Showing posts with label Industry News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Industry News. Show all posts
Friday, November 25, 2011
Chevy Volts on Fire?
Chevy Volts on Fire? well not necessarily. For a hazard that has had no real life incidents it's sure getting a lot of press. What are your thoughts? Do you think the Volt is getting disproportionatly bad press?
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Honda, Toyota lose grip on U.S. family sedan market
Honda, Toyota lose grip on U.S. family sedan market
This is an interesting article for anyone looking to buy a new car. We certainly notice people being pulled between wanting what is traditionally the reliable great brands of Toyota and Honda and considering newer brands like Hyundai, re-imagined domestic brands like Ford or "the drivers car" like Volkswagen that offer more options on basic models and often greater style.
What are your thoughts? Are you a Toyota or Honda loyalist and will continue to be so? Do you think this is just a bump in the road?
Happy Driving!
This is an interesting article for anyone looking to buy a new car. We certainly notice people being pulled between wanting what is traditionally the reliable great brands of Toyota and Honda and considering newer brands like Hyundai, re-imagined domestic brands like Ford or "the drivers car" like Volkswagen that offer more options on basic models and often greater style.
What are your thoughts? Are you a Toyota or Honda loyalist and will continue to be so? Do you think this is just a bump in the road?
Happy Driving!
Monday, May 30, 2011
To Buy or Not to Buy
L James Johnson at the Car Connection writes an interesting article that you might want to check out. Essentially he says there is no easy answer that each sale is a case by case situation.
Certainly from our experience we have noticed the prices rising. It’s not that there aren’t some golden nuggets to be found but it has been shocking to see how high some of the vehicles are selling for at the auction in the last month of two. While customers may be skeptical about the rising prices, it would appear that dealers are not and are willing to/having to pay the price to bring inventory onto their lot.
To understand how a few less Prius’ may cause your used Ford Focus to go up in price, it would likely help to understand how dealerships (large and small) acquire their used inventory. There are lots of ways for an individual dealership to acquire a used vehicle: wholesale it from another dealer; dealers only auction; trade-in’s; lease returns; purchase direct from customer etc.. But the bottom line is that there is really only one way for the industry as a whole to acquire used vehicles and that is when consumers decide to trade-in or sell their used vehicle when purchasing or leasing a new one.
I think you might be starting to see the problem. If Jane the Car Buyer can’t get her hands on the Prius that she wants then she’s not going to be trading in or selling her Ford Focus.
I believe this problem is compounded with the fact that the auto manufacturers have been selling at close to or below cost for the last two years as they attempt to recover and simply can’t sustain those types of freebies and rebates. Johnson touches on this in his article as well, stating the days of the huge rebates etc., are quickly disappearing (at least for now).
Apparently prices have risen approximately $1000 on average on a used vehicle from this time last year. We’ve certainly noticed an increase, although I’m not sure it’s that high. So should you buy before they increase more or hold out?
I agree with Johnson’s advice that there is no one answer. As I’ve always maintained, relationships are so important when buying a car, if you need a car speak to your salesperson or find one you trust and together you will find a car of value. Yes, that deal may not be as great as it was a year ago – but value isn’t (or shouldn’t be) based on entirely on price. Is it the car you want, does it meet your needs, will you be taken care of after you drive off of the lot? These are the things that bring real value to your purchase. And, yes, there are still great deals to be found!
Until next time - Happy Driving!
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Vancouver International Auto Show
Morning Drivers!
Last weekend I attended the Vancouver International Auto Show with my dad – we had hopes of talking to brand experts and getting some insider tips on new vehicles. For the most part, what we found was a really crowded Vancouver Convention Centre with a serious lack of people to talk to. To quote my dad – we could have found out more at the Richmond Auto Mall.
While it was difficult to impossible to find someone to talk to in any depth, I did garner some overall insights.
After standing in an insanely long line to get tickets to get into the show, attendees were offered the option to stand in line again and have their picture taken with a Subaru Sumo wrestler. Big kudos to Subaru’s marketing team that they’ve generated enough excitement with their ads that people actually opted to do this.
With the state of the auto industry over the last few years, I was expecting to be really wowed by the various manufacturers as they were either trying to rebrand themselves, overcome recall setbacks or take back their market shares.
