by admin on April 9, 2009
This weekend, movie goers flocked to theaters to see fast cars and furious action in the fourth installment of “Fast & Furious.” The movie about street racers smashed records and thus far had the largest opening box office record of the year.
Although the movie and its sequels are not known for great acting performances, nor are they known for well-thought out plots, the movies excite movie goers young and old thanks to the unique rides and fast car chases. The latest installment also brings back the original film’s cast, including Paul Walker and Vin Diesel. With the action-packed car chases and the appeal of the original cast, Fast & Furious was able to growing $72.5 million in its first weekend alone, leaving Watchmen and Monsters v. Aliens in its dust. Los Angeles Toyota dealers say the movies appeal to a subculture that’s prevalent in the Los Angeles area. Cheap speed is what fuels many real-life street racers, but some cars featured in the movie can easily have cost $100K or more.
It would be safe to assume that these movies have been aided by teenage boys flocking to theaters, but demographic information has shown that nearly half of the audience seeing the movie was female, and about forty percent were older than 25. According to Birmingham Honda, car lovers are simply unpredictable.
The fourth installment of the Fast & Furious made a substantial amount of money in its first three days. It even made more than Spielberg’s last installment of Jurassic Park, which Buffalo Suzuki says just goes to show that fast cars and intense car chases make for an excellent movie experience. [click to continue…]
by admin on March 16, 2009
Acura competes against some of the toughest competition in the business, going against the likes of Lexus, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Infiniti. Although Acura offers a strong product lineup, there are plenty of drivers that think the Acura brand is not quite on par with the premium brands it competes against.
With Acura facing issues concerning brand perception, Honda and Acura dealers alike, including Acura Trenton, are hoping that they will be able to alter perceptions and turn Acura into a major league luxury player. That is precisely what has caused dealers such as Dave Conant in Los Angeles to pour $20 million into his dealership, helping to give customers top notch service and amenities along with top notch luxury cars.
Acura corporate is also working hard to satisfy customers and dealers alike. According to one Pittsburgh Acura dealer, Acura dealers nationwide are raising expectations and as a result the automaker is rushing to build its reputation via its products, marketing, and dealer network. However, these improvements will not happen overnight, and will likely bear fruit in the long-term. Meanwhile, a BMW dealer Los Angeles believes that any brand in the luxury segment should exude quality, from the products to vehicle service. This is why the dealership experience is just as important as the cars themselves.
Unlike other automotive segments, the premium segment requires much more to excite customers. One dealership that specializes in Toyota parts and accessories says that technology is now so advanced and affordable that many features once reserved for high-buck autos are now widely available, even among affordable compacts. This has placed more emphasis on service and dealer amenities, which many Acura dealerships are ready to deliver. [click to continue…]
by admin on February 11, 2009
Times have been tough for the Detroit Big Three, but times have also been tough on the Japanese Big Three. In recent months, the largest Asian automakers, Toyota, Honda, and Nissan, have been forced to cut production, cut jobs, and alter product releases due to dismal financial results and poor sales. Clearly, the economic concerns extend well beyond Detroit and truly involves everyone from around the world.
While the slip in Japanese sales and profits has not been quite has steep as those of the domestic automakers, the time has come for Japanese automakers to follow the same path. This week Nissan has announced it will be cutting just over 8 percent of its workforce, thanks to a $2.9 billion loss expected for this fiscal year.
Despite steep losses, Nissan plans to uphold its current aggressive product development schedule. Included is Nissan’s upcoming electric vehicle, which Hartford Nissan says remains a high priority according to Nissan management.
Honda also has forecasted trouble ahead, reducing its earnings forecast by about 57 percent. While a profit is still expected according to Honda Philadelphia, Honda has preemptively cut salaries among board members and senior managers. Toyota, now the world’s largest automaker, has also shed salaries, cut production, and expects a loss of about $5 billion. Further cutbacks are also expected. That being said, Westminster Toyota dealers see new vehicles such as the Venza crossover and the all-new Toyota Prius hybrid to boost sales momentum. Already, Irvine Toyota dealers have seen demand for the Venza due to heavy Superbowl advertising and other current incentives.
