Jalopnik
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Carpocalypse Now
Lawrence Marshall Chevy, Dodge, Ford: Another Massive Texas Auto Dealership Closes
The Lawrence Marshall Dealerships sold not-so-Big Three and Hyundai products in a 40-acre complex in southeast Texas. Known for selling a lot of Ford and Chevy trucks, it was sadly clobbered by the Carpocalypse. More » -
Carpocalypse Now
Sweden Creates $3.4 Billion Meatball For Volvo, Saab
The Swedish government has created a $3.4 billion (28 billion kronor) support package including credit guarantees and rescue loans for Volvo and Saab, hours after the US approved their own aid package. Børk! Børk! Børk! -
Carpocalypse Now
White House Loan Deal For Not-So-Big Three Is "Bankruptcy Lite"
The bailout loan's no longer just a $15 billion bridge loan for the not-so-Big Three to make it until the Obama administration, it's actually "bankruptcy lite." It's also a really good idea. -
Carpocalypse Now
Not-So-Big Three Bailout Sparks Family Feud
If you're interested in the saddest father-son automaker story since Edsel Ford handed the family business over to Henry Ford II, dooming William Clay Ford to forever own the worst football team in existence, you may want to turn on BBC America at 7:00 PM EST. More details below. -
Carpocalypse Now
Not-So-Big Three "Bailout" Loan Agreement Could Come Today
A bailout bridge loan plan for the not-so-Big Three drawing emergency aid from an existing pool of $25 billion for green vehicle R&D and including a Cabinet-level oversight board could come as early as today. -
Carpocalypse Swag
Save The Not-So-Big Three...With T-Shirts!
The "Save GM" t-shirt went over so well, we decided to expand the not-official Jalopnik store offerings to now include the rest of the not-so-Big Three with Save Ford and Save Chrysler t-shirts plus an exclusive Save Detroit t-shirt. In these trying times, one needs to be sporting a kitschy t-shirt and frankly, because once you're let go from your job, you'll find more time to wear them. Buy all four and be instantly transformed into Captain America!* But get 'em now below the jump before Ford, Chrysler and GM attorneys forget this is parody and try to shut us down. Operators are standing by. -
Carpocalypse Now
How The Not-So Big Three Rolled Into Washington, D.C.
The not-so-Big Three learned from their corporate travel mistake deciding to drive to D.C. this week for testimony before Congress. Thanks to our man on the scene, here's a look at the cars they chose and their meaning. -
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Carpocalypse Now
GM's Rick Wagoner Arrives At Capitol
GM CEO Rick Wagoner just showed up to Capitol Hill driving the Chevy Volt mule. No clue where the other CEOs are. More » -
Carpocalypse Now
UAW President Ron Gettelfinger Flying To DC, Hates American Taxpayers?
Jeff Gilbert with WWJ 950 AM had a chance to talk to UAW President Ron Gettelfinger just minutes ago after a meeting with UAW local heads on reexamination of their contracts (including nixing of the Jobs Bank, as we'd predicted) with the not-so-Big Three. Gilbert asked him what he'd be doing next. His response? He's heading to the airport tomorrow morning. That's right, while the CEOs of each of the U.S. automakers are driving to tomorrow's Congressional hearing, Ron'll be flying the friendly skies to Washington, DC. Apparently either the UAW hates the American taxpayer or Ron's just not so much into symbolic gestures given he doesn't have a corporate jet. -
Carpocalypse Now
Grading The Not-So-Big Three's "Bailout" Plans
We spent the night reading the the not-so-Big Three's business plans presented yesterday to Congress and after we graded them below, we've one huge question. Given the Carpocalypse, what's with the overwhelmingly optimistic sales projections for the next three years? -
Carpocalypse Now
Chrysler Needs $11 Billion To Make It Until The Imaginary 2009 Product Lineup Refresh
Chrysler was the last of the not-so-Big Three to reveal their plan for long-term viability with an ask of $11 billion to sustain operations into the new year. But for what? -
Carpocalypse Now
GM Sends Congress Plan Asking For $12 To $18 Billion, "Alternatives" For Saturn Brand
GM's response to the congressional ultimatum, just released, outlines a need for $12 billion in loans, plus potentially $6 billion later, and plans to reach profitability by pursuing "alternatives" to the Saturn brand and making Pontiac even less desirable.
