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[VIDEO: Audi tracks down the last Horch... in Texas?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/26/video-audi-tracks-down-the-last-horch-in-texas/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/26/video-audi-tracks-down-the-last-horch-in-texas/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/26/video-audi-tracks-down-the-last-horch-in-texas/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The search for the last Horch -- Click above to watch video

You have August Horch to thank for Audi. A former engineer for Karl Benz, Horch started the second oldest company of the original four companies that merged to form Auto Union (the first was Wanderer). But it was Horch whose name, translated into Latin, became "Audi."

The last Horch was built in Ingolstadt in 1953, and Audi wanted to find it. They put their vintage car locator, Ralph Hornung, on the case and he ended up in a field in West Texas. Follow the jump to view a video explaining the search and how the once mighty V8 found its way to a lonely Lone Star pasture. And on a side note, Hornung has a most awesome job... Thanks for the tip, Alex!

[Source: Audi TV via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Audi tracks down the last Horch... in Texas?

VIDEO: Audi tracks down the last Horch... in Texas? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Nov 2009 20:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiAuto UnionAutoUnionchasing classic carsChasingClassicCarsclassic carclassic carsClassicCarClassicCarshorchIngolstadtRalph HornungRalphHornungtexasvideoThu, 26 Nov 2009 20:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Texas unveils new vanity plates to raise money for state]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/26/texas-unveils-new-vanity-plates-to-raise-money-for-state/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/26/texas-unveils-new-vanity-plates-to-raise-money-for-state/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/26/texas-unveils-new-vanity-plates-to-raise-money-for-state/#commentsFiled under: ,

Texas' new vanity license plates - Click above for high-res image gallery


Every state in the union is facing huge budget deficits and a number have turned to license plates as a way to raise some fast cash. First was New York, which recently unveiled a new "Empire Gold" license plate. The catch? Any citizen who wants to legally drive is required to buy one when his or her current plates expire. And they're more expensive than the old ones to boot.

Speaking of boots, Texas is also planning to raise funds with license plates, but in this case it's totally optional. The Lone Star state recently unveiled a spate of new vanity plates on MyPlates.com that cost between $55 and $195 smackaroos. The selection is as large as the state itself (and its hats) including standard Lone Star plates in crazy colors like hot pink and orange (Texas calls them Lone Star Pink and Lone Star Orange), as well as an Old West-themed plate and other Texassy designs.

Sure, $195 for a vanity plate is a lot, but the money's divided between the state and its two partners in this joint venture: Pinnacle Technical Resources of Dallas and Etech Inc. of Nacogdoches. Regardless of the three-way split, the state is reportedly guaranteed $25 million over five years. Hey, if it'll help keep a few extra public school teachers employed and essential services in tact, then its worth living down the fact that your state now offers a hot pink license plate.



[Source: USA Today via Star-Telegram]

Texas unveils new vanity plates to raise money for state originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>license platesLicensePlatestexastexas vanity platesTexasVanityPlatesvanityvanity platesVanityPlatesThu, 26 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford F-150 <strike>SVT Raptor</strike> named 2010 Truck of Texas]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/ford-f-150-svt-raptor-named-2010-texas-truck-of-the-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/ford-f-150-svt-raptor-named-2010-texas-truck-of-the-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/ford-f-150-svt-raptor-named-2010-texas-truck-of-the-year/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor -- Click above for high-res image gallery

It's no secret that the Texas Auto Writer's Association loves Ford trucks: The Blue Oval's F-Series pickups have won the Truck of Texas award six straight times. Actually, you can make that seven straight times now, with the F-150 SVT Raptor taking the top honor this year in the Lone Star State.

We didn't go through the precise reasoning of the F-150's dominance in previous years, but the arrival of the Raptor probably made the choice just too easy this time around. After having driven the Raptor ourselves we knew that there is simply nothing like it, and nothing anywhere near as good as it is, to be found in the OEM pickup truck world. When you throw in the purchase price of $39K for the 5.4-liter, you're going to look hard to find a similarly priced competitor in the OEM or aftermarket. The press is after the jump, and to Ford, congratulations are well deserved.

UPDATE: Turns out that the F-150 was actually named this year's Truck of Texas, not the SVT Raptor model specifically. The Raptor was, however, named best "Full-size Pickup Truck". You can check out the corrected press release that Ford just sent out after the jump.


