Archive for October, 2008
How Good Is The Handling on A 2006 Toyota Sienna Van?
DMan asked:
I am borrowing my mom’s toyota van, I am amazed by the handling, acceleration, and responsiveness. I was able to chase a rice burner through back roads which have a posted speed limit of 35 MPH at upwards of ninety miles and hour. I was able to easily keep up behind him. I think he was amazed.
I am borrowing my mom’s toyota van, I am amazed by the handling, acceleration, and responsiveness. I was able to chase a rice burner through back roads which have a posted speed limit of 35 MPH at upwards of ninety miles and hour. I was able to easily keep up behind him. I think he was amazed.
Japanese Big Three Posts Increased Sale
Mike Bartley asked:
Asian car manufacturers have been having and experiencing major success in the United States auto market. Last month marked the highest share in the country’s auto market cornered by the combined Asian car manufacturers. As can be expected, Japan’s Big Three are leading the charge.
Toyota, Honda and Nissan posted an increased sale for the month of June. Combined, Japanese and south Korean carmakers cornered 42.7 percent of the United States auto market last month. That is an increase of eleven percent as compared to June of 2006.
Of the three biggest Asian car manufacturers, it was Nissan who posted the highest sales increase of the three Japanese automakers. The third largest Japanese car manufacturer reported an increase of 23 percent in their June sales. For Honda, the second largest Japanese car manufacturer posted an increase of 11 percent. Toyota, meanwhile, recorded an increase of 10 percent.
In contrast, market share for Michigan’s automakers dropped to just 50.3 percent. Sales for General Motors, Ford and Chrysler all went down. For General Motors, the sales drop was posted at 21.3 percent. Ford, meanwhile, reported that their sale for the month of June dropped by 8.1 percent. Chrysler suffered a modest 1.4 percent sales slump.
The success of Asian carmakers in the United States auto market is, of course, attributed to the increasing price of gasoline which shows no sign of letting up. Since Asian branded vehicles comes with the perception that all Asian cars are fuel efficient, they are the first choice of car buyers looking for vehicles with good fuel economy. Another reason is reliability, although General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler are almost shouting to consumers that their cars are as reliable as Asian cars, consumers are still sold to the idea that Asian vehicles are more reliable.
“Gas prices are tied to Japanese car sales in the U.S., so high prices in May boosted sales, particularly of small cars,” said Takahashi Aoki, the manager of the Mizuho Asset Management Co.
Jack Nerad, a senior market analyst for Kelley Blue Brooks, has this to say concerning the car buying trend in the United States: “There is still the perception of quality and reliability for the Asians that the domestics don’t seem to be able to match. Any fuel-price increase is always a positive for the Asians, and the Japanese specifically, again mainly based on perception.”
Nissan’s sales increase is fueled by the popularity of its Altima sedan. Although facing tough competition in the form of the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord along with the reigning North American Car of the Year, the Saturn Aura, the Altima stood its ground in terms of sales. According to the Japanese car manufacturer who also markets Nissan Exedy clutch kits, they sold 83 percent more Altima sedans last month compared to June of 2006.
Aside from the Altima sedan, other Nissan vehicles which have posted strong sales for the month of June are the Nissan Sentra and the Versa. The strong sale for the Altima, Sentra, and Versa helped offset the declining sale for the Nissan Titan and the Nissan Quest. The luxury division of Nissan, Infiniti, also posted increased sales for the month of June.
With the Asian Big Three posting increased sale, it would seem that the prediction that the American Big Three will lose the majority of the market share to foreign car manufacturers is about to come true.
Asian car manufacturers have been having and experiencing major success in the United States auto market. Last month marked the highest share in the country’s auto market cornered by the combined Asian car manufacturers. As can be expected, Japan’s Big Three are leading the charge.
Toyota, Honda and Nissan posted an increased sale for the month of June. Combined, Japanese and south Korean carmakers cornered 42.7 percent of the United States auto market last month. That is an increase of eleven percent as compared to June of 2006.
Of the three biggest Asian car manufacturers, it was Nissan who posted the highest sales increase of the three Japanese automakers. The third largest Japanese car manufacturer reported an increase of 23 percent in their June sales. For Honda, the second largest Japanese car manufacturer posted an increase of 11 percent. Toyota, meanwhile, recorded an increase of 10 percent.
