Variance

-Variance February 1, 2007 Welcome to C&G’s Registry Rundown, a new monthly Feature Article rife with information and speculation. Here, yours truly will be reporting on the goings on within the records of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, bringing you the newest trademark applications made by auto manufacturers. Newly filed applications, ones published for opposition, finalized/fully registered and killed trademarks will all be covered. Here’s a quick explanation of each level of trademark registry, from the least to most likely to be seen used on a production product or concept car: Dead: This is the official USPTO term for a trademark that will not go through (or any further through) the registration process. Trademarks can die because an automaker gives up and/or just decides not to use it or because the trademark is opposed by another party. It is unlikely these will see use on any final product. Filed: These are applications that have just been filed with the USPTO and have otherwise not been published for opposition (the next step in the registry process). Most filed trademarks stay at this level and are sometimes made just so other companies cannot use them. What this means is just because an automaker has filed a trademark does not mean they will necessarily use it. Published for Opposition: This is the next step in the registry process in which the applicant makes the trademark available for other companies to object to or, oppose. There is a published of opposition date given (the date I’ll be providing). If no one opposes within 30 days or opposition of the trademark fails, the application goes to the final stage of the registration process. Publishing an application for opposition speaks well to an applicant’s intent of using the name or symbol. Registered: Applications/names here have been finalized and approved for a manufacturer to do with as they will. These are the trademarks you will most likely see publicly used. Now with all that said, let’s see what new trademark developments have been occurring as of late. The new files this month are greater and more diverse than in the first report. There are twelve in total with three companies representing three countries: Japan, America and Korea. From Nippon, Toyota has three new entries. The first two are for the Lexus brand and are called “Lexus Enform” and “Safety Connect” (January 5). They are both described as “electronic apparatus for providing services to motorists”. My best guess is that it’s Toyota’s version of OnStar (though Lexus has had that before). The other trademark is for the Toyota brand and its name is “Avanza” (January 15). This is the second European-style name in a row filed by Toyota (the first, “Venza”, was mentioned in the first RR). The difference here is the Avanza already exists in other markets. You can check it out at these Wikipedia and Toyota Malaysia webpages. Leading the American charge is General Motors with five filings. The first is “Drive Beautiful” (January 22), obviously for a new ad campaign. Good Lord... Let’s gloss over that. Next up, we have “Megamax” (January 8 ). Now, I think this can be one of three things: A more powerful Duramax, a more powerful Vortec MAX or a ridiculously large crew cab a la Dodge’s Mega Cab and Toyota’s CrewMax cab. My money’s on the latter. Continuing with the General, we come across “E-Flex” (January 9). A fancier name for flex fuel capable vehicles, perhaps? The last two are familiar ones: “SRX” and “XLR” (January 5). Why are these being filed again you ask? Well, apparently GM is planning on providing us with some Caddy eyewear. The applications are filed for “optical frames, eyewear lenses, eyewear cases, and eyewear chains”. Huh, I thought they would have filed for the See-T-S first. (That’s my bad pun for this issue.) Heading back over to Asia, Hyundai has four recent filings to share. “Hellion” (January 10) is one we’re all familiar with (if you’re not, go here). Is Hyundai thinking of putting it into production? Two more vehicle names are “Geneva” (January 9) and “Genesis” (January 22). My feeling is at least one of them is the potential name for the new Hyundai sedan being slotted above the Azera. Lastly, there is the phrase “Good Thinking” (January 9) which in all likelihood is a new tagline. Present possible production patents are plentiful presently. Fifteen found for this fine first of February. (Ain’t alliteration angelic? Anyway...) Nissan Motor published the trademarks “AX25” and “AX45” (February 13). This is likely for Infiniti’s new crossover vehicle which will be unveiled in April at NYIAS. The interesting thing to me is a lack of an “AX35”; it hasn’t even been filed yet. I suppose it could come later but as it stands, it looks as if the AX is going come with a choice of either a small V6 or large V8. We’ll just have to wait and see. Toyota has taken the term “Valvematic” (February 20) to the next registry level. Need a hint what it’s for? Think BMW’s Valvetronic. Here is the design for the fancy badging: Now we find ourselves at Ford. First is “F-150 Platinum” (February 6). Isn’t a certain Lincoln pickup already an F-150 Platinum of sorts? “Twinforce” (February 13) is a name we all should be familiar with already. Ford’s turbocharged engine made its debut at this past NAIAS. Remember the “Maverick” (February 13)? Looks like it may be the latest victim of the retro-moniker revival. And what’s Ford advertising without some cheesy taglines? You might want to break out the nachos for the ones about to be shared here. Number one is “For All” (February 13) which I can only assume is from “With liberty and justice...” fame. Number two is “For the world we share” (February 13). Don’t those just bring a tear to your eye? GM’s sole entry in this section this month is “Pursuit” (February 13) as in Pontiac G5. You know, Pontiac’s starting to become like Lincoln with this whole “we don’t know what the hell common nomenclature we should use on our cars” thing. The G-series nomenclature or regular names: pick one, Pontiac. Since the next two companies we’re at only have one entry each and are for similar things (hybrid vehicles), they’ll be grouped here. The companies and entries I’m referring to are DCX’s “Direct Hybrid” (February 6) and BMW’s “BMW Active Hybrid” (February 20). Is there any major manufacturer that isn’t going (or hasn’t gone) the hybrid route yet? An interesting one from Volkswagen, the subcompact “Polo” (February 13) looks like it may intend to fight the Versa/Fit/Aveo/Yaris/Accent crowd stateside. Its sister company Audi, meanwhile looks to be potentially launching a new ad campaign. “Vorsprung durch tehnik” (February 27) may or may not sound familiar but it used to be used in Audi advertising long ago. It’s German for “progress by technology”. The last two come via Hyundai and may be instantly familiar to any General Motors fan. The first, “Epsilion” (January 23), is of course the name of GM’s midsize FWD platform. “Omega” (February 27) may be a little more out of the memory of some but it was the name of an Oldsmobile that started life attached to a Chevy Nova rebadge and ended life attached to a Chevy Citation rebadge. I suppose I’d end my life too if I had to be attached to a Citation. The Germans are rounding out the all but confirmed list this time around. Let’s start with the filthy liars also known as Mercedes-Benz. Why am I calling them filthy liars? Well, not too long ago Mercedes reported that they would not chase sales and sell any model below the C-Class in the United States. (See this thread for the filthy lie.) So then, Mercedes, why am I seeing a fully registered “B-Class” (January 2) trademark filed by you? Filthy liars. We wrap it up with VW who have registered “R36” and “Scirocco” (January 2), the former of which is not only registered for cars but for so many various pieces of crap I can’t even begin to name them all. Thanks for taking time to read Registry Rundown and be back in the month of March to experience the ensuing edition. (Alliterations rock.)

