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[Aston Martin offers power upgrades to last-gen V8 Vantages]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/12/aston-martin-offers-power-upgrades-to-last-gen-v8-vantages/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/12/aston-martin-offers-power-upgrades-to-last-gen-v8-vantages/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/12/aston-martin-offers-power-upgrades-to-last-gen-v8-vantages/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2007 Aston Martin V8 Vantage

If you're a 2005-2008 Aston Martin V8 Vantage owner, you may have wished you'd held out for the 2009 model which benefits from an extra 0.4-liters of displacement (up from 4.3- to 4.7-liters) and gains an extra 40 hp and 45 lb-ft of torque, along with some revised suspension tuning. The crew at Gaydon feels your pain and has begun offering a new performance package for the 4.3-liter model.

The kit includes a new induction system originally developed for the DBS that features a pair of toggling airbox valves that open at 5,500 rpm to bring more air into the engine. With the help of a revised ECU that optimizes ignition timing and recognizes higher octane fuels, output increases to 400 hp (20 extra ponies) and torque grows to 307 lb-ft.

The sports package developed for the 2009 model can also be retrofitted to the last generation Vantage and includes forged aluminum five-spoke wheels, upgraded springs and Bilstein dampers. Aston hasn't released pricing for the new performance pack, but we're sure it's less than trading in your old Vantage for the updated model.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage

Continue reading Aston Martin offers power upgrades to last-gen V8 Vantages

Aston Martin offers power upgrades to last-gen V8 Vantages originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Dec 2008 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2005200620072008aston martin v8 vantageAstonMartinV8Vantageperformance packperformance packagePerformancePackPerformancePackageFri, 12 Dec 2008 17:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford recalling 605,000 full-size trucks]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/14/ford-recalling-605-000-full-size-trucks/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/14/ford-recalling-605-000-full-size-trucks/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/14/ford-recalling-605-000-full-size-trucks/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Ford Motor Company is recalling a whole herd of trucks to see the team doctors over concerns about a hose in the braking system that could adversely effect the vehicles' braking power. According to the NHTSA, about 605,000 2005 and 2006 model year Ford F150 and Lincoln Mark LT trucks equipped with the 3-valve 5.4-liter V8 will receive a hose replacement free of charge. The problem hose supplies the brake booster with engine vacuum, and could swell over time and eventually become disconnected. While the hydraulic braking system will function without the power assist, pedal effort will be significantly increased, and if drivers are taken off-guard by the problem an accident could occur. Ford will start notifying owners in June, and the recall campaign will kick off in July. According to FoMoCo, there have been 11 minor accidents related to the issue. Check out more details from the NHTSA after the jump.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]


Continue reading Ford recalling 605,000 full-size trucks

Ford recalling 605,000 full-size trucks originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 May 2008 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20052005 f1502005 mark lt2005F1502005MarkLt20062006 f1502006 mark lt2006F1502006MarkLtbrake boosterBrakeBoosterford brake booster recallford f-150ford f150 recallford pickupford recallford recallsford truckFordBrakeBoosterRecallFordF-150FordF150RecallFordPickupFordRecallFordRecallsFordTrucklincoln mark ltlincoln pickuplincoln truckLincolnMarkLtLincolnPickupLincolnTruckmark ltmark lt recallMarkLtMarkLtRecallnhtsarecallWed, 14 May 2008 14:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Honda recalling 43,000 Acuras for power steering hose]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/18/honda-recalling-43-000-acuras-for-power-steering-hose/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/18/honda-recalling-43-000-acuras-for-power-steering-hose/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/18/honda-recalling-43-000-acuras-for-power-steering-hose/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Those of you rolling in a 2005-2008 Acura RL take note: Honda has issued a recall for your power steering hose and being the educated consumer that you are, you won't have to wait by the mailbox to know about it.

The high temperatures created by the V6 under the RL's hood are apparently causing some cracks to form in the power steering hose that could lead to fluid leaking onto the catalytic converter, resulting in a fire, which is bad. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration issued the recall, but no injuries or fires have been reported as of yet.

Approximately 43,200 Acura RLs are affected by the recall and since it's likely that you're more informed than your local Acura service department, we'd suggest you print out this post and tell the folks at your dealer that you've got a friend in the industry.

[Source: Detroit News]

Honda recalling 43,000 Acuras for power steering hose originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2005200620072008acuraacura rl power steering hose recallacura rl recallAcuraRlPowerSteeringHoseRecallAcuraRlRecallhondarlTue, 18 Dec 2007 15:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrysler calling 2006 models "used" to unload them]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/20/chrysler-calling-2006-models-used-to-unload-them/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/20/chrysler-calling-2006-models-used-to-unload-them/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/20/chrysler-calling-2006-models-used-to-unload-them/#commentsFiled under: ,

When even deep discounts aren't getting the job done, sometimes you've got to bend the rules. Normally, a Chrysler dealer must use a car as a loaner for three months before designating it a used car. Still wondering what to do with a "glut" of 2006 vehicles in June of 2007, Chrysler has told dealers if they use a car as a loaner for just one day, they can consider it a used car and move it off the new car lot. Dealers also get an additional $2,000 discount as an incentive to use the program.

