Toyota weathered the chip shortage better than many automakers — and managed to post significant profits despite production headaches. (Images: Toyota)
Even with supply chain problems, Toyota managed to lift its quarterly profits.
For the July through September period, Japan’s largest automaker still pulled out a net income of 626.6 billion yen ($5.61 billion). That was a record for its second fiscal quarter, as their financial year runs through March 2022, and a 33% improvement over this period in 2020, when automakers grappled with the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Toyota still managed to pull that off, despite suffering interruptions in their supply chain and hampered production due to the ongoing semiconductor shortage. The company’s CFO, Kenta Kon, put the results down to cost control brought about by limited inventory and curbing incentives, as well as favorable currency exchange rates for the Japanese yen. In November, Toyota still expects a lower production figure between 850,000 and 900,000 vehicles globally, against earlier plans set in August to produce over a million vehicles.
“Production volume declined globally, but our suppliers, plants and dealers made great efforts to supply as many cars as possible,” said Kon. Over time, though, “The [supply chain] risk is becoming significantly smaller.” From December onward, the company’s outlook was more optimistic about a recovery, according to an Automotive News report. However, Kon still mentioned that it was too soon to rule out any more interruptions as the industry tries to move back toward normal production.
On the whole, Toyota was able to meet the chip shortage better than others, despite slower sales. In two months’ time, we’ll have to see how the brand’s quarterly sales shift as inventory levels (hopefully) start to recover.
The automaker was also at this year’s SEMA show — check out some of their builds below:
Hyundai just launched the Ioniq 5, but that’s just the first car on the roadmap — more are coming in the next three years. (Images: Hyundai)
The Hyundai Seven Concept will debut on November 17.
Meet Hyundai’s next all-electric crossover. Well, at least a concept foreshadowing what will arrive in a couple years’ time. The automaker laid out a roadmap including both the Ioniq 6 sedan and the Ioniq 7 crossover, and this looks like it will ultimately turn into the later within the next few years.
“Seven captures Hyundai Motor’s future design and technology innovation in the electric mobility era,” Hyundai announced Wednesday. To that end, the concept centers around a lounge concept, as something that reimagines not just the powertrain, but the idea of the car as we know it. As with past designs like the “Prophecy” — the forebear to the upcoming Ioniq 6 — the Seven uses “parametric pixel” as a hallmark of its design identity.
Hyundai touts the Seven and its interior materials as an “eco-friendly mobility experience”, though the company has yet to provide more specific details at the moment.
The 2021 LA Auto Show is just a few weeks away, so we won’t have too much longer to find out more about what’s coming. Tune in at 9:55 AM Pacific Time for the debut, and from there the concept will be on display to the general public from November 19 – 28 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
VW’s expanding its EV lineup to coupe-like crossovers with the ID.5 — though it’s just going to Europe at the moment. (Images: Volkswagen)
The next Volkswagen ‘ID.’ model headed our way is likely a large crossover.
What you’re looking at here is a fastback version of the Volkswagen ID.4 crossover and its all-wheel drive, GTX performance variant. The new ID.5 builds on the brand’s growing lineup, though like the ID.3 hatchback and the larger, Chinese-market ID.6 crossover, it’s most likely not coming to the United States.
Still, you never know for certain and that picture could change somewhere down the road. The ID.5 and ID.5 GTX also bring in more technological updates over its ID.4 sibling, so we may see those features work their way into U.S.-bound models. For example, the ID.5 gets a new “generation 3.0” software bundle to allow over-the-air software updates. The software suite also improves charging performance and voice controls, which can both be frustrating pain points in the ID.4 at the moment.
On the styling front, the new Volkswagen ID.5 clearly trades some practicality for the sake of that fastback look. Thanks to the MEB platform, though, it only loses under half an inch of headroom (12 mm) from the ID.4. Cargo space does take a bigger hit, with 19.4 cubic feet with the seats in place (against 30.3 cubic feet), and 55.1 cubic feet (instead of 64.2) with the seats down.
The GTX performance model will launch with the standard “Pro” versions
Unlike the ID.4, Volkswagen’s more stylish version will launch with its all-wheel drive GTX variant as an option. That setup uses a dual motor setup with a total output of 295 horsepower. The standard, rear-wheel drive ID.5 will sport a single, rear-mounted motor with up to 201 horsepower in the “Pro Performance” guise.
Volkswagen is targeting anywhere from 298 to 323 miles of range from the car’s 77-kWh battery pack. That’s using the more generous WLTP cycle, so its real-world range likely lands in roughly the same ball park as the ID.4 crossover.
