By: Jay Stevens
Ford Motor Co. is determined to keep its reign as the "King of
the Hill." So far, this is the third decade that said automaker
is holding the prestigious title in the pickup truck market.
Ford F-150 is the leading pickup truck for 30 years now. This
year along, it has 133,000-truck lead over the nearest
competitor. There are several attempts to dethrone the F-Series
nonetheless; the attempts did not appear strong enough to topple
the lingering success of the vehicles.
"Let's remember that F-Series is the benchmark when it comes to
trucks," said Cisco Codina, Ford's group vice president, North
America Marketing, Sales and Service. "The competition has done
some work to try to play catch up. We've been through
competitive product reviews, of course, and we see that they
have updated some things and have made strides. But we're not
sitting back. And we're certainly not playing catch up. They
are."
According to auto analysts, to put a dent to the sales and
reputation of F-150's, the automaker's competitors must
concentrate on an expanded truck-buying target market. Analysts
say that the success of Ford's trucks can be attributed to many
alliances with organizations like NASCAR, Cabela's, Professional
Bull Riders, the Professional Bull Riders, Home Depot, Monster
Jam and Harley Davidson.
"Our alliance partners allow us to observe truckers and better
understand how they live and work with their trucks," said Ben
Poore, Ford truck group marketing manager. "Many members of a
group like the American Quarter Horse Association of the
Professional Bull Riders drive our trucks. We know how our
trucks work in a real environment because we are constantly out
there getting feedback from our customers."
Car
parts discount Ford F-150 pickup 99-03 boast quality and
performance. Truck lovers want more torque hence; the automaker
gives it to them. Ford F-150 truck parts, is now equipped with a
V8 engine that can handle greater towing and payload
capabilities. Further, F-150's maximum tow rating is now up 600
pounds to a class-leading 10,500 lbs.
Ford admitted that the company is concentrating on marketing
needs to heighten leadership in the truck market. "We are
playing offense with Ford Trucks," said John Felice, Ford
general marketing manager, Marketing, Sales and Service. "We
created more Ford Truck ads targeted at more diverse audiences
than ever to continue increasing leadership by solidifying our
base and going after new customers."
Ford is also decreasing the suggested retail prices on the
series up to $1,400 lower than this year's prices. The new F-150
FX2 Sport comes in with a dazzling aura. It is equipped with power wheels
Ford-150 and dark billet grille. To boost its style, it uses
monochromatic paint scheme. Enhanced Ford
F-150 headlights with platinum bezels and the sporty front
valance add to the enigmatic charm of the truck.
About the author:
Jay Stevens works as a consultant for an established auto parts
store in the country. He has expertise in automotive technology
and has extensive knowledge on the auto parts industry.
Monday, November 27, 2006
Sunday, November 26, 2006
When To Buy A Car?
By: Nikola Govorko
Does it make any difference? Sure it does, it doesnt matter
whether you plan on buying a new or used car certain times of
week, month or year can get you a large discount, more equipment
and overall better deal.
For example, it is much better to buy a convertible in the fall
or winter, after the season for them is over (unless you live in
California or Florida). At those times people are looking to buy
family cars, SUVs and cars that are more practical. Also
convertible owners are planning on selling their pets after one
last season of cruising together. Also dealers are looking to
get rid of this season cars and make room for those coming up.
One small downside to this is that you will not have that much
choice at your disposal, most of the most wanted models and
colors will be sold out. But it can all be remedied with a
little persistence and willingness to compromise.
Most people wait for sales to begin and then go and shop for
deals, but you do not need to wait, with negotiation you can get
a better deal almost anytime. Most manufacturers offer
incentives at certain parts of a year, and even if you can get a
good deal at almost any time of a year you should prepare for
this and cease it.
Dealers car prices are available for negotiation at any time
during year. It often happens that people end up paying more
when waiting for a sale time. At that time lots of people are
shopping for cars and looking for deals so dealers can get away
with calculating to whom they should sell car.
In other words they'll look you up and down and judge just how
much youll pay for a car. Their judgment can be wrong but you
could also end up paying more.
However incentive periods should be used to get the best deal
possible.
So when is the best time to buy a car?
1) During weekdays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Middle of the week,
no rush, both you and a dealer will be more relaxed. Because
there was no rush and probably only a 1-2 sales have been made
the dealer might offer you a better price.
2) At the end of the month. Most dealerships keep track of their
monthly car sales, also at that time bonuses are paid to top
sellers so each of them will try to sell as much as possible.
Also if month or several months have not been very good, they
will fear being laid off and will try their best to sell
something.
