DETROIT, MI - General Motors says production is set to begin late next year on a luxury version of its Chevrolet Volt hybrid.
The automaker said Tuesday the Cadillac ELR will be assembled at the Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly plant. That plant makes the Chevrolet Volt, Opel Ampera and Holden Volt.
The Cadillac will run on electricity and carry a four-cylinder gasoline engine to generate power when the batteries run out of juice. It's based on the Cadillac Converj, a concept car unveiled in 2009 at the Detroit auto show.
GM North America President Mark Reuss said in a statement that the car is "further proof of our commitment to electric vehicles and advanced technology."
The company will invest $35 million at the plant, which hasn't produced a two-door car since the 1999 Cadillac Eldorado.
Most items come with a fixed price tag that you can't argue about - they're practically written in stone. Besides coupons or the occasional promotional offer, there are very few ways to save. Big purchases, however, are, somewhat strangely, an exception to the rule. Any veteran car buyer will understand that bargaining is an important part of buying a car, and, depending on your personality, often the most fun or stressful part. Negotiations make some people feel uncomfortable, but for others it is their calling in life. So if you are in the market for a new car, but are fairly new to the game and haven't yet honed your negotiation skills, here are some simple tips for bartering down the price for any car.
1) Be Willing to Walk Away
Car dealers are trained to gauge how much a potential buyer wants the car. It's simple: by demonstrating your willingness to leave and find another seller, you improve your chances of receiving a better offer. And don't feel like there is some sort of deadline - there isn't. Dealers are used to long negotiations, so if their final offer is still not low enough, threaten to leave and, most importantly, follow through if necessary. Remember that you can always come back later to resume your negotiations. Make sure to leave your number so that the dealer can contact you with a better price. Remain polite throughout the whole process, let them know that you are going to buy a car and encourage them to call you if they can make a better offer.
2) Get to Know the Car
Learn everything you can about the car you are trying to purchase. Dealers look for potential buyers who are not car experts, so by thoroughly researching the car you want to buy, you can demonstrate that you won't be easily suckered into a deal that represents poor value for money. If you want to buy a Toyota Corolla, get to know what models are available, what features come as standard, what added extras are possible, the car's horsepower and how its value is expected to depreciate over time. Car salesmen are adept at making a car look and sound better than it is in order to secure a higher sales price, so be prepared to rebut any misinformation you may encounter. Remember that buying a car is a major financial commitment, and research accordingly.
3) Investigate the Competition
Just like any other industry, car dealers have to compete with each other for customers - and the competition can be fierce. Use this to your advantage. By visiting a few car dealers and getting a feel on what they charge, you can use this as leverage. Even if you have to drive to a nearby town, make sure that you have quotes from multiple dealers. One tactic you might want to consider is to get a written offer from a dealer to take to a rival. By using this as a starting point for negotiation, you may be able to incite a bidding war. Remind dealers on occasion that you have other options and are willing to use them. Note that it is often beneficial to shop for cars near the end of the month when sales staff are under pressure to hit their targets and may therefore be more malleable in terms of their pricing.
4) Negotiate for Upgrades
After careful negotiations, a car dealer might simply be unwilling to lower the price any further. While they may be bluffing, there's usually a point when they will simply refuse to drop the price. This does not have to end your negotiations with them. If you are buying a van, for example, offer to pay their price but only if they install a towing hitch to the vehicle. Dealers have been known to take offers like this in exchange for finalizing the deal.
5) Talk to Contacts on the Phone
One technique car dealers use is to leave the room and talk to a boss or coworker. In doing so, they try to intimidate buyers into thinking that they simply cannot lower the price any further. Adopt this technique while negotiating. Find someone you know and trust who is knowledgeable about cars and then call them and ask for their input if you are unsure how to proceed. Since they are not in the room negotiating, they may be better able to assess the deal on the table. This may also lead the dealer to realize that their standard tactics are unlikely to be effective with you.
