Sunday, November 20, 2011

L.A. Auto Show: Mark Fields, Pres. Americas, Ford, On New Escape

L.A. Auto Show: Dave Zuchowski, EVP Hyundai Sales On New Azera

L.A. Auto Show: Chris Martin, American Honda On The New CR-V

Thursday, November 10, 2011

2012 Audi A7 Selected As Motor Press Guild Vehicle of the Year

The 2012 Audi A7 is the winner of the first-ever Motor Press Guild Vehicle of the Year award. The 2012 Audi A7 was one of five finalists chosen over a two-month period by a select panel of MPG journalist members who test and review cars on a regular basis. The final five vehicles were evaluated and ranked by the entire journalist membership. Vehicles were rated in the categories of Safety, Quality, Value, Performance/Handling, Design/Style, Environmental/Green Impact and Technology/Innovation. In addition, journalists were encouraged to consider models that reflect the unique style of Southern California. Vehicles were required to be all-new or substantially changed from the previous year's model and available at dealerships on or before Jan. 1, 2012. Other finalists were (in alphabetical order): the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic, 2012 Fiat 500, 2012 Ford Focus and the 2011 Hyundai Elantra.

The Audi A7 with an MSRP of $60,125 is about the same price as the other four finalists combined, which I believe gave it an unfair advantage. Though the A7 is a fine vehicle, the other finalists are a lot of car for the money.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

BMW i8 & BMW 6 Series Convertible In Mission Impossible 4 Movie

Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol
BMW Vision EfficientDynamics, the concept car for the forthcoming BMW i8 and the BMW 6 Series Convertible will be featured in Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol which opens worldwide on Dec. 21, 2011. The movie plot: The IMF is shut down when it's implicated in the bombing of the Kremlin, causing Ethan Hunt and his new team to go rogue to clear their organization's name.


BMW has a national branded advertising campaign dubbed "Mission to Drive" kicking-off  today via broadcast, print, online and in-dealer activations which includes a limited time "self-destructing" sales offer running now through January 2, that will also offer more than 200 special screenings of the film for BMW customers and a contest that will award an all-expense paid trip to the Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol U.S. premiere.

2013 Ford Flex To Debut At the Los Angeles Auto Show Next Week


The 2013 Ford Flex gets upgraded with a new look, more technology and new engine. The newest Flex seven-passenger, three-row crossover debuts at the Los Angeles Auto Show next week with the new generation of MyFord Touch, rear inflatable belts, collision-avoidance technologies, rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry, first-row heated and cooled seats, power-fold mirrors and an optional new Appearance Package. The new 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V6 engine provides 285 horsepower, approximately 20 more horsepower than the previous engine, with 255 lb.-ft. of torque and projected fuel economy of 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. The 355 horsepower 3.5-liter EcoBoost® V6 engine remains on the new Flex. Inside the Flex, there are new clusters, steering wheel and electronic finish panels, as well as new seat trim and foam and an available second-row refrigerated console and the latest generation of MyFord Touch with SYNC.

Friday, November 4, 2011

Steve Shannon, Vice President, Marketing, Hyundai Motor America

Steve Shannon, Vice President, Marketing, Hyundai Motor America is responsible for all marketing activities in the United States. Prior to joining Hyundai Shannon held a number of posts at General Motors in the U.S. and Europe in marketing and other areas. Shannon graduated from Harvard College with a Bachelor of Arts and received his Masters of Business Administration in Marketing from Columbia University. Shannon discusses Hyundai's success and supply challenges.

Chris Perry, General Motors Vice President U.S. Marketing On SEMA

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

October 2011 U.S. Auto Sales

General Motors reported total sales of 186,895 vehicles in October, up 2 percent compared with October 2010. Year-to-date GM has sold 2,089,067 vehicles, a gain of 15.4 percent over 2010.

Ford Motor Company’s October U.S. sales of 167,803 vehicles increased 6 percent versus last year and year-to-date sales are 1,771,801, up 10.9 percent over 2010.
   
Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. reported October sales of 134,046, a decrease of 7.8 percent from the year-ago month. Year-to-date Toyota sales are 1,328,570, an 8.8 percent drop from last year.

Chrysler Group LLC reported U.S. sales of 114,512, a 27 percent increase compared with sales in October 2010 and the best October sales since 2007. Year-to-date, Chrysler sales are 1,123,923, a 23 percent rise over 2010.

American Honda posted October sales of 98,333 vehicles, down half a percent from October 2010 and year-to-date sales reached 958,130, a drop of 5.3 percent versus last year.

Nissan North America reported October U.S. sales of 82,346, an increase of 18 percent.  Year-to-date sales of 856,425 is a gain of 15.2 percent over 2010.

Hyundai Motor America sales of 52,402 vehicles in October is a 23 percent total sales increase compared with the same period a year ago. Year to date, Hyundai sales are 545,316, up 21 percent versus 2010.

