Archive for January, 2008

Will Genesis Propel Hyundai

Wednesday, January 30th, 2008

An article on msnbc today speculates about Hyundai’s new push into the luxury car segment with the addition of the new Genesis model. Genesis will have three available engines, including a rear-drive 4.6-liter 375 horsepower V8 engine with a six-speed Shiftronic® atomatic transmission. Since it will be competing with more costly models, you can expect it to be loaded with great features including leather seats, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, GPS navigation, and a reverse camera. The anticipated starting price should be below $30,000. More information on the genesis features can be found on this autoblog entry, and this consumer guide automotive article.

Here is a video of the Genesis concept that was reveiled at the 2007 New York International Auto Show.

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And a promo video on the genesis

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Truth In Advertising

Tuesday, January 29th, 2008

Here is a video spoof from Runawaybox that you might be able to relate to.

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Toyota takes Worldwide Sales Lead

Monday, January 28th, 2008

According to this article, Toyota has overtaken GM as the leader in worldwide auto sales. This is the first time since 1931, when Herbert Hoover was president of the US, that GM has not been the leader in global auto sales.

9,369,524 vehicles were sold worldwide in 2007, a 3 percent increase from 2006 for GM. Meanwhile, Toyota reported global sales of about 9.37 million vehicles for 2007. This increase in sales of Toyotas may be attributed to drivers choosing smaller, more fuel-efficient cars along with Toyota’s reputation for reliability.

In 2007, Toyota sold 2.6 million vehicles in the United States, a 16 percent share of the market. Although Toyota has moved into the global sales leader position, GM continues to lead in domestic auto sales with a 24 percent share in 2007. While GM sold 3.8 million vehicles in the US, it’s market share dropped dramatically from their 1990 share of 35 percent.

But according to this blog, GM can take advantage of this by letting Toyota become the company in the cross hairs of the publics scrutiny. For instance, while Toyota was once lauded for their green initiatives, recent vehicle launches have resulted in some big recalls and quality issues.

Crazy Ford Ad

Wednesday, January 9th, 2008

Craziest Ford Ad you will ever see. Click here.

I don’t think they’ll be airing anything like this in the states, but with the way the industry is going you never know.