Latest Articles by staceywilson

Ford Pushes Hot-Selling Models

Mon, 08 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0600

Last year, the Ford Motor Company suffered a sore 8 percent decline in sales. To circumvent the long-lasting sales melancholia, Ford made a comprehensive plan that involves intensive marketing of its more famous and profitable vehicles.

Ford is famed for the enduring excellence of the F-Series in the pickup truck segment. Ford F-Series parts have established a standout reputation in the auto industry. As a fact, F-Series, up until now, is still the best-selling truck around the globe. In America, it has been the hottest-selling truck for 28 years now.

Ford is also putting emphasis on the promotion of other hot-selling vehicles like the Fusion sedan and the Edge crossover. Ford car parts used in said vehicles are of cutting-edge nature. They are the result of extensive study and testing by Ford engineers.

It can be recalled that Ford has snatched back the "best-selling brand in America" title from its mighty auto rival – Chevrolet. In view of this title, the automaker is now concentrating on improving the best vehicles within the auto clan. To do this, Ford made use of catchy ads to lift sales of its hot vehicles. Despite the drop in sales, the automaker will launch a grand ad campaign to celebrate the 30 victorious years of the F-Series. "No one else can claim that," said Cisco Codina, Ford group vice president of marketing, sales and service.

F-Series has been attacked side by side accordingly; it is high time for the automaker to tout its bread and butter trucks. Ford's target for F-Series was severely missed. Also, F-Series sales was down by 12 percent last year. But Ford seem not to be losing hope.

It can be recalled that Mark Fields, Ford's president of the Americas, earlier said, "I think their fears are misplaced. We're so bullish on the strength of the F-Series, in fact, that we're committed to sell more than 900,000 F-Series trucks this year for the third year in a row. That's unprecedented." Unfortunately, the fear grows into veracity. Ford has just sold 796,000 units of trucks. Although, Ford retained its title as the "king of the Hill," it cannot deny the fact that competition is getting tougher and tougher and never fails to exert pressure in the segment.

CNW Marketing Research in Bandon, Oregon estimates that gains on full-size pickups were about $13,000 a vehicle before marketing costs last year; 40 percent of which are from Super Duty workhorse models. The new versions will be officially introduced by the automaker this month. Said models entertain new styling and offer cutting-edge auto technologies and features. Said features include sophisticated Ford truck mirrors, step, and other significant auto parts.

With regards Fusion, the automaker hired Car and Driver to manage a comparison program and it turned out to be a successful one. "I believe that we can do a lot more with it than we have up until now," Barry Engle, general manager for Ford Division marketing said. "There's a lot of upside on this product. We're going to push it and let's see where it goes."

Ford is now putting its best foot forward to reignite the sluggish sales of its vehicles. This dilemma has haunted the automakers for years and Ford is determined to overcome the burdens and land once again on auto industry's safer grounds.

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As a former news correspondent for an auto-related website, Stacey has gathered extensive knowledge and experience in the automotive industry. This 34 year old mother of two from Memphis is a genuine car lover.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com

Internet Becomes GM’s Channel For Red Carpet Event

Fri, 05 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0600

Red carpet events are one of the most popular gatherings in the world of the rich, the famous, and the important. Those who are able to attend such events are often those who are lucky enough to be born with great connections or those who are lucky enough to work their way up to the upper (or even the highest ranks) in society.

As much as you would like to attend these red carpet gatherings, not all people are lucky enough to be granted invitations or passes. Or you may not have the right amount of money to actually purchase tickets to take part in these events. However, did you know that there is one red carpet event where you can actually be part of the event without actually being there? And yes, you do get the best seats in the house – even better than the first class seats in the event.

You see, General Motors is out to let everyone in the whole wide world interested in watching one of their grandest red carpet events. No, it would not be to actually promote Eagle auto parts or anything of that stature. The evening would be about something important and it would be aired this Saturday, January 6th, online. All you need to have is a computer and internet connection and you are on your way to enjoying the General Motors event. Everything would start at about seven in the evening, Eastern Time. Now, if you would not be available, you can actually just go back and visit General Motors’ web site at www.gm.com and you can play the videos on and on to your heart’s content.