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Carpocalypse Now
GM Asks FAA To Bar Public Tracking Of Leased Corporate Jet, Still Asks Public For Money
In yet another stunning display of GM's critical lack of understanding of the importance of transparency when asking for public assistance has asked aviation regulators to block the public's ability to track the company's leased private planes. When will this company learn a little thing called "message?"
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Carpocalypse Now
Truck Trend, Sport Compact Car, Other Titles Axed By Source Interlink
We've been able to confirm that both Truck Trend and Sport Compact Car magazines, august titles from the the sprawling Source Interlink automedia empire, have been killed by their publisher. Word is up to 115 employees were notified yesterday that their services would no longer be required. A former employee tells us that, if this is true, it would mean multiple titles were also canned. We've heard that many of these publications were profitable in recent years, but in a down economy it may be hard for one company to justify publishing 4Wheel Drive & Sport Utility, 4Wheel & Off-Road Four Wheeler and Off Road magazines simultaneously. No one at Source Interlink has returned our calls, so we're currently in the dark as to exactly which titles were cut. (UPDATE: We hear that Modified Luxury & Exotics also got the axe) Anyone who knows, perhaps a former employee, should feel free to drop us an anonymous comment or a tip to tips at jalopnik dot com. How does this impact Motor Trend, the jewel in Source Interlink's crown? More » -
Carpocalypse Now
Congress Gives Not-So-Big Three An Ultimatum
After some members of Congress excoriated the leaders of the not-so-Big Three for wasting money and not planning for their future, leadership from the Senate and House said they wouldn't give the automakers billions of dollars until they came up with a plan for not wasting money and setting up their own future. Welcome to Carpocalypse Now! It was basically the best solution that the lame duck Congress could come up with given that Turkey Day is around the corner and, like the UAW, Congress loves to take vacations. But why put it off? What's really happening? More » -
Carpocalypse Now
Eleven Ways The UAW Is Like Congress
So we're sitting here in the press room of the LA Auto Show thinking about Carpocalypse Now, the fight for loans from Congress and thinking to ourselves — you know the UAW and Congress? They're really not so different from each other. It's almost like looking in a mirror. A freaky state fair carnival mirror, but a mirror nonetheless. Here's our list of the top eleven similarities between these two seemingly disparate groups. More » -
Financiapocalypse
Congressman Urges Automaker CEOs To "Jetpool" When Heading To DC Begging For Money
New York Congressman Gary Ackerman feasts upon a buffet of "delicious irony" as he asks the CEOs from the Not-So-Big Three to perhaps save some cash and fuel by using a single jet together rather than individual private jets from Detroit to D.C. to beg for bailout dollars from the Feds. We even hear Reagan National's got a diamond-festooned runway set up just for jetpoolers. [CNN] -
Financiapocalypse
Not-So-Big Three Automakers Take Corporate Jets To Beg For Money From Congress
It's probably a bad thing to fly a private jet from Detroit to Washington, DC when you're going to ask Congress to provide you a multi-billion dollar loan to bail you out of a financial crisis. That fact hasn't stopped Ford's Alan Mulally, along with the heads of the other automakers, who not only flew to D.C. in the Ford private jet but are, apparently, unwilling to fully cut themselves from the corporate crack that is their private air forces. This really disturbs us. We've been having all sorts of problems with the way the US automakers have managed their message in making the ask for money from the Feds for survival. First they weren't getting their message out. Now, however, they're getting the wrong message out. Frankly, when folks begin saying things like this: More »
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By Ray WertComment by Serolf Divad: The big three need to be consolidated into one United States Automotive Group with most of their products eliminated for... 18 Responses | Other threads
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Financiapocalypse
GM Spam Campaign Begs Saturn Owners For Help
