Autoblog

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[REPORT: Chrysler piles on even more incentives ahead of the holidays]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/report-chrysler-piles-on-even-more-incentives-ahead-of-the-holi/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/report-chrysler-piles-on-even-more-incentives-ahead-of-the-holi/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/report-chrysler-piles-on-even-more-incentives-ahead-of-the-holi/#commentsFiled under: Car Buying, Marketing/Advertising, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep

In an effort to spur lagging sales, Chrysler has reportedly cranked up incentive spending on nearly all of its models by $1,000 to $1,500 while also offering 0% financing on many of its models. Chrysler is also said to be offering lease incentives of $500 to $1,000 on minivan leases and financing deals on leftover 2008 and 2009 Dodge Vipers.

The move towards additional rebates comes as incentive spending has been down for crosstown rivals General Motors and Ford. And Chrysler was already spending more on incentives than the industry at large - Edmunds says the typical Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep sold had $3,219 on the hood versus an industry average of $2,486. Chrysler is in a tougher position than its Detroit contemporaries, because the Auburn Hills, MI-based automaker has seen its sales slide by 39% on the year - more than any other major player in the U.S. market. One thing Chrysler does have going for it is that dealer inventory is largely in check and Automotive News is reporting that 88% of its vehicles are 2010 models.

Chrysler's latest round of incentives is good now through January 4, 2010.

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

REPORT: Chrysler piles on even more incentives ahead of the holidays originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car buyingCarBuyingchryslerchrysler incentivesChryslerIncentivesdodgeincentive spendingincentivesIncentiveSpendingjeeprebatesMon, 23 Nov 2009 17:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Still want a Sprinter? 100 Mercedes dealers sign on to sell big van]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/still-want-a-sprinter-100-mercedes-dealers-sign-on-to-sell-big/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/still-want-a-sprinter-100-mercedes-dealers-sign-on-to-sell-big/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/still-want-a-sprinter-100-mercedes-dealers-sign-on-to-sell-big/#commentsFiled under: Car Buying, Minivan/Van, Work, Mercedes-Benz

Last year, there were 350 dealers selling Sprinters, but the signs in front of those dealerships had the word "Dodge" on them. Now that Sprinters have been pulled from Chrysler's pipeline, Automotive News reports that Mercedes-Benz has established its own U.S. van subsidiary and is canvassing dealers to sell the hardy haulers.

Of the 165 Mercedes and Freightliner dealers invited to add Sprinters to their lineups, 143 have accepted the call. Even though 14,600 Sprinters were moved through Dodge outlets and another 3,682 by Freightliner, Mercedes set the minimum for its dealers at 30 vans annually to begin with.

If you're looking for a Sprinter, you'll probably be able to find it with a three-pointed star early next year. In the meantime, dealers are creating the necessary showroom space and adding repair bay features to deal with the big boxes.

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

Still want a Sprinter? 100 Mercedes dealers sign on to sell big van originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car buyingCarBuyingmercedesMercedes Sprintermercedes-benzmercedes-benz sprinterMercedes-benzSprinterMercedesSprintersprintervanMon, 09 Nov 2009 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Canadian chicks dig Chevrolet's new Camaro]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/psa-canadian-chicks-dig-chevrolets-new-camaro/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/psa-canadian-chicks-dig-chevrolets-new-camaro/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/psa-canadian-chicks-dig-chevrolets-new-camaro/#commentsFiled under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Canada

2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS - click above image for hi-res gallery

Years and years and years ago (like back in the Eighties), we read a study that broke down car ownership by gender. The car most purchased by men? The Porsche 928, with a score of 97% male. Most by women? 69% of the time the ladies bought Nissan Pulsars - you know, those oddball notchback/shooting brake/targa-top modular things that usually came in pink. We mention this because traditionally, muscle cars have aimed at and appreciated by men. In fact, the gender breakdown for the 4th-generation Camaro is 80% male to 20% female. Not anymore.

Despite 'Vettes getting 'em wet as the sleeveless t-shirt proclaims, it seems that what women actually want is a brand new Chevrolet Camaro. At least, that appears to be the case with America's neighbors up in the True North Strong and Free. According to Autos Canada, it's looking like new 2010 Camaro sales in Canada are splitting the gender divide right down the middle, as in 50-50 in some locations. "Unlike the older versions of the Camaro where you probably had the typical motorhead, male, buyer, this is totally the opposite," says one Canadian Chevy dealer.

