Auto Warranty

Toyota is excited about their expansion into Europe

Last year Toyota sold 964,000 vehicles in Europe.

Selling that many cars in Europe is a milestone for Asian automakers, and Toyota wants that trend to continue.

As an extension to the post Europe new battleground for U.S. and Asian automakers, Toyota Motor Company sold 964,000 units combined between its Toyota and Lexus brands in Europe last year. And with its revamped RAV-4 and Yaris, the automaker’s most popular vehicles, it expects to sell one million or more vehicles this year. For reference, 2005 marked the 9th year in a row that the second largest automaker in world’s sales rose in Europe, where it currently holds 5.1% market share.

According to analyst Noriyuki Matsushima of the Nikko Citigroup, "Toyota’s expansion of its global production network in Europe, North America, Asia and elsewhere is beginning to produce results, and we anticipate considerable earnings contributions in the coming years.

But with the German automakers releasing a brace of new vehicles, and Lexus struggling to gain a foothold in Europe, the company knows it won’t be smooth sailing.

Some of the success of Toyota is derived from its involvement in Hybrids. Toyota invested early in Hybrids and now that gamble is starting to pay off.

See Also

• Auto Warranties
  Get your next quote from Auto Warranties.com

DaimlerChrystler recalls 23,677 luxury cars

DiamlerChrystler, the German automaker, is recalling 23,677 luxury cars because of defects. The recall includes Mercedes-Benz S-Class sold in mainland China from October 1998 through March 2005.

The recalling of vehicles seems to be a growing trend by DaimlerChrystler; DaimlerChyrstler recalled over 1.3 million cars last year because of quality problems.

See Also

• Microsoft in your car
  microsoft moves to the automotive industry
• Auto Warranties.com
  Do you need a warranty?

GM announces mass production of hydrogen cars until 2010

We’ve been waiting for an alternative fuel source to come available for awhile. Well, GM is now placing a time period on when we can see new hydrogen based vehicles.

On Thursday, the automaker announced that while it will continue its tie-up with Toyota on other advanced technologies, it will no longer be sharing its fuel-cell research. 

‘Because of the advances we made that type of technology is passing from the research phase to development,’ Fosgard said.

Fuel cells produce electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, leaving water as the only by-product. They are far more environmentally friendly than the currently popular hybrid gas-electric engines which merely reduce the amount of gas needed to power the vehicle. 

I’m so excited to see the mainstream car manufacturers embrace this technology.  Hybrids are here to stay!

See Also

• Innovation in Automobiles
  Microsoft heading to the auto industry
• Auto Warranties.
  Check autowarranties.com for your next auto warranty

The auto-giant may have reason to smile

We’re all pretty much in limbo when it comes to the American auto industry. We want the companies to do well and succeed, because we’ll end up with less competition and higher prices, and a drop in GDP, if they fail.

But, with recent news from Ford and GM, much still looks bleak. On a good note, however, Chrysler’s sales went up 2.5% in February, while Ford and GM both reported sales decreases.

See Also

• Ford is going back to the basics
  Ford is revamping their advertising strategy
• Auto Warranties.com
  Try auto warranties.com

The new Ford Focus is an intelligent buy.

In 2000 the Ford Focus was introduced to the world. However, the world was not so fond of the new compact. There were many design problems and mechanical errors that prohibited the vehicle from being successful.

Nevertheless, with time and a good plan, Ford has redesigned and refashioned this car into a great buy.


Aggressive Price.

Sufficient Power.

Spacious Interior.

An Assortment of Body Styles.

Respectable Fuel Economy.

The Ford focus is now a great buy for all.

But, it is especially promising for those with smaller budgets.  And, it provides a great alternative to those who want to save money at the gas pump.

See Also

• Auto Warranties
  Get your next auto warranty with us
• New ad campaign
  See what chevy is doing

New software from MIcrosoft that goes in your car.

Microsoft is trying to move into the automotive industry.

Microsoft is now creating software for vehicles. The Fiat is the first car to get the new Windows Operating System.

However, Microsoft is not alone in creating software for vehicles. They will be facing competition from GM’s OnStar program that has been very popular.

See Also

• Save Money
  Use common sense to save money at the pump
• Auto Warranties
  Call 1.800.419.3499 for information on auto warranties

Ford reworking advertising and sales strategy

Ford is in the spotlight this week.

