ABI announces 6 factors that will bring the auto industry into the future

If you've seen the dark comedy "The Cable Guy," you certainly remember Jim Carrey maniacally yelling "The future is now!" in the middle of a thunderstorm. Well, it turns out the Cable Guy is right – the future has a knack of getting here sooner than we think. Just as the Internet changed how people watch television, it's also going to change the automotive industry in big ways.

ABI Research recently released its "Six Transformative Paradigms" that are going to lead the auto industry toward a smart and sustainable future over the next 25 years. These six paradigms are: The Software Defined Car, Sensors and Big Data, The Connected Car, Car Sharing and Driverless, Electrification, and Internet of Things and Cooperative Mobility. The first three shifts are already taking place, while the last three will occur in the next decade, all leading up to what ABI calls "smart, sustainable mobility."

Auto manufacturers are already incorporating "smart" features into their vehicles, and tech giants like Apple and Google are developing their own enhanced vehicles. These smart cars can communicate with other vehicles and devices, constantly sharing data and feedback for an improved driving experience. Meanwhile, car sharing services like Uber and Lyft are re-defining how people get around, and the surge in electric vehicles is shaking up how car owners fuel up.

Disrupt, adapt, survive
According to ABI, these six paradigms present a number of opportunities for auto industry players to "reinvent themselves," for example, gas stations will have to start offering charging stations to stay relevant. Dealerships and insurance companies will have to rethink their places in the industry, too, and it will be the most agile and innovative that survive.

"The final three stages cooperative mobility, electrification, and car sharing leading to driverless cars will be the most disruptive to the automotive industry," said Dominique Bonte, Managing Director and Vice President at ABI Research. "Not all car manufacturers will survive the changing landscape. And newcomers will also emerge, ones eager to create new, software-defined, high-tech cars."

Making changes
With all these big changes already underway, what are the big auto makers doing to stay relevant? In a post for EVObsession, James Ayre wrote:

"One would think that with the shifting ground becoming more and more apparent, established auto-manufacturers would be putting more of an effort into staying ahead of the curve, but that largely doesn't appear to be the case. Though perhaps there's more going on behind closed doors than we are aware of?"

He has a point – auto manufacturers will have to boldly innovate to survive this smart, sustainable future. Some manufacturers are taking some steps toward the future, and it's likely others will follow suit. Last year, Ford announced its Smart Mobility Plan and 25 "global experiments designed to change the way the world moves." The company showed off its SYNC 3, a vehicle connectivity system and development plans for fully self-driving vehicles.

4 tips for protecting your car against rain damage

Spring showers bring May flowers, but they can also bring a whole lot of damage to your vehicle. Everyone knows the harm snow and ice can do to their cars, but many people don't consider the effects of rain. The excess moisture can degrade paint jobs and cause mold to grow if water leaks inside the vehicle, so it's a good idea to know what to do to keep your car in top shape, despite any showers.

Follow these tips to make sure your car is high and dry this season.

1. Rain, rinse, repeat
There's a new mantra you should adopt this season: When it rains, get a car wash. Now, it may not be economical to head to the car wash after every little shower, but if there's a big rainstorm it's vital to make your way over there as soon as possible. According to Auto Detail Doctor, one of the most important times to wash your car is immediately after it rains. Contrary to popular belief, rain is not giving you a free car wash by clearing away dirt and grime on your car – it's actually adding more pollutant-filled soot and sediment to your car's surface. The contaminants in this caked-on layer of yuck actually wear away at your paint job, and a professional scrub can help clear away all this nastiness. At the very least, give your car a rinse in the driveway.

rain"Shoot, did I leave the windows open in the limo?" is all this guy is thinking right now.

2. Close your windows
This one might seem obvious, but how many times have you walked out to your car after a rainstorm to realize you left the windows open the whole time? Everyone's been there. If water leaks into your car's interior, it can damage the fabric and cause a buildup of mold. This spring, make it a habit of always shutting your car windows, especially if rain is on the forecast. Don't forget about closing sunroofs and rear windows, too.

