May 2012 U.S. Auto Sales

General Motors reported May sales of 245,256 vehicles in the United States, up 11 percent year over year and the highest monthly total since August 2009.  GM retail sales were up 14 percent year-over-year and the retail mix was 70 percent.  Overall, year-to-date GM has sold 1,066,963 vehicles.

Ford Motor Company May sales of 216,267 was a 12.6 percent rise over last year and year-to-date sales are 935,864, a 6.5 percent increase over 2011.

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. reported sales of 202,973, an increase of  87.3 percent over the year-ago month on a raw volume basis. The Toyota Division posted May total sales of 181,510, up 88.9 percent over the year-ago month. The Lexus Division reported total sales of 21,463 was up 74.4 compared to last year. Year-to-date Toyota sales are 868,301, a gain of 23.7 percent over 2011.

Chrysler Group reported U.S. sales of 150,041, a 30 percent increase compared with sales in May 2011. Year-to-date sales of 689,257, is a 33 percent gain over last year.

American Honda reported May 2012 U.S. sales of 133,997, an increase of 47.6 percent compared to May 2011. The Honda Division posted May 2012 sales of 119,411, an increase of 46 percent compared to May 2011. Acura's U.S. May sales of 14,586 was an increase of 62.1 percent compared to May 2011.

Nissan North America reported May U.S. sales of 91,794, up 20.5 percent.  Nissan Division sales increased 16.4 percent for the month at 81,202 units. Sales of Infiniti vehicles were up 65.8 percent over the prior year to 10,592. Year-to-date sales are 485,484, up 12.1 percent from the first 5 months of 2011.

Hyundai Motor America had an all-time May sales record of 67,019, up more than 13 percent over last year's all-time May record, and the second best sales month in company history. Year-to-date Hyundai has sold 292,856 vehicles, an 11.1 percent increase over 2011.

Kia Motors America best-ever May sales of 51,771 was a 7.4-percent increase over the same period last year.  Year-to-date sales of 237,381, is up 18.7 percent.

Volkswagen of America sold 38,657 vehicles in May, a 36 percent jump and year-to-date sales are 170,555, up 36 percent from 2011. Separately, Audi of America sold a record 11,503 for a 10 percent gain over 2011 for a year-to-date total of 52,494 vehicles, a 15 percent increase over the first five months of 2011.

Subaru of America reported record sales for May 2012 of 29,724, a 48 percent gain over May 2011 and year-to-date sales of 136,602 is a 22 percent gain over prior year.

The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported May sales of 28,321, an increase of 7.1 percent from the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, BMW Group has sold 130,843, up 12.2  percent gain for the first five months of 2012.

Mercedes-Benz USA reported May sales of 22,515 for its Mercedes-Benz models, a 19.2 percent improvement over May 2011, delivering a year-to-date total of 106,364 new vehicles to customers, up 17.8 percent.  Combined sales of Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles, smart and Sprinter for the month totaled 25,259, up 24.4 percent bringing a year-to-date total of 117,231, up 22.8 percent, making this the company's highest May on record.

Mazda North American Operations reported May U.S. sales of 20,357 vehicles, an increase of 13.9 percent versus last year. On a calendar year-to-date basis, Mazda's sales are up 20.2 percent with 123,886 vehicles sold.

Volvo Cars North America sold 6,246 vehicles in May, a 15 percent decline from last year and year-to-date Volvo sales are 27,511, a 6 percent drop.

Mitsubishi Motors North America reported May 2012 sales of 5,575, its second best month of sales since September 2011, but still 26 percent below the level of sales in May 2011.

Jaguar Land Rover sales were 4,513 in May, up 8 percent over May 2011 with Jaguar sales at 1,075, down 15 percent and Land Rover sales at 3,438, a 19 percent gain. Year-to-date JLR sales are 22,865, up 19 percent with Jaguar contributing 5,476, a 9 percent increase and Land Rover 17,389, up 23 percent.

Porsche Cars North America announced May 2012 sales of 2,852 vehicles, an increase of one percent. For the year, Porsche has sold 13,448 cars in the U.S., which is a 3 percent increase over last year.

American Suzuki sold 2,360 vehicles in May, up 3 percent over 2011 and year-to-date has sales of 10,695, a drop of 4 percent from last year.

Reid Bigland, Pres/CEO Dodge and Head of U.S. Sales

Reid Bigland, President and CEO of the Dodge Car Brand and Head of U.S. Sales describes the 2013 Dodge Dart that just went into production and will go on sale in mid-June supported by a major ad campaign that will kick off in mid-July. Bigland also gives a rundown of the other new vehicles coming from Chrysler, Dodge, Ram and Fiat this year. In a speech to journalists, Bigland emphasized the focus on California and how the market is outpacing the overall growth in Chrysler sales. A new Southern California-based Chrysler center has been tasked with helping sales and distribution and has already been responsible for adding 37 dealers. The Chrysler brands have seen fast-paced growth in sales that boosted it's first quarter 2012 profit to the highest in 13 years.

I test drove the six speed manual versions of Rallye and Limited new 2013 Dodge Dart and found strong low end torque, nimble handling with a solid feel, especially given the price in the high teens to low-$20,000s depending on features and options. The trunk is roomy, seats comfortable and the touchscreen display somewhat intuitive. One thing a test drive can't answer is the durability question - will it still feel like new in 5 years or 60,000 miles with just routine maintenance. The Dart, based on the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, starts at $15,995 - check it out in 4 weeks at a Dodge showroom near you.

Carroll Shelby Dies At 89

Saxton & Shelby - 2011

Legendary race driver and car designer Carroll Shelby died today at age 89. Twenty-two years after a heart transplant and sixteen years after a kidney transplant, the man most famous for his Shelby Cobra brand of high performance Ford Mustangs has left us. He was an auto industry legend who set speed records as a driver in the 1950's and was twice Sports Illustrated's driver of the year - in 1956 and 1957.

More Muscle to Muscle Cars
When car executive Lee Iacocca introduced the Ford Mustang in 1964, he asked Shelby to make a high performance version and in the early 1980's when Iacocca ran Chrysler, he asked Shelby to supe up the Dodge Charger. His Mustang-based Shelby GT350 and Shelby GT500 helped make his legend.

Carroll Shelby will be missed as a fixture at the annual SEMA show in Las Vegas and at a corner table in the Bel Air Country Club telling stories.

EVS26 - Electric Vehicle Symposium Wrap on KNX Radio

May 9, 2012 KNX News Radio 1070 Business Hour in Los Angeles - a wrap up of EVS26.

