Category Archives: new vehicle

Blue Angels Mustang to be Auctioned at EAA Oshkosh

The Blue Angels Mustang pays tribute to 100 years of naval aviation, which will be celebrated all week at AirVenture 2011, arguably the biggest gathering of aviation enthusiasts in the world. Continue reading

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European Brands Gain Momentum in U.S. Consumer Interest

Overall interest for domestic brands actually decreased by 4.4% while sales increased 1.9% during the second quarter of 2011 – which the NADA analysts think may be an indication that sales for the domestic brands may see a decrease in the near future. Consumer interest in Japanese brands increased by 1.8% in Q2, while sales numbers for the brands dropped 3.5% during the second quarter. Continue reading

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New-Vehicle Consideration Rates Shift To European Models in China, away from Japanese. Chevrolet and Buick Gaining

The study finds that the proportion of new-vehicle intenders who say they would consider purchasing a model from a European automaker has increased to 32% in 2011 from 25% in 2009. Consideration rates for Japanese models have declined to 27% in 2011 from 32% in 2009. An increasing proportion of intenders are citing concerns about quality and reliability and concerns about dealer service for Japanese models. Continue reading

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Toyota Offers New Prius Plus Performance Package for $3,699

The custom body kit was aerodynamically designed to reduce the vehicle’s coefficient of drag, while maintaining fuel efficiency, according to Toyota. Continue reading

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Driving the 2012 Toyota Prius V – Another Hybrid Benchmark

Toyota has done it again. A day of test driving the newly enlarged Prius V – for versatile – model affirmed the claim that this hybrid station wagon can indeed return the expected EPA ratings of 44 mpg in the city, 40 highway and 42 mpg combined. On the road Prius V is comfortable, reasonably quick, and mostly quiet except for some pleasant hybrid drive whine and the inevitable tire noise on expansion joints and rough pavement that comes from the low rolling resistance rubber. Alas the electric steering is still vague and without usable feedback. Nonetheless Prius V is a delightful family car. Continue reading

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Chevrolet Says 2012 Cruze Improves Fuel Economy 2 MPG

Popular versions of the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze will be rated 2 mpg higher on the EPA highway cycle when they go on sale later this year, Chevrolet said today. A lower axle ratio for the compact models enables about a 5% increase in highway fuel efficiency. Your mileage may vary. Continue reading

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Chevrolet Volt Price Cut? Fully Loaded 2012 Now $46,265

Chevrolet has announced that the base price for the 2012 Volt will be $1,000 lower when it goes on sale later this year. Suggested retail asking price is $39,995. The price includes an $850 freight charge but excludes tax, title and license fees. A loaded Volt, with leather appointments, backup camera, navigation system and premium paint and wheels is now priced at $46,265 including delivery. Continue reading

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Ford Kills U.S. Gas C-Max Van. Smaller Hybrids Now Due in 2012

The C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid and C-MAX Hybrid will be followed by another next-generation hybrid in 2012, presumably an updated hybrid version of the Ford Fusion, which in its gasoline form remains the best selling car at the Number Two U.S. automaker. Continue reading

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BMW Group to Invest $811 Million in UK to Make Next Mini

The UK is the BMW Group’s fourth-largest single market in the world for sales, behind Germany, the U.S. and China, with sales in 2010 of 154,750. BMW, Mini and Rolls-Royce vehicles. Continue reading

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Volkswagen Holds Base Price of New Beetle to $19,765

Transaction prices of the Beetle will be much higher of course than the $19,765 starting point. The sportiest model the 2.0L TSI will start at more than $24,000 with a 2-liter in-line four-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. Continue reading

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AutoNation May Sales Down 15% Due to Japanese Shortages

AutoNation, Inc. today announced that its retail new vehicle unit sales in May 2011 totaled 16,347, a decrease of 15% as compared to May 2010. Toward the end of May, AutoNation delivered its eight millionth vehicle, an automotive retail industry first, at the grand opening of Honda of Dulles. Continue reading

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Automakers Cut Incentives on Small Cars as Fuel Prices Rise

U.S. consumers already embattled by a weak economy and record high fuel prices for the month of May can add another worry to the list – automakers have drastically cut incentives on small, fuel efficient cars. Continue reading

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Renault Tries Humor in New Electric Vehicle Ad Campaign

Renault has kicked off a new series of electric vehicle advertisements in Europe where it is in the process of introducing four EVs. By taking a humorous approach that shows that a car is the only non-electric device in common use, the French automaker is hoping to makes EVs more acceptable. Continue reading

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U.S. Built Volkswagen Passat Priced from $20,765 to $33,720

Passat normally would face fierce competition from the entrenched Japanese Big Three – Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima and Honda Accord – but its not clear if production disruptions at those makers will continue into the late summer when it will appear in dealer showrooms. Continue reading

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Volkswagen Opens New Passat Plant in Tennessee

VW’s ambitious plans promise that one million new generation U.S. built Passat models will be sold during next seven years after cars arrive in dealerships late this summer. The plant also appears to be a logical choice for building a new Audi model. Since 1987, more than 700,000 Passat sedans have been sold in the U.S. The Japanese Big Three sell that many of their similarly sized family cars – Camry, Altima, and Accord – each year. Continue reading

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