Toyota debut at first entirely new addition to the family of Prius in Detroit

The 2011 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) is fast approaching and the pre-show teasers are racking up. Toyota is responsible for getting the ball hybrid phone with the launch of the first mass-produced hybrid gas-electric in 1997, so that one of our first stops on the exhibition will unveil the company’s first completely new edition Family Prius.

In addition to current third-generation Prius Plug-in Prius vehicles (PHV), the new Prius will debut along with a concept vehicle Prius at a press conference NAIAS. The company has not published any pictures of the new vehicle, except for passing out a teaser video (see below) that leaves everything to the imagination. For video, Toyota has retained the services of professional skateboarder Bob Burnquist to give the image a little sloppy in the Prius an injection of cold.

The Toyota press conference is scheduled for Monday, January 10, 2011, at 1:05 pmGizmag be there to capture the action.

Ford SYNC AppLink in the 2011 Fiesta

Ford’s SYNC entertainment and communication vehicle that allows drivers to make hands-free phone calls, and control things like your music player via voice commands. Instead of trying to cram more and more functions in the virtual brain of SYNC, Ford’s engineers have adopted a more flexible approach – they have created smartphone applications that drivers can be controlled via the SYNC, using voice commands or buttons on the wheel. SYNC existing systems must first make AppLink software download that will make its debut in 2011 Ford Fiesta.

AppLink represents a new class of SYNC third-party applications, allowing applications that are brought into an external device. The other two classes are composed of applications that are built into the system and cloud-based applications that are “logs in”

So far, AppLink limited to Android and Blackberry devices. Not able to control the standard versions of common applications, but asks SYNC enabled versions. Already SYNC versions Pandora Internet radio, Stitcher “intelligent radio” and OpenBeak available for Twitter.

In order to increase stability enabled applications, Ford has created a network of developers, where people can submit ideas for applications, and learn more about the application programming interface. You can also get software development kit, enabling them to make changes to existing applications and create new ones that are compatible with the SYNC system.

The main idea behind AppLink is that users now have their eyes on the road to use their smart phones while driving. The question, perhaps, if they would otherwise be looking at your phone, or not use it and pay full attention to driving.

Hyundai to start testing its Tucson FCEV ix with mass production planned for 2015

While the plug-in electric vehicle (EV), such as Nissan and Chevy Volt LEAF are making a play for the attention of environmentally conscious consumers, some automakers believe fuel cell vehicles are hydrogen the way forward as they may be filled up in minutes instead of hours needed to recharge electric vehicles. One of the companies formed to bring fuel cell electric vehicles to dealers is Hyundai, which recently completed the development of ix Tucson Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV). Hyundai will begin testing the vehicle next year, aiming to start mass production in 2015.

Ix The Tucson FCEV is Hyundai FCEV third generation following the original 2005 in Tucson FCEV was a test vehicle for cell company’s second-generation hydrogen fuel. The last vehicle is equipped with a cell of 100 kW fuel and two hydrogen storage tanks (700 bar / psi 10152.64) which allows the truck to travel 404 miles (650 km) on a single charge. This is an improvement of 76 percent over the second-generation Tucson FCEV, which was limited to a range of 230 miles (370 kilometers) on a single charge. You can also start in temperatures down to minus 13 ° F (-25 ° C).

The new model retains the maximum speed of its predecessor of 100 mph (160 km / h), but has a 15 percent improvement in fuel efficiency over the previous model with a fuel efficiency of gasoline equivalent of 72, 9 mpg (31 km / liter). The efficiency of the vehicle has been made possible in part due to the reduction in the overall volume of the fuel cell system by 20 percent compared with the previous system. This was achieved through the modularization of bulky components in the fuel cell system including fuel cell balance of plant (BOP), the inverter and the voltage junction box.

Hyundai plans a limited supply of the Tucson FCEV IX in 2012 and begin mass production in 2015.

