P.S. More big brother moves to take control of individuals lives. One baby-step at a time. I thought this country was suppose to be free ? I guess no more ! :mad: :sick:
DEARBORN, Mich. — Following on the heels of General Motors' Red Tag promotion, Ford on Friday started its year-end sales promotion by adding cash rebates to several models.
they cut into manufacturur profits. They want to make money and selling to rental agencies and offering large rebates never gain them anything. Namely...profit. Making a dent in those healthcare promises to UAW workers. That sort of thing. They're sinking and they're sinking quickly.
The USS Carpathia has turned around but everybody's freezing in the water...etc., etc. :sick:
is the image, the perception of value. If people keep seeing them in rental lots at discounts then their image will be hurt. They want to be able to charge full price or MSRP and get it from consumers. Hence more profits.
Car makers want cash for alternative fuel research, not efficiency mandates.
New fuel economy mandates are "a peanut in the scheme of things" and "highly discriminatory against American vehicles and American workers," Levin said.
U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., who chairs the Environment and Public Works Committee, noted dryly to Levin that "you could have stayed away (from the hearing). This is not a happy issue for you back home, I know that."
U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-California as Michael Savage says makes a good brisket :mad: I despise this lady and she's from my party. She is by far the most left of anyone I know. She is going to destroy the automobile industry if she has her way. Telling a very respectable Senator like Carl Levin, to stay away as she rips apart piece by piece the big 3 and automobile industry. :mad: Does she not see that the big 3 are trying to stay in business while giving us hybrid technology in the process ????
I guess she believes in the Honda hype as she compliments them. Good god how much money did they give her her in campaign contributions ???? I would love to see that lady recalled/impeached !!!!!!!:mad:
I'm off to shill for some big-time automotive companies and as such can't be trusted to write about topical Motown subjects anymore. So I've got to fit a lot of junk in here. Grab a coworker or family friend and discuss any of these over a hot beverage.
Topic 1: Growing up in Michigan, it's easy to get the impression that the world is out to get you. Jobs are leaving, college grads are leaving and houses aren't selling.
Answer: Well, it's all bunk.
Michigan and Detroit are the most resilient places in these United States. Get happy. General Motors Corp. is on the verge of becoming a juggernaut again. High tide raises all ships and all that. Good times ahead, baby.
Topic 2: The girl from the Mercury ads is more attractive than the Belle Tire girl.
Answer: Capital Bunk. While both are lovely people inside and out, I'm gonna side with the original and best. The Belle of Belle Tire has been putting a skip in my step since Miss Mercury was applying for apartments in Studio City.
Smells of politics
Topic 3: Al Gore and company care about the environment while automakers hate it.
Answer: Bunk!
Big Green-types burn more fuel and resources than anyone and then have the gall to tell you the world is coming to an end thanks to your gluttony. Smells like politics to me.
Automakers, meanwhile, are actually investing billions in solving energy problems -- even while they lose billions year after year.
If you really are a "tell it like it is" politician, take on China for its pollution habits. And get 'em to stop stealing intellectual property. And get off my case I drive a natural gas car that makes your Prius look like a Hummer H1.
The union is your friend
Topic 4: The union is killing GM, Ford and Chrysler.
Answer: That's bunk city, friends.
The union, while a thorn in the side of Big Three executives, is still a mighty political force that can help automakers more than any contract benefits could hurt. Unfortunately, for too long, the union has seen Detroit automakers as the enemy.
But thanks to the bizarre maneuvering of the Bush White House (bail out American steel companies but ignore American automakers?) it's pretty clear the union and the Big Three are each other's only friend.
With this next contract both Union Boss and Fat Cat Exec would be wise to join forces like Voltron and pressure the government to help out with health care costs and pension liabilities -- or at least pressure their competition to meet a similar standard if they want to build cars in the U.S.
Topic 5: The Detroit Tigers would never offer Mike Hudson a contract because he is not very good at baseball or much of anything for that matter.
Answer: Bunk. My agent thinks we're looking good. C'mon now, I was watching Shane Halter from the cheap seats in 2003. I'd take some free tickets. Heck, I'll clean the clubhouse. I'll sell dogs. Whatever you need, Mr. Leyland.
That's it. I'm outta here folks. Turns out you were right all along my column is just a bunch of bunk.
Oh heavens, don't go there! There is a hit squad awaiting such posts about the OHV - pushrods. It is like a filter is being used, and soon a have dozen from some GM gang will be calling you names and you will be deemed a GM basher for sure. Be prepared, they are watching.