Why is this? Says General Motors spokesman George Saratlic, "One of our biggest challenges was the muscle car association to the car. We knew we couldn't do a replica of a '69 Camaro - It limits your audience." What does that say about fans of the 2010 Camaro? Probably not much, as the 426 horsepower LS3 version still skews heavily male. Also, the heavy dose of marketing via Michael Bay's Transformers movie series ensures that eight-year-olds and their ilk are way into GM's latest pony car as well. Still, women are clearly seeing something exciting in the Camaro. Thanks for the tip, Lawrence!

Gallery: Review: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS

[Source: Autos Canada]

PSA: Canadian chicks dig Chevrolet's new Camaro originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>201 Chevy Camaro SS2010 Camaro2010 Chevrolet Camaro2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS2010 Chevy Camaro2010Camaro2010ChevroletCamaro2010ChevroletCamaroSs2010ChevyCamaro201ChevyCamaroSsauto buyingAutoBuyingCamarocar buyingCarBuyingChevrolet CamaroChevroletCamaroChevy CamaroChevyCamarofemale auto buyingFemaleAutoBuyingMuscle CarMuscle CarsMuscleCarMuscleCarsWomenWed, 28 Oct 2009 19:01:00 EST<![CDATA[What does your new car say about you? <i>Forbes</i> takes a look]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/15/what-does-your-new-car-say-about-you-forbes-takes-a-look/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/15/what-does-your-new-car-say-about-you-forbes-takes-a-look/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/15/what-does-your-new-car-say-about-you-forbes-takes-a-look/#commentsFiled under: Car Buying, Etc.

Ah, yes. Automotive stereotypes... always good for a laugh or two, right? For instance, just who do you expect to see exiting a late-Seventies Chevy Camaro Z/28? Mullet city, of course. And what of the blacked-out Cadillac Escalade rolling on two-sizes-too-large wheels and tires? Professional athlete or someone who wishes they were. Finally, who's that behind the wheel of the second-gen Toyota Prius with the anti-Hummer bumper sticker? Treehugger, natch.

So, these are all pretty obvious examples of automotive stereotypes, and naturally they don't always apply (we'd totally rock the right Z/28, FWIW). What about the less conspicuous vehicular choices? San Diego-based market research outfit Strategic Vision has just released its New Vehicle Experience Study... and to be honest, the results aren't terribly surprising.

Lexus owners are wealthy and well educated. Two-thirds of Buick owners are over the age of 55, though the 2010 LaCrosse is lowering that average... a bit. But there are also a few shockers, like the fact that 13% of Chevrolet owners have never used the internet. Seriously, never used the internet. Also, the average Toyota owner is 55 years old, which is why the Scion brand (average age: 37) was invented. Click here for the full breakdown.

[Source: Forbes]

What does your new car say about you? Forbes takes a look originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automotive stereotypeautomotive stereotypesAutomotiveStereotypeAutomotiveStereotypescar buyingCarBuyingstereotypestereotypeswhat your car says about youWhatYourCarSaysAboutYouThu, 15 Oct 2009 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: "Lesser luxury" is the new black]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/14/report-lesser-luxury-is-the-new-black/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/14/report-lesser-luxury-is-the-new-black/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/14/report-lesser-luxury-is-the-new-black/#commentsFiled under: Car Buying, Etc.

Up until very recently, the reason that you bought a BMW 3 Series or a Mercedes-Benz C-Class was to prepare you to buy a 5 or an E in a few years. You know, ladders to climb, blowing up to do, de-luxe apartments in the sky to own. These days, according to a new study, that is less and less the case: fewer premium buyers are moving up and more buyers are actually moving down.

According to numbers compiled by the Power Information Network, in 2006, nearly 16% of new car buyers moved from a compact to a mid-sized car, but through the first half of this year, only about 11% did so. And compared to 2006, this year two other categories showed 4% gains: people moving from large to mid-sized cars, and those moving from mid-sized to compact cars.

Gas prices have a bit to do with that, as does the democratization of high-end features, but the real story appears to be that unless David Stern signs your paychecks, being a baller is out. Customers don't want to look like they're flaunting their money, or they simply don't want to spend it. Even brand-loyal buyers are either keeping their cars, or instead of buying new ones they're going for pre-owned certified or an off-lease deal. Even Acura and Lexus are seeing their customers turn their aspirations downward.

According to Automotive News, brands that appear to be poised to benefit from this trend include Hyundai and Audi. The Korean firm's Genesis sedan is an all-the-luxury-you-want option for $10,000 less than most comparable brands. Less flashiness and an engineering-led message could also be the catalyst for Audi, whose sales declines are a third of the luxury market's overall. Said Scott Keogh, Audi's chief marketing officer, "There is affluence, and consumers have means, but frivolousness has gone away."

