Toyota | The Car Nut Chronicles

We Quit! All Big Four Automakers Bow Out of Superbowl

Contributing Author — Fri, 19 Jan 2024 04:28:10 +0000

Shifts in Super Bowl Traditions: Every Major US Automaker Stops Ads as Electric Vehicles Steal The Podium

None of America’s four largest car manufacturers—Ford, Toyota, GM, and Stellantis—will showcase national ads for the first time in 23 years as they all pull out of Superbowl LVIII. Instead, foreign-owned companies like Kia and Volkswagen are filling the gap, attributing the absence of the Big Four to challenges in the U.S. automotive market. Sluggish consumer demand and high interest rates are pressuring these manufacturers to reduce ad spending.

Superbowl Ads In 2023 Included RAMs “Premature Electrification” an attempt to make light of fears about the emerging EV market.

Car commercials during the Super Bowl have been a tradition, with Stellantis being absent only twice in the past 15 years. However, this year marks the first time since 2001 that none of the major American automakers are willing to pay the hefty $7 million fee for a 30-second spot, as reported by AdAge.

Chevrolet’s 2022 Superbowl Ad Featured The Silverado EV
(Photo: Chevrolet)

Stellantis, the parent company of Chrysler, mentioned a focus on preserving business fundamentals amidst the challenging U.S. auto market as the reason for their absence. Toyota, on the other hand, plans to “activate on the ground” with an engaging experience around the game, highlighting its status as the official automotive sponsor of the NFL. GM confirmed that none of its brands would advertise during the Super Bowl, emphasizing alignment with business priorities in media strategies. Ford did not provide immediate comments on the matter.

The auto industry, recovering from a tough 2023, faced a significant setback in its pursuit of Tesla’s dominance. Legacy manufacturers collectively invested approximately $100 billion in mass-market electric vehicle (EV) production by November. However, sales fell short of projections, customers reported reliability issues, and most EV models remained too expensive for the average consumer, despite tax credits.

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Although none of the contacted companies explicitly cited the challenging 2023 EV market for the reason they are out of Superbowl ads, their earnings reflect the strain. Ford estimated a $4.5 billion cost for its EV division in 2023, and GM revised its EV production target downward, citing a slowing market. Even Tesla, the industry leader, reported its first quarterly loss since 2020 in the fall of 2023, facing a “moderate low-growth period.”

The broader industry outlook, marked by a 12% rise in American total auto sales in the previous year but still below pre-pandemic levels, further complicates the situation. Cooling consumer demand and manufacturing disruptions, including strikes and supply chain issues, paint a cloudy picture for the domestic automotive industry in 2024.

Out Of Superbowl Yet In With EV Strangleholds

Despite these challenges, this year’s Super Bowl will spotlight EVs, with Kia promoting its newly released EV9 SUV, and Volkswagen returning to Super Bowl ads after a decade, celebrating its 75th year of business in the U.S. Both companies have aggressively pushed their EV offerings, reporting over 60% annual sales growth as of October. However, they still trail behind Tesla, commanding 56.5% of the new EV market.

Beyond economic conditions, the timing might play a role in the Big Four’s absence, as Toyota, the NFL’s exclusive automotive partner, lacks major new product releases coinciding with the February 11 Super Bowl date. Morningstar analyst David Whiston notes that these ads are expensive, and Toyota might not have a vehicle needing such exposure.

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This Fully Restored 1978 Toyota Chinook is The Perfect Blend of Nostalgia and Off-Road Capability In today’s burgeoning camper market, the allure of outdoor adventures has never been stronger. Amid the surge in popularity of camper vans, this restored Toyota Chinook stands out as a unique blend of retro charm…

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We Quit! All Big Four Automakers Bow Out of Superbowl

January 19, 2024

Shifts in Super Bowl Traditions: Every Major US Automaker Stops Ads as Electric Vehicles Steal The Podium None of America’s four largest car manufacturers—Ford, Toyota, GM, and Stellantis—will showcase national ads for the first time in 23 years as they all pull out of Superbowl LVIII. Instead, foreign-owned companies like…

The post We Quit! All Big Four Automakers Bow Out of Superbowl first appeared on The Car Nut Chronicles.

Restored Toyota Chinook Auctioned for over $50,000!

Contributing Author — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 23:24:50 +0000

This Fully Restored 1978 Toyota Chinook is The Perfect Blend of Nostalgia and Off-Road Capability

In today’s burgeoning camper market, the allure of outdoor adventures has never been stronger. Amid the surge in popularity of camper vans, this restored Toyota Chinook stands out as a unique blend of retro charm and practicality, offering a middle ground between the iconic VW Westfalia and the robust custom Mercedes Sprinter 4x4s.

A few years back, auctioned for $51,450 with fees on Bring a Trailer, the 1978 Toyota Chinook exemplifies a perfect storm of collectibility. With only 15,000 Chinooks built in the late 1970s, this camper, sold through Toyota dealers, distinguishes itself with a rugged appearance, thanks to its origins on a Toyota Pickup rear-wheel-drive platform with a fiberglass camping shell.

A meticulous overhaul was done on the exterior and interior of the Chinook (Photos: BaT)

What sets this particular Chinook apart is its transformation into a four-wheel-drive powerhouse. Crafted by a skilled Toyota mechanic, the builder’s original intent was a factory-fresh restoration. However, fate intervened when a friend crashed a 1980s Toyota Pickup 4×4, leading to a unique melding of the two vehicles. The resulting camper, now equipped with a solid front axle, G52 5-speed transmission, and a dual-range transfer case, is a testament to ingenuity.

Built for off-road exploration, this Chinook boasts a 3-inch front and 4-inch rear lift with 31-inch tires, allowing it to tackle diverse terrains. Its reliability is further underscored by a 2.2-liter 20R SOHC inline-four engine, extensively modified in 1991 for enhanced performance.

