Auto Blog: Car Reviews. Hot News. Interesting Articles.

Volkswagen’s planned introduction of a 50-state diesel has been delayed from spring to late summer 2008 because of an emission issue, according to a memo obtained by Brandweek.

In a note to dealers (see link below), evp Adrian Hallmark told dealers that the Jetta TDI sedan and wagon would not be introduced in April due to “a technical issue that was found during the later stages of durability testing.”

“As disappointing as this is for all concerned, our first priority is to ensure that the integrity and quality of the new technology is not compromised, so as to maintain a trouble-free launch,” Hallmark said in the memo.

To address the potential sales shortfall, Hallmark said the automaker was considering a number of options, including “obtaining additional production of high-demand product, ramping up the launch production, and speeding up shipment times of the new TDI, bringing in special edition cars, etc.”

VW rep Keith Price said that the issue stemmed from its downstream exhaust system.

“From a quality standpoint, this has to be perfect,” Price said. “And therein lies the rub. We are covering new ground with this car, this is not a configuration. We are appeasing strict standards.”

The Jetta TDI is currently a centerpiece of the events-based Dieselution Tour, which includes a trailer with exhibits and information about the technology that is still projected to allow Volkswagen to be the first automaker to sell a diesel model in all 50 states in accordance with emission standards.

The news is a blow to dealers who have eagerly anticipated the diesel and counted on its halo effect to draw showroom traffic. One dealer reported that three of every five calls regarding product were related to the Jetta TDI.

Volkswagen sales are down 2.9% through October.

“It’s disappointing,” said Bob Grace, chairman of the Volkswagen National Dealer Council. “We have been preparing some marketing initiatives for it, but now it will have to wait.”

To see the complete memo, click HERE.

Sobre Ruedas announced its 2007 Sobre
Ruedas Award Winners at its 4th Annual Awards Ceremony held on November 9th
at the South Florida International Auto Show at the Miami Beach Convention
Center. The Awards event, sponsored by ESPN Deportes Radio, was attended by
press and winners alike, including such industry notables as Troy Clarke,
President, General Motors North America, among others.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20071113/CLTU062LOGO )
The ‘best of the best’ in 14 categories were selected by a panel of
automotive journalists and industry experts, who evaluated a variety of
U.S. market models. “There are many automobile choices available to today’s
consumer, and we are pleased to recognize those that excel in delivering on
technology, performance, value, and popularity among Hispanics,” said Jaime
Florez, Publisher and Editor in Chief.
The 2007 Sobre Ruedas Award winners are:

– Sobre Ruedas Best Economy Car:           Saturn Astra

– Sobre Ruedas Best Sedan:                 Chevrolet Malibu

– Sobre Ruedas Best Sports Coupe:          Nissan Altima Coupe

– Sobre Ruedas Best Sports Sedan:          Mercedes-Benz C350

– Sobre Ruedas Best Convertible:           Volkswagen Eos

– Sobre Ruedas Best Luxury Sedan:          Infiniti G35 Sedan

– Sobre Ruedas Best SUV:                   Jeep Liberty

– Sobre Ruedas Best Pick-Up Truck:         Chevrolet Silverado

– Sobre Ruedas Best Minivan:               Chrysler Town & Country

– Sobre Ruedas Best Hybrid:                Nissan Altima Hybrid

– Sobre Ruedas Hispanic Choice:            Chevrolet Silverado

– Sobre Ruedas Hispanic Initiative:        Safe Kids

– Sobre Ruedas Manufacturer of the Year:   General Motors

– Sobre Ruedas Vehicle of the Year:        Chevrolet Malibu
The November issue of Sobre Ruedas magazine will include a special
feature editorial on the 2007 Sobre Ruedas Award winners. Sobre Ruedas
Radio program, airing Sundays from 10-12 EST on the ESPN Deportes Radio
network of stations, was broadcast live from the Miami Auto Show, featuring
special highlights from the event. Both the magazine content and podcast of
radio shows are available to Internet users on http://www.sobreruedasmag.com.
Sobre Ruedas is the leading automotive magazine in the United States
with an audited circulation of 620,000 monthly copies, distributed in
conjunction with the leading Spanish newspapers in the Top 8 U.S. Hispanic
markets: El Nuevo Herald in Miami; El Diario la Prensa in New York; La Raza
in Chicago; La Opinion in Los Angeles, Fronteras in the San Francisco Bay
Area, Al Dia in Dallas, La Voz in Houston and La Voz in Phoenix.
For more information, please visit http://www.megazinesgroup.com.

