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Random
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Written by Russell Sturmey
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Tuesday, 07 October 2008 10:25 |
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In what is realistically a battle between Ford and GM, the website mylemon.com has publsihed the 10 largest recalls of all-time. For more info visit their site ... but for a basic list, see below. | 10. | Ford | 1987 | 3.6 million | Engine compartment fires | | 9. | GM | 2004 | 3.6 million | Collapsing tailgates on pickup trucks | | 8. | Volkswagen | 1972 | 3.7 million | Loose windshield wiper arms | | 7. | Honda | 1995 | 3.7 million | Faulty safety belt release buttons | | 6. | GM | 1973 | 3.7 million | More protected steering assembly | | 5. | Ford | 1971 | 4.1 million | Faulty seatbelts | | 4. | GM | 1981 | 5.8 million | Loose suspension bolts | | 3. | GM | 1971 | 6.7 million | Weak engine mounts | | 2. | Ford | 1996 | 8.6 million | Engine compartment fires | | 1. | Ford | 2008 | 12 million | Fires cause by faulty cruise control switch |
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Honda
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Written by Russell Sturmey
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Tuesday, 07 October 2008 10:12 |
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 Honda has signed a 3-year deal with the NHL to become the official vehicle of the NHL.
What you'll notice is more Honda advertising during NHL broadcasts, additionally there will be Honda giveaways at games and more pronounced advertising at the arenas. Don't expect to see a Pilot based zamboni anytime soon.
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GM
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Written by Russell Sturmey
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Monday, 06 October 2008 09:34 |
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 Workers at GM's Morraine, Ohio SUV plant have been told it will be closing it's doors on December 23rd of this year.
The plant builds exclusively SUVs ... the Chevy TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy and the Saab 9-7X. Sales up to the end of September were down 30% for the 9-7X, down 37% for the TrailBlazer and down 44% for the Envoy. The TrailBlazer will be replaced by the next generation Equinox and the new Chevy crossover, the Traverse. The Envoy will be replaced by the GMC Terrain which will slot in below the Acadia. Saab will release it's own version of the Terrain called the 9-4X. These crossover vehicles will be manufactured at other GM plants.
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Honda
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Written by Russell Sturmey
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Friday, 03 October 2008 22:18 |
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Honda has unveiled a new mini-site that "follows the journey" of their new hybrid, the Insight. According to the site, it will be an "official source for Insight Concept news, photos, articles and video". It also includes a blog written by members of the development team.
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Volkswagen
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Written by Russell Sturmey
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Friday, 03 October 2008 20:54 |
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 It appears as though the Volkswagen Jetta TDI is selling better than VW thought.
According to Automotive News (susscription required), Volkswagen has already sold out of 1,300 TDIs that were originally sent to U.S. dealerships. It was originally believed that TDIs would account for about 25% of Jetta sedan sales and 33% of Jetta wagon sales. Instead the TDI model is selling at a clip of 33% of sedans and almost 50% of wagons. The Jetta TDI's main competitor is the Toyota Prius. Although they have radically different drivetrains and run on different fuels, they are bought and sold based on the merits of their fuel efficiency. The fact that they are similarly priced ensures they will be cross-researched by consumers.
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Toyota
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Written by Russell Sturmey
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Friday, 03 October 2008 13:22 |
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 The Corolla, Matrix, Camry, Tacoma, Tundra, Sienna, RAV4, FJ Cruiser, Highlander, 4Runner and Sequoia models from Toyota will all be available with 0% financing until November 3rd.
This comes as a shcok to many auto industry insiders as Toyota has, in the past, not needed to offer such deals to move there cars off the showroom floor. But since Toyota's sales have dropped by 30% since this time last year they need to make offers to bring consumers into the dealerships.
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Nissan
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Written by Russell Sturmey
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Friday, 03 October 2008 13:05 |
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 In an interview with Automotive News (requires subscription), Nissan’s Japanese marketing director Tatsuo Shimada says “This time with the 370Z, we are focusing more on the driving performance, as a pure driving sports car.”
A U.S release date has not been set for the 370Z, but we do know that it will recieve a bump in displacement and power. The 3.7L V6 will produce more than 330-hp and it should be lighter than the previous model leading to improved speed. Nissan has also been seen testing the car at the Nurburgring to fine tune the handling to have it compete more directly with European sports car such as the Audi TT and the Porsche Cayman. When the car does go on sale in North America, expect it's base price to increase to over $35,000 USD.
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Lexus
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Written by Russell Sturmey
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Friday, 03 October 2008 09:26 |
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 According to Automotive News, Lexus will be getting their own version of the Toyota Prius.
The next-gen Prius is scheduled for release in 2010 and Lexus will be getting a more luxurious, and probably more powerful, version of the iconic hybrid.
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