Ford Motors joins Suppliers Partnership for the environment

Last November 27, Ford Motor Company gained membership to the Suppliers Partnership for the Environment.

"The Suppliers Partnership for the Environment is very pleased to announce that Ford Motor Company has joined SP," said Randy Leslie, Vice President & General Manager, Johnson Controls, Inc. and SP's Chair. "SP continues to grow by providing economic and environmental value to all levels of the automobile supply chain," said Leslie.

"One of the exciting things about this announcement for SP is that Ford Motor Company now joins Chrysler and General Motors in providing their leadership to SP," said SP's Membership Chair, Leon Richardson, President, Chemico Systems, Inc. "SP's mission is to reduce our member companies' environmental footprint and do so in a way that will provide economic opportunity for the automobile supply chain," continued Richardson.

"We welcome Ford Motor Company participation in SP and are we will continue to work to encourage other leadership companies to join the organization," Richardson concluded.

Susan Cishke, Senior Vice-president for Sustainability, Environmental and Safety Engineering will be the SP Board Representative for Ford Motor Company. Last November 8, the SP 4th Quarter Membership Meeting was held in Washington DC. During the event, Andrew Hobbs, the Director of Environmental Quality Office at Ford Motor Co. was elected an At-large Chair of the SP Executive Committee. The Committee will take responsibility for all the organization’s activities.

"Ford Motor Company is pleased to be part of the Suppliers Partnership for the Environment," said Hobbs. "We believe that our membership in SP is another indication of Ford Motor Companies continued leadership in global environmental and sustainability activities that improve the environment while providing increased economic opportunities for the automobile supply chain," Hobbs said.

"We look forward to working with SP and helping the organization expand its reach within the automobile supply chain while addressing important environmental and sustainability issues within the automobile industry," Hobbs concluded.

Ford is really helping the environment, but I bet if you keep those Acura CL exhaust in good condition you'd be sure be doing your part too.

Land Rover celebrates 60th Anniversary with Land Rover Defender SVX

One of Ford’s Premiere Automotive Group (PAG), the Land Rover is celebrating its 60th anniversary and the British nameplate plans to celebrate by opening the curtains for their iconic Defender SVX.

Last November 23, at the British Red Cross Ball held in London, the first ever Land Rover Defender SVX was unveiled by Zara Philips. The vehicle was donated by Land Rover UK to the British Red Cross to be included in the auction at the ball.

"The Red Cross association with Land Rover goes back to 1954, when Land Rover supplied a vehicle to the British Red Cross for use in Dubai as a mobile dispensary," said James Johnstone, chairman for the British Red Cross Ball. "We are thrilled that Land Rover continues to support our vital humanitarian work today. Funds raised from auctioning this vehicle will go towards the work of the Red Cross in the UK and overseas, which this year has included the UK floods, Darfur Crisis and ongoing HIV work in Africa."

Every year, almost 25,000 Defenders are produced targeting farmers, foresters and aid agencies as buyers. But since it is their 60th anniversary, Land Rover made the SVX as the most stylish and the one with the most features.

"The Defender SVX looks very different to a spartan 1948 Land Rover, but it's still an essentially practical vehicle that will enable you to go almost anywhere," says Phil Popham, Land Rover's managing director. "The new and much more refined diesel engine introduced earlier this year has been a great success with customers, and for those who want the ultimate Defender, we thought that the SVX special edition would be an ideal way to mark Land Rover's 60th birthday."

In the UK, there will be a total of 200 Defender RVX to be made available for British car enthusiasts. The 200 units will be composed of 140 two seat Defender 90 soft-tops and 60 four-seat 90 station wagons. The Defender SVX will arrive at dealerships on spring of 2008 competing with other vehicles meant for rough road driving produced by leading automakers like Honda (creates original Acura CL brake booster), Chrysler, Toyota and the rest.

2008 Barrett-Jackson Shelby GT bows in Arizona

The limited edition 2008 Mustang Shelby GT bowed at the Arizona International Auto Show. The car derived from the Ford Mustang was created by the consortium of automotive icons including Ford Motor Company, the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company and Shelby Automobiles.

