Had no idea so many states and provinces allowed them. Don't really miss mine - big pain changing out the wheels or going to the tire shop twice a year.
"The federal government’s exit from General Motors Co., set for the end of the year, may officially close the era of “Government Motors.”
But the expected $10 billion loss on American taxpayers’ $49.5 billion investment in the automaker won’t end raging philosophical debate on the auto bailouts, their cost or their necessity.
Smart money is demonstrating that it believes the new GM really is for real. And, second, the “Government Motors” rap will continue to recede with the sale of the government’s stake and the exhaustion of an ideological argument undermined by GM’s sales numbers, financial results and inconvenient facts decoupled from political point-scoring."
(The "smart money" is mostly referring to Warren Buffett).
"Had no idea so many states and provinces allowed them. Don't really miss mine - big pain changing out the wheels or going to the tire shop twice a year. "
But if your vehicle has summer tires on it, winter tires are almost a necessity and even the best all season tires really aren't very good on ice/snow.
My brother has a set of Blizzaks for his Fuison Sport and they are very impressive in snow and ice. I'm thinking about getting a set for my Ram.
The Nokians may be too good; drove the Subaru a couple of hours today in a couple of inches and kept finding myself speeding. Seems like there should be more Subies here but most people have 4x4 trucks I guess (the one Subaru dealer is outnumbered by the truck shops too).
"Edmunds.com, the premier resource for car shopping and automotive information, forecasts that 1,196,663 new cars and trucks will be sold in the U.S. in November for an estimated Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate (SAAR) of 15.7 million. The projected sales will be a 0.7 percent decrease from October 2013, but a 4.7 percent increase from November 2012."
Despite the puff from CR, F-150 still is the best.
In the full-size category, the Ford F-Series generated 42% of the industry's November sales. GM's two core twins, the second-ranked Silverado and fourth-ranked Sierra, produced 31.4% of the full-size segment's sales; the third-ranked Ram P/U another 19.1%. This left crumbs for the Toyota Tundra and Nissan Titan, which owned 6.4% and 0.8% of the full-size truck market, respectively.
"North America’s largest and the world’s second-largest automaker said Tuesday it had the best November since 2007, delivering 212,060 units, up 14 percent from November 2012 on stronger demand for all of GM’s popular models. All four of the company’s groups (Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC) increased in the double digits, leading GM to tout itself as growing faster than the industry for the second consecutive month.
General Motors said it expects the seasonally adjusted annualized rate (SAAR) for the U.S. auto market to touch 16 million units, which, if realized, would make November a tie with August as the best SAAR month for the year. The SAAR is closely watched because it adjusts for seasonal fluctuations in consumer habits -- people are more likely to buy a car in August than in April, for example.
Next month should see total 2013 U.S. auto sales coming close to levels seen before the 2008-09 auto industry crisis that sent GM into Chapter 11 reorganization that cost the taxpayer at least $10 billion (and rising as the U.S. Treasury rushes to exit partial ownership of the company), which doesn’t include the hit the taxpayer took from bailing out GM’s financing division, now known as the Detroit-based bank holding company Ally Financial.
But let’s look at more positive GM performance:
"GM's rapid release of new models couldn’t have been better timed," said Karl Brauer, senior analyst at automotive pricing and information provider Kelley Blue Book. "With the average car on the road more than 11 years old, consumers are ready for something new, and GM is offering the newest product line-up of any manufacturer. The automaker is increasing overall sales even as its fleet sales drop, confirming GM’s success with consumers while improving its profitability."
Buick sales are up 13.4 percent to 15,072 units on demand for the Regal luxury executive sedan. Cadillac increased 11.4 percent to 16,172 as buyers continued to drive the Cadillac ATS compact luxury car and its full-size counterpart, the XTS. GM is putting out these brands as its bid to compete against German and Japanese luxury globally, and so far U.S. demand shows promise.
