Archives for October 2015

Ford Sale Unusual For Good Economic Times

October 30, 2015 by admin 1 Comment

Year-end new car sales will soon be underway. Ford may have found a better idea as its discounting starts early and goes deep.

The Ford brand is about to launch a major sale, one that begins on Nov. 2 and extends through Jan. 4, 2016, the last date counted for 2015 calendar year sales. Holding sales is nothing new, especially at this time of the year. What is unusual is that Ford will be setting prices at levels not seen since the last recession.

2015 Ford Edge.

Friends & Neighbors Pricing Event

Automotive News acquired a copy of a 20-page guide Ford recently distributed to its dealers. The guide, marked confidential, details a “Friends & Neighbors Pricing Event,” which will allow dealers to sell cars at prices within $200 of dealer invoice. The no-haggle pricing initiative should deliver extra savings to customers, especially for people who typically aren’t especially thorough with their research. Further, the discounting can be combined with other incentives — customers should be able to save at least 10 percent off the sticker price of any new vehicle.

Ford’s year-end sale comes as the automaker battles to retain market share. Over the past year, Ford has gradually recovered sales lost as the company transitioned from a steel-bodied F-150 pickup truck to an aluminum-bodied one. The brand has also suffered losses in key segments as competition heats up. For example, sales for the Fusion midsize sedan and the compact Focus are down this year.

Through September, Ford sales are up 4.5 percent (4.6 percent with Lincoln) year to date or slightly below the 5 percent rise for the entire market. Among the largest manufacturers, Fiat Chrysler and Nissan are performing above the market’s pace, while GM, Toyota and Honda follow Ford in coming in below the market average.

Ford Fiesta ST

Hot hatch: Ford Fiesta ST.

How Will Competitors Respond?

The good news for consumers is that additional savings can be had when shopping for a Ford vehicle. Even better will be the responses other manufacturers are certain to provide, by offering incentives of their own. Consumers may find that they have additional leverage, especially if competitors are forced to match Ford’s discounting to close a sale.

One Ford incentive that will go away are interest-free new car loans. Although such loans have been used by dealers to entice customers, they won’t be offered for the duration of the pricing event. This means consumers should carefully shop for a loan with their bank or credit union and have that financing arranged before negotiating the price of a new car.

Ford Mustang

America’s Pony Car: Ford Mustang.

Know the Value of Your Used Car

Shoppers may also find that their trade-ins may not fetch the amount they want — visiting sites such as NADAGuides.com, Edmunds.com, and Kelley Blue Book will tell you what your car is worth along with both the private party and dealer values. Nevertheless, you can often get more for your used car by selling it separately or at least keeping it separate from your new car deal.

Ford shoppers may also find that used vehicles, including those labeled certified pre-owned (CPO) may offer improved discounts too, especially if those vehicles languish on dealer lots and as new car inventories shrink. Typically, CPO incentives are set by the manufacturer and involve a discount, low-rate financing, sometimes both. Regardless of the incentives offered, consumers should negotiate the best deal possible.

Record Ford Motor Company Profits

As with any major sale, manufacturers risk putting to the side profits at the expense of increasing market share. However, the Ford Motor Company reported a record third-quarter pre-tax profit as its income rose by 129 percent, just the sort of good news it needs as it rolls out one of its biggest sales events in seven years.

Ford F-150

The aluminum-bodied Ford F-150.

Recent News

Honda Brings Clarity to its Fuel Cell Plans

Crumbling Chevrolet Sonic Sales Leads to Layoffs

Should I Repair or Replace My Car?

Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine.

Burly Beast: Land Rover LR4

October 29, 2015 by admin 4 Comments

2016 Land Rover LR4 HSE Luxury

Someone at Jaguar Land Rover loves me. Indeed, not a month, perhaps two goes by and I receive yet another SUV, sedan or sports car. And just when I thought I have seen them all, yet another variant on the iconic British conveyance theme makes its way through my press fleet rotation.

The one elusive model has been the Land Rover LR4, a 7-passenger SUV that comes full of surprises. For one, it features a more traditional look with its boxy frame and squared off lines. Another surprise was its third row seats — they’re actually quite usable and can extend the people carrying capacity where other SUVs fall short. More about these and other tidbits as we move forward.

As tested, my weekly driver was a 2016 Land Rover LR4 HSE Luxury edition. This midsize SUV traces its roots to the first generation Discovery released in 1989. In North America, we didn’t see that model until 1994, a vehicle known as the Discovery 1.

2016 Land Rover LR4 HSE Luxury

Generational changes brought forth the Discovery 2 and the Discovery 3, but when the DiscoverY 4 was readied for production, North American models assumed the LR4 model name. This was in keeping with a wider change initiated by Land Rover where its high end models are grouped under the Range Rover line and its standard models are represented by the Discovery range. So, the LR4 is still a Discovery, even if it isn’t known by that name in some markets.

