Fastlane - From 0-60 and Everything In Between

2009 In Review and Who has the Next Clunker

2010-01-05T22:36:00.015-06:00

In a year of turmoil and financial uncertainty, one thing if for sure, GM still isn't making a profit. To hammer (not Hummer) a point, they failed to successfully negotiate the sale of Saab, not once, but twice. Why is it so hard to market a Swedish car company (when Tiger Woods has brought acute popularity to the country)? It isn't, but low-ball offers met with American stubbornness and the result, the Saab moniker goes the way of the Pontiac, Saturn, and Oldsmobile (remember those).

What does the future hold? If the LA Auto Show was any indicator, then it will be electric vehicles that the public cannot afford. Tesla, not interested. Audi (and I love Audis) may have a near miss with the E-tron. But the Chevy Volt is making its way to not finding its niche in the marketplace.

Hummer is still struggling to cut through the Chinese red tape and complete the sale to Tengzhong Industrial Machinery. So where are the new cars? The Ford Fiesta took a detour thanks to a mid-day siesta courtesy of half-hearted viral marketing and a grass-roots user experience launched by the Red Bull swigging crowd of twenty-somethings. The Taurus is back, however, and in the potent SHO formula, sho-nuff. But with American auto sales down 19% for the year, people seen to be holding on to their vehicles just a little longer. That is unless you own a Toyota. In that case, hold on to your hats! The Japanese powerhouse suffered a black eye of 1980's Audi proportions with their own version of unintended acceleration. Sure it was initially a floor mat problem that ultimately turned out to be bad PR spin when an accelerator issue was found to be the culprit. Toyota reluctantly launched the largest recall in its company's history.

So what does 2010 hold? How about some payback from GM and Chrysler. Remember those billions of dollars thanks to Paulson's TARP program? The American public would like a return on this particular investment, and a discount on a Chrysler with a HEMI that no one wanted in the first place seems like a continuation of cruel and unusual punishment. The only other hemi causing this much discomfort usually comes with a Costco-size dosage of Preparation H. 2010, you have the potential to look up...way up!

The LA Auto Show

2009-12-12T13:52:00.014-06:00

Well, I made it. After complaining about the auto show in my hometown, I had the opportunity to attend the LA Auto Show. International and national vehicles debuted at the Los Angeles Convention Center. There is an air of imitation as I can see that this is the best balance in a new breed of sedans masquerading as coupes found in the Mercedes-Benz CLS, BMW 550i Gran Turismo, and yes, the other four-door Porsche, the Panamera. And you know? The offspring of the 928GT didn't look as awkward in person as it had on the printed page. An ugly duckling of sorts, maybe. But would I buy one? A used one? Probably. I was also impressed by Audi's products but a little disappointed in BMW. The X6 M looked eerily like a Pontiac Aztek! Could it be that Pontiac was the true visionary, ahead of its time, and sadly, just a few years too early to save itself from bankruptcy? Well, it was a GM product, and they would have found a way to ruin that success, so probably not.

There were a buzz in the air that wasn't weather induced. Known for its smog, LA actually experienced inclement weather during Friday's show. Was I impressed? Let me say this, my enthusiasm for some exhibits forced me to tour particular manufacturer's offerings more than once. Much love for the Audi R8 convertible and the whole wing dedicated to Porsche. The Panamera is big. Big and Tall. Like a plus man's shop with all the clothing and accessories that one could muster. There is an elegance to this heft, however. Maybe it was the color. Maybe it was the vibe (no not the Pontiac Vibe). Or maybe it was the fact that I just wanted to love the car. Well, it is a Porsche after all. Sat in the front, sat the back, had a photo taken. I was impressed, probably more so by the fact that a child's car seat fits squarely in the back without crushing any limbs (yours or a child's). And yes, an adult fits back there, too.

