THE 2010 MUSTANG IS HERE

Enough with all of the bad news, it’s time to celebrate with some good news. At this writing, the Dow is up more than 900 points in three days, and Ford has launched the next generation of its signature car, the Mustang. Their Web site (http://www.fordvehicles.com/the2010mustang/index.asp) sets the tone with aggressive styling, polished interior details, and it screams of fun.

Mustang has a long history of growing (and surviving) through a variety of incarnations, some good, and some rather bad. Its rejuvenation came with its current design which hit the streets as a 2005. That Mustang’s retro features reflected 1968 when Mustang was at its best, but updated it with current technology. Now the next generation is ready for its launch in the spring of 2009.

Take a look and see what you think. While the 2005 demanded attention, this one continues the legacy in a more polished manner. I have not seen one in person, but the pictures show that the Ford designers were interested in refinement. Exterior edges are now rounded. Curves are everywhere; from the wheel wells, to the hood and grill, to the new tapered tail lights whose turn signals illuminate progressively (remember the Thunderbird of the mid-1960s?). The Mustang still shows aggressive styling, but it feels softer. Ford did not ruin the fine design achievement of the 2005, it just looks different now.

From a first impression, the car appears to be basically the same. Look deeper, and you do find changes. Ford claims that every exterior panel is new, aside from the roof. While the 2010 is now a few pounds heavier on both the GT and V6 models, performance does not suffer as the GT adds 15 hp to 315 hp, and torque increases from 320 lb/ft. to 325 lb/ft. The GT’s power comes from its tried and true 24 valve, SOHC 4.6 liter V8. The V6 continues with its reliable 4 liter at 210 hp.

Beyond its visual stance, this 2010 Mustang improves itself in variety of areas. Ford says that it has reduced squeaks and rattles by 33%, decreased wind noise by 12%, and has decreased the wind drag by 4% for the V6, 7% for the GT. While there are new wheel sizes and tire choices available, the major accomplishment seems to come with the new interior.

The 2005 Mustang looked great from the outside, but the inside was a different story. There were too many glaring surfaces and too much cheap plastic. Ford heard the feedback and has revamped the interior significantly. The interior is now much less harsh, with quality materials and no annoying reflections.

Ford’s redesign of the Mustang comes just in time, as it now faces competition. Amongst much fanfare, the Dodge Challenger is now on the street, and the Chevy Camaro is soon to follow. With refined edges, more horsepower (on the GT), and its much improved interior, Mustang continues to live on as the others just hit the ground. Now, with gas prices plummeting, the muscle car is back, and is hopefully here to stay.

LINKS OF INTEREST:

Stills:
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2010-ford-mustang-live-unveiling/1168351/

Video:
http://www.fordvehicles.com/the2010mustang/index.asp
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=134729

TO BUY, OR NOT TO BUY

Everyone is waiting desperately for the economy to stabilize, not to mention turn around. No one is more anxious for that good news than the auto manufacturers, and their dealers. While everyone waits, it raises the question, “When is it time to buy a car?”


Buying a car is a major, life event. For a consumer to take the plunge and make such an expensive purchase, needs and/or wants must outweigh the expense. In these shaky economic times, those parameters are hard to satisfy. Eventually, a thaw will occur. The “needs” of the buyer will hit first, and allow them to buy first. These needs may include:

- When a vehicle becomes unsafe, or unreliable due to aging components, or rusting parts.
- When fixing the vehicle is taking more time and energy than the driving.
- When repairs become ridiculously expensive; repeated engine work, chronic electrical problems, transmission work.
- When there is a change of life such as kids being born (or leaving an empty nest), retirement, etc.
- When transportation needs change to provide for construction hauling, commuting, car pooling, etc.
- When the vehicle is just plain cursed. A genuine lemon.
- When it starts making noises you never heard before.
- When the price of gas exceeds $4 per gallon, or plummets below $1 per gallon (dream on).


As the economy recovers and confidence begins to return, the “needs” buyer is followed by the more emotional “wants” buyer. These “wants” may include:

- When love is lost, and the owner is no longer getting back what they are putting into the relationship with the vehicle i.e. too many breakdowns.
- When they have drifted apart, and have nothing more in common.
- When the owner is just plain bored, and is ready for a dramatic change.
- When the seductive commercials convince the buyer that they deserve to be that individual.


Everyone has their own individual needs and wants, all within different time frames. Some people buy cars every three years, some every twenty years. In my case, I have tried to limit such a major purchase until there was a genuine need. My Dodge Colt rusted to the point of no longer being safe (or passing inspection). My Mazda RX7 only had two seats, and was no longer practical with children. The Thunderbird was too hard to pull out car seats, the Taurus wagon was not big enough for hockey bags, and the list will continue.


As for wants, they entice me daily. Every time I see an exotic design drive by, I want to drop my boring discipline, and volunteer to do my part to reinvigorate the economy; to make an impulse purchase. Then I wake up and continue to be boring. People will “need” to replace unsafe or costly vehicles. The emotional passion of “wants” will eventually lead to purchases. The economic thaw will come, hopefully sooner rather than later.

MERGER: DO, OR DIE?

GM and Chrysler: as one? How could that be? What would it mean?

The initial reports first hit the internet. GM and Chrysler were in exploratory talks. It was down played; explained that companies talk with each other all of the time to explore common goals and interests. But this one has not gone away, and it is actually accelerating.