3. Target moisture
If the last tip failed to make an impression on you and you find yourself staring at an inch of water on the floorboards and spongy seats, it's time to get serious about drying out your vehicle. This is a multi-step process. If you've got an inch or more of standing water on the floor of your car, NAPA recommended using a wet/dry vac to suck out as much of it as you can, followed by using thick cloth towels to absorb any water that collected on seats or carpets.

Next, NAPA suggests using heavy airflow to dry out the interior of the vehicle. Open all doors and windows and then place a large fan on the ground near the car, setting it at an angle so that the air blows through the inside of the car. It's most effective to do this drying-out procedure inside your garage and letting the car sit for at least a day. If you're pressed for time or on the road, NAPA noted that you can also use your car's heater to dry out the vehicle, but it's less efficient and should only be used as a temporary solution. Finally, spot-dry any remaining damp areas with a blow dryer.

washGetting a car wash after a rainstorm helps remove harmful contaminants.

4. Out, dang spot
Getting a car wash immediately after a rainstorm will help prevent most waterspots and paint damage, but if you live in an area where the rain is more acidic, it could be a good idea to invest in a paint cleanser. The product will decontaminate the surface of the car's exterior to prevent damage from the rain, explained Dr. Beasley's. Use the paint cleanser after getting a car wash for best results – it removes extra grime and helps protect your car against the next downpour.

The Toyota Celica GT Was a Gem; Learn More about This Instant Classic

Toyota

Only a handful of cars could possibly stake claim to a 35-year long unbroken history of being released annually. However, the Toyota Celica is one car that survived to tell the tale. In its long and glorious history, the car went through a significant number of changes in terms of its powertrains, buyer profiles and competitors. Notwithstanding, it never forgot its identity of being the company’s beginning-level sport coupe.

Having arrived in the US in the year 1971, a year known for political upheavals, the oldest Celica became renowned for its rear-wheel drive – a trend that has been able to stay for three generations. A significant change arrived when front-wheel drive was adopted for the fourth-generation Celica during the eighties of the last century. The Japanese automobile manufacturer made the vehicle a bigger attraction when it was converted into coupe, hatchback and convertible versions during the nineties of the last century.

In the face of complaints by car enthusiasts on the new Celicas not being very sporty, the company came up with an alternative version. This recent version of the Celica was both sporty and comfortable. People who are interested in sporty convertibles and coupes might certainly take a good look at Toyota Celica. However, it is important to note that he car’s qualities do differ with the time period.

For an affordable and fun sports car, look into a used Toyota Celica. Contact the New Jersey State Auto Auction store to look further into one of these great vehicles and their availability.

 

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New Jersey State Auto Auction

406 Sip Avenue

Jersey City, New Jersey 07306

Phone: 201.355.4138

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Lincoln shows off impressive new concept car at NY Auto Show

Attendees of the 2016 New York International Auto Show were treated to a first look at Lincoln's new Navigator concept car. The unusual model probably had onlookers half-expecting the vehicle to set sails or take flight – anything but simply drive down the street.

According to Yahoo! Finance, the statement-making Lincoln Navigator concept took its inspiration from yachting. The model boasts large, graceful gullwing doors that sweep out from either side of the vehicle and a classy retro interior that features seaworthy teak detailing.

The reveal of the impressive vehicle follows a years-long effort by the Lincoln brand to revive its image and boost sales. The brand, owned by Ford, believes the new design, is just what consumers need – even if it is a little over-the-top.

"Gullwing doors are not at the top of [consumers] needs right now," said president of the Lincoln brand Kumar Galhotra in an interview with USA Today. "There are two reasons that we did this. One is that it's a concept. Concept (vehicles) offer great ways to explore ideas. The second is that the interior of the vehicle is very important … and this is a great way to showcase that interior."

