Monday, 27 August 2007

BusinessWeek declares top-ten ugliest cars; also recognizes increasing value of certain models

A great article over at BusinessWeek entitled “Revenge of the Nerd Cars” takes a look at some of the most disastrously-designed vehicles of recent history. While pointing out the laughable proportions of Pintos and Pacers, the article also indicates that these models have experienced a recent surge in popularity – however slight – that is pushing up prices of the “collector” cars. A slideshow of the top ten is available here.

Image source: Wikipedia [AMC Pacer]

Posted by industry at 10:10 PM in Awards
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Monday, 2 July 2007

Made in America: Forbes Autos highlights top ten domestically derived vehicles

Forbes Autos has compiled a list of the top ten “most patriotic” vehicles based on the percentages of American-made parts found in each. The associated article highlights the fact that modern cars and trucks are built of components from all over the world, and that brands alone do not indicate origin. For example, the Chevrolet Equinox SUV uses an engine from China, a transmission from Japan and is assembled in Canada. Meanwhile, Toyota’s Sienna minivan is fitted with an engine and transmission built in West Virginia and is manufactured in Indiana.

The following list identifies each American-made car, its percentage of domestic content and final assembly location:

1) Lincoln MKX; 95 percent; Oakville, Ontario, Canada
2) Chevrolet Malibu Maxx; 86 percent; Fairfax, Kansas
3) Pontiac G6; 86 percent; Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
4) Saturn Aura Green Line; 86 percent; Wilmington, Delaware
5) Chevrolet Corvette convertible; 85 percent; Bowling Green, Kentucky
6) Chevrolet Corvette Z06; 85 percent; Bowling Green, Kentucky
7) Ford Freestyle; 80 percent; Chicago, Illinois
8) Lincoln Mark LT; 80 percent; Dearborn, Michigan
9) Cadillac STS; 75 percent; Lansing, Michigan
10) Mercury Montego; 75 percent; Chicago, Illinois

What’s notable is that the Lincoln MKX and Pontiac G6 are actually assembled in Canada, despite containing large percentages of American parts. Also, both the Ford Edge and Ford Five Hundred are excluded from the list, even though the Edge shares many components with the Lincoln MKX and the Five Hundred is similar to both the Ford Freestyle and Mercury Montego.

Source: Forbes Autos
Image: Lincoln/Mercury media [2008 Lincoln MKX]

Posted by industry at 9:22 AM in Awards
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Wednesday, 13 June 2007

J.D. Power and Associates releases 2007 Initial Quality Study

J.D. Power and Associates released its 2007 Initial Quality Study last week, and for the second year in a row Porsche and Lexus have topped the overall manufacturer ratings. The study ranks brands and individual vehicles based on Problems Per 100 Vehicles (PP100) after 90 days of ownership. These problems fall in one of two categories – quality of production and quality of design. Porsche owners reported just 91 problems per 100 vehicles, the same number as last year, while Lexus drivers remarked on 94 problems in 2007 compared with 93 one year ago. The 2007 Industry Average stands at 125 PP100, up slightly from 124 in 2006.

Certain manufacturers improved substantially this year. Mercedes-Benz, for example, improved from 25th place in 2006 to 5th in 2007, reducing issues from 139 PP100 to 111 PP100. Lincoln jumped from 12th (tie) to 3rd place, with owners reporting 100 PP110 this year compared with 121 in ’06. Mercury improved similarly, going from 16th in 2006 (129 PP100) to 8th (113 PP100) this year, while Scion went from 26th (140 PP100) to 11th (123 PP100). Saab climbed from 32nd to 21st (tie), reducing PP100 by 30, while Land Rover shed 34 PP100. However, Land Rover still occupies last place in the overall survey, with 170 PP100.

Makes that dropped from above to below the industry average include Cadillac (7th (tie) to 25th, 117 to 135 PP100), GMC (9th to 18th, 119 to 131 PP100), Acura (10th (tie) to 17th, 120 to 130 PP100), Chrysler (10th (tie) to 27th, 120 to 151 PP100), Nissan (12th (tie) to 19th (tie), 121 to 132 PP100) and Chevrolet (14th to 15th, 124 to 129 PP100).

J.D. Power and Associates also recognizes top vehicles in each segment, and this year the top winning marques were Ford, Mercedes-Benz and Toyota/Lexus. Ford Motor Company captured four segments, including Midsize Sporty Car (Ford Mustang), Entry Premium Car (Lincoln MKZ), Midsize Car (Mercury Milan) and Large Premium Multi-Activity Vehicle (Lincoln Mark LT). A fifth honor went to the Mazda MX-5 Miata in the Compact Sporty Class, which Ford has claimed among its awards due to Mazda's association with FoMoCo.