The automobile sector has always been a cyclical industry. It ebbs and flows with the economic cycles. Manufacturers make billions in the best of times, and save cash to survive the worst of times. This economic barometer has traditionally been read by how many extra shifts are needed to keep up with demand, as opposed to how many auto employees are being laid off.

Domestic auto manufacturers have been hit twice as hard this time around. The inevitable economic downturn came, but they were caught with all of their eggs is one basket. Trucks and large SUVs brought them record profits. Domestics specialized in them. Then, gas prices escalated and they were all caught without a backup plan. Not only were consumers buying fewer vehicles, but they looked to the foreign fuel efficient choices when they bought anything at all.

Daimler was not happy with their purchase of Chrysler and sold the majority of its interest to the investment group, Cerberus, back in early 2007. Perfect timing! Daimler dodged the bullet that has hit all three domestic manufacturers straight in the eye.Ford, GM and Chrysler are all in dire straights. Not only did demand for their product cease, but the credit structure that sustained their livelihood collapsed as well, all part of the housing credit debacle. Now, with survival at stake, all three need money, and they need it now.

Rumors are flying. Ford, on the heels of already selling Aston Martin, Jaguar and Land Rover, is now rumored to be in talks to sell its one third stake of Mazda, either back to Mazda or to a group of Japanese companies. Chrysler’s Jeep brand might be sold to Renault. And now, GM and Chrysler are going to merge? The others make sense, but a GM/Chrysler merger is puzzling. What form would it take? What would it look like? What models would stay, and which would die? Or, would GM just swallow Chrysler and liquidate everything in sight to benefit from its $11.7 billion of cash and sell the remaining hardware?

Many stumbling blocks and questions remain in the way of a GM/Chrysler merger. What role will the unions play in allowing a merger to succeed? Also, Cerberus must buy the remaining 19.9% stake of Chrysler that Daimler still owns, in order to be free to merge. Would the government allow them to merge and own 36% of the US auto market? What would happen to the finance branch, GMAC, a hotly contested issue between GM and Chrysler? Cerberus already owns 50%, GM the other 50%. The investors that are Cerberus wants all of GMAC, and for good reason. When the economy turns around, its massive influence in providing credit is worth millions.

GM now has many interesting choices throughout its product lines (see previous blogs), but within GM, there is already too much redundancy (see my blog, “Power of Twins”). What would be the outcome of diluting the product line further with all of the various Chrysler models? Some would stay, many would not. If the merger became a reality, my crystal ball says: Jeep will remain, GMC will go, Chrysler will become an affordable luxury wing, Dodge will remain with several performance models, Viper will be sold to a customizing manufacturer, Hummer will be bought by an Arab or Russian company, Cadillac will continue to thrive as an icon, Chevrolet and Buick will blend together to become one, eliminating many models. In addition, there will be fewer dealerships, higher prices, many more plant closings, and thousands more jobs lost. GM will again dominate the domestic auto industry, and I will still prefer Ford, or a Japanese brand.


This story seems to change by the hour. Stay tuned to what surely will be a dramatic saga. It is hardly a merger made in heaven, but it appears to be a case of do or die. If the deal does go through, what would the logo look like and how would it fit on the grill of a Solstice?

UPDATE, 11/10/08
The latest rumor is that talks between GM and Cerberus are off, and discussions are proceeding with Hyundai.

UPDATE, 11/11/08
Now GM is out and Cerberus is talking to Hyundai instead. Meanwhile, GM's stock price dropped another 20+%, and a federal bailout is imminent. Stand-by!

HAVE YOU DRIVEN A FORD LATELY?

I have always been partial to Ford products. Maybe it is because of my initial exposure to my childhood friend’s father’s beautiful black 1957 Ford Thunderbird, or my sitting behind the wheel of a new Ford Galaxy 500 at the New York World’s Fair years ago, or because I was always envious of my neighbor’s 1968 Ford Mustang Mach III. For whatever reason, Ford products have always caught my attention.

My appreciation of Fords has not just been admiration from afar, I have owned three over the years. My first was a Thunderbird of my own, followed by a Taurus wagon for the family, and now our current Windstar van (see July’s blog). All have been well designed, serving with near flawless performance. The acronym, Fix Or Repair Daily has not been the case in my experience. While for a variety of reasons my last two cars have been from Honda and Toyota, I am now once again intrigued by Ford.

Despite the doom and gloom of today’s economy, Ford appears to be working towards a position of strength. Its recent sale of Jaguar and Range Rover gave them the needed cash to keep running. Now it is up to their product line to return Ford to profitability, and that is where the fun begins.

My renewed interest in Ford began with the stunning redesign of the Mustang in 2005, rejuvenating the aging brand. Recapturing the style of its best incarnation, the 1968 Mustang, sales and awards quickly followed. It was impressive enough that I almost bought one. Now in its 5th year, my head still turns every time I see one drive by. Fans (and I) anxiously await its next generation due as a 2010.

