Edmunds: Sales expected to be down for May

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Posted in Auto Industry News

Automakers are primed to report their May sales in the coming days, and the early estimates aren't showing favorably for the major brands.

Car sales were hot to start the year, partly due to the recovering economy and a wave of incentives offered by automakers. Since then, the high price of fuel and production slowdowns have conspired to keep sales low, USA Today reports. While April's sales figures were generally average, it appears that dealership lots weren't very crowded in the month of May, according to early projections from the car website Edmunds.

Specifically, Honda is reported to be set to report their worst May since 1997. Its Japanese rival, Toyota, is also poised for a bad month, set to lose 3 percent of its markets share to other automakers.

Despite the slowdown in sales, Edmunds auto analyst Michelle Krebs told the news source that small cars continue to be a big hit with consumers.

"Even though gas prices have moderated slightly from recent weeks, small cars continue to fly off dealer lots at a pace not seen since the gasoline-price run-up in the summer of 2008," said Krebs.

Drivers interested in a small car or any other vehicle may want to consider New Jersey State Auto Auction, which offers a wide range of cars for sale at affordable prices.
 

NHTSA to investigate Wrangler, Altima

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Posted in Nissan

Two popular models have come under investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for unrelated safety issues that could potentially injure drivers.

While no accidents or serious injuries have been reported yet, used models of the Nissan Altima and Jeep Wrangler both apparently have flaws that drivers need to be aware of.

On the Altima, the issue is related to the brake master cylinder. Apparently, this part can wear down over time and begin to leak. While these leaks will trigger a sensor and warning light, the onus is on the driver to heed this light and bring the car into the shop. If the light is ignored, it could potentially lead to a loss in braking fluid. The NHTSA is looking at approximately 440,000 vehicles made between 2007 and 2008 for this specific issue.

The Wrangler issue is also restricted to 2007 and 2008, although the problem is limited to 220,000 units. In rare cases, an electrical shortage can cause the airbag to not deploy properly, which could prove problematic in a collision.

Drivers interested in purchasing a used car should do some research on any recent recalls to make sure that the model they're considering isn't on the list for a safety issue. Once ready to buy, drivers can visit New Jersey State Auto Auction to shop a wide range of models at affordable prices.
 

Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt butt heads in newest ad

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Posted in Chevrolet, Nissan

Drivers might assume that since the Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt are the first two electric vehicles to make it to market, that the two models would stick together – after all, interest in electric models as a concept is good for the future of both brands. However, Nissan has made it clear that it's not playing nice in its latest advertisement, which attempts to knock the Volt down a peg.

The conceptual ad, entitled "Gas-Powered Everything," is set to air during the NBA Finals on June 12th. The minute-long commercial takes place in an alternate reality where apparently electricity doesn't exist – everything from coffee makers to iPods are run on gas, with accompanying plumes of smoke.

These comical images continue until about 75 percent of the way through the ad, when a pathetic-looking driver is seen filling up his Chevrolet Volt at a gas station. A voice then asks "what if everything ran on gas?" as the man watches another driver pass by in his Nissan Leaf. "Then again, what if everything didn't?"

The commercial clearly goes after the Volt where it hurts – taking the electric vehicle to task for using a gas generator to assist the motor. The Leaf never has to visit a gas station, although it is that generator that gives the Volt a greater range than the Leaf.

Electric vehicles are still pretty expensive, so drivers might want to wait until they hit the used car market before committing to one. In the meantime, New Jersey State Auto Auction offers a wide range of high-MPG vehicles, including hybrids.
 

New Passat is larger, cheaper, than previous model

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Posted in Volkswagen - DO NOT USE

Volkswagen has unveiled their 2012 Passat, set to debut in the fall, and it appears that the vehicle will be selling at a much cheaper price point than its predecessor.

