Flybrian

Did you not say, "prove it"? Did I not prove it? Are you now not moving off to some other tangent? Geez.

Yeah. I just read that myself. I agree on the large RWD sedan aspect. DTS needs a successor now, not 2010. Though as is often the case, some of his points are valid, others aren't. Mercedes' massive growth comes at the cost of exclusivity as the brand is whored out to every ugly du-jour crossover or SUV. Lexus is riding off the backs of SUVs while their cars stagnate in the market. BMW milks the low-end with cheap low-mile leases to stupid MBA grads for all its worth.

GM Sales Fall But Market Share Rises NewsTrack - Business Link to Original Article @ UPI.com DETROIT, Oct. 20 (UPI) -- General Motors Corp. said Friday this summer's sales were down 3 percent compared to last year's summer sales. On the positive side, however, GM's U.S. market share has risen each quarter of the current year, from 23.8 percent in the first to 24.1 percent in the second, MarketWatch reported. Overall, the world's biggest carmaker sold almost 2.3 million cars and trucks worldwide from July through September, with China and Russia showing unit sales increases of 37 percent and 64 percent, respectively. Year-to-date sales of Chevrolet were up 27 percent in the Asia Pacific region, 20 percent in the Middle East and 10 percent in Europe.

Sure is... Avalon Shows Dent in Toyota Quality - Autoweek Since the Avalon's 2005 redesign, Toyota has issued service bulletins to dealers on these topics:*Bad U-joint welds *Faulty catalytic converters *Leak in oil-supply line for variable valve timing *Vehicle drifting -------------------- Is Toyota's Quality Slipping? Surveys, Consumer Complaints Suggest It May Be - ConsumerAffairs.com San Diego-based Strategic Vision surveyed more than 64,000 people who purchased new vehicles from October 2005 to March 2006. Consumers were surveyed after 90 days of ownership and asked if they thought they got their money�s worth. Toyota, which had seven segment winners in 2005, took only three categories in the new study and has been moving slower than other brands when it comes to innovation, according to an auto industry analyst. As Toyota executives struggle with their corporate image, Jennifer in Bardstown Kentucky is struggling with the foul smell pouring out of her new Toyota. -------------------- A Dent in Toyota Quality? - New York Times The news arrives in letters that no car owner wants to receive. The power steering of their hard-to-get hybrid could fail, some learn, while others are told the tires on the small pickups could bulge and possibly burst. Still more owners find out their airbags may not inflate during a crash -------------------- Toyota Quality Concerns Delay New Corolla - The Auto Channel Instead, the company has decided to prioritise quality and start sales more gradually, the paper added. -------------------- Toyota Recall Hits 1M Vehicles - DetNews Toyota Motor Corp. said Tuesday it is recalling nearly 1 million vehicles across the globe to replace faulty parts that could cause drivers to lose control of the steering wheel. The recall affects about 986,000 vehicles across 10 models, including its popular Prius hybrid car. -------------------- NHTSA Makes Toyota Recall Tundra Over LATCH Debacle - Autoblog Toyota went this way because engineering new child safety seat latches for the front passenger seat of the Tundra would be extremely expensive and difficult. On the other hand... General Motors: Award-Recognized Quality - J.D. Power & Associates This year, 28 models from General Motors brands rank among the top three in their respective segments, and GM plants receive Gold and Silver awards for highest initial quality in North/South America for three years running. -------------------- General Motors is changing perception, reality and warranties - Contra-Costa Times At the same time, evidence is clearly mounting that GM quality is improving. A University of Michigan analysis of customer attitudes found that GM is doing a better job of impressing buyers. Quality surveys, such as J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Survey (quality in the first 30 days of ownership) and Dependability Survey (over years of ownership), show GM improving. -------------------- GM Sees Profits on Small Cars - Wall Street Journal The Chevrolet Cobalt, he said, is already generating profits. "We now make money on that car," he said. The Cobalt is now selling without any major cash incentives, Mr. Lutz said. That also helps the car turn a profit. -------------------- GM Dow's Top Performer - Market Watch The well-publicized problems battering the U.S. auto industry failed to dampen enthusiasm for General Motors Corp. shares in the third quarter, with the world's largest automobile maker holding its position as 2006's top performer in the Dow Jones Industrial Average -- with a staggering 71% gain.

Thought you liked weiners?

kthxbye

Tell you dad that Ram drivers experience miniturized shrunken nut syndrome, or MSNS.

