Jenna

Toyota Announces North American Production To Resume Faster Than Expected

May 12, 2011 By Jenna Leave a Comment

It was only a few days ago that Toyota denied rumors that the company would resume normalized production up to three months earlier than anticipated. Today it seems that the original rumor had some merit. Toyota announced this morning that they are planning to boost North American production on some models as early as June.

The company stated that North American production will reach about 70% of normal levels in the next few weeks. While 70% is not a full recovery, it is a stark improvement from the 30% rate at which plants have been operating. Toyota attributes the increased production to an improved availability of parts from Japan. The company will monitor production on a model-by-model basis monthly. Full normalized production is still anticipated to be an end of the year event.

Among the models that will see immediate increased production (at or near 100%) in North America Models are the Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Highlander, Matrix, Sequoia, Sienna and Venza.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Ford’s F-150 Fuel Take Probe Expands

May 10, 2011 By Jenna Leave a Comment

The Ford F150 is the best selling truck in the United States, and a staple of Ford motor Company. Last Fall a probe was opened by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration covering Ford F-150′s from model years 1997 through 2001. Ford suffered a massive image crisis when the Ford Pinto had fuel tank issues in the 1970′s. The company is being much more proactive this time around.

The concerns center around steel straps that hold the fuel tank in place. Sometimes, when one or both of these steel straps that hold the tank rust and/or break, a fire could result. At this point a mandatory recall has not been issued, but as the probe expands, the likelihood of a recall becomes more real.

To date there were 306 consumer complaints, 175 filed with the NHTSA and 156 with Ford.

“Among the incidents reported to NHTSA or Ford, 243 involved the fuel tank dropping below the vehicle and/or dragging on the ground, 95 involved fuel leakage, and nine included reports of sparks from the tank being dragged on the road,” the NHTSA filing said.

The probe now involves about 2.7 million vehicles.

Filed Under: Ford, News

2012 Nissan Versa – The Big Small Car – Brings Innovation And Value

April 27, 2011 By Jenna 1 Comment

The all new 2012 Nissan Versa almost defies description, so perhaps the best way is to put it the way Nissan did…Versa Offers Mid-Size Vehicle Technology Without Mid-Size Price; High Value, High MPG and Exceptional Roominess Highlight Sophisticated All-New Sedan Design. Small on the outside, big on the inside. Smart technology with next-generation efficiency. A $10,990 starting M.S.R.P. and low cost of ownership. New dual injector system and sub-planetary CVT design. Expected combined city/highway fuel economy of 33 miles per gallon. New global “V” (for Versatile) platform. Sophisticated styling, high quality interior. There are myriad ways the all-new 2012 Nissan Versa Sedan breaks new ground for entry-level compact sedans. And many ways to sum them all up. But perhaps a simple statement is best: Innovation Within Reach.

“Compact cars are getting a lot of attention lately due to rising fuel costs and concerns about the environment. Yet many buyers are disappointed in what they find – vehicles rife with compromise,” says Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. “This new Versa Sedan, a ‘clean sheet’ ground-up design, takes small cars in a whole new direction – proving that you don’t have to sacrifice style for affordability, interior roominess for a smaller footprint, or drivability for high mpg.”

Small When You Need It, Big Where You Want It

Knowing that entry-level vehicles are used as “workhorses” – for commuting on weekdays, errand running on weekends and transporting family and friends all week long – the designers of the new Versa Sedan sought to combine five-passenger practicality with a high degree of comfort and refinement. It also offers an unexpected level of available entertainment and connectivity features, such as Bluetooth^Ò, navigation system with 5-inch touch-screen display, Satellite Radio and an iPod^Ò/USB interface.

“We see buyers in this segment as people who are always busy, even while relaxing,” explains Castignetti. “With the amount of time they typically spend in their vehicles, we want to make sure they feel good about their purchase long after the new car smell has worn off. So we invested in areas that they see and touch most – like available Fine Vision instrumentation, quality fabrics, bright trim work and comfortable seating for front and rear seat passengers.”

