Mazda Kabura?
Some speculation on mesage boards that this picture could be an accurate guess of what the Kabura concept will look like. I must say that the front end seems to line up with the Mazda provided sketch. I have high hopes for this one, let's see what shows up on stage. “Kabura” is a Japanese term taken from “Kabura-ya”, an arrow that makes a sound when fired and was used to signal the start of a battle. Mazda says the “first arrow into battle” depicts the company's spirit of pursuing unique and exciting ventures.
Saturday, December 31, 2005
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Feeling Sneaky? Check out February's Magazines!
My post office is slow. Folks drop by and want to chat about the latest Car and Driver and I have to tell them to wait a week because I don't have my copy yet. That's just wrong! One way around the post office is to subscribe through Zinio. The second the magazine is released, you can download it! I will receive the magazines show above towards the end of January...grrrr. The prices aren't bad, $12/yr, but I pay less (soon you'll be able to as well, my magazine shop will be up shortly) so I don't do it. Having said that, take a gander at these covers! You can check out Zinio by clicking here.
Nissan Urge
One of the Urge's big "highlights" is a fully intgegrated X-Box. In a sporty car like this? Doesn't that seem out of place? Aren't X-Box's for Hummers and Suburbans? I thought that gaming systems were there to dull the pain of a long car ride. What do I know, right? Well, I don't find this car to particularly sexy and that's the bottom line. I don't think putting an X-Box 360 inside this puppy is going to make me do a 180...Awww, c'mon. It's early. No props for that? Here is Nissan's official spiel:
With the Urge, the team who created it started out by tapping into the wants and needs of America's so-called Echo Boomer generation (born roughly 1976-1996). Through an online survey, Nissan found out that many of these "gamers" wanted a car compatible with the cellphones, mp3 players and videogames they use in everyday life. They also wanted a cool-looking car that's quick, affordable, exciting and flexible enough to take along a couple of friends.
I just hope that Mazda's Kabura will live up to it's hype. Fingers crossed.
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Maserati Monthly
Ah yes, time to sit back and enjoy your latest copy of Maserati Monthly. The articles themselvles are pretty skimpy, but you can download some nice wallpaper. Check out the site.
Be an automotive news insider!
Well, at least until February 7, 2006. Crain Communications has recently revamped both Autoweek and Automotive News websites and a fringe benefit is that Automotive news, normally a $145/year subscription, is totally open until February 7. That kind of access will get your through the first big auto shows!
Most stories that you would be interested in are usually republished by Autoweek a few days after appearing in Automotive News, so there would be very little incentive for you to pay the big $ for Automotive News. If you must have access, keep in mind that many libraries offer free online access to text only versions (usually delayed about a week) of Automotive News. Also, during the Detroit Auto Show, Automotive News ran a $99/yr special, so they might do that again this year.
You don’t even have to subscribe to Autoweek because almost everything in the magazine is available on their website for free. I don’t know if the revamp will change “everything is free” policy at some point or not, but enjoy while it lasts. Motor Trend recently started to “gate” off some of its website so that you either have to be a print subscriber or sit through a commercial.
Now, as for the revamp: the layout seems fine. My big beef with Autoweek is that many times when I go to visit the site, it is down! Hitting refresh sometimes helps, but not always. I used to see APACHE server messages, but I don’t get those anymore. Now I just see a “page cannot be found” message. This has been going on for a really long time. I don’t quite understand why it fails so often. At first I thought it was overloading, but certainly they would have beefed things up over time to prevent that.
Check out the new Automotive News and Autoweek today.
2006 Lotus Elise
Here are a few pictures of the Elise. Note the picture of the rear shows the new LED taillights. Lotus has started to reach out to a wider circle of potential buyers now that the hard core fans in the USA have grabbed up the initial batches of cars. To date the car has sold extremely well in the USA, the question now becomes can they sustain it? The hardcore Exige will bring in some traffic, but most will probably be drawn to the Elise with new for 2006 electronic drive by wire throttle, stronger shifter, upgrades to the fabric roof, LED taillights, and more comfortable seats.
