaccurate. Ford does not report volume figures for the GT500.


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Shelby GT500, Part 2


[Source: Team Shelby]

REPORT: 2010 Ford Mustang GT500 production limited to 2,000 units [*UPDATE: FALSE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2000 Mustang GT5002000MustangGt5002010 Ford Mustang GT5002010FordMustangGt500carol shelbyCarolShelbyGT500gt500 productionGt500ProductionmustangThu, 09 Jul 2009 11:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Consumer groups reportedly asking for liability warning labels on used Chryslers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/08/consumer-groups-reportedly-asking-for-liability-warning-labels-o/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/08/consumer-groups-reportedly-asking-for-liability-warning-labels-o/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/08/consumer-groups-reportedly-asking-for-liability-warning-labels-o/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



When Chrysler was in Chapter 11, the U.S. bankruptcy court decided that the new Pentastar would be free of any liability for accidents that involve Chrysler-branded products sold prior the bankruptcy. Automotive News is reporting that five consumer groups are looking to get the word out that used Chrysler products will not be eligible for such liability claims by putting a warning sticker on each and every used Dodge, Chrysler, and Jeep that is for sale.

The Federal Trade Commission is reviewing the petition, which states that consumers who purchase a used Chrysler vehicle risk "being held responsible for millions of dollars in medical expenses, hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost income and other losses - with no possibility of recompense - even if their injury was clearly Chrysler's fault." Under the current plan, customers looking to sue Chrysler for defective product concerns will have to go after old Chrysler, which is broke, bankrupt, and doomed.

Chrysler, of course, is against the petition, as the warning may harm a dealer's ability to sell used Chrysler-branded products. In an email to Automotive News, Chrysler spokesman Michael Palese wrote "In Chrysler's bankruptcy, the ability to form a new company free from the product liability burden of the old company was essential to the new company's survival." Palese also mentions that the petition has also uncovered no new defects or safety issues.

Automotive News is also reporting that General Motors has worked out a deal with state attorneys general to consider claims as long as they were submitted after the automaker's bankruptcy.

[Source: Automotive News - subs req'd | Image: Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty]

Consumer groups reportedly asking for liability warning labels on used Chryslers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bankruprcychryslerconsumer groupConsumerGroupgmliabilitypentastarWed, 08 Jul 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Opposite World: GM dealers reportedly fretting over too tight crossover and truck inventories]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/06/opposite-world-gm-dealers-reportedly-fretting-over-too-little-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/06/opposite-world-gm-dealers-reportedly-fretting-over-too-little-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/06/opposite-world-gm-dealers-reportedly-fretting-over-too-little-i/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Buick Enclave - Click above for high-res image gallery

In these dark days of bankruptcy proceedings, ever-dwindling sales figures and decades of receding market share, General Motors' base of dealerships certainly has plenty of things to keep it up at night. You may be surprised to hear, though, that a dwindling supply of available inventory is one of the major problems some dealerships are currently reporting. We're not shocked to hear there's only a six-day supply of Chevrolet Camaro models on hand, but dealers are also seeking remedies for shortages of Buick Enclaves, GMC Yukon SUVs and extended-cab Sierra pickups, as well as limited supplies of Chevrolet Silverado trucks. For a company that has historically had an unhealthy attachment to high inventories across their brands, this is an unusual development indeed.

GM is aware of the shortages and Mark LaNeve, vice president of vehicle sales, service and marketing, tells Automotive News that the shortage is a normal part of the adjustment process from the old days of carrying a 120-day supply of vehicles to today's goal of a leaner 75-day supply. The General's messenger further suggests that dealers trade inventory with each other to bolster inventory until the automaker is ready to rekindle its assembly lines beginning on Monday, July 13 after the company's extended summer shutdown.


Gallery: 2008 Buick Enclave


[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Opposite World: GM dealers reportedly fretting over too tight crossover and truck inventories originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buickbuick enclaveBuickEnclavegm dealer inventorygm dealersgm dealershipsgm inventorygm productionGmDealerInventoryGmDealersGmDealershipsGmInventoryGmProductionMon, 06 Jul 2009 19:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Canada pondering Cash-For-Clunkers too?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/06/canada-pondering-cash-for-clunkers-too/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/06/canada-pondering-cash-for-clunkers-too/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/06/canada-pondering-cash-for-clunkers-too/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Historically speaking, Canada has gotten the blunt end of the stick when it comes to new car pricing compared to its southern neighbors. Pricing on many vehicles versus an otherwise identical U.S. counterpart has long been comparatively inflated, and America's recently passed Cash-For-Clunkers bill has left many Canadian consumers feeling even more short-changed than normal.

