April 10th, 2006 by admin
How to know if your Check Engine light means something big or small.
Everybody, at one time or another, has more than likely seen the “Check Engine” sign light up on their car’s dashboard. But what does this mean? Should I be worried? Well Joe Thompson, who owns an auto body shop, has written a short but informative article about what to do when your Check Engine light is illiminated
You shouldn’t panic because the problem could be something very simple. Many people know that tightening the gas cap could make the light turn right off. However, if that is not the problem take Joe’s advice.
Try reducing your speed and the load of your vehicle. The loss of power could actually trigger the "check engine" warning light to go on. Or you can also try slowing down, or remove any accessories that need the power of your engine.
If none of this helps you should take your vehicle to a professional. It might be beyond your ability, but the problem could still be minor and very fixable. If you wait or ignore the sign altogether, you run the risk of your car becoming seriously damaged. Not only that but if you wait and the problem becomes more serious it may not be covered by your car’s warranty were a lesser problem would be.
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April 10th, 2006 by admin
Gas prices could keep rising with ethanol
Starting in May, refiners will start including more ethanol and less methyltertiary-butyl ether in gasoline. MTBE had been used as a common additive to gas for quite some time but will now be phased out in favor of the cleaner burning ethanol.
This is good news for the environment, as MTBE can cause environmental problems and could possibly be a carcinogen. However, more than likely it will help gas prices to keep rising. Because of the new demand for ethanol, its price has been steadily rising meanwhile MTBE is down.
According to Platts, the New York Harbor spot price for ethanol is about $2.60 per gallon, up from about $2.30 at the beginning of the year, while methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE), the gasoline additive that ethanol will replace because of its pollutant qualities, is $1.60, down from $1.91 in January.
As well as the price being affected by the demand for ethanol, this “new gas” won’t bring you as many miles per gallon. The ethanol is not as powerful as the MTBE additive.
So, get ready to do your part for the environment. It’d be easier if it just weren’t so expensive…
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April 7th, 2006 by admin
Zero-Percent Financing on Certain Hybrid SUVs
Ford is now offering zero-percent financing on new Hybrid SUVs. They’re expanding the zero-percent financing options to increase sales of the Escape and Mariner models. The zero-percent incentives have been successful in California and Washington D.C. and now the incentives are available nation wide.
The incentive on the gasoline-electric SUVs was offered last month in California and Washington, D.C., but was expanded effective Monday and runs through July 5, Ford spokesman Monte Doran said.
"We’re really committed to making hybrids mainstream and also keeping hybrids affordable," Doran said.
In March, Ford sold 1,441 Escape hybrids, up nearly 17 percent from February and down about 8 percent from March 2005, Doran said, while 149 Mariner hybrids, which went on sale in October, were sold in March, up 38 percent from February.
Ford is trying to make hybrid models available and affordable to all, which is something that more car companies need to do. Ford is demonstrating their commitment to the environment and innovation by allowing the commoner to actually consider buying a hybrid.
This news makes me actually want to consider the hybrid Escape. I’ve always been a fan of the Escape, but now, since the hybrid’s financing options are so good, I’ll probably look at the hybrid models.
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April 5th, 2006 by admin
Bill Ford Talks about the future of Ford.
Bill Ford, Chairman and CEO of Ford Motor Co., gave strong words to reporters, saying that, Ford would not even consider a Chapter 11 bankruptcy restructuring. Ford made this statement just before he was going to be awarded the 2006 Automotive Industry Executive of the Year.
"We don’t see it at all," Bill Ford said of a possible Chapter 11 filing. Ford Motor has ample liquidity, he said, stressing that the company was profitable in 2005.
He acknowledged that the U.S. auto industry is in a "precarious" state.
Ford Motor’s biggest problem is the bleeding North American auto business, which lost $1.6 billion before taxes and charges in 2005. Turning around that unit, the objective of the company’s Jan. 23 Way Forward restructuring announcement, requires tough decisions and nimble thinking, he said.
Ford Motor Co. plans to close 14 plants through 2012 and cut 30,000 jobs in the hopes of saving the company.