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

REPORT: "Lesser luxury" is the new black originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto buyingAutoBuyingcar buyingcar buying trendsCarBuyingCarBuyingTrendsetclifestyleluxuryluxury carsluxury goodsLuxuryCarsLuxuryGoodsnear luxuryNearLuxurypremiumWed, 14 Oct 2009 13:59:00 EST<![CDATA[STUDY: Used car prices reached all-time high in September]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/13/study-used-car-prices-reached-all-time-high-in-september/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/13/study-used-car-prices-reached-all-time-high-in-september/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/13/study-used-car-prices-reached-all-time-high-in-september/#commentsFiled under: Car Buying, Earnings/Financials

New car sales have been in a downward spiral for over a year now, and the big beneficiaries appear to be used cars (and repair shops). A study by Manheim Consulting shows that the company's Used Vehicle Value Index has risen to a record high of 118.5 in the month of September, up 1.8% versus August. That's the ninth straight increase this year, as Manheim's index has steamrolled northward by 6.9% over the past 12 months.

New car sales have risen in part because many car buyers have decided to save money by buying used vehicles instead of new models, shrinking the supply of used vehicles on the market. And since fewer customers are buying new cars, dealers are left with fewer trade-ins. The month of September was especially impactful because many of the car-buyers who did buy new cars and trucks used Cash for Clunkers, and all of those vehicles ended up at the neighborhood crusher, not the used car lot.

Manheim's report also shows that both new and used vehicle inventories are down, which explains why new car incentives have been sliding as well. And with fewer incentives on new vehicles, used vehicles become a more attractive option, except there aren't many pre-owned units on the market. Used vehicles are going to auction with higher overall miles as well, a trend that is to be expected with the lack of vehicles coming off leases. According to Manheim, in January, the average auction car had about 51,000 miles on the odometer. That number has steadily increased over the past nine months to the point where an average auction vehicle now has closer to 63,000 miles on it.

With few used cars on the market and those models that are left tending to be of the higher mileage variety, it makes some sense that some automakers are becoming bolded in their volume projections for next year. Head over to Manheim Consulting for more info on its used vehicle index.

[Source: Manheim Consulting | Image: Justin Sullivan/Getty]

STUDY: Used car prices reached all-time high in September originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>c4ccar buyingcar salesCarBuyingCarSalescash for clunkersCashForClunkersmanheimmanheim consultingmanheimconsultinguse carsUseCarsused carused car salesUsedCarUsedCarSalesTue, 13 Oct 2009 16:58:00 EST<![CDATA[2010 Ford Taurus reportedly enjoying strong early sales in California]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/08/2010-ford-taurus-reportedly-enjoying-strong-early-sales-in-calif/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/08/2010-ford-taurus-reportedly-enjoying-strong-early-sales-in-calif/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/08/2010-ford-taurus-reportedly-enjoying-strong-early-sales-in-calif/#commentsFiled under: Car Buying, Sedan, Ford

2010 Ford Taurus - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've already established that we feel the 2010 Ford Taurus is a lot more interesting than the boring and benign model it replaced, and sales totals are starting to reinforce our findings. September's sales tally revealed that the new Blue Oval flagship received a 60% sales increase versus September of 2008, and while the fact that the top sales market for the Taurus is Metro Detroit is no surprise, second place is likely the real prize. The Taurus is reportedly red-hot in sunny California, and some dealers are having trouble keeping the super-sized sedan in stock.

That's obviously a great problem to have, and Ford spokesperson Amy Marentic told the Detroit Free Press that there is a simple reason why supplies are short: "The older Taurus ... did not move and really wasn't relevant in California." Galpin Ford vice president Beau Boeckmann was a bit more direct in his reasoning, adding "We went from a frumpy car that did not have a southern California appeal to a car that everybody is in love with." Ford says it is also seeing good news on the options front, as it says 95% of customers are ordering uplevel models or are at least adding extras. A significant 25% of customers have reportedly opted to add Ford's excellent navigation system, up from only 4% on the outgoing Taurus.

We're not so sure "everybody" loves the new Taurus, as it's still a big rig that won't ignite the passion of most enthusiasts, but that isn't really its lot in life anyhow, and we can at least say that the new model ought to receive far more love than the neutered bull it replaced. Hat tip to Yaroukh!

