In a presentation in Paris on March 1st, Richard Newell the Administrator of the U.S. Energy Information Administration, indicated that by 2035 new light duty vehicle efficiency is projected to reach 40 mpg (miles per gallon). In addition, flex fueled vehicles, mild hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and full hybrids will account for the majority of alternative fueled vehicles sold.
See the presentation below…look specifically at slides 10 and 11.
Energy Information Agency: 2035 - The U.S. Energy Outlook including Alternative Fueled Vehicle Projections
I was disappointed to see (or I guess not to see) that a very small percentage of new vehicles would be 100% pure electric. With any projection, I guess time will tell. Either way, alternative fueled vehicles will play a role in meeting the new CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) standards for 2016. The new standards require an average fuel economy standard of 35.5 mpg in 2016. See Whitehouse.gov article on these standards.
GMC released the specifications today of the new 2011 Sierra Denali HD. What I like about this press release is that it highlights “Competitive Facts” focusing right in on how Sierra matches up with the Dodge Ram and Ford F-Series and Super Duty. In this Press Release, General Motors highlights the towing capability, payload capacity, new independent front suspension system, and my favorite…an exhaust brake on the Duramax diesel. This is what I would like to highlight.
The exhaust brake, which can be turned on or off by the driver, uses the turbocharger and engine compression to generate backpressure…thereby slowing the vehicle without applying the brakes. For those that have tried to keep a steady speed with cruise going down hills with a load, this is a really neat feature. It is integrated with the cruise and accounts for vehicle load and road grade. This will certainly help in prolonging brake life on downhill grades.
2011 GMC
NBC Today Show – The Runaway Toyota Prius
By · CommentsThe NBC Today Show reported on a story regarding a runaway Toyota Prius in California. This report, along with numerous others, really questions whether Toyota has figured out its “Sudden Unintended Acceleration” issues. After recalling 8 million+ vehicles for floor mat entrapment and sticky accelerator pedals (by fixing it with shims), have Toyota engineers really diagnosed the problem correctly? It is true that the floor mats and sticky accelerator pedals are probably an issue, but are they the only issue? Is the vehicle electronic throttle control system to blame? Many customers are still experiencing issues even after their vehicle has been “fixed” by the recall. Toyota, in congressional hearings, was confident that the vehicle electronic throttle control system is not to blame. What a nightmare for Toyota, NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), and especially for Toyota owners.
Watch the Today Show video
Runaway Prius
Toyota Under Fire – Listen to the Hearings Live
By · CommentsToyota is in the hot seat today in Washington, D.C. Who is at the hearing? David Strickland, Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Ray LaHood, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Akio Toyoda, President and CEO of Toyota Motor Corporation, several members of congress, consumer groups, and family members impacted by runaway accelerators. You can listen live on C-SPAN. Click on the image below.
Toyota Congressional Hearing on C-SPAN
Buying a new car can be stressful. Dealer invoice, dealer cost, MSRP (manufacturer’s suggested retail price), holdbacks, destination charges, factory options, dealer incentives, and factory incentives should all be considered during negotiation. (Learn more about buying a car at the Auto Upkeep Learning Center and read this post on Defogging the Price.) But where do you find this information? TrueCar.com empowers you with the knowledge. Their slogan is “Find out what others really paid.” TrueCar uses real, local, and recent data to help determine the average price paid for a specific vehicle. They also calculate the actual cost of the vehicle to the dealer…using their trademark term “TrueCost”. Now there is no excuse for you to offer a fair deal…you are empowered using TrueCar. Before you go into the dealership (or if you are at the dealership, surf from your smartphone), get a detailed price report.
TrueCar.com - Find out what others really paid!
