Friday, January 29, 2010

Off Subject

OK, so I know this post might not have to do anything with the automotive industry, but it is a topic that I feel cannot simply be ignored. So answer me one question:

WHAT WAS THE NFL THINKING WHEN THEY MOVED THE PRO BOWL TO THE WEEK BEFORE THE BIG GAME?!?!?!?!

Honestly, who thinks that this is an overall good idea? Lets take a look at both sides here. First, the Cons, and the more concrete reason why it shouldn't have been moved in the first place:

1) Superbowl bound players CANNOT play in the Pro Bowl. They do, however, HAVE to be in attendance, if they want to earn their bonuses and be acknowledged for be voted into the Pro Bowl. Does this make sense when the teams should be more focused on their task at hand, and obviously the biggest game of the year, instead of playing around in the sun a week before the moment they all worked for? Not to me...

2) All of the fun activities that go on throughout the Pro Bowl weekend that all of the star players participate in may have the hindrance of rain or not so great weather! Yea, there is always a possibility for mother nature to turn against fun, but lets be honest, the chances of bad weather in the states is much worse than the chance of bad weather in one of the most beautiful places on earth, Hawaii.

Point proven yet?.... Should be, but if not, google it, you'll see the massive amount of people who feel this is a terrible idea.

The Pros:

1) It gives football fans something to watch during the week between the Conference Championships and the big game. Yes, I will even admit that come say Tuesday, NFL Today gets a bit boring, there was all the hype and anticipation once the teams were set, then it just kind of dies down each day thereafter because of the week long break from the game. However, there are other avenues to pursue that could fix that, other than moving the Pro Bowl.

2) Money. No not for us the fans, but more for the media and the NFL. Having it in Miami is obviously going to increase attendance and bring in a bit more revenue from the activities that surround the Pro Bowl. Also, the media can make the big bucks as well for a few reasons. First, lower costs to send the video crews and whatnot to Miami vs. Hawaii. Second, more people are anticipated to watch the game being people are still in the football spirit. Many have admitted that after the Super Bowl is over, the next thing they look forward to is the draft, not the Pro Bowl, therefore it could draw more fans to watch the game putting it before the finale.


At any rate, I feel this is a terrible idea as do many of other fans of the game. If you feel other wise, please explain yourself...

The Scion iQ





The iQ is a 3

+

1 seater!



It means one of the rear seats can be folded so you’ll have a tiny luggage space, clever idea. Apart from the wide bodykit which makes the already iconic iQ even more distinctive, you get a whole lot more for a car like this

, such as 18 inch wheels which are bigger than the car itself or a ginormous 10 inch multimedia screen in the cabin, again bigger than the car itself!

The car uses the standard 1.3 liter four-cylinder engine which kicks out 93 hp, fairly enough power for such tiny little thing. The Scion iQ is a fine tuning job but it doesn’t seem to be right for its purpose, which is selling in America. Anyhow, there is no official statement on when it’ll be available there, maybe never!

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Preview! All New 2011 Honda Odyssey





Definitely not your grandma's minivan! Who says you have to sacrifice style when purchasing a minivan?!?! Honda has really hit a homerun with the newly redesigned 2011 Honda Odyssey. The front end is styled much like the rest of their new car line up and it gives the vehicle a really aerodynamic and modern look in the front. Rear tail lights also get a redesign and from the looks of the pics here a dual exhaust as well. All in all it looks like a really succesful upgrade if these pictures are anything like the production model is going to look like. I believe these actually came from vehicles that have already been released in Japan. This freshning up of the body style comes just in time too, as the Toyota Sienna got brand new duds for 2011 as well. We hope to have these new vans available for our customers by the middle of summer 2010. The odyssey has been the benchmark for minivan buyers for years and by looks of things will continue to do so in the future! High marks for quality, resale, safety, and fuel economy help make it the best selling minivan in America. For a really well written and non biased article I found on this new vehicle just click here http://bit.ly/a4XFaJ Definitely a must see if your considering a new minivan in the near future.

Monday, January 25, 2010

Toyota Recall


'Toyota recently announced that it will recall approximately 2.3 million vehicles to correct sticking accelerator pedals on specific Toyota Division models. This action is separate from the on-going recall of approximately 4.2 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles to reduce the risk of pedal entrapment by incorrect or out of place accessory floor mats. Approximately 1.7 million Toyota Division vehicles are subject to both separate recall actions.


As part of the announcement, TMS Group Vice President Irv Miller said:

“In recent months, Toyota has investigated isolated reports of sticking accelerator pedal mechanisms in certain vehicles without the presence of floor mats. Our investigation indicates that there is a possibility that certain accelerator pedal mechanisms may, in rare instances, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position. Consistent with our commitment to the safety of our cars and our customers, we have initiated this voluntary recall action.”

