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[Dodge Ram CEO gets interviewed, reveals tough job ahead]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/16/dodge-ram-ceo-gets-interviewed-reveals-tough-job-ahead/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/16/dodge-ram-ceo-gets-interviewed-reveals-tough-job-ahead/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/16/dodge-ram-ceo-gets-interviewed-reveals-tough-job-ahead/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



When Chrysler announced plans to spin off the Ram brand from the Dodge division, more questions than answers were left in its wake. So the truck-obsessives at Pickuptrucks.com sat down with the newly-appointed President and CEO of the Ram brand, Fred Diaz Jr., to suss out the details - to varying levels of success.

As expected, the 20-year Chrysler veteran did the executive shuffle around Pickuptrucks.com's most pointed questions, but it's clear Chrysler has plans to market and advertise the newly-formed truck and commercial vehicle division separately from its former Dodge umbrella.

Diaz didn't divulge much about how Ram will be differentiated from its former parent, only saying, "The car side is definitely going to be marketed and branded different than the Ram brand, which is all about trucks and their capabilities."

On November 4, Chrysler is holding a lengthy press event where the automaker is expected to divulge some of its future product plans and how each individual brand will be marketed going forward. While we've already heard rumblings (and seen one TV spot) of Chrysler's attempted move upmarket, it's unclear how Dodge will be positioned. The smart money is on a more performance and consumer oriented image (similar to Chevrolet), while Ram is sure to capitalize on its rough-and-tumble truck persona. To that end, Diaz told Pickuptrucks.com, "At the end of the day, the Ram [pickup] will still have some Dodge DNA to it. Anything that's a real, true truck is part of Ram and the Ram brand going forward."

[Source: Pickuptrucks.com]

Dodge Ram CEO gets interviewed, reveals tough job ahead originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerdodgedodge ramDodgeRamramtrucksFri, 16 Oct 2009 14:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Woodward 2009: The heavy haulers and shakers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/16/woodward-2009-the-heavy-haulers-and-shakers/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/16/woodward-2009-the-heavy-haulers-and-shakers/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/16/woodward-2009-the-heavy-haulers-and-shakers/#commentsFiled under:


The trucks of Woodward - Click above for high-res image gallery

With vast amounts of sheetmetal and a bed, trucks can be a lot easier to modify than cars. That holds true at the Woodward Dream Cruise, as mod masters jack up, lower and customize trucks of all shapes and sizes. Beyond the beefed up suspensions and 36-inch wheels, we also caught far bigger vehicles ranging from military applications and monster trucks to fire trucks and classic Chevys and Fords. Click on the gallery below to enjoy trucks ranging from the classic to the ridiculous.


Gallery: Woodward 2009: The heavy haulers and shakers

trucks---07trucks---01trucks---02trucks---03trucks---04


Woodward 2009: The heavy haulers and shakers originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 16 Aug 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>trucksvanswagonswoodward 2009woodward dream cuisewoodward trucksWoodward2009WoodwardDreamCuiseWoodwardTrucksSun, 16 Aug 2009 12:59:00 EST<![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: Optimus Prime hiding in plain sight [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/07/ebay-find-of-the-day-optimus-prime-hiding-in-plain-sight-w-vid/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/07/ebay-find-of-the-day-optimus-prime-hiding-in-plain-sight-w-vid/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/07/ebay-find-of-the-day-optimus-prime-hiding-in-plain-sight-w-vid/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


1997 Peterbilt dressed as Optimus Prime - Click above for image gallery

With Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen holding the number box office spot for two weeks, there couldn't be a better time for this ardent Autobot fan to be flogging his truck on eBay. Done up thoroughly enough to qualify as an Optimus Prime replica, this 1997 Peterbilt 379 wears custom PPG paint and clearcoat, along with hand-applied pinstripes.

If you do actually want to haul things, under that extended hood - just like Prime has - there's a 475 horsepower Caterpillar running through a ten-speed Eaton Fuller transmission. Bidding is up to $20,300 at time of writing, but you've got nine days left to get your bid in and make room in your back yard... and then you can retrieve the Allspark.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Optimus has been showing up all sorts of odd places lately, including a guest appearance on The Light Show With David Letterman last night. The booming Autobot leader led his vocal talents to the program's trademark Top 10 list, and you can check out how he did by watching the video after the jump. Hat tip to 94 Taurus owner!


