Flybrian

I want a Porsche pickup.

Ha. No not you. WMJ posted something...odd...then deleted it. You're the opposite of boring.

There's an old saying where I come from, and that saying goes, "You can pay Paul Hogan to say whatever you want, but it doesn't make what Paul Hogan says true."

FIRST LOOK: 2008 Chevrolet HHR SS Brochure Link to Original Posting @ Chevyhhr.net Features read:

I could find you a better car with character for under $1500. You'd really choose this... over $1250 for this...? C'mon. Its roomy. You could have like twenty more kids and then make them do yardwork when they're old enough, like 5 years old. But seriously, someone sold a '76 DeVille D'elegance for ~ $1800 around here recently. Very good shape, too.

Chevrolet Invites Public To "Rev It Up" at Competition Days Around the Country REV IT UP! Website DETROIT — Chevrolet is presenting a series of six days of public amateur auto racing in six cities around the country in an event it calls "Rev It Up 2007." The "true playground for car lovers" will include a day of performance driving school paired with an amateur competition that gives prizes to the six regional winners. "Rev It Up 2007" costs a mere $25 for competitors, and spectators get in free. Full details are at the Rev It Up Web site. Among the scheduled events are a "Time Attack" run in a Corvette Z06, an acceleration and braking contest, Enduro Kart competitions and test-drives of the 2007 Corvette and other Chevrolet products on a specially designed course. There'll also be a Chevy Pavilion showcasing the division's technology and the Camaro Concept. Six regional winners of the "World's Largest Performance Driving School and National Racing Competition" will get admission to a two-day course for two at the Bondurant School of High Performance Driving and can also win guitars, driving shoes, satellite radio and eyewear as prizes. Professional racing drivers from NASCAR, the American Le Mans Series and the SCCA will be instructing participants. The event this weekend takes place in Irvine, California, at the former El Toro Marine Corps Air Station. Future events will be held in Houston, Orlando, New Jersey and Maryland through mid-August. What this means to you: Racing enthusiasts, racer wannabes and just about anybody else: Here's your chance. Some other events: There is, of course, more to cars than just racing. That’s why we’ve built a regular Day Camp for car enthusiasts; a place to experience everything automotive. Here are just a few of the things we have planned for you: Corvette Z06 “Time Attack” New for 2007, you get the chance to ride in the right hand seat of a 505-horsepower Corvette Z06 piloted by an experienced racer. See how the Pro drivers attack a tight course to set the best possible time – if you can keep your eyes open ($10 charge). Chevy Nation Pavilion Visit the brand new display of the latest cars, trucks and performance parts from Chevy – including an up-close look at the stunning Camaro Concept. Chevy Racing Experience This one is for Motorsports heritage fans and technology gearheads – a showcase of Chevy’s racing machines and display vehicles, including highly modified SEMA showcase cars and trucks. Car Corrals Another new feature for Rev It Up 2007 is a special parking and display area for local clubs, enthusiast magazine project cars and individual modified vehicles (sorry, no rental cars, please). Enduro Karts The hardcore driving action isn’t just for Rev It Up competitors. Anyone attending (over 16 years old) can experience the thrills of full-race karting with either hot laps or head-to-head combat against friends and family (fees apply). Hang Out With Pro Drivers Chat with and get autographs from popular NASCAR, ALMS and SCCA Chevy Racing drivers. Kind of like those baseball card shows without the steroid detectors or the large charge. More Cool Stuff Great food (gotta have it), loud music (gotta have it) and free admission (leaving you more money to spend on the Enduro Karts, of course).

You sure? It might get a little harry?

I was going to post a fake Craigslist ad if this stuff didn't help.

Beautiful trio of cars!

Now you owe ME a Coke.

Yes, but it would have to be absolutely fully-loaded, and I don't define that as including a vinyl top.

