Tag Archive
A look at Toyota’s impact in the U.S.
I recently saw a billboard which read, “Want to support Japan? Then buy Toyota and Honda.” I’m sure whoever is responsible for the ad (probably someone affiliated with one or all of the big three North American automakers) is very patriotic. However, in today’s world of increased globalization, this may not necessarily be the case anymore.
Toyota hopes to help make that clear with some new advertisements of its own. Their new ad campaign will promote how Toyota is good for America. These ads will detail how much money they have invested in their U.S. plants and how many Americans they employ. They are also planning to expand even more in the States while GM and Ford face cutbacks.
There will probably be some people who are upset at these ads and will never believe a foreign company could be good for America. However, if you take Toyota’s (and any other foreign companies) sales as any indication, most people buy whatever car they want.
And shouldn’t they? This is America. The land of freedom and capitalism. Let the people choose, and may the best product win.
See Also
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.
See Also
10 secrets that could help you
Cars.com has devised 10 "secrets" that the mainstream consumer is oblivious of. These secrets can help you get the best deal, save gas, and be informed when purchasing or maintaining your automobile. Here are three:
1. The Best Finance Rates
Dealers aren’t required to give you the best finance rate. Many consumers finance their vehicles through the dealership. Sometimes this involves the best deal, especially when subsidized by the automaker. However, if a dealer claims to have found you the "lowest rate," it’s possible that rate includes a point or two of profit for the dealer. (There’s no federal law forbidding this.) To be sure and get the best rate, look into it on your own before entering the dealership.
2. Dealers Don’t Own the Cars They Sell
Dealers don’t own the cars they sell, and neither do the manufacturers. Instead, the bank — sometimes in the form of the captive finance company — owns them.
3. Cordless Hybrids
Hybrids don’t need to be plugged in. Understandably, many people think hybrids run on electric power until their batteries die, and then they switch to a gasoline engine. While some plug-in hybrids existed as long as a century ago, all the current versions use gas engines that both propel the car and replenish the battery, which also is charged through braking. There’s some plug-in research going on, but don’t hold your breath. Automakers determined that American buyers are, well, turned off by the prospect of plugging a car into household current, so most hybrid advertising emphasizes that the model "never needs to be plugged in."
These 3 tips will save you a lot of headaches and money when it comes to automobiles. I sure wish I would’ve known some of these secrets when I was buying my first car.
See Also
Kia will build its first US production plant in Georgia
Kia will be investing $1.2 billion in their first
production plant in the US.
The plant will be located in West Point, Troup County, Ga. and is expected to be completed in 2009. Georgia was competing with Kentucky and Mississippi to acquire the plant. Apparently, Sunny Perdue, Georgia’s Governor, offered incentives that could not be turned down.
The state promised various incentives that are worth 410 million dollars. These include free land and infrastructure, subsidies for the creation of new jobs, financial support for training workers and tax breaks.
Kia has seen exponential growth in America over the past few years, and they’re building this plant to demonstrate their longevity in and commitment to the American auto industry.
See Also
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.
Toyota officials said that close ties between the two companies will remain unchanged because they will continue to exchange information on the remaining issues such as safety and intelligent transportation systems.
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
Great reviews and plenty of headroom speak highly of Hyundai’s new Azera
It’s never easy to know which car may be the absolute *best* one for you and your family. The new Hyundai Azera is one you should give a second look.
The Azera also comes with Hyundai’s industry-leading warranty coverage that includes a limited powertrain warranty that lasts for 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.
The base Azera SE has a starting manufacturer’s suggested retail price under $25,000. That compares with a starting price of the car it replaces, the 2005 Hyundai XG350 sedan, of $24,899. With destination charge added, the XG350’s total starting price was $25,494.
Hyundai priced the top-of-the-line Azera, the Limited model, to start around $27,000.
The roomy Azera is less than $30K fully loaded and according to the review, it drives beautifully too.
See Also
Small Increase In US Auto Sales for Japan for the Month of January
This month US car sales in Japan were higher than this time last year. However the increase was only a slight one according to Edmunds.com:
Edmunds.com says the increase will come entirely from non-U.S. companies: Sales by General Motors Corp., Ford Motor Co. and the Chrysler Group of Germany’s DaimlerChrysler AG will be less than year-earlier levels, Automotive News said Thursday.
Ford sales will fall 8 percent, GM sales by 5 percent and Chrysler sales by 3 percent, Edmunds.com predicts.
Meanwhile, Honda and Toyota sales will be higher, with Honda sales in January up 18 percent to 96,000 vehicles and Toyota sales up 16 percent to 164,000 vehicles.
Auto sales in the US are expected to see high Japanese car numbers this year, with Toyota possibly surpassing GM for the first time.
See Also
Unless the United Auto Workers union accepts concessions that enable GM to save money right now
Trimming the expenditures may be the only thing that can save GM. In fact, industry analysts predict that their days are numbered unless the expenses go down.
Analysts say General Motors faces bankruptcy unless the United Auto Workers union accepts concessions that enable GM to hunker down as a smaller business.
And they contend the twin crises at GM and bankrupt auto parts supplier Delphi eventually could reshape much of the state’s 125,000-employee auto industry. It’s no wonder. GM and Delphi are huge.
With 12,000 workers in the state, GM is Indiana’s largest industrial employer after drug maker Eli Lilly. Delphi is No. 3.
What remains to be seen is whether or not unions and internal struggles will prevent that from coming to fruition.
See Also
