Toyota makes their Green brand stronger

Thanks to the Toyota Prius, for over decades Toyota’s brand meant green driving in America. Recently, the Tokyo based automaker launched their biggest advertising campaign highlighting its environmental, social responsibility and local community support promises to make their stand even stronger.

The new TV ad shows a Prius and absolute green image. The most fuel-efficient vehicle is made of organic materials like tree branches, leaves and moss in a rugged link going thru decomposition and joining the natural landscape.

“With any aspect of our retail operations, we’re trying to be as green as possible,” said Denise Morrissey, a spokeswoman for Toyota Motor Sales USA.

Toyota had been exerting extra effort to strengthen their green image after receiving speculations and criticisms from environmental groups. The Natural Resources Defense Council and other groups had called Toyota hypocritical for joining the three biggest American automakers in opposing a senate bill increasing fuel economy standards. The senate bill calls for 35 miles per gallon in 2020. The automaker is celebrating its 50th year of selling its vehicles in North America.

“Toyota has gone from the darling child of environmentalists to the bad guy for environmentalists fairly rapidly,” said Jack Nerad, executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book, which tracks the automotive industry.

Toyota is also starting to largely venture in the pick-up and SUV segments with their Toyota Tundra challenging Ford’s F-150 and Chevrolet’s Silverado. At the Los Angeles Auto Show, Toyota unveiled their new full size SUV, the second-generation Toyota Sequoia.

“Some in the environmental community feel duped by Toyota,” he continued. “They feel Toyota’s production of hybrids like the Prius gave the company the cover to make their larger sedans, pickup trucks and large SUVs. I think that’s a rather cynical view of things because those product plans were in place long ago, and to be a full-line automobile manufacturer in the U.S. market you have to sell vehicles in all these segments.”

Closely racing with Toyota being the most fuel efficient brand in America is another Japanese automaker, Honda Motor Co (makes Acura CL EGR valve).

“Honda is pushing very strongly that they are the most fuel-efficient car company in the country, and they haven’t gone the route of large pickups and SUVs,” he said. “They’ve dipped their toes in that pool, but they haven’t waded in to the extent that Toyota has.”

Another great milestone towards fuel efficiency and green image Honda has taken is their FCX clarity which was unveiled in the Los Angeles Auto Show. The car is powered by hydrogen fuel cell emitting only water vapor, the one sad to beat Toyota’s Goliath, the prius.

“I think Honda is doing some very interesting things, and the FCX is among them,” said Nerad. “I’m interested to hear what they’re going to do with diesels, and what their next hybrid will be. It’s not going to be a replacement for the Accord hybrid; it’ll be a new entrant in the subcompact area.”

Old vehicles will rest in Texas

In Texas, a new bill named “accelerated vehicle-retirement program” was passed aiming to eliminate older vehicles that do not meet federal clean-air standards. In January, although the expected month was December, owners of ten year old and older vehicles in Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston will be given $3,500 to replace their cars. And for the program to be easy, new car dealers will be tasked to control it.

The program will require the car owners to bring their old cars to dealerships and get a voucher to buy a new vehicle or one that is used not more than two year according to officials. Before the dealership and voucher idea, the owners would have been requested to go in a state or country office first.

“But dealers are the ones who know how to read a title, how to do the paperwork involved in a trade or sale,” said Drew Campbell, president of the New Car Dealers Association of Metropolitan Dallas, and a participant in meetings to develop the program. “What the state is concerned about more than anything else is how do we make this process as clean and simple as we can.”

Other rules and requirements of the program will be completed and provided by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality in early December.

“The later start date will probably work out best,” said state Sen. Kip Averitt, R-Waco, who sponsored the bill that created the program. “They plan to have everything online and ready to go, but because we will be pushing into Christmas – when people are distracted by the holidays – they thought it would be best to do the kickoff in early January.”

The program is voluntary subjecting vehicles with age ten years and more to be taken off the road because they emit 10 to 30 times more than new vehicles.
To qualify, your vehicle must meet these following conditions:
1. Must be at least 10 years old and gasoline-powered.
2. Must have been registered in your participating county for at least 12 months before you apply for a voucher.
3. Must have passed a Department of Public Safety motor-vehicle safety inspection or safety and emissions inspection within 15 months of application.
Well, if ever I live in Texas, a new Acura CL (equipped with quality Acura CL belts) will be my new vehicle choice after I put to rest my old vehicle. The handling and performance is just great that I cant take my hands off it.

Japanese Cars born in Britain are really reliable according to study

For the annual What Car? And Warranty Direct survey, British built Japanese cars are the victors. For the third consecutive year, Honda is the leader.

