Many dealers marking up Volt, Leaf

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Posted in Chevrolet, General Auto News

The Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf debuted with much fanfare as the first mass-market electric vehicles. However, it appears that the supply did not match up with the reception. Many dealers were only able to receive a select few of the electric vehicles, creating a situation where many buyers were vying for one car.

That situation is essentially a dealer's dream, as the competition creates an opportunity to take advantage and charge as much as possible. Many dealers frown on so-called "price gouging" – marking the price of the vehicle up by thousands of dollars – but others see it as standard operating procedure on vehicles such as this.

According to BNet, the prices for some of these Volts and Leafs are getting astronomical. One California dealer is reportedly asking for an extra $20,000 on top of the Volt's already-high $41,000 MSRP. An early adopter of the Nissan Leaf told the news source that he was once offered $70,000 for the car, and many others offered to pay as much as $10,000 over retail.

Fortunately for buyers, combating price gouging is simple – just wait. If you need a new car today, it's better to spend a few thousand on a used car and wait for the price of the car you really want to drop. Even better is to wait until the model you're eyeing hits the used car market itself, where you can really snag it at a discount. When the time comes for a vehicle purchase, New Jersey State Auto Auction is a great spot to take advantage of low prices. 

Honda issues recall for Odyssey due to window issue

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Posted in Auto Industry News

Drivers in the market for a vehicle should be sure to do research on all the latest auto safety news before making a decision, as cars are frequently recalled for a variety of problems.

The latest company to issue a recall on one of its vehicles is Honda. Most issues serious enough to warrant a recall typically involve the engine or critical parts beneath the car, but this recall, targeted at 2,800 units of the 2011 Honda Odyssey minivan, actually affects the windows.

According to the automaker, the issue seems to deal with the front windows on both the driver and passenger sides. Due to a power failure, the window can become inoperable or possibly even become stuck within the door. In some cases, the company says that the window can actually shatter, sending glass into the cabin. Although the company has not heard of any crashes or injuries due to this problem, it was enough to make Honda issue a recall for the affected vehicles.

Drivers considering purchasing a used Honda or any other vehicle may want to head to New Jersey State Auto Auction, which offers a wide range of cars for sale at affordable prices.
 

Jaguar dealership offers $1,000 for test drive

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Posted in General Auto News

A California Jaguar dealership has made national headlines after announcing that it will be giving away $1,000 just for test-driving one of their Jaguars.

Normally, dealership publicity stunts don't get much play other than in the local area, but the promotion for Galpin Jaguar in Los Angeles is just bold and unusual enough to merit mentioning. USA Today reports that the company will be giving $1,000 to anyone who test drives the Jaguar, then ends up purchasing or leasing a comparably-equipped Lexus, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, BMW or Porsche.

Obviously, the drivers who will end up taking advantage of the deal will likely be those already in the market for a luxury vehicle – if they decide not to go with the Jaguar.

"Our belief in the new 2011 Jaguar line-up compelled us to offer something extraordinary as proof to our customers that we believe today's Jaguar is a superior choice," said Vice President of Galpin Motors Beau Boeckmann.

According to the news source, more than 15 people had signed up for the promotion just a few days after it was announced, although nothing has been given away yet.

You might not be getting $1,000 just for a test drive, but the deals on used luxury vehicles at New Jersey Auto Auction are well-worth a look. There's a wide range of cars for sale at affordable prices, and car loans are also available.

Lincoln MKZ Hybrid outselling expectations

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Posted in General Auto News, Lincoln

Ford has announced that its Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is selling better than expected, surprising many analysts and even the company itself.

Automotive News reports that Ford is somewhat surprised at the recent totals for the MKZ Hybrid. In what is believed to be an industry first, the hybrid version is priced the same as the gas version of the MKZ. Despite this attractive incentive, Ford only expected 15 percent of total MKZ sales to be for the hybrid. Instead, it's been selling close to 22 or 23 percent.

"Lincoln’s latest models continue to be well received by luxury car customers," said C.J. O’Donnell, Lincoln group marketing manager. "The MKZ Hybrid is just the start of the journey we are taking in redefining the Lincoln brand and its new model range for the future."'

A hybrid that's priced the same as it's gas-powered counterpart is relatively unique in the auto industry, but the fact is that the Lincoln MKZ is still priced as a luxury model. Smart shoppers may want to wait for the price to drop on the used car market, then take advantage of further discounts by purchasing from New Jersey State Auto Auction.
 

Japanese earthquake leading to widespread shortages

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Posted in Ford

The Japanese earthquake has had widespread effects on the automotive industry, even causing some American manufacturers to stop production due to a lack of parts.

Prices on some popular Japan-only models, like the Toyota Prius, have spiked in recent weeks. Meanwhile, automakers have told dealers and shoppers not to panic and remain optimistic about resuming production. However, several analysts told The Associated Press that the effects of the quake were just beginning.

"This is the biggest impact ever in the history of the automobile industry," Koji Endo, managing director at Advanced Research Japan, told the news source.

The problem isn't so much the major factories – those are almost all back online. It is the parts manufacturers that supply everyone from Toyota to GM are still in question. Some have yet to be contacted. Without key parts, production can't continue.

According to the news source, prices will likely spike over the next few weeks as dealers face an inventory shortage. Dealers may also end up running low on certain trim levels or colors. For example, Ford has put the brakes on black versions of its Expedition, Navigator and F-150 models, taking no further orders on those.

The lack of supply could mean some high prices for vehicles over the next few months. Those who were considering purchasing a new or used car may want to head over to New Jersey State Auto Auction before prices skyrocket. 

