Report: GM sales boosted by incentives, analysts fear return of ‘push’ model

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc., GM, Earnings/Financials

General MotorsAccording to Automotive News, some analysts are accusing General Motors of sliding back into bad habits by boosting sales with heavy incentives. The report says that GM’s 22-percent sales jump in January was largely fueled by laying piles of cash on the hood. On average, GM handed out $3,762 per vehicle last month – the highest incentive figure of any of the six largest automakers. That number represents a 29-percent increase over the same month last year, and Edmunds.com analysts are concerned that the automaker has begun pushing too many models on dealers with plans to move them with incentives.

GM, meanwhile, says that while the company did institute a “modest” increase in incentives last month, it doesn’t plan on falling back into the rut of driving production with the cash. The company saw Chevrolet sales jump 19 percent, while Buick and GMC enjoyed a 32-percent increase, all of which were driven largely by more free-flowing consumer credit.

[Source: Automotive News – sub. req.]

Report: GM sales boosted by incentives, analysts fear return of ‘push’ model originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 Feb 2011 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aston Martin recalls 2007-2008 V8 Vantage, DBS, DB9 models over suspension fear

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Recalls, Aston Martin, Luxury

2008 Aston Martin DBS

2008 Aston Martin DBS – Click above for high-res image gallery

The National Highway Traffic Safety Adminstration has issued a recall for select Aston Martins. If you own a V8 Vantage, DB9 or DBS produced during the 2007 and 2008 model years, you should head on in to your local dealership. A cam bolt in the front bottom suspension arm could crack, allowing the lower control arm to move about in ways it shouldn’t.

As always, dealers will replace the bolt free of charge. The recall is scheduled to begin on or before October 18th, 2010 and is said to potentially affect 1,090 vehicles.

Gallery: 2008 Aston Martin DBS

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading Aston Martin recalls 2007-2008 V8 Vantage, DBS, DB9 models over suspension fear

Aston Martin recalls 2007-2008 V8 Vantage, DBS, DB9 models over suspension fear originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Oct 2010 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Legalization opponents fear more stoned drivers

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, Safety

Police car model bong

Opponents to California’s Proposition 19, otherwise known as the Regulate, Control and Tax Cannabis Act of 2010, argue that if the measure passes on November 2, 2010, the roads will become more dangerous. USA Today quotes No on Proposition 19 spokesman Roger Salazar as saying “there won’t be anything to stop anyone from legally finishing off a couple joints before getting behind the wheel.”

Proponents point to the provisions in the law upholding current laws prohibiting driving under the influence, but Salazar’s group notes a lack of clarity. While the proposal has provisions for the establishment of restrictions, opponents argue that there are no actual standards to determine impairment by marijuana like there is for blood-alcohol concentration.

Law or no, there currently isn’t a way to stop clandestine cannabis use prior to driving, and police departments are burning tax revenue to enforce current drug laws. Federal drug laws remain in place, however, and will be in direct opposition to Proposition 19 if voters approve it. The uproar may be a new wrinkle to the Reefer Madness argument, though voters eying new sources of tax revenue may find the monetary potential more compelling.

[Source: USA Today | Image: What-A-Bong.com]

Report: Legalization opponents fear more stoned drivers originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Sep 2010 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Banned Smart ad sells using fear of back seats?

Filed under: Convertible, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hatchback, Smart, Humor

Fear of a Back Seat - Smart Ad

Smart ForTwo preys on your back-seat fears – Click above for video after the jump

Are you afraid of getting into your car late at night, only to look in the rearview mirror and see a face staring back at you that isn’t yours? Don’t lie – we all have those random, irrational fears which are all but unfounded. Capitalizing on just such a fear, Daimler’s Smart produced a commercial which preyed on those fears and closed with a clever tagline espousing the fact that Smart ForTwos don’t have a back seat.

The ad was a huge hit in Germany, where it was originally slated to run during the trailers in movie theaters. It garnered such approval that it eventually made its way into television spots throughout Europe and has now ended up on Youtube as a “banned” ad. As we understand it, though, the ad wasn’t banned, it just never aired in the States. The ‘banned” moniker should help it earn some views, but the commercial is good enough on its own to warrant viewing.

See for yourself after you turn on the lights, check behind you and make the jump.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Smart ForTwo

Photos Copyright (C)2010 Sebastian Blanco / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Continue reading Video: Banned Smart ad sells using fear of back seats?

Video: Banned Smart ad sells using fear of back seats? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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