Chevrolet’s popular offers continued to see strong sales growth, lifting the group 12.6 percent to 145,089. Big risers included the Impala full-size sedan (up 20.2 percent to 13,418), the Malibu mid-size car and the Silverado pickup truck (up 12.2 percent to 34,386). The Cruze compact and Equinox mid-size crossover both saw high single-digit sales growth.
GMC’s boat was lifted on a 22 percent climb in deliveries of the Sierra pickup truck and a more than doubling of demand for the Acadia crossover, to 7,566.
“November sales were strong at all four of our brands, and demand was robust for everything from cars to crossovers to the industry’s newest and best full-size pickups,” said Kurt McNeil, GM’s vice president for U.S. sales, said in announcing November’s numbers."
The good news continues for GM. Motor Trend picked the 2014 CTS Car of the Year, and Car and Driver now has 2 GM cars on their 10 best list...The new CTS V-sport and the new Corvette.
Motor Trend liked the new CTS so much they proclaimed it better than the German competition. Not better for the money but better period.
“Ford is doing extremely well in profit margins and average transaction prices, and they don’t want to give that up,” said Michelle Krebs, an auto analyst at Edmunds.com. “It’s not about pure volume, it’s profit and volume."
GM plans to mostly withdraw its Chevrolet brand from Europe, in a reversal of its global strategy for that brand. The "mostly" is because the Corvette and possibly one or two other niche models will continue to be sold there. My guess is that the next generation Camaro will also be available in Europe, since the 2015 Mustang will be sold there.
GM has been debating how to deal with the product overlap between Chevrolet and Opel/Vauxhall in Europe. Dropping Chevy will solve that.
Chevrolets will continue to be sold in Russia and some other markets in the region.
My first reaction was that this isn't a good decision, but I read that GM has been losing money in Europe every year since 2000. Reducing redundancy is part of the plan for returning to profitability in Europe, so from a business perspective the decision makes sense. The Opel and Vauxhall brands are well established whereas Chevrolet is a relative new comer.
IMHO, it makes sense to drop the Chevrolet brand in Europe. I believe the plan was to move Opel a bit upscale and for Chevy to replace it as an entry/mid level brand. But Opel wasn't able to move up the food chain and I'm sure the management there pointed at the Chevy brand as a problem for Opel to maintain sales in its traditional market segments.
Opel dealers will offer Corvettes and Camaros and Cadillac will open it's own dealerships.
...and to add to this thought, I read in the January issue of Automobile that Akerson just OK'd $5 billion for Opel to use to regain its former market position.
Even the most ardent CR-admirer I think would have to question some of their editing lately.
They recently said the Cruze had slipped in reliability; yet they highlight it in the auto section of their 'Hot' issue that's out right now and mention not a thing about that, only how they liked it. Also, they say good things in the same section about the '14 Malibu, yet show a price of over $33K. I believe that has to be a typo....a very unfortunate one.
The Fusion isn't mentioned in that section.
2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
Saw a 2014 Impala today. Burgundy/maroon color and looked very nice. Except maybe that crease up high on the rear doors. Anybody know how sales are doing? Are dealers marking up this car?
My nearest dealer is ever-so-slightly discounting four-cylinder cars. I know V6's were not being discounted as of a couple months ago there. Haven't looked lately. I still very-much like the car and wish I were in the market for one. I wish I could even drive one.
2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
Well in any event you could conceivably buy a stripped down, bare bones, zero option Malibu for $22K. No floor mats, no chrome door handles, no front license plate bracket, no nav, no camera, no heated seats, no spoiler, no backup assist.
Not many people will buy it like that, so really---what's real world on this car? More like $27K without NAV.
Well in any event you could conceivably buy a stripped down, bare bones, zero option Malibu for $22K. No floor mats, no chrome door handles, no front license plate bracket, no nav, no camera, no heated seats, no spoiler, no backup assist.
$22K? Heck, here in Colorado, Chevrolet was advertising "Black Friday" specials of the Malibu LS for under $19K.
I'm by no means a Mopar person, but I really like my '14 Ram Laramie. I've had it 3 mos, put about 6,500 miles on it and so far not a single issue. That's probably a first for me with a domestic. Considering all of the bells and whistles I'm somewhat impressed I haven't had to take it back for at least something.
