Car Blog

Carfax announced that it will be the official provider of vehicle history information for the Lamborghini Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. Starting May 1, all certified Lamborghini dealers will be required to run a Carfax Vehicle History Report as part of the extensive certification process. Anyone interested in purchasing a certified Lamborghini vehicle receives the full Carfax Report for free.

“Lamborghini enthusiasts are the most discerning car shoppers and expect quality that is second-to-none,” said Greg Minor, General Manager of Lamborghini Dallas. “That is the reason why we associate the Carfax name with ours. Every prospective client that shops with us is given a Carfax Report to prove they’re getting the finest automobile in the world.”

Every Lamborghini vehicle that is eligible for certification has less than 22,500 miles and undergoes a rigorous 150-point inspection to ensure it meets the manufacturer’s stringent program guidelines. In addition, these cars come with the industry-leading Carfax Buyback Guarantee.

“As manufacturer of the world’s premier sports machine, it’s imperative that every certified unit exceeds the highest standards,” said Pietro Frigerio, Chief Operating Officer of Automobili Lamborghini America, LLC. “Our partnership with Carfax helps ensure we deliver to our customers the quality and performance only found in a Lamborghini. Carfax makes the ultimate Certified Pre-Owned program even better.”

With the addition of Lamborghini, 28 manufacturer brands are partnered with Carfax to build consumer confidence for their Certified Pre-Owned vehicles.

Founded in 1963, Automobili Lamborghini is headquartered in Sant’ Agata Bolognese, in Northeastern Italy and manufactures some of the world’s most sought after super sports cars. With 33 dealerships in North America and 122 worldwide, Automobili Lamborghini has created a succession of dynamic and elegant super sports cars including the Miura, Islero, Urraco, 350GT, Espada, Countach, Diablo, Murcielago LP 640, Murcielago LP 640 Roadster, Gallardo Coupe, Gallardo Spyder, Gallardo SE, Gallardo Superleggera, Reventon and the recently introduced 2009 Gallardo LP 560-4 Coupe and Spyder. For more information on Automobili Lamborghini, please visit the Web site at www.lamborghini.com.

Millions of used car buyers and sellers each year rely on Carfax, the most trusted provider of vehicle history information. Using the unique 17-character vehicle identification number (VIN) found on vehicle dashboards and title documents, Carfax instantly generates a detailed Vehicle History Report on any used car or light truck. Carfax Vehicle History Reports(TM) provide valuable information that helps used car buyers and sellers make better decisions. Free Carfax Vehicle History Reports are instantly available with vehicles listed in nearly every online marketplace by Carfax-subscribing dealers. For more information or to become a Carfax-subscribing dealer, visit www.carfaxonline.com.

Source: Carfax

Drivers trained in mileage-maximizing techniques achieve 1,445 miles on a single tank of gas in a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid – averaging 81.5 mpg in Washington, D.C. – and set world record for gasoline-powered, midsize sedan

The Fusion Hybrid 1,000-Mile Challenge proves that fuel-efficient driving techniques can nearly double a vehicle’s EPA-rated fuel economy

The demonstration of the Fusion Hybrid’s ultra high-mileage potential also raised more than $8,000 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

Drivers trained in mileage-maximizing techniques such as smooth acceleration and coasting to red lights were able to get an extraordinary 1,445.7 miles out of a single tank of gas during a fund-raising effort in Washington, D.C. that concluded today. They did it by averaging 81.5 miles per gallon in an off-the-showroom floor, non-modified 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, the most fuel-efficient midsize car in North America – nearly doubling its U.S. certified mileage.

The Fusion Hybrid 1,000-Mile Challenge started at 8:15 a.m. EDT on Saturday, April 25, from Mount Vernon, Va., and ended this morning at 5:37 a.m. on George Washington Parkway in Washington, D.C. After more than 69 continuous hours of driving, the Fusion Hybrid finally depleted its tank and came to a stop with an odometer reading of 1,445.7 miles – setting a world record for gasoline-powered, midsize sedan.

The challenge team, which included NASCAR star Carl Edwards, high mileage trailblazer Wayne Gerdes and several Ford Motor Company  engineers, raised more than $8,000 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) by exceeding the goal of 1,000 miles on a single tank of gas. The Fusion Hybrid’s official estimated range is approximately 700 miles per tank.

“Not only does this demonstrate the Fusion Hybrid’s fuel efficiency, it also shows that driving technique is one of the keys to maximizing its potential,” said Nancy Gioia, director, Ford Sustainable Mobility Technologies and Hybrid Vehicle Programs. “The fact that we were able raise much needed funds for JDRF while raising the bar on fuel efficient driving performance made the effort doubly worthwhile.”