Gallery: Optimus Prime Peterbilt 379


[Sources: eBay; YouTube]

Continue reading eBay Find of the Day: Optimus Prime hiding in plain sight [w/VIDEO]

eBay Find of the Day: Optimus Prime hiding in plain sight [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auction actionAuctionActiondavid lettermanDavidLettermanebayLate ShowLateShowlettermanmoviesOptimusoptimus primeOptimusPrimepeterbiltTop 10Top10transformerstransformers 2transformers revenge of the fallenTransformers2TransformersRevengeOfTheFallentrucksTue, 07 Jul 2009 19:55:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Ford releases trailer for "Raptor: Born in Baja" feature documentary]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/19/ford-raptor-stars-in-raptor-born-in-baja-feature-documentary/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/19/ford-raptor-stars-in-raptor-born-in-baja-feature-documentary/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/19/ford-raptor-stars-in-raptor-born-in-baja-feature-documentary/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Raptor: Born in Baja documentary -- Click above after the jump

The Ford F-150 SVT Raptor has just finished its close-up, and pretty soon you'll be able to see it on both the big screen in "Raptor - Born in Baja". The Blue Oval took its factory-built off-road runner to the Baja 1000 last year and documented the entire build and the race. The documentary is like Truth in 24, but with trucks and lots of dirt, and the Raptor only finished third in its Class 8 division (full-sized 2-wheel-drive), but that's not bad for a team that had only three months to complete the build.

The movie will premiere in Hollywood on June 23 at the Egyptian Theater, and then air on Speed TV a few weeks later. For now, you can check out the trailer after the jump.


Gallery: 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading VIDEO: Ford releases trailer for "Raptor: Born in Baja" feature documentary

VIDEO: Ford releases trailer for "Raptor: Born in Baja" feature documentary originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baja 1000Baja1000f-150fordford f-150ford f-150 svt raptorford raptorFordF-150FordF-150SvtRaptorFordRaptormotorsportspickupsvt raptorSvtRaptortrucksvideoFri, 19 Jun 2009 15:32:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Mahindra capitalizes on Detroit 3 dealer closings, picks up new outlets]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/19/report-mahindra-capitalizes-on-detroit-3-dealer-closings-picks/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/19/report-mahindra-capitalizes-on-detroit-3-dealer-closings-picks/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/19/report-mahindra-capitalizes-on-detroit-3-dealer-closings-picks/#commentsFiled under:

Many communities have felt the sting of closing dealerships, but it appears for some that capitalism Mahindra is coming to the rescue. The Indian truck manufacturer is sweeping in to sign up recently booted Chrysler dealers to sell their fuel efficient diesel pickups. Mahindra is hoping to soon have 300 dealers online and ready to sell the inexpensive trucks. Mahindra had earlier announced that it had over 300 dealers signed up to sell the truck, but the difficult economy and a lack of available credit likely prevented many from having a dealership online in time for the truck's fall introduction. The experienced, ready-for-business Chrysler dealerships are like a gift placed in the lap of the Indian truck maker.

In the Detroit area, the Detroit Free Press is reporting that two former Chrysler dealers will begin selling the truck this fall. The Mahindra truck will exclusively contain 2.2-liter diesel powertrains mated to six speed transmissions. The trucks should easily be able to hit 30 mpg on the highway, while also giving owners the ability to carry a 1.3-ton payload. The Mahindra truck will also cost 10-15% less than comparable Japanese offerings.

The Free Press also reported that Mahindra is planning a diesel-powered SUV for mid-2010. The SUV will reportedly have a price tag in the $13-15k range.

[Source: Free Press]

REPORT: Mahindra capitalizes on Detroit 3 dealer closings, picks up new outlets originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Jun 2009 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerdealersdieselmahindratrucksFri, 19 Jun 2009 07:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Daimler opens office in Baghdad, Iraq]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/20/daimler-opens-office-in-baghdad-iraq/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/20/daimler-opens-office-in-baghdad-iraq/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/20/daimler-opens-office-in-baghdad-iraq/#commentsFiled under: , ,



As a small step that could be considered a healthy vote of confidence in Iraq's return to stability, Mercedes has established a corporate representative office in Baghdad. Daimler set up shop in Erbil, Iraq last February, opening a training center that would get mechanics ready for coming Mercedes products. By installing a corporate representative, the company will have someone on the ground to figure out how best to introduce new Mercedes products to the country. The rep will focus on examining and developing the market for trucks and buses, which Daimler should have all to itself for a while.

