Mitsubishi, Nissan, Infiniti Dealers Step-in For NAIAS

The Detroit auto show hasn’t even started yet, but it has already been having a rough start. Many automakers have been pulling out of the show, due to tightening auto budgets. Among these automakers include Mitsubishi, Nissan, Infiniti, and Porsche.

Traditionally the NAIAS has been one of the largest auto shows in the US, with ample vehicle debuts and concepts. But with so many automakers pulling out of the show, it has painted a bleak picture for the show that Used Infiniti Boston says used to be the highlight of the auto show season.

Luckily, dealers are stepping in to fill the spaces left vacant by their respective manufacturers. While this means that the displays, video monitors, and elaborate booths will be absent, the cars at least will be there according to Boston used Nissan dealers. Detroit area Mitsubishi, Nissan and Infiniti dealers will be present, and the cars themselves will be all that’s needed to create a compelling display at the show.

Dealers wanted to have a presence at this year’s show, which may be one of the most important shows to date. The dealers wanted to show that they offered consumers value says Infiniti Norwood Service personnel, in a time when would-be car buyers are staying clear of dealerships overall. Despite the presence of dealers filling in for absent automakers, Auffenberg Mitsubishi believes that this year’s Detroit auto show promises to be much lower key than shows in recent years.

* * *

Find more auto news from Detroit right here.

The Infiniti G37 Convertible Debuts

At the recent LA Auto Show Infiniti showed off the all-new 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible. The new G37 Convertible is the first G convertible model, and promises to offer the same performance and luxury found within the G37 coupe.

What sets the Infiniti G37 convertible apart from other convertibles is the retractable three-piece folding steel top, which Boston Infiniti dealers stress is what provides the latest G with the best of a coupe and the best of a convertible. To improve the interior’s dynamics when the top is down is the Bose Open Air Sound System, which adjusts the system’s equalizer to account for wind noise and vehicle speed. Even the adaptive climate control system is able to automatically adjust to vehicle speeds.

In addition to offering a comfortable interior, whether the top is up or down, the Infiniti G37 convertible offers plenty of power thanks to its superb 325 horsepower, 3.7-liter V6 engine. The engine is mated to an electronically controlled 7-speed automatic transmission with magnesium paddle shifters. For those who prefer to shift their own gears, Infiniti also offers a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission.

While power is expected in an Infiniti, so is the technology. The Infiniti G convertible is packed with gadgetry to appeal to plenty of Infiniti Parts Boston patrons, including the G’s standard RearView Monitor and available navigation system with real-time traffic navigation. There’s even Intelligent Cruise Control and a 9.6 GB Music Box Hard Drive to store all of your driving tunes.

The Infiniti G Convertible is available in two models, the G37 and the G37S. The latter adds sport-tuned steering, larger sport brakes, and 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels and W-rated performance tires, all of which should appease even the sportiest of drivers.

A limited production G Convertible is also being offer by Infiniti. The 200 G37 Premier Edition models are being offered exclusively via the Bloomingdales Holiday Catalog. This special production model features a Monaco Red leather interior, Maple wood trim, black front grille, and 19-in alloy wheels. Orders are being accepted now for 2009 delivery.

The all-new Infiniti G37 Convertible marks a new direction for the increasingly popular G lineup. With each new model, the G is quickly becoming one of the hottest import luxury models on the road, and should even gives the likes of the Acura TL a run its money says New Haven Acura shoppers. Now available with open air excitement, the G37 just keeps getting better. Look for the G37 Convertible on sale this spring.

* * *

Check out the latest Infiniti G models here.

Mitsubishi Turns its Back on Detroit

Mitsubishi is the latest automaker to forego the North American International Auto Show. Once the highlight of the auto show season, the Detroit auto show is looking to being a ghost town as Mitsubishi and others look to save money in light of a global slowdown and industry sales declines.

Mitsubishi isn’t the first automaker to decline an appearance in Detroit, and may not be the last. The Japanese automaker is following in the footsteps of Land Rover, Ferrari, Suzuki, and Rolls-Royce who have all decided to not be in attendance at the event.