In contrast, market share for Michigan’s automakers dropped to just 50.3 percent. Sales for General Motors, Ford and Chrysler all went down. For General Motors, the sales drop was posted at 21.3 percent. Ford, meanwhile, reported that their sale for the month of June dropped by 8.1 percent. Chrysler suffered a modest 1.4 percent sales slump.
The success of Asian carmakers in the United States auto market is, of course, attributed to the increasing price of gasoline which shows no sign of letting up. Since Asian branded vehicles comes with the perception that all Asian cars are fuel efficient, they are the first choice of car buyers looking for vehicles with good fuel economy. Another reason is reliability, although General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler are almost shouting to consumers that their cars are as reliable as Asian cars, consumers are still sold to the idea that Asian vehicles are more reliable.
“Gas prices are tied to Japanese car sales in the U.S., so high prices in May boosted sales, particularly of small cars,” said Takahashi Aoki, the manager of the Mizuho Asset Management Co.
Jack Nerad, a senior market analyst for Kelley Blue Brooks, has this to say concerning the car buying trend in the United States: “There is still the perception of quality and reliability for the Asians that the domestics don’t seem to be able to match. Any fuel-price increase is always a positive for the Asians, and the Japanese specifically, again mainly based on perception.”
Nissan’s sales increase is fueled by the popularity of its Altima sedan. Although facing tough competition in the form of the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord along with the reigning North American Car of the Year, the Saturn Aura, the Altima stood its ground in terms of sales. According to the Japanese car manufacturer who also markets Nissan Exedy clutch kits, they sold 83 percent more Altima sedans last month compared to June of 2006.
Aside from the Altima sedan, other Nissan vehicles which have posted strong sales for the month of June are the Nissan Sentra and the Versa. The strong sale for the Altima, Sentra, and Versa helped offset the declining sale for the Nissan Titan and the Nissan Quest. The luxury division of Nissan, Infiniti, also posted increased sales for the month of June.
With the Asian Big Three posting increased sale, it would seem that the prediction that the American Big Three will lose the majority of the market share to foreign car manufacturers is about to come true.
2008 Ford Escape: Hitting Online Market Like a Storm
Mike Bartley asked:
Like experts are saying, the best form of promotion is viral marketing. The latter employs effective marketing techniques using pre-existing social networks to generate exponential growth in brand awareness. And viral marketing is currently the latest ace of the 2008 Ford Escape.
What do online purchasers say about the new Escape? “A winner all the way around!” One enthusiast quipped: “It is great to be sitting at a light with no engine noise or vibration, allowing you to listen to the great sound system.” Another one uttered, “The build quality is flawless.” An aficionado noted, “Do yourself a favor and give one a drive.”
Doing the Ford Escape a great favor
Indeed, viral marketing is doing Ford a great favor. With an overwhelming response from online purchasers, and consumers spreading the positive news all over the Net, there is nothing more Ford could ask for but linger in euphoria.
Viral promotion may take different forms like interactive Flash games, hilarious video clips, advergames, images, or even SMS text messages. But Ford’s promotion form performs like an Airaid. auto part using ‘word of mouth’ commendation from jubilant consumers.
In the eighth installment in a series highlighting online consumer reviews of Ford Motor Company’s new products, verbatim comments on the 2008 Ford Escape were posted on Yahoo! Autos (www.autos.yahoo.com) and Edmunds (www.edmunds.com). Earlier, the Yahoo! homepage (www.yahoo.com) featured a 2008 Ford Escape advertising “takeover” resulting in more than 500,000 “click-throughs” to the Escape launch Web site – www.boredomhurts.com. This initiative has been one of Ford’s most successful ever in terms of winning over customers.
According to the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 New Autoshopper.com Study SM, 77 percent of new vehicle buyers consult independent online resources during their search for a new vehicle.
What they say…
A feedback from Keith of Baton Rouge was posted at Yahoo! Autos. Keith has this to say about the vehicle: “I just recently test drove the new Escape, and I think it is much better than the model it replaces. First, the styling is much improved. It has more definition, more character. The seating position is first rate, and all of the controls are easy to find and use. It rides firmly, yet comfortably, and the handling is much improved over the old model. The V-6 ought to be standard equipment on all models; the trade-off between power and economy is very good. What’s more, the price is right, and everything suggests that the Escape will be a great value for the money. The new Escape is now at the top of my new-car shopping list, and I hope Ford can improve all its models the way they improved this one.”
