Caliber R/T AWD falls flat

Anita and Paul Lienert: He Drove, She Drove -Souped up Dodge lacks power, comfortable ride

Detroit News Auto Insider - - The Dodge brand took an abrupt turn in the compact market when it replaced its sleek, curvy Neon compact earlier this year with the edgy Caliber.

The tall roof and four-door hatchback design of the rugged-looking Caliber hint at SUV themes, and the optional all-wheel-drive package on the top-of-the-line Caliber R/T drives the point home even further.

We tested a well-equipped 2007 Caliber R/T AWD with a bottom line of $23,885.

HE: I can sum up the Caliber R/T AWD in just a few words. Great concept, sexy design, lousy execution. And, in the case of our test vehicle, grossly overpriced at nearly $24,000.

SHE: I hate cars that keep me awake at night. The Jeep Compass was one of them. The Caliber R/T AWD, which is a sister vehicle to the Compass, is another. These are cars that you really want to like because they're homegrown products from Detroit and, at least on paper, they sound really cool. But when you get your hands on one, it's a different story. The Caliber R/T AWD, as we quickly found out, is no substitute for an SUV -- on any level. Even the fuel economy wasn't that impressive; the EPA highway number is identical to the Chevy Corvette Z06, which has a 500-horsepower 7.0-liter V-8. Go figure.

HE: That's only one of many anomalies on the Caliber R/T AWD. We should point out that earlier this year, we gave the base Caliber much higher marks -- partly because it was about $6,000 cheaper, so our expectations were considerably lower. But after having driven a new Volkswagen Rabbit with a sticker price of less than $21,000, the Caliber R/T AWD was an even bigger disappointment, in terms of ride comfort, handling and powertrain performance.

SHE: But you've got to admit the Caliber is still a riveting design with a lot of presence.

HE: No question. But you don't have to dig very far beneath the sheet metal to start uncovering flaws. The Caliber's big four-cylinder engine didn't feel nearly as peppy as the Rabbit's five-cylinder engine, even though the displacements are nearly identical and the Caliber actually has 22 more horsepower than the Rabbit. But the VW has more torque and, more importantly, was equipped with the company's optional six-speed automatic, which is light years ahead of the lousy continuously variable unit in the Dodge. Yuck. I'd can this slush box at the earliest opportunity, if I were Chrysler, and find a conventional automatic to replace it. The CVT is thatunpleasant.

SHE: There are things I like about the Caliber. Our test vehicle had standard antilock brakes, side curtain air bags for all outboard passengers and some really solid amenities, including a standard leather-wrapped steering wheel, illuminated cup holders and a "chill zone" cooler in the instrument panel. Our test car also came with such options as Sirius satellite radio and a UConnect hands-free phone system.

HE: I still can't get past some of the basic flaws in the package, some of which are directly related to the all-wheel drive. The ride is harsh -- much more so than on the base Caliber. This car doesn't feel nearly as agile as the Rabbit either. The AWD system is bulky and clunky, and makes the Caliber more difficult to park and maneuver in tight spaces.

SHE: I have some issues with visibility -- those thick rear pillars are a big problem, especially when backing up or changing lanes. And the Caliber R/T AWD is noisy, particularly at highway speeds. Plus, I didn't like the feeling of being bounced around on rough pavement.

HE: Thank goodness the top-of-the-line Caliber carries over some of the same neat features as the base model, including that handy iPod jack in the dash and a roomy cargo bay with a washable floor mat. But that's not enough to justify a $24,000 sticker. So do yourself a favor. Save four grand and buy the Rabbit.

SHE: Or if you really need the AWD, buy a real SUV for the same money -- say, a Ford Escape or a Jeep Liberty -- and save yourself some sleepless nights.

AUTO MARKETING: Chrysler revives its retail sales

The Chrysler Group is holding a sweepstakes until Labor Day in which it will give away nine vehicles -- three 2007 Wrangler Unlimiteds, three 2007 Chrysler Sebrings and three 2008 Dodge Challengers, above. To enter the contest, visit a Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge dealer for a special code. Enter that code at www.askdrz.com. Chrysler displayed new vehicles Tuesday at Duggan's Irish Pub in Royal Oak. (Photos by ROB WIDDIS/Special to the Free Press)

FREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITER BY JOE GUY COLLIER - Chrysler Group retail sales for August should be better than July and up from August of last year, said George Murphy, the Chrysler Group's senior vice president of global brand marketing.