While the show is just around the corner in January, there may still be more automakers freeing up floor space. While Mitsubishi is currently present at the LA Auto Show, and plans on attending the Chicago and New York auto shows, they may very well return next year to Detroit. Porsche left the Detroit auto show back in 2006 and hasn’t looked back.

With a financial crisis affecting the entire automotive industry, Saint Louis Mitsubishi belives Mitsubishi’s decision to pull out of the auto show is understandable, while Pennsylvania Suzuki dealers thinks that others are likely to follow suit.

* * *

Find more information about new Mitsubishi cars and trucks here.

Mazda Gearing Up For New Mazda6

Mazda has released new photos and information about the all-new 2009 Mazda6. The Mazda6 has been designed for North American consumers, but the vehicle’s design contains many cues that have been popular in other markets worldwide.

The new midsize Mazda6’s engine will be a 2.5 liter four-cylinder engine, with the options of either a five-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual. Also available will be a 3.7 liter V6 engine mated to a six speed automatic transmission. The V6 configuration is the same setup that’s found in the Mazda CX-9, a popular model at Houston Used Cars which is also a new Mazda dealer. The engine produces 273 horsepower and 270 lb. ft. of torque.

Much like the recently release Mazda CX-7 and Mazda CX-9, the Mazda6 has the distinction of being designed specifically for the North American market. Compared with its predecessor, the new Mazda6 is larger and has more powerful engine choices. Auffenberg Mazda O'Fallon customers say that the handling and comfort has also clearly been improved.

Mazda promises that the Mazda6 will compliment the Zoom-Zoom personality of the brand, delivering strong performance and driving fun, and thus far Salinas CA Mazda customers do not disagree. The all-new vehicle will be built in Flat Rock, Michigan. So far, it seems as though only a sedan will be offered, but a hatchback version could also be in the works.

* * *

Get additional info on the 2009 Mazda6 here.

Nissan Enters Chrysler Acquisition Talks

There’s plenty of talk about Chrysler and its potential merger with General Motors. However, there seems to be a new suitor for the struggling automaker.

Nissan and its parent Renault indicated its interest in a stake in Chrysler. While talks with GM are still going on, sources have recently indicated that Renault-Nissan is interested in a 20% stake in the company. Sources also indicated that Chrysler may be broken up in to pieces prior to being merged with another partner.

Nissan seems like a solid partner for the automaker, as it has plenty of cash on hand and because of existing relationships that may provide a better fit. Nissan has already entered a Chrysler partnership in which Chrysler will build the next generation Nissan Titan pickup which needed by Nissan Boston MA, and Nissan will build a small car for Chrysler, which is desperately needed at Birmingham Used Trucks. Sources have also suggested that Renault has an interest in taking back Jeep, which the company sold to Chrysler in 1987.

If Nissan-Renault acquires Jeep, that would leave Chrysler and Dodge for GM, which could actually help Chrysler and remove redundant models from its lineup. It also makes the sales much easier for Chrysler parent company, Cerberus Capital Management.

In the current economic environment, a Chrysler acquisition may be a stretch for GM, who would need significant financing. Nissan however, is in far better shape to acquire pieces of Chrysler as sales at Nissan Boston and other dealers have been much steadier than those at Chrysler dealers.

* * *

Find the latest Nissan developments here.

Toyota Offering Unusual Financing Incentives

Toyota has recently posted some of its worst sales in nearly 20 years. But after steep sales declines, Toyota is uncharacteristically offering 0% percent financing on 11 models within its lineup. Toyota supports the financing incentive, saying that they have the inventory of high-demand models such as the Toyota Prius, along with the capacity to offer such an incentive via Toyota Financial Services.

The new incentive plan is surprisingly aggressive for Toyota, and is perhaps more characteristic of domestic automakers. In September, the automaker suffered a 32 percent decline in sales, which is the largest dip in sales since 1987 and perhaps is an unusual time to offer such aggressive financing incentives. In fact, according to Yakima Toyota, the automaker has rarely offered nationwide incentives programs, preferring regionally-targeted incentive programs instead. The last time Toyota offered 0% financing was back in 2001.