2008 T&C and Grand Caravan Pricing Chrysler Lowers Prices, Adds More All-new 2008 Minivans All-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan SE model offers consumers $2,070 better value than its predecessor at $1,950 lower U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) All-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT model offers $2,015 more content at an MSRP that is $970 less than its predecessor All-new 2008 Chrysler Town & Country LX model offers an MSRP that is $3,585 lower than its predecessor with $400 of additional standard content All-new 2008 Chrysler Town & Country Touring offers $2,395 better value than its predecessor at an $835 lower MSRP than the outgoing model All-new 2008 Chrysler Town & Country Limited provides $2,350 added content at an MSRP $935 lower than its predecessor With 35 new or improved features, three distinct seating and storage systems and clever features customers appreciate, the all-new 2008 Chrysler and Dodge minivans give consumers the comforts of a home away from home at a reasonable price Auburn Hills, Mich., Jul 12, 2007 - Chrysler Group today announced U.S. pricing for the all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country arriving in dealerships this fall. With 35 new or improved features, a new 4.0 liter V-6 engine mated to a minivan-first six-speed transaxle, more standard equipment including standard all-row side curtain air bags and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and an average U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of roughly $2,000 less than outgoing models, the all-new 2008 Dodge and Chrysler minivans offer customers a "family room on wheels" for just about every lifestyle and price point. 2008 Dodge Minivans The starting U.S. MSRP of the new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan is $22,470 (including $730 destination). "The new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan offers consumers a $3,400 better value than its predecessor," said Mike Accavitti, Director - Dodge Brand Marketing. "We were able to lower the price on Grand Caravan models an average of $1,460 while adding an average of $2,000 in standard content across the lineup, offering consumers a fantastic package of clever features, world-class entertainment options, industry-leading seating and storage options and a minivan-first six-speed transaxle at a price that makes sense." 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan SE With a U.S. MSRP starting at $22,470 (including $730 destination), the Dodge Grand Caravan SE offers exceptional value for an entry-level minivan. Some of the standard features included are a 3.3-liter V-6 engine that produces 175 hp (131 kW) and 205 lb.-ft. (278 N•m) of torque mated to a four-speed transaxle and is a flex-fuel engine, capable of running on E85, a renewable fuel; advanced multistage driver and low risk deployment front passenger air bags; supplemental all-row side-curtain air bags with added rollover protection; Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Brake Assist and traction control; four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes; brake-park interlock; tire pressure monitoring system; LATCH child seat anchor system; overhead console that includes a rearview interior conversation mirror with sunglass holder; standard front-row center floor console with four removable, dishwasher safe cup holders; power door locks; dual, manual sliding doors; first- and second-row bottle holders; dual glove boxes; third-row rear seatback grocery bag hooks; halogen headlamps with headlamp-off time delay; manual liftgate with single floodlamp; 12-volt power outlets in the instrument panel and rear quarter trim; AM/FM/CD/MP3 radio with four speaker sound system; Sentry Key® remote, keyless, illuminated entry with anti-theft engine immobilizer; removable second-row two-passenger bench seat and third-row 60/40 split bench seat that folds into the floor; second-row, in-floor covered storage bins; DoorAlert; FOB Integrated Key (FOBIK); tire pressure monitoring system; 16-inch steel wheels; power front windows with one-touch down and driver side on-touch up and intermittent front and rear wipers. 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT With a starting U.S. MSRP of $27,535 (including $730 destination), the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT offers premium amenities with a sporty, grown-up appearance. In addition to the standard features on the Dodge Grand Caravan SE model, some of the standard features the Grand Caravan SXT model adds are a 3.8-liter V-6 engine that produces 197 hp and 230 lb.