I hadn't thought about this fine game- a staple in the Martin family during the mid-1970s- for years, until I spotted one at a yard sale not long ago. The goal is to lie your ass off about the value of the clunkers on your lot, while avoiding getting caught in those lies. Definitely worth a buck to the yard-sale seller! While this game didn't get as much play as Touring (some of you may know it better as Mille Bornes), it still made the heavy rotation in our game schedule. You might need to watch Marshal Lucky to get in the right mood for what's to follow…

The lid of the plastic card holder shows the cigar-chomping, Purina-checkerboard-wearing car salesman taking the little old lady for a test drive in the Stingray. Nice burnout!
Of course, that's the "after" picture; here's the "before" shot on the game's box. Note the lot full of big Detroit iron. Technically, this game was published the year before the Malaise Era began, but it fits so well with the general Nixonian grimness of the ensuing decade that I'm granting it honorary Malaise status.
The game's money was your classic 70s deal. How many Parker Bros games got the exact same currency back in the day?
The game featured a deck of 24 cards, each representing a different used car. Each player would get some cars for his or her lot, and each player held a different list of values for each of the cars. The goal was to sell your junkers for top cash, while busting your competition for their lying ways.
Since the game was released in 1972, the most valuable cars tend to be 1971 models.
Here's one of the 8 value listings, which you kept secret from the competition. Great entertainment value to be had in matching them with the cars!
You can also buy insurance for your used car lot, but sometimes you'd get burned. Woe be unto the player who thinks he has fire insurance when a rival has hired thugs torch his lot, only to find out he's got Fly By Night Insurance Co. protection against roving bands of chickens!
Let's look at some of the cars now. Here's one I wouldn't mind owning now!

We've uploaded the court document which you can take a look at here. The WSJ also has a copy here if ours is too "racy" for ya!

Whereas the recently closed Bill Heard Chevrolet in Houston was the typical sketchy dealership owned by an out-of-towner, the locally-founded Lawrence Marshall had a much better reputation for customer service and philanthropy. First opened as a small lot by Lawrence Marshall in the 1960s, the small dealership grew into a massive complex.

Anyone who lives in southeast Texas is familiar with the commercials featuring former Houston Oilers defensive lineman and company CEO, Ray Childress, offering to "clobber big city prices" during nearly every commercial break. Lately, some people have noticed Childress was less-than-enthusiastic during recent commercials. The spirited "clobber" was gone.

With approximately 240 employees and a large business disappearing overnight, we've got a bad feeling about what this means for the local economy. The commercial to the left is of the sadder Childress, a shadow of the man he once was.

[via Houston Chronicle]

We should have seen that coming. But anyway, how will the Churchill brothers "gold standard" plan work?

Here's what AN tells us:

"The Churchills bought 5,000 shares of GM stock at the end of last week to begin the promotion while GM's stock price was low. The gift was worth $321 today at GM's closing stock price of $6.43, and the Churchills hope to give customers a return on their investment.

"Typically when a customer buys a car and they go to trade it in in two or three years, it has depreciated," Will Churchill said. "Hopefully in two or three years," GM stock "will probably be worth more."

We'd heard American retro kitsch was the "in thing" these days, but this is ridiculous. On an unrelated note to Will: If you're saying "Hopefully," in a statement, I wouldn't think you'd need to use "probably." Oh, wait, I see what he's done there. [via Automotive News (sub. req.), Photo Credit: Freakingnews.com]

Things get sketchy when you hear that the salesperson at the dealership allegedly filled out her paperwork to initially read "$6000" as her monthly income. To top things off, that figure was later changed, supposedly behind the customer's back, to "$8600.00." Walk into some BMW dealerships and you really start moving up in the world.
[via KPIX CBS]

Chrysler Group Looks to Expand International Sales and Dealer Network

* Chrysler Group plans to expand its dealer operations in key markets outside North America
* 70 potential investors attend forum for sneak peek at Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge sales outlet ownership opportunities
* Sales performance outside North America continues at record levels

Auburn Hills, Mich., Jun 20, 2007 - As Chrysler Group continues to increase sales and expand operations in markets outside North America, the company has identified a need for additional sales outlets in key established and growth markets. This week, approximately 70 international investors and dealers are visiting the company's headquarters in Auburn Hills for a sneak peek at the potential for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge brand franchises in their respective markets.

"While we will continue to aggressively defend our position in NAFTA, it is important that we expand in other markets so that we are not as dependent on the ups and downs of a single region," said Tom LaSorda, President and CEO - Chrysler Group. "With a more global focus we will be better able to take advantage of emerging opportunities."