Instead of making fewer cars in 2006, Chrysler built more than dealers wanted and simply parked them around Detroit. Incentives helped move some, but the incentive program was to end May 31 of this year and dealers still had more 2006 cars sitting on lots than they wanted. Chrysler decided it wanted to finish strongly, so it eased the loaner requirements, a move dealers had been asking for. Chrysler still counts the cars as retail sales (even though they're just being moved to the used car lot), but the cars won't distract buyers who are looking at Chrysler's 2007 product. At one dealer in New Mexico, a 2006 Dodge Ram went from $33,000 to $26,000 in one day. An '06 Durango could be reduced by $11,500 after one day. Could be time to run a daily patrol around your local Chrysler dealership...

[Source: Detroit News]

Chrysler calling 2006 models "used" to unload them originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Jun 2007 11:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2006chryslerdealersinventoryloanerusedused carUsedCarWed, 20 Jun 2007 11:08:00 EST<![CDATA[GM makes a buck in Q4 2006]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/14/gm-makes-a-buck-in-q4-2006/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/14/gm-makes-a-buck-in-q4-2006/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/14/gm-makes-a-buck-in-q4-2006/#commentsFiled under: ,

General Motors reported its delayed fourth quarter earnings today and, lo and behold, managed to earn a net income of $950 million in the waning months of 2006. Compare that with last year's Q4 loss of $6.6 billion, and today's news is all the more incredible.

Again, those tricky one-time items skewed the results somewhat, since $770 million was earned in Q4 for the sale of GMAC, the automaker's financing unit. Still, without the one-time bump, GM managed to earn $180 million.

Cost cutting played a major role in GM's positive Q4 performance, as its vehicle lineup, at least in the U.S., is still a transitional mix of "old" and "new" GM product. Many highly anticipated new vehicles, like the Chevy Maliby, Camaro, and Cadillac CTS, have yet to go on sale. We expect the automaker's revenue from retail sales in the U.S. to keep climbing once the majority of its product portfolio has been turned over. GM also did well outside of the U.S., posting $228 million in earnings abroad compared with a $1.2 billion loss last year.

It seems clear, at least to us, that even if the GM turnaround hasn't officially turned the corner, it's got its blinker on and is just waiting for the light to turn green.

[Source: Automotive News]

GM makes a buck in Q4 2006 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Mar 2007 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2006earningsfinancialfourth quarterFourthQuarterGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsGMnet incomeNetIncomeprofitQ4Wed, 14 Mar 2007 12:58:00 EST<![CDATA[The best sellers of 2006]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/31/the-best-sellers-of-2006/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/31/the-best-sellers-of-2006/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/31/the-best-sellers-of-2006/#commentsFiled under:


We love this list. It comes around once a year (check out the numbers from 2005 for comparison's sake) and offers the raw numbers that simply show what sold well in the U.S. that year. It's a list that seems to change little from year to year, but at the same time always surprises. Take last year's list, for example, which has been compiled by MSN Autos. As usual, the top two spots are occupied by the Ford F-Series (796,039) and Chevy Silverado (636,069). Those two powerhouse platforms, however, were far off the numbers they put up in 2005, and this year the race will be extremely tight with a brand new Silverado facing off against a seasoned F-150. The Toyota Camry is once again the best-selling car in the U.S. and managed to sell about 15,000 more units in 2006 than year prior, which gives a bit of credibility to the claim that cars are back. As usual, the Honda Accord (354,441) and Civic (316,638) occupy the middle ground, while the Nissan Altima (232,457) falls from 7th to 9th. It will likely hold there in 2007 or gain back lost ground if the new Altima finds favor with the public. Though Chevy always seems to have at least a couple models in the top ten, it still amazes us the brand moved that many Impalas (289,868) and Cobalts (211,449) in 2006. We expect to see the Malibu back on this list come 2008 after the new model has had its first full year of sales.

1. Ford F-Series 796,039
2. Chevrolet Silverado 636,069
3. Toyota Camry 448,445
4. Dodge Ram 364,177
5. Honda Accord 354,441
6. Honda Civic 316,638
7. Chevrolet Impala 289,868
8. Toyota Corolla 272,327
9. Nissan Altima 232,457
10. Chevrolet Cobalt 211,449

[Source: MSN Autos via KickingTires]

The best sellers of 2006 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Jan 2007 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2006best sellersbest sellingBestSellersBestSellingWed, 31 Jan 2007 16:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford burns $12.7 BILLION in 2006!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/25/ford-burns-12-7-billion-in-2006/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/25/ford-burns-12-7-billion-in-2006/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/25/ford-burns-12-7-billion-in-2006/#commentsFiled under: ,

Ford just announced its full year financial results for 2006, and the picture is really ugly. From October through the end of the year alone, it consumed $5.8 billion. For the full year it expended $12.7 billion more than it took in. Last year was one of the worst years in Ford's history, with two major stabs at a restructuring plan, CEO Bill Ford stepping down, borrowing more than $25 billion to fund operations and announcements about closing 16 factories and eliminating more than 44,000 jobs.

