Category Archives: Auto Industry News

Ford to recall more pickup trucks

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Posted in Auto Industry News, Ford

Ford is again recalling a slew of pickup trucks, just days after the automaker was forced to call back many used Ford F-150s for a problem related to airbags.

The new recalls include 23,688 Ford Rangers from 2010, specifically those equipped with the 2.3-liter engine. In addition, nearly 15,000 F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, Edge and Lincoln MKX models are being called back for a second time.

For the Rangers, the issue appears to be with the fuel lines. The automaker says that a protective layer near the lines may not properly be installed. Eventually, this could potentially cause a fuel leak, although the company has received no reports of fires thus far.

The second grouping of vehicles are related to issues with the body control module (BCM). Ford believes that an electrical short within the BCM could potentially cause a fire – but again, no problems have been reported. A similar subset of vehicles was recalled in December, but the automaker believes that an issue with the vehicle diagnostic systems may have caused some trucks to be missed.

Last week, Ford announced a recall for 135,000 F-150s due to an airbag that could inadvertently deploy. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration previously requested Ford to recall 1.3 million pickup trucks, but the automaker claimed only 135,000 were affected. The two groups are currently determining whether the recall was sufficient or if more action needs to be taken.

Sedan version of Hyundai Genesis Coupe in the works?

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Posted in Auto Industry News, Hyundai

Hyundai has announced that it may be expanding its luxury offerings by debuting a new sedan based off of its current Genesis Coupe.

According to Automotive News, the South Korean automaker is looking to create an entry-level sedan that could compete with vehicles like the BMW 3-Series, Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Acura TL. The Genesis Coupe has been a successful luxury vehicle for the company, so the automaker is currently considering a model that is based off the car's sharp styling cues.

"The Genesis Coupe is in the same segment, really, as the 3-Series coupe," Hyundai CEO John Krafcik told the news source. "One of the things we're thinking is: Should we do something that's a sedan version of that?"

Although only recently talked about, unidentified sources with knowledge of the automaker's plans told the news source that the car had been in development for some time now, dating back to 2006. Hyundai execs call the vehicle the "RK" internally.

Those interested in a used Hyundai or any other vehicle may want to seek out an online third-party provider of auto financing. These companies can allow drivers to negotiate with dealers using cash, which puts them in a stronger position when it comes time to talk about the price of a car. 

Analysts predict February sales gains

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Posted in Auto Industry News, Chevrolet

It wasn't just couples who were in a romantic mood in February – the auto industry got some love, too.

Most major analysts are predicting significant sales increases for the industry in February, as consumers helped automakers post some big gains. J.D. Power and Associates announced a forecast of 917,000 total units, or a 17.3 percent increase over February 2010. Edmunds was a bit more optimistic, with 937,000 units, or a 20.1 percent gain. Those figures also represent an improvement over January.

Both analysts acknowledged that the month started off slow, with J.D. Power attributing the sluggish sales to the fact that much of the country was pounded by snowstorms. Edmunds said that traffic began to pick up over President's Day weekend, however, as dealers held special sales to entice buyers.

Among automakers, GM is forecast to have the biggest gains by far. Edmunds pegged the company as posting a 37 percent increase year-on-year, with a 9 percent rise over January. Other major manufacturers expected to post above-average sales figures include Toyota (29 percent) and Nissan (27 percent).

It's a great time to buy a vehicle, but drivers who want to get the best deal while browsing a wide selection should consider paying a visit to New Jersey State Auto Auction.

Nissan to debut Esflow at Geneva Motor Show

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Posted in Auto Industry News, Nissan

Nissan has unveiled some teaser images and initial information about its new Esflow concept electric sports car, which is set to make its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show on March 3rd.

The new Esflow is just a concept at this point, although Nissan reportedly has plans to design some version of the vehicle. Using the same technology as the brand's heavily-hyped Leaf, the Esflow takes the philosophy behind the subcompact and applies it to a high-end sports car. The new model would reportedly be able to go from zero to 60 in under 5 seconds while traveling approximately 150 miles on a single charge.