Speaking at a news event Tuesday in Royal Oak, Murphy said a new marketing program and a fresher lineup of vehicles are starting to help retail sales -- purchases made by individuals. Murphy would not comment on overall sales, which also include fleet sales to government agencies, large corporate customers and rental companies, and the measurement released monthly by the companies.

The retail side, though, is looking better, Murphy said. The Chrysler Group brought back employee-pricing incentives July 1.

At the same time, it started a new "Ask Dr. Z" advertising campaign featuring DaimlerChrysler AG Chairman Dieter Zetsche. The campaign was bolstered Tuesday with a sweepstakes, which runs until Labor Day, in which the Chrysler Group will give away nine vehicles.

New vehicles, such as the Dodge Caliber and Jeep Compass, are just starting to take hold in the market, Murphy said. Production of the Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Nitro, also all-new vehicles, started this month.

Momentum should build as these new models and others arrive, Murphy said. "The big push is probably September-October," he said.

SUVs remain the weak spot, Murphy said. Like most SUVs, the Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee have taken a hit in sales this year.

"There's a lot of pressure in that segment," Murphy said. "That's just the way it is."

The new models and marketing campaign come as the Chrysler Group tries to hold market share in the United States. Overall sales, retail and fleet combined, are down 10% so far this year.

Standard & Poor's, a New York-based ratings firm, downgraded DaimlerChrysler shares this week to "strong sell" from "hold" based on lower expectations for the Chrysler Group.

"Our main concern is that the Chrysler segment may have difficulty reaching breakeven in '06 and '07, on our outlook and concerns for pricing and product and market mix," wrote Standard & Poor's equity analyst Marnie Cohen in the report.

This Day in Auto History: 16 AUGUST

8.16.1906 - The first production Mason, financed by Edward R. Mason and designed by Frederick S. Duesenberg, is completed at the Mason Motor Car Company factory in Des Moines, IA 8.16.1925 - Edward Y. Davidson Jr., Illuminating Engineer for the Macbeth-Evans Glass Company of Charleroi, PA, dies in Chicago, IL at age 27 8.16.1947 - Racer Giancarlo Martini is born in Lavezzola, Italy 8.16.1983 - Automobile advertising pioneer Ross Roy dies in Grosse Pointe Shores, MI at age 85 Source: Automobile History Day By Day, by Douglas A. Wick

2006-08-15 23:53 (Mw 6.1) FIJI REGION -21.2 -176.3

== PRELIMINARY EARTHQUAKE REPORT ==

Region: FIJI REGION
Geographic coordinates: 21.172S, 176.277W
Magnitude: 6.1 Mw
Depth: 156 km
Universal Time (UTC): 15 Aug 2006 23:53:47
Time near the Epicenter: 16 Aug 2006 11:53:47
Local time in your area: 16 Aug 2006 00:53:47

Location with respect to nearby cities:
108 km (67 miles) W (269 degrees) of NUKU'ALOFA, Tonga
369 km (229 miles) SW (220 degrees) of Neiafu, Tonga
2828 km (1757 miles) WSW (257 degrees) of PAPEETE, Tahiti, French Polynesia

ADDITIONAL EARTHQUAKE PARAMETERS
________________________________
event ID : US rkcj

This event has been reviewed by a seismologist at NEIC For subsequent updates, maps, and technical information, see:
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/recenteqsww/Quakes/usrkcj.php

Cross-country relay makes for 'smart' fundraising campaign

Dianna Shaw, here with her Smart car,
says she can travel long distances in her
vehicle, getting close to 70 miles per gallon.

About 80 Smarties - as Smart car drivers referto themselves -are expected to participatein the cross-country relay to raise money and awareness for the Bruce Denniston Bone Marrow Society. A relay stop is being made tomorrow in Cambridge.Shaw said many people see the size of Smart cars and assume they are electric-powered vehicles, but the little cars run on diesel fuel.

Participants depart Trois-Rivieres today and will arrive late afternoon tomorrow in Cambridge for an overnight stay before heading to Sudbury, Ont

.

JEFF HURST, TIMES STAFF, Melissa Hancock, Cambridge - -They are small but mighty and making their way across the country for a charitable cause.

About 10 Smart cars, made by DaimlerChrysler, and their drivers will stop in Cambridge on Wednesday - one of many stops along a cross-country relay to raise money for the Bruce Denniston Bone Marrow Society.

Smarties, as Smart car drivers call themselves, will be pledging money for the society that was formed with a goal to provide financial assistance to the bone marrow registry and make it easier to find compatible donors for patients.

Smart owner Dianna Shaw of Cambridge said the group of drivers has two goals; to raise awareness about bone marrow transplants, and to raise awareness of the benefits of their vehicles.