Out of the top ten most dependable cars, six carries Japanese brands but are built in Britain. Out of the six, there are four Hondas. All in all, Honda has six entries to the honorary ten making it the number one brand followed by Toyota and Subaru in the third place.

Top 10

Model/ Years made/ Faults per 100 cars
1    Toyota Corolla/ ’00-’02/ British Built /3
2    Honda CR-V / ’97-’02 / British Built / 5
3    Honda HR-V/’99-’05 /6
3    Toyota Celica /’00-’06 / 6
5    Honda S2000 /’99-now/7
6    BMW 3 Series Compact /’94-’01/ 9
6    Honda Civic /’96-’01 /British Built /9
6    Honda Accord /’99-’03 /British Built /  9
9    Honda Civic/‘01-’05 /British Built /10
10    Nissan Micra/’98-’02 /British Buil/11

Bottom 10
1    Alfa Romeo GTV /’96-’03 / 97
2    Renault Espace /’97-’02 / 77
3    Jaguar XK8 /’96-’06 /26
4    Renault Laguna/’00-’07/55
5    Fiat Multipla /’99-now/ 52            
6    Volvo S80 /’98-’06 /51
7    Land Rover Freelander  /’00-’06/48
7    Land Rover Range Rover /’95-’02/ 48            
7    Audi Allroad /’00-’05/ 48
10    Seat Alhambra / ’00-now /47

Manufacturer league table

1   Honda (also makes Acura parts like Acura belts)
2   Toyota
3   Subaru
4   Lexus
5   Mini
6   Nissan
7   Ford
8   Citroën
9   Rover
10  BMW
11  Peugeot
12  Mercedes
13=  Fiat
13=  Vauxhall
15  Volkswagen
16  MG
17  Jaguar
18  Volvo
19  Skoda
20  Audi
21  Saab
22  Chrysler
23  Seat
24  Alfa Romeo
25  Renault
26  Land Rover

Duncan McClure Fisher, Warranty Direct managing director, said: ‘The data proves that expensive doesn’t necessarily mean reliable.  The more mechanically and electronically complicated a vehicle, especially if it’s of European origin, the more likely you are to suffer problems.’

Get ready to be electrified by the Volt in 2010 says GM

Yesterday, in a report in Reuters made by Jui Chakravorty, it said that the plug-in hybrid of General Motors Corp., the Chevrolet Volt will be launched before 2010 ends despite criticisms and doubts even by the executives of the company.

According to Bob Lutz, their workers responsible for the Chevrolet Volt production “are becoming increasingly nervous”. However, despite the skepticisms, these workers are motivated enough to make their company be the first to reach the finish line of the mass-market rechargeable electric vehicle production.

“There is a lot of skepticism within the company about the timeline,” Lutz said at the Reuters Autos Summit in Detroit. “People are biting their nails, but those of us in a leadership position have said it has to be done.”

Ford Motor Co. and Toyota are also going thru the same development process but GM is the only automaker which gave their target timeline. Meanwhile, BMW (makes BMW heater core) is developing another hybrid milestone not the plug-in but a vehicle that runs on hydrogen and petroleum in its internal combustion engine.

“We have to reestablish GM’s leadership and the Volt is, frankly, an effort to leapfrog anything that is done by any other competitor,” Lutz said.

Unlike the typical hybrids which uses dual power source of electric motor and an internal combustion engine, plug-ins like the Chevrolet Volt also uses the same power sources but their batteries can be recharged in the typical electric socket.

Lutz added that his company made a gig mistake when it did not create a hybrid to combat Toyota’s Prius when it was introduced in 1997.

“We kind of lost the first couple of laps of the green car race,” Lutz said, saying they couldn’t go to GM’s board “for a multihundred-million program that was going to lose money.”

The Prius is the best-selling hybrid vehicle in the world and significantly in GM’s domestic market, the United States. When it comes to sales, the Prius is accountable for 80 percent of hybrid sales in the American auto industry.

“We have since realized that letting Toyota gain that mantle of green respectability and technology leadership has really cost us dearly in the marketplace,” Lutz said.

Your Christmas Gearhead Wish list

Gift giving is one of the oldest ways of expressing love and whatever mushy feelings we have for our significant others. And the best time for gift giving is the Christmas holidays. If one of your loved ones is a gearhead and you are a gearhead too (means your both seriously into your vehicles), finding a gift may be easy. But what if, you are not a gearhead yourself? Thecarconnection.com helps you with their wish list. Find something to wrap below:

Corvette/Mustang/’57 Chevy wall shelves
These fit more easily in your den than a real ‘69 Sting Ray Corvette, ‘57 Bel Air or ‘64 Mustang (and cost a lot less, too). Plus, they’re perfect for displaying your models-or just use them as actual bookshelves. Each shelf is designed to replicate the front end of a classic in full 3-D glory, with authentic grilles, headlights and a flat glass shelf on the “hood” for your items to sit on.