Kia Motors America announced best-ever October sales of 37,690 units, a 21-percent increase over the same period last year and the company's 14th straight monthly sales record. KMA's year-to-date sales are 405,095, up 35 percent, and the brand has eclipsed the 400,000 vehicle sales mark for the first time in company history.

Volkswagen of America reported 28,028 units sold in October 2011, a 39.6 percent increase over prior year sales.  Year-to-date sales are 263,487, up 23.8 percent. Separately, Audi of America reported record October U.S. sales of 10,225 vehicles. Audi U.S. year-to-date sales of 95,206, is an increase of 16.5 percent over last year.

The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported October sales of 27,288 vehicles, an increase of 17.5 percent from the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, BMW Group sales are 246,602, up 14.6 percent in the first ten months of 2011 compared to the same period in 2010.

Mercedes-Benz USA reported October sales of 24,449 vehicles, a 28.2 percent improvement over October 2010 and the company's highest October volume on record.  On a year-to-date basis, the 206,632 vehicles sold represent a 12 percent increase over the same period last year. 

Subaru of America October 2011 sales of 20,081, a drop of 11.6 percent and year-to-date sales of 216,334, a decline of .32 percent.

Mazda North American Operations reported its best October sales in the U.S. since 2007, with 18,326 vehicles representing an increase of 1.7 percent versus October 2010. Year-to-date sales through October are 209,641, up 8.7 percent versus last year.

Volvo Cars North America sold 4,899 vehicles in October, a gain of 22.6 percent from October 2010. Year-to-date Volvo has sales of 45,114, an increase of 26.5 percent over last year.

Jaguar sold 909 cars in October, a 29.8 percent decline from a year ago and year-to-date sales are at   10,224, a 7.4 percent drop from 2010. Land Rover October sales of 3,886, a jump of 31.4 percent from last year while year-to-date sales are 29,536, a 17 percent increase.

Mitsubishi Motors North America reported October 2011 sales of 4,378 units, down 14 percent from October 2010.  Mitsubishi's year-to-date sales are 70,253, 51.1 percent ahead of January through October sales last year. This marks Mitsubishi's highest sales total since 2008 for the first ten months of the year.

Porsche Cars North America announced October 2011 sales of 2,270 vehicles, a decrease of 14 percent compared to the same period last year. To date in 2011, sales are 24,934, up 23 percent compared to the same ten-month period last year.

American Suzuki sold 1,947 vehicles in October, a 5 percent drop from October 2010 and year-to-date has sold 22,231, a 17 percent gain.

Sales will be updated as manufacturers report.

SEMA: 2013 Lexus GS350 F Sport Unveiled - Hits Showrooms in February


As with the GS 350, the GS 350 with F SPORT package is powered by a 306 horsepower 3.5-liter V6, with four cams, and four valves per cylinder and dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence with a 0-60 mph time of 5.7 seconds. The GS 350 with F SPORT package will offer an optional Lexus Dynamic Handling system with Dynamic Rear Steering.

It's clear that Lexus is targeting the GS350 F Sport at the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E Class buyer. It hits showrooms in February so we should get pricing in two weeks at the L.A. Auto Show or in early January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

SEMA: General Motors Shows Chevy Sonic & Camaro Concepts

The COPO Camaro concept is designed to the specifications for NHRA Stock Eliminator drag racing competition with two engine options, including a naturally aspirated 427 engine (7.0L) – the same displacement as the original COPO Camaros from 1969 – and a supercharged 327 (5.3L) engine. Among the many racing-specific features and equipment is a conversion from the Camaro’s standard independent rear axle to a solid axle, as well as a full chrome moly roll cage.
Chevrolet and Hot Wheels® created a life-size Hot Wheels Camaro Concept, a collaborative effort between the General Motors Design studio in Michigan and the Hot Wheels Design studio in California. Under the hood is the all-aluminum 6.2L LS3 V-8 backed by the Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission. 
The Chevrolet Sonic Boom was a collaboration with Kicker on the concept audio system, influenced by the design of jet engines, which features a pair of 15-inch subwoofers and 10 six-inch mid-range speakers. The concept Kicker system delivers 4,000 total Watts of power. Along with the high-performance sound system, the rest of the interior of the Sonic Boom is fully customized, with performance seats, a racing-inspired flat-bottom steering wheel, the Chevrolet Accessories Z-Spec sport pedal kit and unique trim.

