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In United States of America; American families and small businesses are not the only ones that are hurt by high oil prices. The U.S. automakers are getting killed by Japanese automakers with more efficient and fuel saving models. Toyota has already snatched 17 percent market share over last year from the U.S. automakers and Honda motor Co. has just reported its fourth-quarter profits in 2005 were more than doubled that of 2004. What does all this mean for the future of America?

Well, we have already seen massive restructuring and downsizing at both Ford and General Motors, as well as the problems with Delphi and their plant closings and layoffs. We see General Motors is building six new plants in Mexico and closings several of the plants in the United States. Many things are changing including consumer preference for smaller and more fuel-efficient automobiles. This has been a big boost for Toyota and Honda, as well as Nissan. Toyota motor Co. is also expected to have considerable earnings growth in the first and second quarter of 2006.

One has to wonder what happens next to the U.S. automakers? The Chrysler Group has announced new ethanol vehicles and so has Ford and GM. But will this be enough for them to compete in the future or are they too late to jump on the bandwagon of fuel-efficient vehicles after building SUVs for so many years? We should all consider this and 2006.

Lance Winslow - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/

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Todays motorcycles are everywhere and there are lots of different classes or kinds of motorcycles as well. But the motorcycle, like the automobile, is a relative newcomer to the world stage.

The first motorcycle ever assembled was built by the German inventors Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach in 1885 in Bad Cannstatt in Germany. They were actually focusing more on the motor that was installed to power the two-wheeled contraption and not so much on creating a new kind of vehicle, but the resulting impact on motorized travel would be tremendous. There were earlier versions of steam powered bicycles, but this was the first petroleum powered motorcycle.

Not long afterward in 1894 the very first production motorcycle went on sale as the Hildebrand & Wolfm

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If you were to examine the new Mitsubishi Raider, your eyes would behold the unmistakable triad logo centered in the middle of its beefy looking grille. However, as you let your eyes run the full length of the truck’s body and take a look at its styling cues, you would see something different, yet very familiar. Indeed, apart from some fascia, body, and cabin changes, the Raider is without a doubt a Dodge Dakota. Yes, the tables have been reversed and Mitsubishi’s pick up truck is now a Dodge instead of the other way around. Beyond the obvious similarities there are some differences between the models that gives the Raider a uniqueness all of its own.

Back during the 1970s and 1980s when Chrysler needed small cars and trucks to fill out its limited line up, the company tapped its business relationship with Mitsubishi to supply what it needed. Included in the mix was a small pick up truck, most recently the D50. When Chrysler developed the midsized Dakota during the late 1980s, the need for the small Mitsubishi truck decreased and by the early 1990s the D50 was no more.

Mitsubishi for its part has long been a builder of small trucks, but as the automaker began to sell vehicles in the North American market, its line up has grown appreciably. Demand for a small Mitsubishi pick up truck dropped so the “Mighty Max” was discontinued from its line up. Eventually, the automaker decided to partner with DaimlerChrysler to sell rebadged Dakotas as Raiders.

The relationship is smart as the Raider fills a void for Mitsubishi while allowing DaimlerChrysler to keep its truck building capacity high. As odd as the relationship may seem, Isuzu and General Motors are doing the same thing as both Isuzu vehicles sold in the U.S. are rebadged GMC trucks.

So, what sets the Raider apart from the pact, particularly its Dodge cousin? Price for one. Starting out at around $19,000, the truck is priced as low as some of the smaller trucks on the market including the popular Toyota Tacoma. Apparently, Mitsubishi wanted to have an entry level model to meet expected demand. Yes, bare bones versions of the Tacoma can be had for much less, but that is what you get, bare bones. There is no four cylinder Raider sold, you either get a 210 h-p V6 or a beefy 230 h-p V8 to power your Raider. The V8 is especially appealing to those who tow as its pulling capacity is a respectable 6500 lbs. Tranny choices include either 4 or 5 speed automatics or a 6 speed manny tranny.

The Raider comes available as either a 4×2 or a 4×4 and with two or four door cab configurations. Seating capacity can be as high as six passengers although you wouldn’t be as comfortable riding in a Raider/Dakota with six people as you would be in a full sized Ram.

What many Raider fans will like is the extra care Mitsubishi gave to the interior. Unlike the Dakota, the Raider comes with trim features more akin to a sedan than to a pick up truck. Sirius satellite radio, Alpine speakers, front bucket seats with heated leather surfaces, and power everything are some of the features that make the Raider much more than a truck.

Ten years after the last “Mighty Max” pick up trucks were sold by Mitsubishi, a new truck has entered the fold thanks to an important relationship with DaimlerChrysler. Perhaps the success of this relationship will spawn additional model sharing. Could we see a rebadged Dodge Ram soon sold as a Mitsubishi? In these days of extensive model sharing, anything is possible.

Copyright 2006 - Matt Keegan is The Auto Writer who covers industry trends, new models, classic cars and much more. Are you interested in saving money on auto parts? If so, please shop the Wholesale Auto Parts store for the best selection of Mitsubishi parts and accessories.

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