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‘Clunkers’ buyers seek fuel economy, Ford analyst says

July 31, 2009

Consumers taking part in the U.S. government’s “Cash for Clunkers” program have aimed more for smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles than larger trucks, Ford Motor Co.’s sales analyst said on Friday.

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Lamborghini first-half profits dip sharply

July 31, 2009

Supercar manufacturer Automobili Lamborghini posted a narrow 5.4 million euro ($7.7 million) profit for the first half of 2009, attributing its decline to a 37 percent drop in worldwide vehicle deliveries.

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Bailout Watch 576: Feel the Burn

July 31, 2009

TTAC commentator Corky Boyd offers a timely analysis:
“The administration has loaned or agreed to loan a total of $65 billion to GM and Chrysler in exchange for 60 percent ownership of GM and an 8 percent stake in Chrysler.”
If the two produce 3.5 million vehicles for the year (and that’s on the high side), that’s over [...]

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eBay’s “Auction Insurance Agency” to the Rescue

July 31, 2009

Like tens of millions of American consumers, I shop for my cars online. I do due diligence; working hard to filter out fraud and minimize the unavoidable unpredictability inherent to such transactions. My methodology is far from perfect—as my recent experience will attest. In fact, my tale of woe provides a real life example of how the biggest online seller—eBay—responds to fraudulent transactions.

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Stimulus We Can Believe In: More Cash for Cash for Clunkers

July 31, 2009

DETROIT - Yes, it’s an economic stimulus program we can believe in. After one week, so many American drivers have traded in clunkers for $3,500-$4,500 in cash toward a new car that the program is nearly out of money. The…

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IndyCar Series announces 2010 schedule; Kentucky qualifying canceled:

July 31, 2009

IndyCar Series officials set the 2010 schedule Friday at Kentucky Speedway, but they could not stop water from seeping through the track’s cracks. Qualifying was canceled.

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Ford Ads Position Refreshed Taurus Against Infiniti M45X, Lexus LS

July 31, 2009

Ford’s taking a page out of Hyundai’s playbook, positioning the refreshed Ford Taurus’ talents against significantly more expensive competition. According to The Detroit News, “In one spot, the Taurus and the $67,000 Infiniti M45X have their radar systems challenged by an obstacle course and a pair of aggressive drivers. It is designed to show the [$26k starting] [...]

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Ask the Best and Brightest: Yes But— Is This Dyno Test of the Switzer 997TT L5 800 Package The World’s Most Boring Video?

July 31, 2009

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Dealers warned off Cash for Clunkers

July 31, 2009

Despite the Obama administration’s promises that any Clunker deals written this weekend would be honored, the National Automobile Dealers Association is advising its members to play it safe and not close any more deals until the program’s fate is clearer.

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YSE Car of the Week: 2007 Mercedes R-Class

July 31, 2009

Your Shitty Economy (YSE) Car of the Week recommends the 2007 Mercedes Benz R-Class. Mercedes attempt at a minivan, er crossover thingy has been a huge failure. The ugly, slow selling R-class—a rif on the equally ill-fated Chrysler Pacifica—is as popular as a pet rock at a dog show. Buyers purchasing [...]

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