Autoblog

eBay Motors begins offering free vehicle history reports from Experian

Michael Harley — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:29:00 EST

Consumers wary of purchasing vehicles off eBay may take a bit of comfort in the online auction site's announcement that all vehicles built since 1981 will now include free vehicle history reports effective today. The "AutoCheck" information, supplied by Experian Automotive, will detail whether vehicles have been involved in major accidents, have salvage titles, have been stolen or repossessed, have had their odometers tampered with, or have seen special duty as a taxi or police vehicle. Of course, the service is only able to detail information which has been reported, a common complaint about vehicle history reports. Nicolas Franchet, senior director of U.S. vehicles at eBay Motors, says the free reports will help build the level of trust between the buyers and sellers. "We're interested in being the best place to buy and sell your car online," Franchet said.

Those familiar with eBay Motors will recall that the site has offered vehicle history reports from CarFax, Inc., when supplied by dealers. Those reports are still be available via a link, but the new AutoCheck data supplied without charge is now automatically displayed in a shaded area below the vehicle image in the body of the listing. For more details, check out the official press release after the jump or eBay Motors.

[Source: Experian Automotive | Image: Sean Gallup/Getty]

Continue reading eBay Motors begins offering free vehicle history reports from Experian

eBay Motors begins offering free vehicle history reports from Experian originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Remember how luxury crossovers were "The Next Big Thing?" Yeah, not so much.

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:33:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Luxury

According to Cadillac's general sales manage Ed Peper, mid-size luxury crossovers like the SRX, Audi Q5, and Land Rover LR3 "are like 26 percent of the luxury market." Perhaps he should have phrased that "are still 26%," because an Edmunds chart reveals that the crossover luxury segment has taken a beating over the past two years, dropping 25% in overall volume among major models.

The BMW X3 has fared the worst, with a 77.7 percent sales drop from 2007 to 2009, but the segment rewards freshness and the X3 is due to be replaced late next year. More telling is that only one of the six models listed escaped with less than a 40 percent decline over 24 months: the Lexus RX 350. The crossover that started the luxury CUV trend, or at least popularized it, has been impervious to substantial changes over its life cycle.

The real question is where are sales of the vehicles going? There is no consensus, with various reps citing model mixes, value, the economy, and what's coming as yet-to-be-determined factors in where that market goes. Some even mentioned the fact that the definition of a "luxury crossover" is still being decided -- are an SRX and ZDX the same thing? No matter. We're putting our money on humpbacked wagons. Make the jump to check out the release.

[Source: Edmunds]

Continue reading Remember how luxury crossovers were "The Next Big Thing?" Yeah, not so much.

Remember how luxury crossovers were "The Next Big Thing?" Yeah, not so much. originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Border Drive? Umm... No. Mexico car production reportedly down nearly 40%

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:39:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing

Mexico hasn't accounted for nearly as much ink as the U.S. and Canada in recent discussions of the auto industry. But in case anyone was wondering, they're in a big hurt south of the border as well. While the American market's decline in auto sales factors in at about 25% overall, the Latin American Herald Tribune reports that Mexico has seen a 30.6% drop in sales volume.

And that's the best news. Exports from the automaker plants based in Mexico fell 35.5%, and production descended into the deepest hole, posting a 37.7% contraction compared to last year. The economic rebound everyone is saying is here (or really close) should get Mexico's numbers back in line before long - September's production was only down 22% and exports only dropped 18.7%. But until then... ¡Ay, caramba!

[Source: Latin American Herald Tribune | Image: Jose Castañares/AFP/Getty]

Border Drive? Umm... No. Mexico car production reportedly down nearly 40% originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota reverses decision, chooses to again seek quality over market share

Michael Harley — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 17:33:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Toyota, Earnings/Financials

It was back in 2002 when Fujio Cho, then-President of Toyota Motor Corp., set the company's goal of achieving a 15 percent share of the global automotive market sometime after 2010. Seven years ago, it didn't seem much of a stretch as the automaker had already captured 10.7 percent, and the seemingly-unstoppable company was rapidly growing.