-ft. of torque mated to a minivan-first six-speed automatic transaxle; Stow 'n Go® seating and storage system; second-row power windows and third-row power vents; YES Essentials® anti-static, anti-odor, anti-stain cloth seats and floor mats; power adjustable pedals; three-zone manual temperature control; 115-volt power inverter, power adjustable pedals, single rear, full-length, overhead console system with storage bins; second- and third-row moveable LED lamps; LED halo light ring that emits a soft greenish-blue light; HomeLink Universal Transceiver with programmable, three-function with remote control garage door opener and interior/exterior home lighting or security devices; illuminated vanity mirrors; eight-way power driver seat; manual driver lumbar support; leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel with steering-wheel-mounted audio controls; six speaker sound system; speed control with steering wheel-mounted controls and trip computer with temperature and compass display in instrument cluster. Available features include the Swivel 'n Go™ seat system; 4.0-liter V-6 engine that produces 251 hp and 259 lb.-ft. of torque; ParkSense® back-up assist system; ParkView® rear back-up camera; heated first- and second-row seats in cloth or leather; AM/FM/CD/DVD/MP3/HDD MyGIG™ Multimedia Infotainment System with or without navigation and includes UConnect® Handsfree communication system, SIRIUS Satellite Radio; SIRIUS Backseat TV satellite video with three channels of family programming that includes Disney Channel, Nickelodeon Mobile and Cartoon Network Mobile; a minivan-first one-touch power folding third-row seat; remote start; a premium, removable sliding front center floor console with four cup holders, multiple storage bins and 12-volt power outlet; power sunroof; single or dual DVD entertainment systems and 17-inch aluminum wheels. 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan Pricing: Following is U.S. MSRP for the new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan models. (All prices include $730 destination.) 2008 Pricing (2007 Pricing) Grand Caravan SE: $24,420 ($22,470) Grand Caravan SXT: $28,505 ($27,535) ---------------------------- 2008 Chrysler Minivans The starting U.S. MSRP of the new 2008 Chrysler Town & Country LX is $23,190 (including $730 destination). "Offering consumers cutting edge amenities and value for their dollar was a prime consideration in the development of the new Chrysler Town & Country minivan," said David Rooney, Director - Chrysler Brand. "The heritage of the original luxury minivan is evident in the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country, but with an updated style and flair. We've added 35 new or improved features that continue the Chrysler tradition of offering premium amenities without the premium price. In fact, we lowered the price of the Town & Country LX by more than $3,500 and added $400 more content." 2008 Chrysler Town & Country LX With a starting U.S. MSRP of $23,190 (including $730 destination), the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country LX offers premium amenities without the premium price. Standard features on the Chrysler Town & Country LX include a 3.3-liter V-6 engine that produces 175 hp (131 kW) and 205 lb.-ft. (278 N•m) of torque and is mated to a four-speed transaxle. The 3.3-liter engine is a flex-fuel engine capable of running on E85, a renewable fuel. Some of the other standard features included are an advanced multistage driver air bag and front passenger low risk deployment air bag; supplemental all-row side curtain air bag with added rollover protection; ESP with brake assist and traction control; passenger assist handles located on the A-pillar, B-pillar and headliner above the sliding passenger doors; four-wheel anti-lock brakes; brake-park interlock; LATCH child seat anchor system; analog clock; overhead console that includes a rearview interior conversation mirror with sunglass holder; standard front-row center floor console with four removable, dishwasher safe cup holders; rear window defroster; power door locks; dual manual-sliding doors; sunscreen glass; first- and second-row bottle holders; dual glove boxes; third-row rear seatback grocery bag hooks; halogen quad headlamps with headlamp-off time delay; manual liftgate with single floodlamp; 12-volt power outlets in the instrument panel and rear quarter trim; AM/FM/CD/MP3 radio with four speaker sound system; Sentry Key remote, keyless, illuminated entry with anti-theft engine immobilizer; YES Essentials anti-stain, anti-odor, anti-static fabric seats; removable second-row two-passenger bench seat and third-row 60/40 split bench seat that folds into the floor; second-row, in-floor covered storage bins; DoorAlert; power rack and pinion steering; FOBIK; tire pressure monitoring system; 16-inch steel wheels; power front windows with driver-side one-touch down and intermittent front and rear wipers. 