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Is Fiat Repeating GM’s Mistakes?

by Lloyd Frazier

fiat emblem The last three months of reports coming out of the global auto industry has been full of wild speculation, some good news, and mostly bad.  We are seeing the beginnings of a major realignment of this industry due to the global economic meltdown.  The big question of the moment is why Fiat is so determined to follow in GM’s footsteps…and Ford’s for that matter.  They seem to be on a crusade to rule the auto world.  First they snag Chrysler, now they are after Opel and some others.  Ford methodically shed Jaguar, Rover and Aston Martin last year, just ahead of when the major meltdown started materializing.  That is why they are ahead of the curve in the global scheme of things.  GM is still trying to slim down by dropping Opel, Saab, Saturn, Hummer, Vauxhall and some others.  These domestics did what Fiat is now doing, gobbling up more than it can chew.  And at the worst time in history.  Or, do they know something that we industry observers are unaware of.  Maybe this is the perfect time for bargain shopping.

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Sportsmobile, Not Your Standard RV – Part 11

By Dave Boyer.

Thanks for following the Special Vehicle section. This is an ongoing article about my purchase and design of a 2006 Sportsmobile 4×4 vehicle. The last post went over the electrical system. This entry will cover the Exterior section of the 2005 order form provided by Sportsmobile West.

The Exterior:

This section starts with 110v outlets. The inside power outlets (12vDC/110vAC) were addressed in a previous post which also touched on outside mounting. Like I said before, I really don’t like things that a limb or branch can tear off so all my exterior outlets are mounted inside the propane door.

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Being I have no propane system on board, there was plenty of space for a few extra power outlets. For my build, 12vDC outlets were very important as well, so twin marine grade power plugs were added.

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I will sum it up by saying you need to decide how important an outside AC (or DC) outlet is for your needs. Always take into account what electrical outlets can be subjected to, such as water, mud and obstacles that can cause damage.

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Auto Ramblings Second Annual Picks and Pokes – II Pony War

By Lloyd Frazier

P1000905Another Denver Auto Show has come and gone.  I decided to highlight the new domestic muscle that has triggered the new pony car war.  Why, you ask, do I choose to write about cars with American muscle, ingenuity, classic design, and impressive MPG to boot?  Especially during this historical moment in time where the Big Three might become the Big Goose Egg.  Wait!  Before I forget…let me digress.  I found a very interesting website that might help a lot of people avoid the stress and agony of navigating phone answering systems.  Especially those voice command ones that don’t  work worth a ding dang damn!  Go Here>>> www.gethuman.com.  I just found it a couple of days ago and wanted to spread the word about it.  I have not tried it yet, but it seems like a helluva useful idea.  It’s the little guy fights back against the corporate nincompoops that nickel and dime the hordes they draw into their web of sales tactics and non-existent services.  Back to what is really important – CARS!  I know this is a little late, but better that then never.  I was not going to deprive myself of perusing the new car and truck offerings.  As usual, the domestics are at the entrance.  Most especially, GM on the left, Ford on the right and Chrysler some where close by.  I was immediately drawn to the Mustang on display.  It was a Cobra.  The new 2010 is a real looker.  Pony up (no pun intended) somewhere in the  mid 40’s and you can lasso a GT500 variety packed with plenty of foot stompin’  power, better than average interior workmanship, and improved,

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Sportsmobile, Not Your Standard RV – Part 10

by Dave Boyer

I went over the air conditioner system and covered some issues with AC (alternating current) power in the previous posting (part 9). This section will go into more detail about RV electrical systems and components. From the beginning I want to make note that there are several equipment options available out there other than what SMB offers.

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Opportunities For The Big Three

by Joe Houser

Clint Eastwood’s character in “Gran Torino??? sums it up pretty well when he mumbles something to the effect of, “Would it kill you to buy domestic???? This is directed towards his character’s son driving off in a foreign SUV. With the current opportunity to restructure their lineups, the Big Three has opportunities to be more competitive with their foreign counterparts. Continue reading “Opportunities For The Big Three”