Archives for April 2016

The Rise and Fall of Mitsubishi

April 29, 2016 by admin 1 Comment

Partnerships, recalls, financial problems, and scandals…oh my!

I wrote this article several days before leaving on a business trip, so please forgive me if the Mitsubishi narrative has changed drastically over the past few days. That a change would occur is understandable — after Nissan exposed Mitsubishi for exaggerating the fuel economy figures for several vehicles supplied to it from its junior partner, Mitsubishi has lost nearly half its market value.

And the problem doesn’t seem to have a near end — Mitsubishi later admitted to fudging its fuel economy figures since 1991. That’s a quarter-century of crookedness from a company that has had its share of fiascos.

A Lengthy and Diverse History

Time and space don’t allow me to provide a thorough look at all things Mitsubishi. For one, the privately-owned company is vested in numerous areas, including shipbuilding, financial services, heavy industries, chemicals, steel, and aviation, among others. Its auto industry arm, Mitsubishi Motors, is relatively robust in Japan, where it is the sixth largest automaker. In the US, Mitsubishi is barely a footnote, attempting to scratch out a place among much stronger competition.

Another reason for limiting the Mitsubishi discussion is the company got started in 1870. That’s exactly 100 years before Mitsubishi Motors was launched, although the shipbuilding arm produced the Mitsubishi Model A in 1917, representing the first series-production automobile in Japan.

Chrysler Secures a Stake

In 1971, following Mitsubishi’s launch as a separate arm of the company conglomerate, the automaker approached the Chrysler Corporation to forge a partnership. Chrysler took a 15 percent stake in Mitsubishi and began receiving the Mitsubishi Galant, rebadged as the Dodge Colt.

That partnership quickly expanded with various Dodge and Plymouth badged products sold in North America. At the same time, Mitsubishi began setting the table to sell cars directly in the US under its own name.

In the early 1980s, the first of Mitsubishi’s financial troubles emerged and the company soon found itself selling its Australian operation in a bid to right the ship. In 1982, the Mitsubishi brand was introduced to the US and soon expanded its dealer network.

Diamond-Star Motors

In the late 1980s, Chrysler and Mitsubishi formed Diamond-Star Motors, a 50-50 joint venture based in Normal, Illinois. That plant cranked out various Mitsubishi products for the company as well as select Chrysler, Dodge, and Plymouth models. In 1991, Chrysler sold its share in DSM to Mitsubishi, but continued to source cars from its Japanese partner. The plant was finally shut down in 2015.

In 2009, the newly-formed DaimlerChrysler (DCX) entity purchased a 34 percent stake in Mitsubishi. As a result, a Daimler-Chrysler-Mitsubishi alliance was forged. Later, it was determined that Mitsubishi was hiding a defect and engaging in financial impropriety. At the same time, Mitsubishi’s debt began to overwhelm the company and DCX refused to intervene. Gradually, DCX divested itself of Mitsubishi, selling its last stake near the end of 2005.

A Long, Downward Spiral

DCX’s exit seems to have contributed to a downward spiral that has slowly sucked the life out of Mitsubishi. Besides its divestment, DCX no longer had access to new products it so desperately needed. By 2010, the company ended its performance subsidiary Ralliart, although several of its performance models soldiered on for another five years, including the Lancer Evolution (EVO).

Meanwhile, Mitsubishi’s US sales continued to plummet, falling to 57,790 units in 2012 from a peak of 345,111 in 2002. In the past few years sales have rebounded somewhat, but are still less than 30 percent of the peak rate.

Nissan Fingers Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi’s quest to gain solid footing is now in jeopardy as its competitor and small vehicle recipient, Nissan, discovered the company had been cheating on its fuel figures. Mitsubishi supplies ultra-small “kei” cars to Nissan and the news has only worsened — this week Mitsubishi admitted it had faked those numbers for 25 years!

The current Mitsubishi scandal also brings to mind an earlier shame, manifested in 2000, but dating back many years. That scandal revealed the company had covered over more than 800,000 vehicle defects, including several leading to injuries and deaths. Although none of the cars involved reached the US, news of the crime did.

The current scandal only adds fuel to the fire that for Mitsubishi a final exit from the automotive industry is not just smart, but warranted.

Ford Investment Gives Donald Trump Something to Crow About…or Not

April 28, 2016 by admin 1 Comment

Ford gears up to produce new 10-speed automatic transmissions.

Earlier this week, the Ford Motor Company announced a $1.6 billion investment in its Livonia Transmission (Michigan) and Ohio Assembly plants, representing just one part of a $9 billion expenditure in US facilities over the next four years. Ford’s immediate investment will retain or add jobs at the two plants with 8,500 jobs created or retained overall.

Trump on Ford: Absolute Disgrace

The news follows Ford’s announcement earlier this month when the automaker stated it would lay out $1.6 billion to build small cars in Mexico. That decision was lambasted by GOP presidential contender and business mogul, Donald Trump, who said Ford’s decision was an “absolute disgrace.”