Rehabbing the brand
The past several years have not been easy for Lincoln. According to Yahoo! Finance, the brand sold a miniscule 80,000 vehicles in 2014 – compared to around 250,000 a year in the early 1990s. Its most famous offering, the Lincoln Continental, had since retired, and its last remaining major player, the Lincoln Navigator, was a clunky SUV that cost a small fortune just to fill up, explained the source.

Ford was considering shuttering Lincoln's doors forever, but Mark Fields, who would later become Ford's CEO, talked the then-CEO out of it, feeling a renewed sense of hope in the brand's future.

Key to the brand's future were two things: a commitment to "quiet luxury" as the Lincoln mantra and Matthew McConaughey.

You've seen the commercials: A suave McConaughey drives a Lincoln around while muttering weird things. Sometimes he's en route to a fancy dinner party, sometimes he's randomly in the desert facing down a bull. No matter the setting, you can be sure he's going to say some strange stuff like:

"Sometimes you gotta go back to actually move forward." Or: "That's a big bull." Or even: "I just liked it."

What are you trying to say, Matthew?! The ads are odd and unconventional, that's for sure. But they certainly worked, despite of – or perhaps because of – their weirdness. After the premier of the ads, Lincoln had its strongest October sales since 2007, with sales up 25 percent, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

A wave of parodies followed suit, the most famous of which were a series of SNL skits starring Jim Carrey. According to THR, the skits led to a more than 100 percent increase in Lincoln brand visibility on social media. 

Quiet luxury soars
The many, many parodies of the McConaughey ads aside, Lincoln's new image took flight. With lots of luxury vehicles on the market that emphasized engine power and other hard performance specs, Lincoln leadership wanted to appeal to wealthy consumers that didn't care for hefty horsepower or turbo-charged stats, explained Yahoo! Finance. "Quiet luxury" was what Lincoln wanted to represent, and it seems to be working.

"We made a very big commitment to Lincoln about three years ago, saying we want to turn Lincoln into a world-class luxury brand with a client experience to match," said current Ford CEO Mark in an interview with Business Insider, as reported by Yahoo! Finance. "And we've had a lot of success implementing that strategy. We grew our sales and our market share two years in a row. In the first couple of months of this year our sales are up 19%."

And the gullwing-boasting Lincoln Navigator is all about taking that quiet luxury to new heights. According to USA Today, the production version of the vehicle is slated to go on sale in 2017, which is exactly 20 years after the original Navigator was introduced to the world.

But you don't need to be a millionaire – or Matthew McConaughey – to drive a Lincoln. Head to NJ State Auto today to find a Lincoln that suits your wallet, and your needs. 

The top car rivalries of all time

This March seems to be a month full of fierce competition. March Madness turned friends into foes as brackets were drafted and dreams were dashed, and the presidential primaries got even more heated. Even Batman and Superman were fighting in Hollywood's latest superhero flick, though nobody's really sure why.

It seems in the spirit of the season, then, to take a look at some of the top car rivalries of all time.

Toyota vs. Honda
The two big Japanese manufacturers have a long and turbulent history together. Sub5Zero explained that Honda was founded in an act of seeming defiance – Soichira Honda went his own way and created the company's first car, the T360 pickup, despite the protestations of Japan's manufacturing leaders. The two brands bump heads frequently with their sizeable control of the family sedan market, though the source noted their supercars like the NSX and Supra sometimes scuffle, too. Maybe's there's good feelings underneath it all, though: Honda's founder shared pistons with Toyota prior to World War II.

VW GTI vs. Ford Focus ST 
These two hatchbacks both bring the heat. The VW GTI has the street cred, according to Popular Mechanics:

"For hot-hatchbacks devotees, the VW GTI is as revered as the Porsche 911 or the Chevy Corvette. This is the car that defines the segment."

Pretty high praise, to be sure. But Ford brought its A-game with the Ford Focus ST, generating 247 hp and 266 torque, surpassing the GTI in engine performance. However, the Focus ST is a bit heavy, and doesn't have the GTI's 258 lb-ft torque at 1500 rpm.

