Kia Motors seems to be racking up awards one after another these past days. Now, it is the Kia Soul which has solicited another award, bagging the 2010 Automotive Excellence Award by Popular Mechanics. The Kia Soul has already pocketed previous awards including the Top Safety Pick and the Coolest New Cars Under $18,000. Apparently its features which include its appealing style, fuel efficiency and overall value have been responsible for these awards. The Kia Soul is 1 of 10 vehicles acknowledged from the list.

The Kia Soul is available in four trims with starting prices at $14,000.00. Packed with features that include a SIRIUS Satellite Radio and audio (CD/MP3) peripherals, there is no doubt that the Kia Soul is truly a classy vehicle to consider. But add these to the overall stature of the Kia Soul 2010 and you know why this 5-door vehicle is truly getting the recognition it so truly deserves!

Image Credits

(Source) Reuters

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It seems that new cars are coming out with new features as well. And as far as the Lexus is concerned, it is making sure that one of the popular handsets in use today doesn’t go unnoticed. In fact, they have come up with a concept headrest for the iPhone, an iPhone dock that should come in handy for people who have to embark on long journeys on a luxury car such as the Lexus LF-Ch.

Now this may be a concept but it certainly does make sense. Now if you don’t have an iPhone yet, surely you can afford one if you can own a high-end luxury car as a Lexus right?

(Source) Ubergizmo

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Similar to how one would sign up with a free site or forum, Car Press is offering a great deal for people who want to close a deal online as far as their cars are concerned. You can buy or sell new and used cars via the Car Press site.

It is quite easy to sell your car via this site. All you have to do is register, activate your account via the email you entered and then you can post away. There is no charge and your listing will remain there until of course an interested buyer would consider purchasing. Conversely, this is the same with looking for a car. But the best thing about it all is that you don’t have to shell out a single penny!

Car Press can also be used to search for new cars to compare, purchase or sell. So if you want to flog an Audi, offload a used BMW, or sell a second hand Saab, Car Press is a genuinely Free Internet resource that allows you to do so.

At the rate that people are trying to save on costs, availing of free services as this one will surely be welcome.

(Source) Press

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If you think the potential new car buyers are now leaning more on finally buying a new car with the recent gas price rollbacks then guess again. They will buy a new car but they will be asking for one thing car dealers will have to answer honestly and convincingly: gas consumption.

This practice is common but not as important for buyers in the past decade. But with the increasing price of fuel, one has to really become attentive to it, particularly since finances are becoming harder to manage. Adding gasoline or fuel costs is an area that they can really cut down on and for the people who are buying a new one, the gas consumption ratio is something that will play a vital role in their next car purchase consideration.

Hence, car dealers can use in preparation for the questions to be expected. It may even be the difference between a sale or a waste of time.

(Source) Press

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Despite losing one of their prized and controversial auto designers in the industry today, the BMW continues to hum. Designs may not necessarily be the marquee of most BMW vehicles today but apparently expect them to continue trying.

Such should be the case of the budding new BMW concept called the BMW S.X. concept, a brainchild of lulian Bimbu, a Milan design student. The BMW S.X. projects a futuristic look, something we see evolving from most cars in the market today.

Racy and certainly something futuristic, this car design may yet pass the BMW standards to make them stand out from the other car manufacturers which ironically seem to be carrying the same design. The only thing is who will come first, a benchmark that erases the tag of a copycat once their new cars come out in the market.

(Source) Luxist

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Are you familiar with the celebrated Cash for Clunkers deal already? Well if the past posts from companies and groups still leave you out and thinking, here is another company which takes its turn to educate and orient you on the latest car scrappage scheme for your old vehicle.

Saga Car Insurance briefs us this time on what the car scrappage scheme is all about. Areas such as which vehicles are included in the scheme and how much you can get for it are once again enumerated to help people consider the pricing factor and discounts should they decide to get a new vehicle.

How the scheme is funded
Approximately half the cash incentive for each sale will come from the Government, whilst the car manufacturers themselves will pay out the remaining £1,000. The car manufacturers will have to sign up to the scheme to take advantage of the offer, whilst dealers will take care of all the paperwork, as well as arranging for the old car to be scrapped.

The conditions
All scrappage cars must have a valid MOT and be registered with the DVLA. Also, the owner must have a UK address and been the registered keeper for at least a year. The new car must be sold only to the person who is offering the scrappage car and be a brand new UK specification vehicle.

Divided opinions
But it would appear that ‘Bangers for Cash’ is already proving to be controversial. One reason being the fact that you can trade your old car in for any new car or van, not just low pollution models, and the second is that the scrappage allowance will be available on all new cars – not just those built in the UK.