"It's a major thing," Shaw said of the difficulty to find matching bone marrow types.

The relay began on Aug. 7 in Northwest River, Labrador. Today, participants depart Troi-Rivieres and stop for the night in Ottawa.

The clan of drivers should arrive in Cambridge late afternoon tomorrow and will have a barbecue with regional police officers and camp overnight at the Waterloo Regional Police Association and Recreation Centre. The Smarties' next stop will be in Sudbury, Ont.

As for raising awareness of Smart cars, Shaw said the relay participants want to get the message out that their vehicles are safe and economical.

"They aren't just little cars," she said.

Although small, a Smart car has a tridion safety cell, made from high-tensile steel - the same type of shell as most Indy-car race vehicles.

Shaw uses her Smart for everyday driving and for travel purposes, getting close to 70 miles per gallon of diesel fuel.

For the cross-country relay, Shaw said they have not set a fundraising goal because the main focus is to increase awareness of the bone marrow society.

Of all the causes the Smart group could have picked, Shaw said the bone marrow society suited best because it's a great cause and provides cross-country assistance to those searching for a matching donor.

For more information on the cross-country relay, visit www.clubsmartcar.ca.

For more information about the Bruce Denniston Bone Marrow Society, visit www.dennistonsociety.com.

2006-08-14 04:03 (Mw 5.6) SOUTHERN EAST PACIFIC RISE -55.5 -124.5

== PRELIMINARY EARTHQUAKE REPORT ==

Region: SOUTHERN EAST PACIFIC RISE
Geographic coordinates: 55.485S, 124.496W
Magnitude: 5.6 Mw
Depth: 10 km
Universal Time (UTC): 14 Aug 2006 04:03:55
Time near the Epicenter: 13 Aug 2006 20:03:55
Local time in your area: 14 Aug 2006 05:03:55

Location with respect to nearby cities:
3398 km (2112 miles) WSW (244 degrees) of Punta Arenas, Chile
3413 km (2121 miles) S (174 degrees) of ADAMSTOWN, Pitcairn Islands


ADDITIONAL EARTHQUAKE PARAMETERS
________________________________
event ID : US rjb7

This event has been reviewed by a seismologist at NEIC For subsequent updates, maps, and technical information, see:
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/recenteqsww/Quakes/usrjb7.php

Consumers to Win All-New Dodge Challenger, Chrysler Sebring and Jeep(R) Wrangler Unlimited in Dream Car Sweepstakes

* Chrysler Group Sweepstakes is next phase of popular "Ask Dr. Z" campaign
* Dodge Challenger T-shirts to be sold at Woodward Dream Cruise; proceeds to Gail Purtan Ovarian Cancer Research Fund

ROYAL OAK, Mich., Aug. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- How can consumers win a Dodge Challenger -- or an all-new 2007 Chrysler Sebring or Jeep® Wrangler Unlimited? By asking Dr. Z, of course.

Consumers can enter the "Ask Dr. Z" Dream Car Sweepstakes between Aug. 15 and Sept. 4 by going to http://www.AskDrZ.com , after visiting any Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge dealer showroom. George Murphy, Senior Vice President - Global Brand Marketing, Chrysler Group, announced the Dream Car Sweepstakes here on Woodward Avenue, kicking off the 2006 Woodward Dream Cruise.

"The Woodward Dream Cruise is all about dream cars and is the perfect place to introduce the 'Ask Dr. Z' Dream Car Sweepstakes," Murphy said. "The 'Ask Dr. Z' campaign has resulted in positive consumer feedback and increased brand Web site traffic, and we're building on that by driving even more consumers to http://www.AskDrZ.com and ultimately increasing traffic in Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge showrooms.

"We believe consumers will jump at the chance to win Chrysler Group's dream vehicles -- the Challenger, which looks right at home on Woodward; the completely-redesigned 2007 Chrysler Sebring, and the latest rendition of a true American icon, the 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited," Murphy added.

A total of nine vehicles will be awarded: three all-new Dodge Challenger models, three all-new 2007 Chrysler Sebring models and three all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon models.

Dodge Challenger
Unprecedented public response to the Dodge Challenger concept resulted in Chrysler Group announcing last month that after nearly 35 years, the Dodge Challenger will return as the ultimate modern American muscle coupe.
Set to debut as a 2008 model in calendar-year 2008, the Challenger will feature the long hood, short deck, wide stance and two-door coupe body style that distinguished the iconic Challengers of the 1970s.