GM Reorganization That Does Not Involve the Container Store

2009-12-07T23:05:00.009-06:00

After last Tuesday's removal of Fritz Henderson as GM's CEO, Robert Lutz, GM's marketing and product guru, does not have a place or the staff to call home. While GM said Lutz will serve in an advisory role, there is no such indication of what advice will be dispensed from the 77 year-old former Ford employee. Ed Whitacre, acting CEO, is looking to freshen the face of GM by placing some youngsters in charge of strategic operations in North America, Europe, and Asia. With an infusion of new blood, the hope is to revitalize the brand and promote fresh ideas from all of the ranks, not just executive management. It should also be noted that the new management team publicized its first official meeting today.

What does this mean for GM? That there is some serious consideration being made about its place in the automotive world, its reputation, and how it will compete in the "May the best car win" race. I have to commend Whitacre for working with GM's board and making such a powerful and decisive move. Am I impressed? Absolutely. Let's see just how much turbulence the system can tolerate during the course of this shake up. In this survival race, it was a necessary strategy for GM to muse over and execute. Next stop, paying the Fed those billions of dollars back!

The LA Auto Show, the LA Times, and Be Your Own Auto Critic

2009-12-04T04:57:00.010-06:00

Hey, a chance to see what's happening in the automotive world and it starts today on my birthday!?!? Woo hoo, it's the LA Auto Show! I am particularly pleased that this will be the World Debut of the Porsche Boxster Spyder! I love all things Porsche and I will take a Boxster in a pinch. Other cars set to launch their North American debut include the Audi R8 Spyder, Jaguar XJ, Lexus LF-A, Mercedes SLS AMG ( A vintage Gullwing throwback), and the Rolls-Royce Ghost.

At least automotive design is thriving and making the best of a bad economic situation. The Auto Show did happen to stop in my hometown and the only highlight was the free parking after being comped admission. I was pleased to see the Porsche Panamera, while I admired its "uniqueness" and surprising height for being the sedan of the 911 world.

We all rely on media sources for info and news that we can use. In reviewing the horrendous recall by Toyota, I was further horrified that LA Times business contributor, Martin Zimmerman, cited a former Lexus owner's fear forcing the purchase of a Buick Acadia. Hmmm...a Buick Acadia, is that the new name for a Buick & GMC hybrid!?!? Did GM sell its very own GMC to Buick (and not at a profit, of course)? I think not, and I hate to find fault with a minor error, such as the correct make and model of a vehicle (GMC Acadia), but hey!!! This is an automotive safety article in the business section of the LA Times! A sad case of a fact checker skipping a box on the fact checking checklist, but I digress...be sure to look for the new Hummer Solstice and Pontiac H2 Alpha at dealerships (and sadly, brands) that don't exist.

Lastly, my 6th grade fondness of Car&Driver has lead me to find one of the best features ever in their 10Best issue. A chance to be an automotive reviewer (p29). Sure it looks like a Mad Libs form, but hey, who can resist a compelling review of a 1998 Nissan Maxima or that 1997 Jeep Wrangler (4 cylinder version, of course)? Not me, I cannot wait to get this adjective and adverb party started!

Toyota's Damaged Reputation & Someone is Making Kimchi Out of the Competition

2009-12-04T03:59:00.012-06:00

Toyota is in a tailspin on the heels of a historic recall notice and being #1 is a very lonely place. Toyota's reputation is based on quality and safety. There is no love or inspiration felt from envisioning myself behind the wheel of a Camry. Now a Lexus LF-A, well of course! I just have to remind myself that this boutique vehicle costs an estimated $400K. A little out of reach for the average, safety conscious consumer. And hey, no room for a child safety seat!

It is easy to criticize Toyota's efforts as the company met it's goal to be the #1 automaker. Their reputation propelled them there, allowed customer retention, and afforded those Toyota owners a glimpse at the gateway drug known as Lexus. Is all lost? Of course not! Toyota has done much to ingratiate itself to the American public by offering "quality" vehicles and employing Americans. And this recall is set to be costly, estimating a parting of ways with hundreds of million of dollars. So will consumers turn their backs on this beloved brand? Probably not, but it is difficult to tell, as consumers are turning their backs on automotive sales in general.