But help may be on the way. The Vancouver Sun reports that Jim Prentice, Canada's environmental minister, is reviewing whether the Great White North should get a Cash-For-Clunkers scrappage incentive program of its own. According to the story, Prentice has met with "a number of auto manufacturers over the past few months" in order to discuss whether the government should issue its own $3,500 incentives to junk old vehicles and purchase new ones.

Interestingly, before a decision is made, Prentice plans to analyze whether a small, existing auto salvage trade-in program in Alberta has had any effect. That program apparently gives eligible owners a comparatively modest sum - $300 - for scrapping their 1995 or older vehicles. Instead of the cash incentive, alternative awards for the current program include up to $490 toward a new bicycle or as much as a year's worth of mass transit passes.

A decision on a Cash-For-Clunkers program for Canada will likely be handed down in the next 60 days.

[Source: The Vancouver Sun | Image: Theo Heimann/Getty]

Canada pondering Cash-For-Clunkers too? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car buyingCarBuyingCash for clunkersCashForClunkersjim prenticeJimPrenticenew car incentiveNewCarIncentivescrappageMon, 06 Jul 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Smart's $99/month 'Cash for Clunkers' deal has a big, dirty secret]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/06/smarts-99-month-cash-for-clunkers-deal-has-a-big-dirty-secr/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/06/smarts-99-month-cash-for-clunkers-deal-has-a-big-dirty-secr/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/06/smarts-99-month-cash-for-clunkers-deal-has-a-big-dirty-secr/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Cash for Clunkers won't be official for a few weeks, but some automakers are already looking to cash in on the once in a lifetime opportunity to take up to $4,500 off the price of a new car or truck. Smart is offering its quirky little Fortwo runabout for just $99 per month with the trade-in of a 'Clunkers' eligible vehicle.

Even though we were not terribly impressed with the car in our recent review, $99 per month with no money down sounds decidedly tasty, and a payment term of only 36 months sound even better, but closer inspection shows that the promotion is way too good to be true. Here is the stupifying fine print on the promotion:
$99 monthly payment based on customer trade-in of an eligible vehicle qualifying for the CARS $4,500 voucher level and a 36-month balloon loan with $0 cash due at signing and a final balloon payment of $6,667 at the end of the loan term and a $ 13,335 MSRP which includes the destination charge and excludes tax, title and dealer fees.
A $6,667 lump sum is one hell of a payment - more than most of us could reasonably fork over at once - and certainly more money than most people who are seriously considering a $99 lease could afford. The total payment, which doesn't include taxes, title, or destination, comes in at $14,731 on a vehicle with a $13,335 MSRP.

[Source: Smart USA via All Cars All The Time]

Smart's $99/month 'Cash for Clunkers' deal has a big, dirty secret originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>99 per month99PerMonthballoon paymentBalloonPaymentcash for clunkersCashForClunkersfortwoleaselease paymentlease rateLeasePaymentLeaseRatelump sumLumpSumsmartsmart fortwoSmartFortwoMon, 06 Jul 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford reportedly tops sales charts in Canada for first time in 50 years]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/03/report-ford-tops-sales-charts-in-canada-for-first-time-in-50-ye/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/03/report-ford-tops-sales-charts-in-canada-for-first-time-in-50-ye/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/03/report-ford-tops-sales-charts-in-canada-for-first-time-in-50-ye/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2009 Ford F-150 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Given the state of the market, the Ford Motor Company is on a bit of a roll right now. The Blue Oval posted an 11% decline in volume for June versus the same month in 2008; a far better number than nearly every competitor from Japan or Detroit. Ford also flat-out dominated the market in the Great White North, as the Dearborn, MI-based automaker ranked number one in sales volume for the first time in 50 years.

Ford outpaced perennial market leader General Motors by a substantial (for Canada) 5,000 units. Ford posted 27,408 sales for the month; a 24.6% increase over June 2008. Toyota and Honda also were in the rear view mirror, as the Japanese stalwarts managed sales declines of 17%. Chrysler was a distant fifth place, as bankruptcy and an outdated product lineup conspired to sink sales by 58% verses June 2008. Overall sales in Canada were down 13% on the month.

Ford's increase in sales was due in part to a surprising 41% increase in CUV and SUV sales. The F-150 also posted a healthy 59% increase, with Ford's Edge was up 23%.

