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August 27, 2008

2009 Dodge Ram 1500 getting some good early reviews

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As most of you know by now, the all-new Dodge Ram has a coil rear suspension, which replaces the traditional leaf rear suspension found on most tucks. As such, this new Ram will be studied very closely by truck buyers, many of whom think this is a bad idea. This thinking is best summed up by Scott Burgess of The Detroit News, who states:

New suspension a slam dunk
But the ride may make a bigger difference. Compared to the competition, the ride is smoother. Instead of sticking with leaf springs in the back, Dodge gambled with a multilink coil spring rear suspension.

You need to understand that pickup owners are much like the vending machines at The News: They don't handle change very well. Switching the truck's rear suspension is a monumental shift. Richter scales in India may have picked up the move by Dodge.

I couldn't have said it better.

Mike Levine of PickupTruck.com has also driven the new truck, and he too is quite impressed with the new Dodge and its new rear suspension.

As to how does it compare with other 1/2-tons? While not quite class-leading, it matches or exceeds the outgoing '08 Ram in terms of work capability, meaning payload and towing. The big question is: Will truck buyers agree? My guess--after the expected initial grumbling--yes.

Full story here and here.

August 25, 2008

Mahindra delays pickup 6 months

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Mahindra wants to make sure their truck is absolutely right before they introduce it to the American public. As such they have decided to delay the trucks introduction by six months. By that time test versions will have racked up 3.2 million miles of testing on U.S. roads. The company has a lot riding on this truck, so they are being extra careful with the rollout. Expect it to show up here in late 2009.

I'm looking forward to this vehicle, as it's the first small pickup in that can perform many tasks that big trucks can. It will have a 2600 pound payload and will come with a 2.2L turbo-diesel paired with a 6-speed automatic. Later a hybrid diesel will be offered. In addition, it will come with a 60,000-mile, four-year bumper-to-bumper warranty.

Full story here.

Here's Green Car Advisor's take: Mahindra Elects to Put Diesel Pickup Through More Testing Before Sending to U.S.

August 21, 2008

Navistar backs out of GM medium-duty truck deal

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It looks like Navistar, maker of International trucks, has had second thoughts about acquiring the General's medium- heavy-duty truck operations. They apparently had a non-binding letter of agreement with a time limit which has expired.

"Significant marketplace and economic changes" are to blame, so say GM and Navistar.

Frankly I thought it was was an odd fit from the get-go, as the GM trucks would compete head-to-head with those trucks from International. Then again, Freightliner did okay when they took over Ford's heavy-duty trucks, and re-badged them as Sterling trucks.

Full story here, here and here.

Here's AutoObserver's take: GM: Selling Assets to Raise Cash May Prove Tough

August 20, 2008

Ford cutting way back on '09 F-150 choices

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Finally some sensible decisions on Ford's part: They are cutting the crazy amount of choices available on the '09 F-150. Winding Road (via Automotove News) is saying it could be as high as 99 percent from the billions (you read that correctly!) currently available. If true, that's HUGE!

The Expedition will also be reduced greatly from roughly 250,000 possible choices to around 10,000. Even the Focus is going to offer about 150 possible combos, which is down 95 percent.

Full story here.

August 14, 2008

Pontiac pickup is named...G8 ST!

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What, no clapping? Or guns-a-blazin'? Not even a parade announcing this momentous event?

Sorry guys. No, it's not a Nuevo-El Camino; nor is it a Neo-Caballero. Nope, it's just a Pontiac G8 ST, as in "Sport Truck."

Name Contest no contest

If you recall, Pontiac earlier this year requested names from all who were interested in this truck. They got 80,000 entries and 18,000 different names--and out of that the best they could come up with is G8 ST?

