Car shows

Ford creates ebay store to sell global merch

Ford creates ebay store to sell global merch

Gary Grant ⋅ Car industry news, Car shows ⋅ , , , , , , ⋅ No comments

Dearborn, Mich., Nov. 1, 2010 – Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift for the Mustang lover in your life or just want to show your pride for the Ford vehicle you drive, a new online store launched by Ford Motor Company on eBay Motors will provide enthusiasts around the world with access to the items they want in one convenient place.

The redesigned website, www.store.ford.com, now provides access to an eBay Motors online store that offers products at a stated price for customers shopping on the U.S. version of the eBay site. In the coming months, links to more and more global eBay Motors stores will be added, and each online store will reflect the vehicles and brands that are most popular in its corresponding region.

“eBay Motors involvement gives us the power to reach customers around the world,” said Regina Watson, Ford licensing manager. “We’re taking a global approach to our online store, and truly integrating various parts of the world. So no matter where you live, as long as you can access the eBay site, you can see what products are available for sale.”

Besides the convenience factor, the store offers plenty of merchandise to satisfy Ford enthusiasts worldwide.

“Ford is a 100-year-old iconic brand that resonates with our most die-hard automotive enthusiast,” said Famous Rhodes, director, parts and accessories, eBay Motors. “This opportunity opens up everything Ford, from pool tables to clothing for our enthusiasts to express their love for the Ford brand.”

To power the store, Ford partnered with ChannelAdvisor, a software and services provider that helps retailers sell through multiple online channels. Through ChannelAdvisor’s eBay management platform, Ford’s official licensees’ products will be aggregated in one store on eBay, unifying a typically fragmented market to improve the shopping experience and product selection for buyers of Ford merchandise.

In the future, Ford hopes to keep adding more products to the site to make it one-stop shopping for Ford fans.

“Our goal is to become a hub for all items that Ford enthusiasts would want to buy – including restoration parts and vintage shop manuals,” said Watson.

Action at SEMA
To help celebrate the launch of the website, a pool table shaped like a Mustang will be on display on the Ford stand and available for auction Nov. 2-5 at the SEMA show. All proceeds from the auction will benefit JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation).

The Mustang pool table is molded from a 1965 Mustang and comes complete with working lights, alloy rims and wheels and chrome decals, bumpers and hardware. A professional billiard player will even be on hand all week to show off just how much fun the table can be.

Ford is teaming up with eBay Motors and ChannelAdvisor for the auction, and visitors can bid on the table at computers surrounding it. eBay Motors also will have screens in its booth monitoring the auction throughout the show, which will end when the SEMA show comes to a close.

Toyota Canada showcases the future of transportation at the Vancouver International Auto Show

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Toyota Canada press release

(VANCOUVER) Toyota Canada Inc. (TCI) continues to shape the future of the auto industry with the Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid along with many other exciting new designs for the 2010-2011 model years, and visitors attending the Vancouver International Auto Show, March 30-April 4, can view some of these vehicles firsthand.
TCI plans to introduce nine vehicles to Canada this coming year. These new models will also usher in exciting new technologies in keeping with TCI’s commitment to maintaining its lead in the development of advanced technology vehicles in response to evolving consumer demands.

“Customer commitment, sustainability, fuel efficiency, and technological innovation are four ways in which the Toyota DNA expresses itself in our vehicles,” noted Sandy Di Felice, Director of External Affairs, Toyota Canada Inc. “We are excited to showcase the all-new 2010 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid (PHV) vehicle, as well as the new 2011 Toyota Sienna.”
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Cars of NAIAS: Mazda2 is coming

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I have to admit, there are few things I love more than a tiny, fun to drive car. Mazda is bringing the new 2011 Mazda2 to Canadian showrooms later this Spring and if these three pre production show cars are any indication, this car is gonna be a whole lotta fun! I’d be willing to bet that the 2 will bring lots of traffic to Mazda dealers.

Gallery after the break.
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Cars of NAIAS: Subaru Hybrid Tourer

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Subaru didn’t have anything new to show off at Detroit this year, so they brought along the Hybrid Tourer Concept they showed earlier in 2009. Still though, this is a concept that actually looks workable. While I’m not usually a gull wing door guy, I like the look of these and the interior is awesome!

Gallery after the break.
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Cars of NAIAS: Chrysler Lancia Delta

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The Chrysler booth at Detroit was a bit odd, with the Italian laneway up the middle, but perhaps the oddest thing was this great looking car set off in a corner. Ok, so it was a very front corner. That made it even weirder. Why? It was sitting there rotating on a turntable, surrounded by journos, many of whom had no idea what it was. There were no signs, no staff, nothing to indicate what the car was. There wasn’t even any name badges on the vehicle, beyond the Chrysler logos. Those of us who knew, spotted it instantly as a Lancia Delta sporting Chrysler branding.

