Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[This is not how you tow a Bentley convertible]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/badly-towing-a-bentley-convertible/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/badly-towing-a-bentley-convertible/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/badly-towing-a-bentley-convertible/#commentsFiled under: , ,



In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy upwards of 250,000 vehicles may have been destroyed, but this particular Bentley Continental GTC may have had insult added to that injury as it was towed out of New York. While we don't know the exact details behind this vehicle being towed, the lack of concern for its well-being coupled with what appears to be water in the headlight of the $200,000-plus convertible, has us thinking this is a Sandy victim.

While most towing companies these days use wheel lifts or flat beds, this truck still has the old-fashioned system of hooks, chains and rubber straps. We're sure with as many cars that needed to be towed following Sandy, the city wasn't exactly concerned about damaging totaled vehicles, but you can scroll down to watch - and listen to - the abuse as its happens to this poor Bentley.

Continue reading This is not how you tow a Bentley convertible

This is not how you tow a Bentley convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Apr 2013 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bentleybentley continental gtchurricane sandytowing failMon, 01 Apr 2013 19:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20524571/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/01/badly-towing-a-bentley-convertible/20524571/article-detail.xml 20524571 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/bentley-continental-towing-fail_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/bentley-continental-towing-fail.jpg <![CDATA[Fisker reportedly drops $33MM lawsuit over Sandy damaged cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/22/fisker-reportedly-drops-33mm-lawsuit-over-sandy-damaged-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/22/fisker-reportedly-drops-33mm-lawsuit-over-sandy-damaged-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/22/fisker-reportedly-drops-33mm-lawsuit-over-sandy-damaged-cars/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

damaged fisker automobiles sitting in new jersey

In the wake of Superstorm Sandy hitting the east coast, Fisker Automotive and insurer XL Insurance wound up in a legal battle over 338 Karma models destroyed in the storm. The cars were sitting in Port Newark, New Jersey when the enormous storm struck, washing away $33 million worth of viable automobiles. Fisker sued XL Insurance in New York State Supreme Court after the company denied coverage for the loss.

Both sides reportedly reached an agreement to drop the legal action on Thursday without publicly stating a reason for the truce. In lieu of an actual reason, here's some conjecture: the cars may be worth more to Fisker as an uncompensated loss, as pending legal battles make the beleaguered niche automaker much less attractive to potential investors or suitors.

Fisker reportedly drops $33MM lawsuit over Sandy damaged cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Feb 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fiskerfisker lawsuithurricane sandykarmasandysuperstorm sandyxl insuranceFri, 22 Feb 2013 14:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20473032/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/22/fisker-reportedly-drops-33mm-lawsuit-over-sandy-damaged-cars/20473032/article-detail.xml 20473032 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/fisker-karma-port_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/fisker-karma-port.jpg <![CDATA[Estimate for Sandy-damaged vehicles surpasses 250,000]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/21/estimate-for-sandy-damaged-vehicles-surpasses-250-000/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/21/estimate-for-sandy-damaged-vehicles-surpasses-250-000/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/21/estimate-for-sandy-damaged-vehicles-surpasses-250-000/#commentsFiled under: ,

Superstorm Sandy-damaged cars assembled on runway for storage

Four months after superstorm Sandy blew through the East Coast wreaking havoc in its path, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) has announced its revised estimates for the number of vehicles damaged in the storm's wake. The new total now stands at a staggering 250,500 vehicles (for perspective, about 15,000 of the vehicles are shown parked on a runway in the images from New York above).

Even though New York (150,000 vehicles damaged) and New Jersey (60,000) account for the bulk of the losses, the storms fury reached as far as West Virginia (1,000), Maine (500) and Vermont (500). The NICB is also quick to point out that its figures only represent insured losses - countless other uninsured vehicles were unquestionably damaged or destroyed during the storm.

A warning has also been issued by the NICB, as many Sandy damaged vehicles may have been reconditioned and placed on the market by now - and not just on the East Coast. While it is not illegal to sell flood-damaged or salvaged vehicles, sellers must disclose the information to buyers. Stopping short of suggesting that there are deceitful parties peddling less-than-perfect vehicles, the NICB offers a free VINCheck to help research if a vehicle has been reported stolen or salvage. As they say, buyer beware and do your homework before purchasing any used vehicle.