As to the truck... Pontiac claims the following:

• A sports car with truck-like cargo and towing capabilities

• 361 hp V8 engine with Active Fuel Management linked to six-speed automatic

• 74-inch cargo bed, 1000 pound payload and 3,500 lb towing capacity

• Estimated fuel economy near top of vehicles with comparable cargo/towing capacity

• Available in late 2009 as a 2010 model

Full story here.

Well folks, it's shortly after midnight as I'm posting this, and the name "G8 ST" is about as good a sleeping pill as I could ask for...

Here's Inside Line's take: El Camino Out as Sport Truck Is Christened the 2010 Pontiac G8 ST

August 13, 2008

GM and Dodge scramblin' to get truck sales edge

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No doubt we can add Ford, Toyota and Nissan to this list too; but for now we have news on what GM and Dodge are up to.

GM

First off, beside offering hybrid pickups, GM will offering a high-mileage versions of the 2WD 1/2-tons. Known as "XFE" models (as in eXtra Fuel Economy), these are vehicles using well proven technology, as they employ lots of gears (6) and a tall 3.08 rear axle ratio. The 5.3L V8 as also been tweaked somewhat.

On the hybrid front, word has it that these models have been pushed back to the first half of next year for release.

Full story here and here.

Here's Inside Line's take: GM Announces New Extra Fuel Economy Large Trucks, SUVs

Dodge

For Dodge it's a good-news-bad-news situation. The good news is that they have priced the '09 Ram lower than the '08 model, and have given it more standard features than a comparable '08 model.

The bad news is that they have priced the '09 Ram lower than the '08 model, and have given it more standard features than a comparable '08 model. That mean any remaining '08s on dealer lots are going to be hard to move once the '09 models start arriving.

Full story here.

Here's Inside Line's take: Priced: 2009 Dodge Ram

Here's AutoObserver's take: 2009 Dodge Ram: Priced Less than '08 Ram - On Paper

August 11, 2008

Déjà Vu: HD Toyota Tundra put on hold

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For the second time Toyota has applied the brakes to their upcoming heavy-duty Tundra, thereby putting this project on hold. This is not surprising given the state of the large truck market these days.

What is somewhat surprising (to me at least) is that Toyota will replace the 4.7 V8 with a smaller 4.6 V8 by 2010. This engine is said to offer 30 more horsepower and deliver 2 more mpg than the current 4.7 I kinda expected the 4.7 might grow into a 5.0; looks like I might be wrong.

With this news of the HD Tundra being tabled, I can't help but wonder if Toyota might offer a beefed up payload option for the current Tundra, sort of a low-cost/low-risk compromise if you will. By that I mean offer a Tundra with a sub-8600 GVW, much like what Ford offers with their F-150's 8100 GVW option. A heavy-duty payload package like this would certainly appeal to contractors, especially when the 4.5 diesel arrives.

Full story here.

August 8, 2008

Ford tables plans for F-100 pickup

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No sooner had Ford announced plans to build a full-size-lite F-100 pickup, that they've now announced that they've scuttled them. Instead Ford plans on offering smaller turbo-charged EcoBoost engines in the F-150 line, which should occur in about 18 months according to The Detroit News.

As bad as truck sales are, the Ford F-series continues to one of the best-selling vehicles, and Ford seems to think this direction makes more sense than going ahead with the smaller F-100.

"We have no intention of giving up our leadership in trucks," Derrick Kuzak, Ford's global product development chief said Wednesday, adding that Ford will now make fuel efficiency a priority on all its vehicles. "Fuel economy (will be) a reason to buy -- no longer a reason to reject -- Ford vehicles."

There are supporters of this new Ford truck strategy.

"The small pickup segment doesn't really provide a lot of benefit," said Erich Merkle, an analyst from Crowe Chizek and Co. "You buy a pickup truck for bed space and towing. There really isn't much substitute for a full-size pickup. But it all depends on what happens to the price of fuel."

So, do you think the possibility of seeing a super-high-tech 4-cylinder F-150 is a good idea?

Full story here and here.