Starting last Saturday, car enthusiasts can already buy one of the 100 units of the car with an MSRP of $38,980. The new vehicle is available all through out the Arizona Region Ford dealers. The 100 2008 Barrett-Jackson Shelby GT is available in coupes and convertibles. For a good cause, every purchase of the vehicle entitles a $250 donation to the Carroll Shelby Children’s Foundation.

"The Arizona and Las Vegas Ford dealers have been strong supporters of mine over the years, which is why Shelby Automobiles joined with Barrett-Jackson and Ford Motor Company to create a limited edition car just for their customers," said Carroll Shelby, CEO of Shelby Automobiles. "And I'm pleased that a portion of the sales will benefit an endowment we're building at the Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation. This is a rare chance for enthusiasts to enjoy a very special car and support a great cause."

Barrett-Jackson is strongly supported by Ford Motor Co. The automaker shouldered the expenses for its Family Value Day that launched the lifestyle week in Scottsdale. The event gave car enthusiasts of all-ages tickets and it admitted children under 12 years old for free.

"Barrett-Jackson's unrivaled lifestyle events celebrate America's love of the automobile," said Ford Motor Company Phoenix Regional Sales Manager, Tim Stoehr. "Their passion for the automobile has resulted in a unique venue to share our vehicles with the public. This limited edition car symbolizes our high octane relationship and gives a few lucky people the chance to own a piece of the Barrett-Jackson experience."

Barrett-Jackson, from an auction became a retail automotive lifestyle event globally. Its auction block includes Shelby Cobras, GT350s and GT500s and now the 2008 Barrett-Jackson Shelby GT.

"We have a long tradition of selling the best Shelbys in the world because they are among the most desirable cars ever built," said Craig Jackson, Chairman/CEO of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company. "Over the past several years, we've worked with Ford Motor Company to raise almost a million and a half dollars for Carroll's Foundation by offering new Shelby cars for sale. It was natural to celebrate our connection to these cars with a very limited edition Shelby."

Limited edition it is. I guess I have to drive to Arizona with my Acura RL (with Acura brake dust shields) to see why the Barrett-Jackson Shelby GT is limited. And perhaps, see what’s there in the auction.

Old Luxury Cars are not Eco-friendly in Canada

Industry analyst Dennis DesRosiers reported that 43 percent of passenger cars built 15 years ago is still on the road in Canada and this seriously hurts our ecology. For DesRosiers, the automakers’ pursuit of introducing new cleaner vehicles is a stupid idea when the old smokers still takes large part in pollution.

DesRosiers is Canada’s most famous auto industry observer and he noted vehicle brands that live longer than the others. DesRosiers concluded that high priced cars like Porsche as the leader with 98.7 percent of its vehicles created 11 to 15 years ago are still widely and longer used. Porsche is followed by premium brands like Volvo, Lexus, BMW (with standard BMW ignition coil) and Mercedes-Benz to wrap up the first five.

The overall longevity trend is "positive for the aftermarket, negative for the environment, negative for new vehicle manufacturers, negative for the government – and most immediately, positive for the average Canadian vehicle owner," DesRosiers states.

"Older vehicles are the least fuel-efficient and highest-polluting users of the road," he points out.

"A current model year vehicle emits 98 per cent less toxins into the air than a vehicle bought 15 years ago."

"This represents a much bigger challenge for green-concerned legislators than the issues related to getting the original equipment manufacturers to deliver a greener vehicle to the new vehicle buyer," he said.

"Last night I attended a dinner where one of our federal politicians stood up and beat up the automotive sector on the environment and proudly pronounced that the feds were going to implement strict vehicle emission standards for new vehicles," DesRosiers added.

"I think it rather foolish for any politician to target the already highly fuel-efficient and very environmentally friendly new vehicles. There are currently close to seven million vehicles on the road in Canada that are over 10 years old, or about 40 per cent of all light vehicles registered. But no politician has the backbone to target getting these old smokers off the road."

And with the strong Canadian dollar provoking an increase in imports from the United States, he warns: "There are over 240 million used vehicles parked within a few hours of Canada just waiting to come north, and most of them are gas-guzzling smokers."