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

2010raptor_firstdrive0022010raptor_firstdrive0012010raptor_firstdrive0002010raptor_firstdrive0032010raptor_firstdrive004

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford F-150 SVT Raptor named 2010 Truck of Texas

Ford F-150 SVT Raptor named 2010 Truck of Texas originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 ford f-1502010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor2010 Ford Raptor2010FordF-1502010FordF-150SvtRaptor2010FordRaptorawardsfordFord F-150ford f-150 raptorford f-150 svt raptorFordF-150FordF-150RaptorFordF-150SvtRaptoroff-roadperformancepickupraptorsvttawatexastexas auto writers associationTexasAutoWritersAssociationtruckMon, 19 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Toyota adding 850 jobs in San Antonio truck factory]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/report-toyota-adding-850-jobs-in-san-antonio-truck-factory/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/report-toyota-adding-850-jobs-in-san-antonio-truck-factory/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/report-toyota-adding-850-jobs-in-san-antonio-truck-factory/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Toyota's arrangements for its San Antonio plant are coming together after the closure of NUMMI and the announced relocation of Tacoma pickup production. The company will be adding 850 permanent and temporary workers to its labor force in Texas, taking the number of associates from 1,850 to about 2,700 - and that doesn't include increases in the supplier workforce. For those with an eye on the employment scene, Toyota posted the job openings in August and 14,000 people applied.

The assumption of Tacoma duties will put the San Antonio plant on a schedule of two shifts per day for the first time since last year's plant idling. When the $100 million retooling is finished, the plant will be able to produce 200,000 Tacomas every year. Toyota engineers are preparing the assembly line now and Tacoma production is scheduled to being next spring, with 100,000 units projected annually.

[Source: My San Antonio]

REPORT: Toyota adding 850 jobs in San Antonio truck factory originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>manufacturingnummipickupplantssan antonioSan Antonio TexasSanAntonioSanAntonioTexastacomatexastoyotatoyota tacomaToyotaTacomaMon, 19 Oct 2009 08:28:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Toyota moving Tacoma production to San Antonio]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/28/toyota-moving-tacoma-production-to-san-antonio/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/28/toyota-moving-tacoma-production-to-san-antonio/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/28/toyota-moving-tacoma-production-to-san-antonio/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Now that Toyota has decided the fate of the NUMMI plant, the company has to decide where to move production of the Tacoma and Corolla models built there. The Corolla hasn't been spoken for yet, but Toyota is confirming that its Tacoma line is moving to the San Antonio factory that currently makes the Tundra pickup.

Toyota will spend $100 million on tooling for the Tacoma, and city and county officials guess that annual units will number about 100,000. It is also estimated that 1,100 new hires will be added to the factory employment rolls, which includes the 21 suppliers on the campus. Building the new truck will give the plant the second shift it's been missing since last summer, when it went down to a single shift as auto sales declined.

For the NUMMI workers, Toyota's announcement only makes the finality all the more real. Discussions with NUMMI laborers remains ongoing, and it has been mentioned that Toyota could move some California workers to Texas. However, with San Antonio offering tax breaks based on hiring some local workers, the chances of that are probably slim. Thanks for the tip, Tony.

[Source: My San Antonio]

REPORT: Toyota moving Tacoma production to San Antonio originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>manufacturingnummiplantssan antonioSanAntoniotacomatexastoyotatoyota tacomaToyotaTacomatundraunionsFri, 28 Aug 2009 16:29:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Thieves make off with $2 million worth of oil and gas in Texas]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/03/thieves-make-off-with-2-million-worth-of-oil-and-gas-in-texas/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/03/thieves-make-off-with-2-million-worth-of-oil-and-gas-in-texas/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/03/thieves-make-off-with-2-million-worth-of-oil-and-gas-in-texas/#comments

How many barrels of oil do you think you could steal in a month, y'know, if you were into that sort of thing? Ten people in West Texas have been arrested recently for stealing about $2 million worth of oil and gas condensate, and a local sheriff said that the thieves were able to steal 8,000 barrels of oil during a single month. That's good for a lot of trips to the grocery store.

Actually, the thieves were not stealing the fuel to use themselves. Instead, the men stole the barrels and then sold them the "oil and gas to buyers who didn't know of the theft," according to The Associated Press. What, did they say the barrels just happened to fall off the back of a truck? We'll probably learn more soon, as the men were arrested following a seven-month investigation. There's got to be some good information in upcoming court filings, right?