Richard, also an online purchaser, said “This is the first new Ford I purchased in 29 years. I traded in a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. In fact the last five new SUVs I purchased were Jeep Grand Cherokees. After two years of driving the 2005 Jeep I had enough of the poor service and lack of concern by Jeep.”
He added, “I was hesitant to purchase and did quite a bit of research before doing so and glad I did. The Escape Hybrid is fun to drive, has better visibility, and the gas mileage is twice that of the Jeep! We did drive the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and the bottom line was about the same but I am tall enough that when getting in and out of the Toyota I scraped my head. This is not the case with the Ford. Also, GM has nothing to offer in hybrids.” The testimony was posted at Edmunds.com.
How impressive could Escape get?
Clay from Vallejo, Calif. said, “Hats off to the ‘08 Escape Hybrid! I had an ‘06 Escape Hybrid 4WD (not loaded) and for $1,500 more I now have a loaded ‘08 Escape Hybrid 4WD. The reason is starting with the ‘07 hybrids, Ford lowered the price. The exterior has a new aggressive look and even makes it appear larger. The new interior design is a plus. I noticed that the cabin is quieter and feels more solid on the road than my ‘06. The new EPA sticker shows a more ‘real world’ estimate because right off I was doing 29 mpg and over on the first tank. It comes standard with dual climate, which is great because my wife is always colder, and an auxiliary jack for the iPod/MP3 addicts, two 12V power points for front and rear users, auto on/off headlamps and tire pressure sensors. The center stack has totally improved: larger touch screen GPS, six CD/MP3 in-dash instead of the changer under the passenger seat, and a high mount info screen (time, date, exterior and interior temperature, bearing).”
“The console is VERY sly! It can hide a 14-inch laptop and power it as well, thanks to the 110V plug right there in the front of the shifter. The center console attachments can be configured in a number of ways for convenience. It’s one of those things you have to see for yourself! This hybrid is one to consider over the pricier Toyota and Lexus,” Clay stressed.
Dramatic changes
“We have a XLT 4WD and what a dramatic difference from the older versions…especially the interior…thank goodness. This new version is so much better in my opinion. Dramatically quieter and more comfortable and the prices are actually lower than last year’s model. We have some very steep hills in our area with gravel roads. The all wheel drive handles them with ease without any loss of traction. The transmission does all the braking on the way downhill with little effort, saving my brakes the wear and tear. Love this CUV!” said Rob to Edmunds.com.
Yahoo! Autos posted Yogidog’s comment. He said, “I first test drove the Limited V-6 today and plan to buy one. Initial impression is that the overall look is well sculpted and smartly organized, with a sexy black leather interior. Ride is quiet, although a little rough on bad roads. I don’t particularly like a mushy ride, so the feel of the road appeals to me. Seats are comfortable and will serve well on a long ride, as will the Audiophile speaker sound system, tuned to SIRIUS. Quality of interior is immediately noticeable. The only down side is the pebble grain dashboard and need to remove headrests from back seats in order to lay seats flat, although a compartment for storing headrests is provided. Chrome front grille looks a little cheesy. My preference is for a solid color grille. Clean and simple. List of safety features and new extended 60,000 mile warranty is impressive and should coax many buyers that it’s time to come back to Ford. Bottom line … it looks good and is fun to drive. Sold.”
What about the taxes?
Frank from San Diego said, “After buying this SUV, I got all the money back I paid in federal taxes for the entire year. It is the best hybrid on the road and is great for off-roading. I have the four wheel drive model and I use it every weekend. I have 20,000 very trouble free miles on it in only 4 months. This is the best SUV Ford has ever made and there is NO comparison to the Toyota Highlander. This wins hands down!” His comment was posted at Yahoo! Autos.
Like experts are saying, the best form of promotion is viral marketing. The latter employs effective marketing techniques using pre-existing social networks to generate exponential growth in brand awareness. And viral marketing is currently the latest ace of the 2008 Ford Escape.
What do online purchasers say about the new Escape? “A winner all the way around!” One enthusiast quipped: “It is great to be sitting at a light with no engine noise or vibration, allowing you to listen to the great sound system.” Another one uttered, “The build quality is flawless.” An aficionado noted, “Do yourself a favor and give one a drive.”