Longest-lasting cars

The proportion of passenger cars 11 to 15 years old still in use averages 60.6 per cent across the industry but varies widely among manufacturers. The latest numbers from 2006, according to DesRosiers Automotive Consultants with data from R.L. Polk Canada:

Porsche 98.7%
Volvo 87.2%
Lexus 83.8%
BMW 83.6%
Mercedes-Benz 82.6%
Jaguar 81.4%
Toyota 78.2%
Audi 76.5%
Honda 76.5%
Acura 75.9%
Cadillac 74.6%
Lincoln 72.8%
Saab 72.2%
Saturn 69.2%
Buick 68.8%
Chrysler 68.8%
Oldsmobile 67.2%
Infiniti 65.8%
Mazda 64.8%
Volkswagen 63.1%
Nissan 61.0%
Subaru 59.1%
Mercury 54.9%
Dodge 54.6%
Pontiac 53.6%
Ford 53.6%
Plymouth 52.5%
Eagle 51.6%
Chevrolet 48.6%
Hyundai 32.8%
Suzuki 30.8%
Isuzu 19.8%
Lada 5.1%
Industry Average 60.6

Mazda’s Demio wins Japan’s 2008 Car of the Year Award

Recently, Michio Takei, Mazda Motor Corporation Chairman announced that their Mazda Demio is the recipient of the 2008 Automotive Researchers’ and Journalists’ Conference of Japan (RJC) Car of the Year. The Mazda CX-7 was also given the “Best SUV” title by the same award giving body.

The Mazda Demio made of Mazda performance parts, or the Mazda2 overseas shares the same platform with the 2008 Ford fiesta. Due to enhanced development opportunities the car is built with light weight material that reduces it’s over all dimension presenting exciting style and powerful performance. The RJC gave the Demio top scores in the fuel efficiency nad drivability criteria. The predecessor of the Demio is about 100 kilograms heavier than this new Demio. Mazda combined their MZR 1.3 Miller-cycle engine and a continuously variable transmission to gain a 23.0 km/L fuel economy in its 10-15 fuel mode.

Designed for cosmopolitan driving, the Mazda CX-7 is RJC’s “Best SUV”. The winning attributes of the CX-7 is its powerful and responsive dynamics given by its 2.3-liter direct injection turbocharged engine. For complete comfortable drive, it was also assembled with a six-speed Activematic transmission, it suspension is also complementary.

Mazda’s Representative Director, Chairman of the Board, President and CEO, Hisakazu Imaki, said, “We are delighted to receive these prestigious awards from the RJC. Under our product-led growth strategy, we launched the Mazda Atenza as the first of our next-generation models in 2002 and it won the RJC Car of the Year award. We’re pleased to be chosen again by the RJC for the Mazda Demio, the first new model we introduced after announcing our Sustainable Zoom-Zoom long-term technical development vision this year. We appreciate these accolades as a validation of where we are going with our products. Looking ahead, we will continue to strive to make cars infused with the Mazda spirit.”

Motor Trends’ 2008 Car of the Year Winner and Contenders

Today, Motor Trend, the world’s leading automotive magazine announced the Cadillac CTS as their 2008 Car of the Year. Part of the Source Interlink Media, the complete details of the award and its recipient will be published in their January 2008 edition available in newsstands by December 4, 2007.

"The Cadillac CTS marks the first time in decades an American automobile has been designed and engineered with an eye on the global marketplace," said Angus MacKenzie, editor-in-chief of Motor Trend. "Among its many excellent qualities, perhaps the most valuable one is that it shows Detroit can build a world class car to compete with the best Munich, Stuttgart and Toyota City have to offer. With the CTS, Detroit is officially back in the car business, not just the truck or SUV business."

"The CTS's winning attributes go far beyond a well-designed facade," said MacKenzie. "It's the star of a new GM revival, and with a base price of just $32,990, the car is truly accessible to a wide spectrum of car buyers."

The CTS’ base model produces 263 horsepower via its VVT V-6. Other spec highlights includes its eight speaker Bose audio, 17-inch wheels and a dual zone climate control, interior is classically and comfortably designed, its six-speed automatic version goes 0-60 mph in just a flick of 6.3 seconds.

"This year's 18-car field was laden with truly significant vehicles," said MacKenzie. "We had all-new interpretations of high-volume benchmark cars that virtually define their respective categories, such as the Honda Accord and Chrysler-Dodge minivan. We had reworked icons such as the Mini Cooper, Subaru Impreza WRX and Scion xB. We had new cars with old nameplates that carried the collective hopes of an entire company, along with all-new vehicles from Mercedes-Benz and Audi."