The new Versa Sedan’s interior volume of 90.0 cubic feet and trunk volume of 14.8 cubic feet (104.8 cubic feet total) are intended to not only look great on a specifications sheet – the passenger and cargo spaces have been configured for real-world use. Versa Sedan has, for example, more rear legroom than some mid-size sedans – trumping even luxury cars such as the Lexus LS460, BMW 5-series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. And the trunk design focuses on useable space, taking into consideration everything from the size of the hinges to the shape of the sidewalls. A 60/40-split fold-down rear seat is offered on SL models for even greater versatility.

Other available interior features include trip computer, power windows with driver’s one-touch down, speed-sensing auto door locks, remote trunk release lever and steering wheel-mounted audio controls. Two interior colors are available, Sandstone and Charcoal.

The Versa Sedan’s new exterior design is also a departure from most current compact sedans, offering a fresh, refreshing design character that is both sophisticated and highly aerodynamic.

“The new Versa Sedan stands out as the only expensive looking car in the segment – with a lot of eye power,” said Castignetti. “Its sculpted, dynamic proportions are modern without being gimmicky, projecting a much higher sense of design value than you might expect in a vehicle with a $10,990 starting M.S.R.P.”

To achieve the new Versa Sedan’s upscale look, the designers gave the exterior shape a strong sense of volume, with a wide shoulder width and a smooth silhouette. In front, Versa Sedan features Nissan’s new signature sedan grille design and jewel-like headlights.

The front end blends smoothly into the cabin, which offers flowing curves, while design elements such as the shape of the trunklid help give the new Versa Sedan excellent aerodynamics, including a low coefficient of drag of just 0.31.

In addition, to help ensure superb functionality, fresh ideas were addressed in the initial stage between the designers and the engineering team. For example, the indented line in the middle of the Versa Sedan’s sweeping roofline is not just a design feature, but a functional innovation that helps reduce the amplitude of the roof panel vibrations in order to create a quieter cabin interior without the use of reinforcement devices called “mass bumpers.”

“Design and engineering came together in an extraordinary collaboration to create a level of sophistication that you not only see but also feel,” adds Castignetti. “It helps provide a sense of ‘modern value’ that goes far beyond the mere purchase price, much like you expect from larger, more expensive sedans.”

Other exterior features include a fixed roof antenna, body-color front and rear fascias and available chrome-accented grille, blacked-out B-pillar, chrome door handles and front fog lights.

The 2012 Versa Sedan is offered in eight exterior colors, including Metallic Blue, Blue Onyx, Super Black, Brilliant Silver, Magnetic Gray, Red Brick, Fresh Powder and Titanium – which has previously been reserved for the Nissan GT-R among Nissan models.

Next-Generation Efficiency and an All-New V Platform

One of the biggest challenges in designing a compact sedan, of course, is where to put everything – people, cargo, engine, transmission and other mechanical components. Often the solution is to gather a fraction of an inch here, a fraction there and hope they add up to a usable benefit. For the new Versa Sedan, the approach was a little more radical – create a totally new global platform and drivetrain, reducing the size of engine and transmission, reducing the number of component parts and reducing platform weight.

“It’s unusual to develop a totally new platform for a vehicle in only its second generation, yet when driven by a culture of innovation, such investments are easy to make,” explains Castignetti.

The 2012 Versa Sedan’s all-new front-wheel drive global “V” platform, designated “V” for Versatile, utilizes nearly 20 percent fewer platform components and weighs around 150 pounds less than the previous “B” platform. While retaining the same 102.4-inch wheelbase and 66.7-inch width as the previous generation Versa Sedan, the new model is 1.2 inches lower in height (59.6 inches) and 0.6 inches shorter in overall length (175.4 inches). The biggest dimensional gain, however, is in the visible gain in trunk length – provided by a more compact engine/transmission design that allows for a 2.7-inch increase in rear overhang (the distance from the center of the rear tire to the rear bumper).

“The new Versa Sedan proves that when it comes to packaging and aerodynamic efficiency, not all small sedans are created equal,” says Castignetti. “The same can be said of the engine, which beautifully balances excellent environmental performance, responsive power and smooth, quiet operation.”

