Archives for January 2013

Luxury Electric: 2014 Cadillac ELR

January 16, 2013 by admin 4 Comments

It will have taken nearly five years for the Cadillac Converj go from concept to reality, but the wait may well be worth it. This chiseled front-wheel-drive coupe goes into production in late 2013 and has a new name too: the 2014 Cadillac ELR. The ELR or extended luxury range model is a 2+2 coupe that is based on Voltec technology.

Concept to Reality

The Cadillac Converj seems much less radical today than it did when it made its debut at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. We’ve gotten used to seeing Cadillacs art & science technology displayed all over the place and in the intervening years the Cadillac CTS Coupe has also rolled out.

Voltec technology is GM terminology to describe its line of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles that started with the Chevrolet Volt. Since the Volts release the Opel Ampera and Holden Volt have taken a bow, but the Cadillac is the most radical departure from the original design. Whereas the Chevrolet, Opel and Holden models are sedans, the Cadillac ELR is a coupe and a handsome one at that.

See Also — About EV Maker Evian

Gas and Electric

Under the hood sits a 1.4-liter in-line four cylinder engine. This 16-valve engine is equipped with sequential multi-port fuel injectors and electronic throttle control. It is paired with a single speed hybrid transmission. Electric drive power comes from both a drive motor and a generator motor to make a net 207 horsepower and 295 foot-pounds of torque.

An electric-only range of 35 miles can be extended by more than 300 miles thanks to this models gasoline engine. For most of the initial 35 miles you can drive on electric power with the gasoline engine kicking in only at certain times as in when extra power is needed. Once the battery system is down to about 20 percent capacity, a switch to gasoline power automatically kicks in. You can then continue on your drive and fill the tank up at gas stations, recharging the ELR when you stop for the night.

The Cadillac ELR sits on 20-inch cast aluminum wheels set within all-season tires. This model has a 106.1-inch wheelbase and is 186 inches long, 72.7 inches wide and 55.9 inches tall. Weighing in at just over two tons, the Cadillac ELR offers 9 cubic feet of trunk storage capacity.

A Distinctive Model

Will the Cadillac ELR sell well? That depends on how you define well. Mostly, this car will serve as a halo model, enabling Cadillac to tweak its competitors as it will be the only luxury brand with such a model. That distinction probably wont last, but it could attract buyers to the brand that might otherwise have looked elsewhere.

Ford Finishes First in Experian Automotive Brand Loyalty Report

January 16, 2013 by admin 1 Comment

Brand loyalty and new car purchases.

The Ford Motor Company enjoys the highest brand loyalty among automotive brands according to the Q3 2012 Loyalty and Market Trends report from Experian Automotive. The Ford Fusion took top honors and was one of seven Ford models to crack the top 10.

Experian Automotive Report

According to its latest report released this week, Experian Automotive discovered that 56.4 percent of Ford Fusion owners returned to the Ford brand to buy or lease another vehicle. Ford Flex owners offered a 55.3 percent loyalty rate followed by the Chevrolet Sonic coming in at 54.3 percent. The Chevy Sonic was the top finisher in the Q2 2012 Loyalty and Market Trends report published last fall.

four quarters Said Jeffrey Anderson, director of consulting and analytics for Experian Automotive, Ford continues to perform exceptionally well in brand loyalty, with a range of products that are getting customers back to the showroom again and again. Anderson stressed that loyal customers help automotive brands increase market share as well as to make more money through improved profitability.

Top 10 Finishers

The Ford Edge and Kia Forte took the fourth and fifth spots, followed by four consecutive Ford models: Five Hundred, Fiesta, Escape and Focus. The tenth spot was occupied by the Cadillac DTS.

Across the brand, Ford enjoyed a 44.1 percent owner loyalty rate, edging out Toyota which came in at 43.3 percent. Kia at 39.9 percent, Hyundai at 38.6 percent and Honda at 38.1 percent followed. The sixth spot belonged to Chevrolet at an even 38 percent, followed by Subaru at 35.7 percent, Nissan at 34.7 percent, Mercedes-Benz at 34.6 percent and in the tenth spot, Lexus, at 34.1 percent.