First, Ford got it! They had driving games that allowed them to show off their new technology and seemed to attract young and old. While they did not have a ton of sales people and many of the cars were locked, preventing you from looking inside, they had a large and very interactive display that worked well with their new lifestyle marketing strategy.
KIA came as second runner up by having the most staff, although I believe most of them were lot boys due to their age and lack of product knowledge – but they were friendly and helpful. KIA also had some fun interactive gadgets that got people’s attention. KIA has been consistently posing a challenge to the more well-known manufacturers for best value. Their new models such as the Soul and Rondo (a seven passenger cross-over vehicle) combined with their awesome hamster filled advertising campaigns have them poised to be a serious contender.
Honda market shares experienced an unprecedented dip last year, and our own personal experience at Winston Auto Group is they don’t generate interest (the exception being the old style Civic hatchback and Civic Si). My dad had received over 4 emails from Honda encouraging him to come to the Auto Show to see the new Civic. This was big news – the Civic has not been updated since 2006. Our expectations were running high for the Honda display. The display stood out in it’s very Honda beige-ness. The practically staff-less area was set up around a large turning dais that supported a new red Civic Si with music pumping. We wanted to see what the regular Civic looked like and had to do a bit of searching to find it – when we did there was very little signage or information. Perhaps Honda chose to have such a completely boring display in order to highlight the red Civic Si – but the lack of information and staff did not encourage people to look at their other models after spending two minutes watching the loud spiny red car.
We moved from Honda to Toyota and were similarly non-plussed. I paused to allow a sales person to brush past me as we headed out the door.
Not to forget the more luxury brands, they were mostly overrun by kids (literally – people seemed to think it was ok to let the Mercedes convertibles act as baby-sitter to the 12 and under kids who sat in the cars blasting the radio and preventing anyone else from looking) or by young guys dreaming their fantasy of owning a new BMW. If their intent was to attract the next generation they hit it out of the park.
To sum up this long post, I was really surprised by what appeared to be a lack of interest on behalf of Toyota and Honda and Ford may be garnering a new fan.
This was my first International Auto Show and I would be interested to hear your experience of this one or others.
Until next time – Happy Driving!
Last weekend I attended the Vancouver International Auto Show with my dad – we had hopes of talking to brand experts and getting some insider tips on new vehicles. For the most part, what we found was a really crowded Vancouver Convention Centre with a serious lack of people to talk to. To quote my dad – we could have found out more at the Richmond Auto Mall.
While it was difficult to impossible to find someone to talk to in any depth, I did garner some overall insights.
After standing in an insanely long line to get tickets to get into the show, attendees were offered the option to stand in line again and have their picture taken with a Subaru Sumo wrestler. Big kudos to Subaru’s marketing team that they’ve generated enough excitement with their ads that people actually opted to do this.
With the state of the auto industry over the last few years, I was expecting to be really wowed by the various manufacturers as they were either trying to rebrand themselves, overcome recall setbacks or take back their market shares.
First, Ford got it! They had driving games that allowed them to show off their new technology and seemed to attract young and old. While they did not have a ton of sales people and many of the cars were locked, preventing you from looking inside, they had a large and very interactive display that worked well with their new lifestyle marketing strategy.
KIA came as second runner up by having the most staff, although I believe most of them were lot boys due to their age and lack of product knowledge – but they were friendly and helpful. KIA also had some fun interactive gadgets that got people’s attention. KIA has been consistently posing a challenge to the more well-known manufacturers for best value. Their new models such as the Soul and Rondo (a seven passenger cross-over vehicle) combined with their awesome hamster filled advertising campaigns have them poised to be a serious contender.
Honda market shares experienced an unprecedented dip last year, and our own personal experience at Winston Auto Group is they don’t generate interest (the exception being the old style Civic hatchback and Civic Si). My dad had received over 4 emails from Honda encouraging him to come to the Auto Show to see the new Civic. This was big news – the Civic has not been updated since 2006. Our expectations were running high for the Honda display. The display stood out in it’s very Honda beige-ness. The practically staff-less area was set up around a large turning dais that supported a new red Civic Si with music pumping. We wanted to see what the regular Civic looked like and had to do a bit of searching to find it – when we did there was very little signage or information. Perhaps Honda chose to have such a completely boring display in order to highlight the red Civic Si – but the lack of information and staff did not encourage people to look at their other models after spending two minutes watching the loud spiny red car.