My buddy is looking to buy a new truck to replace his 06 Tundra which was totaled over Thanksgiving weekend and has narrowed it down to a new Tundra (since his old one was so good to him) and the RAM. Apparently, he also threw the F-150 into the mix but dealers aren't stocking many the V8 versions and are going out of their way to steer him into an EB... I guess they are being stingy enough not to even have one on hand to test drive.
Right now he is leaning towards the RAM (not sure what model or trim but I imagine it will decked out with all the bells and whistles that his Limited had) due to the better looks, better interior and the 8 speed tranny but like I said, his Tundra lived up to the Toyota quality and reliability they are known for.
I'll be sure to pass along your good impressions and keep you informed
" I said, his Tundra lived up to the Toyota quality and reliability they are known for. "
No question about that. If you're main goal is to have good performance and top reliability, the Tundra can't really be beat.
I simply like the dynamics and styling of the Ram better, fully knowing that it probably won't be as reliable. BTW, my BIL bought a new Tundra Platinum crew cab a few weeks ago. I'm sure he will be happy with it. Plus you can't beat the Tundra's resale value either, that is an area the Ram likely will suffer.
Any way, I drove my Ram back to back with my BIL Tundra and I simply like the Ram a lot better, though the Tundra seemed to have a bit more padding in the seats and a bit more rear seat room. It definitely drove more truck like and I simply hate the steering feel of most Toyotas and the Tundra is no different. Just to numb for my tastes.
All that said, I'd never fault anyone for choosing a Tundra, everyone I know that owns one, loves them.
Indeed, MSRP on one of those (or most other new cars, to be fair), is meaningless. Anyone who can fog a mirror should be able to get 10%+++ off without trying.
I looked at four on that link. One I saw said "didn't include destination", which is at least $800 in my memory. One said the price included "USAA Discount", which means you're a current or veteran U.S. service member, and another said did not include a $589 fee for 'processing'. I really like that one on the site for $500! LOL
Per another site, the MSRP went down to GM employee pricing on Black Friday, which put it down to under $20K that day.
"Chevy models discounted for Black Friday include the Cruze and Malibu sedans and the Equinox and Traverse crossovers. Among participating Chevy models, the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu LS offers the best discount, both in relative and real terms. The Malibu's $22,965 MSRP drops to a sale price of $19,840. That's savings of $3,125, or about 14 percent off MSRP."
Still, those are all great prices for a car that CR likes (grin), built in the U.S., engine and trans built in the U.S., and not a bad-looking car. What can touch it for size and features at any of those prices?
BTW, your link does show how wrong the CR price of $33K must be.
2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
Agree with everything you said, and I'll be curious to see how yours and Andres hold up over the long haul. I do remember when I worked in the Industry, Chrysler was really going out of their way to improve their image and reputation from past decades. They were adamant about tolerances and very strict about quality control of our machines. I really think they are making some genuine improvements and I wouldn't give much pause to recommending them to anyone shopping the Tundra or the F-150 for that matter.
Not much of a truck guy myself either (Not fullsize anyways) but I would probably choose the RAM if I were in the market.
"They were adamant about tolerances and very strict about quality control of our machines. I really think they are making some genuine improvements and I wouldn't give much pause to recommending them to anyone shopping the Tundra or the F-150 for that matter. "
Being that I live in central Illinois, own a boat and a camper, I run into and know lots of truck owners. I know 3 or 4 guys with '11-'12 Rams and they've been happy with them and they seem to be holding up well.
We'll see. I'm curious to see how it holds up too. Particularly the 8speed trans, which I will say is the best auto trans I've experienced (thank you ZF). It's exceptionally smooth, shifts quick, is responsive, and is rarely in the wrong gear and you basically have to try to catch it off guard.
I gotta say, I really like the rotary shift knob on the center stack. It's out of the way, and is easy to use. Makes 3 point (ok some times 4 point) turn around a breeze, plus you don't have to use it to engage manual overrides, so you never have to worry about over shooting a gear position.