The second-generation 1.6-liter HR16DE 4-cylinder engine includes a range of cutting-edge technologies, making it one of the most advanced powerplants in class. For example, while the average engine uses only one injector per cylinder to inject fuel, the new Versa Sedan engine is equipped with two streamlined injectors mounted near the inlet valve for each cylinder. This dual injector system allows a wider injection of fuel, with the smaller nozzles delivering a finer spray (approximately 57 percent finer than the previous generation single injector design’s particle size) to help achieve stable combustion.

The new compact, lighter weight engine also utilizes a twin Continuously Variable Timing Control (CVTC) system mounted on both intake and exhaust ports (versus conventional CVTC systems which are mounted only on the intake port), similar to the system used on the flagship Nissan Maxima. Using a CVTC on the outlet port increases thermal efficiency, decreases inhalation resistance and offers an approximate four percent improvement in fuel efficiency.

Other enhancements include the addition of a piston oiling jet, tuning of the piston top shape and expansion of the exhaust manifold diameter.

“To incorporate the new dual injector system into an entry-level vehicle is very fitting of Nissan’s corporate philosophy of ‘innovation for all’ – bring advanced technology to high volume segments rather than saving them only for high-end machines,” says Castignetti. “The new dual injector system also uses around half the amount of rare metals in the catalyzer by reducing the amount of unburned fuel and hydrocarbon emissions.”

The new 1.6-liter engine is rated at 109 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 107 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm.

The Versa Sedan is available with a 5-speed manual transmission (1.6 S model only) and with a next-generation Xtronic CVTÔ transmission. The CVT allows continuous change of the transmission gear ratio by connecting the two pulleys with a metallic belt and changing their diameter by using hydraulic pressure. The new CVT design adds an auxiliary gearbox using planetary gearing, helping improve efficiency.

The CVT also features a transmission ratio of 7.3:1, which is broader than those of conventional CVTs and even typical 7-speed automatic transmissions. Friction is reduced by about 30 percent, weight by about 13 percent and overall size by about 10 percent versus the previous Versa Sedan CVT design.

Versa also offers low rolling resistance P185/65R15 all-season tires with available 15-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.

“The result of all these enhancements and advances is that the new Versa Sedan engine burns cleaner and uses less fuel, which combined with the improved CVT performance and better aerodynamics reduces overall fuel consumption by about five miles per gallon versus the 2011 Versa Sedan,” says Castignetti. “Better mileage means fewer stops at the pump – and more ‘room in the wallet’ for other activities.”

Fuel economy for the 2012 Versa Sedan is estimated at 30 mpg City, 37 mpg Highway and 33 mpg Combined with the CVT transmission (27/36/30 mpg with the 5-speed manual transmission) (preliminary estimates).

All 2012 Versa Sedans are equipped with an independent MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension, with front and rear stabilizer bars. Other standard equipment includes Electric Power Steering and power-assisted front disc/rear drum brakes. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA) is also standard on all Versa Sedan models.

In addition, the new Versa will be the first Nissan model in the United States branded with the PUREDRIVE™ designation. PUREDRIVE will be used on models utilizing Nissan’s most advanced technologies to promote eco-friendly driving and lower CO₂ emissions*.

Standard safety features found on every 2012 Versa Sedan include the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) (includes dual-stage front supplemental air bags and front seat side-impact supplemental air bags for chest protection), seat-mounted driver and front passenger side-impact supplemental air bags, and roof-mounted curtain side-impact air bags for front and rear outboard occupant head protection.

Additional safety features include standard LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system, child safety rear door locks, child seat upper tether anchors and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS).

Summer 2011 On-Sale Date

The all-new 2012 Nissan Versa Sedan will be available in three well-equipped models when it goes on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide in summer 2011 – Versa Sedan 1.6 S (offered in 5MT and CVT versions), Versa Sedan 1.6 SV (CVT only) and Versa Sedan 1.6 SL (CVT only).

