By: Anthony Fontanelle
The American motoring public is slowly turning their backs on
gas guzzling sport utility vehicles. The skyrocket increase in
the price of gas for the past two years have affected the way
most car buyers choose new cars. But there are still those who
are looking for the versatility and the performance of large
vehicles like SUVs.
In response to this, car makers continue building better sport
utility vehicles. One car manufacturer who is still churning out
SUVs is the legendary Cadillac brand. The luxury brand has two
sport utility vehicles: the Escalade - known for its size and
popularity among NBA players and rappers, and the smaller SRX.
The SRX may lack the size that the Escalade boasts around but
this smaller SUV offers performance and luxury that surely makes
it at par with the Escalade if not for popularity. It shares the
same platform with the GMC Acadia, but since the SRX is a
Cadillac, it offers more luxury features. The vehicle is
configured as a rear-wheel drive vehicle but an all wheel drive
configuration is available.
Consumers also have a choice as to what engine to equip their
SRX with. The selection is composed of a 3.6 liter V6 engine and
a 4.6 liter Northstar V8. The immense amount of power from these
engines can be transferred to the wheels via two available
transmissions. For the V6, a five-speed automatic can be fitted
while for the V8, a six-speed automatic transmission is
available. Both engines are capable of producing much power that
brake components from EBC Active
Brakes Direct can handle efficiently and with ease.
The combination of the engine and their corresponding
transmissions gives drivers the convenience of gear shifting.
The SRX can handle hill climbs without sorting to manual
transmission due to the low end torque provided by the engine.
The Cadillac SRX is engineered to offer the optimum in
performance, thanks to its highly reliable drivetrain. And since
the SRX is a Cadillac, one can be sure to find good luxury
features.
Indeed, Cadillac took care of the luxury features of this car
just like it does with the Escalade. The seats are comfortable
with good back and side support. The seats offer comfort even on
long drives. They are also heated for those cold winter drives.
Aside from steering, the steering wheel is where drivers can
control the audio entertainment system in the vehicle. Cadillac
designed the audio controls to be integrated into the steering
wheel in a spot where drivers will not accidentally hit them.
Another luxury feature that the Cadillac SRX boasts of is a
sunroof which covers the first two rows of seats. For those who
like to sit back and relax on an SUV with great performance, the
SRX is the right vehicle. You also do get to enjoy the warmth of
the sun as you drive along with your sunroof open.
About the author:
Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up
in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive
magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Thursday, March 15, 2007
GM Reports Profit For Fourth Quarter
GM reported a fourth quarter(2006) profit of 950 million, today. It was the the first profit in some time for GM. Part of it was due to the sale of GMAC, their financing division. Cost cutting and increased sales accounted for the rest.
Things are looking a lot better than the billion dollar losses from last year.
Things are looking a lot better than the billion dollar losses from last year.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Smart Car Shopping
By: Greg Chapman
When most car buyers are asked what kind of car they would like
to buy, they often answer something like "a Volkswagen Passat,
or maybe one of those Chevy Trailblazers, but I really love
those Mazda Miatas." It seems funny, but many people have no
idea what they really want or need. Only one, if any, of those
cars will suite the person's real needs and wants. The most
common mistake of car shoppers is that they really don't know
what they want. Everyone knows what happens when you go to a
grocery store without a list of items. Either you end up buying
everything your stomach growls at and find out later you didn't
really need half the stuff you bought, or you will spend hours
wandering about the store without finding much of anything at
all. Both of these scenarios are the same with car shopping. It
is important to have a shopping list for car buying so that you
get exactly what you need and don't waste a large amount of time
browsing cars that do not fit your criteria. Here are some
things that should be laid out on your car-shopping list before
you even begin to look at used cars in Austin.
1. Determine the type of vehicle that fits your intended use.
What type of car will fit the needs of your family? Do you need
a vehicle with 7 seats or 5? Is storage space an issue? Do you
need to transport materials for work or some other purpose? 2.