On the Elise a limited slip differential, traction control, hard top, sport pack (Lightweight Forged Aluminum Wheels with Yokohama A048 Advan LTS Tires and Lotus Sport Tuned Suspension), track pack (Adjustable Bilstein Dampers with Remote Front Reservoirs and Threaded Spring Perches. Compression and Rebound are Adjusted Together with a Single Knob. 5 way Adjustable Front Sway Bar for Tuning Roll Stiffness. Rear Track Link to Stiffen Rear Suspension Pick Up Points for Improved Control of Suspension Alignment Under Hard Cornering), premium pack (Alpine AM/FM/XM Single CD with 3 Months XM Service. Leather shift Knob, Leather Handbrake Gaiter, Stowage Tray Divider, Cup Holder), and touring pack (Insulated Soft Top, Full Leather Seat and Door Trim, Electric Windows, Uprated Stereo System, Stowage Net, Additional Sound Insulation, and Full Carpets Set) are also optional.
If you are at all interested, you might want to register on Lotus' website. I have no idea if they'll use that database for any special events or offers but it can't hurt!
Monday, December 26, 2005
Toyota FJ Cruiser
When it comes to off roading the FJ is the real deal says Edmunds. The brand new Xterra competitor will roll into dealerships by March 2006 with a starting price below $25k. A few interesting points from the article: in the 4x4 models the automatic will offer 2-Hi, 4-Hi and 4-Lo mode while the manual models are always in four-wheel drive, the reverse opening side doors do not help much when it comes to getting into the back seat and poor visibility (to be expected in the back, but also in the front because of the high hood). Let's not forget those wacky three windshield wipers! The 4.0 liter V6 puts out 239 horsepower at 5,200 rpm, and 278 pound-feet of torque at 3,700 rpm and the truck returns 16/19 with the manual and 17/21 with the automatic.
I like the styling of this truck and the pains that Toyota went through make it a real off road monster is all the better. The massive C pillar on the side does give me pause (and offers a cave like rearward view), but it is much more appealing to me than the Xterra. I can’t honestly say that I have a need for this truck and the people that I haul around would really carp about the rear seat ingress/egress but whenever I see a uniquely styled vehicle I am always tempted. If I lived closer to the 4x4 trails of my youth, I’d be visiting the Toyota dealer come March. To read the full article click here.
Sunday, December 25, 2005
Volvo C30 Design Concept
This picture is, I believe, the real deal. Unlike my last post, I have no conspiracy theories this time around :-)
The Volvo C30 Project – zeros in on dynamic customers with active, diverse lifestyles
With the new Volvo C30 Design Concept, Volvo Car Corporation gives the world a taste of the upcoming C30 – which has its sights set on giving a young, dynamic customer group its “own” Volvo.
With the new Volvo C30 Design Concept, Volvo Car Corporation gives the world a taste of the upcoming C30 – which has its sights set on giving a young, dynamic customer group its “own” Volvo.
- “We know there are large numbers of fairly young, successful people who are attracted by our brand, but who still cannot find a model in our range that exactly matches their taste and lifestyle. The Volvo C30 Design Concept was developed precisely for this group,” said Fredrik Arp, President and CEO of Volvo Cars.
From its inception, the Volvo C30 Project was focused on one primary demographic group: Young urbanites with accelerating careers and intensive, active lifestyles. Customer clinics allowed these people to voice their opinions and give their views on the car’s design and technical content.
For an active lifestyle, wherever you liveVolvo focused primarily on singles and on couples without children, who regard the car as a tool for pursuing their hectic lifestyles. When they buy clothes, decorate their homes or purchase home electronics, design and brand name are particularly important factors – and they choose their cars according to the same criteria.
“These customers move in a fast paced world between their homes, work, meetings, the gym and their favorite restaurants and nightclubs in town. Many of them describe their ideal mode of transport as nimble car designed to get them where they want to go. They focus on attractive design and entertaining driving properties and rarely have more than two people in the car,” explains Håkan Abrahamsson, C30 Project Director.