Digital breath alcohol detector
If you’ve only had a glass or two of wine or beer with dinner, you may not think you’re impaired, but with lawful BAC levels getting lower each year, better to be sure before you get behind the wheel. This pocket-sized device could save you a trip to jail and thousands in lawyer’s fees.
 
Night vision glasses
If you are bothered by the glare of oncoming headlights at night, try these. The amber lenses filter out glare while preserving the natural balance of colors; ideal for older drivers who are experiencing difficulty driving at night. Side lenses enhance peripheral vision, too.
 
Magnetic finger
Just the ticket for retrieving a wayward bolt or other small part you can’t quite reach with a tool. This form-fitting stretchy glove slips on your index finger and turns it into a professional tool. A powerful magnet sewn into the tip allows you to hold and retrieve any small metal object with precise control.

Drag racing alarm clock
Wake up to the sound of 800 horsepower staging for the green! Alarm features fully functional “Christmas tree,” temperature and humidity gauges-and the tire-shredding sound of a drag racer lining up for a quarter-mile run. Measures 9.5 inches tall and uses three AA batteries.

Auto Art brake disc memo pad
This memo pad sports a magnetic case shaped like a cross-drilled/vented high-performance disc brake rotor, with a red powder-coated “caliper” clamping on the paper pad-just like the real thing. Its case can be attached to any metal surface, such as a refrigerator door.
 
Premium gas pump CD cabinet
It looks just like an old-timey 100-octane leaded premium gas pump but is actually a 38-inch high CD storage cabinet. Perfect for a car-themed rec room, the pump is available in several colors/styles.
 
4-in-1 Extreme Power Pack
This fully portable multi-function cordless power pack keeps you rolling, no matter the situation. It includes a 400-amp jump starter with #4 welding gauge cables; a 275-psi air compressor with a 1.5-foot air hose; and a detachable 150-watt power inverter (runs TVs, laptops, iPods, etc.) and AC/DC charging adapters. Weighs just 14 pounds.

However, a performance part for a car is also a good idea. It just depends on the model. For example, if his/her vehicle is a mazda mx6, the best gift would be Mazda mx6 performance parts to suit his vehicle perfectly.

The Top Ten worst Holiday Traffic Tie-ups in America

Traffic experts from Metro Networks named the ten worst traffic tie-ups in the United States. The list included the ten hottest traffic spots in America during this holiday season. Metro Networks is a Westwood company, in service to the general public gathers and reports traffic information across the country.

"Traffic congestion remains one of the most significant issues in American cities of any size year round," says John Frawley, EVP of Broadcast Operations at Metro Networks. "This time of year especially, the mix of holiday travelers and shoppers magnifies the demand for accurate and timely traffic information as provided by Metro."

THE TOP TEN WORST HOLIDAY TRAFFIC TIE-UPS IN AMERICA

New York-Philadelphia-Washington, DC — Interstate 95.  This corridor is easily the slowest 225 miles of highway during the holidays.  The section from the Delaware Memorial Bridge to the George Washington Bridge is the worst of it.

Boston — Westbound Massachusetts Turnpike from downtown Boston to Interstate 84 in Sturbridge. This a 56-mile stretch that on the day before Thanksgiving has been known to completely back-up due to Interstate 84 serving as the main route south connecting Boston with the rest of the Eastern Seaboard.

Los Angeles — Both sides of Interstate 5 from the Grapevine through Orange County. Northbound gets tightly congested with holiday travelers heading to San Francisco, and  beyond, while southbound lanes attract those heading towards San Diego and Tijuana.

Washington, DC — Interstate 95 from Springfield, VA (just south of DC) through Fredericksburg, VA. This 30-mile stretch south of Washington, DC experiences extensive delays on a regular basis, which are only amplified during the holiday season. 15-20 mile back ups are not uncommon during peak holiday travel times.

New York City — The Throgs Neck Bridge and Whitestone Bridge, both of which connect the Bronx and Queens. The two heavily traveled bridges are key choke points along the main artery connecting upstate New York, Connecticut and Long Island.

San Francisco — Eastbound Interstate 80 through Sacramento to Lake Tahoe. San Franciscans seeking "holiday weather" heavily travel this route to the nearby ski resorts and mountains.