Consider the mileage and features that are important. Do you
need a car that is still under warranty or do you need features
such as four wheel drive or side front airbags? 3. Think about
the different Makes and models of cars and consider the
reliability of different types of vehicles. 4. Look for Dealers
that provide CarFax reports. These reports give you the history
of used vehicles so you know what the car has been through, such
as major collisions or a replaced transmission. 5. The
affordability of the automobile is possibly the most important
item on your list. You need to figure out what your price range
is, what down payment requirements you have, and especially
monthly payment goals.
Going into a dealership with this shopping list in hand is
guaranteed to save you time and money, not to mention helping a
sales staff to quickly locate a vehicle that is right for you.
You will find so many used cars in Austin to choose from that it
is extremely helpful to know what you are looking for. The most
important part of shopping for a vehicle is knowing what you
need and want before you go looking.
About the Author: Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a
knowledgable and leading profider of used cars, trucks, and
SUV's. Since 1959, Chapman motors has offered reliable used cars in Austin
and the surrounding area. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmot
ors.com.
When most car buyers are asked what kind of car they would like
to buy, they often answer something like "a Volkswagen Passat,
or maybe one of those Chevy Trailblazers, but I really love
those Mazda Miatas." It seems funny, but many people have no
idea what they really want or need. Only one, if any, of those
cars will suite the person's real needs and wants. The most
common mistake of car shoppers is that they really don't know
what they want. Everyone knows what happens when you go to a
grocery store without a list of items. Either you end up buying
everything your stomach growls at and find out later you didn't
really need half the stuff you bought, or you will spend hours
wandering about the store without finding much of anything at
all. Both of these scenarios are the same with car shopping. It
is important to have a shopping list for car buying so that you
get exactly what you need and don't waste a large amount of time
browsing cars that do not fit your criteria. Here are some
things that should be laid out on your car-shopping list before
you even begin to look at used cars in Austin.
1. Determine the type of vehicle that fits your intended use.
What type of car will fit the needs of your family? Do you need
a vehicle with 7 seats or 5? Is storage space an issue? Do you
need to transport materials for work or some other purpose? 2.
Consider the mileage and features that are important. Do you
need a car that is still under warranty or do you need features
such as four wheel drive or side front airbags? 3. Think about
the different Makes and models of cars and consider the
reliability of different types of vehicles. 4. Look for Dealers
that provide CarFax reports. These reports give you the history
of used vehicles so you know what the car has been through, such
as major collisions or a replaced transmission. 5. The
affordability of the automobile is possibly the most important
item on your list. You need to figure out what your price range
is, what down payment requirements you have, and especially
monthly payment goals.
Going into a dealership with this shopping list in hand is
guaranteed to save you time and money, not to mention helping a
sales staff to quickly locate a vehicle that is right for you.
You will find so many used cars in Austin to choose from that it
is extremely helpful to know what you are looking for. The most
important part of shopping for a vehicle is knowing what you
need and want before you go looking.
About the Author: Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a
knowledgable and leading profider of used cars, trucks, and
SUV's. Since 1959, Chapman motors has offered reliable used cars in Austin
and the surrounding area. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmot
ors.com.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Ford Fusion: Challenges Competition
By: Anthony Fontanelle
The Ford Motor Company has faced problem after problem in
recent memory. This shows and is reflected in their performance
in the market. While the Michigan based car maker has suffered
loss and other problems in the past months, the company is
trying to put itself as one of the serious competitors in the
market. They hope to attract American motorists to once again go
for American cars like their Ford Fusion vehicle.
In an effort to create a center of attention for the Fusion,
Ford is taking a step to challenge its competition, namely Honda
and Toyota. The approach that Ford is taking is a simple on but
very effective. The auto maker allows consumer to see how the
Ford Fusion perform against Toyota and Honda vehicles.