We moved from Honda to Toyota and were similarly non-plussed. I paused to allow a sales person to brush past me as we headed out the door.
Not to forget the more luxury brands, they were mostly overrun by kids (literally – people seemed to think it was ok to let the Mercedes convertibles act as baby-sitter to the 12 and under kids who sat in the cars blasting the radio and preventing anyone else from looking) or by young guys dreaming their fantasy of owning a new BMW. If their intent was to attract the next generation they hit it out of the park.
To sum up this long post, I was really surprised by what appeared to be a lack of interest on behalf of Toyota and Honda and Ford may be garnering a new fan.
This was my first International Auto Show and I would be interested to hear your experience of this one or others.
Until next time – Happy Driving!
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Bubbles, Bling & Under the Hood
An Evening With
Amanda Mungal
“The Gal in the Car Biz”
&
Heather Elrick
“Your Baubles & Bling” Specialist
When? Thursday, April 7th @ 7pm
Where? Winston Auto Group, 131 12th St. New Westminster
Bring your girlfriends and a stack of business cards for a fun night of connections.
Tickets are only $10 and you can register through the Winston Auto Group website by clicking here.
Get some car maintenance tips from moi, pick yourself up a beautiful new Silpada bauble, sip some bubbly, tantalise your tastebuds with chocolate and enjoy a Silent Auction.
Proceeds from the Silent Auction are supporting
The Princess Project, Surrey BC
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Volkswagen Recall
Hi Drivers,
As many of you know I drive a beloved red Rabbit. I received a letter in the mail this week letting me know there was a recall to prevent a possible fuel leak. If you're driving a VW and haven't received a letter or want to make sure you're not included in the recall - here are the details.
The recall covers the Golf, Rabbit, Jetta and Jetta Sportwagen models from the 2007 to 2009 model years. The New Beetle from the 2006 to 2010 model years is also covered under the recall.
There are 413,000 cars being recalled in the United States and Canada (only about 37,000 are in Canada).
The automaker said that the Golf, Rabbit and Jetta models have a plastic tab on the windshield fluid container that could rub against a fuel line and cause a leak to develop.
In the case of the New Beetle, a fastening clamp that is part of the power steering system could cause the same kind of problem, the automaker said in a filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
VW said it had not received any reports of fires, injuries or crashes related to the condition in either market.
VW said it would pay for its dealers to inspect all of the vehicles covered by the recall and replace the fuel line if needed.
If you haven't received a letter from VW but want to ensure your car is not included in the recall you can make use of the VIN recall on VW's site.
Until next time, Happy Driving!
Friday, February 11, 2011
Chevy Volt Uses Golf of Mexico Oil Soaked Booms
This is not really new news - press release came out in December - but you have to dig a bit to find it - so it might be new news to you too! Either way - it's pretty good news - so worth a post. :)
Being green isn't just about lower fuel efficiency - and it would appear that GM understands this - I was pleasantly surprised to read that GM currently uses recycled and renewable materials in its cars and trucks, which are at least 85 percent recyclable. Used tires, old plastic bottles, denim and nylon carpet are all redirected from landfills and reused in select GM vehicles. Furthermore world-wide their facilities recycle 90% of the waste they generate.
The Chevy Volt - their new electric car - is currently using oil soaked booms from the clean up in the Golf of Mexico for parts that deflect air around the radiator. As of the date of the press release this step had already diverted 100,000 pounds from landfills. The parts are made from 25% oil soaked boom material, 25% recycled tires from GM test tracks and the rest is made from a mixture of post-consumer recycled plastics and polymers.
With work history that includes working with a sustainable purchasing consulting firm, I appreciate the importance of understanding that going green is a deeper process than a cloth bag or buying the newest lower energy gadget and it is encouraging to see a company the size of GM taking such progressive moves.