Chrysler Sebring
With the all-new 2007 Sebring, Chrysler is creating inspiration in the common car. An all-new mid-size sedan, Chrysler Sebring combines stunning design with interior craftsmanship, high levels of safety and reliability, exhilarating performance and excellent fuel efficiency -- all at a surprisingly affordable price. Sebring also features many class-leading technologies not available in the mid-size segment.

Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
Featuring a one-of-a-kind, four-door open-air design, the all-new 2007 Jeep® Wrangler Unlimited expands the Jeep experience to new dimensions. With room for five adult passengers -- a Wrangler first -- and the most cargo space ever offered in a Wrangler, the Unlimited combines class-leading off- road capability with everyday practicality.

Ask Dr. Z campaign
The Dream Car Sweepstakes is the next phase of Chrysler Group's "Ask Dr. Z" ad campaign that focuses on consumer benefits of the best of American and German Engineering and Design -- and specifically on the innovative design, quality, reliability, performance and fuel economy of Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles. The campaign's spokesperson is DaimlerChrysler Chairman Dieter Zetsche.
In the first six weeks of the campaign, there have been more than 600,000 visitors to the Web site and more than 4.2 million questions have been answered.

"The 'Ask Dr. Z' campaign has driven our brand Web site traffic up consistently by 15 percent over June and our Web leads have increased by 27 percent," Murphy said. "And recent Millward Brown research shows that 83 percent of in-market consumers find Dieter credible and believable, and 73 percent stated they understood Chrysler Group vehicles combine the best of American and German engineering and design -- additional evidence that our message is getting through.

"Furthermore, IAG Research -- a third-party service which measures advertising effectiveness -- reports that the campaign is significantly outperforming almost every IAG automotive norm," Murphy added.
Chrysler Group at Woodward Dream Cruise

The 12th annual Woodward Dream Cruise -- billed as the largest one-day celebration of car culture, attracting approximately 1.7 million people and more than 40,000 cars -- takes place on Saturday, Aug. 19. Located in the Northwood Shopping Center at the southwest corner of 13 Mile Rd. and Woodward in Royal Oak, Chrysler Group will host a variety of interactive, classic and concept vehicle displays.

Various Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Mopar® merchandise and apparel will be sold at the displays -- including made-for-Woodward "Dodge Challenger - It's A Go!" T-shirts. Proceeds from the shirt sales will be donated to the Gail Purtan Ovarian Cancer Research Fund at Karmanos Cancer Institute.

2007 Dodge Nitro intro MSRP pricing

ALLPAR NEWS, AUBURN HILLS MI - - Production startup: August 14 (R/T production begins in December)

NITRO 4X2
Nitro SXT $19,225 + $660
Nitro SLT $22,635 + $660

NITRO 4X4
Nitro SXT $20,735 + $660
Nitro SLT $24,145 + $660

Part-Time 4WD will be standard on all 4x4s until Mid-November, Full Time 4WD will then replace Part Time 4WD on all Nitro's with automatic transmissions. Sunburst Orange and Electric blue begin production in September. Running boards will begin production in October. 20-inch chrome clad wheels, new nav radio and Remote Start will be available in November.

Source: oh20 [Allpar User]
Photo Credit: http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2005/10/27/146803.4-lg.jpg

Problems with 'ASPEN' trademark

(words only): ASPEN

Standard Character claim: Yes

Current Status: An ex parte appeal of a final refusal to register the applied for mark is pending before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board.

Date of Status: 2006-07-11

Filing Date: 2004-10-28

Transformed into a National Application: No

Registration Date: (DATE NOT AVAILABLE)

Register: Principal

Law Office Assigned: LAW OFFICE 116

Attorney Assigned: OTT CHRISTOPHER Employee Location

Current Location: M7X -TMO Law Office 116 - Examining Attorney Assigned

Date In Location: 2006-01-11

Jalopnik Reviews: 2007 Jeep Compass, Part 1

JALOPNICK, AUBURN HILLS MI - - Jeep has always signified a go-anywhere-and-damned- if-I'm-not-allowed-to mentality. It's a marque that's retained the muddy patina of its roots as a military vehicle, despite post-decommissioning hazards that included rotating ownership and a raft of spotty offshoots. It even survived (and flourished amid) a more "feminine" -- as some would say -- tangent with the Jeep Liberty. That's because, despite the front office's desire to attract a wider audience, the Liberty shared the same "Trail Rated," status as the company's other Rubicon-crossing models. All of that history ends with the Jeep Compass, an economy car.

So what exactly is Jeep doing sticking an AWD grocery getter into its fleet of 4WD rock climbers? Is it, as many are saying, the worst possible choice for a brand that's built its name on an image of off-road utility? Or rather, like the Chrysler Group's crosstown competitors, is Jeep attempting a bold move by leveraging the brand's cachet to increase sales?

