Rock The Vote

The ignorance of one voter in a democracy

 impairs the security of all. - JFK

Car Dealers Pay Lip Service to Women But Can They Walk the Talk?

by That Car Girl

We all know the statistics only to well…

• More than 85% of women affect all car-buying decisions
• 68% of new car purchase decisions are made by women
• 34% of the marriages where women work, the woman out earns the husband
• 50% of traditionally male products, including automobiles are being purchased by women

However, in my experience in working for a large automobile group, this information has been "garbage in, garbage out". 

Just the other day I was reading about how Honda plans to release a Fit model that the company hopes will attract female drivers to dealerships.  Honda’s Fit She's theme is "adult cute" and will come in pink, brown and white colors that mirror popular eye shadow colors.  However, the "adult cute" theme will not be confined to the car's color.

The car will also have a special windshield that will cut 99 percent of ultraviolet rays to help prevent those annoying wrinkles, and additional technology in its air conditioner system will help improve the driver's skin quality.

It really makes on stop and wonder if the male-dominated, collective Auto industry has heard even one word about their women consumers wants or needs.

Let us just face facts, the fate of female-themed car models, has to this point, been what can only be categorized as a disaster of EPIC proportions.

Case in point: 

The Dodge La Femme - also laced in pink and a few other details. 

I must give Chrysler some credit for their efforts, after all, the La Femme came out in 1955 – a time when the average buyer was very different and less sophisticated than today’s buyer. 

Even then, the La Femme failed to attract a consumer base. After two years, Dodge ditched the pink model, with Edmunds rating it as one of the “50 Worst Cars Ever Made”.

But if this wasn’t enough...

At the Toronto Auto Show in 2000, Ford released a concept Windstar minivan that included (you’ll never believe this) a washer and dryer, refrigerator and microwave.

I don’t know about you, but I spend so much time commuting to and from work each day, the last thing I want to do is to cook dinner and do laundry in my car.

Without a doubt, automakers have been among the slowest of US businesses to appreciate the value of women as decision makers, according to the New York-based consulting group Catalyst. In a recent Catalyst survey of major corporations, just over 11 percent of top executives in auto-related companies were women, compared with more than 22 percent in publishing, nearly 16 percent in pharmaceuticals, 14 percent in railroads and 15 percent in mail and freight delivery.

Society has changed in the past 30 years, and women have far more buying power than ever. And, although studies have long suggested that women influence almost all car-buying decisions, statistics show that women are making more and more of those purchases themselves.

However, this is far from evident in the advertising in the auto industry - almost exclusively male-oriented - dominated by images for cars and trucks.

So far this year, women accounted for 36 percent of all new car and truck purchases, according to the Power Information Network, although some in the auto industry say the figure is closer to 45 percent.  In certain segments, especially compact cars and mid size cars, women make up nearly half of all buyers.  

However, old habits do not die easily and male-dominated car culture will no doubt follow the same suit.

As a woman, what’s your biggest pet peeve about the car buying experience? 

NHTSA Alerting Consumers to Dangers of Counterfeit Air Bags

By The Car Girl

Often times when writing a blog post, the author may take a current event or news story and add their original thoughts and ideas. However, in light of the seriousness of my post this week,  I thought it best present the information exactly as it has been announced by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. 

"NHTSA has become aware of a problem involving the sale of counterfeit air bags for use as replacement parts in vehicles that have been involved in a crash. While these air bags look nearly identical to certified, original equipment parts—including bearing the insignia and branding of major automakers — NHTSA testing ¹ showed consistent malfunctioning ranging from non-deployment of the air bag to the expulsion of metal shrapnel during deployment. NHTSA is not aware of any deaths or injuries connected to counterfeit air bags.

While the full scope and scale of the problem of counterfeit air bags is uncertain from currently available data, NHTSA has identified certain vehicle makes and models for which these air bags may be available and believes this issue affects less than 0.1 percent of the U.S. vehicle fleet. Only vehicles which have had an air bag replaced within the past three years by a repair shop that is not part of a new car dealership may be at risk.

Consumers whose vehicles have been in a crash and had their air bags replaced by a repair shop that is not part of a new car dealership within the past three years or who have purchased a replacement air bag online are at risk of being affected and should have their vehicle inspected at their own expense and their air bag replaced if necessary. 

NHTSA is currently gathering information from automakers about their systems for verifying the authenticity of replacement parts and is working with the industry to make the driving public aware of the potential safety risk posed by counterfeit air bags. Moving forward, the agency will continue to monitor consumer complaints, police accident reports, and other sources for additional information.