Actually it is a bit interesting how simple discussion about cars gets people so upset. I now realize how wars break out all around the world. I mean really, a mere suggestion to change an engine or a transmission and you somehow hate a company. Interesting how people get hot under the collar when you are not even trying to argue anything. I mean to say, they use words like bashing and trolling once you suggest anything not to their personal liking. -Loren
I hear this Big 3 or Big 2.5 language used to describe the American car industry survivors. I do believe this is wrong. It is the Big 2, as Chrysler is wholly owned by DamlierChrysler of Germany. My guess is that Chery makes a bid for Chrysler, but that's another story to come in a year or two, or three, or never. :shades: - Loren
A good number of the shareholders of Chrysler before the merge were americans. I believe they were given the option to sell or receive DCX stock which means still to this day many americans own a good chunk of Chrysler.
I also agree Chery, or someone else could make a bid for chrysler. I'd rather see Toyota buy it over the Chinese. I think Honda buying them wouldn't be a bad idea also. It would give Honda a legit full-size Truck market.
falconone posted that two years ago. He hasn't been on since December 22. I doubt he's interested in the debate.
>a mere suggestion to change an engine or a transmission
Perhaps it's the concept that it JANG unless it's an 8 speed or 10 speed. I guess trannies aren't up to that yet but everyone gets the idea. There's a concept that a 4 speed tranny may serve just fine for most folks. What's in a Corolla?
I doubt that 90% of the people living the area around me in a 5 mile radius know which motor type they have in their car. They just know if it's servicing them the way they want it to drive as Rocky sezs in a nearby post. Guess we may just disagree.
I loved your post as I feel the same.....The VAT would solve alot of issues wouldn't it.
I would think you'd agree that forcing strict gas mileage laws down the throats of automobile manufactors would be a disaster. How can you force this and not have the infrastructure set up for the alternative fuels ???? Making improvements in gas mileage alone isn't going to solve our oil hunger. Angus McKenzie, said 8 people riding in Cadillac Escalade, is better people miles per gallon than 4 two passenger cars driving down the road. If you look at it in those terms he's exactly right.
Loren probably knows more about it than I do. I believe it's a salex tax that can't be avoided. I've heard 16% throwin' around by some conservatives. I actually like the idea of a national sales tax. People buying cars for example would pay a smaller percentage. If you bought a ipod for your CTS, you'd have to pay VAT. The benefit is it would eliminate federal income tax and every person from welfare to billionaire would have to pay.
Oooops, yeah, I see that now. I must have backed on up to the starting posts. My mistake.
I had a '98 Corolla with a 4 speed automatic. Tranny did hold up well. They are holding off on the new Corolla for USA due to great sales of the current model. They are no doubt looking for possible problem areas too. Before release to USA they do not want any problems, like those on current Camry release. Ya know, I don't know what tranny it will have? A 5 sp. or 6 sp?
I still think for maximum impact, GM could have made the Aura with the 255HP or whatever the HP is, of the 3.6 V6 a standard engine along with stability control for say couple grand more. Or maybe a grand and a half difference. You know would $22,500 to $23,000 be close enough to a $21K car in price, while just crushing sales of Japan and Korean makes. Yes, the base car is pleasing enough to drive. Like I said in another forum thread, I should do another test, and give the 3.5 another chance. The first test the salesman was too intent on that OnStar sales pitch. Need to test brakes again. I liked the stopping power, but not the feel. And I should try the 3.6 I guess, as the suspension is stiffer and I am pretty sure the acceleration more impressive. Like I said though, perhaps the 3.5 should be given another chance. And for smoothness, I should try another car with that engine. The first test run was like, yeah OK, not bad. I am looking for yeah, gotta have this now run before considering a car. -Loren
VAT or Value Added Tax, begins at the raw material side, progresses to manufacturer of parts, assembly and on and on. Well that is the way I understand it to be. So the only way around it is to do an illegal import of a product. All products are pre-taxed along the way. Problem is how the taxing gets out of contol. In Europe the percent just kept creeping up and up. So the downside is that a car end up far more expensive than today. And people which chose the ROTH IRA may not be too happy. -Loren
Comments
Rocky
Rocky
Rocky
http://www.detroitnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061121/LIFESTYLE03/61121- - 0395/1148/AUTO01
Rocky
P.S. More big brother moves to take control of individuals lives. One baby-step at a time. I thought this country was suppose to be free ? I guess no more ! :mad:
Rocky
P.S.