What can be said is that this is perfect timing for Korean brands like Hyundai and Kia. Hyundai is in a position to dominate the market with quality vehicles that have the features and style the public wants. Think Hyundai Genesis and think impressive financing terms in a tough economy. The North America Car of the Year has helped garner that street cred, and even I can see myself behind the wheel of one.

So is all lost? Of course not, I mean Toyota isn't GM. Consistently, GM leaves me uninspired and I grow weary of the "May the Best Car Win" marketing. I am not buying it and auto sales are showing similar results. I still think the "best car" may just have a little more Seoul than any other automaker ever saw coming.

Floormats on the Fritz? GM & Toyota say, "Oh no you didn't!"

2009-12-02T21:47:00.011-06:00

Almost a week after Toyota reassessed its recall notice of almost 4M vehicles, it was found that maybe there was a little more to their floormat theory. But wait...let's step back a bit...enter dream sequence and the faint musical stylings of Duran Duran drift in. I am sitting behind the wheel of an Audi 5000S. Great vehicle with German prowess, Quattro all-wheel drive, and a bad case of unintended acceleration! Pulling into a garage, the 5000S takes off like a shot, damaging the parking structure and injuring the driver. Valets have declined to park the 5000S for fear of injuring themselves and others citing unintended acceleration. In the smoothest of PR moves, Audi cited operator error and those mysterious floormats. And what was the result? It took a little over 15 years for Audi to recover from bad press, the possibility of flawed design, and the suffering of those injured by a perceived automotive mishap.

Much has been done to safeguard against this possible occurrence. Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche utilize throttle-by-wire or drive-by-wire. Instead of having a mechanical throttle body with the necessary cabling, the throttle is electronically controlled by the accelerator pedal. After Audi's debacle, the German automakers implemented a smart pedal. Whether or not the accelerator is intentionally or unintentionally depressed, by stepping on the brake, the accelerator disengages. In this respect, it is similar to disengaging the cruise control when the brake pedal is depressed. The development of the smart pedal is crucial to the safety of an accelerator malfunction.

Now enter Toyota. Touted with safety features and economy of design, Toyota employs the drive-by-wire system, but there is a catch. Deemed too costly, Toyota decided to turn a blind eye to the hard-learned lesson of Audi and took a pass on installing a smart pedal. The result, unintended acceleration. Now with recalls underway and dealers not fully prepared to implement the multi-visit repair, the Toyota driving consumer is afraid to take their beloved out on the road. Kudos to Toyota for being forced to make the recall...

And speaking of forced, where is Fritz? Herr Henderson is no more. Relinquishing the reins at GM, Ed Whitacre once again steps in to save the "we will pay back those billions in bailout money" day. Fritz, a career GM man, was deemed ineffective, having asked that management refrain from calling him an interim CEO, as that nomenclature would undermine his authority. The authority to lose money and play the corporate fall guy? No worries Fritz, mud is your name. And keeping in the GM tradition, former Buick guy (though recently seen in a crumpled Cadillac Escalade), Tiger Woods, has made apologies for his indiscretion, questionable driving skills, questionable romantic associations, Caller ID, and mostly, apologies for the Buick Skylark.

Throw a TARP on it! How we never meant to pay back the government bailout monies!

2009-11-17T00:21:00.015-06:00

Color me amazed at GM and their announcement of unbelievable profits! Well, profits may be too generous a term, but hey, they didn't lose as much money as they thought! Fritz Henderson shared today that a $1.2B loss was better than expected. Huh...what was that!?!? Were they on target for a $4B loss? Why not round up, way up...

In the advent of such a bold announcement regarding profits, it was nice to discover that by enacting TARP (the Troubled Asset Relief Program), the government never really expected to get repaid. The Department of the Treasury shared that bailout recipients like Chrysler and GM would have to be more profitable than at any other time in each company's respective history. Theses two automakers owe an estimated $65B in total (GM at $50B and Chrysler at $15B). Water under the bridge, as American consumers are left wondering where they can purchase a Pontiac, Saturn, or Hummer.