  

Chevrolet turned to long-time racing partner Pratt & Miller to construct the Sonic Super 4 concept which features a suspension modified for racing and a lower restriction intake and exhaust system to provide enhanced on-track performance. The interior features a chrome moly roll cage built to SCCA specifications. It also wears Chevrolet Z-Spec concept accessories, including ground effects and a high-wing spoiler. The exterior has an Anodized Sonic Boom Red paint scheme and concept Z-Spec parts, including the ground effects, grille and rear spoiler, along with 19-inch wheels.
The Ricky Carmichael Concept All Activity Vehicle was inspired by the 15-time American Motorcycle Association (AMA) champion, three-time X-Games gold medalist and NASCAR racer and is equipped for those adventures, with the storage capacity for his biking and wakeboard equipment. Also a THULE Roof Rack with an S-Works mountain bike and Hyperlite wakeboard, splash guards, custom wheels, special exterior graphics, as well as concept Z-Spec ground effects, Z-Spec grille and Z-Spec spoiler. From a performance standpoint, this Sonic breathes through a Borla exhaust system and stops more authoritatively with Brembo brakes. Under the hood is the production 1.4L turbocharged engine and six-speed manual transmission.

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Consumer Reports 2011 Annual Reliability Auto Survey

Asian Brands Dominate Consumer Reports 2011 Annual Reliability Auto Survey
Japanese brands continue to dominate Consumer Reports survey taking the top nine spots, led by Scion, Lexus, Acura, Mazda, Honda, and Toyota. Of the 91 Japanese models for which Consumer Reports has sufficient data, 87 vehicles or 96 percent were rated average or better in predicted reliability. 24 Japanese models earned the highest rating.

The biggest improvement was from Mazda, which moved up eight spots from last year. All its models were rated above average. Scion remains the top brand in Consumer Reports survey, but only two models of its three, the xB and xD, had sufficient data to be included. Lexus, with 11 models included, rebounded seven places from last year.

Toyota finished sixth overall, the same as last year, and every Toyota model except the all-wheel-drive version of the Sienna minivan was average or better. Many hybrids are proving extremely reliable. The top two models in our survey are the Lexus CT 200h and Honda CR-Z. The Toyota Prius was among the top models, rebounding from brake problems that plagued the current design. Honda also had just one below-average vehicle, the redesigned Odyssey minivan.

The South Korean brands rank 11th and 12th in Consumer Reports' survey. Hyundai had just one below-par entry, the V6 Santa Fe. The V6 version of its corporate cousin, the Kia Sorento, also finished below average.

Domestic Brands Led by Chrysler
Even with Chrysler's improvement, Detroit models still have reliability problems. Of the 97 domestic models and versions for which Consumer Reports has sufficient data, 62 or 64 percent rated average or better in Consumer Reports's new-car reliability ratings.

Chrysler had better results with its new models, including the freshened Chrysler 200 (formerly Sebring) sedan and the redesigned Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs. Chrysler's Jeep brand moved up seven spots to 13, becoming the most reliable domestic brand, and all its models for which Consumer Reports has sufficient data scored average in predicted reliability. The Chrysler brand moved up 12 but its rank is based on just two models: the 200, which was well above average, and the freshened Town & Country minivan, which tanked. and the Dodge brand gained three spots in the rankings. The remaining model, the 300, is too new for Consumer Reports to have sufficient data.

General Motors stumbled after edging up last year with Buick and Cadillac brands, in particular, taking a step backward while Chevrolet held steady and GMC dropped one spot. The new Buick Regal and Chevrolet Cruze were below par in reliability. The Buick LaCrosse, an all-wheel-drive version of the Buick Enclave, and the Cadillac SRX were all deemed reliable last year but dropped to below average and are no longer recommended.

General Motors' bright spots include the above-average Chevrolet Avalanche and the Cadillac CTS, which has improved to average. The gas/electric Chevrolet Volt, with much better than average predicted reliability, ranks as GM's most reliable car but with a caveat: The sample size was just a little more than Consumer Reports' minimum threshold of 100 cars, and most respondents had owned theirs for only a few months.

The new Ford Explorer, Fiesta, and Focus all had below-average reliability in their first year, according to Consumer Reports pushing Ford's rank to 20th out of 28 car makes, down from it's 10th ranking last year, the biggest drop for any major nameplate in Consumer Reports 2011 Annual Auto Survey. Ford's drop can also be attributed to problems with the new  MyFord Touch infotainment system and the new automated-manual transmission used in the Fiesta and Focus. Lincoln finished above Ford, although the freshened MKX, a cousin of the Edge, suffered from the MyLincoln Touch system. Heavy-duty, three-quarter-ton pickups are among the most problematic vehicles, with the exception of the turbo-diesel Ford F-250, they all scored below average. On the bright side, the Ford Fusion Hybrid sedan remained outstanding, and other Fusion versions were above average.

Volvo Leads European Brands
Overall, European vehicles' reliability is slightly below that of domestic models. Of the 58 European models for which Consumer Reports has sufficient data, 37 vehicles or 64 percent scored average or better in predicted reliability.