2008 Chrysler Town & Country Touring With a starting U.S. MSRP of $28,430 (including $730 destination), the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country Touring minivan offers customers luxury amenities at a price they can afford. In addition to those offered on the Chrysler Town & Country LX, some of the standard features the Chrysler Town & Country Touring adds include: a 3.8-liter V-6 engine that produces 197 hp (147 kW) and 230 lb.-ft. (312 N•m) of torque and is mated to a new, minivan-first six-speed transaxle; Stow 'n Go seating and storage system; power sliding driver side and passenger doors; power liftgate; HomeLink Universal Tranceiver; rear, moveable courtesy/reading lamps; door courtesy lamp; removable, rechargeable LED flashlight; fog lamps; illuminated visor vanity; foldaway, power-heated body-color exterior mirrors; power adjustable pedals; 115-volt inverter located on the front of the driver-side C-pillar trim panel; roof rack; eight-way power driver seat; leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel with steering wheel mounted audio controls; six-speaker sound system and 16-inch aluminum wheels. 2008 Chrysler Town & Country Limited With a starting U.S. MSRP of $36,400 (including $730 destination), the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country Limited sets the standard for luxury minivans. In addition to the standard equipment included on the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country Touring model, the Town & Country Limited also includes a new 4.0-liter V-6 engine that produces 251 hp (189 kW) and 259 lb.-ft. (350 N•m) of torque and is mated to a new, minivan-first six-speed transaxle; three-zone automatic temperature control; luxury front- and second-row floor mats; High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps; auto-dimming rearview mirror; power, foldaway, heated multifunction chrome mirrors with supplemental side signals and driver-side memory; ParkSense rear park assist system, MyGIG AM/FM/CD/DVD/HDD/MP3 Multimedia Entertainment system, ParkView rear back-up camera and SIRIUS satellite radio; remote start system; leather-trimmed first- and second-row seats with suede microfiber accents; security alarm; premium sound system which includes ten speakers with a minivan-first subwoofer and 506-watt amplifier; premium removable front center console that slides rearward 21 inches and offers four cup holders, a 12-volt power outlet and multiple storage areas; premium tire pressure monitoring system with Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) and 17-inch chrome-clad wheels. Available equipment for the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country models includes Swivel 'n Go seat system; three-zone automatic temperature control; remote start; foldaway, power-heated chrome mirrors that include supplemental signals and driver-side memory; auto-dimming exterior driver side mirror; Parksense rear park assist system; ParkView rear back-up camera; SIRIUS Satellite Radio; SIRIUS Backseat TV satellite TV with three channels of family programming including Disney Channel, Nickelodeon Mobile and Cartoon Network Mobile; heated first- and second-row seats (cloth or leather); second- and third-row retractable sunshades; premium sound system which includes ten speakers with a minivan-first subwoofer and 506-watt amplifier; premium removable front center console that slides rearward 21 inches and offers four cup holders, a 12-volt power outlet and multiple storage areas; premium tire pressure monitoring system with EVIC; integrated child booster seat (late availability); power sunroof; remote start; one-touch power folding third-row seat; sunroof; trailer tow package; single or dual DVD entertainment systems and 17-inch aluminum wheels. Chrysler Town & Country Pricing: Following is U.S. MSRP for the new 2008 Chrysler Town & Country models. (All prices include $730 destination.) 2008 Pricing (2007 Pricing) Town & Country LX: $26,775 ($23,190) Town & Country Touring: $29,265 ($28,430) Town & Country Limited: $37,335 ($36,400) Minivan Production The 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country models will be built at Windsor Assembly Plant in Windsor, Ontario, Canada and St. Louis South Assembly Plant in Fenton, Missouri. The 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country will arrive in U.S. dealerships in the fall of 2007.