SARTRE path of several cars rail project enters implementation phase

The European SARTRE (Safe Route trains Environment) project, which is developing technology to automate the wake of several vehicles on the roads, is now one year into his three-year program. The first year was spent paving the research concept and the requirements of a prototype system and how people will react to use. Now the program is set to enter the implementation phase, starting with a first simple test and the following vehicle.

The Nissan LEAF Aero Concept will be debut at 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon

Nissan has taken a peak at the good you have to show Tokyo Auto Salon January aftermarket. Vehicles from Nissan and its affiliates Autech and NISMO range of concepts of race car design and production includes makeovers for just out of the blocks-all and JUKE LEAF-electric mini-crossover.

The style Aero Concept Nissan LEAF is equipped with an aerodynamic body kit that includes a new bumper and wheels flat black and white to give the car a much sportier look. Meanwhile, Deportivo JUKE package is equipped with exterior accessories designed for Europe and North American markets, including parts and chromed 17-inch wheels allow.

Statistics of accidents among the signs of the Zodiac.

Australian scientists and sociologists from the insurance company «Suncorp Metway» found that the driver which born under the sign of Gemini are most often get into accidents. As a rule, these people are easy to ruffle.

After the Twins in the list are Taurus, suffering incredible stubbornness and always self-confidence. A born under the sign of Pisces are known astrologers as risky and careless people that affects their driving style. Classic examples of safe driving show Capricorn.

Volkswagen Golf R set for U.S. return early 2012.

The high performance Volkswagen Golf R is to return to the United States in early 2012. Jonathan Browning, executive director of Volkswagen Group of America, said last week that the R will have a 2.0 liter four-cylinder turbo engine with 256 horsepower. It went on sale in Europe a year ago.

A high performance Golf – the R32 – was sold in the United States for a year as a 2004 model. A VW spokesman said that about 5,000 R32s were sold. The second appearance was in 2007 to 08 model years and was based on the fifth generation Golf. Had a 3.2-liter V-6 engine with 240 hp. The Golf R32 2008 sold for about $ 30,000.

Ford vs GM’s. Heavyweight battle.

Headquartered in Orlando Craig Brown sales job requires you to be on the phone while on the road.

For this you need a communication system in the car as Ford Motor Co. ‘s Sync or General Motors Co.’ s OnStar. Both allow hands-free calling.

During the past two years, Brown, 38, has owned vehicles with every system. Now you will not have otherwise.

“My next car will definitely have one of the two technologies in it,” said Brown.

Ford and GM agree that the systems are gaining importance in purchasing decisions. The question for the two rivals is that the system Brown – and millions of other car buyers – is chosen.

The long-standing rivals clashed in a race to bring telematics to conventional car buyers. Sync and OnStar say are key buying considerations – to the point that technology changes the way retailers sell cars and interact with customers.

Ford and GM are reluctant to admit that there is intense competition, saying that the systems are different and distinctive. OnStar has been known for safety features such as emergency assistance and recovery of stolen vehicles. Sync has typically focused on the mobile phone’s Bluetooth connectivity and also provides information and entertainment services such as horoscopes and stock quotes.

Matching functions

Craig Brown has been so for vehicles with Sync, Ford and GM OnStar, and says his next car, “definitely” will be one of them. Kim Ellis, Jarrett, Scott Ford in Plant City, Florida, is turning into synchronization.

However, every automaker matching other key offerings. For example, Ford has introduced 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Reports to compete with OnStar. And OnStar is the addition of features such as voice-based text messaging cell phone driver.

GM OnStar admits that lost momentum in the automaker’s restructuring and bankruptcy in 2008 until 2009. In 2008, GM seriously considered selling OnStar.

As a result of the restructuring, the development of some entertainment features information derailed, said OnStar President Chris Preuss. That gave Ford a good opportunity to promote synchronization, OnStar put at a disadvantage.

