News Service

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Consumer Reports tabs hatchbacks as most reliable car segment

In addition to its yearly offering of best values in different price classes and fuel efficiency, Consumer Reports’ recent lists of best and worst cars included the category of most reliable vehicle by segments. The list makes sense for car buyers not shopping by social status or brand loyalty but in more general terms — the reliability of vehicle segments. It’s not true in every instance, but in many cases the vehicles among the country’s most fuel efficient segment is the same segment that’s the most reliable — hatchbacks. And how ironic? Consumer Reports in general terms reports the more expensive the vehicle segment, the less reliable the segment. In the new Consumer Reports listing, fuel efficient hatchbacks were overwhelmingly

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TheWeeklyDriver.com joins Carmel's KRML golf show with weekly car review

KRML (1410 AM, 102.1 FM), the recently revived legendary radio station that debuted 55 years ago and was featured in the 1971 movie Play Misty For Me, will regularly feature a new review from TheWeeklyDriver.com. The reviews will be included in the “Fore in the Morning” golf talk show hosted by Ed Vyeda, a golf industry expert and former golf writer and sports columnist. The program will be broadcast 9-10 a.m. Sundays and will focus on the Monterey Peninsula’s golf scene, and will feature interviews and discussions of related topics. TheWeeklyDriver.com segment, offered by James Raia, the site’s editor and publisher, will feature a review of a new vehicle in either of the categories designated by the golf adages “drive

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President Barack Obama's limousine: A modified 2009 Cadillac called The Beast

One of the most anticipated moments of Election Day was President Barack Obama’s arrival for his acceptance speech. One television commentator said it might be shortest processional in history since the president’s motorcade traveled only a few blocks in downtown Chicago to the McCormick Center. The short travel distance nonetheless includes plenty of security vehicles, including the current presidential limousine — a 2009 Cadillac. It’s often called The Beast. According to the manufacturer, Chevrolet, the 2009 Cadillac presidential limousine is the first not to carry a specific model name. The vehicle’s exterior many current Cadillac styling themes, but does not resemble any particular production vehicle. The body is modification of the immediately previous DTS-badged Presidential limousines, but the vehicle’s chassis

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2014 Subaru Forester: Bigger, roomier, better mpg for enduring crossover

The 2014 Subaru Forester, the fourth generation of the all-wheel driver crossover that debuted in 1997, will be slightly longer, taller and wider than its predecessor and will make its North American debut at the LA Auto Show in late November. While featuring slightly bigger dimensions, the 2014 Subaru Forester will be closely related to its older siblings and will offer, according to the manufacturer: “An exceptionally roomy interior, featuring increased rear seat legroom, and an enlarged cargo area.” New features will also include for the North American market: an infotainment system with smartphone integration, navigation, rear view camera, and harman/kardon premium audio amplifier and speakers. In Japan, the new Forester’s powertrain options include a 146 horsepower, 2.0-liter flat four

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Honda Accord’s dubious honor: most stolen car in the United States

Nearly one million vehicles are stolen every year in the United States, which breaks down to one about every 33 seconds. But those two statistics, while staggering, only tell part of the story of car theft, particularly among the most popular stolen cars brands — Honda and Dodge. One reason for the massive problem of stolen vehicles is that owners make it easy for those in the car theft occupation. Consider: * 50 percent of all vehicles stolen are unlocked. * 25 percent of all vehicles stolen have a purse of wallet in plain sight. * 15 percent of all cars stolen have the key in the ignition. Also: * 33 percent of all vehicles stolen are in California and

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American Suzuki joins legion of former carmakers, files for bankruptcy

Citing poor sales, vast competition and bad exchange rates, the California-based American Suzuki Motor Corp. will end its U.S. auto business and file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. While continuing its motorcycle and marine engine business units, Suzuki, which began its U.S.-based business in 1985, will making models such the Samurai, Sidekick SX-4, XL-7, Vitara, Grand Vitara and its most expensive model, the Kizashi. Suzuki Japanese parent company, Suzuki Motor Corp., is not filing for bankruptcy, the company said, while adding the American company, which has about 245 U.S. dealers, will honor customer warranties; “While the decision to discontinue new automobile sales in the U.S. was difficult to make, today’s actions were inevitable under these circumstances,” the company said in

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Volkswagen Passat TDI shines when catastrophe, fuel shortage collide

Gas shortages mean different thing to different people in the automotive industry.  In the instance of Hurricane Sandy, great gas mileage didn’t matter much since there was a limited supply of fuel available. A full tank of gas in a car or trunk with a big tank and decent mileage, of course, meant a lot more. Correspondingly, hybrid and electric vehicles are keen when gas is in short supply. But what if electricity isn’t available? That was another predicament during Hurricane Sandy and in the following week’s aftermath. More relevant in times of need, therefore, how far the gas you have will take you. In other words, the range of a tank full of gas takes priority. The Smart ForTwo

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2013 Tesla Model S claims Car of the Year honors

The Tesla Model S sport sedan, overcoming the financial troubles of its owner, long delays, pricing increases and bad press, has been named as the 2013 Automobile of the Year by Automobile magazine. “It’s the performance that won us over,” said the magazine’s editor-in-chief Jean Jennings when announcing the award. “The crazy speed builds silently and then pulls back the edges of your face. It had all of us endangering our licenses.” The magazine’s road-test editor Christopher Nelson was equally impressed. “Driving the Model S is decidedly not like piloting a Nissan Leaf or an electric Smart,” he said. One of Automobile’s contributors, Ezra Dyer arranged a race with a 560-horsepower, $89,900 BMW M5 sports sedan, seeing which vehicle could

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Hurricane Sandy aftermath: beware of water-damaged cars for sale

Natural disasters like Hurricane Sandy take wide-ranging tolls on industry — the demolishing of small corner grocery stores to halting of the stock market. And the cancellation of international sporting events like the New York City Marathon to fraud in the auto industry. According to a report on the New York Times website, the damage from Hurricane Sandy not only destroyed many vehicles and affected the daily operation of car dealerships and auxiliary automotive businesses, it prompted a need for consumer awareness. Consumer advocates are warming car buyers they need to beware of vehicles that have suffered from water damage. It’s not uncommon for sellers to dry out their cars and then try to sell them without divulge the vehicles’ histories.

