Category Archives: Auto Industry News

Ford to end Ranger pickup

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Posted in Auto Industry News, Ford

Ford has announced the end of its compact Ranger pickup line as it looks to streamline its fleet and jettison struggling products.

A redesigned Ranger is set to debut at the Sydney Auto Show on October 15th, but that version will not be sold in North America, the company says. The new Ranger is a larger vehicle, much closer to Ford's F-150 in size. Not wanting to cannibalize sales of its more popular pickup, Ford is moving ahead with the decision to solely offer the F-150 and its variants in the North American market, while the new Ranger will be sold worldwide.

Drivers generally choose a Ranger if they want a smaller and more fuel-efficient engine, but 2011 will see the F-150 get several new options for smaller engines that don't consume as much gas. Thus, the Ranger won't be offered past that year. Last year, Ford sold just 55,000 of the compact truck.

After 2011, it appears that drivers will have to search the used car market to find Ford Rangers. They may also want to consider used Ford F-150s, which have won several top awards and are generally considered to be one of the best pickup trucks available.

Automakers betting on smaller cars

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Posted in Auto Industry News, Ford

With the compact car segment growing and more models on the way, car buyers may notice a shift toward compact and microcars over the next few years.

As drivers worry both about the initial price of the vehicle and the fuel economy, both new and used car buyers are turning to subcompacts as an alternative to bulkier sedans, according to the Detroit News. Automakers have been happy to oblige, with a wave of small cars hitting the scene in recent years and even more to follow.

According to the news source, the "C-Segment" or compact sedan (including the Ford Fusion or Hyundai Elantra) were the dominant small cars for many years, as Americans tended to favor larger vehicles. Meanwhile, small cars that were easy to drive in the city enjoyed success in Europe and other regions around the world. Yet the "B-Segment," which now consists of hatchbacks like the Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit and Mini Cooper, was introduced to America with some success. Now, more "B" cars are on the way with "A" cars – like the Smart Fourtwo, Fiat 500 and Scion iQ – close behind.

Automakers are not yet sure how Americans will react to the shrinking interior space, but Rebecca Lindland of IHS Automotive predicted strong growth in these segments, with at least 850,000 cars per year in the B-Segment by 2015, up from the current level of 300,000.

For drivers in the market for a vehicle now, there are more than a few options in the small car category that they may find appealing, and quite a few on the way. These cars are already marked down when compared to their bigger counterparts and save drivers more at the pump, but patient consumers who wait for them to hit the used car market may be able to save even further.

The recently debuted redesign of the Ford Fiesta has been a big hit for the company, with the automaker currently struggling to keep up with demand. Reviewer's have praised the wealth of customization options in addition to its 32 miles per gallon EPA combined rating.

The Honda Fit is another example of a compact car that has enjoyed robust sales, jumping out to a clear lead in the segment sales-wise before the Fiesta came along. The car is a solid alternative and affordable option with basic features like air conditioning, power locks and a radio all available for under $15,000.

Whether it's one of the current subcompacts or one of the upcoming microcars like the Scion iQ, Fiat 500 or Chevy Spark, drivers can't go wrong with these small cars' mix of power and efficiency at a low price. 

Audi plans TT RS debut after successful Facebook campaign

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Posted in Audi, Auto Industry News

Audi has listened to its fans and plans to bring its new TT RS model to the U.S.

After unveiling the TT RS at the Geneva Auto Show, the German luxury automaker received considerable attention and praise from the automotive press. And no wonder – the RS, a high-performance version of Audi's popular TT coupe, packs a direct-injection turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder screamer that produces 360 horsepower. Considering the light and aerodynamic style of the compact hatchback, that means a zero to sixty time of just 4.6 seconds.

But American fans ready to tear up straightaways were left disappointed, as the model appeared destined to be a European exclusive, as many cars are. Compacts generally sell better in Europe, and though the TT has done well here, the company wasn't sure if it would be welcomed with open arms.