Doing the Ford Escape a great favor
Indeed, viral marketing is doing Ford a great favor. With an overwhelming response from online purchasers, and consumers spreading the positive news all over the Net, there is nothing more Ford could ask for but linger in euphoria.
Viral promotion may take different forms like interactive Flash games, hilarious video clips, advergames, images, or even SMS text messages. But Ford’s promotion form performs like an Airaid. auto part using ‘word of mouth’ commendation from jubilant consumers.
In the eighth installment in a series highlighting online consumer reviews of Ford Motor Company’s new products, verbatim comments on the 2008 Ford Escape were posted on Yahoo! Autos (www.autos.yahoo.com) and Edmunds (www.edmunds.com). Earlier, the Yahoo! homepage (www.yahoo.com) featured a 2008 Ford Escape advertising “takeover” resulting in more than 500,000 “click-throughs” to the Escape launch Web site – www.boredomhurts.com. This initiative has been one of Ford’s most successful ever in terms of winning over customers.
According to the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 New Autoshopper.com Study SM, 77 percent of new vehicle buyers consult independent online resources during their search for a new vehicle.
What they say…
A feedback from Keith of Baton Rouge was posted at Yahoo! Autos. Keith has this to say about the vehicle: “I just recently test drove the new Escape, and I think it is much better than the model it replaces. First, the styling is much improved. It has more definition, more character. The seating position is first rate, and all of the controls are easy to find and use. It rides firmly, yet comfortably, and the handling is much improved over the old model. The V-6 ought to be standard equipment on all models; the trade-off between power and economy is very good. What’s more, the price is right, and everything suggests that the Escape will be a great value for the money. The new Escape is now at the top of my new-car shopping list, and I hope Ford can improve all its models the way they improved this one.”
Richard, also an online purchaser, said “This is the first new Ford I purchased in 29 years. I traded in a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. In fact the last five new SUVs I purchased were Jeep Grand Cherokees. After two years of driving the 2005 Jeep I had enough of the poor service and lack of concern by Jeep.”
He added, “I was hesitant to purchase and did quite a bit of research before doing so and glad I did. The Escape Hybrid is fun to drive, has better visibility, and the gas mileage is twice that of the Jeep! We did drive the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and the bottom line was about the same but I am tall enough that when getting in and out of the Toyota I scraped my head. This is not the case with the Ford. Also, GM has nothing to offer in hybrids.” The testimony was posted at Edmunds.com.
How impressive could Escape get?
Clay from Vallejo, Calif. said, “Hats off to the ‘08 Escape Hybrid! I had an ‘06 Escape Hybrid 4WD (not loaded) and for $1,500 more I now have a loaded ‘08 Escape Hybrid 4WD. The reason is starting with the ‘07 hybrids, Ford lowered the price. The exterior has a new aggressive look and even makes it appear larger. The new interior design is a plus. I noticed that the cabin is quieter and feels more solid on the road than my ‘06. The new EPA sticker shows a more ‘real world’ estimate because right off I was doing 29 mpg and over on the first tank. It comes standard with dual climate, which is great because my wife is always colder, and an auxiliary jack for the iPod/MP3 addicts, two 12V power points for front and rear users, auto on/off headlamps and tire pressure sensors. The center stack has totally improved: larger touch screen GPS, six CD/MP3 in-dash instead of the changer under the passenger seat, and a high mount info screen (time, date, exterior and interior temperature, bearing).”
“The console is VERY sly! It can hide a 14-inch laptop and power it as well, thanks to the 110V plug right there in the front of the shifter. The center console attachments can be configured in a number of ways for convenience. It’s one of those things you have to see for yourself! This hybrid is one to consider over the pricier Toyota and Lexus,” Clay stressed.
Dramatic changes
“We have a XLT 4WD and what a dramatic difference from the older versions…especially the interior…thank goodness. This new version is so much better in my opinion. Dramatically quieter and more comfortable and the prices are actually lower than last year’s model. We have some very steep hills in our area with gravel roads. The all wheel drive handles them with ease without any loss of traction. The transmission does all the braking on the way downhill with little effort, saving my brakes the wear and tear. Love this CUV!” said Rob to Edmunds.com.