Toyota AMA Arenacross Series Tuesday Interview: Albany, N.Y. Arenacross Class Winner Tyler Bright

North Carolina’s Tyler Bright (Foremost Insurance/Carolina Xpress/Suzuki) burst onto the national stage of the Toyota AMA Arenacross Series this past weekend at the Times Union Center in Albany, N.Y., winning his first-ever AMA Arenacross class main event.

The win came as a bit of a surprise to some in the industry, including those close to the Toyota AMA Arenacross Series. Bright is fast and proved that last year with a number of podium finishes in AMA Arenacross Lites class racing. However, at 17-years-old and with not-so-resounding amateur racing accolades, many felt Bright was still a ways off before he could challenge the likes of defending Toyota AMA Arenacross Series champion Danny Smith, along with former champions Chad Johnson and Robbie Reynard.

Sentiments shared by most, but not Bright’s teammate/team owner and mentor, Jim Neese.

“Tyler and I were watching practice at Des Moines and he was like ‘I can’t believe how fast these guys are,’” said Neese, adding that Bright, who had raced AMA Arenacross Lites up to that point, seemed a bit intimidated. “I told him Tyler, ‘Thing is, you don’t get to see yourself practice. And these guys you’re watching now? They’re saying the same thing about you.’”

Neese’s MX equivalent of a Lombardi football speech didn’t quite sink in right away as Bright failed to qualify – even failed to get out of the afternoon program’s pre-qualifiers – for the Des Moines stop. But on the flight home to North Carolina, and during the subsequent practice sessions that week – something clicked. Bright came into Albany this past Saturday and uncorked a great start in the main event, rode fast and smart enough to take the checkers, then uncorked some non-alcoholic champagne with his first-ever AMA Arenacross class win.

“I have to admit I felt a little pride with him there up on the podium,” said Neese, who ran in 2nd place for much of the race, before winding up on the podium as well in 3rd.

We caught up with the talkative Bright on his way to the gym Monday night, still glowing from his first-ever Toyota AMA Arenacross Series Arenacross class win.

Question: Tyler, you came into Toyota AMA Arenacross Aeries last year somewhat under the radar for people who don’t know you. Tell us a bit about your amateur racing background.

Bright: “I raced Loretta’s from ’99 to 2002, and again in 2004. I never had any outstanding results there. I got 9th in the 250 B class at the Mini O’s in 2005. But I won’t lie - I didn’t train that hard back then. It wasn’t until I turned pro last year that I started taking training seriously.”

Question: Discuss your first year racing pro on the Toyota AMA Arenacross Series tour.

Bright: “I did like half the Toyota Arenacross Series last year. Had a couple Lites highlights, but not much. Arenacross kept me going during the winter months, getting me ready for supercross east. Arenacross is a good thing to get you prepared for supercross. It’s competitive and aggressive and that’s what I like the most. After arenacross Bad Boy Power Drink got me to some supercross events, and then I raced eight Nationals – making the main event in six of them. It was during that time that I really started to train outdoors hard. We’ve got an arenacross track here that I’d ride every day getting ready for this season. And if it rained I’d ride our MX track. Every day.”

Question: You pulled off a bit of a Toyota AMA Arenacross Series ‘shocker’ win this past Saturday in Albany. Talk about that.

Bright: “Up to this point my parents, my close friends – everybody I know - was telling me ‘You can do it!’ Gavin Gracyk, who I train with a lot, was saying the same thing. So at Albany I just put my head down and was able to beat everybody out front. When I was there (leading) I just kept telling myself to breath. Then I went to lap Brock (Sellards) and he wouldn’t get out of my way, which was a little intimidating. When I finally won it was the greatest feeling ever. I know I can win now. I’ve won once, which means I can do it again.”

Question: One key aspect to your victory is your relationship with Jim Neese. How important has Neese been to your motocross career?

Bright: “Oh man, ever since I was a kid racing the local races I always stood along the fence and watched Jim race. Him and guys like Kevin Walker. I always looked up to Jim knowing he’s won and done real well. So when we started to work together he was able to show me where you make up time in arenacross – whoops and corners. And in 10th of seconds. Jim’s taught me where to make up time and where to relax. He’s definitely been a big part of my success.”