In retrospect, it is nice to know that the one-time members of Detroit's Big Three have a plan to pay back the moolah. Well, use of the term "plan" can be substituted for a line in a Popeye cartoon, "I will gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today." Of course, any "profits" are coming from those emerging Asian markets as Americans may not be falling for Ed Whitacre's "May the Best Car Win" campaign. Hmm..the best car...well it sounds Korean and looks a lot like a Hyundai.

For the love of all that is fashionable! Say "NO" to Crocs the Porsche Way.

2009-11-11T23:27:00.019-06:00

I love a good love story, and the Porsche Cayman is one of those. In pursuit of the, "you've got your chocolate in my peanut butter and you've got your peanut butter in my chocolate," controversy and decades long debacle, the Porsche Cayman is the Reese's Peanut Butter Cup of conglomerations. Sure it's a Boxster with a permanent hard top. And sure Porsche put a lower performing 6-cylinder engine under its mid-engined frame as not to step on the 911's toes. But toe stepping, indeed! Crocs, the lovable shoe salvation of the scrubs-wearing (and often chain smoking, but never around oxygen tanks) employee, and those that throw caution to the Birkenstock wind, have fallen prey to whims of the auto manufacturer.

In a surprising, and quite humorous, move (wait for it...wait for it), Crocs named their latest $30 shoe the Crocs Cayman. (0-60 in what!?!? You are actually wearing those outside of the house!?!?) Hold on a sec. A Porche Cayman is $50K and the Crocs version a mere $30? Porsche is calling foul and saying that name infringement exists. Crocs have every intention of defending its namesake versus that of Stuttgart fame, Nurburgring speed, and a reputation of nationalism as the all-around purveyor of the global cold shoulder.

And the stage is set to be settled on none other than the Cayman Islands in the ultimate name infringement battle royale! Tickets are on sale and the proceeds with go to pay for ever-increasing fuel costs as duty-free shopping and that special discount jewelery purchase await. Bah-humbug to frivolous lawsuits and bah-humbug to the lyrical shoe stylings to those that come up with lame names for shoes (and some cars). Smelling blood in the water and adding insult to injury, Crocs was further under fire by a new lawsuit citing another name infringement. Championing the cause from the other side was a familiar face and advocate of all things croc (no, not those Crocs). Crikey! With Crocs and it's legal entanglements, the time couldn't be better to get your Porsche on!

Back from a summer break

2009-09-15T22:14:00.009-05:00

A lot has happened since my last entry. Cash for Clunkers came and went, Ed Whitacre is broadcasting his GM vision, and President Obama is addressing the AFL-CIO. To be fair, the Cash for Clunkers can be deemed a success. There has been a tremendous response at dealerships as Americans held out for their $4500 credit. Many vehicles were traded in and something amazing happened: your neighbor bought a new car and the price of a used car rose in some cases as much as $3-$5K. Sure, sure, the dealers were given an extra day to file the paperwork, but the computer system was down...wah-waahh. What I haven't seen is just how many dealerships are still waiting to get paid. Some were on the bubble to begin with so it will be interesting to discover just how many more have had to close, but hopefully most did not.

Ed makes the news again and I am glad he is the Chairman of GM. He may seem like an outsider, but his sensibility and straight-talk may have more people believing GM does make a good car (unless it is a Pontiac, Saturn, or Hummer). And with a 60-day money-back guarantee, what could possibly go wrong (other than Ford making better vehicles and not requiring a bailout)? And speaking of bailout, it was reported that it was never the intention of Chrysler to ever be in a position to pay back the billions received in bailout money. Nice to know that they are keeping up the tradition of substandard performance alive.

And lastly, The Big "O" (no, not Oprah) addressed the AFL-CIO, guaranteeing Americans jobs and health care. I appreciate the bravado, but I hardly think addressing the group that lead us to American automotive ruin really needs to hear this message. Then again, he did support the working middle-class and they support him. No lying here, please, but let's all keep an eye on it. And on a somber note, my beloved Formula One racing will have to make due without BMW. Not even engines will be supplied after 2009. More than the races will be interesting to watch as the economy puts a squeeze on the most expensive auto sport in the world.