Andy Palmer, Nissan EVP, On Growing EV Line-up

Andy Palmer, Executive Vice President of Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. expects Leaf sales to grow when the Smyrna, Tennessee plant starts making the electric vehicle helping to overcome the dollar-yen currency challenge. That was one of the reasons Palmer gave in explaining why last year's Leaf sales of 9,000 missed the projection of 25,000. Another factor was Japan's March 2011 earthquake and tsunami which impacted manufacturing. Learning how to mass produce batteries was another issue. With a $4 billion investment in developing the Leaf, the expectations are high.

The NV200 compact cargo van, Infiniti LE and a "city car" will be added to the Nissan EV line-up. Palmer said the Infiniti LE (Luxury Electric) has the underpinnings of a Leaf but taking the hatchback to a sedan was a challenge. The LE is expected to go on sale  in 2014 as part of Nissan-Infinti's 51 launches in the next 5 years.

I spoke to Andy Palmer after he participated on the concluding panel - The Global Campaign for Consumer EV Adoption - at EVS26, the 4-day International Electric Vehicle Symposium that ended in Los Angeles Wednesday.

Bob Lutz Discusses The Case For Electric Vehicles

Former General Motors Vice Chairman Bob Lutz believes electric vehicles have the essential "energy security and efficiency" but "batteries have to hold a larger and longer charge" and prices have to come down to be competitive. Lutz believes that "demand drives what is built and right now 95% want gasoline powered cars".

 "The price/value relationship for EVs has to get better", says Lutz, a board member of VIA Motors, which is showing that electrifying gas guzzling trucks already makes sense.

I spoke with Lutz just prior to his appearance on the concluding panel - The Global Campaign for Consumer EV Adoption - at EVS26, the 4-day International Electric Vehicle Symposium that just concluded in Los Angeles.

General Motors Manufacturing Manager Gerald Johnson

The April sales data translates into a Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate of Sales (SAAR) of 14.4 million vehicles which is better-than-expected according to Gerald Johnson, Manufacturing Manager at General Motors Corp. Johnson, who was speaking on a manufacturing panel at the Milken Institute Global Conference this week in Beverly Hills also discusses China, global quality and vehicle mix.

April 2012 U.S. Auto Sales

General Motors reported April sales of 213,387, an 8.2 percent drop while year-to-date sales of 821,707 represernt an 0.4 percent slip from 2011.

Ford Motor Company April U.S. sales totaled 180,350, a 5 percent decline while year-to-date sales are 719,597, a 4.8 percent increase over last year.

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. reported sales of 178,044, an increase of 11.6 percent over the year-ago month on a raw volume basis. The Toyota Division posted April total sales of 160,493, an increase of 13.1 percent over the year-ago month and the Lexus Division reported total sales of 17,551, flat compared to last year.

Chrysler Group reported U.S. sales of 141,165, a 20 percent increase compared with April 2011 and the group's best sales in the month of April since 2008. Year-to-date sales are 539,216, a 33 percent jump over 2011.

American Honda reported April 2012 U.S. sales of 122,012, an increase of 10 percent based on the daily selling rate. The Honda division posted April 2012 sales of 109,837, an increase of 9.2 percent compared to April 2011 and Acura's U.S. April sales of 12,175 were up 18 percent compared to April 2011.

Nissan North America reported April U.S. sales of 71,329, down 0.3 percent.  Nissan Division sales decreased 0.9 percent for the month at 64,200 while sales of Infiniti vehicles were up 5.4 percent over the prior year, to 7,129.

Hyundai Motor America announced an all-time April sales record of 62,264, up one percent over last year's all-time April record, and the second best sales month in company history after last month's all-time record. Year-to-date sales of 225,837 is a 10.5 percetn gain over the same period last year.

Kia Motors America best-ever April sales of 47,550 was a one percent gain over April 2011 and year-to-date Kia sales are 185,610, a 22.2 percent rise over 2011.
   
Volkswagen of America reported sales of 37,525 in April, a 31.5 percent increase over prior year sales, 38 percent increase year-to-date and the best April since 1971.  Year-to-date sales of 131,898 is a 38 percent gain over last year. Audi reported record-setting April sales of 11,521 a 15 percent increase, marking the 16th consecutive month of record sales in the U.S.  Year-to-date are 40,991, a 15.8 percent increase over 2011.

Subaru of America reported record sales for April 2012 of 26,310 vehicles, a six percent gain over April 2011 and year-to-date sales of 106,878, a 16 percent gain over prior year.

The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported April sales of 26,793, an increase of 6.1 percent from the same month a year ago.  Year-to-date, BMW Group is up 13.7 percent on sales of 102,522 in the first four months of 2012 compared to the same period in 2011.

Mercedes-Benz USA reported April sales of 22,336 for its Mercedes-Benz models, a 23.8 percent improvement over April 2011, delivering a year-to-date total of 83,849 new vehicles to customers, up 17.5 percent.  Combined sales of Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles, smart and Sprinter for the month totaled 25,066, up 30.8 percent bringing a year-to-date total of 91,972, up 22.4 percent, making this the company's highest April on record.

Mitsubishi Motors North America reported April 2012 sales of 5,280, down 34.7 percent compared to April 2011. 

Porsche Cars North America announced April 2012 sales of 3,437, an increase of four percent. For the year, Porsche sold 10,596 cars in the U.S., which is a four percent increase over last year.

American Suzuki reported April sales of 1,774, down 17 percent from April 2011 for a year-to-date total of 8,335, six percent lower than a year ago.

Mercedes-Benz 2013 SL550 Roadster At $106,405 Soon

The sixth generation of the Mercedes-Benz SL550 roadster is being launched in 2012, 60 years after the first SL model debuted, with an all-new aluminum unit body,  with torsional rigidity that's 20 percent stiffer than the previous-generation steel body. The SL550 coupe (pictured above) is powered by a new 429 horsepower 4.6-liter V8 engine with direct fuel injection, twin turbochargers and multi-spark ignition mated to a 7 speed automatic transmission. The engine has 20 percent smaller displacement but generates more horsepower and torque than the previous generation. A pair of paddles strategically positioned behind the upper steering-wheel spokes allows you to manually upshift and downshift the 7-speed automatic transmission with just a flick of your fingers. MSRP is $106,405 (including $905 transportation charge).

The new SL550 engine comes with an ECO stop-start system. Whenever the car stops with the brake pedal depressed, the engine is automatically turned off to save fuel. As soon as the driver touches the accelerator pedal, the engine computer selects the piston that is in the best position for first ignition, and the direct fuel injection and multi-spark systems work with a starter motor to seamlessly re-start the engine.

At the push of a button, the roof is opened or closed in less than 20 seconds. During this transformation, an intelligent tilting mechanism ensures that the roof and rear window "spoon" and retract into the top section of the trunk to preserve a good deal of useful trunk space.