Yahoo! Autos posted Yogidog’s comment. He said, “I first test drove the Limited V-6 today and plan to buy one. Initial impression is that the overall look is well sculpted and smartly organized, with a sexy black leather interior. Ride is quiet, although a little rough on bad roads. I don’t particularly like a mushy ride, so the feel of the road appeals to me. Seats are comfortable and will serve well on a long ride, as will the Audiophile speaker sound system, tuned to SIRIUS. Quality of interior is immediately noticeable. The only down side is the pebble grain dashboard and need to remove headrests from back seats in order to lay seats flat, although a compartment for storing headrests is provided. Chrome front grille looks a little cheesy. My preference is for a solid color grille. Clean and simple. List of safety features and new extended 60,000 mile warranty is impressive and should coax many buyers that it’s time to come back to Ford. Bottom line … it looks good and is fun to drive. Sold.”
What about the taxes?
Frank from San Diego said, “After buying this SUV, I got all the money back I paid in federal taxes for the entire year. It is the best hybrid on the road and is great for off-roading. I have the four wheel drive model and I use it every weekend. I have 20,000 very trouble free miles on it in only 4 months. This is the best SUV Ford has ever made and there is NO comparison to the Toyota Highlander. This wins hands down!” His comment was posted at Yahoo! Autos.
I have a 1999 Toyota Tacoma 2WD 4 cyl and I want to have a tough look. What should I do?
AlexXx asked:
I get about 15 – 25 miles per gallon which to me is horrible. I have bigger tires and some heavy fricking rims on it. Since it has a 4 cyl engine its pushing hard for those tires…I go across a lot of bridges for work so I also want to find some better mileage. I have no clue what the good and cheap products are out there. I just know how to install it. So any product you think will help please post it! and dont tell me to sell the truck…i was lied to whem i was sold the truck. the man told my father it was 4WD and my father has no clue how to tell if it is or not. it was a bithday gift so im stuck with it.
I get about 15 – 25 miles per gallon which to me is horrible. I have bigger tires and some heavy fricking rims on it. Since it has a 4 cyl engine its pushing hard for those tires…I go across a lot of bridges for work so I also want to find some better mileage. I have no clue what the good and cheap products are out there. I just know how to install it. So any product you think will help please post it! and dont tell me to sell the truck…i was lied to whem i was sold the truck. the man told my father it was 4WD and my father has no clue how to tell if it is or not. it was a bithday gift so im stuck with it.
Top Gear – killing a Toyota Pt 2 – BBC
BBCWorldwide asked:
Top Gear’s James takes over from Jeremy in trying to trash a Toyota. Will sending down the truck with a toppling building do it in? Find out in this free automobile video from BBC Worldwide.
Big Three Posts April Sales Declines
Jenny Mclane asked:
The General Motors Corp., Toyota Motor Corp., and the Ford Motor Co. have one thing in common – the declining auto sales. Detroit’s automakers suffered sales declines in April as fading consumer confidence and increasing gasoline prices cramped demand for new autos.
GM sales slashed by 9.5 percent, and Ford dived 13 percent from April 2006, pulled decreasing sales of big pickup trucks. Toyota fell by 4.3 percent, for its first monthly decrease in two years. Additionally, the Honda Motor Co., Ltd. reported a 9.1 percent decline. It seems that even Highland mats could not camouflage the auto sales spill.
Among the auto giants, only DaimlerChrysler AG, the German automaker, posted a gain. Industry sales fell by 7.6 percent. By far, the figure is Daimler’s biggest decline of the year and the third in four months. Analysts in the industry have forecast the April slide, citing the rise of gasoline prices, a weak housing market in the United States, waning consumer confidence and curb in sales to rental fleets.
“Gas prices are clearly a big issue,” as is consumer confidence in general, said Alan Baum, the director of automotive forecasting at Planning Edge in Birmingham, Michigan. “So we’re seeing people starting to hold back.”
In April this year, there were only 24 selling days, two fewer than the prior year. Bloomberg and other automakers report unadjusted comparisons, which are approximately eight percentage points lesser than the percentages based on adjusted figures.
DaimlerChrysler, led by Chrysler Group’s Jeep brand, had a surprise one percent increase. Asian automakers collectively sold 529,808 vehicles in the United States last month and that amount is a 7.9 percent cut from that of 2006. In addition, sales of all Asian automakers decline except for the Mitsubishi Motors Corp., which reported an eleven percent gain.