[Source: The Associated Press | Image: AFP/Getty]

REPORT: Thieves make off with $2 million worth of oil and gas in Texas originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gas theftGasTheftoil arrestsoil barreloil barrelsoil theftoil thievesOilArrestsOilBarrelOilBarrelsOilTheftOilThievesstealing gasStealingGastexaswest texasWestTexasFri, 03 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Chevrolet Camaro takes Dallas by force]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/28/chevrolet-camaro-takes-dallas-by-force/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/28/chevrolet-camaro-takes-dallas-by-force/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/28/chevrolet-camaro-takes-dallas-by-force/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Camaro parade through Dallas - Click above for an image gallery

Last week in (yet another) celebration of the arrival of the 2010 Camaro, a parade of some 40 Inferno Orange Metallic Camaros rumbled from Victory Park in Dallas to Sundance Square in Ft. Worth with a police motorcade. It was Chevrolet's first large-scale Camaro event, and hopefully it means that now we can get on to seeing them on the streets, instead of just talking about them being on the streets.

You can check out some short-n-shaky video clips of the event after the jump, including some footage of a vintage Eighties Garland Police Camaro, as well as the gallery of photos below. Thanks for the tip, Jason!


Gallery: Dallas Camaro Parade


[Sources: Camaro5; Youtube]

Continue reading Chevrolet Camaro takes Dallas by force

Chevrolet Camaro takes Dallas by force originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Apr 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 camaro2010 chevrolet camaro2010Camaro2010ChevroletCamarocamarochevroletchevrolet camaroChevroletCamarodallasparadesportstexasvideoTue, 28 Apr 2009 12:29:00 EST<![CDATA[No Mo' Bondo: Hapless Toyota Camry gets its fill of filler]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/14/no-mo-bondo-hapless-toyota-camry-gets-its-fill-of-filler/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/14/no-mo-bondo-hapless-toyota-camry-gets-its-fill-of-filler/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/14/no-mo-bondo-hapless-toyota-camry-gets-its-fill-of-filler/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The Toyota Camry Bondo Edition - click above for a gallery of images

Dear readers, this is what you get when you mix some serious damage, an aversion to body shops, a lot of time, and the belief that Bondo and duct tape can fix anything. This sad-looking fifth-generation Toyota Camry was spotted in Dallas by Final Gear user Spectre, and it appears to be wearing enough Bondo to give a nice boost to 3M's quarterly profits.

We applaud the effort on maintaining the window line as well as returning a Camry Coupe to Toyota's lineup, but we have to take points off for the roof bulge. If you can ignore the fact that it looks like the passenger side has been overrun by some sort of mutant mold and that it appears that you can't open the right side doors... well, there's not much else left to say about it, is there? Have a look for yourself in the gallery below. Hat tip to Pete!


Gallery: Bondo Camry


[Source: Final Gear]

No Mo' Bondo: Hapless Toyota Camry gets its fill of filler originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Apr 2009 13:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bondocamrydo it yourselfDoItYourselfetchumortexastoyotatoyota camryToyotaCamryTue, 14 Apr 2009 13:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Daimler's Car2Go program coming to Austin, Texas this fall]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/02/daimlers-car2go-program-coming-to-austin-texas-this-fall/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/02/daimlers-car2go-program-coming-to-austin-texas-this-fall/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/02/daimlers-car2go-program-coming-to-austin-texas-this-fall/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Last October we advised you not to hold your breath for Daimler's Car2Go program to come to America. You can breathe again. If you live in Austin, Texas you'll be able to rent a mild hybrid Smart ForTwo by the minute this fall. Austin was chosen because of its university population and its concern for the environment.

Car2Go makes its fleet available on-demand, with a clear price structure, and you can keep the car as long as you wish. Those in the program access the vehicles by swiping a tag on their driver's licenses over a card reader on the car. As with the pilot program in Ulm, Germany the service will start in Austin with an initial fleet, expected to consist of around 200 Smarts that will be available to city employees first and then expand to public use at the conclusion of a trial period.