Design inspiration from the SCC An athletic, sporty design with two doors, four individual seats and lines inspired by the Volvo Safety Concept Car, makes the forthcoming production model a keen contender in a segment where competition for customers is razor-sharp.
“The Safety Concept Car (SCC) heralded a bold design language for Volvo. Its roots could be found in the classic proportions of the P1800 ES, but there was no denying that it was also a Volvo of the future. As it turned out, the SCC is an excellent reflection of our ambition for the C30 project,” said Håkan Abrahamsson.
Unveiling in Paris in 2006The Volvo C30 Design Concept, which will be unveiled at the Detroit motor show, offers a taste of what’s to come in the forthcoming production model. The wraps will come off the all-new Volvo C30 at the Paris motor show in September 2006, and the car will be successively introduced throughout the world starting at the end of the year. The car is scheduled to go on sale in the U.S. in the summer of 2007.
“The all-new Volvo C30 plays an important role in the hunt for sales growth to 600,000 cars a year. It is vital that we broaden our model range so that customers with an active urban lifestyle can choose a Volvo with the right appeal as early as possible,” commented Arp.
For reference I grabbed the photo from this site and the press release from this forum.
From its inception, the Volvo C30 Project was focused on one primary demographic group: Young urbanites with accelerating careers and intensive, active lifestyles. Customer clinics allowed these people to voice their opinions and give their views on the car’s design and technical content.
For an active lifestyle, wherever you liveVolvo focused primarily on singles and on couples without children, who regard the car as a tool for pursuing their hectic lifestyles. When they buy clothes, decorate their homes or purchase home electronics, design and brand name are particularly important factors – and they choose their cars according to the same criteria.
“These customers move in a fast paced world between their homes, work, meetings, the gym and their favorite restaurants and nightclubs in town. Many of them describe their ideal mode of transport as nimble car designed to get them where they want to go. They focus on attractive design and entertaining driving properties and rarely have more than two people in the car,” explains Håkan Abrahamsson, C30 Project Director.
Design inspiration from the SCC An athletic, sporty design with two doors, four individual seats and lines inspired by the Volvo Safety Concept Car, makes the forthcoming production model a keen contender in a segment where competition for customers is razor-sharp.
“The Safety Concept Car (SCC) heralded a bold design language for Volvo. Its roots could be found in the classic proportions of the P1800 ES, but there was no denying that it was also a Volvo of the future. As it turned out, the SCC is an excellent reflection of our ambition for the C30 project,” said Håkan Abrahamsson.
Unveiling in Paris in 2006The Volvo C30 Design Concept, which will be unveiled at the Detroit motor show, offers a taste of what’s to come in the forthcoming production model. The wraps will come off the all-new Volvo C30 at the Paris motor show in September 2006, and the car will be successively introduced throughout the world starting at the end of the year. The car is scheduled to go on sale in the U.S. in the summer of 2007.
“The all-new Volvo C30 plays an important role in the hunt for sales growth to 600,000 cars a year. It is vital that we broaden our model range so that customers with an active urban lifestyle can choose a Volvo with the right appeal as early as possible,” commented Arp.
For reference I grabbed the photo from this site and the press release from this forum.
Friday, December 23, 2005
Breaker, Breaker...A 10 Wheeler?
Michelin is trying to build support for its new X One super wide truck tire. The gist of the idea is that the X One is double the width of a regular truck tire, so a truck drive could get away with 10 tires instead of the usual 18. Benefits would be better fuel economy, weight savings allowing for more cargo and less maintenance because of the smaller tire count. The tires cost about double that of a regular tire, so there won't be any up front savings. Goodyear doesn't seem to be impressed, though. The winged foot company says that retreading the super wide tires is tricky, but Michelin claims that they retread just fine (imagine that). A blowout will kick a superwide truck to the curb while it's dually brethren zip by. It is also doubtful that Hal's Tire Mart and Hickory Hut will stock them, so a super wide trucker with a blowout might get to know that locals really well before getting a replacement. All in all, a cool new alternative to something we have considered to be a fact of life. Check out my sources: MSNBC story, Michelin website
Does this trunk make my butt look big*?