While all automakers are hurt by dwindling sales here in the U.S., the automotive markets in Europe and Japan are also seeing declining auto sales. Even popular vehicles, such as the Toyota Prius hybrid, are facing declining sales as potential car buyers steer away from new car showrooms. In fact, a Toyota plant in Mississippi cut production of the Highlander in order to produce additional Prius vehicles. However, production there has been postponed, even as interest in the Prius has remained high.
With the U.S. auto market being particularly challenging these days, this year is looking to be a tough one for automakers and car dealers alike. While forecasts already look grim, many industry analysts are expecting the worst, with even more declines ahead in 2009. [click to continue…]
by admin on February 10, 2009
The mantra that ‘bigger is better’ is certainly leaving our vocabulary when it comes to cars. No longer is oversized, gas guzzling SUVs in vogue. Instead, smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles are all the rage. However, these fuel efficient, easy-to-maneuver offerings aren’t necessarily the safest on the road.
Whether you’re buying a truck, an SUV, or a subcompact, all cars must adhere to strict safety regulations. While this helps provide drivers with a certain level of safety and peace of mind regardless of what vehicle one may purchase, a Honda dealer Los Angeles say it doesn’t necessarily guarantee the level of safety you’ll receive in real world driving. This is why it’s important to do your research before heading to the dealership to truly gauge how safe a car may be. Luckily, there are plenty of resources to do exactly that.
Perhaps the best resource for safety information is the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS). This nonprofit is supported by the insurance industry, and does extensive safety testing on just about every vehicle on the road. In addition to gauging the safety of a car’s design and how well its safety features work, one Westminster Toyota dealer says the IIHS also does a number of studies to find trends when it comes to vehicle safety. For example, the data below indicates Highest Rates of Driver Death rates between the years of 2001 and 2004.
One factor that this study found is that size and weight plays a large role when it comes to safety. Although today’s advanced safety features help minimize fatality rates in any size vehicle, real world driving has plenty to do with plain physics, which Auto Body Pittsburgh can certainly agree with. This is why many of the vehicles with the highest fatality rates were small cars, while the vehicles with the lowest fatality rates were larger cars.
Recent years has seen auto safety change dramatically. In fact, Kia dealers Denver have seen dramatic changes in Kia vehicles alone. First the advanced safety features are very much mainstream. Even seat belts are used more than just a decade ago. But speeds have also increased over the years, as the national speed limit used to be only 55 mpg. With greater speeds, but safer cars, physics is playing a larger role in car accidents and in fatalities.
Even more recent research conducted by the IIHS shows that the highest personal injuries occurred among smaller 2005 to 2007 model year vehicles. While the data is a bit daunting, and is often a concern among Toyota dealers Anaheim, the question then becomes, should you buy a larger car to protect your safety?
Overall, the rate of fatalities has not gone up as more consumers have abandoned larger vehicles in favor of smaller cars. This is an important consideration according to Hyundai Albany when wondering whether a larger car will guarantee your safety. All indicators show that smaller cars are getting safer, despite the higher rates of fatalities.
Regardless, when considering a new vehicle, one Pittsburgh Kia dealer always reminds customers that it’s important to consult the IIHS or NHTSA websites in order to find how the vehicles held up in crash test reports. The most popular vehicles will certainly have crash information, while low volume vehicles will not have any data if there is low sales volume. However, most of the new models rank well, and usually receive four or five star ratings.
Ultimately, in the coming years, Saturn Denver believes that technology will play an increasingly larger role in new vehicle safety. It’s new technology that allows new subcompacts such as the Honda Fit to have a top crash test rating. Electronic stability control, front and side airbags, and a slew of other now common safety features are relatively new, and were not even available on the Chevrolet Blazer in the study referenced above.
As more technology becomes infused into the vehicles we drive, regardless of size, it’s likely that we’ll be able to minimize or reduce the severity of crashes. However, that being said, good driver behavior will never be substituted by the most advanced safety features. [click to continue…]
by admin on February 4, 2009
General Motors, after reining as the 77 years as the world’s largest automaker, has lost its title after 2008 sales figures have stalled. GM’s sales had put the automaker in second place behind that of Toyota. GM sales in 2008 were 8.36 million vehicles, while Toyota sold 8.97 million vehicles.
