Car Blog

Nissan North America, Inc.  announced pricing for the 2010 Nissan cube®, which is on sale now at Nissan dealers nationwide.

The 2010 Nissan cube is available in three well-equipped models: cube 1.8, cube 1.8 S and cube 1.8 SL and in a special cube 1.8 S Krom(TM) Edition. The starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price* (MSRP) for the cube 1.8 Base model of $13,990 USD is unchanged from 2009. Earlier today, the Nissan cube was named a “Top Safety Pick” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Every cube includes many standard safety features, including six standard air bags.

The front-wheel drive cube is offered with a standard 122-horsepower 1.8-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine and a choice of Nissan’s advanced, smooth shifting Xtronic CVT(TM) (Continuously Variable Transmission) or 6-speed manual transmission.

The 2010 cube Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) are:

Engine/Transmission M.S.R.P
cube 1.8 Base 1.8L I4 M/T $13,990 USD
cube 1.8 S 1.8L I4 M/T $15,030 USD
cube 1.8 S 1.8L I4 CVT $16,030 USD
cube 1.8 SL 1.8L I4 CVT $17,130 USD
cube 1.8 S Krom Edition 1.8L I4 CVT $20,120 USD

For 2010, the Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, leather-wrapped steering wheel and steering wheel audio controls are now standard for cube S and SL models. New standard equipment for cube S models includes the Interface System for iPod®, MP3 CD-ROM playback capacity, Radio Data System (RDS), speed-sensitive volume control (SSV) and two additional speakers (six total). One new exterior color is available, Sapphire Black.

The cube 1.8 S Krom Edition adds a new 4.3-inch color audio display with USB connectivity and RearView Monitor, along with Nissan Intelligent Key(TM) with Push Button Ignition as standard equipment. In addition, the 4.3-inch color audio display with USB connectivity and RearView Monitor is added to the optional SL Preferred Package.

2010 Nissan cube

The cleverly designed Nissan cube®, with its asymmetrical rear window, refrigerator-style rear door and wide range of personal accessories, enters its second year of production in 2010 with its unique style firmly intact. The cube’s roomy interior is designed as an inviting social space for up to five passengers, with comfortable front seating and a three-position sliding, reclining theater-style rear seat. Unique interior features include asymmetrical Fine Vision gauges, “Water Drop” interior accents and detachable multi-hooks.

Available cube technology includes the Nissan Intelligent Key(TM) with Push Button Ignition, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, Rockford Fosgate subwoofer with six upgraded speakers, XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately) and Interface System for iPod®. The cube also meets the practical needs of today’s active, environmentally aware drivers, providing a small footprint with a large interior space – along with fuel efficiency of 31 mpg Highway with the CVT transmission.

The specialty vehicle cube 1.8 S Krom Edition includes exclusive upper and lower front grilles, fully integrated front and rear bumper fascias and body side sills, rear roof spoiler and 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, along with a custom interior with exclusive black and gray seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum-trimmed pedals, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, upgraded audio system with 4.3-inch color display, Rockford Fosgate subwoofer and RearView Monitor. More than 40 individual accessories are offered – ranging from a unique 20-color interior accent lighting kit and “shag dash topper” inserts to aerodynamic body kits and custom wheels – allowing cube owners to personalize their vehicles to reflect their own tastes and needs.

In North America, Nissan’s operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010, whose key priorities are reducing CO2 emissions, cutting other emissions and increasing recycling. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.infinitiusa.com.

* MSRP excludes applicable tax, title and license fees. Dealer sets actual price. Prices and specs are subject to change without notice.

Source: Nissan North America, Inc.

RMA Urge Motorists to Check Tread; Costs Just A Penny

A survey of more than 7,000 vehicles revealed that more than 11 percent had at least one bald tire, which can increase the risk of a crash, particularly in wet weather conditions that frequently occur during fall and winter months.

According to AAA, an estimated 33.2 million motorists will take to the road for Thanksgiving travel and that means nearly 4 million motorists could be at risk by driving on bald tires.

Additional alarming statistics revealed in a national motorist phone survey earlier this year found that 64% of car owners did not know how to check tread depth and 9% never check tread depth.

The surveys were sponsored by the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA), the national trade association of tire manufacturers in the U.S. RMA is urging motorists to regularly check tire tread depth and replace worn out tires before they become a serious safety risk.

“In this bad economy, drivers may be delaying necessary vehicle maintenance to save costs,” said Charles Cannon, RMA president and CEO. “But that delay may cost you more dearly if worn out tires lead to a crash with injuries or fatalities.”

