Hummer H3 gets pickup variant
Diesel not an option? According to a Kelley Blue Book marketing-research study, the “vast majority of in-market new-vehicle shoppers do not see diesel as a likely mainstream fuel source in the future.” The survey suggests that only 6 percent of shoppers think diesel is most likely to succeed in becoming a mainstream vehicle powertrain type, compared with 40 percent saying hybrids, 20 percent saying hydrogen fuel cell and 17 percent citing flexible-fuel systems, such as ethanol. Interest in diesels is steadily declining among in-market new-vehicle shoppers, while interest in hybrids continues to grow. The gap between shoppers’ interest in diesels versus hybrids has greatly widened, particularly in the past month, with the nine-point gap in December jumping to a 17-point gap in January. When asked about their perceptions of diesel engines, nearly half of in-market new-vehicle shoppers said they are “dirty and noisy.” In addition, the latest study shows that shoppers increasingly believe that diesel-powered vehicles get poorer fuel mileage than conventional gasoline engines, and fewer consumers are seeing diesels as fuel-efficient. “Many automakers are looking toward diesels as a very workable solution for the future, especially in light of the recently passed energy bill, but the results of this study should give them pause and make them realize they need to do a better, more thorough job of winning over the American consumer,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com. “Clearly many Americans still think of the dirty diesels of the past and are not aware of the benefits of new clean-diesel technology. Some manufacturers, such as Volkswagen with its ‘Diesolution Tour,’ are doing their part to ensure consumers are educated about today’s diesels. However, not enough is being done by the auto industry as a whole to help American consumers understand the benefits of modern-day diesel technology.” Toyota prices new models Toyota has announced manufacturer’s suggested retail prices today for its redesigned 2009 Corolla and Matrix. The Corolla’s base price is $15,250, rising to $19,950 for its premium model. The Matrix — essentially a hatchback version of the Corolla, sharing the same platform and drivetrains — will start at $16,190, and climb to $21,850. Prices don’t include $660 in transportation costs. Both models will begin arriving at dealerships later this month. Local racing roundup East Bay Raceway Park in Gibsonton has already begun its Speedweeks racing, with the track’s annual Winternationals, with 18 straight days of racing that began Thursday, and concludes Feb. 16, the night before the Daytona 500 NASCAR race. The ASCS sprint cars race tonight, with the Lucas Oil late models taking to the track for practice Sunday, and racing Monday through next Saturday. Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville kicks off its Dirt Car Nationals on Tuesday, and racing runs nightly through February 16. The World of Outlaws sprint cars are Feb. 8, 9 and 10, and WoO late models are Feb. 14 and 16. New Smyrna Speedway’s 42nd annual World Series starts Friday, and runs nightly through Feb. 16. One of the highlights is guaranteed to be the first-ever reunion of modified drivers and cars, which is expected to see some legends in pavement modified racing, as well as vintage race cars. For information, log onto Modified reunion.homestead.com. This column is written and compiled by Sentinel Automotive Editor Steven Cole Smith, who can be heard on “Racing Radio,” airing from 9 to 10 p.m. Mondays on 540 AM (WFLA).
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Tags: Auto, auto industry, automaker, automakers, cars, consumers, corolla, fuel mileage, homestead, HUMMER, nationals, new model, Toyota, Volkswagen
