California Highway Patrol switching to SUVs

When you think of a highway patrol car, you instantly think Ford Crown Victoria. And usually in California Highway Patrol black n' white trim. Since the Crown Vic went out of production last year, you see a few older models out on the roads that have been slowly replaced by the Dodge Charger, Ford Taurus, or the Chevrolet Caprice (I know we haven't seen one yet either). But Ford also produces the new Explorer in a police package, and that's what the California Highway Patrol is leaning towards to replace their fleet and to keep it in the Ford family. The CHP maintains a fleet of 4,000 vehciles (give or take a few) and each year, they replace 1/3rd of that fleet with new vehicles.

Due to the ammount of gear that a trooper has to car with him or her on any given day is always increasing. And now with gear mandated by the Department of Homeland Security, the smaller patrol cars offered by the big three just won't cut it.

Of course they'll still be black and white....


Source: California Highway Patrol.

New for 1957!

There's no denying that the 1957 Ford Fairlane is a seriously cool car with the right set of wheels.

More Cal Look.

Just some more California dreamin. Even though this car's from Europe.

This is why winter isn't cool in the North East.

We don't have So Cal Speed Shop opening their doors or vintage rail dragsters hanging out in the street. This comes from our friend Goodies who treks back and forth from Europe to the US a couple times a year.

Volkswagen of America makes donation to American Red Cross for California wild fire relief

Official Press Release

SAN DIEGO – Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced they will help those customers affected by the southern California wildfires with financial assistance and the complimentary replacement of their vehicles HEPA smoke and pollen filters. Volkswagen will also be donating $25,000 to the American Red Cross to help those affected by the wildfires.

For customers who were severely impacted with damage to or loss of their residence and/or business, Volkswagen will defer their lease payments and extend their loan payments for up to 90 days. Customers will not accrue any additional charge or loan interest for the designated period. In addition, any late payment charges for customers who were either evacuated or impacted directly will be reversed by Volkswagen. Affected customers should contact Volkswagen by calling (800) 428-4034 to speak with a representative to receive assistance.

“We at Volkswagen are sending our thoughts and prayers to those affected by the recent devastating southern California wildfires,” said Steve Mears, director, Western Region, Volkswagen of America. “We believe that when you buy a Volkswagen you get a little more than just a car, you get something extra. We provide unexpected things in times of need as a way of reinforcing that something extra.”

For over a decade, every new Volkswagen vehicle has come with a standard HEPA Smoke and Pollen filter that cleans the air passengers breathe. With the recent fires, Volkswagen wants to replace the old filters that may have absorbed the lingering smell of smoke and potentially harmful ash.

Source: VW