With an expected MSRP of around $20,000, the new Passat represents a major change for the German automaker – the midsize sedan is nearly $7,000 less expensive than the previous version. This should help the car compete in the highly-competitive midsize segment, which includes best-sellers like the Toyota Camary, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata.

In addition, Volkswagen has also made the car quite a bit bigger, taking into account the criticism leveled at the previous model for being a bit too snug. The car is now three inches longer, with the wheelbase sporting an extra four inches (presumably they shortened the front or rear end to get to three inches total). The result is an extra six cubic feet on the interior, making the car quite roomy.

"The 2012 Passat is a true Volkswagen, offering German engineering, class-leading standard features, and superior fuel economy, all for a remarkable value," said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO of Volkswagen's American branch.

The new Passat might be cheaper than its predecessor, but drivers who are really looking for value would do well to wait until the model hits the used car market. In the meantime, New Jersey State Auto Auction offers a wide variety of cars for sale at reasonable prices.

IIHS names six small cars as “Top Safety Picks”

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Posted in Ford, Hyundai, Nissan, Toyota

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety routinely tests batches of vehicles to determine its "Top Safety Picks," an award that's been coveted by the automotive industry in the past. The group recently took a look at 13 small cars and crossovers, and found that six were worthy of the prestigious title.

Of the cars tested, only the Ford Focus, Toyota Prius, Nissan Juke, Lexus CT200h, Hyundai Elantra and Honda Civic were able to perform well enough to receive the award. The IIHS maintains that all vehicles must earn the highest rating of "good" on front, side, rear and rollover tests to qualify.

This tough requirement can lead to disappointment for some brands, as the Honda Insight and CR-Z found out in this round of testing. Both cars earned good ratings on all tests except the rollover, where they were merely "acceptable." Similarly, the Scion xD had three good tests, save for an "acceptable" front impact crash.

Other models, such as the Suzuki SX4 and Dodge Caliber, did not fare as well, with multiple tests deemed merely "acceptable" and even a few "marginal" thrown in.

If you're in the market for a safe and reliable vehicle that won't break the bank, check out New Jersey State Auto Auction. They have many "Top Safety Picks" of past and present available at reasonable prices.
 

Nissan working on 30-mpg engine for Titan pickup

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Posted in Auto Industry News, Nissan

Nissan has announced that it is partnering with diesel engine manufacturer Cummins to work on a new version of its Titan pickup that could potentially surpass 30 miles per gallon the highway, a previously unheard of figure for pickup trucks.

The Japanese automaker is currently at work on a 2.8-liter four cylinder engine that they hope to use in a future redesign of the Titan. Fuel economy is the main target for Nissan and Cummins, with the two aiming for a target of 28 combined miles per gallon, according to PickupTrucks.com.

Given the discrepancy between city and highway ratings, that likely means that the new engine would be rated at above 30 miles per gallon on the highway. This extremely high figure for a large vehicle would go a long way toward helping Nissan meet stricter fuel economy standards instituted by the Department of Energy.

In addition, the engine is being built with an eye on emissions, hoping to comply with the super-ultra-low-emissions-vehicle standards in California, something that's only been achieved by hybrids thus far.

The two groups are looking to complete work on the engine by 2014, in time for it to be available on the next generation of Titan.

Whether you're looking for a pickup truck or a highly fuel efficient vehicle, New Jersey State Auto Auction's wide range of cars for sale at affordable prices will be able to put you in a car that matches your wishes and budget.

Survey: Americans holding off on Volt, Leaf

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Posted in Chevrolet, Nissan

There's been a lot of hype surrounding electric vehicles such as the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf, but a recent survey reveals that the cars have a long way to go before they're fully accepted by the American public.

The poll, organized by USA Today and Gallup, found that 57 percent of Americans will not by an electric vehicle, no matter how high fuel prices rise. The skyrocketing cost of gas has caused many to consider the vehicles, but the poll makes clear that there's a limit on just how many consumers will be swayed by the electric argument.

