11 Most Common Phrases Uttered by Car Salesmen

While the car business has been forced to be more forthcoming because of the vast information and shopping power of the Internet, there are still those clinging to the "good 'ol days" by using lines that just don't hold up in today's car shopping environment.

Sometimes they work. Sometimes they make people mad. Sometimes they just make people laugh.

    “I don’t know if I can do that it, but if I could, would you buy this car today?”

This is the classic non-committal, open-door, promise without actually promising tactic that salespeople love and consumers don’t always understand.

    “What’s it going to take to put this car in your garage today?”

A good salesperson’s goal is to find your trigger that they can target for pulling. If you have a trigger, they want to find it and yank on it as hard as they can.

    “We knew it had that problem. That’s why it’s priced so low.”

Turn objections into positives. That is what a GREAT car salesperson can do. The engine could be smoking, the gears could be grinding, and the radio may be stuck on polka, but a great salesperson handles it properly, and this is one of their best lines.

    “I’ll even throw in the floor mats.”

Yippee!

    “The price doesn’t matter. It’s all about the payments. If it were $5000 cheaper but the payments were $1000 per month, would you buy it?  Of course not!”

They can make the most money if you are focused on payments. Getting down to the right price or trade difference means only one thing to the dealership – less money. Getting down to the right payment can mean many things – longer term, lower rate, lower price, or a combination. If they can keep you looking at the payment, they may be able to sneak the price right by you.

    “I’ll even throw in a tank of gas.”

Yippee! (I thought a tank of gas was included on new cars?)

    “It’s not just leather, it’s Corinthian Leather.”

This has been a private joke in the industry for years. The definition of Corinthian is “the most ornate of the three Greek orders.” Coincidentally, it also means “playboy; a man devoted to the pursuit of pleasure.”

    “I need a sale today to get my kids some clothes for school.”

A struggling salesperson will not use this line. If they use this line, they already have their kids clothes – now they are going for the upgraded golf clubs.

    “Tell your friends where you got it, just don’t tell them what you paid for it.”

They are insinuating that you got a great deal. You may have. Then again, you may have been ripped and they don’t want anyone to tell you so.

    “I’ll even throw in a free detail.”

Yippee!

    Bonus: “I didn’t think you were an idiot, but if you were, I didn’t want to miss you.”


It's a strange world we live in.  Luckily, there are still some honest dealers out there.  In these tough times within the industry, let's hope that these dealerships are the ones that survive and thrive.

2010 Fisker Karma

Fisker Automotive, Inc., a green American premium sports car company, unveiled its first production car, the Fisker Karma, at the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. The first of its kind four-door plug-in hybrid premium sports sedan will have a starting price of $80,000. Initial deliveries of the Karma will commence in the 4th quarter of 2009 with annual production projected to reach 15,000 cars. The first 99 cars off the assembly line will be individually numbered and signed by Henrik Fisker and will be produced in the color and trim of the show car seen at NAIAS.

In Buddhism/Hinduism, Karma is defined as the force generated by a person's good or evil actions which determines the nature of the person's next existence. The Fisker Karma allows consumers to practice good Karma - driving a car that is environmentally friendly - without sacrificing the extreme comfort and style of the luxury automobile category.

"In creating Fisker Automotive, Inc. we sought to develop a range of beautiful, environmentally friendly cars that make environmental sense without compromise," said Fisker Automotive, Inc. CEO Henrik Fisker. "Our hope is that the Fisker Karma will be the start of a new trend in the automotive business - less concession with more efficiency."


The car features cutting-edge plug-in hybrid technology, penned as Q DRIVE, developed by Quantum Technologies exclusively for Fisker Automotive. The Karma's Q DRIVE configuration consists of a small gasoline engine that turns the generator, which charges the lithium ion battery pack, powering the electric motor and turning the rear wheels. This proprietary design allows consumers to drive the car emission free for up to 50 miles a day provided the car is charged every evening. It's conceivable that if consumers follow this daily routine, they will only need to fuel the car but once a year. This Q DRIVE technology will provide a base for all future derivatives from Fisker Automotive.
fisker

"Our goal here is to deliver the advancement that Quantum Technologies has made in the area of plug-in hybrid technology. By combining our efforts with the renowned design talent of Henrik Fisker, we can produce cars that make a difference to the environment - without sacrificing the luxury that accompanies the finest automobiles," stated Alan Niedzwiecki, CEO Quantum Technologies.