TrueCar covers the following vehicle makes:
Acura
Aston Martin
Audi
Bentley
BMW
Buick
Cadillac
Chevrolet
Chrysler
Dodge
Ferrari
Ford
GMC
Honda
HUMMER
Hyundai
Infiniti
Jaguar
Jeep
Kia
Lamborghini
Land Rover
Lexus
Lincoln
Lotus
Maserati
Maybach
Mazda
Mercedes-Benz
Mercury
MINI
Mitsubishi
Nissan
Pontiac
Porsche
Rolls-Royce
Saab
Saturn
Scion
Smart
Subaru
Suzuki
Tesla
Toyota
Volkswagen
Volvo
General Motors is looking ahead…to its anticipated launch of the Chevrolet Volt later this year. To appease the tech junkie, OnStar has created an app for the Volt so the owner can access real time data. Most importantly, owners will be able to manage their car charging controls remotely. Want to start charging the Volt during off-peak hours? No problem, this app is for that. Want to warm the interior in the morning using your home’s electricity? No problem, this app is for that. Are you sitting in your cubical and want to make sure you have enough battery life to get home? Sure, this app is for that. Did you forget to plug in your Volt? No problem, the app will send you an email or text message to remind you. Did you go to the mall and forget to lock your Volt? No problem, use the app to lock your doors from anywhere. This app currently works on the iPhone, iPod Touch, Droid by Motorola, and BlackBerry. To learn more, check out the video below.
Yesterday Toyota announced another recall (read the press release) of approximately 133,000 Prius (2010) and 14,500 Lexus HS 250h (2010) vehicles to update the ABS software. In the same recall notice Toyota said that they will also inspect another model, the 2010 Camry, for a power steering hose that may be contacting a front brake tube which could lead to a brake fluid leak. Toyota realizes that owners of Toyota vehicles are becoming increasingly anxious about their vehicle quality. In addition to the recall, Toyota posted frequently asked questions about this latest recall, most likely in a hope to sooth consumers.
It is not a secret that Toyota has hurt its public image. Consumers know that and Toyota knows that. For decades Toyota has been a name synonymous with quality – but recent events (millions of vehicles being recalled with a speculation that Toyota drug its feet in alerting owners) has shuddered (at least temporarily) its reputation. The president and heir of the company, Akio Toyoda, wrote an opt-ed piece today in the Washington Post reassuring consumers that Toyota is “taking responsibility for our mistakes, learning from them and acting immediately to address the concerns of consumers and independent government regulators”. Read the complete article.
The major news story recently is focused on how Toyota will address the nightmare of millions of their vehicles being recalled for accelerator issues. Concerned Toyota owners want to know what needs to be done to put their worries at ease. Apparently, a small shim will fix most vehicles (Toyota is betting its reputation on it). Autoblog, an online leader in covering the auto industry, published a slide show illustrating the fix at a Toyota dealer. You can see the process here.
To address the pedal entrapment issue on some vehicles (a separate recall), according to Autoblog, technicians will use a template with a reciprocating saw to reshape the pedal. Read the complete article.
Is this the best fix? Toyota hopes so. If I was a Toyota owner I would like a new gas pedal assembly instead of a modified one.
Why Ford is Succeeding – The New American Road
By · CommentsAs the only U.S. major automaker not to take bailout money last year, Ford is emerging once again as the auto company others are striving to become. To highlight the Ford story over the last few years, a new 50 minute video was published titled “The New American Road”. This film is inspiring for those of us that still have a belief that Detroit can make quality, fuel efficient, technologically advanced automobiles.
Here is Ford’s description of the video:
“This is the story of Ford – the man – the company – and, importantly, a band of revolutionaries that are “betting it all” – defying all the odds – and in doing so, are re-establishing American automotive leadership, and reinventing the world’s automobiles for the 21st Century.”
It is a great video. You can watch it below.
In light of recent recalls from Toyota (massive accelerator recall impacting millions of vehicles) to Honda (driver’s side master power window switch) to baby cribs (Dorel cribs) to today’s Italian Sausage recall, you might wonder what other things you own or eat may have a recall. The website every consumer should know about is Recalls.gov. This site is your resource for federal recalls. Since different governmental divisions have jurisdiction over specific products, the Recalls.gov site links you to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, United States Coast Guard, FoodSafety.gov, the Food and Drug Administration, United States Department of Agriculture, and the Environmental Protection Agency among others. If you want to be notified by email, you can sign up to receive new recalls on the Recalls.gov site and safety information will be sent to you electronically.
Recalls.gov
Like many of you I saw on the TV or read news articles (such as from Bloomberg) about the incentives that Ford and General Motors are offering to capitalize on the massive Toyota accelerator recall. But as a writer, I always like to refer back to an original press release or link on a company’s main website about the information. I like to get it “straight from the horse’s mouth”. To my surprise I couldn’t find the information on either GM’s or Ford’s websites. In today’s age of instant publishing, why wasn’t it on there? I figured I must have been looking in the wrong place. So while on GM’s site I clicked on the “Chat” window to ask a service representative.