Its one way to reduce the inventory.

$44,000 for a Park Avenue Ultra was simply stupid. I love the car, but I cannot rationalize why anyone in the world would pay MSRP for that car when you got the same vehicle with similar or more equipment for $35,000 (SSEi), or a V8 for $37,000 (Aurora, GXP).

Diesels Coming to GM Cars Cadillac, Saturn vehicles to use motors by 2010 By JAMIE LAREAU & RICHARD TRUETT | Link to Original Article @ AutoWeek | Published 07/12/07, 2:17 pm et DETROIT -- General Motors plans to put diesel engines in Cadillac and Saturn cars in the United States by 2010. GM confirmed it will use the fuel-saving diesel engine on U.S. passenger cars, crossovers and light-duty trucks during a video blog by Vice Chairman Bob Lutz on GM's Web site, http://fastlane.gmblogs.com GM sources say the automaker will show a diesel engine at the Frankfurt auto show in September on an e-flex Opel Vectra. In GM's e-flex powertrain, a traditional engine such as a diesel or gasoline engine, recharges a battery pack that provides power for an electric motor. GM will show the same variant at the Detroit auto show in January on a Saturn, most likely the Aura sedan. GM showed off the e-flex system on the Chevrolet Volt concept car at the Detroit auto show this year. "It'll end up in a Cadillac, and there will be a front-wheel-drive version of the engine in 2009 or 2010 calendar year," says a source familiar with the program. "It's an Epsilon (mid-sized car) based product." The source said the diesel will go in the Vectra in 2008 and will come to the United States as a Saturn for the next generation Aura if all goes as planned. Lutz cautioned that the diesel engine is not a panacea for upcoming stiffer corporate average fuel economy standards. Says Lutz: "There's a lot of hype on diesels right now. It's not going to be a 50-state solution. It's going to be minus California and minus what other states adopt California standards." But he said GM is charging ahead with diesels and that it will be one way GM will boost fuel economy: "We're doing a bunch of them right now. We will be introducing diesel passenger cars in the U.S. We are going to have a V-6 diesel engine for passenger cars, crossovers and light trucks." A spokesman for GM confirms what Lutz said in his video blog, saying that diesels are in GM's European products because European regulations are more receptive to diesels. "Getting those engines to be compliant in the U.S. is a matter of cost and emissions compliance," says Chris Preuss, GM spokesman. "How we can market those in the U.S. is still a question, but we still see diesel having some limited role in the U.S. in the next couple of years." GM has at least two diesel engines under development. A 4.5-liter V-8 is due in 2010 for light-duty pickups and SUVs. The other engine is a 2.9-liter V-6 being developed with Italy's VM Motori S.p.A.. The V-6 will be launched in Europe in the 2009 Cadillac CTS, which will later appear in the United States.

Lutz Talks Back Part III "Hey Bob...what about Diesel?" Once again, another video interview with the Vice Chairman has been released on GM FastLance Blogs. In this segement, Mr. Lutz covers a topic many of us have been pondering ourselves - Diesel powertrains. Most notably, why the heck don't we have them here now? After reiterating much of what we knew about the stringencies of US Bin V, Tier II emissions (six times higher than Euro V standards) as well as the even higher local requirements in California and a handful of northeastern states, Mr. Lutz goes on to tell us, yes, those regs can be satisfied with urea and similar catalysizing systems. However, there is a cost. Mr. Lutz gives us figures between $2,000-2,800 additional for the hardware and emissions equipment on top of the $1-2,000 premium of a Diesel engine alone, which amounts to anywhere from a $3,000 to $4,800 impact on your MSRP. Because of this, he indicates that Diesels by themselves are not a cost-effective way of meeting the proposed CAFE requirements on top of the fact that the cleaner a Diesel is, the less economical it is. He mentions direct injection and homogenous stratified charged engines (3-4 years away) as ways that regular gasoline engines can come very close to meeting Diesel efficiency while passing emissions requirements. And despite the aforementioned, Mr. Lutz clearly states GM will be "introducing Diesel passenger cars in the United States" and a yet unmentioned "V6 Diesel engine for crossovers, passenger cars, and light duty trucks" in addition to telling us again about the 4.5l Duramax V8 coming soon to GM's pickups and SUVs, but still cautioning us that simply tossing Diesel engines into every vehicle GM makes is not a reasonable solution to the CAFE problem. He closes by reading a statement claiming that GM is "asleep at the wheel" when it comes to developing turbodiesels in cars and simply responding, "I don't think so." We're on your side, Mr. Lutz...prove us right. I know alot of you guys are big oil-burner fans, so let Mr. Lutz know what you think of his statements. Respond here... Checking Back with Bob ...and make sure you mention where you're from...Cheers and Gears!