Although the numbers look terrible for Ford, $9.9 billion of it was for one-time charges associated with buyouts, plant closures and other restructuring costs. Losses from operations were a "mere" $2.8 billion. Another nasty figure is the revenue, down to $160.1 billion from $176.9 billion the year before. The team in Dearborn is feeling some major pain from the crash in sales of their cash cow SUVs like the Explorer and Expedition. The full Ford press release is after the jump.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford burns $12.7 BILLION in 2006!

Ford burns $12.7 BILLION in 2006! originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Jan 2007 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2006earningsLosing MoneyLosingMoneyThu, 25 Jan 2007 09:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Surprise! Recalls fall in 2006]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/19/surprise-recalls-fall-in-2006/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/19/surprise-recalls-fall-in-2006/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/19/surprise-recalls-fall-in-2006/#commentsFiled under:

We've noticed a few more posts about recalls have been going up the last couple of days, so one reader wanted us to know that, in fact, there were a lot fewer recalls last year in the U.S. than there were in 2005. Overall, the whole of the U.S. auto industry recalled 10.6 million vehicles in 2006, down some 38% from the 17.1 million vehicles that were recalled in 2005. Let's look at which automakers had a good year for recalls last year and which didn't.

General Motors: -73% at 1.4 million recalls (2005: 5 million)
Ford Motor Company: -71% at 1.7 million recalls (2005: 6 million)
Chrysler Group: 200% at 2.3 million recalls (2005: 765,777)
Nissan North America: 83% at 1.3 million recalls (2005: 709,838)

The article also talked about Toyota and Honda, but didn't provide enough recall info on either to include in our list above (and have you ever tried to search the NHTSA website for such information? Good luck). Both automakers, however, had a good year for recalls. Toyota, for instance, finished 2006 with 814,507 recalls, far fewer than the over 2 million that were issued in 2005. Honda, meanwhile, issues recalls affecting 1.2 million vehicles, the bulk of which was to replace owners manuals that were printed the incorrect telephone number for the NHTSA that led callers to a phone sex service. Without the printing fuax pas include, Honda recalled only 1,397 vehicles in the U.S. for actual mechanical troubles that adversely affected the safety of its vehicles.

Thanks for the tip, logiste!

[Source: American Society for Quality]

Surprise! Recalls fall in 2006 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Jan 2007 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20052006recallsFri, 19 Jan 2007 18:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Gallery of the Day: 2006 Woodward Dream Cruise]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/28/gallery-of-the-day-2006-woodward-dream-cruise/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/28/gallery-of-the-day-2006-woodward-dream-cruise/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/28/gallery-of-the-day-2006-woodward-dream-cruise/#commentsFiled under:


click on above image to see high res gallery with 83 pics

We're so enamored with our new photo galleries that we just can't stop uploading photos, even ones we've already shown you! The 2006 Woodward Dream Cruise occured last August on a rainy day that was hot as Lucifer's summer home. Nevertheless, we had a great time walking up and down Woodward snapping pics of the weird and wonderful autos that were inching along in traffic. We posted plenty of pics at the time, but our make-shift galleries back then couldn't hope to contain everything we wanted to show you. After scanning the archives we found 83 shots that pretty much sum up the WWDC 2006. Go ahead and click here to see the whole gallery, which is best viewed starting with photo No. 1 and working your way through the end. Each pic is 1,280 pixels wide, so feel free to snag a few for personal use if the inclination moves you.

Gallery of the Day: 2006 Woodward Dream Cruise originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Dec 2006 16:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2006galleryhi resHiReswoodward dream cruiseWoodwardDreamCruiseThu, 28 Dec 2006 16:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Cheapest Ferraris of 2006]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/08/cheapest-ferraris-of-2006/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/08/cheapest-ferraris-of-2006/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/08/cheapest-ferraris-of-2006/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



We all laughed when Ferrari announced at the recent LA Auto Show that the company would not be developing a "cheap" Ferrari. It was a play on words, because every industry insider has told us that a new entry-level sports car from Maranello is in the works. But Ferrari's right - even if the new model is the least expensive car with a galloping horse on the grille, it still won't be cheap.