Here is my chat with GM:
You have been connected to Ricki K.
Ricki K: Hi my name is Ricki. I am a GM Marketing Support Representative. How may I assist you today?
Mike: Where is your link for the information about the incentives for current Toyota owners to upgrade to a GM
Ricki K: I apologize but there is no link to this information. I can help you.
Ricki K: What is your question?
Mike: I am writing a story about it in my popular blog…but I always like to link back to where the company says what it is going to do…is there a media release?
Ricki K: One moment please.
Ricki K: Unfortunately, I do not have any information to give you.
Mike: That is disappointing…GM is missing an opportunity to spread the word…why are they not putting this on their http://www.gm.com/vehicles/currentoffers/ page?
Ricki K: I’m not privy to why GM makes decisions one way or another.
Mike: Can you at least give me what they are offering in this chat so I can reference that? If I owned a Camry that was impacted by the recall, what is GM offering me?
Ricki K: One moment please.
Ricki K: GM Conquest Private Offer Program
Dates of Offer: 1/27/2010 – 3/1/2010
This is a private offer program to consumers who currently own or lease a 1999 or newer Toyota or Lexus passenger car or light duty truck, and purchase or lease one of the eligible vehicles.
Ricki K: Customer is not required to turn in vehicle. Offer can be transferred within the household. Residency must be verified with identification.
Ricki K: Offer Amount: $1000.00
Ricki K: There is also GMAC Conquest Alternative APR Program
Dates of Offer: 1/27/2010 – 3/1/2010
Offer Amount:
0% APR for 60 Months on eligible vehicles.
Ricki K: And the third offer: Toyota / Lexus Leaseholder Private Offer Program
Dates of Offer: 1/27/2010 – 3/1/2010
GM will pay the customer’s remaining lease payments or lease prepaid amount, including early termination and disposal fees, up to $1000.
Ricki K: Not every General Motors 2009 and 2010 are eligible. You will have to contact your local dealership for more details.
Ricki K: And not all incentives are compatible.
Ricki K: Don’t forget: OnStar is free for the first year and GM has the best warranty program of 100,000 mile 5 year warranty
Mike: Ok…Thanks…maybe someone should email Steve Hill, general manager of retail activities at GM that it “might” be beneficial to publish this information in a Media Release or on the GM website…free publicity never hurts.
Ricki K: Thanks, for your impute. I will pass this on to the appropriate department.
Mike: Thanks for the info…have a great day.
Ricki K: You too. Anything else I might be able to help you with today?
Mike: No thank you.
Ricki K: Thanks for visiting us at GM.com!
Ok, so I thought Ford, the only U.S. automaker to not accept a bailout and the company that recently posted a full year net income of $2.7 billion (see press release about this) may have approached the Toyota opportunity differently. Again, no…I couldn’t find a direct reference to it on Ford’s website. Why not? I didn’t see a Chat link (maybe I missed it), so I called their customer service number (800-392-3673). When I asked the service representative if he could direct me to the place on the website where the offer is posted, he said that it wasn’t on the website. I asked him to email it to me and this is what I received.
FDCI-04631C
2009/2010-MODEL SELECT VEHICLES TRADE-IN ASSISTANCE CASH (PGM#33208) (NATIONAL)
Last Updated:
1/28/2010Date
January 28, 2010Clarification
Ford Division is announcing the following clarification:- 2009-Model Mustang Shelby GT500 is eligible for this incentive.
Replaces
This Announcement Replaces FDCI-04631Overview
Ford Division is announcing Trade-In Assistance Cash, effective January 28, 2010.- Customers that currently own or lease a 1995 or newer Toyota/Honda/Lexus/Scion/Acura Car, Truck or SUV who Trade In or have a Lease expiring by June 30, 2010 will receive $1,000 toward the purchase or Lease of an eligible 2009/2010-Model Ford Car, SUV or Truck.
NOTE:
- Trade-in or lease expiring by June 30, 2010 required.
- Customer must have owned or leased the competitive vehicle for a minimum of 30 days prior to the sale date of the new VIN.
- Dealer must enter the first 2 and last 8 of the customer’s competitive VIN in the VINCENT claiming system or the claim will be reversed.
- This program is NOT compatible with RCL/RCO Renewal, Owner Loyalty or Early Bird Programs.