Trump has been shedding light on American job loss since he announced his candidacy, a topic that attracts voter attention. And rightly so. Unfortunately, he doesn’t always provide a context in his criticism and panders to his constituency. Other candidates, including Hillary Clinton, do the same. But Trump is the only one who has had Ford in his crosshairs.

The candidate also claimed he forced Ford’s hand last fall by saying he made Ford return some jobs to Ohio from Mexico. Trouble is, those jobs at its Avon Lake, Ohio, plant were scheduled to shift all the way back in 2011. Production of F-650/F-750 medium-duty commercial trucks began last August, but Ford says it hadn’t spoken with Mr. Trump and that its decision was announced nearly four years earlier.

Earmarking Investment Funds

As for the most recent $1.6 billion investment, Ford says $1.4 billion is earmarked for its Livonia Transmission Plant and the remaining $200 million will go to the Ohio Assembly Plant. These funds represent part of a $9 billion guarantee Ford made in the 2015 UAW-Ford collective bargaining contract to continue investing in its U.S. plants.

The current four-year allocation follows a five-year, $12 billion investment in US plants, a move that created 28,000 US jobs. As for the future of American manufacturing, Joe Hinrichs, Ford president, The Americas said, “We are committed to manufacturing in the United States, as we have been for more than 100 years.”

GM-Ford Collaboration

Ford’s Michigan investment follows a special collaborative agreement it made a few years back with its arch-rival, the General Motors Company. In 2013, Ford and GM agreed to jointly develop an all-new generation of 9- and 10-speed automatic transmissions. Designed to be built in both front- and rear-wheel drive variants, the arrangement provides hardware commonality and enables the two automakers to scale costs.

And this wasn’t the first time to two companies have developed transmissions. In 2002, GM and Ford came together to build 6-speed automatic transmissions, used in numerous products and to this day.

The first Ford product to get the 10-speed automatic will be the F-150 Raptor. The Livonia plant currently builds a 6-speed transmission for several Ford products and will begin production of the new transmission in June. The Chevrolet Camaro ZL-1 will, by the way, become the first GM recipient of the new gearbox.

Following the insourcing of jobs from Mexico last year, the Ohio Assembly Plant began building F-350, F-450 and F-550 Super Duty chassis cab configurations earlier this year. The plant is also tasked with producing Ford E-Series cutaway vans and stripped chassis.

Political Theater Extraordinaire

As for Trump, he may find yet another reason to poke Ford as well as GM and Fiat Chrysler as the campaign attacks strengthen. No, I’m not playing favorites here (after all, I am a Libertarian). Instead, I’m doing my part to present some balance as well as sensibility into the often heated and exaggerated political process.

Recent — Honda Wins Earth Day Accolades for 3 New Green Models

The 2016 Chevrolet Cruze by the Numbers

April 27, 2016 by admin 4 Comments

The second-generation Chevrolet Cruze is here. Hatchback and diesel variants soon follow.

The Chevrolet Cruze is a compact car, released in 2011 in North America, two years after its debut elsewhere. This model replaced the Chevrolet Cobalt, itself a replacement model for the Chevy Cavalier. Although its arrival to the market was delayed, the all-new 2016 Cruze may be GM’s best compact car ever. To that end, we’ll take a look at the important “numbers” defining this model.

2 — Sell a compact car in most markets and you’ll offer an assortment of body styles, including coupe, sedan, hatchback, and wagon. Although there is no coupe available, the Cruze offers the other three body styles, except in North America where only the sedan has been sold. All that will begin to change later this year when a hatchback variant arrives to the market, giving Cruze shoppers two models to consider. However, when it does arrive the hatchback will be marketed as the 2017 Cruze. Regardless, Chevrolet will soon match the number of body style choices the Ford Focus offers. The Kia Forte, Hyundai Elantra, Honda Civic and the Mazda3 are among some other competitors with at least two body styles in this segment.

4.2 — Lots of cars have teeny weeny screens in the instrument panel, a digital display with driver information. Squinting is not uncommon when you’re trying to read the various notices. The 2016 Cruze remedies that problem as it has a 4.2-inch diagonal high-resolution screen in the gauge cluster. And if large screens are your thing, the standard 7-inch diagonal color touchscreen in the center console can be upgraded to an 8-inch display.

10 — Since its inception, the Chevrolet Cruze has offered 10 standard airbags, the most in its class. Other manufacturers have followed suit, but few match the 10 or offer both driver and front passenger knee airbags as found in the Cruze. Other safety features available include: lane change alert with side blind zone alert, rear cross traffic alert, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, and forward collision alert with following distance indicator.