Keep in mind that dealerships set sale targets based on how many
cars they sell not on the profits made per each car, but ;) the
car profits do influence commissions to the sellers.
3) When you have ample time for this. Do not rush, set aside a
day or two just for this. If you can take a day off from your
work for this.
And at the end the best time for car buying is naturally when
you need one. Youll be surprised how many people wait for the
last minute to buy a car and get ripped off. Also from the day
you buy one try and set some money aside each month so the next
time you go and buy a car youll have more opportunities before
you.
About the author:
www.Driver-To-Driver.com is website for car enthusiasts as well
for people that just need some car advice. Visit us and find out
when is the best time to buy a car.
Does it make any difference? Sure it does, it doesnt matter
whether you plan on buying a new or used car certain times of
week, month or year can get you a large discount, more equipment
and overall better deal.
For example, it is much better to buy a convertible in the fall
or winter, after the season for them is over (unless you live in
California or Florida). At those times people are looking to buy
family cars, SUVs and cars that are more practical. Also
convertible owners are planning on selling their pets after one
last season of cruising together. Also dealers are looking to
get rid of this season cars and make room for those coming up.
One small downside to this is that you will not have that much
choice at your disposal, most of the most wanted models and
colors will be sold out. But it can all be remedied with a
little persistence and willingness to compromise.
Most people wait for sales to begin and then go and shop for
deals, but you do not need to wait, with negotiation you can get
a better deal almost anytime. Most manufacturers offer
incentives at certain parts of a year, and even if you can get a
good deal at almost any time of a year you should prepare for
this and cease it.
Dealers car prices are available for negotiation at any time
during year. It often happens that people end up paying more
when waiting for a sale time. At that time lots of people are
shopping for cars and looking for deals so dealers can get away
with calculating to whom they should sell car.
In other words they'll look you up and down and judge just how
much youll pay for a car. Their judgment can be wrong but you
could also end up paying more.
However incentive periods should be used to get the best deal
possible.
So when is the best time to buy a car?
1) During weekdays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Middle of the week,
no rush, both you and a dealer will be more relaxed. Because
there was no rush and probably only a 1-2 sales have been made
the dealer might offer you a better price.
2) At the end of the month. Most dealerships keep track of their
monthly car sales, also at that time bonuses are paid to top
sellers so each of them will try to sell as much as possible.
Also if month or several months have not been very good, they
will fear being laid off and will try their best to sell
something.
Keep in mind that dealerships set sale targets based on how many
cars they sell not on the profits made per each car, but ;) the
car profits do influence commissions to the sellers.
3) When you have ample time for this. Do not rush, set aside a
day or two just for this. If you can take a day off from your
work for this.
And at the end the best time for car buying is naturally when
you need one. Youll be surprised how many people wait for the
last minute to buy a car and get ripped off. Also from the day
you buy one try and set some money aside each month so the next
time you go and buy a car youll have more opportunities before
you.
About the author:
www.Driver-To-Driver.com is website for car enthusiasts as well
for people that just need some car advice. Visit us and find out
when is the best time to buy a car.
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Does Your Car Have A Security System?
In today’s world, when car thefts and car jackings are becoming increasingly commonplace, automotive security systems are more than a necessary evil. They are a mandatory fitting in most cars. In fact, most insurance companies will insist on an effective automotive security system before they agree to insure your car. There is a clause in most insurance applications that specifies that a recognized automotive security system is required in order for the insurance to be applicable. Recognizing this need, most automobile manufacturers build in effective automotive security systems into their cars and trucks. All of the latest model cars in the market come with some or the other form of automotive security system in them.
Even if your car is an older model or came without an in-built automotive security system, you can do your bit to prevent theft by installing an effective one. While the initial cost may seem intimidating, it is well worth the money if it can help prevent theft. Not to mention the stress and the waste of time running around for insurance, police complaints etc. Studies reveal that a car is stolen every twenty five seconds in the United States. You surely don’t want to be a part of that statistic! A basic automotive security system consists of a sensor fitted with an alarm that goes off if someone tries to forcibly enter your car. This sort of an automotive security system also comes with an auto locking facility that allows you to lock and unlock your car doors from a distance. Ever seen those shoppers in front of supermarket parking lots frantically pressing on their hand held beeper to identify their car? Well, the automotive security system also has this sort of unadvertised use!
A slightly more advanced automotive security system comes with additional features like lockable wheels to ensure that even if the auto thief manages to enter the car, he will not be able to drive it away. An extension of this sort of a system also uses password protection and even digital fingerprinting to ensure that the rightful owner of the car is entering and driving the car. The digital fingerprinting automotive security system is becoming increasingly popular. In fact, the latest series of Mercedes Benz comes with a digital fingerprinting automotive security system that eliminates the need to carry keys around. Keys can be duplicated, but nobody can hope to duplicate your fingerprint!
