To bring you up-to-speed (so to speak) on Norway's homegrown EV maker: "In 1999, Think [was] bought by the Yankee giant Ford Motor Co.," LA Times writer Dan Neil relates. "which was scrambling at the time to comply with California's Zero Emission Vehicle mandate, essentially requiring automakers to build fleets of electric vehicles. Ford renamed the company Think Nordic and began a complete redesign of the car. When, in 2003, the American automakers succeeded in modifying California's mandate, Detroit's flirtation with electronic vehicles ended. General Motors Corp. famously killed the EV1 program, and Ford sold Think to a Swiss electronics firm." So Dan flew over to Aurskog to have think about the recently resurrected Think (and avoid using the word "think" until the summation). Once again, range. "Now, after several course corrections that added perhaps 20Still the Think City — a 2,449-pound runabout with plastic body panels and an official range of 112 miles on full charge — hums along." AND [allegedly] meets federal crash and safety standards, thanks to FoMoCo development. While Think has yet to think-up a suitable anything plan for the U.S. market, Dan thinks Think proves that EVs are viable. I think. "Is a safe, practical electric car possible? The answer seems to be yes." 

Whatever else you can say about White House hopeful John McCain– and you're going to say lots– the guy's got a set. Followers of our E85 coverage will recall that McCain was the only candidate to come out against ethanol-related subsidies for corn farmers before the Iowa primary. While in Iowa. Yesterday, the Arizona senator toured Lordstown (home of "high mileage Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5 economy cars"), and then came out against a federal 911 for any of Detroit's ailing automakers. Speaking at a town hall meeting, McCain was all about putting government dollars into "research" into alt propulsion (a $300m prize for anyone who can guess how much money he'd send Motown's way). But a bailout? Automotive News [sub] provides the money shot: "A bailout, I don't think works." In fact, The Detroit News quotes McCain's antipathy to bailouts in general. "Frankly I just don't see a scenario where the federal government would come in and bail out any industry in America today." Over to you, Barack.

Can that be right? The last time we checked it was $16b. If Ford's tearing through $20b though to the end of '09, what do you think GM's conflagration looks like? The $1b per month stat may be an underestimate… Anyway, this terrifying tidbit re: Ford's bank balance was buried at the bottom of a Fortune article [via CNNMoney] by Alex Taylor III. The once and future former Detroit cheerleader's speculating about whether there's a Ford Motor Company in investor Kirk Kerkorian's future– after Captain Kirk and FoMoCo CEO Big Al Mulally's sit down in Sin City. And then Taylor drops the bomb. "On their flight back home, Mulally must have wondered whether he simply dodged the first bullet. Kerkorian never remains on the sidelines after buying in and the only question about his greater involvement in Ford seems to be when he will choose to make his move. He has offered to invest more capital in the automaker, a potentially welcome move, since Ford is expected to burn through nearly $20 billion in cash by the end of 2009. But like any investor, Kerkorian would not be expected to hand over his money without some strings attached." Ya think? On the other hand, maybe Kirk's just waiting for a Chrysler/GM C11 dead cat bounce before cashing-in his chips. 

Does it sound like a good idea to advertise the new Lancia Delta in the U.K. by showing Richard Gere frolicking with some Buddhist monks from Tibet? Odd? Certainly. Cute? Maybe. Problematic? Well yes, if you dislike the kind of lefty vegetarian sanctimonious Hollywood type Gere represents (which I don't). But could this spot really be a reason to apologize? Just-Auto [sub] reports that upon hearing of cockamamie protests from Beijing, Fiat kowtowed to the dictators in the People's Republic. "Fiat Group reiterates its neutrality in connection with any political matter, be it on a national or international basis. To the extent that the Lancia Delta advertising may give rise to misinterpretations of its well established position of neutrality, Fiat Group extends its apologies to the Government of the People's Republic of China and to the Chinese people." Yes, it hurts the Chinese Government's feelings that the pro-Tibet Gere is shown in some vaguely positive way in Tibet, or something. And it dismays us that Fiat, a car maker on the ascent, apparently didn't know what it was doing when it OK'd this ad, and obviously doesn't have a pair.