European customers will see the new Volkswagen ID.5 in the first quarter of 2022, and it will be built at the company’s Zwickau plant in Germany. VW confirmed that it will not come to the U.S., for the moment, though it seems its German factory will supplant some of its ID.4 production with this new coupe version, while North American-market ID.4 production shifts to Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Even though we won’t get this car over here, at least we do now get the performance ID.4, which you can check out in the video below:
Working on making this EV lighter and stronger (thus – faster) the Shelby Mustang Mach-E GT concept looks ready for production.
The 2021 version that was modified by Shelby has electric all-wheel drive (e-AWD) and the Performance Edition Extended Range Battery. Which does give the Mach-E more range, but it’s heavy. The Shelby team focused on materials and technologies that reduce weight. On top of that, they added strength to various components, all of which increase performance.
In some ways, electric vehicles (EVs) are not as much fun for tuners. At least, that’s the case for the moment. The biggest challenge EV tuners have to face is the excessive weight of EVs. While their performance tends to beat out normal internal combustion, range and handling can be an issue. If you subtract heavy components that help harness the weighty battery, you can compromise the vehicle’s integrity.
What’s being done with the Shelby Mustang Mach-E GT concept makes a lot of sense. The team used graphene infused carbon fiber body pieces which include the front fascia assembly front fender panels and hood. They also added composite suspension components. Shelby added custom one-piece forged Monoblock wheels, and “E V specific” lightweight tires.
“From the stunning exterior to cutting edge materials and powertrain enhancements, we explored every element to improve function and performance. We leveraged lessons learned while secretly testing many of the leading EV’s on the market over the past several years. Our concept Mustang Mach-E is a glimpse into a new generation of extraordinary vehicles planned for 2022, alongside our V8 powered cars and muscle trucks. At Shelby American, performance continues to be our business.”
Gary Patterson, president of Shelby American
It’s still a family business:
In the press release from Shelby, they quoted Carroll Shelby, shortly before he passed away, about the “green years.” He seemed excited about alternative fuels and electrification. While he never got a chance to see EVs flourish like they are, his grandson Aaron Shelby did mention his grandfather’s enthusiasm. This leads right into what Shelby is doing with the Mach-E GT.
Along with the performance addition, Shelby added racing stripes across the vehicle. They also added custom Recaro leather seats, and Shelby badging both inside and out. Finally, there is a Shelby official CSM identification number.
“Next year, Shelby American will commemorate an important milestone,” said Patterson. “We’ll celebrate our 60th anniversary with the broadest range of performance vehicles in our history. From continuation Shelby Cobras to EV’s, sports cars, SUV’s and muscle trucks, this is a golden era at Shelby American.”
Shelby America
It looks like a very good chance that Shelby will deliver something very similar to this concept soon. Afterall, they can’t keep boosting V8 Mustangs forever. Right?
The Shelby Mustang Mach-E GT concept will be on display at the Ford booth at the 2021 SEMA show.
The 2022 Honda Civic Si gets a fresh look and new tech, but packs a bit less power than before. (Images: Honda)
After its reveal, the 2022 Honda Civic Si gets an official price tag.
Not that MSRPs typically mean much these days, but the updated Civic Si does — at least on paper — still hold the line under $30,000. In fact, the new car costs $28,315 after Honda’s $1,015 destination charge. Summer tires are an option for better grip and handling, and speccing those will add $200 to the price tag.
Digital Visual Media
For that money, you’ll get a four-door sedan with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, same as before. This time around, that small four-pot engine makes 200 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. While that is a bit less grunt than the outgoing 10th-generation car, Honda says it’s broadened the power curve to make it feel snappier in most real-world driving situations. Part of that change comes down to a lighter, single-mass flywheel. The standard 6-speed manual gets some tweaks as well, offering up quicker gear changes. The new 2022 Honda Civic Si even gets rev-matching tech, courtesy of the even hotter Civic Type R. With stiffer suspension components and retuned steering, the automaker promises you’ll get the best-driving Si of the bunch for that $28,000-and-change outlay.
The Civic Si will arrive at dealers later this year, though we’ll have to wait and see how the markup situation shakes out. Hopefully, these will be readily available, but you can’t make too many assumptions in the new car market these days.
This limited-run Dodge Durango Mopar Edition goes on sale next year.
2022 marks the 85th Anniversary of the Mopar performance brand, and Stellantis is promoting the Limited-Edition Mopar ‘22 Dodge Durango at SEMA to celebrate. For an additional $3,995, you can own one of these uniquely appointed Durangos. That includes a custom-made, personalized metal certificate of authenticity. The Durango has a unique serial plate with a vehicle-build number and a rendering of the vehicle.
