Category Archives: Auto Brands News

Subaru unveils its XV at the Frankfurt Motor Show

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Posted in Auto Brands News

The Frankfurt Motor Show puts some of the newest and most exciting cars on display, but there was one model especially that surprised some people at this year's event. Subaru unveiled its latest creation, the XV, which will be released in the United States next year as part of the Impreza family, Cars.com reports.

While it may look like the redesigned Impreza hatchback, there are a number of changes that will make the driving experience a bit different. For starters, it has a much greater ground clearance of about 8.6 inches, up from the Impreza hatchback's 5.7. Furthermore, the body looks a bit different thanks to the gray cladding on the bumper and around the wheels.

In addition to providing consumers with one more option, the Subaru XV may also be a way for the company to lure drivers looking to get behind the wheel of a smaller SUV with a sleeker design than some other models.

Drivers who are interested in purchasing a Subaru or any other used car may want to check out New Jersey Auto Auction, which offers plenty of makes and models at affordable prices.

Kia unveils sleek concept car

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Posted in Auto Brands News

Kia may not be best known for its flashy designs and innovative concepts, but the company's display at the Frankfurt Auto Show might change some minds. Kia unveiled a GT concept car that features real-drive and an uncharacteristically sleek design, USA Today reports.

The car was revealed by Kia's design chief Peter Schreyer, and he hinted that the design may be a sign of things to come for the manufacturer. The vehicle is surprisingly high-powered as well, with 390 horsepower coming from a 3.3-liter turbo V-6.

"No matter from which perspective you look at the Kia GT, it is roaring with energy and ready for take-off," Shreyer said, according to the publication. "I believe this concept car is a strong statement from Kia that we are ready to fast-forward to an all-new chapter."

Kia also unveiled a new three door version of its popular Rio. The so-called supercompact is a downsize from four and five door Rio models that the company currently offers.

While it may not be the most sporty car on the road, Kia has made a name for itself by being affordable and reliable. Drivers looking to get behind the wheel of a Kia should check out New Jersey Auto Auction.

Honda launches ambitious fall ad campaign

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Posted in Auto Brands News

Honda has had a long history of being one of the most popular manufacturers in the world, but that doesn't mean it's done trying to sell itself to consumers. The company recently launched its new ad campaign for the fall that is among the most aggressive in the industry.

The ads, which feature venerable comedic actor Patrick Warburton, will focus on emphasizing Honda's reputation of being especially high-quality, reliable and safe. Warburton lets the car's accolades essentially speak for themselves, and highlights the numerous awards that Honda has won over the years.

"We created a layer of honesty that isn't seen from most car manufacturers," said ad agency RPA, who is beind the campaign, senior vice president Jason Sperling. "And we show Honda's many strengths in a way that cuts through the cliches and usual tactics and feels incredibly fresh."

Honda also makes use of online marketing by directing consumers to a website where Warburton hosts six more videos. With 86 percent of buyers going online during the shopping process, this seems like a natural fit.

Drivers looking to get in a used Honda should check out New Jersey Auto Auction, which offers plenty of makes and models at affordable prices.

Ford, Spotify team up to show ease of streaming music

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Posted in Auto Brands News, Ford

Driving and music go hand-in-hand and in an effort to provide motorists with easier access to their favorite tunes, Ford and the Swedish music provider Spotify have teamed up to show how easy it is to stream music in the car. TechCrunch reports that although it is not an official partnership, it still is indicative of the way motorists listen to music.

The two companies showed that Ford drivers can use the car's innovative SYNC system to make use of Spotify. The technology makes it so that motorists can use their voice to activate music, make phone calls and in the case of the 2011 Fiesta, activate smartphone apps using the AppLink program.

The pair demonstrated how to use Spotify through the SYNC technology at the recent TechCrunch Hackathon. Although it is currently available in just one model, Ford is hoping that all their cars will have AppLink by 2012, the website reports.

The advent of the SYNC technology is not the only big plan that Ford has in the works. The manufacturer is also leading the charge in eco-friendly cars highlighted by an electric version of the popular Focus.

Volkswagen, Audi score well on IIHS saftey test

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Posted in Audi, Auto Brands News

The Volkswagen group redesigned two of its most popular sedans over the last year, and it looks like the move has paid off. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named the 2012 Volkswagen Passat and the 2012 Audi A6 as its Top Safety Picks, USA Today reports.

The rating is especially good news for the manufacturer because many consider the IIHS' standards to be higher than the government's. To earn the distinction of being a Top Safety Pick, the cars had to get the top score on front, side, rear and rollover crash tests performed by the institute.

The rollover test is especially stringent and cars have to withstand a force up to four times the weight of the car. The Passat was able to stand up to six times its weight, while the A6 managed to withstand 4.9 times its weight, the publication reports. This isn't new territory for the Passat, which has earned the distinction before, but it is for the A6, which missed out last year.

Drivers looking to get behind the wheel of a used Audi or Volkswagen may want to check out New Jersey Auto Auction, which offers plenty of models at affordable prices.

Ford to unveil high performance Focus

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Posted in Auto Brands News, Ford

Often thought of as an affordable car for young drivers, the Ford Focus is about to get a new look. According to The Detroit News, Ford is set to unveil the Focus ST, a high performance version of the compact car, at next week's Frankfurt Auto Show.