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Taurus

Photos Copyright (C)2009 Chris Paukert / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Detroit Free Press]

2010 Ford Taurus reportedly enjoying strong early sales in California originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 ford taurus2010FordTaurusauto salesAutoSalescalifornia carscalifornia salesCaliforniaCarsCaliforniaSalescar buyingcar salesCarBuyingCarSalesfordford navigationford taurusFordNavigationFordTaurustaurusThu, 08 Oct 2009 10:20:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Consumers increasingly shying away from small cars; owners unhappy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/06/report-consumers-increasingly-shying-away-from-small-cars-owne/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/06/report-consumers-increasingly-shying-away-from-small-cars-owne/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/06/report-consumers-increasingly-shying-away-from-small-cars-owne/#commentsFiled under: Car Buying

2011 Chevrolet Cruze - Click above for high-res image gallery

When gas prices spiked above $4 per gallon in the summer of 2008, car buyers appeared to find their small car zen. Toyota Corollas, Honda Fits and Civics, Chevrolet Cobalts and Ford Focuses were flying off dealer shelves at a fevered pace, while truck buying dropped through the floor. Fast-forward to present day and car buyers are once again picking bigger vehicles while many of last year's "smart" small car buyers may be experiencing a bit of buyer's remorse.

A closer look at the current sales charts shows that Americans may not be too keen on small cars after all, as News Chief is reporting that America's compact car market has dropped 15% year over year. Even used small cars are taking a beating, as Kelley Blue Book reportedly told NC that small car residuals have dropped like a stone while larger vehicles are becoming increasingly valuable. In August 2008, truck prices dropped by 17% versus the same point in 2007, but from 2008 to 2009 overall truck sales jumped by 23%.

Perhaps the biggest issue here is that many of the customers who went small in 2008 are now unhappy with their more economical vehicles. George Peterson, president of AutoPacific told NC that a recent survey of 32,000 car buyers showed that customers aren't thrilled with their new small car, quoting customers as saying "'It does what I want, but it doesn't have what I want. It doesn't have the features, the power, the room, and next time I'll opt for a bigger car.'"

The survey showed that 30% of small vehicle buyers would like more power with their next new car or truck, 25% want more cargo room, and 25% want more technology. 18% of those surveyed would like more safety and 22% would like a softer ride. Only half of the subcompact buyers would opt for a compact vehicle with their next purchase, while 35% want a midsized sedan and 18% want a crossover or SUV.

While the Auto Pacific survey results shows that many car buyers are looking away from compacts with their next purchase, automakers are ramping up small car production. New products like the Ford Fiesta and the Chevrolet Cruze are coming Stateside over the next year or two, and if the apparent trend away from small cars continues, automakers will be fighting over a familiarly small group of perspective buyers. Unless, of course, gas prices once again spike into the stratosphere, in which case we're likely to repeat this process again.

Gallery: 2011 Chevy Cruze

[Source: News Chief]

REPORT: Consumers increasingly shying away from small cars; owners unhappy originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto pacificAutoPacificbuyers remorseBuyersRemorsecar buyingCarBuyingcompact carCompactCargas pricesGasPricesnews chiefNewsChiefsmall carsmall carsSmallCarSmallCarssubcompactTue, 06 Oct 2009 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: The future of car configurators, brought to you on Microsoft Surface]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/video-the-future-of-car-configurators-brought-to-you-on-micros/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/video-the-future-of-car-configurators-brought-to-you-on-micros/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/video-the-future-of-car-configurators-brought-to-you-on-micros/#commentsFiled under: Car Buying, Wagon, Technology, Videos, Audi

The Neue Digital / Razorfish car configurator - Click above to watch video

Microsoft Surface is, at its most basic, a table-sized touchscreen computer. You can play with them at rather select locations, but we haven't yet begun to see what the thing can do because there aren't enough people investing in applications for it. But for a glimpse of a potential automotive use, Neue Digitale / Razorfish (ND/R) created a configurator that turns accessorizing into building a car in your bare hands.

One of the coolest things about ND/R's take on customizing is that Surface allows for a huge car because the screen is, literally, a table. The haptic controls let you move the car - in this case, an Audi - with a finger or two in any direction, and zooming and jumping in and out of the vehicle take just a few finger touches. The neatest thing of all is the actual physical widget that, when placed on the screen, pulls up a topical menu on the screen that can be flipped through by rotating the widget. And get this: two people can use it at the same time.

It's not quite as revelatory as the configurator that Aston introduced last year for the DBS, only because it's not yet real. But it probably will be soon enough. Follow the jump to have a look at the video.