Corporate Loyalty Leaders

The Experian Automotive report for Q2 2012 looked at corporate loyalty primarily, recognizing that Toyota Motor Sales, USA had earned the top spot for the first time since 2009. TMS includes all Toyota, Scion and Lexus models.

In second place was General Motors (Cadillac, Buick, GMC and Chevrolet) followed by the Ford Motor Company ( Ford and Lincoln) in third place. Hyundai and Honda occupied the next two positions.

Webinar Information

Among specific models, Ford took six of the 10 top spots for Q2, adding the Focus as its seventh top 10 finisher in the Q3 report. The Ford Focus along with the Cadillac DTS were new to the top 10 replacing the Toyota Prius and Chevrolet Cruze which fell out.

Additional report findings will be offered during a Jan. 23 webinar. You can learn more or sign up by visiting the Experian Automotive website.

See Also — Experian Automotive: Gas Buyer Trends

Ford Atlas Hints at Pickup Truck Future

January 16, 2013 by admin 5 Comments

Ford Atlas Concept. — Ford Atlas Concept pickup truck.

The future of the pickup truck is likely to face a big challenge in coming years as federal fuel economy mandates require that current manufacturer fleet averages must double by 2025 with incremental changes each preceding year. Pickup trucks wont go away, but they’re likely to become even more efficient, making use of lighter materials, diesel engines, new transmissions and perhaps even hybrid powertrains for select lighter duty versions.

Ford Pickup Trucks

For the Ford Motor Company, maker of the bestselling F-150 pickup truck for 36 straight years, its commitment to the segment isn’t wavering. In fact, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this week Ford unveiled the Ford Atlas Concept, a full-size pickup truck that shows how it plans to set the agenda for future models.

The concept truck is not a radical departure from the current model, at least not at first glance. On closer inspection there are many upgrades, technological changes that should help this truck keep pace with stiffening federal requirements.

Truck Styling Cues

To begin with, this truck holds true to the styling cues found in the current F-150 with its oversized, upright grille, its massive wheel wells, strong shoulders, flat profile and traditional box bed. Ford wont mess with success when it comes to sheer size, payload and cabin capacity, but there is an awful lot of room for improvement elsewhere.

For one, both active grille shutters and active wheel shutters are incorporated within the Ford Atlas Concept design. Both groups of shutters remain open at low speeds and close up at higher speeds to improve aerodynamics. A drop-down front air dam and power running boards also work to improve aerodynamics, offering yet more ways that Ford will squeeze additional miles out of every tankful of gasoline.

Future EcoBoost Improvements

Under the hood, the Ford Atlas Concept offers the next generation of the company’s EcoBoost engine. EcoBoost marries turbocharging and direct injection to enable smaller engines to perform at higher levels than standard engines and for this concept, that means adding in engine shutoff technology to turn the truck off when it is idle or in traffic. When towing, the engine would not shut down, as sensors would be able to detect when heavier loads are present.

Although a four-cylinder EcoBoost has been rumored, Auto Trends is expecting that future models may have a slightly smaller V-6, displacing around 3.2 liters and pairing it with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Were also expecting that Ford will offer the 3.2-liter five-cylinder diesel planned for the Ford Transit van as an option with base F-150 models. That would give Ford diesel engines at both ends of the pickup truck spectrum as its Super Duty line currently offers a turbo diesel. Yes, an inline-six or small-block V-8 diesel could eventually fill the huge middle ground. Just saying.

Pickup Truck Amenities

Other goodies that Ford is showing with its Atlas Concept include a 360-degree point of view camera, designed to give drivers a birds-eye view of the truck, ideal for parking or hitching up a tow. LED lighting comes to the inside of the cargo box, providing much-needed lighting in the dark. Also, hidden cargo ramps, a dual-purpose tailgate, dynamic hitch assist, and trailer backup assist are featured. LED lighting treatments front and back would also debut.

When might we see this concept go into production if at all? Well, Ford is actively working on its next-generation pickup truck and likely the Atlas Concept is a close representation for what Ford plans to unveil later this year. That truck, a 2014 model, could set the pace for its competitors as Ford finds way to bring much-desired innovations to this still popular segment. This means the Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Ram 1500, Nissan Titan and the Toyota Tundra have a higher rung to pursue as Ford continues to lead the way.