Lamborghini Urus Super Luxury SUV Concept

2013 Nissan Sentra Goes On Sale This Fall

Nissan's recently introduced all-new global sedan will be the basis for an all-new 2013 Nissan Sentra to be unveiled in the United States later this summer for a Fall on-sale date. Sentra will hits showrooms after the summer sales introductions of all-new Altima and all-new Pathfinder. The all-new 2013 Sentra will be launched as the nameplate celebrates its 30th anniversary in the U.S.

Sentra is Nissan's second best selling vehicle behind the Altima so far this year.

2013 Acura ILX Goes On Sale May 22 For $26,795

The all-new 2013 Acura ILX will go on sale on May 22 with a manufacturer's suggested retail price starting at $26,795 (including destination charge of $895) for the entry-level ILX powered by a 150 horsepower 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine paired with a Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission. The 2013 Acura ILX with a 201 horsepower 2.4-liter engine featuring a close-ratio, six-speed manual transmission starts at $30,095 (including destination charge of $895) with the Premium Package.

 
The ILX Hybrid with a 1.5-liter inline engine and an Integrated Motor Assist® electric motor starts at $29795 (including destination charge of $895). Paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), the ILX 1.5L Hybrid has an EPA estimated city/highway/combined fuel economy rating of 39/38/38 mpg.

The Premium Package (available as a $3,300 option; not available on the ILX Hybrid model) features leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, a power driver's seat, an upgraded 360 watt stereo system with XM® radio, HID headlights, foglights, 17-inch aluminium wheels, a multi-view rearview camera and an Active Sound Cancellation system to make for a quieter cabin. The Technology Package (available on the ILX with 2.0-liter engine for $2,200) adds Acura's ELS Surround® audio system and AcuraLink® Satellite Communication System, Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting™, AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™ with radar image maps and HomeLink®. The navigation system makes use of a hard disk drive (HDD) with 60 gigabytes of storage capacity— including 15 gigabytes that can be specifically allocated for music storage. The Technology package is also available on the ILX Hybrid for $5,500 and includes all Premium Package features except 17-inch aluminium wheels.

Ford Building New Plant In Hangzhou, China

Ford Motor Company will build a new state-of-the-art assembly plant in Hangzhou, China, investing US $760 million with its joint venture with Changan Ford Mazda Automobile doubling its production capacity in China to 1.2 million passenger cars annually by 2015. It brings Ford’s total investment in China to approximately US $4.9 billion since 2006.

The Hangzhou plant announcement comes just two weeks after Ford said it will invest US $600 million to expand capacity at its Chongqing facilities by 350,000 passenger cars, and less than six weeks after the company opened Chongqing 2, the home of the New Focus, which increased its China passenger car capacity by one-third to 600,000 units. Construction of the new plant in Hangzhou will begin later this year, with the first vehicle coming off the line in 2015.

2013 Chevrolet Silverado HD With CNG Bi-Fuel Option

2013 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra 2500 HD extended cab heavy-duty pickup trucks will have a bi-fuel option for $11,000 above the suggested base-vehicle price and you can order them now. The pickups, which run on compressed natural gas (CNG) and gasoline, have a Vortec 6.0L V8 engine that seamlessly transitions between the two fuel systems. A single light-weight Type 3 tank in the bed maximizes available payload and bed space, offering more usable space than competitors. The Silverado HD and Sierra 2500 HD offer customers fueling flexibility with a combined CNG and gasoline range of more than 650 miles.

2013 Cadillac XTS Luxury Sedan To Be Built In China

The all-new Cadillac XTS luxury sedan will be built in China in conjunction with joint venture partner Shanghai General Motors beginning this Fall. The new 2013 Cadillac XTS launches in North America later this spring with production beginning in the coming weeks at the Oshawa, Ontario Assembly Plant. China is the second-largest market for Cadillac with record sales of 30,000 vehicles  in 2011, compared with 17,000 in 2010. The SLS Executive Sedan, an extended-length luxury car exclusive to China has been built in China since 2006. All of Cadillac’s core product lines are sold in China, with the CTS Sedan and Coupe, SRX crossover and Escalade imported from North America.  The SRX is Cadillac’s top seller in China with the average age of a Cadillac buyer in China at 35 years old.  In March Cadillac sales set a monthly record of 2,745, an increase of 35.2% over the same period in 2011.

Talking Cars on KFWB NewsTalk 980, Los Angeles

Money101 on KFWB NewsTalk980 - Bob McCormick and Richard Saxton.

2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Goes On Sale In September

 
The all-new 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class goes on sale in the U.S. in September 2012 with three models: 2013 GL350 BlueTEC has a re-engineered 240 horsepower V6 diesel engine, the 2013 GL450 has a 362 horsepower twin-turbo direct-injection V8 engine and the 2013 GL550 has a  direct-injection twin-turbo 429 horsepower engine, all with more horsepower than their predecesors. In addition to 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive, standard equipment includes a hill start assistant, and Downhill Speed Regulation). Standard equipment also includes COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST and ATTENTION ASSIST driver drowsiness detection. The radar-based COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST operates at speeds between 20 and 155 mph and recognizes when the distance to the vehicle in front is decreasing. It can also recognize stationary objects. If there is an imminent risk of a collision, the system emits a visual and acoustic warning to alert the driver and prepares Brake Assist for the most immediate possible braking response, which is initiated as soon as the driver applies the brakes.

A new option is the Power EASY-ENTRY system for access to the third seat row. The Parking Assist package for the GL350 BlueTEC and GL450 features PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist for automatic maneuvering in and out of parallel parking spots, plus the new surround view camera which uses image data from four cameras at the front and rear of the vehicle and in the exterior mirror casings to calculate a bird's eye view of the vehicle and its surroundings, and shows this and other perspectives on the large COMAND display. The On- and Off-Road package, available as an option for the GL450 and GL550, enhances handling and safety with six programs, delivering optimum driveline control across the most diverse conditions on the road and on rugged terrain.

BMW Prices M5, M6, X6 M & Gran Coupe Models

The 2012 BMW M6 Convertible arrives this June and will be priced at $113,995 (including $895 Destination and Handling). The 2012 BMW X6 M that arrives in May will sell for $93,795 (including destination and handling).

The 2013 BMW M5 and 2013 BMW M6 Coupe powered by a 560 horsepower M TwinPower Turbo V-8 mated to a high torque 7-speed M-Double Clutch transmission will arrive in late summer and will carry Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices of $90,695 on the M5 and $106,995 on the M6 (including destination and handling).