To Conclude
Buying a car doesn't have to be intimidating - it is exciting! The negotiation process is, whether you like it or not, a necessary part of buying any car. By preparing yourself for the process, you can often get the car you want for much less. Remind yourself of the money you can save, and use it to motivate you towards negotiating as effectively as possible.
Usain Bolt “Goes for Gold” with Nissan
Written by The Driver· World’s fastest man to help develop “Bolt-performance” GT-R
· Olympic champion extends brand ambassador role as “Director of Excitement”
· Unique Gold GT-R, inspired by medal-winner, to be auctioned for Usain Bolt Foundation
YOKOHAMA, Japan – Usain Bolt, the world’s fastest man and champion Olympic sprinter, is targeting another record-breaking performance by offering his passion and performance instincts to the Nissan team developing a special “Bolt” version GT-R.
Following his world records and medal-horde at the London Olympiad, Bolt today signed a special deal with Nissan Motor Co, Ltd, to extend his role as brand ambassador for the 196-mph GT-R and to become honorary “Director of Excitement” for the company’s ambitious global marketing drive.
Bolt, appearing at Nissan’s world headquarters, said: “Racing is my inspiration, and I want to help Nissan become an even more exciting brand for everyone.”
Toshiyuki Shiga, Chief Operating Officer, welcomed Bolt’s endorsement and deepening ties with Nissan – where he became a brand spokesman on the eve of the London Games. “Nissan shares the spirit of excitement that captivated worldwide audiences at the Olympics. There is no-one better qualified than Usain Bolt to help us translate that spirit into great experiences,” said Shiga.
In recognition of Bolt’s contribution to sports and his automotive enthusiasm, Nissan’s Chief Operating Officer unveiled a unique gold-painted GT-R, which will be auctioned to benefit the Usain Bolt Foundation (http://usainbolt.com/foundation/).
Proceeds from the online auction, details which will be announced later in October, will help the foundation’s work creating educational and cultural opportunities for children and young people in the Olympic Champion’s home country of Jamaica.
The one-off GT-R, to be auctioned on the eBay online auction platform, will be embossed with Bolt’s signature and bespoke interior fittings finished in real gold.
News of the deepening Nissan relationship coincides with Bolt’s pledge to defend his titles at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
As part of Bolt’s partnership with Nissan, the sprinter today test-drove various GT-R models at the car company’s proving ground near Oppama, Japan, where his reaction times, acceleration and other handling capabilities will be used in developing a special “Bolt GT-R” for his personal use.
Additionally, Bolt will start work with Nissan product specialists on a limited-edition version which can be ordered in markets where GT-R is available. Details of this project will be announced at a later stage.
Bolt, who was collected from Tokyo’s Narita Airport in a GT-R driven by F1 racer Mark Webber, is expected to contribute further to Nissan’s “WHAT IF_” global brand campaign.
The campaign, featuring Nissan’s iconic products and breakthrough technologies in billboards at airports around the world, forms part of the company’s Power 88 mid-term business plan – aimed at capturing 8 per cent market share and 8 per cent operating margins.
To continue building brand momentum at Nissan, TV commercials featuring the Nissan LEAF electric vehicle, called “What if you could drive the future, today?”, will also be aired via six major international TV networks starting in October 2012.
Earlier this year, Interbrand reported Nissan’s rise in its latest report of the world’s Top 100 brands: ‘2012 Best Global Brands’. In the ranking, Nissan rose 13 places on the prior-year report to rank 73rd in global brand value.
TOKYO, JAPAN - Toyota Motor Corp. announced the industry's biggest single automotive recall since 1996, saying it will pull back 7.43 million vehicles worldwide -- including 2.47 million in the United States -- to fix power window switches.
The U.S. action covers various 2007 through 2009 models of the Camry, Camry Hybrid, Yaris, RAV4, Tundra, Scion xD, Scion xA, Sequoia, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Corolla and Matrix. About 240,000 vehicles in Canada are also affected.
