So much for old-world prestige and reliability
Ouch!
European nameplates have long been associated with a prestige image. But European cars also dominate a list of vehicles with the worst predicted reliability ratings for ’05 models, according to Consumer Reports.
Ten of the 11 sedans with the lowest rating were European: the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, E-Class, C-Class (6-cylinder); Jaguar S-Type and X-Type; BMW 5- and 7-Series; Volkswagen Passat (all-wheel-drive); Volvo S60 (all-wheel drive) and Saab 9-3. The only non-European was the supercharged Pontiac Grand Prix.
Scoring top ratings were the Lexus IS, Toyota Prius, Acura RL, Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Buick Regal, Pontiac Grand Prix (non-supercharged) and Hyundai Sonata -- the first time any Hyundai model scored a most-reliable rating.
However, the ratings were for “predicted” reliability based on a survey of those who own ‘97-’04 models, which means that if an ’04 was good or bad, for example, owners predicted the ’05 would be too. That’s why Regal scored high even though it won’t be made in ‘05, replaced by the LaCrosse. Another oddity -- Grand Prix scored highest (without supercharger) and lowest (with supercharger).
Donation deadline: A new tax law effective Jan. 1 prevents taxpayers from writing off a donated vehicle’s fair market value. The write-off now will be based on the vehicle’s actual sale price at wholesale auction -- significantly less.
Kelley Blue Book, a consumer Internet pricing service, said too many taxpayers overvaluing donations prompted the change. For details visit www.kbb.com/donation.
Ads of the future: The best way to capture the attention of young and first-time buyers, it seems, is to appeal to Internet-savvy 20- to 30-year-olds.
Jaguar has begun a series of Webisodes on its Internet site (www.jaguarusa.com) to promote its ’05 X-Type lineup. Mercury has begun a series of 30-second Internet films (www.meettheluckyones.com) starring the 2005 Mariner sport-utility vehicle.
The Jaguar Webisodes combine movie footage with animation from Peter Chung, the animator behind MTV’s “Aeon Flux” and “Animatrix.”
“It’s a cross between film and a cartoon that’s become a very popular new advertising medium to appeal to younger people in a format they relate with, the cartoon,” said Jaguar spokesman James Thomas.
Mercury’s campaign also is aimed at reaching youth who apparently don’t consider a 30-second promo via the Internet to be an ad.
“Meet the Lucky Ones” surrounds the Mariner with a quirky cast, ranging from a Danish gourmet exchange student to a grandmother who likes to chop pieces of wood in half -- with her hand.
Another entry in China: The Chinese government has approved Mercedes-Benz plans to produce about 25,000 luxury C- and E-Class sedans annually in Shanghai and establish dealerships to sell them by late next year. BMW already produces its 3- and 5-Series sedans in China.
Troubles not over: Mitsubishi reported that it lost $1.39 billion in the six months ended Sept. 30 due to sharp sales declines in Japan (44% in the period) and the United States (39%). The company said its loss for the fiscal year ending in March would probably be worse than previously forecast.