Mercedes-Benz captured three premier positions, claiming Large Premium Car (Mercedes-Benz S-Class [tie with Audi A8] ), Midsize Premium Car (Mercedes-Benz E-Class) and Premium Sporty Car (Mercedes-Benz SL-Class). Finally, Toyota dominated the truck/MAV segments, taking Midsize MAV (Toyota 4Runner), Large MAV (Toyota Sequoia), Midsize Premium MAV (Lexus RX350/RX400h) and Midsize Pickup (Toyota Tacoma). Last year Toyota/Lexus cleaned up, claiming 11 top spots.

Source: J.D. Power and Associates
Image: Dealer.com at 2007 NAIAS [2007 Porsche 911 Turbo]

Posted by industry at 5:35 PM in Awards
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Friday, 8 June 2007

Interior of the Year awards announced by Ward’s Auto; American manufacturers triumph

The annual Ward’s Auto “Interior of the Year” competition was held for the eighth time this year, and this time American carmakers occupied most of the winning positions. For 2007, 34 models from 11 auto manufacturers were up for consideration, and winners were named in seven categories by both the Ward’s editorial staff and members of the automotive industry at-large. The in-house Ward’s crew took two months to evaluate the vehicles in a variety of contexts, while the industry personnel participated online. Over 1,400 industry votes were submitted. By category, the results are:

Economy-Priced Car: Ward’s chose the Honda Fit while the industry nominated the Dodge Caliber.

Popular-Priced Car: Both picked the Saturn Aura, winner of the North American Car of the Year Award announced at the Detroit Auto Show in January 2007.

Premium-Priced Car: The industry liked the Lincoln MKZ and Ward’s recognized the Volvo S80.

Popular-Priced CUV: Ward’s was keen on the Honda CRV, although the industry panel voted for the Saturn Outlook.

Premium-Priced CUV: Both voting bodies chose the Cadillac SRX.

Popular-Priced Truck: Ward’s and the industry agreed on the Chevrolet Silverado, winner of the North American Truck of the Year Award also announced in Detroit.

Premium-Priced Truck: The industry picked the Cadillac Escalade, while Ward’s decided on the Lincoln Navigator.

Four other achievements were also recognized by the Ward’s staff. In the category of Best Brand Expression, the Jeep Wrangler was chosen. Best Interior Trim went to the Infiniti G35, and Best Overall Comfort was bestowed upon the Lexus LS 460L. Finally, the Chrysler Sebring claimed the Best Cup Holder prize.

The only nameplate to also win last year was the Cadillac Escalade, as the industry group declared the Caddy a victor in 2006. However, the Lincoln Zephyr was chosen by both voting parties last year, and the winning Lincoln MKZ this time around is a direct replacement for the Zephyr in the 2007 model year. Although domestic models fared well in 2006 as well, more imports were recognized in the previous competition, including vehicles from Audi, Land Rover, Mazda, Subaru and Toyota.

Sources: The Auto Channel and MCADCafe
Image: GM/Saturn media [2007 Saturn Aura interior]

Posted by industry at 1:43 PM in Awards
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Tuesday, 27 March 2007

Saturn Aura named “Most Washable Car” by International Carwash Association

We hear about automotive distinctions all of the time. Top safety pick. Most environmentally friendly. Best resale value. Highest consumer satisfaction. Greatest performance. All contribute to our perceptions of the vehicle marketplace, influencing purchasing decisions to various degrees.

One award rarely considered, although highly practical when realized, is the “Most Washable Car” prize given annually by the International Carwash Association. This year’s top honor went to the all-new 2007 Saturn Aura, a car that coincidentally earned much more prestigious recognition when a panel of Canadian and U.S. journalists bestowed the North American Car of the Year (NACOTY) award upon the Aura at this year’s Detroit Auto Show.

Several criteria were considered when evaluating best carwash candidates, including character line aerodynamics, trim molding placement, radio antenna security, windshield wiper integration, mirror retraction and smoothness of the bumpers, license plate brackets, spoilers and ground effects. The Aura benefited from “sleek, European lines,” according to Lisa Hutchinson, director of brand and product development for Saturn. Last year, the 2006 Ford Fusion took first place.