But I know not everyone feels the same way. It did feel a bit odd at first, but now the console shifter in my wife's Taurus feels archaic and vague to me. So if you only use the rotary knob for a few days, you'll likely never learn to appreciate it.
Comments
Yes - here is a list:
http://www.maxigripstore.com/pages/Tire-studs-regulations.html
"The federal government’s exit from General Motors Co., set for the end of the year, may officially close the era of “Government Motors.”
But the expected $10 billion loss on American taxpayers’ $49.5 billion investment in the automaker won’t end raging philosophical debate on the auto bailouts, their cost or their necessity.
Smart money is demonstrating that it believes the new GM really is for real. And, second, the “Government Motors” rap will continue to recede with the sale of the government’s stake and the exhaustion of an ideological argument undermined by GM’s sales numbers, financial results and inconvenient facts decoupled from political point-scoring."
(The "smart money" is mostly referring to Warren Buffett).
Auto bailout's pluses override minuses
"
But if your vehicle has summer tires on it, winter tires are almost a necessity and even the best all season tires really aren't very good on ice/snow.
My brother has a set of Blizzaks for his Fuison Sport and they are very impressive in snow and ice. I'm thinking about getting a set for my Ram.
That's a good one lemko!
I like the idea of a year round winter tire. I didn't know they existed.
Welcome to winter:
November Auto Sales Set the Tone for Final Stretch of 2013, Forecasts Edmunds.com
In the full-size category, the Ford F-Series generated 42% of the industry's November sales. GM's two core twins, the second-ranked Silverado and fourth-ranked Sierra, produced 31.4% of the full-size segment's sales; the third-ranked Ram P/U another 19.1%. This left crumbs for the Toyota Tundra and Nissan Titan, which owned 6.4% and 0.8% of the full-size truck market, respectively.
http://www.ibtimes.com/here-are-november-2013-big-eight-us-auto-sales-numbers-gm- -ford-chrysler-toyota-honda-nissan-1492300
Chrysler growth leads again. GM on a roll...
"North America’s largest and the world’s second-largest automaker said Tuesday it had the best November since 2007, delivering 212,060 units, up 14 percent from November 2012 on stronger demand for all of GM’s popular models. All four of the company’s groups (Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC) increased in the double digits, leading GM to tout itself as growing faster than the industry for the second consecutive month.
General Motors said it expects the seasonally adjusted annualized rate (SAAR) for the U.S. auto market to touch 16 million units, which, if realized, would make November a tie with August as the best SAAR month for the year. The SAAR is closely watched because it adjusts for seasonal fluctuations in consumer habits -- people are more likely to buy a car in August than in April, for example.
Next month should see total 2013 U.S. auto sales coming close to levels seen before the 2008-09 auto industry crisis that sent GM into Chapter 11 reorganization that cost the taxpayer at least $10 billion (and rising as the U.S. Treasury rushes to exit partial ownership of the company), which doesn’t include the hit the taxpayer took from bailing out GM’s financing division, now known as the Detroit-based bank holding company Ally Financial.
But let’s look at more positive GM performance:
"GM's rapid release of new models couldn’t have been better timed," said Karl Brauer, senior analyst at automotive pricing and information provider Kelley Blue Book. "With the average car on the road more than 11 years old, consumers are ready for something new, and GM is offering the newest product line-up of any manufacturer. The automaker is increasing overall sales even as its fleet sales drop, confirming GM’s success with consumers while improving its profitability."
Buick sales are up 13.4 percent to 15,072 units on demand for the Regal luxury executive sedan. Cadillac increased 11.4 percent to 16,172 as buyers continued to drive the Cadillac ATS compact luxury car and its full-size counterpart, the XTS. GM is putting out these brands as its bid to compete against German and Japanese luxury globally, and so far U.S. demand shows promise.
