On Wednesday, Dec. 14, Ford was still shy of the goal by 65,400 trucks. That's more than it sold in all of November.
It's a tall order for dealers to sell that many in the final two weeks of December, especially with holidays.
Ford acknowledges that the 900,000 F-series target will be tough to achieve. But it isn't giving up. A dealer bonus program offers as much as $1,000 a truck sold in December. Ford is counting on dealers to crank up sales.
"This is not an easy task, but we have everybody focused on it," said Al Giombetti, Ford vice president of sales.
© autoweek.com
|
|
|---|
|
|
|---|
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Ford struggling to sell 900,000 F-Series pickups in 2005
Ford Motor Co. still wants to sell 900,000 F-series pickups in 2005. But the year is slipping away with plenty of trucks yet to sell.
Andretti Green Racing to Field Pro Series Entries for Klein and Camara in 2006
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (Dec. 20, 2005) – Andretti Green Racing announced today it will field Indy Racing League Pro Series entries in 2006 for drivers Jonathan Klein and Jaime Camara. The cars will be Andretti Green Racing entries, and will be prepared and maintained by Sam Schmidt Motorsports.
Klein, the 18-year-old son of Klein Tools chairman and chief executive officer Richard T. Klein Jr., spent the 2005 season in the Star Mazda Championship racing for Andersen Walko Racing. Klein posted two top fives and six top-10 finishes during the season, including a runner-up finish in the season finale at Mazda Raceway.
Camara, who hails from Goiana, Goias, Brazil, ran the full Pro Series slate in 2005 behind the wheel of the CELG-Sam Schmidt Motorsports entry. Camara posted two wins, three poles, five top fives and 11 top 10s on the way to a fifth-place finish in the series standings.
2006 will mark Andretti Green's second year of competition in the Pro Series. Working in conjunction with Keith Duesenberg Racing this past season, Andretti Green Racing entered Marco Andretti in six Pro Series events, earning three wins, three poles and five top-five finishes.
By running two full-time entries in the Pro Series, Andretti Green will earn six additional testing days for its IndyCar Series program with Klein and Camara each gaining an opportunity to test the first half of each day.
Klein, Camara and the rest of the Pro Series field will open the 2006 season on March 26 at Homestead-Miami Speedway with the Homestead-Miami 100.
Jonathan Klein:
"I just found out this was going to happen on Friday, so I'm not sure it has really even set in yet. This opportunity is overwhelming and exciting all at the same time. I'm just really excited to get the chance to run with Sam and Andretti Green in the Pro Series. Sam has quite a record in this series, but he has also done so many great things with his foundation. I've already started to think about ways I can help out and try to make an impact to help people who are dealing with paralysis."
Jaime Camara:
"I'm really looking forward to next season because now I know the tracks that the Pro Series runs on and I have a year's experience on ovals. 2006 is going to be much better than this season and I think we have a good shot at winning the championship. If we can be consistent from the beginning until the end of the season, I don't think we'll have any problems."
Sam Schmidt, Owner, Sam Schmidt Motorsports:
"I am clearly very excited to be working with everybody at Andretti Green, especially Michael, Kim and Kevin. My relationship with Michael has increased a lot over the last 12 months because of his willingness to become involved with my foundation and that means a tremendous amount to me personally. So, when this opportunity came up, I thought it was an honor and a compliment to Sam Schmidt Motorsports that, if AGR were going to run anyone in the Pro Series, that they would utilize our services.
"On the driver side, I think Jonathan and Rick Klein are just superb people. I'm really going to enjoy working with Jonathan because he brings a fresh mind and a 'sponge-type attitude' with him. As far as Jaime goes, we have year's worth of experience and I know we can build on that. He's already proven to be a winner and I think we can look to improve on what we achieved last year and move up a few spots on the points ladder."
Kim Green, President, Andretti Green Racing:
"Andretti Green is excited about the opportunity we have in front of us for the 2006 IRL Pro Series. We always welcome the opportunity to help develop young talent and we're very excited about the prospect of working with both Jonathan and Jaime. The rules package and the prize money package that the league has created for the Pro Series provides real incentive for teams like Andretti Green to participate. It's also special for us to continue our relationship with Sam. We had a great association with Sam off the racetrack last year, and it's great to be able to strengthen that tie by working together on and off the track in 2006."