Along with the 1.6 S model’s many standard features, the 1.6 SV adds cruise control, Fine Vision instrumentation, chrome grille accents, body-color dual power remote-controlled sideview mirrors, upgraded cloth seats, power windows and more.

Versa Sedan 1.6 SL models add 15-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, fog lights, variable intermittent wipers, chromed inside door handles, 60/40-split fold-down rear seat, Bluetooth^® Hands-free Phone System, steering wheel audio controls, USB/iPod^Ò connectivity, upgraded audio system, door-linked map lights and more.

Just three options packages are offered: the Cruise Control Package (1.6 S CVT only); the SV Convenience Package (1.6 SV only) with Bluetooth^Ò Hands-free Phone System, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, upgraded audio, iPod^Ò control, map lights and front passenger vanity mirror. The SL Tech Package (1.6 SL only) adds the Nissan Navigation System with XM NavTraffic^Ò (XM^Ò subscription required, sold separately) and 5-inch color touch-screen display and XM^Ò Satellite Radio (XM^Ò subscription required, sold separately).

The 2012 Versa Sedan will be manufactured at Nissan’s Aguascalientes, Mexico assembly plant that also builds Nissan Sentra models for the United States market.

“This all-new Versa Sedan is a total value proposition,” concludes Castignetti. “The Big Small Car is bringing Innovation Within Reach to an eagerly awaiting audience.”

# # #

*Lower emissions compared to the MY ’11 Versa and estimates for PUREDRIVE technology.

Filed Under: News, Nissan

Hyundai Blue Link – A Brilliant Idea

April 25, 2011 By Jenna Leave a Comment

Hyundai continues to make huge strides that will impress the automotive world and set new standards for the competition. The Korean manufacturer has introduced Blue Link, a technology rich in features that actually simplifies your life and can make driving more fun. Blue Link is far more than a simple app. It is a combination of driving essentials that when combined make for a driving experience simply not available just a few short years ago.

Blue Link keeps track of everything for you. It is like having a personal assistant for your car! Want to know the traffic or weather? Blue Link will tell you. Have you broken down? Blue Link can get you help right away. Did you park your car on 89th Street or 88th? With Blue Link and a smart phone you can find out. From emergency situations to finding the best gas prices, Blue Link is there.

The central point of Blue Link is not in the dashboard. Chances are that it resides on your hip. Your very own smart phone becomes a remote command center and provides the data connection that allows many Blue Link features to operate. In many cases you can even control Blue Link features while you are not even near your car. Blue Link allows you to start your car, unlock the doors, flash the lights and even sound the horn remotely.

Hyundai’s Blue Link has over 30 features for drivers broken down into three categories so you can choose and subscribe to only the services you need:

ASSURANCE

In the event of an accident or incident of any kind, no matter where you are, you’re not alone. Hyundai-trained operators stand by 24/7/365 to immediately summon help for any reason, whether life-threatening or merely inconvenient.

Automatic Crash Notification & Assistance (ACN) – In the event of any collision severe enough to involve an airbag, a trained specialist automatically contacts the vehicle’s occupants, and if necessary, emergency service personnel, providing GPS-enabled location and vehicle condition information.
SOS Emergency Assistance – In the event of any type of emergency, drivers simply press a single, dedicated button to get a trained response specialist to coordinate emergency 911 assistance, and remain on the line until help arrives. Armed with GPS-enabled location and vehicle condition information, the specialist will not only dispatch the appropriate assistance, but can even notify your friends and family of the situation.
Enhanced Roadside Assistance – Enables the owner to contact Roadside Assistance via a single in-vehicle button press. Vehicle information (including location) is automatically transmitted to a response center.
Monthly Vehicle Report – Provides a monthly report of vehicle diagnostics via email.

Essentials

No matter where your Hyundai may be at any given moment, you’re always able to access all systems quickly and easily, via the web or smart phone. This package makes everything from locking your keys in the car to having your vehicle permanently stolen experiences reminiscent of a very distant past.