Philadelphia — Northbound Interstate 476 from the NB Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike (PATP) from the Mid-County tolls up to Lansdale. This stretch of roadway can back up more than 12 miles as a result of motorists heading up to the Pocono Mountains for the holidays.

Miami — The Palmetto Expressway in both directions from Okeechobee Road to south of the Dolphin Expressway.  The expressway serves as the Western border of Miami International Airport and to add to the holiday travel congestion, it is also currently under construction.

Dallas — East and Westbound 635 LBJ is already a heavily congested area in North Dallas, but with holiday shoppers flocking to Valley View mall, traffic really bogs down between 75 Central and I-35 E.

Detroit — Northbound I-75 and NB US-23, especially where they merge (near Flint). Extreme congestion occurs as cabin-owners and resort-seekers combine with hunters heading north during Michigan Firearm Deer Season (11/15-12/17/07).

Honorable Mentions
San Francisco Area — 101 NB from Golden Gate Bridge through Marin County

Washington, DC — The Inner Loop of the Capital Beltway, I-495. It is not unusual to find delays which begin in Merrifield, Virginia and extend to Landover, Maryland, some 30 miles away; nearly half the distance around the Beltway.

Atlanta — Interstate 285 (Perimeter Highway) in both directions between I-75 and I-85. This is a main route for shoppers heading to area malls creating massive congestion during the holiday season.

If you pass on these areas, your car must be at its best condition because these are also accident prone metros. Your car’s braking system and its parts like brake discs, brake pads, traction bars (Lakewood traction bars are good replacement) should be all functional to ensure safe traffic driving.

Hyundai unveils their Concept Genesis Sedan

Last November 16 at the press conference of the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show, Hyundai unveiled their highly awaited Concept Genesis Coupe. The Genesis will join the Hyundai vehicle line in 2009 with its all-new rear-wheel drive 2+2 sports coupe. Earlier this year, Hyundai already introduced its Concept Genesis Sedan and the coupe already followed as the South Korean automaker is further enticing car maniacs.

The Genesis is good looking enough with its Sonic Orange and the Ballistic Black carbon fiber hood, roof and also with its more lighter aerodynamics.  The “Z” curves and body lines will give the idea that it is no doubt powerful. Hyundai, known for producing budget-friendly vehicles with ultimate performance, the Genesis will be th cheapest car to produce more than 300 horsepower.

"Concept Genesis Coupe is the most thrilling, most emotional Hyundai yet," said John Krafcik, vice president, product development and strategic planning, Hyundai Motor America. "When it hits the market in early 2009, we aim to deliver a driving experience that challenges cars like Infiniti G37, at prices more like Mitsubishi Eclipse."

CONCEPT GENESIS COUPE HIGHLIGHTS
  — Second rear-wheel drive performance car from Hyundai
  — 300+ horsepower from enhanced 3.8-liter V6 from Genesis sedan
  — The production version of the sports coupe arrives in the spring of
      2009

CONCEPT GENESIS COUPE SPECIFICATIONS
  –  Configuration:   Front engine, rear-wheel drive sports coupe
  –  Wheelbase:       2,820 mm / 111 inches
  –  Overall length:  4,666 mm / 183.7 inches
  –  Overall width:   1,902 mm / 74.9 inches
  –  Overall height:  1,386 mm / 54.5 inches
  –  Wheels:          20-inch, five-spoke
  –  Tires:           Hankook 255/35 ZR front and 275/35 ZR rear

PRELIMINARY PRODUCTION CAR DETAILS
  –  Engine type: V6
  –  Estimated horsepower: more than 300 horsepower
  –  Estimated torque: more than 250 lb. ft.
  –  Displacement: 3.8 liters
  –  Block material: high pressure die cast aluminum
  –  Cylinder head material: aluminum
  –  Valvetrain: Dual Over Head Cam (DOHC)
  –  Valve timing: continuous variable valve timing
  –  Estimated 0-60 mph: under 6 seconds
  –  Transmission type: 6-speed manual
  –  Front brakes: Brembo, 340 mm disc, twin-piston calipers
  –  Rear brakes: Brembo, 330 mm disc, twin-piston calipers
  –  Limited slip differential

The 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show was venue for several concept cars debut from almost all automakers especially from Detroit’s Big three including General Motors, Ford Motor Co. (makes original Volvo replacement parts like Volvo seat belt) and Chrysler LLC.

Chevrolet Tahoe is the greenest car of the year

General Motor’s eight-seater sport utility vehicle with the name of Chevrolet Tahoe grabbed this year’s “Green Car of the Year” award at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show last Thursday.