The 2013 640i Gran Coupe powered by a 3.0 liter TwinPower Turbo Inline-6 engine goes on sale in late June with an M.S.R.P. of $76,895. Later in the summer, the TwinPower Turbo V-8 powered 2013 BMW 650i Gran Coupe at $87,395 and the all-wheel drive 2013 BMW 650i xDrive Gran Coupe at $90,395 will join the line up.

2013 BMW X1 Sport Activity Vehicle Starts At $31,545 This Fall

The 2013 BMW X1 sDrive28i rear-wheel drive model will be powered by a 240 horsepower 4-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine starting at $31,545 (including $895 Destination and Handling) with the all-wheel drive X1 xDrive28i having the same engine and starting at $33,245. The 2013 BMW X1 all-wheel-drive xDrive35i will have a 300 horsepower 6-cylinder inline TwinPower Turbo engine starting at $39,345.

Both engines are paired to an automatic transmission and BMW EfficientDynamics technology which consists of twin-scroll turbocharging, High Precision Direct Petrol Injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve timing and Double-Vanos variable camshaft control. The intelligent all-wheel drive of the BMW X1 xDrive35i and BMW X1 xDrive28i varies the distribution of drive between the front and rear wheels, as required ensuring optimum traction and directional stability in all weather and road conditions, as well as noticeably sportier responses through dynamically taken corners. Features including the Auto Start-Stop function (28i only), Brake Energy Regeneration and demand-based operation of ancillary units all help to achieve a blend of performance and fuel economy. I'll be racing to a BMW dealer to check it out this Fall.

2013 Dodge Dart Starts At $16,790 In June

The all-new 2013 Dodge Dart starts at an MSRP of $16,790 (including the $795 destination) for the SE trim powered by the new 160 horsepower 2.0-liter 16-valve Tigershark I-4 engine. The SXT trim level starts at $18,790, the Rallye starts at $19,790 and the Limited at $20,790. All will be on sale in June except the $23,290 R/T powered by the new 184 horsepower 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir 2 4-cylinder that will be available in the 3rd quarter of this year.

2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Models On Sale Late This Summer

The third-generation 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe crossover family introduces the two-row, five-passenger Santa Fe Sport (pictured above) and the long wheelbase (LWB) three-row, seven-passenger model called Santa Fe with the Sport will go on-sale late this summer and the larger Santa Fe in January 2013.  Santa Fe Sport will either a 190 horsepower 2.4-liter Gasoline Direct Engine engine with estimated fuel economy of 23 city and 33 highway or a turbocharged 2.0-liter GDI engine with an estimated 264 horsepower. The top-of-line LWB Santa Fe is powered by the 290 horsepower 3.3-liter V6 engine, which is also  in the Hyundai Azera.

The 2013 Santa Fe models feature Hyundai’s Hillstart Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Brake Control (DBC) to maximize control on steep hills. HAC minimizes rolling backwards on steep ascents while DBC helps the driver maintain vehicle control and speed on steep downhill descents. The LWB three-row Santa Fe offers Hyundai’s first Blindspot Detection System (BDS). This system identifies when a vehicle enters the defined blindspot and provides a warning that a vehicle is approaching.

Infiniti LE Electric Sedan Coming Within Two Years

Infiniti LE Concept is expected to reach Infiniti showrooms in near-similar form as a production version within the next two years as Infiniti’s first zero emission luxury sedan. Torque of 240 lb-ft is instantly available immediately at all times. The Infiniti LE Concept’s battery system is a proven laminated 24 kWh lithium-ion (Li-ion) design with a ChaDeMo DC50kW quick charger.The Infiniti LE Concept’s efficient EV platform maximizes interior space by placing the batteries under the passenger compartment floor. This positioning helps provide a low vehicle center of gravity for enhanced handling and maximizes trunk room, without compromising front or rear seat passenger legroom or comfort.

2013 Nissan Altima Starts At $21,500 In July

 
The all-new fifth new-generation 2013 Nissan Altima Sedan will start at $21,500 with an estimated fuel economy of 38 mpg when it goes on sale beginning in July. The all-new Altima Sedan has seven models – the 2.5, 2.5 S, 2.5 SV and 2.5 SL featuring a 182-horsepower (est.) 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder and the 3.5 S, 3.5 SV and 3.5 SL with a standard 270-horsepower (est.) 3.5-liter V6 engine. 

Every 2013 Altima is equipped with a standard next-gen Xtronic CVT® (Continuously Variable Transmission).  The new Altima also offers standard NissanConnect integrated smartphone connectivity with standard Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone System, Streaming Audio via Bluetooth®, and available Hands-Free Text Messaging Assistant, Pandora®, real-time POIs Powered by Google®, Google® Send-to-car, Easy Fill Tire Alert, and next-generation Safety Shield Technologies, including Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Moving Object Detection (MOD) systems.

All-new 2013 Toyota Avalon Coming Late This Year

 
The all-new 2013 Toyota Avalon premium mid-size sedan offers three drive modes - Normal, Eco, and Sport.  In Sport mode, throttle response is enhanced and steering effort is weighted from center to offer a sportier character.  Eco changes throttle response and A/C power usage to help improve fuel economy.  Steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters help provide a sportier drive while in the D or S Mode, where the revised throttle helps improve shift response to help maximize engine power and vehicle performance.

Like all Toyota models, the new Avalon will feature Toyota's Star Safety System™ standard, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, and Smart Stop Technology brake-override system. A Pre-collision system is also available that is designed to "sense" an impending frontal collision and can help mitigate damage.  A variable ratio brake pedal is adopted that varies the initial and final pedal effort ratios to help realize excellent brake pedal feel. In addition to a rearview monitor, Avalon offers an available Blind Spot Monitoring system which is designed to help detect vehicles behind the outer mirrors and to help alert drivers in addition to a new Rear Cross Traffic Alert system (RCTA) that can alert drivers of cross traffic when they are backing up. Expect to see the 2013 Avalon in showrooms late this year.

Acura RLX Hybrid Sedan Coming In Early 2013

 
Acura RLX hybrid sedan, slated for launch at the beginning of 2013, will have the all-new 3.5L direct-injected VTEC® V-6 engine and Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® system, with three electric motors, combining to generate more than 370-horsepower, and are paired with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT) and lightweight body to deliver V-8 acceleration with four-cylinder fuel economy—with an estimated EPA (city/highway/combined) rating of 30/30/30 mpg. Acura RLX employs an extraordinary array of new Acura technologies, including the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® system, in combination with sophisticated styling and smart packaging to deliver an entirely new level of performance, sophistication and comfort. Safety features include a Collision Mitigation Braking System™ and the first application of Acura's Lane Keep Assist System.  In addition, Forward Collision Warning and Lane Departure Warning will be offered as standard equipment on the RLX.