(Source) Press

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To many, it will most likely be familiar as the controversial Cash for Clunkers deal. But regardless, Suzuki Motor Corporation is all for it, looking forward to the formal implementation of the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS).

The new CARS law will provide consumers up to $4,500 when they trade-in their old cars for a new one. The qualifying cars under this new law signed by U.S. President Barack Obama covers cars, mini vans, SUVs and small light-duty trucks that get less than 18 mpg, and large light-duty trucks that get less than 15 mpg city/highway combined.

However there are certain conditions for passenger cars. If the new vehicle is at least four mpg more fuel efficient than the old vehicle, consumers will receive a $3,500 voucher toward a new vehicle. If the new vehicle is at least 10 mpg more fuel efficient than the old vehicle, the voucher is good for $4,500.

For reference purposes, here are the cars that Suzuki detailed as eligible for the new CARS law:

• All SX4 Crossover models
• All SX4 Sedan models
• All Grand Vitara models
• All XL7 models
• All Equator models (4-cyl and 6-cyl)

(Source) Press

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Controversial or not, Volkswagen of America has vowed its support for the “Cash for Clunkers” program of the government where each of their vehicles for their 2009 lineup qualifies for the said program. Under the “Cash for Clunkers” programs, potential new car buyers can get up to $4,500 off from the purchase price of new vehicles who trade-in their old cars.

In order to qualify, eligible new vehicles must achieve at least 22 miles-per-gallon for automobiles, and at least 18 mpg for small light-duty trucks and SUV’s, and trade-in vehicles must achieve 18 mpg or less.

“Volkswagen of America supports this historic decision of the United States Government to enact the Cash for Clunkers program.” said Stefan Jacoby, President/CEO, Volkswagen of America. “The fact that Volkswagen has long been known for producing fun-to-drive, fuel efficient vehicles, combined with our eight Top Safety Pick rated vehicles by the IIHS, should put Volkswagen on any new car buyers shopping list.” added Jacoby.

Among the new cars that Volkswagen has lined up include:

• 2009 Rabbit
• GTI
• Jetta
• Jetta SportWagen
• New Beetle
• New Beetle convertible
• Passat
• Passat Wagon
• Eos
• CC

(Source) Press

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Barely a month before it hit stores, the 2009 Nissan Cube continues to impress a lot of motorists. And one supporting fact on that aspect is that it has been included to the list of “2009 Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000”. Carrying style and obviously one of the best cars for the money (MSRP: $13,990), there is no denying that for car lovers planning to get one on a budget, the Nissan Cube is it!

“The cube was designed to stand out in a crowd offering unmistakable style, a unique interior, over 40 available accessories, all at a great value. From the cube 1.8 to the cube Krom, Nissan has proven that a box can definitely still be cool,” said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc

Among the notable highlights of the Nissan Cube include:

• 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels
• Sporty interior treatment
• Rockford Fosgate subwoofer
• Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition
• Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System
• XM Satellite Radio (XM subscription required, sold separately) and Interface System for iPod

With such a lush number of features from a stylish compact vehicle, it is obvious that you are getting more value for your car with the 2009 Nissan Cube.

(Source) Press

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The issue on up to how much gas prices would increase is still wandering in the minds of many. But thanks to the efforts of Kelley Blue Book, a survey was conducted among the potential new car buyers, the group expected to increase as the summer comes in.

Based on their feedback, it seems that many are bracing for the worst as far as expected price per gallon of gas is concerned. We have been seeing an erratic market and it seems that this is nothing compared to what may happen in the following months. There are a lot of factors but generally, looking out for the worst is not surprising anymore.

Some are speculating a $5 to the gallon and others at $3. Whatever the case may be, it seems that the bottom-line is that they are ready for it even though many fear it. And if there is one factor that one area that will be affected by it, it has to be the fact that car sales will be severely affected.

Actually we are experiencing this now. Seeing these big car manufacturers close or groping for survival is a sign that the consumers are playing it safe. And while crazy discounts are being given, the fact is that people need to be financially wise nowadays. For that aspect alone, the demand and outlook for new cars is not yet established and may even become worse for the time being.

(Source) Press

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The potential ownership of the 2009 Toyota Prius just got sweeter for Utah county locals as Brent Brown announces a $2,000 Customer Cash rebate and will pay the sales tax for purchases of the new Toyota hybrid vehicle. Touted to be the solution for the continuing oil price crisis, the timing of this deal couldn’t have been better.