The Chevy Tahoe hybrid is the first full-size SUV in the auto market as GM will start selling it by the first months of 2008. The hybrid system in the Tahoe was developed by the consortium of automakers led by General Motors along with BMW AG, Daimler AG, Mercedes-Benz and Chrysler LLC (makes Jeep light bar).

"They've proven that they can make beautiful cars, strong cars, keep the size, keep the safety, and all those kinds of things, and at the same time be more fuel efficient," said California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who toured the show after the presentation of the award.

The board of judges was made up of celebrated designer Carroll Shelby, talk show-host Jay Leno and representatives from four environmental groups.

"People don't think green when SUVs are concerned and for generally good reason, since SUVS often get poor fuel economy," said Green Car publisher Ron Cogan.

"Chevrolet's Tahoe Hybrid changes this dynamic with a fuel efficiency improvement of up to 30 percent," he added.

The Tahoe hybrid is rated with 21 miles per gallon in the city and 22 miles per gallon in the highway, just like the Toyota Camry Sedan.

With the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid, GM had other two entries in the five finalists for the title, the Saturn Aura Hybrid and the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid.

"That is something I think nobody would have expected a few years ago," said Bob Lutz, vice chairman and product chief at GM, in advance of the announcement.

According to GM Chief Bob Lutz, having three entries on the finalist only shows that his company is significantly progressing in the development of fuel-efficient vehicles in all segments. Also, GM confirmed that they are on the process of introducing hybrid versions of the Cadillac Escalade luxury SUV and the Chevrolet Silverado pick-up.

"When you think of a hybrid, you think of a small car that has been built from the ground up to eke out the most miles," said GM spokesman Dave Barthmuss. "But now you can have that kind of system in a large vehicle."

According to California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, the strict standard in fuel efficiency in his state is driving to green car innovation.

"I think, because we in California have been out there so strong, forcing the manufacturers to come in with clean vehicles, that is why they are coming in with clean vehicles," the governor said. 

New Product String makes GM strong

After massive loss in market shares, $39 billion loss for the third quarter, a new General Motors fresh from a rehab have brought a new string of cars and trucks in the automotive market and now, its best car for ten years, the Chevrolet Malibu is already for shipping.

One year to be 100 years old, GM comes back in the vehicle race with their highly competitive vehicles such as the Tahoe and GMC Yukon SUVs, Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra Pick-ups, the Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia crossovers, the Saturn Vue small SUV, Cadillac CTS midsize sedan and the Malibu.

"The job's not done," said Bob Lutz, General Motors Chief, who was in North Texas for the Texas Auto Writers' Truck Rodeo last month. "But we are getting there. GM has its product mojo back."

Six years ago, Lutz joined GM which was creating cars with dull designs and do not gain high respect from its consumers. His appointment was regarded as the come back by the company and he was branded as the product czar of GM to refine and enliven GM cars.

However, last week as GM announced their $39 billion loss with the $38 billion accounted for the write-off of tax credits. According to the Wall Street journal, GM won’t be profitable for sometime soon.

According to some analysts, although GM lost $12 billion for 2005 and 2006, it still gained $953 million during the first half of 2007. GM is on the verge of gaining access to declining costs and its vehicles are getting better.

"There's nothing magical about what Toyota does," said Mr. Lutz, 75, vice chairman of GM.

"In other parts of the world where they don't have the advantage of a weak yen and we don't have labor constraints, we compete well with them. We have a clear vision now of where we were and where we need to be."

Two years ago, it was a great decision for GM to redesign its Sport Utility Vehicles. SUVs are very vital for GM since it gives the automaker higher profits than other segments. GM’s resurgence has its roots on that great stroke.

The redesigned SUVs sold very well and made it to J.D. Power and associates surveys for their good quality and performance along with other brands as Ford, Chrysler, BMW (makes BMW flywheel), Toyota and the others. And now, GM is highly expecting from their Malibu.

"You have to look beyond the write-off," said Jeff Schuster, executive director of global forecasting at J.D. Power.

"On the product side, they are in a strong position. If you look at the fit and finish of the new SUVs and pickups and the newer cars and the attention to detail in their interiors, no longer can you say GM just makes traditional American vehicles."

Winter Driving

Often there are variable conditions that we think we need a special car for each, but what we miss is that, our driving style is the ultimate factor.  Roads during the winter especially it is snow filled needs special driving considerations like smooth braking and maintaining traction. Losing grip to this two may lead to fatalities and injuries, and thousand dollars worth damages.

"Always drive as if you have a cup of coffee on the dash," says David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports' Auto Test division.

