Regal Wins High Praise from Wall Street Journal

An article form the Wall Street Journal.

SEAT MAY 29, 2010 Confession: The Regal's a Pretty Great Car

Love the bailout or hate it, GM has a success in its Europe-derived Buick sedan; an automotive Zelig

By DAN NEIL

It gives me no joy to write this. I know it will upset a lot of readers, and that's never pleasant. So I might as well come right out and say it: The new Buick Regal is a really nice car.

If you regard the federal government's taking a majority stake in General Motors in 2009 as an unforgivable overreach by the Socialist in Chief Obama, a political payoff to the United Auto Workers, a fleecing of the taxpayer, etc., nothing would conform to that narrative better than a ugly, spastic Buick Regal. After all, the government can't do anything right, can it?

Unfortunately for you—and fortunately for the rest of us, who want the company to succeed and in so succeeding make taxpayers whole on their investment—the post-bankruptcy, fed-owned GM is gaining altitude. The company posted a healthy Q1 profit; global sales are rebounding; GM is a fraction of its former, overgrown self; the board and most of the executive management has been replaced; the UAW has been given a pretty good haircut; the electric Chevy Volt is on track to be released on time, as promised. Hundreds of thousands of auto-industry jobs were preserved in the past year. If GM had gone into liquidation—remember, there was no financing available for a conventional Chapter 11 bankruptcy—GM's collapse would have acted like a black hole, further destabilizing the economy and obliterating the value of car companies and suppliers around it.

I'm not saying it was pretty. So little of summer '09 was. And I'm not predicting that taxpayers will absolutely break even. I am saying the alternative would have been far worse.

Why, Martha, can't this guy keep politics out of car reviews? Because car building, and car buying, is inherently political. I've received dozens of purple-faced emails in the past year declaring "I'll never by another GM because of [circle one] a) the bailout, b) Obama, c) the UAW...." That's perfectly legitimate. Consumers vote with their dollars, and as much as we'd like the universe of commerce to operate outside the gravity of ideology, it doesn't.

So while I understand this is a season of deep discontent with big-G government, with respect I invite you to consider the possibility that Government Motors will actually build some fine cars.

The Regal has been a kind of automotive Zelig, everywhere you look in the GM bailout. Development of this global, midsize, front-drive platform (Epsilon II) was begun at GM's Opel operations in Russelsheim, Germany, in 2004. It was intended to be the next-generation Saturn Aura for North America but when the money-losing Saturn division went away in the reorganization plan of 2009, GM quickly rebadged the car—known as the Opel Insignia in Europe—as a Buick. It's also built and sold as a Buick in China, where it's been a huge success (Buick's ascendance in the Chinese market is the main reason GM kept the division and dumped, say, Pontiac).

Meanwhile, as GM was lurching toward bankruptcy in the spring 2009, it put Opel up for sale, which would have been a monstrous mistake, given the division's role in global product development. But by November, the board of the new GM—made up mostly of Obama Administration appointees—wisely decided to hang on to Opel.

All of which led to the Opel Insignia/Buick Regal's arriving on our shores this month. How is it? Well, it's kind of terrific. Thick-shouldered, wide, with a graceful canopy (and a Hofmeister kink positively stolen from BMW) and about as nice a front end as can be managed with Buick's fussy waterfall grille, the Regal's look is competent and substantial, with the kind of sporty visual amplitude you'd expect of a Autobahn-bred car. I really like the hockey-stick-shaped accent line in the fuselage. This car nicely bottles pride of ownership.

The base model, the CXL, is powered by a direct-injection, 2.4-liter, 182-hp four cylinder and six-speed automatic with manual-shift mode. Amenities include heated leather seats, OnStar and Bluetooth. Price: $26,995. For $2,500 more ($29,495) Buick will throw in its 2.0-liter, 220-hp turbocharged Ecotec four cylinder, 19-inch wheels and what GM calls Interactive Drive Control, which includes Sport and Touring modes for suspension, throttle response, steering, etc. The highway fuel economy for the nonturbo is 30 mpg, while the turbo returns 29 mpg.


The Buick Regal is a nut-and-bolt clone of the Opel Insignia, which was Europe's Car of the Year in 2009. A half-foot shorter than the LaCrosse (also Insignia-based) the Regal feels like it should be pounding around the Périphérique instead of muddling through California freeway traffic. Taut and torquey, with bankable style and features, the Buick hands it to its intended competitor, the Acura TSX.