42 — With gas prices sitting below $2 per gallon in most locations, fuel economy seems like a distant concern. Raise your hands if you think gas prices will stay permanently low! No hands — I didn’t think so. Chevrolet is going in the right direction with its compact people hauler. The lone engine is a 1.4-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder making 153 horsepower and 177 foot-pounds of torque, paired with a standard 6-speed manual gearbox or an available 6-speed automatic transmission. When equipped with the automatic, this model gets 30 mpg in the city and 42 mpg on the highway, or 1 mpg better than the manual transmission. That makes the Cruze one of the most efficient gas-powered or non-hybrid models sold in America.

53 — GM says that 53 percent of US Cruze customers are new to Chevrolet. That’s a conquest rate manufacturers want and with larger car models such as the Malibu and Impala in place, new Chevrolet owners may hang around. Yes, SUVs such as the Equinox, Traverse, and Suburban are compelling reasons for staying with the bow-tie brand as are sports cars such as the Camaro and Corvette.

250 — The second-generation Chevrolet Cruze is nearly an inch longer between the wheels and 2.5 inches longer overall. The added length translates into slightly more legroom for rear seating passengers. Though larger, the 2016 Cruze comes in 250 pounds lighter thanks to careful light-weighting accomplished through reducing the weight of components in the frame architecture and the engine. Think aluminum and hot-stamped/high-strength steels here.

3,500,000 — 3.5 million is a big number and that figure represents the number of people worldwide who have purchased the Cruze since its 2008 debut. US sales peaked at 273,060 units in 2014 then pulled back to 226,602 in 2015. Likely, the trend will reverse itself this year, a common occurrence with any new or significantly updated model.

Chevrolet Cruze: Beyond the Numbers

A hatchback is not the only thing we’ll see for the second-generation Chevy Cruze. A diesel engine returns, but not before 2017. The most recent turbo diesel displaced at 2.0 liters and was rated at 27 mpg in the city and 46 mpg on the highway.

The upcoming diesel displaces at 1.6 liters and has been lauded by the European motoring press for its whisper quietness and superior vibration qualities according to Wards Auto. Expect fuel economy to benefit accordingly. And with Volkswagen still embroiled in a diesel nightmare of its own making, the Chevy Cruze may enjoy a distinct advantage for at least a season.

See Also — The 2017 Ford Escape by the Numbers

New Lexus IS Makes Global Introduction at Beijing Motor Show

April 26, 2016 by admin 1 Comment

Refreshed Lexus IS debuts at Auto China 2016.

Lexus’ entry in the compact luxury market is the IS, a vehicle that goes up against the likes of the BMW 3 Series, Cadillac ATS, Infiniti Q50, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and the Audi A3 among others. Four years ago Lexus took the wraps off of the second-generation model. Yesterday, Toyota’s luxury brand unveiled a new IS, using the Beijing Motor Show as the venue for that debut.

Lexis IS Sedan. — New Lexus IS Debuts at the 2016 Beijing Auto Show.

Updated Front Fascia

The upcoming model advances a look that is at once powerful as it is familiar. Lexus said the modest update is due to the popularity of the current visage. Nevertheless, the front fascia receives transformative changes, including new headlamps, large air intakes in the front bumpers, and an evolved spindle grille.

The new grille now folds back at a higher point to enhance its sporty feel. In F SPORT models, the grille gains an exclusive three-dimensional F-mesh pattern with jet-black metallic coating. That grille also incorporates functional brake ducts.

Standard with the Lexus IS are 10-spoke 17-inch wheels that advance fresh designs with bright machine finishes. At the rear, more pronounced “L”-shaped LED light guides are present and triple layered within the tail light housing. New rectangular chrome exhaust tips give prominence to the sedan’s sporting persona.

Interior Modifications and Updates

Inside, the IS’ cabin benefits from several changes, including a large multimedia display. Measuring a whopping 10.3 inches, the new color display replaces the current 7-inch layout. Lexus says that the new high-resolution monitor provides a sharper image of the various functions accessible. Further, “Enter” buttons have been added to both sides of the Remote Touch Interface (RTI) on the center console to enhance ease of use.

Lexus also reworked the center dash, refitting the audio and ventilation panels to set within the knee bolsters. An all-new hairline-finish surface provides an improved look and feel according to Lexus.

Additional interior improvements include an in-dash analog clock, new stitching in an effort to enhance the cockpit’s sporty design, and new cup holders. The leather-wrapped palm rest has also been enlarged.

On the safety front, Lexus notes that the IS’s safety equipment has been improved with the Lexus Safety System +. This system brings together Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist, Automatic High Beam (AHB) and Radar Cruise Control.