[Source: Emerging Experiences via German Car Blog]

Continue reading VIDEO: The future of car configurators, brought to you on Microsoft Surface

VIDEO: The future of car configurators, brought to you on Microsoft Surface originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiauto buyingAutoBuyingavantcar buyingcar configuratorCarBuyingCarConfiguratorconfiguratorfalsemicrosoftmicrosoft surfaceMicrosoftSurfaceNeue DigitaleNeueDigitaleRazorfishtechtechnologyvideoWed, 30 Sep 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Going for Gold: Toyota dealers reportedly price gouging on 2010 Prius]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/26/going-for-the-gold-toyota-dealers-reportedly-price-gouging-on-2/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/26/going-for-the-gold-toyota-dealers-reportedly-price-gouging-on-2/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/26/going-for-the-gold-toyota-dealers-reportedly-price-gouging-on-2/#commentsFiled under: Car Buying, Hybrid, Hatchback, Toyota, Earnings/Financials

2010 Toyota Prius - Click above for high-res image gallery

The last time we heard about gouging on the Toyota Prius was, oh, just last summer when gas prices put the frugal flyer at the top of shopping lists. Things were so bad then that used Priuses were going for more than new models because dealers couldn't keep the fresh stuff in stock.

Cash-for-Clunkers appears to have had the same affect on some Toyota dealers this summer. Even though cars like the Ford Fusion and Toyota Corolla grabbed the top slots and headlines, the Prius was so popular as a swap-car that dealers again ran short on inventory. Daily Tech reports that the tight supply llead some dealerships to start adding a Market Value Adjustment (MVA) to the MSRP of up to $5,000.

It wasn't all Toyota dealers that took to making dough while the sun shone, of course - and the gist of the story appears to be that if you really want a Prius, shop around for MSRP and you'll probably find it. In the long run, until the Prius gets some real competition for the mantle of Greenest Thing on Earth, be ready to hear this story again.

Gallery: 2010 Toyota Prius

[Source: Daily Tech]

Going for Gold: Toyota dealers reportedly price gouging on 2010 Prius originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car buyingCarBuyingdealerdealersdealershipgougegouginghatchbackhybridmarket valuemarket value adjustmentMarketValueMarketValueAdjustmentprice gougingPriceGougingpriustoyotatoyota dealertoyota dealerstoyota dealershiptoyota priusToyotaDealerToyotaDealersToyotaDealershipToyotaPriusWed, 26 Aug 2009 16:57:00 EST<![CDATA[STUDY: Average car costs 22.1 weeks of median family income, average price at $26,300]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/18/study-average-car-costs-22-1-weeks-of-median-family-income-ave/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/18/study-average-car-costs-22-1-weeks-of-median-family-income-ave/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/18/study-average-car-costs-22-1-weeks-of-median-family-income-ave/#commentsFiled under: Car Buying

A study by Comerica Bank shows that the average purchase price of a new vehicle went up $300 in the second quarter versus the Q1, bringing the average transaction price to $26,300. The upward swing in prices came at a time when the average household income remained stagnant. The average family needs 22.1 weeks of median family income to pay for their new vehicle purchase, up .3 weeks from Q1. According to the study, higher transaction prices were slightly offset by lower financing rates, down to a very low average of 3.45%; the lowest rate in five years.

Comerica says that the reason the average purchase price rose in Q2 is that customers were buying more expensive cars. That's a bit odd in such a down economy, although lower overall sales could mean that customers who would normally purchase lower priced vehicles stayed out of dealerships altogether. The lower interest rates and higher transaction rates tells us that automakers are likely offering more 0% financing offers, which typically replaces heavy rebates in return for a lower monthly payment. Comerica Chief Economist Dana Johnson feels the average vehicle transaction price will ultimately come back down in Q3, due in part to the success of Cash for Clunkers. Hit the jump to read over the official press release.

[Source: Comerica Bank | Image: Karen Bleier/AFP/Getty]

Continue reading STUDY: Average car costs 22.1 weeks of median family income, average price at $26,300

STUDY: Average car costs 22.1 weeks of median family income, average price at $26,300 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car buyingcar loansCarBuyingCarLoanscomerica bankComericaBankmedian priceMedianPricetransaction priceTransactionPriceTue, 18 Aug 2009 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi throws another $1,000 onto C4C incentives]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/06/audi-throws-another-1-000-onto-c4c-incentives/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/06/audi-throws-another-1-000-onto-c4c-incentives/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/06/audi-throws-another-1-000-onto-c4c-incentives/#commentsFiled under: Car Buying, Audi

The government, dealers and consumers don't seem to know exactly what's going on with the C.A.R.S. (Cash for Clunkers) program, but Audi doesn't want to lose any momentum and has decided it's the right time to "enhance the deal even further."

From now until the end of August, if you want to swap your clunker for one of 18 eligible Audis, the Ingostadt marque will give you another $1,000 on top of the C.A.R.S. rebate. According to Audi, the allowable models include iterations of the A3, A4, TT, and Q5 from 2008 and 2009. However, there aren't any approved 2010 models, but if you've been thinking about something with four rings on it, August could be your month. Hit the jump for all the details from Audi.