UAW losing pay edge The UAW is losing its edge in pay compared with nonunionized U.S. assembly plant workers for foreign companies, even as Detroit automakers aim for deeper benefit cuts to trim their losses. In at least one case last year, workers for a foreign automaker for the first time averaged more in base pay and bonuses than UAW members working for domestic automakers, according to an economist for the Center for Automotive Research and figures supplied to the Free Press by auto companies. In that instance, Toyota Motor Corp. gave workers at its largest U.S. plant bonuses of $6,000 to $8,000, boosting the average pay at the Georgetown, Ky., plant to the equivalent of $30 an hour. That compares with a $27 hourly average for UAW workers, most of whom did not receive profit-sharing checks last year. Toyota would not provide a U.S. average, but said its 7,000-worker Georgetown plant is representative of its U.S. operations. Honda Motor Co. and Nissan Motor Co. are not far behind Toyota and UAW pay levels. Comparable wages have long been one way foreign companies fight off UAW organizing efforts. Detroit Free Press

2008 H2 Victory Red Limited Edition DETROIT – HUMMER is expanding its product lineup with a new "Victory Red" limited-edition H2. This special edition is available in SUV and SUT versions, and maintains HUMMER's trademark bold design and unmatched off-road capability. The exclusive models arrive at dealerships in February with SUV pricing at $66,030 MSRP and SUT pricing at $65,575 MSRP. "The Victory Red edition offers HUMMER enthusiasts a distinctive new choice and unique features," said Martin Walsh, HUMMER general manager. "The package brings exclusivity to the SUV and SUT marketplace, and rounds out the 2007 H2 lineup." The 2007 limited edition includes all the standard features of the H2, along with a unique Victory Red exterior, rear-vision camera system and uplevel premium appearance package. The package features body-color fender moldings and rocker moldings with an integrated assist step, and a lower-profile, roof-mounted light bar with integral lamps. Chrome hood handles, hood latches, hood louver, exterior side vents, rear D-rings and fuel filler door, and 17-inch flangeless chrome wheels complete the exterior. Inside, the limited edition has new carbon fiber appearance accents. The rear-vision system features a 3.5-inch full-color display housed in the rearview mirror, which receives its picture from a universal rear-mounted camera. When the vehicle is shifted into Reverse, the video display automatically deploys from the side of the mirror, providing the driver an image of the area behind the vehicle both day and night. The display is in the driver's natural line of sight, and the slide-out display won't compromise a driver's traditional field of view or create distracting glare. The screen then retracts back into the mirror when the vehicle is shifted out of Reverse. In addition, the special edition has a heated windshield wiper system with warm fluid that removes snow, ice and debris, and a rear-seat DVD system with dual headrest-mounted viewing screens and wireless headphones. The limited edition also carries GM's five year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty and HUMMER's premium four year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. [source: General Motors] Autoblog Gallery

IS-F Production Limited to 1,000 We have some bad news for all Lexus fans. Subscribers to the AutoWeek magazine were probably disappointed to read a short blurb on the Lexus IS-F in the January 22, 2007 issue where the magazine reported that Toyota will be building only 1,000 Lexus IS-F sedans for the United States. Look at the bright side, you guys will be the lucky few to have the car and show it off to your fellow BMW M3 drivers. eGMCarTech

You can always have it shipped over from another dealer.