CONSUMERS THAT SHOULD NOT BE AT RISK

• Consumers who purchased their vehicle new and have not had their air bags replaced
  
• Consumers who have full knowledge of the entire history of their used vehicle (including knowing whether the vehicle had been in a crash in the last three years and being certain that the air bag was replaced at a new car dealership)
  

CONSUMERS THAT MAY BE AT RISK 

• Consumers who have had air bags replaced within the past three years at a repair shop that is not part of a new car dealership
  
• Consumers who have purchased a used car that may have sustained an air bag deployment before their purchase
  
• Consumers who own a car with a title branded salvage, rebuilt, or reconstructed
  
• Consumers who have purchased replacement air bags from eBay or other non-certified sources—especially if they were purchased at unusually low prices (i.e. less than $400)
  

VEHICLES FOR WHICH COUNTERFEIT AIR BAGS MAY BE AVAILABLE:

As of today, NHTSA is aware of counterfeit air bags available for the following vehicle makes and models (please note that this list may be expanded as this is an active investigation):

Make	Model Year(s)	Model(s)
Acura	2009-2011	TSX
Audi	2006-2009	A3, A4, A6, A8, Q5, Q7
BMW	2007-2011	X5, E70, E60, E61
	2008-2010	5-series, 528i, 535i
	2004-2007	5-Series, 525i, 530, 535, E60, E61
	2007-2011	E90, E91
	Not listed	E92, E93
	2007-2011	X5, E70
	2004-2007	525i, 530, 535
	2011-2012	X3
Buick	2010-2011	Lacrosse
Chevrolet	2011-2012	Cruze
	2006-2010	Aveo
	2011-2012	Volt
	2012	Camaro
Ford	2012	Focus
	2005-2009	Mustang
Honda	2003-2012	Accord
	2006-2011	Civic
	2002-2011	CRV
	2007-2011	Fit
	2009-2011	Pilot
	2009-2011	Insight
	2009-2011	Crosstour
	2011	Odyssey
Hyundai	2007-2011	Elantra
	Not listed	Genesis
	Not listed	Sonata
Infiniti	2007-2011	G35, EX35
Kia	2010-2011	Soul/Forte
	2004-2009	Spectra
Land Rover	2012	Range Rover Evoque
Lexus	2006-2011	IS250, IS350, IS-F
	2003-2008	GX470
	2007-2009	RX350
	Not listed	ES350
Mazda	2004	Mazda 3
	2010-2012	Mazda 3
Mercedes	2009-2011	C, GLK
	2010-2011	E350, E550
	2007-2008	S550
	2006-2009	ML
	2009-2010	GL, ML
Mitsubishi	Not listed	Outlander
Nissan	1992-2002	Quest
	2010-2011	Quest
	2009-2011	Cube
	2007-2011	Versa
	2009-2010	Murano
	Not listed	Altima
Subaru	2008-2009	Forester
	2008-2009	Imprezza
	2008-2009	Outback
	2010-2011	Legacy
Suzuki	2007-2010	SX4
Toyota	2002-2006	Camry
	2012	Camry
	2009-2011	Corolla, Matrix
	2007-2011	Yaris
	2004-2011	Highlander
	2004-2011	Sienna
	2004-2011	Tacoma
	2010-2012	Prius
	2003-2006	Tundra
	2007-2011	Tundra
	2003-2006	Sequoia
	2003-2010	Land Cruiser
	2004-2007	Highlander
	2008-2010	Highlander
	2004-2009	4Runner
	2007-2009	Solara
	2005-2011	RAV4
Volkswagen	2006-2010	Jetta
Volvo	Not listed	XC60, XC70
	Not listed	V70, S60, S80

Who is responsible for the cost of replacing the air bag if it is counterfeit?

The responsibility for replacing a counterfeit air bag will vary depending on the circumstances around the original installation of the part. If you are concerned about your vehicle contact your local new car dealer to have your vehicle inspected at your own expense and your air bag replaced if necessary. According to the NHTSA, fees for the inspection can generally run $100 or more. 

In addition:

• If you are concerned and have an air bag that was replaced at a repair shop recommended by your insurance company we recommend that you contact your insurance company.
• If you purchased a counterfeit air bag from eBay it may be covered by that company’s “Buyer Protection” program. Contact eBay’s Customer Support center accessible on www.eBay.com.
• You may also wish to contact your local Consumer Protection Agency or the appropriate State Office of the Attorney General to determine your rights under the law; and the Better Business Bureau or the Federal Trade Commission to file a complaint.