For 2016, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has overhauled its pricing structure, reducing prices for all Jaguar models. Although Land Rover is not similarly affected, you’ll find the price point begins in the high 30s or about $10,000 less than the previously cheapest Jaguar. Land Rover sells about five times the number of vehicles as does Jaguar. Lower prices and the brand’s first SUV should help Jaguar close that gap.

The LR4 is priced from $50,400, a few thousand dollars less than the BMW X5 and more than $13,000 below the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class. Two higher end models are also offered — the HSE retails from $55,300 and the HSE Luxury from $60,600.

2016 Land Rover LR4 HSE Luxury

For the test model, Land Rover added a Heavy Duty Package ($1,350) — composed of an active locking rear differential, a full-size spare tire on an alloy wheel, and a two-speed transfer case. SiriusXM satellite radio with HD Radio ($750), an apps package ($425), and a hitch receiver with an electrical connector ($650) were also included.

A Black Design Package ($3,500) gave this vehicle its style points as it brought in 20-inch black wheels, a black grille and grille surround, and black trim on the side mirror caps, the door handles, as well as on the side vents. More people than usual commented positively about the look, a very fetching design at that.

Land Rover products are powerful machines with the Range Rover representing the largest of the lot and the Evoque and Discovery Sport occupying the compact range. Whereas the other models offer a more flowing and thereby aerodynamic design, the LR4-in-the-middle look is entirely traditional with a safari-like design. That means a flat fascia, squared lines, a long hood, upright roof pillars, massive wheel wells, and huge rear combination lights. However, modern touches such as LED lights offset the look.

Glass is used in abundance — its greenhouse makes this SUV seem much larger than it is. A moonroof and a panoramic sunroof extend this model’s presence — inside, the look gives each row its own glass partition.

2016 Land Rover LR4 HSE Luxury

Between the C- and D-pillars (the last two roof pillars) are oversized windows that flow to the roof. At first, they seem out of place — but when the third row is in use, it removes the claustrophobic feeling such rows typically convey. With glass all the way around your view is not impeded either.

Inside, the light and bright interior are covered in leather — across the dashboard, around the steering wheel, on door inlays, and around the seats. Wood touches are on the center console and in the door inlays. Aluminum accents are nearly everywhere.

Behind the electronically controlled tilt and telescopic steering column is a two-analog gauge display — tachometer and speedometer — with a large digital driver’s information center in the middle. The center console is composed of a small color display with buttons, switches and knobs underneath to control same. Window and door lock controls are on the inside of the door running along the belt line. Cruise, audio and other driver controls are on the steering wheel.

At the base of the console are the four-wheel drive controls, allowing you to choose whatever conditions suit you best — mud, sand, gravel, and snow. Alas, my off-road antics were restricted this time around to a gravel road that took me to my son’s soccer field. Anyway, I forgot about the controls as the LR4 covered the unpaved road in 4×2 fashion without a bit of drama.

2016 Land Rover LR4 HSE Luxury

The driver and front passenger are treated to a pair of supportive, electronically controlled seats. Between the two the transmission dial rises from its flush position — I prefer a stick, but hey…. A smart phone holder, two cup holders and a deep storage compartment with cooling capabilities are also present.

If you’re looking for your connectivity options, the upper glove box has you covered. Drop that drawer and you’ll find a pair of USB ports and an auxiliary input port. Surprisingly, this was the first time I found a dedicated area for device connections in a glove compartment.

All four doors come with large open storage areas, including drink holders. Those holders are so wide that your one-liter water bottles won’t stay in place for long. However, your 44-ounce super-sized containers should remain stable as you take to the road — but not if you go off road.

The second row bench seat is a 35-30-35 split folding design. That means the outboard seats fold and flip forward, providing access to the rear seats. If you need the rear seats, they pop up from the floor and the headrests are separately secured in place.

2016 Land Rover LR4 HSE Luxury

Those rear seats are ideal for the preteen and are bearable for adults, at least in a pinch. The seats rest nearly against the back window, turning an otherwise generous storage area into a seating area. I was impressed by the amount of leg and head room available. Its a bit tight at the shoulders and the hips, but it presents a seating option that should not be easily dismissed. By the way, Land Rover supplies cup holders and concealed storage compartments back there, as well as climate control vents and open storage pockets — these added features go further to remove the “penalty box” feel of some models.

Under the hood is a supercharged 3.0-liter, V-6 engine making 340 horsepower. Step on the accelerator and it roars to life — you’ll move down the road with no hesitation. This SUV feels strong and provides a commanding presence. It shines on the straight away and moves with authority. Steering is concise and braking is precise.

