Judging from a recent conversation we had here in the forums, the younger generation isn't even bothering to get a driver's license, so yeah, we (the baby boomers) probably are driving the car market.
well, considering my 17 YO daughter was obsessed with getting her license as soon as she turned 17, and I have barely seen her (or my car!) since, that does not to apply to all the younger generation!
and the majority of her friends and peers seem to be all driving too. though around here (in the burbs) you aren't going far without a car!
I know a few people at work whose kids didn't drive right away at 17. I'm sure it's the minority. I was at the test 8am on my 17th birthday, couldn't wait.
Here are some facts; * Millennials may someday be the dominant buying group, but for now, Baby Boomers are nearly 15 times more likely to buy a new car, truck or crossover,
*As for Gen-X, they’re also taking a back seat to Boomers, according to UMTRI. They accounted for 29 percent of U.S. new vehicle purchases as recently as 2007 but dipped to 22 percent by 2011. On the other hand, buyers ages 55 to 64 saw their share of the new vehicle market surge to 23 percent from 18 percent during the same period
*As for why Generations X and Y aren’t a more significant buying force, researchers point to several factors. Younger consumers were particularly hard hit by the deep U.S. recession, and employment among Millennials still lags behind the overall American workforce.
*another recent study by the University of Michigan found that some Millennials are delaying getting their driver’s licenses. Fewer than 70 percent of 19-year-olds surveyed last year had obtained a license, the lowest figure in nearly three decades.
I did mention that my Eldorado was a North* (NorthStar V8, a 2000 model year), so it wasn't the 1st or 2nd gen Eldorado (from 1967-1978). Yes, the hose care were unique, nearly flat floor! (most modern cars still have a bump for the exhaust pipe). and Lots of power (at least thru 1970).
But I did make the switch back to RWD with the STS; also North* equipped. Too bad that car isn't being made anymore...
My 2006 Avalon was like that. Only had about a 1" hump in the rear. It made sitting in the middle seat not too bad. What a great car that was. The current model ruined a good thing.
"...17 YO daughter was obsessed with getting her license..."
That sounds like my 16 YO niece. She was gung ho to get started as soon as she turned 16. She has proven to be a technically flawless driver and I'm confident she'll pass on the first try, making me 4 for 4 as a driving trainer.
I'm getting quite a reputation in my extended family as the "go to" guy to teach your kid how to drive.
Many of her friends already have there licenses so at least here in the suburbs the driver's license right of passage is still alive.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Oh geez, sorry for the delay, and for missing the fact that the email addy wasn't included... and thanks to tommister2 for the fix.
mako1a, you'd be perfect for the story, so hope they decide to contact you!
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That sounds like my 16 YO niece. She was gung ho to get started as soon as she turned 16. She has proven to be a technically flawless driver and I'm confident she'll pass on the first try, making me 4 for 4 as a driving trainer.
Speaking of drivers' licenses, I just got a renewal notice that requires me to make an appointment for the issuance of a new drivers license. They require so much ID info that it is going to be interesting.
First, they require a birth certificate or passport. Then, 2 pieces of mail sent to my address in the past 90 days like credit card bills, etc. then, they want a copy of my auto insurance policy and they also want my social security card. Also, a copy something with my picture on it. They also want my voter registration card. They must think I am a criminal or something!
You would think I was applying for political asylum or something. The last time I renewed the license, I did it online. You would think that my current drivers license would be enough. This is ridiculous.
So I made the appointment and I will take my eye test and who knows what else. I could see a reason for all this if I had accidents, tickets, etc. but I have a clean license, no tickets or accidents in over 10 years.
Story to be continued after August 8th - date for my appointment.
This is becoming the norm. NJ is very similar, you need a certain amount of "points" to renew your license. A birth certificate is X number points, CC statement etc, etc.
As most of you know, my 12-1/2 year old grandson arrives Sunday evening in Ft. Lauderdale. He leaves Palm Springs at 7:40 AM and arrives at 6:05 PM. We leave for Universal Studios Orlando early next Tuesday morning.