Vehicles that Toyota sells high volumes of, such as the fuel efficient Corolla, also receive the incentive. Customers with good credit like many visiting Toyota dealer Minneapolis can take advantage of the incentive on many of Toyota’s popular models, and even on vehicles that have been selling slower thanks to rising gas prices, such as the Toyota Tundra and Sequoia.

Officials at Toyota have stressed that many of their customers have higher credit scores, and don’t deal in subprime, but that's not always the case as those seeking bad credit auto loans Moses Lake see plenty of customers with less than adequate credit. The incentive is Toyota’s way of reminding potential car buyers that auto credit is still available, even despite the credit crunch. With sales on shaky ground at many dealerships, other profit centers are becoming important such as Toyota parts to make up for the lack of new car sales. Although the incentive program is unusual, analysts at JD Power suspect that the incentive will be successful for Toyota, and will help to drive additional sales.

* * *

Look for the latest on Toyota finance here.

Nissan Altima is the Four Door Sports Car

With the introduction of the Nissan Altima, the automaker had been pushing the concept of the four-door sports car. For marketing reasons, the concept of a sports car with the flexibility of four doors sounds great to plenty of buyers, but the real question is whether or not the concept actually delivers. Luckily for many considering the Nissan Altima, they’ll find that the sedan actually does manager to provide the power, responsiveness, and even styling, that one would expect from a “four-door” sports car.

The Nissan Altima sedan is powered by either a 2.5-liter four cylinder engine that produces 175 horsepower, or a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 270 horsepower. The V6 powers the Altima well, and may even provide more than enough power to move the midsize sedan say Nissan Boston which highlights the power during spirited test drives with customers. Mated to this engine is either a continuously variable transmission (CVT) or a six-speed manual gearbox.

With gas prices putting a strain on many drivers’ wallets, the Nissan Altima also provides excellent fuel economy. Four cylinder models provide 23 miles per gallon in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. The V6 model also provides a commendable 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. In addition, many visitors to Waterbury Nissan Dealer showrooms have also been drawn to the new Nissan Altima hybrid model as well.

The four-door Nissan Altima is a great choice for drivers wanting a sporty car with a fun-to-drive attitude. In such a competitive market, there are other vehicles that offer the quality that the Altima falls short with, admits Nissan Altima MA dealers. For example, where the Altima offers sportiness, it lacks in general refinement, which is where the Honda Accord shines. But for those who are willing to sacrifice refinement for performance, the Nissan Altima may be the right choice.

* * *
Find the latest news and information on Nissan sedans on this blog.

Second Gen Mazda6 Coming Soon

Mazda has recently taken the wraps off of the all-new Mazda6 sedan. Compared with prior spy shots, the new production version of the Mazda6 sedan looks almost identical to the latest version. Not only is the styling of the new sedan an improvement, but the second generation 6 is also much larger than before.

North American drivers of the Mazda6 will have two engine choices. The first is a 2.5 liter four cylinder engine that produces 167 horsepower. The other engine is the same 3.7 liter V6 from the Mazda CX-9 CUV that puts out 273 horsepower -- a popular engine among Waterbury Mazda dealer crossover shoppers. Engines are mated to either a six speed manual or a five speed automatic. However, the V6 will only be paired with the six-speed automatic transmission that also is found in the CX-9.

The styling of the new Mazda6 certainly fits in with the Zoom Zoom styling philosophy with its sleek, sporty lines. With its sweeping roofline it looks almost as if the 6 is a hatchback, but Mazda has confirmed only a sedan configuration for North America.

Sporting a pair of large, aggressive exhaust tips, the new Mazda6’s rear end appears to be ready for action. Despite being larger in virtually every dimension, the new 6 is also more powerful and lighter than the outgoing model. Fugal buyers will also be happy to know that the upcoming Mazda6 also offers greater fuel efficiency. 

* * *

For Mazda fans, look for further for Mazda vehilces news here. 

All-New Acura TSX Aimes to Please

The Acura TSX, when introduced in 2004, was a surprise hit with the luxury automaker. The Acura TSX, based on the smaller European version of the Honda Accord, offered buyers a somewhat affordable luxury car with plenty of amenities. On top of its ample amenities, the TSX offered buyers commendable performance and handling, with strong fuel economy.