Question: What goals have you set for yourself this season, Tyler?

Bright: “Well, me and my mechanic, Isaiah Murth, have known each other since we were kids growing up in Lexington (N.C.). We’ve always had a great bond, which is real important between a racer and his mechanic. We sat down before the season started and he said, ‘Dude, if you get a good start, you can win. I’m not lyin’, you can win.’ So my goal was that I knew I could get in the top five, but to win was going to be crazy – which makes Albany that much more amazing.”

Tickets for the Nov. 16-17 Toyota AMA Arenacross at the Reno Livestock Events Center are available through www.arenacross.com, at the Reno Livestock Events Center box office, Silver Legacy Casino, any Ticketmaster location, including www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at (775) 787-TIXS. Fees and handling may apply. Show times are Friday and Saturday, 7:30 p.m., Sunday (amateurs) at 12:00. Doors open Friday and Saturday at 6:30 p.m., Sunday at 11 a.m. Friday and Saturday advance tickets are $20 for adults, $7 for kids ages 2-12. Sunday’s tickets are $12 for adults, $6 for kids. All seats are $2 more day of show. Note: Tickets for the 2008 Reno Toyota AMA Arenacross round will go on sale 11/18 at 6 p.m.

About Toyota AMA Arenacross Series

In its 24th year, the Toyota AMA Arenacross Series, owned by Live Nation, is the premier indoor motocross series in the U.S. playing to sold-out arenas nationwide. Information on the Toyota AMA Arenacross Series events may be found at www.Arenacross.com. Live Nation is the world’s largest live music company. Our mission is to inspire passion for live music around the world. We are the largest promoter of live concerts in the world, the second-largest entertainment venue management company and have a rapidly growing online presence. We create superior experiences for artists and fans, regularly producing tours for the biggest superstars in the business, including The Rolling Stones, Barbra Streisand, Madonna, U2 and Coldplay. Globally, we own, operate, have booking rights for and/or have an equity interest in more than 160 venues, including House of Blues® music venues and prestigious locations such as The Fillmore in San Francisco, Nikon at Jones Beach in New York and London’s Wembley Arena. Our websites collectively are the second most popular entertainment/event websites in the United States, according to Nielsen//NetRatings. In addition, we also produce, promote or host theatrical, specialized motor sports and other live entertainment events. In 2006, we connected nearly 60 million fans with their favorite performers at approximately 26,000 events in 18 countries around the world. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Live Nation is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, trading under the symbol “LYV.” For more information regarding Live Nation and its businesses or concerts near you, please visit our website at www.livenation.com.

About AMA Racing

AMA Racing is the competition arm of the American Motorcyclist Association and is the leading sanctioning body for motorcycle sport in the United States. Its professional properties include the AMA Supercross Series, the AMA Toyota Motocross Championship presented by FMF, the AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited, the AMA Ford Quality Checked Flat Track Championship, the AMA Supermoto Championship and the AMA Pro ATV Championship. In amateur and pro-am competition, AMA Racing sanctions over 4000 events in 24 different disciplines and supports over 110 thousand active members. For more information about professional racing, visit www.amaproracing.com. Accredited media outlets can also access an on line Press Room at www.amaproracing.com/pressroom. For amateur racing information visit www.amadirectlink.com/amrace/amasports.asp.

Don’t let soaring gas
prices gobble up your hard earned money this Thanksgiving weekend; carve
out some time to perform some simple fixins on your vehicle for better gas
mileage, advises the Car Care Council. Or how about:

Before stuffing your family in the car…
Don’t hit the road on a wing and a prayer…
Get a leg up on the traffic by…
More miles per gallon is all gravy…
The dinner and the driving — it’s all about the gas…

OK, had enough? Put a fork in it already? Got your attention? Seriously
though, Thanksgiving is one of the most heavily traveled holidays by
vehicle and gas mileage can be easily improved by checking a few basic
items on the car.

Start with the tires and make sure they are inflated properly. When
they aren’t, it is similar to driving with the parking brake on and can
cost a mile or two per gallon. Tire pressure should be checked at least
once a month and don’t forget the spare.

