Car Stock Exchange

2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible HardTop: A Sleeper

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 07:30:19 -0800

Jim Press talk about how Chrysler wants to make "fun-to-drive, great looking, great ride vehicles, not appliances like other carmakers", I had to share my recent drive in one of those defining Chryslers.

The 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible with the retractable hardtop roof is a great looking car that offers the best of both worlds, a quiet coupe with the roof up and a "soak up the sun", wind in your hair convertible with the roof down. I recently drove the Sebring Convertible Limited Edition with a base MSRP price of $32,055 that was optioned up to $38,055 with features like a touchscreen navigation system with GPS and Sirius Traffic and heated front seats.

This Sebring had the solid feel and handling of a Mercedes so you know that Daimler influenced its creation before the corporate separation. The 235 horsepower 3.5 liter High Output V6 24 valve MPI engine tied to a 6-speed automatic transmission was impressive, smooth and delivered plenty of power for driving up hills and high speed highway passing. The sound system with the 6 Boston Acoustics Speakers was excellent and pulled in the Sirius music with clarity and depth.
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Car Stock Exchange Vehicle Sales Through August

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 04:00:00 -0800

CSX Vehicle Sales Through August
Vehicle	August Sales	6 mo. Est	Total	On Sale
2008 Lexus LX 570	748	4,500	4,260	6 months/retired
2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI	507	2,250	2,631	6 months/retired
2008 Toyota Sequoia	3,195	18,900	17,568	6 months/retired
2008 Infiniti EX35	1,645	13,500	7,401	6 months/retired
2009 Nissan Murano	5,071	33,750	35,847	6 months/retired
2009 Saturn Astra	1,994	20,250	7,155	6 months/retired
2008 smart fortwo	2,420	15,570	14,636	6 months/retired
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution	355	2,700	2,113	6 months/retired
2008 Chevrolet HHR SS	878	4,500	5,577	6 months/retired
2008 Chevrolet Tahoe hybrid	530	3,150	3,680	6 months/retired
2008 GMC Yukon hybrid	267	4,050	4,317	6 months/retired
2009 Mini Clubman	1,333	4,500	6,718	6 months/retired
2009 Pontiac Vibe	6,243	27,000	29,469	6 months/retired
2009 Toyota Corolla	24,732	137,250	185,291	6 months/retired
2009 Toyota Matrix	4,711	31,500	31,140	6 months/retired
2008 BMW M3	879	3,600	4,510	6 months/retired
2009 Dodge Journey	4,587	15,750	30,025	6 months/retired
2009 Jaguar XF sedan	914	8,100	6,184	6 months/retired
2009 Lexus IS F	442	2,475	2,027	6 months/retired
2008 Audi A5	433	3,150	2,118	6 months/retired
2008 BMW 1 Series	1,190	9,000	8,617	5 months
2008 Pontiac G8	1,915	15,750	9,657	5 months
2009 Acura TSX	2,837	15,000	14,744	5 months
2009 BMW X6	466	14,400	2,886	5 months
2009 Hyundai Sonata	11,477	67,500	75,688	5 months
2009 Subaru Forester	6,763	27,000	24,564	4 months
2009 Volkswagen Tiguan	1,031	15,300	3,600	4 months
2009 Acura RL	316	6,750	1,217	3 months
2009 Ford Flex	2,010	40,500	5,593	3 months
2009 Infiniti FX	1,581	11,250	4,275	3 months
2009 Honda Pilot	11,276	67,500	26,044	3 months
2009 Nissan Maxima	5,484	28,800	12,954	3 months
2009 Lincoln MKS	2,374	9,000	4,653	2 months
2009 Hyundai Genesis	1,177	9,000	1,177	1 month
2009 Hyundai Borrego	1,000	9,000	1,000	1 month

Twenty vehicles were retired after six full months of sales following their IPO dates on the Car Stock Exchange and of those, eight beat the Edmunds.com sales estimates led by the Toyota Corolla with 185,291 a whopping 48,041 over the 137,500 forecast. Next biggest surprise was the Dodge Journey which sold 30,025 in six months topping the projection of 15,750 by 14,275 in sales. The other six with better-than-expected sales in no particular order were the Subaru WRX STI, Nissan Murano, Chevrolet HHR SS, MINI Clubman, Pontiac Vibe and BMW M3.