While the Japanese automaker's train hasn't completely derailed, the self-imposed deadline looms and Toyota is reeling through a global slump that has served the company its first loss in decades. With market share taking a back seat to survival, current Toyota President Akio Toyoda (right) has dumped Cho's goal in favor of a back-to-basics focus on quality. And, nobody needs to point out that the automaker's latest forecast represents a production decline of nearly one million units compared to last year. An anonymous company executive summed the new president's directive up in just seven words: "Our president doesn't like figures or documents."

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Toyota reverses decision, chooses to again seek quality over market share originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cash for Clunkers program nets 4,000 sales on first day

Chris Shunk — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Government/Legal

The government's Cash for Clunkers program only got off the ground on Monday, yet 4,026 eligible vehicles were reportedly swapped out in the program's first day. The program already has 20,564 certified Clunkers dealers, which gives eligible customers plenty of places to to cash in on the federal program. That is, assuming the EPA didn't make your vehicle ineligible in the 11th hour.

Hitting 4,000 Cash for Clunkers-related sales in the first day is impressive, but that's only a small portion of sales that the program is expected to create. The vehicles sold on Monday alone represent $17 million in rebates, which leaves $933 million in program funding after administrative costs are taken out. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood estimates that the program has room for 250,000 rebates total, so it seems that we've just scratched the surface.

But if consumers continue to trade in their vehicles at such a torrid pace, the money allocated for the program will be completely gone in about two months, well ahead of the November deadline to exhaust the program's budget. We've got a feeling, however, that there are more than a few deals struck on Monday that had been in the books for a couple of weeks. After all, some manufacturers have been accepting Cash for Clunkers deals since early July.

[Source: Detroit News, Photo: Will Keown]

Cash for Clunkers program nets 4,000 sales on first day originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM expects sales in China to grow 20% in 2009

Michael Harley — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Trends, China, Buick, GM, Earnings/Financials

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

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

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

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

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

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New Toyota CEO takes 30% pay cut, sees no recovery for two years

Michael Harley — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Japan, Toyota, Earnings/Financials

Akio Toyoda, the new President of Toyota and grandson of company founder Kiichiro Toyoda, is predicting another two years of tough times for the auto industry. In order to stay afloat, the Japanese automaker, under the direction of Toyoda, will build more autonomous operations in North America and concentrate on a more region-specific lineup to help the company pull through the recession.

While the company will be steered "back to basics," the changes will not involve plant closures - Toyota wants to make sure it retains capacity for when the market bounces back. Toyoda will also personally take a 30% pay cut this year. "The new Toyota sets sail in very stormy waters," said Toyoda at his first news conference. "But right now we're working at full speed to cut costs and jump-start sales with the support of various government incentives being rolled out... We want to do everything possible to avoid a third consecutive year of losses."

[Sources: Reuters / Reuters]

New Toyota CEO takes 30% pay cut, sees no recovery for two years originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Citroen gunning to be Europe's no. 3 automaker?

Michael Harley — Mon, 25 May 2009 09:19:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Earnings/Financials, Peugeot, Citroën

Jean-Marc Gales, who has been running Citroën since leaving Mercedes-Benz in February, is aiming make Citroën Europe's third-largest brand. During a recent interview with an Italian newspaper, Gales stressed the importance of collaborating with other automakers and focusing on product, not just volume. "It's not important for us to produce 6 or 7 million cars to survive... We have another strategy, we believe in alliances, we cooperate with Ford and BMW on engines and gears, the most expensive parts to develop in a car," Gales said.

Even with the mentioned alliance with Fiat S.p.A. for commercial vehicles and vans, Gales is going to have his work cut out for him. Citroën is currently ranked seventh in European sales, behind sixth-ranked Peugeot. Far above both brands is Volkswagen, currently holding the spot on the top podium.