After losing its long-held title, GM realizes that the future will be long and arduous, and sales within its core market, North America, have declined dramatically, and show no sign of improving any time soon. For GM dealers like Detroit Chevrolet dealers, they too realize the road ahead will hold plenty of challenges. In addition, GM’s sales marked the first point since 1982 that annual sales have fallen below 10 million vehicles, making this a historic decline for the automaker.
Auto sales in the U.S. have plummeted as demand for new cars have weakened along with the economy. Aside from consumer sales, Hartford Chevrolet dealers have also noted that fleet sales and the rental car business have also suffered in recent months. Based on these numbers, it’s also expected that GM, Chrysler, and Ford may also be reducing production further.
The federal stimulus packages from the government are increasingly seen as vital lifelines to keep the automakers, including GM, afloat. Even Los Angeles Ford dealers see federal aid as a vital component to keeping the domestic auto industry alive. However, despite poor sales in the vital North American and European markets, GM did see sales gains in developing regions in Asia, Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East. Despite sales declines in Toyota sales as well, it was no surprise that Toyota was able to rise above GM this year. [click to continue…]
by admin on January 20, 2009
The Detroit Auto Show has already started off on a bad foot before the doors to the convention hall had even opened, with numerous automakers, including Nissan and Mitsubishi, deciding to forgo the once mighty North American International Auto Show. However, this week it seems that Detroit may not be the only show of the auto show season to get a bump start.
The Japan Automobile Manufacturers’ Association has indicated that its 2009 Tokyo Motor Show may be canceled. Potential cancellation has stemmed from fewer automakers worldwide deciding to participate in the show suggest Nissan O’Fallon. This year will mark the 41st Tokyo Motor Show, and may be the first to be canceled in that time. The theme of this year’s show is “Fun driving for us, eco driving for earth.”
Many in the auto industry would like the show to go on. Members of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers’ Association feel that the show can be a symbol of industrial prosperity and a sign the industry. Massachusetts Used Subaru points out that the industry has faced plenty of negative attention lately and by ensuring the show goes on it will illustrate the industry is actually healthy and in good standing. Unfortunately, many industry experts feel that that outlook is a bit out of touch with reality. Overall auto sales have fallen dramatically over the past year, with consumers continuing to stay clear of dealerships worldwide. As a result, automakers have been forced to cut costs, including the marketing budgets that enable them to attend auto shows.
Although many Japanese and German automakers have already signed up to attend the Tokyo Motor Show, it’s believed that the Big Three may not have signed up to attend, which according to Nissan Service St Louis would create somewhat of a void at the show. While some of the Detroit Auto Show’s attendees bailed out, it’s hoped that the Japanese Big Three will remain committed to the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show. Otherwise, their absence may spell an unforeseen end to this year’s show.
While JAMA considers its options on how to hold the event, or have it at all, we’ll see how this month’s auto sales influence the outcome. [click to continue…]
by admin on January 15, 2009
All drivers are no doubt enjoying the current price of gas, which has fallen dramatically since the record high gas prices we faced during summer. While this is certainly an exciting relief, some expect it’s a bad sign of things to come.
It was only when gas prices spiked that consumers and the media turned against the Big Three for producing truck- and SUV-heavy lineups. It seemed like overnight consumers and critics began demanding compacts and hybrids, rather than snapping up their bulky sport utilities like they had done previously. As a result, Detroit did their best to respond, introducing new plans such as the Chevrolet Volt, or Chrysler electric sports car, Jeep, and minivan. Ford also introduced new hybrid plans.
While the promise of these cars sounds extremely encouraging, there are unforeseen problems with these plug-in hybrids, fuel cells, and electric vehicles. When they finally become available in dealer showrooms, such as Hartford Chrysler dealers which are eagerly anticipated the all-new Chevy Volt, they will come with steep price tags. While the technology and the efficiency will no doubt get consumers excited and even drive them to dealers, the premiums may be too much to make them strong sellers, especially if the current recession looms for several years. What if gas prices remain low? Orlando Chevrolet dealers and others wonder, will consumers still demand and flock to these new cars that are making their way down the pipeline at domestic and Japanese automakers?
