howardwilner.com
howardwilner.com
Howard Wilner comments on this article. Donna Harris of Automotive news wrote on November 13, 2007The crisis in the subprime mortgage market is making many Americans nervous about shopping for car loans.
One in three adults are concerned about their ability to obtain car loans and other credit, according to an October survey by research firm Synovate of Chicago.
The survey was funded by GDEXAuto, a Web-based portal that allows auto dealers and financial institutions to package car loans so that they can be sold as asset-backed securities.
"Our survey highlights a continuing need to offer lending to a number of cash-strapped segments," said Michael Sheridan, president of GDEXAuto. He emphasized the importance of providing credit to young adults and families.
Howard Wilner comments on some of the changes to the 2008 BMW 650ci.
A few changes have been made to the 6 Series' technical specification as well, with the new Sport Automatic transmission offering throttle-blips on downshifts, and the SMG option being discontinued. The 19-inch wheels offered with the Sport Package are also lighter than before, resulting in reduced unsprung weight. An optional Lane Departure System is now available, giving warning when the vehicle crosses into another lane without the turn signals being activated, and Active Cruise Control is also a new option, allowing the vehicle to decelerate all the way down to a stop in heavy traffic.
Howard Wilner, comments on Acuras sales through this summer.
Acura's sales dropped 7.8 percent this year through the end of August, with every model save the redesigned MDX crossover showing a loss in sales compared with 2006 figures. One bright spot is the RDX small crossover. Introduced late last year as a 2007 model year vehicle, the RDX has sold some 15,000 units since launch.
When asked about Acura’s current sport models Howard Wilner, had these comments.
1. I would have to agree that Acura seems to lack the range of Lexus and Infiniti. Acura lacks a two door coupe (Infiniti G37) and any kind of convertible (Lexus SC). While the TL Type S is no doubt potent, I think it lacks the character and power to compete properly with the likes of the M35/45 and Lexus GS. I think it would be nice for Acura to reallocate some of its models as far as class and size. The RL would benefit from a V8 option. Honda already has the technology to execute cylinder deactivation so why this hasn't already occurred is beyond me. I think the TL should grow in size and power to compete more readily with the GS and M35/45. That being said the TL should also be available with a choice of engines V6/V8. The TSX should also grow in size to take on the G35 sedan and Lexus ES more effectively too. An introduction of a new sedan, possibly based of a stretched Civic platform would be a good idea for an entry level sedan.
This summer Howard Wilner, was asked about the future of Saab. Mr Wilner states” Saab, the long-struggling GM-owned Swedish automaker, had a bit of a rebound last year,” He also said GM Europe President Carl-Peter Forster was bullish on the brand's future.
In an effort to boost the Saab lineup, GM added the 9-7X (essentially a rebadged, up-level Chevy TrailBlazer) and the 9-2X (a tarted-up Subaru WRX) to Saab’s product mix, but the models aren’t exactly burning up the showroom floors.
wilner believes that a Saab conceived and developed ute-like vehicle (crossover, anyone?) would be just the ticket to help return the brand to profitability. GM global product chief Bob Lutz has said Saab would be a likely candidate for a vehicle based on the automaker’s Lambda architecture, which underpins the new GMC Acadia among others. A purpose-built Saab with Lambda underpinnings would make sense from a cost and resource perspective.
In addition, with Saab production shifting from its Trollhättan, Sweden, facility to GM’s more flexible Rüsselsheim, Germany plant, likely starting with the re-styled 9-3, Saab’s future is starting to look brighter.
Howard Wilner, was recently asked about a diesel Q7 coming to America.
Refered to a recent article published in Motor Trend magazine.
Audi confirms Q7, A4 diesels are coming stateside
Posted October 17 2007 08:43 AM by Rory Jurnecka
Filed under: Car News, Audi, SUVs
Ending any speculation on whether Audi will be bringing its TDI diesel power to the U.S., an official announcement has been made by the premium German automaker confirming its Q7 3.0 TDI SUV will be arriving on our shores "virtually in parallel to its launch in Europe," which apparently means "as early as next year." While that still doesn't tell us exactly when (our earlier story reported late 2008), at least it's a solid guarantee that, sooner or later, it will arrive.
We've reported that a diesel Q7 is virtually certain to come here at some point (and likely next year), but less solid were rumors that other diesel models would arrive as well. Audi now states the A4 will share the same 3.0-liter TDI engine as the Q7 and will arrive in the U.S. at some point after the Q7 TDI launch.
The 3.0-liter TDI mill itself is a competent performer, with 240 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque on tap. Audi is boasting the ultra-low emissions engine will comply with the Level II Bin 5 emissions regulations required to be met by diesel-powered passenger vehicles in eight states led by California. This means all U.S.-bound Audi TDI models will be 50-state compliant -- key to the success of diesel sales in America. The engine will also meet more stringent emissions regulations slated to be introduced in Europe in 2014.
Howard wilner was recently asked about Ford.
Ford of Europe's vehicle sales rose 8.4 percent in October to more than 147,000 cars and trucks, the company said today, powered by growth of its Mondeo and Transit models.
That brought sales in the first 10 months of the year to 1.53 million units, up by 5.6 percent, it said in a statement.
"We are on course for a record year and with more models in the pipeline we are optimistic that our progress will continue in 2008," said Stephen Odell, head of marketing, sales and service for Ford of Europe.
Howard wilner was recently asked about Nissans new Murano.
A fresh body on a new platform, an upgraded engine and an increase in comfort are the big news for the 2009 Murano, unveiled today at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
With the redesign, Nissan has elected to skip the 2008 model year. The 2009 Murano goes on sale in January.
Based off the platform first seen on the 2007 Altima, the Murano also sports a new, lighter weight suspension with abundant aluminum parts to help reduce sprung mass and new shock absorbers improve handling response.
An updated 3.5-liter V6 makes 265 hp (25 more than the '07 model) connected to a second-generation continuously variable transmission for power. Buyers can choose between front drive or a new, advanced all-wheel-drive system.
The Murano's new sheetmetal is also joined by an all-new interior design with new seat designs with fold-flat rear seats. Available options include navigation, rear seat entertainment system, Bose stereo system, Bluetooth, rear backup camera and power liftgate.
Howard Wilner was recently asked about the changes to the 2008 Yoyota Sequoia.