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

Citroen gunning to be Europe's no. 3 automaker? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 May 2009 09:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Early March sales figures said to be down around 40%

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Earnings/Financials

While there are folks predicting a turnaround in car sales and general economic fortunes by the end of this year, for now the status quo remains, and it can be summed up as: "Ouch." J.D. Power has put the early returns for March sales down 40% compared to the same month last year. It predicts sales of 633,000 cars to retail customers and another 165,000 to fleet customers for March of this year versus a March 2008 total of 1.07 million total sales. That would be an annualized rate of 9.2 million vehicles.

J.D. Power thinks "improvements on Wall Street and a boost in consumer confidence will help to bring the market back." We are not experts on the economy, but we don't know where such predictions come from, especially seeing that jobs are still being shed in the tens of thousands and boisterous Wall Street "improvements" are what got us here in the first place. For now, we'll light another candle for the car industry and hope things turn around for everyone soon.

[Source: CNN]

Early March sales figures said to be down around 40% originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Were more cars sold in China than in the U.S. last month? GM thinks so...

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Trends, China, GM

When you need to reach 46 years into America's past to find comparable auto industry numbers, it's all right to start thinking "Maybe this is pretty serious..." Various estimates of January 2009 U.S. car sales hover around 660,000. According to General Motors executive Mike DiGiovanni, that's "the lowest January in terms of unit sales since 1963."

A year ago, in January 2008, there were a little more than a million cars sold in the U.S. In view this year's decline, it's no wonder more cars were sold in China than in the U.S. last month. If GM's stab at preliminary numbers holds up (DiGiovanni puts Chinese sales at 790,000) - it would be the first time ever that China's car market has outsold America's. We'll know the official results when Chinese sales figures become available.

[Source: Auto News, sub req'd]

Were more cars sold in China than in the U.S. last month? GM thinks so... originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Feb 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche admits it's not invincible, posts 14% sales decline

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Porsche, Earnings/Financials

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera and Carrera S

Porsche's sales for the first six months of its fiscal year (August 1, 2008 through January 31, 2009) have decreased by 27.3% for a total of 34,000 units sold. The resulting financial effect is a 14.3% drop in revenue, or around three billion euros (just under $4 billion US).

Although Porsche execs admit that the automaker isn't immune to the global economic downturn, it has no plans cut jobs. However, it will reduce the number of days worked at the Zuffenhausen plant in Stuttgart by 19 days this summer.

According to Porsche, one of the major factors contributing to the sales slump is a change in its model mix, specifically an increase in 911 variants leaving dealer lots and a decrease in Boxster sales - one of the marque's largest sellers. Strictly judging by our First Drive of the 2009 Porsche Boxster, we'd expect things to improve by the end of July. Hit the jump for Porsche's press release.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Porsche Boxster S PDK

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Porsche Carrera 911 PDK

Continue reading Porsche admits it's not invincible, posts 14% sales decline

Porsche admits it's not invincible, posts 14% sales decline originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Jan 2009 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Land Rover celebrates 500,000 sales in U.S.

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Etc., Land Rover

Land Rover first clambered onto our shores in March, 1987. It took almost ten-and-a-half years to sell the first 100,000 vehicles in the U.S., but it took only five more to move the next 150,000. And now with an expanded lineup and the Range Rover still stalking the countryside as the king of the luxury SUV pride, Land Rover North America has taken just two-and-a-half years to sell another 100,000 units. When a Range Rover Sport left the lot in Cerritos, California this month, that totaled 500,000 Land Rovers bought and paid for. And so to you Land Rover, on your 60th birthday, a tip of the hat and half a million kudos. Press release after the jump.

[Source: Land Rover]

Continue reading Land Rover celebrates 500,000 sales in U.S.

