Good news has been in abundant supply for the domestic automakers the last twelve months, and nowhere is that more evident than in the headline to this press release: “ Group Reports Full Year 2011 Net Income of $183 Million.” Now, $183 million isn’t exactly a king’s ransom in the auto industry (or elsewhere – Apple made $25.92 billion last year). But if Chrysler is making money again for the first time since emerging from bankruptcy, well, perhaps the U.S. auto industry has finally recovered from 2009.
The smallest of the Big Three automakers reported sales of 1,369,114 vehicles in 2011, up 26 percent from 2010. Chrysler , and finished fourth in U.S. sales, behind General Motors, and . To read the full press release, click .
So by “anywhere,” Cherry means to say “anywhere in San Francisco,” but beyond that little geographic limitation, this new service seems like a hassle-free way to get your car washed.
You sign up through the Cherry website, then schedule and geo-locate your car, either or through . Within about 15-20 minutes, someone shows up at your car, wherever it happens to be parked. They wash it and leave. Your payment is processed through the app, so you need not be present, or even meet the person cleaning your car.
Cherry says it vets its car washers and trains them to use its environmentally friendly cleaning products, which allow for washing as many as six cars with just three gallons of water. We haven’t seen the process ourselves, and frankly, it sounds too amazing to be true. But Cherry told us that it wouldn’t be a viable business were it not for the reduced-water cleaning method, which is apparently popular on the West Coast, where are becoming more common.
The other key to Cherry’s business model is that California’s terrible job market has created an eager pool of applicants looking to score a car washing gig. With unemployment rates topping nine percent in 13 states, Cherry’s plans to expand outside of the Bay Area may just succeed.
BMW M goes Diesel, Ford Focus fleet sales numbers, California 2025 green car mandate
Episode #267 of the is here with Chris, Dan, Zach and Chris Paukert this week. Topics include the addition of diesel-powered BMW M models overseas, the surprisingly high fleet sales figure for the FordFocus, and a new green car mandate coming out of California. Your questions and comments power the end of the ‘cast, and for those of you who hung with us live on our , thanks for taking the time. We’ve embedded our Q&A module for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!
Autoblog Podcast #267:
In the Autoblog Garage
Hosts: , , ,
Runtime: 01:15:33
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We record Episode #267 of the Autoblog Podcast tonight, and you can drop us your questions via our Q&A module below. Check out our discussion topics or chime in to help determine what else the crew chats about this evening. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast if you haven’t already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.
Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #267
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Episode #266 of the is here with Chris, Dan, Zach and Drew Phillips this week. Topics include the auction, smack talk from the chief, disputing GM’s claim of #1 in the world, and a C7 sighting. Your questions and comments power the end of the ‘cast, and for those of you who hung with us live on our , thanks for taking the time. We’ve embedded our Q&A module for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!
Autoblog Podcast #266:
Barrett-Jackson 2012
In the Autoblog Garage
Hosts: , , ,
Runtime: 01:07:43
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We record Episode #266 of the Autoblog Podcast tonight, and you can drop us your questions via our Q&A module below. Check out our discussion topics or chime in to help determine what else the crew chats about this evening. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast if you haven’t already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.
Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #266
Barrett-Jackson 2012
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Take a flight overseas and you may happen upon a PorscheDesign store in an airport somewhere. That’s because, while the automaker’s product-design division has dozens of locations around the world, few of them are in the United States for a brand that is typically European in its focus. But all that’s changing with the company’s new flagship store.
Rather than locating itself in a traditional European capital or a mall in some emerging market in Asia, the new Porsche Design mega-store is based right here in these United States. The new SoHo location, on West Broadway in Manhattan, New York, encompasses some 250 square meters of retail space. That includes displays for the brand’s fashion lines, as well as its other products (ranging from luggage and pens to watches and phones) and a dedicated 50-square-meter VIP area for big spenders.
If you’re planning a trip to New York, be prepared to spend all your savings on designer Blackberries and driving gloves. But if you’re not heading to the Big Apple in the near future, you can still check out the press release and the array of high-resolution images in the gallery above.
The time has come for the to find a new owner. Built by Galpin for industrial company SPX, this specially built features a hand-built body that widens the car by an incredible nine inches highlighted by PPG Candy Apple Red paint. Under the hood is a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 producing over 700 horsepower, and it has also been fitted with forged three-piece wheels, a custom suede interior, upgraded exhaust system and more.
Whether it was the look and sound of the car or whether bidders were simply feeling generous, this attention-grabbing pony car nabbed a final bid of $160,000, all of which will be donated to benefit the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. You can see our live photos above, or to watch a video of the car being auctioned off in case you missed it on SPEED.
To help tell the story of the 256-horsepower , has enlisted aid from an unexpected quarter: hot rodder and kandy-kolored-tangerine-flake-inclined Chip Foose.