Continue reading Audi throws another $1,000 onto C4C incentives

Audi throws another $1,000 onto C4C incentives originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a3a4audiaudi a3audi a4audi q5audi ttAudiA3AudiA4AudiQ5AudiTtc4ccar buyingCarBuyingcars programCarsProgramcash for clunkersCashForClunkersincentivesnhtsaq5rebatesttThu, 06 Aug 2009 17:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Dealer accidently unveils Audi R8 Spyder in classified ad?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/05/dealer-accidently-unveils-audi-r8-spyder-in-classified-ad/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/05/dealer-accidently-unveils-audi-r8-spyder-in-classified-ad/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/05/dealer-accidently-unveils-audi-r8-spyder-in-classified-ad/#commentsFiled under: Car Buying, Spy Photos, Convertible, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Audi, UK

Stafford Audi, a U.K. Audi dealer, placed an advertisement on the popular website Pistonheads for the forthcoming R8 Spider. For a picture of the car, they used an uncamouflaged picture of an R8 Spider from the Iron Man sequel, as you can see from the California license plate that reads "Stark." According to the ad, though, the car was "spotted testing in Germany."

The ad copy goes on to say that the production car will differ from the coupe in the lack of side blades, extra air intakes behind the rear seats, a different location for the fuel filler cap, and the addition of rollover hoops that we assume are hidden until needed.

The car won't make its debut until the Geneva Motor Show in March 2010, but you can deposit down on one right now with Stafford. Estimated price: £105,000 ($177K U.S.).

Gallery: 2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro

[Source: Pistonheads]

Dealer accidently unveils Audi R8 Spyder in classified ad? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 audi r8 spider2010 r8 spider2010AudiR8Spider2010R8Spideraudiaudi r8 spiderAudiR8Spidercar buyingCarBuyingconvertibledealereuropegeneva motor showGenevaMotorShowiron maniron man 2IronManIronMan2performancer8r8 spiderR8Spidersportsstafford audiStaffordAudiukWed, 05 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Dealers now allowed to kill C4C engines <em>after</em> they get rebate checks]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/03/dealers-now-allowed-to-kill-c4c-engines-em-after-em-they-get/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/03/dealers-now-allowed-to-kill-c4c-engines-em-after-em-they-get/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/03/dealers-now-allowed-to-kill-c4c-engines-em-after-em-they-get/#commentsFiled under: Car Buying, Government/Legal

Last week, there were gasps all around as people watched how a Cash-for-Clunkers trade-in meets its smoky end. Even though the program was blessed with a $2B lifeline to continue, there may be fewer silicate glass engine deaths from now on since dealers have been granted the option of waiting to kill engines until after they receive their rebates.

Many dealers complained of having their rebate applications rejected, and if they can't get the rejection overturned, they're left with tons of useless junk on which they've just lost thousands of dollars. In order not to leave dealers in the lurch if their rebate applications are rejected, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will now allow dealers to store the car in working order until seven days after they receive their rebate checks.

We don't know the rejection rate for cars that dealers believed would be approved, but we can't help but wonder what a dealer might do with a car that's not worth at least $3,500 on the open or wholesale market if it's not sure that reimbursement for the rebate's a lock.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd | Image: Flickr, VJnator CC 2.0]

REPORT: Dealers now allowed to kill C4C engines after they get rebate checks originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>c4ccar buyingCarBuyingcash for clunkersCashForClunkersengine killEngineKillgovernmentnational highway traffic safety administrationNationalHighwayTrafficSafetyAdministrationnhtsaMon, 03 Aug 2009 10:57:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Cash for Clunkers could be dead tonight [UPDATE]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/30/report-cash-for-clunkers-could-be-dead-tonight/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/30/report-cash-for-clunkers-could-be-dead-tonight/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/30/report-cash-for-clunkers-could-be-dead-tonight/#commentsFiled under: Car Buying, Classics, Government/Legal

Congress allocated close to $1 billion for the Cash for Clunkers program. That's billion with nine zeros. And all that money might be gone by midnight tonight. This, according to reports by both the Detroit Free Press and Edmunds AutoObserver. We learned earlier that the C4C program has proved to be much more successful than initially thought, with 22,782 consumers taking advantage of between $3,500 to $4,500 federal duckets for their old "clunkers" during the programs first five days. In fact, so many people are taking the feds up on the deal that dealers are worried they are going to lose track of all the trade-ins. The Department of Transportation (DOT) could announce the suspension of the program as soon as tonight. In fact, they could announce that all the money is gone and the program is over. We gotta wonder what John Maynard Keynes would make of all this.