The Benefits of Bailout

Prebankruptcy GM's list of problems was long and stubborn. High pension and health-insurance liabilities, a vastly overgrown, insupportable corporate structure, and then the crisis in auto sales, which plunged them below their inflated break-even sales volume. But its biggest problem, many would argue, was a self-inflicted wound called product. The company is still a long way from healthy, but only the most ideologically driven naysayer could drive the Regal and conclude the company's products aren't coming back.

Buick execs have confirmed a yet-hotter edition of the car, the Regal GS—dredging up the old Gran Sport name—will hit the market next year. That car will have a high-output turbo engine (255 hp), six-speed manual transmission, all-wheel drive, limited-slip differential, knotty Brembo brakes, the whole smash.

I spent most of a day this week thumping a well-equipped turbo model (about $35,000) through the hills east of San Diego and came away deeply impressed, if not quite panting with desire. For starters, the interior is excellent, easily the equal of the Hyundai Sonata or Acura TSX, which bracket the Buick in price. The Regal's central console, with flush-faced, soft-touch buttons arranged in intuitive geometry, is impeccable. Between the seats of my tester was a multifunction rotary control, a la BMW's iDrive, that worked beautifully. The seats are comfortable, supportive and well contoured. The sight lines are right. The wind management and soundproofing have been sweated over, to good effect.

And, best of all, the car handles like a European sport sedan. Think, not BMW, but perhaps Peugeot or Renault. With the adaptive suspension switched to Sport mode, the Regal's ride is firm but compliant, with a nice evenness while cornering. Lift off the throttle, hit the brakes and take a big chop and the wheel and the car turns in confidently. Pitch and body roll is well modulated. The 19-inch tires serve up loads of lateral grip. This is actually a pretty amusing car to abuse.

My only complaint—and, I gather, it was a common one—was that the speed-sensitive steering felt a little spooky. The steering had a deep self-centering inclination and tended to waver a bit as steering angles increased. It didn't really inspire a lot of go-fast confidence. Buick's engineering staff promised the steering calibration would be tweaked to correct.

Also, deep under the hood, there was a little bit of off-throttle chuff, a rather rude sound caused by back pressure in the turbo. Again, the Buick lab-coats said they were on it.

It's no secret that Buick is chasing younger buyers (voters?) and—the product guys having delivered—it's now up to the marketing guys to reach the very elusive, brand-agnostic Gen Y. I've got no insight on that question. But I do think that Regal is the just sort of product people hoped GM would produce post-bankruptcy. And here it is. Bit by bit, GM is pulling itself together. Politics aside, that's good for all of us.

Summer Gas Savings Tips

SUMMER GAS SAVINGS TIPS

BY: Lawrence S. Searcy, Jr.

The summer driving season is upon us and so are the related costs associated with taking the family across the country for vacation. One way to save a little money along the way is to insure that your vehicle is getting the best mileage possible under prevailing conditions. While the savings on a particular trip may not be tremendous, the savings could substantial over time.

Fortunately, most modern vehicles take some of the guesswork out of the variables that affect gas mileage. For instance, on-board vehicle computers automatically compute tire pressure in all four tires making a physical pressure reading unnecessary. Additionally, the computers calculate instant gas mileage as the vehicle is being driven so no complicated math of gallons divided by miles driven is necessary. While the following tips may not make you rich, they will put a little extra change in your pocket in a time when gas prices are on the rise. These suggestions will result in small but significant fuel savings.

1. Make Sure the Engine is Properly Tuned

A properly tuned engine can account for as much as a 4.1 percent increase in gas mileage according to government studies. The most common tuning problem is a faulty oxygen sensor. Gasoline engines work by creating a combustible spark caused by the ignition of the gas in the cylinder. A proper amount of oxygen is required for the spark. The oxygen sensor in the vehicle regulates the amount of gas and oxygen necessary for optimal performance and reduction in pollution. If the Oxygen sensor is malfunctioning it can decrease efficiency by up to forty percent. If the check engine light or oxygen sensor light illuminates, take the vehicle to the dealer for repair and you might just see a significant increase in miles per gallon.