Contact: Al Larsen, (317) 872-2700 ext 239, alan.larsen@andrettigreenracing.com
Klein, the 18-year-old son of Klein Tools chairman and chief executive officer Richard T. Klein Jr., spent the 2005 season in the Star Mazda Championship racing for Andersen Walko Racing. Klein posted two top fives and six top-10 finishes during the season, including a runner-up finish in the season finale at Mazda Raceway.
Camara, who hails from Goiana, Goias, Brazil, ran the full Pro Series slate in 2005 behind the wheel of the CELG-Sam Schmidt Motorsports entry. Camara posted two wins, three poles, five top fives and 11 top 10s on the way to a fifth-place finish in the series standings.
2006 will mark Andretti Green's second year of competition in the Pro Series. Working in conjunction with Keith Duesenberg Racing this past season, Andretti Green Racing entered Marco Andretti in six Pro Series events, earning three wins, three poles and five top-five finishes.
By running two full-time entries in the Pro Series, Andretti Green will earn six additional testing days for its IndyCar Series program with Klein and Camara each gaining an opportunity to test the first half of each day.
Klein, Camara and the rest of the Pro Series field will open the 2006 season on March 26 at Homestead-Miami Speedway with the Homestead-Miami 100.
Jonathan Klein:
"I just found out this was going to happen on Friday, so I'm not sure it has really even set in yet. This opportunity is overwhelming and exciting all at the same time. I'm just really excited to get the chance to run with Sam and Andretti Green in the Pro Series. Sam has quite a record in this series, but he has also done so many great things with his foundation. I've already started to think about ways I can help out and try to make an impact to help people who are dealing with paralysis."
Jaime Camara:
"I'm really looking forward to next season because now I know the tracks that the Pro Series runs on and I have a year's experience on ovals. 2006 is going to be much better than this season and I think we have a good shot at winning the championship. If we can be consistent from the beginning until the end of the season, I don't think we'll have any problems."
Sam Schmidt, Owner, Sam Schmidt Motorsports:
"I am clearly very excited to be working with everybody at Andretti Green, especially Michael, Kim and Kevin. My relationship with Michael has increased a lot over the last 12 months because of his willingness to become involved with my foundation and that means a tremendous amount to me personally. So, when this opportunity came up, I thought it was an honor and a compliment to Sam Schmidt Motorsports that, if AGR were going to run anyone in the Pro Series, that they would utilize our services.
"On the driver side, I think Jonathan and Rick Klein are just superb people. I'm really going to enjoy working with Jonathan because he brings a fresh mind and a 'sponge-type attitude' with him. As far as Jaime goes, we have year's worth of experience and I know we can build on that. He's already proven to be a winner and I think we can look to improve on what we achieved last year and move up a few spots on the points ladder."
Kim Green, President, Andretti Green Racing:
"Andretti Green is excited about the opportunity we have in front of us for the 2006 IRL Pro Series. We always welcome the opportunity to help develop young talent and we're very excited about the prospect of working with both Jonathan and Jaime. The rules package and the prize money package that the league has created for the Pro Series provides real incentive for teams like Andretti Green to participate. It's also special for us to continue our relationship with Sam. We had a great association with Sam off the racetrack last year, and it's great to be able to strengthen that tie by working together on and off the track in 2006."
Contact: Al Larsen, (317) 872-2700 ext 239, alan.larsen@andrettigreenracing.com
Brighton Speedway Park: Gift Ideas
Brighton Speedway Park: Gift ideas
Season Passes and Mini Passes are great last minute gifts for Brighton Speedway Park (www.brightonspeedway.com) Fans and Drivers....
Rule Books make a great quick gift for the avid driver or the driveway junkie...
Why not stuff their stockings with Brighton Speedway Bucks. These BSB's can be used anywhere on the property, from admission, to the canteens, the fuel truck or the souvenir booth.
A great gift idea for as little as $10.00! Show your appreciation to your sponsor with a personalized full colour 8 x 10 plaque. You can customize the information and choose your own picture.
Visit the website at www.brightonspeedway.com or call the office 10am to 2pm daily at 613.475. 1102
Season Passes and Mini Passes are great last minute gifts for Brighton Speedway Park (www.brightonspeedway.com) Fans and Drivers....
Rule Books make a great quick gift for the avid driver or the driveway junkie...
