Tug-A-Truck Is For Dumb Fools
De gustibus non est disputandum is a latin expression that’s survived nearly 2500 years because it’s very, very wise: It means that “there’s no accounting for taste.” Many motor sports are a question of personal taste. While it has a huge number of fans, there are those out there who have no interest in NASCAR due to its relative lack of road courses. Likewise, IndyCar racing is often passed over by race fans thanks to the perception that it is missing the hardcore, door-to-door racing that is largely impossible due to its open-wheel format.
Tug a Truck is the sport of fools.
There are some types of vehicular competition, however, that would seem to be a universally bad idea – ‘Tug-a-truck’ is a perfect example. Read more…
Toyota Tundra vs F150 Video Comparison Kinda Weak
Toyota has published some comparison videos on their ToyotaUSA YouTube channel. While it’s great to see Toyota embracing YouTube, this effort (this F150 vs Tundra video) leaves a lot to be desired.
Check it out: Read more…
A Screen For Your Truck’s Rear Window
Sometimes the aftermarket comes up with an idea for vehicle customization that is so popular it eventually becomes adopted by automakers as an option right from the factory. Sliding rear pickup truck windows are a perfect example. A simple concept that took a long time to be adopted across the entire industry, sliding rear windows are a great way to bring cool and refreshing air into a pickup’s passenger compartment. They can also be left open on a hot day to help keep internal temperatures down, or opened during a rainstorm while driving to help ventilate your truck without getting you wet.
At the right speed, opening your rear window is like turning a leaf-blower loose on your truck's interior.
But you already knew that. This is the part where you say “Ya ya sliders are great, but what about when they empty the contents of my pickup bed into my lap?” Read more…
Toyota and Aston Martin Partnership Opportunities
In an effort to meet European fuel economy and emissions standards, world-renowned Aston Martin is going to produce a high MPG mini-car called the Cygnet City Car. In order to preserve exclusivity, this vehicle will only be available to current Aston Martin owners.
Seeing as how Aston Martin isn’t in the mini-car business, they approached Toyota about re-badging the Toyota iQ.
The next Aston Martin. Seriously.
OK – so it’s likely a little more than a “re-badging.” Aston Martin is going to put their own personal touch on the iQ with interior and exterior refinements. However, they’re likely going to leave the powertrain intact in order to preserve the fuel economy rating of the iQ and the boost that will bring to Aston’s fleet.
Since Aston and Toyota aren’t natural competitors, and since Toyota is always interested in selling more vehicles, this partnership makes some sense. While there are some branding concerns on Aston’s side (some call it an abomination), it seems like a simple and logical way to help Aston’s fleet meet fuel economy and emissions regulations.
So, are there any other Toyota – Aston Martin partnerships worth considering? Read more…
Toyota Not Likely To Shutdown NUMMI
Last Friday Toyota announced that they may have to abandon NUMMI (New United Motor Manufacturing Inc.). A car plant in Northern California, NUMMI opened in 1984 and is jointly operated by GM and Toyota…or at least it was up until last Friday.
Toyota’s decision to make this announcement on Friday the 10th coincides with the “new” GM’s emergence from bankruptcy . While it’s a little complicated, here’s why that timing is relevant:
- As part of GM’s bankruptcy plan, a “new” GM was formed. The new GM got all the good, profitable assets.
- The “old” GM retains all the unprofitable assets.
- All the assets of the old GM will be liquidated over the next year or two.
- NUMMI is part of the old GM.
In other words, now that GM has officially abandoned NUMMI, Toyota is considering the same action…and who can blame them? A case can definitely be made: Read more…