The recall comes as President Akio Toyoda pushes to rebuild the company's reputation for quality. Toyota recalled more than 10 million units in 2009 and 2010 for defects associated with unintended acceleration.
Toyota didn't provide estimates on the cost of the recall. The power window switches can be repaired in about an hour depending on the dealer's work schedule, the company said in a statement.
"The process to repair (the power window switch) is not an extensive one," spokeswoman Monika Saito said.
The automaker said driver's-side switches are prone to having a "notchy" or "sticky" feel. If commercial lubricants are applied to address the issue, the switch assembly could melt or emit smoke and in some cases cause a fire.
The company said it's conducting the recall to inspect the vehicles and apply special fluorine grease to the switch.
Toyota said it hasn't received any reports of injuries or accidents because of the issue. The first time the problem was reported was in September 2008 in the United States, Saito said.
Other countries
About 1.4 million vehicles in China and 1.39 million in Europe are also affected, said Joichi Tachikawa, a Tokyo-based spokesman.
The firm is also recalling 650,000 vehicles in Australia and Asia, 490,000 in the Near and Middle East, and 330,000 elsewhere, said Shino Yamada, another spokeswoman for Toyota.
Koichi Sugimoto, senior analyst at BNP Paribas Securities in Tokyo, said: "Of course, 7 million vehicles is a huge number, but it's probably not going to be like last time when customers in the United States avoided buying Toyota cars. This sounds like a completely different scale from then."
Another securities analyst, Satoru Takada of Toward the Infinite World Inc., said: "Even if you calculate the cost in a very simple way, it's going to be significant. What comes with standardizing platforms and parts is that these recalls become immense."
The move comes a day after Toyota reported that its sales fell 49 percent year-on-year in China in September. Japanese car brands have suffered as a result of an outbreak of anti-Japan sentiment in China in response to a territorial dispute between the two countries.
In 1996, Ford Motor Co. pulled back 8 million vehicles to replace defective ignition switches linked to engine fires.
FINDLAY, Ohio - Conditions like snow-covered roads and black ice often make winter driving unpredictable. To help prepare and keep motorists safe on winter roads, Cooper Tire & Rubber Company encourages drivers to not only install winter tires before the first storm hits, but also use the changing seasons as a reminder to engage in routine tire maintenance. Preparing early for winter weather and anticipating and avoiding dangerous circumstances can help drivers maintain control and stay safe on the road.
"Drivers should consider replacing their all-season tires with a product made specifically for winter road conditions," said Chuck Yurkovich, vice president of global technology for Cooper Tire. "The key is to have those discussions with a trusted dealer before the first storm hits, as winter tires help maintain control and stability in icy conditions. It's also important to conduct routine tire maintenance checks as changing temperatures can affect tire condition."
Cooper Tire has been a proven winter tire brand in North America for decades, providing high-performing and extensive product lines, such as the Weather-Master S/T2™, Weather-Master WSC™ and the Discoverer M+S™. All Cooper winter tires include a patented snow groove technology that retains snow in the tread grooves, capitalizing on the higher traction of "snow on snow" versus "snow on rubber." The compound is formulated to respond with higher levels of grip in ice, slush and other winter conditions.
In addition to properly equipping vehicles with winter tires, Cooper Tire advises drivers to follow basic winter driving and tire maintenance tips:
Drive cautiously: Experts say the best advice for driving in harsh winter weather is to not drive at all, but with more than 900,000 kilometers of road throughout Canada, driving is the most common mode of transportation for Canadians, according to Transport Canada.
Double the anticipated stopping distance when braking anytime conditions are not dry. It will take longer to come to a stop in snowy or icy conditions.
Do not assume a four-wheel drive vehicle will stop faster than a two-wheel drive vehicle – four-wheel drive offers no braking advantage.
Always reduce speed during winter conditions.
When purchasing winter tires, replace all four tires. Due to the different grip capabilities of summer, all season and winter tires, the driver will not get all of the handling and traction benefits if all tires are not replaced.