The contest started back in December last year when Car and
Driver magazine facilitated a test on how the Ford Fusion will
do against its class-mates. At the said event, consumers are
allowed to drive the three vehicles - the Ford Fusion, Toyota
Camry, and the Honda Accord. The aim of the test is to see which
car consumers will opt for in terms of attractiveness, the fun
it offers while driving, performance, and handling as well. The
result of the test shows the Ford Fusion besting both the Toyota
Camry and the Honda Accord.
Following the tests conducted in December, Ford launched an ad
campaign in January of this year based on the result of the
tests. The approach taken by Ford in marketing the Fusion is an
"overwhelming success" according to the company's leadership
team. What Ford shows as the proof for the success of the ad
campaign is the number of Ford Fusion units that they have sold
in February of this year. As a result of the ad campaign, Ford
sold more Fusion units in February this year compared to
February 2006's sales numbers.
After the successful result of the ad campaign for the Fusion,
Ford sees it fit that the same approach should be taken in the
marketing of their other vehicles. Last month, Ford took the
Fusion in California to be pitted against Asian vehicles where
400 consumers will gauge the performance of the Fusion against
Asia brands. This time, the event was facilitated by Road &
Track Magazine. Once again, the evaluation of the 400 consumers
shows that the Ford Fusion is ahead of its competition.
After the tests have proven the supremacy of the Fusion over its
Asian counterparts, Ford once again launched an ad campaign to
exploit the result of the tests. This time though, Ford added
the Ford Expedition and the Ford F150 truck in the ads. With
these ad campaigns, Ford hopes to stop the company's downward
slide as effective as EBC
Redstuff brake pads in stopping a car in its tracks.
About the author:
Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive.buff who grew up
in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive
magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.
The Ford Motor Company has faced problem after problem in
recent memory. This shows and is reflected in their performance
in the market. While the Michigan based car maker has suffered
loss and other problems in the past months, the company is
trying to put itself as one of the serious competitors in the
market. They hope to attract American motorists to once again go
for American cars like their Ford Fusion vehicle.
In an effort to create a center of attention for the Fusion,
Ford is taking a step to challenge its competition, namely Honda
and Toyota. The approach that Ford is taking is a simple on but
very effective. The auto maker allows consumer to see how the
Ford Fusion perform against Toyota and Honda vehicles.
The contest started back in December last year when Car and
Driver magazine facilitated a test on how the Ford Fusion will
do against its class-mates. At the said event, consumers are
allowed to drive the three vehicles - the Ford Fusion, Toyota
Camry, and the Honda Accord. The aim of the test is to see which
car consumers will opt for in terms of attractiveness, the fun
it offers while driving, performance, and handling as well. The
result of the test shows the Ford Fusion besting both the Toyota
Camry and the Honda Accord.
Following the tests conducted in December, Ford launched an ad
campaign in January of this year based on the result of the
tests. The approach taken by Ford in marketing the Fusion is an
"overwhelming success" according to the company's leadership
team. What Ford shows as the proof for the success of the ad
campaign is the number of Ford Fusion units that they have sold
in February of this year. As a result of the ad campaign, Ford
sold more Fusion units in February this year compared to
February 2006's sales numbers.
After the successful result of the ad campaign for the Fusion,
Ford sees it fit that the same approach should be taken in the
marketing of their other vehicles. Last month, Ford took the
Fusion in California to be pitted against Asian vehicles where
400 consumers will gauge the performance of the Fusion against
Asia brands. This time, the event was facilitated by Road &
Track Magazine. Once again, the evaluation of the 400 consumers
shows that the Ford Fusion is ahead of its competition.
After the tests have proven the supremacy of the Fusion over its
Asian counterparts, Ford once again launched an ad campaign to
exploit the result of the tests. This time though, Ford added
the Ford Expedition and the Ford F150 truck in the ads. With
these ad campaigns, Ford hopes to stop the company's downward
slide as effective as EBC
Redstuff brake pads in stopping a car in its tracks.
About the author:
Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive.buff who grew up
in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive
magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
GM after 70 years of being no.1: bowing down to Toyota?
