The state of California have passed a new law beginning July 1, 2010 that will require nearly 40,000 automotive servicing shops to check tire pressure of vehicles during each visit and correct the tire pressure by adding air if necessary. The law does not require body shops, car washes, glass repair shops or parts stores to check tire pressures.
Now here's the weak part. The shops effected, which are service locations, smog checking stations, oil changing stations, etc, will be notified by the state on how much they should charge for the tire pressure check. California's Air Resources Board defended their new law stating it would "save 75 million gallons of fuel per year, while also eliminating 700,000 metric tons of greenhouse gasses".
GMC's all-new 2010 Terrain makes its world debut at the 2009 New York International Auto Show. The Terrain is a five-passenger crossover SUV that blends bold styling with fuel efficiency and premium features. "The new Terrain brings GMC's history of innovation and engineering excellence into a smaller, fuel-efficient package for today's buyer," said Susan Docherty, Buick-Pontiac-GMC vice president. "The capability attributes that make a vehicle a GMC are ingrained in Terrain, making it an appealing choice for existing traditional SUV customers who are looking for distinctive styling and increased efficiency."
Two new Jeep Wrangler J8's were spotted last week outside the American Expedition Vehicle's office in Michigan. Not available to civilians, the Jeep J8's are manufactured in Cairo, Egypt as military specification support vehicles. The J8's feature 2.8 liter four cylinder diesel motors along with full leaf sprung suspension (no coil springs like in American made Jeeps). Very cool.
Pow Pow! MOTORZ TV is back in action again with a new episode. The latest and greatest video shows you how to upgrade the headlights, tail lights and 3rd brake light on a 2005 Ford F-150 with easy aftermarket replacements from Hella.
Available now on Apple's iTunes Store, Monster Trucks Nitro can be played directly on your iPhone or iPod Touch. Originating from the PC & Mac gaming platforms, Monster Trucks Nitro offers "real monster trucks physics", eight different tracks with medal achievement capability, gesture camera controls, and more. The price for this bad ass truck game is only $1.99. For more information head on over to www.monstertrucksnitro.com. Check out a game trailer below.
Sherrice Gilsbach, editor of MotherProof.com has test driven the 2009 Suzuki Equator and says the truck "Has the Basics Down Pat". From the sizable interior that's "roomy and comfortable" to the powerful V6 engine, Sherrice sums the truck up with "while it may not be all glammed out like a diamond solitaire, the Equator holds its own". Check out her sensible review at www.MotherProof.com.
The end of the road for Hummer is starting to get closer with new speculation regarding the sale of Hummer by General Motors. A final answer of fate for the heavily scrutinized SUV company will take place in the next "Few weeks". A spokesperson from GM commented about other companies, stating interest was coming from "all different parts of the world" and that the automaker is "cautiously optimistic" about those potential sales. For now the "Hummer Sale Saga" continues.
According to Sean Holman of Four Wheeler Magazine, Chrysler will be abandoning their revolutionary coil spring rear axle on the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 in return for leaf sprung suspension again. After facing pressure from Chrysler hierarchy, the skeptical multi-link rear suspension is not competitive enough with other manufacturers, dipping below the 10,000 pound towing capacity mark. Deleting the 3/4 ton capability the Dodge Ram 1500 currently has will grant the truck an immediate 225 pound increase in payload and a much higher towing capacity. Expect the changes to occur next year in February.
Reports across the intarweb are stating the new 2011 Ford Explorer will be built off the current Taurus X platform (a uni-body crossover). According to union officials, the next generation Explorer will also be built at Ford's Chicago plant beginning in 2011. Ford is also expected to equip the CUV with their new Ecoboost turbo charged V6 engine with direct injection which offers a 30 percent fuel efficiency increase.
General Motors today announced the most comprehensive customer protection in the industry with "GM Total Confidence," a plan that protects a customer's paycheck, investment, vehicle and family. "Our Total Confidence plan is an unprecedented offer that reinvents the ownership experience in an extremely positive way," said Mark LaNeve, vice president, GM North America Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing. "Unlike other programs out there, 'GM Total Confidence' provides comprehensive coverage for new vehicle owners - from protecting their new vehicle investment to protecting their family's income. GM Total Confidence provides customers peace of mind in uncertain times."
The Internal Revenue Service announced today that taxpayers who buy a new passenger vehicle this year may be entitled to deduct state and local sales and excise taxes paid on the purchase on their 2009 tax returns next year. "For those thinking about buying a new car this year, this deduction may give them a little more drive to make their purchase this year," said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman. "This deduction enables taxpayers to buy now and get cash back later on their tax returns."
Ford Motor Company is introducing the most comprehensive program available to boost consumers’ buying confidence and begin rebuilding the American economy with the new Ford Advantage Plan. The plan gives customers another reason to “Drive One” with payment protection of up to 12 months on any new Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle, 0 percent financing on select vehicles and added local charity support. “Consumers remain anxious about the economy and their own outlook for the future. We at Ford want to do our part to rebuild faith in the marketplace by offering payment protection on every new Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle for up to a year if our customers lose their jobs,” said Ken Czubay, vice president of Sales and Marketing.
Building upon its extensive history in developing pioneering solutions, Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) is previewing the latest technologies on a new Innovation Truck at the Mid-America Trucking Show. The Innovation Truck features advanced technologies directly from DTNA's development labs. It takes Freightliner Trucks' most aerodynamic solution – the Cascadia™ – and adds a sampling of cutting-edge advancements that will further enhance fuel economy.
Ford CEO Alan Mulally will take another pay cut this year, an additional 37 percent. In 2007 the CEO made $21.67 million, followed by a pay cut in 2008 dropping his pay check to $13.57 million. The 2009 cut comes as the company continues to re-construct their companies financial situation. A worldwide incentive compensation program was also axed, as well as compensation packages for board members for 2009.
The Treasury Department announced an innovative new program to give consumers who are considering new car purchases the confidence that even in this difficult economic period, their warrantees will be honored. This program is part of the Administration's broader program to stabilize the auto industry and stand behind a restructuring effort that will result in stronger, more competitive and viable American car companies.
Today's announcement by the Administration represents an important step forward on our path to viability. The Administration, U.S. Treasury and the President's Auto Task Force have recognized Chrysler's viability as an important part of the U.S. auto industry and overall economy, and have provided a critical vote of confidence in our alliance with Fiat S.p.A. We are appreciative that the government has supported a global alliance with Fiat. By providing Chrysler with product and platforms, technology cooperation and global distribution, the alliance with Fiat strengthens our ability to create and preserve U.S. jobs; to give U.S. consumers more choices of environmentally advanced vehicles; to give our dealers more of the products they need to succeed; to help stabilize the supplier base; and to pay back government loans sooner.
Today's announcement by President Obama begins a new era for the U.S. auto industry. It also marks a defining moment in the history of General Motors. The U.S. Treasury will provide working financing capital for GM for 60 days while GM completes a more accelerated and aggressive restructuring to put the company on sound long-term financial footing. We understand the historic opportunity this presents, and we are fully committed to successfully completing the reinvention of GM.
On Friday I was in Washington for a meeting with Administration officials. In the course of that meeting, they requested that I “step aside” as CEO of GM, and so I have. Fritz Henderson is an excellent choice to be the next CEO of GM. Having worked closely with Fritz for many years, I know that he is the ideal person to lead the company through the completion of our restructuring efforts. His knowledge of the global industry and the company are exceptional, and he has the intellect, energy, and support among GM’ers worldwide to succeed. I wish him well, and I stand ready to support him, and interim Non-Executive Chairman Kent Kresa, in every way possible.
