Why U.S. Automakers Don’t Sell Cars in Japan

Last week, we evaluated allegations of Japanese protectionism levied by U.S. automakers. While it’s clear that these allegations were nothing more than political posturing, what’s not clear is why U.S. automakers have so much trouble selling cars in Japan.

Looking at Japan’s 2008 auto sales by manufacturer, we find that imports (which include both U.S. vehicles and vehicles from Europe) account for less than 7% of all sales in Japan.

Japan's 2008 total auto sales by manufacturer. Click for a larger view.

Why do Japanese consumers shun imports at a ratio of almost 15 to 1? Read more…

Is Japan’s Auto Market Protectionist, Or Are U.S. Automakers Playing Politics?

Stephen Biegun, Ford Motor Company’s V.P. of international governmental affairs (and, interestingly enough, former executive secretary of the National Security Counsel during the G.W. Bush administration), has made the national news by accusing the Japanese government of protectionism.

Is Japan's Cash For Clunkers program protectionist?

In a nut shell, Biegun and the American Automotive Policy Council (a lobbying group funded by GM, Chrysler, and Ford) are accusing the Japanese government of unfair trade practices because cars built in America don’t qualify for a rebate under Japan’s “Cash for Clunkers” program. Unfortunately, this is an oversimplification. Read more…

Last Minute Gift Ideas

The holidays are coming to an end sooner than we think. If you’re going to order gifts online, now is the time to get your orders in. Here are some last-minute suggestions: Read more…

Dog Safety Tips For Truck Owners

Dogs and pickup trucks seem like a natural combination. Dogs are easy-going, friendly, and they don’t mind getting dirty. Indeed, if dogs could be a type of vehicle, they would be a fun-loving pickup truck for sure.

Dogs and trucks don't mind getting dirty. Golden Retriever image ©tonylanciabeta.

Sadly, despite the fact that dogs and trucks have so much in common, trucks can represent a serious risk to a dog’s health…especially if the dog rides in the back of the truck. While there aren’t a lot of stats to prove it, a veterinary professional we spoke with suggested that dogs are more likely to get hurt in their owner’s truck than they are to get hit by a truck. Read more…

3 Reasons Why Toyota Is Ramping Up Production

Automotive News is reporting that almost all of Toyota’s North American manufacturing plants are running at full tilt, with most of Toyota’s American and Canadian workers earning hefty overtime pay. While this is definitely evidence that the market for new vehicles is recovering, there are a few other factors at work to explain Toyota’s increased production.

Toyota is ramping up production in North America.

First and foremost, many Toyota dealerships are still running low on product. We all know that Cash For Clunkers (C.A.R.S.) generated a lot of sales for Toyota and depleted their inventory (the CARS program was practically a gift