Before we answer that question, let's take a look at what the Compass is. In structure and styling, the Compass is a badge-engineered clone of the Dodge Caliber -- except with a big 'ol Jeep grille on the front. And it's right at the grille that the similarity between a Jeep and this ... vehicle ... ends.

Under the hood, the Compass diverges only slightly from the Caliber. Although the Compass is available with all-wheel-drive, it certainly doesn't have the goods to perform off-road like a Jeep. It does have an uprated, 172-hp version of Chrysler's 2.4-liter four-cylinder world engine with dual Variable Valve Timing (VVT) to optimize the torque curve and maximize fuel economy. Five-speed manual is standard, with a Continuously Variable transaxle (CVT2) optional.

All of this focus on fuel economy maximization and smoothing out the torque curve leaves the Compass with little Jeeplike capability off road, not that we were expecting any (Jeep's ad folks have gone out of their way to get us to Free Our Thoughts regarding the Compass). The base Compass is fitted with a standard front-wheel-drive system, and our test model had the available active full-time four-wheel-drive system with a lockable center coupling, which offers "lock mode" to handle somewhat rougher terrain.

What do I mean by somewhat rougher terrain? About the only place a Compass won't be flummoxed off-road is a flat stretch of hard-packed dirt. On a short trail of light crag, lock mode felt similar to that of a standard AWD car. That is to say, woe to it on a hard, rutted doubletrack. But again, Jeep is marketing the Compass as a versatile vehicle that offers just a "piece of the Jeep experience." It is a fun vehicle to drive, with more responsive pickup than the standard Caliber. With the seating set higher than most cars', it at least offers the on-road feel of a "real" Jeep. But with an MSRP of only $15,985 -- it comes at two-thirds the cost. In the end, the Compass is a versatile car with some decent storage room that can handle run-of-the-mill snow showers with aplomb. But it's not a Jeep, so why call it that? [By Ray Wert]

Why Mercedes might buy McLaren

GRAND PRIX F1 NEWS - - There has been speculation for a long time that DaimlerChrysler, the parent company of Mercedes-Benz, will eventually complete the purchase of the McLaren company. This began in July 1999 when the German company acquired 40% of the team and the two remaining shareholders, Ron Dennis and Mansour Ojjeh, redistributed the remaining shares so that they would each have 30%. In addition there is a shareholders agreements which mean that these sharesholdings can only be sold together and not independently of one another.

The arrangement followed a decision by DaimlerChrysler and McLaren Cars to jointly develop and produce the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren super sports car which was launched at the Frankfurt Motorshow in 2003 and is now being manufactured at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking and at the company's second production factory in Portsmouth, where the SLR carbonfibre bodyshells are built.

The plan for the SLR was for a seven-year programme with around 3500 cars being produced. The company passed the 1000 mark in February this year which means that in 2010 it will be looking for a new project. Given the preparation needed, a decision over a new car must already be in the pipeline and since the arrival of the new DaimlerChrysler boss Dieter Zetsche there has been talk of producing different variants of the SLR and the first of those is the 722 Edition, which was launched in July. There were six different versions of the original McLaren F1 between 1992 and 1998, including a number of racing versions. There has also been talk of the company building a less expensive supercar to follow the $450,000 SLR, in order to compete with Ferrari's F430, which is retailing at $225,000.

If Zetsche intends to expand McLaren production in the future it may be wise to complete the purchase of the business, in order to bring the technology in-house and have greater control of all projects. It should be added that Mercedes is the only major manufacturer involved in F1 not to control its works team and there is no doubt that McLaren performance in recent years has been generally disappointing, despite a strong World Championship challenge in 2005.

McLaren has long been a company that does not rely on one individual and while some question the logic of its management theories in F1, it is clear that as a company it can now run itself quite successfully without Ron Dennis.

At 59 Dennis is already a multimillionaire and has no real need to go on working unless he wants to - and he has said as much on several occasions.

PT Cruiser PCH: Dodge Announces California Edition Cruiser

JALOPNICK AUTO NEWS, LOS ANGELES - - Carmakers have been building California edition cars since the Governator was just a seed in the pocket of some Austrian's brownish shirt. Now, as Wert found out -- he's prowling around metro Detroit, looking for a free press luncheon and a nice cabernet -- Chrysler's building a limited edition PT Cruiser with a West Coast theme. It's the 2007 PT Street Cruiser Pacific Coast Highway Edition, which is an homage to that famous route along the ocean; both killer of Ferrari Enzos and purveyor of spectacular scenery. Chrysler's already done the Route 66 edition; we're still waiting for the Long Island Expressway edition.