To make it among the nominees for Motor Trend’s 2008 Car of the year Award, a vehicle must be redesigned and released 12 months before January 2008. Cadillac CTS was the champ among this list of also honorable cars:

Audi A5/S5
Audi TT
Chevrolet Malibu
Chrysler Town & Country
Dodge Grand Caravan
Dodge Avenger
Ford Focus
Ford Taurus
Honda Accord
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Mini Cooper
Mitsubishi Lancer
Scion xB
Scion xD
Subaru Impreza
Volvo C30
Volvo XC70

The CTS also won the award way back in 1949, it was the first vehicle to win the prestigious title. Cadillac and General Motors have again captured the make of what should be a car of the year.

"The CTS obliterates the 'old man' image of Cadillac," said MacKenzie. "This car will turn heads in the same way that the elite European models do, but it is unmistakably American and uniquely Cadillac. This is a bold and uncompromising showpiece of a sedan."

MacKenzie added, "Tested and developed in the U.S., Germany and China, the CTS exhibits a global poise far beyond its predecessors. The chassis has the race track in its DNA. And it has an interior that manages to be avant-garde and innovative without being difficult to operate. The navigation/information touchscreen sets a new industry standard for stylishness and ease of use."

That’s another award guys, I have to go now. I’ll have to check out some magnaflow exhaust so see you guys later!

Lincoln will no longer be your Grandfather's car

Ford’s 86 year-old nameplate, the Lincoln, often owned by our grandfathers is enjoying a revival. Ford is equipping vehicles carrying the Lincoln badge with new Ford technologies to raise its dignity to be the car choice of not just the elders but for car enthusiasts of all ages.

At the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show, the new Lincoln Flagship debuted as the Lincoln MKS. According to analysts, Lincoln’s parent, Ford Motor Co. still has a long way to drive along the trek of reestablishing Lincoln as a good or even a great vehicle brand.

''Lincoln does have brand baggage, and when you couple that with unfamiliar model names, you're really up against a lot of marketing challenges,'' said Rebecca Lindland, an auto industry analyst with the consulting company Global Insight.

For the first ten months of 2007, the sales of the Lincoln brand rose by 10 percent more than the other luxury brands, thanks to the MKS crossover. The Lincoln Navigator, an SUV and the MKZ sedan reached an eight percent sales increase filling in the gap as the Town car and the Mark LT’s sales had a double decline.

With the new MKS, Ford hopes to surge the momentum for Lincoln. According to Peter Horbury, Ford’s executive director of design for the Americas, Ford created the MKS based from different design hints of past Lincolns which includes a distinct double-wing grille from 1941 giving the MKS a clean and confident look.

Next summer, the Lincoln MKS will be available with a 3.7 liter V-6 engine to produce 270 horsepower. Ford (makes original Volvo muffler) also plans to offer the MKS with direct-injection engine technology granting the vehicle a power of a V8 and the fuel efficiency rate of a V6. Ford’s award winning Sync system will be standard in the MKS allowing the drivers to enjoy hands-free access to their mobile phones and the media. To reduce emissions, the MKS will have a capless fuel system. Lincoln’s flagship will be priced slightly less than the Cadillac CTS, around $38,000.

''We think we have a strong entry here to really entice folks,'' said Mark Fields, Ford's president of the Americas, at a recent media preview for the MKS in Dearborn, near Ford's headquarters.

Jaguar North America announces pricing for the 2009 Jaguar XF

Last Wednesday, Jaguar North America announced their Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of their new-fangled 2009 Jaguar XF in the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show.

"This is the New Jaguar" says Marti Eulberg, executive vice president Sales and Marketing, Jaguar North America, "The well-equipped 2009 XF sedan will go on sale March 1, 2008 at an MSRP under $50,000 with a standard V8 engine."

The MSRP of the 2009 Jaguar XF is $49, 975.

"The 2009 XF showcases Jaguar's leadership in automotive design, with stunning craftsmanship, quality and dynamic refinement, while offering exceptional standard equipment and exciting advanced technology," adds Eulberg. "This groundbreaking sedan is proof that Jaguar is moving boldly into the future with seductively-designed cars that are head-turning and of the highest quality."