Toyota’s accelerator pedal recall is confined to the following Toyota Division vehicles:
2009-2010 RAV4,
2009-2010 Corolla,
2009-2010 Matrix,
2005-2010 Avalon,
2007-2010 Camry,
2010 Highlander,
2007-2010 Tundra
2008-2010 Sequoia

No Lexus Division or Scion vehicles are affected by this recall action. Also not affected are Toyota Prius, Tacoma, Sienna, Venza, Solara, Yaris, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser and select Camry models, including all Camry hybrids.

The condition is rare, but can occur when the sliding surface of the pedal assembly has become worn and, in certain conditions, the accelerator pedal may become harder to depress, slower to return or, in the worst case, stuck in a partially depressed position. Toyota is working quickly to prepare the correction remedy.'

No action is immediately required, unless you are experiencing issues with your accelerator, please wait to receive a letter from Toyota in regards to what you should do. If you do not receive a letter, more than likely, your vehicle was not one affected by the issue.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Honda Delivers FCX Clarity Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle to 2010 Canadian Olympic Hockey Team Captain Scott Niedermayer


Four-time Stanley Cup champion, Anaheim Ducks captain and environmentalist becomes first professional athlete to lease Honda's zero-emissions vehicle

ANAHEIM, Calif., U.S.A., January 6, 2010 - American Honda Motor Co., Inc., delivered a zero emissions hydrogen-powered FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle to its latest customer, 2010 Canadian Olympic hockey team captain, Scott Niedermayer. Also a team captain for the Anaheim Ducks National Hockey League team, Niedermayer is a leader both on and off the ice, promoting an environmentally responsible lifestyle and the protection of natural resources.

To read more about Scott and his experience with the Honda FXC Clarity, check out the rest of the article on Honda Motor Co's worldwide website at http://bit.ly/7f6D4D

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

2010 Pittsburgh International Auto Show


February 11th - 15that theDavid LawrenceConvention Center
Admission Information
General Admission
$10.00Seniors (60+) $ 7.00 everydayMilitary with I.D. $ 7.00 everyday
Children Under 12 Free everyday
PARKING INFORMATION
15th & Smallman - $5
FREE SHUTTLE
11th & Smallman - $10 FREE SHUTTLE
Convention Center Garage - $10

Here is a look from last years show...




Monday, January 18, 2010

PRESTON FORD IN AFGHANISTAN (kinda)


Let's face it, the year 2009 was not the finest for the car industry and it's no secret. After what I like to call the "year from Hell", the car industry has been marked with empty car lots, bail-outs, and clunkers. The lucky dealers that were able to stay in business dealt with very low profit margins, salesmen struggling to keep their heads above water, and were given the terrible task of terminating employees. Personally, the toughest part for me was watching good people lose their jobs. Since I have been a child, I have been around the car business. My Grandfather, Al Sweet, was one of the first Toyota Dealers in Western PA and my father, Richard Flynn is currently the owner of the store I work at, Preston Ford Lincoln Mercury Hyundai. So you can basically understand that I have been around this business my entire life. I have formed relationships that cannot be matched in any other business. Regardless of the economic climate, the people that work in this business endure a lot of stress and long hours. So to my dismay, I had to watch these people go one by one. I can say, that was the hardest part of the "year from Hell".

Ok so 2009…..well to put it lightly, STUNK!! The great thing though is that it is a new decade! It is a new decade with a lot of room for improvement. We can come away from last decade with a lot of life lessons. The lesson that I learned is to not sweat the small stuff. Ok we had a bad run in the car business, but I am still here breathing air, playing golf, watching sports center, taking a hot shower, spending time with people I love, spending time with friends, and the list goes on. I think if we can all first realize all that we have, we can forget what we have lost the past couple years. One thing that usually really makes my day is when I get to talk to a buddy of mine who is active duty for the United States Army in Afghanistan. Due to the internet and facebook I have been able to stay in touch with Jake. When I am sitting here at work chatting with him on facebook, I become conscious of how good I have it because he is fighting to protect our freedoms. With that being said my friend Jake and his fellow comrades from the 82nd Airborne have come up with a pretty cool hobby. They contact businesses from the U.S. and ask them to send t-shirts and then they take picture with the t-shirts on over their fatigues and send it back via e-mail. Primanti Bros. and Sky Dive Rick’s are only a couple to mention that have participated. We printed our t-shirts and shipped them overseas to show our appreciation for what these men and women are doing for us. I am proud to have a friend like Jake and I think we all can be proud that we have men and women fighting for our freedoms. So on that note I hope everyone gets off to a great start this year and just remember to not sweat the small stuff.