Car Wars and the Asian Market is Tops

2009-07-26T22:58:00.000-05:00

Want some good news, the Asians are ahead in the car game. What a surprise! Hardly. Guess who has introduced more new car models? Hyundai, Kia, Honda, Toyota, and Nissan. Hey, no "Big Three" in the mix? No way. We now see that Ford , Chrysler, and GM are finally getting in gear. And hey, what is not to love. Pony cars, the muscle cars of the 60s and 70s are back! Way late and who cares. Sportwagons, hey thanks for the updates, but if I want anything sporty, I am going for something German that is not produced in Canada or Mexico. Made in America means buying a Nissan, Honda, or Toyota.

And the emerging Asian market? The Koreans have mastered fit and finish, and while Hyundai leads the way, Kia is looking to take the wind out of the Japanese dominated sails.

What can our friends at GM and Ford offer? The Buick LaCrosse and the Ford Taurus SHO. Wow, cars no one wants. Thanks again for responding to customer needs. I am just glad to see my old boss, Ed Whitacre, heading up the board at GM. He did great things for the telecommunications industry during my time with AT&T, and while he doesn't know the automotive business, he has the capacity and willingness to learn. Good luck, Ed, and let me know how I can help.

Why the Rover gets a bad Rap! Yo, DJ, spin that wheel!

2009-07-19T20:43:00.007-05:00

You have seen them so many places. Next door, out shopping, on TV and in urban and not so urban music videos. It is the Range Rover. A technologically advanced hauler that has every terrain imaginable covered. On the not-so-beaten path, the Rover always delivers, but many never leave the asphalt. This off-road vehicle is a status symbol that can be seen as a regular in any television or movie production.

Why so popular? It isn't the off-road prowess. The point is they look cool. They are cool. People will break their necks ponying up the $$$ to purchase one. Well, not purchase, but how about lease? Can't lease, maybe you can ride along with a friend that has one. These are highly stylized off-road vehicles that movie stars love and people that think they are movie stars love, too. The point, though, is that they are truly great off-road vehicles that go under appreciated.

There is a deep heritage for those stuck out in the sticks that a Range Rover can get you through the worst situations. Being chased by lions. Count on a Range Rover. Being chased by militia? Count on a Range Rover. These are work horses, not show ponies. A little respect, please. So in retrospect, don't be treated like yesterday's news in that atrocious H2. Show people your sophistication and appreciation for the environment with a Range Rover. Wait a sec, these things get terrible gas mileage, so take the Prius instead.

Something is hatching in the auto industry.

2009-07-18T22:59:00.003-05:00

Remember back, way back when we didn't have sportwagons, we had station wagons? The Vista Cruiser and Country Squire were all the rage! Well maybe not the rage, but there was a distinct market to serve families and all the stuff they could haul. Well, move forward a decade or two and hatchbacks were the economic wagons of their time.

Need the access of a wagon but without the connotation or drudgery of, mmm, an actual wagon? Well hatchbacks were here to help. From the AMC Gremlin to the Honda CRX. Owners valued their covered cargo space and passers by had the opportunity to see just what kind of groceries their owners were buying.

Today, wagons are still around. In some locales, every other car is a Subaru, but consumers demand more! Give me something that doesn't have wagon associated with it, that is enclosed in glass, and you may just have a customer for life.

They are being touted as sporthatches. BMW has one, Toyota has one, and now Audi has one, too. In fact, some may consider the Porsche Panamera a sporthatch, but my personal pain will not allow me to think that! Customers rule and they need utility. They have always needed it, but manufacturers are now listening. No, not utility vehicles. We have beaten them and their MPG ratings to death. Give us something stylish and functional. Give moms and dads everywhere the thrill of a performance coupe. That is until they glance in the rear view mirror only to be met by a tempered glass hatch gleaming right back.

I can't say this is an innovative offering by car makers, but I will give them props. Giving us more choices in these economic times is great. Many people who are not buying cars should be able to enjoy these sporthatches in 2-3 years, when the economy moves upward and people are less concerned about their mortgages and more concerned with how much stuff can they cram into the back of that hatch, um, sporthatch. Costco, here I come.