The things car makers do for love… Car companies in Germany traditionally offer journalists discounts of about 20 percent on new vehicles. Until now, this offer's been restricted to one car per year. Ford's cutting that clause: Automobilwoche reports journalists can now buy as many popular models for a bargain price as they want, and enjoy. Or, more to the point, flip 'em on the market for a few percent profit, and repeat. Other makers are expected to follow suit. Historically, journalists are considered a small but influential group– "opinion leaders" in the marketing argot. "Just like taxi drivers: not a large audience, but they are important, so they are worth some special consideration," says a German VW dealer. How much consideration? VW's generosity is worth 15 percent for new cars and 10 percent for pre-owned. The quoted dealer thinks VW's vig may soon reach Ford's levels: up to 25 percent, depending on model. Mercedes-Benz also grants 15 percent for journos. Porsche is parsimonious, offering no more than 10 percent. Most makes are (for the time being) stricter than Ford: Mercedes requires a minimum holding time of six months, and allows no more than two purchases per year. We're looking into the situation stateside, but we know Ford offers scribes the Ford employee discount…

Forbes' columnist Jerry Flint is at it again. This time 'round he's saying what he said last time 'round: the feds need to give Detroit a holiday from fuel economy and safety regs. While I approve of recycling in general, recycling the General's spin strikes me as a particularly inadvisable endeavor. By the same token, defending GM's management seems, well, indefensible. At first, at last, Flint seems to come to terms with GM suits' epic incompetence: "The record is not good. Since 1992, GM's U.S. market share has fallen steadily–from 34% that year to 19% in May. Many of GM's leading executives are from the finance side of the business, but the financial failures are numerous… What is more amazing is that GM management has survived relatively little criticism, as far as I can tell, from its board of directors or the press." The press being… Jerry Flint? Roger [and me] that. "I know many terrific GM executives, starting with Vice Chairman Robert Lutz, who are doing an outstanding job. The problem is that GM is running out of money and time. The decisions it makes over the next few quarters could be crucial to its survival. I worry whether GM has enough of the right leaders to steer the company through this crisis." File this one under too little, too late, too disconnected from reality to be believed.  

Well that was quick. After the Honda Clarity gave Jamie Lee Curtis' bologna a first name (O-S-C-A-R), some members of the mainstream media have cottoned-on to the fact that hydrogen has to come from somewhere. The UK's Independent newspaper thoroughly slams Honda and its sexy fuel cell car. "Is Honda's technologically dazzling hydrogen programme the long-term solution to CO2 pollution?" scribe Michael Booth asks. "Yes and no," he answers. "Mainly no. Almost entirely no, if you ask people who know." Booth argues that the fuel's a waste a time as it's created with conventional energy. The process merely shifts the site of pollution; it's like breaking wind and blaming the dog. Booth also notes that hydrogen fueling stations are notable by their absence. "Right now there is just one hydrogen station in the UK. Even Japan has only 12." Alas, Booth concludes by saying that electric cars should be our high tech future– and that's where his own arguments do him a disservice. Shifting the source of pollution from power generation? Check. Infrastructure problems? Check. Environmental problems from battery disposal? Check. Still, props for calling Honda's buff. I mean, bluff.

As if. Still the woman once awarded "the best breasts in Hollywood" nod by every hetrosexual male in America is over-the-moon in love with Honda's PR-mobile: the hydrogen fuel-cell-powered Clarity. "Our family is going to pay for the privilege of having the chance to show, by action, a car that is an alternative to gasoline," she told CBS News. Note: "is going to." Yes, CBS and Jamie Lee are hyping the Clarity before it's been delivered. And once again, the mainstream media is happy to talk about hydrogen fuel cell vehicles as if the liquified gas in their tanks is made by zero-emissions pixies. Hello? It takes energy to make hydrogen. And that means CO2 and plenty of it (solar shmolar). While we await numerous opportunities to highlight this inconvenient truth, CBS points out the echt drawback to JLC's Clarity and its hy-powered ilk. "But the real problem with these cars is keeping them filled up – there are very few fueling stations. Even here in Southern California with the greatest concentratrion [sic] of stations, there are still fewer than 20. In the meantime, [Vasilios] Manousiouthakis makes do. His [hydrogen-powered Mercedes] car can only travel 80 miles on a tank of fuel, and the nearest hydrogen station is 10 miles from his home. On this day, the fuel pump is broken. With the nearest hydrogen station another 10 miles away, Manousiouthakis knows his car won't make it. "I need desperately fuel right now. I'm literally on fumes so I cannot get out," he says.  It takes two men and a consultant on the phone to solve the problem. "It takes commitment," says Manousiouthakis. Or something. 

Washington Post columnist Warren Brown shares his thoughts on last week's Escalade Hybrid (EH) press conference. Not suprisingly, Warren's aware that now my not be THE best time to be launching a $79k SUV– even if is less thirsty than its less expensive gas-only variant. Still, in the end, Warren joins GM in their luxury barge as it drifts down denial. "Big tricked-out SUVs… retain considerable market pull, even in a market where monthly fuel bills are beginning to rival monthly amounts due on vehicle finance notes. There appears to be a cadre of hard-core fans, influenced by needs real and imagined and guided by a passion for motorized might and luxury, who are keeping the big rides on the road and in the showrooms." Warren is happy to parrot GM's sales projections for the EH (say it like you mean it). "With 60,000 Escalade sales last year, Cadillac was the undisputed leader of the luxury SUV market. But even with its new Platinum and hybrid models, Cadillac will be lucky to sell 40,000 this year, GM officials conceded. But 40,000 is still good business." This from the same company that overestimated '08 U.S. new vehicle sales by some two million units– so far. And just in case you'd think that Warren would call GM on this turkey, no. "The 'hybrid' tag comes with a hefty price premium — $5,000 to $8,000 more, depending on the model. Will hard-core SUV buyers go for that? Maybe they will." For sure, they won't. 

Retail issues aside? Like, um, the fact that GM's pulled the plug on the brand, assuring depreciation that would give a Maserati buyer the Willies? While I have no doubt that Autoblog's Dan Roth would tell us if he had someone in the HUMMER business, I also have no doubt that if he did, that person would be well pleased with Dan's blog on the doomed maker of militaristic SUVs. "Moving product is a tremendous challenge when the bobbleheads on the nightly news continue shrilly about the price of fuel and you've got a lot full of low-mpg, high weight trucks that happen to be a favorite target of vandals euphemistically masquerading as 'activists.' Customers that do make it through the door are looking for deals, and HUMMER will spot you five thousand bucks to take an H3, PLEASE." In other words, it's a great time to buy! "If you've got a boat to pull, and want to look like the Governator, an H2 could still be just the thing, and now you'll be able to find one for a song; most likely the blues." As Dave Edmunds sang, "Everything's wrong but nothing is right."

Now that Chrysler's HR honcho Nancy Rae has sent us a primer for pessimists, it's time for The Detroit Free Press to find some light at the end of the tunnel that doesn't look the headlight of an oncoming train. First the bad news, albeit with a light dusting of sugar coating. "Detroit's automakers are bleeding cash, despite massive cost-cutting and job reductions in recent years," Justin Hyde "reports." "And while each has socked away funds, the money will last only until 2010 at the latest unless the companies borrow to buy more time, analysts say." And then, hints of hope(tm)! "If you're looking for some sign of light in the gloom, there are glimmers. Unlike previous slumps, the vehicles built by Detroit's automakers are broadly on par with much of their competition. The landmark deal that will lead the UAW to take on health care for workers will free up cash in 2010, especially at General Motors Corp. All three companies are pushing new fuel efficient models, with side bets on more exotic technology such as plug-in hybrids." But even Hyde can't. "But a permanent cure — generating enough cash to pay their debts as they roll out new vehicles — appears unlikely before 2011, and another unexpected jolt could tear one or more of them asunder, analysts say." What corporate arrogance has created, let no market rent asunder? Good luck with that.

Much digital ink has been spilled over Chrysler's "refuel America" promotion. The deal locks fuel prices at $2.99 per gallon for the first 12k miles for each of three years (subject to acres of fine print). Consumer Reports took a closer look. Over the first three years of ownership, the cheap gas gives Chrysler a competitive cost of ownership. After five years, your Chrysler will have cost you between $1k and $8k more than its competitors.  That's driving 12k miles annually, based on CR's "real world" mileage ratings and total ownership cost analysis. It gets worse. The cost of owning a gas-carded Chrysler is higher than buying the same vehicle with the optional zero percent interest rate. The Hemi-equipped gas hogs, for example, cost over $6k more with the gas card during five years of ownership. Little wonder then, that under ten percent of Chrysler buyers are choosing the gas card. The upshot? CR suggests that if you must buy from the Pentastar, take the low interest rate. "However," they say, "we would recommend you consider all vehicles in the segments, as there simply are better choices available based on our testing and analysis." Ya think?

Several readers sent us a link to "Honda: Extreme Meets Mainstream" (a.k.a. "Sipping Gas and Taking Names; How Honda is Going to Own Toyota"). It's a love letter straight from the ad department heart. To wit: "When times are tough and gasoline prices rise, people come home to Honda," Paul Lienert gushes. "There's something unique about this company that seems to speak to Americans." In his campaign for Honda's deification, Lienert mentions a couple of flops (Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid) and mentions styling and performance-oriented probs. But they are but speed bumps on the road to immortality. "It all comes from a willingness to think outside the box. Sometimes it wins and sometimes it loses, yet Honda is always willing to embrace things that are new and different… The payoff has been unswerving customer loyalty… If Honda seems suddenly clairvoyant, the foundation for its most recent triumphs has been carefully and consistently laid over four decades." While no one begrudges Honda their success, Edmunds gets enough press releases without having to pay for one. 

Folks, when Alex Taylor III bails on GM, it's all over bar the shouting. In his most recent article for Fortune [via CNNMoney] , Three Sticks puts down the pom-poms and gives GM a mighty good shellacking. "The news coming out of Detroit is getting worse, and unlike in past years, there will be no full recovery. Analysts are betting that General Motors will be forced to take emergency financial measures this year that could hamper its competitiveness for a long time to come… This stunning sales decline means that GM is continuing to burn cash at a fearsome rate – perhaps $1 billion a month by some estimates. Rod Lache of Deutsche Bank figures that GM will consume as much as $19 billion in cash over the next two years. Since it began the second quarter with $23.9 billion on hand and needs $10 billion to $15 billion to keep the lights turned on, that leaves a big hole." Yes, Alex, a VERY big hole. A hole that's an extremely slimming shade of black. How black? "In GM history, 1992 is generally considered the worst year of modern times, with multiple plant closings, huge losses and the shunting aside of CEO Robert Stempel. Now it looks like 2008 will have that beat." And then some.

Forbes' Jerry Flint has some strong words for Detroit. But first… "Yes, Asian car companies cheated. They kept us out of their countries and kept their currencies weak. Yes, our government changed the rules so foreign brands could sell in domestic dealer showrooms, making it cheap for them to attack this market. Yes, our unions helped by ignoring the destruction they were causing until it was almost too late. State governments helped by giving foreign carmakers huge tax breaks when they build plants. Then there was bad luck, or whatever it is that has pushed gasoline prices to $4 a gallon." BUT "the blame has to fall on Detroit's executives. They didn't know enough about their own business to build better cars than the foreigners did, and they were unprepared for a change that was sure to come, sooner or later." BUT "That's not the issue. If we want a home-owned industry, our government will have to help for a change instead of piling on, treating the automobile and the industry like devils." OK, so, how much is this boondoggle going to cost me? Nothing! All we have to do is "halt immediately all new regulations–safety regulations, emission regulations, bumper regulations, mileage regulations." Where do I sign?