He has been emailing me with tons of questions and of course I have been responding. He mentioned the other day that he was concerned about changing planes in Dallas. My DIL said he would do fine on his own - but I suspected he might be a bit worried being that this is the first time he's travelled alone. So I called American Airlines and they said they could have someone meet him at his arrival gate and stay with him and escort him to the Ft. Lauderdale departure gate, but that they could not issue the escort ticket because his return flight from Dallas to Palm Springs was the last Palm Springs flight of the day - and they will not take responsibility for a minor in case he missed his connection.
So they told me to have my DIL purchase the escort ticket in Palm Springs - which they would do - but their computers would not issue them for the round trip. The incoming layover in Dallas requires him to change terminals - something he would have difficulty with. The return flight to Palm Springs is only 2 gates from his Ft Lauderdale arrival gate which he said he could handle. $100 is the charge - but well worth it. They used to do this at no charge for unaccompanied minors - but those days are gone along with the free baggage checks.
I just hope everything goes smoothly - I want him to be able to call me whenever he wants to come to Florida - so if he has a negative experience in Dallas, he would be hesitant to do that until he is much older.
Just praying it won't rain too much in Orlando and spoil the vacation. We are staying at the Portofino Bay Resort - Club Level - right in Universal Studios. Transformers and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is what he is all excited about. The drive up there is less than 3 hours.
Sure looking forward to seeing him - it's been 4 years since I saw him last. Just can't handle 7-8 hours flying and layovers anymore.
They used to do this at no charge for unaccompanied minors - but those days are gone along with the free baggage checks.
My brother and I travelled a lot as unaccompanied minors (mainly international) and a gate agent always went with us the entire time. One time there was a 6 hour delay in our connecting flight and I remember they bought us the biggest ice cream sundae we had ever seen. It was awesome. Best flight delay ever!
An unaccompanied minor is not like a piece of baggage. Hope everything goes well. Have fun!
An unaccompanied minor is not like a piece of baggage. Hope everything goes well. Have fun!
Thanks, Verdugo! No, he is not like a piece of baggage, but being almost 13 years old, 5'10" tall, 165 lbs., blond and blue-eyed, he is a lot better looking. The high school girls have been bothering him, he says, and he is still in middle school - September birthday. My DIL sends me pictures every month (thank goodness for computers and email) and he looks more like a 16 year old than a 13 year old. But he still has that innocence of a boy - I talk to him at least once a week on the phone.
Yep, I am sure looking forward to this upcoming week - I have him all to myself. I wish I could bring my other grandson in (his brother) but he is autistic with Asperger's syndrome. I only understand every 5th word he speaks. Truly a horror for my son and DIL, not to mention my other grandson. This trip in to see me will give him a respite from his brother. I love them both, but it's difficult when you can't understand him and he gets frustrated.
I can appreciate your situation. We frequently keep our 12 year old Grandson who has Aspergers. He can communicate just fine, and, his doctors say he has a very high IQ. Problem is he fixates on stuff he wants - and there's Hell to pay if you tell him he can't have it. My wife had to drag him out of a Walmart this week because he wanted her to buy 6 packs of his favorite soda, and, blew his cork when she told him he could only have one. Getting this kid through puberty is going to be a huge challenge for the family.
"...They require a birth certificate or passport..."
Wow, I don't think I could produce a birth certificate and I don't have a passport. That must be tough on oldsters like you.
Never had to do anything like that to renew here in NY. Maybe because I have a CDL it's different.
Funny that Florida requires all that stuff. Wasn't there a big row down there over requiring ID to vote? Maybe you could accuse the motor vehicle office of racism and get the requirements dropped.