Continue reading Estimate for Sandy-damaged vehicles surpasses 250,000

Estimate for Sandy-damaged vehicles surpasses 250,000 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Feb 2013 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flood damageflood insurancehurricane sandyinsurance claimssandysandy insurancesandy vehicles destroyedsuperstorm sandyThu, 21 Feb 2013 17:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20471994/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/21/estimate-for-sandy-damaged-vehicles-surpasses-250-000/20471994/article-detail.xml 20471994 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/628-sandy-flood-cars-kuntz_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/628-sandy-flood-cars-kuntz.jpg <![CDATA[Even more images of the airport full of 15,000 flood-damaged Sandy cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/04/even-more-images-of-the-airport-full-of-15-000-flood-damaged-san/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/04/even-more-images-of-the-airport-full-of-15-000-flood-damaged-san/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/04/even-more-images-of-the-airport-full-of-15-000-flood-damaged-san/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Overview of airport filled with Hurricane Sandy flooded cars

The damage from a major natural disaster can be harrowing - loss to life and limb combined with property damage, environmental, economic and psychological impact make picking up the pieces difficult. But long after the crisis ebbs, the damage lingers, becoming ever more pernicious and difficult to discern. Mold inside walls, unseen weakened structures... they all get covered up with fresh coats of paint. So, too, it is with the automobiles affected.

We first told you about these cars yesterday, but now professional photographer Doug Kuntz has agreed to share his incredible aerial images with Autoblog so we can pass them on to you, the reader. Going one better, Kuntz has given us more than twice as many images than what you saw on the Weather.com link yesterday.

The runways full of cars seen above are the four-wheeled remnants of Hurricane Sandy - but they aren't all headed to the scrap heap. These vehicles are but part of the over $63 billion in damage brought by the late October storm, but insurers are hoping to recover some of their own damages by auctioning some of them off, parting others out, and scrapping the rest. The runways of Calverton Executive Airport on Long Island shown above are now home to 15,000 such vehicles - a sliver of an estimated 230,000 cars and trucks damaged or written-off by Sandy.

Some of the cars shown in these images will join thousands of others that will filter their way back into the used car market in some form or another. New York law dictates that complete vehicles must have their titles stamped as "flood" to alert buyers, but it's not uncommon for that to not happen, whether born of intent to deceive or simple neglect.

Snapper Kuntz urged Autoblog to warn you, the reader, of the danger of purchasing flood-damaged cars like these, including damaged electrical and safety systems. In Sandy's case, he didn't just see these vehicles from the air:

"I saw some of these cars parked on the streets of Rockaway with the bags deployed. I talked with tow truck drivers and mechanics who moved these cars, and have worked on Katrina wrecked cars. The tow truck drivers confirmed the airbag deployments, and the mechanics agreed about the problems taking time to show, and be very expensive to fix, and in some cases, not worth the cost."

Kuntz, who referred to such vehicles as "ticking time bombs," believes strongly that all the affected vehicles should be scrapped, and he agreed to share these images with us as long as we relayed his valuable warning. We join him in urging caution when wading into the used car market at all times, but particularly following major disasters like Sandy. It can take weeks, months or even years for flood-damaged cars to reveal themselves, so get your prospective buys properly inspected. And if there's any doubt in your mind, well, just check out the gallery above for 15,000 good reasons why walking away is usually the smart move.

Even more images of the airport full of 15,000 flood-damaged Sandy cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Jan 2013 12:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>calverton executive airportcar insuranceflood carsflood damageflood-damagedhurricane sandyinsuranceinsurance fraudsandysuperstorm sandyFri, 04 Jan 2013 12:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20417023/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/04/even-more-images-of-the-airport-full-of-15-000-flood-damaged-san/20417023/article-detail.xml 20417023 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/628-sandy-flood-cars-kuntz_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/628-sandy-flood-cars-kuntz.jpg <![CDATA[15,000+ Sandy-ravaged cars headed for auction]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/03/15-000-sandy-ravaged-cars-headed-for-auction/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/03/15-000-sandy-ravaged-cars-headed-for-auction/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/03/15-000-sandy-ravaged-cars-headed-for-auction/#comments

According to the most recent estimates, Hurricane Sandy inflicted upwards of $60 billion in damage to the Northeast when it hit last October - one of the most destructive storms in history. In addition to the life and property losses, officials believe that more than 200,000 vehicles in the New York area alone were damaged by water from storm surges, flooding and rain.

Parked on the tarmac, taxiways and runways 14/32 and 5/23 at Calverton Executive Airpark in Riverhead, NY, are 15,000 of those vehicles - representing just a small portion of the total affected - awaiting their fate. The water didn't distinguish between make or model, raging its destruction on everything in its path, regardless of sticker price. According to officials, the least damaged cars and trucks will be sold at auction to the highest bidder and most will be repaired and registered again (understandably with a "flood" warning on the title, buyer beware). Those with more significant damage will be picked for parts or scrapped.