Dealer Investment Forum
The Chrysler Group has invited the potential partners from 19 countries all over the world, including Russia, Japan and the Middle East. During three days with senior Chrysler Group executives, the investors will learn more about the different avenues the company is pursuing to become a more global operation as it implements the Recovery and Transformation Plan, a roadmap for returning to financial health. They will also gain insight into the Chrysler Group's growth plans outside North America and experience first-hand the unique products and powertrains that would be available through their franchise if they choose to invest. This week's forum follows a conference held in China where 140 dealers attended.

"Due to the expansion of our global portfolio, we see an opportunity not only to strengthen the relationship with our current dealers, but also to look for new business partners that can help us to take our international business to the next level," said Michael Manley, Executive Vice President - International Sales, Marketing and Business Development.

Outside North America, Chrysler Group has roughly 1,400 sales outlets. In established markets, like Western Europe, the company plans to add roughly 100 new sales outlets over the next two years. Additional growth in the dealer network will increase the company's presence in growing markets, such as Russia and China, where the existing dealer network is doing well, but the goals of additional sales growth will require adding more locations.

The addition of these new outlets will increase customer satisfaction, as well as contribute to increased sales. Chrysler Group remains committed to ensuring a positive customer experience with the product itself, and with the dealership for both sales and service experiences. Having the necessary number of dealerships exposes more customers to the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge brands and also means that customers are able to visit a facility in or near their community after purchasing the vehicle for any necessary maintenance.

Performance Outside North America
In 2006, Chrysler Group expanded the availability of the Dodge brand in key markets all over the world with the launch of the Dodge Caliber, the brand's first volume vehicle outside North America. The next two Dodge vehicles, making their way into global markets this summer, are the Dodge Nitro and Avenger. Demand for the Dodge brand has been strong so far this year as Dodge Caliber sales soared to 13,265 units year-to-date, making it the top-selling Chrysler Group vehicle outside North America. By 2009, Dodge could account for roughly 30 percent of the Company's international sales.

"Many dealers outside North America have been very successful with the sales of all three Chrysler Group brands in their local markets," said Thomas Hausch, Vice President of International Sales. "In Western Europe alone, we increased our return on sales by more than 20 percent, from 1.7 in 2005 to 2.1 in 2006. This is a clear indication that the new vehicles we are introducing are well-received by our customers and that we deliver to our dealers one of the best return on sales within the industry."

Sales growth for Chrysler Group as a whole outside North America has reached an unprecedented two full years of monthly sales gains, and year-to-date growth of 16 percent (91,412 units) over the same period of time in 2006. Much of this growth is attributed to the increase in the number of models that are being introduced in markets all over the world with options that meet the needs of global customers. Chrysler Group management has indicated that the plan is to double last year's sales outside North America and reach approximately 400,000 units in the next five years.

To support this growth plan, between 2003 and 2007, The Chrysler Group will approximately double the number of products available outside North America from nine to 20 vehicles. Within the number of models available, the company will triple the number of vehicles in right-hand-drive, from six to 18; and, quadruple the number of vehicles with an option for a diesel powertrain, from four to 16.

Chrysler Group sells and services vehicles in more than 125 countries around the world. Sales outside North America currently account for approximately 8 percent of the company's total global sales. Vehicles available outside of North America come from all three Chrysler Group brands, with limited availability on some trucks and SUV models.

Hyundai gets out front to prepare dealers for rwd [Automotive News]
Front wheel drive vs rear wheel drive [CanadianDriver.com]

Related:
New York Auto Show: Hyundai Concept Genesis; New York Auto Show Preview: Hyundai Genesis Concept — Now With Pictures! [internal]

Don Steger of Garden Grove, California has an irrational obsession with De Loreans. We hesitate to call anyone's obsession irrational, given our penchant for Citro ns, pickups made out of passenger vehicles and oddball Eastern Bloc cars. The pot is definitely calling the kettle black here. And truth be told, we've got a thing for De Loreans, too. But as much as we may fantasize about hiring a Czech mechanic named Sabina with a phenomenal rack and a slightly dour demeanor to run our vintage-Skoda repair business, its likelihood is fairly close to nil. On the other hand, Steiger's opened a new De Lorean Motor Company franchise in his Orange County town. Steger = 1, Jalopnik, = 0. – Davey G. Johnson

Garden Grove mechanic dreams of making De Lorean cars [OC Register]

Related:
De Lorean Motor Company Planning New...Book [Internal]

We're always hesitant about buying a new car or truck the first year it's in service, but we're wondering how commercial truck customers will feel waiting for their trucks after bringing them in for service, when they know the service center employees in the back room are busy thumbing through a dealer guide looking for the "how-to" on jacking the truck up on the lift.

Toyota Debuts 2007 Tundra Single and Double-Cab Long Beds

Related:
Big Three Getting Toasted On The West Coast For Fuel Economy, But Toyota Truck Sales Up? [internal]

GM 06-20
Date: August 25, 2006

To: All General Motors Dealers

From: William E. Powell
GM Vice President
Industry Dealer Affairs

Subject: Amendment 2006 Fuel Allowance Guidelines
Effective September 1, 2006


This bulletin replaces and supersedes GM Bulletin GM 06-19 dated August 18, 2006.

