New Technical Center Opens With the Aim of Developing Safer Child Seats
1 hour ago SMARTCARBUYERS --
There's a lot of excitement in Columbus, Ind., today as child safety-seat maker Dorel officially opens its Dorel Technical Center for Child Safety. And while the $21-million center is great news for the local economy, it's also of note for families with young children.
The center includes specialized research and design facilities that Dorel says it will use to improve its child safety seats. The center has computational engineering resources, environmental lab testing, three independent crash-test sleds and advanced side-impact testing capabilities. You can see the test facilities in action after the jump.
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Chrysler Debuts 2011 Dodge Durango
2 hours ago SMARTCARBUYERS --
After weeks of showing teaser images, Chrysler is now ready to fully unveil the all-new 2011 Dodge Durango. The Durango ditches the boxy exterior for a sleeker look. The interior comes from the same design studio that worked on the current Ram and Jeep Grand Cherokee. The team used a number of soft-touch materials and surfaces that are meant to give the car a more upscale feel. The three rows of seats can be configured in 22 different ways to accommodate different types of cargo.
The Durango has a stiffened unibody structure that is meant to improve its driving characteristics and towing capability. Buyers will be able to choose from two engine options, the standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine and the optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine with a multi-displacement system that can reduce itself to four-cylinder mode to conserve fuel. Both engines are available with all-wheel drive and provide impressive towing ability (7,400 lbs. with the V8 and a best-in-class 6,200 lbs for the V6). The Durango is expected to hit showrooms this fall.
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Slow August Sales Reports May Pave the Way for Car Shoppers' Bargains
2 hours ago SMARTCARBUYERS --
With the release of the August sales figures, one thing is clear for car shoppers -- it's a buyer's market. Sales were down for nearly all car manufacturers, mainly because last year at this time, the vehicle market was overheated by the Cash for Clunkers program. If that component is taken away, sales were nearly level as compared to July. At AutoObserver, our experts wrap up the month's figures. Edmunds analysts discuss the sales numbers and trends. And you can read a few thoughts on the effect of Cash for Clunkers.
But even for experts, the market is hard to predict and even harder to analyze. For example, there is a general surge in SUV sales as shoppers head into the holiday weekend. This comes at a time when several fuel-efficient cars -- such as the 2011 Ford Fiesta -- are coming to market. Hyundai continues to pick up market share and Audi had its best August ever. Subaru sales are normally strong, but this month they showed a decline -- except for the Outback.
2011 Lexus CT200h to Offer Drive Mode Select with Four Personalities
3 hours ago SMARTCARBUYERS --
Lexus is gearing up for the launch of its CT200h premium compact-hatch hybrid (PCHH?) by teasing features of the new machine. The functional and posh new Lexus is due in U.S. showrooms by the end of the year, and has promised to bring some sorely lacking driver involvement to the Toyota/Lexus hybrid family, what it calls the Darker Side of Green.
Before its big official launch at the upcoming Paris Auto Show (October 2-17), the first of these reveals involves the CT200h's Drive Mode Select. Sort of a personality switch for the car, the mode selector lets you choose what sort of focus you'd like for the car: fuel economy, performance etc. The different modes affect everything from acceleration, steering feel, what's displayed in the dash, and even the illumination colors in the car. More details and pix from the press release after the jump.
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Gas Prices Stable at $2.68 for Travelers Hitting the Labor Day Holiday Road
5 hours ago SMARTCARBUYERS --
Families hitting the highways this weekend will enjoy relatively stable fuel prices of $2.68 for a gallon of self-serve unleaded gasoline. The price edged down more than 2 cents this week, but was up almost 7 cents from its price a year ago, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration's Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Update. At $2.93 per gallon, diesel prices are down almost 2 cents this week, but are up 26 cents from a year ago at this time.