Turns out that Mr. Overhaulin’ owned a 1985 Golf and thought the world of it, and he engages in a couple minutes of reminiscing about his Mk II to prove it.
The video is , and there’s which should also help those of you looking for more interactive elements when digging into the history of one of the original hot hatches (we’ve included a video of the app after the jump, too).
2013 Porsche Boxster, Detroit Show Editors’ Choice, Chrysler/Fiat looking for a third, Nissan NY debut, VW beats Toyota
Episode #265 of the is here with Chris, Dan, Zach and Chris Paukert this week. Topics include the 2013 Porsche Boxster, a discussion of the Editors’ Picks from the Detroit Auto Show, a possible third partner for Chrysler and Fiat, a mystery debut in New York for Nissan, and Volkswagen beating Toyota in sales for 2011. Your questions and comments power the end of the ‘cast, and for those of you who hung with us live on our , thanks for taking the time. We’ve embedded our Q&A module for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!
Autoblog Podcast #265:
In the Autoblog Garage
Hosts: , , ,
Runtime: 01:31:13
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There is a lot to like about the Concept unveiled at the 2012 . The thinly disguised showcar foregoes the body-on-frame construction of the current Pathfinder for a weight savings of about 500 pounds. Nissan also promises fuel economy improvement of about 25 percent with the production model, which would be no small feat.
Motor Trend reports that Nissan has confirmed that the 2013 Pathfinder will feature a 3.5-liter V6. That makes sense considering the Pathfinder’s all-new sibling, the Infiniti JX35, will also feature the same V6. Nissan has yet to divulge any details about the Pathfinder mill, but we do know that the JX35 will boast 265 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque.
Nissan has also apparently told MT that it has big plans for April’s . Nissan will reportedly unveil a completely vehicle at the show that has never been seen by outsiders. Us? We’re not sure, but our best guess is it’ll be the 2013 .
We record Episode #265 of the Autoblog Podcast tonight, and you can drop us your questions via our Q&A module below. Check out our discussion topics or chime in to help determine what else the crew chats about this evening. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast if you haven’t already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.
Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #265
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Motor Trend reports has confirmed that its next-generation will bow at the 2012 New York Auto Show. The third-generation Santa Fe is expected to hit dealer lots by the end of the year as a 2013 model. Hyundai hasn’t disclosed exactly what we can expect from the vehicle when it arrives, though spy shots suggest a vehicle more in-line with the automaker’s current design language. MT believes the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe will continue on with the same powertrain options found in the current vehicle, which means buyers can look forward to a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine or a 3.5-liter V6 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
Hyundai may squeeze a bit more performance or fuel efficiency out of those engines, however. Some reports have also suggested the 2013 Santa Fe may bow with a new turbocharged four-cylinder under the hood as well. That engine is currently found in the likes of the where it produces 274 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque.
Finally, our intelligence still suggests that Hyundai will eventually market ae as the de-facto replacement for the slow-selling , but it isn’t clear whether that vehicle (or strategy) will be disclosed in New York.
The North American International Auto Show episode
Episode #264 of the is here with Chris, Dan, Chris Paukert, and the prodigal Alex Nunez. The Detroit Auto Show just wrapped up, and we saw plenty there to fill up a podcast talking about. Your questions and comments power the end of the ‘cast, and for those of you who hung with us live on our , thanks for taking the time. We’ve embedded our Q&A module for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!
Autoblog Podcast #264:
In the Autoblog Garage
Hosts: , , ,
Runtime: 01:27:28
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We record Episode #264 of the Autoblog Podcast tonight, and you can drop us your questions via our Q&A module below. We’re turning our attention to all of the exciting (and not so exciting) things we saw at the Detroit Auto Show over the last couple days. Chime in to help determine what else the crew chats about this evening. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast if you haven’t already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.
Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #264
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With in-car technology coming fast and furious at this week’s and the , it seems like the perfect week for , , and to announce a new “Technology of the Year” Award program that will reward the best purveyors of new tech, and serve as a useful hub of info for our readers.
At CES today, AOL Autos Editor-in-Chief David Kiley is announcing the new award, which will be rolled out throughout 2012, with a winner presented with the laurels at next year’s CES.
A panel of judges will be evaluating new or improved tech in the categories of telematics, connectivity and active safety. The judging panel includes Kiley, Autoblog editor-in-chief John Neff, Engadget editor-in-chief Tim Stevens, Autoblog senior editor Damon Lavrinc, AOL Autos Tech Editor Jeff Sabatini, and HuffingtonPost auto industry senior editor Sharon Silke Carty. The judging board also includes Tony Fadell, founder of www.nest.com, who is also the former Apple engineer often referred to as “The Father of the iPod. Author Lauren “The Car Coach” Fix, and Shelby “The Teen Car Coach” Fix are also judges.
