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| |  Friday Beerblog: Toyota FJ40 Tractor Is Kind Of Cool
Who would have known that a Toyota FJ40 would look great as a tractor? Especially a John Deere! Complete with bucket seats, 4 point harnesses, tractor tires, solid front and rear axles, custom front bumper, winch, and more, this John Deere Toyota FJ40 is one overkill of a tractor for the fields. Thoughts anyone?
Source: MudFaceMarge
 
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| | |  Trucks Top Sales For May, Surprising
Cars.com posted a list of the top selling cars for the month of May and surprisingly enough, the Ford F-Series and Chevrolet Silverado came out on top with 33,381 and 31,463 units sold. The two trucks beat the Toyota Camry, Toyota Corolla, Honda Accord, Honda Civic, and more. The Ford Escape SUV also made the 10th spot on the list, with 16,391 units sold. Impressive! Dodge however did not make the list with their new Ram.
 
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|  Nissan Recalling 2003 to 2007 Murano SUVs
Nissan issued a recall of over 362,000 2003 to 2007 Murano SUV's due to a condition where the intake air duct may separate from the resonator due to engine movement. The separation can lead to premature aging of the material used and increase the possibility of the engine stalling, leading to a higher risk of crashing. Owners are encouraged to contact Nissan immediately at 1-800-647-7261.
 
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|  Toyota To Redesign Lexus GX SUV
Rumors across the intarweb are pointing at Toyota's re-design of the Lexus GX SUV sometime this fall season. Based off of the mid size SUV category, the GX has struggled in sales since 2003 and deliveries for April were down 66.1 percent. Sources close to Ward's Auto are stating not only will the GX receive an exterior re design but will also get the 310 horsepower 4.6 V8 from the 2010 Toyota Tundra, a large increase from the current 4.7 liter. Expect details to be released by Toyota some time this summer.
Sources: Ward's Auto via Autoblog
 
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| | |  Pickup Trucks and SUVs Now More Affordable Than Ever
The Detroit News have found that customers purchasing vehicles, specifically pickup trucks and SUV's, are paying less now than they have over the past 30 years. The study was held by Comerica Bank and their Auto Affordability Index, which shows customers are paying off their vehicles 1.3 weeks faster than exactly one year ago and incentives have grown over $1,700 per vehicle, averaging at just shy of $3,000. The study also noted domestic incentives being significantly higher with an average of $3,400 and up to $6,000 off for Chrysler vehicles. It's a buyers market people.
 
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|  2011 Jeep Phoenix May Come to U.S.
According to Hubpages, Chrysler's new alliance with Italian automaker Fiat may introduce some of Fiat's vehicles here in the United States. One of those European models would be the Panda Cross 4x4, a small capable 4x4 SUV. Chrysler may introduce the vehicle in 2010 or 2011 as the 2011 Jeep Phoenix, which looks more like a cross between the Jeep Compass and a Dodge Nitro. Ugly if you ask me.
Sources: Hubpages via Google
 
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|  2002 to 2005 Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer Possible Recall
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued a warning for owners of 2002 to 2005 Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer SUV's due to 200 complaints where the vehicles were said to have gone out of park and into reverse on its own. During those model years, nearly 1.5 million SUV's were produced which could possibly result in a massive recall for Ford. No issue has been recalled yet but the NHTSA are taking a "preliminary evaluation... to assess the scope, frequency and potential safety consequences of the alleged defect and any relationship of the alleged gearshift lever mechanism failures to the alleged vehicle rollaway incidents". A Ford spokes person also commented, "We do not see a safety risk and we will be fully cooperating with the government with the investigation".
Source: AJC via Autoblog
 
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| | |  2011 Toyota 4Runner Spy Shots
Popular automotive blog, Jalopnik, have obtained images from an enthusiast of a next generation 2011 Toyota 4Runner on the highway. Not much can be seen through the thick camouflage, but the new 4Runner seems to reflect a lot of the Tundra and Sequoia styling with a larger grille and head light assembly.
Source: Jalopnik
 
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| | | | 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 Preview
Chrysler released details about the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee last week and have now released concepts of the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8. If rumors across the web are true, the Jeep will also receive a 6.4 liter HEMI V8 which puts out over 500 horsepower and 510 foot pounds of torque and a matching all wheel drive suspension system.
Source: Jalopnik
 