AAA's Fuel Gauge commentator Chris Plaushin reports that record-high crude oil supplies are holding down the price of gas. This is welcome news for travelers, since AAA is forecasting a 10 percent increase in travel, with 90 percent of those trips being made in automobiles. "The good news for drivers is that they will be able to factor in a reliable, consistent fuel price in their travel budgets," Plaushin wrote.
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Deal of the Week: 2010 Dodge Dakota
10 hours ago SMARTCARBUYERS --
There was a time when pickup trucks worked for a living, and did little else. Hauling and towing were the only duties. Tasks like commuting and recreational outings were best left to other forms of transportation. Then pickups became more civilized, adding refinement and creature comforts, while still performing their work duties with aplomb.
For those buyers that feel that pickups have become too soft and civilized, Dodge offers its Dakota. With features like a class leading tow rating, the availability of a V8 and an interior fit for a caveman, it is clear the Dakota actually works for a living. OK, so perhaps the latter is not much of a buying inducement, but the available incentives certainly are.
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More Money May Be Available to Sweeten Car Deals, Edmunds Data Shows
22 hours ago SMARTCARBUYERS --
Car shoppers are likely to find more incentive money available for their purchases right about now, according to an analysis by the Edmunds.com data team. The average new-car incentive in the U.S. last month was $2,681 per vehicle sold. That's down $84 from July 2010, but up $225 from August 2009. Incentives are typically used to drive current-year cars off the lots to make room for the next model year.
"Historically, August incentives are lower than in July because there is less old-model-year inventory to sell at year-end close-out sale prices," said Edmunds.com senior analyst Jessica Caldwell. "However, this year many automakers are more generous than usual, supporting the bargain-hunting mentality that is driving most car purchases these days."
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Edmunds Roundup: September 1, 2010
Wednesday, 1 September 2010 SMARTCARBUYERS --
Auto Observer: Automakers Continue Supply, Consumers Await Deals
By and large, automakers are sticking to their guns by keeping inventories and incentives in check, and their discipline may be leading to a standoff with consumers who appear to be awaiting awesome deals like those of the past.
Green Car Advisor: Volvo to Offer Own Version of EcoBoost Engine
Volvo gets to continue using technologies introduced during the years Ford owned it, including the new EcoBoost engine system, which Volvo will call its GTDi engine - for "gasoline turbocharged direct injected."
Edmunds CarPool: Has the Hardtop Convertible Era Passed?
As I drove the new 2011 Mercedes-Benz E550 Cabriolet yesterday, I couldn't help but think "why do I need a hardtop?"
GM Announces Natural-Gas Option for Full-Size Vans
Wednesday, 1 September 2010 SMARTCARBUYERS --
General Motors announced that it will be offering a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) option this fall for its 2011 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana full-size vans. The CNG option is sold as part of an "all-inclusive" $15,910 package. The bulk of the price comes from the $14,590 CNG fueling system. The 6.0-liter Vortec V8 engine costs $1,295. The package also includes heavy-duty trailering equipment, valued at $265. If you've been following the math so far, you'll see that it adds up more than the price of the package. GM is giving buyers a $240 credit because it won't be supplying a spare tire -- most likely to accommodate the CNG fuel tank (potential owners may want to look at aftermarket options for mounting a spare). When you factor in the base price of either van ($25,950), the total price of the vehicle with the CNG option would be about $41,890.
According to GM, the Vortec V8 engines are built with hardened exhaust valves, and intake and exhaust valve seats for improved wear resistance and durability with gaseous fuel systems. Both vans will meet all Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board emission certification requirements, and will be fully compliant with applicable motor vehicle safety standards.
RAM Truck 1500/2500/3500 Vehicle Info App Available for iPhone and iPod Touch
Wednesday, 1 September 2010 SMARTCARBUYERS --
Pickup truck aficionados are usually a pretty loyal bunch to their preferred brand, and now tech-savvy RAM fans can show their allegiance every time they whip out their iPhone or iPod Touch. By doing so they can also get lots of info and services via the new RAM Truck 1500/2500/3500 Vehicle Info app that's available for free from the iTunes App Store. The app offers owner's manual info in the palm of the hand, as well as vehicle maintenance schedules and "on demand" customer service. And it also allows the chance to brag about the brand with other Ram fans.