Remote Access:
•  Remote Door Lock – Imagine you’ve walked through a parking lot in the rain, only to realize that you forgot to lock the vehicle. No problem – this feature allows users to automatically lock (or unlock) the vehicle doors from virtually anywhere, via a simple toll-free call, app on a smart phone, or via the Blue Link^® Owner’s website.
•  Remote Door Unlock – Virtually every driver, at some point in their lives, has locked their keys in the car. With this feature, instead of calling a locksmith for help — which previously cost you both time and money — you can automatically unlock the doors via a simple toll-free call, app on a smart phone, or via the Owner’s website.
•  Remote Horn & Lights – Flash those lights and sound the horn all from virtually anywhere!
•  Panic Notification – A bit scared walking through that parking lot? You can make your car alarm sound off.
•  Remote Vehicle Start – Fast track your journey by starting your vehicle remotely from virtually any location (via mobile app, toll-free number or owner’s website).

Convenience:
•  Alarm Notification – Notifies the owner when and where the vehicle alarm was set off
•  Quick Tips – Automated audio version of frequently asked questions and answers
•  Service Link – Sometimes a vehicle experiences an issue, like a strange noise, whose cause isn’t immediately apparent. This innovative feature not only allows you to call a live operator to report the problem, but actually records the call and forward the data to Hyundai.

• Location Sharing – Send your location, invitations and short messages directly to any or every member of social networking sites like Facebook, and even see the exact location of other Hyundai-driving friends.

• Voice to Text Messaging – Never take your hands off the wheel again – even to send text messages. With the press of a button, you’ll be able to use your voice to dictate them to your contacts.

Vehicle Self Diagnostics:
•  Automated Diagnostic Trouble Code Notification – Your vehicle detects when a component malfunctions, and will automatically notify you via a combination of in-vehicle display alerts and guided voice messages as to the issue and its severity. You will then be given the option to immediately schedule a maintenance appointment with a preferred dealership via operator.
•  Maintenance Alert – As Hyundai-recommended service intervals arise, you’ll be automatically notified in advance via your choice of text message, email or phone call, and receive assistance in scheduling an appointment at a local Hyundai dealership.
•  Recall Advisor – In the unlikely event that Hyundai issues a recall for your specific vehicle, you’ll be notified via your choice of text message, email or Blue Link^® Owner’s website, and information regarding making an appointments at a local dealerships will be provided.
•  Web Vehicle Diagnostics – Starting 30 days after registration, every aspect of driving performance – diagnosis of issues, mileage attained, upcoming maintenance – is correlated and sent via monthly email for your review.

Theft Protection:
•  Stolen Vehicle Recovery – In the event that your vehicle has been reported to law enforcement as stolen, the Hyundai response center will work with the authorities to establish the exact vehicle location via GPS. Not only does this feature enable a quick recovery, but your insurance premiums are likely to decrease as a result.
•  Stolen Vehicle Slowdown – Once law enforcement has been notified of your vehicle being stolen, they may choose to initiate this additional process, which gradually reduces power to the engine, slowing the vehicle down and eventually bringing it to a safe stop. From there, Vehicle Immobilization can be initiated, preventing further vehicle movement.
•  Vehicle Immobilization – Once law enforcement has been notified of your vehicle being stolen, they may choose to initiate this process, where engine power is automatically shut off once powered down, thus preventing the vehicle from being restarted until authorities arrive.

Safeguard:
•  Valet Alert – Any time you drop your vehicle with a valet, and your car travels more than distance you preset — up to two miles from the drop-off point — you’ll be automatically notified via your choice of text message or email.
•  Geo-Fence – Input pre-determined boundaries in which the vehicle may and may not be operated, and when a vehicle strays out of the acceptable zone, you’ll be automatically notified via your choice of email, text message, or phone call.
•  Speed Alert – Ideal for parents of teen drivers or drivers with heavy feet, this feature allows you to pre-program acceptable speed limits, and be automatically notified via your choice of email, text message or phone call when limits are exceeded… say goodbye to those costly speeding tickets.
•  Curfew Alert – Input, via the Owner’s website, a pre-determined time interval for acceptable and unacceptable use. When the latter occurs, you’ll be automatically notified via your choice of email, text message, or phone call.

