My Place for Sometimes Useful but Hopefully Interesting Automotive Information!

2009 New Car Sales: Carmageddon

2010-01-06T18:39:00.003-05:00

December sales up, 2009 sales down

Jan 6, 2010

New vehicle sales were up 17.8 percent in December 2009 compared with 2008, but sales for all of 2009 were down 10.7 percent compared to the year before, according to a report by industry analyst Dennis DesRosiers.
There were 1,460,581 passenger cars and light trucks sold in 2009, the lowest since 1998, when sales were 1.427 million units. The decline of 10.7 percent was the largest since 1990, when sales declined by 11.4 percent.

“A very unique situation developed in 2009 with four of the top five (companies) seeing significant sales declines,” DesRosiers said. “This has never happened before.”

General Motors, Chrysler, Honda and Toyota all showed declines for 2009. Only Ford showed an increase, and with four of the top five struggling, it leaves a lot of room for others to do well, DesRosiers said.

Several companies were up, including Kia, Subaru, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Hyundai, which broke the 100,000 vehicle mark for the first time in Canada, with a total of 103,233 units sold in 2009.
Sales for December and final percentages for 2009 are after the jump.

Winners in December

BMW: 1,848 units (up 5.9%)
Chrysler: 13,739 units (up 12.9%)
Ford: 17,902 units (up 25.4%)
Honda: 10,830 units (up 20.9%)
Hyundai: 5,154 units (up 37.4%)
Infiniti: 489 units (up 1.0%)
Jaguar: 57 units (up 50.0%)
Kia: 2,645 units (up 61.1%)
Land Rover: 243 units (up 62.0%)
Lexus: 1,235 units (up 36.3%)
Mercedes-Benz: 1,819 units (up 14.5%)
Mitsubishi: 1,609 units (up 8.0%)
Nissan: 4,652 units (up 15.1%)
Porsche: 114 units (up 20.0%)
smart: 226 units (up 50.7%)
Subaru: 1,945 units (up 27.2%)
Suzuki: 707 units (up 0.4%)
Toyota: 16,472 units (up 86.2%)
Volvo: 625 units (up 133.2%)

Losers in December

Acura: 1,533 units (down 4.0%)
Audi: 701 units (down 5.1%)
General Motors: 18,825 units (down 9.3%)
Mazda: 4,261 units (down 5.5%)
MINI: 297 units (down 1.0%)
Saab: 53 units (down 45.9%)
Volkswagen: 3,205 units (down 10.9%)

2009 Totals:

Winners in 2009

Audi up 22.0%
BMW up 6.4%
Ford up 6.8%
Hyundai up 28.0%
Kia up 22.9%
Lexus up 5.3%
Mercedes-Benz up 19.2%
Mitsubishi up 6.2%
Porsche up 0.4%
Subaru up 15.8%
Volkswagen up 0.1%
Volvo up 0.5%

Losers

Acura down 11.8%
Chrysler down 26.7%
General Motors down 29.1%
Honda down 19.1%
Infiniti down 13.2%
Jaguar down 13.5%
Land Rover down 12.5%
Mazda down 13.3%
MINI down 13.3%
Nissan down 4.5%
Saab down 50.4%
smart down 28.9%
Suzuki down 8.5%
Toyota down 9.5%

2010 Volvo S60 To Introduce Collision Avoidance System

2009-10-28T05:42:00.004-04:00

The new S60 with Full Auto Brake and Pedestrian Collision Avoidance.

Subaru 216a Coupe Photoshop

2009-10-28T05:18:00.002-04:00

Click the headline for rumours about the Subaru version of the Toyobaru!

2010 Motor Trend Sport/Utility Of The Year: Subaru Outback

2009-10-16T07:33:00.004-04:00

Find the Hidden SUV: An Act So Good, Even if You Know How It's Done You Can't See It
October 16, 2009

Click below for the YouTube vid clip showing how the Outback conquered contenders like the Toyota 4Runner, Audi Q5, Cadillac SRX, Volvo XC60, Mercedes GLK, Lexus RX 350, Acura ZDX, Lincoln MKT, Chev Equinox, GMC Terrain, both on and off road:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FCEn2CtS-Y

Click to view Gallery
It's right there in the photo: a spacious, tough, thoroughly modern, exceedingly capable sport/utility vehicle. You're forgiven if all you can see is a svelte station wagon. There's magic at work here.
For the first time since any of us can recall, an automaker has claimed the Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year title two years in a row. Last fall, deftly balancing efficiency and size, the all-new 2009 Subaru Forester went home with the Golden Calipers trophy.

Hyundai - Kia Opens Another North American Assembly Plant

2009-10-16T07:25:00.003-04:00

Hyundai and Kia increased 26% in September even as industry sales overall softened after the cash-for-clunkers program ended. Click on the headline for this recent Time Magazine story about the new Kia plant near the Hyundai plant and the engine plant in the Alabama / Georgia area.