You better insure that ride...

2009-07-12T20:13:00.007-05:00

The auto insurance industry is suffering. Is is very sad and a dark day indeed. Claims are up, way up. Revenues are down, way down. So what is the auto industry to do? Market the heck out of itself! Concierge service, customized coverage, and those "good hands", it's all free! Free until you look at the premium increases most states have approved. Just a side note, but there is no national insurance industry regulator (see Federal Charter). Each state has its own Department of Insurance that approves requests by insurance companies to increase premiums or deny writing business in certain areas (think hurricanes, wildfires, and other natural disasters).

So what has happened since the auto portion of any Property & Casualty company is the bread and butter of GEICO, Allstate, State Farm, Farmers, and Progressive? They know that people cannot afford insurance. State legislators have mandated coverage and they are enforcing driver's license suspensions for non-compliance. So what happens and how can they make a profit? The insurers are marketing minimum state requirements for insurability. Ah the comforts of minimum liability insurance. In Texas, that's 25/50/25. $25K in bodily injury coverage per person, $50K bodily injury per accident, and $25K in property damage. And that's it! Comprehensive (theft, fire, and vandalism) and Collision (all other losses) are optional and are only meant to protect the insured, the one that owns and operates the vehicle.

Everyone else is out there driving with minimal coverage. Have a no-fault accident these days and pray that the at-fault driver has any coverage at all. There are no-fault states where each driver is responsible for his or her damages. To date, there are only 12 states that subscribe to this type of self-insurance. Either way, it is a prospect that many people are finding difficult to afford. The insurer's other answer to minimal coverage is a high deductible for those comprehensive and collision coverages. Market it and recommend a $1K deductible and you have an insured that may not be able to afford vehicle repairs. Since they do not have the money (hence the high deductible in the first place), they will not file a claim and the vehicle will go un-repaired. In this way, the insurer may actually save some money they would have normally paid out to fix a vehicle. These practices and the profit margin may leave each insured asking themselves, "Just how good can these "good hands" be?"

Renting it may bring that new car scent back!

2009-07-11T19:33:00.004-05:00

Times are tough and may be getting tougher. Great news to hear GM is out of bankruptcy and in record time! Still not convinced to buy new and feel that new car love? Well, you can rent it! From anywhere from $100-$250 per day you can rent the vehicle of you dreams, well reasonable dreams but dreams nonetheless.

Auto manufacturers have always supplied fleet vehicles to car rental agencies. They are there for your road weary business travelers and the family vacationers. With more staycations and daycations (I hate using these terms as much as the next guy), not too many people are renting cars or traveling. But what about that dream getaway, even in your own backyard? You could definitely use some wheels to get there, and the rental agencies have a plan. Rent a premium vehicle and feel like a king or queen for a day (fanfare please, bohm bah dee bohmmm).

AVIS is here to help by renting the 2010 Chevy Camaro. At just $250 a day, you can relive your youth or that of your parents with this pony car restyled for the new generation of muscle cars (bad timing GM, but oh well, we'll gladly take it). Not enough car for you, but you only needed a two-seater? For the same price, Budget will gladly hand you the keys to a Corvette convertible! Not the Vette (Chevette) you drove in high school, but the 430HP tire burner that makes any Members Only jacket wearer green with envy.

You may be thinking, "I have a family and I need a sedan, what about me?" Not to worry, Enterprise has come through for $120 per day with a Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The smell of the Autobahn awaits and you can take the kids. Not to be outdone, and keeping it domestic (but track tested in Deutschland), the Cadillac CTS will not disappoint for the bargain price of $92 per day. All and all, the rental agencies are reinventing themselves by offering vehicles that the public may not be able to afford outright, just keep for a day or two. The only disappointment, sliding behind the wheel of your vehicle when you turn the rental keys back in.

Why doesn't anyone want Hummer?

2009-07-05T21:47:00.010-05:00

Some stare in amazement at their girth, while others marvel at the poor gas mileage. But why can't the once beloved Hummer find a new home? Maybe not as diverse as a purchase of Saturn or Saab, but Hummer is definitely a recognized brand. It is recognized worldwide, and what better way to enter the market than to be purchased by the Chinese conglomerate Tengzhong.