Ford’s rebirth continued with the launch of the Ford Freestyle in 2005, then the Fusion in 2006.
The Fusion was the first to feature Ford’s now signature sparkling chrome three bar grill. With a sharp looking design, this Accord fighter attracted attention, and sales, immediately. The owners I have asked love them. Ford’s crossover entry quickly followed in 2007 with the Edge; plenty of room, excellent handling, and another design success. A friend of mine says that it’s the best vehicle he has had in years. Now for Ford, it is the much anticipated launch of their new people mover, the Ford Flex.
It is not a mini-van or a crossover, but seats 7 and drives like a car. Print photos do not do it justice. In person, the Flex is impressive. While I have not driven one yet, the reviews in the trades are glowing. NOTE: The Flex was just placed on Consumer Reports' Top 5 list of crossover SUV's.

Ford faced a public relations nightmare following the Explorer rollover/tire debacle a decade ago. While their F150 truck retained its #1 position (until recently), the consumer’s perception of Ford’s safety and reliability was severely tarnished. That perception is now changing. Many of Ford products proudly wear Five Star safety ratings in most categories. JD Power gave the Mustang their endorsement with an excellent high initial quality rating. In response to high gas prices and a pleasing redesign, the Ford Focus is now flying off of dealers’ lots, selling for less money than the Honda Civic. The quality is excellent. Still have doubts about Ford? My company’s fleet of Ford Escapes has been indestructible. One Escape was retired recently after 7 years old and 220,000 miles with no complaints throughout its proud service.

Ford now offers some genuinely interesting choices in its current line-up. With safety and reliability in its pocket, and deals available in this tough economy, this domestic brand is again worth serious consideration. I will take a Flex for my family and a deep red Mustang GT for me (a man can dream can’t he?). Have you driven a Ford lately? I hope to do so again soon.

UPDATE, 10/24/08: Consumer Reports has just released its 2008 Car Reliability Survey and it places most models of all three Ford brands (Ford, Lincoln and Mercury) ahead of all other domestic manufacturers. Based on Consumer Reports’ Readers’ Survey, almost all models received “average or better” reliability results, placing them on the same playing field as its Japanese competitors.

UPDATE, 1/7/09: Consumer Reports' chief car tester, David Champion, has published the following quote: "Ford has been doing a lot right on reliability for the past five years. It's not immediately apparent that the Ford Fusion would be more reliable than the Toyota Camry, but it is, and the Fusion is one of the more reliable family sedans on the market."

SPASTIC DRIVERS

I have already shared my thoughts about distracted drivers (see May). I am totally against it, regardless of the circumstances. No cell phones, Ipods or knitting. Just drive! Now my beef is about spastic distracted drivers.

You can spot one with as little as a glance in the rear view mirror. On the way home the other night, I observed a perfect example. The man had a stressed expression on his face as he waited at the red light. He was agitated as he talked on his cell phone, gesturing wildly. Sure enough, when the light turned green, he floored it, and zig-zagged through traffic on his way to somewhere really important. It was obvious that driving for him was secondary to everything else going on in his life. He whizzed past me on the interstate, still talking on his phone. As he drove with one hand, he quickly changed several lanes and then disappeared, speeding well above the speed limit. He was a distracted spastic driver, endangering everyone on the highway.

Last night it was a well tuned Honda Civic zipping by me. The thunder of his car’s stereo could be heard and felt even at highway speed. He was sitting low and dancing to his tunes. The music was primary, the driving secondary. He passed several cars, crossed several lanes at speeds well above the posted limit, then he quickly cut in front of a car and decelerated rapidly to exit at the next ramp. First music, then driving. Dangerous!

There is an intersection that I cross on the way home every night. During rush hour, the right hand lane is congested with drivers lined up at the traffic light waiting to access the ramp to the interstate. Impatient, spastic drivers choose the left lane to save time. There is at least one for every cycle of the traffic light. When the light turns green, they cut across traffic into the right lane at the last minute to make the ramp. Those left behind slam on their brakes, or blow their horns. Accidents frequently follow. Another spastic driver, preoccupied with everything else but driving. Dangerous, spastic drivers!

Driving a vehicle is not playing a video game. It is serious business that requires 100% of the driver’s attention. Lives are at stake, not to mention expensive repairs. Encourage your friends and relatives to put the phones down, lower the stereo, and obey the traffic laws. With a little common sense and courtesy, we can all be happier and safer drivers. Save the spastic driving for XBOX 360.

POWER OF TWINS

In this trying, uncertain economy, purchases large and small need to be carefully evaluated and scrutinized. Only the essentials become a buy. This is especially true with a big ticket item like a car or a truck. Ask any auto dealer. Now more than ever, buying a vehicle requires a well thought out process; extensive research, and wise decision making. While now is a good time to buy with some real deals available (see previous blog, LET’S MAKE A DEAL), it is also a time to be smart. No buying of a status symbol to impress the neighbors, no impulse purchases. Thrift and common sense is king. This is the time to take advantage of the dollar cost savings delivered by the POWER OF TWINS.

Twins are vehicles from separate brands that share platforms, engines and major components. Product is shared to keep design and manufacturing costs down, with the goal of increasing profits for each of the companies. Some twins are sold through a different brand within the same manufacturer (Ford & Mercury); others are available through a competitor (Pontiac Vibe & Toyota Matrix). Usually the vehicles’ interior and exterior styling designs differ, while the engine and suspension are nearly the same.