The three worst performers were the GMC Yukon hybrid with sales of 1,059, a quarter of the 4,050 estimate along with the Infiniti EX35 selling 7,401, less than half the 13,500 forecast and the Saturn Astra at 7,155 in sales was a third of the 20,250 target.

Watch for your stock portfolios to be re-calculated accounting for the vehicle retirements. 46 vehicles remain trading on the Car Stock Exchange.

Chrysler Vice-Chairman, President Jim Press Tells It Like It Is

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 05:55:45 -0800

On September 6, 2007, Toyota Motor North America President Jim Press jumped to Chrysler shocking the automotive world and, a year later, he's still loving it. Press told a large gathering of the Motor Press Guild in Los Angeles that, "it's like being back at grade school." After 37 years at Toyota, Press says, "it was an opportunity to transition from a sunset to sunrise - a chance to redefine an auto company." And, from what he told us, Chrysler is well on their way to being "an economic rebirth of a company."

Cerberus Capital Management, L.P. is the private equity firm that bought Chrysler from Daimler AG, Mercedes-Benz parent company, and Press explained that the "Detroit paradigm of the more cars you make, the more money you lose" had to change when Chrysler became a private company. Press said that, "Daimler was building a 5 million car-per-year company, spending money as a 4 million car-per-year company but the problem is that the revenue to pay for it is 2.5 million cars-per-year." Press said that Chrysler also had to adjust for Daimler's pre-sale "pump up the volume" move which boosted "fleet sales for daily rental cars to almost 40% of their business, hurting residuals."

Press explained that Chrysler had to "substantially reduce overhead and billions of fixed expenses" by cutting out a lot of fleet volume and unprofitable models like the Pacifica, Crossfire, Magnum and PT Cruiser convertible to stabilize costs. "Warranty costs are down 29%." Press said that, "this year's volume will fall short, though within 7,000 units of forecast" and that they "financially achieved their target in the first 6 months of 2008" and clarified that, "I didn't say we were profitable."

"You can't have brands competing a block away", Press referring to Chrysler and Dodge brand vehicles, such as the minivan, that compete against each other. "It costs $100 million to introduce a new product and you've got a two car race with both on the same team."

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Ford Veteran Odell Replaces Arp As Volvo Car Corp. CEO

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 07:04:36 -0800

Stephen Odell, 53, goes from Ford of Europe's chief operating officer to president and chief executive officer of Volvo Car Corporation, replacing Fredrik Arp, who has decided to leave after three years leading Volvo.

Effective October 1st, Odell, will be responsible for Volvo's global operations out of its headquarters in Gothenburg, Sweden, and report to Lewis Booth, executive vice president of Ford Motor Company and chairman of Volvo Car Corporation, who will continue to oversee the strategic direction of Volvo.

Before he was appointed chief operating officer of Ford of Europe in April 2008, Odell served as Ford of Europe's vice president of marketing, sales and service for nearly three years. Prior to that, he held several senior level positions at Mazda from 2000 to 2005. Odell was vice president, marketing and sales, Jaguar North America from 1997 to 2000. Stephen Odell joined Ford of Britain in 1980 as a graduate trainee.

"Stephen Odell brings to Volvo a wealth of experience of strong leadership in the automotive industry," said Alan Mulally, president and CEO, Ford Motor Company.

Volvo XC60 Trades On The Car Stock Exchange - On Sale in U.S. in 2009

Volvo is approaching the 10th anniversary of its $6.45 billion purchase by then-Ford-CEO Jac Nassar and after the recent sales of Jaguar and Land Rover by Ford, the "for sale" question surrounds Volvo as its losses continue to mount. Mulally says, "I believe that Stephen is the right person - together with Lewis Booth and the Volvo Cars Management Team - to take Volvo forward and to return the business to sustainable profitability." Through July, Volvo 2008 U.S. sales were 51,305, down 19% from the first seven months of 2007.