AAA’s TripTik app reveals nearby gas savings

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Posted in General Auto News

AAA has announced the release of a new app designed to help drivers take advantage of low fuel prices, as the program reveals the closest gas stations and displays their pricing information.

The company's new TripTik Mobile app is aimed at consumers looking to save every penny possible as some gas prices skyrocket to more than $4 per gallon. Users with an iPhone will be able to download the app for free and use its GPS-integrated capabilities to locate nearby gas stations. The pricing information effectively allows consumers to comparison shop without stopping to check the signs at every station. Additional features allow users to sort by fuel grade and distance.

Also included in the app is support for nearby hotels and restaurants. The program will identify local points of interest and use AAA's nationwide "Diamond Ratings" system to display info about each place.

AAA has released two previous mobile apps in the past – one which showed locations that accepted the AAA discount card and another that integrated with the company's roadside assistance program. Unlike those apps, however, TripTik users don't need to be a AAA member to take advantage.

The new program should help drivers save some money at the pump, but if they want to really save on automotive costs, they may want to make their next purchase at New Jersey State Auto Auction.

Japanese automakers recovering from earthquake effects

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Posted in Auto Industry News, Toyota

After the devastation of the March 11th earthquake forced many automakers to suspend production, speculation has run rampant over what the effects would be on the auto industry. Some analysts believe that the disaster will amount to nothing more than a minor hiccup, while others predicted some major shortages for popular models.

Several of the big-name Japanese automakers recently provided updates on their production schedules in the wake of the disaster. Toyota has announced that it will resume production on the Prius and two Lexus hybrid models based on the same platform, somewhat quelling fears of a shortage on the popular hybrid. The automaker predicts that some U.S. plants may have to shut down temporarily, however, as getting parts to the factories may be difficult.

Nissan, meanwhile, is telling its dealers to expect normal, routine service from the company. The automaker is taking orders for May as normal and doesn't anticipate any delays in the delivery of models. The company also says that most dealers have a healthy stock of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles already.

Honda is continuing to suspend production at its two major auto production plants through April 3rd, when it will reassess the situation.

Drivers in the market for a Toyota, Nissan, Honda or any other vehicle may want to shop at New Jersey State Auto Auction, which offers various models from all of these brands at affordable prices.

Edmunds predicts Ford could overtake GM in March

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Posted in Auto Industry News, Ford

The official sales total for March aren't actually in yet, but analysts are predicting Ford will end up the big winner when all is said and done.

General Motors has long been the king of U.S. auto sales, and its crosstown rival Ford has only been able to surpass GM once since 1998. The big moment for Ford came in February 2010, when both GM and Toyota, which occupied the top two spots for many years, were left reeling by a government bailout and recalls, respectively. Ford only held the title for a month before GM regained its footing.

Now, Edmunds.com reports that Ford may once again end up in the top spot. The company believes that GM's recent scaling back of incentives offered in January and February will allow Ford to slip by.

"GM seems to have pulled back on incentives in March and could suffer a sales hangover through the next few months, given that the company’s earlier offers have been quite generous and may have pulled ahead future sales," said Edmunds.com Senior Analyst Jessica Caldwell.

The website estimates that Ford's sales will grow by approximately 34 percent compared to February, while GM's will remain nearly even.

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

Nissan Murano mixes convertible with crossover

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Posted in General Auto News, Nissan

Some of the more popular models that luxury automakers offer include convertibles and crossovers. Yet Nissan is perhaps the first company to ask "why not both?"

The upcoming Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet, set to debut next month, continues the Japanese automaker's recent trend of thinking outside the box. Whether it's the fully-electric Leaf, boxy Cube or unorthodox Juke, it's safe to say Nissan's recent efforts haven't been lacking in the "bold" department.

Yet the new Murano takes the cake. Upon first glance it might appear to be another luxury crossover, designed to compete with the Lexus RX and BMW 3 Series – and it is. But it's also a convertible, featuring a drop top normally reserved for sporty two-seaters.

"We continue to challenge what people think about what they drive and why they drive what they do," Mike Drongowski, Nissan senior manager of product planning, told Automotive News. "It might not be a typical choice for a product, but it's consistent with who we are as a brand and our history of innovation."

It remains to be seen if the strategy will pay off for Nissan, but the company is pricing the model at $47,300 – so it clearly feels drivers will be willing to shell out for this one.

Drivers interested in a new or used Nissan may want to check out New Jersey State Auto Auction, which offers a wide variety of models from the manufacturer and other brands.

Audi to utilize T-Mobile for new wireless system

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Posted in Audi, Auto Industry News

Audi will be partnering with T-Mobile for its new in-car wireless system, Connect, a feature that will be debuting with the A7 sedan in April.

Connect allows drivers to access a broad range of web-based services via a wireless network, which is where T-Mobile comes in. Much like a smartphone, drivers will be able to select a monthly data plan upon purchase of the car, although the luxury automaker will also offer a free six-month trial.

"The launch of Audi Connect is part of a foundational strategy to help Audi lead with first-to-market, cutting-edge connected services," said Johan de Nysschen, President of Audi of America. "We're looking forward to a productive relationship with T-Mobile USA as we give motorists and passengers the ability to access the most current information and enhance their enjoyment of their Audi vehicle."

AT&T's recent acquisition of T-Mobile for approximately $39 billion is not expected to affect the agreement between the two companies.

The new system will surely send drivers flocking to the new A7 sedan, but buyers should keep in mind that the older versions of the model are excellent cars as well. Those looking to score a deal on a used Audi may want to head to New Jersey State Auto Auction, which offers a wide range of new and used cars for sale at low prices.