“Who has the most effective marketing this to the customer benefits? Hands down, Ford,” said Preuss. “And they get credit for it. But we are not following. We’re just in a slightly different strategy. ”

Preuss is adamant about OnStar’s core mission: peace of mind.

“OnStar is built from day 15 years ago to be a dedicated emergency security services system in the car,” said Preuss. “Because we have to, we can make other services. We have been making sailing back over six years. We were reading e-mails to people before it was even great to have e-mail.”

OnStar, which has about 6 million subscribers in North America, uses a cell phone embedded in the vehicle. Preuss said the service is very profitable for GM, although the company does not publish financial data from OnStar.

Ford Sync is an infotainment system based on Microsoft software, that pairs with your Bluetooth driver. Sync was initially designed to control music devices and cell phones.

main point of competition OnStar Sync is integrated technology makes it more reliable in an accident, said Doug Newcomb, senior technology editor for Edmunds.com. Whereas, Sync, the system is “as good as your cell phone,” said Newcomb.

Ford CEO Alan Mulally recently told Automotive News that the automaker does not integrate its technology into the vehicle. Ford believes its approach is given more flexibility to add features and services such as technological changes.

“Our focus is to be absolutely one with all the development of consumer electronics worldwide and do not fit into anything in the car,” said Mulally. “We want to manage the experience in the car.”

Ford says Sync Services is intended to improve safety because it allows the synchronization of voice messages for all services, telephone calls and emergency assistance. This limits driver distraction.

Sync-based entertainment

“The functionality of this is based entertainment,” said Paul Russell, director of marketing for synchronization. “But the key is being able to deliver to the customer in a safe manner. This is a comprehensive way the way he looks. It is the communication and entertainment.”

But Ford did add 911 Assist Sync for the 2009 model year to compete with OnStar emergency response. OnStar and knows he has work to do to give all that Sync not entertainment.

“We know we have to be there. GM’s strategy for information and entertainment is totally against that,” said Preuss. “Next year and next year we will have more and more similar timing characteristics.”

Said Edmunds.com ‘s Newcomb: “What we’re seeing now is OnStar is trying to catch up they have announced some new features they would like to implement, such as receiving text messages via voice and respond through speech .. ”

OnStar is also working on an application that allows users to update their Facebook status using speech.

An application is a software program designed to perform a specific task. For example, GM recently came out with OnStar applications to provide remote boot and roadside assistance.

The competing systems are sold differently, too.

OnStar is sold through a subscription that costs $ 199 per year. The price for the hardware is rolled into the sticker price. GM does not break with that information.

Sync costs $ 395, but carries no other initial expenses. After three years, customers keep the music service and mobile phone, but must pay an annual fee of $ 60 to continue the synchronization services like turn-by-turn directions, traffic and personal information, such as sports scores, billboard film, horoscopes and stock quotes.

GM sold nearly OnStar when the company filed for federal bankruptcy protection in 2009. But GM moved so quickly through the bankruptcy sale that never happened. And OnStar has benefited from having two CEOs of GM and telecommunications expert.

When Ed Whitacre, former CEO of AT & T, took the top job in December 2009, decided to retain OnStar, but ordered to be streamlined, said Preuss. OnStar has been doing that and is now starting a new marketing campaign.

Similarly, the current CEO Dan Akerson, who was CEO of Nextel Communications, saw the value of OnStar.

, Preuss said: “One thing Dan Akerson has become very clear to me is that, look, OnStar telematics is an incredibly powerful tool. Secondly, you really have a communication problem.”

In September, OnStar has launched a new slogan: “Live On.” The idea: to show the simplicity of using only one button for services such as navigation, hands-free calls and emergency assistance.

OnStar wants distributors to increase, too, to talk about the telematics service in the sale of a vehicle. He also wants retailers to use OnStar vehicle diagnostic and emails to customers to get customers back on sales of services and the future.

Preuss admitted that only half of GM’s customers buy the subscription service when the trial period. But he insists he is still good, considering OnStar has 6 million subscribers at $ 200 to $ 300 per year.