One brand of the twins may include a lot of bells and whistles at a higher price. The other may provide a more expansive option list for the buyer to choose items individually. One may have a longer running, more comprehensive warranty, and may appear to bring a higher resale value with less initial depreciation. The other twin may be able to save you a lot of money now. Generous incentives may apply to one, and not the other. A personal consideration, you may find that you like one twin’s dealer better than the other. These are all factors to consider. At stake, deciding which twin to buy could save you thousands of dollars.

Manufacturers have shared their designs and hardware for years producing twins. Mercury is Ford, but has traditionally included more standard options. A little more flash, for more money. For years, the Ford Thunderbird was essentially the Mercury Cougar. Now, the buyer can choose between the Ford Explorer ($26,495) & Mercury Mountaineer ($26,800), the Ford Escape ($19,140) & Mercury Mariner ($21,540), and the Ford Fusion ($18,135) & Mercury Milan ($19,095)*. Each of them twins. The separate product lines allow for an expanded dealer network, and more profits for the parent company. The downside is in this difficult economy, dealers are competing with each other. For you as the buyer, it gives you more choices, and bargaining power.

The many brands of General Motors have always shared amongst twins, producing essentially the same vehicles under different brands for many different prices. GMC has traditionally been the rougher version of the more domesticated Chevy truck. Buick is perceived as the luxury sibling of Chevrolet, while Pontiac is the sportier treatment. Some twin GM choices include: Chevrolet Trailblazer ($27,745) & GMC Envoy ($27,980); Chevrolet Impala ($21,975) & Pontiac Grand Prix ($22,210) & Buick LaCrosse ($24,250); Saturn Outlook ($28,625) & GMC Acadia ($30,140) & Buick Enclave ($33,220). My personal favorite is the Pontiac Solstice ($22,455) & Saturn Sky ($25,855). All are twins, all are priced quite differently.

Chrysler is considered the luxury, more expensive brand, while Dodge is the performance choice, and depending on options, generally costs less. The Chrysler Town & Country minivan ($23,415) is a plusher version of the Dodge Grand Caravan ($22,520). Compare Dodge Avenger ($19,640) & the Chrysler Sebring ($19,840), along with the Dodge Durango ($27,335) & Chrysler Aspen ($32,905). They are all Chryslers, but with interesting differences in price.

The foreign manufacturers also provide the buyer twin choices, sometimes at considerable dollar savings. Look at the difference between the Honda Pilot ($27,595) & the Acura MDX ($40,195), along with the Nissan 350Z ($28,510) & Infiniti G37 ($34,900). Is the name plate worth the extra dollars? The power of twins even crosses between domestic and foreign lines with the Pontiac Vibe ($16,855) & Toyota Matrix ($15,510); and the Ford Fusion ($18,135) & Mazda 6 ($19,140).

While it is generally true that you get what you pay for, with a little research and soul searching, you may find that you do not need all of those options, as well as paying a premium for just a name. Do you really need a Lexus to impress, or is a Toyota Camry with similar options going to satisfy you? With a little humility and common sense, you could save thousands on the purchase price, not to mention the excise tax and insurance. Those dollars saved can buy a lot of gas. Do your research, and ask yourself honestly, "What do you really need?" Then, use the POWER OF TWINS for a smart purchase.

*All prices listed are for Base 2008 models.

LET’S MAKE A DEAL

A primary principle of investing is, “Buy low, sell high.” It is basic, common sense. With today’s economy, other phrases come to mind: “It’s darkest before the dawn”; “Buying opportunity”; “Buy when it seems the bleakest”. Such advice is hard to follow when the stock market is tumbling, the housing crisis continues to mushroom, layoffs are in the news daily, and everyone talks doom and gloom. With all of this negative karma, it takes a strong individual to be a contrarian; buy for the future, by buying during the worst of times. But history shows that a wise, disciplined investor should do just that, despite the adversity. This also holds true with buying a vehicle.

Now is the best time in years to buy a new ride. Traditionally, this time of year is a good time to buy anyway. As summer fades, so does the current model year. Manufacturers and dealers want the old models off the lots to make room for the new. Also, as winter approaches, buyers are hesitant to subject a new car to ice and snow, often choosing to hold off on a purchase until spring. As a result, aggressive incentives are marketed to overcome reluctance, and move last year’s vehicles.

The escalation of gas prices has helped to make this a perfect time to buy. Overnight, buyers deserted the gas guzzling SUV’s and pickup trucks, replacing them with anything green. It is now difficult to buy a compact car, and nearly impossible to find a Prius or other hybrids, without a long wait and paying a premium. Meanwhile, dealers’ lots are overflowing with fleets of pick-ups, SUV’s, minivans, and some very attractive crossovers. All of these vehicles are now available at bargain basement prices. Check the papers, television ads, or maineautomall.com: a new Mustang for only $14,995; a Ford Edge with an MSRP of 26,035, selling for $19,745; trucks of all shapes and sizes for thousands off of the sticker prices. No matter what type of vehicle you might be interested in, dealers do not want you to leave the showroom empty handed. Auto dealers have never wanted, or needed, your business more than they do now. Now is the perfect time to buy.

The down turn in the economy scared the consumer. Suddenly they stopped spending. Vehicles continued to come off the assembly lines in droves. Manufacturers eventually slowed their production, but not before inventories were at record levels. Meanwhile, the housing crisis worsened. Banks and lending institutions lost millions. Their restructuring has now begun. For them to recover, they want to loan you money. In fact, to survive, they must loan you money. The Fed did their part, and responded to the impending economic doom by lowering interest rates several times. This year, in particular, is the best time to buy. Inventories are high, interest rates are low, and dealers want to deal.