August 6, 2008

2009 Honda Ridgeline announced

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Honda has tweaked their mid-size/full-size-lite Ridgeline for 2009.

Beside the new front facia and rear bumper, the interior gets massaged as well. Interior enhancements include revised gauges, a new steering wheel design, and improved HVAC, audio, cruise and headlight controls. Also new for 2009 is the addition of Bluetooth HandsFreeLink on the Ridgeline RTL equipped with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System, a 115-volt power outlet on the Ridgeline RTL and an MP3/auxiliary input jack on the Ridgeline RTS and above. The '09 Ridgeline also gets active front seat head restraints and daytime running lights.

Finally, the vehicle gets 3 more horsepower (now 250), 2 more foot-pounds of torque (now 247) and revised gear ratios for better acceleration. 18" wheels come with top trim models. Some folks were predicting a V6 diesel might show up, but not this year apparently.

The vehicle goes on sale next month.

Full story here.

July 30, 2008

Knight Rider to get a F-150 4x4

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Those following the Knight Rider TV show revival know all about the trick Shelby GT500 Mustang to be used on the show (Latest Knight Rider Series Unveil: KITT Recreated Again). However, did you know that there will be another Ford star on that show? As in an equally tricked out F-150?

Full story here.

July 29, 2008

Truck and SUV trade-ins tank

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Well that's not exactly news, but did you know how much they've tanked? BusinessWeek.com has a listing of the worst performers in the used vehicle market, and by how much.

"I've never seen anything like it, where segments have fallen as much as they have and as quick as they have," says Ricky Beggs, vice-president and managing editor ofBlack Book, a widely used industry benchmark for trade-in prices and used-car auction data.

So while this is a terrible time to trade a vehicle, it's a great time to buy one. Another option for many owners of these vehicles is to just hang on to your gas-guzzler, as that just seems to make the most sense. The recent plunge in trade-in values has put many of these folks seriously "upside down."

Full story here and list of worst performers here.

July 23, 2008

Spy photos: First Shots of 2010 Ford F-150 With Diesel Engine

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We knew there was a diesel version of the 2009 Ford F-150 in the works, and now we have the photos to prove it. Caught while testing in Death Valley, this F-150 Diesel prototype didn't try to conceal its identity. Under the hood, a Powerstroke-labeled engine cover makes it pretty clear that Ford will carry over its brand name from the heavy-duty diesel engine. Closer inspection also revealed a clearly visible additive inlet for the fluid used to clean up the exhaust. Expect to see the 2010 Ford F-150 Diesel on sale by the end of next year.

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July 17, 2008

Electric Zero Truck is based on Isuzu Class 4-5 truck

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The idea is pretty simple. Take one Class 4-5 Isuzu diesel truck, yank the engine and replace it with a 00 kw, UQM liquid-cooled, DC brushless electric motor that receives juice from a 50 kw, recyclable lithium polymer battery pack that is then placed between the truck's frame rails.

The Zero Truck uses the stock GM automatic transmission and weighs in about 600 pounds more than before the conversion. The trucks come with an onboard charger and the battery pack takes 8 hours on 220 volts--or 12 hours--on 110 volts, for a complete charge. Best of all it costs about $3 to recharge.

Full story here.

July 15, 2008

Spy photos: 2009 Honda Ridgeline Caught in Death Valley

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If you're wondering what the 2009 Honda Ridgeline is going to look like, here's your answer. Caught during hot weather testing in Death Valley, this Ridgeline prototype had so little camouflage that we suspect its official unveil is imminent.

Other than the Pilot front end, we don't expect many changes for the unibody pickup. It will most likely get the same engine upgrades found in the Pilot, so expect a V6 with 250 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic will feed a full-time all-wheel drive system. Expect to see the 2009 Honda Ridgeline at dealers this fall.

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Dealers still make money selling pickups for half price

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Edmunds Strategies for Smart Car Buyers has a really useful bit of info here. Did you know that dealers are still making money selling those full-size trucks at half price? It's probably true, or close to true, for other former high-profit vehicles as well.