Buying a "greener" vehicle can be confusing as every manufacturer is scrambling to get into this new "green" market with differing technologies - most of which us lay-persons aren't experts in. Add to this trying to look at the bigger picture and it can be completely overwhelming.
Confusion aside, I think it's an exciting time right now to see the advances being made in the auto industry as they work to meet our vehicle needs and wants and meet greener targets.
Happy Driving!
GM Press Release
Friday, December 10, 2010
Speaking of Electric Cars - The Revenge of the Electric Car
Just watched this trailer for "Revenge of the Electric Car" coming out Spring 2011! You must watch - I'm definately booking it into my calendar.
Happy Driving
Electric Cars . . . The Consumer . . . Patrick Swayze??
Morning Drivers,
Some of you may recall that last year I told you about Canada's zero emmission zero noise car, the ZENN. I just received an update from ZENN who's Chief Operating Office Brian Cott was invited to present in the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada's“Invest in Canada” event held in Shenzhen, China. The focus of the event was to highlight the advantages to investing in Canadian businesses and was automotive centered.
At the same time that the "Invest in Canada" conference was being held, the 25th Annual World Electric Vehicle Symposium and Exposition was being held in Shenzhen. Regardless of your thoughts on doing business with China, what was interesting within the letter was Brian's insights that automotive manufacturers around the globe are struggling with the same birth pains - mainly convincing the consumer that electric vehicles are commercially viable. (as noted earlier in this blog - current models have low re-sale potential due to the very high cost of battery replacement).
There are currently huge government insentives in China for auto manufacturers developing electric vehicles; however, manufacturers around the world are aware these insentives won't last forever and each of them is carving their own path through these new waters.
It will be interesting to watch the journey of the electric car over the next couple of years. There is a vast chasm between environmentalists singing the praises and the need for electric vehicles and consumers actually purchasing one.
Aside from simply feeling confident in purchasing this new technology, driving and car ownership is still very much an emotional activity/possesion for many people. Feeling the power of your engine, shifting gears, dust clouds left in your wake etc., are still very much a part of our car owning pschye. It's possible that we will have a cultural shift in our way of thinking but I think "green" vehicles will find increasing success if they are able to develop something that can still make us feel like Patrick Swayze pulling out of Kellerman's Resort.
I'm confident it can be done and am excited to see how the auto indusrty makes this absolutely necessary green transition.
Happy Driving!
 |
| Picture from Autoworld Blog |
Morning Drivers,
Some of you may recall that last year I told you about Canada's zero emmission zero noise car, the ZENN. I just received an update from ZENN who's Chief Operating Office Brian Cott was invited to present in the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada's“Invest in Canada” event held in Shenzhen, China. The focus of the event was to highlight the advantages to investing in Canadian businesses and was automotive centered.
At the same time that the "Invest in Canada" conference was being held, the 25th Annual World Electric Vehicle Symposium and Exposition was being held in Shenzhen. Regardless of your thoughts on doing business with China, what was interesting within the letter was Brian's insights that automotive manufacturers around the globe are struggling with the same birth pains - mainly convincing the consumer that electric vehicles are commercially viable. (as noted earlier in this blog - current models have low re-sale potential due to the very high cost of battery replacement).
There are currently huge government insentives in China for auto manufacturers developing electric vehicles; however, manufacturers around the world are aware these insentives won't last forever and each of them is carving their own path through these new waters.
It will be interesting to watch the journey of the electric car over the next couple of years. There is a vast chasm between environmentalists singing the praises and the need for electric vehicles and consumers actually purchasing one.
Aside from simply feeling confident in purchasing this new technology, driving and car ownership is still very much an emotional activity/possesion for many people. Feeling the power of your engine, shifting gears, dust clouds left in your wake etc., are still very much a part of our car owning pschye. It's possible that we will have a cultural shift in our way of thinking but I think "green" vehicles will find increasing success if they are able to develop something that can still make us feel like Patrick Swayze pulling out of Kellerman's Resort.
I'm confident it can be done and am excited to see how the auto indusrty makes this absolutely necessary green transition.
Happy Driving!
