The Auto Writer

On most days, The Auto Writer features one article with the occasional second article included if it is particularly newsworthy or unique. When I get to a car show, then you’ll find a lot more articles posted here as I do nothing but check out the new cars, scarf down some food and mingle with other writers. But I only attend a few shows each year, so you’ll have to like my “daily offering” or move on to another site.

Seriously, there are days when I wrestle over what I should write because my email box is often peppered with requests from automakers, suppliers, industry groups and individuals to cover their news. Honestly, on those days I’m tempted to flip a coin to choose between the top two stories that I think will be of interest to you, my beloved readers.

What Others Are Saying

Today, I’m facing a similar dilemma but instead of trying to decide between multiple topics, I’ve decided to share with you some highlights while offering you links to sites that have more information for your review:

Ford Jacks Up Production – Ford is one of several automakers who are making good use of the federal “cash for clunkers” program. Two of the top ten selling vehicles under clunkers are the Ford Escape and Ford Focus which means that Ford is planning to ramp up production in the third and fourth quarter to replenish stock. Ford will increase production by one-third over last year which amounts to a 15% increase over earlier production forecasts.

Hyundai Brings Us The Equus – Over the summer, Hyundai Motors has been allowing US dealers and customers to test drive one hundred Korean spec copies of its big Equus sedan, a $60,000 automobile that will slot above the Genesis when it goes on sale here late next year. Yes, the 2011 Hyundai Genesis is on the way, a luxury sedan poised to do battle with the BMW 7-Series line.

Sales Forecast Adjusted Upwards – Perhaps offering further proof that the economy is beginning to rebound, J.D. Power & Associates (by way of Autoblog) says that they’ve revived their sales forecast for 2010, for the US market that is. The consumer marketing organization expects that 11.5 million passenger vehicles will be sold next year, which is 15% higher than what was earlier forecast. This is especially good news for those automakers who have lowered their production levels enough to begin turning a profit when annual sales hit ten million units.

Automotive Stimulus Plan – Have you been left out of the latest “cash for clunkers” program? I hear you – lots of consumers aren’t happy that they’ve been sidelined. Well, a group of forty new car dealerships across the country have banded together to create an “Automotive Stimulus Plan” which offers customers $500 to $4500 bonuses on their trade ins. The Detroit News says that by offering this kind of deal, dealers can reach the overwhelming number of people who aren’t qualifying for the federal program.

GM and Future Technologies – I have to credit Autocar (UK) with sharing the news, but it was on The Truth About Cars where I read information about GM’s SEC filing. Click on the link and read GM’s disclaimer that the Volt may NOT hit the market on time, while acknowledging that the automaker’s competitors may be able to bring similar technology to the market and at a significant price advantage. Whoops!

Well, that’s a wrap – five stories which are breaking elsewhere with links provided to help you get the information you want and need.