As you click through the pictures, keep in mind that the runways covered in vehicles are large enough to handle heavy commercial traffic (the first is 10,000 feet long and the second is 7,000 feet in length, both are 200 feet wide). It truly is a somber sight.

15,000+ Sandy-ravaged cars headed for auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Jan 2013 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>calverton executive airparkhurrican damagehurricane sandySandywater damageThu, 03 Jan 2013 19:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20416171/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/03/15-000-sandy-ravaged-cars-headed-for-auction/20416171/article-detail.xml 20416171 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/sandy-flooded-porsche_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/sandy-flooded-porsche.jpg <![CDATA[Hagerty profiles Sandy survivors and their classic cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/05/haggerty-profiles-sandy-survivors-and-their-classic-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/05/haggerty-profiles-sandy-survivors-and-their-classic-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/05/haggerty-profiles-sandy-survivors-and-their-classic-cars/#commentsFiled under: ,



One of the harsh realities encountered by some in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy is the damage done to their beloved classic cars. Such a story may not make it to CNN, so Hagerty Insurance set about chronicling the efforts by several owners to preserve their classics during the storm.

One owner from Staten Island lost a 1977 Ford F-250 Custom pickup. He tried desperately to save his truck, attempting to start it as the waters rose around the vehicle. At one point, he says the water started pouring into the truck. It eventually became impossible to open the doors, and had to crawl out the window. For him and others electrical, brakes and other systems failed when the brackish water rose around the cars.

Some may label the pining over a lost classic insensitive, given the larger issue of rebuilding and reclaiming these costal areas. However, these cars are as much a part of their memories as baby pictures or family heirlooms. There are personal connections with these vintage automobiles that may have been lost forever.

This video just goes to show the powerful bond that some owners have with their treasured classics.

Continue reading Hagerty profiles Sandy survivors and their classic cars

Hagerty profiles Sandy survivors and their classic cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Dec 2012 19:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f-250fordford f-250hagertyhagerty insurancehurricane sandysandysuperstorm sandyWed, 05 Dec 2012 19:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20395066/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/05/haggerty-profiles-sandy-survivors-and-their-classic-cars/20395066/article-detail.xml 20395066 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/hagerty-sandy-video-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/hagerty-sandy-video-628.jpg <![CDATA[Ferrari F12 Berlinetta auction raises $1.5M for Hurricane Sandy relief]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/19/ferrari-f12-berlinetta-auction-raises-1-5m-for-hurricane-sandy/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/19/ferrari-f12-berlinetta-auction-raises-1-5m-for-hurricane-sandy/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/19/ferrari-f12-berlinetta-auction-raises-1-5m-for-hurricane-sandy/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Ferrari F12 Berlinetta Auction

Ferrari has managed to raise $1.5 million for victims of Hurricane Sandy during an auction in Austin, Texas for the very first F12 Berlinetta in the US. The funds will go to the American Red Cross and be earmarked for Hurricane Sandy relief. Ferrari started bidding on the F12 at $315,888, but the most powerful production model from the company fetched $1.125 million by the time the gavel fell through bids sourced both in person and over the phone. The company also managed to raise a further $345,000 in in-kind donations before the auction began, and donors gave an additional $50,000 during the event itself.

Ferrari debuted the F12 Berlinetta at the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, and the company is set to deliver its first model to a US customer in the second quarter of 2013. The automaker reminds its fans that it is still possible to donate to the Hurricane Sandy relief fund by visiting a special Ferrari section of the American Red Cross page. You can take a closer look at the full press release below for more information.

Continue reading Ferrari F12 Berlinetta auction raises $1.5M for Hurricane Sandy relief

Ferrari F12 Berlinetta auction raises $1.5M for Hurricane Sandy relief originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Nov 2012 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 ferrari f12 berlinettaamerican red crosscharitycharity auctionf12f12 berlinettaf12berlinettaferrarihurricane sandyred crosssandyMon, 19 Nov 2012 17:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20383257/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/19/ferrari-f12-berlinetta-auction-raises-1-5m-for-hurricane-sandy/20383257/article-detail.xml 20383257 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/f12-berlinetta-auction-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/f12-berlinetta-auction-628.jpg <![CDATA[NYPD buys mobile surveillance vans to watch Sandy-hit neighborhoods]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/17/nypd-buys-mobile-surveillance-vans-to-watch-sandy-hit-neighborho/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/17/nypd-buys-mobile-surveillance-vans-to-watch-sandy-hit-neighborho/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/17/nypd-buys-mobile-surveillance-vans-to-watch-sandy-hit-neighborho/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