Fisker Karma Design

The sleek design of the Fisker Karma, which accentuates the long hood, is a direct result of the breakthrough all-new from the ground up chassis design with powertrain development. This unique design places the battery pack at the center of the vehicle between the two axles, providing optimal vehicle driving dynamics, maximum safety, and proportionate design. Both the interior and exterior of the car will be put to market as seen at the NAIAS.

Fisker Karma Interior

The Karma's luxurious interior boasts four individual first class seats, a modern and sophisticated interior design and a spacious luggage capacity that can fit two golf bags and luggage in the trunk. Other interior optional features to include:

    * Electronic Aides: Navigation system, DVD system incorporated into seat backs and state-of-the art push button controls
    * Seating Comfort: Four individual "first class" seats
    * Driving Modes: The driver will be able to select between two modes of driving. The first mode is "Stealth Drive", which is the quiet economy mode for optimal relaxed and efficient driving. By flipping the second paddle behind the steering wheel, the car will switch to "Sport Drive", which will access the full power of the vehicle.

Fisker Karma Exterior

The all new from the ground up exterior design features a continual flow of sculpture and dramatic proportion. Similar in height to the Porsche 911, the length of the Mercedes Benz CLS, and the width of a BMW 7-series, the Fisker Karma's structure and body panels will make extensive use of aluminum to keep the overall vehicle weight as low as possible. Additionally, a new drive train configuration will provide optimal weight distribution. The vehicle's low and wide stance offers the driver a unique view of the fenders from the inside of the car.

The Fisker Karma will offer partly self-contained climate control, as consumers will have the option to purchase a full length solar roof that will help charge the car and provide cooling for the interior cabin while the car is parked. Additionally, Fisker Automotive will offer consumers an option to purchase a set of solar panels for their roofs or garages where they can generate electricity during the day to charge the car overnight…again cost and emission free.

Other exterior details to take note of include:

    * Exterior Panels: Extensive use of lightweight materials used for optimal weight and driving dynamics
    * Solar Panel Roof: The Karma will offer self-contained climate control, as consumers will have the option to purchase a full length solar roof that will help charge the car and provide cooling for the interior cabin while the car is parked
    * Plug-In Configuration: Small bonnet "doors" for easy charging and engine fluids refill
    * 22-inch lightweight alloy wheels
    * LED tail-lamps
    * Driver visibility: Front fenders visible with a view of the long hood

Fisker Karma Performance & Dynamics:

    * 0-60 mph in less than 6 seconds
    * Top speed beyond 125 mph
    * Torque: The karma will have maximum torque available from 0 mph with a dramatic acceleration to its top speed
    * Stance of car: The low center of gravity provides optimal sport vehicle driving dynamics
    * Innovation: The Karma will feature a newly developed lightweight body and structure
    * Braking: The Karma will feature regenerative brakes to recapture braking energy

New Mazda Nagare concept car to debut in Moscow

June 16, 2008 Mazda has announced that the latest member of its Nagare design series will be revealed at the International Automobile Salon. The pursuit of the Nagare design philosophy - the term is Japanese for ‘flow’ and the embodiment of motion - has resulted in several compelling concepts hitting the auto-show circuit in recent years including the futuristic Taiki and the 180mph Furai Concept.

The as yet unnamed sixth addition to the series is a compact designed especially for the Russian market and the only released at this point don't give away a great deal of detail. We'll know more for certain when Mazda lifts the wraps on August 26.