Report: Volvo to Bring Diesel and Hybrid-Diesel Cars to North America

2009-10-16T07:23:00.002-04:00

Volvo will bring diesel engines as well as diesel-hybrids to North America in the future says the company’s North American CEO. click the headline for the rest of the story.

the Incredibly Satirical Subaru Outback Informercial

2009-10-13T07:50:00.003-04:00

This infomercial is currently running nationally in the US. An incredibly unique spoof on all that is wrong with tv! Click the headline to go to the YouTube link

More on the Subaru Hybrid Tourer

2009-10-12T13:57:00.004-04:00

The car on the left is the new concept hybrid tourer debuting @ the 2009 Tokyo Auto Show. The car on the right is the B11S which hit the show circuit in 2003 and was referrered to as, "a far-reaching look into Subaru's future styling direction"

SEMA Time

2009-10-09T06:40:00.004-04:00

The next few weeks will feature an onslaught of wild new vehicles as pictures and stories are released about cars and trucks that will debut at SEMA (Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association). It takes place early in November at Las Vegas

Is this the Subaru Version of the Toyobaru

2009-10-09T06:29:00.002-04:00

The sketches of Subaru's version of the "Toyobaru" are highly reminiscent of the B111 Concept Car from a few years ago. Click on the headline for more leaked sketches.

Is Toyota Getting Back On The Right Track

2009-10-08T07:55:00.003-04:00

Struggling automaker Toyota has unveiled the concept of it's first true sports car that is a real performance car at an affordable price. What's so special about it other than the swoopy sheet metal? It will be built by Subaru on a Rear Wheel Drive platform featuring Subaru's 2 liter boxing engine. Expect to see it in 2011 around $20k USD. Subaru will be launching it's concept version of this car later in the year. Could we see the next generation STi in a 300+ HP, AWD 2 door?

Click the headline for the rest of the story

Subaru at the Tokyo Motor Show

2009-10-06T07:56:00.005-04:00

Subaru will debut a new concept car next week at the Tokyo Motor Show.
Among the highlights of the Subaru Hybrid Tourer include the gullwing doors, leather seats and a 2.0 litre turbocharged boxer engine paired with electric motors. Also watch for the "Toyobaru", the Toyota AE86 successor with the Subaru powertrain.

Ford concerned by intellectual property issues in sale of Volvo

2009-10-06T07:37:00.002-04:00

What doe's 2 billion buy you in a car company nowadays? Click the headline to go to the latest news on the sale of Volvo by Ford.

US Hyundai Chief, John Krafcik talks about the Future

2009-10-06T07:34:00.002-04:00

Q : How does the U.S. market look to you?
A : For the fourth quarter, it's looking like 9 million to 10 million (vehicle sales) on a seasonally adjusted, annualized rate, a little bit closer to 10. The forecast for next year isn't looking a whole lot better -- maybe a little bit over 11 million units. Click the headline for the rest of the interview

What the Others Have to Say

2009-10-05T19:43:00.004-04:00

This how Hyundai is regarded by some of the leaders of the auto industry:

Honda CEO Takanobu Ito minced no words when he told the Associated Press (July 13,2009):
"Hyundai is awesome. They are undoubtedly a threat"

Nissan Motor Co. Senior Vice President Shiro Nakamura (Oct. 1, 2009):
"Hyundai is the biggest threat for the Japanese automakers, they have the technology"

Toyota CEO, Akio Toyoda said (Oct. 2, 2009):
“We have to make better cars, we are grasping for salvation”

Record Month Again for Subaru and Hyundai

2009-10-02T13:59:00.002-04:00

Subaru leads the industry with a whopping increase of 68% and Hyundai follows suit with 30% increase, Volvo sales are relatively flat over last year -6%.

Winners
Audi: 1,111 units (up 17.1%)
BMW: 2,402 units (up 50.1%)
Ford: 16,140 units (up 24.4%)
Hyundai: 9,282 units (up 30.8%)
Kia: 4,515 units (up 19.7%)
Lexus: 1,504 units (up 11.3%)
Mercedes-Benz: 2,248 units (up 24.9%)
Mitsubishi: 1,735 units (up 18.5%)
Porsche: 114 units (up 14.0%)
smart: 312 units (up 3.7%)
Subaru: 2,544 units (up 68.4%)
Suzuki: 1,351 units (up 3.6%) Losers
Acura: 1,127 units (down 45.0%)
Chrysler: 15,804 units (down 7.1%)
General Motors: 23,568 units (down 23.4%)
Honda: 11,272 units (down 12.2%)
Infiniti: 639 units (down 14.3%)
Jaguar: 62 units (down 24.4%)
Land Rover: 179 units (down 8.2%)
Mazda: 6,520 units (down 3.6%)
MINI: 340 units (down 16.9%)
Nissan: 6,594 units (down 0.9%)
Saab: 59 units (down 48.2%)
Toyota: 16,065 units (down 11.1%)
Volkswagen: 3,508 units (down 4.2%)
Volvo: 508 units (down 6.4%)

3 Commercials for the All New 2011 Sonata

2009-09-28T07:57:00.002-04:00

"Art of Technology" is the theme of these 3 new commercials for the launch of the incredibly styled 2011 Sonata. Expect to see this car on our lot around March 2010.

