Released just in time to haul your new Harley-Davidson Tri-Glide Classic to motorcycle events, Ford teamed up with Harley to produce the first ever F-450. 

Let's call it the "Big Hog Daddy" trike hauler of the road!

We've seen the Ford Harley-Davidson editions in F-250 and F-350 versions, but never before has the colossal F-450 come in Harley style and trim. As with the other Harley versions, it's all about looking good sitting still. Given the fuel mileage that might be all you can afford!  The new F-450 is downright intimidating with its massive grille. Its gigantic size would impress even long-haul truck drivers!  The Harley model has even more presence thanks to its blue flames leaping out of the side vents and dual rear wheels and fender flares.

There are many new "smart" features embedded in the truck.  Most notable is the "Tool Link", a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) asset tracking system developed with DEWALT, the power tool dudes, and ThingMagic, experts on embedded RFID technology.  This enables truck owners to maintain a detailed real-time inventory of the tools or equipment stored in the vehicle.  I suppose you can rest assured that as you ready to haul your Tri-Glide to the next motorcycle event you'll have all the appropriate tools to wrench on the chrome accessories?!

It seems strange to me to create this sort of marketing mix to promote both brands.  Especially for a truck that has a MSRP of $59,560 and optioned up it quickly gets into the $80,000+ range.   Clearly not everyone can afford!  This class of vehicle and the fuel guzzling attributes seem very out of touch in today's mortgage meltdown climate.  But then again if I think more about it, it makes perfect sense. In the U.S. 40% of Harley owners drive a full-size pickup truck - many of those are likely Ford F-Series.  So, what do two companies having sales and financial issues do?  Target joint customers with this massive truck and turn what used to be just a workhorse into a fashion statement for the rich and famous who are motorcycle enthusiasts.

All dressed up there's just no way to mistake this "Big Hog Daddy" for anything else other than a Tri-Glide hauler.

Photo courtesy of Ford.

August 5, 2008- LV, NV  News from the automobile financing world has not been good. Chrysler has dumped leasing, BMW is cutting incentivized leasing, HSBC has opted out of the car loan business and community credit unions have tightened eligibility to the point of "what's the point"? This leaves millions of good paying, current leasee' stuck for an option to the terminal ownership of a 60 or 72 mos. note.  WHY is this happening? you ask.  Consider the fact that most people lease vehicles that are expensive or above average in cost, sharing the depreciation with the bank. Until recently, the residual value the bank set for the end-of-lease purchase price was reasonably close to the value the bank could expect to receive when selling it off their inventory. However, the bulk of the gas-sucking SUV's, trucks and v8's have taken a huge hit at the off-lease auctions as demand for these vehicles has dried up. Hence, the financial repercussions are so devastating the banks can't afford to continue the carnage. Adios leasing as we know it.  The Toyota, Honda and Nissan manufacturers are still offering incentive leases on their bread and butter models: Civic, Accord, Altima and Camry.   So, focus on these sure-fire winners, while the getting is good, because I don't give it long before the Japanese 3 follow suit.

If you are currently leasing a car you like, consider asking for a lease extension while you ponder your next car purchase.

All good things eventually come to an end.

Yours- SLM

For a great, no hassle deal on your next car, anywhere in the US, visit www.mycarlady.com

August 4, 2008  Las Vegas, NV--  I am continuing to receive complaints about the REgen- DPF filter on the 2500 and 3500 Dodge Ram Cummins Diesel 6.7L engine.  Many of you have asked about lawsuits, class-act or otherwise.  I know of two firms that are doing some preliminary research into this area, so if you are interested in being contacted about any potential developments regarding a legal motion on this issue, please email me with your name, vin, and contact information. Sarahlee@mycarlady.com

In other news, I have found a link to a company that suggests they have a unit that can overcome the REGen dpf-r.com/index.htm. I make no promises because at this time I have not had an opportunity to see their product in action, but feel free to check it out for yourself and let me know what you think.

I hope to have some footage on an actual Dodge Diesel with such a modification, in the next few days. Stay tuned for more from My Carlady!

SLM-

For a great, no hassle car deal visit: www.mycarlady.com

Founded by Henry Ford in 1903, the Ford Motor Company is one of the largest car makers in the world. Ford opened the first assembly line warehouse in Detroit, MI – Ford became famous for its innovative assembly line manufacturing, which allowed the company to produce cars exponentially faster than before.

Currently, the American car company manufacturers its automobiles in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, China, Germany, Turkey, and South Africa. Ford also manufactures cars under the brand names Lincoln and Mercury. The company also holds shares in car brands Aston Martin and Mazda.

In March 2008, Ford sold car companies Land Rover and Jaguar for $2.3 Billion to Tata Motors.

Ford produces economy cars and trucks, SUVs, sports cars, touring cars, buses, and tractors. The company’s top competitors include Toyota and GM.

Ford is working to become a more environmentally conscious company. The company is creating and producing both fuel efficient and hybrid vehicles. In 2005, Ford introduced the Hybrid-Electric Escape; with 2006 came the Mercury Mariner; and in 2008 both the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan. In 2009, Ford will introduce the Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX.