The, "Hey, look at me!", division of GM has been on the market for quite some time. And the Chinese, now on the forefront of the global market spotlight, may have environmental concerns with the purchase of Hummer. What? Seriously? Yes, indeed! The plan, which was penned in June of this year, allowed the industrial machinery company to enter a long-term assembly and supply agreement worth approximately $500M.

What would this mean? To the US, more than 3,000 jobs would be secured. GM would benefit in progressing in its recent bankruptcy, while the Chinese market would benefit from the recent consumer demand for these vehicles. Additionally, the Chinese manufacturer can expand into other markets besides China, most notably India and the Middle East. But the sale that should have been completed by the third quarter of this year, may be put on hold until those environmental and taxation concerns are resolved.

It should be interesting to note that other deals with the Chinese have been in the works. Ford is seeking to sell off Volvo to Geely, the largest automaker in China. With global exposure and the finances to make it happen, the Chinese can enter the world market, let alone the US market sooner than had first been planned.

Something for you and your family, it's the Porsche Panamera!

2009-07-03T19:07:00.002-05:00

When you think of four-door sports cars, does a vision of a Nissan Maxima come to mind? Well presently, as in the early 1990s, that is exactly how Nissan marketed the Nisssan Maxima. A grocery getter with a powerful V6 engine. Hmmm...I drive one, my fiends have driven with me to lunch, but at no point did anyone mistake my beloved sedan for a sports car. Ever.

Now fast forward to 2010, well maybe it is the 2010 model year available this year in 2009. And take a look at what Porsche has done! This is the 2010 Porsche Panamera, a sports sedan that will make you think you are in a spots car. It is an honest to goodness sports car from the stoic automakers in Stuttgart. Have you forgotten it's a sports car? Not when you friends in the backseat are exclaiming sheer joy from the ride and your driving talents.

And where did this debut take place. Where was the world introduced to this work of performance art? It wasn't in the States. The vehicle debuted in the world's largest emerging market at the Shanghai International Auto Show in China. Yes, China! There is no better place to debut the next generation of automobiles, and in the land of BMWs and Audis, the Panamera is a great fit in this market.

This is not only a great car that boasts 300HP for your $89K, there are a multitude of available trim options. The Panamera S and the Panamera Turbo will blow the doors off of any other sedan in this price range ($93K-$132K respectively). So grab your driving gloves, your checkbook, and invite a few friends to lunch. They will definitely thank you, and let them buy!

Toyota gets a new Toyoda

2009-06-28T19:49:00.005-05:00

There is a new sheriff in town. And by town I mean automaker and by sheriff, well he is Akio Toyoda, President of Toyota. Even this auto giant has felt the crunch of the current economy. For the first time in history, Toyota Motors suffered a first quarter loss to the tune of $7.7B. So why the change? Toyoda has a different perspective. Japanese automakers are seen as stuffy and rigid (yet don't speak any German). Toyoda is those things, but he boasts an American education. He can see that Toyota needs a change, it's time to change , and he is the one to make it happen.

The grandson of Toyota's founder, he is a visionary overseeing joint ventures with GM. He is viewed as a mold-breaker and unconventional. He had earlier headed up Gazoo.com which encompassed online boutiques as well as an automotive culture. He is also an endurance racer and has an appreciation for automobiles, and not just Toyotas.

So what does his vision entail? He still preaches "customer first" and knows that in order to make gains in the industry, he must slow down some production and focus on continued quality. And the new market for Toyota to conquer? Think alternative fuel vehicles. Sure you can find that everyone owns a Prius in Los Angeles, but what about customers on the East coast. Toyoda wants to ensure that all people are able to enjoy vehicles with hybrid technology. He is pricing his vehicles aggressively against reinvented and reintroduced vehicles like the Honda Insight.

This is a long road to travel, and even the giants have stumbled. But with a little ingenuity, quality products, and enamoured consumers, Toyoda is betting on the success that Toyota has achieved in just a few short decades.

