If you've ever wondered about the top selling cars that have been built and bought in the United States, then Cars.com has created an intresting website worthy of checking out.
Cars.com has created an index that ranks the top selling American made vehicle. Wouldn't that mean only American automotive manufacturers would be on the list?
Well actually no. Here is how Cars.com breaks down the index:
"Cars.com's American-Made Index rates vehicles built and bought in the U.S. Factors include sales, where the car's parts come from and whether the car is assembled in the U.S. We disqualify models with a domestic parts content rating below 75 percent, models built exclusively outside the U.S. or models soon to be discontinued without a U.S.-built successor." (source)
Just as Cars.com explains, the words "American made car" can be misleading. Several vehicles built in the United States are made with parts that are not domestic. This list summarizes the top cars that are assembled in the U.S. with mostly or only domestic auto parts.
What's more interesting about this information is that Toyota and Honda claim the top two spots. The Toyota Camry outsold the Ford F150 and became number one for 2009 and 2010 for the American Made Index. The Honda Accord slowly inched up the ranking and eventually bumped out the F150 as well. What's the reason behind F150's decline and the Accord's increase in rank? Turns out the F150 is now made with less then 55% domestic auto parts.
There are currently some changes taking place at Rockingham Motors.
The changes and adjustments give Rockingham Motors a new look, a new outward appearance. However, we are still operating with the same genuine drive to bring you the best customer service and satisfaction.
*Rockingham Toyota Nissan Scion Honda will become Rockingham Toyota Scion Honda in the next few days. We have shifted our focus to Toyota and Honda in efforts to strengthen our future with these specific manufacturers.
Commitment to satisfaction has been our genuine drive since day one.
What is the Toyota Certified Used Vehicle program?
How do the best new cars become the best used cars?
As part of our genuine drive to bring you better products and service, here is a brief summary of the program, how a used Toyota vehicle qualifies and what is offered in terms of benefits.
Toyota has the belief that the better a product is made, the longest it will last. This manufacturer's commitment to quality and durability is the foundation of the TCUV program. Between the Comprehensive and Limited Powertrain Warranty as well as the Roadside Assistance and 160 point inspection, Toyota has you covered.
Vehicle eligibility includes:
Under 85,000 miles
All sources including trades, off-lease, auctions, purchased
Any Toyota models
Current model year minus 6 years (ex. a 2005 under 85,000 miles would qualify)
If the car is considered a certified used vehicle, that means it comes with:
12 month/12,000 mile comprehensive warranty from the date of purchase
7 year/100,000 mile limited power train warranty from date of first use
1 year unlimited mile roadside assistance from date of purchase 24 hour/365 day toll-free call service
Also to qualify for the TCUV program, the vehicle must pass a 160 point inspection (or 174 point inspection for Hybrids). This proves that the vehicle is of the best quality and ready for purchase. The inspection includes:
131-Checkpoint mechanical inspection to ensure the vehicle is 100% correct
29-Point detail and appearance check of exterior, interior, engine & trunk compartment
Additional 14 check points exclusive to hybrid vehicles
The TCUV program represents Toyota's commitment to producing quality assured vehicles. This program also shines light on Toyota's effort to keep consumers happier with their vehicles for a longer time. For complete information regarding theTCUV program, visit ToyotaCertified.com for more details.
Emmett Horgan, owner of Rockingham, spent the first two weeks of this year on what he refers to as a "bucket list" trip. For years, Emmett has followed the original "Paris to Dakar" race through the media, never actually for himself. This is an incredible 15 day race crossing deserts, mountains, and terrain that would destroy most vehicles, not to mention the riders/drivers. Three years ago, the race was moved to South America due to security and safety of the race participants. Emmett saw this as an opportunity to witness this incredible phenomenon first hand. Jim Hydeis the owner and director of Rawhyde Adventures in Castaic California, which is one of only 8 Certified BMW motorcycle off road schools in the world. Jim was putting a group together to follow the Dakar race across Argentina and Chile. Emmett has been a student at some of Jim's schools over the last 5 years and couldn't pass up this unique opportunity to see the Dakar. Before the race began, Jim shipped his and Emmett's motocycle in a specially designed support truck to be shipped down to Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The rally is open to amateur and professional racers who use vehicles that are built and equipped for off-road terrain. The race divisions include a Moto class (dirtbikes and fourwheelers) Car class (vary from small to large SUV) to T4 truck class. The intensity of the course's variety in terrain glorifies the endurance of its competitors. From desert to grassy fields to a 15,000 foot climb over the Andes, all 4500+ miles of this race require focus and extreme agility. Sand dunes, river crossings, mud and dirt force riders and drivers to be physical and smart behind the wheel. The responsibility of self-navigation of up to 500 miles per day truly creates an unique and invigorating havoc for all individuals and teams.
Emmett rode his BMW motorcycle that is designed for on and off road terrain. The other riders on Jim's team hailed from the United States and Mexico. The team covered over 4000 miles while following the race course as closely as possible. Their trek included even some of the most technical and difficult parts of the race, even the mountainous climb over the Andes in Northern Chile. All said and done, this is a one of a kind endurance adventure. Not to mention, a very fast adventure:
That is what Chile might look like... at 90+ mph...
As for the race itself, Dakar begins on a stage in downtown Buenos Aires and ends in the exact same location. Competitors set off to explore the course and pass through specific checkpoints in various locations throughout both countries. While at some checkpoints riders & drivers are given mandatory rest periods, the idea is usually to "check in" and carry on as quickly as possible. Watch this video to see truly how fast a truck passes through the checkpoint that was set up in the middle of the Atacama Desert in Chile:
Along with the thrill of being close to the competitive action was the excitement coming from the spectators. The Dakar Rally truly ignites the enthusiasm of all people from all over the world, especially those residing in South America. People would travel from near and far to catch a glimpse of passing drivers and riders. In the major cities as well as the smaller villages and towns, fans and spectators would greet competitors in awe, hoping to take pictures or meet some of the participants.
Another aspect of the Dakar experience that highlights its originality even further is the vehicles themselves. These are not your typical street cars. Given the intensity of the terrain, the motorcycles and trucks must be able to withstand day after day of varying conditions. And when they break down, there needs to be a trained individual available to get it up and running, or consequently, they fall further and further behind in the race.The T4 class vehicles are particularly incredible, especially because of their size, horsepower and off road capabilities. Tearing across the desert never seemed so easy.
When asked about what he took away from that incredible experience, Emmett commented that his admiration for the racers, amateurs and professionals alike, is something that is near impossible to describe. However, the memory that will last forever is the people. How proud they were that Dakar was in their country and how kind they were. A simple example would be when arriving at a gas station with the group and some race vehicles in transit, there would be a crowd of people waiting and cheering on the riders. In one instance, a little boy, guessing around 8 years old, came up to Emmett and offered him a piece of candy as a welcoming gift. This is the kind of memory that brings a tear to his eye and a lasting photo in his mind of what made the most difficult part of his journey worth while.
Of course, one man's account of a unique adventure such as following the Dakar Rally could never be retold in short blog post. It is however a wonderful experience to share with all, regardless of rally, off-road, racing or adventure-seeking interests. A complete map of the course can be accessed by clicking here and more information about Dakar, including a list of competitors and winners can be found by clicking here.