Maximizing mileage

A team of seven drivers prepared for the challenge by learning a few mileage-maximizing techniques, most of which can be used in any vehicle to improve fuel economy, but are especially useful in the Fusion Hybrid where the driver can take advantage of pure electric energy at speeds below 47 mph.

CleanMPG.com founder Wayne Gerdes, an engineer from Illinois who coined the term “hypermiling” to describe the mileage-maximizing techniques, provided the pointers. They include:

• Slowing down and maintaining even throttle pressure;
• Gradually accelerating and smoothly braking;
• Maintaining a safe distance between vehicles and anticipating traffic conditions;
• Coasting up to red lights and stop signs to avoid fuel waste and brake wear;
• Minimize use of heater and air conditioning to reduce the load on the engine;
• Close windows at high speeds to reduce aerodynamic drag;
• Applying the “Pulse and Glide” technique while maintaining the flow of traffic;
• Minimize excessive engine workload by using the vehicle’s kinetic forward motion to climb hills, and use downhill momentum to build speed; and
• Avoiding bumps and potholes that can reduce momentum

“You become very aware of your driving because you’re constantly looking for opportunities to maximize mileage, and a more aware driver is a safer driver, too,” said Gil Portalatin, Ford hybrid applications manager.

In addition, it is important for Fusion Hybrid drivers to manage the battery system’s state of charge through the use of regenerative braking and coasting, and balancing the use of the electric motor and gas engine in city driving to avoid wasting fuel.

Fusion Hybrid drivers also can stay more connected to the hybrid driving experience with Ford’s SmartGauge(TM) with EcoGuide, a unique instrument cluster that helps coach drivers on how to optimize performance of their hybrid.

The Challenge

The Fusion Hybrid 1,000-Mile Challenge team took turns driving several routes in and around the national capital over the course of approximately three days and nights. The route involved elevation changes, and ranged from the relatively open George Washington Parkway to a 3-mile stretch in the heart of the city that is clogged with roughly 30 traffic signals.

“The Fusion Hybrid works brilliantly,” Gerdes said. “When you don’t need acceleration power while driving around town, the gas engine shuts down seamlessly. There’s not another hybrid drivetrain in the world that does that as effectively. The Fusion engineering team really knocked it out of the park.”

Ford NASCAR star Carl Edwards took time away from the high speed world of professional car racing to contribute to the Fusion Hybrid team’s success in D.C.

“It was exciting to be an active part in this challenge. The fact that it will help spread the word about the Fusion Hybrid’s great mileage, and help out a great charity, makes it even more special,” said Edwards, whose ’99′ team has used fuel-saving techniques to win races. “There’s no question that the Fusion Hybrid will help consumers save fuel when they drive it. Having driven the car, I feel strongly about how great it is – so strong that I’ve purchased one myself.”

Source: Ford Motor Company

Sponsors Towns-Eshoo-Miller Put Motoring Consumers Back In The Driver’s Seat, say CARE & AAIA

The Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act, legislation that allows consumers to continue to choose where they have their vehicles repaired was reintroduced into the 111th Congress on April 22, 2009.

“HR 2057, known as the Right to Repair Act, goes to the heart of American property rights and ownership. When motorists purchase their vehicles, they should have the right to own their vehicles’ electronic, diagnostic and repair information so that they can make affordable and convenient repair choices, whether that choice is an independent repair shop or a car dealership,” said Ray Pohlman, President, Coalition for Auto Repair Equality (CARE). “As vehicles become more and more computerized, soon consumers will be very limited on repair options. In some cases, they will be forced to take the vehicles back to the new car dealerships even when their vehicles are out-of-warranty.”

Vehicles that are 1994 and newer (and some earlier models) are equipped with computers that control the repair and service information on most of the vehicles’ systems, including, but not limited to: air bags, brakes, emissions (check engine light), tire pressure, oil changes, electronics, ignition systems and keys and transmissions. In many cases, the only way for motorists to have these systems repaired is to return to the new car dealership.

U.S. Representative Edolphus Towns (D-NY), the lead Right to Repair sponsor, stated, “By guaranteeing access to vehicle repair information, we can empower consumers and give them the opportunity to choose where, how and by whom to have their vehicles repaired. We reintroduced The Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act so Brooklynites can have the option of self-servicing their vehicle, or the freedom to use an automotive independent repair shop or a car dealership to meet their auto needs.”