Air filters should not be clogged with dirt, dust or bugs. A dirty
filter will choke off the air and create a “rich” mixture — too much gas
being burned for the amount of air — that wastes gas and causes the engine
to lose power. A rule of thumb is to have the air filter inspected at each
oil change and replaced when dirty, torn, water or oil soaked, or when
showing other signs of wear. Replacing a clogged air filter will improve
gas mileage by as much as 10 percent.

Spark plugs are an often-neglected maintenance item because of their
long-life expectancy. They are one of the hardest working parts of the
engine and when functioning properly, they improve reliability and maximize
engine performance and fuel economy. Plugs that are worn or fouled can
cause the engine to lose power or misfire, which wastes fuel. The
replacement interval for spark plugs can range from 30,000 to 100,000
miles.

A check of the spark plugs is usually part of a routine tune-up during
which your automotive technician makes sure other ignition system and/or
emission system parts, as well as the onboard computer control system, are
working properly. A well-tuned engine delivers the best balance of power
and fuel economy and produces the lowest level of emissions.

Gas caps should not be damaged, loose or missing. About 17 percent of
the vehicles on the road have loose, damaged or missing gas caps, causing
147 million gallons of gas to vaporize every year.

In addition to proper vehicle maintenance, motorists can also get
better gas mileage by avoiding aggressive driving, which can lower gas
mileage by as much as 33 percent on the highway and five percent on city
streets, and avoiding excessive idling as a vehicle gets zero miles per
gallon when sitting idle. Letting the vehicle warm up for one to two
minutes is sufficient.

Motorists should observe the speed limit as gas mileage decreases
rapidly at speeds above 60 mph. Each mph driven over 60 will result in an
additional 10 cents per gallon. Cruise control helps maintain a constant
speed on the highway.

Combining errands into one trip will also save gas and time. Several
short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as a longer
multi-purpose trip covering the same distance.

Motorists should avoid carrying unneeded heavy items in the trunk as an
extra 100 pounds can cut fuel efficiency by a percent or two.

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care
Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular
vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For a copy of the
council’s Car Care Guide or for more information, visit http://www.carcare.org.

Truck drivers Gary Alred and Howard Austin are accustomed to being on the road - traveling as members of the UAW-Dodge NASCAR Motorsports Exhibit, but a different opportunity presented itself a few weeks ago – one that the UAW-Dodge members felt honored to accomplish.

Gary Alred and Howard Austin with a dozen others from Chrysler LLC and Chrysler Financial took part in the California relief mission for residents who were victimized by the devastating wild fires.

“It was gratifying to help people who really needed the help after the terrible fires. Many of them had no place to go because their homes were destroyed. What I saw really touched me – I had tears in my eyes when I saw how much they appreciated our help,” said Howard Austin.

Alred and Austin were en route to Detroit from a Dodge NASCAR Motorsports dealership event in Atlanta, when Alred received a call asking if they would like to join in with the effort.

“One thing led to another, and Howard and I volunteered to make the run to southern California. Once we got back home from Atlanta, we slept a few hours, changed clothes and we were on the road again,” said Gary Alred.

They arrived in the San Diego area on October 29 – meeting up with other volunteers from Chrysler and Chrysler Financial. They immediately put their truck to good use, hauling two loads of food and water to a restaurant near Barrett Lake that had been converted to a temporary Red Cross Shelter.

Besides providing their rig, Alred and Austin pitched in with other Chrysler volunteers to unload each trailer, while also helping distribute relief supplies delivered in Dodge vans to local neighborhoods and fire departments affected by the fires.

The donation included food, water, juice, toiletries and cleaning supplies to tents, sleeping bags, flashlights and dog food. They even loaded hay for horses and other livestock displaced by the blazes.

“We were able to accomplish something important on short notice. Howard and I were proud to represent Chrysler Transport, Local 212 and the National Training Center. An experience like this reminds you how blessed the rest of us are – you count your blessings that you haven’t gone through a similar tragedy in your life,” said Alred of the experience.

The Chrysler Foundation and Chrysler Financial joined forces with the California-based Rescue Task Force to donate $200,000 to aid fire victims, affected communities and rural fire departments that have been affected by the recent blazes. Among the beneficiaries was an elementary school that had burned during the fires - a $25,000 check was presented to help with the rebuilding effort.

The UAW-Dodge traveling NASCAR Motorsports Exhibit has been a fun destination for fans on the NASCAR circuit for the past four years, which included 12 NASCAR race weekends in 2007 – one being the UAW-Dodge 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in March.