In attempts to tap their customer base for assistance in avoiding this Financiapocalypse, GM has emailed an unknown number of their product owners in an effort to get them to speak out to their local congressman regarding the pending bridge loan. We've intercepted one of these emails and have it posted below the jump. More »
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Comment by Ash78: Dear Saturn, I thank you sincerely for convincing my girlfriend to buy that L200 back in early 2003. Your "no-pressure" and... 7 Responses | Other threads
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Financiapocalypse
Ford To Offer Employee Pricing Plus 0% Financing In Desperate Attempt To Sell Cars
Ford's loss of $129 million last quarter and sinking consumer demand have encouraged the company to combine employee pricing with 0% financing on nine models. So Toyota buyers won't be the only ones Saved By Zero. What's the catch? Zero-percent financing is only available on the company's nine most fuel-efficient vehicles. But here is where it gets complicated. The Employee pricing doesn't apply to the 2009 Ford F-150, but you can get 0% financing on the new F-150. This plan also doesn't include the 2009 Mercury Mariner Hybrid or 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid, two of the most fuel-efficient vehicles. If you were hoping to save money on a Shelby GT500 you're also out of luck. Press release with details below the jump. More »
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Comment by RudeandRude: I actually just bought a Fusion a month ago. It's a nice car, surprisingly. I don't get NEARLY... 12 Responses | Other threads
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Financiapocalypse
Barack Obama Will Not Meet Rick Wagoner Without Preconditions
Barack Obama took time away from talking about his mother-in-law and a college football playoff system to talk about the automaker bailout in an interview on CBS' 60 Minutes. While admitting Detroit needs help, he said it's important to make sure it's conditioned on the stakeholders (labor, suppliers, execs) coming up with a plan for a sustainable domestic auto industry as opposed to just giving out "a bridge loan to nowhere." Oh, yes, he went there. This was taped before the scary GM video, which at the very least we're hoping, convinced him to buy a Save GM t-shirt.
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Comment by RLJ676-LS3 Commuter Car - for the environment: Let's see: Executive bonuses gone: done last June UAW agreements made competitive: done in 07, effective 2010 Produce fuel efficient cars: done (and... 70 Responses | Other threads
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Financiapocalypse
Mazda To Buy Back 20% Of Ford Ownership Stake For $185 Million
In an effort to boost capital while simultaneously distracting auto journalists by waving a bright, shiny and colorful new toy around, Ford today authorized Mazda to buy back approximately 20% ( around 96,802,000 shares ) of the 33.4% stake the Dearborn-based automaker holds in the Japanese car manufacturer. The transaction, to be made in off-hours trading at today's closing price of ¥184 ($1.91) per share, despite reducing the share to 13.4%, will apparently not change Ford's control of Mazda. It will net Ford approximately $185 million. And yes, that's not very much. Full press release after the jump. More »
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By Ray WertComment by Tiberiuswise: Overall it's been a long smooth ride for Ford and Mazda. I think they both have benefited greatly. I'm not... 5 Responses | Other threads
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Financiapocalypse
Getrag US Files For Bankruptcy After Chrysler Lawsuit, Transmission Plant Sits Unfinished
If you need more proof Chrysler is going to have a rough future, check out the bankruptcy filings for Getrag Transmission Manufacturing. The non-Ford US arm of transmission manufacturer Getrag filed for bankruptcy protection because it will be unable to pay for an Indiana plant it was supposed to build with Chrysler. We reported last year about the $530 million plant that was going to build a six-speed DSG gearbox for future Chrysler cars. Chrysler is suing Getrag for failing to secure $300 million in debt financing as part of the joint-agreement. As one can imagine, getting credit in this market to build a plant for future Chrysler cars isn't easy. More »
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Comment by LoganSix: The dual clutch with the phoenix engines and weight reductions would make Chrysler vehicles much more competitive in the fuel... 2 Responses | Other threads
