Latest Car News
June Auto Sales Show Signs of Slow Rebound
Posted: Jul. 02, 2009 11:07:10 a.m.
USA Today reports, "June car sales were bad - 28 percent lower than a year ago - but industry executives say they think the market has hit bottom and will continue to inch up as the year progresses." June sales results show "the first month since September that sales have fallen less than 30 percent." Nissan North America Vice President Al Castignetti told USA Today, "What we're seeing is stabilization."
The results were less impressive than some analysts had hoped. If ...
Suzuki Offers "Free Gas for Summer" -- Is It Real?
Posted: Jul. 02, 2009 11:07:26 a.m.
First, Hyundai offered to lock in the price of gas at $1.49 per gallon for a year. Now, Suzuki has attempted to top Hyundai's offer. The Japanese automaker is offering "Free Gas for Summer" with the purchase of a new Suzuki SX4 sedan or SX4 crossover.
Sort of.
Autoblog explains, "Whether or not this incentive is really ‘free gas for summer' depends on how much you plan to drive over the next three months or so." SX4 buyers ...
Report: Rental Car Prices Rising
Posted: Jul. 02, 2009 11:07:24 a.m.
The New York Times reports, "While the global recession has sent prices plummeting on airfares, hotels and cruises, it is having the opposite effect on rental cars. In May, the average rate for a weekly airport rental of a compact car booked seven days in advance was $345.99, up a whopping 73 percent compared with $199.65 for the same month last year."
Why the dramatic increase? Autoblog explains, "There are fewer vehicles to rent, as companies like Hertz ...
GM Announces 72-Hour Sale, Cash for Clunkers Promotion
Posted: Jul. 02, 2009 10:07:26 a.m.
General Motors has announced a new "72 Hour Sale" that began yesterday and ends on July 6, offering 0 percent interest for up to 72 months on select models. (Apparently the company is in bankruptcy due to poor math skills. Even we know there are more than 72 hours in six days, and we're editors - we failed math).
Kicking Tires explains, "Included 2009 and 2010 models in the 0% for 72-months term are: Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra regular ...
Cash for Clunkers Starts July 23
Posted: Jul. 01, 2009 10:07:31 a.m.
You have three weeks to get the Monte Carlo running, at least well enough to drive it to a dealership. The "Cash for Clunkers" program, which will pay consumers a rebate of up to $4,500 toward the purchase of a new car when they turn in an older, less efficient car, is about to begin.
Autoblog reports, "When President Obama signed the Cash-for-Clunkers bill into law back on June 24, the Transportation Department was given 30 days to set ...
Hyundai Assurance Locks in Price of Gas at $1.49 for a Year
Posted: Jul. 01, 2009 10:07:49 a.m.
The Hyundai Assurance program seems to add a new provision every month, but the latest one has caused a bit of a buzz.
Autoblog explains, "The newest promotion, Gas Lock, fixes the price of regular unleaded at $1.49 per gallon for the next year. The program runs July 1 through August 31." It applies to most Hyundai vehicles, but the entry-model Accent, and every Genesis sedan and Genesis Coupe are excluded. Higher Accent trim levels are included.
Recall Alert: Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator
Posted: Jul. 01, 2009 10:07:27 a.m.
Ford has issued a recall notice for certain 2009 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs, in order to correct a brake lamp defect that could lead to an accident.
In a defect notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Ford explains that, in affected vehicles, "The brake stop lamp switch may be improperly adjusted. This may result in a delay in brake stop lamp illumination when the brake pedal is depressed." If a driver presses lightly on the ...
Recall Alert: Saturn Vue
Posted: Jul. 01, 2009 10:07:10 a.m.
General Motors has issued a recall notice for about 45,000 2008 Saturn Vue SUVS to correct a problem with the door handle that could contribute to an injury. The problem affects only those vehicles with door handles painted to match the body of the car. Chrome-handled Vues are unaffected.
In a defect notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, GM explains, "The outside door handles may stick or bind. If this were to occur, the door may ...
Want a Chevy Camaro? Get in Line
Posted: Jun. 30, 2009 11:06:13 a.m.
Maybe, despite high summer gas prices, we can't resist the lure of a broad-shouldered muscle car. Maybe we can't resist the lure of a poorly-reviewed movie. Whatever the reason, Chevrolet can't keep up with the demand for its new Camaro.
USA Today reports, "General Motors says it's struggling to meet demand for its new 2010 Chevrolet Camaro, with some buyers paying $500 to $2,500 more than the sticker price. The Camaro is creating enough buzz ...
Report: Four Versions of Fiat 500 Coming Stateside
Posted: Jun. 30, 2009 11:06:28 a.m.
The little Fiat 500 is one of Europe's most popular cars. Similar to the Mini Cooper, it's a retro-inspired three-door hatchback with nearly endless customization options that trades on cuteness and fun as much as fuel economy. When Fiat bought Chrysler, auto industry insiders wondered if the little 500 would reach the U.S., filling a need no Chrysler product can meet.
Now, we have our answer. We'll get four styles of the little thing by 2011 ...