Gallery: smart fortwo in Texas and Germany


[Source: Canadian Driver]

Daimler's Car2Go program coming to Austin, Texas this fall originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>austinaustin texasAustinTexascar2gocoupedaimlereconomyhatchbacklifestylemild hybridMildHybridrental carrental carsRentalCarRentalCarsrentalssmartsmart fortwoSmartFortwotexasThu, 02 Apr 2009 08:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Houston study lauds red light cameras despite uptick in accidents]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/30/houston-study-lauds-red-light-cameras-despite-uptick-in-accident/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/30/houston-study-lauds-red-light-cameras-despite-uptick-in-accident/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/30/houston-study-lauds-red-light-cameras-despite-uptick-in-accident/#commentsFiled under: ,

We all know we shouldn't mess with Texas. And Houston, Texans shouldn't mess around with statistics, because the folks running the show are going to come to any conclusions they want no matter what the statistics say. This is the easy part: a study of red light cameras in the city shows that accidents have actually increased at intersections with the cameras.

These are the parts that are open to interpretation: most intersections only have one camera looking at one (out of four) directions of traffic, but the accident rate went up for traffic in the other three unmonitored directions; and, in the one monitored direction, "accidents remained relatively flat or showed only a slight increase." What do you make of that?

Mayor Bill White and the study authors say the city in general is experiencing a swell in the number of collisions, and claim that collisions at the monitored intersections haven't risen as much as the wider municipal rate. Yet they have no data to back up an increase in citywide collisions, and no year-on-year accident data at intersections (let alone an explanation for the uptick). White said that a 40-percent year-on-year drop in red light citations in the month of October shows the program is working and keeping drivers more safe. Critics say that the program is nothing but a cash register for city government. The study's authors plan to study insurance industry findings to come up with more substantive conclusions.

[Source: Houston Chronicle]

Houston study lauds red light cameras despite uptick in accidents originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Dec 2008 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>governmenthoustonred lightred light camerasRedLightRedLightCamerasrevenuesafety cameraSafetyCamerastudytexasticketstraffic cameraTrafficCameraTue, 30 Dec 2008 16:31:00 EST<![CDATA['09 Ford F-150 wins Truck of Texas award]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/20/09-ford-f-150-wins-truck-of-texas-award/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/20/09-ford-f-150-wins-truck-of-texas-award/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/20/09-ford-f-150-wins-truck-of-texas-award/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Ford F-150

Ford has managed to snag an important early victory over the equally-new Dodge Ram by being crowned the 2009 Truck of Texas over the weekend. Both the Dodge Ram and Ford F-150 are nearly all new for '09 and are competing against stiff competition from the relatively new Chevy Silverado and Toyota Tundra for a parking spot in Texan garages. Some 15% of full-size trucks sold in the United States end up in Texas and the sales crown usually goes to the Truck of Texas award winner. The Blue Oval also managed to snag the best truck-line award, the best SUV of Texas and the best CUV of Texas with its Expedition King Ranch and new Flex, respectively. Mopar fans will be happy to know that Dodge didn't leave the Lone Star state empty handed. We're not sure how given that the F-150 is also a full-size truck and took the top trophy overal, but the new '09 Ram managed to win the full-sized Truck of Texas award and its optional RamBox was named Outstanding Truck Feature.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Ford F-150


[Source: The Detroit Free Press]

'09 Ford F-150 wins Truck of Texas award originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Oct 2008 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 dodge ram2009 ford f-1502009DodgeRam2009FordF-150dodge ramDodgeRamford f-150FordF-150texastexas state fairtexas trucktexas trucksTexasStateFairTexasTruckTexasTruckstruck of texasTruckOfTexasMon, 20 Oct 2008 10:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Texas dealers offers 50 GM shares to GM vehicle buyers ]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/17/texas-dealers-offers-50-gm-shares-to-gm-vehicle-buyers/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/17/texas-dealers-offers-50-gm-shares-to-gm-vehicle-buyers/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/17/texas-dealers-offers-50-gm-shares-to-gm-vehicle-buyers/#commentsFiled under: ,



Two brothers that own dealerships in Texas peddling the General's wares decided that the best way to combat the inevitable depreciation inflicted on their customers is to give them 50 shares of GM stock.

The promotion involves the first 100 buyers (for GM's 100-year anniversary) and 5,000 shares in GM that the siblings bought at the end of last week. GM stock is floating between $6.00 and $7.00 today, meaning that the lucky 100 will have something in the neighborhood of $300-350... assuming GM's stock hold steady.