[Source: London Free Press]

Ford reportedly tops sales charts in Canada for first time in 50 years originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerfordford canada salesford motor companyFordCanadaSalesFordMotorCompanygeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmhondatoyotaFri, 03 Jul 2009 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: China rolls out 89 new models in six months - <i>that's one every two days</i>]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/03/report-china-rolls-out-89-new-models-in-six-months-thats-one/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/03/report-china-rolls-out-89-new-models-in-six-months-thats-one/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/03/report-china-rolls-out-89-new-models-in-six-months-thats-one/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Geely GE - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've been hearing Chinese officials say for quite some time now that there are far too many automakers in the country for a healthy market in the long-term, but we didn't realize until today just how out-of-hand it may be. According to state-run Chinese news agency Xinhua, China has seen an unprecedented 89 new automobile launches so far this year.

That's surely a big number, but it doesn't really hit home until you consider that 89 vehicles in the first half of 2009 averages out to a new or heavily revised vehicle appearing in China once every two days. Of those new designs, 73 were cars, nine were SUVs, six were MPVs and - in contrast to typical American vehicle launches over the same period - only one was a crossover.

As you're surely aware, 2009 is only half over, and there are reportedly some 50 new vehicles still slated for introduction before the end of the year, equaling about 140 new models introduced in 2009. The good news, at least as far the bottom line goes, is that the new releases have translated into sales. The 4.96 million vehicles sold between January and May of this year represent a 14.29-percent increase over the same period in 2008. Still, considering the glut of new models hitting the market, one has to figure that a goodly number of those vehicles will go begging.


Gallery: Geely GE


[Source: Gasgoo]

REPORT: China rolls out 89 new models in six months - that's one every two days originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 chinese cars2009ChineseCarschinachinesechinese carchinese car marketchinese carsChineseCarChineseCarMarketChineseCarsnew chinese carnew chinese carsNewChineseCarNewChineseCarsFri, 03 Jul 2009 16:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyundai starts accepting Cash-for-Clunkers trade-ins early]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/hyundai-starts-accepting-cash-for-clunkers-trade-ins-early/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/hyundai-starts-accepting-cash-for-clunkers-trade-ins-early/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/hyundai-starts-accepting-cash-for-clunkers-trade-ins-early/#commentsFiled under: ,


2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring - Click above for high-res image gallery

While the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration doesn't plan to release its final rules and regulations for the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS), otherwise known as Cash-for-Clunkers program, until July 23rd, Hyundai has decided that its customers don't have to wait. Alexandria Hyundai in Alexandria, VA has already accepted the first trade-in and doled out its first rebate. The clunker is a 15-mpg 1995 Ford Explorer, and Katherine Michon of Arlington, VA traded it in for a $4,500 credit on a brand new 26-mpg Hyundai Elantra Touring.

How can Hyundai get away with accepting clunkers early? The automaker is giving dealers short-term cash advances to cover the cost of its rebates until the CARS program officially kicks off later this month. Hyundai has 13 models with particular engine combinations that qualify for CARS, and the NHTSA has already confirmed that transactions on or after July 1, 2009 are eligible.

This could be a brilliant move on Hyundai's part, since its own internal research shows that 11 percent of car shoppers have delayed their purchase to take advantage of the rebates. If Hyundai is the only game in town that's accepting trade-ins and giving rebates early, it could steal a few sales away from other brands that are waiting patiently for the program to officially begin.

On the other hand, the NHTSA warns on the CARS official website that "interested dealers and consumers may want to wait until all of the detailed issues that must be addressed in the implementing regulations are resolved and the final rule is issued." By that time, however, you'll be driving around in a new car and getting reimbursed for the rebate will by Hyundai's problem.


Gallery: Review: 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring


[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Hyundai starts accepting Cash-for-Clunkers trade-ins early

Hyundai starts accepting Cash-for-Clunkers trade-ins early originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CARScash for clunkerscash-for-clunkersCashForClunkersCFCclunkerselantra touringElantraTouringhyundaihyundai elantra touringHyundaiElantraTouringtrade-inThu, 02 Jul 2009 17:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Diesel TDI model grabs 81% of VW Jetta Sportwagen sales in June]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/diesels-grab-81-of-june-volkswagen-jetta-sportwagen-sales/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/diesels-grab-81-of-june-volkswagen-jetta-sportwagen-sales/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/diesels-grab-81-of-june-volkswagen-jetta-sportwagen-sales/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen - Click above for high-res image gallery

General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, Honda and everyone else may not think there is much of a market for mainstream diesel vehicles in the United States, but Volkswagen would beg to differ. Since it launched its new generation diesels last fall in the Jetta and earlier this year in the Touareg, they have been selling like hotcakes with June being its best month yet. Last month was the best sales month to date for the Sportwagen with 1,982 sales and a whopping 81% of those were equipped with the 2.0-liter TDI four-cylinder.