Three Engine Choices

As before, the IS’ three-engine lineup returns. The rear-wheel drive 200t is powered by a 2.0-liter, twin-scroll turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine making 241 horsepower and 258 foot-pounds of torque. This engine comes paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The IS also offers a pair of 3.5-liter, V-6 engines. In the all-wheel drive only IS 300, this engine makes 255 horsepower and 236 foot-pounds of torque, and comes paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

In the IS 350, the V-6 benefits from stoichiometric (stoic) direct injection, what modifies the air-fuel mixture for heightened performance. As a result, this engine produces 306 horsepower and 277 foot-pounds of torque. It comes paired with an 8-speed automatic with the rear-wheel drive model or a 6-speed automatic with the all-wheel drive model.

Pricing to be Determined

Absent from the model line is a manual transmission, something Lexus’ competitors continue to provide. If you are looking for a diesel you will not find one among any Lexus models and as for a hybrid IS, you will have to check out the ES 300h Hybrid instead.

Lexus hasn’t shared pricing or a release date yet for the new IS.

Lexus IS photo copyright Lexus Motors.

Recent — Right Now: Lease a Used Car

Right Now: Lease a Used Car

April 25, 2016 by admin 4 Comments

Leasing deals on new cars can extend to used cars too.

Soaring new car prices mean sticker shock is a common occurrence for car shoppers. One way to lessen the blow is to lease a vehicle. Indeed, Experian Automotive found that 28.9 percent of all new vehicle models were leased in the fourth quarter of 2015. That’s up nearly 10 points in just over five years.

Leasing lowers the average monthly payment, one of the most important concerns for new car shoppers. Instead of paying $493 on average for a new car, lessees pay $411 per month for theirs. That’s $82 per month or $984 per year saved, or nearly $3,000 across the average 36-month lease term.

Used Car Leasing

Used car shoppers are also looking at ways to reduce their costs. Although representing a relatively small segment of the market, used car leasing is available. Leasing a used car provides the usual advantages of leasing — low monthly payments and an easy way to return the car and walk away.

An emerging trend in the industry is leases on certified preowned vehicles (CPOs). CPOs are popular with consumers as these models have passed dealer inspection, are backed by the manufacturer, and include the balance of the warranty, and sometimes include some type of an extended warranty. CPOs cost consumers more, but that’s a trade-off many are willing to accept.

This year, returning leases will increase by 20 percent over last year and will continue to rise for at least the next two years. That presents a problem for dealers as bloated inventories are harder to move. To combat the trend, some manufacturers, including Toyota and BMW as well as Ally Financial, are pushing used and certified leasing in anticipation of an increase in lease returns reports Automotive News.

Toyota’s arrangement covers Toyota, Scion, and Lexus brand vehicles. CPO Toyota and Scion used car leasing will be limited to vehicles no older than three model years and 65,000 miles. Lexus CPO leave vehicles will extend out to four years, but be limited to 60,000 miles.

New v. Used Sales

Of course, any CPO used vehicle program could do something no manufacturer wants — siphon new vehicle sales. Likewise, dealers are being instructed to avoid being as aggressive in pushing used vehicle leasing as they are in selling new. Extra incentives and higher profit margins on new cars also help.

Industry experts are looking favorably on used car leasing, seeing it as a win for customers and dealers alike.

“Certified lease programs are not only inevitable as a result of all the leases coming back into the market, but they can be beneficial as well,” said Scot Hall, Executive Vice President of Swapalease.com. “Drivers today want more flexibility in their lease programs, and a certified lease structure adds more opportunity for an expedited turnaround of inventory beyond just three years of age on a vehicle.”

Consumer Leasing Considerations

Consumers should always keep in mind a few things about any used car. For one, services problems are about twice as high on a three-year old car than on a one-year old model explains Consumer Reports. Also, the anticipated value of a used vehicle at the end of the lease term will impact your rate.

You might do better pursuing vehicles that hold value, including luxury vehicles, sports cars, and SUVs. That’s why Lexus and BMW are aggressively pushing CPO leases, but they’re not the only ones.

As with any used vehicle, obtain a history report. It also doesn’t hurt to have it inspected by a mechanic who can place the vehicle on a lift and give you his assessment. Use that feedback to negotiate your price — the lower the final cost, the lower your monthly lease payments.

See Also — How to Lease a Demo Car

Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine.

Honda Wins Earth Day Accolades for 3 New Green Models

April 22, 2016 by admin Leave a Comment

Going green on Earth Day, Honda style.

Automakers like to time important news with key events, including Earth Day which is today. Earth Day isn’t when you want to introduce your big pickup truck or SUV, instead it is the ideal time to showcase your “green” models. Honda stole the show on Wednesday by shedding light on its 2017 Accord Hybrid as well as bringing clarity (pun intended) to its nascent line of electrified vehicles.

2017 Honda Accord Hybrid

At the forefront of Honda’s news this week were details the automaker shared about the 2017 Accord Hybrid. The most recent model was offered in 2014 and 2015, and had an EPA rating of 50 mpg in the city and 45 mpg on the highway.