Highlights of the new Jaguar XF are:

• Three trim levels will be offered in the U.S. market – Luxury, Premium Luxury and the 420hp Supercharged model.

• The XF is a four door Jaguar that combines the style and performance of a sports car with the refinement, space and sophistication of a luxury sedan.

• Class-leading torsional stiffness delivers refinement and dynamic performance – underpinning the driver-focused yet remarkably comfortable driving experience.

• The XF will be available at launch in the U.S. with two different engines – 4.2-liter naturally-aspirated V8 and 4.2-liter supercharged V8 – all featuring Jaguar's proven six-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddles as standard in the XK sports car.

• With its dramatic styling, powerful yet beautiful lines and a distinctive face, the XF is the first sedan to exemplify Jaguar's new design language.

• Using only the finest materials, which are applied in a very contemporary way, the XF's interior is crafted to create a truly warm and bespoke environment

• Challenging convention, the XF offers sophisticated instrumentation and intuitive technologies. Upon entry, the start button pulses, like a heartbeat. Start the engine and the JaguarDrive SelectorTM rises into the palm of the hand, while rotating vents turn from their flush, 'parked' position to their functional open position.

• The coupe-like lines of the XF (which are similar to the XK's) belie the amount of space inside: there is room for five adults in comfort, generous interior stowage and a trunk capacity of 17.7 cu. ft., plus the opportunity to fold down the rear seats and add a further 14.8 cu. ft.

• Key driver aids on the XF include Electronic Brake Assist, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Anti-lock Braking System, Dynamic Stability Control, Cornering Brake Control and Engine Drag Torque Control. And, for the first time in a Jaguar, Understeer Control Logic which decelerates the car and helps to restore grip to the front wheels when required.

• Jaguar-exclusive Bowers & Wilkins 440-watt Surround Sound System is available on all three trim levels.

• The first cars will be delivered to U.S. customers in March 2008.

Jaguar North America is one of Ford Motor Co.’s subsidiaries. Similarly, other Ford division includes Mazda (makes Mazda 626 performance parts), Volvo, Lincoln and Mercury brands.

Happily ever after for Detroit as Ford contract is ratified

Last Wednesday, the United Auto Workers union announced that 79 percent of their 54,000 workers have ratified the new contract with Ford Motor Co. The new contract provides lower salary for new employees and a union-run trust fund for UAW’s retirees.

All three Detroit based automakers have reached their four-year contract with the labor union. General Motors and Chrysler (makes Jeep cargo net) have ratified their contracts in October while Chrysler’s deal was approved with small margin. Among the three automakers, Ford was the only that UAW did not launch a strike or even a threat of one.

All deals have been hailed by both the automakers and the union for providing job security and at the same time cost cutting for automakers they struggle to compete with their Japanese rivals.

According to UAW chief Ron Gettelfinger, the union agreed with Ford a contract protecting wages, benefits and seniority rights and it will provide his members with income at the same time securing health care for their retirees.

“We stood our ground in the face of some rather big asks by the company and came away with a creative agreement that addresses the concerns of our members and also gives the company the opportunity to move forward,” he said in a statement. “Now it’s up to Ford to successfully bring to market the top-quality vehicles our members are building in UAW Ford factories.”

UAW said that 81 percent of the production workers voted for the deal and 71 percent of the skilled trade workers also posed their in-favor votes.

“This agreement is proof that by working together with our UAW partners, it is possible to find solutions that collectively benefit our employees, retirees and the company,” Ford President and Chief Executive Alan Mulally said in a statement. “This contract will provide significant opportunities for the company’s long-term competitiveness, and that is good for all of us.”

Aside from the 54,000 workers, the four-year contract until September 14, 2011 will also cover the 94,000 Ford retirees and their 28,000 living spouses.

Ford’s Mariner Hybrid competes with Limos

Ford becomes the first automaker to offer a vehicle with a hybrid livery package with their Mercury Mariner Hybrid. The Hybrid Mercury Mariner is offered as an alternative to stretched chauffeured limousines, said Doug Walczak, Ford North American Fleet Limousine and livery manager. It is another response made by Ford to the growing trend of innovation and luxury put together.

"There has been demand for a hybrid livery vehicle for some time," said Walczak. "More and more livery clients are asking operators for environmentally friendly options. In turn, the operators are coming to us for a solution."

