There had been reports of massive lay offs and downsizing last year. This 2008, the trend has changed. Buyouts are fast becoming a response of companies to a weakening US economy. Take for example the case of General Motors that has recently offered buyouts to its 74,000 strong employees.

NYTImes.com reports that what prompted the popular US automaker to launch its latest “special attrition program” was its fourth quarter losses and the gloomy outlook for the United States market.

Am I smelling bankruptcy here? Or is this just another cost-cutting measure? Or better yet, there is basis on the reports that the American auto industry is in a shamble. We’ll definitely see in the next few months.

If you’ve been looking for the snazziest vintage car, you get ineterested in one of three very prized Corvettes — edition, 156, 1957 and 1958 respectively—that would be up for auction at the upcoming Bloomington Gold High Performance Auction, June 27-28 in St. Charles, Illinois.  All three Corvettes have a rich history behind it and was previously owned by famed vintage cars collectors like Tom Harmer of Rockford, Illinois and Gene Morton, who had to bring them to Alaska just in order to protect them. The 1955 serial number one car was the first production Corvette to offer a high performance V-8 engine. The 1956 serial number one car was the first redesigned Corvette produced by Chevrolet and the 1957 serial number one car was the very first high performance model Corvette to come off the assembly line. For more information about the auction, please visit this site.(image from http://www.musclecarclub.com/ )

On the sales of hybrid cars, that is. Ever since the start of the “environmental craze” amongst the different car makers, different hybrid cars have been produced by car giants to keep up with their sales. But for General Motors, probably hybrid cars are not their cup of tea as GM is losing with their hybrid car sales. Toyota was able to sell close to half a million of hybrid cars. Ford sold about 5,000. And for GM? Not even a thousand—843 cars to be exact.

But GM has a definite answer to that. Hybrids are marketed as the cost efficient and environmental friendly cars but GM said otherwise. In the long run, people would have to spend more on their cars for maintenance and the like.

Photo taken from http://http://www.saltlakespeaks.com

This is good news for Lexus fans out there. Autoweek.com reports that Lexus revealed its plans to expand its Pebble Beach Edition Vehicles at the Chicago Auto Show. As an example, there are the 2008 Pebble Beach Edition RX 350 and ES 350 whose production is set to 6000 units per model. Sales begin this February for the RX and in March for the ES.

The Pebble Beach Edition RX 350 boasts of a special 18-inch wheels, chrome grille, rear spoiler and a unique interior trim while the Pebble Beach Edition ES 350 has 17-inch wheels, semi-aniline leather interior and wood and leather steering wheel.

Apart from that, there will be additional Pebble Beach models: a sixth version of the SC 430 and a LS 600 h L.

We all know the US economy is still as strong as ever despite the occasional issues on terrorism and the coming election. However, there were reports that the US automotive industry is experiencing recession. How true?

In an event in South Korea, Nissan Motor CEO Carlos Ghosn has expressed concern for the U.S. auto industry saying that it is in a recession. He told reporters that the high cost of materials such as iron ore, precious metals and aluminum used in producing cars represent risk for the industry. But then, he also said that the U.S. auto market “will not stay in a recession for a long time.”

I believe that. While automotive sales have gone low in the past years, as long as the American economy remains in shape, the US automotive industry can weather the storm. Let’s all think positively, people.

Most of you won’t be happy to know this, but please allow me to share it with you. Taurus X, which was once popularly known as Ford Freestyle, is set to bid goodbye to American car fans by 2010. This was confirmed by Ford CEO Allan Mullaly saying that “a redesign of the Taurus sedan will happen much sooner than originally planned.”

Jalopnik.com reports that one reason for this development is that Ford would like to make the road clear for its new baby called Ford Flex MPV, also a 7-seater. Well, does it mean Ford wants consumers to prefer Ford Flex MPV over Taurus X? Looks like Ford is making some streamlining here or maybe trying to cut down on costs and production facilities. I just hope it’s for the better.

 

This is the car that is touted to be the one that will finally beat Porsche, as the best supercar ever made. It had been first introduced in Europe in 2006 but this summer, Audi R8 will finally be available in America and would burn those interstate highways like no supercar would. In its acclaim of Audi R8, Evo Magazine states that “Audi humbles Porsche. A new dawn starts today.” In 2007, another popular auto magazine, Autocar named it as the Best Handling Car and Fastest Car In The World.  Audi R8 is powered by 4.2 L FSI V8 developing 420 PS (414 hp/309 kW), the same engine used in the B7 Audi RS4.  Above all, it’s the best looking and the sharpest car I’ve ever sighted for a very long, long time. If I imagine myself as to what a perfect sports car should be, then Audi R8 fits that feature to a T. (image from http://autoshow.autos.msn.com/)

It is on a happy note that I would like to share with you this news. CNNMoney.com reports that General Motors (GM) got two of three nominations each for the Car and Truck of the Year awards at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit slated next month.

The nominees for Car of the Year are the Cadillac CTS, Chevrolet Malibu and Honda Accord while the nominees for the Truck of the Year are the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and Mazda CX-9.

47 auto journalists from the United States and Canada serve as the jury to select the winners. Announcement will be next month at the Detroit Auto Show.

By dominating the car awards nominee list, GM has proven once again that they are still on top of their game. If luck comes their way, it will be their second time after winning in the 2007 Auto Show in the same categories with the Saturn Aura and Chevrolet Silverado.

For the link to the article, click here.

For me, Expedition is reminiscent of people, like friends and family. Large and compact, Expedition models are often acquired as a family or a business car. It can accommodate many passengers and invites a relaxing atmosphere where people can have a good time together while on a trip.

The 2008 Ford Expedition King Ranch 4×4 is the newest Expedition model today. It has comfortable seats, cozy interiors and handsome appearance. It is powered by a 5.4 liter V8 that produces 297 horsepower at 6800 rpm. The car steering is responsive enough considering the curb weight of 5783 lbs. The brakes are strong that driving in stop-and-go traffic and high freeway speed is no big deal.

One thing that needs improvement though is the road and wind noise, especially at freeway speed. I think Ford should look into this to make the car at par with the more insulated utes in the market. But in general, the 2008 Ford Expedition King Ranch 4×4 is a wise buy given its price, capacity and high-tech features.