Camry, being Motor Trends car of the year what a joke ! Oh that's right their is no bias. Whatever guys ! :mad:
Rocky
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061122/BUSINESS01/611220318/10- 14
Rocky
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=117636
Rocky
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
Rocky
Why aren't big 3 allowed to have incentives again?
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
The USS Carpathia has turned around but everybody's freezing in the water...etc., etc. :sick:
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
I recall that Toyota has been selling lots of cars to rentals from another discussion group here where the rental idea has been bashed around a lot.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061127/BIZ/611270317/1148
Rocky
http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061127/AUTO02/611270371/1148/AUT- O01
Rocky
Rocky
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2006611280333
Rocky
P.S. "Fords all-in" at the Texas hold-em' table. :surprise:
(FORD)
Rocky
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061129/BUSINESS01/611290346/10- 14
Rocky
http://www.detroitnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061215/AUTO01/612150415/- 1148
Rocky
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061221/BIZ/612210359
Delphi's finacing is going to help things out.
Rocky
Rocky
A couple of good story's.....
Rocky
Rocky
http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/SavingandDebt/SaveonaCar/WillTheLoanOutlive- - TheCar.aspx
"Lemko, not in your case, eh ? "
Rocky
Rocky
http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Dispatch/070105markets.aspx
Rocky
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=119290
Rocky
Rocky
Rocky
http://www.detroitnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070124/AUTO01/701240402
Rocky
Rocky
Is automobiles sales strong or weak presently ???????
Rocky
Some good sound advice........
Rocky
Anyone want to buy the Kirk Kerkorian estate ???? lemko, you and your girlfriend need a vacation home !!!! :P
Rocky
http://www.detroitnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070127/AUTO01/701270360/- 1148/AUTO01
Rocky
P.S. I use to think the "F" in Ford stood for family ????....I guess not anymore :surprise:
New fuel economy mandates are "a peanut in the scheme of things" and "highly discriminatory against American vehicles and American workers," Levin said.
U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., who chairs the Environment and Public Works Committee, noted dryly to Levin that "you could have stayed away (from the hearing). This is not a happy issue for you back home, I know that."
http://www.detroitnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070131/BIZ/701310335
U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-California as Michael Savage says makes a good brisket :mad: I despise this lady and she's from my party. She is by far the most left of anyone I know. She is going to destroy the automobile industry if she has her way. Telling a very respectable Senator like Carl Levin, to stay away as she rips apart piece by piece the big 3 and automobile industry. :mad:
Does she not see that the big 3 are trying to stay in business while giving us hybrid technology in the process ????
I guess she believes in the Honda hype as she compliments them. Good god how much money did they give her her in campaign contributions ???? I would love to see that lady recalled/impeached !!!!!!!:mad:
Rocky
http://www.detroitnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070131/OPINION03/7013103- 62
Rocky
T his is my last column.
I'm off to shill for some big-time automotive companies and as such can't be trusted to write about topical Motown subjects anymore. So I've got to fit a lot of junk in here. Grab a coworker or family friend and discuss any of these over a hot beverage.
Topic 1: Growing up in Michigan, it's easy to get the impression that the world is out to get you. Jobs are leaving, college grads are leaving and houses aren't selling.
Answer: Well, it's all bunk.
Michigan and Detroit are the most resilient places in these United States. Get happy. General Motors Corp. is on the verge of becoming a juggernaut again. High tide raises all ships and all that. Good times ahead, baby.
Topic 2: The girl from the Mercury ads is more attractive than the Belle Tire girl.
Answer: Capital Bunk. While both are lovely people inside and out, I'm gonna side with the original and best. The Belle of Belle Tire has been putting a skip in my step since Miss Mercury was applying for apartments in Studio City.
Smells of politics
Topic 3: Al Gore and company care about the environment while automakers hate it.
Answer: Bunk!
Big Green-types burn more fuel and resources than anyone and then have the gall to tell you the world is coming to an end thanks to your gluttony. Smells like politics to me.
Automakers, meanwhile, are actually investing billions in solving energy problems -- even while they lose billions year after year.
If you really are a "tell it like it is" politician, take on China for its pollution habits. And get 'em to stop stealing intellectual property. And get off my case I drive a natural gas car that makes your Prius look like a Hummer H1.
The union is your friend
Topic 4: The union is killing GM, Ford and Chrysler.
Answer: That's bunk city, friends.