Here’s what Mopar has to say about it:
“Our new, limited-edition Mopar ‘22 Durango features exclusive Mopar performance parts and accessories. Unlike any other aftermarket offerings, our performance parts and accessories are jointly developed and quality tested with the product engineering team and they are backed by the factory.”
Mark Bosanac, North America vice president, Mopar Service, Parts & Customer Care
It’s more than just a few stickers
The 2022 Dodge Durango Mopar Edition comes based on the R/T with the Tow N Go package, offering up 360 horsepower from a 5.7-liter Hemi V8. Towing capacity is uprated to 8,700 pounds, and its top speed is 145 mph.
Along with the interior and exterior trim additions, you get a retuned SRT-performance exhaust and SRT Performance Pages, despite being based on an R/T model. It also has retuned SRT active noise cancellation, electronic limited-slip differential and SRT active damping suspension. It gets 20×10-inch “Lights Out” wheels that ride on Pirelli tires. On top of that, this Durango gets a Mopar 1-inch lowering kit.
The 2022 Dodge Durango Mopar Edition gets an offset asymmetrical Mopar Blue stripe that runs on the driver’s side from the front fascia to the rear fascia. You also get a “Mopar” front grille badge and Brembo branded brake calipers in Mopar Blue.
Inside, the package includes a Limited-Edition Mopar ‘22 instrument-panel badge with serialized build number. The seats get a lot of attention with leather and suede front seats which wear a two-tone Mopar logo embroidered into the seat backs. They added Mopar Blue accent stitching in the seats, instrument panel, along with the center console and doors. You also get the Mopar pedal kit and Mopar all-weather floor mats.
The limited-run Mopar ‘22 Dodge Durango will be available in the summer of 2022.
Even if you manage to find a brand new Ford Bronco at all, odds are you’ll pay tens of thousands above MSRP for the privilege of actually owning it. (Image: TFLcar)
This round’s dealer markups are even higher than last week!
Like last time, though, I willget to some dealers that aren’t marking up, even in the face of an insane new car market. Thanks to rebounding demand colliding with frustratingly long supply shortages, dealer markups are fairly common across several brands right now, with one particular theme cropping up, at least among the emails you’ve sent us.
We decided to put out this series to try and help you guys find business with franchises that, ideally, don’t engage in the consumer-dreaded dealer markups. That said, evidence shows it’s a pretty strong seller’s market right now, and if you want some of the latest and greatest models, you’ll pretty much have to pony up more cash (or secure a bigger loan) no matter where you go.
As I said last week, we’re not saying dealer markups as a practice is illegal in itself, nor suggesting it should be. Manufacturers also are not responsible for the practice, as they do not control vehicle prices at the dealer level. Some of you have also commented or reached out to elaborate on the current market and why markups are necessary on the dealer’s side.
As a consumer, though, you have the right to walk away from any deal you don’t agree with. Some businesses are taking another approach, generating good will in refusing to mark up their vehicles. On that side of the token, you guys have also pointed out some great deals you’ve managed to score, even as prices continue to creep — or skyrocket, in the Bronco’s case — ever higher.
According to the reader who sent this in, this Bronco actually sold at $110,080. (Image: Gaspar I.)
One common thread — Broncos near or over $100K
There’s no sense in postponing the painful part here: You’ll face the toughest dealer markups trying to buy a new Ford Bronco right now. I led with that car in last week’s “Dealer or Stealer” post, as it’s the poster child for the practice right now. It’s a hot new model, Ford can’t crank them out fast enough to meet the explosive demand, and some dealers are bringing that point home with high dealer markups that render “MSRP” almost meaningless.
For reference, Ford’s goalpost on the 2022 Ford Bronco is $30,795. That’s the starting price for a base two-door model without any options. Of course, those are practically nonexistent as dealers definitely aren’t ordering those. It’s long been the case, even in normal times, that you’ll have to special order and be patient if you want the “cheap” version of any new or popular model. So let’s take a look at a two-door Bronco Outer Banks. That sits near the middle of the lineup, at $40,850 before options.
This particular example at Sames Ford in Corpus Christi, Texas has a couple choice addons that inflate its price. For starters, it packs $7,640 in options, from gray and navy vinyl/leather-trimmed seats to a heavier duty modular front bumper and a 4.27 locking rear axle, according to its official window sticker. That same window sticker says the car’s MSRP is $48,185 ($49,680 including destination).