Yet Another Volvo First For Safety

2009-09-28T07:51:00.003-04:00

The next generation of preventive safety technology from Volvo can detect a pedestrian who has walked out in front of the car. Click the headline for the rest of the story....

Whats next for Volvo

2009-09-27T14:52:00.000-04:00

Chinese auto maker Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd said on Sept. 14 that its parent company Geely Holding Group Co. is bidding for Ford Motor's Swedish car brand Volvo.
"Volvo is a good brand, but Ford will sell it in order to shift its main focus on developing the Ford brand," said Mulally.
Sources close to the takeover said the two parties have signed a confidentiality agreement, which forbids disclosure of the negotiation details from either of the parties. Click on the Headline for the complete story

440' Jump on a Motorcycle Goes Very Very Bad

2009-09-25T21:39:00.003-04:00

Click on the headline to see the most amazing motorcycle jump ever!

It's a guy called Moto-Bird who attempts to set a world record motorcycle jump. Broken jaw, cheekbones, and several other bones in his face. Also, a major artery in his face was severed, causing extensive blood loss. His left arm was broken, as were both legs. He is also now equipped with a trachea tube and can't talk, eat, or swallow. He plans on jumping again.

300 HP Subaru STi ATV- From the Sublime to the Ridiculous!

2009-09-25T08:45:00.002-04:00

Just click on the headline and watch the YouTube video.

Engine: Subaru 2.0l intercooled turbo STi – V5 EJ20
Transmission: 5-Speed manual with (left) foot “H” pattern shift
Rear diff: 4.11:1 LSD
Axles: Shortened to give wheel track of 1220mm 48”
Drive shaft: Rebuilt to suit wheel base of 1800mm 71”
Cooling: Radiator mounted (almost horizontal) under rear panel with the water flowing back down the right lower chassis rail and back up the left rail
Steering: Non assisted
Body: GRP – Fibre glass, produced from my own plugs and moulds, finished in Subaru Rally Blue
Clutch: Left hand operated, with a large lever
Brakes: Twin master cylinders with bias adjuster, right foot pedal

Hyundai Goes From 11th to 4th in Less than 10 Years

2009-09-25T08:15:00.000-04:00

An article in The New York Times about South Korea's Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group includes a graphic that shows its annual U.S. sales now equal Nissan's and are fast approaching Chrysler's.
Indeed, the company is likely to overtake Chrysler in the near future as the troubled Italian-owned American auto maker's sales line is down, down, down.
Consider this: Hyundai's August sales topped were up 47 percent from last year while total industry sales were up only 1 percent, according to the NYT. And its 8 percent of the new vehicle market share last month was more than Chrysler's 7.4 percent.
Last year, it became the fourth-largest automaker in the world behind Toyota, General Motors and Volkswagen. That compares with a ranking of 11th less than a decade ago, according to the NYT.

First Drive: the 2014 Volvo C30 BEV Electric Car

2009-09-25T08:03:00.003-04:00

The company that invented the oxygen sensor and the 3 point seat belt has done more for clean emmissions and safety than any other car company in history. Now they are getting their first electric car ready for production (think of the safety liabilities and threats of an electric car during a catastrophic accident). Click the headline for a driving test of Volvo's prototype C30 fully electric car.

An Aussie Review of the Subaru Boxer Turbo Diesels

2009-09-25T07:52:00.004-04:00

In 2007, Subaru launched the world's first Horizontally Opposed Turbo Diesel Intercooled production car engine in Europe. Click the headline for an Aussie review of the diesel Subaru's and their incredible efficiency.

Hyundai Extends It's Lead Over Lexus In Overall Brand Value For 2009

2009-09-23T06:11:00.003-04:00

"Thanks to eye-catching products like Genesis and innovative marketing such as the Assurance program, Hyundai is making a big splash in the world market," Interbrand said. Click the headline for more on Hyundai's rapid rise in the automotive world.

In a US Market that is Down 32% How Can Subaru Sales Be Up?

2009-09-19T18:16:00.003-04:00

Subaru is the only car company in the United States who is posting in an increase in sales in the US this year. What have they done that no one else has been able to do. Why are people flocking to the brand in July, doubling their sales over last year?

The Comprehensive 2010 Tucson Gallery

2009-09-17T07:12:00.003-04:00

Click the headline for a gallery of pics of the all new 2010 Tucson.

More Detailed Pics of the 2011 Sonata

2009-09-17T06:26:00.002-04:00

Click the headline above to see everything on the

new Sonata.

Volvo Introduces the World's Cleanest Diesel Engine

2009-09-17T05:48:00.001-04:00

Volvo Cars has now undercut the magical 100 grams carbon dioxide limit for the first time ever.The new Volvo C30 DRIVe was presented at the car show in Frankfurt on Tuesday.

Click Here to View the Face Lifted 2010 C70

2009-09-17T05:14:00.001-04:00

A more aggressive grill treatment and some huge cateye headlights are the highlight of the this
evolutionary restyling.

Volvo's First Electric Vehicle

2009-09-17T04:31:00.002-04:00

Volvo enters the EV market with a convertible.

Volvo's curvaceous new saloon caught in production trim without camouflage for the first time

2009-09-16T21:56:00.003-04:00

Wow, even in the funky colour with the moondisc wheels, the soon to be released S60 is sleek yet strong while still being a Volvo.

Old vs New, How Far has Safety Gone in 50 Years?

2009-09-16T21:20:00.002-04:00

In celebration of their 50 year anniversary, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety staged an offset head on collision of a 1959 Chevrolet Bel Air vs a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The results are very interesting. Click on the headline to go to the YouTube video.

Subaru Continues it's "Legacy" of Safety

2009-09-16T20:44:00.002-04:00

Just like all other Subaru models, the all new 2010 Legacy and Outback have received the IIHS "Top Safety Pick" designation.

In Case You Can't Wait til Spring 2010 for the New Sonata...

2009-09-16T20:30:00.002-04:00

Take a sneak peak at the startling 2011 Sonata.

What's this? A sneak peak at the 2011 Elantra Sedan

2009-09-16T20:18:00.002-04:00

Even though it's sales are skyrocketing, Hyundai isn't sitting still with the Elantra. Here is a sneak peak at the car we will see without cladding in about a year (fall 2010). Click the headline for more....

Canadian Sales in August

2009-09-16T08:44:00.002-04:00

The hottest brand in the industry is Hyundai, hands down, flat out, without question. Sales for Hyundai were up by 38% over August of last year for a total of 10,418, falling just shy of Honda at 10,574. Who would have thought that Hyundai would be shadowing Honda in sales. Subaru had a strong month that was hampered by a lack of product due to a record sales pace so far this year and a lack of the new Outback and Legacy.

Winners
Acura: 1,644 units (up 26.4%)
Audi: 1,058 units (up 89.6%)
BMW: 2,292 units (up 20.5%)
Ford: 22,166 units (up 7.0%)
Hyundai: 10,418 units (up 38.4%)
Kia: 4,672 units (up 20.6%)
Lexus: 1,532 units (up 31.3%)
Mercedes-Benz: 1,992 units (up 20.5%)
Mitsubishi: 1,860 units (up 24.9%)
Nissan: 7,071 units (up 4.2%)
Porsche: 120 units (up 7.1%)
Subaru: 1,940 units (up 4.2%)
Suzuki: 1,315 units (up 1.3%)
Volvo: 527 units (up 16.3%)

The Ontario Tire Stewardship

2009-09-16T08:41:00.001-04:00

Click on the headline to get a brief outline of Ontario's latest program to save the earth.

August by the Numbers in the US

2009-09-16T08:22:00.002-04:00

Cash for Clunkers definitely worked in the US. 700,000 cars and trucks were sold and the US economy grew by 1.9% in August spurred on by the auto industry. The huge glut of new car inventory was eliminated with many dealerships running out of popular models. Subaru, Hyundai and Kia led the charge. Hyundai was up 47% over last August. Subaru was up 51% over last August. Little ol' Subaru outsold heavy hitters like Mazda, VW, Lexus, BMW, MB, Jeep, Chrysler, GMC and a host of others. Truly amazing times.

Hyundai Canada Pres. Steve Kelleher Talks About Our Successes And The Future

2009-09-15T06:03:00.002-04:00

In an interview with the Star, Steve Kelleher talks about the history and the future of Hyundai in Canada.

Wow, How About an XC60 for $39,995!

2009-06-23T18:54:00.005-04:00

Here is the official announcement on the new XC60 3.2L starting at $39,995. Click the headline above!

Hyundai-The best built non premium brand in North America!

2009-06-22T19:34:00.003-04:00

Ok, this is truly amazing and something we need to let everyone know about. For the first time in history, Hyundai has been ranked above all other non premium brands (and fourth overall) in the JD Power and Assoc. Initial Quality Study.

Click on the headline and see how we are now ranked above Honda, Toyota and all the rest. We trail only Lexus, Porsche and Cadillac!

The 2009 Initial Quality Study is based on responses from more than 80,900 purchasers and lessees of new 2009 model-year cars, trucks and multi-activity vehicles surveyed after 90 days of ownership. The study is based on a 228-question battery designed to provide manufacturers with information to facilitate identifying problems and drive product improvement. The study was fielded between February and May 2009.

More About the Toyobaru

2009-06-22T19:26:00.003-04:00

7Tune's tipster says that the Toyota and Subaru versions won't be remarkably different – only the front grille, headlamps and taillights will be unique. The report goes on to say that Toyota is desperately trying to keep the price below the two million yen mark (a little over $20,000) and, coinciding with earlier rumors, Subaru is actively considering offering an STI version of the coupe.

Lots of Great News Here!

2009-06-22T19:19:00.003-04:00

The future product line up of Hyundai is a little more clear when you click on the headline above and go to this story from AutoBlog.

The Highly Anticipated Follow Up To Ken Block's Gymkhana Video!

2009-06-04T05:55:00.004-04:00

After the first video became one of the most watched action sports vids in history there had to be a sequel. Monster Energy came on board and greatly upped the production value of the sequel. Crawford Racing constructed this new STi with 611 lb. ft. of torque at the wheels. The car in the first video was converted to rear wheel drive. This new car has Subaru's legendary Symmetrical AWD system in it. So when you watch the video, notice the front tires spinning and the smoke pouring off of them even in full lock drifts.

Exotic Wrecks!

2009-06-04T05:41:00.002-04:00

This short video clip is proof that having lots of money doesn't necessarily equate to driving ability and proper judgement.

Volvo Announces it's Plug In Electric Hybrid

2009-06-01T13:54:00.003-04:00

For 2012 Volvo will have a full size plug in electric hybrid car available for real families looking for real world practicality and safety. Click on the headline for more...

Drive Your Virtual S60 Concept Car Today

2009-06-01T07:54:00.003-04:00

In a unique promotion Volvo has developed a fun and free game for you to download. It features the startling new S60 Concept Car along with legendary Volvo's of the past!

Who's Driving the Hyundai Ship In America?

2009-06-01T07:48:00.002-04:00

John Krafcik was the head of product development for the US. He is now Pres and CEO of Hyundai Motor America. Here is an insightful interview about Hyundai's past, present and future.

The Subaru Legacy Concept Explained

2009-06-01T07:20:00.004-04:00

Here is an interesting YouTube interview with the
designer of the 2010 Legacy and the muscular
Legacy Concept. This answer the question of
"why did they do that?"

Hyundai is on it's way to being the most Green auto company in the world

2009-05-28T06:26:00.003-04:00

With the world's first lithium ion polymer batteries ready to power the upcoming Sonata Hybrid, Hyundai is well on it's way to achieving it's goal as the world's most fuel efficient and environmentally responsible car manufacturer.

2010 Japan Spec Legacy GT First Drive

2009-05-27T10:37:00.004-04:00

"This new Legacy is meant to be a breakthrough vehicle for Subaru, a legitimate rival for the world's best sedans"

Although not exactly the car we will see this summer, Edmunds.com's Inside Line review is incredibly encouraging!

So How Was Our April?

2009-05-01T19:16:00.013-04:00

April was a great month for all of our staff and our 3 brands. We held our official VIP Hyundai Charity Grand Opening. It went off on time and was very well attended. Justin Thompson put a great video presentation together for us that had everyone laughing. To date we have almost reached our goal of $5000 for the United Way of Sarnia - Lambton County.

With the help of our good friends at Volvo of Mississauga, we delivered our very first XC60 to Wayne Coughlin. It is truly a landmark vehicle in the history of Volvo. Interestingly our April Volvo sales were better this year than last!

We delivered a total of 45 new and used cars in April from all brands. Subaru set an all time high with 14 new cars delivered. Shane is currently the 4th highest ranked Subaru sales professional in Canada for sales volume and the 1st ranked non-french sales professional.

We were well on our way to our best Hyundai sales month in our history however the reality of hosting our VIP event and our Family Fun Day Open House took a lot of time and energy away from actually closing off sales. I deserve the blame for scheduling the Grand Opening events at month end when we typically close off sales. I'll know better when scheduling our next Grand Opening.

As it was we finished with 23 new car sales which still compares favourably with Honda who posted 26 and Toyota who posted 27. I haven't done the math yet for the year but we are probably about 7 behind honda ytd and and about even with Toyota.

We are currently at 263% of our year to date sales objective for Subaru and Hyundai is running at 129% of our sales pace from last year. This is all a truly exceptional performance.

Service continues to grow and evolve. My primary objective right now is to continue organizing the Subaru Volvo service operations along with reaching our goal of being the number one ranked Hyundai Sales and Service departments in Canada for Total Customer Satisfaction. These are goals that we all need to work together on.

Please welcome Ron Buxton as our latest edition to the Fenwick Motors family. Ron is here to help us in anyway needed while focusing on shuttle service and lot detailing. Ron brings a pleasant manner and a great deal of auto experience. His support network is his wife Diana and their 2 beautiful gifted young daughters.

As far as national sales, we are again at the top of the heap with Hyundai and Subaru both posting record sales in April not just for the month but in the history of both companies. The magnitude of this accomplisment simply cannot be understated because the overall market was down 17.8%. In Canada only 8 car companies improved their sales over April of last year and 2 of those 8 are our brands. 18 other car companies posted double digit drops in sales. This includes all of the heavy hitters, Honda, Toyota, Mazda, Nissan, Ford, GM, Chrysler, BMW, Acura, Infiniti...

Our partners from Hyundai Auto Canada presented us with striking custom glass sculpture in recognition of all of our accomplishments. It is on display in the Hyundai Internet Cafe.

For those that weren't able to attend the VIP night, I'll finish this monthly recap off with a quote from my closing remarks,

"This business is very very simple. It is the 3P’s. Without the very best people you cannot succeed. I have them. Without the very best products your people don’t have anything to sell. With Hyundai I have it. Without the very best sales programs your great staff won’t have any tools to sell your great products with. With Hyundai, I have it."

Obviously with our current performance, we have "it" with our Subaru Volvo people, products and programs as well. These are still the most challenging times in the post WW II era and that won't change soon.

May is traditionally our first month of our busy season so we have tons of opportunity available. To all of the staff, want to say thank you for a great month of effort in April.

A Retro Themed Car Done Right

2009-05-01T19:16:00.005-04:00

Check this incredible car hand crafted by one of the designers from the Swedish supercar builder Koenigsegg. It is a retro themed one off based upon the Volvo P1800 E originally made famous as Roger Moore's car in the TV series The Saint.

Powered by the 4.4l Yamaha built Volvo V-8 with 600 hp and a 6 speed manual. This coupe is a must for any serious Volvo fan.

Oops! We did it again...another record month for Subaru

2009-05-01T19:09:00.003-04:00

So as the auto world spirals ever lower Subaru
Canada has the best month in history...period!
Click the headline to read about the perfect car
company with the perfect cars for Canada.

The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

2009-04-30T05:31:00.002-04:00

Hyundai has committed to the most aggressive environmental goal of any manufacturer in the world. By 2o15 Hyundai will achieve a Corporate Average Fuel Economy rating of 35 mpg US. The world standard is to achieve compliance by 2020! Click on the headline for a look into the products that will carry us there.

Never did I ever think we would ever see a Hyundai compared with a Camaro!

2009-04-30T04:57:00.004-04:00

These are amazing and strange times indeed. How about a head to head comparison between the two newest, hottest V6 sports coupes on the road today. Click the headline for the story and video courtesy of Car and Driver.

If She Looks This Hot With Her Clothes On...

2009-04-30T04:38:00.002-04:00

Even with it's camouflaged cladding on, this 2011 Sonata test car can't hide it's stunningly rakish styling! Click on the headline to go to more pictures.

Join our Charity VIP Grand Opening on Thursday April 23rd @ 6:30pm sharp!

2009-04-16T23:50:00.001-04:00

Hi everyone, things are going together quickly and smoothly now for our Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. The date is of course Thursday April 23rd. Our local Mayor Mike Bradley has to be at another function by 7:15pm so the agenda is as follows:

6:30pm reception opening
6:45pm opening remarks by MC John Ryerson
6:55pm remarks by Hyundai Canada rep
7:00pm ribbon cutting with Mayor of Sarnia, Hyundai Canada, Glen and Kirste Fenwick
7:05pm remarks by glen fenwick and multi media presentation
7:20pm closing ceremonies
7:30pm live acoustic electric guitar music and reception

Subaru Stella: the Fully Electric Plug in EV

2009-04-16T23:24:00.001-04:00

Fuji Heavy Industries, the maker of Subaru automobiles, has announced the successful development of a prototype of its Subaru plug-in Stella electric vehicle, which will be introduced in Japan in summer 2009. Read all about it by clicking on the headline.

Ken Block: the Outtakes

2009-04-12T05:01:00.003-04:00

Click on the headline to see the stuff that was left on the cutting room floor that is just as much fun as the original Ken Block Gymkhana video from last summer!

Please Stay Seated for Your Safety! A brief explanation of active head restraints

2009-04-11T11:29:00.002-04:00

Back in 1999 Volvo introduced the worlds first whiplash protection system (WHIPS). More than just an active head rest, it is an entire seat designed to reduce or eliminate whiplash. Click the headline to find out how the active head restraint of our Subaru's and Hyundai's are making the world a safer place to drive.

A Classic Spoof on our Hyundai Commercial

2009-04-10T15:47:00.002-04:00

What is it that Hyundai is doing right?

2009-04-10T15:20:00.003-04:00

During the most turbulent auto retail market since WW II, Hyundai is shocking the industry by maintaining sales in the US and setting sales records in Canada. They are doing it with quality and affordability. Hyundai is always mentioned in the same breath as Honda and Toyota for quality while not giving up their position as the leader in affordability. Click the headline for more

In the words of Al Bundy, "Let's Rock". The all new 2010 Outback

2009-04-10T14:55:00.002-04:00

Now it is more of a real Cross Over than a steroided station wagon. The 2010 Outback is 4" taller and has greatly improved interior space, ground clearance, ride quality and safety. Subaru's most iconic and identifiable car has just set a new standard for all others to aspire to.

"The Interior is Simply Cavernous", presenting the 2010 Subaru Legacy

2009-04-10T14:37:00.002-04:00

The 2010 Subaru Legacy is improved in every possible way. Staying true to the culture of Subaru but featuring a ground breaking CVT transmission. Smoother ride, much more room, bold styling, better handling and increased safety. 3" inches taller, 3" wider, 3" longer wheelbase yet 1" shorter overall, the mid size sedan class is about to be turned upside down.

Wow, Quite a Car but I Don't Know if Canada is Ready!

2009-04-10T14:01:00.003-04:00

What would you say about a Hyundai that is longer than a Lincoln Town Car or a Cadillac DTS? Just launched in Korea, it will likely land in the US in 2-3 years. The Equus is meant to go head to head with the Mercedes S Class and BMW 7 series sedans.

Volvo's Future Motivation

2009-04-09T22:22:00.002-04:00

Future Volvo's will be powered by a turbo diesel hybrid. Click the headline to read about Volvo's ingenius way to efficiency and economy in the future.

The Best Kept Secret in the Auto Industry

2009-04-09T22:01:00.002-04:00

So for the last seven years people would ask me what a Subaru is and I would say that it is the best kept secret in the auto industry. This week at the launch of the 2010 Outback and Legacy at the New York Auto Show, Subaru of America's COO, Tom Doll and the head PR guy Michael McHale gave a very insightful interview. They explain what made Subaru the most successful car company in America in 2008 and what is a Subaru.

And yet another award for the Forester

2009-03-27T19:54:00.002-04:00

The IIHS just finished testing the roof strength of small SUV's. Guess who is at the front of the class....again!

2010 Outback Spy Pics

2009-03-12T05:40:00.003-04:00

Although this story refers to the car in the picture as the Legacy wagon it is in fact the 2010 Outback wagon. Evolutionary in styling it is much larger in real life from what I have been told. Expect to see it on our lot this fall!

Subaru: 1 Hump or 2?

2009-03-05T07:31:00.002-05:00

What sounds like the beginning of a joke
and looks like a photoshopped image is actually a smuggling attempt. The story goes like this: a Bedouin resident of the Negev desert is thinking of ways to maximise his income, so he somehow stuffs his two camels into his trusty Subaru to drive them to the West Bank.

Subaru's Record Month in February

2009-03-04T20:22:00.003-05:00

While we at Fenwick Subaru are tracking at 166% of objective, the highest increase in the Central Zone. The rest of Canada has fared just as well. The Forester is a runaway success along with the Impreza. Great programs on the build out year of the Legacy and Outback along with the Tribeca being more successful than ever are turning new people to the brand as well as giving experienced Subaru owners a reason to finally trade in their trusty old Subaru.

The Avg Age of the Car on the Road Reaches an All Time High

2009-03-04T19:43:00.002-05:00

RL Polk has just released figures showing that the avg age of a car on the road in the US is now 9.4 years (up from 9.2 years). It has never been so high in history. One reason is that cars are better built than ever. Also, of course with fewer people buying cars they are staying on the road longer. So those of us who are optimists look forward to the day soon when the economy starts to claw its way back and the average person not only wants to, but has to buy a new car. Then there will be a dramatic surge in car sales because of necessity and it is one of the true feel good purchases that we all enjoy.

More on the iX-onic Concept from Geneva

2009-03-04T19:28:00.002-05:00

I guess I just really like the looks of this one because I keep putting links and story's up about it! Click the headline to find out more details on this hotrod concept car from Hyundai.

Feb in Canada: Hyundai Up 28% / Subaru Up 8.1%

2009-03-04T13:27:00.002-05:00

Overall the Canadian new car market mirrored our friends south of the border. Some devastating drops in sales and some shining stars that are doing all the right things. Amidst all of the turmoil, Hyundai and Subaru put together record months. As the attached picture shows, we do have some reasons to cheer!

To Nitrogen... or Not to Nitrogen

2009-03-03T22:48:00.002-05:00

One of the most common questions that we receive in the service department is, "should I be putting Nitrogen in my tires in place of air (which is approx 78% nitrogen!) Follow this link to a recent story from Popular Mechanics.

Feb US Sales- Not Good...Except for Subaru, Hyundai and Kia

2009-03-03T19:13:00.003-05:00

Well lets talk about the good news in the US. Subaru was up 5.6% on their daily sales rate and Hyundai was up 2.6% on their daily sales rate (dsr= number of cars sold per day that the dealerships are open and I think that last year was a leap year with an extra day to sell cars in it). Other than Kia being up also, every other manufacturers sales were in the tank by double digit numbers. Sadly Volvo was down by over 50% as it ownership troubles continue to hurt an amazing car and an amazing brand.

Hyundai Sales History Made in January

2009-03-02T15:42:00.002-05:00

For the first time ever, Hyundai Canada had two cars in the top ten for sales. The Accent and Elantra finished 4th (behind the Civic) and 8th (behind the Focus). As well, the amazing Hyundai Santa Fe finished just behind the RAV4 and the CRV in the top ten trucks sold in Canada. These are historical times for the company that came here with the Pony 25 years ago.

When the Going Gets Tough....

2009-03-02T14:00:00.002-05:00

While others cut and run, Hyundai commits to a $6 Billion USD investment for 2009 to continue developing manufacturing plants and the worlds most environmentally friendly cars. Click on the headline to read more.

The Genesis Coupe Love Fest Has Started

2009-02-28T10:19:00.003-05:00

Hey, I don't write this stuff, I only report it. After the Vera Cruz was ranked above the Lexus RX350, after the Genesis was ranked above every other German and Japanese luxury car, now the Genesis Coupe is ranked above the....
Infiniti G37. Fortunately the world is catching on to this and sales are booming even this crazy economy of ours!

What was the first car to run a turbocharger in the Indy 500?

2009-02-28T10:15:00.002-05:00

The amazing answer to this question will surprise you! Click the link and read the story of diesel engines at Indy.

Subaru-The Only Company that Receives "Best Pick" Status for the Entire Line Up

2009-02-27T11:33:00.003-05:00

Interesting that once again Subaru is the only car manufacturer in the world whose entire line up of vehicles are endorsed as both a Consumer Reports "Best Pick" and an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety "Top Safety Pick". Once again the little company that does things it's own way kicks the big guys in the teeth!

Yet Another Genesis Award - Safety this Time

2009-02-26T12:07:00.001-05:00

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety has named the Genesis a Top Safety Pick in the Large Cars category.

So if the Genesis Coupe isn't the Tiburon replacement then what is?

2009-02-19T08:11:00.003-05:00

In 2007, the Hyundai Velostar Concept made the rounds of the auto show circuit. This is expected to be the type of styling we will see next as the role of our 2 door coupe entry level sports car shifts to more of a multi activity vehicle style.

Hyundai at the Geneva Auto Show

2009-02-19T08:02:00.002-05:00

As mentioned below, all indications point to the HED-6 showing the styling cues of the next generation Tucson! This concept car debuted at the Geneva Auto Show in February.

Two Wild and Crazy Cars and Drivers

2009-02-19T07:34:00.002-05:00

Ken Block's 550hp Impreza video was an instant internet classic. His car control is amazing and the rawness of the car's handling and horsepower leave and indelible impression. Click here to watch it: http://video.kenblockracing.com/flash/player/

Rhys Millen debuts the new Red Bull Racing Genesis Coupe that he will be competing in all across America in Formula Drift, Pikes Peak and Time Attack competitions. With over 5oohp, the car is stunning. Click here to watch the transformation of a stock Genesis Coupe into a world class production race car: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxCBEHTiwIY

Genesis: Canadian Car of the Year

2009-02-11T19:58:00.003-05:00

Wow, now the Genesis is the AJAC Car of the Year to go along with the North American Coty Award and Consumer Reports accolades.

Coming to the Geneva Auto Show

2009-02-09T13:19:00.003-05:00

Check out the latest Concept Car from Hyundai. My guess is that the next generation Tucson will borrow from this style.

Michael Banovsky- a former workmate of ours hits the big time!

2009-02-07T14:53:00.005-05:00

Not so long ago we had a young man working here whose ambition was to be an automotive journalist. Michael Banovsky is now a free lance writer for the Toronto Star Wheels section. Here is a recent example of his craft. You can find Michael here www.banovsky.com

This is the Wildest Truck Crash Ever

2009-02-06T18:40:00.003-05:00

Follow the link to the story about this truck doing a double front flip in the middle of a race then scroll down and click on the youtube video where they show the crash from several angles!

The Safety of the Russian Skies

2009-02-04T22:08:00.003-05:00

As if you needed another reason not to fly on a Russian airliner, check this dude out in the story. But what is even better is the way that the airline defends him.

Ronald Reagan was a Brat...errr Drove a Brat

2009-02-04T21:59:00.003-05:00

This one was for the Gipper. Click on the headline and you'll see what the the most powerful man in the world cruised around on his ranch in.

The Remarkable Elantra Touring

2009-02-04T00:21:00.002-05:00

Ok, this little sport wagon is freakishly huge inside.
The interior is the best in class and it is rated for 43 mpg on the highway. Oh yeah, it is really sporty looking for this class of vehicle.
It is crazy affordable, starting at $14995!

Where To For Volvo?

2009-02-04T00:07:00.003-05:00

A possible merger with Renault is the latest rumour. This one actually makes some sense because of their past history. Who knows though, because the other rumoured interested parties are predominantly of Chinese origin. Stay tuned!

When You Are Ready To Shock The World, You Tell The Worlds Largest Audience

2009-01-31T03:32:00.002-05:00

Follow the link to view the 5 ads shown on the SuperBowl telecast. The first one with the Coupe featuring Billy Corgan from the Smashing Pumpkins is cool but the "Angry Bosses" one is an instant classic.

A New Record for Ferrari

2008-05-21T07:05:00.002-04:00

The world's most expensive Ferrari!

I'm not really truck guy...

2008-05-16T08:34:00.003-04:00

Now this would be a sweet ride. click on the headline to read about this one off XC70 pick up truck!

Strangely, you just can't look away!

2008-05-16T08:29:00.003-04:00

Okay, click on the headline above to watch one of the most memorable car commercials of all time. I dare you to try to forget it. It is like driving past a car accident. You know you shouldn't stare but you just can't look away.

The Best of the Best

2008-05-16T08:25:00.001-04:00

Once again Hyundai proves that it is building cars that are on par with the best in the industry for the things that are important today, size, fuel economy, efficiency and quality (oh yeah, they look great too!)