There are certain features in cars made for snow driving but also means additional cash. These equipment when installed in your vehicle may decrease the likelihood of accidents, but these things also have their limits.

"When snowstorms hit, people who have all-wheel drive become overconfident," says Russ Rader, spokesman for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. People drive faster than they otherwise would. Yet all-wheel drive doesn't help them stop quicker.

"It's not a safety system," Rader says. "It's a system to keep you from getting stuck."

Consumer Reports' Champion agrees. "The problem with four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive is that because you have the traction to get going," he says, "you don't have the sense of how slippery it is underneath."

According to experts, winter tires are the best answer to improve traction, performance and safety when winter driving. Champions said that winter tires are more needed during this season because the regular tires being attached to vehicles have been wider and wider.

"Unfortunately, the wider the tread, the more difficult it is to dig down through the snow," he says. "It's actually a detriment to grip."

And while most says heavy vehicles are better, they are wrong. According to Mark Cox, director of the Bridgestone Winter Driving School in Steamboat Springs, Colo. lighter vehicles are definitely better.

"If you have more weight, you have a better contact patch to get moving, but then you have that much more weight to stop," he says. "You also have that much more centrifugal force. It's actually harder to regain control."

Also aside from tires and light vehicles, it is also best to maintain your vehicles on the best condition. All parts are vital to run the engine perfectly. If your Rover oxygen sensor has been causing you trouble lately, better get them checked and if necessary — replaced, to avoid bigger problems.

2007’s ten Worst Autos

The ten worst automobiles for 2007 had been named by The Truth About Cars website. Robert Farago, publisher of the website, said that their second annual award names and shames “the worst of the worst”.

“From a long and ignoble list of nominees, our readers have chosen ten cars that are less desirable than swordfish ice cream. They’re a rolling condemnation of their manufacturers’ lack of vision, taste, engineering and marketing.” the publisher said.

“Detroit makes some great cars, trucks and SUVs,” Farago insists. “And there were plenty of other brands that earned a place on our list of nominees and finalists. But like our writers, TTAC readers call it like they see it. These are the cars that they believe deserve a quiet, dignified and immediate death.”

The shamed vehicles are:

10. Saturn ION - "The lame duck ION waddles off the field of battle without achieving any glory whatsoever. From its Frankensteinian proportions and ditchwater dull detailing, to misaligned panel gaps visible from low earth orbit, to a Playskool-inspired dash made of recycled plastic swords, to engines so coarse they might as well been stickered 'for agricultural use only,' the ION was a born loser. If only Saturn has followed its own advice to 're-think American.'" - SM

9. Chrysler Aspen – "Its OK love your SUV. Just not this one. The Chrysler Aspen is a cynical repackaging of the Pleistocene-era Dodge Durango, complete with an arthritic suspension and interior appointments you’re best advised not keep. It’s ugly, slow (even with a Hemi underhood) and badly built. It’s no wonder Aspen customers are lined-up none deep." - SM

8. Chevrolet TrailBlazer / GMC Envoy / Isuzu Ascender / Saab 9-7X - "These are the four remaining examples of Ye Olde GMT-360 SUV platform. They’re old school SUVs in strictest sense of the term; anyone whose education involved spending endless hours at a desk nailed to the floor in a drafty, cheerless classroom will know what I mean. We’re talking Trabant-class interior fit and finish and Yugo-compatible interior design. Although there may be a good reason to buy one, you can hear the competition singing 'anything you can do I can do better.' And by God, they’re right." - AD

7. Hummer H2 - "According to its detractors, the H2 represents everything that’s wrong with SUVs. We agree. The H2’s immense charisma has vanished as quickly as hopes for a little rapid fire nation building you-know-where. All that's left is a huge, slow, thirsty, ungainly five-year-old truck based on an eight-year-old platform. Sure, the H2 is great off road– as long it’s a double wide path. Meanwhile, you might as wear a freshly-bludgeoned baby seal as drive this big rig. How great is that?" - JB

6. Hummer H3 - "The H3 is a 4700lbs. truck with a 220 horsepower five-cylinder engine. For those of you who don’t count rivets for fun, the H2’s baby brother is thirstier than Lindsay Lohan just out of rehab, slower than continental drift and rougher than Class VI rapids. Its gangsta style portals severely limit visibility and the back seat is adult aversive. Hell, it’s not even available in Jackass Yellow. No, you take it off-road. I’m buying a Grand Cherokee." - JB

5. Chevrolet Uplander - "Last year’s top dog is making its exit, but not gracefully. This dead van walking never fooled anyone with its SUV-wannabe styling on a poorly engineered ‘90s-era platform. It’s the only remnant left of GM’s half-assed assault on the minivan market, and it’ll soon be gone. Just not soon enough." - FW

