Archive for January, 2010
GM and Ford: Come on people, put the Toyota incentive information on your websites!
Posted by: | CommentsLike 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
Posted 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.
GM: Electric Motors Might Become as Important to GM as Engines are Now
Posted by: | CommentsGeneral 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.
The Blue Oval (Ford) Moves Up the Ranks as the Most Improved Brand of 2009
Posted by: | CommentsFord Motor Company along with its brands Lincoln and Mercury move into top spots as the most improved brands of 2009 according to a BrandIndex poll. Ford ranked #1; Facebook ranked #2; Lincoln ranked #3; and Mercury ranked #4. (See article from BrandWeek.)
BrandIndex Poll
Why has the Ford increased so dramatically? Maybe because they are the only U.S. automaker that didn’t take bailout money from TARP (Trouble Asset Relief Program). Chrysler and General Motors took billions. Maybe it is because they are making cars people actually want to drive and buy. The Ford Fusion Hybrid has won a ton of awards. Whatever the reason, Ford may once again be the king automaker that it once was (in the 1920s half the cars in the world were Ford Model Ts).
Sub-Zero Temps puts a Focus on Winter Survival in Your Car
Posted by: | CommentsMuch of the country, from the upper Midwest to Florida, is in an Arctic cold blast. But what does this mean for you when you travel? Becoming stranded in sub-zero temperatures is not only inconvenient, it can be deadly. So what advice is good advice? Who are the experts? One state that has its fair share of experience with winters is Minnesota. The guide titled “Winter Survival in Your Car” is an excellent resource for all winter drivers. It is produced by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Homeland Security and Emergency Management office.
This guide focuses on:
Survival Tips;
Winter Driving Tips;
Making a Winter Driving Survival Kit; and,
Making Emergency Phone Calls.
Winter Survival in Your Car by the Minnesota Dept of Public Safety
Take a few minutes to review the guide…it could save your life!
Don’t have time to make a kit. Check out the kits below.
MyFord Touch Driver Connect Technology Powered by SYNC
Posted by: | Comments
MyFord Touch Powered by SYNC
Below are the features available through the MyFord Touch system:
Media Hub
* Additional USB port for a total of two USB 2.0 inputs
* SD Card slot
* RCA A/V input jacksInternet Connectivity
* Full WiFi capability including Internet “hot spot” connectivity and a built-in browser for use while in “Park” (late availability)
* Integrated browser supports tabbed page navigation, “drag” to pan and scroll and a provides a 3-D carousel for bookmark browsing
* Support for on-screen and USB-connected keyboards
* RSS feed aggregator and text-to-voice reader
* Mobile in-car WiFi “hot spot” capability through USB-installed air card or USB mobile broadband modemPhone
* Phone book contact photo download and 3-D carousel browsing
* Birthday reminders
* Enhanced error correction and reportingVoice Recognition
* Direct speech commands and “flattened structure” for quicker, more responsive voice control
* Voice-command activation of selected climate control functions
Voice commands will be available for most radio functions, including AM/FM, HD RadioTM Technology and SIRIUS/XM® Satellite Radio
* SIRIUS Game Finder application will facilitate automatic voice tuning for desired sporting events using commands such as “Tune to Detroit Lions game” or “Show NFL games”Navigation
* Improved visual presentation of SYNC Traffic, Directions & Information app adds directional arrows, street names and distance markers
* Map-based navigation app provided by TeleNav via an optional SD Card
* SD Card navigation includes SIRIUS Travel LinkTM services such as weather maps, movie listings, gas prices, and sports scores
* SD Card navigation also adds cities point-of-interest information including ratings and amenities
* Map data includes 3-D visual landmarksClimate Control
* MyTemp personalization allows the driver to store a preferred temperature, which is then accessible with a single touch of the MyTemp button
* Different MyTemp settings can be programmed to different keys; multiple drivers in a household can each have unique MyTemp settingsAudio
* AM/FM/CD, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, USB-connected MP3 players and memory sticks
* New HD Radio capability
* Song tagging capability via HD Radio Technology, allowing listeners to identify song information and store it for later use
* Browse tracks by artist, scan lists of tracks with identical names, and browse through devices without having to change audio sources
* 3-D carousel album cover art and photo viewing displays allow easy scanning of available material, especially combined with Gracenote Media Management
* Media player equipped with new “Podcast” source category
* Enhanced Bluetooth® audio support including metadata, which allows additional command and control functions for capable mobile devicesVehicle Setting Personalization
* Ambient lighting color control using a 3-D carousel browser
* Custom welcome messages
* Saved and transferrable user profiles that can be ported between Ford vehicles equipped with MyFord
* Door keypad code control using on-screen menus
* Where available, Active Park Assist and Rear View Camera displays
* Image and video uploading via SD card slot or USB 2.0 portsSYNC Apps & Services
* Traffic, Directions & Information offers personalized traffic reports and routing from INRIX, turn-by-turn directions, business search, sports, news and weather via SYNC and the user’s mobile phone
* Downloadable destinations when coupled with the SD card navigation function; SYNC Service Delivery Network (SDN) will be able to send a destination directly to the vehicle
* Vehicle Health Reports will download service reminders and vehicle information directly to the in-car displays
* Improved 911 Assist™ capability with GPS location can call for help in the event of an air bag deployment
Check out this video from Edmunds.com
Edmunds.com Video MyFord Touch
2009 Motor Vehicle Sales – The Top Selling Vehicles for 2009 – Ford F-Series is on Top
Posted by: | Comments
Ford F-Series Best Selling Vehicle for 2009
1. Ford F – Series Pickup 413,625
2. Toyota Camry / Solara 356,824
3. Chevrolet Silverado Pickup 316,544
4. Toyota Corolla / Matrix 296,874
5. Honda Accord 287,492
6. Honda Civic 259,722
7. Nissan Altima 203,568
8. Honda CR-V 191,214
9. Ford Fusion 180,671
10. Dodge Ram Pickup 177,268
11. Ford Escape 173,044
12. Chevrolet Impala 165,565
13. Chevrolet Malibu 161,568
14. Ford Focus 160,433
15. Toyota RAV4 149,088
16. Toyota Prius 139,682
17. Hyundai Sonata 120,028
18. GMC Sierra Pickup 111,842
19. Toyota Tacoma 111,824
20. Chevrolet Cobalt 104,724
Source:
Wall Street Journal
Autoblog
CarMax is using Social Media Giant Twitter to Give Away a Car
Posted by: | CommentsTwitter.com, currently the 14th most visited site in the world according to Alexa.com, continues to be the go-to place for social marketing. CarMax, one of the nation’s leading and most progressive retailers for used cars, is now using Twitter to give away $25,000 towards any used car in their inventory. Plus to keep the interest alive, they will also be giving away several $250 gas cards. This campaign titled, “Tweet yourself to a new ride”, is just another confirmation that social media is becoming a major advertising medium for companies. Today CarMax has 3686 followers on Twitter. It will be interesting to see how many Twitter followers CarMax will attract during this campaign. To learn more about CarMax’s campaign that will be going on from January 4th to February 28th, check out the website below.
CarMax Tweet Yourself To A New Ride