Land Rover celebrates 500,000 sales in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Jan 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai, Kia slash 2008 forecasts

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Hyundai, Kia, Earnings/Financials

Click either image for a high-res gallery

Hot on the ~~wheels~~ heels of Toyota slashing its recently amended profit forecast by another 90%, Hyundai and Kia have cut their sales forecasts by 12.5% and told managers there'll be no extra fat in their paychecks this year. The combined company predicted sales of 4.8 million vehicles, that's now been reduced to 4.2 million. And it's not only Hyundai's cars that are affected -- they have limited the production schedule at a plant that manufactures busses. In what sounds like the onset of martial law, the company has established an "emergency management structure to overcome the crisis."

[Source: Detroit News]

Hyundai, Kia slash 2008 forecasts originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Dec 2008 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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As sales slump, Toyota cuts bonuses and vehicle production

Michael Harley — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Japan, Plants/Manufacturing, Toyota, Earnings/Financials

Management bonuses will be slashed 10 percent at Toyota as a result of the global economic slowdown. About 5,000 managers will take cuts as the Japanese automaker reels from falling global sales that are hitting its local market hard. Toyota vehicle sales in Japan dropped 27 percent in November (excluding 660cc minivehicles) and Lexus sales dipped 24 percent -- mirroring the same sales issues that both brands are having in the United States. As a result, the Japanse Juggernaut will halt production for two days on one of the Tahara production lines manufacturing the Lexus LS, GS and IS models, which will prevent about 5,000 luxury cars from being built, and idle another factory in southern Japan for two days, as well. Toyota is also expected to announce lower sales and production estimates at its year-end press conference that happens at the end of this month. That news will follow the 1 trillion yen ($10.7 billion) yanked just last month from its annual operating profit forecast.

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

As sales slump, Toyota cuts bonuses and vehicle production originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford CEO wants to bring Ka to U.S.

Michael Harley — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 11:02:00 EST

Click above for our high-res gallery of the 2009 Ford Ka

While his priority is to launch the Ford Fiesta in North America in 2010, the CEO of Ford told Automotive News that the Europe-only Ford Ka microcar might also be available in the United States. Alan Mulally said that an array of subcompact and Focus-sized cars will follow the Fiesta, and then the redesigned Ka (itself smaller than the Fiesta) may find itself on our shores. Mulally reiterated Ford's commitment to a small-car strategy, but admitted the company must find a way to achieve a decent profit margin on the inexpensive vehicles. The task is especially daunting when one considers the $8,000 to $10,000-plus margins the automaker banks on SUVs and big pickups.

Gallery: 2009 Ford Ka

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

Ford CEO wants to bring Ka to U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Nov 2008 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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J.D. Power warns global auto market may "outright collapse" in 2009

Michael Harley — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Plants/Manufacturing

J.D. Power and Associates, the influential industry tracking firm, warned that the global auto market may "outright collapse" due to the lack of available credit and the general global economic conditions in 2009. According to the company, credit market restructuring, fewer leasing options, and declining owner equity are adding additional stress to an already burdened market. Don't turn to the automotive markets in China, Europe, or India either -- they are expected to slow next year as well. Much of the domestic sales decline is attributed to consumers delaying vehicle purchases (their studies indicate people are keeping their vehicles four months longer in 2008, compared to 2007). Other contributing factors are the drop in leasing activity, and the loss of fleet sales (down to 2.8 million from 3.3 million last year). While the automotive sales decline over the summer made this a buyer's market, willing consumers who venture into showrooms today are finding dealerships eager to sell, but banks aversive about lending.

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

J.D. Power warns global auto market may "outright collapse" in 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Oct 2008 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW reports best-ever sales first half-year of 2008

Michael Harley — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, BMW, Earnings/Financials

Demonstrating that there is good news still to be found in some sales departments, BMW Group announced their worldwide January through June 2008 sales for BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brands increased 4.7 percent compared to last year. The sales total of 764,874 automobiles marked the most successful half-year of sales in the history of BMW Group. All three brands contributed to the sales increase, in varying capacities. BMW sales grew 2.4 percent, thanks to the BMW 1 Series and 3 Series Cabrio, while MINI sales were boosted 17.9 percent as the MINI Clubman rolled into showrooms. Most impressive was Rolls-Royce, boasting a 68.4 percent increase in sales compared to last year. The only segment where BMW Group was unable to maintain sales levels was with its motorcycles, as sales fell 5.6 percent compared to last year.