The 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid is expected to beat that, by delivering 49 mpg on the highway. Honda says the new model will benefit from a two-motor hybrid powertrain and produce 212 combined horsepower. As a result, Honda is anticipating doubling production capacity to meet increased demand for this roomy, five-passenger midsize sedan.

“The new Honda Accord Hybrid is the ultimate Accord – the most refined, technologically sophisticated and, of course, most fuel efficient in the lineup,” said John Mendel, Executive Vice President of the American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “With Accord already America’s most popular car three years running and the best-selling midsize car to younger buyers, we think this new hybrid model will add considerable momentum for the Honda brand.”

Consumers should know that “popular” doesn’t translate into best selling: the Toyota Camry remains the sales leader in this segment.

Technology and Safety Upgrades

Besides its green credentials, the 2017 Accord Hybrid will receive substantial upgrades, paralleling what the current-generation Accord gained with its 2016 roll out.

Notably, technology is at the center of these changes, including available display audio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard is Honda Sensing, representing a suite of driver-assist technologies, including lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and a collision mitigation braking system.

As for the Accord hybrid’s two-mode powertrain, it has been designed to seamlessly transition between three operations.

For instance, EV drive uses the electric propulsion motor and the lithium-ion battery pack to move the front wheels for short distances under light loads. This means the gasoline engine is off, saving fuel and eliminating pollution.

Further, the hybrid drive system uses the electric propulsion motor to turn the front wheels, while the gasoline engine delivers power to an electric generator to add power to the battery pack. Lastly, the engine drive system utilizes a lock-up clutch mechanism to connect the engine and propulsion motor. Thus, the front wheels are driven by both the motor and gasoline engine.

Honda Clarity Series

Think “Honda Clarity” and the brand’s fuel-cell model may come to mind. But the Clarity moniker won’t stand for Honda’s hydrogen-powered car only for much longer.

Indeed, come 2017 a pair of electrified vehicles — the Clarity Electric and the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid — will launch. Both models will be underpinned by the same platform powering the Clarity FCEV, giving consumers three highly-efficient models to choose from.

“The Honda Clarity Series will provide customers with a well-equipped, premium, midsize vehicle with a range of ultra low-carbon powertrain options to suit their lifestyle needs,” said Mendel. “This Honda trio of dedicated, advanced technology vehicles, along with the expanded application of two- and three-motor hybrid systems to our core models, represents a strong commitment to Honda’s future and will help create a new volume pillar for electrified vehicle sales.”

The Clarity FCEV will go on sale in late 2016 with a targeted lease payment of under $500 per month. However, this model will be limited to select California markets in the Golden State, where an emerging hydrogen filling station network can be found.

Early in 2017 the Clarity battery-electric sedan will go on sale, with Honda stating it will be “the first affordable, midsize, five-passenger battery-electric vehicle.” Later in the year the Clarity PHEV will come to the market and be available in all 50 states.

2030 Electrification Initiative

Looking forward, Honda aims to have electrified vehicles account for two-thirds of its vehicle sales by 2030. That’s an ambitious goal, one possibly furthered by making hybrids available across more vehicle lines.

Happy Earth Day!

Recent — Tesla Model X Quality Woes Amplified

Photo courtesy of Honda Motors.

Tesla Model X Quality Woes Amplified

April 21, 2016 by admin 1 Comment

Tesla’s second full-production model encounters hiccups early in the rollout process.

2016 Tesla Model X. — Tesla Model X (photo copyright Tesla Motors).

The sheen is off of the Tesla Model X. The all-electric sport utility vehicle, introduced at the end of September 2015, was supposed to give Tesla a model rivaling the quality and the plaudits of the Model S sedan. Instead, what we have here is a vehicle that is falling short in the eyes of some, leading to many types of complaints from consumers.

Indeed, those complaints cover everything from the rear falcon-wing doors to the huge infotainment screen, with the former failing to open or close and the latter reportedly freezing repeatedly. These and other problems are fixable and Tesla’s service staff has responded admirably thus far.

What isn’t easily rectifiable is a design flaw. Specifically, the SUV’s distinctively constructed curved windshield distorts street lamps, headlights, and taillights at night according to Consumer Reports. As a result, drivers are finding themselves distracted and fatigued, unable to safely evaluate the distance between vehicles.

First-year quality woes are not uncommon in the auto industry. In fact, experts including Consumer Reports routinely advise people to avoid such models until the kinks are worked out. Although only a few thousand Model Xs have been built to date, the problems seem magnified, especially as customers take to the message boards to share their complaints.

Among the many complaints lodged are the following:

The third-row seat latch can become undone and fold forward in an accident. This problem has resulted in a recall of 2,700 vehicles. Tesla blames its supplier for the mistake and says the supplier will pick up the cost of the repairs, what it expects to be completed on a rolling basis over the next several weeks.