Sunday, December 5, 2010
A Greener Drive Initiative for New Westminster
Morning Drivers,
We are pleased to announce Winston Auto Group's enrollment in the EcoDrive Program, an innovative solution to reduce the environmental impact from driving. Now, buying a car from Winston Auto Group promises to reward New Westminster drivers and their families alike, but the real winner will be the planet.
Under the EcoDrive Program, Winston Auto Group is making a commitment to neutralize the driving-related impact of every vehicle that leaves their lot. As automobile emissions are one of the largest contributors towards greenhouse gases, the Program’s efforts could mean a significant reduction in the overall impact of this valued Canadian activity.
Through the Program, Winston Auto Group purchases carbon offsets that neutralize all the emissions a driver creates during the first year of vehicle ownership. The offsets are supplied by LivClean, a top ranked carbon offset retailer by the David Suzuki/Pembina Institute. LivClean invests in emission-reducing projects that include activities like renewable energy, diverting waste from landfills, and using alternative fuels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The program also aims to educate drivers about behavioral changes that reduce driving-related emissions. Such changes include anti-idling, proper car maintenance and eco-fuel choices such as ethanol blend gasoline.
“As driving is a person’s single most polluting daily activity, the EcoDrive Program goes straight to one of the major sources of greenhouse gases. As an EcoDrive participant, Winston Auto Group is not only helping the environment, they’re providing their customers with a solution to help reduce their daily emissions”, stated Paul DeVries, President of LivClean.
At Winston Auto Group we know that auto dealerships are not top of mind when people think green, we have taken steps to reduce our internal waste and are really thrilled to be able to work with EcoDrive in taking a substantive step towards reducing carbon emmissions.
When buying a vehicle at Winston Auto Group, each customer is issued a certificate directly from LivClean confirming the carbon offset purchase on their behalf, along with a vehicle decal and key tag to announce their eco-driving status. For more information on how the program works please visit http://www.winstonautogroup.com/ or ecodriveprogram.ca.
Happy & Greener Driving!
Monday, November 8, 2010
A Green Initiative the Automotive Industry Loves
Morning Drivers,
Just read about this great new program being launched in Canada. It allows dealers to buy one year of carbon offsets for every car that drives off of their lot!
A Green Initiative the Automotive Industry Loves
Happy and Greener Driving!!
Sunday, October 24, 2010
All-electric claims for Chevy Volt fire up GM's critics - latimes.com
Morning Drivers,
If you're looking for an easy to read article that will explain the "we love the Volt - no we don't" contraversy in the press - read this article in the LA Times. All-electric claims for Chevy Volt fire up GM's critics - latimes.com
Didn't know or care about all the hooplah - then the article will give you a good understanding on how the Chevy Volt works.
The auto manufacturers need to realise that they and their word are being watched very very closely by the public in post bail-out / recall days.
Happy Driving!
If you're looking for an easy to read article that will explain the "we love the Volt - no we don't" contraversy in the press - read this article in the LA Times. All-electric claims for Chevy Volt fire up GM's critics - latimes.com
Didn't know or care about all the hooplah - then the article will give you a good understanding on how the Chevy Volt works.
The auto manufacturers need to realise that they and their word are being watched very very closely by the public in post bail-out / recall days.
Happy Driving!
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Smart Car - Fun Car - Safe Car
Morning Drivers,
I just drove my first Smart Car and boy was it fun! This morning I drove a Smart Car Fortwo cabrio. Unlike most convertibles that lend themselves to poor visibility with their tops up, the Smart Car had excellent visibility all around.
As far as driver comfort is concerned, the seats are firm but in that comfortable cushiony way - I imagine my bottom would feel find at the end of a long commute. There was lots of leg room and unlike with most cars, my arms did not feel over-extended when I put the seat at a comfortable distance for my legs. One draw back - as far as I could find there were no cup holders - this is so bazaar that I'm sure I must be wrong - so please leave a comment to correct me if you know better.
Smart cars have their engine in the back. The ignition is beside the parking break between the driver and passenger seats. The Smart Car Fortwo features a manual transmission without the clutch pedal, it will also shift for you if you forget or don't want to. Essentially, you have all the advantages of a manual, being able to shift down etc., but without the stalling, knee popping, ankle creaking of a clutch. I really enjoyed driving with this manual/automatic transmission and am surprised that more vehicles haven't adapted it. A word of caution however, don't get lulled into complacency with the automatic shifting. Like a manual, if you're foot isnt' on the brake or gas the car will roll.