Consumers are fickle, and should gas prices remain low, Louisville Chevy admit it could be interesting to see if these new cars will sit on dealer lots in the same way SUVs and trucks are sitting on dealer lots right now. Perhaps we’ll see another public outcry for the automakers to build vehicles that consumer want to buy. While it may seem an unlikely scenario, time will be the judge. [click to continue…]
by admin on December 1, 2008
The bailout package for Detroit has sparked controversy and mixed feelings as some have felt that the Big Three brought trouble on to themselves. But with many others hoping the government will step-in soon to provide vital financial help, it isn’t only American drivers hoping for a bailout. Toyota and other Japanese automakers also endorse the use of federal aid to keep General Motors, Chrysler, and Ford out of bankruptcy and in the marketplace.
Toyota recently released statements that uphold the notion of a bailout for the Big Three. Toyota is in support of any initiative that helps the automotive industry. While this may seem unusually for a competitor of the Big Three to hope for their survival, a Toyota dealer Cheyenne say it makes much more sense than it may initially seems.
The dynamics of the auto industry are such that the fate of each are intertwined with each other, and as such as Toyota and Honda hope for the survival of GM and Chrysler, even if it seems counter intuitive on the surface. First, Asian automakers produce 3 million vehicles per year at facilities within the U.S. If the Big Three fell into bankruptcy, the Asian automakers fear that their own production may be in jeopardy, as a Cleveland used Toyota notes Toyota accessory and parts suppliers may also be sucked into financial peril with a Big Three bankruptcy.
With a great amount of overlap between those supplying the automakers, Birmingham Honda dealers think it will be inevitable that the production will be disrupted due a potential bankruptcy. It could take months before Toyota or another automaker would be able to stabilize production and return operations back to normal.
Asian automakers have made steady gains in the North American market in recent years. With manufacturing and dealer operations working in their favor, one used car dealer boston believes that Japanese automakers don’t want to mess with a good thing and see Detroit place strain on their manufacturing output.
But manufacturing isn’t the only area where a Big Three bankruptcy will cause intense strain. Dealers in the U.S. often sell a combination of domestic and overseas brands such as Spokane Chevy. Not only would inventory be affected, but dealers also believe that a Big Three failure would also eat away at the already low demand for new cars. November auto sales saw substantial declines in demand, causing a 26-year low for auto sales.
The U.S. remains the largest market for Toyota, Honda, and Nissan, which is why a stable market, with the Big Three alive and well, is essential to helping theses automakers maintain momentum. Already, weak overall demand in the U.S. has forced Japanese automakers to lower their sales projections, which is why the automakers, points out one Pittsburgh Honda dealer, are hoping for any measure that will bring stability to the industry and bring about consumer confidence.
With weak sales and a poor economy, Toyota and other automakers are simply not immune to sales and production issues. For example, this week Toyota cut its plans to open a new manufacturing facility in Mississippi. The plant was scheduled to produce the next generation Toyota Prius, which has previously been in high demand at Toyota Albuquerque and elsewhere across the country.
It’s expected that the Japanese automakers would gain greater market share should a Detroit automaker fail. However, Nissan Tacoma fears that having to sell inventory of the failed brand would depress the prices of new cars throughout the inventory, at least in the short term.
While the failure of a U.S. automaker could place strain on Japanese automakers, it could open doors for others. An Indian or Chinese automaker, for example, could purchase assets of the failed company and become a low cost option for American consumers. India’s Tata and China’s Geely are two such automakers that are gaining ground in developing markets, and may see such an opportunity to enter the lucrative U.S. market cost effectively. Regardless, Acura Auto Service Pittsburgh and others in the auto industry feel that a ripple effect will eventually reach them from the fall out of a Big Three bankruptcy.
Having upstart companies from overseas compete within the U.S. is nothing new. Korean automakers have slowly been carving out their own market share for years, with more even greater moment in recent years thanks to attractive, high-value models says Hyundai Chicago dealers. But by piggybacking off of the assets, design, and dealer network of a U.S. automaker, an Indian or Chinese automaker would have the opportunity to grab market share at a quicker pace than their Korean rivals.
To prevent upstarts maintain the inroads they’ve gained over decades of hard short, Japanese automaker such as Toyota are hoping for the survival of GM, Chrysler, and Ford. They also don’t want to see an upstart automaker make inroads in the wake of a domestic automaker’s failure. [click to continue…]