For 2009 the Acura TSX is all-new. It retains the 2.4-liter four cylinder engine which sends power to the front wheels. And it also retains the conservative styling as well. Aside from that, many aspects of the TSX have been updated.

Like other Acura models, the new TSX features plenty electronic gizmos to excite buyers, particularlly tech-savvy Hartford Acura luxury model shoppers. Available features include a navigation system that gives valuable information such as real time traffic and weather data. A new nob on the center console helps to control the navigation and other functions which is intended to make the system more intuitive overall. Buyers of the Acura TSX will also enjoy the sound system which promises to offer superior sound quality for audiophiles.

Although Acura didn’t make the TSX any sportier or faster, which dissappointed die-hard Honda ethusiasts according to Waterbury Honda Dealer, the sport-compact is now larger and features more interesting technology. What remains is a sports sedan that offers immense value for a premium automaker.

* * *

Keep up on recent Acura redesigns from the Import Car Dealers blog.

Toyota Expands its Research Facilities in Michigan

Toyota has established a new research facility in Ann Arbor, Michigan to conduct advanced automotive research. Toyota will invest $100 million on the facility within the next four years and will be affiliated with the University of Michigan. In addition to the new facility, the company has also established a technical center in York Township.

With the investment Toyota has made in the in the Michigan region, some are optimistic about Michigan’s return to greatest as the preeminent locale for automotive product development and research. This optimism comes on the heels of recent struggles for U.S. automakers and the loss of many manufacturing jobs. Car dealers have also felt the recent ripple effect throughout the auto business, such as Golden Valley MN Toyota which has seen a sharp change in consumer buying habits

Toyota will employ 35 researchers and other employees, but will eventually expand that number by 2010. The facility will be called the Toyota Research Institute of North America. Despite the automotive downturn in the Michigan area, Toyota will not be the only one in investing in the region. Nissan and Hyundai/Kia have already established technical centers in the area and are recently looking to increase the number of employees on hand. Some car dealers recognize the importance of domestic research and development facilities says Honda Richmond VA as having American personnel involved in design and development significantly impact the car development process and help shape vehicle for the American consumer.

It’s hoped that the Toyota facility’s relationship with the University of Michigan will fuel future innovations, thanks to the involvement of engineering students and faculty. Surely automotive innovations will continue to flow out Michigan as both domestic and foreign automakers invest further in the region.

***

Find additional Toyota corporate news here.

Honda Shows Off New Technology

Honda has nearly become synonymous with green vehicle offerings. Among the ways that Honda has become a leader in green technology is by producing hybrids and the soon to be released fuel cell vehicle, the Honda FCX Clarity. Recently, Honda also showed off its latest technology at the British International Motor Show.

One of the prominent showpieces was Honda’s low-emissions sport car concept, which made its world debut. The sport car is called the OSM or Open Study Model. In addition to the OSM, the automaker confirmed production of a new vehicle, the CR-Z sports hybrid, which many Louisiana Honda Dealer customers will surely be eager drive. The FCX Clarity was also highlighted in the London show.

The engineers at Honda are working to show off not only the automaker’s eco-engineering prowess, but they also are striving to make low-emissions vehicles seem sexy, sporty, and generally fun to drive. Honda is all about technology these days says Honda Service Shreveport who has seen the new features being added to models regularly. The brand also wants to promote the affordability of their hybrid vehicles. Many have flocked to Honda Woodbridge VA dealers and others around the country for the relative low cost and immesnse long-term savings of Honda hybrids.

Tens of thousands of visitors visited Honda’s exhibit at the British International Motor Show over the past two weeks. Many of these visitors made their way to Honda, where they were able to look into Honda’s past, their existing lineup, a take a peek at future vehicles and more.

***

Learn about new eco-friendly cars on Import Car Dealers

Toyota to Build New Sports Car

Toyota has confirmed that it is going to build an all-new two-door real wheel drive sports car. The new Toyota sports car, which will also be reduced in a joint effort with Subaru is expected to go on sale by late 2011. The new car is expected to revive the Celica name.

With Toyota joining forces with Subaru, the car with have some interesting characteristics. Most notability, the Toyota two-door will feature a Subaru boxer engine, which a type of engine that’s present in nearly every Subaru vehicle. At dealers, sporty models are in demand among Burnsville Toyota shoppers, but Subaru will also get a version of the joint effort.

