Wheel Spinning: It Never Stops with Toyota
By Johnny McDonald

The Scorpio by Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.

Wheel spinning

It never stops with Toyota. Simultaneously with its entry into NASCAR racing, the company revealed what it considers its most important product ever - an all new Tundra pickup.

They say they're in the battle for "Bubba" - the all-American truck lover who has proved Detroit's last loyal customer.

Executives describe the February launch of the pickup as the biggest strategic bet in the Japanese automaker's history, more important even than the launch of its luxury Lexus and youth-oriented Scion brands.

Construction will be in a $1.2-billion plant, eight miles south of the Alamo in San Antonio - the middle of the biggest truck market in the United States. About one in seven pickups sold in the U.S. market are bought in Texas, and Toyota is looking to use its new plant and payroll of 2,000 workers to jump-start goodwill for the Tundra.

Toyota expects to make inroads with those now loyal to Detroit-made trucks by showing off the Tundra at events like bass fishing tournaments and country music venues.

"We call these guys Bubbas. A lot of these guys have 'Ford' tattooed on their arms. It's going to take a while to win them over," said Ronnie Bernal, sales manager at Red McCombs Toyota in San Antonio.

MORE PROTECTION

Based on the engineering foundations of the Volvo S80 sedan, the Ford Five Hundred and Mercury Montego have been reinforced to deal with a tougher IIHS side impact test.

Both cars will be slightly redesigned for the 2008 model year with a new look. They will also share a more powerful engine.

INDIAN IMPORT

Indian automaker Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. is preparing to enter the U.S. market and has signed an agreement with independent distributor Global Vehicles U.S.A. Inc.

In 2008, Mahindra will launch two vehicles in the U.S., a pickup truck and a sports utility vehicle called the Scorpio.

GURNEY JOINS BUSCH

Former international racing star Dan Gurney told us in a recent interview that if you can't beat 'em just join NASCAR.

He was speaking of drivers from open-wheel's Indy Racing League and Champ Cars, events that lag far behind in attendance and television revenue.

Juan Pablo Montoya, from the Formula One circuit and of the IRL ranks, has begun his apprenticeship in the Busch series. Indy 500 winner Sam Hornish Jr. plans to test Roger Penske's Busch entry and Champ car sensation A.J. Almendinger also plans to make the move.

Who's next? Michael Shoemaker?

AUTO SHOW

San Diego's International Auto Show (Dec. 27-31) will highlight several new displays as well as a number of popular features from previous shows.

More than 20 tons of sand and gravel will make up the 100,000-square-foot obstacle course for an exciting 4x4 ride and drive located in the parking lot behind the Convention Center.

You can get behind the wheel and drive the new Hyundai Sonata or Tucson. Look for the days and times.

Starting Dec. 1, the San Diego International Auto Show Channel will be available on Cox Channel One through

Dec. 31. This 24/7 programming will include auto show and manufacturer highlights in over 300,000 digital subscriber households in the FreeZone section.