The unveiling of the Focus ST will mark a return to form for Ford, which only has two high performance vehicles on the market right now, the Mustang GT500 and the F-150 Raptor. Some experts have speculated the the Focus might just be the first in a line of new performance vehicles that would include the Fusion and the Fiesta.

"SVT [Special Vehicles Team] was never gone, just because we didn't have a car coming out every year," Jost Capito, the head of global performance vehicle strategy, told the news source. "We never let it die or questioned SVT, even when times were bad."

Anybody looking to get behind the wheel of a new Ford, be it Focus or Mustang, may want to check out New Jersey Auto Auction, which offers plenty of makes and models at affordable prices.

GM, Chrysler have standout August

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Posted in Auto Brands News, Chevrolet

American automakers General Motors and Ford had a very successful August, but both were behind Chrysler. With a bevvy of updated models, the manufacturer saw a 31 percent rise in sales compared to last year, the 17th month in a row where sales rose in relation to the previous year, USA Today reports.

Perhaps the biggest reason for the boost in sales was the resurgence of the Jeep Wrangler. Compared to August 2010, the classic Jeep sold 58 percent more, giving the model its best month since December 2007. The company also re-branded its Sebring sedan under the name Chrysler 200, and subsequently saw sales jump 142 percent.

As for GM, the venerable company had a good August as well. Specifically, the Chevy Cruze, GMC Arcada and Cadillac CTS all rose in sales.

"The 'new GM' is making the strides it promised. About the only negative signs on GM's spreadsheet of August sales were for models being discontinued or soon to be replaced," says analyst Michelle Krebs told the publication.

Drivers looking to get behind the wheel of a Chrysler or Chevrolet may want to check out New Jersey Auto Auction which has plenty of makes and models at affordable prices. 

Ford, Toyota top Forbes list of used cars

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Posted in Auto Brands News, Ford, Toyota

Choosing between a new and used car can sometimes be a difficult choice for motorists. However, for those looking to find the best deal possible, sometimes pre-owned vehicles are the best route to take. Still, the decision-making process can be tough to make, especially with so many choice available. Forbes recently unveiled its list of the best used cars currently on the market.

For families who are looking for a car with plenty of seating capacity, the 2008 Ford Edge is the way to go. In addition to offering five passengers a comfortable and quiet ride, the Edge also comes with Ford's Sync voice control system, which allows drivers to access mp3 players, text messages and cell phones.

As for sedans, the publication recommends the Ford Fusion or the Mercury Milan. Both models come with an adequate 160-horsepower engine while also providing a roomy interior that can seat five.

Motorists looking to get behind the wheel of a used pick-up truck should check out the Toyota Tundra, Forbes says. The main selling points of the Tundra are that it offers plenty of power (381 horsepower, 5.7-liter engine) without sacrificing a smooth ride.

Whether looking for a Tundra or a Fusion, New Jersey Auto Auction offers motorists with plenty of makes and models at affordable prices.

Crown Victoria being phased out by Ford

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Posted in Auto Brands News, Ford

The Ford Crown Victoria rose to prominence as the popular choice for police cars across the United States, but now the iconic vehicle is being retired. The Detroit Free Press reports that while consumers haven't been able to buy the cars since 2008, police stations still had the opportunity, but now that era has come to a close.

The reason for the change is that Ford is expected to provide law enforcement with a new line of cars based off their popular Taurus and Explorer SUV designs. Despite the move, which is being conducted in the hopes that it will improve fuel economy, some police stations are hesitant to adopt the switch.

"The Taurus isn't going to work for us. It's too small," John Zumalt, the police chief in South Charleston, North Carolina, told the news source. "We're looking at the Caprice from Chevrolet and the Dodge Charger."

The car has also been a popular product among average drivers as well, who praised its rear wheel drive and durable V-8 engine, making it one of the best cars to drive in the winter.

Motorists looking to get behind the wheel of a Ford will want to check out New Jersey Auto Auction, which offers plenty of makes and models at affordable prices.
 

General Motors partners with LG to improve electric vehicles

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Posted in Auto Brands News, Cadillac - DO NOT USE, Chevrolet

Ford recently announced that it was partnering with Toyota to help create fuel-efficient trucks and SUVs. Not to be outdone, General Motors and LG Group will be teaming up to design electric vehicles in the future.

The partnership seems like a logical one as LG has worked on the electric engine for the popular Chevrolet Volt as well as the Opel Ampera. The venture will focus on finding other areas to use the technology, and seems to be beneficial to LG, GM and consumers.

"Many solutions for tomorrow’s transportation needs may be available more quickly by building on our partnership strategy," said GM vice chairman Steve Girsky. "Consumers benefit by getting the latest fuel-saving technology faster if we work with the best suppliers and we save time and money in the development process."

The move will likely prove to be an important one in the coming years as the U.S. government recently called for cars to have a 54.5 miles per gallon fuel economy by 2025.

Drivers looking to get behind the wheel of a fuel-efficient car may want to check out New Jersey Auto Auction, which offers plenty of models at affordable prices.