Pricing: 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Jan. 30, 2007) – Nissan today announced a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $24,400 for the 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid, Nissan’s first entry in the hybrid electric vehicle market. The new hybrid sedan is on sale now at Nissan retailers in the eight states that have adopted California emissions regulations – California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont. The Altima Hybrid has been certified by the Internal Revenue Service as meeting the requirements for the Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit, thereby qualifying for a tax credit of $2,350. Altima Hybrid’s EPA fuel economy is estimated at 42 mpg City and 36 mpg Highway. It is rated as an Advanced Technology-Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) and emits almost no evaporative emissions. "The Altima Hybrid offers all the style, convenience, comfort, quality feel and performance technology features and highlights of the next-generation 2007 Altima sedan, while offering the added benefits of improved fuel economy and reduced emissions," said Bill Bosley, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division. "Combined with Altima’s standard 20-gallon fuel tank, Altima Hybrid has a projected driving range of up to 700 miles between fill-ups. More importantly, it drives just like any other Nissan – with smooth acceleration, responsive handling and a seamless delivery of power under almost all driving conditions." The Altima Hybrid features a high level of standard equipment, including 16-inch alloy wheels, Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition, power windows/door locks, 6-speaker AM/FM/CD system with auxiliary audio input jack, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Traction Control System (TCS) and dual-zone automatic temperature control that includes an Altima Hybrid-specific electrically powered A/C that continues to provide cooling when the gasoline engine is stopped. It also offers an extensive list of standard safety features, including the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS), front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags for chest protection, roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags for front and rear outboard occupant head protection and front seat Active Head Restraints. Altima Hybrid is offered in one model and with three available option packages – Convenience Package, Connection Package (with either SiriusÔ or XMÒ satellite radio) and Technology Package. The 2007 Nissan Altima is also available in five other models: Altima 2.5, 2.5 S, 2.5 S with SL Package and two 3.5-liter V6-powered models, the Altima 3.5 SE and 3.5 SL. The all-new 2008 Altima Coupe is scheduled to go on sale in summer 2007. "The new Altima has been a tremendous success since it was launched in November, helping fuel record Altima sales of nearly 25,000 units in December 2006, marking an increase of nearly 40 percent over the previous year," said Bosley. "The new Altima Hybrid expands the choices available for our buyers, keeping Altima at the forefront of the segment in terms of value, performance, quality, technology and selection." Complete Altima Hybrid pricing and options are available on the attached sheet. About the 2007 Altima Hybrid The Altima Hybrid powertrain mates a refined version of Nissan’s QR25 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and standard electronically controlled CVT with an advanced electric drive motor/generator that increases fuel economy while maintaining low tailpipe emissions. The advanced energy drive system shares duties between the gasoline-powered 4-cylinder and the emissions-free electric motor – allowing the Altima Hybrid to run solely on electric power if appropriate, especially during stop-and-go driving. If extra performance is needed, the gasoline engine starts instantly and smoothly adds power as required. The Altima Hybrid has a hybrid system net power rating of 198 horsepower (148 kW). Acceleration from zero to 60 mph is estimated at about 0.5 seconds quicker than a standard 2.5-liter 4-cylinder equipped Altima. The Altima Hybrid utilizes regenerative braking technology to recharge the hybrid system’s batteries. The Regenerative Cooperative Brake System calculates braking force generated by brake pedal operation and controls the regenerative brake force to convert kinetic energy into electric energy, optimizing energy regeneration. In order to power the electric motor, a generator