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I have been seeing a lot of Chevy Cruises around. They come in really nice colors too, it seems that the least expensive cars come in really nice colors. There is an ice blue color like this for the Cruise;
I am seeing a lot of them because I just heard on the radio they are the #2 selling car in the US after the Camry. Apparently, they won't bring out a changed 2014 model, GM wants to put their resources into improving other models for now, and then the 2015 model will be larger on the inside and trunk, and will get major design changes.
By the way, while we were talking about cars the stock price of both GM and Ford doubled. I don't own these stocks individually but they are part of my 401(k) portfolio which is up 15% this year so far. Nice going Ford and GM.
Really kind of surprised the Cruz has done as well as it has. IIRC, GM put out a promo video very soon after we bailed them out. It was a tour of the Cruz plant and had interviews with engineers and factory floor workers.
The story was clear...."either we make the best small car on the market, or GM will die." I don't know if its the best small car on the market (that would probably be a Dart, which isn't selling all that well). But, it looks like it's a success for Chevy.
The Malibu? That's a resounding "dud" full of old GM thinking.
they are the #2 selling car in the US after the Camry.
Important to remember that these numbers represent "CARS", not including pickup trucks. The Ford F150 is the best selling vehicle in the USA, and has been for many years. Closely followed by the Chevrolet Silverado.
I don't think any passenger car has come in higher than number 3 on the list in quite a few years.
Wow, I don't think I could produce a birth certificate and I don't have a passport. That must be tough on oldsters like you.
I contacted the DMV here in Florida and they told me that the birth certificate I have used all my life is not a certified certificate and therefore unacceptable! Can you believe that? My parents used it to enroll me in kindergarten, the Selective Service System used it for my draft card, the 3 universities I attended accepted it, Illinois accepted it for my marriage certificate, but Florida won't accept it for a driver's license. So I had to spend $38.50 to have New York City send me a certified copy of my birth certificate.
Then, they said that my Social Security card is unacceptable because it was sealed in plastic. So I had to go to the Social Security Office and apply for a replacement card - and you know what that was like! Then, because my birth certificate does not list my middle name, but everything I have for ID's lists my middle initial, the may not accept that as a certified ID and I might have to get a lawyer to add my middle name as a legal change of name. ALL THIS TO TO "RENEW" AN EXISTING DRIVER'S LICENSE!. Is there something wrong here? Does this sound like government has gotten so big and uncontrollable that it has become dangerous?
The Model S is way outside my price range, but I genuinely hope the company succeeds in a big way.
NINETY SECONDS to swap a battery, that is truly remarkable. That innovation should silence the critics and transform the BEV from fringe to mainstream transportation. The next critical steps are to bring down the cost of the battery and to expand replacement stations to reach critical mass.
Bravo Tesla. Great Job! I wonder when they will launch an SUV model?
The SUV is about a year away and will be labeled the Model X with an AWD setup utilizing dual electric motors. And then another year or two after that Tesla will release a smaller sedan to compete with the BMW 3 series.
The SUV is about a year away and will be labeled the Model X with an AWD setup utilizing dual electric motors.
That's good to know. I just watched a video elsewhere that pegs the cost of a battery swap at $60 - $85. However, it will cost about $500,000 to build and equip a station with the requisite robots. Expensive yes, but that is a price some will be willing to pay for time and convenience.
it will help but still going to be a relatively niche product. And while in theory you can expand the station to more makes, the equipment needed and specific batteries will vary. Lots of complications!
but. the technology could make sense for targeted applications. UPS local delivery trucks? Taxis? Mail trucks (I always thought they made sense for electrics, since they stay local and park overnight in the same spot!)
UPS could save a fortune on gas, and have one of those stations if they needed to run trucks in shifts.
