Chevy temporarily stops Vette production line (added 9-15-08)

Chevy this had a serious product cut from the dealers inventory. The slow dealership sales are show automotive recession. GM will be shutting down Corvette's factory the week of October 6th. When they come back the following week, prduction on the Corvette's will be 15 an hour vs the 18.5 they have currently been doing. With this cut back in complete cars being finished an hour 75 workers will be laid off at the Bowling Green facility. Corvette sales are down 8.5% for the year as of August 2008. They only started to beinging better numbers after employee pricing sales. Lets hope this is a short lived cut back for the workers and the economy.

[source: Autoblog]

BMW recalls 150,000 vehicles due to faulty airbag sensor (added 8-25-08)

This is a concern for the 2004-2006 year model vehicles in North America. The faulty senosr is located in the passenger seat of the vehicle and cannot tell if their is an infant or a grown person is sitting in the seat. And with this problem the airbag may not open when needed for a crash. Models affected by this recall include certain 2006 3-Series, 2004-06 5-Series and 2004-06 X3 vehicles. The spokesman for BMW said they will be sending out letters in late Sept. to cusomters alerting them of the issue. Presently no reports of any accidents due to this recall have been reported and customers are urged to not use their passenger seat and service the vehicle immediately.

[source: Reuters]

Ever Wonder How Many Countries Have Right-Hand Drive Vehicles (added 8-14-08)

Well we stumbled across this list today as the title caught my eye. Ever wonder what Hong Kong, Japan, and the United Kingdom have in common? That's right "Right-Hand Drive" vehicles. Who knew 68 different countries had right-hand drive vehicles. Below you will find the list of all the countries included:

The full list:

1. Anguilla
2. Antigua
3. Australia
4. Bahamas
5. Bangladesh
6. Barbados
7. Bhutan
8. Botswana
9. British Virgin Islands
10. Brunei
11. Cayman Islands
12. Channel Islands
13. Christmas Island
14. Cook Islands
15. Cocos Island
16. Cyprus
17. Dominica
18. Falkland Islands
19. Fiji
20. Granada
21. Guyana
22. Hong Kong
23. India
24. Indonesia
25. Ireland
26. Isle of Man
27. Jamaica
28. Japan
29. Kenya
30. Kiribati
31. Lesotho
32. Macao
33. Malawi
34. Malaysia
35. Malta
36. Mauritius
37. Montserrat
38. Mozambique
39. Namibia
40. Naunu
41. Nepal
42. New Zealand
43. Norfolk Island
44. Pakistan
45. Papua New Guinea
46. Pitcairn Island
47. St. Helena
48. St. Kitts and Nevis
49. St. Lucia
50. St. Vincent
51. Seychelles
52. Singapore
53. Solomon Islands
54. Somalia
55. South Africa
56. Sri Lanka
57. Surinam
58. Swaziland
59. Tanzania
60. Thailand
61. Tonga
62. Trinidad and Tobago
63. Turks and Caicos Islands
64. Uganda
65. United Kingdom
66. Virgin Islands (U.S.)
67. Zambia
68. Zimbabwe

[source: SEMA.Org]   

GM's OnStar will be tracking your annual milage (Added 7-24-08)

We had read on Autoblog that GM is going to collect milage information and it will not go beyond them. The lastest is "Let us help you with technology" that come with GM's OnStar. They are giving you the opportunity to have your milage accurately tracked for you annually. The info will go to GMAC arm, which will then see if your qualified for insurance discounts. Sounds fishy to us!!!!

The other side of this they forgot to mention is they can also see if you need a higher premium. For us commuters this could be bad news!!! Signing up with OnStar service is voluntary so its not going to watch you until you say its ok.

[source: Autoblog]

Nissan Recalls Sentras (Added 7-23-08)

Nissan is recalling nearly 170,000 Sentras due to a possible leak in the brake cylinder. This will only effect Nissan Sentras between 2007-2008. Nissan plans to notify owners today about the new recall. The leak will cause the warning light to turn on and if ignored could possibly cause an accident.

[source: MSNBC]

 Volkswagen considering Polo being brought to the U.S. market (Added 7-18-08)

We think this would be a great move for VW to make. The most fuel efficient vehicle that VW manufactures is the Rabbit in the US getting 26 mpg on the EPA's combined city/highway cycle. VW CEO, Stefan Jacoby revealed the automaker is considering bringing a subcompact similar to the Polo, to the US market. They are predicting the US Polo to be available sometime in 2010 when the Jetta is released. They will also be designing a new midsize sedan to replace the Passat that will be released at the sametime.