places resistance on the driveshaft during braking. The system converts this friction to usable energy that is stored in the system’s 244.8V Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery for eventual use by the electric motor. Helping provide smooth acceleration and maximize powertrain efficiency is the Altima Hybrid’s hybrid system-specific eCVT, which works in conjunction with the Hybrid Vehicle-Electric Control Unit (HV-ECU) to determine which power source or combination of power sources will turn the wheels. Altima Hybrid’s electric motor produces high torque at low rpm, allowing it to utilize its Electric Vehicle (EV) mode to power the car from a standing idle and through initial acceleration without the assistance of the gasoline engine. Standing-start acceleration is typically a gasoline-only powered vehicle’s least fuel-efficient stage and Altima Hybrid offers much of its fuel-efficiency benefits here. Altima Hybrid’s all-electric mode, called Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, occurs in the initial acceleration phase. After the electric motor provides initial acceleration, the gasoline engine quietly starts and assumes the load of powering the vehicle. The gasoline engine works independently through cruising speeds until the vehicle reaches speeds at which fuel efficiency declines. When loads require, the electric motor starts again and aids the gasoline engine in powering the Altima Hybrid. This allows the gasoline engine to remain in its ideal rpm range while the axle rpm simultaneously increases due to the extra power being contributed by the electric motor. A digital display on the speedometer indicates when the Altima Hybrid is running solely on electric power. The Altima Hybrid’s available DVD navigation system also features a real-time display showing how the hybrid system directs the flow of energy. Serving as the foundation for all fourth generation 2007 Altimas – including Hybrid – is Nissan’s all-new “D” platform with improved body rigidity and a redesigned suspension. The new platform includes a subframe-mounted front suspension with new geometry and shock absorbers with rebound springs. The half-shafts now have equal angles and are more parallel to the ground – virtually eliminating traditional front-wheel drive torque steer. Altima’s new body design is a continuation of its distinctive, iconic, sporty design. The exterior features an aggressive stance, a strong wedge character line and signature Altima-style taillights. Inside, the new Altima utilizes refined workmanship, high-quality materials and a long list of available amenities. The Altima Hybrid shares exterior and interior designs with the other 2007 Altima models – with the exception of unique Hybrid badging, roof-mounted antenna and hybrid power/charge display in the driver information display. The Altima Hybrid also joins other Altima models with an impressive list of available convenience features, including leather-appointed seating, Bluetoothâ hands-free phone system, RearViewä Monitor, satellite radio and Nissan’s Advanced Navigation System with real-time Energy Flow Display. The new Altima is assembled at the Nissan North America Manufacturing Smyrna, Tennessee plant. [source: Nissan North America]

Compass Advertising Still as Bad as Ever The gang of Hip Hop-thumping bobbleheads that cruised town in television spots for the new Jeep Compass last summer are no more. They've been replaced by City Man, a figure created from street signs and scrapped urban parts with a penchant for surfing and yoga. The new print and television ad campaign, dubbed "Urban Playground," is aimed at young, urban buyers. A television spot -- showing a Jeep Compass zipping through urban streets, creating a swirl of wind that amasses urban fixtures to create City Man, began airing nationwide on Jan. 15. The 30-second spot showed up on the Web site, YouTube.com, on Friday. "Urban Playground" may bring a fresh marketing spin to the Jeep Compass, launched last summer, but industry watchers say its message may be just as jumbled as City Man's body parts. "I'm unclear on where we're going with this," said Jim Sanfilippo, an analyst with AMCI in West Bloomfield. The Detroit News

Thanks everybody. Haven't had a chance to get blasted yet. Most of my friends are away at their colleges and of course no liquor sold on Sunday. But on the bright side I got kind of a cool pre-birthday present. I got offered a new job yesterday at my local Stop & Shop as a produce guy. I start Feb. the 5th. I can finally start saving for a new ride again.

