Monday, February 22, 2010

Toyota Has Repaired 500,000 Vehicles

Toyota Motor Co. has repaired around 500,000 of the 2.3 million vehicles of their more recent recall over a sticky gas pedal causing unintended acceleration.

Last fall, Toyota recalled millions of vehicles for floor mats that can pin down a car's gas pedal. Sales sank last month after the company stopped selling eight of its most popular models to fix a separate defect that can make the gas pedal stick. But surprisingly enough, general manager of the U.S. division, Bob Carter said Toyota doesn't appear to be losing any market share this month due to the recall.

But the U.S. sales chief James Lentz, today said the massive recall may "not totally" solve frightening problems of sudden, unintended acceleration. And that the changes Toyota is making probably aren't the end of the story.

House members listened to Lentz today and to a woman's near death experience when her vehicle surged to 100 MPH. The government has received complaints of 34 deaths linked to sudden acceleration of Toyota vehicles since 2000.

Toyota president Akio Toyoda is prepared to confront angry U.S. lawmakers tomorrow. "I will do everything in my power to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again," Toyoda will tell the House Government Oversight Committee. "My name is on every car. You have my personal commitment that Toyota will work vigorously and unceasingly to restore the trust of our customers."

Toyota plans to win back consumer confidence once repairs have been completed. Carter declined to unveil the possiblities, but dealers have admitted to a potential new incentive program or enhanced warranty protection.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

LeaseTrader to the Rescue

LeaseTrader, "the Most Recognized Name in Car Leasing", offers secondary leases for buyers looking for shorter lease terms and $0 down and for sellers looking to give up their lease to responsible buyers.

The highest listed vehicle in Washington State?... 2008 BMW M6 Convertible at $1800 per month with a remaining 13 months.

Sound steep? That doesn't even compare to the 2008 Mercedes S63 AMG listed for $3457.62 for the next 6 months...or the 2007 Mercedes S600 listed at $3177.34 for the next 23 months. Both in Texas.

But the website is a savior to those caught in economic whoas and the cost isn't bad (after considering your $2300 monthly payment) starting at $89.95 to advertise your vehicle and then a seller transaction fee of $149.95 (after $100 rebate).

There has been an 18% increase in the secondary lease market among drivers 55 and older. And LeaseTrader has found that the average age of lease holders is 43.2 in the Northwest; up from 38.5 10 years ago.


How much are YOU willing to spend on a monthly lease?

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

PEMCO News Release: Alcohol Tolerance

PEMCO Insurance issued a news release today, January 27, that shows Washingtonian drivers generally understand their limits for alcohol consumption before it becomes unsafe to drive. The PEMCO Insurance Northwest Poll, conducted by FBK Research, shows that only one in 10 respondents reported they had driven after drinking too much in the past year. Respondents said they believe a 130-lb. female could have no more than two drinks before reaching a .08 blood-alcohol level, and a 175-lb. male could not exceed 2.5 drinks.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

SAV-ON's Involvement with Northwest Harvest

We received a wonderful e-mail today from Northwest Harvest--
Your service is deeply appreciated, particularly during the holiday season when many of us have extra demands on our time. This year, you have every reason to be especially proud. In December alone, volunteers contributed a record-breaking 9,793 hours of time to help Northwest Harvest be successful. One month into the New Year, it looks as if 2010 could be just as busy for all of us at Northwest Harvest as 2009 was. Currently, volunteer hours are up 33 percent over this time last year.

Because of your generosity, thousands of our neighbors in need have food on the table during some of the winter's coldest and darkest days. We are deeply grateful to each of you for the work you do!


SAV-ON volunteered time and efforts at the Kent Warehouse last December. And it doesn't stop there. Every location has a donation bin and for every referral we get that we provide an insurance quote for, whether or not the policy is written, we donate $1 to Northwest Harvest. In 2009, we contributed a total of $1,076 to this worthwhile organization, and this year we're determined to do even better!

We're volunteering again this month. Anyone and everyone is welcome so let us know if you'd like to join us!