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Toyota on the hot seat

Akio Toyoda delivered another apology to people hurt by Toyota’s in sudden acceleration accidents. His lieutenant provided most of the other information revealed so far by the committee.

After the cameras chased Akio Toyoda from the room, it was Fe Lastrella’s turn.

A schoolteacher and real estate agent from Vallejo, Calif., Lastrella tearfully told the committee about her grief over the Lexus crash in Santee, Calif., that killed her daughter Cleofe Saylor, son Chris Lastrella and granddaughter Mahala Saylor.

“They were taken prematurely from us,” she said.

Read the full article here.

Asian brands still dominating Consumer Reports

Although there were a few bright spots for the US automakers, the Asian brands still dominated Consumer Reports annual automaker report card. Honda tied for 1st place is and quietly taking charge partly because of Toyota’s slippage in regards to public perception. One thing you can also take from this report is that Chrysler need to get their act together pronto!

From the Detroit Free Press:

Toyota finished third on Consumer Reports’ annual Automaker Report Card released Tuesday, even though the magazine suspended its “recommended” ratings for eight of Toyota’s vehicles after the Japanese automaker recalled them this year.

Consumer Reports now recommends about half as many Toyota models as it did previously.

While there were bright spots in the report card for Ford and General Motors, no domestic automaker finished in the top five and Chrysler’s score fell, landing the Auburn Hills automaker in last place.

Read the full article here.


Photo from fOTOGLIF

Toyota President says recall is mechanical, not electric

Is it mechanical or electrical? Depends on who you talk to and what you want to hear. This is one big mess for Toyota.

From AutoGuide.com:

In a prepared statement before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Toyota President Jim Lentz reiterated Toyota’s continued stand that the issue with its many recalled Toyota models is mechanical and not electronic. Lentz commented that Toyota hired Exponent, a top engineering and scientific consulting firm, to examine its electronic throttle system to see if there were any issues. Toyota gave Exponent an unlimited budget and no electronic problem was found.

Lentz also said that it is repairing recalled vehicles at 50,000 a day and has so far fixed one million vehicles.

Read the full article here.

Alfa Romeo to return to North America by 2012

Looks like the big Alpha will be rolling again in the US and Canada in 2012. This is really big news for Chrysler/Fiat and the dealers that get to sell these attractive cars. Look for sleek styling and hopefully top notch quality that could bring in buyers who want the right pricing with as much style as they can afford. Good to see Alpha Romeo coming back to the states!

From AutoGuide.com:

According to Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne, his company’s stylish Alfa Romeo brand will return to North America in the next 24 months, meaning that models should be on sale in 2012. “I’m a lot more confident now that Alfa Romeo will reconstitute a product offering that is acceptable globally, and more in particular in the United States and Canada,” said Marchionne to Automotive News.

Read the full article here.

Chevy Corvette to have two verisons?

Looks like some real serious debate has been underway at the General regarding the next gen Corvette. Should they keep it simple and affordable or offer a higher end model to compete with the best the world has to offer? Either way please don’t jack up the price of the Vette and make it unattainable for those who truly love this American sports car legend.

From the Detroit Free Press:

As sure as the sun rises and God makes little green apples, there will always be a Chevrolet Corvette.

Exactly what the next generation of America’s most revered sports car will bring is the topic of intense study within General Motors, however.

The Corvette is arguably the world’s best sports car. It has looks that would make Ferrari proud, performance to match Porsche, and a price that undercuts both by tens of thousands of dollars.

It also has countless fanatical admirers and a devoted owner base built up over decades.

Read the full article here.

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