Smart Cars also have a surprisingly high safety rating. The car is equipped with seat mounted side air bags and electronic stability control. The 2008 Smart Car Fortwo was rated a top overal rating of "Good" and rated "Good" in 8 of 11 tested injuries categories.
Overall, this is a car I would buy. It was fun to drive, with its diesel engine it sips fuel and I'm certain that finding parking would never be an issue.
Until next time Happy Driving!
As far as driver comfort is concerned, the seats are firm but in that comfortable cushiony way - I imagine my bottom would feel find at the end of a long commute. There was lots of leg room and unlike with most cars, my arms did not feel over-extended when I put the seat at a comfortable distance for my legs. One draw back - as far as I could find there were no cup holders - this is so bazaar that I'm sure I must be wrong - so please leave a comment to correct me if you know better.
Smart cars have their engine in the back. The ignition is beside the parking break between the driver and passenger seats. The Smart Car Fortwo features a manual transmission without the clutch pedal, it will also shift for you if you forget or don't want to. Essentially, you have all the advantages of a manual, being able to shift down etc., but without the stalling, knee popping, ankle creaking of a clutch. I really enjoyed driving with this manual/automatic transmission and am surprised that more vehicles haven't adapted it. A word of caution however, don't get lulled into complacency with the automatic shifting. Like a manual, if you're foot isnt' on the brake or gas the car will roll.
Smart Cars also have a surprisingly high safety rating. The car is equipped with seat mounted side air bags and electronic stability control. The 2008 Smart Car Fortwo was rated a top overal rating of "Good" and rated "Good" in 8 of 11 tested injuries categories.
Overall, this is a car I would buy. It was fun to drive, with its diesel engine it sips fuel and I'm certain that finding parking would never be an issue.
Until next time Happy Driving!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Winston Auto Group Announces New Vehicle Inspection Program
Morning Drivers!
Winston Auto Group has worked closely with Amayak Auto Services to create a 118-point inspection for all of their vehicles. However, this wasn't enough for Winston and he decided to take it one step further and create the Winston Certified Program.
The new Winston Certified Program includes a 118-point inspection, a full CarProof report and a 3-month Powertrain and Transmission Warranty. This warranty covers: engine, transmission, transaxle (FWD), differential (RWD), secondary differential (4WD/AWD), transfer case (4WD/AWD) and turbo/supercharger. In addition to having these major components covered, purchasers will receive towing assistance and trip interruption assistance anywhere within North America for the duration of the warranty.
Happy Driving!
Winston Auto Group has worked closely with Amayak Auto Services to create a 118-point inspection for all of their vehicles. However, this wasn't enough for Winston and he decided to take it one step further and create the Winston Certified Program.
The new Winston Certified Program includes a 118-point inspection, a full CarProof report and a 3-month Powertrain and Transmission Warranty. This warranty covers: engine, transmission, transaxle (FWD), differential (RWD), secondary differential (4WD/AWD), transfer case (4WD/AWD) and turbo/supercharger. In addition to having these major components covered, purchasers will receive towing assistance and trip interruption assistance anywhere within North America for the duration of the warranty.
Happy Driving!
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Ford is the big winner in September
Hi Drivers!
September figures are in and Ford's sales in Canada experienced a whopping 63.9 percent increase! Compared to Toyota's 17.5 percent and GM's 24.1 percent fall this is great news for Ford which has been working steadily to improve their brand.
Despite Toyota's battle with re-calls over the last year - they are still holding strong in fourth place with 11.2 percent of the market share year to date.
Overall, the auto industry remains fairly steady (in neutral as some have put it).
After reading several news stories and blogs here is the one tip that might be of most use. If you're in the market for a new car, the market pundits are suggesting you get out there soon - as the automakers can not maintain the level of incentives they have been offering as of late. Some are hugely profitable but most are losing money just to get you into their cars.
Of course there is always the option of buying a gently loved vehicle and saving even more!!
Happy Driving!
