Auto parts - Global economy to slow in 2007

Global economy to slow in 2007
If you are interested in the big picture, in terms of the economy and what might be happening to consumer demand in the short-term - that sort of thing - I've just been watching an interview on the Cantos website that is worth a look. Looks like the lagged effects of US interest rate rises will be bringing us all down next year. Stuff on Cantos is free, but you may have to register to see it (I think).

First Look: 2007 Lexus GS 450H
Read this full First Look & Review Road Test article at Motor Trend: While Toyota hybrids are all about gas mileage, Lexus hybrids are all about performance, although it's a warm, responsible kind of performance rather than the head-banging AMG variety.

Mark Fields speech
Ford has helpfully provided a full transcript of Mark Fields' speech delivered at the Centre for Automotive Research seminar in Traverse City yesterday. It was a wide-ranging speech and we've reproduced it in full. Fields addresses the 'End of Detroit'; changing market segmentation; the 'Greening of America'; ageing baby boomers; Way Forward; plans for a retail Shelby GT; the upcoming Ford Edge and the new marvel of capless fuel filling. Phew! (No mention of the PAG brands - unsurprisingly perhaps - though he did once look after them.) Useful reading for Ford-watchers and indeed anyone interested in the strong winds that are buffeting Detroit. Good speech, I thought.

NHRA Warren Johnson Qualifying Wrap Up (CORRECTION): WJ Builds Drama, Starts Tenth in Memphis
NHRA Warren Johnson Qualifying Wrap Up (CORRECTION): WJ Builds Drama, Starts Tenth in Memphis

Chewy big cat morsels
We are into that time of the year when it can get a bit quiet on the news front. Any meaty morsels available are gratefully gobbled up by hungry news journalists. The Jaguar story will run and run, like GM-Renault. But in the absence of hard news, we can expect the rumour mill to be on overtime, alongside plenty of speculation about possible options (yes, Bill Ford is quite right about that). One speculation is that Ford might offer Land Rover and Jaguar for sale as a package, profitable Land Rover being a sweetener for taking sick old Jag. I don't see that happening myself as I don't think that would be necessary. There's plenty of value locked away in Jaguar and if it was for sale there'd be a fair few people along to the auction, I'm sure. Below link is to something I have penned concerning the X-type.

Western Automotive Journalists Set Dates For 2007 Media Days in Monterey
Western Automotive Journalists Set Dates For 2007 Media Days in Monterey