G. David Felt
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Everything posted by G. David Felt
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Musk loves Texas (No Income Tax), Texas Loves Tesla, Maybe!
G. David Felt posted an article in Tesla
Tesla current owners are wanting change in the state of Texas and especially Elon Musk wants this change to happen as well. Musk became aware of the issue when a local owner posted this on twitter and tagged Elon Musk. According to a beginners guide to the Texas legislature, at the end of the civil war, Texans were rewriting the state constitution and it was made very clear they hated government. The old joke goes that they wanted to have the state legislature meet for 2 days every 140 years. they had to settle for 140 days meeting every two years. As such the state house and senate members get paid their yearly salary, but only work 140 years every two years for this salary. The house is made up of 150 members serving a 2 year term. The Senate is made up of 31 members serving a 4 year term. Texas also still has what is called the Blue laws, a set of laws that came into existence during prohibition and has been added to over the years so that the state has every other county dry, you can only buy auto's, meat, liquor on specific days, etc. All this adds to a confusion for people who come to the state of Texas to live and or work and need to buy items such as an Auto. Now that you have a basic understanding of the political structure in Texas. No this is not a political discuss, but one focused on the challenges Tesla will have selling auto's. Gigafactory Texas is in Austin Texas and as such the local house and senate members presented this working bi-annual 140 day session bill H.B. #4379. These representatives of the area that Tesla is building a new manufacturing site that will build semi trucks, trucks and suvs on electrical battery platforms wanted to add the following to state law: (2) is a manufacturer or distributor described by Section 2301.476(i-1) or is a bona fide employee of the manufacturer or distributor. SECTION 2. Section 2301.476, Occupations Code, is amended by adding Subsection (i-1) to read as follows: (i-1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, a manufacturer or distributor may own or operate a dealership, may own, operate, or otherwise act in the capacity of a dealer, and may obtain a dealer general distinguishing number if: (1) the manufacturer or distributor manufactures or distributes motor vehicles powered only by electricity or battery; and (2) the manufacturer's line-make has never been sold in this state through an independent franchised new motor vehicle dealership. H) manufacturer or distributor described by Section 2301.476(i-1), Occupations Code. Tesla's company-owned outlets cannot legally sell and or deliver an auto in Texas if bought by a state citizen. The so called galleries are open to the public where one can go to review the auto's Tesla makes and discuss questions with staff about Tesla auto's, but no pricing is allowed to be discussed or how one would go about buying a Tesla auto. On the other hand, any citizen of Texas can go online and order a tesla from their web site. The process is a very convoluted process as no order is allowed to be processed within Texas or any Texas facility owned by Tesla. So how does one purchase a Tesla in the state of Texas? Per multiple postings from Tesla owners in Texas, their paperwork was FedExed to them from Tesla Gallery stores in other states such as Nevada, Colorado, etc. Once they received their paper work, they had to sign everything and send it back to the gallery store that is processing their order. The buyer then has to pay for the auto online, which must be done outside of the facility grounds in advance. The newly purchased vehicle is then shipped to one of Tesla's eight Texas Service Centers where the owner can then pick up their auto as an existing owner. At this point, Texas is very happy to then collect Sales Tax and register the auto that the owner will have to do themselves either at the local DMV or online. Tesla has moved ahead since they anounced in July 2020 that they had choosen Austin Texas for their newest assembly plant and will be employing an estimated 5,000 people. According to the details per thedrive.com story, representatives introduced H.B. 4379 on March 12th 2021, two months later it was reviewed by the house transportation committee on May 11th 2021 being a win for the Austin representatives. Yet this is where it turns sad for Tesla as a company dropping Billions into the state had no handshake, no deal, etc. about allowing them to sell direct. The seven step process of presenting a bill, reviewing a bill, voting on the bill, negotiating the changes between house and senate and all the other steps must be done within the 140 day session. As such, the 2021 legislation session came to a close with the bill not getting out of the committee and moving forward and as such, must be taken up again in 2023 legislation session. Stalled before it could even get off the start line. For Decades the Dealer association has been very protective of their