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| | | | |  2011 Ford Explorer To Be Built At Chicago Plant, Equipped With EcoBoost
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.
Sources: Chicago Breaking via Jalopnik
 
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| | | |  2008 to 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander SUV's Recalled
Mitsubishi have issued a recall of nearly 40,000 2008 to 2009 Outlander sport utility vehicles. The recall involves an incorrect material composition of the brake booster check valve that may cause the valve to stick closed even when the engine is off, causing an insufficient braking assist. The lack of brake assistance may increase the stopping distance of the vehicle, potentially leading to an increased risk of crash. Owners are encouraged to contact their local dealer as soon as possible via Mitsubishi at 800-222-0037.
Source: Safecar.gov
 
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| |  Toyota Planning Next Generation 4Runner
Toyota cut the 4Runner from production nearly seven years ago but the old SUV "still has life left in it", according to a Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc executive. Bob Carter, Toyota's Divisional Group Vice President and General Manager (that's a hell of a title), says "there are plans (for a new 4Runner)" but declined on details of when a new one will be announced. WardsAuto believes the 4Runner will debut in the 2010 year, but no details have been announced from Toyota at this time. “(The 4Runner) is an important nameplate that’s been with us since ‘84" and “We’re fortunate that just like Prius, it carries a lot of brand equity. (The) 4Runner is right there with it; it’s an important part of the franchise".
Source: Wards Auto via Google News
 
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| | | |  Honda Ridgeline and Pilot SUV Production Moved To Alabama
Honda began rolling the first Ridgeline crossover trucks off their assembly lines in Lincoln, Alabama this week, where operations were moved from their previous plant in Alliston, Ontario. The reason for the move is part of Honda's restructuring efforts of North American manufacturing, adjusting production to demand. The Honda Pilot SUV also made the move to Lincoln, Alabama, where both vehicles also share the 3.5 liter V6 powertrain and can be installed all in one location.
Source: Birmingham News
 
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| | | | |  General Motors To Increase Pickup Truck and SUV Production in March
General Motors have made the executive decision to begin increasing their pickup truck production for the week of March 16 at two plants nationwide. None of the plants have been active since before the end of December and those being activated are Flint, Michigan, Arlington, Texas. Both were producing the Silverado pickup truck, and Tahoe, Yukon and Escalade SUV's. The reasoning for increasing production is that company believes they will receive a "stronger demand during the spring" and that "inventory is way down", noting they are down to a 90 day supply of vehicles.
Sources: Autonews via Autoblog
 
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| | |  2005 Dodge Durango SUV Recalled For Fuel Tank Problem
Chrysler LLC is recalling 19,024 2005 Dodge Durango sport utility vehicles due to an issue with the fuel tank filler tube inlet check valve potentially not fully closing after refueling the vehicle increasing the risk of fire. Owners are encouraged to contact their local dealer as soon as possible and any defects will be replaced free of charge. You may contact Chrysler directly at 1-800-853-1403 or visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's website at Safecar.gov.
Source: Safecar.gov
 
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|  Hybrid SUV Sales Drop 10 Percent
Sales figures from 2008 have come in and hybrid sport utility vehicle purchases have already begun to slow, dropping nearly 10 percent for the year. Toyota ranked number one in hybrid sales for 2008 with 241,000 vehicles sold, Honda as number two with 31,000 vehicles, and Ford in third with 20,000 vehicles sold. Although sales are down, General Motors witnessed a 179 percent growth of their Chevrolet Tahoe and Cadillac Escalade Hybrid SUVs, however no figures were noted by GM.
Source: AutoNews
 
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| Chrysler LLC Confirms New Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee Updates Coming
After lowering costs by $3.4 billion, Chrysler LLC have now announced plans for 24 new vehicle launches from spring 2009 till 2011 which include the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango. The programs will include Chrysler's new ENVI electric vehicle program, their new "Phoenix" V6 engine and potential upgrades from Fiat who now own a 35 percent stake in Chrysler. Italian leather Grand Cherokee seats anyone?
Sources: The Scoop via Autoblog
 
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| |  2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee Spotted In The Wild
Car and Driver have obtained new images of the 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV loaded up with camouflage. You can't see much in the photo but the re-designed Cherokee is expected to have a longer wheelbase, a longer cab to accompany a third row seat, as well as a possible HEMI V8 engine.
Sources: Car and Driver via Autoblog
 