Most things, however, get cheap if you wait long enough, and Ferraris are no different. Sports Car Market has assembled a slide show that reveals the Top Ten Cheapest Ferraris of 2006, ranging from a 1986 Ferrari 412i Coupe with 87,500 miles that went for $14,964 at auction to a nice 1980 Ferrari 308 GTBi with only 3,483 miles that someone nabbed for $50,600. There's one Testarossa in the bunch, a white (eww) model from 1987 with 80,270 miles that was won for $42,000. Sure, $15,000 for a car from 1986 with almost 88,000 miles is no bargain, but it's probably one of the cheapest Ferrari ever made.

[Source: Sports Car Market]

Cheapest Ferraris of 2006 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Dec 2006 16:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2006auctioncheapferrariinexpensiveFri, 08 Dec 2006 16:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrysler offering millions to dealers and consumers to move 2006 inventory]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/04/chrysler-offering-millions-to-dealers-and-consumers-to-move-2006/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/04/chrysler-offering-millions-to-dealers-and-consumers-to-move-2006/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/04/chrysler-offering-millions-to-dealers-and-consumers-to-move-2006/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



In this day and age it's a sin to still have 2006 models sitting on your dealer lot. Unfortunately for dealers under The Chrysler Group umbrella, their lots are teaming with '06 metal. The Detroit News quotes analyst John Casesa of Casesa Shapiro LLC as saying, "To have a third of your inventory in old models when you're two months into the (2007) model year, that's heavy." Heavy indeed, John.

Chrysler has put into effect two campaigns that it hopes will start clearing out the lots of last year's inventory. The first is aimed at the dealers themselves and involves about $500 million in dealer cash incentives to sell 2006 models. Dealers will earn an additional $2,500 to $7,000 for every 2006 model they sell. The easiest to sell models like the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 will earn dealers $2,500 unit per unit, while the tough sell trucks and SUVs like the Ram pickup and Durango will fetch a hard-earned $7,000 per unit. Consumers will be happy to know that on average Chrysler passes 85% of that money on to consumers.

In addition to lower transaction prices from the dealer cash Chrysler's shelling out, more than 3 million consumers are receiving coupons worth $1,000 that can be used towards the purchase of most 2006 and 2007 models. These coupons can be added on top of any existing incentive offers, as well. The only vehicles excluded are the 2007 Chrysler Sebring sedan; Dodge Viper sports car, Nitro, and Sprinter van; Jeep Wrangler, Patriot, and 2006/07 Grand Cherokee SRT-8.

The coupon mailing is the largest ever sent about Chrysler, and while the dealer cash is not being advertised to the public, you heard it here that these double discounts are in effect and now might be the best time to pick up that 300C you've had your eye on.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Chrysler offering millions to dealers and consumers to move 2006 inventory originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Dec 2006 14:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20062007chrsylerdealersincentivesinventorymodel yearModelYearrebatesMon, 04 Dec 2006 14:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrysler offers incentives to dealers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/25/chrysler-offers-incentives-to-dealers/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/25/chrysler-offers-incentives-to-dealers/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/25/chrysler-offers-incentives-to-dealers/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Struggling Chrysler Corp. is pulling out all of the stops to reduce its massively overbuilt inventory of vehicles. Lease incentives, 0% financing, begging and pleading, whatever it takes. Consumers have typically been the targeted recipients of these incentives, until now.

In a webcast to its dealers on Wednesday, Chrysler announced that it would pay dealers $200 for each 2007 model they took as long as they took their entire allocation for the months of November and December. If they take a 2006 model from the sales bank, they get $400. The dealers are free to use the cash however they want, including passing it on to the customer to move the vehicles from their already bloated inventories. Chrysler also promised dealers that they would begin building vehicles to suit demand to prevent further inventory issues in the future.

Dealer's reaction to the announcement was rather unenthusiastic. As they struggle to clear 2006 models from the lot, they are very hesitant to take more 2007's. Sometimes it's not just the financials, as many dealers are having difficulty with the physical space limitations of bringing more vehicles into inventory. One dealer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that despite the manufacturers offer, he doesn't plan to take any more vehicles than necessary. "Our allocation isn't that high", the dealer said, "we just don't need anymore vehicles."

[Source: The Detroit News]

Chrysler offers incentives to dealers originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 25 Nov 2006 13:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20062007ChryslerDCXincentivesinventorySat, 25 Nov 2006 13:26:00 EST<![CDATA[GM Global down only 3 percent in Q3 sales]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/20/gm-global-down-only-3-percent-in-q3-sales/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/20/gm-global-down-only-3-percent-in-q3-sales/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/20/gm-global-down-only-3-percent-in-q3-sales/#commentsFiled under: ,

General Motors reported global sales of 2,296,000 vehicles in the third quarter, which is a 3-percent decline versus Q3 of last year. That's only 66,000 unit off what was sold during the same period in 2005, and the GM spinmeisters attribute the difference to the employee pricing war last year and the company's commitment to reduce rental and fleet sales this year. Aight, we can buy that, so perhaps GM really did hold its ground this year in the global market.