As an alternative to the Lincoln Town Car, the Mariner Hybrid is offered with the luxury package. The Lincoln Town Car is the premium choice of luxury sedans in the limo/livery industry accounting for the 80 percent of the market share. Walczak also said that the small SUV is already gaining considerations compared to other premium vehicles with German DNA, BMWs (all with BMW foglight) and Volks.

"The Ford Mariner Hybrid addresses a market need," said Walczak. "Compared to the other hybrids, the Mariner Hybrid is roomier and has more cargo capacity than the Toyota Prius and is much less expensive than Lexus hybrids."

Fuel economy is largely provided by the Ford Mariner Hybrid with an Environmental Protection Agency rating of 34 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. Compared to larger livery vehicles, it is almost half or even third of that of the Mariner’s.

In the recent Limo and Limousine & Chauffeured Transportation (LCT) Eastern Conference and New England Livery Association trade show held in Connecticut, the Ford Mariner Hybrid really turned heads. One Limousine owner, Mark Shpilner had a Mariner Hybrid delivered in his garage in Boston from the Lincoln-Mercury from Acton, Massachusetts.

"I sold a 2003 Chevy Suburban and decided to try a Mariner," Shpilner said. "We're going to put it out there (as an option for our customers), and see what happens."

Most Popular Cars for Men and Women

According to a research by AutoPacific, a market research firm in the automotive industry most human beings carrying the XY chromosomes, or the male specie buys the Chevrolet Silverado heavy-duty. The buyers of the truck are 93 percent men.

On the other hand, the female specie’s choice of vehicles ranges from Saturn, Honda and Volkswagen spelling refinement.

Although car makers aims to create unisex vehicles or avoid gender specificity for their autos, "some cars are more masculine or feminine by nature." says Jim Hossick, vice-president and senior consultant at AutoPacific.

From Forbes.com, here are the most popular cars for men and women.

Chevy Silverado Heavy Duty
Owners: 93% male
MSRP: $22,225
The Silverado comes with a 6-liter V8 engine that boasts 353 horsepower and 373 foot-pounds of torque. A 6.8-liter turbocharged diesel engine is an optional upgrade.

Ford F-350
Owners: 93% male
MSRP: $22,380
If the truck's 6.4-liter, 350 Hp diesel engine isn't enough to give it an image of toughness, its commercials feature burly men sporting cowboy hats.

Nissan Titan
Owners: 91% male
MSRP: $23,700
This full-size pickup (with Nissan oxygen sensor) packs a 5.6-liter V8 engine with 305 Hp. The 5-speed transmission has a towing/hauling mode for heavier loads.

Chevrolet Corvette
Owners: 90% male
MSRP: $45,170
The Corvette was the first all-American-made sports car. From its original 1953 150-Hp design, it has evolved into a 7-liter V-8 coupe with 436 Hp.

Dodge Ram
Owners: 89% male
MSRP: $22,405
The Ram comes with an option of either a 3.7-liter V6 engine with 215 Hp or the 4.7-liter V8 with 235 Hp for maximum capability.

Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible
Owners: 63% female
MSRP: $17,635
VW's remake of the classic '60s "Love Bug" is coming up on a decade of production and offers a five-cylinder engine with 150 horsepower.

Honda CRV
Owners: 62% female
MSRP: $20,700
Offered in two- and four-wheel drive, both CRV models come with a 166-Hp, 4-cylinder engine. The CRV is also among the top safety picks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Hyundai Tucson
Owners: 60% female
MSRP: $16,995
Designed to compete with the Honda CRV, the Ford Escape, and Toyota's Rav 4, this petite SUV comes with a 140-Hp, 4-cylinder engine

Saturn Vue
Owners: 60% female
MSRP: $18,100
Saturn's small SUV comes standard with a 144-Hp, 4-cylinder engine, but the Vue is also available with a 248-Hp V6 or as a 170-Hp hybrid.

Honda Element
Owners: 57% female
MSRP: $18,980
This crossover SUV is powered by a 166-Hp, 4-cylinder engine and comes in 2-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive models. The Element was designed to compete with compact SUVs like the Ford Escape and tall hatchbacks like the Chrysler PT Cruiser.