Style, Performance and a Top Safety Pick: The 2013 Dodge Dart Proves Itself a Triple Threat

By That Car Girl

Rarely has a car been so anticipated as the return of the Dodge Dart back to the Chrysler lineup. And with the anticipation, also came a fair amount of doubt as to whether the all new 2013 Dodge Dart would be able to live up to the hype.

We are pleased to announce that the all new Dodge Dart, with its class-leading safety and security features including 10 standard air bags and one of the auto industry’s highest content-ratios of high-strength steel, has just been named been named a 2012 Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

The first product born of Chrysler Group LLC’s alliance with Fiat S.p.A. recorded the maximum possible rating in each of the four crash tests used by the IIHS to evaluate occupant protection, the primary attribute of a Top Safety Pick. The 2013 Dart achieved a score of “good” in tests that simulate rollover, rear-, side- and moderate-overlap frontal-impacts.

The IIHS rating scale comprises grades of good, acceptable, marginal and poor. “We had high expectations for the Dart and our engineers delivered,” says Reid Bigland, Dodge-brand President and CEO and Head of U.S. Sales. “Since its launch, the 2013 Dodge Dart has consistently outperformed in the area of fuel efficiency, technology, value for the money and now safety. It is truly a groundbreaking new car.”

Top Safety Pick is the highest safety honor bestowed by the IIHS. “Winners afford buyers the best overall protection in four of the most common kinds of crashes, and help them avoid crashes altogether with electronic stability control,” says IIHS President Adrian Lund.

Chrysler Group’s new compact sedan was engineered with a class-leading total of safety and security features -- more than 60 -- to ensure peace of mind. The Dart’s safety story starts with a solid structure: high-strength-steel comprises 68 percent of the car’s body, one of the highest ratios in the industry. Ten standard-equipment, advanced-design air bags further improve occupant protection. Every Dodge Dart comes equipped with:

• Dual-stage, adaptive, venting air bags for the driver and front-seat passenger,
• Front-seat-mounted pelvic and thorax air bags for driver and passenger,
• Two rear-seat-mounted pelvic air bags,
• Knee air bags for driver and front-seat passenger,
• Two curtain air bags designed to protect front and rear passengers on both sides of the car

Equally important to Dart customers are its technologies that deliver accident-avoidance capability, such as:

• Electronic stability control (ESC)
• Electronic roll mitigation
• Traction control
• Standard four-wheel, four-channel anti-lock disc brakes
• Electronic brake-force distribution
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-path detection

The Dart joins 11 Chrysler Group vehicles previously awarded an IIHS Top Safety Pick designation for 2012. They are: the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango SUVs; Dodge Journey and Jeep Patriot cross/utility vehicles; Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans; Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 full-size sedans; Dodge Avenger and Chrysler 200 mid-size sedans; and the Fiat 500 minicar.

The 2012 Top Safety Pick is just the most the most recent accolade aimed at the Dart. Others include:

• Top 10 Cars of the 2012 North American International Auto Show (Kelley Blue Book)
• Editors’ Choice Award/Most Significant Vehicle at 2012 NAIAS (Autoweek) 
• The 25 Most Anticipated Cars of 2012 (Complex Media)
• Seven Hottest New Cars at the 2012 NAIAS (Vanity Fair Magazine)
• Eight Great American Cars to Spend a Tax Refund On (AutoTrader.com)
• Most Significant Vehicle at Atlanta International Auto Show (Greater Atlanta Automotive Media Assn.)
• Ward's 10 Best Interiors for 2012 (WardsAuto.com)
• Compact Car of Texas (Texas Auto Writers Assn.)
• Best Value (Texas Auto Writers Assn.)
• Best New Feature -- Thin Film Transistor (TFT) Display (Texas Auto Writers Assn.)
• 10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000 (Consumer Guide Automotive)
• 10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000 (Kbb.com)
• Top 10 New Cars for 2013 (Total Car Score)
• Most Important New Cars for 2013 List (Washington Post)

                              

The 2012 Dodge Journey - Leaves Competition Coming Up Short

By That Car Girl

The Dodge Journey - technically a mid-size crossover. What does this mean? Should I expect a sedan on an SUV, or some oddly styled crossover that skimps on styling to get to the SUV?

