Car Blog

Kelley Blue Book Presents Multiple Brand Image Awards

Kelley Blue Book announced that Porsche has won three 2010 Brand Image Awards, including Coolest Brand, Best Performance Brand and Best Exterior Design – Luxury Brand. Porsche garnered more awards than any other brand this year.

The 2010 Brand Image Awards are based on consumer data collected by Kelley Blue Book, which surveys more than 12,000 shoppers a year via its Brand Watch Study on kbb.com. The Brand Watch Study analyzes new-vehicle shoppers’ perceptions of brands and the factors that influence their vehicle-purchasing decisions.

“These are very important awards, because they are based on what consumers think about our brand,” said Detlev von Platen, Porsche Cars North America President and CEO. “It’s great to reaffirm that consumers have such a high opinion of Porsche, especially since it comes from Kelley Blue Book — a company consumers really trust for accurate and objective vehicle information.”

Kelley Blue Book’s Brand Image Awards recognize automakers’ outstanding achievements in creating and maintaining brand attributes that capture the attention and enthusiasm of the new-car buying public.

“Performance and cool have forever gone hand in hand, and Porsche’s uncompromising, laser-like focus on driver enjoyment makes its cars distinctly desirable,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com.

“If you believe the marketing credo ‘perception is reality,’ then you cannot help but be encouraged about the prospects of the winners of Kelley Blue Book’s Brand Image Awards,” said Nerad. “The brands included on this elite list have convinced the car-buying public at large of the considerable virtues of their vehicles, and correlates well with success in the crowded automotive marketplace.”

Kelley Blue Book will present the awards to Porsche executives at the New York Auto Show next week, where the German carmaker will reveal its all-new Cayenne lineup and the new Cayenne S Hybrid for the first time in North America.

Reddy Ice Holdings, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is the largest manufacturer and distributor of packaged ice in the United States. One of the company’s products is the Ice Factory, a stand-alone machine that dispenses packaged ice.

Looking for a “greener,” more affordable van to replace some of the vehicles currently in its fleet, including Dodge Sprinters and Chevrolet HHRs, Ready Ice opted for the Ford Transit Connect. The company’s technicians will now drive Transit Connects to service and maintain the thousands of Ice Factory machines throughout the country.

Reddy Ice Holdings, the largest manufacturer and distributor of packaged ice in the United States, employs more than 2,000 people year-round. The company sells its products primarily under the widely known Reddy Ice brand to a variety of customers in 32 states and the District of Columbia.

One of the company’s products is the Ice Factory ice-dispensing machine. There are several thousand machines at various locations throughout the country that need to be serviced and maintained on a regular basis.

The Ice Factory service fleet consists of 250 vehicles, most of them traditional cargo vans. According to Lee Hatch, Reddy Ice corporate fleet manager, Ice Factory service technicians rack up between 25,000 and 50,000 miles annually on each vehicle, and he needed to find a vehicle that could begin to replace some of the large, gas-guzzling vans in the fleet.

Hatch says he spent a great deal of time researching vehicles. His primary criteria were environmental impact, fuel efficiency, cargo-carrying space and vehicle cost.

He chose the Ford Transit Connect because it provides ample cargo-carrying capacity in a compact vehicle. It also offers much better fuel economy and is more environmentally friendly than traditional cargo vans.

Hatch says he also appreciates the Transit Connect’s compact size, which makes the vehicle easier for drivers to maneuver and park. And the price is affordable. Hatch says that in many instances, he can buy two Transit Connects for the same price as one traditional cargo van.

Hatch upfitted his 17 Transit Connects with storage bins for parts and tools. Some of the vehicles have accommodations for refrigeration tanks and equipment.

The response from Ice Factory service technicians driving the Transit Connect has been positive. And future plans are to continue to expand the number of Transit Connects in the Ice Factory fleet.

Ford’s Transit Connect enjoys a global reputation for durability and toughness dating back to its 2003 launch, when an expert jury of European commercial vehicle journalists dubbed it International Van of the Year.

Ford’s Transit Connect is powered by a 2.0-liter I-4 engine with a four-speed automatic overdrive transmission. The vehicle offers double the fuel economy of full-size vans with a rating of 22 mpg city and 25 highway.

The versatile Transit Connect is a global Ford product that can be adapted to multiple commercial business applications. It has more than double the cargo-carrying space of the Chevrolet HHR Panel, and it offers users a cargo payload of up to 1,600 pounds, which means that it can carry a larger payload than the full-size Dodge Ram 1500 standard-cab short-box pickup truck.

The Transit Connect is available now at Ford dealerships throughout the country.

Source: Ford Motor Company

The iconic Jeep brand ranks as the top domestic brand in Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com® 2010 Residual Value Study.

According to the annual resale value analysis, new 2010 Jeep brand vehicles will maintain 35.7 percent of their original value after five years of ownership – more than 3 percent above the industry average.

“This achievement is a testament to the strength and heritage of the Jeep brand,” said James Bell, Executive Market Analyst – Kelley Blue Book. “The word ‘Jeep’ has long stood for strength, portraying the vision of what a Jeep is, and what it can do. The Wrangler has, and continues to be the backbone of this marque, drawing a strong and loyal following, helping to maintain its value.”

While eight of the brands in the study’s top 10 declined versus their 2009 values – with the industry average declining 1.6 percent – the Jeep brand’s resale value improved 2.8 percent for 2010.