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Save GM
CNBC's Jim Cramer: "What's Good For GM Is Still Good For America"
The red rubber bull-biting bald man by the name of Jim Cramer had a mouthful to say about the Motor City today — making clear his belief that if Motown gets showed D.C.'s checkbook, then we've seen the lows of this financial downturn. I tend to agree. Right now, according to Cramer, the issue isn't anymore whether you think GM deserves or doesn't deserve to be saved, it's whether you're alright with massive unemployment and an economic downturn taking this nation further into the murky unknown depths. Sounds to us like someone thinks people need to buy some "Save GM" t-shirts. That sentiment's shared by Keith Crain's Automotive News, where we saw an opinion piece today the likes we've never seen — essentially refuting an idea I'd held up until the past week, that Chapter 11 could allow for reorganization. The Op-Ed's entitled "The cost of GM's death," and you can hit the jump for the excerpts. More »
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By Ray WertComment by theeastbaykid: Let's say we follow Crain/Cramer and bail them out. How do we then ensure that this whole cycle doesn't repeat... 22 Responses | Other threads
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scion xb
Toyota Resorts To Building Taco Truck Scions Ahead Of Financiapocalypse
It takes a certain kind of genius to combine two seemingly disparate products like tacos and paint into one business venture. It took Toyota to do 'em both in this Scion xB modified for duty as a taco and paint truck. See, now that you've seen it, the imaginary palm to forehead moment is inevitable. This particularScion HakoxB was customized under the hand of Louie Contreras and painted by Kenton Parker and contains complete facilities for the cooking up of tacos and the selling of paint. We absolutely love the picture of the anthropomorphized taco and spray paint can. If SEMA was made up of cars like this, it would be a heck of a lot more fun. More »
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By Ben WojdylaComment by bzr: Other ideas that were shot down: Burgers and gasket sealant Fried chicken and tempera paint Pitas and bleach Pizza and brake fluid (all DOT... 5 Responses | Other threads
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blogging the auto bloggers
ForbesAutos.com Staff Laid Off, I Start Saying Nicer Things To Ray Wert, Nick Denton
Rumors have flown all week about Forbes planning to axe their Forbes Autos division. Those rumors look to be confirmed by Alley Insider, though a spokesperson refused to confirm or deny those rumors to us. Though the Forbes auto site has never been a major player in the automotive news business, it illustrates a reality: less automaker revenue means less ad revenue means less automotive outlets. This is especially true for an operation like Forbes.com, which sought to squeeze out more luxo-advertising bucks by creating their own custom content channels and putting themselves in a bad position come a down cycle. Oh, yeah, and it also serves as a reminder of how the Financiapocalypse could affect me, personally. Therefore, I've decided to say some nice things about my employers before I end up getting canned or made to feed the hamsters in our server farm for a salary of wooden nickels and all the sawdust I can eat. More »
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Comment by SwatLax: Didn't the woman married to the Callaway Corvette write about cars for Forbes? Or is she just writing stuff... 3 Responses | Other threads
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Financiapocalypse
Chrysler Needs YOU To Call Congress And Save The Not-So-Big Three
It's not just GM employees and its dealers getting into the act. Do you know a member of Congress? Don't know a member of Congress but live in one of those, whattaya-call-'em — districts? Want to advocate for Chrysler and the rest of the domestic automakers to get a piece of the federal loan pie? Here's your chance. Chrysler's external affairs and public policy website aptly named "Grab Democracy By The Horns" has a way for you to connect with your member and start talking to 'em about jobs and — umm — are you not sure what to say to them? Well, other than talking about 'merica and stuff, there's all sorts of fun things to talk to them about — in fact, Chrysler's even put together some talking points for you to work from. Peruse them in the gallery below. They're a hoot and most of them read like they were written by interns. Well, it's certainly doing more than buying a "Save GM" t-shirt. Just not as stylish. More »