By: Noah Scott
Toyota Motors have been very open about their plan of grabbing
the number one spot from General Motors this year. And sadly,
with the present turn of events for General Motors it is not
impossible for it to lose its post to Toyota.
According to analysts for this year, Toyota Motors will succeed
in overtaking General Motors and will become the new largest
carmaker in the world. Looking back in the year 1931 when GM
became the world's numero uno, threats of toppling it down seems
to be impossibility.
General Motors has been the world's number one automaker for the
past 70 years and if ever Toyota really do surpass GM that would
have an intense psychological effect on the entirety of the US
industry which is sadly to say the last manufacturing sector
where Americans still lead.
One of the reasons cited for General Motors sudden plunged is
its failure to adapt its production methods to meet the changing
consumer tastes. General Motors have failed to realize that it
would not always have the same edge that it has like in the year
1955 when four out of five cars in the world were US made and
half of them were products of GM. This probably was one of the
reasons why GM is in its dismal state right now since it has
become too confident of its standing in the auto industry and
failed to see the imminent danger that would challenge its
position.
The edge of Toyota over General Motors is the fact that the
Japanese automaker was concentrating on changing its production
system to become more efficient and leaner. The complacency on
the part of GM was countered by Toyota with relentless pursuit
for excellence which resulted to the changing fortunes of the
two companies. Although, it is wrong also to construe that GM
products are deteriorating in quality but the main point is that
the automaker has been very lax lately which has given the
Japanese automaker the chance to grab most its market share.
Until the time comes that Toyota be officially proclaimed as the
new number 1 automaker in the world, General Motors will
continue to lead as the world's largest carmaker in terms of
vehicles produced and auto parts manufactured and that includes
products like GM grille guards. The only question now
is for how long?
About the author:
Noah Scott is a 30 year old native of New Jersey, writer, and
car fan - having grown up with both parents being auto
enthusiasts. He works for an automotive consultancy firm and
regularly contributes articles to car magazines.
Toyota Motors have been very open about their plan of grabbing
the number one spot from General Motors this year. And sadly,
with the present turn of events for General Motors it is not
impossible for it to lose its post to Toyota.
According to analysts for this year, Toyota Motors will succeed
in overtaking General Motors and will become the new largest
carmaker in the world. Looking back in the year 1931 when GM
became the world's numero uno, threats of toppling it down seems
to be impossibility.
General Motors has been the world's number one automaker for the
past 70 years and if ever Toyota really do surpass GM that would
have an intense psychological effect on the entirety of the US
industry which is sadly to say the last manufacturing sector
where Americans still lead.
One of the reasons cited for General Motors sudden plunged is
its failure to adapt its production methods to meet the changing
consumer tastes. General Motors have failed to realize that it
would not always have the same edge that it has like in the year
1955 when four out of five cars in the world were US made and
half of them were products of GM. This probably was one of the
reasons why GM is in its dismal state right now since it has
become too confident of its standing in the auto industry and
failed to see the imminent danger that would challenge its
position.
The edge of Toyota over General Motors is the fact that the
Japanese automaker was concentrating on changing its production
system to become more efficient and leaner. The complacency on
the part of GM was countered by Toyota with relentless pursuit
for excellence which resulted to the changing fortunes of the
two companies. Although, it is wrong also to construe that GM
products are deteriorating in quality but the main point is that
the automaker has been very lax lately which has given the
Japanese automaker the chance to grab most its market share.
Until the time comes that Toyota be officially proclaimed as the
new number 1 automaker in the world, General Motors will
continue to lead as the world's largest carmaker in terms of
vehicles produced and auto parts manufactured and that includes
products like GM grille guards. The only question now
is for how long?
About the author:
Noah Scott is a 30 year old native of New Jersey, writer, and
car fan - having grown up with both parents being auto
enthusiasts. He works for an automotive consultancy firm and
regularly contributes articles to car magazines.
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