According to RMA checking tread depth is simple and only costs a penny. To do the “penny test,” take a penny; insert Abe Lincoln’s head upside down into the tread. If you can see all of his head, your tire is 2/32nds of an inch deep or less and should be replaced.

Tires also have “wear bars” built into them. These are indicators that appear when you have worn your tread down to the limit. These indicators are raised sections spaced intermittently in the bottom of the tread grooves. When they appear “even” with the outside of the tread, it’s time for tire replacement.

“Your tires literally keep your vehicle attached to the road,” Cannon said. “Bald tires are dangerous because they cannot grip the road properly, they increase stopping distances and can contribute to skidding or loss of vehicle control.”

Under wet weather conditions, bald tires can hydroplane, which can lead to a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash. When a vehicle hydroplanes, the tire is riding on a film of water.

Not only are too many motorists not paying attention to tread depth, they also are ignoring tire inflation pressure. Under inflated tires also pose a safety risk, wear out faster and increase vehicle fuel consumption.

A similar survey of more than 5,400 vehicles’ tire pressure conducted in March-May 2009, RMA found:

– Only 9% of vehicles had four properly inflated tires.
– 50% of vehicles had at least one under inflated tire.
– 19% of vehicles had at least one tire under inflated by 8 pounds per square inch (psi.)

Tire inflation pressure should be checked every month and before long trips. To properly check tire pressure, motorists should check once each month; check tires when cold — before the vehicle is driven and; use the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended pressure found on a label located on the driver’s door or door post or check the owner’s manual.

While basic tire maintenance only takes a few minutes each month, many tire retailers nationwide offer tire pressure and tread depth check at no charge.

RMA collected tire tread depth information from more than 7,000 vehicles in 15 states between September 1 and November 3. The data was collected by several tire retailers that participate in RMA’s Be Tire Smart — Play Your PART tire maintenance education program.

Source: Rubber Manufacturers Association

Citizen Group’s Report Puts Cost of Auto Bailout in Perspective

The American taxpayer has put up $12,200 for every General Motors vehicle sold through the beginning of 2011, and $7,600 for every Chrysler vehicle sold as well, according to a new report issued by the 362,000-member National Taxpayers Union (NTU).

The report, The Auto Bailout – A Taxpayer Quagmire, authored by NTU Adjunct Scholar Thomas D. Hopkins, Professor of Economics at the University of Rochester, does the math on what the government bailout of the auto industry – including General Motors, Chrysler, and GMAC – actually means to American taxpayers, including how much each taxpayer has contributed to the auto industry since December 2008 and how much each vehicle is costing us.

“Every time someone in your neighborhood drives home in a shiny new Chevy Silverado, remember that it cost American taxpayers more than $12,000,” said Pete Sepp, NTU Vice President for Policy and Communications. “Between this and GM’s plan to payback their bailout debt with other taxpayer funds, I wonder if all those Americans without work right now could think of any better ways to spend that money. This is a play out of the Bernie Madoff ponzi scheme playbook, and would be the equivalent of paying your Master Card bill with your Visa.”

The study found that the average American taxpaying family has invested roughly $800 in the auto bailouts so far. Moreover, the study found, the government support poured into General Motors, Chrysler, and GMAC – the financing subsidiary that supports sales at both – now stands at a towering $78.9 billion. Given that figure, and an estimate of how many vehicles GM and Chrysler will sell through the end of 2010, the study finds that each vehicle one of the bailed-out companies sells costs taxpayers $10,700.

Finally, breaking down the costs by company, the study reports that every Chrysler vehicle sold costs taxpayers $7,600, and every GM vehicle sold costs taxpayers $12,200.

The research is based upon a November study released by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), entitled “Continued Stewardship Needed as Treasury Develops Strategies for Monitoring and Divesting Financial Interests in Chrysler and GM,” a follow-up report on the “Troubled Asset Relief Program,” as well as statements and reports released from the U.S. Treasury.

Additional Findings Include:
– GMAC receives government guarantees not available to most private firms. Coincidentally, these are the same private firms that are forced to compete with GMAC’s taxpayer-assisted bank, Ally Bank.  These guarantees save GMAC about $500 million annually in interest costs.
– During the first ten months of 2009, GM and Chrysler sales fell further than other major auto producers, down 33.4 percent and 38.9 percent, respectively.
– While the prospect of repayment of GM and Chrysler loans might be expected, after bankruptcy the vast majority of the bailout funds are no longer legal obligations of the newly-structured GM and Chrysler.
– If Americans are to believe public officials’ claims that the government will eventually reprivatize the auto industry, the necessity of a thoughtful exit plan is essential. However, at this time no such plan exists, making it likely that the Treasury will not recover its investment.