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By Ray WertComment by BЯдΖǐL-ЯЄРΘЯΤЄЯ with quadrozontal expierience: Come on Americans, the world will not stop to turning because Chrysler, Ford and GM get out of business. You won´t... 27 Responses | Other threads
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chevy camaro convertible
Financiapocalpyse Kills One Drop Top Muscle Car, Delays Another
Bad news for fans of drop top muscle cars: according to multiple sources, the Dodge Challenger Convertible has been canceled and the Chevy Camaro Convertible delayed for at least a year. Luckily Ford will be showing a 2010 Ford Mustang Convertible at next week’s LA Auto Show, with sales scheduled to start in Spring ’09. More »
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By Wes SilerComment by Rust-MyEnemy: So, any wobble-o-matic Charger or (you never know) Camaro 'vert we see jiggling past, its cowl all a-quiver... was almost... 8 Responses | Other threads
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By Ray WertComment by DarthLefty: I wonder what was covered up by the switch from 12pt sans serif to 10pt serif at the end of... 4 Responses | Other threads
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By Ray WertComment by Claudef2: Why should American taxpayers pay these guys for building cars the same American taxpayers do not want to buy? This... 6 Responses | Other threads
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Financiapocalypse
More Proof The Big Three's Lobbying Efforts Kinda Blow
Robert Reich, America's shortest Secretary of Labor, was on Hardball last night discussing the incoming Obama administration's economic package and plans to Save GM when he fumbled a question from Chris Matthews about the auto industry. The question? Name a domestic, fuel-efficient car you'd like to own. It's a sad state of affairs when someone as truly bright as Reich is either unable to give a straight answer to that question or is completely clueless about which cars are and are not American. He eventually, and hilariously, confesses to owning a Mini Cooper. Matthews then goes on to talk about the "Ford Volt" in perhaps a subtle attempt to point out the automakers haven't made the best case for themselves. [MSNBC]
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Comment by Mad_Science: I'd blame their advertising and marketing more than their lobbying efforts. The public at large just doesn't seem to know... 4 Responses | Other threads
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Financiapocalypse
Participate In Federally-Funded Road Survey, Make $895
It's no surprise people are driving less because of the financiapocalypse, leaving the US Department of Transportation rightly worried the Federal Highway Trust Fund could continue to dry up. The solution? A study, of course. We've found a federally-funded study at the University of Iowa looking to fit GPS tracking units onto participant's cars to determine if a pay-per-mile system would be more feasible than the current gas tax. Here's the fun part — if you live in one of the six test cities and you're chosen to participate in the eight-month study, you'll receive $895. Sounds like reasonable compensation for letting Big Brother know your every move. And hey, we can all use the dough at the moment, can't we? Hit the jump to see if you qualify. More »
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Comment by The Black Bottle: Excuse my ignorance but what/who are the 'Quad Cities'? I've never heard or seen this term used before. To those... 12 Responses | Other threads
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Financiapocalypse
CNBC's Jim Cramer: "Save GM...Or Risk A Great Depression!"
In between ads for CNBC's "Business of High End Prostitution" documentary airing tonight, we noticed the network's mega-mouthed Wall Street money mad-man says it's time for policy makers to "save GM" or else risk "10% unemployment" and the "Great Depression." We happen to think Jim Cramer's right. Is that Socialism? Who cares — we just read bankruptcy won't even be able to help GM because of their inability to secure financing after a declaration of Chapter 11. Yup, it'd be straight to Chapter 7 for the big automaker from Detroit. But, word on the street is that Pelosi's going to call for legislative help during the current lame duck session of Congress. Glad to hear it, because remember, the Financiapocalypse waits for no man, automaker or money maven!