Drivers should keep in mind that it is best to check their owner's manual to see how their vehicle should be serviced in cold weather.
Examine tread: The only part of a vehicle to touch the road is the tires, and tire tread is a vital part of handling, cornering, accelerating and braking.
Drivers can check tread using a tread depth gauge. Insert the tip of the depth gauge into the tread lines and read the measurement. If the tread depth is less than four millimeters at any location on the tread, drivers should replace the tires. As a tire wears, snow traction is reduced. Tires that are worn close to the tread-wear indicators or that have reached four millimeters at any location on the tread, have reduced traction and should not be used on snow-covered roads or in severe snow conditions. More tread is better in winter and wet conditions.
While examining the tread, also look for signs of uneven wear or damage such as cuts, cracks, splits, punctures and bulges. These conditions shorten the life of tires and, if not corrected, further tire damage, tire failure or air loss may occur.
Test air pressure: Tire pressure plays a critical role in the overall performance of tires. According to the Canada Safety Council, under inflation is the leading cause of tire failure and nearly a quarter of vehicles on the road have at least one tire under-inflated by more than 20 percent.
Tire pressure decreases by about one pound per square inch for every 10-degree drop in outside air temperature, so it is vital that drivers check the air pressure regularly as winter weather approaches.
Drivers should follow the guidelines found in the vehicle owner's manual or tire placard (or sticker) attached to the vehicle door edge to determine the correct air pressure for their vehicle's tires. A common myth is that the tire pressure listed on the sidewall is the optimal pressure, while in reality it is the maximum pressure.
Air pressure should be checked when the tires are cool, meaning they are not hot from driving even a mile.
Should any of these checks reveal the need for required maintenance – or when in doubt about the condition of their tires – drivers should take their vehicles to a tire dealer for a professional inspection.
For more information on proper tire maintenance, visit www.coopertire.ca.
Toyota Canada captures third consecutive Rallye International Vert de Montréal title
Written by The DriverPrius PHV finishes first in both speed accuracy and fuel efficiency; Lexus CT 200h places second
TORONTO, ON – For the third straight year, the Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid (PHV) has led Toyota Canada to victory in the Rallye Vert de Montréal, a world championship of “green” rallies and the only Canadian stop on the global FIA Alternative Energies Cup circuit.
The PHV, with its unique Hybrid Synergy Drive® platform, placed first in fuel consumption, with only 19L of fuel used for the 530 km of rallying, or average fuel efficiency of 3.6L/100 km. As an additional highlight for the Toyota family, the Lexus CT 200h recorded the second-best efficiency, at 4.3L/100 km. The results are notable, particularly as other companies have been comparing the performance of their vehicles to the Prius, and results like these demonstrate how it remains the benchmark for green vehicles.
The PHV was also first in regularity (speed accuracy). A key element of winning the rally is a combination of the consumption and regularity rankings. By placing first in both categories the PHV was the rally’s decisive winner, and with the CT200h placing a strong second.
“The PHV has consistently demonstrated that its user-selectable EV mode for short trips and hybrid fuel efficiency for everything else is a winning combination,” said Stephen Beatty, Chief Environmental Officer of Toyota Canada Inc. “The key to victory for the PHV was its engine, which allows the driver to manually select between the EV and the hybrid mode seamlessly. The outstanding performance of the PHV and CT 200h in the Montreal rally was a compelling demonstration of the depth and breadth of Toyota’s leadership in green engineering.”
The PHV is built on a proven hybrid powertrain – technology Toyota has been offering to the market for more than 10 years. As of the end of August, 15,636 of the vehicles have been sold globally. The Prius PHV is now available for retail sale in Canada.
With the PHV winning the Montreal rally, Toyota Canada has earned a berth in the Rallye Monte Carlo des Energies Nouvelles, to be held next March. The Monaco event is the world’s oldest and most prestigious green rally. It will be the first rally on the 2013 FIA Alternative Energies Cup calendar.
