Redesigned Fiesta impresses

By
Posted in Ford

Subcompacts, while popular overseas, have never quite caught on in the U.S., but increased concerns about fuel economy may soon change that. If that turns out to be the case, Ford could be the big winner, as its new 2011 Fiesta is quickly becoming the leader of the class.

The redesigned Fiesta has racked up a number of good reviews and accolades. Car blog Jalopnik called it “the best small car you can buy in this country.” The Detroit Free Press gave it four stars, praising its affordability, handling and class-leading fuel economy.

It was the fuel efficiency that led the car to win Cars.com’s mileage challenge. The website put the Fiesta up against some of the other cars in its class, such as the Nissan Cube, Honda Fit, and Scion xD. The Fiesta took the cake in terms of fuel economy, and some package options can give the car 40 miles per gallon on the highway.

Other features include Ford’s Sync, which allows for iPod integration, along with a dual-clutch six-speed transmission that improves the handling even further.

Those interested in subcompacts will be happy to learn that the cars are among the cheapest available. Buying a used Ford Fiesta will give consumers even greater value.

Mercedes coupe-crossover in the works?

By
Posted in Auto Industry News, Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz may be developing a coupe-crossover model to compete with the likes of the Acura ZDX and BMW X6.

According to Motor Authority, the company is planning to introduce a smaller version of the its GLK model, dubbed the GLC, in order to truly enter into the emerging coupe-crossover class. Crossovers built on compact coupe platforms have become especially popular at luxury car manufacturers, who already have the technology in place with coupe platforms and traditionally sell a large amount of crossovers.

The new model will be based on the upcoming new B-Class platform. The news source theorizes that Mercedes will likely use one of its four-cylinder engines on the crossover, either the 1.8-liter with 204 horsepower or 2.2 with 250. At just fifteen feet, the GLC will be smaller than its competitors.

However, a new, smaller coupe-crossover class may be emerging. The Range Rover LRX will be very similar to the proposed GLC, and BMW may be planning to introduce a smaller version of the X6 in the near future.

Those who don’t want to wait for the new models may want to search for used BMW X6s or Mercedes GLKs at their local pre-owned dealer.

Ford continues turnaround, paying off debt

By
Posted in Auto Industry News, Ford

Ford has announced that it will pay off nearly $4 billion in debt to the United Auto Workers retirement trust fund, defying investors’ expectations for the automaker.

Although the company has been profitable for several quarters now, investors were hesitant about the company’s turnaround because of its outstanding debt, the largest of which was owed to UAW. However, increased sales have allowed the automaker to pay the deficit off ahead of schedule, using cash rather than stock options.

“We expect to continue to improve our balance sheet as we deliver on our plan. Importantly, our business results make it possible to take these actions while still accelerating the investments we are making in our business to serve our customers with the very best cars and trucks," CEO Alan Mullaly said in a statement.

The company has pulled off a remarkable turnaround as of late, shaking off the effects of the economic downturn. Its new models, especially the Mustang and Fiesta, have won considerable critical acclaim, and the company’s finances seem primed for future growth.

That being said, consumers are unlikely to find the recession-buster deals at the new car lot they did in the past. Drivers who see themselves in a Ford might want to take a look at the used car market in order to find a good deal.

NYPD busts car thieves

By
Posted in General Auto News

New York used car drivers are a little bit safer after authorities busted a car theft ring that was targeting Toyota SUVs, Mercedes, BMWs, Infinities, and Range Rovers and reselling them in the U.S. and Senegal.

According to the New York Daily News, the thieves used a complicated system that involved two employees of Toyota dealerships. Several thieves were sent a description of a particular make and model, then the thieves found a car matching the description, using either a swiped key from the dealership or a laptop to hack the car’s computer system. In total, the extensive network comprised over twenty individuals, all of whom served specific roles within the organization.

“This is a big case for us – a yearlong investigation,” Attorney General Andrew Cuomo told the news source. “They had a sophisticated operation, but we had a sophisticated collaboration with the police force.”

The crooks stole cars off the streets in New Jersey, New York and Connecticut. They also used contacts at dealerships and parking garages to swipe vehicles right off the lots. The cars were then shipped out of Newark to buyers in Senegal or sold elsewhere within the country.

“Finnjet” puts conventional vehicles to shame

By
Posted in General Auto News

Sometimes, used car owners are inspiring in how they can breathe new life into an old vehicle. That’s certainly the case with Antti Rahko, a Finnish immigrant who constructed a Frankenstein-esque monster of a ride out of two used Mercedes station wagons and parts of more than 40 other vehicles.

Rahko’s “Finnjet” certainly catches the eye, a 29-foot vehicle that puts limos to shame. The car boasts 36 mirrors, 89 lights, a microwave, TV, freezer, two air-conditoners and a sauna. It seats ten comfortably and achieves a surprisingly efficient 25 mpg.

The sight truly has to be seen to be believed. While some might jest at the car’s ridiculous nature, car enthusiasts consider it a work of art and engineering ingenuity. The Finnjet took top prize in two Houston Art Car Parades and has won numerous awards at similar festivals.

Rahko says the car is fully drivable, and even had the foresight to include a special system that allows it to negotiate tight corners. Rahko and his wife, Eini, recently drove the car from Florida to Canada.

