The 14th episode of MOTORZ launched last week during our "downtime" here at Truckblog, and shows you how to install a Katzkin Leather Interior on a Ford F-150 pickup truck.
You can view the latest episode online at our videos page, as well as on the MOTORZ website and Apple iTunes. Soon we'll be announcing another location you can view our videos at, and it's HUGE! Stay tuned!
Airaid received the "Best New Off-Road/4-Wheel Drive Product" award at SEMA earlier this month for their cold air intake system for the 2007 to 2009 GM Silverado HD trucks equipped with the Duramax Diesel. The system itself improves power, performance and economy numbers. It features an Airaid premium filter with SynthaFlow technology and comes with complete hardware and instructions. For more information visit www.airaid.com.
Ford is offering a first-ever bonus incentive tied to fuel-efficient vehicles, extending an extra benefit to customers beyond "Employee Pricing Plus" deals it's already offering across its 2009 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicle lineup. Customers who buy one of the company's nine most fuel-efficient Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicles will be offered the bonus incentive of 0 percent financing from Ford Credit for 36 months in addition to Employee Pricing. The fuel-efficient vehicles include...
In an article from MSNBC.com, while the Detroit Big three meet on Capitol Hill this week to discuss the $25 billion dollar bail out plan, it seems that General Motors may have a plan of their own- filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Without any federal action or help, the weakening auto maker may be forced to file for bankruptcy as soon as the end of the year. Filing for chapter 11 would allow the auto giant to achieve bankruptcy protection and protect itself from creditors while they reorganize their company.
The United States Senate have agreed to "call off" their planned vote this week over the $25 billion dollar bail out to Detroit's big three automakers, General Motors, Ford Motor Company and Chrysler LLC. Harry Reid, the Senate's Majority Leader, announced that he wanted to "figure out some way to help Detroit's struggling Big Three" but "efforts to do so had stalled". That stalling came as congressional Republicans rejected the Democrats plan to pull $25 billion from the $700 billion dollar package given to Wall Street for the financial crisis. General Motors Corporation CEO, Rick Wagoner warned the company "could run out of money by early next year" and said the company would need "$10 to $12 billion" in loans. Chrysler LLC CEO Robert Nardelli also pleaded, saying Chrysler "could be dangerously close by the end of this quarter" to being bankrupt and is seeking "full financial transparency with the government". The situation seemed to be slightly different for Ford Motor Company's CEO, Alan Mulally, who said the company "didn't need immediate funds unless the economy turned much worse next year" but was interested in seeking some $7 billion in loans. No further details have been announced. Reported by Detroit News.
Truckblog is back online! Our network of websites including Muscle Car Blog and Truck Hownd, were down for maintenance all last week and received a new server upgrade at the same time. You will notice the site runs a lot faster because of the changes! There are a few bugs still being worked out but a majority of the website should be running smoothly. If not, let us know by going to our contact page.
According to Gasbuddy.com, gasoline prices continue to fall to a national average of $2.11 per gallon in comparison to the $2.76 one year ago. The national average is one of the lowest prices since 2005, a relief not often felt since then. Lucky motorists in Tulsa, Oklahoma are only paying $1.69 per gallon, the lowest price in the country. If you want to save a buck or two on gasoline for your truck, head on over to Gasbuddy.com's Map Gas Pricing page.
Chrysler LLC has decided to seek a new buyer for their failing company, leaving their talks with General Motors behind. Both companies are facing daunting challenges for recovering their businesses and both keep laying off more workers in addition to closing factories. A merger of the two companies would not benefit either one, except for Cerberus Capital Management and their own finances whom own Chrysler LLC. What may help both of the companies is not the merger itself, but economic help from the United States' Federal Government for a bailout. But that bailout will also come as an expense to the U.S. taxpayer, which is not agreed upon with taxpayers. What will happen is still to come. Reported by Freep.
Advantage Truck Accessories Inc. has announced the introduction of a new side arm clamp for use with its folding tonneau covers. The patented clamp is ergonomically designed to operate by pulling the lever toward the person, not requiring awkward downward pressure that the company claims frequently causes other clamps to become displaced or otherwise fail to properly engage. For more information visit www.advantagetruckaccessories.com.
Founded in 1948, Warn Industries has gone from a small shop in the Pacific Northwest to the worldwide leader in off-road products and accessories. To celebrate the company's 60th Anniversary, WARN® is releasing a limited-edition version of its iconic M8274 electric winch, called the M8274-60. For decades, the M8274 has been a favorite of off-road enthusiasts because of its fast line speeds, extra-long rope, and exceptional durability.
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.
Although General Motors are struggling with selling vehicles on dealer lots resulting to their huge third quarter losses, GM is working on a new version of the presidential vehicle called "Cadillac One", a stretched Cadillac DTS for the Presidential-Elect, Barack Obama. Based off of a GMC TopKick heavy duty truck platform, the Cadillac will essentially be transformed into a portal bunker for the new president. The United States Secret Service will not release any specific details about the vehicle, to help protect the future president. Reported by Boston.
Nissan North America, Inc. today announced its Nissan NV2500 Concept, which makes its public debut in early January at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. One of the largest concepts vehicle ever created by Nissan, the innovative NV2500 Concept previews the company’s entry into the North American Commercial Vehicle (CV) market in 2010 and is designed to highlight multi-purpose utility solutions in the real world.
The official start of winter may be still be a month away, but Infiniti is launching its annual Limited Engagement Winter Event now. In addition to the best deals of the year on its complete line of luxury performance automobiles, Infiniti also is offering zero percent financing for 36 months on all 2008 models. Longer term financing also is available and attractive lease deals remain an option for Infiniti buyers.
Today GM released their third quarter results which included the following statement, I wanted to share with you: “In addition, we have recently explored the possibility of a strategic acquisition that we believed would generate significant cost reduction synergies and substantially strengthen our financial position in the medium and long term, while being neutral or modestly positive to cash flow even in the near term. While the acquisition could potentially have provided significant benefits..."
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.
Edmunds Inside Line were lucky enough to get their hands on a 2008 Toyota TRD Supercharged Tundra pickup truck and see what it can do. With 22 inch wheels stock, 16 inch big brakes and 504 horsepower & 550 foot pounds of torque under the hood, the TRD supercharged Tundra is one to compare with the Ford Lightning...some may say. You'll have to head on over to their website to read their review and check out their video feature of the new pickup truck.
In an article by the Detroit Free Press, General Motors Corporation will initiate temporary shut downs of plants and "indefinitely" lay off about 3,600 workers beginning early next year in response to the horrible financial reports released on Friday. Production will also be reduced beginning in January or February. General Motors spokesman, Tony Sapienza stated in an interview "the changes are intended to better align production with the recent steep decline in U.S. consumer demand for new vehicles". The plants that are effected by the shut down are the following: Lansing Delta Township, Oshawa, Hamtramck, Wentsville, Bowling Green, Lordstown, Spring Hill, Fairfax, Orion, and Lansing Grand River.