20 Cars On The Car Stock Exchange Retire Sunday

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 04:00:00 -0800

For all you loyal, active and less-active Car Stock Exchange traders, expect to see 20 vehicles missing from the trading list on Monday morning as they are being removed after having accumulated six full months of sales. Here's the list that will be priced based on their sales and published here next week:
Lexus LX 570
Subaru Impreza WRX STI
Toyota Sequoia
Infiniti EX35
Nissan Murano
Saturn Astra
smart fortwo
Mitsubishi Evolution
Chevrolet HHR SS
Chevrolet Tahoe hybrid
GMC Yukon hybrid
Mini Clubman
Pontiac Vibe
Toyota Corolla
Toyota Matrix
BMW M3
Dodge Journey
Jaguar XF sedan
Lexus IS F
Audi A5
Good luck, continue trading and watch for all the new IPOs.

BMW Raises Prices On 2009 Models Arriving in October

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 04:00:00 -0800

BMW of North America raised vehicle prices 2.1 percent on average across its model range of 2009 BMW brand vehicles due to continually rising raw materials costs, like steel, and ongoing foreign exchange rate pressure due to the weak U.S. dollar vs. the Euro. BMW raised prices by 1% in June and now model year 2009 vehicles, arriving at dealerships in October will cost you more. Will this be enough for BMW buyers to consider other options and impact their sales? BMW sales, including its MINI brand, year-to-date, through July, are down just 3% and for the month of July were up 2.2% over July 2007 which tells us a slight bump in the price won't have an impact but bigger economic issues might. For the BMW's that trade on the Car Stock Exchange, here are the new Fall prices:

The BMW 1 Series now starts at $30,025, including the $825 destination charge for the 128i coupe, the least expensive vehicle in the BMW line-up, and $34,625 for the 128i convertible. The 135i coupe starts at $36,425 and 135i convertible at $40,725.

The BMW M3 sedan at $55,325, M3 coupe $58,325 and M3 convertible at $66,975.
The most expensive BMW is the M6 convertible that will cost $108,325.

The BMW X6 xDrive 35i at $56,325 and the BMW xdrive 50i at $67,025.

Discounts, Rebates, Incentives Galore To Spur Sales

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 04:00:00 -0800

By now you've heard that General Motors is offering employee pricing on its vehicles through September 2nd. After surfing their site, there appears to be 91 vehicles in the GM garage that you could drive away in and likely get the special employee price. Eleven GM vehicles trade on the Car Stock Exchange: 1 Cadillac, 5 Chevy's, 1 GMC, 1 Hummer, 2 Pontiacs and 1 Saturn.

My Edmunds.com colleague Julia compiles a list of vehicles that have incentives to move metal off the showroom floors:
Toyota Sequoia - $1,000 Customer Bonus cash
Nissan Murano - $500 Customer Bonus Cash, $1,000 Loyalty Bonus Cash
Dodge Journey - $500 Owner Loyalty Cash
Hyundai Genesis - $500 Military Incentive
Hyundai Sonata - $500 Owner Loyalty Cash & Military Incentive
Infiniti FX - $1,000 - $4,000 For Current FX or Current Infiniti Owner

Check out the New Car Incentives & Rebates page at Edmunds.com.
You'll find almost every manufacturer is giving a cash rebate, though when I searched using my zip code I noticed that Bentley, Honda, Mercedes and Porsche were sticking to their prices without serving up deals.

Let's see how this latest push boosts sales of CSX vehicles and the twenty that hit the 6-month finish line and retire from the game this weekend. Go shopping, there are deals to be had.

2009 Chrysler Aspen & Dodge Durango Hybrids Are Coming

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 04:00:00 -0800

The 2009 Chrysler Aspen and 2009 Dodge Durango two-mode hybrid powertrain SUVs began rolling off the assembly line last week at the Newark, Delaware Assembly Plant where new processes were implemented to accommodate HEV production, including a unique powertrain assembly process, and ergonomic-assist systems to aid in new functions, such as HEV battery installation.

Some of the unique components associated with HEV production that are installed at the plant, include a 300-volt battery, two-mode transmission, torque power inverter module, electric air conditioning, auxiliary power module, high-voltage cables (AC and DC), hydro-electric power steering pump, hybrid gate way module and cooling module.