The automaker claims its market share in North America, which includes the U.S. and Canada (it's first and third biggest markets) has increased steadily each quarter this year, from 23.8 percent in Q1 to 24.1 percent in Q2 to 25.1 percent in Q3. Since the press release has no hard numbers, that claim is difficult to verify, but most around the Autoblog office believe it to be true since the General's done particularly well with its more vanilla offerings like the Cobalt and Impala. Still, the General's global brands kicked it up a notch with Chevy seeing growth in nearly every market, especially the ones that will become increasingly important like India (up 44%) and China (up 6%). As we reported earlier, HUMMER sales are also strong around the world, up 54% year to date. It's all about the H3 though, with GM neglecting to mention the H2 in its press release at all.

Check out the rest of GM's report on its Q3 performance after the jump, but as with any sales report, be ready to wade through some spin.

[Source: GM]

Continue reading GM Global down only 3 percent in Q3 sales

GM Global down only 3 percent in Q3 sales originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Oct 2006 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2006earningsfinancialsGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsglobalQ3Quarter threeQuarterThreesalesthird quarterThirdQuarterFri, 20 Oct 2006 10:56:00 EST<![CDATA[By The Numbers: September 2006 (The REAL numbers)]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/03/by-the-numbers-september-2006/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/03/by-the-numbers-september-2006/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/03/by-the-numbers-september-2006/#commentsFiled under: ,

Toyota up big, Ford up a little while GM, Chrysler and Honda slip

Pardon the tardiness of this report, but most manufacturers decided to present their September sales figures in a misleading way by comparing the raw number of vehicles sold last month to those sold in September 2005. We prefer to compare the Daily Sales Rate, obtained by dividing the number of vehicles sold in a month by the number of selling days in that month. Since last month had 26 selling days and September of 2005 had 25, most automakers decided to mitigate their losses or pad their gains by taking advantage of that extra selling day in their comparisons. So it took us a little longer to go through and correct the data that was misleading, and indeed some positive performances fell into the red once corrected. Credit goes to General Motors, Toyota and a few others for not giving us more work to do and providing the Daily Sales Rate to begin with. So forget about the numbers you see plastered all over the internet and the news, these are the real numbers. So lets begin...

Toyota is officially on a tear. Its sales in the month of September rose 20.2% versus the same time last year. The Toyota division itself increased sales 21.3% last month to 197,250 units, firmly placing it ahead of Chevrolet for the month and not far behind the Ford brand.

Speaking of Ford, the Blue Oval has some good news finall thanks to a September that saw sales for the company rise a modest .66%. The Focus and Mustang had big gains and the Fusion triplets continue to sell well. What helped the most, however, was surprisingly strong performances from the Explorer, Expedition and F-Series, all of which were up last month. Aren't these things supposed to be losing popularity?

General Motors and the Chrysler Group both took modest dips last month of 6.8% and 7.5%, respectively. However, it was Honda falling off 7.76% that was the big surprise. Apparently, the new Civic's sheen is beginning to wear off and the Accord, as great a mid-size family sedan as it is, is beginning to look staid next to the new Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion and Hyundai Sonata.

Biggest Winner
Saab 48.8% at 3,069 (9/05: 1,983)
Commendable Month
Toyota 21.28% at 197,250 (9/05: 156,381)

Biggest Loser
Jaguar -47.8% at 1,158 (9/05: 2,135)
Scary Month
Dodge -20.8% at 79,784 (9/05: 96,890)

BRANDS
Acura -5.64% at 16,323 (9/05: 16,634)
Audi 2% at 8,004 (9/05: 7,854)
BMW -11.31% at 20,339 (9/05: 22,052)
Buick -11.1% at 19,463 (9/05: 21,050)
Cadillac 17.8% at 20,217 (9/05: 16,507)
Chevrolet -10.6% at 190,825 (9/05: 205,238)
Chrysler 0.0% at 47,211 (9/05: 45,546)
Dodge -20.8% at 79,784 (9/05: 96,890)
Ford 3.26% at 204,070 (9/05: 190,012)
GMC 1.1% at 39,141 (9/05: 37,233)
Honda -8.1% at 99,903 (9/05: 104,529)
HUMMER 11.6% at 6,739 (9/05: 5,806)
Hyundai -16% at 33,384 (9/05: 38,214)
Infiniti -9.8% at 10,378 (9/05: 11,062)
Isuzu 16.6% at 1,397 (9/05: 1,152)
Jaguar -47.8% at 1,158 (9/05: 2,135)
Jeep 21.62% at 41,893 (9/05: 33,120)
Land Rover 2.61% at 3,469 (9/05: 3,425)
Lexus 12.1% at 25,700 (9/05: 22,036)
Lincoln -26.91% at 7,362 (9/05: 9,686)
Mazda 2.19% at 20,261 (9/05: 19,918)
Mercedes 8.86% at 19,873 (9/05: 17,552)
Mercury -5.77% at 13,117 (9/05: 13,385)
MINI -5.84% at 2,964 (9/05: 3,027)
Mitsubishi 9.24% at 10,287 (9/05: 9,054)
Nissan -9.1% at 77,962 (9/05: 82,478)
Pontiac -13.6% at 37,376 (9/05: 41,597)
Porsche -.61% at 2,339 (9/05: 2,263)
Saab 48.8% at 3,069 (9/05: 1,983)
Saturn 4.4% at 20,153 (9/05: 18,569)
Subaru -3.67% at 16,128 (9/05: 16,100)
Suzuki 7.0% at 7,940 (9/05: 7,131)
Toyota 21.28% at 197,250 (9/05: 156,381)
Volkswagen -10.79% at 20,082 (9/05: 21,646)
Volvo -2.24% at 9,672 (9/05: 9,514)