As a busy mother, I wanted to know what this vehicle has to offer me and my family...versatility, functionality and affordability for starters. The Dodge Journey is America's most affordable mid-size crossover SUV, starting at only $18,995 - a whopping $4,500 less than the Chevrolet Equinox.

Generally, the word affordability carries with it the meaning that somewhere you are going to have to compromise. However, I am still trying to figure out where that might be in the Dodge Journey - with standard dual-zone climate control, an automatic 4.3 inch touch screen media center, ABS, side airbags, power windows and locks, Remote Keyless Entry, cruise control and much more.

The interior -- once a drab, tired, depressing place -- now puts its competitors to shame. The eye-pleasing design makes excellent use of materials, and touch points feel soft and plush. And again, Dodge graced this model with the addition of the intuitive Uconnect infotainment system.

Journey also provides spacious storage bins, including the Flip 'n Stow™ front-passenger concealed storage, a deep center console with a USB power outlet and dual in-floor bins with liners in the second row providing tons of additional storage.
Available child booster seats are integrated into the seat, and can be conveniently folded away when not needed. Additionally, the second-row seats includes a special seat track that can bring your child four inches closer to you in the front seat.


The available three-zone Automatic Temperature Control, allows the driver, front passenger and rear passenger(s) to select their ideal comfort level and set the temperature once. The system will maintain the set temperature of each zone, adjusting for outside temperature and environmental changes. Three-zone manual temperature control is also available.

Now, with a redesigned interior, retuned suspension, and new powertrain, the Dodge Journey is worth a serious look. 

The FIAT 500 Abarth: Women Need Not Apply?

By That Car Girl

There is no “lady-like” way to put this, so I’m just going to say it…

I am SO OVER the collective North American automotive industry telling me repeatedly that the FIAT 500 Abarth is not for us girls…it’s for the guys.

The Abarth, a new high-performance version of the Fiat 500 that made its U.S. debut late last year in Los Angeles, sold out its first production run within weeks created an anticipation and dare I say hysteria, seldom seen in the auto industry. And for the several months I have become increasingly obsessed with every image, news story and blog post released on FIAT USA’s newest addition to its lineup. 

In January, at the Chicago Auto Show, Olivier Francois, head of the Fiat brand and chief marketing officer for Fiat for Chrysler Group, spoke about the company’s decision to feature Jennifer Lopez in their ad campaign for the FIAT 500 Gucci Special Edition, telling the media “Jennifer was for feminine buyers. Abarth is the attraction for masculine buyers”.  

Are you KIDDING me???

This probably isn’t going to go over well at the office but I will argue that Mr. Francois, as well as all of the major automotive blogs (penned by men) sparked this debate. So, as a woman in this industry, I’m just making one female opinion known. 

I’ve said it before; I am an unabashed girly-girl. I live for fashion and would practically put my life on the line if anyone ever threatened my shoe collection. But industry executives seem to have it in their heads that a woman that appreciates style can’t also appreciate performance. Once the owner of a Jaguar XJS V12 Convertible, not only can I appreciate performance, I demand it. And with the base MSRP of the Abarth nearly $1,500 lower than the Gucci Special Edition, it’s a no brainer.  

If I may offer a bit of insight to my male counterparts in this industry about the female psyche - I don’t know a single woman that was influenced to purchase the FIAT 500 Gucci Edition because of the J-Lo commercials.

As long as we are on the subject of commercials, one can hardly bring up the Abarth in conversation without addressing the head-turning and somewhat controversial ad that was actually released at the same time as the J-Lo commercials but until the Super Bowl, was not aired on TV. Again, industry media outlets including Autoweek and Ward’s Automotive stated that “Women were shocked and offended”.  Thank you for letting me know how I am supposed to feel…NOT!  

Truth be told, I thought the commercial was brilliant. Yes, it was extremely sexy but I didn’t see it as sexist. The difference? A beautiful woman that has the confidence and moxie to call a guy on his stuff. 

Don’t get me wrong, I understand wanting to appeal to a wider audience. However, given the fact that statistics show that over 80% of car buying decisions are affected by women, maybe the “industry experts” should throw out the marketing brief on this one and take a bit of advice? 

First, recognize that in today’s age of social media, brands are no longer created by a company alone, but rather, co-created with consumer opinion. Second, embrace the fact the fact that the Abarth has appeal for both sexes and that women are savvy enough to recognize and choose substance over insignia. And finally, stop trying to push female car culture back a couple of decades. 

_______________________________________________________________

This blog is the sole responsibility of its author. All content posted is purely of personal opinion of the author, based on current news stories in the public domain.