“[T]he bailout has created moral hazard problems, inadvertently handicapping the progress of stronger, non-subsidized producers,” Professor Hopkins concluded. “The problems extend beyond just the auto industry, as favored status for one financial company and its bank necessarily complicates prospects for non-subsidized rivals. The time has come to stop such bailouts, and in an orderly way, to seek at least some recovery for taxpayers.”

Thomas D. Hopkins is Professor of Economics at Rochester Institute of Technology. For more information please visit http://people.rit.edu/tdhbbu/main.htm.

The Auto Bailout – A Taxpayer Quagmire is based on data obtained from the Government Accountability Office and Treasury reports on the Troubled Asset Relief Program. The study was sponsored by the National Taxpayers Union (NTU), a nonpartisan, nonprofit citizen organization founded in 1969 to work for lower taxes, smaller government, accountability from public officials, and economic freedom at all levels. For further information, visit www.ntu.org.

Source: National Taxpayers Union

Attractive and Versatile Urban Passenger Vehicle Honored in the 2010 Active Lifestyle Vehicle Awards — Kia’s halo vehicle offers active consumers flexibility, value and fun — Soul touted for being well-suited for an active lifestyle and overall functionality

Kia Motors America (KMA) announced the 2010 Kia Soul urban passenger vehicle has been named a 2010 Active Lifestyle Vehicle (ALV) award winner in the “Super Value Award” category by The Active Network, Inc. Already a recipient of multiple awards and recognitions, including being named to the “Most Exciting Cars of 2010″ list by TIME.com, given a “Top Safety Pick” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and named to AutoWeek magazine’s “10 Great and Safe Rides for Teens” list, The Active Network, Inc. spotlighted Soul for its versatility, ability to meet the needs of an active lifestyle and overall value.

“In addition to offering an impressive package of style, safety features and value, Soul also offers those with a more active lifestyle high functionality without sacrificing excitement,” said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing of KMA. “Soul’s abundance of space, small footprint and long list of convenience features make it a viable option for the driver on-the-go.”

The 2010 ALV Awards featured 30 vehicles across seven automotive categories, including Super Value, Best Value On-Road, Best Value Off-Road, Luxury On-Road, Luxury Off-Road, Green and Minivan. A panel of athletes and automotive journalists tested and scored the finalist vehicles on performance, functionality, value and overall enjoyment.

Available in four trims, Soul, Soul+, Soul! (exclaim) and Soul sport, the five-door hatchback offers an attractive starting price below $14,000(1) in addition to an attractive and utilitarian style. Designed with the young and young-at-heart in mind, Soul presents an immense amount of style, value and function with a relatively small footprint and surprisingly spacious interior. Passengers will find comfort in the roomy cabin that offers 40.2/39.6 inches of headroom (front/rear), shoulder room of 55.2/55.1 inches, 42.1/39.0 inches of legroom and a passenger volume of 102.3 cubic feet, more spacious than the Scion xB, and usefulness from Soul’s efficient cargo carrier with 14 storage zones. Furthering the experience, passengers also will benefit from numerous standard convenience features, including an AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system outfitted with SIRIUS® Satellite Radio capabilities (including a three month complimentary subscription)(2), and USB and auxiliary input jacks in the center console with full iPod®(3) and MP3 controllability via the audio head unit and steering wheel controls (achieved with an optional Kia accessory cable).

In addition to the number of technology and convenience features found on Soul, the five-door hatchback also surrounds its occupants with abundant safety features, including front seat active headrests, dual front advanced airbags, front seat-mounted and full-length side curtain airbags, an Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist System (BAS) and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Front and rear crumple zones, side-impact door beams, an impact-absorbing steering column and Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system also come standard.

(1) Manufacturer’s Retail Suggested Price (MSRP) shown for base model and does not include destination charge of $695, and also excludes taxes, title and license fees, additional options and retailer charges.
(2) Customers must renew SIRIUS subscription after trial period if they wish to retain service. SIRIUS’s(R) three-month complimentary subscription not available in Canada, AK, or HI. For full terms and conditions, visit sirius.com. SIRIUS(R), XM(R) and all related marks and logos are trademarks of SIRIUS XM Radio Inc. and its subsidiaries.
(3) Optional Kia accessory cable required for iPod(R) mobile digital device connectivity. Cable and iPod(R) sold separately. iPod(R) is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.