For the last year I've been thinking we need just a bit of regulatory help to implement battery pack swaps. Standardize on a pack. Any manufacturer could jump in and supply the market provided the packs met dimension, communication, and crash safety requirements. And then the car makers design around that. Have the packs mounted on the bottom carriage with access ports to insert a locking/unlocking and lifting mechanism. Set the size so smaller cars could insert one or two packs, and then for larger vehicles even more packs. This setup would allow charging and swapping stations to standardize on equipment and battery packs to minimize investment costs and maximize utility to end users. This is very doable with existing technology. We just need a bit of market organization and direction, and maybe Tesla will be the one to lead the way. We've been a gasoline dependent society for only a short period of our history and look how quickly we've advanced that technology and convenience. We can do the same with a different energy source.
"...hope you are not planning on leaving the country soon..."
Why, what have you heard? :surprise:
Seriously, I hated it when they started requiring a passport to travel to Canada but I haven't traveled there or anywhere out of the country since the 1980s.
Switching gears, I have a question for the car trivia buffs. I seem to recall that in 2004, it's last year of production, the Olds Alero was sold only to rental fleets. Am I right or wrong?
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Switching gears, I have a question for the car trivia buffs. I seem to recall that in 2004, it's last year of production, the Olds Alero was sold only to rental fleets. Am I right or wrong?
Certainly could be, I always remember plenty of them on the rental lots around that time frame. I never thought it was that bad a car.
My only complaint about the Dart is that I wish that Fiat/Chrysler had simply imported the Alfa Romeo Giulietta-which shares the Dart's platform-instead:
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Why thank you oldfarmer. I appreciate the nice words.
Understand, my time in the Dart was limited to a brief test drive a while back when I was possibly, maybe, perhaps considering a 2nd car for daily scoot around duties.
I think it was the base model with an automatic (which didn't totally suck). It had a little turbo motor which provided decent power (and I'll assume, really good MPG). The precision of the steering and the upscale ride is what struck me most with the Dart. It was finished nicely, too.....inside and out.
That said, as roadburner points out, it's an Alpha underneath, and a good Alpha at that.
It would be on my short list (along with the Civic) if I were looking for a small car for daily driving duties.
I would guess this process might be to make your DL an 'official' ID.
Here in Ct we have an option to make the new one 'official' or same old , the 'official' needing that extra stuff to really prove who you are.
It's my understanding the old style will not be acceptable as ID in coming years if you were taking a flight somewhere and had to go through the checks at the airport.
The Florida DMV made the change to this new license procedure effective 2010. It's designed to weed out terrorists and illegals and to make FL licenses compliant with federal standards - starting in 2017, anyone boarding an airplane or entering a federal building will have to present an enhanced driver's license. The enhanced license may also allow holders to re-enter the US without a passport as it is also a proof of citizenship.
The drawback to some is that the license has an RFID chip in it that allows ICE to pull up your information via the chip. Some feel that it basically creates a national ID card and makes it easier to track individuals. YMMV.
Those Cruze numbers reflect the massive amounts they sell to the rental fleets. These will be dumped en masse in 18 months and kill resale values.
Not necessarily. GM doesn't want to repeat this mistake, so GM thinks if they keep Cruze rental fleet numbers under 25%, and don't do massive discounting, they can maintain residual values.
I think your statement is a good one, but, I think GM has learned their lesson, hopefully.
The Florida DMV made the change to this new license procedure effective 2010
Thanks for the two links - I saw them when I was making my appointment to get the license renewed. I just think they are over-burdening Florida residents with all these requirements. A driver's license should be easier to renew - especially if you've had a Florida license for over 10 years. It's just overkill in my opinion.
Birth certificates should be required for passports, not to "renew" a license. To get a license for the first time, that's different. Then, they want a social security card or 1099 form. Then two pieces of mail. I have a voter's registration card - that should be enough to prove I am a citizen and for proof of address - if it matches my current driver's license.
I don't understand why so many others have their knickers in a bunch over showing a card that proves who they are, but that's just me.
I have no problem showing my ID (driver's license and my community picture ID) - it's the redundancy of "proof" the DMV requires to merely renew an already existing driver's license that I originally got in 2000 by showing my birth certificate then (which was good enough in 2000, but unacceptable now).