The verdict: Tie. Popular Mechanics decided that the two vehicles are rather evenly matched – a perfect opportunity for Ford and VW to raise the stakes next year.

fightIn Sept. 2008, Nissan and Porsche sent representatives to fight each other to prove whose car was better (just kidding, this never happened … that we know of).

Nissan GT-R vs. Porsche 911 Turbo
Speaking of the Porsche 911, it's caught up in its own little rivalry. Perhaps "little" isn't the right word – Jalopnik readers named this feud as one of the top 10 most vicious car rivalries of all time. Nissan threw some serious shade back in 2008 when they decided to start setting some lap records on the tracks in Nürburgring, Germany – also known as The Royal and Impenetrable Kingdom of Porsche (unofficially).

Of course, Porsche went into full get-off-my-lawn mode and took its 911 model to Turbo status. Nissan boosted its GT-R, Porsche responded with their own updates, and the two cars took the track to see who reigned supreme.

Wrote Raphael Orlove in a post for Jalopnik:

"Sure, the monomaniacal focus on lap times got a bit silly, but it was an epic battle for sports car dominance nonetheless."

Ford Mustang vs. Chevrolet Camaro
Both manufactured in Detroit, the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro have been fighting since they were first introduced. The Mustang shook up the U.S. car market when it arrived on the scene in 1964, and Chevrolet – who was churning out Corvairs and Novas – knew they had to up the ante, Sub5Zero explained.

"The Mustang and Camaro have been fighting since they were first introduced."

Thus were the competitive circumstances of the Camaro's birth on a fateful day in 1967. Did the Camaro bow under the weight of the pressure, and all the hopes and dreams riding on it? No, it rose to the occasion, proving a formidable opponent to the Mustang in the ensuing decades.

There may be a whiff of change in the air, though. USA Today reported that the redesigned Mustang has set itself apart as the favorite, with its updated engine and suspension. The proof is in the numbers: Ford sold 113,607 Mustangs in the first 11 months of 2015 – a 55.4 percent increase in sales, while Camaro sales were down 9.5 percent, with Chevrolet selling only 72,136 of the cars during the same time period. Don't think this fight is won, though – it's very possible the Camaro will make an epic comeback.

If you'd rather take a break from all the competition, head to NJ State Auto, where you can find the best car to suit your needs, at an affordable price. 

The SLK Roadster Is a Madman that Has to Be Driven and Experienced

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Mercedes-Benz has always been a company that harps on innovation, power, style and comfort. Consequently, this should come as no surprise to anyone that the SLK Roadster perfectly fits into the given criteria. To put it in simple words, this vehicle is for those people who are emotionally and physically ready to drive a sports car while having the comfort and convenience of a convertible.

If you take out your SLK Roadster, there will be no shortage of people jealously peeping into your car. The car is simply awesome when the speed is concerned. It has the ability to reach a speed of 60 miles per hour within a time span of 5.4 seconds. What’s more, you have the brand name of Mercedes-Benz stamped on the car for establishing your class. The handling is pure bliss and the ambience and exhaust akin to a sports car are something that should fascinate you.

The engine installed in the car is a V6 that has an outstanding exhaust note. The door and the dash are endowed with soft-touch material thus imparting the car with rare class. Not to mention it’s bold, cherish able exterior appearance!

If at all you are interested in getting behind the wheel of a Mercedes-Benz SLK Roadster, make it a point to visit the New Jersey State Auto Auction store to find a great deal on an even greater car.

 

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New Jersey State Auto Auction

406 Sip Avenue

Jersey City, New Jersey 07306

Phone: 201.355.4138

Website: www.NJStateAuto.com/?ibp-adgroup=SE_Target

What Do You Know about the Kelley Blue Book?