turf and spent considerable time and money lobbying the politicians and won this round. Cody Harris the local representative who presented the bill says that he still considers it a win due to the fact that it was presented before the members and as such, will help to open the eyes of the politicians about needed changes to the way auto's are sold. President of the Dealer association says it is all about protecting the buyers as to why it is illegal for Tesla to sell direct. QUOTE: Illegal for Tesla to sell vehicles to them: Tesla owners would be left helpless if the company failed, closing its service centers—whereas dealerships service cars even if they’re no longer made; Tesla has better things on which to spend its capital than brick-and-mortar stores and service centers (an interesting assessment for a state dealer lobby, but whatever); and The good reputation of all auto dealers would be deeply damaged if Tesla were to fail, leaving their owners high and dry. So one can make their own assessment if you agree with or disagree with the Dealer Association about Tesla selling direct. So how will Tesla which has stated they plan to start production of the Tesla Y and Cybertruck in 2021 sell their auto's in Texas home of their production? End result is that Tesla will have to build their auto's and ship them out of state to other states where the gallery store will take possession of the auto. Sell the auto online to the Texas citizen, handle all the paperwork via FedEx or UPS and payment online, then reship the auto to Texas gallery store for pickup. So what do you think about this and is it fair to Tesla, the citizens of Texas and the future of direct auto sales? Texas House of Representatives - About Us A Beginner’s Guide To The Texas Legislature – Houston Public Media Do 'blue laws' still exist in the Lone Star State? Curious Texas investigates (dallasnews.com) 87(R) HB 4379 - Introduced version - Bill Text (texas.gov) Tesla Will Have to Ship Its Texas-Built Cars Out of State to Sell Back to Residents (thedrive.com) -
Burger King
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I love the Mocha brown interiors, warm, inviting and just over all relaxing. Escalade Mocha with Tan interior is very nice.
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Yes, you are right, we will never see interiors like this again except on these auto's if restored. I personally respect your like / attraction to them. Personally, I hope we never do as they were terrible for driving especially road trips. No body support, way too cushy as I believe they were actually TOO FOCUS on the LAZY BOY chair. To me, this is the kind of luxury comfort those chairs should have been. Leather, solid in supporting your body, but still very cushy comfort. Right now even the 2021 Escalade chairs suck as they are thin slabs, not supportive to your body or comfortable. To me, GM nailed it with these chairs IMHO. I also think the seatbelt built into the chair is way better than in the B and C pillar which tends to cut into the throat more due to how high they are.
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Mr. Rogers
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Captain Kangaroo
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We know who wears the pants in that family!
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Stay strong my friend, I saw where the average CEO got an 8.7% increase in earnings to an average of $12.2 million paid last year as boards decided the pandemic was not a normal thing and removed all pandemic related expenses in configuring their bonus and final payout. Crazy when so many lost jobs and those of us that had full or part time jobs got no raises, they increase the pay for these over paid CEO's. CEO Pay Surges In 2020 Despite Pandemic Suffering | HuffPost Dozens of large companies "rigged" CEO pay during pandemic, study claims - CBS News Just a few of the stories hitting the web today, but crazy. I do have respect for companies that did put employees first. While I did not get a pay raise in 2020 and am hoping for one in 2021, at least DELL Technologies CEO and Chairman Michael Dell and the board and from VP on up took no pay checks at all. They committed to not laying off anyone so even our facilities people down to the hourly janitors kept their jobs and cleaned over and over the same empty buildings world wide. One Reason I love working for Dell. Respect for Multi-Cultural workforce and every job be it salary or hourly. Dell's work force has moved to 70% being 100% work from home and the next 20% with some office time and then 10% being those that have to always be on site. Take a look as we are hiring: Jobs and Careers at Dell Careers If you find something you would like to apply for, DM me with resume and let me submit you internally, it goes much faster than submitting it yourself externally. Just need to know the job number. I am also working this weekend except Monday. Take care,
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Hula Girls
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Wishing everyone a Happy relaxing Memorial Day Weekend doing what ever makes one happy! ?