The

Moscow International Automobile Salon is open to the public from 29 August through 7 September 2008.

from: gizmag

Foldable Crutches for better Mobility and Comfort

The aim of the project – to suggest a research based design of a crutch for short-term users. The crutch is foldable, adjustable and gives a user the possibility to switch a type of a crutch by changing its upper-part. It also provides better stability, mobility, comfort and supports user’s self-esteem. The accessories for the crutch – a special crutch bag for carrying small personal belongings and a backpack for carrying bigger things and/or storing crutches when they are not being used.

Designer : Rimgaile Samsonaite

Mitsubishi Outlander Roadest Special Edition

Mitsubishi has released a special edition Mitsubishi Outlander for the Japanese market where it comes with few additional features compared to the standard SUV.

The Mitsubishi Outlander “Roadest” Special Edition features new bodykit which consists of new front grille and chromed mirror caps at the exterior. The SUV stands on new seven-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels and it comes in 3 different colors, white, black and gray.

On the interior, the Outlander “Roadest” features dark colored sport cloth seats with aluminum trim.

The price for the Mitsubishi Outlander “Roadest” Special Edition starts from 2,877,000 yen.

Edo Competition Maserati MC12

Edo Competition, car tuning specialist from germany, has released its latest tuning package for the Maserati MC12 apart from the Ferrari Enzo from the previous post.

The chassis for the Maserati MC12 is based on the Ferrari Enzo and the power output has been increase to 700 hp. The Edo Competition Maserati MC12 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds with the top speed of 370 km/h (stock is 330 km/h).

Below are the specifications of the Edo Competition Maserati MC12 from the press release.

Engine

Engine V12
Power est. 700 hp (514 kW) at 8200 rpm
Max. torque est. 715 Nm (527 ft-lb) at 5800 rpm
Performance

Top speed > 370 km/h (230 mph)
0 – 100 km/h (0 – 62 mph) est. 3.5s
0 – 200 km/h (0 – 124 mph) est. 9.5s
0 – 300 km/h (0 – 186 mph) est. 22.0s
Features

Power increase of 70 horsepower thanks to new exhaust headers like on the Ferrari FXX, highflow catalytic converter, performance muffler, modified intake system, new carbon fiber airbox like on the Maserati MC12 Corsa, high-flow air filters and ECU recalibration
Stainless steel muffler with adjustable remote-controlled butterfly-valve, new exhaust tips
Exhaust sound level adjustable at the push of a button
High-performance ceramic composite brake system with 396 mm (15.6 in.) front rotors and 360 mm (14.2in.) rear rotors, special brake pads front and rear
Wheels can be custom-painted on request
Tire pressure monitoring system displaying air pressure and tire temperature for each wheel
Makrolon headlight covers
Appearance modifications, for example different exterior color
Sport suspension for the road with adjustable compression and rebound damping like on the FIA GT MC12. Nose lift functionality is retained.
Air intakes in carbon fiber
Weight reduction of 100 kg (220 lb)!!
Special lightweight wheels with Michelin tires: front: 10 x 19 with 265/35 ZR 19 and rear: 13 x 20 with 335/30 ZR 20
New high-performance clutch. Extremely lightweight. Two different friction compounds selectable (strada/pista)
New rear wing, adjustable
New transmission control unit. Same shift times as on the Maserati MC12 Corsa

2010 Dodge Charger Coupe Concept

Michael Leonhard, an independent car stylist, has created his own version of the future Dodge Charger Coupe.

Leonhard’s design was inspired by the legendary 1968-70 Charger with a touch of the 21st century vehicles to come up with the 2010 Dodge Charger Concept.

Hot Scirocco is go, go, go

Racing really does improve the breed! VW unveils stripped-out comptition version of new Scirocco.


Is this the car that will confirm Volkswagen’s place in the supercar elite? Meet the Scirocco GT 24 Concept.

Taking its inspiration from a trio of special motorsport Sciroccos, the GT 24 is the ultimate roadgoing version of the company’s soon-to-be-released coupé. And it points towards a hot Scirocco R, which is expected to break cover in 2009.

