"GREEN CHECKUPS" FOCUS ATTENTION ON FUEL-SAVING MAINTENANCE

August 20, 2008—McLEAN, Va.— Dealers in 36 states have signed up to become “Green Checkup” dealers, bringing the total number to 160 since the Green Checkup campaign was officially launched at a news conference in Denver on Monday, Aug. 18. “It’s encouraging to see so many members sign up to become Green Checkup dealers at such a fast pace,” says Annette Sykora, chairman of the National Automobile Dealers Association. “NADA members are responding with enthusiasm,” she added.

NADA is urging its members to offer free Green Checkups at their dealerships. The “Green Checkup” focuses on the things that have the most effect on fuel economy, such as oil and air filters, engine performance, tire pressure and emission controls. September is being promoted as Green Checkup Month, but dealers can offer Green Checkups as part of their routine service year-round.

“With high fuel prices and greenhouse gas emissions on the minds of many Americans, the incentive has never been greater for motorists to invest in the kind of maintenance that improves fuel economy,” Sykora says. To help dealers raise public awareness of how the auto industry is increasing fuel economy through innovation and new technologies, NADA created the Toolkit “A New Car is a Green Car.” The toolkit includes tips on hosting Green Checkup events and case studies that offer “greenprints” for success. (NADA Newswire)

To sign up to become a Green Checkup Dealer, click here.

OWNER GIVES EXECUTIVES TIME TO FIX CHRYSLER

August 20, 2008—With all Chrysler’s problems, the industry has been rife with speculation about whether Cerberus would decide it had made an ill-timed bet and sell the company. But top Chrysler executives say they are determined to fix the company, and Cerberus executives say they will get the chance. Their plan hinges on a wave of new offerings beginning in 2010, and a mix of cars better suited to the times, to help spur another comeback for a company with a long history of them. (The New York Times)

GM STEPS UP WARRANTY ON USED VEHICLES

August 20, 2008—General Motors Corp., looking to win over customers wary of Detroit-built cars and trucks, said it will offer a one-year/12,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty on used vehicles. The guarantee applies to all GM Certified Used Vehicles from Buick, Chevrolet, GMC and Pontiac sold in the U.S. going back to the 2003 model year. Saturn Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles will get the same warranty. "We've upped our game and made significant strides in quality," said Jamie Hresko, GM North America vice president of quality. "This shows GM's confidence." The warranty will cover any vehicle defect outside normal wear and tear. (The Wall Street Journal) (Subscription required.)

FORD EMPLOYEES TEST FUTURE CARS

August 20, 2008—In an effort to re-energize confidence in the company's future, Ford Motor Co. has been shuttling hundreds of employees and retirees to its top-secret test track in Dearborn almost every afternoon, to drive the company's promising vehicles of the future. The "Drive One" effort began last week and will wrap up Aug. 28, after an estimated 4,000 employees and retirees have had the rare experience of driving vehicles like the next-generation Mustang and Fusion that are to go on sale early next year and have not been revealed to the public. Jason Wesolowski, 28, a layout engineer in Ford's manufacturing operations, said he appreciated the effort to lift employees' spirits. (Detroit Free Press)

TOYOTA PLANS HYBRIDS FOR ALL PRODUCT LINES

August 20, 2008—TRAVERSE CITY, Mich.—Toyota Motor Corp. is “real confident that by 2020 we’ll have hybrid models in each of our product lines,” said Justin Ward, advanced powertrain program manager at the Toyota Technical Center. Challenges remain. He said Toyota has made “huge progress” in fuel cell stack durability, but “we’re not anywhere near where we need to be.” The fuel cell stack is heavy, and costs are high. And questions remain, such as: “Where does that hydrogen come from? How do you store it and move it around?” (Automotive News) (Subscription required.)

BUSINESS FIGHTS NEW RULES FOR IMPORTS
Carmakers say Customs proposal would disrupt 'just in time' shipping of parts across the oceans

August 20, 2008—WASHINGTON—Automakers and major business groups are mounting a spirited effort to convince the Bush Administration to soften a proposal that would require the collection of detailed information about imports to the United States. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection Bureau wants shippers to collect 10 new categories of data for U.S.-bound cargo 24 hours before it's loaded on ships in foreign countries, as well as to provide data about the physical location of cargo aboard a U.S.-bound vessel and status messages that report container movements. The agency, known as CBP, proposed the so-called "10+2" rule in January... The CBP says the rule is needed to prevent a nightmare scenario such as importation of weapons of mass destruction by terrorists. Automakers say the rule could upset the delicate "just in time" shipping of parts to arrive at auto factories as they are needed for vehicle production, which saves the companies the cost of stockpiling parts. (The Detroit News)

OPINION: MCCAIN: I'LL WORK WITH DETROIT'S AUTOMAKERS
Tax credits for alternative-fuel vehicles will help revive industry
by John McCain

August 20, 2008—American automakers, their parts suppliers and the region's economy are facing hard times. We must ensure that the American auto industry rebounds successfully. We need a real energy policy... I will expand domestic production of oil and natural gas -- addressing a source of distress for America's families: high gas prices. High energy prices are diminishing Americans' purchasing power, slowing new car purchases, raising the costs of vehicle production and are a leading cause of the American automotive industry's current challenges. We need to free Detroit's fortunes from the decisions of petro-dictators and world oil markets. With a transition to alternative-fuel vehicles, we can rejuvenate the auto industry, drive cheaply and cleanly and be more secure. I will bring customers to the showroom with up to $5,000 in tax credits to encourage the purchase of these cleaner cars. The American auto industry's leaders and workers are determined to overcome the present challenges. If the industry should need federal assistance, I will consider any reasonable proposal they develop that moves the industry to a more stable and prosperous future. The bottom line is that the American automotive industry is a critical part of our nation's economy... (The Detroit News)

[Editor's Note: John McCain is a U.S. senator from Arizona and the Republican nominee for president.]

DEALERS, AUTOMAKERS LAUNCH FUEL-SAVING EFFORT

August 19, 2008—WASHINGTON—Automakers and dealers today helped launch a campaign aimed at reducing fuel use by persuading consumers to drive smarter and take better care of their vehicles. The campaign, called EcoDriving, was unveiled in an online announcement by industry leaders and two state governors, Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger of California and Democrat Bill Ritter of Colorado. In a related measure, the National Automobile Dealers Association said it is encouraging dealers to offer free vehicle checkups in September. Many dealers will link the "green" checkups with free child safety seat inspections, said NADA Chairman Annette Sykora, a Texas dealer. Sykora took part in the EcoDriving announcement. (Automotive News)