A magazine article that I read recently called attention to the restyling of the 2006 Accord and awarded it the "best butt lift" prize for its new booty. The latest Accord has been a disappointment stylistically speaking for me since its introduction. Dynamically the Accord is everything that it has been and more, but it’s not at all memorable when it comes to the look department. The ’06 trunk does pack more funk, but not enough to win me over. The Accord is in a envious position because regardless of its looks, people are going to gravitate to the car because it’s “a Honda.” I’m not trying to disparage the car; it’s an excellent performer, finishes at the top of many comparisons, and holds its resale value. For many folks wanting solid, reliable transportation the car represents a great buy. It’s just a bit sad for me that the car doesn’t pack a little more zip in the styling department. When I glance out to my driveway, I like my cars to wink back.
*Yes, that's a hat tip to Garry Shandling's "Larry Sanders" character.
Win a BMW 330xi (1/31/2006)
Woohoo! Is this your lucky day? A Bimmer always makes for a great prize. Click here to enter. [acattcarsweeps]
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Volvo C30 Design Concept?
Well you be the judge. The previous Volvo concepts (SCC and 3CC) were never shown in this color, the reverse light is different, and there is no super sized sunroof. For reference's sake, I've thrown in a picture of the 3CC concept car as well. Regardless of this car being the "real deal" or not I have high hopes that the production version will look sharp. My big question is, what will the sticker be once it arrives on the lot and how many "must have" features will be optional? Cars like this can start out in the low to mid twenties, but can easily jump into the high twenties and beyond. When the price balloons a whole new range of competitors become available and they are very tempting.
Conspiracy theory of the day: I found the blue car picture over at carspyshots.net. The photo was posted by someone who had never posted before, appears to have joined the same day the photo was posted, hasn't posted since then and had only a very vague reference as to where the photo was found. My theory is that the photo is actually part of Volvo's underground marketing campaign. If you go to Volvo's international site you'll see teasers about the C30. I think this photo and the way it was released fits perfectly into that campaign. But it's 2AM and I could just be totally paranoid. You decide.
Win a Prius! (9/30/2006)
From our friends over at Hormel. You can win your very own Prius and consume all natural deli sandwich meats. Start filling out your potential winning entry here. [acattcarsweeps]
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Lincoln Dub Edition Mark Series LT (1/31/2006)
Whew! They finally fixed this one. For awhile you couldn't enter the contest, it just kept saying try back later. I didn't want to release it to you until it was sorted out. I guess they worked their "magic" on it. Anyways, you can win this Magic Johnson customized LT by clicking here. [acattcarsweeps]
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Smart US decision postponed to next year (2006)
How many times are they going to do this? Another delay in the decision making process. This news is courtesy of Just Auto a subscription based news service, so I don't have the full details. More info should be available later on as other news services pick up this story.
Okay, here's the update from Automotive News article:
DaimlerChrysler has pushed back into 2006 a decision on whether to launch its Smart minicar brand in the United States. "The decision will be made only next year," Smart spokesman Heinz Gottwick said late on Monday, Dec. 19, noting that a review of its sales and marketing network could last a few more weeks. A decision that was originally set to be made the end of 2005 may now emerge at the Geneva car show in late February. DaimlerChrysler has been considering for months whether to expand the loss-making Smart brand to the U.S. market. It has held out the prospect that the successor to the two-seat ForTwo model planned for the second half of 2007 may get a U.S. launch. Smart chief Ulrich Walker has said it should be possible to sell 20,000 units a year in cities on the U.S. coasts. Smart sold 140,000 vehicles around the world last year. Sales in the first 11 months of 2005 rose 5.5 percent to 132,900 units. The Smart business, which had an operating loss of 600 million euros last year, or $715.8 million at current exchange rates, has slashed staff and costs, narrowed its product lineup to the ForTwo and four-seat ForFour, and struck closer ties with the Mercedes-Benz brand to boost earnings. Mercedes division chief Dieter Zetsche, who will become group chief executive at the turn of the year, has publicly backed Smart's future in the group and has said he wanted to give management there the chance to carry out a business plan that aims to have the brand break even by 2007
Win Your Own Expedition from National Geographic and Mercedes R-Class (12/31/05)
You don't get to win the car and the "expedition" is in New Mexico. I wanted to get all of that information out there before you have visions of winning lavish prizes. Having said all that, it is a prize that must be won! C'mon it takes two seconds! Click here to enter. [acattcarsweeps]*
*I can see some people quibbling about the categorization of the this as a "car sweeps." However, since a car is involved in the prize I am giving it the nod.