Chrysler's two-mode full hybrid system, developed in partnership with General Motors, Daimler and The BMW Group, provides all of the fuel-saving benefits of a full-hybrid system, including electric-only operation. In this mode, the engine is "shut off," with the vehicle moving under electric-only power at low speed. The result is a significant reduction in fuel consumption in heavy stop-and-go traffic.
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2009 Acura TL Full Specs Released

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 04:00:00 -0800

The all-new 2009 Acura TL, which began trading on the Car Stock Exchange last week, is the fourth-generation TL performance luxury sedan coming in the TL and TL SH-AWD trim levels with two VTEC powertrains. The TL has the standard front-wheel drive 280 horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 engine and the new Super Handling All-Wheel Drive's 305-horsepower 3.7-liter V-6 with Acura's Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and Grade Logic Control. The new engine has projected EPA fuel economy ratings of 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.

The 2009 TL is 6 inches longer overall on a 1.4 inch longer wheelbase and is 1.8 inches wider and half-an-inch higher than its predecessor providing 1.3 inches more rear legroom and a half-inch of added rear shoulder room.

There's stiff competition in the four-door V6 $30,000-plus segment including the BMW 3 & 5 Series, Audi A6, Infiniti G35, Lexus ES350, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Cadillac CTS and Lincoln MKS. Information on the new TL has been dribbling out this summer and just last week the full release was delivered. The TL stands out as a good value proposition and TL sales should pick up when the all-new model hits showrooms "this Fall".

2011 Chevrolet Cruze Photos Ahead Of October Paris Debut

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 04:00:00 -0800

The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is part of GM's answer to the fuel-efficient, small car blitz and will be officially unveiled at the Paris Auto Show in early October before going on sale in 100 countries starting next year. General Motors announced that it will invest more than $500 million in the U.S. to build the all-new global compact car at its Lordstown, Ohio plant.

"One of the key reasons for the success of the Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5 is the Lordstown workforce and the strong partnerships with the UAW and local and state officials," according to GM Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner. "Based on the quality of work and these strong partnerships, we are pleased to announce our plans to invest another $500 million in the Chevy Cruze product program in the U.S., including more than $350 million in Lordstown." ]]>

VW Tiguan Gets Top Safety Pick, Jetta Diesels On Sale Now

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 06:48:16 -0800

The Volkswagen Tiguan compact sport utility vehicle, which trades on the Car Stock Exchange, received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's top safety pick award for 2008, the highest rating possible. The annual award recognizes vehicles that perform best in protecting passengers in the Institute's front, side and rear crash test evaluations, and includes only vehicles with electronic stability control (Electronic Stabilization Program on Volkswagen vehicles) and head protection airbags.

The Tiguan comes standard with the Prevent and Preserve Safety System comprising 45 safety features, including ESP and six airbags, with rear seat airbags as an option. Tiguan is available in S, SE, and SEL trim levels starting at $23,200 with EPA fuel economy of 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. VW dealers tell me demand is very high and so popular in Europe that there's a long waiting list.

Go get one! The all-new 50-state compliant clean diesel Volkswagen Jetta TDI sedan and SportWagen, which trade on the Car Stock Exchange, are now available for customer delivery. As reported in June, the Jetta TDI starts at $21,990 and the Sportwagen at $23,590. The Jetta TDI's EPA rating is 29 mpg City and 40 mpg Highway. VW hired third-party certifier, AMCI, which tested the Jetta TDI and found it performed 24 percent better in real world conditions, achieving 38 mpg in the City and 44 mpg on the Highway. The Jetta TDI sedan and SportWagen are eligible for a $1300 Federal Income Tax Credit as the Internal Revenue Service issued a certification letter affirming that both vehicles qualify for an Advanced Lean Burn Technology Motor Vehicle income tax credit.

The Volkswagen brand delivered 2.21 million vehicles worldwide in the first seven months of this year, up 4.7 percent over 2007, setting a new record for this period.