As with any sports car, however, performance is only half the battle. They need to look good, too. Nissan has apparently nailed that concept, as the Esflow looks somewhat like a cross between its 370z coupe and the new Juke SUV. The shape and size borrow from the popular 370z, while the Juke supplies the sharp edges and lines on the front of the vehicle. It's all topped off with two electric-blue lights that make the car appear as if it just warped in from a futuristic sci-fi movie.

Drivers interested in a used Nissan or any other vehicle may want to head down to New Jersey State Auto Auction, which offers a variety of models at prices well below their Kelley Blue Book values.
 

Griffin’s dunk gives Kia Optima national exposure

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Posted in Auto Industry News, Hyundai

Many automakers focused the bulk of their early marketing efforts this year around extensive Super Bowl campaigns, but Hyundai's budget brand Kia may have just scored a massive coup with a cameo during the NBA's All-Star Weekend.

The Kia Optima was one of the official sponsors of the event, but the model got some extra exposure when it was prominently featured in the finals of the Slam Dunk Contest. Going into the contest, Los Angeles Clippers star Blake Griffin was the odds-on favorite to win the title, as he's dazzled fans with some thunderous dunks on an almost nightly basis.

Griffin did not disappoint with his final dunk of the night. It required a bit of setup, but the Optima was driven out onto the hardwood for the spot. Griffin's teammate Baron Davis then got in the car with a ball. Then, a full chorus took center court and began belting out "I Believe I Can Fly."

It was at that point that Griffin jumped over the hood of the car, caught a pass from Davis in mid-air and slammed it home, cementing his victory in the competition.

Griffin may have won the event, but the Kia's role in the stunt was a marketing coup – as it will surely be featured again and again in countless highlight videos.

Drivers interested in a used Hyundai, Kia or any other vehicle may want to consider New Jersey State Auto Auction, which offers a wide range of vehicles at affordable prices.

“BMW i” to launch in 2013

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Posted in Auto Industry News, BMW

Luxury automaker BMW has announced that it will be launching a new sub-brand, BMW i, in order to market its upcoming slate of electric and hybrid vehicles.

Unlike other BMW-owned brands like Mini Cooper and Rolls Royce, BMW i will fully acknowledge the BMW name in advertising and marketing. However, BMW executive Ian Robertson says that the new venture will be "an independent brand, but committed to the BMW brand promise of joy through pure driving pleasure."

Initially, BMW i will feature two models, set to be launched in 2013. The i3 is a four-seat battery-powered car aimed at city dwellers. It seems as if nearly every manufacturer with a toe in eco-friendly technology is introducing some variant of these subcompacts, much in the style of the Chevrolet Volt or Nissan Leaf.

However, the new i8 promises to be something that hasn't been seen yet. This hybrid sports car will reportedly be able to go from zero to 60 in just five seconds, while still offering drivers all the fuel efficiency that comes with most subcompact vehicles. The company plans to add additional models over the next decade.

Those interested in a BMW, hybrid or any other vehicle may want to head to New Jersey State Auto Auction, which features a wide variety of new and used cars for sale. 

Audi announces carbon fiber partnership

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Posted in Audi, Auto Industry News

German luxury automaker Audi has announced a partnership with carbon-fiber producer Voith, following in the footsteps of its rivals BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

In recent months, BMW and Mercedes have both announced new manufacturing deals with SGL and Toray, respectively. SGL, Toray and Voith all make carbon fiber, an extremely lightweight yet sturdy material that many believe will be the future of automobile construction.

Many drivers want the best of both worlds – increased performance and fuel economy – but bigger engines mean less miles per gallon. One way to address both is to make vehicles lighter, and that's where carbon fiber comes in. The main drawback is that the material is much more expensive than typical sheet metal at this time, which is why it's usually only seen on high-end supercars.