Great idea, why no info? I asked the PR types at the other end of Mopar city and they just said it was a Chrysler/Lancia Delta “design study” but had no other knowledge of the vehicle. Apparently they didn’t even know it was there until they arrived at the show and there was no info for them either! It seems this great idea, like so many in the auto industry was lacking in execution.

Gallery after the break. What do you think of it?
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Canadian built HTT Supercar coming to Toronto Autoshow

Gary Grant ⋅ Car shows, Exotic cars ⋅ , , , , , ⋅ No comments

While we enjoyed our trip to Detroit, the Toronto show is our home show. Besides, Detroit really had little to offer in the way of excitement. This year at Toronto on the other hand, we get to see the Canadian built HTT Supercar. Located at the Autodrome St-Eustache, just north of Montreal, HTT Technologies’ designed and developed their supercar right beside a race track. You know this machine has had some track time!

So where do the letters HTT come from? The name is short for High Transformation Transport, but I think they should have stuck with the original version which was High Tech Toy. Let’s face it, the HTT is more or less a toy, with the driver’s seat mounted centrally like a McLaren F1 and with 2 staggered passenger seats flanking the driver. Surrounding the occupants is a carbon fiber frame and body with integral roll security cage. I don’t think I have to tell you that this is one of the most gorgeous supercars ever built. More

Gallery: Canadian Motorsports Expo

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The 4th annual Canadian Motorsports Expo was held over the past weekend at Toronto’s International Center. It was a nicely put together little show that was in the wrong venue. The International Center is a great facility and has free parking, but it is better suited to a massive show and the CME unfortunately is not massive.

Still it was a nice little break from winter, to get out and see some racing friends and oogle some equipment.

After the break we’ve got a large gallery of images from the show.
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Canadian Motorsports Expo begins today in Toronto

Gary Grant ⋅ Car shows, Motorsport News ⋅ , , , , , , , , ⋅ No comments

It hasn’t been much of a winter here in Ontario so why not start thinking about summertime fun instead? The Canadian Motorsports Expo is running for the 4th year in a row, beginning today. For 2010 the show has moved to the International Center in Toronto and promises to be the best show yet.

Fans can meet drivers like NASCAR Champion Matt Kenseth and the Thrill from West Hill, Indycar star Paul Tracy. Also on hand will be Canadian racer Ron Fellows and long time driver Derek Daly. There are all sorts of race cars on display and vendors galore.

Whether you are a racer or a casual fan, the CME promises to be an exciting event this weekend.

We’ll be there this afternoon, just look for the fat guy in the Garage Blog flame logo hat. Be sure to join us!

Before you leave the house, follow this link and print off a $2 discount off admission. Visit the CME website for more details.
$2 off price of admission

Cadillac CTS Coupe voted best in show in The Detroit News Reader’s Choice Awards

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Few will question that the Cadillac CTS might be the best car Caddy has ever built. In fact, you could pretty much say it is world class. The sedan has won over legions of owners, especially in the wicked CTS-V format. The newly introduced wagon added an even more family friendly element. The only problem is that the intended target market might be more interested in 2 doors rather than 4 or a wagon. The answer? Create a coupe that is every bit as world class as the rest of the family and don’t forget a seriously quick V version.

Cadillac has done just that. The new coupe not only looks stunning, but promises to be an even better performer thanks to less weight and a stiffer chassis, not to mention having better aero.

Fortunately, it isn’t just the journos who feel that way. The readers of The Detroit News have voted and they have awarded the CTS Coupe the Best In Show award. GM did well in other categories as well, with the Cadillac XTS concept winning the Future Fantasy/Concept award and Chevy Volt being named Most Earth Friendly.

More photos and GM Press release after the break.
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Cars of NAIAS 2010: Lexus LF-CH

Gary Grant ⋅ Car shows, Concept Cars ⋅ , , , , ⋅ No comments

One of the most visually striking concepts at the 2010 NAIAS came from Lexus in the form of the LF-CH Hybrid concept. Whether it was the muscular hatch back shape or the striking green gold paint, this machine looks magnificent. Originally shown in the Fall of 2009 at the Frankfurt auto show, the LF-CH shows the direction that Lexus is planning for sport luxury hybrids.

After the break we have more photos and the Lexus press release from Frankfurt with more details.
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