Chevrolet’s popular offers continued to see strong sales growth, lifting the group 12.6 percent to 145,089. Big risers included the Impala full-size sedan (up 20.2 percent to 13,418), the Malibu mid-size car and the Silverado pickup truck (up 12.2 percent to 34,386). The Cruze compact and Equinox mid-size crossover both saw high single-digit sales growth.
GMC’s boat was lifted on a 22 percent climb in deliveries of the Sierra pickup truck and a more than doubling of demand for the Acadia crossover, to 7,566.
“November sales were strong at all four of our brands, and demand was robust for everything from cars to crossovers to the industry’s newest and best full-size pickups,” said Kurt McNeil, GM’s vice president for U.S. sales, said in announcing November’s numbers."
Motor Trend liked the new CTS so much they proclaimed it better than the German competition. Not better for the money but better period.
2012
#1 Toyota Camry 30,386 28,765 5.60% 378,520 373,479 1.30%
#2 Honda Accord 27,093 26,248 3.20% 334,357 302,444 10.60%
#3 Honda Civic 26,291 30,075 -12.60% 307,180 284,791 7.90%
#4 Nissan Altima 24,604 20,305 21.20% 295,907 278,968 6.10%
#5 Ford Fusion 22,839 15,125 51.00% 270,872 221,980 22.00%
#6 Toyota Corolla/Matrix 22,434 22,616 -0.80% 279,618 266,268 5.00%
#7 Chevrolet Cruze 18,200 16,807 8.30% 230,062 216,528 6.30%
#8 Hyundai Elantra 16,751 15,923 5.20% 226,220 183,010 23.60%
#9 Hyundai Sonata 16,595 17,660 -6.00% 189,169 209,779 -9.80%
#10 Ford Focus 15,239 18,312 -16.80% 219,001 223,318 -1.90%
#11 Chevrolet Malibu 14,405 10,227 40.90% 185,101 199,321 -7.10%
#12 Chevrolet Impala 13,418 11,163 20.20% 146,164 159,710 -8.50%
#13 BMW 3-Series & 4-Series 13,148 10,776 22.00% 102,784 88,857 15.70%
#14 Kia Soul 12,870 7257 77.30% 111,734 108,601 2.90%
#15 Volkswagen 12,417 14,259 -12.90% 148,400 154,763 -4.10%
Jetta
#16 Nissan Sentra 11,664 7176 62.50% 118,344 98,640 20.00%
#17 Toyota Prius 10,901 10,691 2.00% 146,460 146,360 0.10%
Prius Sedan ^ 9801 8925 9.80% 135,291 134,971 0.20%
Prius Plug-In ^ 1100 1766 -37.70% 11,169 11,389 -1.90%
#18 Kia Optima 10,871 12,715 -14.50% 146,419 140,391 4.30%
#19 Volkswagen 8876 10,544 -15.80% 100,398 102,561 -2.10%
Passat
#20 Subaru Outback 8852 10,124 -12.60% 107,047 105,481 1.5
Dang analysts will always find a way to pee in everyone's cornflakes.....
Ford to slash 1st-quarter output
GM has been debating how to deal with the product overlap between Chevrolet and Opel/Vauxhall in Europe. Dropping Chevy will solve that.
Chevrolets will continue to be sold in Russia and some other markets in the region.
My first reaction was that this isn't a good decision, but I read that GM has been losing money in Europe every year since 2000. Reducing redundancy is part of the plan for returning to profitability in Europe, so from a business perspective the decision makes sense. The Opel and Vauxhall brands are well established whereas Chevrolet is a relative new comer.
Opel dealers will offer Corvettes and Camaros and Cadillac will open it's own dealerships.
As long as they bring the tooling for the Cruze hatch and wagon to Lordstown and start building them here!
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
I have a feeling that tooling will stay in Korea/Russia/Brazil or wherever it is that they make the Cruze hatch and wagon for the rest of the world.
Sigh - one can always hope.
Not that I'm in the market .. I picked up an Elantra GT a few weeks ago on a cheap lease.
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Even though it's not a new truck per se, the Ram managed to beat out the newly redesigned Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra.