+1 And if meeting me and Drew aren't enough for you, well, you need to reevaluate your definition of 'sheer happiness.'

Share! Share!

2 5 4

Welcome to the Choppin' Competition #41 Voting thread! Remember, artists who entered must vote for someone other than themselves. Those that do not vote or vote for themselves will be asessed a two (2) point penalty. Voters, please nominate three (3) entries in this format: 1st place 2nd place 3rd place Each first place vote earns 3 points, each second place vote 2 points, and each third place vote 1 point. Voting begins now and will end Tuesday, July 17, 2007 @ 11:59PM. Only those votes cast during that time will be counted. Remember, the 1st place winner will recieve a special GM-related prize from Cheers and Gears! 1 - SAAB 9-6x 2 - SAAB 9-1 Viggen 3 - SAAB Aero convertible 4 - SAAB 9-1 Aero 5 - SAAB 9-9 coupe 6 - SAAB Aero-X Roadster 7 - SAAB SportCombiX VOTE----------------VOTE----VOTEVOTE----VOTEVOTEVOTE--VOTEVOTEVOTE-- -VOTE--------------VOTE---VOTE----VOTE--------VOTE--------VOTEVOTEVOTE--- --VOTE------------VOTE----VOTE----VOTE--------VOTE--------VOTE---------------- ---VOTE----------VOTE-----VOTE----VOTE--------VOTE--------VOTE---------------- ----VOTE--------VOTE------VOTE----VOTE--------VOTE--------VOTEVOTEVOTE--- -----VOTE------VOTE-------VOTE----VOTE--------VOTE--------VOTEVOTEVOTE--- ------VOTE----VOTE--------VOTE----VOTE--------VOTE--------VOTE---------------- -------VOTE--VOTE---------VOTE----VOTE--------VOTE--------VOTE---------------- --------VOTEVOTE----------VOTE----VOTE--------VOTE--------VOTEVOTEVOTE--- -----------VOTE----------------VOTEVOTE----------VOTE---------VOTEVOTEVOTE-- Good luck to all who entered!

Welcome to Choppin' Competition #43! Recently unveiled to great fanfare - and some doubt - Chevrolet's Volt is not merely another concept car. Its been made abundantly clear by everyone at General Motors that the most fanciful aspect of the automobile we saw at Detroit was the exterior sheetmetal. The guts of the Volt - its advanced E-Flex propulsion system - will be as real as can be. As opposed to coming-soon plug-in hybrids, GM considers the Volt a full electric car with range assist via a small gasoline engine. Already, GM has introduced fuel cell-powered versions around the world and has been making steps to bring a Volt to the public within a few short years. Your task, should you choose to accept it, is to modify the Volt in any way you see fit. Whether you want to productionize the Volt concept or use the basic design for a future Chevrolet car, the choice is yours. Remember, please only use the Chevy Volt for your base image! Anything else you do is up to you. Let the creativity fly! Some Picture Sources... -Chevy Volt @Autodeadline* -Chevy Volt @ GM Media Size guidelines remain at 800x600, so please size your entry accordingly. Please do not submit your images as Bitmap (.bmp) files. The winner will recieve a GM-related prize from C&G! Deadline is Tuesday, July 31st @ 11:59PM your local time. Good luck and have fun! *Instructions for accessing high-resolution images through AutoDeadline: Replace the bold, orange section of the URL... (http://gm.wieck.com/forms/gm/*query?silverado&Source=all) ...with the make/model/etc you're searching for. Replacing 'silverado' with 'lesabre' will bring up downloadable hi-res images of the Buick LeSabre.