Half Price Pickups Still Make Money for Dealer

July 14, 2008

EcoBoost F-150 in the works?

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Are you ready for a 4-cylinder turbocharged F-150? Well Earl, hang on to your suspenders, as one is being considered. If green-lighted we should see it here in 2013.

The reasons are twofold: One the ever-rising fuel prices, and two, the new 28.6 mpg CAFE standard that goes into effect by 2015.

Full story here.

Vintage Canadian Fords and Mercurys

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Every now and then I stop by Hemming Auto Blogs to see what's going on with old cars.  Today I saw an entry on vintage Canadian cars, more specifically on Canadian Fords and Mercurys.

For those too young to remember, beginning back in 1946 and running through the 1960s Fords and Mercurys sold in Canada were badged differently than those here in the USA. I believe Lincolns were the same on both sides of the border, however.

A Canadian Ford was called a Meteor. Canadian Mercurys were called Monarchs and Canadian Ford trucks were sold as Mercury trucks. Not only was the badging different but so too was the styling. Ford was not alone here as GM and Chrysler also had their own Canadian-specific models.

Full story here and here.

July 10, 2008

Toyota to build Prius here and shifts Tundra production

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Toyota will be reshuffling their factories here in the U.S. Probably most important to note is that the Prius will now be built here at their Blue Springs, Mississippi plant, starting in 2010. This will be their all-new Prius, not the current model.

Also worth noting is that Tundra and Sequoia production will be suspended from August until November due to the severe downturn in those respective markets. Finally, the Highlander will begin production in Indiana.

Full story here and here.

Here's Inside Line's take: Toyota Will Build Prius in the U.S. Starting in Late 2010

Here's Green Car Advisors's take: Toyota to Build Prius in Mississippi, Shift Tundra to Texas, Highlander to Alabama

Here's AutoObserver's take: Toyota Chopping Big Tundra's Role in U.S. Picture

2008 (not 2009) Dodge Ram 1500 to offer 6-year 0%-financing

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For those who can afford it, it looks like 2009 could be a great year to buy a truck. Truckmakers are cutting prices on these former cash cows to the core, and financing deals are sure to abound. ...And speaking of financing deals, Dodge will be offering the all-new 2009 Ram 1500 with 6-year, 0-percent financing.

Now the only catch here is: Can you afford it--or more apt, can you afford to drive such a vehicle? If you can, then great. If you can't, well then, too bad...

Full story here.

Correction: The original story from Automotive News (via PickupTrucks.com) was incorrect. The deal is for 2008 models, to help clear out inventory.

Here's AutoObserver's take: Chrysler Hikes Deals to Clear Out Rams

July 9, 2008

Diesel pickups being spurned by buyers

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With the super-high diesel prices, customers of diesel pickups are turning their backs on them. Instead they are going back to gas-powered versions.

Diesel's have consistently run at 70 percent or better, for General Motors Corp., Ford Motor Co. and Chrysler LLC. It was even better at Chrysler, as they sold close to 90 percent diesels for the Ram Heavy Duty.

Not so any more, as in May, the percent of Ford Super Duty Pickups diesels dropped to 51 percent. That time last year, the Super Duty diesels were selling at 71 percent.

From January-to-May Chrysler's Ram, diesel-engine share reached a high point of 88 percent in 2006, and was 87 percent in 2007. Now for the same period this year, diesel-engine sales for Ram Heavy Duty are down to 82 percent, while overall Ram Heavy Duty sales are off by 38 percent.

Here's AutoObserver's take: Buyers of Heavy-Duty Pickups Turning Their Backs on Diesel

July 1, 2008

GMC model cut rumors escalate questions about future



A bit over a week ago Staightline reported, via InsideGMNews.com, that GMC may be heading to the slaughter house (New rumors of a GM division axing). Now that same site is reporting that the next-gen Acadia may be canceled, as well as a GMC-badged pickup based on that platform, thus giving more credence that the GMC brand may be on the way out. Also being reported here that Pontiac too may be axed.

