For the last four years Ford has left the mini-van market alone. Back in 2006 they discontinued the Freestar and officially left the mini-van market to the other guys. But after four years Ford has decided to reenter the domestic market. They will debut their Ford C-Max at the Detroit auto show in January 2011 and mark their first effort to get back in the game of mini-vans.
Though Ford left the mini-van market in the U.S., they continued to sell them to European drivers. The C-Max has been on sale in Europe for awhile. The C-Max is able to carry seven passengers and, according to Ford, it will be capable of achieving better fuel economy than its competitors due to its smaller size and lighter weight. The Ford C-Max is about two feet shorter than its competitors, such as the Honda Odyssey and the Dodge Grand Caravan. Ford’s target market for the new mini-van is young, growing families.
The C-Max is based on the Ford Focus compact car; one of ten new models Ford plans to base on the structure of the Focus. According to Ford the C-Max will be offered with a good amount of standard technology as well as optional. They plan to sell the Ford C-Max by 2012 and according to auto analysts they could sell as many as 50,000 models annually.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Monday, December 27, 2010
2011 Car of the Year
The North American Car of the Year award is one of the most coveted awards in the auto industry. This year’s winners will be announced at the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 11, 2011.
The three finalists in the car category are, not surprisingly, the Chevrolet Volt extended-range hybrid, the all-electric Nissan Leaf and the Hyundai Sonata as a conventional or hybrid sedan. In the truck segment the Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango are the three finalists. The cars were chosen from a sample of 27 and the trucks from 14.
The cars were judged by a panel of 49 automotive journalists from the United States and Canada. The cars were judged on innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value. The winners of 2010 were the Ford Transit Connect in the truck category and the Ford Fusion Hybrid for the car segment.
The three finalists in the car category are, not surprisingly, the Chevrolet Volt extended-range hybrid, the all-electric Nissan Leaf and the Hyundai Sonata as a conventional or hybrid sedan. In the truck segment the Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango are the three finalists. The cars were chosen from a sample of 27 and the trucks from 14.
The cars were judged by a panel of 49 automotive journalists from the United States and Canada. The cars were judged on innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value. The winners of 2010 were the Ford Transit Connect in the truck category and the Ford Fusion Hybrid for the car segment.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Electric Cars Will Soon Come on Strong
Although there are not many electric vehicles on the road today, in a few years the availability and diversity of plug-in cars may be greater than any of us know what to do with. Almost every automaker including the big and small plan to have an all-electric vehicle out by 2012; Toyota plans to have three. There are many start-up companies that are placing their futures on the line with the emergence of the electric car market. Companies like Wheego and Fisker are staring their entrance into the car market with electric-cars.
Despite all of the possible offerings of electric cars, fewer than 7% of Americans say they would consider buying a plug-in vehicle. Of the few that would buy even fewer are willing to risk it on an unknown company. The dooming statistics don’t scare the big automakers because their futures do not rely solely on sales of plug-in vehicles; but for some of the smaller companies it’s electric cars or bust.
The smaller companies plan to compete with the bigger guys in customer service and specialization. Wheego’s CEO says “if you email me as CEO, you’re going to get a response back.” Also, the smaller guys don’t need to sell as many cars to stay afloat. Fisker Automotive plans to sell luxury plug-in sedan that will not be direct competition for cars like the Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf.
By 2012 we may be seeing as many as 14 different electric plug-in vehicles for sale. Experts believe the market will be similar to the hybrid market, with one model taking half the sales and the others competing for the rest.
Despite all of the possible offerings of electric cars, fewer than 7% of Americans say they would consider buying a plug-in vehicle. Of the few that would buy even fewer are willing to risk it on an unknown company. The dooming statistics don’t scare the big automakers because their futures do not rely solely on sales of plug-in vehicles; but for some of the smaller companies it’s electric cars or bust.