Some customers have also reported malfunctioning second-row seats, a problem that hasn’t been specifically spelled out. A discussion on the Tesla Motors message board indicates most respondents think the problem is exaggerated, although some agree larger sun visors are warranted.

Uneven sheet-metal panel gaps is another identified problem, one that has previously dogged the Model S. Some of the panel gap complaints, however, seem attributable to pre-production models what may inadvertently raise the problem quotient of this model higher than it really is.

Tesla has received praise for its AutoPilot hands-free driving capabilities, a feature that self drives the car. As long as the road line markings are clear, the SUV stays in its lane. In one report, a Model X owner said he was forced to take command of the steering wheel when the road’s shoulder ended as the SUV was not able to detect that.

Repair Your Tesla Model X

Like all manufacturers, Tesla Motors keeps people informed about all pending recalls. Service bulletins are issued to Tesla stores (dealers) and many repairs are handled at the local level. The company operates an Approved Body Shop Network, ensuring that all technicians are sufficiently trained to handle complex repairs, including aluminum welding.

All Tesla models are covered by a 4-year, 50,000-mile new vehicle warranty and an 8-year unlimited mile drivetrain and battery warranty. Annual inspections are recommended or once every 12,500 miles. Like other manufacturers, Tesla also offers extended warranty plans of 3-, 4-, and 8-years. These prepaid plans cost $1,325, $2,100, and $4,000 respectively.

Tesla Motors Considerations

In other Tesla news, the automaker claims more than 400,000 pre-orders to date for the Model 3. That’s far above the company’s expectations and the advanced orders don’t seem to be stopping. For customers desiring to order the compact sedan, a $1,000 fully refundable deposit is required. The number of pre-orders reflects global demand; American buyers who order and take delivery early, may be eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit in addition to whatever state incentives may be available where you live.

Recent — The 2017 Ford Escape by the Numbers

The 2017 Ford Escape by the Numbers

April 20, 2016 by admin 2 Comments

Refreshed for 2017, the compact Ford Escape SUV remains a strong model in its segment.

2017 Ford Escape (photo copyright Ford Motor Co.)

Mid-product cycle updates are supposed to provide a nip here and a tuck there. An engine or transmission change signals a more aggressive update, while tech changes seem to come yearly. As for the 2017 Ford Escape, this is no middling update. Instead, Ford poured vast resources into improving its compact SUV — that fact really should not surprise as the Escape is one of its top-selling models. To that end, we’ll take a look at the important “numbers” defining this model.

1 or First — SYNC 3 is the latest version of Ford’s connectivity suite. It seems like eons ago when the 2008 Ford Focus was outfitted with the first-generation system. The 2017 Escape will claim an important first among Ford brand models: it’ll have support for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – permitting drivers to seamlessly systematize their preferred devices.

1.5 — As before, Ford offers a family of three four-cylinder engine choices with the 2017 Escape. A normally aspirated 2.5-liter is one choice as is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four. Both engines are carryovers. What’s new is a 1.5-liter, four making 179 horsepower and 177 foot-pounds of torque. These numbers compare favorably to the previous 1.6-liter engine making 178 horsepower and 184 foot-pounds of torque. All three engines are paired with 6-speed automatic transmissions.

2 — The F-150 is Ford’s best-selling model year in and year out. In 2015, Ford sold more than 780,000 F-Series (including F-150 and Super Duty) according to GoodCarBadCar.net, more than twice that of any other model. There are only a few thousand sales separating the compact Escape SUV from the midsize Fusion sedan, but for right now the Escape is in the No. 2 position. That’s how important this model is to Ford.

3 or Third — Among compact SUVs, the Ford Escape is the third best-selling model in the country, coming in just behind the Toyota RAV4 and just ahead of the Nissan Rogue. What model is at the top of the heap? That would be none other than the perennial best-selling Honda CR-V. But take note as both Toyota and Ford have moved ahead of Honda through March 2016. The SUV tide is rising, but some manufacturers (including Ford) have newer or more desirable models to ride the crest.

5 or Fifth— The third-generation Ford Escape debuted in 2013, making 2017 its fifth model year. The latest version arrives in the fifth month of this year or approximately five months earlier than normal. In any case, Ford dealers should have plenty of new models on hand by this summer with a generous number of 2016 SUVs to mark down.

3,500 — Do you like to tow? If so, choose the Escape equipped with the 2.0-liter engine and the Class II Towing Package, and you’ll enjoy 3,500 pounds of towing capacity. The larger of the two EcoBoost (turbocharged) engines also cranks out 245 horsepower and 275 foot-pounds of torque, effectively matching what some V-6 engines deliver.

$35,000 — Spec out the top-of-the-line Escape Titanium model ($29,995) with driver assistance features ($1,995) and various trim upgrades, and your final price will push past $35,000. The 2017 Escape starts at $23,600 for the base S trim with front-wheel drive. That model is also equipped with the least powerful, but the largest engine in the lineup. Chances are you’ll be looking at the better-equipped SE ($25,100) and Titanium ($29,100) models, and find yourself enticed by such options (where available) as a panoramic vista roof ($1,495), adaptive cruise control with pre-collision assist ($595), and a Sony audio system with SYNC 3 and voice-activated navigation ($795).