Magnitude 5.7 EASTERN NEW GUINEA REG., P.N.G.

== PRELIMINARY EARTHQUAKE REPORT ==

Region: EASTERN NEW GUINEA REG., P.N.G.
Geographic coordinates: 9.351S, 150.263E
Magnitude: 5.7 Mw
Depth: 68 km
Universal Time (UTC): 15 Aug 2006 05:43:29
Time near the Epicenter: 15 Aug 2006 15:43:29
Local time in your area: 15 Aug 2006 06:43:29

Location with respect to nearby cities:
110 km (68 miles) N (353 degrees) of Alotau, New Guinea, PNG
231 km (144 miles) ESE (107 degrees) of Popondetta, New Guinea, PNG
271 km (168 miles) W (264 degrees) of Kulumadau, Woodlark Island, PNG
336 km (209 miles) E (88 degrees) of PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea


ADDITIONAL EARTHQUAKE PARAMETERS
________________________________
event ID : US rkas

This event has been reviewed by a seismologist at NEIC For subsequent updates, maps, and technical information, see:
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/recenteqsww/Quakes/usrkas.php

Green is the new black: Local buyers turn on to fuel-efficient small cars

Rick Schweinhart/Journal Like other drivers looking to cut costs at the pump, Betsy Moseley, of Clyde Hill, chose a small, high-efficiency ride -- the Smart Car.

By Erica Hall
Journal Reporter


When Betsy Moseley pulls her Smart Car into a parking lot, people stop, stare, then start with the questions and comments:

It's so small!

How does it run?

How much did it
cost?

When Moseley first considered buying the tiny European car, her husband was skeptical. But now, with gas prices high and likely getting higher following the partial shutdown of the Prudhoe Bay oil field in Alaska, he's a skeptic no longer.

"Now he's like, 'Let's take your car!'" she said.

After all, it runs nearly a month on way less than $20 worth of gas.

With demand climbing for energy-efficient cars, local dealers are finding they can't keep them on the lots.

Sean Chapman, sales manager at Toyota of Kirkland, said last week he didn't have any of Toyota's hybrids in stock, with the possible exception of a Highlander. There's a waiting list for the brand-new hybrid Toyota Camry, he said, and there's been a list for the Prius since it came out four years ago.

"Welcome to Europe," said Tim Hamilton, executive director of AUTO, a nonprofit association of gasoline retailers.

"What the public is becoming more and more aware of is these rising prices and spikes are not an anomaly," said Hamilton, who predicted $4-a-gallon gas within a month.

Mike Lavigne, general manager at Honda Auto Center of Bellevue, said sales of Honda's hybrids have been consistently strong.

"Supply has not met demand," Lavigne said. "We might get 10 or 15 a month, and then they'll be gone. It would be unusual for a person to come in and be able to buy one off the lot."

The brand-new Honda Fit, expected in 2008, already is back-ordered several months, he said. The other hybrid models — the hybrid Civic and the hybrid Accord — are available in about a month if the buyer is flexible on color.

Many people might have expected to ride out the gas price increases earlier in the year, but it's becoming apparent gas prices aren't going to go down any time soon.

And car shoppers are buying accordingly.

"People aren't going to buy cars on a gas spike. They're going to buy cars based on this is reality now," Hamilton said. "There's a growing recognition that it's going to be one temporary increase after another."

Moseley didn't buy her Smart Car last March exclusively for the savings on gas, though it is a perk: She gasses up every three or four weeks, she said, and it only costs her $12 to fill her tank.

Though notably small, the two-door Smart car feels big on the inside. Driver and passenger sit up high off the road. The windshield angles forward all the way to the nose of the car and wraps around to the extra-large windows on the doors, providing lots of light and visibility. There's plenty of leg room, too; the pockets of leg space extend all the way to the front of the car.

Moseley said she's had several tall friends in the car and "no one's hit their head yet," she said.

Lavigne said there are a number of reasons his customers have purchased hybrids from his dealership.

"We have people who buy a hybrid because they want to feel they're doing their part. It's a lifestyle choice. Others are faced with long commutes," he said. "The rationale comes in all different shapes and sizes."

He said as people begin to cycle through their cars — trade in ones bought several years ago for newer models — they're downsizing and looking for fuel efficiency, even if they're not expressly shopping for a hybrid or alternative fuel model.