Now, the eccentric owner will put the car up for sale on eBay, due to his failing health. Potential buyers will need to be quite serious bidders- the first bid had a price tag of $950,000, but failed to sell, so Rahko plans to relist it.

Questions abound over unintended acceleration

By
Posted in Auto Industry News, Toyota

Toyota has come under fire for an unintended acceleration problem in its vehicles, which the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says may have accounted for over 80 fatalities. The NHTSA slapped the Japanese automaker with a 16.4 million dollar fine for not responding quickly enough to the problem.

Now, NHTSA head David Strickland is saying the cases need further investigation to prevent future accidents, according to BusinessWeek. While Toyota claims that faulty floor mats stuck on pedals caused the problem, there is widespread speculation that the true cause might be in electronic control systems.

"We must do everything possible to fully understand if there are vulnerabilities in these systems to cause this happening," Strickland told the news source. He went on to say that problems similar to Toyota have been reported for “every major automaker,” although not as widespread. NASA is currently looking into the matter on behalf of the agency.

The problems marred Toyota’s previous sterling reputation for safety. Until the cause of the issues are found, safety-conscious drivers may want to look at used cars without electronic control systems.

Ford dominates “most wanted” awards

By
Posted in Ford, General Auto News

As the only company not to accept a government bailout, Ford has been watched closely by auto industry experts. If the results of Edmund’s Inside Line “Most Wanted” awards are any indication, the automaker is getting something right.

The website surveyed readers in a poll of 15 categories of cars in different classes and price points. Ford took home top marks in eight of the categories, and it was only entered in ten.

Three different Mustang models accounted for three of those categories, as the 2010 model has been celebrated for its efficient 30 miles per gallon while still packing 305 horsepower. Other Ford models included the F-150, Flex and Fusion.

Audi took home three awards, mainly in luxury and performance categories. The most wanted concept car went to the Porsche 918 Spyder Hybrid. BMW had one entry on the list, as did Jeep with its Wrangler SUV.

Those who have Fords on their own personal “most wanted” list can save off the popular cars by buying used Fords on the pre-owned market.

Ford Explorer will showcase safety features

By
Posted in Auto Industry News, Ford, General Auto News

Ford has announced that the 2011 version of its popular Explorer SUV will demonstrate several safety features that have not yet debuted on any other vehicles.

According to the Detroit Free Press, Ford will include its new “curve control” technology on the model, which automatically slows the vehicle if it determines that a driver is approaching a curve too quickly.

The technology is based off the company’s electronic stability control, which collects data about speed and wheel tilt to safely control the vehicle. Ford has said that the new feature did not require any additional hardware, and integrated the software into the existing system. Ford said it began to develop the system after government crash data found that 50,000 serious accidents occur each year due to high speeds on curves, also a cause of rollovers on SUVs.

The new Explorer will also feature inflatable seatbelts in the rear seats, which protect passengers like airbags in case of crash.

Those looking for a safe vehicle at an affordable price may want to look at a used Ford with electronic stability control.

Japanese automakers see increased demand in Asian, American markets

By
Posted in Auto Industry News, Honda - DO NOT USE, Mazda - DO NOT USE, Mitsubishi - DO NOT USE, Nissan, Toyota

Increased demand from car buyers led Japanese automakers to ramp up production in May, a sign that consumer confidence is returning. If the economic turnaround has drivers thinking about spending the money to buy a new car, they would do well to look at the used car market in order to find deals as the economy recovers.

All five of the major Japanese automakers reported an increase in production in May as opposed to last year. According to the Associated Press, Toyota produced the most units, at 637,675, although it also grew the least as compared to last year with a 27 percent increase.

Conversely, Mitsubishi posted an 85.8 percent increase as compared to last year, but also produced the fewest amount of cars, with 83,418. Honda, Nissan, and Mazda all saw growth of around 45 percent.

The automakers all agreed that an increase in demand, especially in the American and Asian markets, led to the surge in production.

This trend has also continued around the world, with Mercedes-Benz and BMW recently reporting that they were increasing production to respond to consumer’s increased confidence.

Ford Fiesta focuses on fuel economy with a gas engine

By
Posted in Ford

Hybrids have become the kings of fuel economy, but old-fashioned gas engines have also come a long way in conserving gas. Ford‘s new Fiesta model, for example, promises to get at least 40 miles per gallon on the highway. Those worried about both saving and going green may want to look at used Toyota and used Ford models before paying new car prices.

The Fiesta’s 40 miles per gallon is impressive for a gas-powered engine, and puts it in the ballpark of hybrids like the Honda Insight at 43 mpg and the Toyota Prius at 48 mpg. According to the Wall Street Journal, Ford designed the car in the same manner of the economy cars of the past.

The model attains its impressive fuel economy from its lightweight frame and small four-cylinder engine. The design is reminiscent of classic, fuel-efficient vehicles like the Volkswagen Rabbit, Honda CRX, and Suzuki Sprint, some of which got over 50 miles per gallon decades before hybrids hit the market.

However, safety features have caused cars to gain in weight. Most cars today weight over 3,000 pounds, but the Fiesta’s small size of 2,600 allows it to achieve some of the best fuel economy available with a gasoline engine.