306,000 — In 2014 and again in 2015, Escape sales in the US topped 300,000 units. Specifically, Ford sold 306,212 Escapes stateside in 2014, then squeezed past that number in 2015 on 306,492 units sold. Oh, by the way, Escape sales are up 6.4 percent through the first quarter of 2016. Right now, the Escape is battling Fusion for second place among Ford products with the sedan in the lead. The heavily refreshed Escape may provide the impetus to move ahead once the 2017s go on sale.

Ford Escape: Beyond the Numbers

Numbers are fine for quantifying the changes made to the 2017 Escape. Also new for this year is automatic start/stop technology, standard equipment for the two EcoBoost engines. Start/stop conserves fuel by shutting down the engine when idled, before quickly restarting same once you remove your foot from the brake.

Ford Escape fans will notice a number of additional changes for the model year, including a push-button parking brake replacing the previous brake stick; a new media bin at the base of the center stack; redesigned cup holders, two additional storage bins, and a larger center armrest.

On the exterior, Ford redesigned the hood and enlarged the trapezoidal upper portion of the grille to provide a more aggressive presence. As always, customers have a choice of wheel and trim packages to personalize their SUVs.

Recent — Lexus: 1 Million Hybrid Vehicles Later

Lexus: 1 Million Hybrid Vehicles Later

April 19, 2016 by admin 3 Comments

The Lexus brand is a hybrid leader, dominating the luxury segment and with plans to expand its offerings.

Luxury manufacturers typically supplement their gasoline-powered models with diesels. Lexus does offer diesels in some markets, but it relies on hybrids exclusively in North America to provide efficient models for its fleet.

This month, Lexus reached an important milestone: Toyota’s luxury brand sold its one millionth hybrid electric vehicle, an NX 300h delivered to a customer in Milan, Italy. Eleven years after delivering its first luxury hybrid, Lexus is firmly entrenched in a market few of its competitors dare to compete.

Lexus Hybrids — Head of Lexus Italy Mariano Autuori (left to right), Lexus Milan retailer Franco Spotorno, customer Aldo Pirronello, head of Lexus Europe Alain Uyttenhoven
and TMI CEO Andrea Carlucci during the hand-off ceremony for the
1 millionth Lexus hybrid sold globally, April 12, 2016.

Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050

Building hybrids is just one part of Toyota Motors’ goal to provide cleaner transportation. Indeed, the world’s largest automaker has tasked itself with six challenges to meet as part of the company’s Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050 initiative. The challenges are as follows:

First, to reduce vehicle carbon dioxide emissions by 90 percent by 2050 in comparison to 2010 levels. The automaker plans to achieve this goal through its next generation of vehicles, including its all-new Toyota Mirai fuel cell vehicle. Although not yet set in stone, Lexus will benefit from hydrogen technology just as it has from hybrids. Witness the dashing Lexus LF-FC concept introduced at Tokyo Motor Show 2015.

Second, to reduce life cycle carbon dioxide missions to zero. Going beyond the emissions created via traveling and manufacturing, the automaker has eliminating all other emissions in mind, including materials production as well as the disposal and recycling of its vehicles.

Third, to eliminate production-based emissions. The third element of Toyota’s six-part strategy is to develop and introduce low carbon dioxide technologies at its manufacturing plants. This means employing various renewable energy sources as well as incorporating hydrogen energy, something the company is currently pioneering.

Fourth, reduce water usage. The planet is facing many challenges when it comes to clean drinking water. For its part, Toyota is intent on reducing the amount of water needed in the manufacturing process, including in painting and forging. Beyond reducing water consumption, a comprehensive water purification plan will return much of that water to the earth.

Fifth, expand its recycling initiative beyond Japan. Toyota has carefully developed, implemented, and expanded its recycling efforts in its home territory, Japan. The same efficiencies the automaker has learned there, it plans to roll out across its global footprint.

Sixth, to operate and live harmoniously with nature. No doubt, the manufacturing process extracts much from the earth. For its part, Toyota is planting trees at its manufacturing plants. It has also been exploring ways to provide a more harmonious relationship with nature on a global scale. One such initiative is its Toyota Green Wave Project, designed to connect regions with green corridors.

Lexus Hybrids

As for its current hybrid efforts dating to the sale of a Lexus RX 400h in 2005, the company claims a number of firsts in the luxury sphere.

In 2006 the first hybrid luxury sedan, the GS 450h rolled out and was followed the next year by the LS 600h, what it describes as the most powerful luxury hybrid sedan. In 2009, the first luxury compact model, the HS 250h, was introduced and was followed by the CT 200h, the ES 300h, and then by three other models: IS 300h, GS 300h, and the NX 300h. The latest model to roll out is the RC 300h sports coupe, introduced at the close of 2015.