UPDATE: As of 9:41PM EST, the Detroit Free Press is reporting that White House administration officials alerted Congress this evening that the Cash for Clunkers would be suspended, though White House officials have denied the report. Confusion is running rampant at this point, but it seems that the $950 million allocated for reimbursement of passenger car and light truck rebates is all but gone and government officials will spend Friday figuring out how to find more money for the program and untangle the reimbursement process for dealers.

[Sources: FREEP, AutoObserver | Image Source: Theo Heimann/Getty]

REPORT: Cash for Clunkers could be dead tonight [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 20:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3500 Voucher3500Voucher4500 Voucher4500VoucherbreakingC4CCar Allowance Rebate SystemCar BuyingCarAllowanceRebateSystemCarBuyingCARSCash 4 ClunkersCash for ClunkersCash4ClunkersCashForClunkersDealersDepartment of TransportationDepartmentOfTransportationDOTThu, 30 Jul 2009 20:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Cash for Clunkers racks up 22,782 trade-ins and $95.9 million so far]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/30/cash-for-clunkers-racks-up-22-782-trade-ins-and-95-9-million-so/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/30/cash-for-clunkers-racks-up-22-782-trade-ins-and-95-9-million-so/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/30/cash-for-clunkers-racks-up-22-782-trade-ins-and-95-9-million-so/#commentsFiled under: Car Buying, Government/Legal

When the government's Cash for Clunkers program returned 4,026 orders on its first full day of availability, some were surprised by the speed with which the sales booster took off. After only five days, the program seems to have picked up steam rather than lost it: 22,782 trade-ins have funneled through dealer lots in the 3-4 days since Monday when the program began. So far, dealers have requested $95.9 million in reimbursement money from the government, or about 10% of the funds that were supposed to keep the program running into November. The cars.gov website currently shows $75 million left for CAT3 trucks and $779 million out of $1 billion for everything else.

So far, the average rebate value is reportedly $4,209, which means most customers are eligible for the $4,500 voucher that requires a new vehicle purchase with a 10+ mpg improvement verses the model being traded in. Tuesday was the busiest day so far, with $51 million worth of reimbursements filed by dealers, and there were $27 million filed on Wednesday.

The National Automotive Dealers Association says the program will likely run out of money well before the November deadline. If C4C continues at its current pace, the program could end as early as September. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, some 23,000 dealers have submitted registrations and 19,328 have been approved.

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

Cash for Clunkers racks up 22,782 trade-ins and $95.9 million so far originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3500 voucher3500Voucher4500 voucher4500Voucherc4cCar Allowance Rebate Systemcar buyingCarAllowanceRebateSystemCarBuyingCARScash for clunkersCashForClunkersdealersNHTSAThu, 30 Jul 2009 16:29:00 EST<![CDATA[STUDY: Ford continues to find favor with consumers while GM, Chysler decline]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/30/study-ford-continues-to-find-favor-with-consumers-while-gm-chy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/30/study-ford-continues-to-find-favor-with-consumers-while-gm-chy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/30/study-ford-continues-to-find-favor-with-consumers-while-gm-chy/#commentsFiled under: Chrysler, Ford, GM

Bankruptcy may have put General Motors and Chrysler in a better financial position, but a report from Rasmussen shows that public opinion may have taken a big hit in the process. The survey, which was completed by 1,000 Americans in late July, shows that only 38% of Americans now have a favorable opinion of GM, down six points from May, and 21% of respondents have a very unfavorable view of the Detroit-based automaker. Chrysler now only has a 34% favorable rating, also down six points, while its very unfavorable rating has dipped to 23%.

The perils of GM and Chrysler are having the opposite affect on Ford, though, as the latest Rasmussen Report shows the public now has a 66% favorable opinion of Ford, with 22% now very favorable. The reason sited in the survey is the fact that the Blue Oval didn't require bailout money, along with avoiding a stint in bankruptcy court. For Ford, 46% of Americans surveyed are more likely to buy a car for avoiding government assistance, while only 17% say they are more likely to go GM now that the company is out of bankruptcy. While the report is good news to Ford, we'd point out that the significant swings in opinion from March to May to July shows that the public mood can shift quickly.

The bankruptcies of GM and Chrysler have certainly weighed down public opinion of the companies, but the attention the industry has received in the past year has helped the surveyed Americans place more value on the auto industry. 88% of those surveyed felt the auto industry is at least somewhat important to the economy, compared to only 49% back in March 2007. Hit the jump to review the complete Rasmussen Report.