The app includes links to RAM social media sites and features a time line chart with pictures of vintage RAM vehicles. Users can also shop for merchandise from RAM Outfitter, and there's a Mopar link to order parts and accessories for your truck. The app was developed by the Tweedle Group, which designed a recent app for the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. We thought hearing "Jeep" and "tech" in the same sentence was a stretch. Now you can add to that "pickup truck."
2011 Infiniti QX56 Takes Award for Spike in Consumer Interest
Wednesday, 1 September 2010 SMARTCARBUYERS --
Some people watch the Emmy Awards to see if their favorite show will be a winner. Some watch for the clothes. And apparently, some people are really, really paying attention to the cars. Shopping consideration for the 2011 Infiniti QX56 spiked 51 percent here at Edmunds.com after commercials for the car aired during the Emmy Awards broadcast Sunday night. The commercial features actor Joel McHale, of "Community" and "The Soup," piloting the QX56 to an Emmy party. (See the video after the jump).
"Shopping consideration" is a measurement of Edmunds site visitors' interest in a vehicle, as indicated by navigation to pages that have content specific to the car, such as car reviews, videos and photos. Edmunds analysts say that shopping consideration is a good metric to gauge marketing effectiveness, which is obviously important to automakers who trying to see how well they're getting their message across to would-be buyers. Consideration of a brand or model is the first step toward what's called purchase intent, but not everyone counted in our consideration metrics is currently in the market to buy a vehicle. Some people are just curious to know more, in other words.
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Used Car Corner: Edmunds TCO Gives Big Picture of Ownership Costs
Wednesday, 1 September 2010 SMARTCARBUYERS --
Edmunds' True Cost to Own (TCO) is a handy tool for new car buyers. A lot of people tend to look at just purchase price and fuel economy when considering a new ride. But other factors come into play, such as insurance, maintenance and repair costs, that greatly affect how much that car is really going to cost 'em. Used-car shoppers can benefit from TCO as well.
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Ford Police Interceptor Sedan and Utility to Replace Crown Vics
Wednesday, 1 September 2010 SMARTCARBUYERS --
2010 has turned out to be the year of the police car. The Chevrolet Caprice patrol car, Dodge Charger Pursuit and the Ford Police Interceptor sedan all were announced this year. And now, Ford has is talking up the Police Interceptor utility vehicle. The two Ford police models will debut in late 2011 as the classic -- yet dated -- Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor ends production.
Ford says that it worked with a police advisory board to get input on important vehicle attributes for the Interceptors, such as safety, performance, durability, driver convenience and comfort. The Interceptor utility starts out as 2011 Ford Explorer, but like the Taurus-based sedan, it receives a number of modifications to make it fit for police duty. The Interceptor Utility is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers at least 280 horsepower and is mated to a specially tuned six-speed automatic transmission that improves off-the-line acceleration. Both vehicles are expected to deliver a 20 percent increase in fuel economy over the V8-powered Crown Vic.
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Ferrari 458 Italia Fires Prompts Phone Calls to Handful of U.S. Owners
Wednesday, 1 September 2010 SMARTCARBUYERS --
Ferrari will begin contacting U.S. owners of its 458 Italia coupe after its engineers isolated the source of fires that have plagued the gorgeous new sports car. The ignition point appears to be an adhesive used on part of the aluminum bodywork that can ignite when in close proximity to the engine's exhaust. Ferrari has sold 1,248 of the 458 Italias globally, and has pledged to replace any model destroyed by fire due to this fault free of charge. Since 458 Italia deliveries have only just begun in the U.S., only a handful of cars are involved, and no official recall has been announced.