Joining Rep. Towns as original sponsors are Reps. Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and George Miller (D-CA). Rep. Towns is the Chairman of the Government Management, Organization and Procurement Committee and serves on the Energy and Commerce Committee. Representative Eshoo is a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee and Rep. Miller is Chairman of the Education and Labor Committee.

The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) conducted a ‘first-of-its-kind’ study which illustrated the enormous cost-benefit to consumers when their vehicles are repaired in the independent repair industry. The study clearly showed that repairs conducted at new car dealerships cost consumers on average 34 percent more than at the independent repair shops, resulting in $11.7 Billion in excess costs annually. Los Angeles consumers pay as much as 46.8 percent more at new car dealerships for repairs. The Right to Repair Act will help all of America’s motoring consumers.

Aaron Lowe, Vice President, Government Affairs for AAIA, stated, “With dealerships closing at unprecedented rates, the ability for consumers to obtain convenient and affordable repairs from their local independent vehicle repair shops is more important than ever. Right to Repair ensures that independent shops have access to the most up-to-date information, tools and software so that they can continue to maintain and repair their customers’ late model vehicles.”

Pohlman concluded, “Five million people in the United States work in the automotive aftermarket (independent repair industry) in over 495,000 locations nationwide, including ‘mom and pop’ shops. The aftermarket is a large segment of the nation’s economy and for more than 100 years has helped consumers find affordable and efficient ways to repair their vehicles.”

A broad coalition of consumer oriented and small business groups support passage of The Right to Repair Act, among them: American Automobile Association (AAA), National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), RetireSafe (represents 400,000 seniors nationwide), Tire Industry Association (TIA), National Grange and 60s Plus Seniors.

The Right to Repair Act, HR 2057, is in the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection. Information on the legislation can be found on: www.righttorepair.org.

Source: Coalition for Auto Repair Equality

Editors of Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com named the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid to its 2009 list of “Top 10 Green Cars” – Kbb.com editors praised both the Fusion and Escape Hybrids for their ability to achieve outstanding fuel economy yet still drive like conventional vehicles – Vehicles were chosen for this year’s list of “Top 10 Green Cars” based on factors such as fuel economy, comfort, convenience, safety and value for the money

There’s good news for environmentally-conscious automotive consumers from Ford Motor Company. Editors of Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com named the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid to its 2009 list of “Top 10 Green Cars.”

“This recognition says strong things about Ford as a hybrid manufacturer,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com. “What we really like about both the Fusion and Escape Hybrids is that they do everything great hybrids should do – in terms of providing excellent fuel economy – but at the same time, they drive like conventional vehicles.”

Nerad says fuel economy was just one of the factors editors of Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com took into consideration when selecting this year’s list of “Top 10 Green Cars.”

“We go beyond fuel economy and powertrain, and we look at things that people generally look at when buying any car, such as comfort, convenience, safety and value for the money,” he said.

Ford Hybrid Marketing Manager David Finnegan says winning two of the 10 spots on kbb.com’s “Top 10 Green Cars” list for 2009 demonstrates Ford’s versatility as a hybrid manufacturer.

“We are continuing to expand our portfolio to offer consumers a wider range of alternatives,” said Finnegan. “Not only do we have the most fuel-efficient SUV on the planet with the Ford Escape Hybrid but we also are committed to being a leader in the car segment. The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid provides 41 mpg in city driving and 36 mpg on the highway, making it North America’s most fuel-efficient midsize sedan.”

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
Nerad says the Ford Fusion is “getting better with age.”

“We’ve always been fans of the Fusion platform, and while this isn’t a completely new vehicle, it has been more extensively redone than most cars are in mid-cycle, which has left it looking great both inside and out,” he said. “But we’re even bigger believers in the Fusion after seeing and driving the new hybrid version.”

Nerad says he particularly is impressed with the Fusion Hybrid because it drives like a conventional vehicle while still delivering outstanding fuel economy.

“We love the way it drives, and the Fusion Hybrid handily out-economizes both the Toyota Camry (33 mpg city/34 mpg hwy) and the Chevy Malibu (26mpg city/34 mpg hwy),” he said.

The Fusion Hybrid’s class-leading fuel efficiency helped the vehicle garner its current tax credit of $1,700 from the federal government. Stacked together, the fuel savings and tax incentive can help significantly offset the premium for hybrid-electric technology over a conventional gasoline-powered vehicle.