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Kelley Blue Book is the name of a renowned automotive and vehicle valuation organization that is equally revered by both the automobile industry and consumers. The company is a constituent of Cox Automotive, which happens to be a unit of the Atlanta, Georgia-based Cox Enterprises. Kelley Blue Book is based in the City of Irvine in California.

The company is involved in reporting the market prices associated with both used and new automobiles across various genres. It also does the same for motorcycles. For the array of new and used automobiles, the company delivers a Fair Purchase Price and Fair Market Range for each one. This is dependent on the actual transaction of what other consumers are dishing out for a vehicle and modified on a regular basis based on the repercussions in the market. For new vehicles, the company also delivers information pertaining to a car’s dealer invoice price and MSRP. For used vehicles, the company plays an instrumental role in providing the certified pre-owned value, retail value, private party value and trade-in value. The company additionally provides consumer and expert reviews and rating on vehicles in addition to 5-Year Cost to Own data meant for the new cars.

Harris Poll acknowledged Kelley Blue Book as the Online Auto Shopping Brand of the year for the period between 2012 and 2014.

Just in case you are interested to buy a car for yourself, do make it a point to visit the New Jersey State Auto Auction store now.

 

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New Jersey State Auto Auction

406 Sip Avenue

Jersey City, New Jersey 07306

Phone: 201.355.4138

Website: www.NJStateAuto.com/?ibp-adgroup=SE_Target

Never Ignore Dashboard Warning Lights

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Drivers have the tendency to ignore dashboard lights at times thus exposing themselves and their fellow travelers to potential hazards. When you are driving a vehicle, there are chances that any of the dashboard lights have been switched on because of a number of reasons. While there are certain warning lights that have been made as specific cases for individual brands, there are certain others that are common to all cars.

Remember not all the warning lights mean the same thing. While red warning light points towards a serious problem, an orange or a yellow light means that any of the electrical or mechanical components is in requirement of an immediate rehaul. If the light continues to flash, you should make it a point to contact your dealership immediately. A blue or a green light means that there is nothing to worry for the moment and that a specific system is working as it should be.

Remember that if a critical light has switched itself on, it should immediately be resolved. Consequently, the car needs to be stopped and allowed to be handed over for repair work. Ignoring the signal means that you are not only putting yourself at a greater risk, but all the warranty conditions are becoming void.

Make sure that you know the meanings of the specific warning lights and take steps to address the same immediately.

Just in case you want to buy a car for yourself, do make it a point to visit the New Jersey State Auto Auction store today.

 

#NJSAA

#NJStateAuto

#NJStateAutoAuction

New Jersey State Auto Auction

406 Sip Avenue

Jersey City, New Jersey 07306

Phone: 201.355.4138

Website: www.NJStateAuto.com/?ibp-adgroup=SE_Target

Here Is a List of the Ten Best SUVs to Buy Used

generic SUV

Many families aspire for the versatility associated with an SUV. However, the costs become a major deterrent at times. The good news is that you could buy a used SUV for a price under $10,000. However, for that you need to do a substantial amount of research. So, here is a list of the 10 best SUVs that you could buy used:

  1. 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe: This is one of the best family SUVs that you could buy. It is great while on the roads but cold be a little disenchanting when off the roads.
  2. 2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer: Although not very design-friendly, the car is rather robust and could be used even after covering a certain amount of distance.
  3. 2008 Dodge Durango: With plush interior and a fairly spacious cabin, it could be a good decision to buy a 2008 Dodge Durango.
  4. 2007 Nissan Murano: Attractive design and great performance, this car is actually good.
  5. 2008 Ford Explorer: One of the most popular midsize sedans, this car is also a good choice.
  6. 2006 Honda Pilot: Rather comfortable, this car is also good looking.
  7. 2008 Subaru Forester: A rather long-running vehicle, it is good.
  8. 2006 Honda CR-V: A compact crossover, this car could be actually good.
  9. 2006 Toyota Highlander: A midsize SUV, it offers class.
  10. 2007 Toyota RAV4: Great looking and suave, this could be a good choice as well.