See Also — Aluminum Tough: 2015 Ford F-150

Price Drop: 2013 Nissan LEAF Now $28,800

January 15, 2013 by admin Leave a Comment

Electric vehicle affordability has been a major sticking point for new car shoppers. These cars are routinely priced at twice amount of comparable gasoline-powered models, while offering a limited driving range. Well, Nissan Motors is now doing something about the first problem, having announced today that the its made in America LEAF S model will retail for $28,800. With incentives, this EV will come in at $7,500 or more below that price, putting the LEAFs final price awfully close to a compact Nissan Sentra.

Nissan LEAF Price Cut

The new price is 18 percent or more than $6,000 below the current price. In some states, additional incentives may kick in, effectively lowering consumer cost to below $19,000. Credit Nissans decision to launch production in the United States, as its Tennessee manufacturing plant cranks out the new model.

2012 Nissan LEAF With nearly 50,000 LEAFs on the road globally, we are the leaders in zero emissions vehicles and our class-leading product just got better, said Billy Hayes, Global vice president of LEAF sales for Nissan. From the very outset, Nissan has continuously advanced and refined the affordable zero emissions vehicle ownership experience. Now customers wont have to pay a premium for owning a green car thats really fun to drive, and thats exciting.

Driving Range

Range, of course, is an issue that is not resolved as you can go about 75 miles on a charge. That may not be an issue for commuters, but it can loom large for people that need to go from region to region. Taking the other car may be an option for some, but it can be show stopper for one-car households.

The current pricing of the 2013 Nissan LEAF is as follows; $28,800 for the LEAF S, $31,820 for the LEAF SV and $34,840 for the LEAF SAV. To date, more than 50,000 LEAF models have been sold worldwide with production now underway in Decherd, Tenn.

Nissan LEAF Performance

The 2013 Nissan LEAF makes 107 horsepower and outputs 187 foot-pounds of torque. Energy comes by way of a 48-mode lithium-ion battery that is also produced at a plant in Tennessee, this one located in Smyrna. A new battery electric Infiniti model is expected to join the LEAF this year and another Nissan EV is in the works.

All LEAF models come well equipped with LEAF S outfitted with automatic climate control, push button start, Bluetooth connectivity, power windows, power door locks, an audio system and a 12-volt outlet. Step up the LEAF SV and your model is equipped with upgraded wheels, an onboard charger, cruise control, a navigation system and an LCD display. Top of the range SL models bring in leather-appointed seats, 17-inch wheels, fog lights, a rear spoiler, automatic headlamps and a universal transceiver.

Currency Exchange

So, why the huge price drop? Nissan credits differences in foreign currency exchange with the savings. Vehicles once imported from Japan cost much more because of the strength of the yen against the dollar. Now that the Nissan LEAF is built stateside, that expense has been removed with Nissan passing its savings on to you, the consumer.

See Also — On Sale Now: Chevrolet Volt

Unveiled: All-New 2014 Infiniti Q50 Sedan

January 15, 2013 by admin 2 Comments

Infiniti is in the midst of a transformation, one that has this Japanese luxury brand modifying its naming convention, by bringing clarity and renewed purpose to its vehicle range. The first model to feature the new nomenclature is its Q50, a luxury sport sedan introduced at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit this week.

Engine Choices

The 2014 Infiniti Q50 is a five-passenger sedan powered by a 328-horsepower 3.7-liter V-6 engine. Rear-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is optional. This engine is paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission with manual shifting capabilities.

A hybrid model, powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 gasoline engine will also be available. That model will feature net 354 horsepower.

Sedan Styling

The newest Infiniti does not offer a major departure from its current line, however updated styling cues are evident everywhere. A double-arched grille, a sharply creased hood, strong shoulders and firm, but flowing body lines define this vehicle. The new model, set for release in the United States and Canada this summer, sits on 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels that are set within all-season run-flat tire. Available are 19-inch summer or run-flat all-season tires.

New to the Infiniti line is direct adaptive steering technology, what the company says is a first in the world design. This layout features independent control of the sedans tire angle and steering inputs, offering much faster engagement or response times for drivers than conventional mechanical systems.

Safety Systems

Safety features include active lane control that makes use of a camera to keep the sedan straight on course at all times. It is included with Infiniti’s lane departure prevention system, adjusting for lane drifts, uneven road surfaces and crosswinds.