But these sorts of automotive security systems are of no use if the auto thief manages to beat them and still drive away with your car. Which is why, high end automotive security systems come with even more enhanced features like a silent beeper which gets activated during or after a car jacking, enabling the police to track down your car even much later after the theft. Such automotive security systems cost a pretty packet though. But for the discerning user, who does not mind the expense, it is a sure shot way to ensure that your car remains in the hands of its rightful owner at all times. And woe betide the thief who tries to snatch it away!
Even if your car is an older model or came without an in-built automotive security system, you can do your bit to prevent theft by installing an effective one. While the initial cost may seem intimidating, it is well worth the money if it can help prevent theft. Not to mention the stress and the waste of time running around for insurance, police complaints etc. Studies reveal that a car is stolen every twenty five seconds in the United States. You surely don’t want to be a part of that statistic! A basic automotive security system consists of a sensor fitted with an alarm that goes off if someone tries to forcibly enter your car. This sort of an automotive security system also comes with an auto locking facility that allows you to lock and unlock your car doors from a distance. Ever seen those shoppers in front of supermarket parking lots frantically pressing on their hand held beeper to identify their car? Well, the automotive security system also has this sort of unadvertised use!
A slightly more advanced automotive security system comes with additional features like lockable wheels to ensure that even if the auto thief manages to enter the car, he will not be able to drive it away. An extension of this sort of a system also uses password protection and even digital fingerprinting to ensure that the rightful owner of the car is entering and driving the car. The digital fingerprinting automotive security system is becoming increasingly popular. In fact, the latest series of Mercedes Benz comes with a digital fingerprinting automotive security system that eliminates the need to carry keys around. Keys can be duplicated, but nobody can hope to duplicate your fingerprint!
But these sorts of automotive security systems are of no use if the auto thief manages to beat them and still drive away with your car. Which is why, high end automotive security systems come with even more enhanced features like a silent beeper which gets activated during or after a car jacking, enabling the police to track down your car even much later after the theft. Such automotive security systems cost a pretty packet though. But for the discerning user, who does not mind the expense, it is a sure shot way to ensure that your car remains in the hands of its rightful owner at all times. And woe betide the thief who tries to snatch it away!
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Auto Repair: How Can They Screw Up An Oil Change?
By: Theodore Olson
"It's all about beating the clock." This quote comes from a wise
old service manager, advising me on how to maximize my income as
a flat-rate technician. If you have ever wondered why your car
doesn't get fixed correctly, or all your concerns weren't
addressed, you can blame, in part, the flat-rate pay structure.
Flat-rate simply means that your mechanic is paid a flat fee for
a particular repair, regardless of how long the repair actually
takes. In other words, if your car needs a water pump, which
pays two hours of labor, and the mechanic completes the job in
one hour, he gets paid for two.
In theory, this can work to your advantage. If the job takes
longer, you still only pay the "predetermined" labor amount. In
THEORY, not reality!
The flat-rate pay structure is designed to drive productivity.
It's very effective. The flat-rate pay system encourages
technicians to work hard and fast, but it does not promote
quality.
In terms of getting your car fixed correctly, the flat-rate pay
structure has disastrous effects. Flat-rate technicians are
constantly looking for shortcuts to beat the clock in order to
maximize the number of hours they bill. Experienced flat-rate
technicians can bill anywhere from 16 to 50 hours in an 8 hour
day.
It's these shortcuts and the breakneck speed at which flat rate
technicians work that result in some of the most idiotic
mistakes. In the rapid-fire pace of a shop I've witnessed
technicians start engines with no oil. I've seen transmissions
dropped, smashing into little pieces onto the shop floor. And
I've seen cars driven right through bay doors--all in the name
of "beating the clock."
Flat-rate technicians can get quite elaborate with shortcuts. My
favorite was the implementation of an 6-foot-long 2-by-4, which
was placed under the engine for support while a motor mount was
removed. It made a job predetermined to take 1.5 hours
achievable in twenty minutes. A win-win, right? The technician
makes extra money; you get your car back faster.
Actually, in many cases the placement of this 2-by-4 damaged the
oil pan. Moreover, it caused the car, your car, to balance
precariously 6 feet in the air, while the technician manipulated
the car lift to access your engine mount.
This tactic was abruptly discontinued when a technician's 2-by-4
snapped causing the car to crash nose down onto the concrete
floor.