Who better to believe then consumers?

The Consumer Reports 2010 Car Brand Perception Survey has been released! The scores reflect how consumers perceive each brand in seven categories: Safety, quality, value, performance, design/style, technology/innovation, and environmentally friendly/green. Although, some other brands did make noticeable improvements, there is one fact that hasn't changed. Toyota MAINTAINED its number one spot.

Anyone who watches tv, surfs the web, listens to the radio, etc. will come across multiple automotive ads where that particular brand has the best vehicles on the road. In my opinion, the best advice one can get is the advice from people who actually drive the vehicles and have had experience with that brand. ConsumerReports.org has a variety of tools that can help you to quickly and efficiently narrow down what you want, based on real-world test results, reliability data, owner costs, and other ratings. If you are in the market for a vehicle, take a look at what others have said in order to narrow down your decision. It's definitely worth it!!

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

A Scion Reminder

If you want Toyota quality with a specific style at an affordable price then the Scion product is probably perfect for you. When Toyota created the Scion revolution, they aimed at our generation. The Y generation was vague to all automakers besides Toyota. They knew the design, the customer, and the product that would grow to a successful brand. For any questions regarding all Scions and Scion purchases, please contact our Internet department at (888) 839-7855.


In aiming at the Y generation, why wouldn't Toyota want to give us some perks? On a lease or purchase of a new Scion, you can take advantage of a $1000 rebate.

In order to qualify you need:

1. Prove that you have graduated recently or will graduate soon.

2. Prove that you have a job lined up.

3. Have collision insurance.

Additional Program Features:

1. 12 month/12,000 mile Roadside Assistance included.

2. No money down and no monthly payments for the first 90 days (with finance contracts)

3. Waived security deposit (with lease agreements)



Once again if you have any questions regarding these specials and vehicles please call the number above and ask for James Preston, Brian Carbone, or Jason Discello.

CR-Z at Detroit Auto Show



This is a really great video I found on you tube the other day. Its always good to hear what the people who thought up these cars have to say about them. Especially now that the ideas that they all had have finally come to fruition. There are also a lot of nice shots of the production CR-Z here as well. I have to say, I am excited to get one here, hopefully very soon! Ill keep everyone posted as to when one will first arrive!

Honda Unveils Sporty, Fuel Efficient 2011 Honda CR-Z Hybrid



After a lot of speculation on weather or not the production version of the 2011 Honda CR-Z would live up to the hype of the concept car, we finally have some answers! From the looks of these pics of the actual production car and the write up it recieved from autotropolis, this is a car we can all be very excited about! A blend of the sporty/performance aspect of the Civic SI, the fuel economy of an insight, and the hatchback versatility of the Fit, this is definitely a car that has a little something for everyone. For the full article and more pictures of the front and inside of this vehicle just click here http://bit.ly/8HOw34

Financials...



So last time I posted, a couple weeks ago (yes I'm behind, but aren't we all slow at something in life) I talked about financial in the auto industry. Today, I'm here to extend that convo, and let you guys know about what some of the industry's top automakers are reporting now.


The auto industry closed one of its worst years in history on a positive note, with U.S. sales rising about 15% in December and many executives predicting a gradual recovery in 2010.

Ford Motor Co., Toyota Motor Co. and Honda Motor Co. all reported substantial sales increases in the year's final month. Toyota said the surge meant it sold more cars to U.S. consumers in 2009 than any other maker, passing General Motors Co. in "retail" sales for the first time.

GM, which sells more cars to fleet customers such as car-rental companies than Toyota, still finished the year at No. 1 in overall sales. Still, its overall sales total for the month fell 5.6% to 207,538 vehicles.

And while Chrysler Group LLC posted just a 3.7% decline for December, its sales total for the entire year was the worst it has seen in 47 years.

Hopefully this rise in business is a sign of good things to come in the near future here! I'm sure you all can agree, our economy needs it!

(Info from Wall Street Journal Online)

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Moving Forward n Not Stopping




With Toyota spending millions of dollars each day toward hybrid technology, one can assume more models/styles of hybrids will be released in the near future. On Monday at an auto show in Detroit, Toyota released a new hybrid concept that will be geared toward the younger generation. The pint sized hybrid is the FT-CH and actually smaller then the prius. 22 inches to be exact. They also stated that the FT-CH is more fuel efficient then the prius as well. Although it is just a concept vehicle and has no timeline as to its release date, Toyota plans to continue its research and actually make the prius brand an entire family of hybrid vehicles. Toyota said it plans to sell 1 million hybrids per year globally in the early part of this decade by launching eight new hybrid models over the next few years!!!!

Monday, January 11, 2010