haypops

The Feds raise interest rates to counter inflation. The recent lowering of interest rates is an indication of the Feds fear of recession.

Ravel's Bolero

There is a subset of Evangelical Christian Republicans who quote passages in the bible about being good sheppards of the earth etc. Another example of "green" Republican are those national security Republicans that believe a decrease in demand for Oil will drive the price down and ruin the economies of Russia and Iran. This was an attempt at a non-partisan explanation. If I failed, cut me some slack.

So what is a good personal finance strategy; stay in cash?

This week's article seems even worse than his usual attempts. I can understand some internet site hiring him. but shouldn't Forbes publish something a little more substantive than this?

Unfortunately it's not just mortgage brokers and we don't have to wait for new Years either. I have son in laws in the automotive business (car hauler) construction (commercial) and printing. The turn down/recession/depression has already started.

I tried to include more of the article, but after two attempts failed, I quit. I wanted to post the part where the union renegades were using Press' statement of model eliminations to vote it down. Just what we are talking about here. Interesting stuff. This must be a new experience for Press?

Chrysler-UAW Deal in Trouble full article

Years ago, when the Northstar was still new and troublesome, I listened to an interview with the head engineer of the 3800 project. He was asked if he faced problems from having succeeded in developing a better engine than Cadillac. His answer was very political correct and therefore unremarkable. Execution of details is indeed important and GM is to commended for sticking with both engines.

What does "XD" mean here? Thanks.

Mostly we have had some good natured discussion. Eventually it always gets a little out of hand -- this IS the Internet after all. The topic here really is the short term changes at Chrysler. WE won't know the long term changes for quite a while. I hope those changes mean that the Dodge Caliber's successor has a better powertrain than a Hyundai developed engine and unpleasant CVT transmission.

That is not a guitar, but rather the new Jeep Compass instrument panel .

You win!

I love the holidays! Apparently the Chrysler fans do too.

Apparently not! I used that special software Interpol used to defragment the picture.

The question isn't which rental company lot that is, but rather why are all those Chrysler Co. owners walking?

IIRC The only NA GM cars with a CVT transmission were the Saturn VUE and ION. I believe the VUE used it before and after the ION did. The ION debuted with either a 5 speed Aisin automatic or CVT depending on number of doors. Both were replaced with the the four speed automatic. Recently I read that the CVT was less troublesome in the ION than in the VUE.

No quiz; just an interesting little article. I knew of the Oakland, but had never heard the term "compaion" makes before. article here Vintage Pontiac Excitement: Remarkable 1929 Oakland Found Filed Under: Etc., General Motors, Pontiac, History October 13th, 2007 2:00 PM </B></B> Although it’s not uncommon to place historical vehicles underground, not all automotive time capsules lie underfoot. Telstar Logistics‘ Todd Lappin discovered one example during a visit to a local service station. Tucked in back was an all-original 1929 Oakland All-American Six, which, despite faded paint and some crusty underpinnings, is remarkably solid and complete. Founded in Pontiac, Michigan in 1907 by Edward P. Murphy, the Oakland Motor Car Company began producing vehicles in the same year. It didn’t take long to attract the attention of William Durant and his General Motors conglomerate; the company was partially-owned by GM in early 1909 and outright when Murphy died at the end of the year. (Click through to learn more about this interesting Oakland.) http://' target="_blank"> Oakland would continue manufacturing vehicles as a division of GM for years to come, but its demise was spurred by an odd marketing practice started in 1926. Looking to offer cars that introduced consumers to each brand but at a lower price point, the General pushed to develop what it termed “Companion Makes.” As a result, Cadillac readied the LaSalle, Oldsmobile launched the Viking, and Buick birthed the Marquette. Oakland, however, produced the Pontiac, named after its city of manufacture. Although it shared many parts with the Oakland range, the Pontiac was a small six-cylinder car that carried the price tag of a four. The brand was unique in that it was the only companion make that outperformed its paternal brand. Three years after its launch, Pontiac outsold Oakland by a margin of approximately 163,000 cars. By 1931, Pontiac replaced the Oakland Division outright and by 1940, was the only companion brand in existence. This particular Oakland wasn’t driven long past that date, as the original owner parked it in 1949 and let it sit for nearly 60 years. After a considerable amount of digging, the Six was found buried behind dozens of boxes and auctioned off. The current caretaker, according to Lappin, plans a restoration that will keep the car “as original as possible.” We think leaving the appearance alone while enhancing the mechanicals may be the best treatment possible. Sure, it won’t look like the million-dollar concours restorations that grace Pebble Beach, but even in its current state, this Oakland is not only unique but a verifiable window into the past. What say you - should this Pontiac precursor be treated to a full-point restoration or should it be left alone?

'08 Saturn Hybrid Vue Fuel Economy Numbers Saturn has released fuel economy numbers for the all-new 2008 Saturn Vue Green Line hybrid sport-utility. According to Saturn.com, the Green Line will get an EPA estimated 25mpg in the city and 32mpg on the highway as well as a combined average of 28mpg. Taking into account the revised 2008 fuel economy measures, this is an over 10% increase over the 2007 VUE - despite the extra curb weight - and about 27% better than the regular 4-cylinder 2008 VUE. Saturn is also touting the longest range of any SUV, 585 highway miles as well as the best highway fuel economy, beating out even the Ford Escape's 30mpg. The VUE Green Line starts at $24,795 and includes GM's BAS hybrid system, economy hybrid A/C, lowered ride height, rear roof spoiler, lightweight alloy wheels, and low-rolling resistance tires. Color-keyed bumpers and floor mats round out the package. Cheers and Gears estimates a $1,500-$2,000 tax credit for the 2008 VUE Green Line. Economy Comparison - 2008 MPG figures used Make/Model - City/Hwy/Combined 2008 Saturn VUE GL - 25/32/28 2008 Saturn VUE XE 4cyl - 19/26/22 2007 Saturn VUE GL - 23/29/26 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid - 34/30/32 2008 Honda CR-V - 20/27/23 2008 Toyota RAV4 - 21/27/24 2008 Kia Sportage - 20/25/22 2008 Hyundai Tuscon - 20/25/22

Just asking ... if the Chinese did that what would they have bought besides the brand name, the retiree benefits, and some left over tooling?

Hyundai Halts Production as Sonata Sales Dip click here Just days after Ford’s announcement that it would shut down production of its F-Series Super Duty for two weeks, Hyundai has announced a stoppage of its own. The carmaker ordered a halt in production at its Montgomery, Alabama plant in an effort to reduce its inventory of unsold Sonata sedans. http://' target="_blank"> After showing sales 19.6 percent lower than this time last year, Hyundai made the call to strategically stop production. After today’s halt, plans call for the plant to close again on the 12th and 19th of this month. Beyond that, further shutdowns have not been determined. Though Sonata sales were down over 2,000 units versus the same month last year, Hyundai’s Santa Fe sales have gained ground. Daily production of the crossover has risen by nearly 100 units against last year’s numbers.

Good point. If the future doesn't some how brighten for the other 2, GM may need to some how diffeentiate themselves from them.

Retail sales are down 15% according to Ford. What is up with the "so there"?

It seems to me that the Focus, Mustang, and F series pickup are the heart of the Ford sales empire and all three are down 20-30%. A significant part of GM's contract agreement with UAW centered on job guarantees and new products. How will ford get a contract agreement?

I read speculation that Chevy was getting the new 7 passenger delta mini van.