Another reason to buy now is that never before has there been a better selection of well designed, quality choices available to the consumer. Both domestic and foreign manufacturers are now making great vehicles. The Ford Flex, an alternative to an SUV, is just now available, receiving glowing reviews. Ford knows that the buyer will be reluctant to buy a large vehicle, but Ford must succeed with its launch. They will do whatever it takes for it to sell. Deals will be made. Similarly, the “new” Chrysler must succeed with its recent crossover entry, the interesting Dodge Journey. Deals! General Motors’ economic challenges are in the news daily. For GM to recover, they must sell vehicles. The newly revamped Saturn line is ready for delivery at attractive prices. The Japanese auto makers are not immune. Overall, Toyota’s sales are down. Even sales of the seemingly invincible Honda CRV are off. Deals must, and will be made.

For any, or all of these reasons, if you are entertaining even the slightest notion of buying a new vehicle, any vehicle, now is your absolute best time in years to buy. Be a disciplined, wise contrarian, and lead the economic recovery. By the time that your neighbor feels better about his economic future, the deals will be gone and the dealers may not be quite as friendly. Buy now, and invest the savings for your future.

MINIVAN: Dead or Alive?

When it comes to naming the founding fathers of the automobile industry, one might think of Henry Ford, Karl Benz and Enzo Ferrari, but then the more contemporary names of Carroll Shelby, John DeLorean and Lee Iacocca come to mind. Iacocca is known for changing the industry forever with his creation of the Ford Mustang, as well as rescuing Chrysler from near extinction in the late 1970’s. He continued to revitalize Chrysler through the 1980’s by bringing to market the K-Cars, the Dodge Omni/Plymouth Horizon, acquiring AMC with its valuable Jeep brand, and most importantly, introducing the world to the minivan.

The minivan was a stroke of genius, a pioneering replacement to the frumpy family station wagon. Here was a vehicle that could comfortably seat 7 people, had the valuable traction of front wheel drive, and plenty of room for “stuff” that could be easily loaded in through its large sliding side door. Born during the energy crisis, it was even somewhat fuel efficient compared to other vehicles of the time. America’s car buyers responded with record sales, as did all of the other domestic and foreign manufacturers. Every brand designed their own version of the minivan…and the soccer mom was born.

Trends in the auto industry ebb and flow as the buyers’ tastes change. Suddenly, despite it functionality, the minivan was not cool anymore. Auto buyers found that it was necessary to address traffic in an assault vehicle with four wheel drive, essential to survival in the urban jungles. The SUV was quickly in vogue. As tastes change, so does the economy. The SUV is now nearly dead due to gas prices. Even its replacement, the crossover (CUV), is less attractive in favor of other, more fuel efficient choices.

But is the minivan dead? On the surface it might seem so. GM and Ford have given up their minivans completely. Even Chrysler, the vehicle’s creator, is scaling back its minivan production. Sales this year of the Chrysler Town & Country is down 13%, while its Dodge Grand Caravan is down a whopping 35%. Whether it is due to high gas prices, stiff competition, or the change in buyers’ tastes (all of the above?), the lack of sales is forcing Chrysler to shut down one of its key minivan assembly plants.

Regardless, all of the reasons for Lee Iacocca’s original design and subsequent success are still valid today. Families still need to shuttle kids, groceries and soccer balls. It still snows in Maine, so the traction and simplicity of front wheel drive still makes sense. Weekend warriors still need to remove seats to make room for a visit to Home Depot. Drivers still like the added visibility of elevated seating. These are the reasons why the minivan was, and still is, a great design.

My family recently made the trek from Maine to Brooklyn, New York to embark on a 9 day Caribbean cruise. Staying with relatives on Long Island, my brother-in-law graciously agreed to drive us in our Ford Windstar minivan to the cruise ship terminal. Packed to the gills with 4 people, 13 pieces of luggage and our guest driver, the van navigated effortlessly the chaos of New York City traffic, pot holes and all. Then, the value of the minivan truly shined as we faced the challenge of frantically unloading at the ship. Amongst the maze of limousines, taxis and shouting porters, the tailgate opened, the sliding doors slid, and in a flash, all of the gear and passengers were out in a matter of moments. Let’s see an SUV/CUV do that without bumped foreheads and a few expletives from aggravated New York cab drivers.

Frumpy image or not, the original design concept of the minivan still makes sense. Its versatility continues to prove itself repeatedly to this driver. That day in Brooklyn reminded me of just how much it really can deliver. The minivan: not quite dead in my book.

ON THE ROAD: Malibu & Silverado

I was lucky enough during a recent television commercial shoot to be able to check out two Chevrolet products for 2008 first hand, the new Malibu and the Extended Cab Silverado*. I was pleasantly surprised by the build quality and feel of both. The days of rattles, moans and groans from a GM product are now in the past.

MALIBU LS

The moment I entered the Chevy Malibu LS, I was impressed how quiet the cabin was while the engine was running. With acceleration, there was a pleasing swish of air and engine with very little rumble of last winter’s pot holes and jagged railroad tracks making it to the cabin. The more I drove over a variety of surfaces and conditions, the more the Malibu’s solid construction and integrity became evident. Smooth handling and a great suspension for most conditions. No wonder this redesigned Malibu is in such high demand. The 2.4 liter, 4 cylinder, engine seemed to be willing to do what I asked it to, without any protest or hesitation. Of course, as with any car, a 6 cylinder would have been even more fun.