4. Dodge Nitro – "The Nitro is the answer to a question nobody asked: who wants a rough-running, gas guzzling, hard-shifting, sloppy handling, cheaply adorned, pavement bound, neutered Jeep? Comic book styling can’t overcome the Nitro’s fundamental lack of fundamentals. It’s a four-wheeled testament to Chrysler’s brand mismanagement and thoroughly inept product development." - WM

3. Chevrolet Aveo - "From its tinny-sounding doors to its penalty box interior, the Aveo screams cheap more loudly (and persistently) than an amphetamine-crazed parrot. Normally slow means frugal. Not here. So… what’s the point? Now that GM has proven they can’t build a decent small car in the U.S., perhaps they’re trying to demonstrate that they can’t build one in Korea either. Done." - FW

2. Chrysler Sebring - "The Sebring is a born rental car. It’s hideous in a deeply bland sort of way. Its cabin, handling, acceleration, and ride quality (or complete lack thereof) is to driving pleasure what hair shirts are to eczema sufferers. The fact that Chrysler is contemplating to kill the Sebring less than a year after its launch confirms it: this is an automobile even its mother can’t love." -RF

1. Jeep Compass – "Jeep’s recipe for disaster is both simple and comprehensive: laughable aesthetics, second-rate road manners, poky performance and interior materials pulled from the bottom drawer of Chrysler’s parts bin. But the Compass’ (with Jeep catalytic converter) mortal sin-– for which we’ve slated it before, from which it can never be redeemed-– is the fact that this re-skinned all wheel-drive Dodge Caliber wears the storied Jeep badge. For shame." - WM

The top ten were chosen by the more than 27,000 readers of the online auto magazine. The readers submitted a total of 136 vehicles and TTAC trimmed it down to 20 and finally the ten worst vehicles. Most vehicles on the list are either from Chrysler or General Motors, both American brands.

Promotion for Toyota’s Jim Lentz

After some major executive departures, Toyota Motor Corp. rewarded its veteran Jim Lentz with the Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) Presidency, marketing and distribution last Tuesday.

Lentz’s Toyota career began 25 years ago. Before his new post, Lentz occupied the executive vice-president position at TMS. The new title of this Toyota executive means more responsibility to boost sales for the Japanese automaker now occupying the America’s second largest automaker throne. The TMC presidency had long been vacant and Lentz was the one chosen by TMS chairman Yuki Funio to fill in.

"Jim Lentz is especially well-qualified to lead TMS into the future as it marks 50 years in America," Toyota Motor Sales Chairman Yuki Funo said in a statement. "His experience spans all major operational areas, and he has an outstanding sense of what our customers, dealers and associates expect from Toyota."

Before Lentz’s appointment, the automotive industry was shaken by several Toyota executives leaving the company to fill in position in rival automakers. Toyota’s head of North American operations, Jim Press left in September to become Chrysler LLC’s new president and vice-chairman. Press, 61 was made the first non-Japanese member of Toyota’s board of directors, three months prior to his departure. Press occupied the TMS president position before becoming chief of Toyota’s North American operations. The North American operations chief position is now occupied by Shigeru Hayakawa, one of Toyota’s managing officers.

Ford Motor Co. offered Jim Farley, 45 its group vice-president of global marketing and communications position. Farley grabbed the opportunity leaving his group vice-president and general manager of Lexus luxury division, also at Toyota (sells cars built with original Toyota floor mats). Farley had been in the automotive industry for 17 years.

Formerly vice-president for marketing of Lexus, Deborah Wahl Meyer also transferred to Chrysler LLC to be its vice-president and chief marketing officer. The 44 year old lady tycoon spent six years of her career at Toyota.

The deal giving peace to Detroit

Yesterday, a report was made by Kevin Krolicki for Reuters said that local UAW officials have voted unanimously for the endorsement of the new four-year contract with Ford Motor Co. to its almost 58,000 constituents working for the automaker.

Basing on the contract highlights, union officials expect the ratification to be completed by November 12.