NYPD MUST VanTo keep an eye on some of the neighborhoods hardest hit by Hurricane Sandy, the New York City police department has acquired a small fleet of innovative surveillance vans. Built by TerraHawk, LLC of Dallas, Texas, the NYPD is using four Mobile Utility Surveillance Tower (MUST) vans to patrol some areas of the city that lost power. Animal New York says that the vehicles are being used in Staten Island, Far Rockaway, Coney Island, and Howard Beach.

The idea of mobile surveillance is nothing new, since we've all seen those little trailers in mall parking lots around the holiday shopping season, but TerraHawk has created an all-in-one vehicle that can be deployed to an area quickly. Driving around, the MUST looks like a raised-roof, four-wheel-drive Ford E-Series, but when needed, a tower extends from the rear of the van using scissor lifts to a height of 25 feet. Raising the pod takes less than two minutes, and it can be used in areas with winds of up to 40 miles per hour. For added stability, built-in jacks are used at each corner of the 9,600-pound van.

When parked, the MUST uses an efficient lithium-ion battery pack rather than a generator, which would burn fuel and create exhaust emissions.

How much does one of these eye-in-the-sky trucks cost? Well, in base form (without any on-board technology, ballistics protection or four-wheel drive), they start anywhere from $150,000 to $175,000. The units purchased by the NYPD are powered by Ford's 6.8-liter V10.

Scroll down to read more about the TerraHawk MUST in an official press release.

Continue reading NYPD buys mobile surveillance vans to watch Sandy-hit neighborhoods

NYPD buys mobile surveillance vans to watch Sandy-hit neighborhoods originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Nov 2012 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hurricane sandymobile surveillance vanmobile utility surveillance towernew york police departmentnypdsuperstorm sandyterra hawkSat, 17 Nov 2012 12:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20381955/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/17/nypd-buys-mobile-surveillance-vans-to-watch-sandy-hit-neighborho/20381955/article-detail.xml 20381955 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/nypd-terra-hawk-250_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/nypd-terra-hawk-250.jpg <![CDATA[NYC chef busted for hoarding gas after restaurant fire injures 3]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/14/nyc-chef-busted-for-hoarding-gas-after-restaurant-fire-injures-3/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/14/nyc-chef-busted-for-hoarding-gas-after-restaurant-fire-injures-3/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/14/nyc-chef-busted-for-hoarding-gas-after-restaurant-fire-injures-3/#commentsFiled under: ,

Eno Asian Bistro & Lounge in Manhattan - Entrance

After the flooding and power outages, one of the biggest impacts Superstorm Sandy has had in the Northeast remains a rash of gasoline shortages. To get around the problem, Fei Teng, a 42-year-old sushi chef at a Manhattan restaurant called 1066 ENO, was reportedly hoarding gas in the restaurant's basement using soy sauce buckets. How do we know this? According to the New York Daily News, another restaurant employee accidently spilled most of the fuel onto the floor, which subsequently somehow ignited.

Three employees were injured during the resultant blaze, with a chef receiving first- and second-degree burns to his body and face, while a busboy and waitress received more serious second- and third-degree burns on their legs. The report is from Saturday, which indicated that the employees were still in the hospital and that the restaurant was still closed. There was no word as to whether Teng will face any charges, but this bizarre disaster is further proof that you should only use properly labeled gas cans for storage - and keep them in well-ventilated areas.

NYC chef busted for hoarding gas after restaurant fire injures 3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Nov 2012 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1066 enoenoeno asian bistrogasgas shortagegasoline hoardinggasoline shortagehurricane sandymanhattansandysuperstorm sandyWed, 14 Nov 2012 14:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20377337/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/14/nyc-chef-busted-for-hoarding-gas-after-restaurant-fire-injures-3/20377337/article-detail.xml 20377337 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/eno-asian-bistro_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/eno-asian-bistro.jpg <![CDATA[Hurricane Sandy to raise prices on used cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/10/hurricane-sandy-to-raise-prices-on-used-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/10/hurricane-sandy-to-raise-prices-on-used-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/10/hurricane-sandy-to-raise-prices-on-used-cars/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The immediate impact of Hurricane Sandy was devastating, and the storm's ripple effects will continue to be felt in the weeks and months ahead as communities work to recover. One side effect becoming apparent is Sandy's influence on the used car market.