Hyundai Entourage
"Yes, No, Yes" that's been the story of the Entourage minivan. Hyundai had said that it was a non starter because they didn't want to do a badge engineered Kia, but that didn't last long and the van was back on track. These are the first shots of the van that I've seen. FrontView and RearView Now, what about the interior?!
Monday, December 19, 2005
2007 Chevrolet Aveo
Here's the 411 on the new Aveo (a rebadged Daewoo Gentra). I had the chance to drive the previous generation Aveo courtesy of Enterprise when the Saab was in the shop. The interior was impressive for an entry level car and it goes to show how far the bar has been raised. As far and the performance of the car, it was fine for an entry level model. Chevrolet had great success with the previous Aveo, so the new model should only add to its popularity. Now, what about the hatch? I would think that the wait would not be too long, but no info as of yet. The hatch is very popular in cities like San Francisco. While waiting for the wife to get out of the opera I counted no less than four Aveo hatches pass by in 30 minutes (that's right, I prefer counting passing cars to the opera).
Here's the offical press release:
Redesigned 2007 Chevrolet Aveo Sedan Offers More Than Great Value
All-new design
Youthful refinement inside and out
Generous features typical of more expensive cars
Smooth, confident and safe driving experience
A key player in the global expansion of the Chevrolet brand
LOS ANGELES – Chevrolet’s assault on the small vehicle market advances during the 2006 Greater Los Angeles Auto Show when the successor to America’s best-selling entry-level vehicle is unveiled – the 2007 Aveo sedan. It boasts an all-new exterior and interior design characterized by youthful refinement, generous features usually seen in more expensive cars and a more confident, dynamic driving experience. Chevrolet introduces the redesigned Aveo only 2½ years after its launch and, once again, challenges expectations of what an entry-level car can deliver.
“Customers will recognize the Aveo sedan as a ‘sm*rt buy’ that delivers on Chevy’s Total Value Promise,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “With its good looks, enjoyable driving experience and ‘big car’ personality, it is a great addition to Chevy’s new lineup of small vehicles.”
The 2007 Aveo sedan will be available in LS and LT models starting in summer 2006, and will offer a range of value-driven options to suit a variety of lifestyles. In redesigning the leading entry-level car in the country, the Aveo team reached beyond the highly important affordability factor to broaden the car’s strong value position. Chevy delves deeper into one of the world’s most popular automobile segments, just as value-conscious American buyers are increasingly discovering the virtues of small cars like the 2007 Aveo sedan.
“Customers will also be pleased with unexpected features, such as a standard radio input jack for iPods and an array of options, ranging from a power sunroof and six-CD changer sound system, to steering-wheel mounted audio and cruise controls,” said Peper.
The 2007 Aveo sedan complements a new selection of smaller vehicles available at Chevrolet showrooms, including the Cobalt premium small car – launched in late 2004 – and the HHR small crossover vehicle – launched in July 2005. Their introductions underscore Chevy’s ongoing commitment to offering great value options in all vehicle segments.
Crisp, modern exterior design
The 2007 Aveo sedan is high in style and progressive in attitude. It is longer, wider and taller than its predecessor and features crisp, sculpted lines and a wide, confident stance. The design skillfully creates the illusion of a larger car through attributes such as contoured side feature lines that rise from front to rear, pronounced “shoulders” over the wheel openings and body-color door sills.