I don't mind showing my ID - it's what I've had to go through these past few days to get an original birth certificate, get a replacement Social Security card (they didn't like the plastic coating on my original 52 year old card, and the time and expense I've devoted to this.
But it got insane in Florida: driver's license, the very one that is being renewed, is not sufficient to establish identity. So it was good for a cop down the street, the airline agent, post office, for voting, but somehow not for DMV. Then, they want social security proof AND ot top of that TWO residense proofs. This is not new license, it's exisitng one. It is basically saying all our records are crap and we read those great manuals for magistrates in Soviet Union and decided to adopt them.
I think it'a more sinister than what we see on the surface! You use your driver's license to get a voter registration card along with two addressed bills to your address. What Florida is doing is making it more difficult for people to vote - due in part to the thousands of undocumented aliens.
So if I'm having difficulty renewing my driver's license, can you imagine how difficult it would be for undocumented aliens.? The new license ID is supposed to be almost impossible to counterfeit.
I'm just worried that I may have to hire an attorney to have my middle name, which appears on everything including my social security card, diplomas, credit cards, etc., made legal. My parents never told me they neglected to have it put on my birth certificate. My birth certificate shows no middle name - which I was told will not be accepted by the DMV. Even the deed to my condo, the title to my car, the county tax commission, etc., show "L" as my middle initial.
I just can't wait for August 8th at 8:30 AM as I try to get my license renewed. This is a mess. And remember, I was norm in this country as were my parents.
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Judging from a recent conversation we had here in the forums, the younger generation isn't even bothering to get a driver's license, so yeah, we (the baby boomers) probably are driving the car market.
and the majority of her friends and peers seem to be all driving too. though around here (in the burbs) you aren't going far without a car!
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It's more situational awareness than my vocation. I get pulled over about once every 10-12 years...
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the younger generation isn't even bothering to get a driver's license,
Actually I looked up some surprising information and baby boomers are driving the market;
See: Baby Boomers Drive Market NBC News
Here are some facts;
* Millennials may someday be the dominant buying group, but for now, Baby Boomers are nearly 15 times more likely to buy a new car, truck or crossover,
*As for Gen-X, they’re also taking a back seat to Boomers, according to UMTRI. They accounted for 29 percent of U.S. new vehicle purchases as recently as 2007 but dipped to 22 percent by 2011. On the other hand, buyers ages 55 to 64 saw their share of the new vehicle market surge to 23 percent from 18 percent during the same period
*As for why Generations X and Y aren’t a more significant buying force, researchers point to several factors. Younger consumers were particularly hard hit by the deep U.S. recession, and employment among Millennials still lags behind the overall American workforce.
*another recent study by the University of Michigan found that some Millennials are delaying getting their driver’s licenses. Fewer than 70 percent of 19-year-olds surveyed last year had obtained a license, the lowest figure in nearly three decades.
See the article for more.........
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But I did make the switch back to RWD with the STS; also North* equipped. Too bad that car isn't being made anymore...
My 2006 Avalon was like that. Only had about a 1" hump in the rear. It made sitting in the middle seat not too bad. What a great car that was. The current model ruined a good thing.
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That sounds like my 16 YO niece. She was gung ho to get started as soon as she turned 16. She has proven to be a technically flawless driver and I'm confident she'll pass on the first try, making me 4 for 4 as a driving trainer.
I'm getting quite a reputation in my extended family as the "go to" guy to teach your kid how to drive.
Many of her friends already have there licenses so at least here in the suburbs the driver's license right of passage is still alive.
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mako1a, you'd be perfect for the story, so hope they decide to contact you!
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Speaking of drivers' licenses, I just got a renewal notice that requires me to make an appointment for the issuance of a new drivers license. They require so much ID info that it is going to be interesting.
First, they require a birth certificate or passport. Then, 2 pieces of mail sent to my address in the past 90 days like credit card bills, etc. then, they want a copy of my auto insurance policy and they also want my social security card. Also, a copy something with my picture on it. They also want my voter registration card. They must think I am a criminal or something!