Said Infiniti President Johan de Nysschen, The beauty of these advanced systems is to allow a more personal driving experience, with more input when desired and less intrusion of road imperfections in the steering wheel. These are just the start of a range of future technologies that are becoming a point of differentiation for our Infiniti customers.

Cabin Appointments

Inside, the Infiniti Q50 features a telematics system with 24-hour personal assistant support. Infiniti advisors are always available to help provide driving directions, gauge traffic conditions, make travel arrangements, provide flight information, arrange for transportation, offer directory assistance, share weather forecasts, plan events, offer gift recommendations and more.

Leather seating surfaces, chrome and wood trim, electroluminescent lighting and heat treatments to the steering wheel and front seats is standard. This model comes equipped with a climate control system, power accessories, Bluetooth connectivity, a rear view monitor, a 14-speaker Bose audio system and active noise control. The latter helps maintain cabin ambience regardless of the outside road conditions.

Sedan Release

The 2014 Infiniti Q50 sits on a 112.2-inch wheelbase. This sedan is 188.3 inches long, 71.8 inches wide and 56.8 inches tall. Its slippery design yields a 0.26 coefficient of drag rating.

Additional technical specifications, trim levels, prices and model information will be shared closer to this sedans release date. Auto Trends intends to share that information with you.

See Also — On the Road With an Infiniti Q50S

Photo courtesy of Infiniti.

Revealed: C7 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

January 14, 2013 by admin Leave a Comment

The Chevrolet Corvette is a powerfully emotive vehicle, one with a loyal following of enthusiasts, representing the perfect halo model for the bow-tie brand. It is an iconic coupe in its own right, a model introduced 60 years ago just as the American auto industry was beginning to grasp the importance of blending performance with drop-dead gorgeous sporting looks.

C7 Corvette Stingray

The seventh generation or C7 Chevy Corvette has made its debut and is officially known as the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray. This model, unveiled at the Detroit auto show, gets an all-new cast aluminum direct injection 6.2-liter V-8 engine. Thats the same displacement found in the current iteration, an engine that will be paired with a seven-speed Tremec manual or a six-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

The new engine produces a perfect balance of 450 horsepower and 450 foot-pounds of torque. That matches a near even 50/50 weight distribution and a very slight drop in overall weight. Only partial specs were released by GM as the C7 Corvette made its debut on Sunday. This model sits on a 106.7-inch wheelbase and is 177 inches long, 73.9 inches wide and 48.6 inches tall. Up front are 18-inch tires to 19 inches in the rear. Choose the Z51 edition and you get 19-inch rubber up front and 20-inch tires in the back.

2014 Corvette Styling

Practically as well as aesthetically, the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray has similar body lines to the C6 edition. On closer inspection a secondary side window has been added with air ducts now located just beneath these windows. Sharper contours, especially with the rocker panels are evident too.

From the front, the hood has been resculpted and the high intensity headlamps are now accented with boomerang-shaped LED treatments. The most significant changes for the Corvette are observed when approaching this two-seater from the rear. The quad tail lamps offer a dramatic touch, as if designed to point attention to the row of four oversized exhaust pipes.

Interior Styling Embellishments

Inside, Corvette is awash in leather materials, aluminum trim and real carbon fiber. A pair of new seating choices are offered, lighter in weight, but more supportive than that found in the C6 according to Chevrolet. A five-position drive mode selector can be tuned to handle a variety of road conditions including eco, town, sport, track and inclement weather. Those modes control the suspension system, vehicle stability, braking and transmission shifting.

Certain to appeal to Corvette enthusiasts is this models Z51 performance package. This package includes an electronic limited-slip differential, dry-sump oiling system, integral brake, and differential and transmission cooling. A unique aero package is also included, designed to improve vehicle stability when operating at high speeds such as on a track.

Production and Release

The C7 Corvette will roll off of its Bowling Green, Kentucky, assembly line and into Chevrolet dealerships by late summer. Officially, it will be known as the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, offering tribute to the first Sting Ray model released 50 years ago. It has been estimated that the new model will go from 0 to 60 mph in under four seconds while beating the C6s 26 mpg on the highway fuel economy. Pricing and other specifics will be offered closer to its release date.