Although North America is the largest market for Lexus hybrids with just over one in three models sold there, Europe has taken to hybrids in a big way. Indeed, in 2015, Lexus hybrid sales in Europe topped North American sales. Japan is also a big market, accounting for 22.5 percent of all Lexus hybrids sold.

The RX Hybrid is Lexus’ best selling model too, with more than 335,000 sold since its 2005 introduction. Other strong sellers include the CT and ES lines. Notably, the GS line is the only one offering customers a pair of powertrain options: GS 300h and GS 450h.

The Lexus Hybrid Advantage

As for the one millionth customer, Aldo Pirronello, he expressed surprise and honor when he learned his 300h purchase enabled Lexus to reach this important milestone.

Said Pirronello, “This is my first Lexus. I chose this brand because I really value it. When I saw the new Lexus NX 300h, I was immediately captured by its design, and of course the hybrid technology made me enthusiastic.”

With 10 hybrid models available, Lexus has no plans to stop there. In comments offered related to reaching the hybrid milestone, Tokuo Fukuichi, president of Lexus International shared that “more are on the way” and hybrids will play a key role in helping the company reach its “ambitious environmental goals for 2050.”

Photos courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales, Inc.

Lincoln Continental: Revived and Competitively Priced

April 18, 2016 by admin 2 Comments

Continental is back, the all-new flagship sedan for the Lincoln brand.

The Ford Motor Company is sticking with its beleaguered Lincoln marque, committing billions of dollars to revive what was once the best-selling luxury automotive brand in the United States.

Leading that effort is the 2017 Lincoln Continental, its new flagship sedan with a competitive $45,485 base price. That’s $6,475 higher than the Lincoln MKS sedan it replaces, but it is also approximately $7,000 below the cost of the 2017 Cadillac CT6, one of its competitors.

The Continental name is familiar to anyone who knows automotive history. The first-generation model debuted in 1939 and picked up again after the Second World War before it was discontinued in 1948. From the late 1950s to until 2002, various Continental models were released, including two-door hardtop, convertible, and four-door sedans.

Four-door convertible and limousine variants were also produced, including one for President John F. Kennedy. Indeed, the president was assassinated in Dallas in 1963 while riding in a convertible parade limousine custom-built for the Secret Service. That model was later retrofitted with full armor and a fixed roof. Upon its retirement the presidential limo was placed in the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Mich., where it can be seen to this day.

2017 Lincoln Continental

The 2017 Lincoln Continental will begin the 10th generation for this model line. This one is based on a stretched and modified version of the platform underpinning the Ford Fusion. Thus, front-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is available. Most competitors except for the Audi A6 offer standard rear-wheel drive with all-wheel drive available.

The all-new Lincoln Continental offers four trim levels, five package options, and three engines. Add $2,000 to the base Premiere edition to get all-wheel drive. A 3.7-liter, V-6 engine is standard, making 300 horsepower and comes paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive models also get adaptive steering, continuously controlled damping, and active noise cancellation. With such a modest price premium, it seems likely most models will come with all-wheel drive.

Premiere, Select, Reserve, and Black Label Editions

Slip inside and the Continental Premiere offers push-button start, a power tilt and telescopic steering column, a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat, a 10-speaker sound system, and SYNC 3 infotainment. Also present is Lincoln’s push-button transmission shifter and SiriusXM satellite radio. All models come with eight airbags; numerous safety features will be available, including adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera.

Next up is the Select trim ($48,440), powered by the base engine with the same $2,000 upgrade for all-wheel drive. This model also brings in 19-inch wheels, a power trunk, leather-trimmed seats, and various luxury and technology embellishments.

The Continental Reserve ($54,840) brings in a twin-turbo 2.7-liter, V-6 engine making 335 horsepower (available with the Select), again with standard front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive. At the top of the line is the brand’s Black Label models, sedans offering a collection of designer themes, a personalized client experience, and member services. As outfitted, customers will gain a rear-seat package, bringing in heated, cooled and reclining rear seats.

400 Horses Available

The Lincoln Continental will also offer a third engine choice, this one exclusive to the brand. Available with Reserve models only, this 400-horsepower, 400 foot-pounds of torque, twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter, V-6 engine comes with standard all-wheel drive and torque vectoring.

You may have heard about a number of special amenities accompanying the Continental. These upgrades include 30-way adjustable front seats, a 19-speaker Revel Ultima sound system, a double-pane moonroof, and 20-inch polished aluminum wheels. Add in every conceivable feature and your final price will push closer to $75,000.

Are you eager to get behind the wheel of the Lincoln Continental? If so, you’ll get your chance when deliveries begin this fall.

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