Monthly Archives: December 2009

Passengers in used Lincoln survive wreck

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Posted in Lincoln

Used Lincoln models in New Jersey could appear to be even safer after Eric Patterson, mayor of Leeds, Alabama, crashed his 2001 Lincoln into a tree and survived.

Patterson had just concluded a long day at the office when he picked up his son John to take him to a friend’s birthday party, according to the St. Claire Times.

On route, Patterson lost control of his vehicle and skidded off an embankment directly into a tree, splitting it in half.

While the official police report stated that there were no drugs or alcohol involved, Patterson was “apparently asleep” when he lost control of the vehicle.

“We really don’t know what happened, if I got off the edge of the road or dozed off. I’d been sick for a week – just coming down…over the mountain and ran into a ditch and hit a tree.”

Patterson broke his right leg, but his son, who was wearing a seatbelt, was left virtually unharmed.

“It puts your life in perspective, I can guarantee that,” the mayor said later in the week. “I just consider myself fortunate.”

Used Lincoln models in New Jersey might become more sought after following Eric Patterson’s harrowing accident.

Geely deal going smoothly; Used Volvo S60Rs in New Jersey could look better than ever

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Posted in Volvo - DO NOT USE

Li Shufu, chairman of Geely Holding Group, says the company’s deal with Volvo hasn’t hit any hiccups so far, which could mean consumer confidence in used S60Rs in New Jersey could be on the uptick.

Geely doesn’t want to talk too much about the Volvo deal right now. The Chinese company says there are too many rumors circulating around the acquisition, so discussing it probably wouldn’t help. The possibility of a merger was first announced by Ford, currently Volvo’s parent, in October.

In early December, indications of progress began to appear, as Ford and Geely reached an agreement regarding an intellectual rights issue that concerned Volvo, which some industry analysts believed was the deal’s biggest obstacle.

Lately, Geely has been shopping around for transmissions for its vehicles with larger engines – motors with a displacement of bigger than 1.5 liters. The Chinese automaker seems to have taken an interest in DSI, an Australian manufacturer, meaning some Volvos might become more international than ever before.

The S60 could be one of the Volvos to receive an Australian transmission, as the all-new second generation model – whose production will begin in Ghent, Belgium, during the summer of 2010 – won’t come with an engine that’s smaller than 1.6 liters big.

“The all-new Volvo S60 is sculpted to move you,” says Stephen Odell, CEO of Volvo. “It looks and drives like no other Volvo before and the car’s technology will help you to be safer and more confident behind the wheel.”

Odell’s claims are ambitious. Not because they seem exaggerated, but because the first generation S60R was quite an automobile. In 2003, Car and Driver tracked a 2004 S60R and it did nothing but produce results.

Hans Nilsson, R-car line manager, told the publication that Volvo spent 10 times more on the S60R than it had on any past R model, the most recent having been the 1995 T-5R wagon at the time. All that extra money got the Swedish manufacturer a 300-horsepower, all-wheel drive, Brembo brake-equipped powerhouse with a hefty price tag of roughly $37,500. As pricey as that may have sounded back then, the Mercedes C32 AMG of the same year was over $14,500 more expensive, making the Volvo a pretty good deal.

Though the second generation Swedish S60 will be built in Belgium, contain an Australian transmission and will likely be sold by a Chinese company, news of the Geely deal could boost the popularity of used Volvo S60Rs in New Jersey.

Passat earns prestigious award, used Volkswagen models in New Jersey may attract additional attention

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Posted in Volkswagen - DO NOT USE

The Volkswagen Passat has recently been named the Large Used Car of the Decade by the car valuation specialist CAP. This piece of news should greatly benefit used Volkswagen models in New Jersey.

The fifth generation Passat, produced between 1996 and 2005, set a new benchmark for refinement, style, performance and quality, according to EasierCars.com.

“The Volkswagen Passat is a byword for quality, and the model launched in 1996 was a quantum leap forward in every area most important to the trade and the used car buyer,” said Mark Bulmer of CAP Black Book, quoted by the news source.”Volkswagen’s attention to detail meant that this Passat offered the sense of a prestige vehicle but at a mainstream purchase price.”

The 2005 model is one of the more popular mid-size sedans in its class. According to Edmunds.com, it is fun to drive, has an upscale interior and a wide range of features. The ’05 Passat has terrific handling and comes with a diesel engine option that has a unique combination of performance and economy.

The Passat’s recent attention may increase sales of used Volkswagen models in New Jersey.

Subaru Outback nominated for truck of the year

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Posted in Subaru - DO NOT USE

Today, the Subaru Outback was nominated for the 2010 North American Truck of the Year award, which might have people wondering if used Subaru models in New Jersey are as equally acclaimed.

Since its inception into the car world in 1995, the Subaru Outback has been known to many as the “world’s first sport-utility wagon.”

The 2006 Outback combines the all-terrain capability of previous models with the luxurious interior of the 21st century SUV, according to Edmunds.com.

Outbacks are renowned for their ability to handle various weather conditions, but the ’06 version is “fun to drive even when the weather isn’t terrible,” quoted by the news source.

Although the base engine only provides adequate power compared to other cross-over SUV’s, the turbo four and H6 engines have quick acceleration and enough power to handle any type of off-road driving.

The ground clearance on the 2006 Outback has been raised to 8.7 inches, a total of 10 inches higher than the previous year’s model. Subaru also added a navigation system to the list of available options.

Used Subaru models in New Jersey should benefit from the recent accolades given to the 2010 Outback.

Rally news could boost popularity of used Ford models in New York

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Posted in Ford

Marcus Gronholm, World Rally Championship (WRC) star, recently announced he would be driving his Focus RS in Sweden’s WRC event this February, which could get fans excited about used Ford models in New York.

Unfortunately, Ford’s 305-horsepower Focus RS is only sold in Europe for the time being, according to AutoWeek. While the manufacturer is considering bringing it over to the U.S. in the future, right now one of the best Focuses available to Americans is the model built by the company’s Special Vehicle Team – appropriately badged the SVT.

Edmunds says the Focus SVT is no longer manufactured, meaning car shoppers who find one for sale should think long and hard about whether or not passing up a chance to buy the hatch is a good idea. The first SVTs rolled out of Ford factories in late 2001, complete with 170-horsepower four-cylinder motors and six-speed manual gearboxes. The three letters added next to the Focus emblem meant the compact had received 25 more HP than stock and 17-inch alloys instead of 15-inch steel wheels.

Jared Holstein of Modified Magazine says Ford was going after the Honda Civic Si and the Sentra SE-R when it began building the SVT. In the late 1990s, automakers realized car shoppers wanted vehicles that could play two roles: that of the daily driver, and that of the weekend racer. Doing both without costing the consumer an arm and a leg of course meant compromising some power and performance for measures that would increase reliability and fuel efficiency. This meant Ford couldn’t simply place a Cobra motor in a base model Focus, even if such a thing had been possible. Precise modifications were the objective.

Ford said the SVT’s 2-liter Zetec engine was its most technologically advanced, reports Modified. The motor used variable cam timing on the intake cam and a dual-stage intake manifold to increase low-end torque.

Speaking of other customizations made by SVT to the early generation Focus, the ZX3, Ford program manager Andy Slankard told the publication, “Due to the ZX3’s excellent chassis and suspension design, we didn’t have to make any major changes – just some tuning to give us extra control, agility and precision.”

Indeed, the SVT was no ordinary Focus and could remain Ford’s feistiest hatch, unless the automaker gives in and brings the RS to the U.S. Either way, with news of Gronholm’s entrance in Sweden’s February WRC event, used Ford Focuses in New York could start attracting more attention.

Greenhouse gases declared a threat, used Toyota models in New Jersey should benefit

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Posted in Toyota

Last week, the Environmental Protection Agency officially declared greenhouse gases a threat to public health and welfare, which may lead to a growing interest in used Toyota models in New Jersey.

As automakers continue to transition toward creating more environmentally-friendly vehicles, used hybrid cars could gain more popularity.

The 2004 Toyota Prius was completely redesigned to be bigger, more powerful and even more fuel-efficient, according to Edmunds.com.

The Prius has ultra-low emissions, outstanding gas mileage and is reasonably priced. It earned both Super Ultra Low-Emission Vehicle and Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle ratings by reducing its exhaust emissions by 30 percent compared to the previous year.

Even with its spectacular gas mileage, the 2004 Prius can accelerate from 0-60 miles per hour in 10 seconds. “With a combined city-highway rating of 55 miles to the gallon, the 2004 Toyota Prius is the most economical midsize sedan on the road,” said the news source.

Newly available options include a DVD-based navigation system, xenon headlights and a keyless ignition system.

As the auto industry continues its push toward being more environmentally-friendly, used Toyota models in New Jersey could attract more attention.

Used Jeep protects couple in massive pileup

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Posted in Jeep - DO NOT USE

Used Jeep Libertys in New Jersey could seem safer to car shoppers after they hear about a recent 50-car pileup that occurred in the Tri-State Region.

When most people imagine shocking car accidents, they picture collisions happening late on a Friday or Saturday night. But Rick and Beverly Belden, along with dozens of other motorists, were involved in an incident that occurred early one Sunday afternoon, according to the Connecticut Post.

“We jammed on the brakes and started to slide toward the pileup,” Mr Belden told the news source of his accident. The couple were on their way to a late breakfast in their 2003 Jeep Liberty when they became involved in an enormous accident just north of Indian Well State Park near Route 110 in Shelton, Connecticut.

Officials said the accident, which happened on December 13 and involved no deaths or serious injuries, was caused by poor weather conditions, reports the publication.

In 2008, there were approximately 5,811,000 police-reported motor vehicle traffic crashes across the country, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. When car shoppers hear the Beldens’ SUV kept them safe during their accident, used Jeep Libertys in New Jersey could become more popular.

Subaru reputation could benefit from ‘Share the Love’ event

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Posted in Subaru - DO NOT USE

Although the Share the Love Event will take place in California, used Subaru models in New York could benefit from the positive press it generates.

Share the Love, which will run until January 4, will give Subaru personnel a chance to volunteer their time in order to build a home with Habitat for Humanity. During this time, Subaru will also donate $250 for every vehicle it sells to one of five charities: The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Meals On Wheels Association of America, Habitat for Humanity, National Wildlife Federation and Boys and Girls Clubs of America.

Habitat for Humanity International has been working to eliminate poverty housing since 1976. Since its creation, the organization has built more than 350,000 houses worldwide, providing shelter to approximately 1.75 million people.

When more car shoppers hear about the Share the Love event, it is possible sales of used Subarus in New York will increase, as such generosity can help improve brand image in the eyes of the consumer.

GM’s search for a new CEO continues

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Posted in Auto Industry News, Chevrolet

All used Chevrolet models in New Jersey were produced by General Motors, whose chairman Ed Whitacre said on Tuesday that he doesn’t plan on being the interim CEO for long, although there is no timetable to replace him.

Whitacre, who took over for Fritz Henderson after he was forced to resign two weeks ago, said that the search for the next long-term CEO has yet to turn-up any qualified candidates.

Whitacre told reporters that he is not necessarily looking for someone with auto industry experience or even someone who has previously been a CEO.

“A person that’s a motivating, inspirational leader that’s familiar with big companies – manufacturing or industrial – would be helpful,” he told reporters.

The search is complicated by the executive pay limits imposed by the U.S. government on companies that were bailed out by Congress.

“I think it would be somebody who [wants] to do this for more than compensation,” Whitacre said. “It’s a big deal. It’s about coming back and making a company great and making it public again.”

Meanwhile, Whitacre confirmed on Tuesday that if General Motors doesn’t sell Saab by December 31, it will close the brand for good, the Associated Press reports.

The possibility of new management at General Motors could be a good sign for car enthusiasts that are in the market for used Chevrolet models in New Jersey.

Meet the new E-Class convertible, Used Mercedes models in New Jersey could benefit

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Posted in Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz recently unveiled the all-new 2011 E-Class convertible, which might help generate more interest in used Mercedes models in New Jersey.

The German automaker’s new vehicle is the talk of the industry due to its unique drop-top technology designed to keep passengers safe from swirling winds, according to U.S. News and World Report.

The 2011 E-Class convertible comes standard with the Aircap system, which is a tiny spoiler that sits on the windshield’s frame so that wind is deflected over the cabin.

Autoblog.com said that the system “limits the amount of wind intrusion into the passenger compartment up to speeds of 100 mph, keeping your perfectly coifed hair in check and making conversations easier when storming the autobahn.”

The only drawback of the Aircap technology is that it raises the convertibles drag, which might affect fuel economy.

Meanwhile, the 2003 E-Class Mercedes-Benz models are some of the more powerful luxury sedans in their class.

The E-320 has a 224-horsepower 3.2-liter V6 engine and goes from 0 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds. Contrastingly, the E500 has a 5.0-liter V8 engine and can go from 0 to 60 in less than 6 seconds.

That kind of power should generate more attention for used Mercedes-Benz models in New Jersey.