Is CarMax the place that's like a used car supermarket (flat price, no haggle)?

Reviews: 2007 BMW 335i Convertible Sure, there are convertibles like the Audi A4 cabriolet, Mercedes-Benz CLK and Volvo C70, but none of them put together 300 hp, a retractable hardtop and a stiff, driver-oriented chassis all in one package like the BMW. Edmunds

Reviews: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer We expect the new Lancer to accomplish two goals when it arrives in March. First, it will convince economy-sedan buyers that Mitsubishi is once again a serious player in this segment. Second, it will convince hard-core enthusiasts that all the hype surrounding the Lancer Evolution X is fully justified. These are critical steps on the road to recovery for Mitsubishi. Fortunately, the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer appears to be robust enough to stand up to just this kind of pressure. Edmunds

New pics of the "Clubman", the other name for the Traveller that has been circulating aroung the web still: http://blogs.edmunds.com/Straightline/2223

GM delays earnings, expects 4Q profit General Motors Corp. will delay its fourth-quarter and 2006 earnings reports while the automaker restates earnings dating back to 2002, the company announced Thursday. The world's largest automaker also said it expects to post "significant" improvements in net results from last year, including a profitable fourth quarter with record revenue. GM, which has restated results in seven of its last eight quarters, said the changes are due primarily to tax accounting adjustments and "could be material." GM's earnings announcement was originally scheduled for Tuesday; now the automaker plans to give an update the week of Feb. 5 and expects to file an annual report with the Securities and Exchange Commission by the March 1 due date. The Detroit News

GM May Sell Allison Transmission General Motors Corp. said Thursday that it may sell its Allison Transmission division as part of its effort to raise money and focus on its core business. GM said in a news release that "it is looking at strategic options" for the Indianapolis-based transmission unit "including a potential sale of the business." The world's leading automaker lost $3.05 billion in the first three quarters of 2006. Allison Transmission has 3,400 employees and seven plants in Indianapolis. It makes and sells automatic transmissions for commercial and military vehicles. "This process is another potential step in GM's plan to improve liquidity through the assessment of strategic options for a business that is not central to GM's mission of designing, manufacturing and selling cars and light trucks globally," the company said. The Detroit News

Camino, pardon me if you've voiced your feelings concerning the SSR before but is that not sufficently "El Caminoish" for your tastes?