Among the 8,431 Jetta sedans sold in June, 40% were diesel powered. And while the Touareg followed most other SUVs with a 41% overall decline to only 330 units in June, 29% of those had the 3.0-liter V6 TDI engine. Rabbit sales were down 69% in June, but a redesigned Golf is arriving in September, including a TDI - and if fuel prices keep climbing through the summer, it could see a huge sales spike as well.


Gallery: First Drive: 2009 VW Jetta Sportwagen


[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Diesel TDI model grabs 81% of VW Jetta Sportwagen sales in June

Diesel TDI model grabs 81% of VW Jetta Sportwagen sales in June originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dieselsportwagenTDITouaregvolkswagenvolkswagen golfvolkswagen jettavolkswagen jetta dieselvolkswagen jetta tdivolkswagen jetta tdi salesvolkswagen jetta wagonvolkswagengolfVolkswagenJettaVolkswagenJettaDieselVolkswagenJettaTdiVolkswagenJettaTdiSalesVolkswagenJettaWagonWed, 01 Jul 2009 18:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Suzuki offering free gas for summer with SX4 purchase]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/suzuki-offering-free-gas-for-summer-with-sx4-purchase/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/suzuki-offering-free-gas-for-summer-with-sx4-purchase/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/suzuki-offering-free-gas-for-summer-with-sx4-purchase/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


2008 Suzuki SX4 Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

Suzuki is getting in on the free gas bandwagon that Hyundai kicked off this year by launching a "Free Gas for Summer" promotion on all SX4s sold between now and August 31st. Of course, it pays to read the fine print - what 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.

Whether or not this incentive is really "free gas for summer" depends on how much you plan to drive over the next three months or so. Still, it's a relatively pain-free way for Suzuki to advertise "Free Gas!" and it's still a few hundred bucks off the running costs of the car.

Along with the aforementioned sales promotion, Suzuki has also announced that it's offering $2,000 in customer cash off the price of any SX4 sold with a manual transmission, which we found to be a willing partner in eking out the most performance from the little runabout and much more desirable than the four-speed slushbox when we tested it last year.


Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Suzuki SX4 Sport with TRIP


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Jeremy Korzeniewski / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Suzuki offering free gas for summer with SX4 purchase

Suzuki offering free gas for summer with SX4 purchase originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free gas for summerFreeGasForSummersuzukisuzuki free gassuzuki free gas for summersuzuki sx4suzuki sx4 crossoversuzuki sx4 sedansuzuki sx4 sportSuzukiFreeGasSuzukiFreeGasForSummerSuzukiSx4SuzukiSx4CrossoverSuzukiSx4SedanSuzukiSx4SportWed, 01 Jul 2009 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[BREAKING: Chevrolet Camaro outsells Ford Mustang in June]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/breaking-chevrolet-camaro-outsells-ford-mustang/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/breaking-chevrolet-camaro-outsells-ford-mustang/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/breaking-chevrolet-camaro-outsells-ford-mustang/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



Despite having fewer model variations on the market, pent up demand for the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro appears to have been enough to send the bad Bowtie past Ford's redone Mustang in June. Sales figures for the month are beginning to trickle in today, and General Motors says it shifted 9,320 Camaro units last month, as compared to the Blue Oval's 7,632 Mustangs.

Whether Chevrolet's victory will be sustainable over the long haul remains to be seen, but as The General has a backlog of 10,000 sold orders to fill (equating to less than a seven day supply), the streak is likely to continue for at least the next few months. Presently, GM offers just two main Camaro models, the V6 RS and the V8-powered SS, while the Ford Mustang has more bodystyles and trims than you can shake a stick at (arguably making the Camaro's achievement seemingly that much more impressive).

Sales of the third leg of 2009's pony car table, the Dodge Challenger, trail far behind, with just 1,369 units cleared last month.

As the industry heads into the dog days of summer, it looks like America's renewed pony car war is just heating up. Who will take the crown for the whole year? Sit tight, muscle fans.


Gallery: One Night Stand: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Alex Nunez / Weblogs, Inc.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Mustang GT


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

BREAKING: Chevrolet Camaro outsells Ford Mustang in June originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Camaro2010 Mustang2010Camaro2010MustangbreakingbreakingnewsCamarocar salesCarSalesChevrolet CamaroChevroletCamaroChevyMustangpony carpony carsPonyCarPonyCarsShelbyStangWed, 01 Jul 2009 14:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Voter Drive: Study says political ideologies correlate with what cars we buy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/voter-drive-study-says-political-ideologies-correlate-with-what/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/voter-drive-study-says-political-ideologies-correlate-with-what/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/voter-drive-study-says-political-ideologies-correlate-with-what/#commentsFiled under: ,



A new study by RL Polk & Co. shows that the kind of car you drive is tied to the state you live in, and whether that state is traditionally Republican or Democrat-leaning. The study shows that 36 of the 50 United States tie closely to political lines. Red states (Republican) typically buy domestic, while blue states (Democrat) typically skew import.