2013 Honda Crosstour Goes On Sales This Fall

The 2013 Honda Crosstour goes on sale this Fall with two powertrains including a re-engineered and more powerful 3.5-liter, 24-valve, SOHC, i-VTEC V-6 engine, or a 192 horsepower 2.4-liter i-VTEC inline four-cylinder engine. The 2013 Crosstour V-6 models will feature a 6-speed automatic transmission and utilize Honda Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM®) technology to achieve an overall improvement in fuel economy compared to the outgoing model.

Also available on Crosstour EX-L V-6 models is Honda’s Real Time 4WDTM system, which sends power to all four wheels when front-wheel slippage is detected. The next Crosstour will be available with Honda’s Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW) technology. Both systems use a camera mounted behind the windshield to alert drivers if the car is moving out of its lane or to warn drivers of a potential collision in front of them. It will be one of the first models to receive the Honda-exclusive LaneWatch™ blind-spot display, which uses a camera system mounted on the passenger mirror for an enhanced view of the passenger-side roadway. Standard equipment to further enhance visibility on the 2013 Crosstour will also include re-shaped rear headrests, a rearview camera and an Expanded View Driver’s Mirror.

2013 Buick Enclave Goes On Sale This Fall

 The new 2013 Buick Enclave gets a new front fascia with LED daytime running lamps, new headlamp design with standard Xenon high-intensity discharge lamps (HID) and LED accent lighting, a new hood and black-chrome waterfall grille and a new rear fascia design with integrated exhaust outlets. The Enclave is offered in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models, and powered by a direct-injected 3.6L V-6 and an updated six-speed automatic transmission. Two systems available for the first time on the 2013 Enclave are a side blind zone alert and rear cross traffic alert, which use radar to watch spots the driver may not be able to see and provide visible and audible warnings to help prevent collisions. The 2013 Enclave goes on sale this Fall.

2014 Chevrolet Impala Goes On Sale In Early 2013

 
The all-new 2014 Chevrolet Impala, the 10th generation this flagship sedan, is offered in LS, LT and LTZ models and goes on sale in early 2013 with a range of three direct-injected engines, including a 303 horsepower 3.6L V-6, new 195 horsepower 2.5L four-cylinder and a 182 horsepower 2.4L four-cylinder with eAssist expected to achieve 35 mpg on the highway. All of Impala’s engines are matched with six-speed automatic transmissions.

March 2012 U.S. Auto Sales

General Motors reported total sales of 209,306 vehicles in February, up 1.1 percent compared with the company’s very strong February 2011 results. Year-to-date sales are 377,268, down 9.2 percent from the first three months of last year.

Ford posted its best March U.S. sales month since 2007 with a sales total of 223,418 vehicles for March, a 5 percent gain over year-ago levels. For the first quarter, Ford Motor Company's sales were up 9 percent versus year-ago levels, totaling 539,247 vehicles sold.

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. reported its best March results since 2008 with sales of 203,282, an increase of 15.4 percent over the year-ago month. For the first quarter, TMS reported sales of 487,284 vehicles, an increase of 12.3 percent on an unadjusted raw volume basis. The Toyota Division posted March total sales of 183,142, an increase of 17.7 percent year-over-year.  The Lexus Division reported total sales of 20,140, down 2.6 percent year-over-year.

Chrysler reported U.S. sales of 163,381, a 34 percent increase compared with sales in March 2011, the best monthly sales in four years. Chrysler Group recorded its 24th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains and its 10th-consecutive month of sales increases of at least 20 percent. Year-to-date sales of 398,051 is a 36 percent increase over last year's first quarter.

Nissan North America reported March U.S. sales of 136,317, an increase of 12.5 percent, and a record for any month in the company's history.  Nissan Division sales also set a new sales record, up 14.8 percent for the month at 126,132 units. Sales of Infiniti vehicles were 10,185, down 9.8 percent from the prior year.

American Honda reported March 2012 monthly new-vehicle sales of 126,999, a decrease of 8.4 percent over a strong March 2011. The Honda Division posted March 2012 sales of 115,833, a decrease of 7.7 percent year-over-year. The Acura Division's March sales totaled 11,166, down 14.6 percent compared to March 2011.

Hyundai Motor America announced an all-time monthly sales record of 69,728, up 13 percent over last March, which held the previous record.  For the first quarter, Hyundai sales were 163,573, up 15 percent over 2011.

Kia Motors America had an all-time best monthly sales total of 57,505, a 30.2-percent increase over the same period in 2011.Year-to-date sales are 138,060, a 31.8 percent increase over last year.

Volkswagen of America reported 36,588 units sold in March, a 34.6 percent increase over prior year sales and best March since 1973.  Year-to-date VW has sold 94,373 vehicles, a 40.8 percent rise over the same period last year. Audi reported its 15th straight record-setting month of sales with 11,585 vehicles sold in March, an increase of 18 percent over March 2011. Year-over-year vehicle sales of 29,470 was a gain of 16.1 percent  compared to 2011.

Subaru of America reported record sales for March 2012 of 32,387 vehicles, a 20.3 percent gain over March 2011.  Year-to-date sales of 80,568 is a 19.4 percent gain over last year. March 2012 was the second best sales month in Subaru history, behind only December 2011.

Mazda North American Operations reported March U.S. sales of 32,376 vehicles, representing an increase of 4.8 percent versus last year and best total month of sales since March 2008. Year-to-date sales of 82,023 through March are up 27.1 percent versus last year.

The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported March sales of 29,806 vehicles, an increase of 13 percent from the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, the BMW Group (BMW and MINI combined) achieved its best first quarter sales since the record year of 2007 retailing 75,729 vehicles, up 16.6 percent compared vehicles sold in the first three months of 2011. 

Mercedes-Benz USA reported a record March with sales of 23,134 for its Mercedes-Benz models, a 7.7 percent improvement over March 2011 leading to the highest first quarter volume on record with sales of 61,513, up 15.3 percent.  Combined sales of Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles, smart and Sprinter for the month totaled 25,508, up 13.1 percent, and for the year-to-date 66,906, up 19.5 percent.

Jaguar Land Rover North America reported March 2012 sales: Land Rover sales for the month were 4,199 up 22 percent from 2011; Jaguar sales for the month were 1,321 up 51 percent from 2011; Jaguar Land Rover North America sales for the month were up 30 percent from  2011. Through the first three months of 2012 Jaguar Land Rover North America is up 29 percent.

American Suzuki sales were 2,631 in March a gain of 5 percent over March 2011 and year-to-date sales are 6,561, a 2 percent decline from last year.

Porsche Cars North America announced March sales of 2,460 vehicles, a five percent decrease from a year ago.  For the year, Porsche has sold 7,159 cars in the U.S., which is a two percent increase over last year's sales.