[Source: Daimler]

Daimler opens office in Baghdad, Iraq originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Feb 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>busbussesdaimleriraqmercedesmiddle eastMiddleEasttrucktrucksFri, 20 Feb 2009 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Cheap Gas = Trucks to outsell cars again this month]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/24/cheap-gas-trucks-to-outsell-cars-again-this-month/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/24/cheap-gas-trucks-to-outsell-cars-again-this-month/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/24/cheap-gas-trucks-to-outsell-cars-again-this-month/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It's the same old story, people say one thing, yet do another. The price of fuel has fallen to the point that it's no longer financially ruinous to fill the tank on a full-size pickup, so looks like truck sales will eclipse cars in December. Despite the public's rhetoric about smaller and more fuel efficient vehicles, the populous has seemingly gone back for another feed at the truck trough. Winter tends to remind people of the things that SUVs and trucks are good for, like plowing and effortless going in inclement conditions while also carrying a passel of rugrats and their associated detritus. Not only are truck sales expected to be up, Hybrids will be the flip side of the trend, underperforming compared to what everyone might have thought a mere four months ago. It might end well for the automakers, with higher profit trucks bouncing back, though the investment in green and hybrid technology will go wasted if the marketplace ignores it, a real danger with fuel prices easing... for the time being. Hat tip to reader "Throwback"

[Source: CNN, Photo: yammeringmagpie]


Cheap Gas = Trucks to outsell cars again this month originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Dec 2008 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>energy pricesEnergyPricesfuel pricesFuelPricesgas priceGasPricesuv and trucksuv salesSuvAndTrucktruck salestrucksTruckSalesWed, 24 Dec 2008 09:58:00 EST<![CDATA[SEMA 2008: Knight XV armored SUV lets you take your undergound lair with you]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/06/sema-2008-knight-xv-armored-suv-lets-you-take-your-undergound-l/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/06/sema-2008-knight-xv-armored-suv-lets-you-take-your-undergound-l/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/06/sema-2008-knight-xv-armored-suv-lets-you-take-your-undergound-l/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Knight KV Armored Vehicle

The first word that came to mind when we saw the Knight XV was this: warthog. Sure, there are other words you could use, but consider this: it's not attractive, it's ridiculously tough, it's called in to deal with nasty situations and it kills things, all of which tend to be the traits of vehicles that earn the moniker "warthog." Based on the Gurkha military vehicle, the 10,000-pound, Ford F-350 Super Duty-based Knight XV is armored to an unspecified degree, but looks like it will stop more than a pea-shooter. It's got a 6.8-liter V10 that packs 400 hp and 500 lb-ft to keep you moving, and inboard ABS brakes to get you stopped. Those tires are 40-inchers wrapped around 20-inch aircraft-grade wheels. Oh, and it also runs on E85, which means it's more environmentally friendly than any other warthog. Except the hairy one. Check out the specs after the jump, and the gallery of high-res photos below featuring details shots and images of the interior, as well.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: Knight XV Armored Vehicle

Continue reading SEMA 2008: Knight XV armored SUV lets you take your undergound lair with you

SEMA 2008: Knight XV armored SUV lets you take your undergound lair with you originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Nov 2008 17:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armoredarmored vehicleArmoredVehicleconquestconquest vehiclesConquestVehiclesknight xvknight xv armored vehicleKnightXvKnightXvArmoredVehiclemilitarysemasema 2008Sema2008special editionSpecialEditiontrucksThu, 06 Nov 2008 17:06:00 EST<![CDATA[<strike>Destroy</strike> Travel the Earth in the MAN Action Mobil Globecruiser]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/22/strike-destroy-strike-travel-the-earth-in-the-man-action-mobi/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/22/strike-destroy-strike-travel-the-earth-in-the-man-action-mobi/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/22/strike-destroy-strike-travel-the-earth-in-the-man-action-mobi/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The Action Mobil Globecruiser is more of a superhero support vehicle than something meant for the average guy or gal. The stats: 783-cubic-inch, 530 hp six-cylinder diesel, 12-speed automatic, permanent AWD, two locking differentials, ABS, a 219-gallon fuel tank, a 154-gallon water tank, 2.4-inch thick sandwich plate fibreglass walls and doors, burglar-proof windows, insulated plumbing, and heating via water radiators. Oh, and it's got a flushing, porcelain toilet.