[Source: BMW Group]

Continue reading BMW reports best-ever sales first half-year of 2008

BMW reports best-ever sales first half-year of 2008 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Jul 2008 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Prius sales top 1 million worldwide as demand increases

Michael Harley — Thu, 15 May 2008 14:23:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrid, Green, Toyota, Earnings/Financials

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Toyota Prius

Toyota announced today that worldwide cumulative sales of the Toyota Prius have passed the 1 million mark. While that milestone is impressive, more astounding is the fact that sales of the gasoline/electric hybrid continue to increase year-after-year -- even without a model change.

The Toyota Prius has been sold in Japan since 1997. However, it wasn't introduced into the U.S. market until 2000 (as a 2001 model). The first compact models sold in the States didn't exactly fly out of the showroom (North American sales in 2001 were only 16,000 units), but the innovative vehicles educated customers to the benefits of hybrid technology, and paved the groundwork for the current-generation Prius with its updated Toyota Hybrid System II technology. The current model (pictured above) was first sold in 2005. As owners will boast, it is often recognized as the most fuel efficient vehicle sold in the United States. With fuel prices skyrocketing, the gas-sipping sedan has been hot from day one, regardless of its looks or ergonomics. In 2005, Toyota pushed 109,000 units out the door. Last year, 183,000 found new homes in North America alone and through the first four months of 2008, over 107,000 have been sold. If going green is your thing and the current model doesn't do it for you, Toyota will introduce the 3rd-generation Prius in January at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Gallery: Review: 2007 Toyota Prius Touring

[Source: Toyota Motor Corporation]

Continue reading Prius sales top 1 million worldwide as demand increases

Prius sales top 1 million worldwide as demand increases originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 May 2008 14:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota delays U.S. crossover plant

Michael Harley — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:32:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing

Sluggish market conditions in the United States are the reason Toyota Motor Corp. is slowing down the launch of its new Highlander crossover plant in Tupelo, Mississippi. Originally scheduled to open in late 2009 with production at 150,000 vehicles per year, Toyota will instead begin production in May 2010 with an expected reduced annual output of 120,000 units a year. Of course, that number will increase if U.S. market conditions improve.

While the slowing economy is a leading reason for the delay, Toyota officials also confirmed that they are facing difficulty hiring skilled labor for the Tupelo project. They are now recruiting from around the country to fill positions in maintenance, along with tool and die engineers. Toyota expects to employ 2,000 workers at Tupelo. This isn't the first time Toyota has faced recruiting issues. When they opened San Antonio in 2004 and 2005, they found themselves challenged to staff the Tundra pickup plant. The Texas plant recently made headlines when Toyota slowed production of the Tundra. For the fiscal year, Toyota is forecasting operating profits to decline by 29-percent.

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

Toyota delays U.S. crossover plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 May 2008 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lamborghini picks L.A. for new HQ location

Merritt Johnson — Mon, 12 May 2008 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Lamborghini

Some automakers might be concerned over California's fight for an EPA waver, but Lamborghini isn't one of them. Regardless of government-imposed regulations, the Italian exotic car maker knows that the luxury market will continue to demand high-powered vehicles available in every color found in a Skittles bag. That is why Lamborghini has chosen the Los Angeles area, Santa Monica specifically, to house its brand new headquarters for North American sales operations. It is the company's first business venture outside of Italy, and it happened in this country mainly because the continent comprises a 41-percent market share of all Lamborghini's sold in the world. The sunshine state alone accounts for more Lambo sales than most entire nations, hence the reason it won out in the race for office location.

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

Lamborghini picks L.A. for new HQ location originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 May 2008 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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