However, the three German automakers jumping onboard with the material manufacturers seems to indicate that they see a future in mass producing carbon fiber. Audi already uses some carbon fiber parts in the R8, and BMW is building its strategy around the material with the new Megacity electric vehicle.

Extensive use of carbon fiber will likely cause a vehicle's price to go up. Those interested in a luxury car that won't break the bank may want to seek out a used auto at New Jersey State Auto Auction. 

Top green car is… gas-powered?

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Posted in Auto Industry News

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) has released its annual "greenest cars" list, and surprisingly, a hybrid or plug-in did not take the top spot.

It was the natural gas Honda Civic GX that ended up as the most efficient vehicle overall, beating out cars typically thought to be "green" like the Nissan Leaf and Toyota Prius. The reason? The ACEEE takes into account not only fuel efficiency and consumption, but emissions and the effects on the environment as a whole.

The group pointed out that hybrids and plug-ins, while emitting nothing from the tailpipe, cause a drain on energy when they're plugged in. They also lose points as their batteries cause emissions when made and will eventually end up as waste that's difficult to dispose of.

"As U.S. power generation becomes cleaner, these vehicles' scores will rise," said Therese Langer, ACEEE's transportation director.

The highly-touted Chevrolet Volt didn't make the top 10, coming in at twelfth on the list. Other top finishers included the Nissan Leaf in second, Smart Fortwo in third and Toyota Prius in fourth.

Drivers interested in a green vehicle may want to shop New Jersey State Auto Auction, as they offer a wide range of used vehicles, both hybrid and gas-powered.

Mercedes to take over U.S. Smart distribution

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Posted in Auto Industry News, Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz has announced that it will take over sales duties for Smart cars in the U.S., after a tie up with Penske Automotive Group failed.

The small and distinctive Smart car is owned by Mercedes-Benz, but the group sold the U.S. distribution rights to Penske rather than market the car itself in the U.S. International Mercedes showrooms include the Smart brand.

Penske, which owns a string of new and used auto dealerships across the country, largely failed in its promotion of the vehicle. In 2010, when fuel efficiency and cost were top priorities for many Americans, the brand reportedly moved less than 6,000 units.

Now, Smart will find a new home in Mercedes showrooms. The move makes sense for the German luxury automaker, as the Smart Fortwo's 41 mpg fuel economy rating will help Mercedes achieve the U.S.-mandated average of 35 mpgs across all fleets by 2016.

A previous deal between Penske and Nissan to produce a larger version of the Fortwo has now been scrapped, Nissan said.

Smart cars may be difficult to find, but those interested in a fuel-efficient vehicle will have tons of options at New Jersey State Auto Auction, which boasts a wide range of new and used cars for sale. 

Sonata Hybrid eschews tradition in quest for mileage

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Posted in Auto Industry News, Hyundai

The new Hyundai Sonata Hybrid features an EPA-rated 40 miles per gallon on the highway, which leads its class and beats out popular models like the Ford Fusion and Nissan Altima hybrids. So how did Hyundai's engineers pull it off?

CNET recently profiled the innovative powertrain lurking in every Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. Engineers were given a task to maximize the car's fuel economy, so they started by sculpting the body in order to make it as aerodynamic as possible, which reduces drag and slightly increases mpgs.

Hybrids are at their best when the electric motor is powering the car, but many of the strategies for achieving this are patented by the South Korean automaker's top rivals. So Hyundai invented the TMED, a transmission-mounted electrical device. The TMED features the motor and clutch in one package, allowing the car to use an automatic transmission without a torque converter. The system not only lets Hyundai to get the best gas mileage on the highway in its class, but also run up to 75 miles per hour on electric power alone.

Looking for an upgrade to your own mileage? Then it might be wise to trade your vehicle in for a new one, as technology has increased significantly in recent years, leading to drastically increased mileage ratings without a significant dip in power. Those interested may want to head to New Jersey State Auto Auction, which features a wide variety of vehicles available for well below Kelley Blue Book value.