Good news amidst the bad...

2009-06-26T23:13:00.012-05:00

Sure GM can't sell off Hummer and Saturn fast enough, but there is a bright spot. Mercedes-Benz has introduced the new E-Class. For the consumer, this is more than just a Mercedes, it is the epitome of safety and value. I said it, value. What brand retains a higher resale value? Guess, but just one guess though.

Can you really put a price on safety? Mercedes can. A new V6 E-Class will only set you back $49K, or the price of a couple of Pontiac G6s. The new E-Class brings corporate styling cues from the C-Class and S-Class with this BMW 5-Series fighter. If you don't want to bring a knife to a gun fight, step up to the AMG E63 and prepare to give other family friendly pothole flyers a 518HP beat down.

While good, it's not just about horsepower. The new E-class has advanced safety features, including blind-spot detection, lane-keeping assist, and night vision. The best feature, however is the Distronic active cruise control and Brake Assist / Pre-Safe system. Approaching another vehicle and the car emits a warning beep. Still not slowing, warnings galore before the car fully brakes and produces a complete stop.

So if the economy needs a pick me up and you do, too, the E-Class may have enough flair for you. Oh, and a little more safety doesn't hurt either, if you are into that sort of thing.

Not paying your bills, just ask GM (during its meltdown)

2009-06-21T22:13:00.010-05:00

Every one of us has had a concern about bills or know someone that has been adversely impacted by the economy. The phone bill, the electric bill, Internet and technology services all add up, but how about to the tune of $250M? That's the amount that GM owes, but guess what, they cannot pay vendors providing those services as they are not on the "critical vendor" list, so companies like AT&T and HP won't see a dime.

To be fair, about $100M of this debt is owed to advertising agencies, but that is a hefty sum for an industry also impacted by failed or failing automakers. Since these businesses are outside of the transportation industries that support GM, they may never see a single payment. A bankruptcy court would then have to rule if any payments would be received at a later time. Of all the monies owed, this is just one monthly payment. GM owes suppliers and creditors over $18B and the company is currently cash poor. Being strapped for cash means that this may be one of just many months to come that GM is behind on its bills.

Not all bad news, though. GM's largest supplier of automotive parts, Delphi Corporation, is still on track to get paid and continue in a business relationship with GM. On a historic note and not too long ago, GM saved Delphi from bankruptcy. Delphi was a subsidiary of GM making automotive parts and components for multiple GM vehicles across all product lines. GM will continue to work with Delphi, even through they will be paying pennies on the dollar. Maybe not the worst news, but given the status of the industry and the crippling credit structure, it may be only a matter of time when these auto suppliers can no longer tread water while GM reorganizes.

Welcome and what you can expect

2009-06-20T20:51:00.000-05:00

Hello and thanks for visiting. Let's kick the tires and take a look around. Fastlane is brought to you with a message: what is happening in and to the automotive industry. Here you will find information on the impact of the economy to the industry, the trickle down effect to automotive sponsored events and motorsports, and how now may be the best time to work in the automotive field. And let's face it, they definitely need the help.

There is also a chance to review and showcase the technology presented in this economically challenged time, and it has never been more exciting! Pony cars, 2+2 seaters, are back and from the Big Three (Dodge, Ford, and Chevrolet). A lot of R&D and effort was built into the cars that the public may embrace, but may not be able to afford.

And speaking of affordable (and those pony cars), even Hyundai has entered the game with it's own version, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe (touted by the press as a possible Mustang killer). The Hyundai Genesis sedan was such a success and industry doll that it topped many automotive journalists Top 5 list and won numerous accolades. A world-class sedan from a Korean car maker with the fit and finish to rival German and Japanese competitors? You bet! So why not deliver a one-two punch by following up with this coupe.

In closing, the automotive industry could never have chosen a more exciting time to introduce their wares. Economic volatility, sure, but that doesn't mean each car maker won't do everything they can possible to win the audience over, spend a little money, and enjoy the best rendition of what each has to offer.

Cheers and happy motoring,

Jeff Lamboy