Category Archives: Auto Brands News

V-6 Ford F-150 a surprise hit

Many people were shocked when Ford announced that it would start selling an F-150 with a turbocharged EcoBoost V-6 engine. Now, five years later, it appears as though the bold move has paid off as sales of F-150s with the V-6 have bested those with the V-8, Automotive News reports.

The reason for the success is due in large part to the fact that the the turbocharged V-6 offers both improved gas mileage (22 mile per gallon on the highway) as well as a boost in horsepower and torque – something invaluable to truck owners.

"We knew 'there's no replacement for displacement,'" Doug Scott, manager of Ford's truck marketing group, told the news source. "That's a very popular saying among full-sized pickup customers – which just shows their love for the V-8 engine. We knew we had a marketing challenge."

Drivers looking to get behind the wheel of a Ford pick-up truck may want to check out New Jersey Auto Auction, which offers plenty of models at affordable prices.

Chevy Volt design to be used in Cadillac

The Chevrolet Volt has been at the forefront of the electric car movement, and now General Motors appears poised to use the Volt as a template for an electric Cadillac. According to GreenCarReports, the model would likely be the concept Cadillac Converj, which may be available as early as 2013.

The Converj debuted two years ago at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, but many speculated that the beautiful car would never be produced for consumers. However, the news source reports that manufacturers have received the go-ahead to begin making the electricity-powered vehicle.

Though it's in the very early stages, the move could be a smart one for GM. Analysts at USA Today point out that the Chevy Volt already has a pretty steep price of nearly $40,000, but Cadillac drivers are probably less likely to stay away from an electric luxury car due to big price tag.

Although the Converj may be a few years away, drivers looking to get behind wheel of a fuel-efficient Honda Accord or Toyota Prius can check out New Jersey Auto Auction, which has plenty of makes and models at affordable prices.

Ford, SunPower team up to provide solar panels to Focus Electric

Ford is on schedule to release its much-anticipated Focus Electric later this year, and thanks to a new partnership it will be one of the greenest cars on the road. The company has paired with California-based SunPower to offer roof-top panels in the Focus.

This system uses the company's SunPower® E18 Series solar panels, which will provide drivers with around 50 percent more energy than conventional panels. By outfitting the Focus Electric with solar panels, it will give drivers a clean alternative to plugging in their car when it needs to be charged.

"By taking advantage of this program, Focus Electric customers can receive the added benefit of installing a SunPower solar system, the highest-efficiency, most reliable on the market today, generating the electricity needed to charge their vehicles," SunPower president and CEO and Tom Werner said.

The Ford Focus Electric will likely be made available to the general public sometime in 2012, and will join similar models including the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf in the push to do away with fuel.

Drivers looking to be more fuel efficient may want to pick up a smaller vehicle at New Jersey Auto Auction, which offers plenty of models at affordable prices.

Suzuki unveils new look for its Swift

The Suzuki Swift is getting a dramatic update for its latest model, and the company recently unveiled the new look in advance of the International Motor Show in Frankfurt, Germany, in September. The car has an updated, sleek look that will likely appeal to a younger generation.

The company announced that this is the first major update for the model since 2006, when the Swift Sport first launched. While maintaining its compact size, Suzuki says that the car's exterior will have much different appearance.

"It has a more aggressive and dignified exterior look thanks to a ground-hugging form that gives a sense of stability and tension and a big front grille that evokes sporty performance," the company said.

However, the look isn't the only thing that will be different about the new Swift. It will also include a 1.6-liter engine that will offer more power while still maintaining high fuel-efficiency.

Drivers looking to get behind the wheel of a Suzuki or any other car will want to check out New Jersey Auto Auction, which has plenty of makes and models for sale at an affordable price.

Ford to consumers: No delay of Focus Electric production

Amid rumors that there was a delay in production of the battery-powered Ford Focus, the venerable manufacture announced that the process is going ahead as planned. USA Today reports that officials have said they will start shipping the innovative cars to dealers next spring.

The questions over the delay were sparked by Ford CEO Alan Mulally's recent comments on The Late Show with David Letterman. Mulally hinted that while the 2012 Focus Electric will be for sale later this year, it would not be available to the public until the spring. Ford was quick to clarify his comments.

"Ford remains on schedule to deliver the initial Focus Electrics by the end of the year. As previously communicated to dealers, the first few months of Focus Electric production will be concentrated on delivering vehicles to California and New York," the company said.

Ford would suffer greatly from a delay in production, as Chevrolet has been selling its electric-powered car, the Volt, since the middle of December 2010.

Drivers looking to get in a fuel-efficient car, whether it be a Ford Focus or Honda Accord, will want to check out New Jersey Auto Auction, which offers plenty of models at affordable prices.