Edmunds CEO Jeremy Anwyl said that the models "find acceptance among a core group of passionistas, but too many questions remain for mainstream consumers." Concerns for many drivers include arrange, charge time, and the cost of energy the drivers will incur through charging the vehicles. In addition, the models are quite pricey to start out with, even after a $7,500 federal tax credit is factored into the equation.

Drivers who want to hold off on purchasing electric vehicles may want to consider used cars instead. New Jersey Auto Auction offers a wide range of cars for sale, including some of the more fuel-efficient models on the market today.

DOT releases new window stickers

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Posted in Auto Industry News

The Department of Transportation, in conjunction with the Environmental Protection Agency, have revealed new winder stickers that will provide buyers with more information on the fuel efficiency and emission of the vehicles they're purchasing.

Set to debut on new models in 2013, the new stickers mark the first time that information for electric vehicles will be included. Specifically, charge time and range are detailed, along with an easy conversion that allows drivers to compare the models with gas-powered vehicles.

"Today's car buyers want the best possible information about which cars on the lot offer the greatest fuel economy and the best environmental performance," said EPA administrator Lisa Jackson. "The new labels provide comprehensive information to American car buyers, helping them make a choice that will save money at the gas pump and prevent pollution in the air we breathe."

Beyond that, the stickers go into more detail than their predecessors, predicting things like average fuel costs each month. The stickers will also be readable by smartphones, allowing drivers to instantly connect online to get more information about a particular vehicle.

Drivers interested in a fuel-efficient vehicle may want to consider New Jersey State Auto Auction, which offers a wide range of high-MPG cars for sale.
 

Ford unveils heart-sensing seat technology

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Posted in Auto Industry News, Ford

Vehicle technology is becoming increasing sophisticated, and most cars can already detect when there is some type of problem with the engine or powertrain. So, what about detecting an issue with the driver?

Ford has been doing extensive research in that area, and recently unveiled a new driver's seat that will be able to detect a passenger's heart function. Through the use of six small sensors, the seat is able to detect electrical pulses from the heart without touching the skin.

The seat can then pass that information on to the car's computer system, which can take appropriate action. For example, if signs of a heart attack are present, the car may automatically disable and notify a local medical center before any damage is done.

"As always in medicine, the earlier a condition is detected, the easier it is to treat, and this technology even has the potential to be instrumental in diagnosing conditions drivers were previously unaware they had," said Dr. Achim Lindner, a medical officer at the Ford research center.

It is widely believed that former professional wrestler "Macho Man" Randy Savage recently died as a result of a heart attack which led to an accident, exactly the kind of situation that Ford is looking to prevent through this new technology.
 

BMW CEO details disappointing 5-Series GT sales

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Posted in Auto Industry News, BMW

BMW North America CEO Jim O'Donnell has admitted that he's "disappointed" in the slow-selling 5-Series GT, which was designed as a replacement for the company's 5-Series station wagon.

In comments to Automotive News, O'Donnell said that the new version of the 5-Series has not attracted the customer that the company hoped. Designed to resemble a cross between a coupe and a large hatchback, the polarizing styling has put off some drivers, something that has hurt the automaker's sales.

"The disappointment I have is that I thought a lot of our 5-Series station wagon customers would go with the GT," O'Donnell told the news source. "In point of fact, that is not happening. We have lost those customers to the competition – mainly to Mercedes-Benz."

Besides the fact that the car isn't selling well, the sales that it is generating aren't necessarily good ones. O'Donnell commented that the GT was drawing a lot of buyers away from the 7-Series. The two vehicles are built on the same platform, but the GT is $13,000 cheaper while only adding a bit more bulk. That means the company is losing potential sales for the more expensive model.

It appears that the 5-Series GT will go the way of the dodo soon, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's a bad vehicle. Drivers who are interested in purchasing a used BMW may want to consider waiting for the GT to begin hitting the pre-owned market.