Lay off Toyota, says Miss Governor

Mississippi Governor and former Washington lobbyist Haley Barbour has taken to the editorial page of The Washington Post to plead for, um, fair treatment for Toyota. In the editorial, Barbour suggest Toyota has received less than fair dealing from Congress on the runaway Camry issue in order to boost American car manufacturers.
Barbour's argument is silly. Instead of pointing out how Toyota, with Washington's help, succeeded in burying its safety problem, Barbour makes an economic argument for giving Toyota a pass. Barbour argues that Toyota is just as American as Ford and General Motors because it employs many non-union Southerners, particularly in Barbour's state of Mississippi.
Certainly Toyota has been a boon for American workers, particularly in the South. But we fail to see how providing jobs absolves Toyota for selling defective cars.
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Will Camry Be Best Seller in 2010?

As much as we love to hate the ubiquitous Toyota shitbox, it's clear the Toyota folks know how to peddle a lame car. The Toyota Camry has been the best selling car in America for 11 of the past 12 years (the Honda Accord won in 2001), blowing away the competition. But with runaway accelerators, recalls, and hints of further investigations by U.S. safety officials, the car is taking a sales beating. Will a month or two of buyer fears give Toyota's competitors the head start they need to break the streak, or will the original blow them away once again? Read More

Rumblenote Exclusive: Blue Plate Ford Found in Belize

During a recent drive from Belize to Guatemala, my wife and I saw a gaggle of roadside odd balls, but none caught our imagination half a much as this mint 70's-era Ford wagon with California plates. Yes, California plates, the blue ones that the guys at Bring a Trailer dork out about. According to the trusty folks at Wikianswers, the Ford's trip was a 2,400-mile drive, with two border crossings. Should take between one week and two, it says. Can't think of too many cars I'd rather do it in, if I had to take four or five close friends and groceries for the trip.
We're sure there's a fine story that tells how this woody wagon wound up in Belize. We like to think a bunch of teenage surfers set out in it several years back to escape winter (that's why we went).The wagon is immaculate down to the fake wood paneling. Owner is asking the equivalent of $1,500 for the keys. If you're interested, I'll email the GPS coordinates. Better yet, send the cash and I'll drive it back.
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