In April, a total of 1.34 million vehicles were sold, pulling sum for the year 2.9 percent lower than the same period last year. Analysts in the industry consider the sales doldrums a big threat to GM’s, Ford’s and Chrysler’s turnaround plans that are designed to cope from losses in the previous year. Each is cutting production, reducing costs, slashing jobs, and closing plants to recover. Some automakers have trimmed low-profit sales to rental-car companies, which purchase in bulk at a discount.
“It’s definitely shaping up to be the weakest month of the year,” said Jim Sourges, a Detroit-based analyst for the Paris consulting firm Cap Gemini SA. “The question is, will it continue? I think it’s too soon to tell.”
Ford, the second-biggest Detroit automaker, earlier adjusted its incentive program for May and June. The adjusted program includes a choice of five-year, no-interest loans or a $3,000 rebate on the F-150 pickup truck. Chrysler, on the other hand, is offering five-year, interest-free loans or rebates of as much as $5,000 on most of its product lines.
In April, GM’s sales of light vehicles declined to 307,554, paced by a fourteen percent decline in its best-selling vehicle – the Chevrolet Silverado large pickup. Car sales for the biggest American automaker dropped ten percent.
GM’s retail sales, excluding those to fleet customers, fell about four percent, without a sales-day adjustment, the automaker’s sales analyst, Paul Ballew, said on a conference call. The average transaction price rose by $1,000, and incentives fell by about $350 to $2,500 per car and truck, and this would be meaning more profit per vehicle, Ballew said. “A strong labor market and other positive economic factors are helping offset housing declines in markets such as California and Boston. I expect GM retail sales to be stable. It’s not clear whether GM will be able to boost its retail share for the year.”
Lincoln and Land Rover are the only divisions of Ford that posted sales gains in April, with increases of 6.9 percent and 13 percent, respectively. All Ford-brand vehicles had sales declines, except for the Expedition sport-utility vehicle and Crown Victoria sedan.
Toyota’s two most popular vehicles, the Corolla and Camry, combined for an 8.1 percent sales decline, the Toyota City, Japan-based company said. Honda’s car sales fell 14 percent, including an 8.5 percent reduction for the Accord sedan.
The Chrysler’s two percent gain to 193,104 vehicles was greatly influenced by the 29 percent gain of its Jeep brand, including a 75 percent increase in Wrangler SUV sales.
According to Bloomberg data, car and light-truck sales dropped to an annual rate of 16.3 million. The rate in April 2006 was 16.7 million.
The General Motors Corp., Toyota Motor Corp., and the Ford Motor Co. have one thing in common – the declining auto sales. Detroit’s automakers suffered sales declines in April as fading consumer confidence and increasing gasoline prices cramped demand for new autos.
GM sales slashed by 9.5 percent, and Ford dived 13 percent from April 2006, pulled decreasing sales of big pickup trucks. Toyota fell by 4.3 percent, for its first monthly decrease in two years. Additionally, the Honda Motor Co., Ltd. reported a 9.1 percent decline. It seems that even Highland mats could not camouflage the auto sales spill.
Among the auto giants, only DaimlerChrysler AG, the German automaker, posted a gain. Industry sales fell by 7.6 percent. By far, the figure is Daimler’s biggest decline of the year and the third in four months. Analysts in the industry have forecast the April slide, citing the rise of gasoline prices, a weak housing market in the United States, waning consumer confidence and curb in sales to rental fleets.
“Gas prices are clearly a big issue,” as is consumer confidence in general, said Alan Baum, the director of automotive forecasting at Planning Edge in Birmingham, Michigan. “So we’re seeing people starting to hold back.”
In April this year, there were only 24 selling days, two fewer than the prior year. Bloomberg and other automakers report unadjusted comparisons, which are approximately eight percentage points lesser than the percentages based on adjusted figures.
DaimlerChrysler, led by Chrysler Group’s Jeep brand, had a surprise one percent increase. Asian automakers collectively sold 529,808 vehicles in the United States last month and that amount is a 7.9 percent cut from that of 2006. In addition, sales of all Asian automakers decline except for the Mitsubishi Motors Corp., which reported an eleven percent gain.
In April, a total of 1.34 million vehicles were sold, pulling sum for the year 2.9 percent lower than the same period last year. Analysts in the industry consider the sales doldrums a big threat to GM’s, Ford’s and Chrysler’s turnaround plans that are designed to cope from losses in the previous year. Each is cutting production, reducing costs, slashing jobs, and closing plants to recover. Some automakers have trimmed low-profit sales to rental-car companies, which purchase in bulk at a discount.