Why not stuff their stockings with Brighton Speedway Bucks. These BSB's can be used anywhere on the property, from admission, to the canteens, the fuel truck or the souvenir booth.
A great gift idea for as little as $10.00! Show your appreciation to your sponsor with a personalized full colour 8 x 10 plaque. You can customize the information and choose your own picture.
Visit the website at www.brightonspeedway.com or call the office 10am to 2pm daily at 613.475. 1102
Monday, December 19, 2005
Corner Gas: Our favourite show!
Last week's episode of Corner Gas had the phone lines ringing at our office the next day! Thanks to the people at Corner Gas for promoting all things Canadian.
Los Angeles Auto Show Preview
Audi’s new entry into the SUV market, the Q7, is making its North American debut in Los Angeles.
Audi introduces its all-new aggressively-styled Q7 in LA. Performance will come from its 345-hp V-8 engine that is paired to a six-speed tiptronic automotive transmission. Inside, it’s all luxury and convenience for up to seven passengers in three-row seating. The Q7 has 28 different seating and storage configurations to optimize interior space.
Toyota is bringing their Yaris subcompact to the States for the growing segment of car buyers concerned about fuel economy.
The new Yaris replaces the Echo in Toyota’s compact lineup. With crisp styling and a neat little 1.5-liter engine with variable valve timing (to boost power and fuel mileage while lowering emissions), the Yaris could be a great remedy for high gas prices. Set for its World debut in LA, the Yaris is projected to return up to 40 mpg on the highway.
© aiada.org
Audi introduces its all-new aggressively-styled Q7 in LA. Performance will come from its 345-hp V-8 engine that is paired to a six-speed tiptronic automotive transmission. Inside, it’s all luxury and convenience for up to seven passengers in three-row seating. The Q7 has 28 different seating and storage configurations to optimize interior space.Toyota is bringing their Yaris subcompact to the States for the growing segment of car buyers concerned about fuel economy.
The new Yaris replaces the Echo in Toyota’s compact lineup. With crisp styling and a neat little 1.5-liter engine with variable valve timing (to boost power and fuel mileage while lowering emissions), the Yaris could be a great remedy for high gas prices. Set for its World debut in LA, the Yaris is projected to return up to 40 mpg on the highway.© aiada.org
Audi TT Sportback
German car magazine "Auto Motor und Sport" had some pics (Photoshop) of the upcoming Audi TT Sportback in one of their latest issues:
© germancarblog.com
© germancarblog.com
Exclusive: 2008 Hummer H2 Slated for Updated Interior, Engine
The 2008 Hummer H2, which will hit showrooms in 2007, will get a midcycle enhancement that includes an updated interior and an engine upgrade, Inside Line has learned.
Hummer general manager Susan Docherty would not give specifics on the H2's makeover. The 2006 full-size SUV is powered by a 6.0-liter V8 that makes 325 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque.
Docherty said Hummer recently surveyed its buyers and discovered that 36 percent of them say they intend to take their vehicles off-road. She said that nugget of information was "noteworthy" because the conventional industry wisdom, as well as previous Hummer research, has been that fewer than 10 percent of SUV buyers take their vehicle off-road.
Docherty also reported that the Hummer brand outpaces every other General Motors brand when it comes to aftermarket accessories. Buyers of the under-$30,000 Hummer H3 load up their vehicles with $1,200 in GM aftermarket accessories. The average transaction price for the SUV is $36,000, she said.
"That means the H3 is definitely in premium territory," Docherty said.
© edmunds.com
Hummer general manager Susan Docherty would not give specifics on the H2's makeover. The 2006 full-size SUV is powered by a 6.0-liter V8 that makes 325 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque.
Docherty said Hummer recently surveyed its buyers and discovered that 36 percent of them say they intend to take their vehicles off-road. She said that nugget of information was "noteworthy" because the conventional industry wisdom, as well as previous Hummer research, has been that fewer than 10 percent of SUV buyers take their vehicle off-road.Docherty also reported that the Hummer brand outpaces every other General Motors brand when it comes to aftermarket accessories. Buyers of the under-$30,000 Hummer H3 load up their vehicles with $1,200 in GM aftermarket accessories. The average transaction price for the SUV is $36,000, she said.
"That means the H3 is definitely in premium territory," Docherty said.
© edmunds.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