September figures are in and Ford's sales in Canada experienced a whopping 63.9 percent increase! Compared to Toyota's 17.5 percent and GM's 24.1 percent fall this is great news for Ford which has been working steadily to improve their brand.
Despite Toyota's battle with re-calls over the last year - they are still holding strong in fourth place with 11.2 percent of the market share year to date.
Overall, the auto industry remains fairly steady (in neutral as some have put it).
After reading several news stories and blogs here is the one tip that might be of most use. If you're in the market for a new car, the market pundits are suggesting you get out there soon - as the automakers can not maintain the level of incentives they have been offering as of late. Some are hugely profitable but most are losing money just to get you into their cars.
Of course there is always the option of buying a gently loved vehicle and saving even more!!
Happy Driving!
Thursday, September 30, 2010
What does it feel like to drive a Volkswagen?
Hey Drivers
It's Thursday - almost Friday but not quite. Volkswagen has just launched a fabulous new toy to help you through the day.
When I bought my Rabbit in 2009 suddenly commuting wasn't so bad. Volkswagen's ad campaigns indicate that only those that like to drive need apply suggesting a fun drive is to be had. Personally my Rabbit has lived up to that claim.
If you haven't had the pleasure - check out Volksface. A web application that allows you to see how happy you will be while driving a Volkswagen!
Check out Volksface when you need a little break today!
Happy Driving!
It's Thursday - almost Friday but not quite. Volkswagen has just launched a fabulous new toy to help you through the day.
When I bought my Rabbit in 2009 suddenly commuting wasn't so bad. Volkswagen's ad campaigns indicate that only those that like to drive need apply suggesting a fun drive is to be had. Personally my Rabbit has lived up to that claim.
If you haven't had the pleasure - check out Volksface. A web application that allows you to see how happy you will be while driving a Volkswagen!
Check out Volksface when you need a little break today!
Happy Driving!
Monday, September 27, 2010
CarLashes Update
Hi Drivers
Have you been fantasizing about your Car Lashes since my last post? I emailed the company and they are available in Canada!
If you get them - send me a pic!!!
Happy Driving!
Have you been fantasizing about your Car Lashes since my last post? I emailed the company and they are available in Canada!
If you get them - send me a pic!!!
Happy Driving!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
If you won't leave the house without mascara - then you need this product!
Morning Drivers!
Just read about this crazy great new product for people who like to dress up their cars. Car Lashes! They affix just above the headlights with tape that will not damage your paint.
If regular lashes won't do - they have lashes with crystal eyeliner - so your car can sparkle as much as you do! Check out their website or Facebook page for pictures!
Happy Driving!
Just read about this crazy great new product for people who like to dress up their cars. Car Lashes! They affix just above the headlights with tape that will not damage your paint.
If regular lashes won't do - they have lashes with crystal eyeliner - so your car can sparkle as much as you do! Check out their website or Facebook page for pictures!
Happy Driving!
Monday, September 20, 2010
BC's new drinking and driving rules toughest in Canada
Hello Fellow Drivers!
Today was the first day of the new drinking and driving rules and I've been hearing all kinds of stories as to what that means. I hadn't paid much attention but after hearing variations from one glass of wine could cost me my licence and $4000 to it's nothing to worry about I thought I would do a little research and pass on my findings.
Today was the first day of the new drinking and driving rules and I've been hearing all kinds of stories as to what that means. I hadn't paid much attention but after hearing variations from one glass of wine could cost me my licence and $4000 to it's nothing to worry about I thought I would do a little research and pass on my findings.
For people opposed to the new rules, there seems to be two major issues on the table:
[source www.ctv.ca]
So it would appear that you must blow and if you blow between .05 and .08 you won't get a criminal record but you will lose your car for a few days and be out of pocket for as much as $800. If you blow .08 or over you will risk a criminal record, lose your car for 90 days and be out of pocket about $4000. None of which is too bad if it stops someone drinking and driving the question being raised is whether it acceptable to place such a penalty without trial.
Until next time happy driving!
- The blood alcohol range known in the past as the "warn" zone is now subject to penalties.
- Police now have the authority to levy significant penalties (as much as $4000 and 90 day licence suspension) without a trial.