Aveo’s V-shaped hood lines point to its distinctively Chevy front fascia, which boasts a chrome-accented grille with prominent cross bar and iconic gold bowtie emblem. The Aveo’s new, more assertive and dynamic look is highlighted by premium cues, including three-dimensional, richly detailed headlamps that extend into the hood, available front fog lamps and bold, round taillamps, which are set within jeweled bezels.
Contributing to Aveo’s more aerodynamic design is the incorporation of the radio antenna into the rear glass. Extensive wind tunnel testing also helped reduce the coefficient of drag from 0.348 to a more slippery 0.326, compared to the previous model.
Customers can choose to further enhance the Aveo’s appearance with optional features not typically seen in the segment, including chrome door handles, a large power sunroof and dual, heated, power body-color foldaway outside mirrors.
Interior: refinement with a modern twist
The cabin of the new Aveo reflects a youthful interpretation of refinement. Its signature “tall car” design and generous dimension offer ample interior space – capable of accommodating passengers more than 6 feet tall in each of the five seating positions. An enhanced combination of sound-dampening technologies and improved aerodynamics provides a quiet and comfortable ride, even at higher speeds.
The contemporary appearance of the 2007 Aveo sedan’s interior is achieved through integrated components, meticulous craftsmanship and complementary colors. Striking features, including a new, two-tone scheme, rich instrumentation, satin-chrome and carbon-fiber-style accents, wood-grain-style trim and perforated leatherette seating, provide visual and tactile interest. Precision in fit and finish details caps the Aveo’s high-quality appearance.
Aveo’s interior was designed for maximum comfort and convenience, which is evidenced in elements such as standard tilting front-seat headrests and a folding driver’s armrest. Additional conveniences include dual visor vanity mirrors, door and seatback storage pockets and clever hooks, located on headrest posts, which can hold items such as backpacks or shopping bags.
Theater-style rear seating provides a commanding view for all passengers. A fully reclining front passenger seat and a 60/40-split folding rear seat expand Aveo’s interior cargo capacity, enabling long items, such as skis, to be carried between the trunk and passenger compartment. The trunk offers 12.4 cubic feet (350 liters) of storage space, which is more than the previous model.
More unexpected value is delivered through the tilt-adjustable steering wheel, six-way adjustable front seats (with lumbar adjustment), on-key (no separate fob) remote keyless entry features and available cruise control.
Aveo radios are derived from GM’s new family of premium radio systems, which are distinguished by upscale appearance, simplicity of operation and range of features and capabilities. An auxiliary input jack for iPods and other devices is standard on all radios. The base radio is an AM/FM stereo with four speakers. A CD/MP3-capable ratio with six-speaker sound system is available, as is a six-disc in-dash CD changer radio. Steering wheel audio controls are available with the uplevel six-disc in-dash CD changer system.
Driving experience – defying the stereotype of what a subcompact can deliver
As a global car that will be sold in more than 140 countries, the 2007 Aveo sedan was engineered and validated for a broad range of driving and road conditions, but was tuned to suit the preferences of American customers. It was developed for a dynamic, well-planted driving experience and enhanced fuel efficiency. A wide stance and long wheelbase (97.6 inches / 2479 mm) deliver a smooth, confident ride.
Powering Aveo’s responsive driving experience is GM’s proven a sophisticated 16-valve DOHC four-cylinder engine that produces an estimated 103 horsepower (76 kw)* and 107 lb.-ft. of torque (148 Nm)*. The engine is enhanced by a Variable Geometry Induction System, which helps maximize power across the rpm range. Electronic throttle control enhances drivability and fuel economy, while reducing emissions. With a smooth-shifting standard five-speed manual transmission, Aveo offers an estimated 35 mpg in highway driving.**
An available, fuel-saving Aisin four-speed automatic transmission features adaptive shift technology. The segment-exclusive Hold Control Mode special feature helps reduce wheel spin and traction loss on slick roads by allowing the driver to select and hold a higher gear, which reduces torque to the wheels.
