Car Blog

Ford drivers with SYNC AppLink now have another entertainment option with the addition of Slacker Radio to the portfolio of available SYNC-compatible smartphone apps.

AppLink builds on the award-winning SYNC connectivity system by enabling drivers to access and control apps on their smartphones by simply using their voice and allowing their hands to stay on the steering wheel and their eyes on the road.

“Customers now have so many options for accessing music and information. Ford SYNC AppLink allows us to not only keep pace with what they are listening to, but how they are listening to it,” said Doug VanDagens, director of Ford Connected Services. “With its huge music library, Slacker Radio dramatically increases the content options for Ford drivers.”

“Slacker listeners can create their own custom stations by selecting their favorite artists and songs, or listen to any of more than 150 stations curated by expert DJs who love the music they play,” said Steve Cotter, senior vice president of Business Development at Slacker Radio. “When they’re not in the mood for music, Slacker listeners can tune in to a wide variety of personalized talk content including personalized comedy, ABC News and ESPN Radio stations.” Read the rest of this entry »

With its high-performance styling and head-turning co-star, the FIAT brand’s first 60-second social media spot promoting the new 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth has seduced more than 1 million YouTube viewers in just one week.

The digital spot titled “Seduction” made its debut at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show to hundreds of journalists and then was posted to the FIAT brand’s YouTube site. Without having ever been aired on television or cable networks, it has rapidly spread through the web and gained global attention. It represents the unique characteristics of the Fiat 500 Abarth as a sensual and strikingly stunning model and takes a peak at what happens the first time a customer encounters the race-ready vehicle. The spot ends with a sexy and edgy message, “The Fiat 500 Abarth. You’ll never forget the first time you see one.”

“The FIAT brand is thrilled to learn that our spot has captured the attention of so many people across the globe,” said Olivier Francois – Head of FIAT Brand and Chief Marketing Officer, Chrysler Group LLC. “What was created as video introduction for the Fiat 500 Abarth’s U.S. debut is gaining global momentum and becoming news in its own right. Indeed, it’s become a seductive way to maintain excitement and increase awareness for our newest model.” Read the rest of this entry »

Over 42.5 million motorists are expected to ravel over 50 miles or more this Thanksgiving Holiday (Wednesday – Sunday), making it one of the busiest holiday travel times of the year.

A group of elite professional truck drivers with millions of accident-free miles are offering advice on how to navigate through highway traffic and arrive at your destination safely. Tips include:

• Prepare you vehicle for long distance travel: Check your wipers and fluids. Have your radiator and cooling system serviced. Simple maintenance can prevent many of the problems that strand motorists on the side of the road before you leave your home.

• Plan ahead:  Before you get on a highway, know your exit by name and number, and watch the signs as you near the off-ramp. Drivers making unexpected lane changes to exit often cause accidents. Read the rest of this entry »

Twenty five years ago, ground was broken on a 1,300-acre tract of farmland in Scott County that now is home to Toyota’s largest manufacturing facility outside of Japan – employing nearly 7,000 team members.

In recognition of the milestone, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. (TMMK) will host a celebration tomorrow at Keeneland Race Course that features Fujio Cho, chairman of Toyota Motor Corp. and past president of the TMMK operation, former Gov. Martha Layne Collins, and state and community leadership.  In addition, team members will mark the anniversary at a private function at Rupp Arena.

In 1986, TMMK broke ground on its Georgetown plant site.  In all, the company has invested $5.4 billion in the operation, which has seen several expansions, including two new plants.  Today, TMMK produces Camry, Avalon and Venza vehicles, plus 4 cylinder and V6 engines, as well as several other components.

“It’s hard to believe that it has been 25 years since we began our journey here,” said Cho, president of the plant from 1988 to 1994.  ”I remember when we built the first Camry.  Despite the uncertain future, we were excited to make Kentucky our first home for a Toyota vehicle plant in the U.S.” Read the rest of this entry »

Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Germany wins the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show Design Challenge competition after the presentation of its Smart 341 Parkour vehicle, a futuristic vehicle that steals the screen in a fictional action adventure.

This year’s Design Challenge focused on designing Hollywood’s next hottest movie car. The entries ranged from vehicles acting as faithful companions to their human counterparts to strong protectors of freedom and justice.

In a city famous for its friendly people and beautiful weather, the Smart 341 Parkour helps reporter Annie Angle on the mission to write her first, potentially career-making, front page news article in a city notoriously known for a lack of parking spaces. On an early Sunday morning, an article in a newspaper catches Annie’s eyes: “Smart Granny Robots Missing!” Using her Smart 341 Parkour and its three different modes – a typical drive mode, a fly mode that allows the vehicle to hover far above the streets and a climb mode that allows the vehicle to run up the walls of skyscrapers – Annie sets off on an investigation to discover the missing link for her journalistic masterpiece. The Smart 341 Parkour design tells the story of a more optimistic view of the future. Read the rest of this entry »

2012 Audi Q7 and 2012 Audi A5 receive recognition

Audi announced that it received three 2012 Best Resale Value Awards from Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com, the leading provider of new and used vehicle information. The annual Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value Awards recognize vehicles expected to maintain the greatest proportion of their original list price after five years of ownership. The 2012 Audi Q7 received two awards, and the 2012 Audi A5 also received recognition.

“At Audi, it is always our goal to produce dynamic, top performing vehicles that retain their value.  We’re proud that the 2012 Audi Q7 and A5 have received a stamp of approval from Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com,” said Johan de Nysschen, President, Audi of America.

The 2012 Audi Q7 was named Best Resale Value in the Luxury Utility Vehicle class, and was one of the Top 10 cars with Best Resale Value according to Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com.  The seven-passenger Audi Q7 exceeds driver and passenger expectations for functionality and comfort. Q7 customers have the option of a gasoline turbocharged, fuel-injected 3.0 liter TFSI engine, or a powerful yet fuel efficient V6 turbocharged direct injection TDI clean diesel engine. The Audi Q7 features a luxurious, premium interior including heated and available cooled, twelve-way power front seats, fore and aft adjustable rear middle seats, and foldable seats in the third row. For maximum comfort, an available panoramic roof gives the cabin a light, open feeling. The 2012 Audi Q7 offers the most advanced Audi technologies available, including Audi connect with a rolling Wi-Fi® Hotspot for up to eight devices and Google Voice Local Search. The Audi music interface with iPod®/iPhone® connectivity ensures user friendly perusing of play lists and song titles via the Audi MMI system. A full complement of airbags, including Sideguard® head curtain airbags for all three rows of seats ensures passengers stay safe. Read the rest of this entry »