However, all was not perfect with the Malibu. My first impression of the quality of the dash plastic was that it did not dazzle me, but this seemed less noticeable as time passed. A source of discomfort for me was the odd placement of certain interior controls. Maybe it was because I was new to Chevrolet, but some of them did not make sense. The remote for the powered side mirrors is mounted higher up on the “A” pillar than other cars; too high for easy access while driving which could become a distraction. Also, the climate and the radio controls took me awhile to decipher. No longer new to Chevrolet, now I know.

After several pleasant hours working with the Malibu, it is easy to see why Chevrolet has nearly sold out of this year’s inventory. Who would have thought that the makers of the Vega and Citation would create such a gem? We all learn from our mistakes.

STATS: Malibu LS

4 Cylinder, 2.4 Liter, 169 hp, FWD

Seats: 5

Luggage Capacity: 15.1 cu. ft.

Fuel Tank: 16 gal.

EPA Mileage City/Highway: 22 mpg/30 mpg

Range City/Highway: 352 miles, 480 miles

SILVERADO 1500 (Extended Cab)

I am not a truck guy. I am much more comfortable in a tight performance car, zipping around a corner, testing g-forces and the laws of physics. The floating, rolling feel of a behemoth such as this, is not my idea of driving fun. But, after overcoming the initial shock of parking, this Silverado turned out to be a rather nice place to spend a day.

The first noticeable impression of this Extended Cab Silverado was the nice throaty exhaust note upon start-up. Its pitch changed nicely with acceleration, and varied its note throughout its moves. I found the Silverado to have a great suspension whether on the interstate highway, or lumbering over hilly, off-road terrain overlooking the rocky coast of Maine. The cab was quiet and comfortable, especially for a truck. With clear visibility on all sides, navigating the Silverado was surprisingly easy; although I did appreciate a spotter as we positioned the truck on the edge of a wharf in Freeport, then next to a 10 foot plunge into the ocean in Cape Elizabeth. As with any large vehicle, it is difficult to judge clearance as the driver maneuvers around low obstacles. This one is better than some that I have driven.

Thanks to my time in the Malibu, I was more comfortable with the Chevrolet controls and their placement, even though some of them still did not make sense. By the end of our day, I even had the XM radio mastered, a nice luxury for a truck or a car. The Silverado has plenty of room in the second row for kids and/or cargo, genuinely turning a utility vehicle into a family source of transportation. This truck certainly has adapted well to family life. Too bad its mileage figures will continue to stunt its growth.

STATS: Silverado 1500, 4 Door Extended Cab

V8, 4.8 Liter, 295 hp, 4WD

Seats: 6

Towing Capacity: 8500 lbs.

Fuel Tank: 26 gal.

EPA Mileage City/Highway: 14 mpg/18 mpg

Range City/Highway: 364 miles, 468 miles

CONCLUSION

Chevrolet has raised the competitive bar with two very nice designs in both the new Malibu and the Silverado. With various strikes and contract negotiations behind them, it should be full steam ahead for these two Chevys. Now that we are in the Chevy mood, maybe a test drive in the new Corvette Z6 is a good idea. Now that’s a Chevrolet!

*Thanks to Quirk Chevrolet and Pape Chevrolet for their assistance.

LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT

I fell in love the other day.

A friend of mine came in and told me about her, “Go look!”

She belonged to someone else, but she was beautiful.

She had sleek, flowing lines.

Some say that she is fast, other’s say she is a little slow.

I don’t care what they say.

She is compact, perfectly formed, and looks good wearing her top either way.

I have seen her sister many times, but this was my first time with her.

It was well worth the wait.

But it was destined to be love from afar. She drove off without me.

She left without even a flash.

Another love lost.

Now just a fond memory, but I finally got to see, close-up, the Saturn Sky.

The Sky is a great design achievement for GM. It shows well from every angle, and in my opinion, is much better looking that its sister, the Pontiac Solstice. I spoke with the owner of this Sky, and she could not be happier. She has owned it for 9,000 joy filled miles, just now starting her third summer. I did not have the courage to ask for a ride, but she says that it is great around town, and at speed on the highway. In fact, she drives it regularly to and from Connecticut in total comfort. I congratulated her on her good fortune, and let her know of my envy.

The Saturn Sky, well worth a look, even if it is love from afar. Love the Sky!

H2, Oh: The Future

I had a chance to look into the future of the automobile, or at least one possibility. Recently, our friends at Quirk Chevrolet here in Portland hosted a visit from GM’s state-of-the-art Equinox Fuel Cell Vehicle. This is GM’s test project for hydrogen powered cars: zero gasoline, zero emissions, all placed neatly in a stock Chevy Equinox SUV.

The Equinox Fuel Cell Vehicle is a real car, not a crazy science project; clean and functional both inside and out. From the street, you can not tell that it is special, aside from its distinctive logo markings on the body and the whine that it makes as it drives. The Hydrogen Equinox still starts with a key, but there is no sound of an engine turning over. There is no firing, just the whirling sound of its compressor ramping up, along with a cooling system for the battery.