It being Friday afternoon and an excruciatingly long week, we'll let you make the jokes in the comments below.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Texas dealers offers 50 GM shares to GM vehicle buyers originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Oct 2008 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dealersgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmstocktexasFri, 17 Oct 2008 17:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Dodge Ram Lone Star Edition debuts at Texas State Fair]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/25/dodge-ram-lone-star-edition-debuts-at-texas-state-fair/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/25/dodge-ram-lone-star-edition-debuts-at-texas-state-fair/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/25/dodge-ram-lone-star-edition-debuts-at-texas-state-fair/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above to view high-res gallery of the 2009 Dodge Ram Lone Star edition

Cowboys and truck-lovers unite for the Texas State Fair every year around this time. It's where big-time truckmakers often release special editions of their pickups just for the Texas market, again underscoring just how important the Lone Star State is for sales. So it is this year with the 2009 Dodge Ram Lone Star edition. Starting life down the assembly line as a Ram Crew 1500 SLT in either two- or four-wheel drive, various chrome accents, 20-inch wheels (either painted or chromed) and big 4-inch dual exhausts integrated into the rear bumper have been added. Inside, a lighting group is standard equipment along with an up-level leather steering wheel. Lest those following you don't know what or where you're driving, a Lone Star badge is affixed to the tailgate left of the huge Ram-head logo. Very subtle. The good news is that Texans won't be charged an arm and a leg for the Lone Star edition, as it adds just $1,500 to the price of a HEMI-equipped Ram, a big savings over the $3,560 it would cost to replicate otherwise. If all of this is enough to make you want one, and you live in Texas, expect the Lone Star to reach your favorite dealer sometime next month.

Gallery: Dodge Ram Lone Star


[Source: Dodge]

Continue reading Dodge Ram Lone Star Edition debuts at Texas State Fair

Dodge Ram Lone Star Edition debuts at Texas State Fair originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Sep 2008 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 dodge ram2009 dodge ram lone star edition2009DodgeRam2009DodgeRamLoneStarEditiondodge ram lone star editionDodgeRamLoneStarEditionram lone starRamLoneStartexastexas state fairtexas state fair dodgeTexasStateFairTexasStateFairDodgeThu, 25 Sep 2008 15:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Dallas HOA prohibits parking F-150 in driveway; Lincoln Mark LT allowed]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/dallas-hoa-prohibits-parking-f-150-in-driveway-lincoln-mark-lt/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/dallas-hoa-prohibits-parking-f-150-in-driveway-lincoln-mark-lt/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/dallas-hoa-prohibits-parking-f-150-in-driveway-lincoln-mark-lt/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Yet another example of a Homeowner's Association run amok... A Texas homeowner in Frisco (just north of Dallas) has been told by the Stonebriar HOA that his new Ford F-150 isn't allowed to be parked in his driveway. The Association, established to protect Jim Greenwood's interests (that's the theory at least), will allow his neighbor's Cadillac Escalades, Honda Ridgelines, and even a HUMMER or two, but his new pickup violates a rule that prohibits pickups in the driveway. When Mr. Greenwood inquired as to why a Lincoln Mark LT could park in the neighborhood, but his practically identical F-150 couldn't, the response from the HOA was, "'It's our belief that Lincoln markets to a different class of people." Doh! As of now, Mr. Greenwood's options are to get another vehicle, or move. If it were us, we'd replace the F-150 with a yellow Caterpillar 972H Wheel Loader. Yeah, that would get them to quickly change their mind... Thanks for the tip, Neil!

[Source: Dallas News]

Dallas HOA prohibits parking F-150 in driveway; Lincoln Mark LT allowed originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Aug 2008 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FordGreenwoodHOAHomeowners AssociationHomeownersAssociationparkingPickupStonebriarTexasMon, 18 Aug 2008 17:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Is Hyundai targeting Texas for a new manufacturing plant?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/11/is-hyundai-targeting-texas-for-a-new-manufacturing-plant/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/11/is-hyundai-targeting-texas-for-a-new-manufacturing-plant/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/11/is-hyundai-targeting-texas-for-a-new-manufacturing-plant/#commentsFiled under: ,

Richard Cortez, the Mayor of McAllen, Texas, called a news conference earlier this week to announce that city officials were in talks with an unnamed automaker to build a new manufacturing facility in the Rio Grande Valley. Interestingly enough, he gave few other details as he was worried about upsetting the "customer" as they have asked for silence on the project. Not to surprise anyone, but all signs are pointing at Hyundai Motor Company.

The Mayor has good reason to keep his mouth shut. Just two years ago, the South Korean automaker was in talks with local area officials about a similar project. Those plans fell through when early media leaks identified Hyundai as the potential automaker, and they chose West Point, Georgia, instead. (You are probably asking yourself, as we are, why would the Mayor call a news conference about this in the first place...)