You would think I was applying for political asylum or something. The last time I renewed the license, I did it online. You would think that my current drivers license would be enough. This is ridiculous.
So I made the appointment and I will take my eye test and who knows what else. I could see a reason for all this if I had accidents, tickets, etc. but I have a clean license, no tickets or accidents in over 10 years.
Story to be continued after August 8th - date for my appointment.
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He has been emailing me with tons of questions and of course I have been responding. He mentioned the other day that he was concerned about changing planes in Dallas. My DIL said he would do fine on his own - but I suspected he might be a bit worried being that this is the first time he's travelled alone. So I called American Airlines and they said they could have someone meet him at his arrival gate and stay with him and escort him to the Ft. Lauderdale departure gate, but that they could not issue the escort ticket because his return flight from Dallas to Palm Springs was the last Palm Springs flight of the day - and they will not take responsibility for a minor in case he missed his connection.
So they told me to have my DIL purchase the escort ticket in Palm Springs - which they would do - but their computers would not issue them for the round trip. The incoming layover in Dallas requires him to change terminals - something he would have difficulty with. The return flight to Palm Springs is only 2 gates from his Ft Lauderdale arrival gate which he said he could handle. $100 is the charge - but well worth it. They used to do this at no charge for unaccompanied minors - but those days are gone along with the free baggage checks.
I just hope everything goes smoothly - I want him to be able to call me whenever he wants to come to Florida - so if he has a negative experience in Dallas, he would be hesitant to do that until he is much older.
Just praying it won't rain too much in Orlando and spoil the vacation. We are staying at the Portofino Bay Resort - Club Level - right in Universal Studios. Transformers and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is what he is all excited about. The drive up there is less than 3 hours.
Sure looking forward to seeing him - it's been 4 years since I saw him last. Just can't handle 7-8 hours flying and layovers anymore.
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My brother and I travelled a lot as unaccompanied minors (mainly international) and a gate agent always went with us the entire time. One time there was a 6 hour delay in our connecting flight and I remember they bought us the biggest ice cream sundae we had ever seen. It was awesome. Best flight delay ever!
An unaccompanied minor is not like a piece of baggage. Hope everything goes well. Have fun!
Thanks, Verdugo! No, he is not like a piece of baggage, but being almost 13 years old, 5'10" tall, 165 lbs., blond and blue-eyed, he is a lot better looking. The high school girls have been bothering him, he says, and he is still in middle school - September birthday. My DIL sends me pictures every month (thank goodness for computers and email) and he looks more like a 16 year old than a 13 year old. But he still has that innocence of a boy - I talk to him at least once a week on the phone.
Yep, I am sure looking forward to this upcoming week - I have him all to myself. I wish I could bring my other grandson in (his brother) but he is autistic with Asperger's syndrome. I only understand every 5th word he speaks. Truly a horror for my son and DIL, not to mention my other grandson. This trip in to see me will give him a respite from his brother. I love them both, but it's difficult when you can't understand him and he gets frustrated.
Oh well, such is life.
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Oldbearcat
Wow, I don't think I could produce a birth certificate and I don't have a passport. That must be tough on oldsters like you.
Never had to do anything like that to renew here in NY. Maybe because I have a CDL it's different.
Funny that Florida requires all that stuff. Wasn't there a big row down there over requiring ID to vote? Maybe you could accuse the motor vehicle office of racism and get the requirements dropped.
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I am seeing a lot of them because I just heard on the radio they are the #2 selling car in the US after the Camry. Apparently, they won't bring out a changed 2014 model, GM wants to put their resources into improving other models for now, and then the 2015 model will be larger on the inside and trunk, and will get major design changes.
Next generation Cruise
P.S. Mike, Hope all goes well with your grandson's trip - he must be very excited and you two should have a blast.
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Hope you are not planning on leaving the country any time in the near future.