2.2L 20R 6-cylinder (Photo: BaT)

This Chinook was originally a Gaucho L model, and it has retained the factory layout and L-shaped couch. Camper features include:

Fold-down rear entry step

Custom cabinets with interior lighting

Custom countertops

Stainless-steel sink with custom butcher-block cover

Two-burner propane cooktop

Built-in microwave

Over-cab fold-out bed

Dual overhead roll-out hammocks

Dinette with L-shaped couch that converts to a bed

Stow-away dinette table

Custom snap-ring curtains for front cab-over windows and front cabin windows

– Quote From BaT Listing

Beyond its mechanical prowess, the interior of this Chinook is a haven of comfort and nostalgia. Recaro seats from a 1985 Supra, shag carpeting, and period-correct details create a charming living space. The kitchen is well-appointed with a propane stove, refrigerator, and stainless-steel sink, while the dinette transforms into a bed for a comfortable night’s sleep.

The meticulous restoration process is documented in a detailed binder, a testament to the original builder’s passion and dedication. With a history of winning awards at car shows, this Chinook is not merely a camper; it’s a story waiting to be explored.

In a world captivated by the call of the wild, the 1978 fully restored Toyota Chinook stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of adventure on the open road, blending vintage charm with modern off-road capability.

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The post Restored Toyota Chinook Auctioned for over $50,000! first appeared on The Car Nut Chronicles.

Toyota Corolla Oil Change: The Ultimate How-to Guide

Contributing Author — Thu, 23 Feb 2023 06:47:00 +0000

As the saying goes, “oil changes are the gateway drug to car maintenance.” And while older folks seem to have a sixth sense for when their ride needs fresh oil, younger generations are left scratching their heads. It’s like we’ve forgotten the ancient art of changing oil, passed down from generation to generation like some kind of automotive secret society. But fear not, my youthful friends, for today we shall embark on a journey of oil-changing enlightenment.

Buckle up and get ready to learn how to give your Toyota Corolla the TLC it deserves with this ultimate step-by-step guide to an oil change!

Materials Needed:

New oil filter (I personally like the K&N)
4-5 quarts of motor oil (Most Corollas hold 4.4q but check your owners manual to be safe.)
Oil filter wrench
Oil drain pan
Funnel
Rag or paper towels

Step 1: Warm up the engine

Before starting, let the car run for a few minutes to warm up the engine. This helps the oil flow more easily when you drain it.

Step 2: Locate the oil drain plug

To locate the oil drain plug on a Toyota Corolla, you’ll need to slide under the front of the car and look for the oil pan, which is a large, flat metal container located near the bottom of the engine. The drain plug is usually located at the lowest point of the oil pan and has a hexagonal or square shape. It’s important to use the correct size socket or wrench to avoid damaging the plug. Once you’ve located the drain plug, place a drain pan beneath it to catch the old oil.

Step 3: Drain the oil

Now that the oil drain pan is underneath the oil drain plug, use a wrench to loosen and remove the plug. Allow the oil to drain completely into the pan.

Step 4: Remove the old oil filter

Using an oil filter wrench, turn the old oil filter counterclockwise to remove it. It’s recommended to place a rag or paper towels underneath the filter to prevent oil from dripping onto the ground or onto the engine. Be careful not to damage the filter housing or any other components while removing the filter.

Step 5: Install the new oil filter

Take the new oil filter and apply a small amount of oil to the gasket. This helps ensure a proper seal. Screw the new filter onto the engine by hand, then use the oil filter wrench to tighten it an additional half turn.

Step 6: Add new oil

Once you’ve obtained the correct oil, gather a funnel to aid in the pouring process. You’ll need to pour roughly 4-5 quarts of new oil into the engine through the oil filler cap. This process is relatively straightforward, but it’s important to take your time and ensure that you don’t overfill the engine with oil, which can cause serious damage. Be sure to check the owner’s manual for the recommended type and viscosity of oil for your specific Corolla model.

Step 7: Check the oil level

After adding the new oil, use the dipstick to check the oil level. The oil level should be between the “full” and “add” marks on the dipstick.

Step 8: Clean up

Wipe off any excess oil with a rag or paper towels, and then dispose of the used oil and filter properly.

Time To Drive

By following these steps, you can easily change the oil in your Toyota Corolla, and you can keep it running smoothly for years to come. It’s recommended to change the oil every 5,000 miles or every six months, whichever comes first, for optimal engine health.

In addition to regular oil changes, we recommend the following routine maintenance to keep your car to be in tip-top shape:

Tire rotation and alignment: Regular tire rotation and alignment can extend the life of your tires and improve your car’s handling and fuel efficiency.
Brake system inspection: The brake system should be inspected periodically to ensure that the brake pads, rotors, and calipers are in good condition and functioning properly.
Air filter replacement: A dirty air filter can reduce your car’s performance and fuel efficiency. Replace the air filter regularly to ensure that your engine is getting the air it needs to operate efficiently.
Fluid checks and replacements: Your car’s fluids, including coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid, should be checked regularly and replaced as needed to keep your car running smoothly.
Spark plug replacement: Worn or dirty spark plugs can cause poor engine performance and reduced fuel efficiency. Replace spark plugs as recommended by the manufacturer to keep your engine running at its best.
Battery maintenance: Check your car’s battery regularly to ensure that it’s charging properly and holding a charge. Clean the battery terminals and cables as needed to prevent corrosion.

By performing these routine maintenance tasks, you can help ensure that your Toyota Corolla stays in good condition and runs smoothly for years to come.

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Toyota Corolla

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The post Toyota Corolla Oil Change: The Ultimate How-to Guide first appeared on The Car Nut Chronicles.