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April 5th, 2006 by admin
Toyota plans to increase plants in North America
Toyota’s North American planning group is considering building another North American assembly plant. The planning group considered the increase in sales they have experience in the past few years, and they’re now projecting their increase in the American market through 2010. The group suggested that Mexico would be the best place to build a new production plant for exportation to the U.S.
Steve Sturm, vice president of North America planning for Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc., declined to offer details about Toyota’s projection of sales in the U.S.
In 2005, the company produced 1.56 million units in North America, 63 percent of its North American sales. Its goal is to produce in each region at least 60 percent of its sales. (See story at right.)
Plans suggested by the North American planning group must be approved by Toyota headquarters in Japan, he says.
Sturm says the planning group is exploring a broad expansion of powertrain production. "Our engine and drivetrain manufacturing needs to grow in proportion with new assembly plants," Sturm says.
Over the past decade, Toyota’s North American sales have grown by an average of 8 percent annually. If things continue at that rate, Toyota’s sales growth will outpace its local production growth.
Toyota will gain volume from its existing products becoming more popular and from new vehicles.
Consulting firm CSM Automotive forecasts Toyota will manufacture close to 2.1 million units in North America in 2010. Plants already under construction or previously announced will handle most of this increase.
Mike Jackson, director of North America vehicle forecasts for CSM, said Toyota might expand some existing factories, such as plants in San Antonio and Baja California, Mexico.
If Toyota does build a plant in Mexico, it would assemble the Yaris (a subcompact car they’re releasing to replace the Echo).
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April 4th, 2006 by admin
Fast cash for world’s largest automaker
GM is heads over heals right now trying to figure out how to make their company profitable. They’re laying employees off, closing plants, cutting pension plans, and selling their cornerstone stock in GMAC for a quick $14 billion.
Rick Wagoner, GM Chairman and Chief Executive, believes this move will sustain the company for a turn around from its $10.6 billion loss in 2005. However, many investors still don’t believe this "quick fix" will actually fix anything in the long run.
GM had to have been in one of the tightest corners ever to sell their stake in GMAC. So, I’m starting to believe that things are worse than they seem.
In the context of history, the last six months are going to prove to be pivotal," Wagoner said at a news conference. "This is about restructuring our business so we can be robustly profitable in the future, so we’re not so balanced on a razor’s edge (that) if gas prices go up, you don’t make any money, if your sales go down 10 percent you don’t make (any money)."
But GM’s shares sank more than 3 percent after the announcement as analysts questioned whether the cash infusion would have a lasting impact on GM’s outlook and major credit ratings agencies indicated the deal may not lead to an investment-grade rating for the finance arm.
Nothing is looking good for GM at the moment. I surely hope this $14billion is enough to get them back up and running.
I know this is an extremely serious matter and I don’t mean to lighten it at all, but I can’t help but wonder how a company gets in such a bad position where $14 billion is not enough to ensure success?
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April 2nd, 2006 by admin
What does bumper-to-bumper coverage mean ?
At Autowarranties.com we pride ourselves in providing the best plans possible for new and used cars. But, there are many confusing terms that can bog people down when purchasing an auto warranty.
Today, we’ll discuss the bumper-to-bumper extended warranty for new cars.
The bumper-to-bumper warranty is the most comprehensive program that is offered here at Autowarranties.com, and we recommend it to people who want the all-around coverage for their new car.
We suggest Bumper to Bumper to those individuals who want maximum protection for their vehicle. This program covers all the major components on your vehicle.
Bumper to Bumper Coverage provides Mechanical Break-down coverage for repairs/replacements of ALL original equipment, manufacturers factory installed mechanical an electrical operating parts and assemblies on the covered vehicle.
Now that you’ve got a better understanding of what bumper-to-bumper means, check out our extended warranty page for new vehicles.
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March 31st, 2006 by admin
Saab debuts worlds first completely hybrid car
Last week Saab unveiled the first fossil-fuel-free
hybrid convertible. The car is being called the BioPower Hybrid 9-3 convertible concept. This is a major leap forward in hybrid cars. The concept is based on pure bioethonal instead of just part bioethonal.