Then we look at Sames’ sticker, which lists the MSRP as $50,675. They add a $5,995 addendum to include nitrogen-filed tires, wheel locks and an “environmental package”, to the tune of $5,995. Then, there’s the kicker, where the last of the dealer markups comes in, adding another $25,000 to the price. All-in? Per this sticker, they’re asking $81,670 — a 64% increase from Ford’s own MSRP.
A few of you sent in this sticker that’s making the rounds among Bronco enthusiast, with some of the highest markup we’ve seen on a Bronco yet.
That’s far from the highest markup, either. We’ve gotten stickers from Huntington Beach Ford in California (shown above) and Seth Wadley Ford in Oklahoma — each showing Broncos over $100,000. Several of you sent in the Seth Wadley example, a First Edition model, with a $72,285 markup. That puts the price up to $135,000 — more than double the car’s $62,715 MSRP.
Granted, the First Edition is a limited-run model, but would you pay over double its suggested retail price? In several cases with the Bronco, dealers will not advertise their asking price on their website, so you’ll have to contact them to get details. Others, like Jerry’s Ford in Leesburg, Virginia are more up front about the $133,073 “Got It” price.
What’s with the dealer installed packages?
The Sames example and several others you guys sent in show another crucial item you’ll have to watch out for: dealer-installed packages. Nitrogen-filled tires, wheel locks and some sort of paint protection package are commonplace, and usually tack a fair bit onto the price. You’d likely pay upwards of a few hundred dollars for those services individually, but $5,995? What’s tougher for value-focused customers as well is that, in some cases, you can’t opt out of that package.
Another example: A viewer sent in a 2021 Honda Ridgeline from Westshore Honda in Tampa, Florida. The package offered quite a few pieces for $2,195 extra, but that’s still an extra 5% on top of the truck’s $45,195 MSRP. Then there’s the $24,995 markup (yes that’s on a Ridgeline).
A viewer also sent in a sticker from this 2022 Nissan Pathfinder at AutoNation Nissan in Chandler, Arizona. We’re not dealing with the dealer markups (i.e. “market adjustments”) seen above — AutoNation, from what we can tell, has a network-wide policy against that. However, this sticker points out higher-than-normal prices for accessories, so you’re still facing some markup on that front here. The hood protection film, for example has a $135 MSRP per Nissan, yet the dealer is advertising it for $399.
At $46,894, you may not see the total buy-in for this $44,500 Pathfinder as egregious markup, but it still pays to watch out for above-retail prices on accessories, as those can add up quickly as well.
A TFL viewer managed to get nearly $6,000 off a fully-loaded Toyota Avalon Hybrid.
Again, some of you still managed to find some deals!
Last week, we covered two Toyota dealers that seemed to avoid charging over MSRP, by and large. Asim sent in his story a few days ago, where he managed to land a stellar deal on a new Toyota Avalon Hybrid. Now, that car is obviously not in high demand like the Bronco. That said, you can still have a hard time finding any car with a significant discount these days, and Toyota tends to steer clear of huge incentives. So, the fact that he managed, by his account, to land a fully-loaded, $46,000 Avalon Hybrid Limited for $5,800 off — bringing the take-home price to $40,000 — from Checkered Flag Toyota in Virginia Beach, Virginia is remarkable. Even if you’re not a huge sedan fan, that is still a lot of car for the cash.
Kyle sent in his deal story, having bought a new Mini Cooper SE. His email reads:
“Was just watching the new video about MSRP and markups. We were looking for a Mini Cooper SE and were lucky enough to find one in stock at Century Mini in Greenville SC. They sold it to us for MSRP, no games or markups at all.
[It] Was an awesome experience. Did a road trip 500+ miles back to Orlando from SC much like Tommy and Roman did when you guys picked up yours. Appreciate all the great content!”
Keep sending in your stories!
As always, a huge thank you from our team to you guys for sending in your dealer markups and deal-making stories. There’s a ton of engagement from you guys out there in the new car market, so please keep sending us your stories! Car-related markups and buying experiences go to info@tflcar.com, while truck experiences can go to ask@tfltruck.com.
We will be posting another update video soon, so stay tuned!
Will there be a itty-bitty Chevy Trailblazer pickup?
Your Toyota Camry Hybrid video vs Corolla hybrid video was not apples to apples…
What do you think of driveway reviews?
There were (and are) small Chevy pickups based on cars in other markets. This is a Chevy 500, with a 70 horsepower engine, built in South America in the 80s and 90s. (Image: Chevrolet Brazil)
The first question comes from a fan who heard rumors about a Chevy Trailblazer pickup.
