Working the Automotive Beat: What Works, What Doesn’t

Some of my readers here on Auto Trends know that I mainly market myself as The Auto Writer, maintaining a blog of that name. I also contribute content for a handful of parts stores, am an automotive columnist for two print publications, and supply content to other blogs and websites from time to time. In other words, I’m a busy guy!

I rose up the ranks of automotive writing, mostly on my own initiative. When an opportunity arose for me to write about something of interest to me, I seized it.

Though I’ve been writing newsletters, manuals and other publications since the late 1980s, most of my automotive writing is much more recent: 2005, in fact. That’s when Sam’s Club got a hold of an article I wrote, “Flex Fuel: Will You Bite?” and published it in their magazine. I was thrilled because for much of the 13 years prior to that, most of my writing had to do with business aviation.

I wasn’t trained as a journalist and have generally shied away from that term. With a degree in business and an extensive writing background to show for myself, I have a good idea how corporations run and have used that knowledge to get to know the auto industry better. Still, I tip my hat to the beat reporters who turn up all sorts of industry news and run with the story.

Which leads me to my point: I appreciate the leads I get from everyone and encourage you to keep sending your press releases, news stories and related information out, but I must explain why some of those articles or stories are not usually published by me on Auto Trends or The Auto Writer. There are some exceptions; please read on and I’ll explain.

Personnel Changes – While usually big news for businesses themselves, most of my readers aren’t interested in various appointments and job responsibility changes. Recently, I made an exception with my announcement about Joel Ewanick being poached from Nissan mere weeks after having left Hyundai. Ewanick’s story was important for two reasons: GM landed an important industry name and Ewanick’s quick tenure at Nissan was stunning!

Local Shows – Regional auto shows are always newsworthy events, while enthusiast car shows generally are not. Yet, I’ve experimented in the past by posting a round up of local shows which brought in some traffic. Still, when your target is the entire United States and beyond, not too many people are interested in a swap meet at a church parking lot on a Saturday in Lillington, NC.

Dealer News – I love to tease car dealers, but they are some of my most helpful people when putting a story together. Some have supplied cars while others have shed light on their industry. Still, if the story doesn’t have a strong newsworthy component, I won’t run with it. As always, I do “shout out” to dealers when they help me out.

Obscure Information – This can be a hard one! Something that may not seem all that interesting now, can be later on. Just a few years ago I basically avoided talk about hybrid and electric cars, but now I dare not avoid the subject: it’s big news! Still, I have been stung by obscure information over the years, including publishing information about V-Vehicles, a vaporware operator.

There may be some other stories of weaker interest that I’m just not thinking about at the moment. I’m not trying to discourage contributions, rather to let you know what I’m likely to go with. With any story idea, my readers’ interest has to be piqued as does mine; but if you have something to share please carefully fill out the contact form and include all of your information.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained—in any case I appreciate your interest whether I go with your story or not.

Ford Offers Timely Tips For Prom Season

Prom season is here and while high school students are excited about all of the glam and glitter, many parents look upon the event with mixed feelings. This popular rite of passage is a clear demonstration that our children are almost grown up, but proms cause angst for parents who worry about certain dangers present especially as their children drive to and from the event.

But the reality of teen driving does loom large as the NHTSA notes that in 2008, the latest year statistics are available, nearly 5800 15 to 20-year-olds were involved in fatal crashes. Yes, car crashes are the leading cause of death for people in this age group, novice drivers who tend to live on the edge.

And it isn’t drinking and driving that concerns parents. Texting while driving is a major distraction one that Oprah Winfrey has been addressing on her show. Winfrey cites evidence that texting while driving offers the same level of distraction as does consuming four shots of alcoholic beverages, what is legally known as drunk driving. As a side note, this Friday is “No Phone Zone Day,” an event being coordinated by Oprah.

In a bid to help families prepare for prom season, the Ford Motor Company is offering timely tips for prom season. If you have a Ford product, the automaker reminds drivers of the usefulness of Ford SYNC and MyKey on equipped vehicles. Check your owner’s manual for more information.

For so many teens, prom night isn’t a time to dwell on safety. It means fancy dresses, smart tuxes, and an exciting night out. But parents know that anytime is a good time to offer their young driver guidelines for the road:

· Buckle up! Remind your teenager again and again how important that single little click can be. Statistics show that seat belt usage is lowest among teenagers, even though seat belts continue to be proven as the No. 1 life-saving device in accidents.

· Don’t drink and drive. You may assume your teen knows this, but it’s worth a sit-down talk. Make sure your teen knows the dangers of driving under the influence – or getting into a vehicle with someone who’s been drinking.

· No text zone. Remind your teen driver to avoid distractions such as texting, loud music and any activities that take their eyes away from the road for extended periods of time. Research shows this combination significantly increases the risk of accidents.

· Take a drive. Is your son or daughter taking the car that night? Drive the route with him or her; make sure they know exactly where they’re going and limit the number of passengers who will be in the car at all times.

· Renting a limo? Check the safety record of the limo company. Make sure the company you (or the kids) are renting from has a reputable history.

· Set a check-in time and curfew. Have the couple call you when the dance is over, or when they’re changing venues, so you know where they are at all times. Set a curfew. Make sure your teens know when you expect them home, and make sure they know it’s not debatable.

Of course, if you are a worrying parent you are in good company. Be prepared to intervene as needed including providing alternate transportation home from the event.

For more information about safe driving tips, visit the Ford Driving Skills For Life website.

Dodge Caliber Production Boost Announced

When it comes to small vehicles, Chrysler Group LLC – parent to the Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep brands – has few models to offer. This is too bad because customers are demanding higher mileage vehicles, particularly those cars which get at least 30 mpg on the highway.

The Successful Dodge Caliber

Good news for Dodge -- Caliber production will be increased beginning this October, with a second shift added to its Belvedere (IL) plant.

One model that has given Chrysler at least some reason to smile is the Dodge Caliber, the compact crossover like vehicle which replaced the Dodge Neon. Though the smallest car in the Chrysler fold, it is also one of the newest and most popular cars sold by Chrysler. That was made evident this past month when demand for the Caliber shot up thanks to the federal government’s cash for clunkers program.

With showrooms virtually empty of Calibers, Chrysler has decided to increase production and will add a second shift at the Belvidere (Ill.) Assembly Plant effective October 5, 2009. That move will allow Chrysler to build an additional 10,000 Calibers for the remainder of the year, giving dealers some much needed inventory to replenish what has been sold.

“We are taking this action in response to increasing demand for our most fuel-efficient products,” said Michael J. Accavitti, President and CEO, Dodge Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “However, we are cautious about the continued volatility in the industry and will monitor demand in order to respond to market conditions.”

Production Ramp Up Means More Jobs

The move will impact 850 employees who be added to the workforce. In addition to expanding Caliber production, 50,000 additional units of other models will also be built by Chrysler through the remainder of the year which means more furloughed workers will be called back. Chrysler hasn’t said how many people will be impacted, but that number will certainly add thousands of jobs.

As for the Caliber, the 2009 model offers top government safety ratings, value, conspicuous styling and numerous interior innovations in a compact car that the automaker says combines Dodge attitude, SUV versatility, fuel efficiency and affordability.

Dodge SRT4 Discontinued

In related Caliber news, Chrysler announced that the sporty SRT4 model would be discontinued with the 2009 model year. The SRT4 is the top of the line model that offers sporty handling and utility in a compact form. No word yet from Chrysler whether a new model will be developed to replace the SRT4 or whether the Caliber line would contract accordingly.

Source: Chrysler Group LLC