The Biopower convertible also has a "zero mode," which is a button on the car that enables the car to operate from two powerful batteries, thus, eliminating all emissions. However, while in "zero mode" the car can only go up to 50k/m, but when you reach that threshold of 50k/m, the car automatically switches back to the biofuel.
The Saab BioPower Hybrid Concept also includes a natural step in the further development of BioPower technology. Such as the SIDI – a new direct injection system designed so the engine will start and run perfectly without any mix of petrol, even in extreme cold.
The turbocharging is tuned to take further advantage of the higher octane rating of pure bioethanol. So, the engine can produce 260 bhp and a huge 375 Nm torque.
Acceleration is boosted by the two electric motors of the hybrid system. At low speed and take-off they can briefly add a huge instant 785 Nm of torque. Helping to catapult you from zero to 100 in 6.9 seconds with automatic transmission.
Faster than most diesel or petrol-driven cars, but with zero fossil fuel emission.
Wow, I’m really excited. I can’t wait until these things are actually developed and work in the "real world." If Saab delivers what they promise, it sounds like a success to me.
(Source: Press Release From Saab)
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March 30th, 2006 by admin
Things to look for when test driving
Fun but scary, buying a new car is an experience that really can’t be compared. One of the most intimidating things about buying a new car is the test drive.
What questions do you ask? What do you need to take with you? How do you KNOW if you are getting all the answers?
I surely wish I could take a mechanic and an impartial car salesman with me when I am test driving, but since that’s not possible, I try to read all I can to prepare.
Peter Johnson has written a check list of things to look for when test driving a car. These are things we should all look the next time we test drive 
a car.
Preliminary questions before you take the test drive. – Does the vehicle look attractive to you? – Is it available in a color you like?– Is the vehicle easy to get into?– Does the interior come in a color you like?– Is their enough headroom, legroom, etc. when the seat and steering wheel are properly adjusted? Sit in the front and the back.– Are the gauges easy to read?Answer these questions while you’re test driving the car. – Is the engine as quiet and smooth as you expected?– Does the steering have a nice feel to it?– Does the vehicle have adequate power for acceleration? How about with the A/C on?– Does the vehicle handle well?– How are the brakes? Does the vehicle stop safely? Try the vehicle on a variety of roads, including the highway.– Does the suspension absorb road irregularities well? Is it too soft or too hard?– Are the interior noise levels okay on the highway? Listen for the engine, wind and road noise.– Try all of the accessories including the radio, heater, A/C, and power features to ensure that they operate to your liking.Once you’re back in the dealership, consider these questions.Try parking the vehicle. Does it have any blind spots?– Walk around the vehicle with the engine running. How does it sound? Also, take a look at the engine while it’s running. Does everything seem in good order?– Check the trunk. Is it large enough? Is the trunk opening large enough for balky items? – Do the rear seats fold down?Then, consider the long-term aspects of maintaining the car– Will the car manufacture warranty cover everything I want and need?-Should I consider an extended warranty?
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March 29th, 2006 by admin
The Sky is not falling in the global auto industry
At this moment in time, the American auto Industry looks really bleak. However, that’s not the case everywhere.
Daniel Pool, adviser to National City Corp., insists the global auto industry is actually thriving.
"If you look past Ford, General Motors and Delphi, you will find that the global auto industry is healthy and there are success stories to be found here in Michigan and elsewhere," Poole said.
National City maintains strong investments in such auto suppliers as Auburn Hills-based BorgWarner and Milwaukee-based Johnson Controls Inc., said Poole, assistant director of equity research for the financial holding company in Evansville, Ind.
"You have to look for companies that are responding well to technological change and rapid global growth," Poole said.
Good news about the auto industry comes as a suprise to most Americans, because; it is very hard to see past all of the lay-offs and chapter 11 bankruptcies that have taken place in the past few years.
Poole, however, was not oblivious to the problem in America, he just wanted his investors to understand the automotive world is not coming to an end and that companies will eventually pull out of this slump. Poole does predict that there will be a few more major bankruptcies in the next 11 to 18 months.
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