Mazda Takeri Concept With Clean Diesel Engine

Mazda TAKERI Concept, the first Mazda concept vehicle to feature a SKYACTIV-D 2.2-liter clean diesel engine as well as other fuel-saving technologies such as i-stop, a stop-start system, and i-ELOOP, a regenerative braking system will make its North American debut in New York this week.

2013 Subaru Legacy & Outback To Debut This Week

2013 Subaru Outback

Subaru will debut the re-styled 2013 Subaru Legacy and 2013 Outback models this week at the 2012 New York International Auto Show offering either a 256-horsepower 3.6-liter H6 or a new 173 horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder powertrain with choice between a standard six-speed manual transmission and the second-generation Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) which Subaru projects will achieve 24 mpg city/32 mpg highway/27 mpg combined, compared to 23/31/26 for the 2012 model.

2013 Subaru Legacy

Also new is an EyeSight driver-assist system which uses a stereo camera design developed by Subaru to provide a detection angle wider than that of radar-based systems and integrates Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking and Vehicle Lane Departure Warning. The 2013 Subaru Legacy and Outback 2.5i is available in three trim levels – base, Premium, and Limited.

New Toyota Sedan, Chevy Impala & Nissan Altima Coming To New York

Toyota will debut an all-new U.S.-designed sedan at the 2012 New York International Auto Show next week (teaser pictured above). Also expected to be unveiled in New York is the BMW X1, Subaru XV Crosstrek, Fisker Project Nina and new versions of the Buick Enclave, Honda Crosstour, Acura RL, Chevy Impala, Nissan Altima, Toyota Venza, Dodge Viper, Hyundai Santa Fe and Mercedes-Benz CLC, G-Class, GLK and SL65.

California Regulations Include Clean Diesel

Ever since the Green Car Journal selected the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Clean Diesel and Audi A3 TDI Clean Diesel as their Green Car of the Year back-to-back in 2009 and 2010 respectively, and having driven a Volvo XC60 D5 AWD diesel (pictured above) in Sweden for a week in 2010 with amazing fuel economy, I've become a big advocate of the new clean diesel powered vehicles, especially for those highway commuters who don't really benefit from the electric hybrids.

Clean Diesel engines, which are 20 to 40 percent more fuel efficient than comparable gasoline engines, will play a big part in the California Air Resources Board new tailpipe and greenhouse gas emissions standards for new passenger vehicles. The California ARB's new Low-Emission Vehicle (LEV III) regulations, the most stringent in the world, will get phased in during model years 2017-2025. In that time, all vehicles sold in California will have to meet Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) tailpipe standards. The new ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel has reduced sulfur emissions by 97 percent.

Recent Diesel Award Winners:

• The all new 2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI clean diesel was voted the winner of the 2012 Earth, Wind and Power Car of the Year of the Most Earth Friendly Vehicles at the recent North American International Auto Show in Detroit;
• The 2012 Volkswagen Touareg TDI Clean Diesel was named Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year;
• In 2010 Audi Q7 TDI Clean Diesel was voted the 2010 Earth, Wind and Power Truck of the Year and the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Clean Diesel was voted the 2009 Earth, Wind and Power Car of the Year.

New Clean Diesels Coming To The U.S.

• Chrysler Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel in 2013 or 2014, and possibly other Jeep diesels later;
• General Motors Cadillac ATS diesel in the near future;
• Audi A8 TDI diesel in 2013;
• Porsche Cayenne diesel in 2012;
• GM Chevrolet Cruze diesel in 2013;
• Mazda SKYACTIV-D 2.2-liter clean diesel engine;
• Mercedes-Benz S-Class S350 BlueTEC diesel in 2012 after a 17-year absence;
• Volkswagen Passat, which was recently named the Motor Trend 2012 Car of the Year, began production of the Passat diesel in its new Chattanooga, TN plant in the summer of 2011.

Source: The Diesel Technology Forum, a non-profit national organization, dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of diesel engines, fuel and technology. For more information visit www.dieselforum.org.

Dealers Beat Independent Shops in Service Satisfaction

J.D. Power and Associates 2012 U.S. Customer Service Index Study says overall satisfaction with the service experience averages 38 points higher on a 1,000-point scale, compared with non-dealer facilities (787 vs. 749, respectively). In addition, 79 percent of all service visits among owners of one- to- three-year-old vehicles are performed at dealer facilities -- up from 74 percent in 2011 and 72 percent in 2010. Overall satisfaction with dealer service improves by 19 points in 2012, compared with 2011, with gains in all five study measures. Among the 33 rank-eligible brands, 28 improve in service satisfaction from 2011, with eight brands improving by at least 20 points. In 2012, 72 percent of vehicle owners indicate their latest dealer service visit was for maintenance rather than repair, an increase from 63 percent in 2011. Customer satisfaction with maintenance visits is typically higher than satisfaction with repair visits, since visits for routine maintenance tend to be less expensive and less time-consuming.

Luxury Brands
Lexus ranks highest in customer satisfaction with dealer service among luxury brands and receives an award for a fourth consecutive year. Lexus achieves an overall CSI score of 861 and performs particularly well in three of the five measures: service initiation, service facility and service quality. Rounding out the top five nameplates in the luxury segment are Cadillac (852); Jaguar (849); Acura (838); and Porsche (836). Among luxury brands, Audi achieves the greatest improvement (gaining 34 points) from 2011.

Mass Market Brands
MINI ranks highest for a second consecutive year with a score of 809. MINI performs particularly well in four of the five measures: service quality, service advisor, service facility and vehicle pick-up. Also among the top five brands in the mass market segment are Buick (805); GMC (803); Chevrolet (801); and Hyundai (791). Of mass market brands, Nissan (which gains 43 points) and Toyota (gains 31 points) achieve the greatest improvements from 2011.

Luxury Brands
Lexus              861                 5
Cadillac            852                4
Jaguar              849                4
Acura                838                3
Porsche             836                3
Luxury Brand Average  835      3
Audi                     828              3
Mercedes-Benz      827              3
Infiniti                  824              3
BMW                    823              3
Lincoln                 817              2
Volvo                   811              2
Land Rover           796              2

Mass Market Brands
MINI                809                 5
Buick               805                 5
GMC                803                 5
Chevrolet         801                 4
Hyundai           791                  4
Ford                786                  4
Volkswagen       785                 3
Kia                   782                 3
Honda              778                  3
Mass Market Brand Average 778  3
Nissan              774                  3
Mazda              767                  3
Toyota               766                 3
Chrysler             760                 2
Subaru               760                 2
Mitsubishi           759                 2
Ram                    754                2
Scion                   752               2
Jeep                    741               2
smart                   740               2
Suzuki                 740                2
Dodge                 739                2

Power Circle Ratings Legend:
5 – Among the best  4 – Better than most  3 – About average  2 – The rest

The 2012 U.S. CSI Study is based on responses from more than 84,000 owners and lessees of 2007 to 2011 model-year vehicles. The study was fielded between October and December 2011.  