Pricing: 2007 Toyota Tundra January 24, 2007 - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., announced manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for the all-new second-generation Tundra full-size pickup truck. Significantly bigger, more capable and more technically advanced in every metric of comparison, the 2007 Tundra is available in 31 models. The Tundra offers a choice of 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrains, three cab styles, three wheelbases, three bed lengths, three engines, and three trim levels. Tundra has been engineered for “true truckers” and is versatile enough to be a highly capable truck for work or for personal use. The 2007 Tundra offers three levels of power, all with standard VVT-i. In Regular and Double Cab models, a standard 4.0-liter V6 produces 236 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and a healthy 266 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. The 4.0-liter engine achieves city/highway fuel economy ratings of 17/20 mpg. The mid-grade option for these models – and standard on CrewMax models – is the proven 4.7-liter i-Force V8, producing 271 horsepower at 5,400 rpm and 313 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 3,400 rpm. Both 4x2 and 4x4 models equipped with the 4.7-liter engine feature city/highway fuel economy ratings of 15/18 mpg. The Tundra's trump card under the hood is the all-new 5.7-liter i-Force V8 that features Dual Independent VVT-i and is available in every model configuration. Specifically designed for full-size pickup applications, the i-Force 5.7 puts out an impressive 381 horsepower at 5,600 rpm, and unleashes 401 lb.-ft of peak torque at 3,600 rpm. 4x4 models equipped with the 5.7-liter engine achieve city/highway fuel economy ratings of 14/18 mpg, while 4x2 models achieve 16/20 mpg. Towing equipment is standard on all V8 models and includes a hitch receiver, 4.30 rear differential, supplemental transmission cooler, transmission temperature gauge, 7 pin connector, and a trailer brake controller pre-wire. Fourteen of Tundra's 31 models are capable of towing over 10,000 lbs and the Regular Cab 5.7L 4x2 Long Bed model features a towing capacity up to 10,800 pounds. Tundra will provide the most comprehensive standard safety equipment in the full-size pickup market. It is the first full-size pickup to offer standard front seat side airbags and front and rear roll-sensing side curtain airbags on every model. All Tundra models also feature the STAR safety system as standard equipment, which includes ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC). Tundra is the only truck to offer 18 x 8 inches wheels with 255/70 R18 tires as standard equipment on every model to accommodate 13.9 inch front rotors. No other truck in the class offers larger tires and wheels as standard equipment on all models. Optional 20-inch alloy wheels with 275/55 R20 tires are available on Limited models. All models come standard with an easy lower-and-lift tailgate, dual-zone climate control system, AM/FM CD with a mini-plug jack and MP3/WMA playback capability, tilt wheel, two power points, tachometer, digital clock, coolant temperature gauge, and dual glove box. ENGINE BODY STYLE TRANSMISSION MSRP 4x2 TUNDRA V6 Reg Cab 5ECT $22,290 V6 Reg Cab LB 5ECT $22,620 V8 4.7 Reg Cab 5ECT $23,430 V8 5.7 Reg Cab 6ECT $24,380 V8 4.7 Reg Cab LB 5ECT $23,760 V8 5.7 Reg Cab LB 6ECT $24,710 SR5 V6 Double Cab 5ECT $26,105 SR5 V8 4.7 Double Cab 5ECT $26,850 SR5 V8 5.7 Double Cab 6ECT $28,110 SR5 V8 4.7 Double Cab LB 5ECT $27,180 SR5 V8 5.7 Double Cab LB 6ECT $28,440 LTD V8 4.7 Double Cab 5ECT $34,240 LTD V8 5.7 Double Cab 6ECT $35,490 SR5 V8 4.7 CrewMax 5ECT $29,675 SR5 V8 5.7 CrewMax 6ECT $30,935 ENGINE BODY STYLE TRANSMISSION MSRP LTD V8 4.7 CrewMax 5ECT $37,540 LTD V8 5.7 CrewMax 6ECT $38,790 4x4 TUNDRA V8 4.7 Reg Cab 5ECT $26,480 V8 5.7 Reg Cab 6ECT $27,440 V8 4.7 Reg Cab LB 5ECT $26,810 V8 5.7 Reg Cab LB 6ECT $27,770 SR5 V8 4.7 Double Cab 5ECT $29,900 SR5 V8 5.7 Double Cab 6ECT $31,160 SR5 V8 4.7 Double Cab LB 5ECT $30,230 SR5 V8 5.7 Double Cab LB 6ECT $31,490 LTD V8 4.7L Double Cab 5ECT $37,290 LTD V8 5.7L Double Cab 6ECT $38,550 SR5 V8 4.7L CrewMax 5ECT $32,725 SR5 V8 5.7L CrewMax 6ECT $33,985 LTD V8 4.7L CrewMax 5ECT $40,590 LTD V8 5.7L CrewMax 6ECT $41,850 [source: Toyota Motor Sales]

From what I see, big pickup owners of each brand in general are pretty loyal. The Titan's no exception. Some of the Titan guys sound pretty much like some of the domestic truck guys as far as the Tundra goes. Besides, I'm waiting to see what Nissan has in store for the Titan at Chicago in 2 weeks. I wouldn't count them out.

