KARL Chevrolet HUMMER

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. — Foreign brands are taking top marks when it comes to retained values, Power Information Network announced late last week.

In fact, the top three brands by retained value are the Scion at 69.8 percent, Honda at 68 percent and Mini at 66.8 percent, according to PIN officials. The industry average came in at 58.7 percent.

“The top three brands all retain more than two-thirds of their value after three years, but the values for two brands in the upper echelon have declined,” executives explained.

PIN also analyzed which brands showed the highest rates of retained-value improvement and found some overlap with nameplates that made the top 10 list.

“The 10 nameplates showing the greatest improvement in retained value include Acura, Hummer and Lexus, which are also among the 10 nameplates with the highest retained value, suggesting these brands continually strive to achieve better results,” officials pointed out.

Also making the most improved list was General Motors, which officials said indicated, “GM’s efforts to improve retained values by reducing incentives and fleet sales are paying off.” Read more »

DETROIT – During the nation’s largest celebration of automotive heritage, the Woodward Dream Cruise, Chevrolet introduced the newest member of the prestigious SS family: The 2008 HHR SS.

2008 HHR SS FAST FACTS

• Engineered and developed by GM Performance Division
• 2.0L Ecotec turbocharged and intercooled engine with 260-hp (194 kW)
• GM Powertrain Sweden five-speed transmission with enhanced shifter feel/placement
• Nürburgring-tuned FE5 sport suspension delivers 0.86 g grip (with manual transmission)
• SS-specific appearance, including new fascias, rockers and rear spoiler
• 18-inch high-polished forged aluminum wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport tires
• SS-specific interior with new sport seats, A-pillar boost gauge and more
• On sale: fourth quarter 2007
• CHEVROLET INTRODUCES TURBOCHARGED 2008 HHR SS

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New motorcycles usually come with a pretty decent set of basic/emergency tools with which you can handle almost any minor breakdown — and even a few not-so-minor ones.

But with cars, it’s different.

Only a few come with anything more than a jack and lug nut wrench to change a tire. Apparently, motorcyclists, as a group, are deemed by the motorcycle manufacturers to be more self-sufficient; it’s assumed they’ll want to have the basic necessities on hand in the event of a problem. With cars, not so much. But that doesn’t mean you have to be helpless — just that you need to exercise some initiative.

One way to do that is to put together a small tool kit of your own for those “just in case” times we all inevitably run into and keep it with the vehicle at all times, just like bikers do.
The kit should include the following:

Socket-style screwdriver with driver and multiple “bits” in various Phillips and standard-style sizes: This tool is far more versatile than a regular screwdriver because you can pick the bit type and size that exactly fits the fastener you’re trying to remove — as opposed to trying to make a too-small (or too large) screwdriver fit — because that’s all you’ve got to work with. Some kits come with a small selection of sockets and drivers for those Torx (star-shaped head) screws that are increasingly commonplace as fasteners for trim pieces and so on. It’s an essential tool to have on hand and keep with you in the car.

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Call it the closest thing to George Orwell’s 1984 or the best reason yet to be an American. I found this article about what the UK police are cooking up and I still can’t believe what I am reading. Someone please tell me this is an internet rumor or hoax. Can you imagine the uproar you would hear if our local police starting taking DNA swabs for speeding??

Leave me a comment and tell me what you think!

Eventually, we will have a HUMMER H4.

That seems to be the news coming from the auto blogs of the world. The sketchy details tell of a HUMMER HX concept to be shown to the public in January at the Detroit Auto Show and from that concept (and the resulting reaction of the public) a HUMMER H4 will be born. The time table, not for many moons! Read more about the rumors here then let us know what you think.