Source:J.D. Power & Associates

2013 Hyundai Santa Fe To Debut In 3 Weeks

The all-new third-generation 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe will have its world premiere at the New York International Auto Show in early April. Worldwide cumulative Santa Fe sales are about 2.56 million (Korea: 680,000 / overseas: 1.95 million) since its 2000 debut.

Audi Beverly Hills Dealership Officially Opens

2012 Top 40 Selling U.S. Passenger Vehicles

Make/Model       Feb. 2012         Year-to-date

1. Ford F-Series  47,273  YTD  85,766
2. Toyota Camry  34,543   YTD  62,838
3. GM Chevrolet Silverado-C/K Pickup  32,297  YTD 59,147
4. Nissan Altima  32,953  YTD  55,310
5. Honda Civic  27,087  YTD  48,970

6. Honda CR-V  24,759  YTD 43,719
7. Chrysler Ram P/U  22,595  YTD  40,504
8. Toyota Corolla  22,151  YTD  40,139
9. Ford Focus 23,350  YTD  37,750
10. Ford Escape  18,666  YTD  35,925

11. GM Chevrolet Cruze  20,427   YTD  35,476
12. Ford Fusion 21,773  YTD  35,387
13. GM Chevrolet Malibu 19,987  YTD  34,663
14. Honda  Accord  20,702  YTD  34,361
15. Toyota Prius  20,593  YTD  32,148

16. Hyundai Sonata  17,425  YTD  31,914
17. GM Chevrolet Equinox  17,851  YTD 31,513
18. Hyundai Elantra  13,820  YTD  24,720
19. Volkswagen Jetta 12,838  YTD  23,800
20. Chrysler Jeep Grand Cherokee 12,724  YTD  23,407

21. Nissan Rogue 13,423  YTD  23,327
22. Toyota Rav4  12,679  YTD  22,498
23. GMC Sierra  11,306  YTD  20,823
24. Chrysler Dodge Caravan  12,668  YTD  20,762   
25. Ford Explorer  10,440  YTD  20,406

26. Kia Optima 1,558  YTD  20,372
27. Toyota Tacoma  10,674  YTD  19,572
28. Nissan Versa 10,190  YTD  19,608
29. Kia Soul  10,876  YTD  18,967
30. Ford Edge  10,535  YTD  18,850

31. Nissan Sentra  10,605  YTD  17,671
32. Chrysler Jeep Wrangler  9,319  YTD 17,215
33. Chrysler 200  9,717  YTD  16,724
34. Honda Odyssey 9,566  YTD  16,464
35. Kia Sorento  8,386  YTD  15,708

36. Chrysler Town & Country  9,621  YTD  15,258
37. Honda Pilot  8,879  YTD  15,244
38. Toyota Highlander  8,156  YTD  15,012
39. GM Chevrolet Traverse  7,966  YTD  14,606
40. Volkswagen Passat  8,189  YTD  14,507

Geneva Auto Show

Land Rover Evoque Convertible Concept

 

Porsche Boxter

Volvo V40

Audi A3

Chevrolet Cruze Wagon

Ford Fiesta ST

February 2012 U.S. Auto Sales

General Motors reported total sales of 209,306 vehicles in February, up 1.1 percent compared with GM’s very strong February 2011 results.  For the first two months of 2012 GM has sold 377,268 vehicles, a decrease of 2.2 percent compared to January and February 2011.

Ford Motor Company sold  179,119 vehicles in February, a 14 percent increase versus year-ago levels. The Ford brand was up 14 percent, while Lincoln posted a 16 percent increase versus year-ago levels. Year-to-date Ford sales are 315,829, 11.2 percent higher than a year ago.

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. reported monthly sales results of 159,423 in February, a 12.4 percent gain on an unadjusted raw volume basis. Year-to-date sales are 283,963, a 10.2 percent increase over last year.

Chrysler Group LLC reported U.S. sales of 133,521 units, a 40 percent increase compared with sales in February 2011, and the group’s best February sales since 2008. Year-to-date Chrysler has sold 234,670 vehicles, a 42 percent jump over last year.

American Honda Motor reported February 2012 monthly new-vehicle sales of 110,157, an increase of 7.8 percent over February 2011, based on the daily selling rate. Year-to-date sales are 193,166, an 8.5 percent increase over 2011.

Nissan North America reported record February U.S. sales of 106,731 versus a year earlier, an increase of 15.5 percent over last February's record total.Year-to-date Nissan sales are 186,044, a 13.3 percent gain over last year.

Hyundai Motor America announced all-time record February sales of 51,151 units, up 18 percent versus 2011. Year-to-date sales are 93,845, a gain of 16.2 percent over 2011.

Kia Motors America announced it's best ever February sales of 45,038 a 37.3 percent increase over the same period in 2011.  Year-to-date sales are 80,555, up 32.9 percent from last year.

Volkswagen of America reported sales of 30,577 in February, a 42.5 percent increase over prior year sales and best February since 1973.  Year-to-date sales of 57,786 is a 45 percent spike from the first two months of 2011. Separately, Audi reported its 14th straight record-setting month of sales with 8,531 vehicles sold in February 2012, up 10 percent versus last year. Year-over-year vehicle sales are 17,885, up 14.9 percent year-to-date compared to 2011.

The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported February sales of 26,184 vehicles, an increase of 31.5 percent from the 19,919 vehicles sold in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, BMW has sold 45,923, a 19 percent increase over the first two months of 2011.

Mazda North American Operations reported February U.S. sales of 25,651 vehicles, an increase of 32.3 percent versus last year and best February total sales since 1994.  On a Daily Selling Rate (DSR) basis, Mazda's February 2012 sales were up 27.0 percent.  Year-to-date sales through February are up 47.5 percent (44.5 percent DSR) versus last year.

Mercedes-Benz USA reported February sales of 19,679 vehicles, a 21.7 percent improvement over February 2011 and the highest February volume on record.  On a year-to-date basis, the 41,398 vehicles sold represent a 23.8 percent increase.

Jaguar Land Rover North America reported February 2012 sales: Land Rover sales for the month were 3,255 up 27 percent from 2011; Jaguar sales for the month were 1,022 up 48 percent from 2011; Jaguar Land Rover North America sales for the month were 4,277 up 32 percent from 2011.

American Suzuki sold 2,425 vehicles in February, up 48 percent from last year and year-to-date sales are 3,930, 7 percent less than a year ago.