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| |  Land Rover Adds New Turbocharged V6 Diesel Engine
Land Rover announced they will add a new engine to their LR3 and Discovery SUV lineup, borrowing Jaguar's 3.0 liter twin turbocharged V6 diesel engine. Delivering 272 horsepower and 420 foot pounds of torque, the diesel engine offers a 12 percent increase in gas mileage which is a desperate need for the sport utility vehicle. The new motor will be replacing Land Rover's current 2.7 liter TDV6, good for 190 horsepower and 324 foot pounds of torque. Not too shabby, increase in power and fuel efficiency at the same time!
Sources: Autocar via Autoblog
 
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|  Nissan Recalling 242,720 2005-2009 Xterras, Pathfinders, and Frontiers
Nissan is recalling 242,720 2005 to 2009 Pathfinder, Fontier and Xterra vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of Connecticut, Delware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.Full Story... 
 
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| | |  Pre-Friday Beerblog Special: Man Released From Prison, Jacks Car In Prison Parking Lot
This story is so epic I felt like I had to post it early rather than waiting till Friday. Apparently last month, December 14th to be exact, Sean L. Hawkins Jr. was released from Prince George County Jail in Maryland after being released early from his court date. Mr. Hawkins then decided to steal a Toyota 4Runner in the parking lot because he "needed a ride home from jail"...classic!. The 22 year old tacked on further charges for stealing the SUV on top of his charges for originally assaulting his own mother.
Sources: Washington Post via Jalopnik
 
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| |  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Delays Increase In Crash Test Standards
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have delayed passing an increase for higher crash test standards citing a "new ratings system will make it more difficult to achieve top scores and the new standards were scheduled to take effect for the 2010 model year". The adjustment in crash test standards come as a relief for automakers, specifically for companies based in the United States, as tighter standards would cause "more financial headaches". The NHTSA disagrees though, saying "it will make the situation tougher for consumers in the long run".
Sources: Azstarnet via Autoblog.
 
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| | |  Nissan Considers Eliminating Armada and QX45 SUVs, and Titan Pickup Truck
Numerous news sources are claiming that Nissan USA are "strongly considering" on cutting their Armada SUV and Infiniti QX45 luxury SUV from their model line up entirely in the future, as well as replace the Titan pickup truck with their recently announced NV2500 commercial van. What that means for their relationship with Chrysler LLC and the future of the Dodge Ram pickup truck is uncertain, but with Chrysler also strapped for cash, the future for a Nissan pickup or Dodge Ram truck are looking grim.
Sources: Motor Trend via Autoblog
 
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| | First Batch Of Toyota Tundra Pickup Trucks Exported To Latin America
After making an announcement last month, Toyota Motor Company are now beginning to export their "once-popular" Tundra pickup trucks outside of the United States to Latin America, Venezuela to be exact. The trucks are built at the company's San Antonio, Texas plant and so far about 300 trucks have been shipped. Toyota said the event is "the first time Tundras have been exported from the U.S." and they are expected to export "about 1,000 vehicles per year". Toyota also have plans to begin shipping their large scale Sequoia SUV to Latin America as well as the Middle East beginning as early as next year. Toyota Motor Sales President, Jim Lentz, made the comment “Our broad lineup allows us to satisfy customer needs in North America and beyond". Reported by My San Anonio.
 
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| | General Motors Extends Red Tag Savings, Increased Cash Back On Pickup Trucks, SUVs
General Motors are practically giving away vehicles these days in efforts to make a couple bucks. GM have extended their Red Tag Sale by offering an increase in the amount of cash back on 2008 pickup trucks and SUVs, the companies bread and butter vehicles for the past decade. Rebates are ranging anywhere from $5,000 cash back to up to $10,000 on larger diesel trucks. Check out the list of cash back incentives below, and note the Red Tag Sale prices are not included:
* 2008 Chevrolet Equinox: $5,000 cash back
* 2008 GMC Canyon: $5,000 cash back
* 2008 Pontiac Torrent: $5,000 cash back
* 2008 Cadillac SRX: $6,000 cash back
* 2008 Chevrolet Silverado regular cab, extended cab or crew cab: $6,000-$8,000 cash back
* 2008 GMC Sierra regular cab, extended cab or crew cab: $6,000-$8,000 cash back
* 2008 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra heavy duty: $9,000 cash back
* 2008 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra heavy duty diesel: $10,000
* 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe/Avalanche: $8,000 cash back
* 2008 GMC Yukon: $8,000 cash back
* 2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer: $8,000 cash back
* 2008 GMC Envoy: $8,000 cash back
* 2008 Chevrolet Suburban/GMC Yukon XL: $9,000 cash back
* 2008 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT: $10,000 cash back
* 2008 Saab 9-7X: $10,000 cash back
* 2008 Hummer H2: $10,000 cash back
Sources: KickingTires via Autoblog, Yahoo News.
 