Program Number(s)
#33208 – Trade-In Assistance CashEligible Vehicle(s) & Incentive Amount(s)
All new2010-Model
Focus $1000 01/28/2010 – 03/01/2010
Fusion $1000 01/28/2010 – 03/01/2010
Fusion Hybrid $1000 01/28/2010 – 03/01/2010
Mustang GT $1000 01/28/2010 – 03/01/2010
Mustang Shelby GT500 $1000 01/28/2010 – 03/01/2010
Mustang V6 $1000 01/28/2010 – 03/01/2010
Taurus LTD $1000 01/28/2010 – 03/01/2010
Taurus SE $1000 01/28/2010 – 03/01/2010
Taurus SEL $1000 01/28/2010 – 03/01/2010
Taurus SHO $1000 01/28/2010 – 03/01/2010
Edge LMTD $1000 01/28/2010 – 03/01/2010
Edge SE AWD $1000 01/28/2010 – 03/01/2010
Edge SE FWD $1000 01/28/2010 – 03/01/2010
Edge SEL $1000 01/28/2010 – 03/01/2010
Edge Sport $1000 01/28/2010 – 03/01/2010
Escape $1000 01/28/2010 – 03/01/2010
Escape Hybrid $1000 01/28/2010 – 03/01/2010
Flex $1000 01/28/2010 – 03/01/2010
Sport Trac $1000 01/28/2010 – 03/01/2010
Explorer $1000 01/28/2010 – 03/01/2010
Expedition $1000 01/28/2010 – 03/01/2010
Ranger $1000 01/28/2010 – 03/01/2010
F-150 Regular Cab $1000 01/28/2010 – 03/01/2010
F-150 Super Cab $1000 01/28/2010 – 03/01/2010
F-150 Super Cab Raptor $1000 01/28/2010 – 03/01/2010
F-150 Super Crew $1000 01/28/2010 – 03/01/2010
F-Super Duty $1000 01/28/2010 – 03/01/2010
Transit Connect $1000 01/28/2010 – 03/01/2010
E-Series $1000 01/28/2010 – 03/01/2010
2009-Model
Mustang Shelby GT500 $1000 01/28/2010 – 03/01/2010
Escape Hybrid $1000 01/28/2010 – 03/01/2010
F-150 $1000 01/28/2010 – 03/01/2010
F-Super Duty $1000 01/28/2010 – 03/01/2010
E-Series $1000 01/28/2010 – 03/01/2010
Eligible Sales Types
Eligible Sales
Eligible Customers
Qualifying residents of the United States.Please refer to the Standard Rules of Eligibility dated 7/2009 for eligible states and counties in your region.Incentive Claiming
Dealers will enter the first 2 and last 8 of the customer’s competitive VIN in the VINCENT claiming system.Additional Documentation Requirements
Eligible consumers must provide a copy of the competitors vehicle registration, competitors lease contract or competitors lease payment coupon. The copy must be retained in the sales jacket.Terms and Conditions
– Rule of ‘10′ applies.- Standard Rules of Eligibility dated 7/2009.
- Eligible consumers must provide a copy of the competitors vehicle registration, competitors lease contract or competitors lease payment coupon. The copy must be retained in the sales jacket.
- Only one set of qualifying documents is needed for proof of eligibility
- This offer can be transferred to individuals residing in the same household or business to business owner.
-A copy of proof of residency and eligibility must be retained in the sales jacket.
- Consumers are required to Trade In their current vehicle or have a Lease expiring by June 30, 2010.
- CCPA (Customer Cash Payment Authorization) form must be completed, and a copy retained in file. The CCPA is located on FMCDealer.com under “C&I Forms”.
- If you have any questions concerning VINCENT, contact the Marketing Communication Center at (800) 548-3212.
- As a reminder, to avoid payment reversals, please access the VIN SPECIFIC ELIGIBILITY screen on the date of delivery that includes the VIN and correct sales information.
Ford Motor Company Right to Audit
Ford Motor Company will periodically audit dealer records to ensure compliance with incentive programs and amounts paid to the dealers. As the dealership is responsible for providing proof of eligibility, the dealership must retain photo copies of all required supporting documentation in the sales jacket. These documents and related records, including journal and ledgers that relate in any way, in all or in part, to vehicle sales claim transactions must be retained for at least two years. This includes proof of transfer and copy of original finance contract showing co-signer for eligibility. Failure to retain such documents will result in payment reversals.