The Corvettes impact on the Chevrolet brand is far greater than the comparatively small number of sales this model enjoys each year. Several more Chevrolet models including its profitable Silverado pickup truck line are being released this year. All together, the changes are expected to elevate the Chevrolet brand, broadening its appeal globally as well as in the United States, its home market.

Photos courtesy of General Motors Company.

Lincoln MKC Concept: When Reality Happens

January 14, 2013 by admin 4 Comments

Car manufacturers routinely introduce concept vehicles at popular auto shows to gauge customer and media feedback. Though most concepts are never built, in recent years weve seen a greater tendency for automakers to present a new idea and quickly find a way to bring that vehicle or something like it to the market.

Detroit Debut

At the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the Ford Motor Company is presenting its first-ever C-segment Lincoln concept, dubbed the MKC. This five-passenger model, riding on a compact vehicle platform, represents the smallest Lincoln ever. Likely, this concept will become a reality with Auto Trends forecasting production beginning by 2014 and the new Lincoln product hitting showrooms as a 2015 model year crossover sport utility vehicle.

The concept vehicle comes as Ford seeks to update its luxury brand. Lincoln, the segment leader as recently as 1998, has seen a steady decline in sales as luxury car shoppers flee to the competition. Indeed, even its archival Cadillac is handily beating the Lincoln brand, outselling its American competitor by a 2-to-1 margin.

Lincoln Motor Company

Ford, however, believes that Lincoln’s revival is just a new model or two away from catching on. In December 2012, Ford took out ads in major media with the theme, Introducing the Lincoln Motor Company. Those ads appeared on the eve of the introduction of its two newest models the Lincoln MKZ and Lincoln MKZ hybrid, midsize sedans. The MKZ is Lincoln’s best-selling vehicle line.

The Lincoln MKC Concept features the new face of Lincoln. Gone is the polarizing grin that dominated several models over the past few years with a new grille and sculpted hood defining the current design language.The MKC Concept features muscular shoulders, a creased beltline and sleek body lines flowing to what Lincoln describes as a clamshell liftgate. Most notable is its panoramic glass roof, a new feature that was introduced with the 2013 Lincoln MKZ.

Cabin Highlights

Inside, the cabin is bright, airy and luxuriously appointed, with embroidered premium leather, elegant wood and chrome accents and an analog dashboard with digital read outs. The center stack features SYNC with MyLincolnTouch surrounded by buttons to control audio, climate and other in-cabin features.

The Lincoln MKC is a front-wheel drive model; all-wheel drive would be optional. This crossover sits on a 106.9-inch wheelbase and is 179.3 inches long by 76.1 inches wide by 63.2 inches tall. The concept is outfitted with 20-inch premium painted wheels with polished aluminum rims set within all-season radial tires.

Engine Possibilities

As a concept, no powertrain arrangement has been nailed down. Given Fords success with all things EcoBoost, a 2.0-liter in-line four cylinder engine seems likely. Thats the same engine offered in the Lincoln MKZ, a 240-horsepower motor paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. A diesel for overseas markets seems possible, while a hybrid edition should not be ruled out.

Bringing the MKC Concept to the market would have Lincoln pitting this crossover against some highly formidable competition including the BMW X1. Other small crossovers include the Acura MDX, Audi Q5 and the Infiniti EX. Cadillac is exploring the market and within a few years this booming segment is expected to be populated by models across the brand spectrum. Thus, the Lincoln MKC Concept may be green-lighted for production as early as this month.

Photos courtesy of the Lincoln Motor Company.

List of Best Minivans for 2012

January 13, 2013 by admin 1 Comment

The modern minivan segment was launched nearly 30 years ago when the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager were introduced to the market. Previously marketed small vans such as the Volkswagen Bus attempted to carve out a niche for families, but it wasn’t until the Chrysler Corporation introduced its K-Car platform-based minivans that the modern day segment was launched.

2012 Honda Odyssey — Honda Odyssey sales rose by nearly 18 percent in 2012.

Minivan sales surged throughout the 1980s and 1990s, with every major and many smaller car manufacturers joining in. Just as the minivan was the replacement for the family station wagon, it would eventually be replaced in importance by the crossover SUV. That latter segment has basically improved upon the minivan theme by building vehicles that are more versatile than minivans. Still, the minivan market has not gone away with Chrysler, Toyota, Honda and Nissan fielding models along with Volkswagen and until this past year, Kia. Sure, add the Mazda Mazda5 into the mix, the smallest minivan-like model in this shrinking segment.