For starters, it is rated as being able to tow up to 9,200 pounds.
They recently said the Cruze had slipped in reliability; yet they highlight it in the auto section of their 'Hot' issue that's out right now and mention not a thing about that, only how they liked it. Also, they say good things in the same section about the '14 Malibu, yet show a price of over $33K. I believe that has to be a typo....a very unfortunate one.
The Fusion isn't mentioned in that section.
Not many people will buy it like that, so really---what's real world on this car? More like $27K without NAV.
$22K? Heck, here in Colorado, Chevrolet was advertising "Black Friday" specials of the Malibu LS for under $19K.
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Black Friday they were under 17 grand...
http://www.centralmainechevybuick.com/new-chevy-and-buick-specials.htm
My buddy is looking to buy a new truck to replace his 06 Tundra which was totaled over Thanksgiving weekend and has narrowed it down to a new Tundra (since his old one was so good to him) and the RAM. Apparently, he also threw the F-150 into the mix but dealers aren't stocking many the V8 versions and are going out of their way to steer him into an EB... I guess they are being stingy enough not to even have one on hand to test drive.
Right now he is leaning towards the RAM (not sure what model or trim but I imagine it will decked out with all the bells and whistles that his Limited had) due to the better looks, better interior and the 8 speed tranny but like I said, his Tundra lived up to the Toyota quality and reliability they are known for.
I'll be sure to pass along your good impressions and keep you informed
No question about that. If you're main goal is to have good performance and top reliability, the Tundra can't really be beat.
I simply like the dynamics and styling of the Ram better, fully knowing that it probably won't be as reliable. BTW, my BIL bought a new Tundra Platinum crew cab a few weeks ago. I'm sure he will be happy with it. Plus you can't beat the Tundra's resale value either, that is an area the Ram likely will suffer.
Any way, I drove my Ram back to back with my BIL Tundra and I simply like the Ram a lot better, though the Tundra seemed to have a bit more padding in the seats and a bit more rear seat room. It definitely drove more truck like and I simply hate the steering feel of most Toyotas and the Tundra is no different. Just to numb for my tastes.
All that said, I'd never fault anyone for choosing a Tundra, everyone I know that owns one, loves them.
Per another site, the MSRP went down to GM employee pricing on Black Friday, which put it down to under $20K that day.
"Chevy models discounted for Black Friday include the Cruze and Malibu sedans and the Equinox and Traverse crossovers. Among participating Chevy models, the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu LS offers the best discount, both in relative and real terms. The Malibu's $22,965 MSRP drops to a sale price of $19,840. That's savings of $3,125, or about 14 percent off MSRP."
Still, those are all great prices for a car that CR likes (grin), built in the U.S., engine and trans built in the U.S., and not a bad-looking car. What can touch it for size and features at any of those prices?
BTW, your link does show how wrong the CR price of $33K must be.
Not much of a truck guy myself either (Not fullsize anyways) but I would probably choose the RAM if I were in the market.
Being that I live in central Illinois, own a boat and a camper, I run into and know lots of truck owners. I know 3 or 4 guys with '11-'12 Rams and they've been happy with them and they seem to be holding up well.
We'll see. I'm curious to see how it holds up too. Particularly the 8speed trans, which I will say is the best auto trans I've experienced (thank you ZF). It's exceptionally smooth, shifts quick, is responsive, and is rarely in the wrong gear and you basically have to try to catch it off guard.
I gotta say, I really like the rotary shift knob on the center stack. It's out of the way, and is easy to use. Makes 3 point (ok some times 4 point) turn around a breeze, plus you don't have to use it to engage manual overrides, so you never have to worry about over shooting a gear position.
But I know not everyone feels the same way. It did feel a bit odd at first, but now the console shifter in my wife's Taurus feels archaic and vague to me. So if you only use the rotary knob for a few days, you'll likely never learn to appreciate it.
I dunno--I guess I'm old-fashioned. I sometimes worry about a business that pays its customers to buy the product.