GUIDANCE

More than just the ability to get you where you need to be, this package can even tell you what you’ll find — from traffic and gas prices to restaurants and museums — when you get there.

Features
•  Turn-by-Turn Navigation – Set your destination via voice (from the car) or web (from home) and you’re off. Choose from variables like fastest or shortest route, least traffic, best mileage, avoid highways or toll roads. The system does the rest, giving you turn-by-turn directions at every step.
•  Point-Of-Interest By Voice Recognition – Use voice-activation to browse through a constantly-updated list of interesting or useful landmarks near wherever you happen to be. Select one and the navigation system automatically directs you to it. Unlike competitive systems that only recognize pre-programmed commands, Blue Link^® is trained to recognize the variables of everyday speech, making interaction infinitely easier.
•  Point-Of-Interest Web Search – Transfer the information regarding anything of interest – restaurants, landmarks, museums, etc. – directly from the web or the Hyundai owner’s website to your vehicle’s navigation system. It will be waiting for you anytime you’re ready to go.
•  Daily Route Guidance with Traffic Condition – Most people have a regular routine – the commute to work, dropping off the kids at school, or any other daily route. This feature automatically scans traffic flow and incident data to automatically notify you, via the method and time of your preference, which route is best at any given moment.
•  Traffic – At any given time, traffic may be slow or stopped due to accidents, construction, or congestion. Enter a pre-determined area via the Blue Link^® Owner’s website, and you’ll always have a real-time update to help you navigate around the problem, saving you time and aggravation on a daily basis.
•  Gas Station Locations & Gas Prices – Wherever you are at a given time, the closest gas stations may be located with the touch of a button. Results can be played via automated voice, and downloaded directly to the navigation system.
•  Eco-Coach – A truly remarkable technological breakthrough, Eco-Coach is a scoring system that allows you to track mileage and CO2 emissions on the Blue Link^® Owner’s website, then gives you advice on how to improve driving habits to improve your efforts. You can even compete against other Hyundai drivers to win prizes for most efficient driving.
•  Restaurant Ratings – No matter where you find yourself, or what you’re hungry for, you’ll be able to search local restaurants are by type, distance or Yelp! Rating. Once you’ve made a selection, simply download it directly to the navigation system to get there quickly and directly.
•  Weather – Choose a location and with a touch of a button, get the weather forecast instantly. In addition, every time you use the navigation feature, the system automatically takes the weather into account, and adjusts the route accordingly.

As you can see, Hyundai’s Blue Link takes the car to an all new level. Perhaps it is time to trade in that 7 year old car you have been driving and take a Hyundai for a spin.

Filed Under: Hyundai, News, Technology

Honda Debuts 2012 Civic Line At New York International Auto Show

April 21, 2011 By Jenna Leave a Comment

Honda debuted their entire 2012 Civic line this week at the New York International Auto Show. The Civic line, known for fuel efficiency, includes a gas powered Civic sedan and coupe, a high performance Civic Si Coupe, a gas/electric Civic Hybrid, a Civic powered by natural gas, and the all new Civic HF. The HF was seen for the first time publicly here in New York.

The Honda Civic has been a mainstay for the brand for years because of its combination of style, function, and value. Starting at just $15,605, these all new Civics will not disappoint. So what is new about the 2012 Civic? A full technology makeover accounts for most of the changes, but subtle style changes are apparent as well. With gas prices climbing above $4.00 per gallon the fact the car has improved fuel economy by as much as 8% is change that has more impact now ever before. The Hybrid model boasts 44 mpg city, higway, and combined. This makes Civic the most fuel efficient sedan in the U.S. market.

The technology changes in the 2012 Civic range from entertainment, to handling, to safety. A 5 inch LCD “inteligent” multi-information display (iMID) provides access to multiple customizable features. Eco Assist technology helps drivers become more fuel efficient by providing feedback. Safety technology used in the Civic includes crumple zones, air bags, air cushions, and a 4 channel anti-lock braking system.

Overall the Civic stays true to its tradition while evolving into a more stylish style coupled with the latest in technological advances.

Filed Under: Honda, News