How much do you think you know? You come in here with an aire of superiority throwing out tactily false statements like the Corolla hasn't had a single recall in forty years and spewing crap about some made-up problem on a sedan you clearly know nothing about except you "took three to an auto auction," whatever that means. Even the regulars around here who adore Toyotas have some rationality and tact about them, admitting when Toyota has its faults just as we do when GM does; you don't. So, the answer to your question is that I'm not going to provide an answer because its not worth the time. You've set your standard pretty unequivocally that any answer anyone provides won't be good enough for you. Why come here and ask loaded questions? Think about it. Think about how much you know.

Fixed.

The atomic bombings caused more psychological damage than anything. Anyone else remember that stink the Japanese government raised when the USPS wanted to include an image of the atomic bombing on our commemorative WWII stamps? They raised no similar objections about the inclusion of the attack on earl Harbor, nor did they volunteer to have their atrocities in Manchuria acknowledged on a stamp. Pretty selective memory, eh? That's what I'm referring to, for the record. The Japanese government still refuses to acknowledge or accept formal responsibility for atrocities committed by the Imperial Army in Korea and Manchuria in China, most famously the Rape of Nanking where at least half a million noncombatants were slaughtered by occupying forces. In the instances where the government has apologized, these apologies still didn't recongize that Japan broke any international law or general military convention. Its a sad fact that up until the 1980s and 90s, Japanese school textbooks painted the war as Japanese self defense and preservation and even today many Japanese books simply don't include any reference to the war crimes committed in WWII. Worse still, most Japanese citizens acknowledge these facts of history, yet many in the government still refuse to. As far as helping us 'fight' in Iraq, what a joke. The Japanese military contingent consisted of 600 troops sent to Samawa where they were encircled and defended by Australian and British forces while they spent their deployment performing non-combat duties for 26 months. Then, they were withdrawn to Kuwait. And all the while, most of the cabinet ministers back and Japan hated it.

Its a waste of time to go to a loved one's funeral; they're already dead. What kind of stupid attitude is that? I agree, respect is dwindling.

FOR RELEASE: 2006-10-20 General Motors Flexes American Muscle At Sema With All-New Pickups And SUVs, Celebrity Cars And Hot New Accessories LAS VEGAS – Enthusiasts seeking the perfect vehicle to personalize will hit the jackpot with this year’s GM portfolio at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show, which features all-new, full-size pickups, SUVs, crossovers and cars tricked out for the streets to the slopes and every conceivable surface in between. They include a one-of-a-kind Chevy Silverado off-road concept designed in conjunction with NASCAR star Dale Earnhardt Jr. – a successor to Junior’s “Big Red” Silverado – and a low-riding Orange County Choppers Silverado hauler concept inspired by the styling cues of the famous bike-building Teutul family. This year’s GM SEMA lineup also heralds the return of three formidable numbers – 4-2-7 – as in the Chevy Silverado 427 – a concept that demonstrates the new Silverado’s powerful performance parameters. Under the hood of the Silverado 427 is GM Powertrain’s 7.0-liter LS7, the same Gen IV small-block V-8 that powers the Corvette Z06. "Talk about American muscle – our all-new family of full-size SUVs dominates the segment, and our all-new, full-size pickups are positioned for similar success,” said Michael Jackson, GM North America vice president of marketing and advertising. “Our new pickups were designed and built with personalization in mind, and it’s great that customizers and enthusiasts agree.” Twenty-seven vehicles will be on display all week in the GM SEMA booth, including 14 Chevrolets; two Cadillacs; four GMCs; two HUMMER H3s; two Pontiac Solstices; two Saturns; and one Buick Lucerne partner vehicle. There will also be a top-secret performance car, developed in conjunction with one of GM’s more notable celebrity partners, in the stand. Cadillac teams up with DUB magazine for a unique spin on the Escalade EXT. In addition to the three Silverado concepts, Chevy features pickups and SUVs decked out for both on- and off-road adventures and that pay homage to Chevy’s relationships with the U.S. Ski Team and Major League Baseball. GMC shows off a Sierra NFL Crew Cab with an NFL interior and exterior theme; a Sierra Texas Extended Cab to fend off pesky competitors in the biggest-selling pickup market in America; a Yukon Denali XL “Big Max” that’s the most capable, feature-packed, powerful Denali ever; and a Sierra All Terrain Crew Cab. Crossover SUVs get their due at SEMA, too: The Cadillac SRX Sport, which receives a significantly redesigned interior for ’07, gets a Seventh Avenue makeover by upscale women’s clothing designer Dana Buchman. The Saturn Outlook Adventure shows how accessories can help the all-new crossover complement a customer’s outdoor lifestyle. And speaking of the outdoors, HUMMER brings two H3s to Vegas – an E85 ethanol-capable model with available genuine HUMMER Accessories; and the H3 Open Top, with a canvas roof by ASC and decked out with real HUMMER accessory products. In addition to trucks and SUVs, GM will feature a 1969 Chevy Camaro customized by “Mr. October” himself, Reggie Jackson, and Buick makes its first custom partnership appearance in the 43-year history of SEMA with Rick Bottom’s street-smart interpretation of the Lucerne full-size sedan, the CXX Luxury Liner. Buick has 10 other customized Lucernes spread throughout the show. Two ultra-performance versions of the hot-selling Pontiac Solstice will be on display, a GXP-R concept and a Sports Car Club of America race-prepared Solstice Club Sport Z0K. The newest star of SCCA, Solstice finished its debut season with three National Championships – one in Showroom Stock B Club Racing, and one each in C Stock Open and C Stock Ladies Solo autocross competition. The GXP-R is a concept of a new turbocharged Solstice model that would include restyled front and rear fascias, a more aggressive spoiler, 19-inch cast chrome wheels and multiple other enhancements. In addition to the Solstice, Saturn will show off Gravana Speed Shop’s interpretation of the Saturn Sky roadster. Gravana, working in conjunction with GM Design, has pushed the Sky’s styling to the limits with its highly customized concept treatment that enhances the sleek, crisp and modern lines of the production vehicle while providing a cutting-edge visual design appeal. GM also will show off a growing portfolio of crate engines and accessories designed and engineered specifically for GM vehicles by GM. GM’s accessory portfolio for the full-size pickup trucks and SUVs is proof that these vehicles were designed with personalization in mind. It is the most comprehensive ever, with more than 100 products designed in concert with the trucks at the GM Accessory Design Studio. New electronics offerings include the industry’s first application of noise-canceling headphones; a portable overhead DVD entertainment system with a whopping 10-inch screen; an advanced, long-range remote start system with a LCD key fob readout that provides key vehicle information, such as fuel level and tire pressure; and Personal Audio Link, an innovative iPod integration accessory that lets users tote their personalized playlist in their personalized vehicle. Jackson said shows like SEMA help showcase the ingenuity of GM engineers and designers, and let customers know what they can create in their own garages. "We're providing our aftermarket partners, our own accessories and Performance Parts operations and automotive enthusiasts with the best vehicle canvas on which to create parts, pieces and components that look cool and go fast,” he said. “These vehicles feature beauty, race-proven technology and production components that real people can buy and drive – today.”

