Chronicling the Ever-Changing Automotive Industry
So, you want to save the environment or lighten your gasoline expense? Naturally, you look to the many hybrid vehicles out there. Most of the major players currently have hybrid models on sale. In the near future, there will be a bevy of smaller players joining in on the fun. In the mean time, SFGate has ranked 7 of the most popular hybrids by the number of years until you “break even.” Click past the jump for more info.
Continue reading ‘SFGate Ranks Hybrid cars by Years to Payoff’
I thought this was too cool not to share with you. Shell Oil commissioned a commercial showing how its new Helix oil works. The ad agency that created the commercial recreated a Nissan 370 Z sports car in order to showcase the oil, and if you’ve ever wondered how oil works in your car’s engine, click past the jump to see the commercial and a behind-the-scenes video showing a little bit about how it was made.
Continue reading ‘Too Cool: Inner engine workings shown in Shell Oil commercial’
There are a lot of families out there driving around in Toyota Sienna minivans. It’s been a popular seller for some time now, with plenty of luxury amenities such as leather, backup camera, DVD entertainment and more. There’s also a spare tire, like on 99% of vehicles sold in America. Unlike the others, there is a corrosion problem on the Sienna’s spare tire.
Continue reading ‘Recall: Toyota Sienna spare tire problem (Updated)’
While we already know of an iPad integrated into a car stereo, the enterprising gentlemen in the video after the jump got an iPad to work with a stock Ford SYNC system. While it doesn’t work with the Ford’s built-in USB connector, it does work over bluetooth audio, the same as an iPhone would. Voice commands don’t work in that mode, but the guys in the video say that that feature is coming. Click here to read my review of the SYNC system.
Continue reading ‘Video: iPad / Ford SYNC’
The numbers are in, and they’re full of surprises. Toyota’s recall fiasco hasn’t hurt sales – in fact, they’re up quite a bit over February. Many automakers’ numbers were up in March, due to heavy incentives and 0% financing. Ford fell to third place in March, lead by GM and Toyota. The interesting thing is that the top 3 automakers in March were almost double the number 4 player, Honda. Nissan, Chrysler and Hyundai followed, and then another significant drop before Volkswagen, which was less than half of Hyundai’s sales.
Continue reading ‘Sales Figures: March, 2010′
Remember that possible $16.4-million dollar fine that Toyota might possibly have to pay? The NHTSA and DOT are reporting that they’re going to fine Toyota the full amount, for knowing about the danger posed to millions of drivers for months before telling federal investigators and announcing the recall. The NHTSA says its still investigating Toyota to determine if more fines will be levied or not. According to AutoBlog, Toyota has 2 weeks to accept the fine and pay up, or contest it. This is the largest fine ever given to an automaker.
Recent Comments
David Batzek commented on Older Jeep Grand Cherokee under investigation for gas tank problem
My 99 just started rusting over last fee months (to were it was noticeable). Now today the skid plate [more]
Keren Cathey commented on Older Jeep Grand Cherokee under investigation for gas tank problem
Is there anyway for us, as consumers, to influence a recall on these vehicles? I also have a 99 Grand [more]
wayne duckstein commented on Detroit 2012: Ford Announces 2013 Fusion
Nice artical John [more]
Patty clipner commented on Older Jeep Grand Cherokee under investigation for gas tank problem
I also have a 1999 jeep grand Cherokee limited which has began to emit high gas fumes. It also [more]
Edgar commented on Owner’s Log: 2010 Nissan Maxima, Update 1
hi i have a 2012 nissan maxima and everytime i shut it off i hear the engine cooling fan shut [more]