Now before any panic sets in here, remember that these are just rumors at this point...

Continue reading...

June 30, 2008

Endless Dodge RamBox marketing possibilities



Mike Levine of PickupTruck.com and the the folks at Autoblog had some fun recently at a Dodge Ram press event, with Mike trying to stuff himself into a Dodge Ram's RamBox. The oh-so-skinny Mr. Levine was probably just a-bit-too-tall to pull this off, but let's give Mike an "A" for effort. Hmmm...

Continue reading...

June 25, 2008

Ford going after "workers" with '09 F-150 launch



The other day I posted about how Ford is going back to their original truck buyers with the launch of their all-new 2009 F-150 (Ford shifts trucks back to core buyers). Now we're seeing more details on this. Expect to see more ads touting 2-door work-related models, and less ads on 4-door family-oriented crew cabs or on luxury stuff. Also expect to see more XLT and XL ads, and less premium trim level ads...

Continue reading...

June 24, 2008

Hummer sales nosedive



There are several clichés that could be used here, but the one that first comes to mind is the "higher you climb, the harder you fall." To say that Hummer sales have fallen is an understatement. I'm not sure what the best word for a 60 percent sales decline would be, but "nosedive" is the best that I can think of at the moment.

Speaking of Hummer, GM has hired Citibank to evaluate offers from those wanting to buy the Hummer brand. So, that appears to be the direction GM is headed; that is, selling the brand, rather than revamping it...

Continue reading...

June 23, 2008

Ford shifts trucks back to core buyers



Look for a much greater emphasis from Ford on their 2009 truck marketing towards the traditional, core truck customers. These are the folks who will always need need a truck, and as such, Ford believes that's where their future lies.

Here are some interesting Ford truck facts from over the past few months, and what to expect next year from Ford:

• Regular cab sales have jumped from 12 percent to 20 percent.

• Crew cab sales have dropped from 65 percent to somewhere in the mid-50 percent range...

Continue reading...

Ford delays launch of '09 F-150

More evidence of the dying American truck market: First GM announced that the next generation full-size truck is being pushed back a few years (GM to delay next generation fo fullsize trucks and SUVs). Now Ford has announced that the '09 F-150 won't go on sale until later in the fall. This is roughly two months later than was originally planned for. The reason being is that Ford needs time to clear out inventory...

Continue reading...

June 19, 2008

GM to delay next generation of fullsize trucks and SUVs

Amid the huge and swift market shift in vehicles, as well as the uncertainty of future government fuel regulations, GM has decided to push back their next generation of fullsize trucks and SUVs. Instead, GM will redeploy those involved on those projects to other more immediate needs such as providing engineering expertise on smaller vehicles which are in such high demand.

GM spokesman Tom Wilkinson states: "We're going to focus on improving the current trucks until we see where the market goes."

Jim Hall of 2953 Analytics LLP adds: "By delaying, you're making more people available and now to these people will be working on more strategic programs." He goes on to say: "This is being done to better use their resources in this time between now and CAFE."

Full story here.

Here's AutoObserver's take: GM: Future Product Plan Under Review

June 18, 2008

GE's hybrid mining truck



So you think hybrids are for wusses? If so, check out this GE mega-mining truck that's hybrid powered. It works just like like your neighbor's Toyota Prius, in that the engine feeds electricity to a battery that runs the drivetrain. During braking, the spinning wheels act as a generator for the battery...

Continue reading...

June 11, 2008

2009 Chevy Silverado 1500



Even in this truck-unfriendly environment, Chevrolet is not going to let Dodge and Ford grab all the headlines as far as 2009 1/2-tons are concerned.