The H2 Equinox still seats four, with stock trunk space pretty much left intact. Only a small portion is taken up by one of the three hydrogen fuel tanks protectively hidden under the vehicle. This Equinox is heavier than stock with an additional 700 pounds from its fuel cell system, batteries and adjustments made for the hydrogen tanks. Instead of an exhaust pipe, there are four ports cut into the rear bumper to vent water vapor, not noxious fumes. There is no exhaust buffeting, just drops of water.

While I did not get a test drive, friends of mine did get to cruise around the parking lot. They both agreed, “Smooooth!” It should be, it is essentially an electric car that runs on hydrogen. Hidden inside is a processor, three hydrogen tanks, batteries and an electric motor. The electro-chemical processor takes the hydrogen gas, strips electrons from its molecule which becomes electric current to drive the motor. The hydrogen is then combined with oxygen producing water which is vented from the rear bumper. Cold weather starts? Not a problem, the car is good to -13 degrees.

Details include:

- instant torque from a single speed 126 hp electric motor

- no transmission, one speed to 100 mph

- 0-60 mph in 12 seconds

- 236 lbs. ft. of torque

- range of 150-200 miles

- regenerative braking that charges the battery when braking.

Despite the Hindenburg jokes, designers argue that hydrogen is a safer fuel than gasoline. GM is serious about this vehicle and hopes to have it available for purchase within three years. As a result, they are now testing 100 of them in Los Angeles, New York and Washington, DC where there is access to hydrogen refueling stations. Refueling is simple, just connect a tube from the feed tank to the connector behind the Equinox’ fuel door, and presto, as easy as filling the tires with air, that is if you can find a fueling station.

Refueling the hydrogen is only one of many challenges facing this SUV’s future. GM’s Hydrogen Fuel Cell car may prove to be just plain too expensive. No one will quote a market price for the car, but as a limited production vehicle, it may cost thousands more than a sane individual would be willing to pay. GM may need to market it with a subsidized lease. Another challenge is the question of the affordability of hydrogen. While hydrogen is plentiful as an element, its extraction from hydrocarbons such as natural gas or coal is still reliant on fossil fuels, not to mention the development of a whole new infrastructure of refueling stations, all expenses that would be passed on to the consumer. There is also direct competition from other choices including new hybrid designs and pioneering electric vehicles. Finally, the consumer may not want to settle for this vehicle’s limited range of only 150-200 miles, especially considering its potentially steep purchase price.

GM is looking to the future with its fuel efficient choices. They now offer 30 different more traditional models that deliver 30 mpg or better. In addition to the Fuel Cell Equinox, GM is also aggressively pursuing viable alternatives with its flex fuel vehicles, its hybrids and its exciting, upcoming Volt electric car. The future is now!

Check back here soon. I was able to drive two GM products recently, the new Chevy Malibu and the Extended Cab Silverado pick-up. I will share my impressions with you.

DISTRACTED DRIVING: DON’T DO IT!!!

“State Police say a young woman talking on her cell phone is the likely cause of last month's fatal crash on Interstate 295 in Cumberland.”

This is the opening line of the press release from the Maine State Police following their investigation into the cause of a horrific accident that occurred mid-morning on a beautiful, clear spring day here in Maine. This is the crash where a Toyota Corolla crossed the median on the interstate at a high rate of speed, driving into the opposing lane and striking a NEWS CENTER live truck. The driver of the car was killed, two of our coworkers were injured and both vehicles were totaled.

The pictures from the scene tell all: http://www.wcsh6.com/news/gallery/article.aspx?gid=84838

The Maine State Police summary fills in many of the blanks:

http://www.wcsh6.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=86324

The details of the police investigation confirmed my suspicions from the moment the accident happened, an opinion that I shared with many coworkers and family members. The accident was not caused by a mechanical failure, another driver cutting her off, or the driver dodging wild turkeys, as some had speculated. It was caused by the driver using her cell phone while she was driving. She was a distracted driver.

The victim, Heather Bouchard, made the unfortunate decision to multitask while driving. The cell phone record confirms it. She was talking to a client on her phone. At the time of the crash, Ms. Bouchard was not wearing her seat belt, something her family said that she always wore. This, combined with other evidence, leads police to believe that Ms. Bouchard dropped her phone, released her seat belt to retrieve it and lost control of her vehicle, a decision that ultimately took her life.

We all have our own stories of observing, or even participating as distracted drivers. Basic acts of drinking coffee, tuning the radio, changing a CD, disciplining children, eating a sandwich, applying make-up, texting, and my favorite, knitting while driving. All simple tasks, all potentially deadly. A recent study conducted by the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that, “…almost 80% of crashes involved some form of driver inattention within three seconds of the event.” The most common distraction was cell phone use. It only takes once. DON’T DO IT!

Many states now ban cell phone use while driving and require hands-free calling devices. In my opinion, this is still distracted driving and should not be encouraged. This opinion is shared by Ralph Nader’s Center for Auto Safety (CAS), to the point of recently filing a petition with the NHTSA asking the agency, “…to write rules prohibiting the use of interactive systems that allow drivers to have wireless access to e-mails and phone calls.” I agree! Anything that diverts a driver’s attention as he or she pilots a 2,000 pound machine driving 65 mph is potentially deadly. DON’T DO IT!