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Yes, the Cruze was a best seller in June and cannibalizes the Malibu sales. Although GM is heavily discounting the Malibu sales actually fell in June.
#1 Toyota Camry..... 35,870 + 11.7%
#2 Chevrolet Cruze.. 32,871 + 73.2%
#3 Honda Accord..... 31,677 + 9.5%
#4 Honda Civic.........29,724 + 8.1%
#5 Nissan Altima......26,904 + 23.3%
#10 Chevy Malibu.... 21,288 - 32.2%
By the way, while we were talking about cars the stock price of both GM and Ford doubled. I don't own these stocks individually but they are part of my 401(k) portfolio which is up 15% this year so far. Nice going Ford and GM.
The story was clear...."either we make the best small car on the market, or GM will die." I don't know if its the best small car on the market (that would probably be a Dart, which isn't selling all that well). But, it looks like it's a success for Chevy.
The Malibu? That's a resounding "dud" full of old GM thinking.
Important to remember that these numbers represent "CARS", not including pickup trucks. The Ford F150 is the best selling vehicle in the USA, and has been for many years. Closely followed by the Chevrolet Silverado.
I don't think any passenger car has come in higher than number 3 on the list in quite a few years.
I contacted the DMV here in Florida and they told me that the birth certificate I have used all my life is not a certified certificate and therefore unacceptable! Can you believe that? My parents used it to enroll me in kindergarten, the Selective Service System used it for my draft card, the 3 universities I attended accepted it, Illinois accepted it for my marriage certificate, but Florida won't accept it for a driver's license. So I had to spend $38.50 to have New York City send me a certified copy of my birth certificate.
Then, they said that my Social Security card is unacceptable because it was sealed in plastic. So I had to go to the Social Security Office and apply for a replacement card - and you know what that was like! Then, because my birth certificate does not list my middle name, but everything I have for ID's lists my middle initial, the may not accept that as a certified ID and I might have to get a lawyer to add my middle name as a legal change of name. ALL THIS TO
TO "RENEW" AN EXISTING DRIVER'S LICENSE!. Is there something wrong here? Does this sound like government has gotten so big and uncontrollable that it has become dangerous?
Story to be continued!
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Build It
And here's another showing how quickly the battery can be swapped out:
Swap It
The Model S is way outside my price range, but I genuinely hope the company succeeds in a big way.
NINETY SECONDS to swap a battery, that is truly remarkable. That innovation should silence the critics and transform the BEV from fringe to mainstream transportation. The next critical steps are to bring down the cost of the battery and to expand replacement stations to reach critical mass.
Bravo Tesla. Great Job! I wonder when they will launch an SUV model?
That's good to know. I just watched a video elsewhere that pegs the cost of a battery swap at $60 - $85. However, it will cost about $500,000 to build and equip a station with the requisite robots. Expensive yes, but that is a price some will be willing to pay for time and convenience.
but. the technology could make sense for targeted applications. UPS local delivery trucks? Taxis? Mail trucks (I always thought they made sense for electrics, since they stay local and park overnight in the same spot!)
UPS could save a fortune on gas, and have one of those stations if they needed to run trucks in shifts.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Ah, yes, let's get the government(s) involved. That'll fix it.
Why, what have you heard? :surprise:
Seriously, I hated it when they started requiring a passport to travel to Canada but I haven't traveled there or anywhere out of the country since the 1980s.
Switching gears, I have a question for the car trivia buffs. I seem to recall that in 2004, it's last year of production, the Olds Alero was sold only to rental fleets. Am I right or wrong?
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Interesting that you name the Dart. Could you elaborate? I always enjoy your car analysis.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Certainly could be, I always remember plenty of them on the rental lots around that time frame. I never thought it was that bad a car.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Understand, my time in the Dart was limited to a brief test drive a while back when I was possibly, maybe, perhaps considering a 2nd car for daily scoot around duties.