I believe our court system is in place for a reason and it concerns me that our law makers have felt the need to circumvent it. However, those feelings aside it might be useful to actually know what the new guidelines are.
Under the new legislation, a driver who refuses a breathalyser or blows over a .08 blood-alcohol level will receive an immediate 90-day licence suspension and a $500 administrative penalty.
He or she will also be forced to pay:
- a $700 towing fee
- $250 to have the driver's licence reinstated
- $1,420 for an ignition interlock device
- $880 to enrol in a responsible driver program
Offenders will also lose their cars for 30 days and could face criminal charges.
The law also penalizes drivers caught with a blood-alcohol reading between .05 and .08, which used to lead to a warning.
Those drivers are hit with an immediate three-day driving ban and a $200 fine. Additional fees add up to about $600.
Drivers warned twice in five years will receive a seven-day ban and a $300 fine, while those warned three times will receive a 30-day ban, a $400 fine and must enrol in the responsible driver program.
[source www.ctv.ca]
So it would appear that you must blow and if you blow between .05 and .08 you won't get a criminal record but you will lose your car for a few days and be out of pocket for as much as $800. If you blow .08 or over you will risk a criminal record, lose your car for 90 days and be out of pocket about $4000. None of which is too bad if it stops someone drinking and driving the question being raised is whether it acceptable to place such a penalty without trial.
Until next time happy driving!
Sunday, September 19, 2010
SCION Comes to Canada and Ups the Car Shopping Experience.
Morning Drivers!
SCION is made by Toyota but until this year has not been available in Canada. If you've seen those cute square cars/cross-over/what is that vehicle?? on the road over the last couple of years, chances are it was a SCION.
Obviously this is exciting news for SCION lovers but the really exciting news for the car shopping world is SCION is introducing a whole new car buying experience with their SCION Boutiques.
SCION is made by Toyota but until this year has not been available in Canada. If you've seen those cute square cars/cross-over/what is that vehicle?? on the road over the last couple of years, chances are it was a SCION.
Obviously this is exciting news for SCION lovers but the really exciting news for the car shopping world is SCION is introducing a whole new car buying experience with their SCION Boutiques.
When SCION opens for business in Canada, it will also usher in a new culture and approach for vehicle purchases and ownership – this includes a reinvented showroom concept.
Two key components to SCION’s unique approach are to offer buyers every opportunity for personalization and to create an inviting and interactive dealership setting at SCION “store within a store” showrooms which will be open for business later this month at 45 Toyota Dealer locations in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. Three of these showroom locations will be SCION boutiques with two locations in Toronto and one in Vancouver.
SCION dealership visitors will quickly realize they are not in a typical showroom environment. In fact, many customers will have begun shopping for a Scion before they even walk through the door with the ability to build the SCION of their dreams using the interactive, 3D “build and price” feature at scionnation.ca. When they arrive at the dealership, visitors will find SCION Experts dedicated to helping vehicle buyers build and customize a SCION to any specification.
The customer experience will be further streamlined by being matched with a single point of contact at the dealership, dedicated to taking the customer through the entire purchase process - from the moment they walk into the boutique, to the moment they drive away in their new SCION.
Each dealership will also be equipped with a PS3 along with the latest video games. Visitors will also be invited to hook up their iPod® so they can hear their tunes on SCION’s car audio systems.
As customers leave the dealership, complimentary SCION CD samplers* will be available to customers to enjoy on the ride home. These CDs will include a collection of music featuring artists that are relevant to the SCION lifestyle. And the SCION ownership experience doesn’t end when vehicle buyers drive off the lot. In addition to a comprehensive maintenance program, customers will be invited to upcoming SCION events and forums taking place in locations across the country. (source: Toyota.ca)
The personal touch combined with the idea of the SCION ownership experience brings back memories of the Saturn's marketing campaign. While the Saturn no longer exists their personalized lifestyle marketing garnered devoted customers.
At minimum this new shopping experience calls for visit. I will be checking it out and reporting back to you - but if you want to experience it for yourself you can find a location near you here.
Happy Driving!
At minimum this new shopping experience calls for visit. I will be checking it out and reporting back to you - but if you want to experience it for yourself you can find a location near you here.
Happy Driving!
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