Vehicle searches soar at Cars.com

Cars.Com Consumer Search Index revealed that there are several redesigned vehicles for the 2008 model year which are arousing interest of consumers logging on their site.

The most searched new car on Cars.com was the Honda Accord while the Mercedes Benz-C Class remains on the top ten of the most searched new cars for October. The Benz now occupies the sixth rank among the ten vehicles on the list.

"The interest generated for these new vehicles and redesigns has certainly meant good news in for manufacturers and has translated well into sales," said Cars.com managing editor Patrick Olsen. "GM seems to have generated some real interest with their redesigns of the Chevy Malibu, Cadillac CTS and the new GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave, both of which are just outside the top ten list of cars experiencing the largest increase in searches."

Most of the vehicles made its way to the list by receiving positive reviews and most of the time from good marketing strategies from their automakers.

Below are the new cars with the most searches on Cars.com and the cars experiencing the largest increases and decreases month over month.

Top New Car Searches (October)
1 Honda Accord
2 Honda
3 Toyota Camry
4 Honda CR-V
5 Nissan Altima
6 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
7 Toyota
8 Ford Mustang
9 Toyota Corolla
10 Chevrolet Silverado


New Cars with Largest Increase in Searches (October)

1 Chevrolet Malibu 148%
2 Honda Accord 29%
3 Chevrolet Tahoe 27%
4 Cadillac CTS 27%
5 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 19%
6 Chevrolet Corvette 17%
7 Acura MDX 17%
8 Dodge Charger 17%
9 Volkswagen Jetta 14%
10 Honda Fit 11%


New Cars with Largest Decrease in Searches (October)

1 Toyota Highlander 9%
2 Toyota Yaris 5%
3 Toyota Sienna 4%
4 Toyota RAV4 3%
5 Mazda Mazda3 3%
6 Jeep Wrangler 2%
7 Toyota Camry 2%
8 Toyota Prius 2%
9 Nissan Altima 2%
10 Infiniti G35 1%

So that’s it, the most searched cars. However if you are searching for performance or replacement parts an index of it is what you should look for.

Ford Falls, GM and Toyota rises

Coinciding with the storming wildfires in California and the enduring crisis in the housing market, October had been a good month for GM and the Japanese automakers. According to October sales result released last Thursday, GM remains on top while Ford had been replaced by Toyota in the number two post in the U.S. auto market.

For Chrysler, sales have declined by nine percent, one of the biggest downfalls in the October car sales in America. Also last Thursday, the privatized automaker announced their 12,000 job cutting plans and shifts elimination to control vehicle overproduction and the falling demand for Chrysler made vehicles. According to the automaker, their sales rose by 12 percent but was pulled down by their truck sales which fell by 14 percent.

“Today’s company announcement on product changes reflects our customer-driven philosophy and current market conditions,” said Darryl Jackson, vice president of U.S. sales for Chrysler in a statement.

Joining Chrysler is Ford Motor Co. with 9.3 percent U.S. sales decline making October as the 12th month of Ford’s continuous sales reduction. Ford explained that their car sales decreased by 26 percent because their Ford Taurus no longer has thousands of sales to rental agencies. However, Truck sales for Ford increased by a minimal 1.2 percent.

“Almost all of this is due to a previously planned reduction in daily rental sales,” George Pipas, Ford’s top sales analyst, said in a conference call with reporters and analysts. “This summer has been tough. Beginning in May, the daily rental reductions on a year-over-year basis have had a big impact in total sales result.”

Sales for Toyota were up by 4.5 percent due to a seven percent sales increase in their truck and sport utility vehicles. For Toyota, October was their best month, a rise after a series of sales decline these past few months.

“When the bar is set as high as it is, any little misstep or lessening of our progress becomes fodder for analysis,” said Toyota spokesman Xavier Dominicis. “I think we’re optimistic as the year comes to a close. ... There’s a resilience (at Toyota) that can drive in the face of adversity.”

Still making it as the top U.S. automaker, sales of General Motors were up by three percent fueled by their six percent increase in their new trucks and SUV vehicles.

“We’re feeling pretty good we’re able to buck industry trends ... and post sales increases on the retail side as well as total sales,” said Paul Ballew, GM’s executive director of global market and industry analysis.