“It’s definitely shaping up to be the weakest month of the year,” said Jim Sourges, a Detroit-based analyst for the Paris consulting firm Cap Gemini SA. “The question is, will it continue? I think it’s too soon to tell.”
Ford, the second-biggest Detroit automaker, earlier adjusted its incentive program for May and June. The adjusted program includes a choice of five-year, no-interest loans or a $3,000 rebate on the F-150 pickup truck. Chrysler, on the other hand, is offering five-year, interest-free loans or rebates of as much as $5,000 on most of its product lines.
In April, GM’s sales of light vehicles declined to 307,554, paced by a fourteen percent decline in its best-selling vehicle – the Chevrolet Silverado large pickup. Car sales for the biggest American automaker dropped ten percent.
GM’s retail sales, excluding those to fleet customers, fell about four percent, without a sales-day adjustment, the automaker’s sales analyst, Paul Ballew, said on a conference call. The average transaction price rose by $1,000, and incentives fell by about $350 to $2,500 per car and truck, and this would be meaning more profit per vehicle, Ballew said. “A strong labor market and other positive economic factors are helping offset housing declines in markets such as California and Boston. I expect GM retail sales to be stable. It’s not clear whether GM will be able to boost its retail share for the year.”
Lincoln and Land Rover are the only divisions of Ford that posted sales gains in April, with increases of 6.9 percent and 13 percent, respectively. All Ford-brand vehicles had sales declines, except for the Expedition sport-utility vehicle and Crown Victoria sedan.
Toyota’s two most popular vehicles, the Corolla and Camry, combined for an 8.1 percent sales decline, the Toyota City, Japan-based company said. Honda’s car sales fell 14 percent, including an 8.5 percent reduction for the Accord sedan.
The Chrysler’s two percent gain to 193,104 vehicles was greatly influenced by the 29 percent gain of its Jeep brand, including a 75 percent increase in Wrangler SUV sales.
According to Bloomberg data, car and light-truck sales dropped to an annual rate of 16.3 million. The rate in April 2006 was 16.7 million.
Toyota Is Now The Largest Carmaker In The World
Faye Bautista asked:
The title now belongs to – Toyota!
According to Robert Farago of the Truth About Cars who claimed to have parroted what a Toyota spokesman said, Toyota has finally achieved the status as the world’s largest automaker. The Japanese giant’s victory comes after nipping at the General’s heels at number two for a good while now. Mr. Farago’s point has been verified by those arbiters of all info relevant and accurate – AutoBlog.
But the numbers are still very close. GM could snatch back the title by posting a strong second quarter. But that, of course, remains to be seen.
In 2006, The General and all his yes-men (Hummer, Opel, Saab, et al.) sold 9.18 million units. Toyota and all its subsidiaries (Daihatsu, Lexus, et al.) parted with 9.02 millions, comparatively. The Japanese juggernaut plans on churning out as many as 9.34 million sales this year. The figure was about 160,000 cars which represents last year’s difference in global sales between General Motors and Toyota according to Detroit News.
Toyota Motor Corporation not only unseated Ford for the World’s No. 2 spot last year, but it also managed to unseat the General for top automaker du monde, according to a Detroit News report sited by Reuters. The report suggested that General Motors tried to bulk up its total sales tally by counting the vans it sold in conjunction with Chinese firm Shanghai Automotive – a company in which GM owns less than a 50% stake. Ouch.
Rather than contesting its top spot, ToMoCo just quietly did what ToMoCo quietly does – make and sell lots of cars (8.8 million last year), efficiently. By the new numbers, Toyota outsold GM by some 128,000 units.
Since Toyota is known the world over as mass-market maker of cars, trucks, and SUVs that go from A to B reliably (unless your Tundra or Sequoia have been suffering from suspension troubles). What Toyota is not known for – not since the days of the Supra at least – is for being the motoring enthusiast’s carmaker of choice.
But that is set to change with the premiere of the Lexus LF-A “supercar,” Toyota’s efforts in F1 racing, and the Japanese carmakers bold entry into that previously all-American driving sport – NASCAR.
While it’s unlikely that Toyota will turn a cold shoulder on its core clientele of Consumer Reports subscribing pragmatists, the company’s overtures to the racing set marks a new direction for the world’s second largest car manufacturer. This may help keep them in top position.