Regardless, analysts say the Rio Grande Valley would be a good fit for Hyundai. The location is close to Mexico, so components could be assembled on the other side of the border and shipped to the United States for final assembly. If Hyundai chooses Texas for their new plant it would be their fourth facility in the United States following plants in Alabama, Georgia, and California. That is, if the Mayor can keep a secret. Thanks for the tip iSpec!

[Source: The Monitor]

Is Hyundai targeting Texas for a new manufacturing plant? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 May 2008 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FacilityhyundaiHyundiaLocationManufacturingMayor CortezMayorCortezPlantTexasSun, 11 May 2008 12:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota may move all Tundra production to Texas]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/03/toyota-may-move-all-tundra-production-to-texas/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/03/toyota-may-move-all-tundra-production-to-texas/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/03/toyota-may-move-all-tundra-production-to-texas/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the 2007 Toyota Tundra Limited

As of today, production of the Tundra full-size pickup is split between Toyota's facility in Princeton, Indiana, and the automaker's brand new San Antonio plant in Texas. According to a Wall Street Journal report, Toyota is considering moving all production of the Tundra to just the Texas plant. Just over two weeks ago, Toyota announced it was slowing production on the Tundra (and Sequoia) due to lagging sales. The move to consolidate all Tundra manufacturing in one location may be seen as a sign Toyota only expects to sell 200,000 full-size units or less this year, as that number represents the production capacity of the Texas facility. You may remember that Toyota boldly claimed it would sell 200,000 units of the Tundra in 2007, the newly redesigned truck's first year of sales. It missed that target, but not by much with 196,555 units sold. Toyota hasn't officially commented on the rumor yet, but we'll let you know when it breaks the silence.

UPDATE: Toyota has issued a statement saying it is not moving all Tundra production to San Antonio.

Gallery: 2007 Toyota Tundra Limited


[Source: PickupTruck.com]

Toyota may move all Tundra production to Texas originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Apr 2008 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AssemblyIndianaManufacturingPlantPrincetonSan AntonioSanAntonioTexasToyota TundraToyotaTundraTundraThu, 03 Apr 2008 12:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford settling class-action lawsuits related to rollovers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/29/ford-settling-class-action-lawsuits-related-to-rollovers/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/29/ford-settling-class-action-lawsuits-related-to-rollovers/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/29/ford-settling-class-action-lawsuits-related-to-rollovers/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

FoMoCo is on the brink of settling a class-action lawsuit brought by owners claiming that Ford's Explorer was prone to rolling over. The settlement covers approximately one million people in California, Connecticut, Illinois and Texas who've owned 1991 through 2001 Explorers.

Ford's spokesperson, Kristen Kinley, believes that "the settlement is fair and reasonable," but declined to given an estimate of how much Ford would be shilling out to slighted owners. However, vouchers are expected to be issued to owners in the four states that would allow them to put $500 towards a new Explorer or $300 for another Ford, Lincoln or Mercury product.

[Source: Detroit News]

Ford settling class-action lawsuits related to rollovers originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Nov 2007 08:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>californiaconnecticutexplorerfordford explorer rolloverFordExplorerRolloverillinoisrolloversettlementtexasThu, 29 Nov 2007 08:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Chinese trucks being built in Oklahoma]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/11/chinese-trucks-being-built-in-oklahoma/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/11/chinese-trucks-being-built-in-oklahoma/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/11/chinese-trucks-being-built-in-oklahoma/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It was supposed to happen in Texas, but things didn't pan out for Tiger Trucks in the Lone Star State. Oklahoma quickly swooped in and wooed the builder of trucks designed by China's ChangAn. In an era when manufacturing is increasingly migrating to China, Tiger is reversing that paradigm. Oklahoma put money and a rail spur on the table and that seems to have sealed the deal. Tiger's advance team is already in Poteau, OK, waiting for equipment to arrive so they can get to work setting up the plant.

Tiger Truck will build the Champ and the Leopard, two versions of the same platform. The Champ is a pickup with a full-size bed and a couple different cab configurations. The Leopard is a version of the Champ with a diesel engine and dual rear wheels that's road legal in the markets where it's headed. Most of the Poteau plant's output will head out of the US, though eventually there'll be a new medium duty truck that will be road legal worldwide. The best news out of the opening of Tiger Truck's new facility is that they're hiring. Tiger is looking to fill 100 positions with local workers immediately, eventually expanding to 300 people in three years time. Props to Tiger Truck for turning modern manufacturing practice totally on its ear.