Big selling point

Ford says consumers are three times more likely to consider a Ford product, once you learn about timing.

“It’s bigger than a more close,” said Jim Farley, chief executive of Ford sales. “Our vehicles Sync faster and faster. In the current approach, which is one reason to buy a Ford. It’s a great thing. I never saw an option of $ 300 to $ 400 have that kind of impact into consideration.”

Ford offers concession vendors with sync services on their mobile phones so they can prove it works for customers.

Dealers say Sync 911 Assist feature generally impresses clients. But Sync has made car sales more difficult for some retailers.

“There are more and more information the seller has to know,” said Jim Scott, co-owner of Jarrett, Scott Ford in Plant City, Fla. “You have to add a couple of steps, too, because before the person go, you have to get your email address to activate syncmyride.com reports for vehicle health.

“So the process has changed. It’s very different to show you how to use the AC and radio.”

Scott is considering changing its pay structure to attract sellers with strong technology experience. “These cars are so computer-based now, is like selling computers,” he said.

Others in the fight

Other car manufacturers and telematics and infotainment Embrace include Mercedes-Benz, BMW Assist, Toyota and Lexus Enform service G-Book Alpha. Kia UVO, his style synchronization system in January.

Hyundai is expected to provide a telematics or infotainment system in the coming year. Fiat will offer its synchronization system based on Blue & Me, in the 500 subcompact here. Volkswagen is at least 24 months before offering something similar, an industry source said.

new GM marketing approach, combined with its established technology is promising, said Paul Haelterman, director general global automotive consultancy IHS Automotive Detroit.

“Look at how GM has been the commercialization of its applications. This is positive, and GM is demonstrating leadership in this space, “said Haelterman.” Toyota’s mojo can be stolen and people in the [Chevrolet] Cruze. Technology can do that. ”

Haelterman said Ford Sync is strong, too. technology has proven to sell small cars to younger buyers.

“Ford just made a minor update in the current approach a few years ago but put it sync and it was a game changer,” said Haelterman. “It is clear that attracted the Gen X and Gen Y’ers.”

In short, he said, “OnStar and Sync are the benchmark for everyone else in that space.”

For new models, the brakes are out

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – A week in San Diego should be sufficient to remind that they are still working on a car market hyper-competitive.

It was easy to forget that the last time.

Just when things were becoming fierce in the period 2005-2007, with some automakers developing the ability to bring new models to market faster, the crisis began. The industry fell to his knees for a while, and the mood of the last 24 months has been subject politely.

But now that the brakes are out.

In San Diego this month, all in the same week before vacation, Ford Motor Co., Hyundai Motor America and Nissan North America automotive writers flew separately to the city to begin the roll media on key new products that could wait until the new year.

Ford showed journalists the next generation Explorer 2011 crossing, a product of utmost importance that the automaker previously built in Louisville, is maneuvering KentuckyFord products throughout the country as part of a future product strategy involving hundreds of millions plant investment to support low-interest loans to U.S. Department of Energy. The new Explorer will be built in Chicago. Louisville will be restructured to produce the next Escape, and other changes are underway.

Meanwhile, Nissan was showing journalists the new Quest minivan in San Diego. This vehicle was first glimpsed by the public in less than three weeks before the Auto Show in Los Angeles. But Nissan says the search will begin deliveries to retail on January 28.

At the same time, Hyundai Elantra was showing the next. This compact car also saw its first light just three weeks earlier in Los Angeles, but Hyundai is already putting the car in showrooms this month.

And if that is not aggressive enough, consider this: The Elantra is taking place at the Hyundai plant in Alabama. That plan was hatched only production this summer. It has just been approved in September, and Alabama and a job rolled off the line Nov. 1

The pace of new product launches is not only “accelerated”, which is “insane.”

Be careful. The industry is not only preparing to return, is back with a vengeance.