• Ford will pay $13.2 billion to establish a health care trust, known as a Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association, or VEBA. The trust will take effect in January 2010. Ford's funding will include $6.5 billion in cash contributions beginning in 2008. The automaker also agreed to issue a $3 billion secured note and a $3.3 billion convertible debenture.
• Ford agreed to build new vehicles at three assembly plants that had been targets for possible closure: Louisville Assembly, which makes the Ford Explorer; Michigan Truck, which makes the Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator, and Wayne Assembly, which now makes the Ford Focus(with Ford Focus performance parts) sedan.
• Ford agreed to delay planned closings at two other plants
• A truck assembly plant in St. Paul, Minnesota, and a casting plant in Cleveland — by one year. The Minnesota plant will continue production of the Ford Ranger truck until 2009. The Cleveland plant will continue production until 2010.
• Ford won the right to hire up to 20 percent of its factory work force at a lower wage rate. The new second-tier hires will start at $14.20 per hour, roughly half the current average wage. Unlike the terms of an earlier UAW deal for GM, Ford has the flexibility to use the lower-cost workers throughout its facilities.
  Ford pledged to invest $200 million in new technology and equipment at its stamping plants, invest in its powertrain operations and equip five body shops at its U.S. assembly plants for more flexible production.
• Ford workers will be paid a $3,000 signing bonus and three additional bonus payments over the term of the contract. The UAW estimated that those payments in addition to cost-of-living increases would be worth $12,904 over the four years of the deal for an average assembly line worker.

Hefty hybrids from GM

Another automotive industry first contribution of General Motors is its two-mode gas-electric hybrid transmission systems. The new fuel economy technology is bound to be under the hood of GM’s largest SUVs, the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and GMC Yukon Hybrid. This new move from GM will stain the stigma for large SUVs bearing the gas guzzlers tattoo.

GM’s Baltimore plant will be responsible for assembling the hybrid SUVs making way for GM to join the competition of Toyota with its Highlander and Lexus RX SUVs and Ford’s Escape Hybrid SUV.

According to executives from GM, their hybrid technology system is first in the United States and also emphasized that 75 percent (three-fourths) of its substance are from U.S. based suppliers.

The new hybrid systems is part of GM’s effort to provide its consumers with the most fuel efficient and environment friendly vehicles by utilizing various energy  resources such as ethanol, electricity and hydrogen said John Buttermore, GM’s Powertain vice-president of global manufacturing.

''We view this as an extraordinary opportunity, a chance, in essence, to reinvent the auto industry through technology and innovation and ultimately take the automobile out of the environmental debate,'' Buttermore said.

The two mode hybrid system is a product of the joint efforts of GM together with BMW (sells BMW brake fluid) and Daimler AG. The new technology will use a computer to choose from a thousand of combinations of running on one electric motor, two electric motors, a combination of electric motors and gasoline engine or turning off some of the gas engine’s cylinders.

GM vehicles to come from its Arlington, Texas plant are estimated to have an overall fuel economy of 21 miles per gallon, same as that of the four-cylindered Toyota Camry. This new fuel economy estimate is 30 percent higher than what the non-hybrid Tahoe and Yukon offers.

2009 Corolla and Matrix Unveiled

The tenth generation of the Corolla had been recently revealed by Japan’s number 1 automaker. Although Japanese by DNA, the Toyota Corolla became an American best-seller for four years now after it’s launching in the U.S market.

In 1966, the Corolla was first introduced in Japan and after two years dominated countries across the Pacific. After that, being sold in 142 countries, the reliable compact sedan sold more than 30 million units setting a foot ahead of its fierce competitors including Volvo’s S60 sedan (with original Volvo expansion tank) and Holden Astra CDX.

The 2007 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show gave way for Toyota to showcase the sportier, classy, and with wider interior tenth generation of the Toyota Corolla. It is powered by a 1.8-liter engine that generates 132 horsepower and an estimated EPA standard of 27 miles per gallon shouting fuel efficiency.

'It's putting out more power and has better fuel economy than its predecessor,'' said Mike Michels, a spokesman for Toyota. ''But if you look at the outgoing Corolla, those numbers will look higher. It's because the EPA changed the rating method.''

The XRS model are built with front and rear spoilers with a 2.4 liter engine eligible to produce 158 horsepower plus an approximated mileage of 22/30 miles per gallon. The XRS’ engine is amost similar to Toyota’s larger sedan, the Camry.

''The acceleration is better than Camry,'' said chief engineer Shinichi Yasui, noting the XRS Corolla can go from 0-60 mph in 8.1 seconds. ''This acceleration is top of class for a small car.''

Aside from the Corolla, Toyota also launched the second generation of their Matrix, Corolla’s hatchback version.

The new Matrix is looks like a small crossover utility vehicle (CUV). It is improved to have more curves, sportier façade, and curvier backside.

''The current model … looks like a wagon,'' said Matrix chief engineer David Terai. ''There are some people who don't like that. We wanted to get more younger buyers.''

The new Corolla and Matrix will be available in showrooms and dealerships in February same as the price of the entry levels of the Yaris and the Camry.