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|  Four Wheeler Names Hummer H3T 2009 Pickup Truck of the Year
Four Wheeler magazine, the nation's oldest and most prestigious four-wheel drive enthusiast magazine, and a publication of media and marketing services company Source Interlink Companies, Inc., has named the 2009 Hummer H3T the winner of its coveted Pickup Truck of the Year award. The in-depth competition has been held annually since 1989, and this year marks Hummer's first-ever win. The 2009 competitors' list included four new four-wheel-drive pickup trucks: The H3T, the Dodge Ram, the Ford F-150, and the Suzuki Equator. To qualify, each vehicle had to be entirely new, or sport substantial mechanical revisions from a previous model year, in addition to using a two-speed transfer case.Full Story... 
 
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| Toyota Announces Prices For 2009 Highlander Equipped With New Four-Cylinder Engine
Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., announced manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for the 2009 Highlander Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) equipped with an all-new 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine. With improved fuel efficiency and performance, and an array of standard convenience and safety features, the new four-cylinder model will carry the lowest MSRP in the Highlander lineup at $25,705, offering buyers an excellent value. Pricing for Highlander V6 and Hybrid models were previously announced with MSRP for V6 models ranging from $27,600 for the front-wheel-drive to $34,520 for the full-time four-wheel-drive Limited. Highlander Hybrid MSRP ranges from $34,700 for the four-wheel-drive with intelligence base model to $41,020 for the 4WD-i Limited.Full Story... 
 
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|  Insurance Institute For Highway Safety 2008 Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles List
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety released their top ten list of the most stolen vehicles in 2008 and making the list were a handful of pickup trucks and SUV's including the popular Cadillac Escalade SUV, F-250 and F-350 Super Duty pickup trucks, and two Hummer's. Here is the official list including their average loss per claim on each vehicle:
1.) 2007 Cadillac Escalade ESV: $13,060
2.) 2005-2007 Ford F-250 SuperCrew: $19,250
3.) 2007 Cadillac Escalade: $14,657
4.) 2006-2007 Dodge Charger: $7,047
5.) 2005-2007 Ford F-350 SuperCrew: $20,138
6.) 2005-2007 Hummer H2 SUT: $23,771
7.) 2005-2007 Dodge Magnum: $8,926
8.) 2005-2007 Hummer H2: $18,791
9.) 2005-2007 Dodge Durango: $9,682
10.) Honda S2000 Convertible: $13,624
Sources: IIHS via Jalopnik, Forbes.
 
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| | | |  Land Rover and Jaguar Seek $2 Billion In Bailout Money
According to Drive, Jaguar and Land Rover have both spoken with the British government about receiving separate auto loans to help stay afloat in Europe. The two companies are looking for $2.5 billion in aid as the European market has been hit just as hard as the United States automotive and financial sectors. No further details about the bailout have been reported.
 
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| Nissan Pulls Out Of Auto Shows, No Update On Titan Pickup Truck
Nissan Motor Company have pulled the plug on the North American International Auto Show and Chicago Auto Shows for 2009, siting the troubled economy as the reason and to save money. Nissan recently revealed three new models to its United States line up which now include the Nissan Cube compact, 370z sports car and Infiniti G37. Nissan spokesman, Alan Buddendeck noted "we felt this was probably right now, not the best way to invest marketing money". Buddendeck could not comment on the status of the next generation Titan pickup truck which is slated to be built by Chrysler LLC. Reported by Detroit News.
 
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| | | |  2010 Lexus RX Hybrid SUV Spotted
Carscoop obtained images of the new re-designed 2010 Lexus RX SUV without any camouflage. Some speculation has also rose regarding a 7 passenger longer wheel base version of the RX, similar to the Chevrolet Suburban and Ford Expedition but those rumors have not been confirmed. The new RX350 and RX450 are packed with an updated V6 hybrid motor and we could see these options become available as early as the beginning of next year.
 