If you think you need a vehicle like this, either your name is "U.S. Military" or you dress up in a funny costume with rubberized six-pack abs and fight for justice while your tuxedo'ed helpmeet follows you around -- and pulverizes the Earth -- in this 31-foot colossus. And you're probably rich, because the Globecruiser costs €490,000. We think it's 42,000-pounds of straight-up cool, and a much hoped-for candidate for the Autoblog Garage.

[Source: Gizmodo]

Destroy Travel the Earth in the MAN Action Mobil Globecruiser originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Oct 2008 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action mobilaction mobileActionMobilActionMobileglobecruisermanman action mobilman action mobil globecruiserManActionMobilManActionMobilGlobecruiserrvstrucksWed, 22 Oct 2008 09:57:00 EST<![CDATA[First Drive: HUMMER H3T]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/first-drive-hummer-h3t/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/first-drive-hummer-h3t/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/first-drive-hummer-h3t/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for hi-res gallery of the HUMMER H3T

If HUMMER had a theme song, it'd probably be the Allman Brothers' Whipping Post -- the one that goes "Sometimes I feel, sometimes I feel, like I been tied to the whipping post..." The brand has been the go-to effigy when something needs to burn on the altar of eco desecration. But HUMMER doesn't have a theme song, it has the tagline "Like No Other." It also has a new pick-em-up truck we had the chance to drive recently in the High Sierras: the H3T. Follow the jump to find out if it's another HUMMER like no other, and check out the gallery of hi-res images below.

Gallery: First Drive: HUMMER H3T

Continue reading First Drive: HUMMER H3T

First Drive: HUMMER H3T originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Aug 2008 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredfirst driveFirstDriveh3h3th3t alphah3talphahummerhummer h3hummer h3tHummerH3HummerH3tpickuppickup truckpickup truckspickupspickuptruckPickupTruckstrucktrucksFri, 08 Aug 2008 11:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford Ranger to avoid the axe in '09?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/25/ford-ranger-to-avoid-the-axe-in-09/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/25/ford-ranger-to-avoid-the-axe-in-09/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/25/ford-ranger-to-avoid-the-axe-in-09/#commentsFiled under: ,



As record fuel prices leave automakers' carefully-laid truck plans looking as if they've been bombarded by a squadron of B-52s, an unlikely survivor might poke its head through the wreckage at Ford: the Ranger. Originally slated to be given a gold watch, a pat on the back, and then shown the door in 2009, the Detroit News reports that the current Ranger might live on until 2011, when its new global replacement will be ready. Attractive fuel economy and good sales numbers -- the Ranger is the #2 compact truck behind the Taco, even though opening the door to the Ford is like stepping into a time machine to the 1990s -- might be the current Ranger's saviors. Salvation is not completely assured, however. Some investment would be required to keep Ranger alive no matter what, as the current truck doesn't have side airbags, which are required after 2009 (this was probably one of the reasons it was slated to die off then in the first place). Is spending money on the Ranger to extend its life just two years in Ford's best interests? Bean-counters will decide. In case you haven't noticed, they've been doing a lot of deciding, lately.

[Source: Detroit News]

Ford Ranger to avoid the axe in '09? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Jun 2008 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009fordrangerranger livesRangerLivessurvivestrucksWed, 25 Jun 2008 12:57:00 EST<![CDATA[GM may divorce trucks and full-size SUVs]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/09/gm-may-divorce-trucks-and-full-size-suvs/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/09/gm-may-divorce-trucks-and-full-size-suvs/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/09/gm-may-divorce-trucks-and-full-size-suvs/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



When the current GMT900 SUVs hit the market in 2006, gas prices were already near $3.00 per gallon, but the super-sized transports sold in prodigious numbers anyway. The reasoning from the General and its customers was that there were still people with big boats or trailers to tow, and unibody CUVs just aren't up to the task. In the two years that followed, gas prices have gone from pesky to pandemic, and buyers are leaving their body-on-frame SUVs by the thousands.

