I already reported that Toyota sales are down so far this year, something the automaker rarely has to report. But the bigger news, reported by Automotive News, may be that Toyota's sales have been on a sales slide for four straight months. That's the first time in 13 years that Toyota's sales have slid for four consecutive months. Ouch. And is it the big trucks/SUVs that are pulling down Toyota's sales? Nope. Those vehicles are off 5.3 percent, but Toyota's cars are off 5.9 percent. Double ouch!

Don't write them off just yet. Remember, most of the industry is down this year, and in terms of market share Toyota is still on the rise. They are at 16 percent so far in 2008, versus 15.6 percent for the same period last year.

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"Why doesn't Ford bring back the Zephyr?"

I can't believe anyone ever actually said this, but lo and behold that paragon of 1970s Mercury style and performance did return in 2006 -- as a Lincoln. Actually, the Zephyr was originally a 1930s-era Lincoln before it was a '70s Mercury, but how many people know (or care) about that? Should Ford have revived this nameplate? I guess its staying power (Lincoln changed that model's name to MKZ after one year) is answer enough.

I was recently thinking about dead nameplates that should not come back after someone brought up Edsel in conversation. I'm assuming Ford will never revive that nameplate, and I don't expect to see the words "Aztek," "Chevette" or "Volare" on a future model, either. But then again, who would have predicted the rise of "Aspen" from the automotive underworld. Which brings up today's burning question:

What dead vehicle nameplates do you most fear the return of? In my opinion there are two reasons for a nameplate to never come back: (A) it's associated with a horrendous vehicle (Aztek) or (B) it was a horrendous name itself, regardless of the vehicle it was affixed to (Probe).

Here are my Top 5:

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According to Automotive News, Ford's future product is going global, while the Mercury division may be going...away? The industry publication shows a slow (probably too slow, IMHO) product ramp-up over the next three years for Ford and Lincoln, while Mercury simply seems to be slowing to a stop. The core strategy to Mr. Mulally's plan involves cutting costs by sharing platforms and parts on a global scale. Don't forget that while Ford continues to struggle in the U.S. market the Blue Oval is doing rather well in other parts of the globe (including Russia). Here's the three-year plan by division...sorry there isn't more to report...

Ford: The most exciting thing in Ford's future is the launch of Flex (pictured above) in 2009. If you're looking for more than a "refresh" or "reskin" or "re-engineer" in the coming years you'll have to wait for a possible Focus redesign in 2012 (only about seven years late) and an Expedition redesign in 2011. The all-new, global products won't start showing up until after 2012. Mustang gets a reskin in 2010 (I hear it may look something like that Giugiaro thing from last year's L.A. Auto Show -- please say it ain't so), and the F-150 gets a re-engineer in 2009 that should keep it competitive. Otherwise it looks to be a long half-decade.

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I already covered the 2008 Lincoln Navigator a few weeks ago, but I just drove the "L" version and realized this car is more than simply a Cadillac Escalade ESV competitor. It's really (along with the Ford Expedition EL) a replacement for the Excursion. That particular Ford vehicle was lambasted by everyone from environmentalists to safety advocates (not surprising considering the curb weight of more than 7,000 pounds and real-world mileage around 12 mpg).

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Wow, I'd forgotten what "premium SUV" used to mean. Hop in the latest Lincoln Navigator and it's like a trip down memory lane. Reminds me of the same sensations I get when driving my 1970 Dodge Challenger. Slow steering. Wallowy handling. Thirteen MPG. "But Karl, are you talking about your Challenger or the Lincoln Navigator?" Yes.

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It ain't no Aviator, and I really liked the Aviator. Sure, it was just a gussied up Explorer, but I also like that generation Explorer (quick, stable, and a usable third-row seat), so what was in effect a "Super Explorer" (including a more powerful engine at the time) was appealing to me. Plus, I liked the name Aviator, if for no other reason than it made for a great theoretical shootout between the Ford and Honda midsize utes: Pilot versus Aviator.

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I really like the Ford Interceptor, but I'm hesitant to get too excited about it. I liked the 427 concept from years ago, too, but I've yet to see a worthy production variant of it (no, the front-drive, six-cylinder Fusion doesn't count). Ford keeps saying that product is key to its turnaround. Agreed - now let's see some PRODUCT that's as cool as this concept.

Speaking of product, the new Focus looks much better and has some cool improvements, including the Ford-Microsoft "Sync" technology that uses Bluetooth to read emails with text-to-voice technology. I'm also happy to see the new coupe version of the Focus (though I'd be happier to see a Mazda 3-based car...).

Lincoln's MKR is another very cool teaser that looks like a Bentley - if not better (Peter Horbury's British accent as he described the car only added to this impression). The flowing body lines and superb proportions are extremely well executed. Bottom line - this is the type of vehicle Lincoln needs to regain its stature as a luxury brand. Please build it ASAP.

Anne Stevens and Peter Horbury hosted this conference and focused on the theme "American Dream."

The basic message was that Lincoln wants to appeal to American luxury car buyers, with Anne going so far as to say "Lincoln has no desire to compete on the world luxury car stage, because the competition is for buyers right here in America." Hmm, an interesting way to state Lincoln's goal.

Here's the basic rundown:



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