Smart Car owners will save on gas over the long run, but the car itself isn't cheap. The car costs between $25,000 and $30,000, though prices are expected to drop to about half the going rate if DaimlerChrysler starts distributing the cars in the United States in 2008. Currently, they have to be imported, retrofitted to meet U.S. safety and emissions standards, then distributed to a few dealers across the country.

Moseley's office is only two miles from her home in Clyde Hill, but she drives to Seattle a couple of times a week. She said she gets 40 miles per gallon driving in downtown Bellevue and downtown Seattle, and the car always keeps up with traffic. "I've never had a problem with acceleration," she said. "It's got to be pretty practical. It can't be a car with a lawn mower engine."

Moseley has had a number of nice cars, such as a Mercedes 500SL and a Lexus. Someday she might get another car, but she's hooked on her Smart Car for now.

Besides the obvious benefits, Moseley said there are other benefits, too. One of the best: She can always fit into the tiny spots left between two SUVs.

"I'm not going to just keep it for a year," she said. "I like the car."

This Day in Auto History: 15 AUGUST

8.15.1893 - Harlow Herbert Curtice of Buick and General Motors is born in Petrieville, MI 8.15.1917 - Charles L. Nedoma of the Chalmers Motor Corporation joins the Cadillac Motor Car Company as Secretary to the Chief Engineer 8.15.1934 - Guy Moll, winner of the 1934 Monaco Grand Prix, is killed at age 24 when his Alfa Romeo P3 crashes during the Coppa Acerbo voiturette race in Pescara, Italy 8.15.1941 - Racer Colin Bond is born in Australia 8.15.1956 - Roy H. Faulkner of Oakland, Nash, Auburn, Studebaker, and Pierce-Arrow dies at age 70

Source: Automobile History Day By Day, by Douglas A. Wick

2006-08-15 03:05 (Mb 6.1) BANDA SEA -4.7 126.8

== PRELIMINARY EARTHQUAKE REPORT ==

Region: BANDA SEA
Geographic coordinates: 4.715S, 126.820E
Magnitude: 6.1 Mb
Depth: 39 km
Universal Time (UTC): 15 Aug 2006 03:05:14
Time near the Epicenter: 15 Aug 2006 12:05:14
Local time in your area: 15 Aug 2006 04:05:14

Location with respect to nearby cities:
188 km (117 miles) SW (232 degrees) of Ambon, Moluccas, Indonesia
451 km (280 miles) NNE (18 degrees) of DILI, East Timor
474 km (294 miles) E (80 degrees) of Baubau, Sulawesi, Indonesia


ADDITIONAL EARTHQUAKE PARAMETERS
________________________________
event ID : US rkak

This event has been reviewed by a seismologist at NEIC For subsequent updates, maps, and technical information, see:
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/recenteqsww/Quakes/usrkak.php

Chrysler 300, Dodge Magnum and Dodge Charger Now Reservable Through Hertz

Hertz Adds Three New Models to 'Fun Collection,' Putting Excitement in High Gear This Summer

Chrysler 300, Dodge Magnum and Dodge Charger Now Reservable Through Hertz

PARK RIDGE, NJ -- (MARKET WIRE) -- August 14, 2006 -- Following the successful launch of its signature 'Fun Collection' and the special-edition Ford Shelby GT-H Mustang in Spring 2006, Hertz today puts even more exciting vehicle choices into travelers' hands with the addition of the Chrysler 300, Dodge Magnum, and Dodge Charger, now available in Hertz Fun Collection markets nationwide. Created for leisure travelers seeking exciting driving experiences, the Hertz Fun Collection features an array of sporty vehicles including convertibles, coupes, roadsters and SUVs.

Rounding out the Fun Collection with their robust performance credentials and elegant styling, these three new vehicle additions each offer unique features appealing to travelers exploring the open road. The Chrysler 300 features brawny good looks, a balance of handling and comfort, and an aerodynamic exterior delivering wind-noise management and enhanced fuel efficiency. The Dodge Charger features exceptional ride and handling, functional exterior enhancements and a race-inspired interior, while the Dodge Magnum incorporates such unique features as 'command-of-the-road' seating providing a better view of the road, and steering wheel-mounted controls giving drivers fingertip command of a variety of electronic functions.

"Hertz is proud to lead the way in giving customers more choices and control to enhance their travels this summer and beyond," said Frank Camacho, Hertz Staff Vice President, Marketing. "We are delighted to expand the Hertz Fun Collection, offering services and programs that highlight the driving experience."