So it turned to its Facebook fans – asking them if they wanted the TT RS in the United States. After 11,500 "likes," the German automaker buckled – the car will make its way stateside after all.

Those looking forward to the TT RS may want to wait until models begin hitting the used market, as all that power will likely come at a premium, which can be mitigated by the lower prices of pre-owned vehicles.

Audi hopes to ride new A7 Sportsback to luxury lead

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Posted in Audi, Auto Industry News

German automaker Audi, which has stated that it hopes to take the title of most popular luxury brand away from its rivals Mercedes-Benz and BMW in the coming years, has unveiled its A7 Sportsback, a car that it hopes will contribute to a major sales increase in the midsize and compact market.

The A7 was designed to compete with popular Benz and BMW models like the 5-Series Gran Turismo and CLS, according to Bloomberg. Audi’s strategy is to target niche segments, and the A7 does that by providing hatchback versatility with a sportier look and feel.

“We’re pushing into customer groups that are willing to pay more for their car, and that’s where the A7 will play an important role,” Audi Chief Financial Officer Alex Strotbek told reporters at an event on the island of Sardinia late yesterday. “It’s clearly going to help us with our profitability.”

While the vehicle will hit Europe at the end of October, it won’t come to the U.S. until next year. The current price is estimated to be around $66,000, but drivers can save off of that by searching for their luxury car on the used market.

AutoNation outperforms major automakers

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Posted in Auto Industry News

AutoNation, a chain of used car dealerships, outperformed automakers in terms of August sales, possibly signalling the Americans are turning to used cars rather than new ones in a tough economy.

According to Reuters, AutoNation’s sales fell 17 percent as compared to August of 2009. Yet because the “Cash for Clunkers” program inflated all dealerships’ sales nationwide during that month, the 17 percent drop is considered a marked improvement over the automakers’ average of a 27 percent decrease.

The company said that without the clunkers boost factored in, its sales actually rose 19 percent – a number that beat many of the automakers.

The dealership also announced that it will submit several proposals to Chrysler in order to obtain Fiat dealerships. The American automaker, now under Fiat control, is facilitating the return of the Fiat brand to the U.S market.

The news source reports that shares of the dealership chain were up 4 percent upon the announcement.

Chain dealerships tend to leave little room for negotiation, as their prices are mandated nationwide. For the best deals on used cars, shoppers may want to consider local dealerships or possibly an auto auction.

EPA unveils new fuel economy grading system

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Posted in Auto Industry News

In an attempt to make consumers more receptive to the environmentally-friendly vehicles, the Environmental Protection Agency has proposed new stickers for alternative energy and electric vehicles that will break down the comparison between those cars and gas-powered vehicles.

With the rise of plug-in hybrids and gas/electric mixes, fuel economy can be confusing. The new stickers assign letter grades, ranging from A+ to D, for each vehicle in addition to miles per gallon and other environmental ratings, according to CNET. Electric and alternative fuel vehicles get further information that breaks down how long it takes to charge, what the miles per gallon equivalent is, and how much a user can expect to save on average over the purchase of a similar gas vehicle.

The new labels also have a scannable barcode for use with smartphone apps. A user can point his or her phone’s camera at the image in order to be taken to the EPA website, where more information can be gathered.

Fuel economy is important, but hybrids and alternative energy vehicles can be expensive. Before making the switch, drivers may want to wish for the cars to hit the used car market in order to take advantage of increased savings.

Mercedes-Benz developing “shooting break”

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Posted in Auto Industry News, BMW, Mercedes-Benz

Although only a few cars have been made in the style throughout history, the “shooting break” may be making a small comeback. The shooting break vehicle style takes a basic 2-door sports coupe and adds a squared-off hatchback trunk.

4WheelsNews.com reports that BMW has revealed plans for a shooting break variant of its upcoming 6-Series. Its chief rival, Mercedes-Benz, has also revealed a concept version dubbed the CLS Shooting Break.