Recently we notified you of a change in policy to our fuel fill reimbursement based upon the changing business conditions and competitive environment. In so doing, it was not our intent that this would possibly be a cost transfer to our dealers or an impediment to customer satisfaction. It was rather a move to adjust to the marketplace.

Based upon the recommendation of the GM National Dealer Council and input from the Divisional and Regional Councils that a complete fuel fill was viewed as an integral element in the delivery of GM vehicles, we have decided to reinstate our fuel fill reimbursement program. We value and appreciate the input and support of our dealer body and our dealer council process.

This notice, therefore, will rescind the GM Bulletin GM 06-19 with respect to fuel allowance guidelines and will leave the policy as before, as communicated in GM Bulletin GM 06-17 dated July 19, 2006, and Saab Bulletin dated October 1, 2005. Further details regarding the 2007 Fuel Allowance Guidelines will be sent to you in a subsequent notice.

We continue to work diligently toward the turn around of GM and rely upon the finest dealers in the industry for advice, counsel and business results.

Related:
GM Says To Dealers: No Gas For You! [internal]

Date: August 18, 2006

To: All General Motors Dealers

From: William E. Powell
GM Vice President
Industry Dealer Affairs

Subject: 2006 Fuel Allowance Guidelines

Effective September 1, 2006

This bulletin replaces and supersedes GM Bulletin GM 06-17 dated July 19, 2006, and Saab's bulletin dated October 1, 2005.

Due to changing business conditions and competitive pressures, General Motors must continue to examine all areas of the business and implement solutions to increase revenues and reduce costs.

One of the changes that GM is implementing is to modify the way dealers are reimbursed for the cost of fuel. Beginning with vehicle deliveries to customers September 1, 2006, GM will reimburse dealers a flat rate for fuel expense for each retail delivery. For passenger cars, dealers will be reimbursed $20 per vehicle. For trucks, dealers will be reimbursed $30 per vehicle. By implementing this change to the fuel allowance policy, General Motors will be able to continue to support our dealers and customers while at the same time reduce cost.

A table is provided on the following page containing GM vehicles broken down into two groups, passenger car and light duty trucks. The two vehicle groups are based on the vehicle segmentation classification GM uses for Polk registration data. As new vehicles are added to the GM lineup, they will be classified as cars or trucks based on the existing segmentation scheme and reimbursed for fuel accordingly. As stated above, effective September 1, 2006 these vehicle groups will be used to determine the credits to dealer open accounts for fuel allowance. This change is effective for Chevrolet, Buick, Pontiac, GMC, Cadillac, HUMMER, Saturn and Saab vehicle lines.

The change in fuel allowance also affects fleet orders. The Retail Amenities Delete Credit, (Option Codes V2G and TFD), will be adjusted effective with fleet orders received by GM beginning on September 1, 2006 to $20 for cars and $30 for trucks. Please take note that commitments on behalf of fleet customers, (e.g. Bid Assistance), or fleet orders received by GM prior to September 1st, will be honored at the retail amenities delete credit levels currently in effect.

While this represents a change to GM's policy, General Motors remains competitive in fuel reimbursement within the industry.

Related:
Hey Dealers! GM's Mark LaNeve Has A Great Opportunity For You! [internal]

Our ex-pat buddies in Japan, Nihon Car and Bike file one of their oft-taped HD-video reports on the Toyota Mega Web, reportedly the largest car showroom in the world. The giant dealership houses 150 Toyota, Daihatsu and Lexus models, a private test track, restaurants and a movie theater — in a low-sales-pressure environment. Plus, for about six bucks, you can take any of the cars available for a drive on the track. Why not just change the name of Tokyo to "Heaven."

Toyota Mega Web, the biggest showroom in the world, HDTV [Nihon Car and Bike via Motorpulse]

Related:
For Relaxing Times, Make it Suntory Times; New Pics of GM's The Drive in Las Vegas [internal]

Volkswagen's Phaeton may have been the penultimate expression of Ferdinand Pi ch's weapons-grade arrogance (don't forget that little runabout called the Bugatti Veyron), but it sure was (and is somewhere) a sweet luxury car. But as Farago points out in a new column on The Truth About Cars, Volkswagen's ill-phaeted sedan is more than the sum of its clean-room-assembled parts. It's about creating the ultimate customer experience for luxury buyers — and the company's more suitable luxury divisions stand to reap the benefits. Or not. There's a lesson in there for other luxury carmakers' sales networks too.

VW Phaeton: The Car of the Future [The Truth About Cars]

Related:
Touring the VW Phaeton Plant in Dresden [internal]