Q: (Via Twitter@NathanAdlen) Nathan! I hear from a source that GM is working on a Chevy Trailblazer pickup.
(This will) compete against the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz. It makes sense and it will sell like gangbusters if they manage to undercut the competition. But I’m doubtful about why they would use theTrailblazer as a platform.
Don’t they have something better like the Volt power train?
— Titan_Log
A: You’re the second person to mention a Chevy Trailblazer pickup to me, this week.
Based on the unexpected popularity of the There’s a 2019 story from GM Authority about a possible Chevy Trailblazer pickup as well. So far, in 2021, GM has sold over 80,000 Trailblazers in North America. It’s doing well, and there’s a good reason behind that – it’s a great little crossover.
While I still think the Ford Bronco Sport is one of the best in class for its overall capability, utility and appeal, the Chevy Trailblazer is a compelling alternative. It’s not quite as large as the Bronco Sport, but it’s fairly close. The Trailblazer holds up to 54.4 cubic feet of cargo. On the other hand, the Bronco Sport has a maximum of 65.2 ft of cargo space. So, it’s larger.
I mention the Bronco Sport because the wildly successful Ford Maverick pickup is based on a similar platform, and uses similar running gear. All of that is based on the Ford Escape platform and running gear. All of which is simply beefier than the equivalent Trailblazer.
“IF” Chevrolet was considering a pickup version of the Trailblazer, they would be working a bit uphill. The 137 horsepower 1.2 and 155 hp 1.3 three-cylinder turbo would be short of the Maverick’s output. I should say, the same goes for the Hyundai Santa Cruz too. Maverick’s base-model hybrid makes 191 hp combined, and the turbocharged four-cylinder makes 250 hp.
There is one compelling argument for a Chevy Trailblazer pickup –
Simply put: it could be a quick fix for GM’s lack of foresight. The possibility for building this tiny pickup, running on a Trailblazer’s powertrain increases when you look at potential. For one thing, GM is not ready to go all-electric yet. They still need to develop new competitive products.
GM could have easily ruined Ford’s thunder with the Maverick’s success, yet they chose to remain obscure. Sure, the Trailblazer’s powertrain would be comparative disadvantage, but if you price it right, it could have been a hit. Image an $18K tiny pickup that can haul five and gets great mileage. There are plenty of people who need a tiny bit of utility, and economy.
What do you guys think?
— N
The next question comes from a viewer who is displeased with a Toyota Corolla Hybrid vs Toyota Camry Hybrid video we recently produced.
Q: (Via YouTube) RE: video – “This would have been a much more relevant comparison if both were LE models.”
— Brad Hallowell
And…
To compare apples to apples, it would be interesting to see camry le hybrid instead. Not only that, but camry le hybrid is the only trim that has better battery compare to other trims. Camry le hybrid has mpg in 50s.
— Sergi Amromin
A: Greetings.
You guys are absolutely correct, it would have been far better, and more accurate, if we compared them via trim. On top of that, I did a poor job explaining how the E-CVT (Toyota’s naming) is actually it’s connected to one or two electric motor-generators, which are connected to a planetary gearbox.
As for the comparison, we strive to get the right cars and trucks, but seldom do. We have to deal with the hand presented to us. That means, we get whatever the automaker’s PR and lending folks deep appropriate. Sometimes, we get exactly what we ask for. Unfortunately, when it comes to getting two vehicles, from an automaker – with the same trim-level – at the same time… it rarely works out.
Hopefully, as our channels expand, our websites grow and our voices gets louder – automakers may give us what we ask for more often.
— N
The last question comes from a fan who has issues with other automotive reviewer’s techniques.
Image: Mazda
Q: Hi Nathan and the TFL family.
I was curious about how you feel about driveway reviews and dudes who look at a camera all day while they talk. Its so boring and I know you try to avoid it. I see —– —– and –0-0-0- doing it all the time. Am I being to critical or is it something that bothers you?
I thank you for always making me laugh and think Nathan!
— B Gonsales
A: Howdy!
If you think about it, we (TFL Studios) do driveway reviews. It’s just that we have a great production crew and we try to keep things engaging. As for having the camera trained on the host, well, we do that too. If you go to TFL Talk, we film our podcasts. Sure, we drop a graphic here and there, but it’s mostly focused on our ugly mugs.
I have no problem with anyone who makes an effort to bring viewers insight, entertainment and news. Now, if they are being idiots about it, spewing falsehoods and whatnot – sure, I take issue. In all honesty, most of the folks who toss themselves into the fray of social media to review something are brave.
The best part of this whole thing is: if you don’t like the way they do their presentation – you can switch channels!