I think it was the base model with an automatic (which didn't totally suck). It had a little turbo motor which provided decent power (and I'll assume, really good MPG). The precision of the steering and the upscale ride is what struck me most with the Dart. It was finished nicely, too.....inside and out.
That said, as roadburner points out, it's an Alpha underneath, and a good Alpha at that.
It would be on my short list (along with the Civic) if I were looking for a small car for daily driving duties.
These will be dumped en masse in 18 months and kill resale values.
Here in Ct we have an option to make the new one 'official' or same old , the 'official' needing that extra stuff to really prove who you are.
It's my understanding the old style will not be acceptable as ID in coming years if you were taking a flight somewhere and had to go through the checks at the airport.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
The Florida DMV made the change to this new license procedure effective 2010. It's designed to weed out terrorists and illegals and to make FL licenses compliant with federal standards - starting in 2017, anyone boarding an airplane or entering a federal building will have to present an enhanced driver's license. The enhanced license may also allow holders to re-enter the US without a passport as it is also a proof of citizenship.
The drawback to some is that the license has an RFID chip in it that allows ICE to pull up your information via the chip. Some feel that it basically creates a national ID card and makes it easier to track individuals. YMMV.
See:
http://www.gathergoget.com/
http://www.flhsmv.gov/html/dlnew.html
Not necessarily. GM doesn't want to repeat this mistake, so GM thinks if they keep Cruze rental fleet numbers under 25%, and don't do massive discounting, they can maintain residual values.
I think your statement is a good one, but, I think GM has learned their lesson, hopefully.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
So 18 months from now would be a good time to buy any used Cruze? Or a good time to buy a former rental Cruze?
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Even in my bunker? :mad:
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Show me your papers please.... :mad:
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Even at 25%, that is a huge number.
Toyota continues to do this with Camrys with the same effect of the resale market. That's how they sell more Camrys than Accords.
Thanks for the two links - I saw them when I was making my appointment to get the license renewed. I just think they are over-burdening Florida residents with all these requirements. A driver's license should be easier to renew - especially if you've had a Florida license for over 10 years. It's just overkill in my opinion.
Birth certificates should be required for passports, not to "renew" a license. To get a license for the first time, that's different. Then, they want a social security card or 1099 form. Then two pieces of mail. I have a voter's registration card - that should be enough to prove I am a citizen and for proof of address - if it matches my current driver's license.
The requirements are just too restrictive!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
I carry a green card and am quite willing to show it to anyone who wishes to see it -- no problem.
I don't understand why so many others have their knickers in a bunch over showing a card that proves who they are, but that's just me.
I have no problem showing my ID (driver's license and my community picture ID) - it's the redundancy of "proof" the DMV requires to merely renew an already existing driver's license that I originally got in 2000 by showing my birth certificate then (which was good enough in 2000, but unacceptable now).
I don't mind showing my ID - it's what I've had to go through these past few days to get an original birth certificate, get a replacement Social Security card (they didn't like the plastic coating on my original 52 year old card, and the time and expense I've devoted to this.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
2018 430i Gran Coupe
I think it'a more sinister than what we see on the surface! You use your driver's license to get a voter registration card along with two addressed bills to your address. What Florida is doing is making it more difficult for people to vote - due in part to the thousands of undocumented aliens.
So if I'm having difficulty renewing my driver's license, can you imagine how difficult it would be for undocumented aliens.? The new license ID is supposed to be almost impossible to counterfeit.
I'm just worried that I may have to hire an attorney to have my middle name, which appears on everything including my social security card, diplomas, credit cards, etc., made legal. My parents never told me they neglected to have it put on my birth certificate. My birth certificate shows no middle name - which I was told will not be accepted by the DMV. Even the deed to my condo, the title to my car, the county tax commission, etc., show "L" as my middle initial.
I just can't wait for August 8th at 8:30 AM as I try to get my license renewed. This is a mess. And remember, I was norm in this country as were my parents.
Good Grief!!!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger