Monthly Archives: August 2010

Ford’s Lincoln brand tops customer satisfaction survey

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Posted in Buick- DO NOT USE, Ford, General Auto News, Lincoln, Nissan

As the domestic car brands reinvent their vehicles, consumers are slowly taking notice of improvements. This is evidenced by the results of a new consumer satisfaction survey, which saw domestic brands take the top spots for the first time ever.

Ford‘s Lincoln and GM’s Buick lines took the top two spots in the American Customer Satisfaction Index. GM remained unchanged from the last survey with 88 percent of consumers satisfied, while Lincoln posted a 1 percent increase to take the top spot at 89 percent.

While the results were good news for Detroit’s automakers, the rest of the auto industry was not as lucky. Customer satisfaction scores fell by 2.4 percent on average overall, with fourteen of the nineteen ranked brands declining in satisfaction. While the American brands remained unchanged for the most part, they were able to take the top spot thanks to sharp fall by Toyota‘s previously top-ranked Lexus brand.

“No doubt they’re benefiting from [the recalls], but they’re also doing more things right,” said Claes Fornel, the founder of the index.

Nissan, meanwhile, posted the biggest gain with a 5 percent increase, with an overall satisfaction rating of 82 percent.

Customers in the market for a vehicle may want to heed these or previous results, then shop the used car market in order to get the best deal.

Mercedes-Benz developing “shooting break”

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Posted in Auto Industry News, BMW, Mercedes-Benz

Although only a few cars have been made in the style throughout history, the “shooting break” may be making a small comeback. The shooting break vehicle style takes a basic 2-door sports coupe and adds a squared-off hatchback trunk.

4WheelsNews.com reports that BMW has revealed plans for a shooting break variant of its upcoming 6-Series. Its chief rival, Mercedes-Benz, has also revealed a concept version dubbed the CLS Shooting Break.

Now, Mercedes is rumored to be putting its vehicle into production. The car will reportedly be called the CLC and will be slotted between the C-Class sedan and wagon.

According to the news source, the origin of the “shooting break” term came from carriages that were used to break in horses and transport goods used for hunting. The cars are somewhat popular with the small segment of luxury drivers who like the sleek two-door coupe style but need the extra space for golf bags or other cargo. Mercedes’ design may break from tradition by adding two more doors, making it closer to a station wagon.

Fans of this particular style may want to search for a used BMW Z3 Coupe, a classic version of the shooting break style.

Four hatchbacks that won’t break the bank

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Posted in Ford, Honda - DO NOT USE, Nissan, Toyota

Drivers shopping for a vehicle have many options to consider in deciding on a used car. But with such a wide variety of cars for sale, it’s difficult to choose just one.

One way to narrow down a buyer’s options is to select a particular class or style that’s suitable. Many drivers, for example, won’t be caught dead in anything other than a pickup truck. Others prefer the sleek stylings of two-seaters, or the off-roading capabilities of SUVs.

Hatchbacks are popular with many consumers because of their great fuel economy, low price and surprising amount of cargo and passenger space. For city dwellers, especially in Europe, these cars provide the additional benefit of being easy to maneuver and park.

Top Speed recently profiled four of the most popular hatchbacks, pitting them against each other in order to determine which truly rules the road. The four competitors were the Toyota Yaris, Nissan Versa, Ford Fiesta and Honda Fit.

While the Toyota Yaris was the news sources’ least favorite, the reviewer did admit the car was a great deal, considering it was $2,605 cheaper than the next cheapest hatchback. Drivers could use those savings to upgrade the Yaris with something like the Power Package, which retails for $1,705. The vehicle also has plenty of safety features and was as powerful as any of the other vehicles featured. Although the reviewer didn’t like the driving dynamics, such an experience is often subjective and potential buyers should probably test the car for themselves before making a decision.

Next up was the Nissan Versa. While coming in third place overall, was close to or even surpassed the other vehicles in many areas. The blog writes that Nissan must have used “some sort of engineering voodoo” in order to make the car so roomy. Four people will comfortably fit inside with plenty of leg room and head space, yet the car is no bigger than its competitors. The Versa was also praised for providing a quiet and easy ride. It lost points for power and an overall lack of style.

The Ford Fiesta, in second place overall, was considered the best looking car of the bunch, with one reviewer claiming it looked “like a work of art.” Unfortunately, the sleek design sacrifices some roominess and cargo space on the inside. The Fiesta provided the best ride quality and maneuvering and was the second fastest in the 0 to 60 test. The car can also be equipped with an optional dual-clutch Powershift transmission that significantly upgrades the driving experience – for a price.

While all of the other vehicles had flaws, the Honda Fit took top marks for really having none. The Fit is the classic jack-of-all-trades, good at everything but excelling in nothing. The news source found that it was suitably stylish, powerful, maneuverable and roomy, making it the top choice for a hatchback.

Hatchbacks are already easier on the wallet than many vehicles. Yet by shopping the used car market, drivers can get an even better deal on a great car.

Car sales pump up July

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Posted in Auto Industry News, General Auto News

The Commerce Department reports that while July saw modest growth in overall retail sales, the numbers were helped by a surge in auto and gasoline sales.

According to the report, food and retail sales, including the auto industry, were up 5.5 percent as compared to one year ago, and up 0.4 percent from June. New and used car sales, meanwhile grew 8.9 percent year-on-year, while gas sales posted a 12.2 percent growth.

When adjusted to exclude the strong showings from car-related industries, the retail sector was only up 4.9 percent yearly and 0.2 percent monthly, meaning car sales were responsible for nearly half of the monthly growth and a significant portion of the yearly growth. While most industries posted small gains, department stores notably slipped 0.8 percent as compared to 2009.

Some investors have been concerned that the economic recovery is losing momentum at a critical juncture, according to DailyFinance. While the overall numbers were slightly below expectations, many saw the auto industry’s strong showing as a good signal.

“July was a bit of a mixed bag,” Kamalesh Rao, director of economic research for MasterCard SpendingPulse, told the news source.

Car dealers face inventory shortages

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Posted in Chevrolet, Chrysler - DO NOT USE, Ford, General Auto News

Car dealers across the country are facing inventory shortages on some of the hottest models, as automakers struggle to meet the rising demands of consumers.

During the downturn, many dealership owners were left with an overabundance of cars for sale on their lots, as automakers still had vehicles left over from before the recession, yet few buyers interested in them. Since the car companies have slashed production at many factories, however, dealers are now facing the opposite problem – not enough vehicles to quench Americans’ increasing thirst for cars.

According to Bloomberg, car supply among the Big Three is down 30 percent at Ford, 43 percent at GM and 53 percent at Chrysler as compared to 2008. Yet analysts surveyed by the news source predict that auto sales will rise to 11.9 million vehicles this year from 10.4 in 2009.

That can only happen, however, if the automakers make enough vehicles to achieve that. Already, the major auto companies have added shifts to factories that produce the most popular models.

One dealer interviewed by the news source said he had requested 100 Ford Fusions in July and received just seven – and he owned the best-selling Ford dealership in the country.

The laws of supply and demand dictate that an inventory shortage for new cars means that prices may soon rise. Those in the market for a vehicle might be better off shopping the used car market, where they’ll also find a wider selection.

Nissan unveils Infiniti Performance Line

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Posted in Auto Industry News, Infiniti - DO NOT USE, Nissan

While used Nissans and Infinitis can be great buys, drivers may be a bit envious of those lucky enough to ride around in BMWs or Mercedes – especially the performance-oriented models. However, a new initiative from the Japanese automaker will soon see Infiniti debut cars closer to the turbocharged stallions of other fleets.

In recent years, luxury brands have introduced performance lines, like Mercedes’ AMG, BMW‘s M, or Lexus‘ F. These lineups represent racing-inspired vehicles that tout performance and horsepower over a nice interior or sleek design (although they frequently have those as well). Nissan’s Infiniti luxury brand will soon follow suit by debuting the IPL, or Infiniti Performance Line.

The first car out of the IPL will hit showrooms in December in the form of the IPL G Coupe. Based off an Infiniti G37, the car’s 348-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 engine will be sure to turn a few heads in the high-end class. And if it doesn’t, then the optional red interior might do the trick.

Although these cars can come with hefty price tags, drivers may be able to save off the sticker price by shopping on the used car market.

BMW to enter four-door coupe market

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Posted in Auto Industry News, BMW

With many luxury automakers debuting four-door coupes, like the Porsche Panamera, Mercedes CLS and upcoming Audi A7, it only makes sense that BMW would follow suit when it debuts the Grand Coupe in 2012.

According to Automotive News, BMW’s development chief Klaus Draeger has confirmed that the company will put its Grand Coupe concept car into production. The four-door vehicles will be based on BMW’s 6-Series, which is set to debut a two-door model in 2011.

Draeger told the news source that the pricing and technology will be close to the 6-Series, which is expected to retail for around $93,560. The company is also considering a hybrid option.

“We are in position to bring out an additional hybrid version since we are using the same powertrain architecture as the 5, 6 or 7 series,” said Draeger.

BMW says that it is aiming the Grand Coupe at sedan fans who also appreciate the ability to get behind the wheel and drive as opposed to the “chauffeur-driven” clientele of its 7-Series.

Drivers who see themselves in a BMW don’t need to break the bank in order to achieve that dream. There are many used BMWs available that may fall into a more affordable price range.

Ford tops Kelley Blue Book’s most-considered list

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Posted in Chevrolet, Ford, General Auto News, Honda - DO NOT USE, Hyundai, Toyota

In a consumer survey to find what brands buyers are looking at when considering cars for sale, Ford has come out on top.

According to Kelley Blue Book, best known for providing values for used cars, Ford topped the list with 29 percent of buyers considering the automaker when purchasing a vehicle. Ford’s turnaround, bolstered by a redesign of its lineup, has clearly resonated with consumers, as it supplanted Toyota in the previous quarter and increased its lead in this one. Much of its strength comes in the SUV/Crossover segment, where nearly half of all buyers consider the brand, at 46 percent.

Toyota held on to the second spot by a slim margin, with its 22 percent share just edging out Chevy’s 21 percent. The automaker has lost its top position due to quality concerns stemming from the company’s unintended acceleration debacle.

Rounding out the top five was Honda, at 20 percent, and Hyundai, a surprise in the fifth spot with 13 percent.

Those in the market for a used car should do a bit of research in order to narrow down their own list of brands. They might even want to consider using Kelley Blue Book values to get a good price for their current car.

Toyota not at fault in many unintended acceleration cases

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Posted in Uncategorized

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) probe into the causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles has found that in many cases, drivers did not apply the brakes before a crash.

A review of event data recorders within the vehicles found that no brakes were applied in 35 of 58 cases. The report also found no evidence of faulty electronics within the vehicles.

The recorders, similar to black boxes used in airplanes, record data from the vehicle in the event of a crash. That information, such as speed, trajectory and which systems were working, can be integral in determining what happened before a crash.

The automaker has previously posited that some drivers may have confused the accelerator and the gas. The company did acknowledge that some gas pedals could stick and loose floor mats could trap the accelerator in rare instances.

In addition, Toyota is not completely off the hook because many of the recorded instances didn’t end in crashes.

“Reviewing event data recorders is one small part of the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration’s effort to get to the bottom of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles,” said Olivia Alair, a spokesperson for the Transportation Department.

The company has recalled over 8 million vehicles since the problems were first reported. Toyota fans may want to look at used Toyotas that are not on the recall list if they want a reliable car.

Honda, Mercedes recalling models

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Posted in Honda - DO NOT USE, Mercedes-Benz

Honda and Mercedes-Benz have separately announced that they will recall units of some popular models. The announcements affect some new and used Mercedes and Honda vehicles.

Honda Accords, Civics and Elements made between 2003 and 2004 may have a problem with the ignition. The automaker says that a pin within the keyslot can become deformed, which could possibly allow the key to be taken out while the car is not in park, which would cause the vehicle to roll away until the driver was able to reinsert the key and get the car under control. The problem is expected to affect nearly 385,000 vehicles.

New versions of the Honda Element, made in 2010, may have a problem with the automatic shift lever, which may become disconnected from the transmission and not allow the driver to shift gears.

Mercedes, meanwhile, has realized that a protective grille placed over turn signals in 2002-2010 models of its G-Class may not comply with federal standards, making the lights difficult to see.

Those driving a used Honda or Mercedes should make sure that their vehicle is not listed in the recall.