2. Keep Tires Properly Inflated

Underinflated tires create unnecessary friction between the vehicle and the road, which reduces efficiency. Because the underinflated tires have more tire area contacting the road, friction is increased and the engine has to work harder to get the vehicle in motion. It is the same as when you were a kid and the tires on a bicycle were a little flat. The bike was harder to pedal and more energy was required to get the bike in motion. The vehicle’s onboard computer will alert the driver of significant pressure reduction and also give an accurate reading of tire pressure for each tire. If the vehicle does not have this function, use a manual pressure gage to check inflation. The proper inflation will be listed on the inside door jamb of the vehicle and in the owners manual. Properly inflating tires can improve miles per gallon by up to 3.3 percent

3. Use a Clean Air Filter and Change Oil as Recommended

An engine requires the proper amount of oxygen and gasoline to mix together to create a combustible spark for the engine to work properly. One of the items that regulate the oxygen/fuel mix is the air filter. If the filter is dirty, less oxygen will get into the system and the vehicle will run poorly and use more gas than necessary. A clogged air filter will reduce fuel economy by as much as 22 cents per gallon according to the Department of Energy. Likewise, motor oil should be changed as directed by the vehicle manufacturer. The proper viscosity should be used in conjunction with regular oil and filter changes. Like the air filter, dirty oil can reduce the efficiency of fuel consumption. Changing both the air filter and the oil will save a few cents per gallon.

In all, simple maintenance can add up over the long summer driving season. While the amount saved will not necessarily pay for the admission to Disney, it might pay for a snack or two while you are in the park. For more information on driving and maintenance tips visit www.walkerwill.blogspot.com.

Toyota Suspends Sales of Lexus Vehicles

From Automotive News this Afternoon....Problems at the troubled automaker continue to mount.

Toyota suspends sales of some Lexus LS sedans after recall


Automotive News
May 25, 2010 - 12:01 am EST

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -- Toyota Motor Corp. said it had temporarily suspended sales of certain Lexus LS sedans following a steering-related recall.

The decision announced on Monday marks the third time in recent months that Toyota has told dealers to stop selling vehicles in the wake of a recall.

The voluntary recall of about 3,800 late model 2009 and some 2010 model year LS 460 and LS600h vehicles in the United States was finalized on Friday.

In certain scenarios, Toyota said the steering wheel in recalled models may not return to a centered position after a tight turn.

Toyota recalled up to 11,500 vehicles worldwide to correct the problem.

Sales are expected to resume gradually in mid-June, beginning with models that arrive in showrooms with the required fix.

Existing inventory and vehicles already on the road will require a computer system changeout that will be completed as dealers receive parts.

E-Class Wins Top Safety Pick

The redesigned 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class luxury vehicle earned the 2010 Top Safety Pick awards from the Insurance Institute For Highway Safety. The Top Safety Pick award recognizes vehicles that earn a "good" rating -- the highest available -- for front, side, rollover, and rear crash protection. The award is only given to vehicles that also have electronic stability control, which comes standard on the E-Class. Design changes and improvements to the front and rear doors for better protection on side-impact crashes enabled the E-Class to capture this years rating. This is the first time the E class has earned the Institute's top safety designation. For more information contact Walker Mercedes at http://www.walkerautomotive.com/ or 318-445-6421.

Walker Automotive Voted "Best of Cenla" For 2010

The votes have been cast and Walker Automotive has again won top honors from The Cenla Focus Best of Cenla Readers Choice Awards.  The awards are given annually by the Cenla Focus Community Journal and recognize "excellence in our community for great service...outstanding leadership...and much more."  The awards are given based on the number of ballots received by the Focus each year. Thank you to all of the voters this year who selected Walker Automotive as best automotive dealership.

E-Mail Fraud and Phishing

BMW Email Fraud Warning

Earlier this week I received an email from BMW North America's Legal News and Information department warning of an email scam that I thought should be passed on to the general public.  Apparently a series of emails are being sent to email recipients claiming to be from the "BMW Security Department" or the "BMW Lottery Department" located in Great Britain or the Netherlands.  The email look official with BMW logos or trademarks and tell the recipient that they have won a prize.  While the email may look authentic, BMW is warning that the emails are a scam.

BMW has been investigating the emails for more than a year and have determined that the majority are originating in Nigeria.  For more information, the general public can access the bmwusa.com consumer website at www.bmwusa.com/standard,content/contactus/fraudwarning.aspx.

Infinity Recall

FROM AUTOMOTIVE NEWS ONLINE MAY 4, 2010
Nissan recalls 134,000 Infiniti G35s for airbag fix

Automotive News
May 4, 2010 - 8:00 am EST

(Reuters) -- Nissan Motor Co. recalled Infiniti G35 sedans and coupes because of faulty airbags that may not deploy during a crash, U.S. regulators said.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said as many as 134,215 G35 sedans from model years 2005-2006 and G35 coupes from model years 2005-2007 are subject to the recall.