The General isn't blind to the trend, and a report from Bloomberg says that GM may be ready to take the drastic step of separating the platforms of its trucks and full-size SUVs by 2012. The move is extreme because SUVs and trucks have saved development time and money by sharing a platform for many decades, but with such a dramatic shift away from the handy but fuel-thirsty rigs, GM has little choice but to think of alternatives. A unibody Tahoe or Escalade wouldn't be able to tow quite like its predecessor, but they would be lighter and have better fuel economy.

Our first thought was that GM already has eight-passenger unibody CUVs like the Enclave, Acadia, Outlook and upcoming Traverse, but without more utilitarian SUVs like the Tahoe, there should be room for a more purpose-built CUV in the lineup. While this news isn't exactly earth-shattering, we're thinking it very accurately illustrates just how fast these times they are-a-changing, and how far automakers will go to stay viable. Thanks for the tip, Fro!

[Source: Bloomberg]

GM may divorce trucks and full-size SUVs originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 May 2008 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fuel economyFuelEconomyGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsGMSUVTrucksFri, 09 May 2008 10:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Sorry, your SUV is now worthless]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/sorry-your-suv-is-now-worthless/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/sorry-your-suv-is-now-worthless/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/sorry-your-suv-is-now-worthless/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Thinking of trading your gas-guzzling SUV in for something smaller, a bit more fuel efficient? You are not alone. The rocketing cost of gasoline, and diesel fuel, is having a ripple effect on the SUV market. With consumers trading in their behemoths by the thousands in exchange for more frugal transportation, dealers are stuck with a surplus of unwanted sport-utes sitting on their lots with values dissolving.

Diesel-burning trucks aren't immune either. As diesel fuel costs hovering about fifty cents per-gallon above gasoline, some of the bigger oil-burning SUVs and trucks are losing measurable resale by the day. Overall, according to CNW Marketing Research, used SUV sales were down 14% in March alone. With any surplus, come big discounts. It may be a ghastly time to fill a 30-gallon tank on an SUV, but it is the perfect time to negotiate with a dealer for that seven-passenger family truckster you've been fancying. No need to hurry -- there will be an even better selection tomorrow.

Thanks to Jim for the tip!

[Source: U.S. News and World Report]

Sorry, your SUV is now worthless originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Apr 2008 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CAFEdieselResale valueResaleValuesport utilitysport utility vehiclesport utility vehiclesSportUtilitySportUtilityVehicleSportUtilityVehiclesSUVSUVsTrucksWed, 30 Apr 2008 08:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Trucker's Association wants a 65-mph national speed limit... for everyone?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/31/truckers-association-wants-a-65-mph-national-speed-limit-for/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/31/truckers-association-wants-a-65-mph-national-speed-limit-for/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/31/truckers-association-wants-a-65-mph-national-speed-limit-for/#commentsFiled under: ,

The trucking industry spend $113 billion on diesel fuel last year, and the way prices are going up, the industry will shell out $135 billion this year. To help restrain that kind of runaway profit-loss, the American Trucking Associations has released a list of ideas on how the federal government can lower fuel prices.

In addition to asking the government to release oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, open up currently prohibited areas for drilling, and fund the EPA's SmartWay program, the ATA wants two intriguing things: speed limiters set at 68 mph on all new trucks, and a national speed limit of 65 mph.

While many states limit trucks and autos with trailers to 55 mph in any conditions, there are states that allow truckers to drive faster, and we find it interesting that the trucking industry wants the federal government to police its drivers with a 68-mph limit in order to save fuel. As for the 65-mph national limit -- the press release doesn't make a distinction, so it looks like the industry is proposing that measure for all vehicles on the roads. If that's the case, not only do we not know how that would bring fuel prices down at all, we don't know why they think slowing cars down in the states that have 65+ speed limits would help the price of diesel fuel. Thanks for the tip, Dan!

[Source: Truckline]

Trucker's Association wants a 65-mph national speed limit... for everyone? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Mar 2008 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>american trucking assocationsAmericanTruckingAssocationsatadieseldiesel pricesDieselPricesgas pricesGasPricessemistrucksMon, 31 Mar 2008 10:29:00 EST<![CDATA[HMR magazine drives the HUMMER H3T mule]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/03/hmr-magazine-drives-the-hummer-h3t-mule/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/03/hmr-magazine-drives-the-hummer-h3t-mule/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/03/hmr-magazine-drives-the-hummer-h3t-mule/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The HUMMER H3T has been much in the news lately, now we finally have some press coverage that doesn't involve broken embargoes. After a few days in the High Sierras putting pre-production versions through boulder-strewn paces, the words from HMR magazine are: it's good!