How not to be deluded when you buying the used car.

In this article, you can find some advises on how to get good money for your “worn” car.
The body of the car is the first thing you see when you are buying a car. Inexperienced sellers think that various moldings, labels and other frills make their cars cooler. Only those, who have pour knowledge about cars can fall for it. By doing this, the owner of the car wants to cover up his car. For example, how one can check the condition of the sills if they are hidden under a plastic overlay? The one who knows such a trick would try to pass by such a car. Therefore, if the body of the car is in a good condition, you should take all these labels off. As for different little scratches, chipped paint, which do not have principled importance – you can leave it. However, you should come up with a convincing legend.

During the next stage customers usually test doors, a hood and a trunk. A customer would find it very strange if a hood and doors, in an almost new car, don’t close at ones, but only with an effort. Cracks on the glass, different shades of paint, different marks of glass, brake lights, headlights and even direction lights are also big disadvantages.

The next stage – check of an engine and a running gear. Inexperienced sellers make sad mistakes on this stage. One of the most common mistakes – desire to change the registration of the odometer. Nevertheless, an expert can check the wear-out of the
brake plate and of the front wheels, to understand a real kilometerage of a car.

One more misconception: perfectly clean engine gives a marketable condition to a car. An expert wouldn’t believe you that an engine is clean after two years of exploitation, or after the car has covered a distance of 30 – 40 thousands kilometers. This mistake usually superposes another mistake: having washed the engine compartment, inexperienced sellers don’t pay attention to the outside appearance of the running gear. The discrepancy of an ideally clean engine against
scab of dirt and oil on the knots of the running gear, would put any customer on a
guard. Sometimes you can face with such an amusing incident, when the seller having washed the engine, forgot to wash the quiet corners of his power pack. If you find dirt andscraps of oil in these places – it means that a seller holds back information about his car. Believe me, experts wouldn’t pass
by these corners.

In brief, during the pre-sale preparation one should pay attention to these important details, but do not overdo it. I can tell you from my own experience that cars with clean, but not too clean, engine and running gear – have more chances to be sold.

Our consultant complained that nowadays there are fewer suckers, and more knowledgeable customers on the market. Perhaps because inexperienced customers don’t rely on their knowledge, but ask their experienced friends for help in choosing a used car. And that is very wise!

The appearance of a man, who has pour knowledge about all these tricks, in the car market is the rare gift of destiny for dealers. And if this sucker is with his woman – it’s just a fantastic luck for the regulars of the market. As a rule, women pay more attention to the colour and different gadgets of the car, such as: power windows, music system, etc. And, for some reason, their word becomes decisive in the choice of the car. “That is why, when I see such a couple, I try to
please a woman”, – confessed our consultant.

But if you wait for the favor from the fate, you will sale nothing. That is why, while talking to a possible buyer, one should tactically and delicately hinder him from focusing on the examination of the car. Their exists a very usual trick, one can turn customer’s attention to any trifle, little scratch, by telling him a corresponding legend, that explains its origin.

It would pay a decisive role only if you did it in a correct way. Sellers like to tell stories that their dog scratched their car. It seems that all sellers on a market have very naughty dogs that find scratching of their owners’ car as a meaning of life.

“While a client is checking an engine, I always have an open bottle with expensive imported motor oil for demonstration. Though I don’t know for sure what is the quality of motor oil which is in the engine of my car”.

One more advice: one should does his best while composing of any legend. Once our
consultant was asked a question – if his car eats a lot of oil. He blutered: “It was running from the gage probe, but I fixed it”. When the customer heard it, he was out of the market like a streak.
He turned out to be one of those who has good knowledge on cars. If a gage probe is knocked – out – it means that at its best such a car has a foul evaporation system in the base chamber, and at the worst – it features of the imminent overhaul of the engine.

We hope that you will find this material useful not only while selling a car, but also while buying a second-hand car.

To learn more information about used cars, please visitwww.indexusedcars.com.