Volvo ranked the highest at 10th overall, helped by the redesigned S60, which was above average in its first year. Volkswagen was able to hold on to 16th place in the ranking with seven of its 11 models scored average or better.

Mercedes-Benz and BMW improved, but results were inconsistent for their various models. BMW's redesigned X3 SUV did well, for example, but the redesigned 5 Series sedan was well below average. Mercedes' compact GLK SUV improved, but its flagship S-Class luxury sedan fell to below average.

Jaguar, Porsche, and Audi are at the bottom among brands for which Consumer Reports has sufficient data. Porsche dropped from being the second-best brand last year to the second-worst. That big shift occurred because Consumer Reports has data for only two models, one of which, the redesigned Cayenne SUV, had a terrible debut year. Jaguar trails the pack as its XF and the new XJ were the two least reliable new cars in the survey.

Findings are based on responses on 1.3 million vehicles owned or leased by subscribers to Consumer Reports or its Website, www.ConsumerReports.org. The survey was conducted in the spring of 2011 by Consumer Reports' National Survey Research Center and covered model years 2002 to 2011.

The above article was taken information provided to the public by Consumer Reports. For more detailed information subscribe to Consumer Reports.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

2012 Range Rover Evoque: Motor Trend 2012 Sport/Utility of the Year

The all-new 2012 Range Rover Evoque has been named 2012 Sport/Utility of the Year by Motor Trend. Candidates for the award are then evaluated under six criteria – advancement in design, engineering excellence, efficiency, safety, value, and performance of intended function – to determine the one model that performs best for its intended purpose and to Motor Trend's highest standards.

"The Range Rover Evoque is a bold move into the fast-growing compact luxury SUV sector," said Angus MacKenzie, Editor-in-Chief, Motor Trend.  "Refined and capable both on and off the road, it artfully combines traditional Range Rover values with stunning state-of-the-moment design and impressive efficiency. The Evoque is a worthy winner of our award, and I have no doubt it will be a worldwide hit for Land Rover."

The all-wheel-drive Range Rover Evoque has a 240-horsepower, turbocharged, direct fuel injected, four-cylinder engine coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission and will be available in two versions: a coupe and a five-door, with starting prices of $44,995 and $43,995, respectively for the Prestige Premium editions. 

Saturday, October 15, 2011

2012 BMW 3 Series Sedan Arrives In US Showrooms In February 2012


The sixth generation BMW 3 Series Sedan has grown in size compared to its predecessor measuring 1.46 inches wider in the front and 1.85 inches wider in the rear and 3.66 inches longer overall sitting on a 2 inch longer wheelbase of 110.6 inches. The BMW 3 Series has three trim levels or an M Sport Package: the Sport Line, Luxury Line and Modern Line and two engine choices which both feature new BMW TwinPower Turbo technology: a 300 horsepower 3.0 liter 6-cylinder engine powering the 335i or the new turbocharged 240 horsepower 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine in the BMW 328i. Both mated to either the standard 6-speed manual transmission or 8-speed automatic transmission which includes the new Auto Start-Stop function.

The driver can choose Comfort, Sport, Sport + and ECO PRO modes to maximize fuel economy through their driving style. Other available features include: the latest-generation full-color Head-Up Display,  Surround View with Side View and Top View, Parking Assistant to help the driver to parallel park, an Active Blind Spot Detection System and Lane Departure Warning System with camera-based Collision Warning system. The sports sedan is equipped as standard with front and side airbags for the driver and front passenger, plus head airbags for both rows of seats.


The sixth generation BMW 3 Series rear-wheel-drive sedan arrives in US showrooms in February 2012 as a 2012 model. The BMW 335i xDrive and BMW 328i xDrive, all-wheel-drive models will go on sale in summer 2012. In the Fall of 2012, the BMW 3 Series ActiveHybrid 3 joins the fleet with the combination of the 300 horsepower inline 6-cylinder engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and a hybrid-specific eight-speed automatic transmission with integrated electric motor which for limited periods can increase power by up to 55 horsepower. Maximum combined output is 335 horsepower.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

2012 Volkswagen Beetle Goes On Sale

 The all-new 2012 Volkswagen Beetle arrived for 276 lucky fans of “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” who learned they were receiving cars on November 22, 2010 during one of the show’s two “Ultimate Favorite Things” giveaways last year. They take home the all-new 2.5L 6-speed automatic Beetle in Denim Blue, Reflex Silver Metallic, Saturn Yellow or Tornado Red.

Redesigned for the second time in history, the all-new Beetle is lower, wider and longer with optional Bluetooth® technology, iPod® connectivity and the Fender® Premium Audio System. The 2012 Beetle vehicles are available now with the 2.5L five cylinder engine, which has a starting MSRP of $18,995, and the 2.0L TSI® Turbo engine with a starting MSRP of $23,395. The 2012 Volkswagen Beetle also went on sale today.