This grand event is actually going to be held just right before the 100th Annual North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). Celebrities would be joining in up and fun and they would surely be coming in the latest and the best fashions. These celebrities would be coming in with seventeen of GM’s best vehicles. The list of GM vehicles does include the very first time the Chevrolet Camaro convertible concept vehicle would be making its public appearance.

Some of the stars and celebrities who have confirmed that they would be joining the General Motors event includes Carmen Electra, Mario Lopez, Jennifer Hudson, Christian Slater, Kristen Bell, Gabrielle Reese, and Rachel Zoe.

GM Exec Criticizes CAFE Rules

Tue, 02 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0600

The Congress is heating fresh environmental rules imbibed in Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFÉ) program. Along with the warming of the rules is the criticism by Detroit automakers especially General Motors Corp. Bob Lutz, GMs vice chairman said that the proposal would effectively hand the truck and SUV market over to the imports, particularly the Japanese.

Lutz's criticism was posted on a GM blog late Friday. Part of the comment suggests that GM will fight hard against any proposal to raise fuel-economy targets by a specific amount. Early this December, chief executives and retired military generals clamored for a 4 percent annual increase in standards. They further added that their aim is significant for energy security.

GM, more than any other automaker, has expressed its ardent opinion regarding the matter. The former said CAFÉ rules controlled what automakers could build without regard for what customers were willing to buy. Lutz said the proposed increases would limit GM's ability to build as many larger vehicles as its customers may demand. Lutz "Season's Rantings" message reflects GMs intention to focus on pickups and bigger SUVs to improve profits in North America.

CAFE rules state that automakers earn credits for exceeding the fuel-economy standards in a model year. Said credits can be utilized to cover a shortfall in the following three years. Japanese automakers like Toyota and Honda surpass the standards. These automakers are famed for manufacturing sophisticated interior OEM replacement auto parts for Toyota and Honda auto body parts.

Unfortunately, Detroit automakers like GM, Ford and DaimlerChrysler have already used credits in recent years. Auto parts GM are now focused on boosting SUV and trucks of the automaker. This is also true with Ford and DaimlerChrysler. The latter is busy promoting Edge and Mustang.

Lutz noted, The Japanese automakers "have earned years of accumulated credits from their fleets of formerly very small cars. They can afford to go bigger, which they're doing now by the way, and they'd be able to move up and fill the segments we'd be forced to vacate." He further added, "We don't have any magic 100-m.p.g. carburetor that we're holding back because we're in bed with the oil companies. The Japanese government is spending huge amounts on advanced battery research. It would be nice if our government would do the same."

Mazda Freshens Up Carol's Face

Sat, 30 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0600

Carol, Mazda' Motor Corporation's keicar, is made more stunning by entertaining one major facelift. Both the façade and the interior of the car benefited from said enhancements. In addition, the remodeled version is made more fuel efficient and eco-friendly than its predecessors.

Carol is famed for its rich curves, stunning design and practicality. With the latest enhancements and upgrades made to Mazda auto body parts, a freshened and more stunning car is produced. The new version is now on sale at all Mazda Autozam, Mazda and Mazda Anfini dealers across Japan.

Upgraded features of Carol include a modified front end, seats and door trim design. Also, two new body color options were added – the Antique Rose Metallic and the Lime Green Metallic – the additional colors bring a full range of 8 options. Also, a redesigned Mazda grille and front bumper are also integrated in the car. Mazda headlights are separated in the new version of Carol. Turn indicators also form part of the significant upgrades. To further enhance Carol's looks, it has been given a tea-colored seat upholstery and door trim.

In 2001, Carol entertained upgrades to create a brand new façade. Emissions of the car were also improved with the introduction of VVT engine. Safety features of the car were further enhanced to match performance and ergonomics.

Mazda Carol is a keicar, also known as keijidōsha. It is a micro-mini vehicle for the Japanese auto market. Keicars are small vehicles that include passenger cars, vans and pickup trucks. They are manufactured to exploit insurance relaxations and local tax. They are exempt from complying with the certification of adequate parking space.