If there is a drawback to this model it is its fuel economy. The EPA assigned it with a 15 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway rating. However, I doubt I got much higher than 12 mpg as I watched the gas gauge drop faster than in any other vehicle I’ve driven in recent memory.

2016 Land Rover LR4 HSE Luxury

Sticker price from $50,400
Price as tested: $68,270
Seats 7 occupants
3.0-liter supercharged V-6 gasoline engine
340 horsepower @ 6,500 RPM
332 foot-pounds of torque @ 3,500 to 5,000 RPM
3.33 inches bore by 3.5 inches stroke
Engine compression ratio: 10.5-to-1
8-speed automatic transmission
Wheelbase: 113.6 inches
Length: 190.1 inches
Width: 75.4 inches
Height: 74.3 inches
Passenger volume: NR
Storage volume: 9.9/42.1/90.3 cubic feet
Towing capacity: 7,716 pounds
EPA: 15 mpg city, 19 mpg highway
Premium grade gasoline
Fuel tank: 22.8 gallons
Curb weight: From 5,655 pounds
IIHS safety rating: Not Rated
Limited vehicle warranty: 48 months/50,000 miles
Powertrain warranty: 48 months/50,000 miles
Corrosion warranty: 6 years/unlimited miles
Vehicle assembly: Solihull, UK

Additional New Car Review:

Made-In-China Volvo S60 Inscription Impresses

Driven: 2017 Land Rover Discovery Sport

Diesel Does It: Range Rover HSE

The Provocative, Evocative Range Rover Evoque

Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine.

Honda Brings Clarity to its Fuel Cell Plans

October 28, 2015 by admin 2 Comments

New Honda fuel cell model goes on sale first in Japan — North America and Europe will follow.

Since releasing its first delivered fuel cell model in 2002, Honda has quietly been making plans for broadening availability in line with the development of hydrogen fueling infrastructures in Japan and as well as in California.

The original FCX — Fuel Cell eXperimental — was a three-door, four-seat hatchback developed in very limited quantities and offered to customers in Japan and in Southern California. In 2008, the hatchback was replaced by the FCX Clarity, a midsize sedan with room for four. The second model improved upon the original’s 190-mile hydrogen range to deliver 240 miles of fuel cell range.

Arriving March 2016: Honda Clarity Fuel Cell

2015 Tokyo Motor Show

With various concepts, prototypes and limited production fuel cell models behind it, Honda has once again presented another fuel cell model, dubbed the Clarity Fuel Cell. Introduced at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show this week, the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell offers room for five and a driving range of 435 miles. The all-new hydrogen-powered sedan will go on sale in Japan next March; an initial annual output of just 200 units is expected.

Significant improvements over the previous generation model have yielded a vehicle with 60 percent longer range. The new fuel stack is 33 percent smaller than its predecessor with 100 kW output attained and with much greater energy density. Honda says the new fuel pack is as compact as a V6 engine, enabling it to consolidate it under the hood for the first time. Energy is stored in a lithium-ion battery; refueling takes about three minutes. Water vapor is this vehicle’s only emission.

Previously, the fuel pack was located below the seats, thus limiting the interior room to four people. With its dimensions similar to the outgoing model and aligning closely with the midsize Honda Accord sedan, the extra seat placement will certainly come in handy.

Honda Clarity Fuel Cell Price

Honda says that the Clarify Fuel Cell will cost 7.66 million yen which converts to $63,644 as of publication. That’s about $5,000 more than the competing Toyota Mirai, a fuel cell vehicle just now going on sale. The Clarity is slightly larger than the Mirai and has an 8 percent longer driving range than the Toyota.

US Honda consumers won’t be able to get the Clarify Fuel Cell, at least not initially. Honda intends to deliver its initial batch of vehicles to Japanese government entities and businesses. The automaker says it will “…collect information about the in-market use situation, including the external power feeding device, and gather diverse opinions from customers and other relevant organizations, then later begin sales to individual customers.” Sales will later spread to the United States and Europe, although a timeline has not be released.

US consumers desiring a fuel cell vehicle are currently limited to the Hyundai Tucson FCEV, the Toyota Mirai, Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL, and the upcoming BMW i8 Coupe and the 5 Series Gran Turismo. Even so, those models are restricted to Southern California where the barebones of a hydrogen infrastructure should flesh out to a more robust framework. Toyota plans to eventually roll out its Mirai in the northeast US.

Currently Available Tax Credits and Rebates

US customers who manage to land a fuel cell vehicle are eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit. Another $6,500 state rebate for low and moderate income California families drops that price further. Wealthier California residents are still eligible for a $5,000 rebate on fuel cell vehicles, but for those making over $250,000, tax rebates on battery electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles have been eliminated.

