Author Archive for Tim Esterdahl
Associate Editor Tim Esterdahl is a married father of three who enjoys all things automotive including wrenching on his collection of old pickups. He also plays an absurd amount of golf. Like really absurd.
Toyota Dealers Hope HQ Move Sparks Diesel Tundra, Other Improvements
North Texas Toyota dealers have an interesting take on the corporate companies relocation to that area. They hope Toyota executives see first-hand all the full-size trucks on the road and this will spur them to commit more resources to the Tundra.
When Toyota moves to Texas, David Schoemaker of Toyota of Irving will be ready with a new showroom. He will also be ready to show off Toyota’s truck culture. (The Tacoma is nice, but we hope he shows them a Tundra!)
Photo Credit: David Woo/Staff Photographer Dallas News
Ford’s new F-150 2.7L EcoBoost Engine – Gimmicky or Good Idea?
Recently at a Ford media event, I was able to talk with a representative who drove the new F-150 with the 2.7L EcoBoost. While, he was short on specifics, the engine has created a lot of questions for truck fans. Is the engine simply a fuel-economy gimmick? Let’s discuss.
Is Ford’s new 2.7L EcoBoost engine a great offering or a gimmicky idea aimed at producing high fuel economy numbers.
Ram’s Growth Good/Bad for FCA – EPA Credits, CAFE Fines, New Powertrains
The sales growth of Ram Trucks is a good/bad news scenario for Chrysler. Why? The convoluted system of EPA credits, CAFE fuel economy targets and Chrysler’s failure to sell small, fuel-efficient cars. This system means long-term the FCA is in trouble. Here’s why.
The Ram EcoDiesel may be helping move product it is helping to create a long-term problem at FCA.
June 2014 U.S. Truck Sales – Toyota Tundra Slips
The numbers are out for truck sales in June, 2014. Leading the segment are Ram and the Nissan Frontier. The Toyota Tundra had nearly a 1k unit slip. Is demand finally starting to wan?
The Toyota Tundra had a slow month of June with posting a small drop. Is demand finally slowing?
Ford, Chrysler Events Showcase New Cars, Trucks – Toyota Tundra Perceptions
Last week, Ford and Chrysler invited Tim Esterdahl to check out their new products. During this time, he got the chance to talk to several representatives and drive several of their latest truck offerings. Here is what he found out.
This Ram 1500 EcoDiesel was one of many trucks I drove at a recent media event at Chrysler’s proving grounds. It has plenty of low-end torque and sounds like a diesel. With a smooth ride, it is a good competitor in the full-size market. Does it make sense for every customer? Nope. The return on investment is going to be a tough sell.