A landmark case occurred in Rochester, New York where a teenager was texting while driving. Phone records proved it. All five in the car were killed. The New York law was changed. Maybe Maine lawmakers need to consider a similar move. It seems so obvious. Distracted driving, no matter how brief, no matter how innocent, can kill. DON’T DO IT!

GOING TOPLESS

It happened again yesterday, as it does just about this time every year. This one was a nice black BMW Z4. It caught my eye in the rear view mirror nearly a half mile back, in and amongst the clutter of the other cars. The Z4 navigated effortlessly past each of the slower cars, then roared by mine. It was a chilly 40 some degrees, but the top was down and the driver was smiling ear to ear. Immediately I had the fever again, the fever to own a convertible.

It is an absurd idea living in Maine. It makes no sense at all. What do we have, only two or three days a year that a convertible might actually be comfortable? The rest of the days it is either too hot or too cold, rainy, snowy, icy to enjoy. So what is the attraction? Is it the feeling of freedom, of unlimited visibility? Is it the bonding with nature; the ability to smell and hear the flowers and the birds (along with the tractor trailers and the buses)? I don’t know, and at this point, I don’t care. The passion and desire is there again.

One year I tried to satisfy the craving by renting a convertible for the weekend. Calls to several rental car companies in the area found that convertibles were not even available in this market, at least for that year. Probably because having a convertible in northern New England makes no sense. That still doesn’t matter. Each year, spring fever sets in and I want a convertible.

My sister has a Chrysler Sebring convertible. She says that if the day is not perfect, she doesn’t hesitate to turn on the heat or the air conditioner as she drives with her top down, whatever it takes to not miss the fun. Another friend of mine drives his VW Cabriolet in the middle of winter with the top down, his beret pulled down tight, scarf flying and sunglasses pasted to his head. To them, a convertible in New England makes perfect sense.

I thought that the purchase of my Scion TC would satisfy this convertible craving. The entire roof is glass with two separate sun roofs that illuminate both the front and the back seats. The front roof panel powers open to expose the whole front to fresh air and freedom. It is still not good enough. When this spring fever hits, the total freedom of a genuine roadster will only do, or at least a facsimile. The Z4 would be fine. Today is a nice enough day that a Pontiac Solstice, Mazda Miata or Ford Mustang would also satisfy.

The rag top desire will leave just about the time of the first frost. During the deep freeze of January and February, the thought never even occurs to me. But spring comes every year and another Z4, or something similar, will spark the fire. Those of you who own convertibles know the feeling. Enjoy the luxury of having the choice of going topless. There are those out there like me who are envious. Enjoy your ride!

THEN & NOW

Only a car person would understand, but for the enthusiast, automobiles define events of our past. The passage of time allows you to forget the troubling frustrations of the period, and the vehicle, along with all of the reasons as to why you were glad to grow-up, and why you sold the car involved. As the details fog with time, milestones of your past are etched in your memory based on the GTO, the Mustang or the VW that you were driving at the time. These are nostalgic memories just like in the movies; romantic auto events in your life like your first kiss at the drive-in, your first road trip, or your first flat tire. For the car nut, as important as whom you were with and what you did is what you were driving. High school reunions take care of what happened to the “whom”, but did you ever wonder what happened to the “what” you were driving?

There is now a Web site designed to find that lost love that got away or at least for the car. If you ever had sellers’ remorse, check out THE LOST CAR REGISTRY at http://www.lost-car-registry.com/main.html. The site was created by Keith Ingersoll of Michigan who never got over the selling of his father's Mach I. The Registry lists cars and trucks in both “Found” and “Lost” categories with the hope of helping those in search of lost loves (or their past). Most vehicles listed are the traditional muscle cars of the 60’s and 70’s, some are just plain cars. I gave my past cars a try.

Unfortunately, my auto heritage does not quite live up to the romance of the cars in American Graffiti or Steve McQueen’s Mustang in Bullitt. As a result, THE LOST CAR REGISTRY does not list my 1959 or 1971 VW Bugs (my first two cars, long ago disintegrated by rust). There are no 1974 Dodge Colts, a car that was guaranteed to require three turnover attempts for it to start, regardless of the time of year. My 1982 Mazda RX7 might qualify for The Registry, but it does not show because the engine blew on my brother-in-law. Good thing I had sold it. How about my 1989 Thunderbird? Nope! My 1998 Honda Accord? Who would care! It seems that these do not show because they were not really lost loves, maybe they were just cars. Maybe we need to separate fantasy from reality.

The past may seem to have been a better time, and that car was the best that you ever owned, but there was a reason that you sold it. Remember, those romantic cars of yesteryear wallowed as they drove, they smelled of exhaust, their muffler and exhaust systems had to be replaced regularly, they needed constant tune-ups, they stalled, they hesitated, and after you gave them your best years (and dollars), they rusted and/or died on you.

In reality, the best cars of our lives are actually the ones that we are driving right now. The stainless steel exhaust systems last for the life of the car, the onboard computers keep all of their systems running smoothly regardless of the weather and driving conditions, the tires have never been safer, nor have they provided a smoother ride. A live span of well over 100,000 miles is now expected for a car. I say enjoy the state-of-the art technology, luxury and reliability of the cars of today. Keep the cars of the past for a fond memory and an occasional visit to a vintage auto show. Move on to your next car and stage in your life. I wonder if my Scion TC will ever make the Registry?