Toyota debuts 2012 Yaris at Lollapalooza

Lollapalooza is typically thought of as one of the premiere summer music festivals, but this year's event had an unexpected guest. The 2012 Toyota Yaris made its debut at the Chicago-based event this past weekend, and it includes a bunch of new an exciting features.

Cars.com editor Joe Bruzek was on hand to check out the unveiling and gave a detailed description of the new Yaris. Among its updates is improved gas mileage – the automatic model will get around 35 miles per gallon on the highway, while the manual will get 38.

Additionally, Bruzek noted that the car includes a number of useful electronic features as well that will appeal to the young Lollapalooza crowd. For one, it comes complete with USB input and iPod capability.

Though it made its first public appearance this weekend, consumers will have to wait until late September or early October to get behind the wheel themselves.

Those looking to pick up a new Toyota, whether it be a Yaris or a Camry, can check out New Jersey Auction for used cars at an affordable price. 

U.S. car industry on the rise, Ford executive says

Often maligned as being unable to compete with Japaneses automakers when it comes to small cars, GM and Ford say they have caught up. According to the Detroit Free Press, both companies are enjoying positive reviews on their latest compact cars – something which has translated into better sales.

In particular, the Ford Fiesta has enjoyed a solid few months. Most recently, it saw a 58 percent jump in July. However, the Fiesta was not alone as the Chevrolet Cruze also experienced a bump and was the top-selling compact car in July.

"I think we've entered a new era in the U.S. where there is more equity in the brands and the products are really competing on equal ground," Ford executive Jim Farley told reporters recently.

Conversely to the success Ford and Chevy are seeing, Japanese manufacturers Honda and Toyota are suffering in the wake of the earthquake and tsunami that hit earlier this year.

Consumers looking to get behind the wheel of a used Ford or Chevy may want to check out New Jersey Auto Auction, which offers plenty of options at affordable prices.

Consumers buying fun-to-drive cars this summer

Although the U.S. is still mired in economic uncertainty, consumers became more likely to buy a new or used car this summer, as several makes and models have enjoyed a good few months. USA Today reports that many fun-to-drive cars are flying off lots.

At the top of the list is the sporty Kia Soul. In July, sales of the care jumped an impressive 26 percent. Even more surprising is that, compared to units sold in January, its figures were up 90 percent. Experts believe the momentum will continue into next year as the manufacturers have worked on improving gas mileage and giving the car a sportier feel.

According to the news source, Volkwagen has also seen a summer sales surge. Specifically, the GTI version of the Golf is especially popular as the GTI model made up 40 percent of all Golf sales.

Also enjoying a resurgent season is the Jeep Wrangler, with a 43 percent jump in July sales compared to 2010.

Whether looking for a fuel-efficient Kia or an attractive Volkwagen GTI, New Jersey Auto Auction has plenty of makes and models at affordable prices.

Chrysler enjoys impressive July

Despite an auto industry that is still feeling the effects of the recent economic downturn, one manufacturer in particular has enjoyed an especially good year. Chrysler recently announced that its sales were up 20 percent in July compared to last year, the 16th consecutive month of improvement.

Though overall sales were up for the company, USA Today reports it was Jeep that led the way. The brand was up 46 percent compared to last July, and the classic Wrangler saw a 43 percent gain.

Reid Bigland, head of U.S. sales, as well as CEO of the Dodge brand, attributes the boost in sales to the company's change in focus.

"I think that statistic is the ultimate testament to the progress we have made with our product in the areas of fuel economy, quality and design," Bigland said in a statement.

Whether looking to get behind the wheel of a Dodge Durango or a Jeep Grand Cherokee, drivers should turn to New Jersey Auto Auction, which offers many makes and models at affordable prices.

Vermont county hopes to set Cadillac parade record

Orleans County, Vermont, includes the hometown of Henry Leland, who founded both Cadillac and Lincoln. So, it comes as no surprise that in an effort to create some publicity for the upcoming county fair, organizers hope to achieve the Guiness World Record for the largest parade of Cadillacs.

The New York Times reports that the idea was the brainchild of Lorie Seadale, who decided on giving the record a try after reading the the current record was just 102 cars. The idea also appealed to Leland's great, great nephew, David, who still lives in the area.

"Since there is a record, we feel it ought to be in Vermont," he told the Times over the phone. "It is a great opportunity to recognize some of his accomplishments."

The parade is set to hit Route 5 in Vermont on August 17, and by all accounts the record should fall. There are about 3,200 Cadillacs registered in Vermont, so attracting the number will likely not be a problem.

Cadillac itself has also gotten involved in the parade, as they have said they will put forward the $6,500 it takes to have a Guiness representative come and authorize the record.