TBA: Kia

COMPANIES
BMW Group -10.6% at 23,303 (9/05: 25,079)
Chrysler Group -7.49% at 168,888 (9/05: 175,556)
Ford Motor Co .66% at 238,848 (9/05: 228,157)
General Motors -6.8% at 338,380 (9/05: 349,202)
Honda America -7.76% at 116,226 (9/05: 121,163)
Nissan North America -9.2% at 88,340 (9/05: 93,540)
Toyota Motor Co. 20.2% at 222,950 (9/05: 178,417)

Editors note: All percentages are reported as the change in daily sales rate (DSR) since there were 26 selling days in September 2006 versus 25 selling days in September 2005.

By The Numbers: September 2006 (The REAL numbers) originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Oct 2006 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2006earningssalesseptemberTue, 03 Oct 2006 16:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #43]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/03/autoblog-podcast-43/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/03/autoblog-podcast-43/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/03/autoblog-podcast-43/#commentsFiled under: ,

After a long flight home and the recovery of one lost piece of luggage, I'm back on U.S. soil after covering the 2006 Paris Motor Show. Damon spends this podcast grilling me about the show, and my verdict on the event you might find surprising. I reveal my pick for Best of Show and which manufacturers had the best displays with the most promising vehicles. We didn't forget the news that happened while I was away, and spend some time on General Motors' announcement that a Pontiac-badged Holden is a guaranteed attendee of the 2007 Chicago Motor Show. Of course, that invariably led to a discussion about recent details surrounding the next Chevy Impala, rumored to be sitting on an Australian-sourced rear-wheel drive platform and looking for all the world like a four-door Camaro. Hope you enjoy the show!

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Hosts
John Neff and Damon Lavrinc

Producer
John Neff

Length
55:26

Autoblog Podcast #43 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Oct 2006 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2006parisparis motor showParisMotorShowpodcastTue, 03 Oct 2006 09:28:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #43Autoblog55:26autoblog; podcast; paris; paris motor show; 2006; general motors; holden; chevy; chevrolet; impala<![CDATA[Take our cars, please: Top 10 cash-back offers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/17/take-our-cars-please-top-10-cash-back-offers/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/17/take-our-cars-please-top-10-cash-back-offers/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/17/take-our-cars-please-top-10-cash-back-offers/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Automakers with remaining 2006 inventory are getting desperate in some cases to get rid of their lot. Cars.com has assembled the 10 best incentive offers based on the percentage off of a car's base MSRP, and Kia tops the list by offering 26.32% off the Sorento and 23.87% of off the Sedona minivan. Why so much? Because they're 2005 models! The third vehicle on the list, however, is the most appealing to us. Saab wants to get rid of the last remaining 9-2X models and is offering $5,000 off of the car's base MSRP, which amounts to a substantial 21.75% discount on what is essentially a more luxurious Subaru WRX. The rest of the list is as follows.
  • 2005 Kia Sorento - $5,000 (26.32%) exp. 1/2/07
  • 2005 Kia Sedona - $5,000 (23.87%) exp. 1/2/07
  • 2006 Saab 9-2X - $5,000 (21.75%) exp. 10/2/06
  • 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Extended Cab - $4,500 (21.31%) exp. 10/2/06
  • 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 Regular Cab (excl. SRT10) - $4,500 (21.28%) exp. 10/2/06
  • 2006 Ford Freestar - $5,000 (21.14%) exp. 10/2/06
  • 2006 Lincoln LS - $8,000 (20.36%) exp. 10/2/06
  • 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis - $5,000 (20.18%) exp. 10/2/06
  • 2005 Kia Spectra - $2,500 (19.46%) exp. 1/2/07
  • 2006 Ford F-150 SuperCab - $4,500 (18.66%) exp. 10/2/06
[Source: Cars.com]

Take our cars, please: Top 10 cash-back offers originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 17 Sep 2006 07:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20052006cash backCashBackincentiveincentivesrebaterebatesSun, 17 Sep 2006 07:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Suzuki gives us glimpse of Splash concept]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/14/suzuki-gives-us-glimpse-of-splash-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/14/suzuki-gives-us-glimpse-of-splash-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/14/suzuki-gives-us-glimpse-of-splash-concept/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Suzuki has set up a mini-site offering us a glimpse of its upcoming Splash concept set to debut at the Paris Motor Show that we reported on last month. The sneak peek comes at a price, however, particularly for those who suffer from epileptic seizures. Too many jump cuts made this blogger throw up in his mouth a little and fall of the chair. We were going to laboriously screen capture each image for you, but we're not sadists and found that our sadist friends over at Jalopnik had already done it, so head over there for a gallery of shots that just stay still and don't move. As for us, we'll wait until we arrive in Paris to pick you up some live shots of the Suzuki Splash from the show floor.