AOL Autos has also assembled this unique judging panel to evaluate technology advances introduced each year and will name the best at the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show.
“AOL Autos is the obvious source to bring together the best and brightest arbiters of automotive and electronic communications hardware into one industry award,” explained Kiley. “Tapping into the expertise of AOL Autos, Autoblog, and Engadget, AOL is uniquely positioned to evaluate and ultimately name an annual Technology of the Year winner.”
You can go to the homepage of the award program, , which explains the award parameters, lists stories about new tech that will be eligible for nomination this year, as well as an opportunity to win a Samsung flat-screen TV and Roku if you sign up for our Tech of the Year e-newsletter this week, which will keep you up to date on all the new eligible technology.
Finalists for the award will be announced at the . And between the LA Auto Show and CES, said Kiley, “Our readers will have an opportunity to cast votes for the best tech, and their consensus winner will carry the weight of one judge on the panel.” Said Kiley, “Even if our readers don’t have the chance to test the technology themselves, we want to know what they think about our coverage and the concepts they are reading about.”
Pandora may becoming a standard on every major OEM infotainment system, but all-you-can-eat subscription music services haven’t gained the same momentum or widespread adoption. is aiming to change that with automotive partnerships with and , but its just-announced tie-up with extends MOG’s reach even further, and has wider implications, not just for the on-demand music service, but for Aha Radio as a whole.
The partnership with Aha Radio (now owned by Harman) is just the first of several MOG will be announcing in 2012. Aftermarket companies like JVC are also implementing the music service into their head units, but what’s more important is the usage of Aha Radio as the method of delivery.
Rather than going to an automaker, getting approval to use its API and then developing an app that only works with one infotainment system, MOG is integrating its service into Aha Radio, which delivers a range of content – from restaurant information to Facebook feeds – into a single app that’s ported and controlled through your in-dash touchscreen.
So Aha Radio is the platform – a one-stop conduit for content – and MOG, NPR, CNN, Twitter, Facebook and others deliver the substance.
Both and have announced partnerships with Aha Radio and plan to integrate the service into their factory head units beginning this spring. But you don’t need to buy a 2013 (pictured above) to get in on the action. Kenwood will join Pioneer to begin offering Aha Radio on its head units later this year. and even better, Aha Radio runs and integrates with both and devices, so no need to worry about connectivity issues. for the all the details.
Chevrolet Volt and Fiat 500 sales flops, 14 million cars in 2012, most popular posts of 2011
Episode #263 of the is here with Chris, Dan, Chris Paukert, and Zach this week. Topics include the perhaps early condemnation of the Chevrolet Volt and Fiat 500 as flops, predictions of a 14 million new car year in 2012, and a little discussion around Autoblog’s most-read posts of 2011. Your questions and comments power the end of the ‘cast, and for those of you who hung with us live on our , thanks for taking the time. We’ve embedded our Q&A module for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!
Autoblog Podcast #263:
In the Autoblog Garage
Hosts: , , ,
Runtime: 01:13:39
Get the podcast
[] Listen live on Mondays at 10PM Eastern at UStream
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Feedback
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
Voicemail: 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763)
Review the show in iTunes and take our
We record Episode #263 of the Autoblog Podcast tonight, and you can drop us your questions via our Q&A module below. Check out our discussion topics or chime in to help determine what else the crew chats about this evening. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast if you haven’t already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.
Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #263
[] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
We’ve been told there was a time when critics of the automobile warned against the dangers of high-speed driving. At the lofty speed of 35 miles per hour, they said, the air could very well be sucked right out of your lungs, leaving you to die of asphyxiation as you careened along at the edge of sanity.
The human race has a long history of itching to push the land-speed envelope ever farther, along with a similarly storied line of naysayers waving the thou-shalt-not flag. One man in Apple Valley, California has taken it upon himself not only to beat the current land-speed record of 763.035 mph, but to demolish it. Waldo Stakes is building a land-speed car he figures should be able to reach 2,000 mph.
Once again, for clarity’s sake, that’s two-thousand miles per hour.
If you’ve been paying attention, you likely know the Bloodhound SSC is aiming for a somewhat more modest 1,000 mph. And while that beast has an entire platoon of engineers, years of research and $15 million behind it, Stakes and his Sonic Wind Land Speed Research Vehicle are a bit more homegrown. The man makes his wages as a general contractor and walked away from formal education mid-way through a stint in community college in 1974.
But, while he hasn’t followed the traditional engineering route, the man has been studying the principles behind land speed vehicles since he was a kid. More importantly, this isn’t some half-cooked pipe dream. Stakes has already amassed two XLR99 rocket engines the likes of which powered the infamous X-15 experimental plane. All hail the mad scientists of the world. Head over to Popular Mechanics for a great look at his progress.