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| |  Monday Morning Recap: SEMA Insanity, 2010 SVT Raptor F-150, 2009 F-150 Harley Davidson EditionMore in: Roundup, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, General Motors, GMC, Hummer, Jeep, MOTORZ TV, New Products, Off-Road, Racing, SEMA, Toyota, Website | Comments | Permalink | 78,476 Views
Just in case you crawled under a rock last week and did not get the memo about our SEMA coverage, this weeks "Monday Morning Recap" is comprised of our SEMA coverage from last week including the launch of Ford's SVT Raptor F-150 and sighting of the 2009 Ford F-150 Harley Davidson Edition. MOTORZ also launched their 13th episode, a full how-to installation of an Alpine Electronics stereo system.
For a huge list of all our SEMA blogs from last week, go to live.truckblog.com.
Other Top Stories:
• MOTORZ Episode #13: Alpine Audio Upgrade Installation
• 2009 Ford F-150 Harley Davidson Edition
• Ford Launches New F-150 SVT Raptor Off-Road Pickup Truck
• Ford Motor Company To Add 1,000 New Jobs At F-150 Factory
• Toyota Announces Plans To Export Sequoia And Tundra
• Ford F-150 SVT Raptor R To Race Baja 1000
• Fuel Economy Improvements for 73 percent of 2009 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep Models
• Chevrolet Suburban and Cadillac Escalade to move to Front Wheel Drive Platform
• HUMMER Racing Poised to Cinch Championships at Baja 1000
 
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| |  Chevrolet Suburban and Cadillac Escalade to move to Front Wheel Drive Platform
GM Inside News are reporting that a source from within the General Motors Global Product board has stated the next generation Chevrolet Suburban and Cadillac Escalade sport utility vehicles will move to their updated Lambda platform. Speculation between the decision is believed to be linked to CAFE standards and to move production to "lighter unibody vehicles". The current Lambda structure utilizes a front wheel drive architecture, which would greatly effect the towing capabilities of the current Suburban. Their source also concluded that GM will not touch their pickup truck line.
 
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| | | | Friday Beerblog: Pathetic Products We Hope To Not See At SEMA 2008
As we pre-game for the 2008 SEMA Show and wait for all of the new and cool products that debut next week (that we will be feverishly blogging, hint, hint), there are always a handful of products that remind us of what we definitely should not do to our pickup trucks like...Brake Nutz, Wagon wheels, Truck Antlers, SweetSkinz, Truckshade, InstaSunroof, Antennae Pole Dancers, or Gas powered blenders.
An addition to these products is a pair of machine guns (they're fake...that's what she said) mounted to the hood of a Hummer H2. Pimped out and chromed to match the rest of the SUV, this lame ugly H2 is full of aftermarket parts you just don't add to a truck. Look for yourself.Full Story... 
 
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|  SEMA 2008 Project Truck Mega BlogMore in: Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Hummer, Hybrid, Mercedez-Benz, MOTORZ TV, Off-Road, Project Truckblog, Racing, SEMA, Toyota | Comments | Permalink | 112,124 Views
The 2008 SEMA Show is just days away and over the past couple of months, we've been bringing you the latest project vehicles that will debut next week in Las Vegas, Nevada. These vehicles represent some of the automotive industries most customized rides built by aftermarket parts companies and automotive manufacturers. In addition to these unique vehicles, MOTORZ TV have entered two vehicles in of their own, a 2005 Ford F-150 SuperCrew and a 2006 F-250 SuperDuty Crew Cab. Check out all of the cool rides inside.
Make sure you visit Truckblog.com all week long beginning November 2nd for our Live Blogging! For more details, click here.Full Story... 
 