2009 Honda Fit Goes On Sale Aug. 26 Starting At $14,550

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 04:00:00 -0800

The completely-redesigned 2009 Honda Fit with a more powerful 117-horsepower 1.5-liter
i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine goes on sale August 26 with a starting MSRP of $14,550, plus a destination and handling charge of $670. The Fit Sport, equipped with additional premium features, has a starting MSRP of $16,060, plus destination and handling. The 2009 Honda Fit trades on the Car Stock Exchange.

A 5-speed manual transmission is standard and a 5-speed automatic transmission is available. Steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters allow for manual gear selection on the Fit Sport equipped with the available automatic transmission. The Fit equipped with the available automatic transmission that achieves 28 mpg city/35 mpg highway while the manual transmission EPA rating is 27 mpg city/33 mpg highway.]]>

2010 Lincoln MKT Crossover Coming In 2009

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 04:00:00 -0800

Lincoln confirmed it will produce the Lincoln MKT, a premium, three-row luxury crossover based on the concept vehicle with seating for up to seven passengers and all the latest in-car connectivity technologies including a new version of SYNC, Ford's connectivity technology that fully integrates customers' Bluetooth technologies including mobile phones and MP3 players. Plus, next-generation navigation system technology and new safety and security features will be available, including the new Blind Spot Monitoring and Cross Traffic Alert System.

The MKT will join the Lincoln lineup in calendar year 2009, along with an upgraded Lincoln MKZ mid-size sedan - plus an additional version of the flagship Lincoln MKS sedan powered by an EcoBoost engine. The MKT follows the launches of the two-row crossover Lincoln MKX, and the Lincoln MKZ mid-size sedan. In addition to a fuel-efficient 3.7-liter normally aspirated V-6 engine, the Lincoln MKT also will offer an EcoBoost 3.5-liter V-6 engine that will deliver an estimated 340 horsepower.

The Lincoln MKT will be manufactured in Ford Motor Company's Oakville Assembly Complex in Ontario, Canada. Expect the MKT to join the Car Stock Exchange.

New Cadillac SRX & CTS Sport Wagon Coming In 2009

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:00:00 -0800

The 2010 Cadillac SRX, accommodating five passengers will launch worldwide in mid-2009 replacing the current SRX Crossover, which first arrived in 2004. SRX sales in the first seven months of 2008 are 10,935, down 18.7% from the same period in 2007. This next-generation crossover is similar in styling and proportion to Cadillac's Provoq Concept that appeared in many auto shows during 2008.

The CTS Sport Wagon, derived from the CTS sedan, Cadillac's biggest seller with 37,252 sold in 2008, a 34.1% jump over the first seven months of 2007, has a cargo area of 25 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats compared to the 14 cubic feet offered in the CTS sedan. Cadillac says to expect an auto show debut this fall, with sales beginning next spring.

"The next-generation SRX, along with the new CTS Sport Wagon, showcases Cadillac taking its dramatic design into new directions, particularly cars and crossovers that are the right size at the right time for today's luxury consumers," said Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager.

The CTS-V trades on the Car Stock Exchange and all-new SRX will likely show up on CSX in the future.

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Ford Fiesta Global Car Production Begins In Germany

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 04:00:00 -0800

The all-new Ford Fiesta, developed by the European arm of Ford's global product development team becomes the first in Ford's portfolio of global small cars. Production is now underway at the Cologne Stamping and Assembly plant in Germany with production starting for the Asian market later this year in Nanjing, China and Rayong, Thailand and at Valencia Assembly Plant in Spain in January 2009. The next-generation Ford Fiesta will go on sale progressively between now and 2010, starting in Europe.

In North America, the new Fiesta subcompact will begin production in 2010 in Mexico at Ford's Cuautitlan Assembly Plant which will be retooled from its current production of F-Series trucks to small car production. The North American Fiesta and be offered in two models: the European hatchback and the two-door sedan. The next-generation Ford Fiesta will go on sale progressively between now and 2010, starting in Europe.

Within five years, Ford expects to build about 1 million vehicles worldwide off the new global B-car platform along with nearly 2 million vehicles off the global C-car unit. Since the first Fiesta was launched in 1976, more 12 million have been sold, with over 400,000 customers in 2007.