[Source: Autoblog]

NOPI Cancels All Events For The Rest of 2008 (Added 7-18-08)

Its is sad to hear that NOPI will be canceling all shows for the Summer and Fall of 2008. This will include all Drag, Drift, and Car Show events. With the economy showing tough times for the automotive industry, due to high gas prices, falling car sales, and reduced event attendance, finishing out the rest of the year did not seem to make sense to NOPI. We hope things will turn around soon.

[Source: Autoblog; NOPI]

 Top Gear USA Episodes Can Also Be Viewed Online  (added 7-8-08)

First we have to say we cant wait for the Top gear USA show to begin. While at NBC the show is in speedy production. NBC just announced along with the weekly prime time shows viewers will be able to view the episodes online.  Also there is word of an aftermarket segment of the show that will blend the excitement of the Annual Aftermarket Show "SEMA" with the new TV show. We will provide you with more updates on the show as we go along.

[source:autoblog]

GM Workers Took Buyout (added 7-7-08)

Earlier this year it was predicted that close to 15,000 employees would decide to take a buyout. Well come to find out a couple more thousand decided to jump aboard the buyout, 17,398 workers took buyouts and will no longer be working as of July 1. So if you look at the big picture thats around one-fourth of GM's employees who will now be replaced with lower waged workers.

[source: Autoblog]

General Motors Stock Drops Below $10 per Share (added 7-3-08)

Sales have dropped 18.2 percent in June for GM and with their share dropping $1.77 to close at $9.98, this marks a new low for GM in 50 years. With the economy the way it is we hope to see GM survive in this falling market.

Thunder on the Lot Update!!!

Pics have been posted in the forums.

http://modifiedpages.com/forums/showthread.php?p=434#post434

Thunder on the Lot Bike and Car Show

The Thunder on the Lot Bike and Car Show is a charity event that really bring in the locals for such a great cause. Last year, Thunder on the Lot raised over $303,000 for charity and year to date total to over 1.7 million dollars. Approximately 20,000 in total showed last year and this year's event expects to draw a minimum of the same for the two day event.

Event takes place at the Antelope Valley Fair Grounds in Lancaster, CA. Come out and enjoy yourself with hot bikes and cars!

 Another RECALL!!!

VW recalls 400,000 Passats that were sold between 1999 and 2005 (added 4-5-08 at 3:50pm)

Let your Dealers know you're stopping by for a visit! Nearly half-million Americans are driving a 1999-2005 Passat. There has been a recall on the heat shield in all gasoline powered Passats (includes 1.8liter I4, 2.0liter I4, 2.8liter V6, 4.0 liter W8). The heat shield is near the catalytic converter on some automatic cars may be damaged and must be checked out by the dealer. Other issues have risen, like faulty fuel lines with the 1.8liter turbocharged engine and damaged fuel tank ventilation valves with the all-wheel-drive cars. No accidents have been reported. VW will notify owners on May 30th.

[source: autoblog, automotivenews]

After Six Months of Bargaining, UAW and GM Agree on Lower Wages (added 4-5-08 at 3:36pm)

Hours after threatening to strike at GM plants, an agreement was made between UAW and GM on two-tier wages for certain jobs. UAW felt GM was asking for too many lower-paying jobs at their plants. The new deal identifies 16,000 positions that will be paid at $14 per hour, saving GM up to half-billion per year. This move will take years to fill the positions because GM has to entice workers to retire before they can be replaced.

[source: Autoblog, Detroit news]

Boyd Coddington Passes at the young age of 63

Boyd Coddington passed this morning around 6am. Mr. Coddington has been in and out of the hospital over the last month. He was known across the world for this beautiful car customizing and will be missed. A true legend has been lost today, but will never be forgotten! Modified Pages sends its condolences to the friends and family.

POWERBOAT P1 Grand Prix - Lucas Oil Outlimits Racing Team

Mike Fiore the owner and president of Outerlimits Powerboats and his Lucas Oil Outlimits Racing team have taken 3rd place in the 2007 P1 Grand Prix Evolution Class. An unexpected power loss made them drift into a buoy in Travemunde, German which had gotten them DQ for crossing into a swimming which later was found not to be a swimming buoy after all. This DQ had been restated of 80 points to put them third in overall points. Congrats to the USA Lucas Oil Team for your third place finish!

