Car Blog

Customers buying select Model Year 2012 Toyota Camry vehicles equipped with Entune get information on fuel prices, traffic, weather, sports scores, and stocks delivered by satellite from SiriusXM

Sirius XM Radio and Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. will automatically give a 3-year subscription to SiriusXM data services, featuring fuel prices, traffic data, weather forecasts, sports updates, and stock information to customers purchasing select Model Year 2012 Toyota Camry vehicles equipped with Toyota’s new multimedia system with Entune.

The Model Year 2012 Toyota Camry is the first Toyota vehicle with these advanced features from SiriusXM.

“Toyota has included satellite radio in its vehicles since 2004 and we are delighted that they have decided to bundle three years of information services into select Camry vehicles.  These services include fuel prices, traffic data and weather delivered by SiriusXM,” said Steve Cook, Group Vice President and General Manager, Automotive Division, SiriusXM.  ”This is an advanced feature from SiriusXM that drivers will find helpful and use daily, and we are thrilled to work with Toyota to give customers the best in-vehicle experience available on the road.” Read the rest of this entry »

Nitto Tire U.S.A. announced several exciting products and initiatives that will make their debut at the 2011 SEMA Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center on November 1-4, 2011.

The Nitto Digital Passport Program is designed to assist press during the show to make their visit to the Nitto booth relaxed and informative.  Knowing that the week at SEMA is filled with numerous meetings leaving editors short on time, this program is intended to make editor engagement with Nitto Tire even better. Whether gathering information on new products, photographing vehicles or learning about new sizes and specs, the Nitto Tire Digital Passport will make the booth visit quick and engaging.  Using one of 13 interactive tire displays, media can have custom information delivered to them while touring the booth. To be a part of this unique, interactive show experience, editors will need to pre-register online at www.nittotire.com/SEMA .  Members of the media who are one of the first 100 to pre-register for the Digital Passport program will receive a special welcome gift upon check-in to the Nitto SEMA booth.   Read the rest of this entry »

Jeep & Chrysler models on the rise; Japanese brands still dominate

In recent years Ford has been a model of American reliability, competing well against Japanese makes that have dominated for decades. But three of its new models are blemishing that record, according to Consumer Reports.

The new Explorer, Fiesta, and Focus all had below-average reliability in their first year. As a result, Ford’s overall reliability rank among 28 major car makes slipped from the 10th to the 20th spot this year—the biggest drop for any major nameplate in Consumer Reports 2011 Annual Auto Survey. Survey results were scheduled to be announced today before the Automotive Press Association in downtown Detroit.

“We have often found that new or revamped models have more problems in their first year than in subsequent model years. Ford’s problems illustrate why we recommend to our subscribers to hold off buying a first-year model,” said David Champion, Sr. Director of Consumer Reports’ Automotive Test Center.

Ford’s drop can also be attributed to problems with new technologies: the new MyFord Touch infotainment system and the new automated-manual transmission used in the Fiesta and Focus. Lincoln finished above Ford, although the freshened MKX, a cousin of the Edge, suffered from the MyLincoln Touch system. On the bright side, the Ford Fusion Hybrid sedan remained outstanding, and other Fusion versions were above average.

While Ford’s star has fallen, Chrysler’s has risen. Jeep has moved up seven spots to 13, becoming the most reliable domestic brand, and all its models for which Consumer Reports has sufficient data scored average in predicted reliability. Chrysler and Dodge moved up 12 and three spots in ranking, respectively. Read the rest of this entry »

Three BorgWarner (NYSE: BWA) technologies have been named finalists for the prestigious 2012 Automotive News PACE Awards:

• BorgWarner’s advanced exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler helps heavy-duty on-highway engines meet stringent 2010 emissions regulations which require an 83% reduction in NOx over previous requirements.
• BorgWarner’s centrifugal electro-hydraulic (CEH) actuator helps improve fuel economy while delivering best-in-class torque management performance for all-wheel drive systems in a compact, integrated system.
• BorgWarner’s turbocharger with low-pressure EGR, the first available for mass production, significantly improves fuel economy, reduces emissions and improves engine response for diesel engines.

“To benefit customers as well as the industry, technological innovations must provide automakers with fast-to-market solutions to real-world challenges. BorgWarner’s focus on improving fuel economy, reducing emissions and enhancing performance is helping engines become more powerful, efficient and environmentally friendly and enabling all-wheel drive systems to deliver better handling without compromising fuel economy,” said Timothy M. Manganello, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, BorgWarner. “We are proud to add to our long history of innovation with our latest advancements and honored to be among this year’s distinguished PACE finalists once again.” Read the rest of this entry »

More TomTom Drivers Gain Access to the Most Accurate, Comprehensive and Up-To-Date Traffic Information Available

TomTom announces that its newest update to the TomTom App for iPhone, version 1.9, offers TomTom HD Traffic compatibility for Canadian drivers. TomTom HD Traffic enables drivers to get to their destination faster and is the most accurate, comprehensive and up-to-date traffic solution available.

TomTom HD traffic saves people time on their commute, money on gas and helps alleviate stress by continuously monitoring and rerouting drivers based on current traffic conditions. TomTom HD Traffic provides the most accurate reporting available by capturing more of the actual traffic jams than ever before. Additionally, TomTom HD Traffic processes traffic conditions for both the major and secondary roads within the Canadian road network and proactively delivers real-time traffic updates to devices every two minutes.

Additionally, the TomTom App, version 1.9, offers a new map and is optimized for the iPad. Now, existing TomTom App customers can download the newest version of the App to their iPads for free. The optimized App features a higher resolution for a sharper display and an enhanced user interface to fit the larger iPad screen size. The full-screen display shows both driving view and advanced lane guidance at the same time, and drivers can switch to driving view with one, simple touch from anywhere within the App. Read the rest of this entry »

Pandora, the leading personalized radio service, will be integrated in Buick IntelliLink, the luxury brand’s in-car infotainment system, starting with Buick’s 2012 sedans, Verano, Regal and LaCrosse, later this year, followed by Enclavein 2013.

Buick IntelliLink uses Bluetooth or USB to connect the driver’s smartphone to a new 7- or 8-inch, high-resolution, full-color touch screen display radio. The system offers three methods by which drivers can access and navigate their personalized Pandora stations, including controls on the touch screen display radio, buttons on the steering wheel, and voice commands.

Pandora executive vice president of business and corporate development Jessica Steel said, “Fleet-wide integration of Pandora is one of the most expedient ways to expand Pandora listening in cars and we’re delighted that Buick is rapidly making personalized radio an option for their drivers.”

“Today’s consumers expect more from their cars’ infotainment systems, and Buick IntelliLink is designed to meet and even exceed their expectations for connectivity and customization,” said Tony DiSalle, U.S. vice president of Buick Marketing. ”Pandora is an excellent example of the customizable entertainment options made available through Buick IntelliLink.”