Press release after the jump

[Source: Tiger Truck via Just-Auto]

Continue reading Chinese trucks being built in Oklahoma

Chinese trucks being built in Oklahoma originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jul 2007 19:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinaexportmanufacturingoklahomatexastigertruckWed, 11 Jul 2007 19:33:00 EST<![CDATA[They do it different in Texas: Speed cameras banned statewide]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/23/they-do-it-different-in-texas-speed-cameras-banned-statewide/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/23/they-do-it-different-in-texas-speed-cameras-banned-statewide/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/23/they-do-it-different-in-texas-speed-cameras-banned-statewide/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Finally, someone's fighting back against the fleecing of the general populace. Famous for liking things big, Texas lawmakers have laid the smackdown on red light and speed cameras in a large manner. HB.922 states "A municipality may not implement or operate an automated traffic control system with respect to a highway under its jurisdiction," which means that cameras, automated radar or laser, or anything else designed to snag an image of a car, driver, or license plate and record its speed is now forbidden. The even larger racket of red-light cameras have had the brakes applied by HB.1052, which requires giving motorists notice of the devices at least 100 feet out.

These bills have passed through the legislature and are awaiting Governor Rick Perry's inscription. If the measures do make it into law, we hope that other states follow suit. Ticketing egregious speeders and actual red-light scofflaws is one thing, but the systems have been calibrated in a cynical manner to generate loads of revenue (and kickbacks) for the companies that sell and administrate the systems for municipalities. Rather than keeping people safe, random ticketing amounts to a tax, and that really sticks in our craw. We're pleased beyond words that Texas has taken up the motorists' cause, and we hope that the new legislation can stand as a precedent.

Thanks for the tip, Dylan!

[Source: caradvice]

They do it different in Texas: Speed cameras banned statewide originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 May 2007 09:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automatedcameralightredred lighred lightRedLighRedLightspeedspeedingtexasticketWed, 23 May 2007 09:37:00 EST<![CDATA[China Reversal: Tiger Truck opens plant in Texas]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/15/china-reversal-tiger-truck-opens-plant-in-texas/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/15/china-reversal-tiger-truck-opens-plant-in-texas/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/15/china-reversal-tiger-truck-opens-plant-in-texas/#commentsFiled under: , ,

While other manufacturers are hurrying to move factories and parts suppliers to China, Chinese truck maker ChangAn is going the other way. Dallas-based Tiger Truck, the exclusive US importer of ChangAn vehicles, has announced plans to open an assembly plant in Jasper, TX. Tiger's vehicles are for off-road uses here in the US - applications such as groundskeeping, farming, and manufacturing. Tiger CEO Mike Ward is reportedly happy to be hiring U.S. workers and seeking contracts with US OEM suppliers. Tiger will be building two new platforms, the Champ full-size pickup, and a medium-duty truck with gross vehicle weights from 14,000 to 21,000 pounds. Tiger's trucks are EPA/CARB certified, as well as meeting frontal crash-test standards. The drivetrain options are wide-ranging, from 2WD to 4WD, hybrid, diesel, even electric. Tiger is serious about equipping work trucks, and there are all sorts of options and accessories available.

Initially, most of the Jasper plant's output will be for export, but the Tiger folks have designed growth into their plant. The Texas location is good for Tiger's exporting efforts to South America and the Carribean, as well as shipping to all points in the U.S. from their very own rail spur. The 100 employees will be capable of cranking out 7,500 vehicles per shift, according to Tiger's PR materials. If the dealer network and popularity of Tiger products grows, we'd expect to see the operation grow. Even if they're not for on-road use, we can see how these vehicles would be extremely useful, and we're encouraged by the decision to locate in the U.S. and employ U.S. workers, as well as involving U.S. OEMs.

Thanks to tipster Dan!

[Source: PR Inside]

Continue reading China Reversal: Tiger Truck opens plant in Texas

China Reversal: Tiger Truck opens plant in Texas originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Mar 2007 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assemblyautomakerbuildingchinalocationmanufacturingplanttexastigertiger truckTigerTrucktrucktrucksunited statesUnitedStatesUSThu, 15 Mar 2007 13:33:00 EST