Evolution Class Standings 2007

POS. / NO. / BOAT NAME / NAT. / PTS

2007 Baja 1000

On November 11,2007, marks the day of the 40th Anniversary of the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000.  Also known as the "Grand-Daddy" of the off-road endurance event that stretches nearly 1,300 miles from Ensenada to Cabo San Lucas in Baja, Mexico.  With more than 450 teams expected to run this all-out brawl, this is one that will be written in history!  Let's take a flashback to last year's event.

In 2006, the 39th Annual Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 teams showed off their motorcycle and 4-wheel skills in this 1,047 mile race from Ensenada to La Paz!  Among them, title-holders Mike Childress, Quinn Cody, and Steve Hengeveld finished less than 19 hours.  In the end, after an exhausting 43-hour race, Gavin Skilton was the last to finish this incredible experience. In the Trophy-Truck Division, it was no surprise that Robby Gordon, (in the renowned Red Bull Chevrolet CK 1500) along with his teammate Andy McMillin raced an unbelievable time of 19:15:27!

This event is a huge nation and country wide event.  From gathering locals to race enthusiasts, it was reported that there were 300,000 plus fans to watch these dare-devils take across over a 1,000 mile course. Winners received a $50,000 KARTEK OFF-ROAD contingency.

 2008 Toyota Tundra Write Up                                    

Car industries are always looking for that one special vehicle that consumers want, need, and got to have!  Well, the new 2008 Toyota Tundra has all that you are looking for!

The excessively large new Tundra has more features and all greater performances than it's leading competitors. The size of this vehicle expanded 10 inches in length, 5 inches in height, and 4 inches wider than last years model. Over-all, be ready to ride something bigger and better.

In the new Tundra, there are three engines that the consumer can pick from.  Available are the 4.0 liter V-6, the 4.7 liter i-Force V-8, and 5.7 liter V-8. In addition from the three engines you can choose from, Toyota is still offering their three-grade series, Base, SR5, and the Limited trim levels.  There will be more than 30 different models that the buyer can choose from.  That's more than half of models of the Tundra that were offered back when Toyota first introduced us to the bold truck.

Also in the exterior, you have your outside mirrors that are modified to have retractable, heated, and auto-dimming with turn signal lights.  The rear glass windows have vertical power, privacy glass,  and defrosters.  For those who need to help to climb into this taller truck, don't worry, Toyota built a deck rail system with four adjustable tie-down cleats.

To go with a distinguished exterior, you have to have a grand interior.  Toyota offers a front 40/20/40 split-and-fold bench seat with 4 way adjustable driver and passenger seats.  They also can accommodate your needs by offering a Memory package which includes a power driver seat memory, outside mirrors memory, power tilt/telescopic steering wheel with memory.  Rearview mirrors include a multifunction auto-dimming, compass, universal transceiver, and a personal lamp.

If you're looking for a truck to satisfy your everyday needs, Toyota has the truck for you...The all new 2008 Toyota Tundra.

 Formula D World Finals!

Yes that's right, Formula D is going global!

In 2008 Formula D will be heading to Mexico and Singapore to compete during the 2008 drift schedule.  Near the end of the 2008, the World Finals of drifting will emerge, bringing drivers for all over the world to compete. We will keep you posted on updates regarding the World Finals.

Also check out the Formula D action on ESPN2 Nov. 15th!

Here is the schedule line-up for next year (subject to change)

February            Pre-Season Invitational Competition                                               Mexico
April 12              Pro Championship Streets of Long Beach                                    Long Beach, CA
April 18-20        Team Drift Streets of Long Beach                                                 Long Beach, CA
May 9-10           Pro Championship Road Atlanta                                                      Braselton, GA
June 14             Pro Championship Wall Speedway                                                  Wall, NJ
June 20-22       Team Drift Burke Lakefront Airport                                                    Cleveland, OH
July 12               Pro Championship Las Vegas Motor Speedway                              Las Vegas, CA
August 9            Pro Championship Evergreen Speedway                                         Monroe, WA
Sept 13               Pro Championship Infineon Raceway                                             Sonoma, CA
October 11         Pro Championship Irwindale Speedway(House of Drift)                   Irwindale, CA
Nov/Dec              WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP                                                                  TBA