Fullsize P/U Comparison: Toyota vs. Chevy vs. Nissan The 2007 Nissan Titan takes 3rd place in this group, though three years ago it placed 1st in its class with ease. With the introduction of the all-new Silverado and Tundra, the game has simply moved on, and the Titan's traditional character is cast in a harsher light. It has neither the capability of the Tundra nor the comfort of the Silverado, and the road manners of neither. It's not that the Titan is bad — it's that the other two are so good. The fact that the Titan's range of configurations isn't up to par with the others did not play into our scoring, but is a reality it must contend with in the marketplace. In the end, it was the Tundra's powertrain, performance and feature content that gave it the edge over the 2nd-place 2007 Chevrolet Silverado. In fact, the Silverado squeaked a minuscule lead over the Tundra in the evaluation portion of our scoring, and was the unanimous choice as the truck we'd most recommend to others for casual use. It's one refined truck, and offers an impressive breadth of talents. But the chasm in performance capability between the Tundra and Silverado simply couldn't be bridged by the Chevy's friendly ride and interior. It comes down to utility, though, and the 1st-place 2007 Toyota Tundra simply offers more of it. No matter what we threw at it, the Tundra never blinked. It's almost as though Toyota built a 3/4-ton truck and honed it for half-ton duty, such is its unburstable nature. You pay for the Toyota's proficiency with a stiffer ride than the Silverado, but the payoff is the most capable half-ton truck on the market. Edmunds

NAIAS Attendance Down Again Attendance was down for the fourth consecutive year at the North American International Auto Show, which concluded Sunday. By Sunday, 705,226 people had attended the 2007 show during the time the show was open to the press, industry and public. Sunday's attendance of 88,647 was not enough to push the overall figure over last year's show, which drew 759,310 visitors. In 2003, the show broke records with 838,000 people. Even though attendance was down slightly, the number of people who came to the auto show suggested that people still believe in Detroit's auto industry, said John Bonapace of Grosse Pointe Woods. "People still have hope," said Bonapace, who works at Sun Microsystems. "People are always going to maintain hope. That's what Michigan is all about. As bleak as it is, tomorrow is another day." The Detroit News

Maybe I should try to find something of a diamond in the rough to clean up and sell to the Barrett-Jackson eccentrics.

Toyota’s ultra-low-cost car threatens ‘big three’ Toyota, the world’s second largest carmaker by sales, is working on a radically different approach to car design, development and manufacturing in an attempt to come up with an ultra-low-cost car, according to its president. “The focus is on low-cost technology,” said Katsuaki Watanabe, in an interview with the Financial Times. “Everything from design to production methods will be radically changed and we are thinking of a really ultra-low-cost way of designing, using ultra-low-cost materials, even developing new materials if necessary.” The move comes as Toyota is this year set to overtake General Motors as the world’s largest carmaker and follows last week’s news that the group recalled 500,000 vehicles in the US after a year of record recalls. Mr Watanabe conceded the need to re- double efforts to improve quality. Edmunds Straightline

Spied: 2009 Kia Mesa Hard to tell if these recent spy photos are really the 2009 Kia Mesa or not, but now that the Hyundai Veracruz has been unveiled it's not much of a stretch to think Kia would want a three row SUV of its own. You can see a few styling cues from the Mesa concept in this prototype like its broad grille and boxy shape. Those six-spoke wheels also look straight out of the Kia/Hyundai parts bin. With the Veracruz scheduled to go on sale later this year, expect to see the Kia version hit the streets about a year later. Edmunds Straightline

Frankly, whether Obama or Clinton gets the Dem. nomination, they stand a better chance of winning the presidency than whoever the Republican candidate is. Never mind the growing disdain for the Rs but just who the hell is Brownback? And I think there was another guy throwing his hat into the Republican ring, no idea who he is either. Barack and Hillary have greater recognition than them, I think. I just hope the 2008 race isn't made to be about racism (if Obama is nominated) or sexism (Hilary) among voters. Wishful thinking, I know.

Recall: 2004-05 Honda Accords (81K) Honda Motor Co. is recalling 81,000 2004-2005 Accord sedans because of issues that could cause an air bag-related sensor to fail, the company said Wednesday. Honda said in a Jan. 9 letter to the government that the wiring harness for the seat position sensor, which detects the driver’s seating position and adjusts the air bag inflation pressure accordingly, was attached in the wrong location and may have been overtightened. Honda said the sensor wire could break and cause the air bag warning light to be illuminated and prevent the sensor from working properly. When the sensor fails, the air bag system automatically moves to full inflation pressure, which could increase the risk of injury for smaller drivers in a frontal crash, the Japanese automaker said. Detroit Free Press

Dude, where are you getting your info? Whatever the EPA states, the automakers have to use. There's no fudging of the numbers involved. The new EPA testing standards are going to drop the ratings for all vehicles, domestic and import. And as far as the HP thing goes, some Asian makes didn't have their numbers drop by any significant amounts (if at all).