With $4-a-gallon gasoline, consumers are shunning the once-popular full-size, truck-based sport utility vehicles because of their poor fuel economy.
- Chrysler is banking on new hybrid technology
- High gas prices are good news for Corolla
The Toyota Corolla – already the best-selling car of all time – is in an enviable position as gasoline prices continue their record climb.
- Traverse hopes to follow Malibu’s success
MILFORD, Mich. – The rollout of the all-new Chevrolet Traverse crossover utility vehicles is nearing, and the first vehicles are now being tested at General Motors Corp.’s Milford Proving Grounds.
- Caliber is stingy on gas; loaded with style and versatility
The Dodge Caliber is the only small car in the entire Chrysler lineup, and as such, it’s seeing a boom in sales.
- Perfect timing
Last month’s arrival of the new Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen just might be a great example of perfect timing.
- Land Cruiser is still best of the best among off-road-capable sport utilities
5The one question I’m asked most often as an auto writer is: "If price were no object, what vehicle would you buy?"
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- T-Bone for Him, Slim Pickin’s for Us
I’ve always found it tough to get too mad at T. Boone Pickens. Sure, just a few years ago he warned the world that we are at or close to Peak Oil — while simultaneously making billions of dollars betting on oil futures. Which led some to make specific comments during Congressional testimony, to the effect that his public doomsaying was a posture designed to drive the market for oil — and therefore his personal profits — higher.
- T-Bone for Him, Slim Pickin’s for Us
I’ve always found it tough to get too mad at T. Boone Pickens. Sure, just a few years ago he warned the world that we are at or close to Peak Oil — while simultaneously making billions of dollars betting on oil futures. Which led some to make specific comments during Congressional testimony, to the effect that his public doomsaying was a posture designed to drive the market for oil — and therefore his personal profits — higher.
- You Gotta Love the Hype!
It’s been years since I’ve gone on a press junket with an automobile company, though I still get all the invitations. Sure, it might be fun to go to Belize for a week and drive a new Acura MDX six weeks before the public sees it. Heading off to Napa Valley to see what Lexus has in store for us this fall, in its next-generation RX crossover, has the potential for a good time. After all, the manufacturer pays for everything on these trips, and the people involved couldn’t be lovelier or more gracious. On the downside, though, one must sit through hours of meetings learning about all the improvements or virtues of whatever vehicle is about to be introduced. It’s the industry version of the free Bahamas cruise (provided you sit through the pitch for a timeshare).
- Downside Risk and the Agenda
Last month I was in London, winding up a music project at George Martin’s AIR Studios; but a journalist is never off duty, and anytime I travel I also observe. I love talking to strangers if only for data; hearing others’ varying life stories helps me shape a more accurate perception of the world’s real economic state of affairs. Besides, these conversations never fail to remind me that everyone has a great story to tell — and an individual’s story is just as important as anything you’ll hear anywhere else.
