New Horizons in the Auto Industry

Well i have finally settled down enough to start writing this on a daily basis once again. I have recently graduated from college and embarked on a new career path in the automotive industry. I will be selling cars at McClinton Chevrolet in Parkersburg and would be happy to help you with all of your automotive needs that arise.

Lane Sulfridge

lanes@mcclintonchevrolet.com

1-304-422-6501

Well that's enough shameless self promotion.

Evolving Auto Industry

In the past year we have seen a high number of changes in the auto industry, with the new emerging "streamlined General Motors, the development of Chrysler under the control of FIAT, and the decline of the Japanese auto industry because of a multitude of reasons ranging from product recalls to arguably the worst earthquake/tsunami in history. However there has also been a feeling of hope in the whole industry as sales across the board have increased back to pre-recession levels. Personally the dealership that i am working for had one of the best May's in history.

On a local level the change comes in the way of new development of the franchises. Several stores are beginning to receive face lifts or new showrooms in the near future.

Astorg Mercedes was the first to break ground on what will be there new building.

McClinton Chevrolet will break ground next month on their new building that will be a large improvement over the current 50 year old building. The new building will enable them to better sell the modern cars we crave today such as the Chevrolet Volt which should be arriving in the area in a few months. Below is a picture of the new McClinton Chevrolet.

I will leave you with a few video's for viewing enjoyment today. Back again for more tomorrow!

The first is the preview for the upcoming season of Top Gear in the UK:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJnpCp841_0&feature=player_embedded

Here is video of the ride swap that occurred yesterday courtesy of Mobil 1 with Tony Stewart and Lewis Hamilton switching it up a bit at Watkins Glen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqmxvxS5_UA&feature=related

Why the Car Culture is Endangered in Today's Youth

I have noticed over the last few months more than ever that car enthusiasts are an endangered breed. There are few of us left in the world that truly still have a passion for the automobile and the culture that has surrounded it since creation. There are many reasons that this sad occurrence has developed.

First, our society has moved away from being hands on. We now prefer to play video games in the warmth and comfort of our homes more than we prefer to be outside working. Our youth no longer want to turn wrenches, they prefer to just get in their mediocre and bland stock cars and drive from point A to point B.

Second, the cars of today are significantly more complex than the cars of yesterday. This makes it harder for a younger person to work on their car. This can be very discouraging to young people who tend to give up easily. I know during my endeavors to reassemble my Datsun 240z, there have been many days where i have found myself so frustrated that i had to stop working on it, only to find out that i was making a stupid mistake that i could learn from.

Thirdly and the largest reason i believe we are losing interest in the automobile, spending habits. They have changed drastically from what they were decades ago. In the 1960's, a youth had a select amount of things to spend their money on. They could go to the movies, buy a record, and some would attend concerts...etc. Many often spent their money on making sure that they had a cool car, and ways to improve it.

However in today's fast paced world, we spend our money on so many things that they never could have dreamed of. We put down thousands on video games, in virtual worlds that never really amount to any substance.

We spend a lot of money on food. In the 1960's fast food was just beginning to take off. There were some fast food restaurants, but the average person only ate out if it was a special occasion. Today, we eat out constantly. I will be the first to admit that i am guilty of this. It is convenient and saves time. This takes away a huge portion of money that could be saved on large purchases.

In conclusion, as we continue to expand the amount of things that we include as needs in our daily lives, the amount of money that we have to spend continues to be spread thinner and thinner. This tearing of our budgets is killing car enthusiasm. No longer do people have extra money that they can use for their cars. This will continue to become more evident until the car culture is left with only die-hards. In today's fast paced world, its a lot easier to drive beige, and live extravagantly.

This is an endangered hobby unless we take steps today to encourage a change and enthusiasm in the car industry.

Well after posting my blogs on a different site for several months, i have decided that i should dual post my blogs in the future. So here is today's update.

• Well all you Ford guys out there have something new to throw into the Mustang v. Camaro epic battle. Today Ford offered some pretty astonishing news as it stated the 2011 Mustang v6 will get 31 MPG. According to Ford it is the first car with over 300 HP to the over 30+ MPG. This is a tough blow to Chevrolet who has been touting its 29 MPG Camaro since the debut of the car last year. This also leads me to think that we may see a turbo charged 4 cylinder version of the Camaro in the near future because it could no doubt go over the 31 MPG's and if tuned right, could probably produce close to if not more than 300 HP. It's something to keep an eye on in the near future.

• For years i thought that the Pontiac Aztek would forever live as the ugliest car ever. I still can not believe that Pontiac produced the car and thought that it would be a success. I can now say that i have seen a car that is uglier than the Aztek. Meet the Sbarro Autobau, the new reigning champ.

http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/geneva-2010-sbarro-autobau/

• Lastly today i leave you with a video of what i consider one of the most remarkable automotive feats in recent history. Watch the video, you will enjoy it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4Q1gEKBTvg

Chinese Auto Industry Coming To US

Today in Detroit, the Chinese Automaker BYD or Build Your Dreams announced that it would have a vehicle on sale in the US by the end of the year. The car, the e6 which somewhat resembles a Chinese version of the Fiat Grande Punto, the car has stunning speed with an acceleration to 60 taking around 14 seconds. No fear though, the car tops out at 85. So this is the perfect car for your future teenage driver. Not only is it slow, doesn't carry a lot of speed at top end, but it was made in China, much like many things teenagers have grown up with so they might think it is a neat and "diverse" car.


Here is another BYD car that might look familiar to some of you. This car shares absolutely no design cues with a Toyota Corolla.

Here is the BYD F3

Here is a 2003 Toyota Corolla. I dont think they're similar, but you be the judge.

Quick Rundown

Well I didn't get a chance to post up all the big news from Detroit yet, but i will post that up tonight.

Here is a highlight to hold you over till later however, the new Cadillac XTS Platinum. Its quite simply insane, both in beauty and excess. Not quite the show stopper the Cadillac Sixteen was, but if this car makes it to production, look for it to both lower Cadillac's average age of buyer, and make frequent stops in Rap Video's in the Near Future.

Ridiculous Car of the Day/Forza 3 News

Forza 3 Autoweek Car Pack

Forza 3 Autoweek Car Pack Well the second Forza Car pack comes out tomorrow. Here are the cars from this months DLC.

- 2010 Aston Martin One-77

-- 2009 Audi R8 LMS

-- 2009 Audi RS 6

-- 2010 BMW Motorsport M6 Coupe

-- 2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport

-- 2010 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500

-- 2010 Saleen S5S Raptor

-- 2009 Lotus 2-Eleven

-- 2010 Pagani Zonda R

-- 2010 Porsche Boxster S

Ridiculous Car of the Day!

Here is Today's Ridiculous Car of the Day! A pretty sweet looking rat rod.