Source: Kia Motors America

Sensor enables adjustment of key engine parameters to reduce nitric oxide (NOx) emissions. Ideal for auto and heavy truck applications to help optimize the trade-off between emissions reductions and fuel economy. Continental is the world’s only supplier of Smart NOx Sensors.

Continental’s Smart NOx Sensor was named a finalist for a 2010 Automotive News PACE Award, further demonstrating the company’s commitment to the development of advanced technology that reduces emissions, improves fuel economy and helps automakers manage increasing environmental regulations.

The Smart NOx Sensor is an electromechanical sensor with a custom-integrated circuit and microprocessor controls. It communicates with the vehicle control bus to enable optimum adjustment of key engine parameters, such as exhaust gas recirculation, air/fuel ratio and after-treatment injection to reduce nitric oxide emissions.

“Continental’s Smart NOx Sensor is proving to be an ideal technology for the times,” said Kregg Wiggins, senior vice president, Powertrain Division, NAFTA. “Manufacturers around the world are looking for every possible method to balance increasingly stringent fuel economy and emissions regulations. The Smart NOx Sensor helps optimize a variety of powertrain applications.”

Continental is the only automotive supplier with this technology and more than two-dozen automotive, commercial and off-highway original equipment manufacturers have embraced it. There now are more than 1.5 million units in the field. With increased adoption in the commercial truck and off-highway markets, this number is expected to reach more than seven million by 2013.

“Configuring an engine for optimal fuel economy inherently increases the amount of emissions produced,” said Wiggins. “The Smart NOx Sensor is a market-proven solution that enables powertrain engineers to find the optimal calibration that balances performance and driveability, fuel economy and low emissions. It provides a baseline for the development of future products of this nature.”

In gasoline vehicles, the sensor is used in combination with lean-burn technology to control the regeneration cycle of the NOx storage catalyst.

In diesel passenger cars and light trucks, it is used in conjunction with the exhaust after-treatment systems for Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and NOx Storage Catalyst (NSC). It also has applications in SCR systems commonly used in heavy-duty trucks.

Source: Continental

Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced the Jetta TDI Cup “Street” Edition will be available in dealer showrooms January 2010. The concept debuted in Las Vegas during the 2008 SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) show. Following the SEMA show the concept was displayed at TDI Cup races throughout the country, where it was well received by enthusiasts and consumers alike.

“Since our inaugural TDI Cup series in 2008 we have received numerous inquiries as to whether or not we would offer a TDI Cup replica vehicle,” said Mark Barnes, Chief Operating Officer, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “We’re thrilled to announce that a special edition Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition will be available in dealer showrooms early next year. What makes this special edition so unique is that it features the optional, race inspired, TDI Cup body kit package combined with our clean diesel engine. The Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition is one exceptional special model that is as fun-to-drive as it is to look at,” added Barnes.

The similarities between the TDI Cup race car and the “Street” Edition equipped with the optional TDI Cup Edition Kit are apparent at first glance — the TDI Cup “Street” Edition Kit features the front bumper, side skirts and rear valance that are found on the TDI Cup race cars. The enhancements to the TDI Cup “Street” Edition go well beyond cosmetics. All “Street” Edition Jetta TDI’s feature larger brakes with red calipers, sway bars and European sport tuned suspension from the performance oriented GLI.

The TDI Cup “Street” Edition is powered by the award winning 2.0-liter clean diesel engine that produces 140 horsepower and an impressive 236 lbs.-ft. of torque. The engine makes use of an advanced electronically controlled turbocharger and common rail direct injection technology, and can be mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or the highly acclaimed DSG® transmission.

Other standard upgrades on the Jetta TDI Cup “Street” Edition include sport seats with Interlagos cloth, and a leather-wrapped, multi-function steering wheel that features paddle shifters when equipped with the DSG transmission. Completing this dynamic special edition is a set of 18 inch Charleston wheels with performance all-season tires. This special edition starts around $25,000–staying true to the brands mantra of offering affordable German engineering that is a whole lot of fun to drive.

The Jetta TDI Cup “Street” Edition, like the Jetta TDI, Jetta SportWagen TDI, Golf TDI and Touareg TDI qualifies for an Advanced Lean Burn Technology Motor Vehicle Federal Income Tax Credit. The tax credit on the “Street” Edition is $1,300.

Like all 2010 models, the Jetta TDI Cup “Street” Edition also comes standard with Volkswagen’s Carefree Maintenance Program, with this program there are no charges for the scheduled maintenance described in the vehicle’s maintenance booklet for the length of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty — three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

Source: Volkswagen of America, Inc.