The PHV was driven by Vinh Pham, Toyota Canada’s Advanced Technology and Powertrain Engineer, who was assisted by navigator Alan Ockwell. Pham was also behind the wheel when Toyota Canada claimed the 2011 title.
To learn more about the PHV and see photos of the Montreal rally, visit the Toyota Canada Prius Plug-in Facebook page: www.Facebook.com/ToyotaCanadaPriusPlugin.
Prices Significantly Reduced on Two Popular Models, Innovative Around View® Monitor Added as Standard Equipment on Top-of-the-Line Quest LE
Mississauga, Ont.– Nissan Canada Inc. (NCI) today announced Canadian pricing for the 2013 Nissan Quest minivan, which is on sale now at Nissan dealers nationwide. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices* (MSRP) for the innovation-packed 2013 Nissan Quest are reduced $2,380 CAD on the Quest SV and $180 CAD on the Quest SL, making Quest more competitive than ever. Pricing for the Quest S remains unchanged, while the Quest LE with added equipment decreases by $1,580 CAD.
Each of the four well-equipped Quest models comes with a standard 260-horsepower 3.5-litre 24-valve DOHC V6 engine and Nissan’s advanced Xtronic CVT® transmission.
Enhancements for 2013 include the addition of standard Around View® Monitor on LE models, which utilizes four small superwide-angle cameras mounted on the front, side and rear of the vehicle to provide a virtual 360° view of objects around the vehicle, helping to maneuver it into tight spots. Also new for 2013, is the availability of the DVD Entertainment System on the SV model, making this popular option even more affordable for Canadian families. The DVD Entertainment System remains standard on Quest LE and continues to be offered as an option on SL models.
Key available features include one-touch power-sliding doors, fold-flat 2nd and 3rd row seats, Advanced Climate Control System, standard permanent hidden storage and standard SiriusXM Satellite Radio (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately).
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices* (MSRP) for the 2013 Nissan Quest include:
Quest 3.5 S $29,998 CAD
Quest 3.5 SV $33,398 CAD
Quest 3.5 SV, DVD Entertainment System $35,498 CAD
Quest 3.5 SL $38,898 CAD
Quest 3.5 LE $46,998 CAD
About the 2013 Nissan Quest
From its bold styling with full surround glass to its extensive list of family friendly innovations, the 2013 Nissan Quest “gets” parenting better than any other minivan. With one-touch power-sliding doors, quick release fold-flat 2nd and 3rd row seats, Advanced Climate Control System and an always-available rear storage well, Quest provides the innovation to help make the impossible possible on a daily basis.
Quest’s sophisticated, modern exterior combines fluid sculptural elements with a dynamic mass and crafted details to provide a fresh take on minivan design. In front, the bold bumper and horizontal grille and headlights blend into the side character line. The bold door sections and surfaces flow seamlessly into the rear “boomerang” taillights and tailgate finisher, helping create a look as if Quest was carved from one solid piece of sculptor’s stone.
Also, the sliding door step-in height is several inches lower than competitive minivans, which is helpful for small children or older adults getting into the 2nd or 3rd rows. To assist entry further, the Quest’s 2nd row features a standard walk-in device for easier access to the 3rd row. A one-touch unlock/open power rear liftgate is standard on Quest SL and LE models. Third row power return seatbacks are standard on Quest LE.
All 2013 Quest models feature a standard VQ-series 3.5-litre DOHC V6 rated at 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque, and an advanced Xtronic CVT® transmission that provides a smooth driving experience. Fuel economy is estimated at 11.0L/100km (26 mpg) City/8.0L/100km (35 mpg) Highway. Quest also features 4-wheel independent suspension, 4-wheel disc brakes and vehicle-speed-sensitive power steering.