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spam
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Wishing you all the best as you move forward, celebrate his life and the wonderful memories you have of him.
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Gotta Love Philosoraptor!!!
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Chicken
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In the 21st century, Ford is leading the revolution with Zero-emission electric vehicles, advanced connectivity in transforming commercial and personal transportation by using platforms based on cutting-edge electrical architectures and battery technologies with compelling services. Delivering FORD+ is how Ford Motor Company is breaking away from the typified auto industry of decades past of the typical build and sell transactional business model and embracing foundational strengths based on improved financial performance, capabilities and investments in disruptive technologies. At the core of the Ford Motor Company is the following strengths with Blue Oval Intelligence, Ford's next-generation, cloud-based platform for integrating electrical, power distribution, computing and software systems in 21st century Ford and Lincoln vehicles. Ford stated they expect to deliver an 8% adjusted EBIT (earnings before interest and taxes) margin in 2023 fiscal year and this will power strengthening core automotive operations due to healthy cash flow that will fund growth and create value. Ford Key Electrification Revolution leadership: Accelerating investments and increasing planned total spending on electrification, including battery development, to more than $30 billion by 2025 – while deriving efficiencies from Ford’s flexible EV architecture and modular technologies. Anticipating 40% of Ford’s global vehicle volume to be fully electric by 2030, including from: Mustang Mach-E, which is bringing new customers to Ford – 70% of buyers, to date The F-150 Lightning, an all-electric version of the world’s most popular pickup truck, which has amassed 70,000 customer reservations since it was unveiled one week ago, and E-Transit commercial vans, which will be on the road later this year. Investing in battery technology and equipping Ford to design, engineer and manufacture its own batteries, with key developments including: Creating Ford Ion Park, a global center of battery excellence comprising more than 150 experts in battery chemistries, testing, manufacturing and value-chain management who will boost battery range and lower costs to customers and Ford Vertically integrating battery technology with an extensive range of EV batteries – IonBoost lithium ion; IonBoost Pro lithium iron phosphate for commercial vehicles; and long-range, low-cost solid-state batteries based on Ford’s own engineering and know-how from Solid Power, in which the company holds an equity stake, and Forming a joint venture, BlueOvalSK, with SK Innovation to manufacture battery cells and arrays at two plants in the U.S. for future Ford and Lincoln vehicles. Business Dedicated to Commercial Customers: Establishing Ford Pro, a global vehicle services and distribution business within Ford devoted to commercial and government customers, and led by Ted Cannis, who’s been named CEO and a corporate officer. Cannis has been head of Ford’s North America CV business and previously managed the Team Edison EV development group. Providing customers with greater value and higher productivity through: The industry’s most comprehensive and flexible range of electric and internal-combustion commercial vehicles Digital and physical services that can help optimize and maintain customer fleets Public, depot and employee home charging of EVs for the next day’s work, and Bundled financing of vehicles, services and charging. Increasing the commercial market for hardware and adjacent and new services that’s addressable by Ford – with anticipated company revenue of $45 billion by 2025, up from $27 billion in 2019. Ford Pro will integrate, digitize and simplify transportation with capabilities spanning: Ford Pro Vehicles – including Ford’s broad lineup of combustion-engine and hybrid commercial vehicles and, soon, all-electric versions of the company’s industry-leading vans and full-size pickup trucks developed for commercial use Ford Pro Charging – hardware and software solutions for public, depot and overnight home charging of EVs so they’re ready to work again the next day ·Ford Pro Intelligence – digital services, with distinct features integrated in their vehicles that enable customers to better manage and maintain their fleets Ford Pro Services Elite – expanding Ford’s strong network of CV centers by adding 120 dedicated, large-bay service hubs across the United States with extended hours and rapid turnaround, plus introducing 1,200 mobile service vehicles by 2025 to meet customers where they are, save them money and get them back in business, and Ford Pro FinSimple – bundled financing for vehicles, services and EV charging. Ford is dedicating a Separate business unit to the drive for superior customer service in the commercial sector be it at one of Fords service centers in an office space or out in the field. FORD+ is showing how Ford Motor has moved forward with Connecting with Customers via Connected Services: Having about 1 million vehicles that are capable of receiving over-the-air system updates on the road by the end of this year, exceeding Tesla’s volume by July 2022, and scaling to 33 million OTA-enabled Ford and Lincoln vehicles by 2028. Strengthening customer relationships with digitally enabled tools like Ford Pass and Lincoln Way, online ordering, simplified financing and renewal options, vehicle pick-up and delivery, and mobile repairs. Extending digital lifestyles by fully integrating best-in-class technology from, e.g., Apple, Amazon, Google and Baidu. Speeding detection and resolution of quality issues using connected data – helping to raise customer satisfaction and lower warranty costs. Deploying distinctive connected functions like Ford’s BlueCruise driver-assist technologies, new features and upgraded software content, and EV charging to improve the user experience – and capitalize on what is projected to be a $20 billion market for such services by 2030. FORD+ day highlighted a few things that will happen the $45 Billion investment for BEVs. IonBoost will be the Ford Brand for their Lithium-ion and eventual solid state batteries with Ford expecting to cut battery costs by 40% by mid-decade. Blue Oval Intelligence will all in-vehicle technology stacked with streaming services from Apple, Amazon, Google and Baidu. Ford has confirmed two dedicated EV Platforms Full-size EV platform will handle the F-150 Lightning and future trucks / SUVs. VW MEB platform will be used for Mid-size, Compact and Sub-Compact EVs. While some analysts have stated Ford is trailing in the electrification race, Ford CEO Jim Farley disagrees pointing out the successful and currently sold out Mustang Mach-E crossover, the E-Transit van and the F-150 Lighting truck all in production in 2021 with deliveries starting late 2021. Ford's marketing of the Mach-E is the starting point of the new revolution at Ford from Photoshoots to digital media as Ford informs and shows why the future is electric. Ford also has additional plans for the platform that the Mustang Mach-E is built on as they talk about a much more diverse portfolio of auto's filling in every choice consumers want with all sorts of variations in Ford Trucks, SUVs and Cars. It would seem a Ford Bronco electric version could be an option soon. Leading the market with the Mach-E and now the F-150 Lightning that can fullfill every commercial and especially consumer need, Ford is projecting great stock / company growth this decade. Superior Value From EVs, Commercial Business, Connected Services Is Strategic Focus of Today’s ‘Delivering Ford+’ Capital Markets Day | Ford Media Center New ‘Ford Pro’ Vehicle Services and Distribution Business Redefining Transportation Value for Commercial Customers | Ford Media Center Ford Motor Company - 2021 Capital Markets Day Ford boosts EV spending, outlines 2030 sales targets, shares near 5-year high | Reuters EXCLUSIVE Ford follows GM, VW with two new dedicated EV platforms by 2025 -sources | Reuters View full article
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In the 21st century, Ford is leading the revolution with Zero-emission electric vehicles, advanced connectivity in transforming commercial and personal transportation by using platforms based on cutting-edge electrical architectures and battery technologies with compelling services. Delivering FORD+ is how Ford Motor Company is breaking away from the typified auto industry of decades past of the typical build and sell transactional business model and embracing foundational strengths based on improved financial performance, capabilities and investments in disruptive technologies. At the core of the Ford Motor Company is the following strengths with Blue Oval Intelligence, Ford's next-generation, cloud-based platform for integrating electrical, power distribution, computing and software systems in 21st century Ford and Lincoln vehicles. Ford stated they expect to deliver an 8% adjusted EBIT (earnings before interest and taxes) margin in 2023 fiscal year and this will power strengthening core automotive operations due to healthy cash flow that will fund growth and create value. Ford Key Electrification Revolution leadership: Accelerating investments and increasing planned total spending on electrification, including battery development, to more than $30 billion by 2025 – while deriving efficiencies from Ford’s flexible EV architecture and modular technologies. Anticipating 40% of Ford’s global vehicle volume to be fully electric by 2030, including from: Mustang Mach-E, which is bringing new customers to Ford – 70% of buyers, to date The F-150 Lightning, an all-electric version of the world’s most popular pickup truck, which has amassed 70,000 customer reservations since it was unveiled one week ago, and E-Transit commercial vans, which will be on the road later this year. Investing in battery technology and equipping Ford to design, engineer and manufacture its own batteries, with key developments including: Creating Ford Ion Park, a global center of battery excellence comprising more than 150 experts in battery chemistries, testing, manufacturing and value-chain management who will boost battery range and lower costs to customers and Ford Vertically integrating battery technology with an extensive range of EV batteries – IonBoost lithium ion; IonBoost Pro lithium iron phosphate for commercial vehicles; and long-range, low-cost solid-state batteries based on Ford’s own engineering and know-how from Solid Power, in which the company holds an equity stake, and Forming a joint venture, BlueOvalSK, with SK Innovation to manufacture battery cells and arrays at two plants in the U.S. for future Ford and Lincoln vehicles. Business Dedicated to Commercial Customers: Establishing Ford Pro, a global vehicle services and distribution business within Ford devoted to commercial and government customers, and led by Ted Cannis, who’s been named CEO and a corporate officer. Cannis has been head of Ford’s North America CV business and previously managed the Team Edison EV development group. Providing customers with greater value and higher productivity through: The industry’s most comprehensive and flexible range of electric and internal-combustion commercial vehicles Digital and physical services that can help optimize and maintain customer fleets Public, depot and employee home charging of EVs for the next day’s work, and Bundled financing of vehicles, services and charging. Increasing the commercial market for hardware and adjacent and new services that’s addressable by Ford – with anticipated company revenue of $45 billion by 2025, up from $27 billion in 2019. Ford Pro will integrate, digitize and simplify transportation with capabilities spanning: Ford Pro Vehicles – including Ford’s broad lineup of combustion-engine and hybrid commercial vehicles and, soon, all-electric versions of the company’s industry-leading vans and full-size pickup trucks developed for commercial use Ford Pro Charging – hardware and software solutions for public, depot and overnight home charging of EVs so they’re ready to work again the next day ·Ford Pro Intelligence – digital services, with distinct features integrated in their vehicles that enable customers to better manage and maintain their fleets Ford Pro Services Elite – expanding Ford’s strong network of CV centers by adding 120 dedicated, large-bay service hubs across the United States with extended hours and rapid turnaround, plus introducing 1,200 mobile service vehicles by 2025 to meet customers where they are, save them money and get them back in business, and Ford Pro FinSimple – bundled financing for vehicles, services and EV charging. Ford is dedicating a Separate business unit to the drive for superior customer service in the commercial sector be it at one of Fords service centers in an office space or out in the field. FORD+ is showing how Ford Motor has moved forward with Connecting with Customers via Connected Services: Having about 1 million vehicles that are capable of receiving over-the-air system updates on the road by the end of this year, exceeding Tesla’s volume by July 2022, and scaling to 33 million OTA-enabled Ford and Lincoln vehicles by 2028. Strengthening customer relationships with digitally enabled tools like Ford Pass and Lincoln Way, online ordering, simplified financing and renewal options, vehicle pick-up and delivery, and mobile repairs. Extending digital lifestyles by fully integrating best-in-class technology from, e.g., Apple, Amazon, Google and Baidu. Speeding detection and resolution of quality issues using connected data – helping to raise customer satisfaction and lower warranty costs. Deploying distinctive connected functions like Ford’s BlueCruise driver-assist technologies, new features and upgraded software content, and EV charging to improve the user experience – and capitalize on what is projected to be a $20 billion market for such services by 2030. FORD+ day highlighted a few things that will happen the $45 Billion investment for BEVs. IonBoost will be the Ford Brand for their Lithium-ion and eventual solid state batteries with Ford expecting to cut battery costs by 40% by mid-decade. Blue Oval Intelligence will all in-vehicle technology stacked with streaming services from Apple, Amazon, Google and Baidu. Ford has confirmed two dedicated EV Platforms Full-size EV platform will handle the F-150 Lightning and future trucks / SUVs. VW MEB platform will be used for Mid-size, Compact and Sub-Compact EVs. While some analysts have stated Ford is trailing in the electrification race, Ford CEO Jim Farley disagrees pointing out the successful and currently sold out Mustang Mach-E crossover, the E-Transit van and the F-150 Lighting truck all in production in 2021 with deliveries starting late 2021. Ford's marketing of the Mach-E is the starting point of the new revolution at Ford from Photoshoots to digital media as Ford informs and shows why the future is electric. Ford also has additional plans for the platform that the Mustang Mach-E is built on as they talk about a much more diverse portfolio of auto's filling in every choice consumers want with all sorts of variations in Ford Trucks, SUVs and Cars. It would seem a Ford Bronco electric version could be an option soon. Leading the market with the Mach-E and now the F-150 Lightning that can fullfill every commercial and especially consumer need, Ford is projecting great stock / company growth this decade. Superior Value From EVs, Commercial Business, Connected Services Is Strategic Focus of Today’s ‘Delivering Ford+’ Capital Markets Day | Ford Media Center New ‘Ford Pro’ Vehicle Services and Distribution Business Redefining Transportation Value for Commercial Customers | Ford Media Center Ford Motor Company - 2021 Capital Markets Day Ford boosts EV spending, outlines 2030 sales targets, shares near 5-year high | Reuters EXCLUSIVE Ford follows GM, VW with two new dedicated EV platforms by 2025 -sources | Reuters -
Man that is one ugly car. What a pathetic Engine sound for an ICE even as a Hybrid. Not impressed at all with the car and the bouncy nature on the track. Guess one has to really love F1 racing to love this car.
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Last Friday at the latest local hotrod meet I thought this one was well done with modern LED headlights.
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I have also noticed that 3rd party companies are building LED headlights and taillights that are showing up on older trucks and suv's. Guess everyone wants to reduce electrical usage but also imply their auto is more 21st century new than it really is?
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Yes I did cover this when the E-Gen Axle was announced (Oct 6th, 2020) and was going into production. Allison Transmission launches eGen Power™, Its New Zero Emission Electric Axles for Medium and Heavy-Duty Commercial Trucks At the time, they used only this picture so there was no real clear picture and as the new news release states, they have now signed on a dedicated builder using their E-Gen Axles.
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Mario Mushrooms
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Wishing you and your Wife all the Positive vibes I can send via the air for positive results for the better. At least you have options for the best medical care for her. If there is anything we can help with hit us up.
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Allison Transmission which is the #1 provider of transmissions to Emergency One the builder of Fire trucks, Ambulances and other assortment of emergency vehicles to a market penetration of 90% has come to terms to use Allison's new Electric Axle Integrated unit for the 21st century of emergency vehicles. Allison Transmission and Emergency One Formalize Collaboration on Electric Axle Integration
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Guess that is one reason auto purchase services has grown as a business. The Best Car-Buying Services in 2021 - Clark Howard Crazy to you and me, but for others, they just want to pick an auto, be told what to pay and go on with their life.
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True, I find it very easy to know all the details including the holdback amount to the dollar so you can negotiate a fair price. That research and time spent talking is not what others want to deal with as they would rather just pay a set price as to why GM Saturn division with set pricing on the auto's at the time was very popular with that type of buyer. Good thing we have variety of ways to buy.