Source: PRNewswire
Image: Saturn media

Posted by industry at 10:15 PM in Awards
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Thursday, 8 February 2007

MotorWeek announces 2007 Drivers’ Choice Awards, Honda triumphs once again

Each year “Television’s Original Automotive Magazine” MotorWeek chooses its Drivers’ Choice Awards to highlight top models and manufacturers in each vehicle segment. This year 13 different class awards were granted, some of which went to multiple winners. Of the victorious vehicles, a Best of the Year auto is then selected. The 2007 Drivers’ Choice Awards are:

Best Small Car: Honda Fit
Best Family Sedan: Saturn Aura
Best Minivan: Hyundai Entourage, Kia Sedona
Best Convertible: Volkswagen Eos
Best Luxury Sedan: Lexus LS
Best Sport Sedan: Infiniti G35
Best Performance Car: Ford Shelby GT500
Best Small Utility: Honda CR-V
Best Large Utility: Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon
Best Crossover Utility: GMC Acadia, Saturn Outlook
Best Pickup Truck: Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra
Best Eco-Friendly: Toyota Motor Corporation
Best Dream Machine: Jaguar XKR, Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, Porsche 911 Turbo

Best of the Year: Honda Fit

Analysis: Last year the new Honda Civic compact took the top honor, so this year’s subcompact Fit win does not come as too surprising. Clearly MotorWeek is impressed with efficient Japanese cars.

Many other 2007 victors have been recognized previously throughout the industry. The Saturn Aura (Best Family Sedan) won the North American Car of the Year award, while the Chevrolet Silverado (Best Pickup Truck) took the North American Truck of the Year distinction. Both the Kia Sedona and Hyundai Entourage (Best Minivan) were the only models in the minivan class thus far to earn a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in 2007. Finally, when Consumer Reports announced its Most Reliable vehicles back in November 2006, the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon (Best Large Utility) were two of six American models to make the grade.

But not ever winner was a shoe in. The Infiniti G35 apparently out-performed BMW’s highly respected 3-series sedan, a match that must have been very close. Toyota’s Eco-Friendly win was likely down to the wire with Honda; a glance at the “Greenest Vehicles of 2007” reveals that both manufacturers are pushing hard for green credentials.

Source: MotorWeek and GreenerCars.com
Image: Honda news [2007 Honda Fit]

Posted by industry at 9:59 AM in Awards
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Tuesday, 6 February 2007

Ford Edge and Lincoln MKZ crossovers earn Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s “Top Safety Pick” award

Yesterday the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety announced that the Ford Edge crossover utility vehicle and related Lincoln MKX CUV had earned the organization’s “Top Safety Pick” award for superior performance in front-, side- and rear-impact collisions. This comes as a substantial boost for the beleaguered Blue Oval, as Ford Motor Company is relying heavily on these products to lead its North American turnaround. Both the Edge and MKX have been marketed heavily and in many ways represent the quintessential crossover vehicle.

In order to qualify for Top Safety Pick status, a vehicle must achieve “good” ratings in collisions from all directions, including the front, side and rear. Another criteria, new this year, is that Electronic Stability Control must be fitted at least optionally, as the IIHS believes ESC reduces the likelihood of single car crashes and rollovers. Both crossovers performed and were equipped accordingly.

Previously, the IIHS declared 13 vehicles Top Safety Picks for the 2007 model year, but no American manufacturers made the cut. As vehicles come to market or are significantly improved the Institute adds them to the list, provided the models meet the stringent requirements.

Analysis: Ford has spent a lot of time and energy talking up the new Edge and MKX, and confirmations such as the IIHS safety honor will help solidify the vehicles as well-executed products that do not sacrifice quality and durability for cost. In the month of January 2007 Ford sold 5,586 Edge models, while Lincoln delivered 1,699 MKXs. January was the first full calendar months that these vehicles were on sale, and Ford eagerly reports that in the “popular” Ford Fusion’s first month, October 2005, only 4,078 units were sold.

Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and Ford media
Image: Ford media

Posted by industry at 12:58 PM in Awards
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Wednesday, 31 January 2007

Top ten World Car of the Year finalists announced

Since 2005, an international body of automotive journalists has nominated “World Car of the Year” awards recognizing preeminent vehicles available in a wide variety of marketplaces. Qualification requires that each model be sold in at least five countries spanning two or more continents.

In the competition’s first year, Audi’s redesigned A6 sedan emerged victorious as the overall favorite. Last year the BMW 3-series took the top title, while the Porsche Cayman earned the “World Performance Car of the Year” trophy. Also added in 2006 were “World Green Car” and “World Design of the Year” distinctions, won by the Honda Civic Hybrid and Citroen C4, respectively.