According to the Detroit Free Press, the destruction of some 250,000 vehicles has led to a shortage that could affect late-model used-vehicle prices nationwide. The National Auto Dealers Association estimates that prices could increase 0.5% to 1.5%. That may not seem like much ($50-$175 per vehicle), but Edmunds.com suggests that in the short term, prices could jump $700 to $1,000.

So how could a dealer in Iowa be affected by a reduction in supply in New Jersey? Many used dealers work with the wholesale auction houses, where cars may travel many miles to meet demand. That means the absence of a quarter-million vehicles effects everyone.

Hurricane Sandy to raise prices on used cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 10 Nov 2012 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caterpillargeneratorshondahurricane sandyiowanew jerseysandySat, 10 Nov 2012 14:04:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20375613/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/10/hurricane-sandy-to-raise-prices-on-used-cars/20375613/article-detail.xml 20375613 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/sandycarspatrickmcfall_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/sandycarspatrickmcfall.jpg <![CDATA[Hurricane Sandy cost automakers 15,000 vehicles, may have ruined up to 200k]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/07/hurricane-sandy-cost-automakers-15-000-vehicles-may-have-ruined/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/07/hurricane-sandy-cost-automakers-15-000-vehicles-may-have-ruined/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/07/hurricane-sandy-cost-automakers-15-000-vehicles-may-have-ruined/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Porsche damaged in Hurricane Sandy

Hurricane Sandy was the largest Atlantic storm in US history, and its total economic impact is just now coming into view. According to Automotive News, Toyota, Chrysler, Nissan and Honda are set to scrap around 15,000 new vehicles ruined by the storm. Nissan alone accounts for about 40 percent of those, with 6,000 Nissan and Infiniti models deeded "un-saleable" due to damage. The company saw 56 dealerships shuttered due to the storm, but 51 of those have since reopened.

Toyota, meanwhile, had some 4,000 vehicles at its Newark port facility, and of those, 3,000 may be scrapped. An additional 825 were dealer inventory when they were ruined. Honda and Acura dealers are reportedly sending 3,440 vehicles to the salvage yard. By comparison, Chrysler weathered the storm fairly well with 825 units destroyed, while Hyundai suffered only 400 lost units and Kia scrapped around 200.

As you may recall, Fisker also suffered some losses, and Automotive News reports the manufacturer saw 320 Karma models damaged beyond repair. Ford and General Motors have yet to come up with estimates, and no automaker has commented on the full cost of replacing the vehicles.

Meanwhile, NADA said the storm could claim as many as 200,000 personal vehicles.

Hurricane Sandy cost automakers 15,000 vehicles, may have ruined up to 200k originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Nov 2012 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acurachryslerfiskerfordgmhondahurricanehurricane damagehurricane sandyhyundaiinfinitikianissansandytoyotaWed, 07 Nov 2012 16:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20373338/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/07/hurricane-sandy-cost-automakers-15-000-vehicles-may-have-ruined/20373338/article-detail.xml 20373338 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/sandy-flooded-porsche_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/sandy-flooded-porsche.jpg <![CDATA[How Sandy (may have) set 17 plug-in hybrids on fire]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/05/how-sandy-may-have-set-17-plug-in-hybrids-on-fire/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/05/how-sandy-may-have-set-17-plug-in-hybrids-on-fire/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/05/how-sandy-may-have-set-17-plug-in-hybrids-on-fire/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Fisker Karma sedans burned at port

Can Hurricane Sandy's flood waters be blamed for the fiery destruction of 16 Fisker Karmas and a Toyota Prius? On Halloween we guessed saltwater had somehow led to a short circuit that overheated the cars' batteries and fire, which may be exactly what happened.

"We can't be certain exactly what happened at the port," Russell Datz, a Fisker spokesman, tells the New York Times Wheels blog. "But we think being submerged in 13 feet of saltwater had something to do with it."

Toyota spokeswoman Cindy Knight tells Wheels that the Prius likely went pyro because "saltwater got into the electrical system." Saltwater, as you probably know, is highly conductive and when it comes into contact with something like an electric car's battery, could cause a short circuit and a fire.

Daniel Abraham, chemical scientist at Argonne National Laboratory, gave the blog a more technical explanation. Salts in the water break into positive and negative ions that act as conductors and could have connected the batteries' positive and negative terminals. Next came a short circuit and then, possibly, a fire.