The title now belongs to – Toyota!
According to Robert Farago of the Truth About Cars who claimed to have parroted what a Toyota spokesman said, Toyota has finally achieved the status as the world’s largest automaker. The Japanese giant’s victory comes after nipping at the General’s heels at number two for a good while now. Mr. Farago’s point has been verified by those arbiters of all info relevant and accurate – AutoBlog.
But the numbers are still very close. GM could snatch back the title by posting a strong second quarter. But that, of course, remains to be seen.
In 2006, The General and all his yes-men (Hummer, Opel, Saab, et al.) sold 9.18 million units. Toyota and all its subsidiaries (Daihatsu, Lexus, et al.) parted with 9.02 millions, comparatively. The Japanese juggernaut plans on churning out as many as 9.34 million sales this year. The figure was about 160,000 cars which represents last year’s difference in global sales between General Motors and Toyota according to Detroit News.
Toyota Motor Corporation not only unseated Ford for the World’s No. 2 spot last year, but it also managed to unseat the General for top automaker du monde, according to a Detroit News report sited by Reuters. The report suggested that General Motors tried to bulk up its total sales tally by counting the vans it sold in conjunction with Chinese firm Shanghai Automotive – a company in which GM owns less than a 50% stake. Ouch.
Rather than contesting its top spot, ToMoCo just quietly did what ToMoCo quietly does – make and sell lots of cars (8.8 million last year), efficiently. By the new numbers, Toyota outsold GM by some 128,000 units.
Since Toyota is known the world over as mass-market maker of cars, trucks, and SUVs that go from A to B reliably (unless your Tundra or Sequoia have been suffering from suspension troubles). What Toyota is not known for – not since the days of the Supra at least – is for being the motoring enthusiast’s carmaker of choice.
But that is set to change with the premiere of the Lexus LF-A “supercar,” Toyota’s efforts in F1 racing, and the Japanese carmakers bold entry into that previously all-American driving sport – NASCAR.
While it’s unlikely that Toyota will turn a cold shoulder on its core clientele of Consumer Reports subscribing pragmatists, the company’s overtures to the racing set marks a new direction for the world’s second largest car manufacturer. This may help keep them in top position.
If Toyota has more horsepower than the other makes, why is Kyle Busch is the only one making use of it?
JH51 asked:
I read a post earlier today, on here, where someone stated that Toyota has a 30 to 50 horsepower advantage! I think they have a small advantage in horsepower, but not that much!!! By the way, is today Tro!! day in this section?
I read a post earlier today, on here, where someone stated that Toyota has a 30 to 50 horsepower advantage! I think they have a small advantage in horsepower, but not that much!!! By the way, is today Tro!! day in this section?
I would like to build an open wheeled street roadster from a Toyota pickup?
freddie b4 asked:
I posted an earlier ? on this, should have been specific. My xperience with these trucks leads me to believe, converted to a style similar to Ford T’s and roadsters to improve power to weight ratio, they could make economical fun transportation.
I posted an earlier ? on this, should have been specific. My xperience with these trucks leads me to believe, converted to a style similar to Ford T’s and roadsters to improve power to weight ratio, they could make economical fun transportation.
I just bought a brand-new 2009 Toyota Camry. The posted gas mileage for the car read 21 miles city and 31 mile?
Ans asked:
I just bought a brand-new 2009 Toyota Camry. The posted gas mileage for the car read 21 miles city and 31 miles highway. I’ve driven it about 70 miles and am almost at the halfway point of my 16/18-gallon tank. I expressed concerns to the dealership about how much gas it was eating up, and the answer I got was that the car is new so may be it’s calibrating. In about two weeks you’ll start to get the average miles 21-27 city and 31-35 highway. Is this true? It seemed odd, the calibrating part. I’ve never heard of such a thing.
I just bought a brand-new 2009 Toyota Camry. The posted gas mileage for the car read 21 miles city and 31 miles highway. I’ve driven it about 70 miles and am almost at the halfway point of my 16/18-gallon tank. I expressed concerns to the dealership about how much gas it was eating up, and the answer I got was that the car is new so may be it’s calibrating. In about two weeks you’ll start to get the average miles 21-27 city and 31-35 highway. Is this true? It seemed odd, the calibrating part. I’ve never heard of such a thing.