Just in case you would want to buy any of the above used SUVs, do make it a point to visit the New Jersey State Auto Auction store today.

 

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New Jersey State Auto Auction

406 Sip Avenue

Jersey City, New Jersey 07306

Phone: 201.355.4138

Website: www.NJStateAuto.com/?ibp-adgroup=SE_Target

2016 New York International Auto Show: What You Need to Know

All eyes in the auto world will be on the Javits Center in NYC for the 2016 New York International Auto Show March 25 – April 3. Guests will gawk at nearly 1,000 cutting-edge vehicles and check out the newest offerings from the world's leading automakers at an event that's as glitzy and glamorous as the auto industry can get.

The belles of the ball this year? SUVs and CUVs, according to Forbes. Sports cars will also have some time in the spotlight, though it's sport- and crossover- utility vehicles that will be named Prom King and Queen.

The Popular Kids: Utility vehicles
Automakers are expected to dramatically pull the white sheets off some exciting new models. Porsche is going to wow with its display of a four-cylinder Macan, Forbes reported, while the U.S. will get its first look at the impressive Maserati Levante. Also on the lineup is the electric Mitsubishi Outlander and a reworked Acura MDX.

Mercedes-Benz will be flaunting its crossover option, the Mercedes-AMG GLC43, though some industry experts think the model is more about looks than utility. The AMG carries the "coupe" name, with its fluid lines, but is indeed a spacious vehicle that boasts Ride Control Sport suspension setup, noted Digital Trends. Although the model may be more focused on being a good-looking, luxury crossover, it is able to exceed 60 miles per hour in less than 5 seconds. Maybe Mercedes shouldn't take all the blame for its looks, though – the site did mention that the "swoopy silhouette" has recently become incredibly popular with SUVs that straddle the line between the coupe life and pure utility.

The hatch is back
Also in the spotlight? The hatchback. Honda Civic will be showing its first hatchback since 1995, reported the Miami Herald. It will have a feisty 174-horsepower engine and will be marketed toward those Millennials, who Honda's Senior VP believes are looking for vehicles that combine "hatchback utility and sporty performance," the newspaper noted. Hey, if Millennials can bring Star Wars, typewriters and vinyl back, why can't they do the same for the good ol' hatch?

godzillaNot Godzilla, but close??? Perhaps a distant relative. 

"Godzilla: The Sequel" hits theaters
It's loud, it's brash and it's unapologetic – the Nissan 2017 GT-R is a creature to be reckoned with. The manufacturer flaunts a brand spankin' new rendition of the vehicle, nicknamed "Godzilla," at the show this year. And well, it's better. Wrote Chris Ziegler in an article for The Verge:

"Basically, Godzilla is more terrifying – but also somehow friendlier, than ever."

The GT-R is a true supercar, capable of going from 0-60 mph in less than 3 seconds, and has 20 additional horsepower – though the engine is allegedly quieter. The aesthetic changes are subtle, with a slightly different vent design and hood. Ziegler explains that the updated GT-R is intended to convince people that you don't have to be Dom Toretto in "Fast & Furious" to have a reason to use this car – you can also drive it around the country on a road trip. Heck, if you owned this $100,000 vehicle, you'd probably drive it to the grocery store.

Middle-road, but definitely not mediocre
It's not all just cutting-edge crossovers and intimidating supercars at the NY International Auto Show. Traditional cars will have some time to shine, too, according to Forbes. Leading the pack will be the brand-new Subaru Impreza, a compact sedan with state-of-the-art powertrain technology that Subaru just can't wait to show off. Also look out for a revamped Kia Cadenza and Chevrolet Sonic, which boasts an updated tech interface that's compatible with Android Auto and Apple Car Play.

Can't afford the Nissan GT-R of the other supercars on display at the New York International Auto Show? Don't worry, just head to NJ State Auto and we can fix you up with the perfect vehicle, even if you have poor credit.