Another factor that distinguishes the Fusion Hybrid from other hybrid vehicles is SmartGauge(TM) with EcoGuide, a unique instrument cluster execution that helps coach drivers on how to optimize the performance of their hybrid.

“It brings driver engagement to a whole new level by providing drivers with information that helps them achieve the greatest possible fuel economy,” said Finnegan. “The gauges can be customized to show various status elements, including the charge level of the battery or how efficiently you’re consuming fuel.”

The SmartGauge with EcoGuide digital instrument cluster recently won a special achievement award for Best Graphic Display as part of the 2009 Ward’s Interior of the Year competition, an annual contest that heralds vehicles for their interior styling, comfort, safety and value.

In addition to smart technology, the 2010 Fusion Hybrid offers a variety of advanced safety features. The vehicle received a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and delivers segment-exclusive safety and driver-aid technologies, such as Ford SYNC(TM) with 911 Assist and Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Alert.

Further enhancing its “green” sheen, the Fusion Hybrid features sustainable interior materials including seats that are made from eco-friendly fabric and filled with soy-based seat foam.

2009 Ford Escape Hybrid

The 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid earned a spot on kbb.com’s inaugural “Top 10 Green Cars” list last year. This year marks the brand’s second consecutive win.

“We think the Escape Hybrid is a terrific value on the hybrid scene,” Nerad said. “We like its footprint and its compact size. It’s easy to drive around town and yet comfortable for long highway trips. We’re just fans of the vehicle all the way around.”

Nerad singled out the Escape Hybrid’s braking system as an example of why he thinks the vehicle is a winner.

“A lot of times with regenerative braking, there is an odd feeling to the brakes when the vehicle transitions from electric to gas, and that is not present in the Escape at all,” he said. “It feels terrific as you’re braking – just like a conventional car.”

The 2009 Escape Hybrid also has received a number of accolades for its newly redesigned hybrid engine, an impressive list of standard safety features and its overall value, including:

• “2009 Best New Family Vehicles” by Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com – chosen based on criteria such as fuel economy, resale value, capability and kid-friendliness

• “2009 10 Best Engines” by Ward’s Automotive Group

• “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)

• “5-star” crash rating by the U.S. government

• “Best Crossover/SUV Value Under $28,000″ by Intellichoice.com, a leading source for automotive ownership cost and value analysis

“The Escape Hybrid provides great flexibility for consumers because it is both a full hybrid vehicle and a full SUV,” said Finnegan. “It enables people to do a lot of different things with the car and still get exceptional fuel economy.”

The Escape Hybrid provides 34 mpg in city driving and – like the Fusion Hybrid – features comfort-designed seats with soy-based foam that substitutes for petroleum-based products, and seat fabrics are made from post-industrial 100 percent recycled materials.

“Customers can be environmentally responsible and still have a vehicle that provides the utility of an SUV and is fun to drive,” said Finnegan.

Source: Ford Motor Company

A new online marketplace for automotive parts and accessories is successfully linking sellers and buyers in an easy-to-use and inexpensive www.AutomotiveXS.com.

Many car dealers, parts and accessories suppliers, and catalog companies are left with overstock automotive inventory without a way to sell it.

AutomotiveXS.com is a simple and low-cost way to sell these excess parts and accessories. Since its 2008 launch, AutomotiveXS.com has listed thousands of auto accessories for more than 80 car brands.

The site is in an auction and classified format, allowing sellers to easily list one or more products for sale. Buyers can browse products, bid on and watch products to see who else is bidding and at what price. There is even the option to “Buy Now” and skip the bidding process. AutomotiveXS.com is different from other auction sites in that its audience is much more targeted, selling only automotive parts and accessories. Also, the seller only pays a commission if the product sells.

These are just a few of the site’s many highlights:

• Create a free account in less than five minutes.
• Sellers will have the option for free automatic renewal of their auctions.
• AutomotiveXS.com will insure sellers’ products are indexed by major search engines for optimal placement in search results.
• It is an anonymous sales channel for sellers — there is no risk of diluting the retail brand by selling at a discount on AutomotiveXS.com.
• The bulk uploader tool allows Sellers to load hundreds of products at once.

Peter Vincent, senior parts manager at Charles River Saab in Watertown, Mass., has been using AutomotiveXS.com for a few months to sell used parts. Since then, he has sold Saab trailer hitches and has plans to put much more on the site. Previously, he was using EBay but found it to be cumbersome with many rules and regulations that inhibited the selling process.