Once past the marketing-speak -- like "With its unique size and HUMMER traits, the H3T is ideal for the customer who works hard and plays harder" -- the H3T with the Adventure Package put in a proper HUMMER showing: the 5-foot bed hasn't killed the truck's departure angle, the length hasn't ruined its agility, and it even got in the obligatory Jeep smackdown encounter. The H3T also has 160 official aftermarket partners creating a glutton's range of branded accessories.

The public will find out if it's really the lion's roar when it shows up on dealer lots in September. Until then, click the link to get the full review, and Autoblog will bring up the up-close and personal from its debut at next week's Chicago Auto Show.

[Source: PickupTruck.com]

HMR magazine drives the HUMMER H3T mule originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 03 Feb 2008 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gmh3thummerhummer h3tHummerH3tpickup truckPickupTrucktrucksSun, 03 Feb 2008 14:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Federal court overturns MPG standards for light trucks]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/19/federal-court-overturns-mpg-standards-for-light-trucks/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/19/federal-court-overturns-mpg-standards-for-light-trucks/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/19/federal-court-overturns-mpg-standards-for-light-trucks/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


The federal government has gotten more interested in greenhouse gases, and as a result there has been a lot of tough talk concerning raised CAFE numbers. Much less time has been devoted to reducing CO2, which is the single largest contributor to global warming. Now that the spotlight is shining squarely on emissions, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel has thrown out the 2008-2011 CAFE rating for light trucks. The 2008-2011 changes represented the largest jump in fuel economy in the history of CAFE, with MPG going from 22.2 to 24, but with the growing problem of greenhouse gases, that obviously didn't go far enough for the courts.

While better fuel economy and less harmful emissions coming from light trucks would be a welcome sight to all, changing the rules after 2008 trucks are already on the streets sounds a bit ridiculous. It isn't like automakers can easily change course for 2011, since much of the product plans are already set in stone. It has been 19 months since the new CAFE standards were introduced, which makes this seem more like an effort to get automakers to chase their own tails.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Federal court overturns MPG standards for light trucks originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Nov 2007 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CAFEfuel economyFuelEconomyglobal warningGlobalWarningGovernmentGreenhouse GasesGreenhouseGasestrucksMon, 19 Nov 2007 15:32:00 EST<![CDATA[GM to cut 1,000 jobs in Oshawa]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/31/gm-to-cut-1-000-jobs-in-oshawa/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/31/gm-to-cut-1-000-jobs-in-oshawa/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/31/gm-to-cut-1-000-jobs-in-oshawa/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The housing crisis is being blamed for decreased truck sales. In light of the credit crunch, fewer loans are being disbursed and fewer construction workerss are actually at work. With GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado sales taking the hit, GM has decided to cut a shift at its Oshawa, ON plant in Canada. In a factory that employs 3,000 people, that's a direct loss of 1,000. The indirect job losses won't be known for a while, as GM's suppliers and the businesses around the plant make cuts of their own. It represents the first time the plant has run just two shifts since the early nineties.

The move is more regrettable news for the CAW following Ford's closing its Windsor plant and Chrysler's plan to shed 2,000 union jobs in Ontario. With 85% of the Oshawa plant's output coming south of the border, the 7% drop in sales for the two trucks has made them especially susceptible. The potential light on the horizon is that GM plans to build a state-of-the-art factory next to the Oshawa truck plant to build 500,000 cars per year -- but only after closing one of the two car plants that are currently there. It's quite a fall for the region; GM's Oshawa Plant No. 1 was the most efficient plant in North America in 2004.

Thanks for the tip, Peter!

[Source: Report on Business via Auto North]

GM to cut 1,000 jobs in Oshawa originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Aug 2007 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>economygmlayoffsmanufacturingsalessierrasilveradotrucksFri, 31 Aug 2007 08:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Canada's eco-Auto program backfiring, pickup sales increase]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/21/canadas-eco-auto-program-backfiring-pickup-sales-increase/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/21/canadas-eco-auto-program-backfiring-pickup-sales-increase/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/21/canadas-eco-auto-program-backfiring-pickup-sales-increase/#commentsFiled under: ,



A new program to urge Canadian drivers to downsize to more fuel-efficient vehicles from large gas-guzzling SUVs has had the unwarranted effect of lifting sales of pickup trucks. The new ecoAUTO Rebate Program offers a rebate ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 for people who pick up certain fuel-efficient vehicle, but slaps a $4,000 excise tax on fuel-heavy SUVs and sports cars.