Most minivans are powered by a robust V-6 engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Some models, including the Mazda5 and the base Toyota Sienna, offer in-line four cylinder engines. Except for the Mazda, these vehicles need a V-6 engine especially when filled to capacity or when pulling a camper or a boat. The following is our list of best minivans for 2012.

1. Dodge Grand Caravan. The Dodge Grand Caravan has retaken the position as the top-selling minivan and did so in a big way. For 2012, sales surged by 28 percent as Chrysler continued to market the Grand Caravan as its entry-level model and the Chrysler Town & Country as its premium model. US sales of 141,468 units easily gave the Dodge Grand Caravan the best minivan title for 2012.

2. Honda Odyssey. For 2012, US sales of the Honda Odyssey rose by 17.7 percent, a pace enabling this minivan to move past the Toyota Sienna by more than 11,000 units. In 2012, 125,980 units of the Honda Odyssey were sold, even enabling this minivan to outsell the comparable Honda Pilot SUV in 2012.

3. Toyota Sienna. Toyota and Honda have routinely battled for the top spot in minivan quality, but typically have trailed one or more of the Chrysler products in US sales. For 2012, Toyota Sienna sales rose by 3 percent to 114,725 units sold, edging out the Chrysler Town & Country for third place. Still, the Toyota Sienna lost its best minivan crown for 2011 as Dodge and Honda sales surged.

4. Chrysler Town & Country. In some years the Chrysler Town & Country has outsold its sibling, the Dodge Grand Caravan, but the company’s decision two years ago to put some distance between the two models has shifted sales from Chrysler to Dodge. Still, US sales for the Chrysler Town & Country were up by 18 percent in 2012 on 111,744 units sold. That represents more than 253,000 minivans sold by the Chrysler Group or twice that of any of its competitors.

5. Mazda Mazda5. The Mazda Mazda5 defies easy categorization. Some call it a multipurpose vehicle. Others consider it a crossover SUV. With seating for six, the Mazda5 has less interior room than its competitors and is closer in size and weight to the original minivans. For 2012, Mazda registered sales of 19,155 Mazda5 models, down 23.5 percent, but still narrowly beating out the Nissan Quest for the fifth spot. Quest sales rose by 49.5 percent in 2012 to 18,275 units, therefore the Mazda5s hold on the fifth best minivan spot is a precarious one.

The Market

Kia left the minivan market in 2012, but promises to return by 2014 with a new model. The Volkswagen Routan, a copy of the Chrysler models, is now available for fleet customers only. That van is likely to disappear next year, perhaps replaced by the Volkswagen Bulli, a European van that is powered by a turbocharged in-line four cylinder engine. Although the minivan market has shrunk considerably, the remaining players are committed to staying in the game. Interior room still gives these vehicles an edge over crossovers, one of the few advantages left in this segment.

List of Best Compact Crossover SUVs for 2012

January 12, 2013 by admin 1 Comment

Small or compact crossover sport utility vehicles are popular models with vehicles such as the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV-4 and the Ford Escape leading the US sales pack. Car manufacturers with a stake in the small car market offer compact crossovers here, vehicles that are often built on the same platform underpinning other compact models.

Honda CR-V concept. — The Honda CR-V leads the compact crossover SUV segment.

Crossover SUVs

Compact crossover SUVs are priced from the low $20Ks and are powered by small, fuel efficient in-line four cylinder engines. Manual and automatic five- or six-speed transmissions are standard; each model is front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive is optional. Most models offer seating for five and ample storage capacity behind the rear seat.

1. Honda CR-V. Honda has the best-selling compact car in the Honda Civic and it also has the top-selling crossover SUV in the Honda CR-V. A third model, the Honda Accord, was the second best-selling midsize sedan in 2012, giving this Japanese automaker three top 10 finishes for the year. For 2012, 281,652 copies of the Honda CR-V were sold, besting the runner-up Ford Escape by 20,000 units. Honda redesigned the CR-V for 2012, a model now in its fourth generation.