The fault involves the rear wheel arch and heat shield, which is assembled both with mechanical fasteners and an adhesive. Under extreme temperatures, the adhesive may begin to fail, bringing the assembly even closer to the exhaust, where the adhesive may then ignite. A Ferrari spokesperson said they have been investigating five such incidents since July. Ferrari 458 Italia owners would be well advised to contact their local dealer at the earliest convenience.
AutoTrader Offers New Advice as Online Ad Competition Heats Up
Wednesday, 1 September 2010 SMARTCARBUYERS --
With eBay offering free classified ads and Craigslist still the free-ad standard bearer, AutoTrader is upping its game by offering more interactive advice to people who pay to list their cars at the site. Even though free ads available from Craigslist and eBay, people are willing to pay to list their ads on AutoTrader since, based on our experience, the ads usually gets results. Still, the market is always changing and now AutoTrader is working harder to provide value and good advice.
AutoTrader tells sellers that if their car ads don't start phones ringing, they should consider reworking their ads so that they have realistic pricing, good photos and better descriptions. At Edmunds, we've used AutoTrader, eBay and Craigslist to sell dozens of used cars and agree that these three elements are the keys to turning your used car into cash.
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2011 BMW 1 SERIES RECALL
Wednesday, 1 September 2010 AUTOBLOG (BMW) -- BMW has announced that they are recalling certain models of the 2008 - 2011 1 Series vehicles. They stated that in a crash of sufficient severity, deployment of the front pre tensioner and load...
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InstaVIN Touts Its $6.99 Vehicle History Reports
Wednesday, 1 September 2010 SMARTCARBUYERS --
The vehicle history report is a vital tool for used-car buyers because it can reveal such problems as odometer rollbacks and salvage titles. As of today, the market for selling these reports just got a little more crowded and competitive. A new company, instaVIN, is offering a single report for as little as $6.99. Currently, the key players in the field are CARFAX, which charges $34.99 for a single report and AutoCheck, which charges $29.99 for a report.
San Diego-based instaVIN boasts its ability to send vehicle history reports to a customer's mobile phone. It also offers vehicle information through a partnership with the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS).
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Nissan Leaf Ordering Process Begins Today, Option Packages Confirmed
Tuesday, 31 August 2010 SMARTCARBUYERS --
Nissan has announced the start of the official order process for the all-electric 2011 Nissan Leaf. The ordering process begins today for folks who have already placed a reservation online, and those consumers will now be able to choose color and trim level. The ordering process for Nissan Leaf will be prioritized based on when consumers submitted their original reservations online and by the consumer's market. Over the next several weeks, reservation holders will begin to receive emails from Nissan informing them how to submit an order, after which they can contact a dealer to negotiate their price and finalize the order for purchase or lease.
Once a consumer's order has been finalized with a dealer, it will be placed in sequence for production and delivery. The first Leafs are expected to be delivered before the end of the year depending on the consumer's market (California, Arizona, Tennessee, Washington and Oregon), and future owners will be informed of an estimated delivery time upon completing the order process.
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Edmunds Roundup: August 31, 2010
Tuesday, 31 August 2010 SMARTCARBUYERS --
Auto Observer: New U.S. Kia Plant to Build Hyundai CUV
Kia Motors America today announced it will begin production of the Hyundai Santa Fe crossover at the Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia assembly plant in West Point, Georgia, beginning in late September.
Inside Line: 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 Full Test
The GT500 just didn't deliver. Rather, it over-delivered. With massive stick, serious brakes, huge thrust, killer sound and speed like we've never before experienced from this breed of car, it was, well, more than just a pony car. It's now a genuinely engaging driver's car -- solid axle and all.
Green Car Advisor: East Coast Gets First Station in Hydrogen Highway
California's version of a so-called hydrogen highway may be languishing in a weak economy, but an East Coast version is getting started with its first fueling station and 10 Toyota hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles.
Lenders More Willing to Write Auto Loans for Imperfect Borrowers
Tuesday, 31 August 2010 SMARTCARBUYERS --
If you're someone with imperfect credit and you've had trouble getting a decent car loan, don't give up just yet. Lending institutions seem to be relaxing their won't-loan stance and are providing a higher percentage of loans to customers in the nonprime and subprime risk tiers, according to Experian Automotive, which is part of the credit-reporting company Experian.
