General Motors partners with LG to improve electric vehicles

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Posted in Auto Brands News, Cadillac - DO NOT USE, Chevrolet

Ford recently announced that it was partnering with Toyota to help create fuel-efficient trucks and SUVs. Not to be outdone, General Motors and LG Group will be teaming up to design electric vehicles in the future.

The partnership seems like a logical one as LG has worked on the electric engine for the popular Chevrolet Volt as well as the Opel Ampera. The venture will focus on finding other areas to use the technology, and seems to be beneficial to LG, GM and consumers.

"Many solutions for tomorrow’s transportation needs may be available more quickly by building on our partnership strategy," said GM vice chairman Steve Girsky. "Consumers benefit by getting the latest fuel-saving technology faster if we work with the best suppliers and we save time and money in the development process."

The move will likely prove to be an important one in the coming years as the U.S. government recently called for cars to have a 54.5 miles per gallon fuel economy by 2025.

Drivers looking to get behind the wheel of a fuel-efficient car may want to check out New Jersey Auto Auction, which offers plenty of models at affordable prices.

Ford adds EcoBoost engines to Explorer, Edge

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Posted in Auto Brands News, Ford

Ford has enjoyed a positive response to its Eurpoean release of the popular F-150 with the EcoBoost engine, and now drivers of other Ford cars will have the opportunity to enjoy the innovative technology as well. The automaker announced that it is offering the EcoBoost in the upcoming models of the Edge and the Explorer.

This will be the first time any Ford vehicles in North America have been outfitted with the four-cylinder model – the move comes after it was found to be especially popular in Europe. The engines combine turbocharging with direct injection and are part of a larger effort by Ford to make all of its cars more fuel-efficient without sacrificing performance or power.

"An EcoBoost powertrain puts Edge and Explorer fuel efficiency over the top, while the next-generation Ford Focus brings an extended portfolio of models with premium technology, comfort and convenience offerings," said Ford President of The Americas Mark Fields.

Drivers looking to get behind the wheel of a fuel-efficient Ford may want to check out New Jersey Auto Auction, which has plenty of models at affordable prices.

Honda, Toyota dominate best family car rankings

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Posted in Auto Brands News, Toyota

U.S. News and World Report recently unveiled its list of top cars for families, and Toyota and Honda lead the way. Whether families are looking for a compact sedan or a luxurious SUV to take kids to and from school, the popular Japanese manufacturers seem to have them covered.

The publication offered rankings in 20 different categories including Best Wagon, Best Hybrid Car and Best Off-Road SUV. Honda took home a number of awards such as Best Minivan, which it captured with its renowned Odyessy. The Honda CR-V also was named Best Affordable Compact SUV.

Not to be outdone, Toyota also shined brightly in the rankings. The Highlander was named Best Hybrid SUV while the Prius earned the honor for hybrid car.

"If you have the right family car, spending time in it is enjoyable for the whole family," the news source reports. "The wrong family car can make time on the road uncomfortable, frustrating and expensive."

Families looking to get into a Toyota or Honda may want to check out New Jersey Auto Auction, which offers plenty of makes and models at affordable prices. 

Redesigned Chevy Malibu getting European release

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Posted in Auto Brands News, Chevrolet

The Chevrolet Malibu has been a mainstay in American automotive culture, and the classic car will be making it's European debut later this year at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. General Motors announced that the newly redesigned Malibu will go on sale there for the first time next year, offering motorists a slew of impressive features.

Among the new aspects of the Malibu is a cockpit design that is much more spacious and inviting than in previous years. Additionally, it has a few new storage areas, bluetooth wireless capabilities and a seven-inch touch screen radio.

Furthermore, new Malibu drivers will be treated to a boost in performance as well, highlighted by premium steering and an isolated engine cradle that reduces noise.

"The Chevrolet Malibu is the brand's new top-of-the-range offering, bringing proven value with a premium feel to Europe's midsize segment." said Wayne Brannon, the president and managing director of Chevrolet Europe.

Motorists who are looking to pick up a Chevrolet Malibu may want to check out New Jersey Auto Auction, which offers plenty of used cars at affordable prices.

Toyota to unveil redesigned Camry on Tuesday

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Posted in Auto Brands News, Toyota

Toyota will reveal its redesigned Camry on Tuesday, showing to the world the new look they've given their flagship car. It will be the first time in five years that Toyota has redesigned the Camry and comes at a time when the manufacturer faces a number of struggles.

The Associated Press reports that the event, which will simultaneously take place in California, Michigan and Kentucky, will showcase the numerous upgrades being made to the car. Few details are confirmed, but one of the more impressive technological features is an entertainment system that allows drivers to connect to mobile applications.

Camry is still the number one selling car, with more than 20,000 units sold compared to its closest competitor, the Nissan Altima. Still, many felt a redesign was in order to attract a younger demographic.

"They are safe vehicles that have nothing fundamentally wrong with them, but they don't promote excitement," industry expert Jesse Tropak told the AP. "That is one of those elements you need to attract younger buyers."

Drivers looking to get behind the wheel of a Toyota may want to check out New Jersey Auto Auction, which offers plenty of models at affordable prices.

Ford, Toyota partner to create new line of hybrids

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Posted in Auto Brands News, Ford, Toyota

On the surface, Ford and Toyota may seem like competitors, but the two respected car manufacturers recently teamed up in an effort to provide motorists with more fuel-efficient options. The companies announced that they will collaborate to create an advanced hybrid system for light truck and SUV drivers.

