Watch out for a new supercharged car at the 2009 SEMA show as the 2010 Camaro is set to make its debut, a world class supercar that is the product of two of the most popular names in the auto industry. Lingerfelter Performance Engineering and Hotchkis Performance have come together to unveil a stunning new Camaro featuring a 427 CID LS7 engine, titanium connecting rods and LS7 cylinder heads with titanium intake valves and Inconel exhaust valves.

Other notable features include a Hotchkis Total Vehicle System, Brembo brakes, a custom LPE 20-inch 10-spoke wheels, a custom embroidered interior and a Mito rear view mirror with video display. With such an array of features expect this car to draw all the attention at the event and all the inquiries as well once it hits the market.

(Source) Press

Tags: array, auto industry, brakes, cylinder heads, debut, exhaust valves, hotchkis performance, inquiries, intake valves, market source, new camaro, performance engineering, Rear View Mirror, sema show, Supercar, supercharged car, titanium connecting rods, video display, wheels

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There is another recall for vehicles on the horizon. This time it involved Nissan X-Trails and Qashqai units which reportedly have defective steering system. Approximately 18,146 Nissan X-Trails and 33,667 Nissan Qashqai units will be recalled by Dongfeng Motor Co. Ltd. for defective steering nuts which may lead to loss of directional control. Dongfeng will install fasteners on the recalled cars to remedy the said steering system defects. This new recall comes after Nissan had already recalled Muranos and 143,000 vehicles made up of the Cube, Rogue and Infiniti. Nissan better improve their quality control section unless they want to see this as a dent to their brand image in the auto industry.

(Source) Press

Tags: auto industry, brand image, Cars, dongfeng motor, fasteners, horizon, industry source, infiniti nissan, motor co, muranos, nissan qashqai, nuts, quality control

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After a tumultuous couple of months clouding the popular car brand, General Motors is now ready to stand up once again, starting a new chapter with a new and supposedly better GM in the U.S. auto industry. Among the highlights of the new GM include leaner greener models and now 61% owned by the U.S. government.

The debts have been cleared and the business continues. But if GM is not careful in its strategic approach, they may end up falling short of attaining goals they have. Apparently, these are only some things they have to watch out for.

With a grueling economy and people choosing to shy away from new car purchases for now, GM has its work cut out for them. New marketing approaches and wiser cars for the conservative motorists have to be done if GM wants to make the new company fare better than the old one.

“It is the smaller, leaner, tougher, better cost-focused GM,” said George Magliano, an automotive analyst with the consulting firm IHS Global Insight. “But they still have to deal with the problems that they faced longer-term.”

(Source) Yahoo News

Tags: auto industry, car brand, car purchases, consulting firm, debts, economy, General Motors, global insight, GM, marketing approaches, models, motorists, new car, new chapter, new marketing

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Car suppliers and traders can look forward to better trading using iConnect which has announced a no-charge Automotive Bailout Program. The auto industry today is in need of financial bailouts themselves and this new service from iConnect should be cheered on by local auto manufacturers, suppliers and traders.

Any company that does business in the automotive arena can apply for iConnect’s EDI Bailout program through the iConnect website at www.iConnect-corp.com. Companies that are selected will be able to exchange electronic documents such as purchase orders, invoices, shipping schedules and ASN’s electronically with its trading partners.

iConnect founder and CEO Kishor Sapre says, “Many automotive companies and suppliers are in need of a bailout today — a financial bailout as well as a bailout from inefficient and costly business processes. We hope to provide them with both.”

(Source) Press

Tags: auto industry, auto manufacturers, business processes, car suppliers, electronic documents, financial bailout, iconnect, invoices, kishor, local auto, trading partners

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Yesterday, we had posted that General Motors finally got approval for the transfer of assets to the “New” GM. And while many approved and disapproved that piece of news, GMAC issues a statement of their own regarding this development.