The smaller companies plan to compete with the bigger guys in customer service and specialization. Wheego’s CEO says “if you email me as CEO, you’re going to get a response back.” Also, the smaller guys don’t need to sell as many cars to stay afloat. Fisker Automotive plans to sell luxury plug-in sedan that will not be direct competition for cars like the Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf.
By 2012 we may be seeing as many as 14 different electric plug-in vehicles for sale. Experts believe the market will be similar to the hybrid market, with one model taking half the sales and the others competing for the rest.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Popular Cars by Region
What determines which type of car you drive? Most people would say style, individual needs, and budget are the three main factors that influence their purchase decision when buying a new car. However, where you live is apparently a major factor too.
This makes sense, when you consider that people who live in different areas of the country generally live different lifestyles, and therefore have different wants and needs. A recent study has confirmed this, by naming the top five best selling cars in each of the four major regions of the United States (Northeast, Midwest, South, and Western regions).
So, what are people driving in your part of the country? Do you fit the list, or do you break the mold?
Northeast Region
1. Nissan Rogue
2. Mercedes E-Class Sedan
3. Honda CR-V
4. Chevrolet Malibu
5. Jeep Grand Cherokee
Midwest/Central Region
1. Chevrolet Silverado 1500
2. Ford F-150
3. Cadillac SRX
4. Toyota Camry
5. Chevrolet Impala
Southern Region
1. Chevrolet Camaro
2. Ford F-150
3. Toyota Tundra
4. Lexus ES350
5. Dodge Ram 1500
Western Region
1. Toyota Prius
2. Lexus IS Sedan
3. Honda Fit
4. Audi A4/S4
5. BMW 3 Series Sedan
This makes sense, when you consider that people who live in different areas of the country generally live different lifestyles, and therefore have different wants and needs. A recent study has confirmed this, by naming the top five best selling cars in each of the four major regions of the United States (Northeast, Midwest, South, and Western regions).
So, what are people driving in your part of the country? Do you fit the list, or do you break the mold?
Northeast Region
1. Nissan Rogue
2. Mercedes E-Class Sedan
3. Honda CR-V
4. Chevrolet Malibu
5. Jeep Grand Cherokee
Midwest/Central Region
1. Chevrolet Silverado 1500
2. Ford F-150
3. Cadillac SRX
4. Toyota Camry
5. Chevrolet Impala
Southern Region
1. Chevrolet Camaro
2. Ford F-150
3. Toyota Tundra
4. Lexus ES350
5. Dodge Ram 1500
Western Region
1. Toyota Prius
2. Lexus IS Sedan
3. Honda Fit
4. Audi A4/S4
5. BMW 3 Series Sedan
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Does Your Car Color Describe You?
It’s no secret what the most popular car colors are. Every time we drive down the highway or enter a parking lot, we can see that the overwhelming majority of cars on the road today are neutral colors: white, black, silver, and grey. According to studies, white is the most popular color overall in the United States (although black is making quite a comeback), while silver is the most popular worldwide. So what does this say about us as a nation? And what does your car color say about you?
Surprisingly, nothing. Although it would seem that our overwhelming preference for neutral colors shows a lack of creativity and style, it is actually a better representation of our practicality. Cars are an expensive purchase, and unlike clothing and accessories that we can throw in the back of our closets when they go out of style, we have to live with our car purchases for years.
Another reason that bland, non-colors such as white, black, and grey do not necessarily mean that we are boring when it comes to cars is the different shades that have become available. The bright colors of white we currently see are different from those we saw 50 years ago, and black finishes today are much more dramatic than they used to be.
However, car manufacturers do have the technology to develop high-impact colors that will make a statement, but they are not so easy to mass-produce, and nobody knows how popular they will be. So while we don’t know what the future will hold, it seems for now, the neutral colors are here to stay.
Surprisingly, nothing. Although it would seem that our overwhelming preference for neutral colors shows a lack of creativity and style, it is actually a better representation of our practicality. Cars are an expensive purchase, and unlike clothing and accessories that we can throw in the back of our closets when they go out of style, we have to live with our car purchases for years.