[Source: Suzuki Global via Caradisiac]

Suzuki gives us glimpse of Splash concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Sep 2006 16:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2006parissplashsuzuki splashSuzukiSplashThu, 14 Sep 2006 16:05:00 EST<![CDATA[By the Numbers: August 2006]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/01/by-the-numbers-august-2006/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/01/by-the-numbers-august-2006/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/01/by-the-numbers-august-2006/#commentsFiled under: , ,

What a weird month. We were told a week or so ago that sales for the month of August might look artificially good compared to last year because of Hurricane Katrina's negative impact on sales. Really, however, Katrina didn't hit land until August 29th, so if next month is the greatest month ever for car sales, we'll know why.

Still, credit goes to GM for breaking even in sales this month. Out of the General's entire portfolio of brands sold in North America, only Buick, Isuzu and Pontiac were down. Meanwhile, Ford's entire portfolio failed to exceed last August's sales, missing the target by 11.6% as a group. Jaguar in particular was the Biggest Loser of the month, falling behind 35.3% compared to last August. Chrysler as a whole dropped 8% last month. The Chrysler brand, however, grew its sales 3% in August, which was completely mitigated by Dodge falling 15% behind its performance last year.

Perhaps the two biggest surprises were the weak performances of BMW and Honda. The BMW Group attracted 11% fewer sales this year than last. Honda and Acura both experienced a sales decline, as well, and managed to generate sales 6.7% fewer than this time last year.

The two big winners last month were most definitely Suzuki and Toyota. Suzuki has not only maintained, but increased the rate at which its sales are growing. In July its sales grew 13% and this month they went up by 16%. We see no reason why Suzuki wouldn't reach its goal of 100,000 sales in the U.S. this year considering after eight months it has already sold 73,388 units. And finally we come to Toyota, which somehow managed to increase its August sales over last year by 13.6%, which is no small feat when as a brand you're selling over 200,000 units every month.

And for those who are interested in these kinds of things, no, Toyota did not sell more than Ford in August. In fact, as a brand Ford sold for more than any other on the market last month. Toyota did, however, come within 2,000 units of selling more than Chevrolet last month, which likely would have made as big a story as Toyota outselling Ford last month.

Biggest Winner
Suzuki 16% at 8,399

Biggest Loser
Jaguar -35.3% at 1,704

BRANDS
Acura -8.5% at 18,263 (August 2005: 19,221)
BMW -12% at 22,421 (August 2005: 25,537)
Buick -4.7% at 22,853 (August 2005: 23,094)
Cadillac 0.2% at 20,036 (August 2005: 19,262)
Chevrolet 1.3% at 210,860 (August 2005: 200,393)
Chrysler 3% at 47,132 (August 2005: 44,279)
Dodge -15% at 89,790 (August 2005: 102,147)
Ford -11.6% at 214,759 (August 2005: 242,849)
GMC 6.1% at 42,262 (August 2005: 38,349)
Honda -6.5% at 132,990 (August 2005: 136,952)
HUMMER 1.5% at 6,711 (August 2005: 6,367)
Hyundai 2% at 44,635 (August 2005: 42,113)
Infiniti -26.4% at 9,429 (August 2005: 12,339)
Isuzu -13.4% at 1,125 (August 2005: 1,251)
Jaguar -35.3% at 1,704 (August 2005: 2,634)
Jeep 0.0% at 42,243 (August 2005: 40,659)
Kia 5.4% at 25,114 (August 2005: 23,820)
Land Rover -19.4% at 3,671 (August 2005: 4,554)
Lexus 6.4% at 31,074 (August 2005: 28,125)
Lincoln -9.5% at 8,979 (August 2005: 9,918)
Mazda 0.8% at 22,311 (August 2005: 22,135)
Mercedes 6.9% at 20,602 (August 2005: 19,272)
Mercury -12.7% at 15,417 (August 2005: 17,668)
MINI -11% at 3,252 (August 2005: 3,342)
Mitsubishi 3.7% at 10,954 (August 2005: 10,945)
Nissan -3.2% at 80,419 (August 2005: 80,026)
Pontiac -12.1% at 39,711 (August 2005: 43,483)
Porsche -12% at 2,554 (August 2005: 2,894)
Saab 11.9% at 3,168 (August 2005: 2,726)
Saturn 5.3% at 22,050 (August 2005: 20,162)
Subaru 2% at 17,809 (August 2005: 17,426)
Suzuki 16% at 8,399 (August 2005: 7,126)
Toyota 13.6% at 209,104 (August 2005: 177,237)
Volkswagen 1.5% at 23,420 (August 2005: 23,083)
Volvo -2.1% at 10,582 (August 2005: 10,806)