Well, a wagon is a wagon regardless of how we feel and most people simply didn't care so much about them, unless they were expensive, hence the stark number of well-preserved Caballeros, etc. Also, most wagons looked like this... And I probably wouldn't care about my wagon if it was as snoring as that is. P.S. Yes, I know its a Nova, but it looks junky, even new. Besides, wagons aren't real wagons unless they're fullsize, V8-powered, and have stupid cool features like this... ...clamshells FTW!

I think what you're seeing is the white DRL headlamp shutting off when the turn signal is activated so the amber signal is more visible. It really doesn't actually make any sense, IMO. Just move your amber lamp further away from the DRL, idiots.

HUMMER.com Ranks Highest in Usefulness to New-Vehicle Shoppers Among Manufacturer Web Sites Redesigned Web Sites Can Bounce Back from Initial Stumbles in Visitor Satisfaction WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif., July 10 -- HUMMER.com earns the highest ranking among automotive manufacturer Web sites for usefulness in new- vehicle shopping, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Manufacturer Web Site Evaluation Study(SM) (MWES) -- Wave 2 released today. The semi-annual study measures the usefulness of manufacturer Web sites during the new-vehicle shopping process. New-vehicle shoppers evaluate Web sites in four key areas: appearance, speed, navigation, and information/content. HUMMER ranks highest with an index score of 870 on a 1,000-point scale -- a 5-point improvement from Wave 1 of the study, which was released in January 2007. "A continuing focus on clear, simple navigation and crisp images and videos that demonstrate both the appearance of HUMMER's models, as well as the features included in them, allow HUMMER to regain the highest ranking for usefulness among automotive manufacturer Web sites," said Steve Witten, executive director of marketing/media research at J.D. Power and Associates. "This is the third time that HUMMER has achieved the difficult feat of outpacing the industry since the brand was first included in the study five years ago." Following HUMMER in the rankings are Toyota, Jeep, Suzuki, Land Rover, Lexus and Kia, respectively. A broad range of manufacturers score above the industry average, including premium, non-premium, entry, niche and full line-up brands. "The wide variety of manufacturers scoring significantly above the industry average demonstrates that these companies truly understand the needs and the limitations of their specific shoppers and have designed sites that showcase their models within those parameters," said Witten. "As manufacturers feel more empowered to take risks, there will be a further explosion in creativity on these Web sites. New and unique forms of interactive media, tools, and page design will emerge. But manufacturers must always balance that creativity with site usefulness and usability to help site visitors find the information they need easily at the same time that they are 'wowed' with the experience." In the previous MWES wave, eight of nine Web sites that had undergone major redesigns declined in overall index scores. In the current study, all nine of these previously redesigned sites improve in overall index score, with four showing considerable improvement. In particular, Mitsubishi's Web site improves by 38 points after experiencing the largest index score decline of these redesigned sites in the last wave of the study. "Newly redesigned Web sites often stumble because of the sheer size of the undertaking," said Witten. "In the process of trying to incorporate innovative tools and designs across an entire Web site, seemingly minor usability issues may be overlooked. However, continuous minor modifications to the original 'big' idea can pay off in huge strides. For example, Mitsubishi made small changes in navigation, usage of colors and shifting label positioning that made it much easier for shoppers to get to their desired information quickly." The 2007 Manufacturer Web Site Evaluation Study -- Wave 2 is based on evaluations gathered between April and May 2007 from 10,865 new-vehicle shoppers who indicated they would be in the market for a new vehicle within the next 24 months.

Beautiful wagon! Only one thing would improve it and that would be being a Caballero. I've seen those sell for $50,000+. Let's see a Sequoia garner that much in fifty years. Who says wagons are worthless?