[Source: Rasmussen Reports]

Continue reading STUDY: Ford continues to find favor with consumers while GM, Chysler decline

STUDY: Ford continues to find favor with consumers while GM, Chysler decline originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bailoutbankruptcycar buyingCarBuyingchryslerfordgmrasmussen reportsRasmussenReportsThu, 30 Jul 2009 07:58:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: GM to resume leasing luxury vehicles on Aug. 1]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/29/report-gm-to-resume-leasing-vehicles-on-aug-1/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/29/report-gm-to-resume-leasing-vehicles-on-aug-1/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/29/report-gm-to-resume-leasing-vehicles-on-aug-1/#commentsFiled under: Car Buying, Chrysler, GM

Cadillac CTS - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Just in time for the weekend, rumor has it that General Motors and GMAC plan to crank up the leasing machine again on August 1. When GM stopped the practice last year, leases made up 20% of its business, but was costing the General money hand-over-fist. Dealers have continued to lease on their own, through outside banks, but the volume of cars leaving the lot as lease deals is "negligible".

The most either company would say on-the-record is that they are looking at ways to get back into it. GM is said to have spoken to several banks - not just GMAC - to gain a solid position. GMAC, now a bank holding company, is also one of Chrysler's partners; with credit slowly opening up and resale values slowly rising, it's not a bad time for the company to take steps toward leasing again.

For the moment, the only car mentioned for lease availability is the Cadillac CTS, as the luxury segment is traditionally the most lease-heavy.

Gallery: 2008 Cadillac CTS - action shots

[Source: Wall Street Journal]

REPORT: GM to resume leasing luxury vehicles on Aug. 1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car buyingCarBuyingchryslergeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmgmacleaseleasingWed, 29 Jul 2009 17:02:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Cash-For-Clunkers dealers instructed to kill engines with sodium silicate]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/26/report-cash-for-clunkers-dealers-instructed-to-kill-engines-wit/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/26/report-cash-for-clunkers-dealers-instructed-to-kill-engines-wit/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/26/report-cash-for-clunkers-dealers-instructed-to-kill-engines-wit/#commentsFiled under: Car Buying, Government/Legal, Earnings/Financials

According to Bloomberg, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration got wind that some cars being turned in under Germany's Cash-For-Clunkers program were being certified as destroyed, but actually being resold. To prevent that scenario from repeating itself in the U.S., land of Honest Abe, dealers have apparently been instructed to fill the engines of trade-ins with sodium silicate and run them for seven minutes in order to permanently disable them.

Early reports from around the country indicate that Cash-For-Clunkers is having the intended effect, and the authorities want to make sure no one takes undue advantage by making money on the turned-in vehicles. Normally sodium silicate, often referred to as "liquid glass," is used to seal leaks in things like head gaskets, but in this case, it's used to seize an engine that could be well worth reselling. Dealer records will be reviewed by federal agents, and if the dealer is found not to have complied, the dealer will have to pay $15,000 per infraction.

[Source: Bloomberg via Boston.com | Image - Dave7 under CC2.0]

REPORT: Cash-For-Clunkers dealers instructed to kill engines with sodium silicate originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 26 Jul 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car buyingcar salesCarBuyingCarSalescash for clunkerscash-for-clunkersCashForClunkersgovernmentnational highway traffic safety administrationNationalHighwayTrafficSafetyAdministrationnhtsarebatescrappagesodium silicateSodiumSilicateused carsUsedCarsSun, 26 Jul 2009 09:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Mexican Cash-for-Clunkers program announced, only brands built in country are eligible]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/17/mexican-cash-for-clunkers-program-announced-only-brands-built-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/17/mexican-cash-for-clunkers-program-announced-only-brands-built-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/17/mexican-cash-for-clunkers-program-announced-only-brands-built-i/#commentsFiled under: Car Buying, Government/Legal, South America

Mexican President Felipe Calderon has announced a Cash-for-Clunkers program for buyers wishing to trade their cars in for something locally produced. So far, 500 million pesos ($37M USD) have been set aside for the program, but Calderone has reportedly said the subsidy could be doubled to one billion if the program proves successful.

New car buyers will be given 15,000 pesos ($1,100 U.S.) for the cars they turn over to recycling depots or junkyards, and they can apply that to cars worth up to 160,000 pesos ($11,760 U.S.). Eligible vehicles include those built in Mexico or imported by any of the seven companies that have assembly plants in the country.

[Source: El Universal (translated)]

Mexican Cash-for-Clunkers program announced, only brands built in country are eligible originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Jul 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car buyingCarBuyingcash for clunkersCashForClunkersfelipe calderonFelipeCalderongovernmentlatin americaLatinAmericamexicoFri, 17 Jul 2009 08:59:00 EST