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Hyundai, Kia busted by EPA for faulty mpg averages in 900,000 cars

Hyundai and Kia have inflated gas mileage averages in many vehicles in their respective lineups as much as six miles per gallon, according to an investigation conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The two Korean automakers will be forced to lower their mileage estimates for many models dating to 2010 models and and face millions in federal fines and the probably of collective anger among car owners. The most erroneous mpg average in the investigation in with Kia Soul. It’s advertised with an average 35 mpg in highway driving. In the EPA audit, the Soul averaged 29 mpg in highway driving. The Soul is currently one of Kia’s best-selling cars with an 18.1 percent sales increase this year. The

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Bugatti Veyron Super Sport takes Jay Leno for a ride

Jay Leno has favorite cars for favorite occasions, but nothing in the comedian’s famous garage full of cars got as much attention than the recent arrival of two new Bugatti Veyrons. The combined price of the two models is more than $5 million. Leno begins his discussion of the two cars, saying: “Like a lot of people, we’re huge Bugatti enthusiasts.” But looking a two Veyrons is one thing and driving a new Veyron Super Sport is another thing. After discussing the merits — carbon construction to massive horsepower — with John Hill, Bugatti’s North and South American marketing director, Leno takes the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport on a test drive. It’s all in the video below. While statistics can

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Staticap debuts custom alloy wheel center cap

StatiCap has introduced a center cap for alloy wheels that enables drivers to display their vehicle logo or graphic of choice on the vehicle’s wheel center cap, upright and static, whether the vehicle is parked or racing down a highway. StatiCap operates on simple principles of physics and mechanics that keep the wheel center cap in a fixed position, regardless of the speed the wheels are rotating. This simplicity makes StatiCap far more effective than other technologies, such as non-rotating rims. Announced the SEMA Show 2012 in Las Vegas, StatiCap can be installed in seconds. Customers will receive a specially designed tool enclosed with the set of four StatiCaps. A vehicle’s current center cap can easily be removed and replaced

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eBay expands auto channel, launches eBay Garage platform

eBay Motors has launched eBay Garage, an online community and personalization platform that allow auto enthusiasts to interact in several ways. In addition to showcasing their vehicles, enthusiasts can connect to share information of purchase new parts and accessories. The new eBay Garage platform significantly builds upon the functionality of My Vehicles, a feature of eBay Motors where enthusiasts have virtually parked more than two million vehicle profiles. Fresh features that car fanatics will notice in the new eBay Garage include:* eBay Garage Community Page: A single destination for enthusiasts to find a continuous stream of vehicle photos and profiles to explore;* Favorites: Users can favorite vehicles within the community that inspire them, helping them keep tabs on a project

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Buyer beware, prepared when seeking auto loans

Many buyers walk into auto dealerships with only a vague idea of how auto loans and financing work — and it’s dangerous. While the mortgage market has learned its lesson, many auto markets remain rife with predatory lending, scams, and unwise deals that can trap unwary consumers. Prepare to buy your next car by learning the law. Years ago, the federal government dedicated a handful of laws to protecting your information and preventing fraud during the auto loan process. The more you know about these laws, the more ready you will be. So start reading, take notes, and walk into the dealership knowing what you can do – and what lenders cannot. Truth in Lending Act The Truth in Lending

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Scion shines again, Ford plummets sharply again in Consumer Reports' survey

Toyota Motor Corp.’s Scion, Toyota and Lexus remain in the top three positions, while Ford continued its abrupt plunge for the second straight year in Consumer Reports’ survey of auto reliability. On the list of 28 brands, Scion remained first, followed by Toyota and Lexus; Ford fell to 27th position in 2012 after dropping from 10th to 20th in 2011. The top-seven brands on the list are Japanese. “Ford‘s bumpy road can be seen in the numbers,” Jake Fisher, Consumer Reports’ new director of automotive testing, said. “Sixty percent of Ford-branded models and half of Lincolns were below average in predicted reliability, and none placed above average.” In June, the Ford brand placed 27th in the annual Initial Quality Study

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Mitt Romney auto industry television campaign ripped by New York Times

Andrew Rosenthal, who has covered presidential elections for 25 years and is the current editorial page editor of The New York Times, is not pleased how Gov. Mitt Romney is discussing the auto industry. Rosenthal writes the blog Taking Note for the newspaper and he’s upset with a new television advertisement he believes is inaccurate. He writes in part: “It’s odd for Mr. Romney to complain that Mr. Obama ‘took’ the automakers into bankruptcy, since he advocated a managed bankruptcy for those companies four years ago. It’s also odd for Mr. Romney to claim that he’ll fight for every American job, since he got rich, in part, by investing in companies that specialized in relocating jobs done by American workers

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