In conjunction with the closing of the sale, the contracts GM has with GMAC will be transferred to the new GM entity. GMAC is pleased to conduct its business operations with the new GM entity and to be part of the solution to stabilize and strengthen the U.S. auto industry.

Again this is bound draw some issues. What about the debts and liabilities? What fate does befall them? Technically, we have been talking about the assets or the so-called good sides of the deal. What about the other pieces of the GM puzzle that are totally clueless to date?

Well you can be assured that GM will be in the headlines once again from hereon. There are still some loose ends to cover.

(Source) Press

Tags: assets, auto industry, business operations, conjunction, contracts, court bankruptcy, debts, General Motors, GM, GMAC, headlines, liabilities, loose ends, puzzle, u s auto

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It has been a gloomy atmosphere anywhere in the auto industry and while many are practically giving up, here is something that should wake up the sleeping retailers to put to good use the various car incentive schemes and make it work in their favor.

We are all aware of the celebrated “Cash for Clunkers” and sales tax deductions and while most car dealers barely know what it is all about, they can really be made towards the favor of car dealers if they study it closely.

“Salespeople who quickly identify prospects with clunkers and get them into the store position themselves to win more than their fair share of the deals.”

And for that, Cars.com offers a free webinar to explain these options. Much of the topic that will be covered include:

• Implement the CARS program at their store.
• Reach prospects with “clunkers” and bring them into the dealership.
• Build an effective online marketing strategy to reach in-market shoppers.
• Leverage government incentives within their processes to close new-car deals.

With nothing much to lose, this is something that car dealers should really check out. Perhaps a better explanation on what the new alternatives are today can help shed some light towards their business performance.

(Source) Press

Tags: auto industry, business performance, car dealers, car deals, car sales, effective online marketing, fair share, free webinar, gloomy atmosphere, government incentives, incentive schemes, leverage, new car, online marketing strategy, performance source, prospects, sales tax, sales tax deductions, salespeople, shoppers

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Related to the declining demand for cars in the U.S. market, the Japanese auto industry is feeling the pinch of it all as it has experienced a severe decline in the local production of their cars for export. All 12 Japan-based vehicle makers suffered a 41% decline from May output.

And as far as sales, companies are already lagging behind the auto group’s forecast for the fiscal year, expected to be the worst in three decades, due to falling wages and growing unemployment. It predicts Japan industry-wide sales will drop 8.5 percent to 4.3 million in the year ending March.

Japan has implemented tax cuts and subsidies on some fuel- efficient cars to spur auto sales. Consumers can apply for a 250,000 yen ($2,600) subsidy if they scrap a car more than 13 years old to buy a new one and 100,000 yen for a new car purchase without scrapping an old one.

The government expects the incentive to lead to the sale of an additional 690,000 vehicles this fiscal year. Electric, hybrid, natural gas, and some diesel vehicles also qualify for an exemption from the country’s weight and purchase taxes.

(Source) Bloomberg

Tags: auto industry, auto sales, diesel vehicles, feeling the pinch, fuel efficient cars, japan car, japan industry, japanese auto, purchase taxes, three decades

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NADAguides.com has been consistent as far as calling it. This of course refers to the fact that aside from being the best selling vehicles, they are the most searched ones in the market. Does it make sense? For the cars concerned perhaps it does. However it all boils down to the reliability of the people behind the statistics needed for such.

Logically, if you talk about identifying the best searched vehicles, it normally follow that they would be the top sellers as well. Though in some cases it may not necessarily follow, the Ford F-Series and Silverado were on target as far as both criteria are concerned.

The F-Series led the entire auto industry with 33,381 units sold and the Chevy Silverado was close behind with 31,463. The correlation between the most researched vehicles and the auto industry sales numbers is a clear indication that NADAguides.com serves as a barometer of in-market consumer research that results in sales.

Hence, NADAguides.com has become a reliable source for anything related to car needs. So perhaps the next time you need some support data, you can check out what they have for help.