Earlier this month, top ten nominees in the overall and performance categories were listed. World Car finalists (in alphabetical order) include:

Audi Q7
Audi TT
Citroen C4 Picasso
Citroen C6
Fiat Grande Punto
Jaguar XK
Lexus LS460
Mercedes CL-class
MINI Cooper
Suzuki SX4/Fiat Sedici

World Performance Car contenders (alphabetical order) are:

Audi RS4
Audi S6
BMW 335i
BMW M/Z4 M Coupe/Roadster
Ferrari 599 GTB
Jaguar XKR
Mazda 3 MPS/Mazdaspeed3
Porsche 911 GT3
Porsche 911 Turbo
Renault Clio Renault Sport

World Design candidates are chosen from the World Car list and judged by a panel of stylistic experts. The World Green Car award is more lenient, as only one major marketplace must be represented and prototype/experimental vehicles are considered.

Analysis: WCOTY evaluators must consider a variety of factors, including value, safety, environmental friendliness, significance, emotional appeal and general merit. The significance clause most likely includes attainability to some extend, leveling the playing field for less expensive models competing with the big-dollar nominees. Winners will be announced on April 5, 2007 during the New York Auto Show.

Source: PRNewswire and WCOTY.com
Image: WCOTY.com [Audi TT]

Posted by industry at 4:27 PM in Awards
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Thursday, 25 January 2007

Volkswagen to begin search for longest running diesel cars in U.S.

Having sold diesel powered vehicles in the United States for 30 years now, Volkswagen will begin searching for both the oldest car currently in service and the unit with the most recorded miles. VW expects a 1977 Rabbit diesel to win the old age category, perhaps in California where Volkswagens have historically sold well. In total, 12,393 Rabbit diesels were delivered to U.S. customers in 1977.

The high mileage contest requires owners to back their claims with either service records or maintenance logbooks. Each vehicle's original engine must still be fitted, although presumably it could have been rebuilt at some point. Starting on March 1, 2007, Volkswagen will begin accepting information and photos via its website, vw.com. The application will be open for a minimum of four months.

Winners will earn the privilege of driving a 2007 Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI (turbo-diesel) for six months. In the 30 years that VW USA has offered diesels, 813,476 units have been sold to U.S. customers.

Analysis: Last month Saab Automobile USA announced that any Saab driver who could prove logging one million or more miles on a vehicle he or she originally bought new would be awarded a new Saab 9-5 Aero for the accomplishment. That’s to keep, not just to drive for six months. The first recipient will be Wisconsin insurance salesman Peter Gilbert, who ran his 1989 Saab 900 SPG past one million miles on the original engine and turbocharger. In any case, I'll still be very interested to see which VW emerges as the farthest traveled.

Source and image: VW MediaRoom [1977 VW Rabbit pictured]

Posted by industry at 9:24 AM in Awards
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Monday, 18 December 2006

Swedish automaker Saab promises one million mile award

From now until December 31, 2007, Saab Automobile USA will offer a brand new Saab 9-5 Aero to any U.S. customer who has logged one million or more miles in a Saab that he or she purchased originally. The owner must prove to be the original purchaser and that the odometer has never been altered, the vehicle is in good running condition and the car has always been registered in the United States.

The first recipient of the award will be Wisconsin insurance salesman Peter Gilbert who managed to push his 1989 Saab 900 SPG into the seven-digit mileage territory on the original engine and turbocharger. Gilbert would have gone farther, except that the rough Wisconsin winters reportedly did a number on the Saab’s undercarriage. A transmission rebuild at 200,000 miles (common of the ‘80s Saabs) and various sheetmetal repairs (after eight deer crashes) kept the otherwise healthy car ready to roll. Of course, the suggested maintenance schedule was followed meticulously.

Sometime early in 2007, Gilbert will take delivery of his new 9-5 Aero at the Saab Aero Academy in Road Atlanta, Georgia. Each and every customer who purchases a Saab 9-3 Aero or 9-5 Aero gains free access to the two-day driving school. The long-traveled 900 SPG will be donated to the Wisconsin Auto Museum in Hartford, Wisconsin.

Analysis: It’s amazing to consider the original engine and turbo making it to one million miles. Gilbert reports that when the engine burned no oil at 600,000 miles he finally considered the possibility of hitting the magic million-mile mark.

Another Swedish manufacturer, Volvo, has long been known for building high-mileage automobiles. Irv Gordon’s 1966 P1800 Volvo has racked up over 2.5 million miles, although the engine was rebuilt in 1978 around 675,000 miles.

What's interesting about this offer is that Saab is only offering the 9-5 Aero model as free. Granted, the Saab lineup is fairly small, but suppose a customer wants the smaller 9-3 model? In any case, this a super generous General Motors/Saab offer. I can just image a Saab owner with 800,000 current miles driving back and forth on highways just to make the million mile threshold by the end of next year.

Main source and image: GM/Saab media
Other sources: MSNBC, Wheel Talk and Volvo Cars

Posted by industry at 3:56 PM in Awards
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