Many people are waiting for the new 2010 Prius which will be arriving at Brent Brown Toyota soon. The supply of new cars will be limited at first but will pick up as the model year progresses.

“We have new ‘09 and several used Prius’ on the lot and 2010’s are coming soon. You can special order a 2010 Prius now and be one of the first to have the new 2010 Prius you want in time for summer,” said Brent Brown, owner of Brent Brown Toyota, a Utah dealership that sells the Toyota Prius.

Brent Brown Toyota has carried the best selling, best built hybrid for years. New ‘09 Prius’ are available now at Brent Brown Toyota. Demand for hybrids is building as the summer months approach and gas prices rise.

(Source) Press

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As far as new cars are concerned, it is not surprising that most motorists are turning towards hybrid technology to curb down carbon emissions and better fuel efficient vehicles. This seems to be the trend these days as we see most car manufacturers unveiling their own version of hybrids, potentially to lure a curious market on the ideal car to have today.

The new 2010 automobiles will soon change the future in transportation as conventional vehicles make the switch to hybrid cars. The new cars also qualify for government incentives to use as a 2009 hybrid car tax credit. Hybrid cars can achieve better fuel efficiency and are led by car manufacturers including Ford Motor Company, Toyota, Honda, and General Motors.

The big switch is indeed apparent. We have been seeing various advertisements and promotions for the new breed of hybrids. And this time, it is not just a marketing gimmick. These car giants are really gearing towards the market demand. With due consideration to the two factors, carbon emissions and fuel efficiency, the product is that of having a hybrid or electric car in your lineup, something that we can see in most vehicle showrooms for customers looking for a new vehicle to own.

(Source) News Oxy

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The Toyota Prius is all the rave these days as far as new cars in the market is concerned and to further convince motorists on the availability of parts, Kyocera has announced that they will be supplying the new Prius with Solar Modules for their solar ventilation system.

The system ventilates the air inside of the car by using the electricity generated by the solar module on the rooftop to drive the fans while the car is parked during the daytime. This feature automatically moderates temperature rise inside of the vehicle even during hot seasons.

The eco-friendliness of the Toyota Prius is evident and Kyocera aims to be of assistance towards this new vehicle offering from the touted Japanese manufacturer. With so much attention focused on the Toyota Prius, there is no doubt that this vehicle is certainly trying to cover all bases including its solar power requirements.

(Source) Press

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The United Kingdom has made good its promise to address the growing problem of carbon emissions by older cars as its car scrappage scheme was officially inaugurated today, providing owners a £2,000 discount if they surrender their car for scrappage. Cars over 10 years are eligible for the scheme.

Now before you go on considering this deal, would £2,000 be sufficient to get rid of that old automobile in lieu for a new one? Depending of course on the type of car you will be getting, you just have to do some pencil pushing. New cars don’t come cheap despite the price cuts and discount deals that car manufacturers are undertaking to survive.

One cry is to adjust the said discount deal, something more tempting to be able to get a good vehicle in the market. Though nothing has been said for now, it looks like this deal will remain the same although it is likely studies may be ongoing as we speak.

“There are so many good deals out there on pre-registered nearly-new stock that actually it’s easier to find a car with a bigger discount under these pre-registered deals than it is under the scrappage scheme,” said Kieran Puffett, editor of Parker’s.

(Source) BBC

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It appears that being tied up with the other regional brands has become a burden for most people. For Maruti, it looks like they are planning to go solo as they are on the prowl for expat and Indian engineers associated with the troubled US, Europe and Japan carmakers to form the core of their own cars from scratch in India.

Until now Maruti’s technical expertise had been restricted to giving facelift to older Suzuki cars like the Zen and Omni and upgrading them to meet the new emission norms. Although the Indian R&D team was involved in the development of Swift, Dzire and SX4, their major work was conceived in Japan. The local R&D centre, which will spearhead design and development of small cars in India, will change all that. The unit will also have testing facilities to carry out research on safety and newer technologies and will sport a testing track.

The company plans to up headcount of engineers 30% to 1,000 by 2010 to churn out new cars. Maruti, which has traditionally hired freshers from engineering colleges in India, will be tapping several top engineers and designers with experience to broaden talent pool. Maruti Suzuki India managing director S Nakanishi said: “India is Suzuki’s largest operating business, contributing more in sales and profitability than even Japan. Suzuki wants it to evolve as a full-fledged car company with capability to develop cars from scratch in future.” Suzuki has already announced $2 billion investment by 2010 in India for capacity expansion and new product development.

(Source) Economic Times

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