No one so far thinks the Karma batteries' lithium cores were to blame. Even though lithium will burn on contact with water, the metal used in hybrid batteries is pretty well protected and isn't likely the source of the fires.

So still no official cause of the fires, but an investigation is ongoing.

How Sandy (may have) set 17 plug-in hybrids on fire originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Nov 2012 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fiskerfisker karma firehurricane sandyhybrid firekarmakarma firepriusprius firetoyotatoyota prius fireMon, 05 Nov 2012 16:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20370873/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/05/how-sandy-may-have-set-17-plug-in-hybrids-on-fire/20370873/article-detail.xml 20370873 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/fisker-karma-port_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/fisker-karma-port.jpg <![CDATA[Hybrid taxi drivers find fuel efficiency paying off after Sandy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/03/hybrid-taxi-drivers-find-fuel-efficiency-paying-off-after-sandy/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/03/hybrid-taxi-drivers-find-fuel-efficiency-paying-off-after-sandy/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/03/hybrid-taxi-drivers-find-fuel-efficiency-paying-off-after-sandy/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid NYC Taxi

One of the major side effects of the power outrages in New York and New Jersey following hurricane Sandy is gas stations' difficulty getting fuel to customers. Shortages have led to seemingly endless gas lines, and in all of this, hybrids have shown their inherent value.

Business Insider says that hybrids are proving to be advantageous for many New York City taxi drivers. The NYC cab fleet is currently a mix of hybrid vehicles and comparatively fuel-hungry Ford Crown Victoria sedans. According to the report, at many taxi companies, cars are assigned to drivers first-come, first-serve, so what they're driving on a given day comes down to the luck of the draw.

One cab driver said that refueling a the V8-powered Ford costs about $45 a day, while the the hybrid taxis can go a couple days before needing to gas up. It's suspected that the Crown Vic drivers, forced to go to great lengths to refuel, will not be reimbursed for their efforts.

Hybrid taxi drivers find fuel efficiency paying off after Sandy originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 03 Nov 2012 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cabcrown viccrown victoriaford crown victoriahurricane sandynew york citynycsandytaxiyellow cabSat, 03 Nov 2012 12:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20369117/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/03/hybrid-taxi-drivers-find-fuel-efficiency-paying-off-after-sandy/20369117/article-detail.xml 20369117 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/nyctaxicamryhybrid_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/nyctaxicamryhybrid.jpg <![CDATA[How the automakers are helping with Hurricane Sandy relief [UPDATE]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/02/how-the-automakers-are-helping-with-hurricane-sandy-relief/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/02/how-the-automakers-are-helping-with-hurricane-sandy-relief/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/02/how-the-automakers-are-helping-with-hurricane-sandy-relief/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



To help those effected by Hurricane Sandy cope with the natural disaster, automakers are stepping up in various ways. Known to us right now are contributions of aid or assistance by Ford, General Motors, Toyota, Fisker and Nissan. Toyota and Ford have opted to give in the most straightforward fashion: donations of money. Ford has announced that its own employees have collected $50,000 to donate, and Toyota has stated that it will contribute $1 million in support of relief efforts. Both companies have made these contributions to the American Red Cross.

Other automakers have opted to offer tangible, on-the-ground resources to the relief effort. GM has pledged 50 utility vehicles, including Express cargo vans, Traverse crossovers and Tahoe SUVs, to the Red Cross. The vehicles will be fitted with 200 OnStar Hands-Free calling minutes and a month of turn-by-turn navigation. GM has also donated $250,000 to the Red Cross.

Fisker Automotive has offered up its 3.2-million-square-foot Wilmington, DE facility as a staging area for rescue crews and power trucks.

For many, part the rebuilding process will be replacing their flooded vehicle(s). To that end, Nissan North America has announced that it will offer discounted pricing and financing on new cars through January 2 to help victims replace the transportation they may have lost from flood or storm damage. For current customers, Nissan is also offering payment extensions for the next three payments without fees. Ford has also just announced a similar program, offering a $500 discount on new vehicles and allowing current owners to skip a payment or two.

We are certain more automakers have/will come forward with aid similar to those efforts mentioned here. If you know of more automakers or companies in general who are helping with the relief effort, let us know in the comments.

UPDATE: BMW of North America has pledged $1 million to the Red Cross for Hurricane Sandy relief.

UPDATE 2: Mazda North America Operations has made a pledge of $100,000 to the Red Cross for Hurricane Sandy relief.