Power-assisted, variable-rate rack-and-pinion steering is standard, with enhancements that compensate for external forces such as strong side winds. The steering gear is mounted on the front suspension cross member for precise action and stability. A revised front stabilizer bar supports an agile, fun-to-drive experience and driver confidence – even in challenging circumstances, such as quick lane changes.
Safe and secure
The Aveo experience is enhanced by a comprehensive system of safety and security technologies designed to meet safety standards in markets around the globe. Aveo’s safety starts with a high-strength steel structure that creates a safety cage around the passenger compartment. The structure has been engineered to help maintain passenger compartment integrity and features tailor-welded blanks, a feature not typically found on vehicles in the segment.
The 2007 Aveo sedan also comes standard with advanced dual-stage frontal air bags and the GM Passenger Sensing System, as well as standard seat-mounted side-impact air bags that provide added head and thorax protection. The dual-stage frontal air bags deploy at different levels, depending on the severity of the crash.
The brake system on the Aveo sedan provides ventilated front discs and self-adjusting rear drums. A four-channel ABS system is available. The four-sensor – one at each wheel – system also incorporates electronic brake force distribution, which balances braking performance based on factors including road conditions and the weight of passengers and/or cargo. Additional Aveo safety and security features include:
Front safety belt pretensioners with front-load limiters
Height-adjustable shoulder belt anchors
Lower Anchors and Top Tether for Children (LATCH) child seat attachment system in the rear seats
Rear child safety door locks
Emergency hatch release inside the trunk
Fuel door lock with remote release feature
Available engine immobilizer theft-deterrent system.
The 2007 Aveo sedan is expected to build upon the safety record of its predecessor and perform positively in future impact assessments. For the 2006 model, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded Aveo a five-star rating in the frontal crash test for both the driver and front passenger.
Aveo and Chevrolet’s Global Expansion***
In the United States , the Chevrolet Aveo became the best-selling car in its segment within months of its launch (including four-door and five-door models). Today, it holds a significant margin of leadership over its closest competitor and approximately 40 percent of the entry-level car segment. Currently, it has the second-highest segment share of any vehicle in any segment, and its sales are growing at a faster rate than the segment as a whole.
The Aveo lineup attracts the highest rate of first-time buyers of any GM vehicle, providing a great opportunity to earn these customers’ long-term loyalty. Like the small, premium-car Cobalt family and the HHR small crossover vehicle, Aveo also generates a high number of conquest sales. Seventy-five percent of Aveo sales represent “plus” business for GM. This achievement is the result of combined sales to first-time vehicle buyers, prior owners of non-GM vehicles and customers transitioning from the used to the new car market.
The Aveo is making inroads around the world, and will be sold in more than 140 countries, under several nameplates (primarily under the Chevrolet brand). It is the top-selling car produced by GM Daewoo in Korea (GMDAT). About half of vehicles produced by GMDAT are Chevrolet models. The number is steadily rising as the expertise and quality record of GM’s Korean subsidiary and Chevy’s tradition of “more than expected” value increasingly resonate around the globe.
From January through October 2005, Chevrolet global sales increased by 189,030 units, for a total of 3,644,947 – a growth of 5.5 percent. During the same period, Chevrolet’s global market share has increased from 6.6 to 6.74 percent, strengthening its position as the third-best selling brand in the world. In Europe , where Aveo is the top-selling Chevy model, Chevrolet sales have increased 18.4 percent (through October 2005). In Asia-Pacific, which is a strong and rapidly growing market for GM, Chevrolet sales improved 134 percent, while year-over-year sales in the Latin America , Africa and Middle East region jumped 17.8 percent.
This represents 5.5 percent growth over 2004. Similarly, Chevrolet’s global market share increased from 6.6 percent to 7.4 percent, strengthening its position as the third-best selling brand in the world.