They’re going back to the basics in hopes of selling more vehicles this year. With the car industry in a slump, going back to the basics may not be a bad idea. Ford is calling this new campaign "focus vehicle." Ford will be focusing on eight models of their inventory and will be offering incentives, dealer bonuses, and market muscle to push vehicle sales.

In 2005 it took 82 days for Ford vehicles to sell. That’s 17 more days than the average for the automotive industry. That’s what they’re trying to change.

See Also

• Chevy Ads
  Ford and chevy are changing. Take a look at how Chevy plans to change
• Auto Warranties
  Call 1.800.419.3499 for information on your next car warranty

Fuel-Cell partnership goes nowhere

Toyota Motor Corp. and GM Motor Corp. will be ending their signature alliance and joint research on fuel-cell vehicle development.

This, should come as no surprise because the two companies could not resolve intellectual property issues and their research was at a standstill. However, the companies will continue to work together in other areas of importance.

Maybe in the future Toyota, GM, and other auto companies will lay aside money issues for a time to develop technology to improve the world?  But it’s probably not likely, unless it’s financial advantageous to their company’s bottom line.

See Also

• Since fuel-cells will not be debuting anytime soon, try saving money on gas.
  common sense to saving money at the pump
• Auto warranties can give you peace of mind.
  An auto warranty can be a “life-saver”
• Auto Warranties
  Need an extended warranty on your car ?

New ad campaign from Chevrolet

Chevrolet is beginning its second phase of the "American Revolution" ad campaign and they’re starting it with the Olympics. This new campaign will consist of intensive television, print, and internet ads. 

One of the new slogans, which you may have already seen, is "America’s brand salutes America’s best." Chevy will be pushing the American Revolution Ads on television strongly.  For example, the new Tahoe and Suburban will be given a spotlight during the Olympics.

Nonetheless, Chevy will be advertising heavily through print media as well.

Don’t forget the internet

The Chevrolet brand also purchased ads on NBColympics.com and Yahoo! Sports Olympic Games page.
 

When Chevy is not sponsoring the Olympics, they’re running ads with NASCAR. During the Daytona 500, Chevy ran an ad called "toast" staring Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Tony Stewart.

It’s good to see an American auto Company being creative with their ads. In the end, I do hope that this new ad campaign brings them some new customers.

See Also

• Save Money on Gas
  Common Sense in Saving money at the pump
• Buying a New Car?
  Research your next auto warranty

A few common sense steps to saving money at the gas pump

Fluctuating gas prices are now a signature of the oil industry. With all of the fluctuation in gas prices, it would be wise to enhance your vehicle’s mpg in any way. There are a few things you can do to increase your vehicles gas mileage, thereby decreasing what you pay at the pump.

1. Good vehicle maintenance is always a must.
   Keeping your vehicle in tip-top shape will not only supplement your vehicle’s gas mileage, but it will also keep you safer.

   Just simple measures like keeping your tires properly inflated can make a real difference.

   If you’re not a vehicle wiz, just take your vehicle to your local auto mechanic and tell him or her to give you a tune-up.

2. Get rid of any excess junk in your vehicle.
   That’s right, clean out your trunk and back seat to make room for all that money you’ll save.

   Some studies suggest the average driver carries around between 50 and 100 pounds of unnecessary weight – not counting the very important spare tire, jack, and emergency road kit – that costs you each time you fill your car, truck, SUV, or (mini)van.

3. Consolidate your trips.
   Carefully plan your errands so you’re not backtracking yourself too much.

   For example, when you have a doctor’s appointment in another city or another part of your town, try to think ahead to any other business you might need to conduct in that area.

   Also, try and stock up on the necessities. You don’t need to make 15 trips to the grocery store in one week. Think ahead of time; make a list of what you need for the entire week and get it done with one trip.

4. Carpool
   Finally, if you have kids, you know that it’s difficult to manage all of their schedules especially if you’re acting as chauffer.  You, as a parent, may want to initiate a car pool with other parents so you can split the cost of gas. Likewise, you may want to inform your child about the fuel situation, from a global perspective.

These are just a few common sense ways that you can decrease the amount of fuel you use and increase the amount of money you save.

See Also

• Auto Warranties.com
  Research your next auto warranty in minutes
• Microbes in your car
  Save money by using ethanol in your automobile
• Hybrid Cars
  Save money by purchasing a Hybrid vehicle