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|  Monday Morning Recap: SEMA Countdown Begins, Bio Diesel Fuel DIY, MOTORZ TV, and Auto Maker UpdatesMore in: Roundup, Diesel, Dodge, Engine, Ford, Fuel, General Motors, Hybrid, Jeep, Mobile Electronics, MOTORZ TV, Nissan, SEMA | Comments | Permalink | 78,299 Views
The official SEMA 2008 countdown has begun. Exactly one week from today it's going down, Truckblog.com, Las Vegas, right here, right now. A summary of Truckblog's Live Blogging can be found here.
Check out the list below of our top stories from last week:
• Reminder: Truckblog Live Blogging SEMA Show 2008 Begins Nov. 2nd
• Top Gear Season 10 Now on iTunes Along with MOTORZ TV
• AMP Research Product Installation Videos Available on MOTORZ TV
• 2009 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X Offroad Edition Tested
• BioBot Lets You Make Your Own Bio Diesel Fuel
• General Motors' New 4.5 Liter Details Revealed
• SEMA 2008 Preview: Dodge Ram Mopar Street Package
• Sirius XM Radio Inc Dual Radio Receivers To Come In 15 Years
• Maintenance Still Important for Pickup Trucks Driven Less
• 2008 Jeep Patriot Gets Top Crash Test Rating from Auto Safety Group
• Most Powerful Hybrid SUVs Now Offer Best-in-Class Fuel Economy
• 2011 Ford Explorer Spotted, No Longer an SUV
 
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| | | | 2011 Ford Explorer Spotted, No Longer an SUV
Jalopnik obtained images of the newly re-designed 2011 Ford Explorer which features a more "car-like" structure than its previous sport utility vehicle brother, ditching the old "body on frame" construction and using a unibody configuration. Exterior wise, the new Explorer looks to be a clash of the Ford Taurus X and Ford Flex vehicles. Whatever the hell it is, the re-designed look is ugly. FAIL, Ford. Head on over to the story at Jalopnik for more images.
 
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|  Nissan Issues Air Bag Recall, includes Murano SUV
The Detroit News is reporting that Nissan Motor Company have issued a recall of more than 200,000 vehicles which includes their 2007 to 2008 Murano sports utility vehicle, to fix a sensor system error that involves the passenger side air bag. The electronic component can interrupt a signal within the sensor, preventing the passenger air bag from deploying. A spokesman for Nissan stated there have "been no injuries or crashes" and that "most of the recalled vehicles are in the United States".
 
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| | Monday Morning Roundup: MOTORZ, SEMA, Fuel Prices, and moreMore in: Roundup, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Diesel, Ford, Fuel, General Motors, Nissan, Suspension, Toyota | Comments | Permalink | 75,815 Views
Our pre-SEMA show coverage continues with four more project vehicles that were added last week including trucks from Chrysler & Dodge and Screet Scene Equipment. A new episode of MOTORZ was uploaded which covered the install of a AMP Research Bed X-Tender on a 2008 GMC pickup truck, a gas station charged only 35 cents causing a fueling frenzy, and General Motors announced more SUV factory closures.
Check out the list of stories below:
• MOTORZ Episode #12 Bed X-Tender Online
• Oil Prices Drop As Fast As Auto Sales, OPEC in 'Crisis Mode', Calls Urgent Meeting
• Toyota Motor Corporation To Export U.S. Built Pickup Truck and SUVs
• General Motors And Chrysler LLC Merger
• Skyjacker Suspension Releases 2 Inch Leveling Kit For GM And Chevrolet Pickup Trucks
• General Motors Closing SUV Factories in Wisconsin and Michigan
• Chryslers Re-Designed 2011 Nissan Titan Revealed
• Gas Station Accidently Charges 35 Cents Per Gallon, Happy Customers!
• GMAC Financing Now Requires Minimum 700 Credit Score for Auto Loans
 
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| |  Toyota Motor Corporation To Export U.S. Built Pickup Truck and SUVs
We first brought you this story back in May but now it is officially official. Toyota Motor Corporation have made the decision to begin exporting vehicles that have been built here in the United States. Those vehicles include the Toyota Tacoma, Sienna van, Sequoia SUV, and the Tundra pickup truck. The vehicles will be shipped to Latin America and the Middle East, where markets are currently thriving. Toyota commented and said the company "doesn't want to idle its plants if it can help it". Reported by Autoblog.
 
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| General Motors Closing SUV Factories in Wisconsin and Michigan
CNN Money is reporting that General Motors will be closing two more sport utility vehicle factories in Grand Rapids, Michigan and Janesville, Wisconsin by the end of next year, cutting nearly 3,000 jobs. General Motors spokesman, Chris Lee said the "Janesville plant's 1,200 workers represented by the United Auto Workers were told the factory would be shuttered December 23, earlier than GM had expected". Three other factories that produce pickup truck sand sport utility vehicles are on the chopping block too, set to close by 2010.
 
