MotorMediaWatch December 2
Dec 2, 2008 MotorMediaWatch
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Government coffers feel drop in auto sales
Purchases are a huge part of sales taxes collected by city, county and state governments.(LAT)+++
Ford says CEO will return to Washington by car
Ford Motor Co. says CEO Alan Mulally will travel by car when he makes his return trip to Washington, D.C., to seek $25 billion in government loans. (LAT)+++
The pony car makes a comeback
For ’60s muscle-car fans and young tuners alike, there’ll be four offerings by spring — a Dodge Challenger (out now), a Ford Mustang, a Chevy Camaro and a Hyundai Genesis.(LAT)+++
Ford F-150 pickup is king of the mountain
The 2009 model is vastly better than anything else in its class (LAT)+++
2009 Dodge Ram | Redesigned truck is main reason Chrysler might still be worth something
As bad news swirls around Chrysler, the 2009 Dodge Ram pickup reminds us that the automaker is very good at some important things. (TST)+++
Automotive Q&A | Car care that’s necessary, unneeded — or even harmful
I just saw an exposé on a quick-lube place trying to sell engine flushing and fuel-injector cleaning. It was startling to see this person’s engine destroyed because of the engine flush.
2009 Ford F-150 | Tough trucks in tough times
Luxury-Car Sales in Steep Decline
Luxury-car sales are getting hit as hard as the overall auto market, in contrast to previous downturns. (WSJ)+++
Small European Cars Shine
Sales of small, chic European cars have grown, showing that consumers can still be enticed to buy cars that are perceived as making a lifestyle statement. (WSJ)+++
GM Solicits Debtholders in Overhaul Bid
GM is trying to lure some debtholders into exchanging debt for equity as the auto maker works to craft a viable plan to give Congress.(WSJ)+++
More Vehicles Make Top Marks on Safety
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reported that 72 vehicles for the 2009 model year received its top rating for protecting occupants in a crash.(WSJ)+++
Ford weighs selling Volvo amid industry downturn
Ford Motor says it is considering selling Volvo as the struggling U.S. automaker seeks to raise cash and weather the industry crisis. SJM)+++
Day of reckoning for the Big Three
As the humbled captains of the U.S. auto industry spend the weekend preparing their second case for a federal bailout, their best argument may come in November’s auto sales figures. (SJM)+++
No sympathy for Detroit at a Kia plant in Georgia
The residents of this town are learning to enjoy Korean barbecue, and are wary of bailing out American automakers. ‘The foreign cars took the lead, and they deserve it,’ says one. (SJM)+++
Marketing budgets collapse; Mini convertible lifts lid
The best of today’s automotive news, reviews and commentary — as well as the cool and weird — from Freep.com and other Web sites. Check back for updates throughout the morning. (DFP)+++
Long-term idea for Detroit 3: Think globally for way to survive
All right, Congress. You are revisiting federal aid to Chrysler LLC, Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Corp. this week. You want a plan to set the U.S. auto industry on the road to long-term health and sustained profits. (DFP)+++
Ford reviews plan to shed Volvo
Ford Motor Co. said today that it is considering the possible sale of Volvo, its Sweden-based auto brand and the company’s last remnant of its foreign luxury division. (DFP)+++
Sweden talks with Ford and GM after Saab, Volvo report
STOCKHOLM, Sweden — The Swedish government confirmed today it is in talks with General Motors Corp. and Ford Motor Co. after a report that the U.S. automakers are seeking support for their struggling Swedish brands Saab and Volvo Cars. (DFP)+++
GM Daewoo limits production
SEOUL, South Korea — South Korea’s exports fell sharply in November, the government said Monday, while automakers took steps to cut production amid slumping demand for vehicles amid the weak global economy. (DFP)+++
UAW may reopen pacts
UAW President Ron Gettelfinger signaled Sunday that the union is willing to reopen its contracts with the Detroit Three as a way to help the domestic automakers win support for federal loans as long as the companies and its executives also make sacrifices. (DFP)+++
The civilized king of the SUVs
There are SUVs that are tiny and barely worthy of the name - you’d want to dub them, perhaps, SUV-ettes - and there are gimongous SUVs…(SFC)+++
All-new 2009 Kia Borrego: strong engine, ample towing
Kia has made some significant changes to the Borrego for 2009, making the three-row, seven-passenger SUV a solid contender in its…(SFC)+++
Charge! A 1972 Dodge Charger keeps the family legacy rolling
A former music teacher, Dan Ryan retired as principal of the School of the Arts in 1992. (SFC)+++
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