TBA
Audi

COMPANIES
BMW Group -11% at 25,763 (August 2005: 28,879)
Chrysler Group -8% at 179,165 (August 2005: 187,085)
Ford Motor Co -11.6% at 255,112 (August 2005: 288,429)
General Motors 0.0% at 368,776 (August 2005: 355,180)
Honda America -6.7% at 151,253 (August 2005: 156,173)
Nissan North America -6.3% at 89,848 (August 2005: 92,365)
Toyota Motor Co. 12.6% at 240,178 (August 2005: 205,362)

Editors note: most percentages are reported as the change in daily sales rate (DSR) since there were 27 selling days in August 2006 versus 26 selling days in August 2005. We found many automakers had averaged out the amount of vehicles sold per day in July of both years and used that figure to calculate the percentage of loss or gain year-over-year.

By the Numbers: August 2006 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Sep 2006 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2006AugustdownearningsfinancialsperformancesalesupFri, 01 Sep 2006 15:58:00 EST<![CDATA[DaimlerChrysler 2Q numbers are in: Mercedes Up, Chrysler Down]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/27/daimlerchrysler-2q-numbers-are-in-mercedes-up-chrysler-down/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/27/daimlerchrysler-2q-numbers-are-in-mercedes-up-chrysler-down/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/27/daimlerchrysler-2q-numbers-are-in-mercedes-up-chrysler-down/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

DaimlerChrysler has just released its numbers for the second quarter of 2006, and overall it was a good quarter for the company as a whole. DCX saw its operating profit in the second quarter rise 11 percent to $2.37 billion USD. The profits were made on the backs of the Mercedes Car Group, which saw its operating profit skyrocket from just $15.3 million a year ago to $1.03 billion in 2Q 2006. DCX's Truck Group and Financial Services also increased their operating profit.

And then there's the Chrysler Group, which did not fare as well as its kindred brands across the pond. Its operating profit fell nearly 91 percent from $692.4 million a year ago to just $64.9 million in 2Q 2006. That's what the suits call an "earnings retreat". The Chrysler Group's plunge comes in the midst of its summer sales blitz to clear out 2006 inventory, though the group is warning that Q3 will likely see an operating loss of around €0.5 billion due to costs incurred from launching eight new models. They predict The Chrysler Group will be back in the black for Q4 and that the year overall will be a positive one.

Of Note: the Supervisory Board of DaimlerChrysler extended Tom LaSorda's contract for another five years. Though his current contract didn't expire until April 30th, 2007, Lasorda will now maintain the title of Chrysler Group President and CEO until April, 30 2012.

(Follow the jump for a full press release from DCX on its 2Q earnings)

[Source: DaimlerChrysler, Automotive News]

Continue reading DaimlerChrysler 2Q numbers are in: Mercedes Up, Chrysler Down

DaimlerChrysler 2Q numbers are in: Mercedes Up, Chrysler Down originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Jul 2006 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2006DaimlerChrysleroperating profitOperatingProfitQ2second quarterSecondQuarterThe Chrysler GroupThe Mercedes GroupTheChryslerGroupTheMercedesGroupThu, 27 Jul 2006 14:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota Prez wishes all a Happy New Year]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/01/02/toyota-prez-wishes-all-a-happy-new-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/01/02/toyota-prez-wishes-all-a-happy-new-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/01/02/toyota-prez-wishes-all-a-happy-new-year/#commentsFiled under:

In an open letter dated January 1, 2006, Toyota President Katsuaki Watanabe expressed his wish for a happy new year to all and then dished on what Toyota's business plan for growth will be in the coming year.

The two major areas in which Toyota will be investing its resources, according to the prez, are technology development and localization. Major amounts of R&D dollars will be spent on technology development in the areas of the environment, safety, quality and costs. Watanabe bragged a bit about Toyota's current hybrid lineup and touched briefly on the hybrid version of the Lexus GS that will be available this spring.

Toyota is moving ahead aggressively in its effort to localize its business in various markets, as evident by the Tundra assembly plant in Texas, as well as the future birthplace of the Camry Hybrid in Kentucky. North America isn't the only country getting love from Toyota, however - the next Camry will also be built locally in Guangzhou, China.

Will it all be enough to overtake the General in 2006? We'll check back with Watanabe next New Year's to find out, assuming we can fish him out of the punch bowl. That guy can party!

Toyota Prez wishes all a Happy New Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Jan 2006 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2006ToyotaMon, 02 Jan 2006 08:00:00 EST