Lenders might be relaxing their restrictions because borrowers are being less flaky: Automotive loan delinquencies dropped during the second quarter of this year, marking the second consecutive quarter of year-over-year decreases in quarterly delinquencies, Experian said. It could also be that delinquencies declined because the people who are really in bad financial straits can't get a loan in the first place. In any case, the percentage of nonprime and subprime loans for new vehicles grew a combined 4.5 percent, from 16 percent in the second quarter of 2009 to 16.73 percent in second quarter of this year. Tips on how nonprime or subprime borrowers can get a loan -- or a better rate -- are after the jump.
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10 Hatchbacks and Wagons With the Lowest Insurance Cost
Tuesday, 31 August 2010 SMARTCARBUYERS --
If you're shopping for a new car, you probably know that hatchbacks and wagons offer supremely affordable prices. Keep in mind, though, that price isn't the only factor that will affect your budget. Insurance expense also plays a role, and you should consider it before you decide on a model.
With this in mind, we've put together a list of the 10 hatchbacks and wagons with the lowest insurance expense for 2010. Included are popular models such as the Volkswagen Jetta and Honda Fit.
Nissan to Debut New Quest Minivan and Murano Convertible at LA Auto Show
Tuesday, 31 August 2010 SMARTCARBUYERS --
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Nissan announced that it will introduce its redesigned Quest minivan and the Murano CrossCabriolet convertible to the world at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show, which takes place November 19-28. The Nissan Ellure concept will also make its debut as a "value sedan exploration."This could be a sign of where the styling is headed on Nissan's low end sedans like the Altima. A production version of the Leaf electric vehicle will round out the key players in Nissan's auto-show lineup.
Nissan says that the Murano CrossCabriolet (see the photo illustration after the jump) is an all-wheel-drive convertible crossover that can seat four adults and still have room for golf bags or luggage. Let us know what you think of the design. Both the Murano CrossCabriolet and the Nissan Quest will be available in early 2011. We'll have more information as the LA Auto Show draws near.
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Chevrolet Cruze Goes on Sale Next Week
Tuesday, 31 August 2010 SMARTCARBUYERS --
AutoObserver editor at large Michelle Krebs attended a Chevrolet Cruze event this week and came back with some interesting information: The highly anticipated 2011 Cruze is expected to go on sale next week. Prices will range from $16,995 for the base LS trim level, to $22,695 for the range-topping LTZ model.
The Cruze Eco model, however, will not be available until early 2011. The automatic transmission version was recently rated by the Environmental Protection Agency at 36 mpg on the highway. That's a few mpgs short of the 40 miles per gallon that GM had expected. The manual transmission model has not yet been tested, so the vehicle could still hit that 40 mpg mark.
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New "Ripley's Believe It Not" Book Filled with Car Weirdness
Tuesday, 31 August 2010 SMARTCARBUYERS --
When I was a kid I spent hours poring through the pages of Ripley's Believe It or Not! books. I remember reading about how in 1908 there were only two cars in the entire state of Ohio and they ran into each other. I have no idea whether I'm recalling that correctly or not but it sure was hard to believe.
So I'm sure to spend hours reading Ripley's newest book, Enter if You Dare! It's filled with plenty of car weirdness. Take the story of the motorist who returned to his car in the Netherlands to find it buried beneath a giant silk cocoon that had been created by an army of caterpillars. Yuk! On the jump page we list a few more car-related stories we don't know whether or not to believe.
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2011 BLUE BIRD ALL AMERICAN Recall
Tuesday, 31 August 2010 AUTOBLOG (Vehicle Recall News) -- Blue Bird has announced that they are recalling certain models of the 2007 through 2011 All American school buses manufactured from May 29, 2006 through August 7, 2010 equipped with Cummins ISB-02,...
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