The union, while a thorn in the side of Big Three executives, is still a mighty political force that can help automakers more than any contract benefits could hurt. Unfortunately, for too long, the union has seen Detroit automakers as the enemy.
But thanks to the bizarre maneuvering of the Bush White House (bail out American steel companies but ignore American automakers?) it's pretty clear the union and the Big Three are each other's only friend.
With this next contract both Union Boss and Fat Cat Exec would be wise to join forces like Voltron and pressure the government to help out with health care costs and pension liabilities -- or at least pressure their competition to meet a similar standard if they want to build cars in the U.S.
Topic 5: The Detroit Tigers would never offer Mike Hudson a contract because he is not very good at baseball or much of anything for that matter.
Answer: Bunk. My agent thinks we're looking good. C'mon now, I was watching Shane Halter from the cheap seats in 2003. I'd take some free tickets. Heck, I'll clean the clubhouse. I'll sell dogs. Whatever you need, Mr. Leyland.
That's it. I'm outta here folks. Turns out you were right all along my column is just a bunch of bunk.
http://www.detroitnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070131/AUTO03/701310415
Rocky
Actually it is a bit interesting how simple discussion about cars gets people so upset. I now realize how wars break out all around the world. I mean really, a mere suggestion to change an engine or a transmission and you somehow hate a company. Interesting how people get hot under the collar when you are not even trying to argue anything. I mean to say, they use words like bashing and trolling once you suggest anything not to their personal liking.
-Loren
A good number of the shareholders of Chrysler before the merge were americans. I believe they were given the option to sell or receive DCX stock which means still to this day many americans own a good chunk of Chrysler.
I also agree Chery, or someone else could make a bid for chrysler. I'd rather see Toyota buy it over the Chinese. I think Honda buying them wouldn't be a bad idea also. It would give Honda a legit full-size Truck market.
Rocky
falconone posted that two years ago. He hasn't been on since December 22. I doubt he's interested in the debate.
>a mere suggestion to change an engine or a transmission
Perhaps it's the concept that it JANG unless it's an 8 speed or 10 speed. I guess trannies aren't up to that yet but everyone gets the idea. There's a concept that a 4 speed tranny may serve just fine for most folks. What's in a Corolla?
I doubt that 90% of the people living the area around me in a 5 mile radius know which motor type they have in their car. They just know if it's servicing them the way they want it to drive as Rocky sezs in a nearby post. Guess we may just disagree.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Is there a way to avoid the VAT? I assume this is on topic per the title of the discussion.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
I would think you'd agree that forcing strict gas mileage laws down the throats of automobile manufactors would be a disaster. How can you force this and not have the infrastructure set up for the alternative fuels ???? Making improvements in gas mileage alone isn't going to solve our oil hunger. Angus McKenzie, said 8 people riding in Cadillac Escalade, is better people miles per gallon than 4 two passenger cars driving down the road. If you look at it in those terms he's exactly right.
Rocky
Loren probably knows more about it than I do. I believe it's a salex tax that can't be avoided. I've heard 16% throwin' around by some conservatives. I actually like the idea of a national sales tax. People buying cars for example would pay a smaller percentage. If you bought a ipod for your CTS, you'd have to pay VAT. The benefit is it would eliminate federal income tax and every person from welfare to billionaire would have to pay.
Rocky
I had a '98 Corolla with a 4 speed automatic. Tranny did hold up well. They are holding off on the new Corolla for USA due to great sales of the current model. They are no doubt looking for possible problem areas too. Before release to USA they do not want any problems, like those on current Camry release. Ya know, I don't know what tranny it will have? A 5 sp. or 6 sp?
I still think for maximum impact, GM could have made the Aura with the 255HP or whatever the HP is, of the 3.6 V6 a standard engine along with stability control for say couple grand more. Or maybe a grand and a half difference. You know would $22,500 to $23,000 be close enough to a $21K car in price, while just crushing sales of Japan and Korean makes. Yes, the base car is pleasing enough to drive. Like I said in another forum thread, I should do another test, and give the 3.5 another chance. The first test the salesman was too intent on that OnStar sales pitch. Need to test brakes again. I liked the stopping power, but not the feel. And I should try the 3.6 I guess, as the suspension is stiffer and I am pretty sure the acceleration more impressive. Like I said though, perhaps the 3.5 should be given another chance. And for smoothness, I should try another car with that engine. The first test run was like, yeah OK, not bad. I am looking for yeah, gotta have this now run before considering a car.
-Loren
-Loren