In states where Democrats won three of the past four elections, imports consist of as much as 60% of the market, while Republican strongholds favor domestics by up to 74%. The paradigm changes slightly in traditionally Democrat states that also produce a lot of cars and trucks. States like Wisconsin and Michigan still prefer domestic products. The three states that have been split over the past four elections also prefer domestic vehicles.

The exact reason for the phenomenon isn't clear, but a quick view of the political map shows that traditional Democrat strongholds are on the east and west coast, where imports are preferred. The center of the country traditionally favors Republicans, especially in the South. That's pickup truck country, and Ford, GM and Chrysler dominate the segment.

[Source: Washington Times | Image: Infovis.net]

Voter Drive: Study says political ideologies correlate with what cars we buy originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue stateBlueStatecar buyingCarBuyingdemocratdomesticdomestic autodomestic carDomesticAutoDomesticCarimportimport autoimport carimport carsImportAutoImportCarImportCarsred stateRedStaterepublicanWed, 01 Jul 2009 12:57:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Analysts suggest new vehicles sales could rebound to 10M pace in June]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/report-analysts-suggest-new-vehicles-sales-could-rebound-to-10m/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/report-analysts-suggest-new-vehicles-sales-could-rebound-to-10m/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/report-analysts-suggest-new-vehicles-sales-could-rebound-to-10m/#commentsFiled under: , ,



June auto sales will no doubt be ugly. In all likelihood, the sixth month of the year will be the 24th month in the past 25 to see a year-over-year sales decline. June could also bring a bit of good news, though, as an Automotive News poll of nine different industry analysts shows that sales may hit an annualized rate of 10 million, up from the 9.1-9.9 levels of previous months this year.

The slight pickup in June sales verses May numbers would suggest that the market for new cars and trucks has likely bottomed out. Edmunds predicts that the automaker likely to gain much share in June is Ford, as the car research site predicts sales that its sales are down only 15.6%. The next smallest decline is predicted to be Nissan at 24.2%, and then Toyota, Honda, GM, and Chrysler are all guesstimated to be between 28-32%. The June 2009 sales figures will likely be a bit skewed for Honda, though, as the Japanese automaker had an unusually strong June 2008 because of a big-time push for fuel efficient vehicles due to $4 per gallon gas.

Deutsche Bank analyst Rod Lache has told Automotive News that the second half of the year could see even more of an upward trend due to the freshly minted Cash-for-Clunkers law. Lache says sales could hit 11 million on an annualized rate, though it's likely that most people driving junkers can't afford a new car payment along with increased insurance rates.

[Source: Automotive News subs req'd | Image: Karen Bleier/AFP/Getty]

REPORT: Analysts suggest new vehicles sales could rebound to 10M pace in June originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car salesCarSaleschryslerfordgmhondajune 2009 car salesJune2009CarSalesnissantoyotaWed, 01 Jul 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Cash for Clunkers to officially begin July 23]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/30/cash-for-clunkers-to-officially-begin-july-23/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/30/cash-for-clunkers-to-officially-begin-july-23/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/30/cash-for-clunkers-to-officially-begin-july-23/#commentsFiled under: , ,



When President Obama signed the Cash-for-Clunkers bill into law back on June 24, the Transportation Department was given 30 days to set the official rules and regulations for the program that will put the plan into motion. According to the official CARS (Car Allowance Rebate System) site, NHTSA intends to get the deed done a day early by July 23. Although the paper the President signed stipulated that consumers may be eligible for the program starting on Wednesday, July 1, the Transportation Department is warning dealers not the jump the gun:
Interested dealers and consumers may want to wait until all of the detailed issues that must be addressed in the implementing regulations are resolved. If a dealer chooses to structure a transaction before the final rule is issued, they will bear the risks associated with later demonstrating that the transaction meets all of the specifications of the final rule.
Dealerships who violate the official rules and regulations may be subject to fines of up to $15,000. Still have questions? Click here to see the complete list of FAQs straight from the NHTSA.

[Source: CARS | Image: kudzuplanet under C.C. 2.0]

Cash for Clunkers to officially begin July 23 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autobloggreencar allowance rebate systemCarAllowanceRebateSystemcars programCarsProgramcash 4 clunkerscash for clunkerscash-for-clunkersCash4ClunkersCashForClunkersobamasalvagevoucherTue, 30 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST