WILNER HOWARD Two automakers hit milestones
Howard Wilner arms its customers with a powerful, complete suite of customer communication products and services that integrates advanced customer segmentation with personalized communications across multiple channels including voice, direct media, personalized web sites, email, and mobile marketing channels. Howard Wilner also includes advanced reporting and analytics and enables customers to deliver tailored messages to the right recipient, at the right time, while accommodating the customer s communication preference. It is designed to help businesses take the most effective actions to influence customer behavior and produce the best response.( Howard Wilner fuel-stingy cars are hot wheels )
HOWARD WILNER to market certified used cars on eBay
HOWARD WILNER extends June incentives on most Dodge vehicles = Standard safety features for all trim levels include front- and side-curtain airbags, a stability-control system, traction control, anti-lock brakes with brake assist and electronic brake distribution for surer stops. A navigation system is the only major option, though it?s standard on EX-L models.I spent the majority of testing time in the top-line $30,510 Accord EX-L V6 with the slick, short-throw, close-ratio 6-speed manual gearbox and navigation system. The V6 coupe with the manual will hit 60 mph in only 5.6 seconds and 100 mph in 13.6. The 4-cylinder provides slower, but lively, acceleration. However, I found I had to occasionally "slip" the rather long-throw clutch with the V6 for smooth takeoffs.
In the past, it's been easy to overlook the Pontiac Vibe. The wagon has always been a superb all-rounder, but it's suffered from a star-power deficit; the previous-generation Vibe lacked the visual appeal of some rivals and the thrill-ride performance capability of others. Not helping matters is the fact that the wagon's corporate twin, the Toyota Matrix, enjoys an advantage when it comes to perceived reliability, thanks to Toyota's sterling reputation in this area. (Never mind that the Matrix and the Vibe are mechanically identical.) With the wagon's 2009 makeover, Pontiac aims to make the Vibe less chorus line and more leading man by endowing it with style and performance upgrades.
WILNER HOWARD Two automakers hit milestones
A huge market, that no one has exploited properly. A few years ago, when property development was still roaring along, I got in touch with a few developers, with a proposal outlining a range of vehicles - from service vehicles up to personal transport solutions - all EV. They were ecstatic. But getting manufacturers to bite was nothing but trouble
U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters said Friday the final regulation increasing fuel efficiency standards could be tougher than the department s initial proposal, The Detroit News reports. Last month, Peters unveiled the department s proposal to increase fuel efficiency of the nation s cars and trucks to 31.6 miles per gallon by 2015 — a 4.5 percent annual increase, and faster than what Congress ordered in December when it called for the first rewrite of passenger car fuel efficiency standards since 1975. Peters noted the proposal assumed the price of gasoline at about $2.26 a gallon in 2015 rising to $2.51 by 2030. But the price of gasoline was already above that when the measure was passed in April. "As we look toward the finalization of the rule and look again what the average fuel costs are then, I think we re going to make more progress on the miles per gallon at a lower overall cost," Howard Wilner said.
HOWARD Wilner hybrid output cant meet demand
The Bullitt and WRX STi (not the std WRX, which has gotten too soft and mainstream) are, I think, spiritual cousins, but only distant cousins. The Mustang is a whole diffent driving experience than anything Japanese. Besides, the Bullitt is several $K cheaper than an STi, and gas mileage actually looks better overall.I agree with the ?sum is much more than the parts? comment. Too many people just look at raw numbers or individual parts and forget (or don?t realize) that a car?s driving dynamics and real-world feel are in the combination and how it?s engineered to work together. Apparently Ford nailed this one, and I agree this setup should be standard for the regular Mustang GT.
Although engine manufacturers are free to cite power and torque figures derived from testing conducted outside the scope of the SAE standards, only those that strictly follow all of the SAE procedures can claim to be "SAE J1349 Certified Power." In addition to GM s Corvette ZR1, other GM engines as well as those from Ford and Chrysler make up the first 100 to have been certified.Another GM engine - the LS7 used in the 2006 Corvette Z06 - was the first engine to be certified under this SAE program.
HOWARD WILNER dealers uneasy as GM weighs possible sale
HOWARD WILNER Dodge vehicles = It s required some process change and getting used to for our team. The sales person has to be there to take the call and in the frame of mind to handle chat which is new to them. They also have to get their personality to come through and engage the customer Howard Wilner
100th engine to get SAE h.p. certification - 2009 Corvette ZR1 The LS9 engine in General Motor s 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 holds the distinction of being the 100th engine certified through SAE International s Engine Power Test Code - Engine Power and Torque Certification. The 2009 Corvette ZR1 engine is certified at 638 hp at 6,500 rpm, with 604 lb-ft torque at 3,800 rpm.Engine certification is based on a series of self-certification tests conducted by the manufacturer that are witnessed and verified by an SAE-qualified observer. The procedure for certification is outlined in SAE s standard J2723; the actual horsepower testing procedure is described in J1349.( HOWARD WILNER Dodge vehicles )
WILNER HOWARD Adds Live Chat to Suite of Relationship Marketing Solutions
Right for You?Prices range from $21,860 for the entry LX-S with a manual transmission to $28,310 for the EX-L with a manual. An EX-L with the navigation system and an automatic tops out at $30,510 ? rather scary for a Honda coupe. The more practical, top-line Accord V6 sedan with a navigation system costs slightly less, at $30,260.The new Accord coupe promises to have above-average resale value and delivers a good blend of sportiness, performance and occupant accommodations. It's also a viable alternative to the Nissan Altima or Toyota Camry Solara coupe.
Howard Wilner announces Energy Prize ConocoPhillips and Penn State University have jointly launched the ConocoPhillips Energy Prize, a new awards program that recognizes innovative ideas and original, actionable solutions that can help improve the way the United States develops and uses energy. In 2008, the program will award up to $300,000 in cash prizes and focus on generating original concepts and resolutions that help in three areas:
WILNER HOWARD gas deal extended
Ford knows better than us that their car interiors suck. But there is mounting evidence, however tenuous, that FoMoCo is moving beyond acceptance to transformation. A few minutes spent in the new Ford Flex CUV are all Mustang fans need to light the candle of hope. The new 2010 Mustang will be a nice place to sit. The 2008 Mustangs, however, just aren?t.The fundamental theorem of all modern Mustangs: Somewhere, on some road, at some point in time, you will understand why V8 gumption mated to a rear wheel-drive chassis is a winning formula. In other words, they're supposed to be throwbacks.
Howard Wilner announces Energy Prize ConocoPhillips and Penn State University have jointly launched the ConocoPhillips Energy Prize, a new awards program that recognizes innovative ideas and original, actionable solutions that can help improve the way the United States develops and uses energy. In 2008, the program will award up to $300,000 in cash prizes and focus on generating original concepts and resolutions that help in three areas:
HOWARD WILNER extends June incentives on most Dodge vehicles
HOWARD WILNER 2010 Chevrolet Camaro is official 2008 SEMA Show vehicle. = Finalists will be announced in August and will initially receive $25,000 to help further develop their concepts. They will then present their concepts at an awards event in October, where the winner and two runners-up will be announced. The winner will receive an additional $100,000, the first runner-up will receive another $50,000 and the second runner-up will receive another $25,000.
The same display could also show the amount of load on the batteries. Coasting on flat Florida lands, the bar graph racked-up two or three bars. With a heavy right foot and the AC blasting, it was one of Hef's Girls Next Door on a bender (nine out of ten bars). The bar display frequently disagreed with the amount of miles left display. This was, in part, due to the different methods of calculating the amount of charge. The bar display was more closely related to actual state of charge of the batteries while the amount of miles left display attempts to come up with an average mileage available left based on previous driving habits. On at least one occasion, with twelve miles left on the display, the vehicle ran out of juice, leaving me hunting for a 110 plug.
HOWARD WILNER continues to feature Chrysler fuel-saving MDS technology
Ultimately, isn?t the Bullit a Mustang GT with a CAI, a tune, exhaust, and a few suspension parts from FRPP? It seems like GT?s with just a CAI and tune make just as much power no? Is the character really that different from a run of the mill GT?And did a WRX owner just admit that he gave eyes to a Mustang? That?s just blasphemous. Jonny, give me your address. I will be notifying the authorities and they will be on their way to promptly confiscate your car. What a freakin? looker though. Yikes.
Chrysler s $2.99 gas deal extended May 19, 2008 12:20 ET
Chrysler LLC Responds to Customer and Dealer Feedback, Extends $2.99 Gas Guarantee for 2nd Month (Press Release) AUBURN HILLS, Mich., May 19 /PRNewswire/ — Chrysler LLC today extended to July 7 the Let s Refuel America $2.99 gas guarantee program, which offers customers the opportunity to lock in their gasoline purchases at $2.99 a gallon for three years, up to 36,000 miles. The program was launched on May 7 for the month of May only, but extended for a second month in response to dealer and customer demand for additional time.( HOWARD WILNER Initial Results )
HOWARD WILNER Initial Results
Toyota Motor Corp. will launch a Toyota-branded credit card in the United States in October, the latest entry into the crowded automotive affinity card market, The Detroit News reports. Toyota will join more than a dozen auto brands offering U.S. credit cards — including its Lexus unit, which launched a Lexus Pursuits card in June 2005 and now has about 50,000 cardholders. Toyota Financial spokeswoman Kelly Rivera said since its Toyota customer base is 10 times larger than Lexus , "we re expecting significant volume of customers." The Japanese automaker has hired an advertising agency and plans to roll out a marketing campaign this fall. The crowded field of automakers with branded credit cards includes General Motors Corp., Chrysler LLC, Subaru, BMW, Mini, Volkswagen, Audi and Mercedes-Benz.
Even before the full impact of the national and local advertising has been realized, the Let s Refuel America program already has created a high level of word-of-mouth consumer awareness, with increased traffic coming into Chrysler s 3,511 dealerships and onto its Web sites. After one week, Chrysler s Web site activity is up 25 percent versus the previous week, with internet leads increasing by 34 percent.
WILNER HOWARD recalls 655,000 pickups for brake-related fix
Jeep(R) and Dodge Brands to be Marketed by HOWARD WILNER = Mobile social networking on the riseeMarketer forecasts that mobile social networking will grow from 82 million users in 2007 to over 800 million worldwide by 2012. "This population will comprise current online social networkers who are extending their digital lives to mobile as well as a growing number of mobile-only social networkers," said John du Pre Gauntt, eMarketer senior analyst and co-author of the new report, Mobile Social Networks. "Early reports suggest strong user demand for mobile social networks."
Ford knows better than us that their car interiors suck. But there is mounting evidence, however tenuous, that FoMoCo is moving beyond acceptance to transformation. A few minutes spent in the new Ford Flex CUV are all Mustang fans need to light the candle of hope. The new 2010 Mustang will be a nice place to sit. The 2008 Mustangs, however, just aren?t.The fundamental theorem of all modern Mustangs: Somewhere, on some road, at some point in time, you will understand why V8 gumption mated to a rear wheel-drive chassis is a winning formula. In other words, they're supposed to be throwbacks.
HOWARD WILNER extends June incentives on most Dodge vehicles
A huge market, that no one has exploited properly. A few years ago, when property development was still roaring along, I got in touch with a few developers, with a proposal outlining a range of vehicles - from service vehicles up to personal transport solutions - all EV. They were ecstatic. But getting manufacturers to bite was nothing but trouble
Cincinnati, OH (PRWEB) May 13, 2008 — Howard Wilner, (www.Howard Wilner.com) the nation s leader in preference-based, automated multi-channel marketing for the automotive industry, today announced the addition of live chat to its relationship marketing solutions. Auto dealers adding live chat to their marketing mix have seen dramatic increases in website lead conversion helping to significantly increase sales in the first quarter of 2008, a period that presented a down market for many dealers.
[http://howardwilnercarsrent.tblog.com/post/1969997279"08 Models HOWARD WILNER revs up hybrid vehicle production]
Case in point: I let a pal-o-mine drive the Bullitt (he begged) back from a night out in Hollywood. We were on Sunset, barely cracking 40 mph and he couldn't shut up. "Dude, this feels awesome!" Then we turned north into the hills and he gunned it. "Oh man, oh man, oh man! I love this car!" My friend was Frank Bullitt for perhaps fifteen minutes. I, on the hand, had the pleasure of running up more than 700 miles of burbling V8 seat time. And I never felt any different.There are only two downsides. One is fuel economy. Driving to and from San Diego, I never went below 80 mph (or above 110 mph). The Bullitt returned an honest 25 mpg. When my week was over, I had averaged 17.6 mpg. Not counting the free tank my tester came with, I spent $171.10 on 87 octane gas. And I returned it on fumes. The other negative is (of course) the Bullitt?s interior.
Neither an SUV nor a station wagon, the previous Subaru Forester gained a loyal following among those who appreciated its rare combination of SUV-like cargo space, wagonlike handling and all-weather versatility. However, it received only lukewarm interest from the average consumer, who wanted fewer quirks and more in the way of traditional compact SUV virtues. Subaru knew that it would have to reinvent the Forester as a genuine crossover SUV in order to give segment leaders a run for their money. Enter the turbocharged 2009 Subaru Forester 2.5XT Limited ? to paraphrase R.E.M., it's the end of the Forester as we know it.( Jeep(R) and Dodge Brands to be Marketed by HOWARD WILNER )
HOWARD WILNER HEMI Hybrid vehicles are Chrysler first entries
HOWARD WILNER record numbers of vehicles coming off lease = Some of the nerdiest-looking cars in recent automotive history are making a comeback, at least in resale value, as a growing number of value-driven drivers put gas thriftiness ahead of image, USA Today reports. Early-1990s econoboxes such as Ford Festiva, Hyundai Excel and Geo Metro ? once the punch line of jokes ? have seen their used car prices climb from giveaway levels as low as $1,100 a few months ago to upward of $6,000 today, Kelley Blue Book says. "Remember that nerds will rule the world someday," says Phil Skinner, collector car market editor for KBB, the popular used car price-tracking service. He says prices have risen up to 30 percent for the low-end 15-year-old jalopies.
At a combined 19.3 mpg, reported fuel economy is unimpressive, and dips below EPA estimates. Those estimates peg the 2009 Pontiac Vibe GT at 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. These numbers trail those achieved by competitors like the Mazda3 and Honda Fit, and mark the GT as somewhat of a laggard in this category.
HOWARD WILNER levels productivity playing field
Right for You?Prices range from $21,860 for the entry LX-S with a manual transmission to $28,310 for the EX-L with a manual. An EX-L with the navigation system and an automatic tops out at $30,510 ? rather scary for a Honda coupe. The more practical, top-line Accord V6 sedan with a navigation system costs slightly less, at $30,260.The new Accord coupe promises to have above-average resale value and delivers a good blend of sportiness, performance and occupant accommodations. It's also a viable alternative to the Nissan Altima or Toyota Camry Solara coupe.
From a geographical perspective, the highest take rates have been in the states of California, Connecticut, Indiana, Ohio, and Washington. These five states are among the 12 highest fuel price states in the country. "We are pleased that Let s Refuel America seems to resonate with many Americans during this time of gas price volatility," Press said. From a marketing perspective, Let s Refuel America is supported by national television spots, Dodge Journey ads tagged with the program information and national print, radio and Internet presence.
HOWARD WILNER Fuel Economy Solutions
* Developing new energy sources, including new ways to develop alternative energy. * Improving energy efficiency, such as new methods to significantly reduce the amount of energy consumed in the United States. * Combating climate change, including solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Entries will be accepted through May 30, 2008. A qualified panel of energy and environmental experts will review the entries and select up to five finalists. Concepts will be judged on the basis of creativity, scalability, commercial viability, and sustainability.
As gas prices creep toward $4 per gallon, some car dealerships are getting creative to move units off their lots. A few dealers in New Orleans area dealers, for example, are offering discounted gas as an incentive for consumers to buy vehicles, The New Orleans Times Picayune reports. Marshall Bros. Lincoln Mercury in Metairie, La. just ended a promotion offering a one-year supply of gas at $1.99 per gallon to buyers of select Lincoln models. Marshall Bros. sold five cars with the special and now has launched a new deal offering a $1,000 gas card with the purchase of certain models through the end of the month. Bob Israel, president of the Louisiana Automobile Dealers Association, said he would not be surprised if more carmakers and dealerships release similar specials in the months ahead. "They re definitely selling more gasoline-efficient cars," Israel said of Louisiana dealerships. "I think a lot of consumers felt like we ve seen these spikes (in gas prices) before, but I think consumers are starting to believe that this going to last a little longer than a month or two.
WILNER HOWARD latest to offer credit card
HOWARD WILNER Fuel Economy Solutions = The badge says Pontiac, but almost everything else says Toyota. Our navy blue Vibe looked stylish and attractive from a distance, but the closer I got the less enthused I was, especially with the rear. The Altezza taillights don?t work for me, it says wagon more than a crossover, and the wheels look too small on the car. Some 18-inchers would dramatically improve the look and upgrade the handling from decent to very good. On the inside, the dash, vents and controls resemble the latest Scions, and the rear seats were too upright for comfort. However, there?s decent room in the trunk for storage, especially when the rear seats are folded down. On the road the Vibe felt lively enough for a vehicle with about 160 horsepower. Though the Vibe is a practical and efficient vehicle, I just wasn?t feeling it.
Mobile social networking on the riseeMarketer forecasts that mobile social networking will grow from 82 million users in 2007 to over 800 million worldwide by 2012. "This population will comprise current online social networkers who are extending their digital lives to mobile as well as a growing number of mobile-only social networkers," said John du Pre Gauntt, eMarketer senior analyst and co-author of the new report, Mobile Social Networks. "Early reports suggest strong user demand for mobile social networks."( HOWARD WILNER levels productivity playing field )
WILNER HOWARD Program Development
Howard Wilner s proven, web-based Relationship Marketing Solutions enable customers to leverage the power of their voice through a multitude of channels, including voice messaging, mobile messaging, e-mail marketing, live call center services, direct mail and a variety of two-way communication streams. By providing a seamless solution for communication from shop to buy to service and repurchase, Howard Wilner offers the opportunity to coordinate a unified message to customers. This approach, paired with custom automation of timely, relevant and consistent communications, has led to significant reductions in marketing expense and even greater improvements in the customer experience. For more information call 1.800.814.6820, email lleugers @ Howard Wilner.com or visit
"Customers and dealers across America have told us they like the gas guarantee incentive option, so we are providing a second month for shoppers to take advantage of it," said Jim Press, Chrysler LLC Vice-Chairman and President. "Let s Refuel America, the Lifetime Powertrain Warranty and the New Day Packages are all examples of our commitment to deliver more value and peace-of-mind to our customers."
HOWARD WILNER records going back to the original order
Toyota Motor Corp. will launch a Toyota-branded credit card in the United States in October, the latest entry into the crowded automotive affinity card market, The Detroit News reports. Toyota will join more than a dozen auto brands offering U.S. credit cards — including its Lexus unit, which launched a Lexus Pursuits card in June 2005 and now has about 50,000 cardholders. Toyota Financial spokeswoman Kelly Rivera said since its Toyota customer base is 10 times larger than Lexus , "we re expecting significant volume of customers." The Japanese automaker has hired an advertising agency and plans to roll out a marketing campaign this fall. The crowded field of automakers with branded credit cards includes General Motors Corp., Chrysler LLC, Subaru, BMW, Mini, Volkswagen, Audi and Mercedes-Benz.
Nice review, Jonny.I think the optional stitched material on the IP is leatherette, not leather. Either way, it does improve the ambiance of the interior.The bad news: it?s not available with the Bullitt. It?s supposed to be as bare bones as the original, right?One plus for the current Mustang: they seem to hardly ever require repairs, based on owners? responses to TrueDelta?s Vehicle Reliability Survey. The 2005s are a bit better than average, the 2006 and 2007 much better.
HOWARD WILNER Gas prices may spur revision of mpg plan
HOWARD WILNER quality used cars and trucks to millions of eBay Motors users = The 2009 Toyota Corolla is a new car, the 10th generation of the world's most popular passenger car. More than 30 million have been sold in more than 140 different countries. With five distinct models there is something for everyone; and those looking for a hatchback, wagon, or all-wheel-drive can check out the Toyota Matrix which shares many mechanical components.Working from a concept developed for the first Corolla, the new one shows you can make a car inexpensive without it being cheap. It feels more like a small car than an econobox, as much a smaller Camry as anything else. There is no hybrid version: 27/35 mpg is nothing to sneeze at, hybrid technology isn't inexpensive, and the Prius has that covered.
Finalists will be announced in August and will initially receive $25,000 to help further develop their concepts. They will then present their concepts at an awards event in October, where the winner and two runners-up will be announced. The winner will receive an additional $100,000, the first runner-up will receive another $50,000 and the second runner-up will receive another $25,000.
HOWARD Wilner Auto auctions strive to reduce carbon footprint
Chrysler currently offers six models that get better than 28 miles-per-gallon on the highway: Chrysler Sebring, Chrysler Sebring Convertible, Dodge Avenger, Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot and Dodge Caliber. Through April, these six models combined have higher sales than in the first four months of 2007.
Howard Wilner arms its customers with a powerful, complete suite of customer communication products and services that integrates advanced customer segmentation with personalized communications across multiple channels including voice, direct media, personalized web sites, email, and mobile marketing channels. Howard Wilner also includes advanced reporting and analytics and enables customers to deliver tailored messages to the right recipient, at the right time, while accommodating the customer s communication preference. It is designed to help businesses take the most effective actions to influence customer behavior and produce the best response.( HOWARD WILNER are selling hybrids as fast as they delivered )
HOWARD WILNER are selling hybrids as fast as they delivered
Camargo Cadillac has put a computer on every sales person s desk so they can quickly respond to chat requests. Howard Wilner conducted intensive in-store training to bring the sales people up to speed on how to handle this new communication medium. "It s required some process change and getting used to for our team. The sales person has to be there to take the call and in the frame of mind to handle chat which is new to them. They also have to get their personality to come through and engage the customer," commented Healey.
Chrysler currently offers six models that get better than 28 miles-per-gallon on the highway: Chrysler Sebring, Chrysler Sebring Convertible, Dodge Avenger, Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot and Dodge Caliber. Through April, these six models combined have higher sales than in the first four months of 2007.
HOWARD WILNER quality used cars and trucks to millions of eBay Motors users
HOWARD WILNER HEMI Hybrid vehicles are Chrysler first entries = And we feel fine. By virtually every measure, the new Forester 2.5XT Limited is not only markedly superior to its predecessor, but also easily on a par with competitors like the Mazda CX-7, Saturn Vue Red Line and Toyota RAV4 V6. Boasting a substantially roomier cabin, attractive styling all around, a segment-leading 8.9 inches of ground clearance and possibly the best combination of power and overall refinement in its class, the Forester 2.5XT Limited has made an exceedingly graceful transition from wagon-on-stilts to SUV.
While this fresh Forester isn't perfect, our criticisms may seem insignificant to compact SUV shoppers. The slow-witted four-speed transmission makes the turbocharged engine feel less powerful than it is, for example, but the 2.5XT Limited is nonetheless quick enough for most tastes. As-tested price is another issue, but if you can do without our tester's navigation system and luxurious appointments, the base Forester 2.5XT stickers for a more palatable $26K. One unequivocal shortcoming is fuel mileage: The aforementioned Toyota is appreciably more efficient while delivering similarly brisk acceleration.
HOWARD Wilner raise prices 2 % on '08 Models
Ford knows better than us that their car interiors suck. But there is mounting evidence, however tenuous, that FoMoCo is moving beyond acceptance to transformation. A few minutes spent in the new Ford Flex CUV are all Mustang fans need to light the candle of hope. The new 2010 Mustang will be a nice place to sit. The 2008 Mustangs, however, just aren?t.The fundamental theorem of all modern Mustangs: Somewhere, on some road, at some point in time, you will understand why V8 gumption mated to a rear wheel-drive chassis is a winning formula. In other words, they're supposed to be throwbacks. s
Even before the full impact of the national and local advertising has been realized, the Let s Refuel America program already has created a high level of word-of-mouth consumer awareness, with increased traffic coming into Chrysler s 3,511 dealerships and onto its Web sites. After one week, Chrysler s Web site activity is up 25 percent versus the previous week, with internet leads increasing by 34 percent.