Carol qualifies for Japan's Green Tax reductions by being certified SU-LEV. It emits 75 percent fewer exhaust emissions compared to the levels prescribed by the territory's emissions standard for 2005. It has also exceeded the 2010 fuel economy standard by 10 to 20 percent. Carol is priced at $6,500 to $9,080.

The use of keicars like Carol, originated in the milieu where Japanese could not afford to purchase full-size cars yet but have enough to purchase a motorcycle. To improve auto market in Japan and to deliver alternatives to its populace, keicar standards were formulated.

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Joe Thompson is the owner of a successful auto body shop in Ferndale, California. This 38 year old is also a prolific writer, contributing automotive related articles to various publications.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com

2008 Chevrolet Malibu Sneak Peak At Detroit Auto Show

Fri, 29 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0600

Auto shows (also known as car shows) are great events wherein car and auto manufacturers are actually able to show off and display their production vehicles and even some of their coolest (or even weirdest) concept vehicles that they have had been able to create and produce. For example, Chevrolet might want to also display their very best Chevrolet body parts during such a show so as to inform the whole auto world about the products that they are sending out in the market.

Companies who manufacture and produce auto parts, vehicles, and other automotive merchandise also do make sure that their wares are seen by everybody and by anybody during auto shows. In fact, most companies do try to take advantage of such events so as to introduce to the rest of the motoring world their newest wares and products.

On this note, it looks like Chevrolet has found a new purpose for venturing into the auto show scene. The company has used the most recent Detroit auto show to show off and intrigue show goers about the kind of look, style, and design that its 2008 Chevrolet Malibu has got to offer.

According to Chevrolet, the company would actually be sending out the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu this coming January at the North American International Auto Show this 2007. However, a sneak peak has been sent out during the Detroit Auto Show. Those who would be interested in purchasing the Chevrolet Malibu can actually do so for the units would be arriving in showrooms and dealerships late 2007. The company also did disclose that they have chosen their Kansas Assembly plant in Fairfax to do the actually production of the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu.

So what can be found on these sneak peeks at the newest Chevrolet Malibu? Well, the picture that was released actually did show a part of the front of the vehicle. There is a dual port grille being displayed and the company has been reported to describe the photo as the “new face of Chevrolet” although people have still yet to judge if indeed it is true.

Silverado Wins Truck of the Year

Fri, 22 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0600

Chevrolet Silverado was named Truck of the Year for 2007. Said commendation is given by Motor Trend magazine, one of the oldest automotive magazines still in circulation. With said award, Chevrolet expects more brisk sales in the months.

The automaker is now using said commendation in their advertising campaigns. It can be recalled that Motor Trend also named Toyota Camry Car of the Year. Said car belongs to the hottest-selling car in the United States. Moreover, Chevrolet expects that Silverado will also get the hype and performance of Camry with regards sales records.

Chevrolet Silverado is the counterpart of GMC Sierra. Sophisticated parts for a Chevy truck are incorporated to Silverado to produce a powerful pickup. Silverado and Sierra are essentially identical. However, the redesigned version of Silverado is made tougher. In the past 2 years, the automaker has spent over $200 million on machinery and facilities to produce the pickups at its Fort Wayne, Indiana plant.

Silverado outshone 3 other GM contenders - Chevrolet Avalanche, Cadillac Escalade EXT and GMC Sierra. Another worthy truck for the title is the Ford Explorer Sport Trac. Avalanche is a 4-door, 6-seat sport utility car truck. Escalade is a full-size luxury SUV introduced by Cadillac for the model year 1999. The third generation Cadillac Escalade parts boast performance and reliability. Ford truck performance parts, on the other hand, made up Explorer Sport Trac. It is a midsize SUV with a pickup truck bed. These pickup trucks create tight competition in the segment they are in and for Silverado to emerged as Truck of the Year over other credible vehicles is a great privilege.

Motor Trend said that reliability and fuel efficiency are the factors that made Silverado win. "The Silverado impressed us most of all because it is a great reworking of an iconic American vehicle," Motor Trend editor Angus MacKenzie said in a news release. "The Chevy pickup truck has been a part of the American automotive landscape for decades."

