Posts filed under 'Market Trends'
Today, Fiat, a major Italian automaker, is the new owner of the majority of Chrysler’s assets. This clears the way for Chrysler to emerge from bankruptcy after shedding nearly 800 dealerships as well as billions of dollars in debt and labor costs.
Fiat plans to reopen most of Chrysler’s factories by the end of June which is great news for many of the workers (and our Economy.) Fiat specializes in a smaller automobile which will fill a gap in the Chrysler car lineup. Chrysler hasn’t announced which cars will remain in its 2011 lineup so for now we will have to wait and see how this changes the face of Chrysler.
On car we will no longer see in the future lineup is the:
PT Cruiser
June 10th, 2009
General Motors is recalling nearly 1.5 million midsize cars from the 1997-2003 model years have a defect that lets oil drip onto the exhaust manifold and flame up, potentially leading to an engine fire, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.The recall includes:
Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
BUICK / REGAL 1997-2003
CHEVROLET / IMPALA 2000-2003
CHEVROLET / LUMINA 1998-1999
CHEVROLET / MONTE CARLO 1998-2003
OLDSMOBILE / INTRIGUE 1998-1999
PONTIAC / GRAND PRIX 1997-2003
According to the recall notice, if the manifold is hot enough and the oil runs below the heat shield, it may ignite into a small flame and may spread to the plastic spark plug wire channel and beyond increasing the risk of an engine compartment fire.
To remedy the default, dealership technicians will remove the spark plug wire retention channel at the front of engine and install two new spark plug wire retainers free of charge.
A Chevrolet car NOT on the recall list is the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. Check out a review by jayrone34:
April 14th, 2009
The Nano is being launched today. March 23, 2009. The car will be available in both standard and deluxe versions. Both versions will offer a wide range of body colors, and other accessories so that the car can be customized to an individual’s preferences.
With an expected starting price of about $1,945 for dealers, which doesn’t include a markup and other charges that consumers will pay, the 10.2 foot-long Nano will be one of the world’s cheapest cars.
Its mono-volume design, with wheels at the corners and the power train at the rear, enables it to uniquely combine both space and maneuverability, which will set a new benchmark among small cars.
The Nano has a rear-wheel drive, all-aluminum, two-cylinder, 623 cc, 33 PS, multi point fuel injection petrol engine. This is the first time that a two-cylinder gasoline engine is being used in a car with single balancer shaft.
The Nano’s safety performance exceeds current regulatory requirements. With an all sheet-metal body, it has a strong passenger compartment, with safety features such as crumple zones, intrusion-resistant doors, seat belts, strong seats and anchorages, and the rear tailgate glass bonded to the body.
The Nano’s tailpipe emission performance exceeds regulatory requirements. In terms of overall pollutants, it has a lower pollution level than two-wheelers being manufactured in India today. The high fuel efficiency also ensures that the car has low carbon dioxide emissions, thereby providing the twin benefits of an affordable transportation solution with a low carbon footprint.
Want to check out more environment friendly cars? travelmom1 review the Conch Electric Car:
March 23rd, 2009
The entire Ford Fusion line received a makeover for 2010. Up front, the grille and the hood’s power dome grow larger for the 2010 model year. Everything from the back of the hood to the trunk remains the same, but a pair of honeycomb lenses set the taillights apart from those of earlier Fusions.
Last October, Ford introduced the brand new SmartGauge system and you’ll find it on the Fusion Hybrid. It’s a huge technological leap in driver information, comprised of a large center analog speedometer flanked by two high-resolution LCD screens. The display can be configured to show varying amounts of information. The driver can choose from one of four configurations.
Inform: Fuel level and battery charge status
Enlighten: Adds electric vehicle mode indicator and tachometer
Engage: Adds engine output power and battery output power
Empower: Adds power to wheels, engine pull-up threshold and accessory power consumption
As a bonus, anyone who purchases a Fusion Hybrid by March 31, 2009 will be eligible for a $3400 federal tax credit. Buyers who wait until April 1, 2009 will be eligible for only a $1700 credit. From October 1, 2009 until March 31, 2010, the credit will be reduced by half again, to $850. Anyone buying a Fusion Hybrid after March 31, 2010 will not be eligible to receive any tax credits unless there is a change in the tax code
Price: $27,995 (base)
Check out a review of the 2008 Ford Fusion by Socialbuzz
March 20th, 2009
Ford Motor Company announced plans to bring an all-electric version of the 2010 Transit Connect to the North American market in addition to its 2.0 liter gasoline-powered model. The electric Transit Connect, a small van, will be offered in “select” U.S. Ford dealerships.