The car was unveiled at the annual Worthersee Tour tuning show in Austria, alongside the new Club-sport editions of the Audi TT and A3 (Top Story, Issue 1,013). Power comes from a 2.0-litre four-cylinder TSI petrol engine, which produces an impressive 296bhp at 6,500rpm. A six-speed twin-clutch DSG transmission sends drive to the front wheels.

But it’s not only under the bonnet where VW’s engineers have been busy. The body has been made 61mm wider than the standard Scirocco’s to stretch over the GT 24’s ext-ended track. Lower and stiffer racing dampers drop the ride height by 75mm, providing the car with an aggressive, nose-down stance.

Stopping power comes courtesy of massive six-piston brakes – 362mm in diameter at the front and 255mm at the rear – housed inside the lightweight 18-inch alloys. What’s more, the standard Scirocco’s interior has been replaced entirely.

Gone is the Golf-inspired dash, and in comes carbon panelling, plus a special square racing wheel, a bank of toggle switches next to the gearlever and a digital instrument binnacle.

Two Recaro bucket seats hold driver and passenger firmly in position. All in all, the changes save 178kg of weight over the standard Scirocco, which means that the GT 24 tips the scales at a feather-light 1,120kg. Also on display at Worthersee was a GTI Concept developed by students at VW Coaching, the firm’s staff training arm.

It has an extra-wide bodykit, Lamborghini-style gull-wing doors, and it promises amazing pace, too. The 2.0T FSI engine offers a huge 349bhp – that’s 154bhp more than a standard GTI. It also gets 4MOTION all-wheel drive and 20-inch alloys.

Crash test rap for major makers

Despite good overall results, safety experts say manufacturers need to try harder.

Car manufacturers have been given a rap by Euro NCAP crash testers.

The criticism came after it released its latest round of results for models including the Ford Kuga, new Audi A4 and SEAT Ibiza.

Despite the Kuga earning three stars out of four in the pedestrian protection category – the maximum rating achieved to date by any car evaluated – Euro NCAP argues that the score still isn’t good enough.

Its spokeswoman told us: “Of the seven cars tested, four got the top mark of five stars for adult occupant safety. But it’s disappointing they’re still trailing on pedestrian protection.”

Manufacturers’ scores have so far varied dramatically on this test, which measures the impact of a child or adult hitting a car’s bonnet or bumper. But Euro NCAP says new rules which will be introduced in two years could change that. They would force makers to modify vehicle nose designs to make them more pedestrian friendly.

Despite all the cars in the latest round of tests achieving four stars out of five for child protection, its spokeswoman argued that these results should be better, too.

“Although this is the maximum score that any car in the market is currently getting in this category, it would be good to see a five-star result,” she said. No vehicle in Euro NCAP’s history has ever achieved a top score for child protection, but this is the first time that all the models tested have recorded four.

Ford’s Kuga was joint best of the seven cars rated, with five, four and three stars for adult, child and pedestrian protection respectively. It scored maximum marks in the side and pole impact tests. The Ibiza was rated the same overall, with readings from the dummies revealing that passenger knees and legs were well protected.

Skoda’s new Superb also impressed, with engineers noting that front seat occupants of different sizes would be equally safe, no matter how the front seat was adjusted. On the Audi A4 there was “negligible distortion” of the passenger compartment.

ERA - Electric RaceAbout Based on Audi R8

Helsinki Polytechnic Stadia in cooperation with Lahti Polytechnic Institute of Design in Finland, has drafted a carbon fiber, lithium-ion powered sports car with a few components which are based on the Audi R8 which is known as ERA.

The electric powered sports car, ERA – Electric RaceAbout, will compete in the Automotive X Prize where participants are required to build and race a commercially viable 100 mpg vehicle.

The ERA will be powered by a Li-Ion battery packet technology powering all 4 wheels and able to accelerate the car from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 5 seconds with the top speed of 200 km/h (124 mph).

With a single charge, the ERA is expected to be able to be driven for 300 km (186 miles) while the target weight of the car is set at 1,250 kg (2,755 lb).

The designers are also hoping that the ERA could be produce on a small scale just like the other 11 research vehicles that were already been produced.