The introduction of the new Altima sedan and the Versa subcompact was a smart idea for Nissan that the automaker poses a 13 percent sales increase. Sales expectations were greatly exceeded by the two new models and the new Rogue crossover is bringing them good cash too. For the first month of the Rogue in the market, it already sold a total of 5,000 units.

Honda Motor Co.’s (sells genuine Honda CRV parts) car sales increased by 14 percent giving way for the company to achieve its four percent total sales boost. Partly, their Accord is to be recognized for this although their truck sales were down by eight percent.

Safe Driving Tips for the Holidays

Who’s not excited of the Holidays? Its one of the most awaited festivities of the year. The Holidays spell a great opportunity for family and friends to get together in dinners, lunches, parties and road trips.

Get-togethers can be always fun-filled but it can also be tragic when your family or friends are injured or worse, killed in traffic crashes.

As the holiday season is approaching, motorists need to be mindful of actions that will make their holiday travel safer. Drivers can protect themselves and their passengers by following these holiday travel rules:

• Before you start your trip, make sure your vehicle is tuned up and in good shape for travel.
This is especially important for winter driving conditions.

• Restrain yourself and your passengers properly in seat belts and car safety seats. Remember, the rear seat is the safest place for children of any age to ride.

• Be flexible in setting your travel plans. Leave early if you can to avoid the peak traffic hours. If snow is predicted during the time you plan to travel, change your schedule. It is better to reschedule your get-together than to risk the lives of traveling family or friends.

• Stay fresh and alert when driving. Take plenty of breaks and do not push yourself to meet an unrealistic schedule. If you get tired, pull off the road into a rest area or business, get out of the car for some fresh air, buy something to refresh you, or just relax until you feel revived. If that doesn’t work, find a motel or campground where you can spend the night. Forty-one percent of fatal traffic accidents are single vehicle crashes. These crashes most often occur during the late night/ early morning hours and the late afternoon hours to drivers who are tired, have consumed alcohol, or both.

• Keep your speed down. Give yourself plenty of time and distance to react to the traffic around you. Let impatient and aggressive drivers pass you or go through the intersection ahead of you so that you control the situation.

• Do not pass if you cannot see enough clear roads to pass safely.

• If there will be drinking at your holiday get-together, choose a designated driver who will remain alcohol free.

• Because driving requires your full attention, pull off the road if you have to use your cellular phone.

It is also advisable to winterize your car for winter driving, the Holiday’s weather. Better have those Lexus sc400 parts properly checked and prepared for winter driving if you don't want to spoil your holidays.

Ford and UAW reached tentative contract

At 3:20 am last Saturday, the United Auto Workers union reached a tentative agreement with Ford Motor Co. after two days straight of bargaining. Compared to the UAW’s deals with General Motors and Chrysler LLC, there was no strike or even a threat to one.

“Our bargaining committee came through for our active and retired members,” UAW President Ron Gettelfinger said in a prepared statement. “Our team is proud of each and every negotiator because they have encouraged Ford to invest in product and people while addressing the economic needs of our active and retired members.”

Specific details have not been released by the two parties involved in the bargaining. Comments were sought from Ford negotiators, however, none was given.

“We face enormous challenges – and we also have enormous potential,” UAW Vice President Bob King, who directs the union's National Ford Department, said in the statement.

“Our goals for this contract were to win new product and investment, to enhance job security and protect seniority – and we made progress in all these areas.”

The new contract will cover the almost 54,000 UAW represented Ford workers. In a statement, Ford Motor Co. (makes Volvo engine mount) confirmed that they will be funding a union controlled trust for the retiree health care benefits known as the Voluntary Employees Beneficiary Association (VEBA) similar to the GM and Chrysler provision. According to some UAW sources the fund is estimated to be $22 billion. However, the VEBA will still be under approval of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

New hires are also subjected to lower wages in exchange of product commitments from Ford to its U.S. plants.

According to the UAW, specifics of the agreement will be provided to UAW members working at Ford facilities. The contract will undergo ratification which typically runs for a couple of weeks.

“Though we will not discuss the specifics of the tentative agreement until after it becomes final, we believe it is fair to our employees and retirees, and paves the way for Ford to increase its competitiveness in the United States,” according to a Ford statement released last Saturday morning attributed to Joe Laymon, Ford's group vice president of human resources and labor affairs.