“We are pleased that the Jeep brand has been recognized by Kelley Blue Book for earning the highest resale value among domestic brands, and that Jeep has improved significantly in a difficult year that has seen the industry decline,” said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “The Jeep brand’s high resale value is a testament to a legendary, iconic brand that provides consumers an array of SUVs that deliver a unique blend of freedom and adventure, capability, best-in-class claims and value.”

Jeep vehicles have always been right-sized, never wasteful and deeply respectful of the environment – traits important to all Jeep owners who share a passion for adventure, fun and freedom in whatever they do. The brand’s legendary Go Anywhere, Do Anything(TM) heritage is maintained in the widest range of sport-utility vehicles (SUVs) under one brand.

– Jeep Compass is a compact SUV with a modern, urban design that delivers fun, freedom, utility, best-in-class fuel economy of 29 miles per gallon (mpg) and Jeep 4×4 capability at a terrific value
– Jeep Patriot is designed to reach younger buyers wanting the credibility, capability and cachet of the Jeep brand at an affordable price with class-leading fuel economy of 29 mpg. Patriot was recently named an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) “Top Safety Pick,” and earned the Texas Auto Writers Association’s “Compact SUV of Texas” award
– Jeep Liberty offers legendary Trail Rated® Jeep 4×4 capability combined with a new level of on-road refinement and innovative features, including an industry-exclusive Sky Slider full-length open-canvas roof
– Jeep Wrangler, the brand icon, remains true to its heritage as the original, extreme fun-and-freedom machine
– Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is the only four-door convertible SUV on the market with room for five adult passengers
– Jeep Grand Cherokee, the vehicle that revolutionized the SUV market when it was introduced in 1992, continues as the luxury flagship of the brand with its on-road refinement and off-road capability
– Jeep Commander, with seating for seven, delivers a best-in-class off-road driving experience with superior on-road ride and handling

The Jeep brand

Built on nearly 70 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV with class-leading capability, craftsmanship and versatility for people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a full-line of vehicles that continue to provide owners with a sense of security to handle any journey with confidence.

To meet consumer demand around the world, all seven Jeep models are sold outside North America – and all are available in right-hand drive versions and with gasoline and diesel powertrain options. Chrysler Group LLC sells and services vehicles in approximately 120 countries around the world.

Source: Chrysler Group LLC

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

Nissan LEAF Zero-Emission Tour kicks off in Los Angeles

The Renault-Nissan Alliance today announced that Nissan and Reliant Energy of Houston, Texas, one of the major competitive electricity providers in the nation, have forged an agreement to advance zero-emission mobility in the United States. The announcement helps pave the way for the 2010 introduction of Nissan LEAF, the industry’s first all-electric, zero-emission car designed for the mass market. The company expects to begin sales in late 2010. Reliant is a subsidiary of NRG Energy, Inc. , one of the largest electricity generators in the United States.

Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn announced the agreement today at the kickoff of the Nissan LEAF Zero-Emission Tour, at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, marking the first North American appearance of Nissan LEAF.

The vehicle debut was followed by a panel discussion representing the key interests of the environmental, energy and air-quality communities. Participants included Ghosn, Mary D. Nichols, Chairman, California Air Resources Board; David Crane, President & CEO, NRG Energy, of which Reliant is a subsidiary; and Patricia Monahan, Deputy Director, Clean Vehicles Program and Director of the California Office, Union of Concerned Scientists.

“The Renault-Nissan Alliance has committed to becoming a global leader in zero emissions,” said Ghosn, who also is chairman and CEO of Renault. “Together, Nissan and Reliant Energy share the vision that electric vehicles offer the best solution to reducing CO2 emissions. The Nissan LEAF is the only all-electric, zero-emission vehicle that will be available to drivers on a mass-market scale and at an affordable price.”

As part of the agreement, Nissan and Reliant Energy will develop plans to promote a charging infrastructure for electric cars that encourages home and workplace charging, as well as a public charging infrastructure. The companies will work to coordinate the establishment of policies and help streamline charging infrastructure deployment. Nissan also has agreed to make available a supply of electric vehicles to Reliant and in its areas of operation.

“This agreement with Nissan is another part of our comprehensive effort to speed up the adoption of broad-based electric-powered transportation ecosystem,” said David Crane, CEO of NRG.

“We can now see a clear path to having thousands – even hundreds of thousands – of zero-emission vehicles on Texas roads in the next several years,” said Jason Few, President of Reliant Energy.

The Los Angeles debut marked the first stop on a nationwide tour of LEAF. The Nissan LEAF Zero-Emission Tour will make stops in 22 cities, in 11 states, the District of Columbia, and Vancouver, Canada, offering the opportunity for interested drivers, media, civic partners, businesses and university students to learn more about Nissan LEAF and the benefits of zero-emission driving. Los Angeles-area stops also include Santa Monica, Glendale and the University of Southern California campus. Details can be found at www.nissanusa.com/leaf-electric-car.

Nissan, along with alliance partner Renault, is the only automaker committed to making all-electric vehicles available to the mass market on a global scale. Through the Nissan LEAF Zero-Emission Tour, Nissan will be showcasing the electric vehicle and battery technology as well as the company’s zero-emission mobility objectives. Nissan is also furthering the development of an electric-vehicle infrastructure through agreements with the State of Tennessee, the State of Oregon, Sonoma County, San Diego, Phoenix, Tucson, Washington D.C., Seattle, Raleigh, Vancouver, and Mexico City.

Source: Nissan North America