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|  Monday Morning Roundup: More SEMA NewsMore in: Roundup, Diesel, Dodge, Engine, Fuel, General Motors, GMC, Jeep, Safety, SEMA, Toyota, Wheels | Comments | Permalink | 76,774 Views
Last week we bought you two new SEMA project trucks, the Turbonetics 2009 F-150 and ICON's Toyota FJ45 classic pickup truck. The 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Crew Cab truck was put to the test, as well as Toyota placing the Tundra Heavy Duty under its own tests of whether or not the truck will survive. General Motors and Toyota Motor Corporation both announced huge savings deals on new vehicles, and Ford's new 6.7 liter diesel engine was spotted.
Check out these exciting stories below:
• 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Crew Cab Put To The Test
• Ford's New 6.7 Liter Scorpion Diesel Engine Spotted
• SEMA 2008 Preview: Turbonetics 2009 Ford F-150
• SEMA 2008 Preview: ICON Toyota FJ45 Classic Pickup Truck
• Mickey Thompson Performance Tires and Wheels Introduces New SideBiter Wheel
• Toyota Announces Zero Percent Financing on 11 Models including Pickup Trucks and SUVs
• Toyota Second Guesses Full Ton Diesel Truck Segment, Tundra Pulls Back Too
• Bush Administration Says it Needs More Time for Roof Strength Rule
• Jeep CJ-7 Transformed Into General Lee
• General Motors Launches 0 Percent Financing for 6 Years or 7K Cash Back
 
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|  Mercedes Benz Recalls 102,954 M-Class Sport Utility Vehicles
Mercedes Benz are recalling 102,954 M-Class sport utility vehicles due to a problem with the power steering system. A clamp securing the cooling hose to the power steering fluid cooler may come loose and can result in a total loss of control of the vehicle, potentially causing an accident. The recall has started immediately and Mercedes Benz urges customers to have their vehicles serviced as soon as possible. Owners with any questions can contact their local dealer or visit www.mbusa.com. Reported by MarketWatch.
 
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| General Motors Launches 0 Percent Financing for 6 Years or 7K Cash Back
According to Freep, General Motors Corporation have initiated another a new campaign that offers zero percent financing for up to six years or the option of $7,000 cash back on all 2008 model vehicles. The new campaign expires November 3rd and replaces the current employee discount pricing. GM is also offering free financing for up to 72 months on their popular sport utility vehicles including the Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon, and GMC Yukon XL.
 
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| | | |  General Motors to Close Sport Utility Vehicle Factory in Ohio, Plus Three Others
General Motors Corporation announced Friday afternoon they will shut down their sport utility vehicle plant in Ohio on December 23rd, as the company shifts production over to smaller vehicles. Additional plants also made the list in Janesville, Wisconsin, Oshawa, Ontario and Toluca, Mexico, resulting in a loss of approximately 8,350 jobs by 2010. The decisions were made based off of an "accelerated shutdown" that is related to the company cutting costs. Reported by Detroit News.
 
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| | Monday Morning Roundup: SEMA Galore, Truckblog to Go Big at ShowMore in: Roundup, Dodge, Ford, Hummer, International, MOTORZ TV, Performance, SEMA, Suspension, Toyota | Comments | Permalink | 98,649 Views
The largest story from last week was the announcement of Truckblog's Live Blogging at the 2008 SEMA Show which is less than one month away. With that announcement, there has also been some news regarding manufacturers and their individual project vehicles for the show. Check out the new "SEMA trucks" below, along with a re-cap of news from last week.
• Truckblog Live Blogging SEMA Show 2008 Begins November 2nd
• MOTORZ Episode 11: Learn how to Install a Hellwig Sway Bar
• MOTORZ TV To Be Displayed All Over 2008 SEMA Show
• SEMA 2008 Preview: Toyo Tires Custom Toyota Tundra
• SEMA 2008 Preview: Performance West Group Ford F-150 Striker R, the little brother
• Transformers Revenge Of The Fallen Hummer H3 Found with Optimus Prime
• K&N High-Flow Intake System for 2007 to 2008 Dodge Ram Cummins 6.7L Diesel
• United States Senate Approves $25 Billion Automotive Industry Loans
• International Truck and Engine Corp Cancels XT Model Line Pickup Trucks
• Toyota Tundra Adds Two New TRD Packages
 
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