Sometimes the shortcuts create very subtle disturbances, which
create problems overtime. A quick example: a vehicle had its
transmission serviced with a new filter, gasket, and fluid.
During the procedure, the technician was able to save time by
bending the transmission dipstick tube slightly, in order to get
the transmission pan out faster. The vehicle was reassembled,
and the technician re-bent the tube back into place and off it
went--no worries....
Six months later, the vehicle returned with an intermittent
misfire. The engine wasn't running on all cylinders. After
extensive diagnostics, it was discovered that the transmission
dipstick tube had chaffed through the engine harness,
intermittently grounding out an injector. Hmm, that's strange.
Don't usually see that.
The high-speed environment and the subsequent shortcuts
illustrate the devastating effects of the flat-rate,
sales-driven pay structure on the quality of car repairs.
No wonder even an oil change gets screwed up!
The poor quality of work encouraged by the flat rate pay
structure is disconcerting enough. Unfortunately, it doesn't
stop here. The negative effects of flat-rate get exponentially
worse, as it opens "wide" the door to rip you off!
About the author:
-Ted Olson RepairTrust Making Sense of Car Repair Prices Ted
Olson holds extensive certifications from Mercedes-Benz, Toyota,
GM, and ASE. He is the author of eight books and numerous
articles on the automotive service industry.
"It's all about beating the clock." This quote comes from a wise
old service manager, advising me on how to maximize my income as
a flat-rate technician. If you have ever wondered why your car
doesn't get fixed correctly, or all your concerns weren't
addressed, you can blame, in part, the flat-rate pay structure.
Flat-rate simply means that your mechanic is paid a flat fee for
a particular repair, regardless of how long the repair actually
takes. In other words, if your car needs a water pump, which
pays two hours of labor, and the mechanic completes the job in
one hour, he gets paid for two.
In theory, this can work to your advantage. If the job takes
longer, you still only pay the "predetermined" labor amount. In
THEORY, not reality!
The flat-rate pay structure is designed to drive productivity.
It's very effective. The flat-rate pay system encourages
technicians to work hard and fast, but it does not promote
quality.
In terms of getting your car fixed correctly, the flat-rate pay
structure has disastrous effects. Flat-rate technicians are
constantly looking for shortcuts to beat the clock in order to
maximize the number of hours they bill. Experienced flat-rate
technicians can bill anywhere from 16 to 50 hours in an 8 hour
day.
It's these shortcuts and the breakneck speed at which flat rate
technicians work that result in some of the most idiotic
mistakes. In the rapid-fire pace of a shop I've witnessed
technicians start engines with no oil. I've seen transmissions
dropped, smashing into little pieces onto the shop floor. And
I've seen cars driven right through bay doors--all in the name
of "beating the clock."
Flat-rate technicians can get quite elaborate with shortcuts. My
favorite was the implementation of an 6-foot-long 2-by-4, which
was placed under the engine for support while a motor mount was
removed. It made a job predetermined to take 1.5 hours
achievable in twenty minutes. A win-win, right? The technician
makes extra money; you get your car back faster.
Actually, in many cases the placement of this 2-by-4 damaged the
oil pan. Moreover, it caused the car, your car, to balance
precariously 6 feet in the air, while the technician manipulated
the car lift to access your engine mount.
This tactic was abruptly discontinued when a technician's 2-by-4
snapped causing the car to crash nose down onto the concrete
floor.
Sometimes the shortcuts create very subtle disturbances, which
create problems overtime. A quick example: a vehicle had its
transmission serviced with a new filter, gasket, and fluid.
During the procedure, the technician was able to save time by
bending the transmission dipstick tube slightly, in order to get
the transmission pan out faster. The vehicle was reassembled,
and the technician re-bent the tube back into place and off it
went--no worries....
Six months later, the vehicle returned with an intermittent
misfire. The engine wasn't running on all cylinders. After
extensive diagnostics, it was discovered that the transmission
dipstick tube had chaffed through the engine harness,
intermittently grounding out an injector. Hmm, that's strange.
Don't usually see that.
The high-speed environment and the subsequent shortcuts
illustrate the devastating effects of the flat-rate,
sales-driven pay structure on the quality of car repairs.
No wonder even an oil change gets screwed up!
The poor quality of work encouraged by the flat rate pay
structure is disconcerting enough. Unfortunately, it doesn't
stop here. The negative effects of flat-rate get exponentially
worse, as it opens "wide" the door to rip you off!
About the author:
-Ted Olson RepairTrust Making Sense of Car Repair Prices Ted
Olson holds extensive certifications from Mercedes-Benz, Toyota,
GM, and ASE. He is the author of eight books and numerous
articles on the automotive service industry.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