The 2007 Aveo sedan is expected to continue supporting the acceleration of Chevrolet’s global momentum.
* A new voluntary power and torque certification procedure developed by the SAE Engine Test Code committee was approved March 31, 2005 . This procedure (J2723) ensures fair, accurate ratings for horsepower and torque by allowing manufacturers to certify their engines through third-party witness testing. GM was the first auto manufacturer to begin using the procedure and expects to use it for all newly rated engines in the future.
** Based on GM testing. Official EPA estimates not yet available.
Here's an added bonus: a picture of the Gentra. I thought you might like to look at "them"...I mean "it" :-)
Win a Mini Cooper! (12/24/2005)
A fun car to drive and even more fun if you won it! This car really has legs. I remember going to the dealership in Pleasanton, California on opening day--it was packed! Years later there are still waiting lists for this car and it has phenomenal resale value. I would almost say this car has had Rosa Parks like impact on the way small cars are treated by automobile manufacturers who for the longest time disrespected their sales potential in the USA. Small hatchbacks no longer have to give up their seat, as the Mini has shown, and I applaud the car. Click here to enter! [acattcarsweeps]
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Automotive News Headlines
Here are some stories that will be making headlines this week.
A Chinese firm, Wanxiang Group, is looking to acquire some of Delphi’s assets in the United States.
Chrysler dealers are pushing back against ordering slow selling models from Chrysler’s sales bank. Some automakers have been known to have car transporters show up at dealerships with cars that weren’t ordered. This doesn’t appear to be the case here, but no manufacturer likes to feel the cold shoulder from their dealers.
Ford says that they won’t pull any last minute tricks to prevent Chevrolet from winning the US sales title. This has to be a blow to Ford’s pride, but probably a wise move financially.
GM will value price their new full sized SUV’s when they are released next year. So far value pricing hasn’t connected with consumers in a big way, but I’m going to back GM on this. I dream of the day when the sticker price accurately reflects the transaction price. There are few consumer products left with the amount of “horse trading” that goes on at car dealerships.
The Isuzu Ascender will soon be descending into the annals of history when GM pulls the plug on the model when the Oklahoma City plant closes. What the heck happened to Isuzu? The Rodeo was a stylish ride in its day, even if its quality left a bit to be desired. Remember when Isuzu rebadged the Rodeo and Trooper for Honda and Acura? Wow! Now they only have the rebadged i-series truck. Will they bring the D-Max derived MU-7 to the USA? [Update: The five seat Ascender will still be sold.]
Jaguar is following Mercedes’ lead and yanking free maintenance off the standard features list on its 2006 models. I think this is a mistake! How much does it really cost them verses the benefit of getting the customer used to bringing their car into the dealership for service? Usually in the first 4 years/50,000 miles you have a few oil changes and one major service. BMW currently has the best program which covers everything down to the wiper blades. Granted, many well heeled buyers won’t bat on eyelash over this change but I think it’s the wrong direction.
Kia Rio5
Edmunds has their full test of the 2006 Rio5 up for your reading pleasure. Bottom line? The car is a vastly improved machine over its predecessor. That's not so surprising, is it? I haven't driven the car, but it sure looks a lot better! Kia has taken the right approach in making all the hatchbacks in top level trim as opposed to some companies who seem to think that hatchbacks equal entry level (see Yaris liftback verses sedan below). Of course, this leads to an "as tested" price of $16,000 which is a bit steep. My philosophy has always been that you're going to live with your car for at least a few years, why not enjoy a few luxuries plus the added options will help the resale value of your ride when you're ready to move on.
The Rio's mill has 110hp and 107ft-lbs of torque that is supposed to offer 29/38 city/highway (however edmunds observed 28.5 mpg) and 0-60 in 11.5 seconds.
On Kia's website they have some photos, but they are in a non-downloadable flash format. I've screen captured and cropped the photos. I really don't understand why all manufacturers don't have large libraries of downloadable pictures for all their models. Why wouldn't you want people to have your product shots? Whatever. Enjoy!
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