The recall is for vehicles sold both in and outside of the United States, a Nissan official said.

Nissan has yet to inform federal officials how the problem will be fixed, the agency said. Nissan informed U.S. safety regulators of the potential problem two weeks ago, NHTSA reports show.

NHTSA said a wire harness for the airbags may wear down to the point that it could interrupt a signal to deploy the airbags in the event of a crash.

The report mentioned no crashes or injuries related to the problem.

Dodge Investigating Sticky Gas Pedal

The following is a story first published by Automotive News.  The pedal involved in the Dodge vehicle is made by the same compnay that supplied pedals to Toyota.

Dodge Caliber being probed for sticky pedal issue, U.S. says


Neil Roland

Automotive News
May 3, 2010 - 10:00 am EST

UPDATED: 5/3/10 1:20 p.m. ET

WASHINGTON -- Chrysler Group's 2007 Dodge Caliber cars are under federal investigation for unintended acceleration caused by a sticky pedal -- the same type of problem that led to a large Toyota recall this year.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it is investigating as many as 161,000 Calibers for an accelerator pedal that “can stick or bind and not return to the idle position when it is released.”

The safety agency has received five customer complaints but no reports of deaths, injuries or crashes.

Chrysler's own investigation has narrowed the population of suspect vehicles to 10,000 that were made during five weeks in March and April 2006, a company spokesman said.

Supplier issue?

The problem appears to be a mechanical one caused by parts made by CTS Corp., of Elkhart, Ind., Chrysler spokesman Nick Cappa said.

A NHTSA official said the automaker had been cooperative.

"The manufacturer is responsible for the performance of the car, and that's who we're investigating,” a NHTSA official said. “Chrysler has been cooperative.”

CTS also was blamed by Toyota Motor Corp. for its sticky gas pedals, which led to a January recall of 2.1 million vehicles.

The supplier denied the Toyota charge, noting that the automaker has recalled millions of other vehicles for unintended acceleration that were not equipped with CTS pedals.

CTS did not immediately respond today to a request for comment.

Electronic defects probed

In the wake of Toyota's worldwide recall of 9 million vehicles for unintended acceleration, NHTSA has been investigating the possible role played by electronic defects in triggering speed control problems across the auto industry.

Toyota's problems have been far more extensive -- and far more severe, with reports of dozens of deaths and injuries -- than the possible defects under investigation at Chrysler.

Chrysler said today that the sticky-pedal problem “is mechanical in nature and not a design or electronic issue.”

Cappa said Chrysler was able to narrow the problem population to 10,000 vehicles after being alerted to customer complaints by NHTSA on April 23 and then comparing complaints to warranty data.

On April 29, NHTSA opened a preliminary evaluation, the first stage of a formal investigation, the agency said on its Web site. This review can lead to an engineering analysis and, ultimately, a recall.

Four of the five complainants reported that they had found bushings -- bearings made of brass to allow the pedal to pivot -- on the driver's side floor, NHTSA said.

Without the bushings, the pedal arm “can become misaligned” and be prevented from returning to the idle position, the agency said.

Dodge vs. Toyota

The CTS pedals used in the Dodge Calibers are different from those used in the recalled Toyotas, a NHTSA official said.

Chrysler said that since 2003, the Caliber has been equipped with a brake override system that reduces power when both the brake and the gas pedal are depressed.

Most Toyota vehicles have not had a brake override system, which would be mandated under legislation to be discussed at a congressional committee hearing Thursday.

But some consumer complaints to NHTSA raise questions about the effectiveness of the Chrysler brake override system.

One complainant reported that while traveling at 65 mph, the Dodge Caliber accelerated suddenly to over 90 mph, a report on NHTSA's site said. Neither the brakes nor emergency brake could stop the car. It slowed only when the car was put in neutral, the driver said.

Another complainant said that while driving his Caliber at 15 mph, it “abnormally accelerated” to 75 mph. The driver reached over and lifted the pedal with his hand, he said.

One complainant expressed frustration with Chrysler's response to his reports and appealed to NHTSA to investigate.

“I am not getting any satisfaction from Chrysler; they continue to blow me off,” he said. “Please respond; no one else does.”