UPDATE 3: Chrysler's Ram brand of trucks is donating 20 Ram 1500 Tradesman trucks and $100,000 to the Red Cross for Hurricane Sandy relief.

How the automakers are helping with Hurricane Sandy relief [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Nov 2012 09:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>american red crossdonationsfiskerfordgeneral motorsgmhurricane sandynissanred crossreliefsandytoyotaFri, 02 Nov 2012 09:46:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20367626/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/02/how-the-automakers-are-helping-with-hurricane-sandy-relief/20367626/article-detail.xml 20367626 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/1550534241351716327369-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/1550534241351716327369-opt.jpg <![CDATA[October 2012: Brewing Storm Edition]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/october-2012-brewing-storm-edition/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/october-2012-brewing-storm-edition/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/october-2012-brewing-storm-edition/#commentsFiled under:

Hurricane Sandy's Effect Will Be Delayed

All that's left of Hurricane Sandy, which slammed into the Eastern US this week, is some rain showers and gusts of wind, but the effect of this storm-of-the-century will be felt by those in its path for months to come. Likewise, Sandy made landfall at the tail end of October, which means its effect on new vehicle sales for the month was minimal. However, despite the fact you can't see Sandy's influence in the numbers below, we suspect that next month those Atlantic winds will be impossible to ignore.

Nevertheless, Sandy didn't do too much to shuffle the order of automakers at the top of our sales list. Of the major brands, Subaru, Volkswagen and Dodge were all up over 20 percent compared to October of last year, whereas Toyota Motor Company and Chrysler Group led the way for major automakers with increases of 15.81 and 10.19 percent, respectively. General Motors posted a respectable increase of 4.75 percent, while Ford barely managed to remain positive with sales growth of just 0.39 percent.

Indeed, sales of Ford vehicles were about even, but the Lincoln brand fell 15.4 percent, its whole lineup having been outsold for the month by the Chevrolet Sonic alone.

Also down was Nissan North America, some 3.23 percent. This despite a positive performance by Infiniti (up 27.62 percent) and the newly redesigned Altima selling well.




*Brands and companies are displayed in descending order according to their percentage change in volume sales. There were 26 selling days in October 2012 versus 26 selling days in October 2011, so there is no difference between the change in monthly sales volume and the change in average daily sales rate (DSR) for each brand/company. Also, brands are combined and reported as companies only if their sales figures are released jointly.

October 2012: Brewing Storm Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Nov 2012 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto salesby the numbershurricane sandyoctober 2012Thu, 01 Nov 2012 16:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20368297/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/01/october-2012-brewing-storm-edition/20368297/article-detail.xml 20368297 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/uphill-car-1325715318_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/uphill-car-1325715318.jpg <![CDATA[Hurricane Sandy destroys 16 Fisker Karmas at port with water and fire]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/31/hurricane-sandy-destroys-16-fisker-karmas-at-port-with-water-and/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/31/hurricane-sandy-destroys-16-fisker-karmas-at-port-with-water-and/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/31/hurricane-sandy-destroys-16-fisker-karmas-at-port-with-water-and/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Even before Hurricane Sandy made landfall in the US, there was no doubt the storm would wreak havoc for automakers (especially luxury brands) in the Northeast, but it looks like Fisker may have taken the biggest, most spectacular hit.

According to Jalopnik, 16 Fisker Karma models waiting to be shipped off to dealers at Port Newark were flooded during the storm surge, and while it isn't clear how it happened, some of the cars ended up catching on fire.

This isn't the first (or second) time a Fisker Karma has caught fire, but it is a different scenario that led to the fires. While the first two instances may have been related to a hot engine compartment, the storm-damaged Karmas were sitting in a lot full of other cars when they were flooded with sea water. Since none of the vehicles were being charged and it's unlikely that any had recently been driven, the best guess of a cause for these fires is some sort of short caused by the batteries coming in contact with salt water.

Fisker has released an official statement about the fires (read it below) saying the company will investigate the situation, but as of yet, there is no additional information.