What is my goal of this post…well hopefully someone at Ford and GM can take notice that if I can publish information on my website in seconds, they can too. Toyota owners are wanting this information. Come on people, make it readily available and easy to access on your incentive pages below.
Ford – http://www.ford.com/purchasing-options/rebates-incentives/
GM – http://www.gm.com/vehicles/currentoffers/
Toyota’s Problem Big Enough to Shut Down Production
By · CommentsI have been following the sticking accelerator fiasco at Toyota for months (Read two previous blogs: Floor mat Safety – Check your car’s floor mats! and It’s Not Just the Floor Mats: Toyota Recalls 2.3 million Vehicles for Sticking Accelerator Pedal). Yesterday Toyota released a bombshell – they are suspending sales of some of their most popular models and shutting down production to pinpoint the problem. This means that for the last 6 months or so, they still don’t know exactly what is causing the accelerator to stick or don’t have great confidence that this can be fixed at the dealership level efficiently. (Or they were required to shut down production from the Federal Government – read this story from The Detroit News). Here is a quote from the latest press release: “This action is necessary until a remedy is finalized. We’re making every effort to address this situation for our customers as quickly as possible.”
I am sure the dealerships are fuming about this…they can’t sell a large portion of Toyota’s most popular vehicles. And, what long term damage has this done. Sure they are now addressing the problem head on…but why did it take so long? Some potential Toyota customers will now question Toyota quality and may look at other manufacturers. Ford and Honda may benefit the greatest from the Toyota nightmare.
The following vehicles are effected:
2009-2010 RAV4
2009-2010 Corolla
2009-2010 Matrix
2005-2010 Avalon
Certain 2007-2010 Camry
2010 Highlander
2007-2010 Tundra
2008-2010 Sequoia
During the week of February 1st, Toyota plans on shutting down production lines at the following plants:
Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Canada (Corolla, Matrix, and RAV4)
Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana (Sequoia and Highlander)
Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky – Line 1 (Camry and Avalon)
Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. (Camry)
Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas (Tundra)
Still have questions? Call Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
General Motors (GM) announced today that it will become the first major U.S. automaker to design and manufacture electric motors. In a press release, a GM vice chairman said that “In the future, electric motors might become as important to GM as engines are now”.
I am surprised the VP said “might”. Isn’t it evident that electric motors will be the propulsion system for vehicles in the future? I guess it isn’t for the company that killed the EV1 program. (See the video “Who Killed the Electric Car”.) I am glad GM is getting this now. At least they are investing in facilities in the United States at a tune of $246 million. But is this enough investment to stay ahead of start-ups Tesla Motors and Fisker Automotive?
It was announced yesterday that the United States Department of Energy (DOE) approved a $465 million loan to Tesla Motors – the electric California based automaker currently producing the Tesla Roadster. This loan is to help bring to market (in larger volumes) the Model S electric sedan. The Model S is more practical than the Roadster, with about half the sticker price at $57,400 ($49,900 after the $7500 tax credit). The S will have a 300 mile range, a 45-minute QuickCharge, and will be able to carry five adults and two children.
Last year Toyota recalled 4.2 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles regarding floor mats that could cause the gas (accelerator) pedal to stick. (I wrote a blog about it titled Floor mat safety – Check your car’s floor mats!) Today’s recall, Toyota says (see the official press release), is separate from last year’s recall…even though about 1.7 million vehicles are subject to both recalls.
Here’s the official quote regarding the situation:
“In recent months, Toyota has investigated isolated reports of sticking accelerator pedal mechanisms in certain vehicles without the presence of floor mats,” said TMS Group Vice President Irv Miller. “Our investigation indicates that there is a possibility that certain accelerator pedal mechanisms may, in rare instances, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position. Consistent with our commitment to the safety of our cars and our customers, we have initiated this voluntary recall action.”
Does your vehicle have a recall? The following vehicles are impacted:
• 2009-2010 RAV4
• 2009-2010 Corolla
• 2009-2010 Matrix
• 2005-2010 Avalon
• 2007-2010 Camry
• 2010 Highlander
• 2007-2010 Tundra
• 2008-2010 Sequoia
If you are unsure if your vehicle qualifies, contact your local Toyota dealer or Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