(Source) Press

Tags: auto industry, barometer, Cars, chevy silverado, correlation, Ford, reliability, sales numbers, statistics, target, top sellers, tops

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The management team of Volkswagen have a reason to smile these days. With all the turmoil covering the auto industry, they are experiencing an increase in market share and are apparently being led by an unlikely car line. The sportier-looking Volkswagen Golf GT MK6 seems to be capturing the attention of the car market and has been queuing up customers.

The Mk6 is the quickest ever car in the company’s range, and coupled with its stunning looks, quality build and great handling, it’s no wonder drivers can’t wait to get their hands on it. The Mk6 has a top speed of 149 miles per hour and can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 6.9 seconds, but despite this awesome power, the car is, rather miraculously, more eco-friendly.

With a sportier design, it looks like Volkswagen has greener days ahead of it and we don’t mean just being eco-friendly. People love the new looks so the next thing you may have to worry about would be consumer complaints on when they can get their order.

New models start at around £21,000 but for those on a tighter budget, a used VW may provide the answer.

(Source) PR Web

Tags: answer source, auto industry, Budget, car line, car market, consumer complaints, golf gt, greener days, management team, market share, miles per hour, mk6, models, top speed, turmoil, volkswagen, volkswagen golf, volkswagen golf gti, VW

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With the new age of plug-in electric vehicles slowly creeping in, Raser Technologies and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger will be on hand to demonstrate the Hummer H3. The H3 uses an extended range electric vehicle (E-REV) powertrain developed by Raser Technologies. The Hummer H3 is a mid-sized SUV, similar in size to a Jeep Commander.

“I believe low-carbon fuel vehicles are the future and I want to see them succeed right here in California,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “That’s why I’m bringing cars like this one to the Capitol where we can show the world there is a market for smart and innovative technologies that will also create jobs in the auto industry.”

Indeed, this should be something worth checking out if you are within the area. The attention of most motorists today is geared towards checking out what the latest trends for alternative transport options are available in the market today. And while everyone knows the Hummer brand, it is quite curious to note what this mid-sized SUV has to offer in light of the demand for fuel-efficient vehicles needed today.

(Source) Press

Tags: auto industry, california governor arnold schwarzenegger, carbon fuel, electric vehicle, electric vehicles, fuel efficient vehicles, fuel vehicles, governor schwarzenegger, hummer h3, innovative technologies, jeep commander, latest trends, mid sized suv, motorists, raser technologies, transport options

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Hitachi has announced the release of a new lithium iron battery, aimed at the new breed of hybrid electric vehicles that are slowly increasing in the market. Boasting of a supposed high power density of 4,500 W/kg, 1.7 times the output of the company’s mass-produced, automotive lithium-ion batteries, this new battery is certain to be a welcome addition to the auto industry.

To reduce internal resistance, the battery employs a new manganese cathode and an original Hitachi battery structure, such as thinner electrodes, power collection method and effective configurations.

With the apparent rise of hybrid electric vehicles, companies are trying to get into the fray by developing battery options to help run these new technological vehicles. Apparently Hitachi has joined the mix, expanding the number of companies that are vying for the preferred lithium iron battery available in the market.

Sampling of the new battery by domestic and overseas car manufacturers will start in the fall.

(Source) Industry Week

Tags: auto industry, battery options, car manufacturers, electrodes, hitachi, hybrid electric vehicles, lithium, lithium ion batteries, manganese, power density, sampling, welcome addition

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It seems that the car scrappage schemes are finally paying off. At least that is that it seems like for Mazda plants in Japan which have reportedly resumed operations after being suspended due to plummeting sales ever since the recession set in.

We are all aware that Europe had been in the forefront of this scheme which aims to entice motorists to trade in their old cars for discounts on new ones. Apparently a lot of them grabbed the deal to which rising demand is now occurring hence business as usual for car companies to satisfy the new demand.