“I absolutely would recommend AutomotiveXS to others,” Vincent said. “It’s easy to put parts on and it doesn’t cost you anything unless you sell it. It seems to be a very good system.”

For more information, visit www.automotivexs.com

Chrysler exhibits flexibility of its electric vehicle portfolio with a new Chrysler minivan EV concept, targeted for postal delivery use

Chrysler intends to submit an application under the U.S. Department of Energy’s Transportation Electrification stimulus program for a federal grant that would enable a nationwide demonstration fleet with the United States Postal Service (USPS)

Potential partnership with USPS to include infrastructure support from ConEd, Duke Energy, DTE Energy and Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)

Chrysler invented the minivan 25 years ago. More than 12 million minivan sales later, Chrysler showed off four all-electric Chrysler Town & Country minivan concepts to the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) as part of the USPS Earth Day celebration.

Chrysler LLC, in conjunction with the USPS and select energy service providers, also announced that the company intends to apply for the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DoE) Transportation Electrification stimulus program for a federal grant, which would enable Chrysler to establish a nationwide demonstration fleet of zero-emission electric minivans that could be used by the U.S. Postal Service for mail delivery.

“With more than a 40 percent market share, our Chrysler and Dodge minivans continue to lead the segment we created more than 25 years ago,” said Frank Klegon, Executive Vice President–Product Development, Chrysler LLC. “Our ENVI electric minivan concepts illustrate Chrysler’s innovation with electric vehicle technology and show what the future could hold.”

Chrysler’s ENVI group leveraged the flexibility of its electric-vehicle strategy to demonstrate an all-electric version of its best-selling minivan. These electric minivan concepts are targeted specifically for use by the U.S. Postal Service for mail delivery.

“We continue to look for energy-efficient replacement vehicles for our aging fleet as we explore ways to reduce our transportation-related carbon emissions,” said Sam Pulcrano, Vice President–Sustainability, U.S. Postal Service.

“Chrysler and the Postal Service have an established relationship as there are more than 10,000 of our minivans in the Postal Service fleet,” said Lou Rhodes, Vice President–Advance Vehicle Engineering and President of ENVI, Chrysler LLC. “The Postal Service is a recognized environmental innovator and leader, and we are excited at the prospect of continuing our relationship by working to deliver alternative energy postal delivery vehicles in the future.”

Because robust grid integration is essential for widespread customer acceptance of electric vehicles, Chrysler has enlisted the involvement of key utility partners, including Duke, ConEd and DTE. Each has signed a letter of intent (LOI) with Chrysler to equip post offices in strategically selected regions of the United States with a charging infrastructure for the envisioned program. The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) also has signed an LOI to provide USPS integration tools.

“Our partnership is structured to easily expand into additional regions of the country as the scope of the project increases,” added Rhodes.

Earlier this month, Chrysler announced A123Systems as one of its strategic partners and production battery supplier for the company’s initial production electric vehicles. Chrysler LLC and A123Systems signed an agreement stating that A123Systems will supply energy storage systems for Chrysler’s first-generation ENVI Range-extended Electric Vehicles and battery-only Electric Vehicles. Based in Watertown, Massachusetts, A123Systems has announced plans for a Michigan-based production facility. A123Systems will manufacture Nanophosphate Lithium ion prismatic battery cells, modules and battery packs for Chrysler LLC. Advanced lithium-ion battery chemistry has the capability of meeting consumer demands for performance, driving range and durability.

ENVI

A symbol that represents the first four letters of environment is Chrysler LLC’s entrepreneurial in-house organization focused on electric-drive production vehicles and related advanced technologies. ENVI is a cross-functional, nimble team empowered to move quickly and access vast resources within Chrysler LLC in order to integrate electric-vehicle technology into existing products. ENVI-powered electric vehicles inspire a personal mobility revolution, creating a new generation of responsible, no-compromise Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep(R) vehicles.

Chrysler Minivan leadership

With more than 65 minivan-first innovations in 25 years, the 2009 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan pay homage to the more than 12 million minivans sold worldwide. With the segment’s first and only Stow ‘n Go seating and storage system, minivan-first Swivel ‘n Go(TM) seat system that allows second-row passengers to swivel 180 degrees to face third-row passengers and segment-exclusive uconnect(R) studios providing satellite entertainment with family-fun programming–2009 Chrysler and Dodge minivans are the best family-friendly minivans, with more than 40 percent U.S. market share, the third-largest nameplate in Canada, unsurpassed 25 highway mile per gallon fuel economy and sales in more than 80 countries.

Source: Chrysler LLC