Other vehicles available through the Hertz Fun Collection include such convertibles as the Ford Mustang, Mazda Miata, Toyota Solara, PT Cruiser and Chrysler Sebring; coupes/roadsters including the exclusive, limited-edition Shelby GT-H Mustang, Ford Mustang (hard-top), PT Cruiser, Chevy HHR and Nissan 350Z; and SUVs such as the Ford Escape XLT Sport, Jeep Wrangler, Nissan Murano and HUMMER H3. Adding more entertainment to the driving experience, Hertz Fun Collection vehicles feature SIRIUS Satellite Radio (NASDAQ: SIRI)*. And, as with vehicles in the Hertz Prestige Collection, the Hertz Fun Collection is specifically reservable by make and model.

With the addition of the Chrysler 300, Dodge Magnum, and Dodge Charger, Hertz now offers 17 Fun Collection models that can be specifically reserved. Hertz offers renters the broadest selection of vehicles to suit their tastes and the highest level of service, with more than 8,500 Hertz Fun Collection vehicles available in approximately 20 major leisure destinations throughout the United States.

*Satellite radio service is only available within the continental United States; Hertz vehicles in Hawaii will not feature SIRIUS.

Updare to both the Sebring Coupe Cabrio and Dodge Avenger [Paris Auto Show]

Sebring coupe-vabriolet

Chrysler's forthcoming Sebring saloon is to join the convertible fold...

14th August 2006



Chrysler's forthcoming Sebring saloon is to join the convertible fold - with a new coupé-cabrio version.

It's part of a range of changes from DaimlerChrysler, which also sees a butch Dodge arrive in the same sector within 12 months. And both of the US models will use Volkswagen's acclaimed 136bhp 2.0-litre TDI diesel in their line-ups.

Auto Express can confirm the new Dodge saloon will be called Avenger, and is set to be a sportier alternative to the Sebring. Its public debut is expected at the Paris Motor Show next month.

The Dodge draws inspiration from the Charger muscle car of the Seventies, and will also use 2.0-litre and 2.4-litre petrol engines. Both the Chrysler and Dodge models will be priced between £17,000 and £19,000.

Smart ForTwo will be shown in frankfurt [November 5]

FRANKFURT(Dow Jones) - - - German-U.S. automaker DaimlerChrysler AG (DCX) will present the new version of its Smart 'fortwo' model Nov. 9 in Stuttgart, a company spokesman said Monday.

DaimlerChrysler in March decided to cease production of Smart's four-seater model, named forfour, and focus solely on the tiny two-seater model.

Following a wide-ranging restructuring program at the division, DaimlerChrysler aims to reach break-even at Smart next year, nearly a decade after the brand's market launch in October 1998.

DaimlerChrysler in June had confirmed plans to launch the ultra-compact car in the U.S. at the beginning of 2008, in coop eration with retailer United Auto Group Inc. (UAG).

Caliber Could Be Cute - Small car attracts more women to Dodge

BRADFORD WERNLE | AUTOMOTIVE NEWS AutoWeek | Published 08/14/06, 7:46 am et -

DETROIT - When it comes to attracting female customers, Dodge, with its "Ram tough" image and aggressive styling, often brings up the rear of the industry pack. But the Dodge Caliber may be changing that perception - even though it has hard-edged Dodge styling and an ad campaign that disdains the cuteness akin to its predecessor, the Neon. From February, when the economy car went on sale, through July, 42.9 percent of Caliber's customers were women, according to the Power Information Network. That's below the Chrysler group's target of 50 percent but considerably higher than the percentage of female buyers for most Dodge vehicles. From Jan. 1 through July, 27.2 percent of all Dodge buyers were women. Only GMC (23.2) and Porsche (21.2) attracted a lower percentage. Andy Palmen, chairman of the Dodge National Dealer Council and owner of Palmen Motors in Kenosha, Wis., says Caliber's strong performance among women doesn't surprise him. "From day one, we were selling this car to every gender and age group," Palmen says. "We're seeing a lot of mature women buying this car." Palmen thinks new vehicles in the pipeline will bring more women to Dodge stores. The 2006 Nitro, an entry-level SUV based on the Jeep Liberty platform, is likely to appeal to women when it arrives this fall, he says. Says Mark Spencer, senior manager of Dodge communications: "I think we saw Caliber as an opportunity to get new consumers into the Dodge brand regardless of gender. We really didn't have a gender play on Caliber. It was a 50-50 male-female target." Steve Saxty, executive director of marketing solutions for J.D. Power and Associates, says the Neon was also attractive to women - 46.5 percent of buyers in 2005, its last full year on sale. Says Saxty: "All these female buyers haven't popped up out of nowhere. They've popped out of Neon."