Standard features include Nissan Intelligent Key® and optional one-touch power-sliding doors, which unlock and open the side door with the simple touch of a button; quick-release fold-flat 2nd and 3rd row seats – the 3rd row folds forward unlike any other minivan, so there is no stowing required; available Advanced Climate Control System (ACCS) with Plasmacluster® air purifier and Grape Polyphenol Filter, which works three ways to help reduce allergens and unwanted odors within the Quest cabin; and a standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with a segment-first Easy Fill Tire Alert that lets owners know when the ideal inflation is reached with a beep of the horn.
As part of Nissan’s “Safety Shield” concept, Quest incorporates a number of advanced safety systems, including the Blind Spot Warning (BSW) system, which is standard on Quest LE. BSW helps alert the driver by illuminating an indicator light in the outside mirror if another vehicle is detected in the blind spot area. If the driver then engages the turn signal, the indicator flashes and an audible alert sounds.
LANGLEY, B.C.– Subaru owners who need to replace the original tires on their cars, cross-overs and SUVs needlook no further than their nearby Subaru dealership to find the complete line of Yokohama premium passenger, light truck and winter tires, thanks to a new agreement between Subaru Canada Inc. and Yokohama Tire (Canada) Inc.
The full line of premium Yokohama tires, including the industry’s best line of state-of-the-art winter tires, will be available through Canada’s 88 Subaru dealers, effective immediately. The agreement gives Subaru owners convenient access to the right tires for their vehicles with the added confidence of dealing with their preferred Subaru dealer.
Subaru delivers class-leading safety, exciting performance and tremendous value across a full lineup of award winning vehicles. Vehicles like the Legacy, Outback, Impreza, WRX and all-new for 2013 the XV Crosstrek and sporty BRZ are taking Subaru Canada well on its way to setting a new milestone in company history – making 2012 its best year ever.
“The fleet of Subaru cars on the road and the number of intensely loyal Subaru owners continues to grow, and the strong Subaru dealer network plays an important part in that growth,” says Yokohama Canada consumer business unit director Trevor Longley. “Now those owners can shop for replacement tires from a familiar source – their Subaru dealers. It’s convenient for Subaru owners and helps dealers provide another service for their valued customers.”
Subaru dealers will work with existing Yokohama dealers to manage product distribution.
HAWTHORNE, Calif. - Tesla Motors Inc. unveiled a solar-powered charging station that it said will make refuelling electric vehicles on long trips about as fast as stopping for gas and a bathroom break in a conventional car.
CEO Elon Musk said at a news conference Monday at Tesla's design studio that the company's roadside Supercharger has been installed at six highway rest stops in California.
The innovation is "the answer to the three major problems that are holding back electrical vehicles, or at least people think are holding back electrical vehicles," Musk said before a curtain was lifted from a giant model of one of the devices. "One is this question of being able to drive long distances conveniently."
The free stations are designed to fully charge Tesla's new Model S sedan in about an hour, and a half-hour-long charge can produce enough energy for a 150-mile (240-kilometre) trip, he said.
The first six, which were developed and deployed in secret, are in Barstow, Hawthorne, Lebec, Coalinga, Gilroy and Folsom. Tesla spokeswoman Christina Ra said they are open only to company employees, but would be available to the public in early October.
Musk said his Palo Alto-based company planned to have more stations running throughout California and in parts of Nevada and Oregon by the end of the year, and expected to blanket "almost the entire United States" within two years.
Tesla unveiled the Model S, its first mass-market vehicle, in June. The base model sells for $49,900 after a federal tax credit.
Along with persuading consumers that electric vehicles are practical, the charging stations were developed with an eye toward alleviating doubts about their environmental effects. Musk said the solar-powered stations in California would produce more clean energy than is needed to keep cars running.
Deal adds, preserves 1,750 jobs, as well as future Impala output, union says
The Canadian Auto Workers reached a tentative labor agreement with General Motors that the union said will secure new investment, preserve jobs and delay the shutdown of a major assembly line.
Lewenza said GM has agreed to add a third shift on the flex line at its Oshawa, Ontario, assembly plant early next year, which will create or maintain 900 jobs.