Once again, the high cost of buying an alternate fuel vehicle weights in. And with no nationwide infrastructure planned, fuel cell vehicles may long remain a niche segment within the tiny EV sphere.

Photo copyright Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Crumbling Chevrolet Sonic Sales Leads to Layoffs

October 27, 2015 by admin 1 Comment

Small car segment battered by low fuel prices.

Orion Chevrolet Bolt. — Orion plant will begin production of the Chevrolet Bolt for 2017.

Arguably, Chevrolet has the strongest line up it has ever presented in the US market, with solid entries ranging from the full-size Impala to the diminutive Spark. Truck and SUV sales are a bigger factor than ever before, giving the bow tie brand a solid product line from top to bottom.

But not all models are succeeding as consumers continue to make the shift to trucks and SUVs, and at the expense of small cars. Indeed, sales for the subcompact Chevrolet Sonic have fallen by 35 percent year-to-date through September, after rising 9.2 percent in 2014. Gas prices trending toward $2 per gallon is one reason why sales have dropped.

Orion Township Layoffs

Plunging sales mean GM has had to rethink its production plans. To that end, workers manning the second shift at its Orion Township (Michigan) plant will lose their jobs in January. The plant makes the subcompact Sonic as well as the compact Buick Verano, the latter seeing its sales fall by 27 percent through September.

The Orion plant has benefited from $962 million in upgrades since 2010, including $405 million in the past year alone as the automaker readies production of the Chevrolet Bolt, a small pure electric model. The start of production for the new model is months away. In the meantime, GM must align both production and its workforce with demand.

Hamtramck Expands to Accommodate New Cadillac Model

As difficult as layoffs are in the auto industry, this one comes with a silver lining — affected workers will be able to transfer to the Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly plant 35 miles south of Orion. That plan will double its workforce in 2016 by adding 1,200 hourly and salaried jobs as it brings on a second shift. Hiring is currently underway and soon to be displaced Orion workers have an opportunity to find new jobs.

Hamtramck currently builds the Chevrolet Volt, Impala and Malibu as well as the Cadillac ELR on a single production line. Beginning early in 2016 it will start production of the all-new Cadillac CT6. Like Orion, Hamtramck has also received upgrades over the past six years to the tune of $1 billion.

Shrinking Chevrolet Sonic Sales

The Chevrolet Sonic, previously sold as the Aveo, is available as a 5-door hatchback or as a 4-door sedan. Introduced in 2012, GM has not announced plans for a new model yet. The automaker may be waiting out the market to determine if future demand warrants such an investment.

Other automakers appear to be in the same wait and see mode, including Kia with its Rio. Introduced in 2012, Rio sales have fallen nearly as much as the Sonic and are down 31 percent through the same nine-month period. Notably, Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, and Hyundai Accent sales are up for the year. In addition, the Scion iA, an all-new model introduced in September, is showing strong sales out of the gate.

New Buick Verano Planned

Orion’s other model, the Buick Verano, is coming to the end of its first generation run. An all-new model is slated to arrive in 2016 for the 2017 model year, a vehicle that shares its underpinnings with the Opel Astra and Chevrolet Cruze. The new Verano is already on sale in China where both a hatchback and GS editions are now offered. There is no word on whether the US market will receive either new edition.

Sales of another small GM car, the Chevrolet Cruze are also off year-to-date. However, a new model arrives in Chevrolet showrooms this fall, one that is expected to be more competitive in a segment led by the Toyota Corolla followed by the Honda Civic.

See Also — LA Auto Show Sneak Peek

Made-In-China Volvo S60 Inscription Impresses

October 26, 2015 by admin 5 Comments

Volvo China exports extended wheelbase S60 Inscription edition to the US.

2016 Volvo S60 T5 Inscription

Brutally tough competition and a change of owners has not brought Volvo Cars to ruination. Instead, the Swedish automaker continues to exploit a safety niche, while bringing forth an assembly of new and updated products.

The Volvo S60 is not new, but it occupies the entry point for the brand, in particular for sedan shoppers. Introduced in 2001, the second-generation model arrived in 2010 and is now in its seventh model year. That’s a bit long in a segment where changes occur about once every six years, but a 2014 refresh along with a Cross Country variant introduced for 2016 keeps this model relevant. Also new is an extended wheelbase Inscription edition — more about that later.

Unlike many of its competitors, the Volvo S60 is based on a front-wheel drive platform with all-wheel drive available. The competing BMW 3 Series, Cadillac ATS, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Lexus IS, and Infiniti Q50 are each based on rear-wheel drive architecture. On the other hand, the Audi A4, Lincoln MKZ, and the Acura TLX are like the S60 with standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. Another Lexus entry-level sedan, the ES series, doesn’t even offer available all-wheel drive for that front-wheel drive only sedan.