2. Ford Escape. Ford kept the first generation Escape going for 11 model years, relying on a midcycle refresh, a hybrid model and other tweaks to keep this vehicle relevant year after year. For 2013, the Ford Escape is all new, a model that offers a family of three in-line four cylinder engines, more engine choices than its competitors. The hybrid model, however, is gone as it has been replaced by the Ford C-MAX and C-MAX Energi. For 2012, 261,008 copies of the Ford Escape were sold, up 3 percent for the year.

3. Chevrolet Equinox. Now in its second generation, the Chevrolet Equinox is one of the largest compact crossover SUVs available. This roomy model recorded 218,621 units sold in 2012, up by 13.1 percent. The Chevy Equinox offers a standard 2.4-liter in-line four cylinder engine and can be optionally equipped with a robust 3.6-liter V-6 engine.

4. Toyota RAV4. Sales of the Toyota RAV4 rose by 30 percent to 171,877 units in 2012. The Toyota RAV4 has been widely credited with launching this segment back in the 1990s, but strong competition has eclipsed its sales in recent years. A new model is on the market for 2013, a vehicle that drops its third row seat and optional V-6 engine. This model is now in its fourth generation.

5. Nissan Rogue. The Nissan Rogue was introduced in 2008 and now has the oldest design among top-selling crossover SUVs. That hasn’t stopped customers from shopping this model as 142,349 units were sold in 2012, up 14.3 percent over 2011. The Nissan Rogue might be the oldest of the lot, but this vehicle is prized for its car-like handling and Murano-like sleek looks.

Also Rans

2013 Mazda CX-5There are numerous other models worth considering regardless of sales popularity. One of the newest on the market is the Mazda CX-5, a five-passenger model lauded for its SKYACTIV technologies and excellent fuel economy. Jeep sells the Patriot and Compass, Dodge has the Journey and Hyundai offers the Tucson. Other models include the Mitsubishi Outlander, Kia Sportage, Subaru Forester and the Volkswagen Tiguan.

See Also — List of Best Midsize Sedans for 2012

Ford Announces Plans to Hire 2,200 Salaried Employees

January 11, 2013 by admin 1 Comment

The U.S. auto industry has been in a hiring mood of late with job announcements made from Honda, Nissan, General Motors, Volkswagen and Toyota coming out in just the past few months. The Ford Motor Company should also be named among the car manufacturers that are hiring as it announced today that it would bring on 2,200 salaried workers in 2013. That announcement follows on the heels of other hiring initiatives conducted by Ford throughout 2012.

Hiring Spree

Ford says that its planned salaried worker hiring spree represents its largest one in more than a decade. The company cites increased demand for its products and a need to fill critical openings in engineering and other areas. Ford added more than 8,100 hourly and salaried positions in the United States in 2012, as part of its campaign to hire 12,000 new hourly workers by 2015. Ford signed an agreement with the UAW in 2011 to add assembly line workers.

John Hinrichs, Ford president of the Americas, credits the company’s One Ford plan for creating profitable growth or the engine that is leading to the current hiring spate. One Ford is an initiative announced by Ford management in 2008 to share more models across its markets, especially by bringing several European models to the North American market. Those models include Transit Connect, Focus, Fiesta, Escape and C-Max models, enabling Ford to spread its costs globally.

Ford Sales

Ford’s U.S. sales rose by 2 percent last year, but the company lost market share. However, the company still sees strong growth in the Asia-Pacific market and expects its U.S. sales to climb in 2013 on the strength of several new Ford and Lincoln models. Ford is also working diligently to offset deep losses in Europe, a market that is currently in steep economic decline. In Europe, Ford continues to cut jobs and is consolidating its manufacturing capacity.

Nearly three-quarters of the new Ford jobs will come in three areas: product development, manufacturing and information technology. The company is making its current job announcements through social media, utilizing Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter to get the word out. Ford is also targeting military veterans as possible future employees. You can learn about Fords U.S. openings on its People & Careers page as well.

Employment Opportunities

Ford also features employee profiles and lists positions for current college students and recent graduates. The company offers Ford College Graduate, Leadership and Co-op programs, and is seeking summer interns students must have completed their junior year of college and meet other hiring criteria.