So for the 2009 1500 Silverado Chevy is adding the following:

• Six-speed automatic transmission with 5.3L, 6.0L and 6.2L engines (interim availability on regular cab and extended cab models)
• More powerful, E85-capable 6.2L V-8 available on crew cab
• New 18-inch and 20-inch chrome-clad wheel designs
• Black Granite Metallic and Imperial Blue Metallic exterior colors
• OnStar 8.0 with Turn-by-Turn navigation and Destination Download
• Bluetooth phone connectivity
• XM Satellite Radio with new NavTraffic feature
• Rearview camera system (extended cab and crew cab)

Also mentioned in the news release (here) is that an integrated brake controller is available on all models. For 2008 it was only available on the HD models, as I recall.

Full story here...

June 9, 2008

Diesel Deflation



This news may not be surprising, considering the cost of diesel. However, this PickupTrucks.com article is the first I've seen that speaks directly to how this is affecting the prices and demand of diesel-powered trucks; that is is terms of actual numbers. Prior to this latest diesel price spike, diesel-powered trucks were in high demand, and as such, commanded a premium new and on used truck lots. That has now reversed itself, at least with used diesels, as their resale values have dropped on average $5,900...

Continue reading...

June 4, 2008

Honda Civic top seller in May



For the first time since 1991, the Ford F-150 has been pushed out of the number one selling slot by the Honda Civic (53,299). In fact the F-150 was also passed by the Toyota Corolla (52,826), Toyota Camry (51,291), and the Honda Accord (43,728). The F-150 came in fifth just 800 shy of the Accord (42,928). This just more evidence that the established order in the auto industry is quickly falling by the wayside...

Continue reading...

June 3, 2008

2009 Nissan Frontier and Xterra







Nissan has released info on the 2009 Frontier and Xterra models. As you can see, it's mostly a minor cosmetic upgrade, with a revised front end and new wheels. Inside there's a revised dash and some package upgrades; including an Xterra optional Technology package, including a Rockford Fosgate sound system, XM satellite radio, Bluetoth, redundant steering wheel controls and an iPod jack, standard equipment for 2009. The Xterra also gets optional off-road roof lights...

Continue reading...

June 2, 2008

Inside Line 2008 Readers' Most Wanted Awards

Inside Line 2008 Readers' Most Wanted Awards

Hey Insiders,

Your votes have been tallied. See if your fellow readers agreed with your picks.

And the winners are...

Read the IL Readers' Most Wanted Results on Inside Line...

Continue reading...

GM looking at unibodies for light trucks and SUVS

Several weeks ago I posted news that GM is considering going to unibody construction for their next generation of SUVs (GM may shift full-size SUVs to unit-body construction). Now AutoObserver has more on that—and that it may also include pickups as well.

"The unibody vehicles are where you're going to have to make your money," says Michael Robinet, Vice President, Global Forecast Services CSM Worldwide of the big-volume era of body-on-frame pickups and SUVs. "Those days are finished."

This marks a sea change in thinking when it comes to light truck construction for GM, and for the rest of the SUV and truck makers as well...

Continue reading...

May 29, 2008

Honda Ridgeline fares better than other trucks in tough market



Yeah, the Ridgeline is posting a year-to-date loss in sales like other trucks, but not nearly as bad as a number of other trucks are. It seems like the public is taking a closer look at the Ridgeline these days, and is liking what they see; or at least liking it better as compared to what else is being offered out there.

As PickupTrucks.com noted, Honda has just released a new version of the Pilot, which builds upon the previous models strengths. A new Ridgeline is surely in the works as well...

Continue reading...

Toyota considering 4.5 and 7.0 diesels



Looks like the Toyota Tundra could get a pair of diesels. The V8 4.5L version is a no-brainer, as it's already on sale in Australia in the new down-under Land Cruiser. That engine is expected to go into the Tundra, Sequoia, and probably our Land Cruiser and its Lexus cousin as well.

The 7.0L engine is news...

Continue reading...