Of course, there are many out there who are forced to use heavy pickups for their businesses, so to appease them, the Government exempted the excise on pickups. According to research released by DesRosiers Automotive Consultants, the program has been driving up sales of new pickup trucks since its introduction in March as a result. New car-buyers who previously wanted an SUV are now switching to pickup models. Take Ford's Ranger, sales are up 18% for the first seven months of the year, and that trucklet ain't exactly a spring chicken.

Things aren't expected to change anytime soon because the Government isn't about to admit it made a mistake. Now, where have we heard this before?

[Source: The Truth About Cars]

Canada's eco-Auto program backfiring, pickup sales increase originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Aug 2007 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CanadaecoAutoecoAuto programEcoautoProgrampickuppickupstrucktrucksTue, 21 Aug 2007 10:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Fiat bringing Iveco trucks stateside early 2008]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/25/fiat-bringing-iveco-trucks-stateside-early-2008/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/25/fiat-bringing-iveco-trucks-stateside-early-2008/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/25/fiat-bringing-iveco-trucks-stateside-early-2008/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The Fiat group seems to be on a ceaseless campaign to bring its products to the U.S. market. A range of products from Alfa Romeo are in the pipeline for importation, the upcoming high-performance Abarth version of the new Fiat 500 has been tipped to make the trans-Atlantic voyage, and now Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne has announced plans to bring the group's heavy truck subsidiary Iveco to the American market. But while the 500 and Alfas may take a while to make the trip, Marchionne has a much tighter time-frame in mind for Iveco, declaring that they company "will have something done within six to nine months." That's mighty soon.

Iveco, short for Industrial Vehicle Corporation, builds close to half a million diesel engines and some 200,000 commercial vehicles every year, including heavy trucks, military vehicles, fire engines, buses, vans and even a formula racing truck that makes NASCAR Craftsman Series trucks look like toys.

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

Fiat bringing Iveco trucks stateside early 2008 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Jul 2007 19:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>americacommercialfiatgroupivecomarchionnemarketsergiostatestrucksunitedvehiclesWed, 25 Jul 2007 19:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Pickuptruck.com concludes 2007 Heavy Duty Shootout... who won?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/10/pickuptruck-com-concludes-2007-heavy-duty-shootout-who-won/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/10/pickuptruck-com-concludes-2007-heavy-duty-shootout-who-won/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/10/pickuptruck-com-concludes-2007-heavy-duty-shootout-who-won/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



In Parts 1 and 2 of his 2007 Heavy Duty Shootout, Mike Levine and his cohorts from Pickuptruck.com compared the acceleration of gas three-quarter ton and diesel one-ton pickups from Dodge, Chevy/GMC and Ford on flat surfaces, both unloaded and loaded with 10,500-lb trailers. For the third and final report, however, Levine introduced grades of 7% and 15% to the equation.

The results were surprising, and really had the most influence on Pickuptruck.com's final conclusions. We won't spoil the dramatic tail of each hill climb at Ford's Michigan Proving Grounds, but the 2007 Ford F-250 with its 6.8L Triton V10 was particularly impressive in the gasser category, and as anyone who has driven one would expect, the 2007 Chevy Silverado 3500 and its 6.6L Duramax diesel/6-speed transmission combo proved overly dominant among the oil burners. That said, the conclusions are only half the story, as Pickuptruck.com follows each truck through every gear as they climb their grades. These rigorous tests brought every truck's weakness, which were glaring in some cases, as well as their strengths.

Click the Read link below to read the conclusion to the 2007 Heavy Duty Shootout and learn once and for all what pickup these guys would park in their garage.

[Source: Pickuptruck.com]

Pickuptruck.com concludes 2007 Heavy Duty Shootout... who won? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jul 2007 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevydodgeduramaxfordhaulingheavy dutyHeavyDutypickupsRAMshootoutsuper dutySuperDutytowingtrucktrucksTue, 10 Jul 2007 15:10:00 EST