Another reason that bland, non-colors such as white, black, and grey do not necessarily mean that we are boring when it comes to cars is the different shades that have become available. The bright colors of white we currently see are different from those we saw 50 years ago, and black finishes today are much more dramatic than they used to be.
However, car manufacturers do have the technology to develop high-impact colors that will make a statement, but they are not so easy to mass-produce, and nobody knows how popular they will be. So while we don’t know what the future will hold, it seems for now, the neutral colors are here to stay.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Mercedes-Benz CLS: Best Car in Luxury Class
Worldwide the Mercedes-Benz CLS has been voted the Best Luxury Car of 2011, and with that was awarded the “Golden Steering Wheel” award, one of the most important automotive awards in Europe.
Across Europe more than a quarter million readers and a top-class jury comprising of 40 automotive experts and prominent figures chose from 10 executive and luxury class vehicles to vote for the winner of the “Golden Steering Wheel.” The vehicles were put through extensive tests and were rated on performance and style. The top 5 finalists for the award were the Audi A7, BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz CLS, Suzuki Kizashi and the Volvo S 60.
According to the results of the road tests the Mercedes-Benz CLS is efficiency at the highest level with lightweight construction and aerodynamics as well as supreme driving dynamics and ride comfort, perfect for a long trip. There’s no doubt why the CLS was voted Best Car in its class and why it deserved the “Golden Steering Wheel” award.
Across Europe more than a quarter million readers and a top-class jury comprising of 40 automotive experts and prominent figures chose from 10 executive and luxury class vehicles to vote for the winner of the “Golden Steering Wheel.” The vehicles were put through extensive tests and were rated on performance and style. The top 5 finalists for the award were the Audi A7, BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz CLS, Suzuki Kizashi and the Volvo S 60.
According to the results of the road tests the Mercedes-Benz CLS is efficiency at the highest level with lightweight construction and aerodynamics as well as supreme driving dynamics and ride comfort, perfect for a long trip. There’s no doubt why the CLS was voted Best Car in its class and why it deserved the “Golden Steering Wheel” award.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Chevy Volt: 2011 Car of the Year
Chevrolet is making their entrance into the world of green cars this year, and they are making quite an entrance. The Chevy Volt has been impressing consumers and critics alike, and now it has been given one of the most prestigious titles in the automobile industry: the 2011 Motor Trend Car of the Year. So what exactly is it about the Volt that is capturing the attention of so many?
While the Volt is certainly not the first electric car, it is the first to offer many features that other green cars lack, such as ample seating, practicality, a large driving range, and, on top of that, an affordable price. One of the major ways in which the Volt blows its competition out of the water is the driving range. Unlike the others, Volt drivers can go 40 miles on pure electricity, followed by 300 miles on gasoline. And the annual electric power consumption to fully charge the Volt is about the same as a home water heater.
Other features of the Volt that have impressed critics include an informative dashboard that helps drivers maximize mileage and the eight-year, 100,000-mile transferable warranty on the lithium-ion battery pack. Consumers will enjoy the $7,500 federal tax credit, as well as the 500 gallons of gasoline they will save each year.
While the Volt is certainly not the first electric car, it is the first to offer many features that other green cars lack, such as ample seating, practicality, a large driving range, and, on top of that, an affordable price. One of the major ways in which the Volt blows its competition out of the water is the driving range. Unlike the others, Volt drivers can go 40 miles on pure electricity, followed by 300 miles on gasoline. And the annual electric power consumption to fully charge the Volt is about the same as a home water heater.
Other features of the Volt that have impressed critics include an informative dashboard that helps drivers maximize mileage and the eight-year, 100,000-mile transferable warranty on the lithium-ion battery pack. Consumers will enjoy the $7,500 federal tax credit, as well as the 500 gallons of gasoline they will save each year.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)