The duo are expected to come to a formal agreement sometime next year, but the announcement ends years of the two working separately toward the same goal. By working together, both Ford and Toyota believe they will be able to create the next system faster than if they continued independently.

"Ford achieved a breakthrough with the Ford Fusion Hybrid, and we intend to do this again for a new group of truck and SUV buyers – customers we know very well," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development.

Specifically, the system will be focused on implementing hybrid features in a rear-wheel drive capacity. Both manufacturers are expected to implement the system in different ways.

Drivers looking to get behind the wheel of a Ford Fusion or Toyota Prius may want to check out New Jersey Auto Auction, which offers plenty of models at affordable prices.

Infiniti set to debut latest addition to its line up

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Posted in Auto Brands News

Infiniti has been a leader in affordable luxury cars for quite some time, and the manufacturer is set to unveil the latest addition to its line up. USA Today reports that the JX Concept, a crossover SUV, will join the Infiniti fleet sometime next year.

The sleek car, which features three rows and enough seating for seven passengers, will make its first appearance at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in California, but already it is making waves within the auto industry.

Among the numerous features included in the JX Concept is a collision avoidance system that works in reverse that alerts drivers of objects in their path when they're backing up. Additionally, its third row is more spacious and less confining than other similar vehicles.

"The third row isn't the typical penalty box either, with adult-sized room for all occupants and 5.5 inches of second-row forward-back adjustability," Ben Poore told the news source.

Drivers looking to get behind the wheel of used crossover vehicle will want to stop by New Jersey Auto Auction, which provides consumers with a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices.

Portland State University launches ‘electric avenue’

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Posted in General Auto News

Electric cars are starting to make their way onto the highways, and one school in Oregon is helping spread the appeal of the cars by offering the country's first electric avenue. Portland State University recently opened the street, which features seven electric vehicle (EV) charging stations from six different manufacturers.

The project, a joint effort between the school, Portland General Electric and the city of Portland, is being used as a two year research and development program, but it also offers numerous benefits to the community. Among the most useful features is a quick-charge station, which can be used by anybody to charge everything from trucks to bicycles.

The avenue is just one of many eco-friendly initiatives that the school, city and company hope to start over the next several years.

"As we implement new, green technologies, it is critical that we research how best to use them," school president Wim Wiewel said. "PSU is at the forefront nationally and internationally in understanding what it takes to develop sustainable transportation systems."

Drivers looking to get behind the wheel of a fuel-efficient used car may want to check out New Jersey Auto Auction, which offers plenty of affordable models.

Used car values on the rise

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Posted in Auto Industry News

Anybody looking to sell their used car, or trade it in for a different model, is certainly in luck. The Buffalo News reports that used car values have been steadily rising over the past several years, and are currently at some of their highest.

When it comes to Kelly Blue Book's valuation, prices are up an average of between 39 and 45 percent. It's not too hard to understand why, either. At the lowest part of the economic downturn, manufacturers reduced production, and the Cash for Clunkers program removed a large number of potential used cars from the market – and now drivers are reaping the benefits.

The rise in value has been especially helpful to consumers looking to trade in their current vehicle for a new or used model. In fact, for some drivers like West Seneca, New York, resident John Ehrig the increase in value convinced him to trade in his 2003 SLS Seville Cadillac for a 2005 Chrysler 300c in the first place.

"That's the only reason it worked out: They were willing to give me more than it was worth," Ehrig told the news source. "It was the car that had everything that I wanted."

To fully illustrate the point, the news source highlights the fact that in 2008, a three-year-old Honda Accord would have only brought the driver about $11,000 in trade in value. Today, a three-year-old Accord would get more than $16,000.

Still, there are some cars that have proven to be better trade in options than others. Specifically, CNN Money reports that Kia and Hyundai are excellent choices because they have the lowest ownership costs among sedans, making their resale value especially high.

While the market may be good for used cars right now, there are still some ways that car owners get the highest possible trade in value out of their car. One of the most important things that consumers should remember when shopping around for a trade in is to be aware of how much their car is worth, that way they can be sure whether or not they are getting a fair shake.

"The key to doing well in a transaction with a dealer is to be knowledgeable," market analyst Jack Nerad told bankrate.com.

Furthermore, the website recommends not being tied down to one dealer since going to multiple lots wlll give prospective buyers more options. 

BMW app lets drivers share favorite routes

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Posted in Auto Brands News, BMW

The United States is replete with scenic roads, but sometimes motorists may not know which routes to take. BMW is looking to change all that as it recently launched a free iPhone app that will allow drivers to share and rate some of the most picturesque stretches of road the country has to offer, according to Reuters.

Dubbed The Ultimate Drive, the app provides drivers with a number of features. In addition to giving them the option to share a drive of their own, it also gives them the opportunity to find paths in certain locations. Since it launched last week, BMW says that 600 routes have been added.

"There are plenty of sites that will show you the top roads to drive", Pawan Murthy, of BMW Group Financial Services, told the news source. "The roads that are filtering up [in the app] include others that very few people have ever heard of, and that's what makes it so exciting."

Motorists looking to get in a used car to check out some of the best roads may want to look to New Jersey Auto Auction, which offers plenty of makes and models at affordable prices.