This leaves a bright spot in the car industry. Apparently other cars are bound to follow the lead of Mazda of Japan but no one knows when that would be. This is the best news we have gotten from the auto industry to date!

(Source) RAC

Tags: auto industry, car companies, car industry, Europe, full force, Japan, Mazda, motorists, old cars, recession

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Digital Car Audio promises to be the next step towards in-car audio entertainment and for Australians, they are practically the ones who will provide feedback on whether the digital car radio can become a demand. Will it flourish, or will it be assigned to the digital reject bin, like Mini Discs and HD-DVD?

Digital radio is an impressive enough format – possessing cleaner and improved sound, extra channels, track title and artist info, pause and rewind, downloadable music and images, just to name a few features.

Commercial Radio Australia’s CEO Joan Warner said that talks with the auto industry are underway, working towards a solution for the DAB+ (Digital Audio Broadcasting) system.

(Source) The Motor Report

Tags: artist info, audio entertainment, australians, auto industry, broadcasting system, car audio, car radio, ceo, commercial radio, digital audio broadcasting, digital car, digital radio, downloadable music, hd dvd, images, mini discs, radio australia, system source

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The secret towards being conservative in the auto industry is not on the cars you buy but on how well you know your car components. While some rely heavily on word of mouth, there is an online site that can help you visualize your car and make the necessary adjustments to be a wise motorist.

Carooma (carooma.com) today announced the beta launch of its online service which lets users configure and visualize auto parts and accessories on their own cars. As consumers spend less on new cars and more on options and parts, Carooma helps them get what they’re looking for.

According to a Reuters report dated September 3rd, 2008, U.S. auto sales in July sunk to a 16-year low and are have been falling for 10 straight months. Of 33 car brands sold in the U.S., only five posted increased year on year sales in August, while the rest reported an average decrease of 22.8% in sales, Autoblog reports.

To capitalize on this increasing demand, Carooma built an online application that lets users configure and view different combinations of auto parts from a variety of third party manufacturers with realistic 3D models. “With consumers spending thousands of dollars on customizing cars, we wanted to give them greater confidence in their purchase decisions, and help ensure that they’re getting what they want,” says AJ Mak, co-founder of Carooma.

Carooma also calculates the cost of selected parts so you know if what you are seeing is within budget. “When you talk about shopping for customized products, static pictures alone just aren’t going to work anymore, your shopping experience needs to be customized too.” said Mak.

(Source) Press

Tags: auto industry, auto sales, car brands, car buffs, car components, customized products, customizing cars, necessary adjustments, new cars, party manufacturers, purchase decisions, realistic 3d models, reuters report, u s auto

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Reports have it that the second leading U.S. leadership group is interested in acquiring GM’s Saturn brand. It is no secret that General Motors is busy trying to figure out how to balance its business operations and apparently one striking semblance we know of today includes that of offering their down lines to interested people who want to continue their rise in the auto industry.

It is no secret that General Motors is busy trying to figure out how to balance its business operations and apparently one striking semblance we know of today includes that of offering their down lines to interested people who want to continue their rise in the auto industry.

Penske, which has 310 retail automotive franchises and is the exclusive U.S. distributor of Daimler AG’s Smart cars in the United States, said it has not yet made a proposal to GM. Penske is the second bidder to disclose interest in Saturn.

Last month, an investor group that includes private equity firm Black Oak Partners LLC and some Saturn dealers said it approached GM about buying the assets of the brand and distribution network.

GM, which announced plans in February to either spinoff or shutdown Saturn, said it has a number of potential buyers for brand and would look to secure an agreement later this year. It has retained S.J. Girsky & Co as a financial adviser. It created Saturn in 1984 to compete with Japanese vehicles in terms of quality and service and created a “no hassle” flat-price sales model that took much of the negotiating out of buying a new car. The brand languished over the past decade.

(Source) Reuters

Tags: auto industry, buying a new car, daimler ag, General Motors, gm saturn, investor group, japanese vehicles, penske, saturn dealers, smart cars

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