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By Ray WertComment by Deartháir - Now with more Age™!: Give it time, just give it time. Soon, you too shall begin to feel the power of a true Socialist regime.... 19 Responses | Other threads
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Financiapocalypse
President Bush Rumored To Consider Handing Over $25 Billion Loan Program To Automakers Like, Now
MSNBC is reporting (UPDATED with video) President-current Bush has said he'll consider amending the $25 billion automaker low-interest loan guarantee program to allow the automakers to get the money right now and use it for whatever they need. The decision is being made because many economists say helping US automakers is a big part of preventing the economy from going even further into the hole. This comes a day after would-be Detroit savior President-elect Barack Obama, who has said an automaker bailout is super important, met with President Bush to discuss steps he'd like to see taken, including part two of his three-part economic strategy — help for the auto industry. Why the sudden change from the Bush administration? More »
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Comment by pauljones: They do need to include a set of strings with this, as in set a series of goals and milestones... 17 Responses | Other threads
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Financiapocalypse
Cars.com Ignores Financiapocalypse, Plans New Super Bowl Ad
Thanks to the Financiapocalypse, we're expecting pickings to be slim in this year's Super Bowl Auto Ad Watch. Thankfully, despite the economic turmoil, Cars.com, the #2 player in the "mega-car-selling-conglomerate" game, is again looking to spend some mad cash on a commercial in February's Super Bowl. Last year's commercials weren't too shabby, so we're interested to see what the plucky little site with the automotive industry's most basic name is able to do this year. We're hoping it involves Cars.com's Kicking Tires blog editor Dave Thomas fighting Glondor in the stone circle death match. Hit the jump for the full release. More »
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By Ray WertComment by SuzanneD - now only answering to Rumble Strips: Don't sell it. Volvo's, cockroaches, and Charles Bronson's mustache will be the only things that survive Economageddon. 7 Responses | Other threads
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Lamborghini Orange County
World's Largest Lamborghini Dealer Closes Its Doors
According to California's Orange County Register, the world's largest Lamborghini dealer, Lamborghini Orange County, has closed its doors without explanation from either the dealership owners or Lamborghini parent company Volkswagen. The sudden shuttering of the dealership and its satellite showrooms comes on the heels of the closure of more mainstream "world's largest" dealers like Bill Heard Chevrolet. The owner of the Santa Ana based Lambo dealer, and reinforcer of every Lamborghini stereotype you've ever heard, Vik Keuylian, commenting on the matter said "I can't talk about anything." More »
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By Ben WojdylaComment by layabout returns: I'm surprised at that,although Audi has somewhat diluted the Lamborghini brand,sales are still high for a supercar maker. Slightly off... 16 Responses | Other threads
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sales figures
Car Industry Carnage: October Sales Wrap-Up
Sales results released yesterday confirmed October was another month of dismal vehicle sales in the U.S. market. Of the top players, General Motors fared worst, seeing sales plunge 45.4% from the same month a year earlier. Chrysler was down 34.9%, while Ford was down 29.2%. Of the import "big three," Nissan dropped 33% year-over-year, while Honda was down 25.2% and Toyota saw sales drop just 23%, no doubt saved by zero. The total light vehicle sales drop across the board comes out to just under 32%, which explains why crazy ideas like a GM/Chrysler merger are suddenly making sense. Sort of. [WSJ]
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By Andrew StoyComment by junkman: Despite the carnage, the Ford F series still is number one. It's remarkable how we've been conditioned to buy products... 3 Responses | Other threads
Financiapocalypse
Detroit, 9:51 PM
Thu Jul 2
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Transformers blows up this weekend. Need to know more? io9 gets down and dirty with the superbots.
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Gizmodo's just reviewed two great smartphones, the Palm Pre and the iPhone 3GS. Here's a guide to help you decide which is better for you.
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The Life of Steve Jobs - So far.
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