Now, Mercedes is rumored to be putting its vehicle into production. The car will reportedly be called the CLC and will be slotted between the C-Class sedan and wagon.

According to the news source, the origin of the “shooting break” term came from carriages that were used to break in horses and transport goods used for hunting. The cars are somewhat popular with the small segment of luxury drivers who like the sleek two-door coupe style but need the extra space for golf bags or other cargo. Mercedes’ design may break from tradition by adding two more doors, making it closer to a station wagon.

Fans of this particular style may want to search for a used BMW Z3 Coupe, a classic version of the shooting break style.

Car sales pump up July

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Posted in Auto Industry News, General Auto News

The Commerce Department reports that while July saw modest growth in overall retail sales, the numbers were helped by a surge in auto and gasoline sales.

According to the report, food and retail sales, including the auto industry, were up 5.5 percent as compared to one year ago, and up 0.4 percent from June. New and used car sales, meanwhile grew 8.9 percent year-on-year, while gas sales posted a 12.2 percent growth.

When adjusted to exclude the strong showings from car-related industries, the retail sector was only up 4.9 percent yearly and 0.2 percent monthly, meaning car sales were responsible for nearly half of the monthly growth and a significant portion of the yearly growth. While most industries posted small gains, department stores notably slipped 0.8 percent as compared to 2009.

Some investors have been concerned that the economic recovery is losing momentum at a critical juncture, according to DailyFinance. While the overall numbers were slightly below expectations, many saw the auto industry’s strong showing as a good signal.

“July was a bit of a mixed bag,” Kamalesh Rao, director of economic research for MasterCard SpendingPulse, told the news source.

Nissan unveils Infiniti Performance Line

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Posted in Auto Industry News, Infiniti - DO NOT USE, Nissan

While used Nissans and Infinitis can be great buys, drivers may be a bit envious of those lucky enough to ride around in BMWs or Mercedes – especially the performance-oriented models. However, a new initiative from the Japanese automaker will soon see Infiniti debut cars closer to the turbocharged stallions of other fleets.

In recent years, luxury brands have introduced performance lines, like Mercedes’ AMG, BMW‘s M, or Lexus‘ F. These lineups represent racing-inspired vehicles that tout performance and horsepower over a nice interior or sleek design (although they frequently have those as well). Nissan’s Infiniti luxury brand will soon follow suit by debuting the IPL, or Infiniti Performance Line.

The first car out of the IPL will hit showrooms in December in the form of the IPL G Coupe. Based off an Infiniti G37, the car’s 348-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 engine will be sure to turn a few heads in the high-end class. And if it doesn’t, then the optional red interior might do the trick.

Although these cars can come with hefty price tags, drivers may be able to save off the sticker price by shopping on the used car market.

BMW to enter four-door coupe market

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Posted in Auto Industry News, BMW

With many luxury automakers debuting four-door coupes, like the Porsche Panamera, Mercedes CLS and upcoming Audi A7, it only makes sense that BMW would follow suit when it debuts the Grand Coupe in 2012.

According to Automotive News, BMW’s development chief Klaus Draeger has confirmed that the company will put its Grand Coupe concept car into production. The four-door vehicles will be based on BMW’s 6-Series, which is set to debut a two-door model in 2011.

Draeger told the news source that the pricing and technology will be close to the 6-Series, which is expected to retail for around $93,560. The company is also considering a hybrid option.

“We are in position to bring out an additional hybrid version since we are using the same powertrain architecture as the 5, 6 or 7 series,” said Draeger.

BMW says that it is aiming the Grand Coupe at sedan fans who also appreciate the ability to get behind the wheel and drive as opposed to the “chauffeur-driven” clientele of its 7-Series.

Drivers who see themselves in a BMW don’t need to break the bank in order to achieve that dream. There are many used BMWs available that may fall into a more affordable price range.