MacKenzie also cited several improvements in Silverado like the 5.3-liter V8 engine that can shift into V-4 mode for greater mileage per gallon. In choosing Silverado, Motor Trend also looked into the truck's value for its price. "Prices for most Silverado models have increased only about $300 from 2006 levels," MacKenzie said.

In choosing vehicles, Motor Trend evaluates handling and response, finish and materials, engineering, as well as safety and power.

Tiger, Iguana Prowess Combined in VW Tiguan

Mon, 18 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0600

Volkswagen formulated another SUV entry for 2008 that spells bold and exotic. The concept vehicle is dubbed as Tiguan, a peculiar name coined from tiger and leguan (German word of iguana). Said name was elected by some 350,000 readers of Germany’s Auto Bild magazine. VW Tiguan debuted at the 2007 Los Angeles International Auto Show held last month.

VW Tiguan is a Golf/Rabbit-based concept that hosts a wide variety of powertrain combinations. One of which is the 50-state-compliant 2.0-liter diesel. Said engine will also be incorporated to other VW vehicles like the 2008 Rabbit and Jetta. The engine produces 140 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. Other engine options include the current 200-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine and 280-hp 3.6-liter V-6.

"It was very important to us to have the car appear powerful. Muscular. For us that had a higher priority than anything else", says Klaus Bischoff, head of the Design Centre in Wolfsburg. He continues, "An offroader needs a long hood and an upright position. That lends the vehicle self-assuredness and power."

VW Tiguan measures 4.4 metres long, 1.85 m wide and 1.69 m high. The size of the 4x4 concept Tiguan can be likened to that of Touran compact MPV. Tiguan is powered by sophisticated car parts Volkswagen aftermarket and OEM. Under its hood is a diesel engine called BLUETEC. The latter was developed in partnership with Audi and Mercedes-Benz. The technologies used in designing Audi and Mercedes-Benz auto parts play a great part in making Tiguan powerful and influential.

BLUETEC, as a fact, uses 'Clean TDI' – which is compliant with the emissions standards in the world. BLUETEC also uses NOx storage catalytic converter, which is capable of reducing nitrogen oxides by up to 90 percent compared to other diesel units.

Car parts accessories for Volkswagen Tiguan include the breathtaking panoramic sunroof, vintage style black leather seats, steeply sloping tailgate, dark-anodized metallic tone front grille, dominant cross fins, and more. To complete the appeal of Tiguan, it is given a unique tyre design with orange radial stripe underneath the profile.

More Tiguan details will be divulged by the automaker in the first quarter of 2007. The compact SUV is scheduled to go on sale in the United Kingdom in 2008.

Hybrid Vehicles' Fading Appeal

Mon, 18 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0600

Hybrid vehicles show decline in sales. The change in heart of auto owners is attributed to the cut in gasoline prices. In this regard, some auto enthusiasts are saying that hybrid vehicles' appeal is fading away.

Toyota and Honda automakers have enjoyed hybrid hype the most. This is because, their hybrid vehicles made it big in the auto market at once. In July this year, gasoline prices were high and consumer intended to save on fuel costs so they shifted to vehicles that run on both a gas-powered engine and an electric motor peaked at an annual rate of nearly 1.5 million units, this information was divulged by Edmunds.com, an automotive shopping website.

However, in August, sales of hybrid vehicles dropped sharply. Further, tax credits, which have significantly pulled sales, were reduced. Starting from the month of September up to the present, the famous Prius, which is made up of sophisticated auto parts Toyota, experienced drop in sales. About 22.4 percent decline in hybrid sales is suffered by Toyota.

According to Alex Rosten, Edmunds.com’s manager of pricing and market analysis, the downturn that can be attributed in large part to a quirk in federal law. He added, "The tax credit has played a large role, and it will expire at the end of 2007 unless Congress renews it." On the one hand, Rosten said that there will always be a demand for hybrids from “green” consumers. In this regard, automakers are working to make their hybrids more affordable. Saturn auto body parts in Vue Green Line hybrid, for instance, are now more reasonably priced. As a fact, the hybrid just costs $1,000 more than the regular Saturn Vue.