Ford spokeswoman Jennifer Moore said the Ampere was the EU version of the Transit Connect and reiterated that Ford has not announced a battery type or supplier. However, she said the North American version of the all-electric Transit Connect will have a targeted range of approximately 100 miles. The Transit Connect is a smaller alternative to a full-size cargo van and can be outfitted for package delivery or for passenger use.
Ford has not announced pricing on the all-electric Transit Connect. The light commercial vehicle will be Ford’s first all-electric move into the North American market, preceding the small electric passenger sedan in 2011.
Check out reviews of other Ford vehicles like this peek at the 2009 Ford Flex:
February 10th, 2009
Last night was the Super Bowl, and while some people watch in anticipation to see who will win the game, the real entertainment can often be found in the commercials. For space that comes at such a high cost, you expect to see some of the best commercials of the year.
This year’s automobile commercials included:
Audi R8
Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Bridgestone
Check out reviews for the latest automobiles at Expo, like this sneak peak of the 2009 Hyundai Genesis Coupe Review
href=”http://www.expotv.com/Auto-Show-2009-Hyundai-Genesis-Coupe/3l-1ag1″>
February 2nd, 2009
According to Gas2.org, Shelby SuperCars (SSC), the company behind the world’s fastest production car, has announced plans to launch an electric supercar that is four times as powerful as the Tesla Roadster later this year. According to SSC, this car should be able to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 2.5 seconds and a top speed of 208 mph.
The car will boast a range of 150-200 miles on a single charge. Moreover, SSC’s Green division has trademarked an on-board charging system called “Charge on the Run,” which enables a 10 minute full battery recharge on a 220V service.
Shelby expects to roll out its first full-scale, pre-production Ultimate Aero EV in the second quarter of 2009, with full commercial availability anticipated as early as the fourth quarter of 2009.
Check out the Saab 9X BioHybrid at NY Auto show:
January 30th, 2009
The Department of Energy has released a list of the most fuel efficient cars of 2009. With gas prices slowly raising again and the economy in a state of uncertainty, every penny saved is a good thing.
The Toyota Prius received the highest rating with 48 MPG City and 45 MPG Highway. The Honda Civic Hybrid came in second with 40 MPG City and 45 MPG Highway. On the opposite end of the spectrum the Lamborghini Murcielago received the lowest rating with 8 MPG City and 13 MPG Highway.
If you think those stats sound great, Discovery.com reports that “A British Volkswagen concept car gets 235 miles to the gallon. But that one won’t be available for a couple more years.”
If you can’t afford to wait a few years, check out this review of the Toyota Prius by cepbush106:
January 28th, 2009
According to Technoride:
“the Fusion’s advantages include mileage, nearly 40 mpg, that beats other mid-to-large size sedans, a cockpit that isn’t shamed by Japanese sedans, outstanding iPod and Bluetooth connections, and useful navigation. Not only that, but no hybrid has more ways to track, display, and possibly help improve your efficiency as you drive. The Fusion has the potential to be the best hybrid sedan when it arrives.”
Ford Fusion Hybrid (2010)
Ford, www.ford.com
Price: $27,995
Fuel economy: TBD (estimated 39 mpg city)
Pros: Excellent fuel economy. Useful (with practice) EcoGuide gauges.
Cons: Confusing EcoGuide setup. Stiff hybrid price premium. Silly LCD display in rear view mirror.
Bottom line: The Ford Fusion Hybrid is the most economical medium-large hybrid sedan ever and may be the best hybrid on the market when it ships in early 2009.
Since this great car will not be out until 2009, check out reviews of the Ford Fusion like this review by Socialbuzz:
December 23rd, 2008
The Honda FC Sport Concept recently premiered at the LA Auto Show. It is is a design concept that shows what a hydrogen fuel cell supercar could look like sometime in the future.
“The FC Sport emphasizes the design flexibility and potential of Honda’s V Flow fuel cell technology — already deployed in the Honda FCX Clarity sedan — and reconfigures it into a lightweight sports car design with an ultralow center of gravity, powerful electric motor performance and zero emissions,” said the press materials. “People who love sports cars will still have a reason to love in a hydrogen-powered future.”
Although this is merely a concept car for Honda to gauge the excitement for this type of car and to create a buzz and will not be released to the public at the moment, you can still check out current Honda reviews at Expo like this review of the Honda Civic Sedan by Acesdrumming92:
-Froso
November 20th, 2008
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