#1Xterra Number 1in 2006
Motor Trend announced it has selected the Nissan Xterra as Motor Trend's 2006 Sport Utility of the Year. After many days of grueling testing, the Motor Trend editors agreed the Nissan Xterra raises the bar in terms of engineering, design, performance, and safety. The Xterra "delivers amazing bang for your buck, thanks to clever product development that ensures versatility and value.
Teens Dubbed Terrible Behind The Wheel
According to Automotivedigest.com, during 1995 to 2004, accidents involving 15- to 17-year-old drivers killed 30,917 drivers and passengers at a rate 5 times that of elderly drivers. Other alarming statistics concluded that a teenager's risk of dying in a crash nearly doubled whenever one young male passenger is in the car. AAA is using these findings to push states to enact tougher teen licensing laws. Currently, 32 states restrict when and with whom teenagers can drive
Toyota Making Strong Moves
According to the PWC Automotive Institute, Toyota is expected to surpass 10-million units of global light-vehicle assembly in 2008, after stealing the second spot from Ford in 2005. Additionally, 37 percent of all light-duty vehicles will be built in Asia-Pacific countries by the end of the decade, signaling the end of U.S. domination of the auto manufacturing marketplace
Toyota Goes Racin'
Toyota officially announced that it will enter NASCAR Nextel Cup and Busch Series competition, beginning in 2007. Toyota Motor Sales, USA Senior Vice President and Chief Planning and Administrative Officer Dave Illingworth made the announcement during the Lowe's Motor Speedway Media Tour stop at the NASCAR Research and Development Center. Toyota, which entered NASCAR racing five years ago and Truck Series racing three years ago, will use the Camry as its NASCAR stock car
From The Stupid Law Department
Mobile, Alabama, decided that it had enough of those crazy bicyclists peddling down their freeways, so they enacted SEC. 39-13, which states: "Pedestrians, bicycles, etc., prohibited on certain interstate highways. It shall be unlawful and an offense against the city for pedestrians to be upon, or for any person to operate a bicycle, a nonmotorized vehicle, or a motor-driven cycle of less than ten (10) horsepower, on any part of Interstate Highway 10 and Interstate Highway 65, including the entrance roads thereto, at any place within the city and its police jurisdiction. (Code 1965, 41-26.1)" So, basically, if you get the urge to cruise your Schwinn on I-10, the local police will most certainly keep you from getting where you're going. Just another good reason to drive your truck.
Germain Racing Adds NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Champion To The Roster
Germain Racing signed series champion Ted Musgrave to drive its Toyota Tundra for the '06 racing season. After losing his ride with Jim Smith, who shut the door after 11 seasons, Musgrave picked Germain because "All of the pieces just fit together
Musgrave will be Germain Racing's second full-time Tundra driver. GM Mike Hillman, Sr. said, "to have the reigning champion as a teammate, we felt would make our organization even stronger." Tom Acherman will be Musgrave's new crew chief for the '06 season.