In 2007, Fortune Magazine ranked Ford the 7th American-based company in the world based on the company’s 2006 revenue. Also in 2007, Ford received more Initial Quality Survey awards from J.D. Power and Associates than any other car manufacturer.

Because of high fuel prices and the declining economy, most of Ford’s current profits come from financing consumer car loans through the Ford Motor Credit Company.

In 2006, Advertising Age Magazine estimated that Ford’s advertising spending was around $2.9 Billion – making it the 6th largest advertiser in the world that year.

Ford is one of the four manufactures in NASCAR’s three largest series: Nationwide Series, Sprint Cup Series, and the Craftsman Truck Series.

In 2005, Ford was one of 53 companies to donate the maximum amount of $250,000 to George W. Bush’s second inauguration.

In 2006, Ford released a TV advertisement titled “Rebirth” at the same time that the company announced its six year plan to close 14 factories. The 30 second advertisement described Ford’s new plan for future growth. The ad was risky for Ford because while it spoke towards future success, it reminded consumers of Ford’s current problems.

Also in 2006, Ford introduced its well-known Bold Moves campaign. One advertisement featured a woman paying for her dry cleaning and “boldly” paying for the man’s behind her too. The campaign was aimed at a younger audience – which was the campaigns downfall. While Ford’s younger target audience is interested in bold products, Fords products are not as bold as their advertising message; Because of this the campaign strengthened Ford’s brand image, but did not sell any more cars than before.

In 2007, Ford released a campaign that compared the Ford Fusion to Toyota’s Camry and Honda’s Accord. Ford also aired the campaign “Swap Your Ride” where consumers test drove a Ford for a week and then gave their opinion.

Ford created a similar campaign in 2008 titled “Drive One.” The campaign focused four messages: Drive Green, Drive Safe, Drive Smart, and Drive Quality.

In January of 2008, Ford created a new website that revolves around “Built Ford Tough.” Ford.com has approximately 11 Million visitors each year.

If it helped you a great deal, you can share it to others, too!

1.  You drive less than 18,000 miles per year.  2.  Lifestyle or work could change, affecting your vehicle needs in the next 5 years.  3.  You own a business where a car/truck can be expensed.  4.  You prefer vehicles under service warranty during ownership period.  5. You have an above average AUTO credit rating score.

There are several nuances to be aware of when trying to understand how some cars cost more and have lower lease payments than others. Many European vheicles have a higher payment that the Japanese manufacturers (even those built in the USA) because the used car or depreciated value is expected to be higher at the end of the lease period.  The higher the residual, the lower your payment (a form of participating in the depreciation of the vehicle during your ownership period).  In some cases the manufacturer is subsidizing the interest rate (called a money factor) to help keep the payment down, in the hopes you will return to the brand again.

When shopping lease payments read the fine print. Dealers often advertise leases as a lump sum of the total payments, or put heavy down payments and LOW mileage allotments on the offer. Many national television ads are pitching models the dealers don't stock or require "dealer participation" which means the dealer loses money doing one of these deals, so they don't have to honor the ad.  BEWARE of leases that want multiple security deposits to make the deal. IF you total the car you may have a tough time getting those deposits back.  AND last but not least, make sure your lease has GAP protection in the contract. GAP covers any difference between the value of the vehicle and the insurance payoff in the event of a total loss. 

Most leasing offers advertised today are a great way to get into a new car without a long term relationship. Look for new models which often offer great intro deals to get the cars out on the street. Hybrids  however, have lousy lease programs as the banks are reluctant to stick their neck out on a residual when the technology is changing so fast and they are selling so well there is no money factor discount going on.

If you want a great deal without the hassle, on your next car go to www.mycarlady.com.

Yorus, SLM

So I have finally compiled all the statistics on small COMPACT, hatchbacks and midsize sedans that rate 20+ MPG or higher , in the city.  This format lays out all the specs to compare, so take it with you when you go out to test drive your favorite; Toyota Matrix, Toyota Camry, Nissan Versa, Nissan Altima, Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot, Honda CRV, Hyundai Sonata, Mazda6, Mazda3. The Dodge Caliber and Jeep Compass are basically the same size and fuel economy, so I skipped it. I drive a 2007 Dodge Caliber, and I love the gas mileage (25/30) and it is great for flexible storage, hauling stuff and has a decent seat for long rides. I wish the air was colder (it's 110 in Vegas). It lacks power in 1st gear, has a weird noise in the air conditioner when it idles with the air on low and no radio on, but I did get 21k miles out of the OEM brakes!

I didn't include the MINI Cooper, which has great fuel economy, but I think is OUTRAGEOUSLY priced for the ROI. I skipped most Hybrids becasue you can't find them, they are 4 mos. back-ordered and most dealers are charging a premium of 3k-5k over MSRP, which makes no sense when you figure out how long it's gonna take YOU (consider your annual miles) to pay off the premium, never mind the difference. (I included the Ford Escape Gas engine vs. Ford Escape Hybrid to illustrate this point. Add 3k to the MSRP of the Hybrid Escape.)

So here's my spreadsheet for your review...