Too much homosexuality in this thread.

The Nazi connection is only relevant isasmuch as a corporation who actively participated in the war on the Axis side, manufacturing war materiale in clear violation of disarmament treaties, knowingly utilizing slave and prison labor, profiting from it, and never paying recriminations and/or never acknowledging or apologizing for their roles. Enter the infamous Krupps Trial. Seized factories- whether it be Opel plants in Germany or Douglas assembly lines in Japan - are obviously not part of this as they were seized. Many companies actively participated on the German, Italian, and Japanese side and the majority of them have paid for their crimes today. Those few that haven't deserve to be ostricized for ignoring a disgusting chapter in their history and the one country that still refuses to atone for their many of their worst sins (Japan) shouldn't be given a free pass 'just because' its been OMG so long ago. The closed-mindedness of Japanese leaders personally disgusts me to this day.

Final 500 Collection To see them all together like that with no mileage. Awesome.

I had a well-thought-out response, but I lost it. Therefore, you're stupidity speaks for itself.

So, this is regulatory thing unrealted to E85 fuel itself...I'm sure everyone will be able to tell the difference.

"All the others?" Like Honda, BMW, Nissan, Audi? That's a pretty heavy indictment.

Toyota issues bulletins, too. Or "Special Service Campaigns." You should know this.

Wrong. The Olds Alero Alpha concept is coming back, but called the Olds Omega. D'uh.

I'm waiting for the "Buy an RX-8, get a lifetime supply of Mobil 1!" incentive.

ORLY? Loose Bolts in Rear Axle Assly - 2003MY Overdrilled Lugnut Holes - 2004MY Two for the current generation alone. Don't speak in finites; it'll bite you every time. As far as Consumer Reports goes, that's the same publication that tries to fake rollovers, predicts reliability on all-new models based on nameplate predecessors, and complains about trunk hinges on domestics but not imports. Yeah. Good reading...about the same level as Charmin.

Funny. My Murano rental won't start with the key in.

2006 Murano S AWD. 17,500 miles. shift_DEAD Cranks, but won't kick over. I could really care less how or why, I just know its Enterprise's problem and I learned a bit more about that (in)famous Japanese reliability. More this weekend when I post a review. In other news, I drove my dad's "Below Average Reliability" Bonneville past 117,000 miles today. Never failed to turn over.

I saw one down here with Quebec plates. That's right - someone drove from Canada to Florida in one of those little $h!boxes.