Also, analysts in the industry said that Honda Accord auto parts will not give savings to the consumers. Rebecca Lindland, auto analyst at Global Insight said that a driver who buys a Honda Accord hybrid, which can cost some $3,000 more than a regular model, will need 10 to 12 years to break even in fuel savings, assuming the price of gas remains within the $2.50 to $3 range. “To get that saving you have to drive 15,000 miles a year, and if you are driving a hybrid 15,000 miles a year, you are doing a lot of highway driving and not maximizing the best use of your vehicle,” Lindland continued.

"The other possibility is diesel,” Lindland concluded. New regulations requiring low-sulfur diesel fuels, which went into effect this fall, are likely to boost the popularity of diesel vehicles in the United States. Those vehicles are already popular in Europe. (Diesel) has got a really bad rap because most of us think of it as loud and smelly, but this is not your father’s diesel," she continued. "Cars that run on diesel get consistently better mileage than gas engines, whether on the highway or in the city. That’s the huge advantage they have over hybrids — they are not as ‘duty-cycle’ sensitive."

Window Stickers On Fuel Economy

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0600

There was a time when all I thought was that I needed to purchase a vehicle. In that process, only then was I able to learn all about the eccentricities and other odds and ends of owning a vehicle.

There are those people who look at a vehicle's Ford car parts and their availability. There are also people who look at the style and design. Other tend to dwell towards the performance of a vehicle. And there are also some who make sure that the vehicle that they would be purchasing would be able to fit their lifestyle. However, one of the basic things that people have tended to overlook is the fuel economy of a vehicle. But with the tapering gas prices a couple of months back, people have certainly been more aware of this.

Now, a report in the auto world has stated that the Environmental Protection Agency of the United States government has already made sure that consumers and people who are in the market for a new vehicle would be greatly and properly informed about the kind of fuel economy that various vehicles in the market offer.

As per the report, EPA has set out new window stickers. These window stickers are those you see on the new vehicles' windows which are set on display. These contain the vital and important specification of the vehicle. EPA also did mention that the new window stickers would have a much lower miles per gallon – some two to four miles per gallon on the average. This is according to the new rules set out by the government agency. The estimated drop for city driving mpg would be around twelve per cent and highway statistics would be going down by around eight per cent on the average. EPA also did disclose that they are having an estimated 18.6 mpg for city driving for all new 2006 cars and vehicles. As per highway travails, the average would be around 24.9 miles per gallon.

If you do need more information on this, you can actually visit the web site made especially for this one. The site can be found on www.mileagewillvary.com and you can also find information on the new and redesigned window stickers you would be viewing come next year.

Foundation Gets Cash, Thanks To Car Auction

Tue, 28 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0600

The automotive world is not just an arena where auto manufacturers and its minions of vehicles would battle it out to get the most amount of share. Plus, it is also not just a place where these contenders try to defeat everybody else by being the most popular, the most spectacular, or the most sought after. In fact, this world is not just about who gets to sell the most number of Daihatsu car parts or who gets to take home the most number of awards. You see, the auto world is not just about fame, power, and fortune.

One perfect example that the auto world also deviates from what we think it to be would be one vehicle. This vehicle is an Xtreme Subaru WRX and it was donated by the Santa Monica Subaru arm. Later on, it was customized by Al and Ed’s Autosound. What is quite so interesting about this one is that this Xtreme Suabru WRX was auctioned off and all of the proceeds were actually given to children who were struck with life threatening medical diseases in the Los Angeles area. It was the Make A Wish Foundation which made sure that the money went to the right recipients.

So who bought the vehicle? It was Leon Rotella who had become the highest bidder for the customized Xtreme Subaru WRX. During a special event, the Make A Wish Foundation would be handing over the keys to Rotella. And in exchange, the organization would be receiving a check from the highest bidder plus it would also be receiving a check from three groups – Al & Ed’s Autosound, the Subaru arm in Santa Monica, and Free-FM.

The Xtreme Subaru WRX was auctioned off online and Rotella was the highest bidder when he offered $26,000 for the whole machine. It was actually just right for Rotella when he did mention that while he was thinking of purchasing the vehicle, his thoughts were that the proceeds would all be benefiting those who really do need the money most – children who were struck down with diseases.

You can catch the event on the 30th of November at the LA Auto Show.