Continue reading Hurricane Sandy destroys 16 Fisker Karmas at port with water and fire

Hurricane Sandy destroys 16 Fisker Karmas at port with water and fire originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 fisker karmafirefiskerfisker karma firefrankenstormhurricane sandykarmasuperstorm sandyWed, 31 Oct 2012 15:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20366700/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/31/hurricane-sandy-destroys-16-fisker-karmas-at-port-with-water-and/20366700/article-detail.xml 20366700 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/01-2012-fisker-karma-fd-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/01-2012-fisker-karma-fd-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Why Hurricane Sandy fallout will hit luxury carmakers particularly hard]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/31/why-hurricane-sandy-fallout-will-hit-luxury-carmakers-particular/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/31/why-hurricane-sandy-fallout-will-hit-luxury-carmakers-particular/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/31/why-hurricane-sandy-fallout-will-hit-luxury-carmakers-particular/#commentsFiled under: , ,



When we say the worst of Hurricane Sandy has passed, we're only talking about the weather phenomena; the depth of the storm's other impacts will take time to measure. Many of the estimated 4,751 car dealers in the states affected by Sandy spent the run-up to the storm moving their inventory to high ground if possible and bracing their dealerships for the storm. Many had already been through Hurricane Irene had some practice, but, as one dealer said, the water levels before Sandy hit were already at Irene levels, so all they could do was hope they got it right.

It's not that there's ever a good time for a civilization-battering natural disaster, but for dealers, Hurricane Sandy coming at the end of the month was the worst possible time. These last few days of the month are when they'd be discounting cars and courting shoppers to meet their monthly quotas. Luxury dealers might take the brunt of the hit, as a report in Bloomberg indicates that Volvo, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Acura sell from 23 to 25 percent of their wares in New York, Washington and Philadelphia.

According to the The New York Times, as of Tuesday night there were eight million people without power due to the storm, 2.3 million of them in New York state and another 2.6 million in New Jersey. Power outages there might last the rest of the week, if not longer. The Washington Post reported that the D.C. area is getting back to business, but it was shut down entirely for two days. Elsewhere, it's been reported that "the Northeast back to business," but that's the business of cleaning up, not the business of selling cars.

The 'good' news, relatively speaking, for dealers and the luxury makers is that Hurricane Sandy didn't change analysts' sales predictions for the month, nor the year. October is traditionally the slowest month of the year anyway, and the annualized rate of 14.8 to 14.9 million 2012 sales might be a little soggy, but appears to have emerged intact.

Why Hurricane Sandy fallout will hit luxury carmakers particularly hard originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acurabmwhurricanehurricane sandymercedes-benznatural disasternew yorkphiladelphiasandyvolvowashington dcWed, 31 Oct 2012 10:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20366183/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/31/why-hurricane-sandy-fallout-will-hit-luxury-carmakers-particular/20366183/article-detail.xml 20366183 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/cars-flooded-from-hurricane-sandy_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/cars-flooded-from-hurricane-sandy.jpg <![CDATA[What impact will Hurricane Sandy have on car production?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/30/what-impact-will-hurricane-sandy-have-on-car-production/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/30/what-impact-will-hurricane-sandy-have-on-car-production/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/30/what-impact-will-hurricane-sandy-have-on-car-production/#commentsFiled under: ,



On Monday, with Hurricane Sandy fast approaching, Wards Auto published a report speculating on how the storm might effect the auto industry. In a general sense, it was predicted that plants in or near the storm's path could shut down as a precautionary measure. With Sandy now having made landfall as a superstorm, it appears several production facilities were right in her path.

Two plants in Maryland that most certainly ceased production during the storm were a General Motors powertrain facility that builds heavy duty truck and SUV transmissions, while the other is a Volvo plant that produces Volvo and Mack truck engines. The Swedish concern also has a Mack truck plant in Pennsylvania which is currently experiencing heavy rains and flooding.

Plants located in Virginia and West Virginia are currently being blanketed by heavy snows and more than 128,000 homes are without power. A blizzard warning has been issued in West Virginia, Ohio and Michigan, both home to many automotive production facilities, are also in the midst of heavy snow and rain. It will be unclear just how extensive the impact is on automotive production until the storm and its aftereffects have passed.

Depending on Sandy's path, plants in Ontario, Canada and upstate New York could still be effected, though it is suspected the largest hit on the auto industry could be a drop in sales. The Wards Auto report suggest that October's industry sales could be 200,000 to 300,000 units less than expectations. With the storm still making its way through the Appalachian region and much of the Northeast, only time will tell the true effect on the auto industry.

What impact will Hurricane Sandy have on car production? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Oct 2012 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletgeneral motorsgmhurricane sandymack trucksandyvolvowards autoTue, 30 Oct 2012 11:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20365084/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/30/what-impact-will-hurricane-sandy-have-on-car-production/20365084/article-detail.xml 20365084 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/hurricane-sandy-parking-lot_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/hurricane-sandy-parking-lot.jpg -1 2