Porsche Cars North America announced February 2012 sales of 2,149 vehicles, a 6.4 percent increase over last February.

Sales data will updated as manufacturers report.

Fisker Automotive: Roger Ormisher Talks About Karma

Roger Ormisher, Director, Global Communications, Fisker Automotive, discusses the Karma and the company.

Fisker Karma Test Ride

The Fisker Karma, with its 22 inch wheels, is the same in its production version as it was in concept, as was the intention of Henrik Fisker, the designer and founder of Fisker Automotive according to Billy Tally, Fisker's Director of Vehicle Integration who spoke to the Motor Press Guild. One of the 500 engineers working in Fisker's Irvine headquarters, Kurt Fredlund, says one of the most amazing feats in getting this based-priced $102,000 luxury hybrid into production was the just 2-plus years from the concept stage which makes some of lyrics from the John Lennon song very appropriate, "Instant Karma's gonna get you" as the performance and handling are stunning based on my 5 mile test drive.

Very nimble given its size and weight yet very solid on the road with its conventional double wishbone suspension. There are two modes: Stealth for electric only with a 50 mile range before the gas engine kicks in with about 15% of battery charge left and Sport which is the hybrid, gas-electric combo, delivering a 300 mile range using a General Motors 265 horsepower Ecotec engine fed by a 10 gallon tank of gas and fully charged 605 lb. battery pack that Tally says "can go for at least 10 years".

The combined powerplant is rated at 403 horsepower with an amazing 950 foot pounds of torque with no clutch or transmission. There was some discussion about its EPA MPG rating which settled on 32 miles per gallon though Tally claimed it can be as high as around 50 mpg. If you're looking for a moonroof to soak in the rays forget it, there's a solar roof to absorb sunlight for charging the batteries and running the fans to keep the car cool. The car is low to the ground which gave my six foot body some difficulty climbing in and out.

My fellow MPG member Zoran Segina of LA Car was behind the wheel and drove the Karma hard, which according to engineer Fredlund, doesn't affect the range much because the hard breaking regenerates battery power. The top priced Karma is $116,000 with eco-friendly sheet metal and a back-up camera system. Music plays out of external speakers at speeds under 25 miles an hour to alert pedestrians that Karma is nearby, though the noise of LAX at our test drive location made it difficult to hear the Karma's warning music.

Sticking with John Lennon, his "Watching the Wheels" song seems to fit Executive Chairman Henrik Fisker who has just turned over his CEO reigns to Tom LaSorda, the 35 year automotive industry veteran who started with GM and joined Chrysler in 2000 becoming CEO in 2006 then co-Vice Chairman in 2007. "I'm just sitting here watching the wheels go round and round, I really love to watch them roll, No longer riding on the merry-go-round, I just had to let it go." Deservedly so Henrik but back to Karma - "But we all shine on, Like the moon and the stars and the sun" - right on! Now awaiting the next more affordable model, which based on Karma's speedy evolution, could be very soon.

View the accompanying video interview with Fisker Automotive's Roger Ormisher, Director, Global Communications, for more.

Toyota Takes 5 of 10 Consumer Reports 2012 Top Picks

CONSUMER REPORTS TOP VEHICLE PICKS: TOYOTA HAS 5 OUT OF 10

Top Picks are the best all-around models in their categories chosen from the more than 260 vehicles recently tested and scoring highest in road test, reliability and safety measures. Each model’s report card shows its overall road-test and predicted-reliability Ratings, as well as its overall fuel economy in the tests. If multiple Ratings are displayed, they apply to different versions of a model. Prices reflect the sticker prices when CR bought their test cars. You can find more details on all of the Top Picks in CR's vehicle ratings.


Family sedan: Toyota Camry Hybrid - $29,052
Sporty car: Ford Mustang - $28,880 to $43,880
Affordable family sedan: Hyundai Sonata - $21,800
Small SUV: Toyota RAV4 - $25,405 to $30,328
Family hauler: Toyota Sienna (V6) - $35,810
Sports sedan: Infiniti G - $34,225 to $37,225
Green car: Toyota Prius - $26,750 to $28,217
Small car: Subaru Impreza - $21,345
Pickup truck: Chevrolet Avalanche - $47,435
Family SUV: Toyota Highlander - $38,578 to $47,255

For the complete story go to ConsumerReports.org

Subaru Top Automaker: Consumer Reports

SUBARU LEADS AS JAPANESE CARMAKERS TAKE TOP 4 RANKINGS:

For the first time Subaru has earned the top score in Consumer Reports automaker report cards for 2012 with a score of 75, two points higher than last year, reflecting better test scores for such redesigned models as the Impreza, Legacy, and Outback over the last few years. The 2012 Impreza, which Consumer Reports just tested, now tops the small-sedan class and is the Consumer Reports Top Pick in that category. Subaru's average road-test score of 82 is the highest in Consumer Reports analysis.



Mazda showed the most dramatic improvement among the 13 manufacturers rated by Consumer Reports climbing to second place from last year's seventh and increasing its overall score by nine points. It was helped by an improved Mazda3 and the shedding of two models that dragged down its score, the Tribute SUV and RX-8 sports car.

Toyota remains among the top three automakers for the fifth straight year, buoyed by consistently above-average reliability and most vehicles have high test scores.

Honda, which had been the perennial winner for the past four years, slipped two points to fourth place among 13 major automakers, behind Mazda and Toyota. Honda has been hurt by several redesigned models, including the Civic and Odyssey that didn't measure up to their predecessors. Honda models, however, are still among the most reliable on the road overall.

CHRYSLER IMPROVES
Although Chrysler remains in last place, its overall score jumped eight points, making it the second most improved automaker. Chrysler's average road-test score also increased by eight points, the most of any automaker, and its overall reliability improved to average. The turnaround can be credited mostly to Chrysler's extensively freshened and redesigned vehicles.

FORD FALLS
Ford dropped the farthest, from fifth place last year to 10th. Ford's road-test score improved by two points over last year's, but subpar reliability of some new vehicles, due largely to the troublesome MyFord Touch infotainment system and Power-Shift automatic transmission, hurt its report-card grade.

Consumer Reports automaker report cards reflect the performance, comfort, utility, and reliability of more than 275 vehicles that CR recently rated, providing a perspective on which manufacturers are building the best all-around models. Each automaker's overall score is based on the average road test scores and reliability ratings for all of its models that CR has tested. Some manufacturers were not included in Consumer Reports automaker report cards for 2012. The complete report and scores for all 13 automakers in Consumer Reports automaker report cards for 2012 is available in the April issue of Consumer Reports on newsstands March 6th or at ConsumerReports.org.