The Toyota sports car will ride on an all-new platform which will produced in a new Fuji Heavy Industries manufacturing facility in Japan. Production of the new vehicle will be handled entirely to FHI, Subaru’s parent company. Since the demise of both the Toyota Supra and the Toyota Celica, many Toyota enthusiasts Toyota Dealer Minneapolis have been craving a new sports car, especially while Honda and Nissan have reignited their passion in motor sports and sports car offerings.

It is still uncertain whether Toyota or Subaru will import the vehicles to the U.S. In addition to the new sports car, Toyota has also doubled its minority share of the company, helping to further the growth of the seemingly unstable Toyota.

***

Get the latest on upcoming Toyota models here.

Louisiana Honda Dealers

Interesting new YouTube video from Louisiana Honda Dealers. What stands out to me is the simplicity and honesty about it. So many Honda dealers, and car dealers in general, are so insincere in their advertising.



This advertisement stands out by having real customers to all the promoting. As a result, the video just exudes honestly which, let's face it, its rare in the car business.

***
Come back soon for more import automaker news.

Shreveport Honda Dealers

With skyrocketing gas prices, more car buyers are looking to Honda to purchase affordable, efficient vehicles. As a result many dealers are promoting perhaps the two most popular vehicles in Honda’s lineup, the Honda Accord and the Honda CR-V. Case in point is Honda Shreveport which recently began promoting the popular Honda vehicles.



Both the new CR-V and the Accord are fairly new models. The Honda CR-V has been updated recently with more amenities, luxuries, and style. But unlike the trend of getting bigger and more powerful, Honda didn’t make the CR-V any more, nor does it even offer a V6 engine! Although it may not be bigger, the current Honda CR-V certainly is better.

The Honda Accord is another popular vehicle in the automaker’s lineup, especially considering its recent ground-up redesign. The all-new Accord offers a larger cabin and more handsome exterior styling. In addition to a standard four cylinder engine, the new Accord also has a new V6 engine that can run on either four or three cylinders while cruising to help reduce fuel consumption, which is a popular features highlighted by Honda Jackson Mississippi. It’s no wonder why the new Accord was the best selling vehicle in the country in the month of March!

***

More Honda dealer information coming soon.

Boston New Cars

Toyota’s Not Backing Away From Environment

Toyota has established itself as a leader in producing environmentally friendly technology. The Toyota Prius hybrid is one of the company’s most popular vehicles, and has fueled the hybrid craze and helped promote green technology. Partially as a result of Toyota’s efforts in the development and marketing of such hybrid technology, other manufacturers are racing to provide consumers with ultra fuel efficient vehicles to stay competitive among changing perceptions regarding high mpg cars.

In light of its current stature as an environmentally friendly company, Toyota plans to aggressively continue its push to accomplish its sustainable mobility goals, which is pleasing to Orange County Toyota and other dealers who appreciate having hybrid options for buyers. One of the green initiatives is the development of an all-new clean burning V8 diesel engine which will be offered with the Tundra and Sequoia soon. In addition, plus-in hybrid technology is also in the works which will incorporate lithium-ion batteries developed in conjunction with Panasonic.

Toyota also has in the works two all-new dedicated hybrid models that should be on the market within a year; one for Toyota and one for Lexus. By expanding its hybrid offerings, Toyota is quickly becoming a dominant manufacturer of this technology, which suits Toyota just fine as increased awareness and interest in green technology is fueling strong sales at Minnesota Toyota Dealer, in addition to the rising gas prices which is pushing consumers into smaller and more fuel efficient vehicles.

Look to you local Toyota dealers soon for even more hybrid vehicles to choose from.

***
Look soon for more infomation about Toyota hybrids and more right here.

Honda Knows How to Satisfy Customers Online

Honda recently came out on top in a study looking at how satisfied customers were with their online experience among automotive websites. With nearly 2,000 participants in the survey, Honda was was chosen as doing the best job in giving customers the information they want.

Shopping online for automotive related information has become a natural habit for most car shoppers, which is Honda dealers such as Honda Dealers Longview Texas have definetly noticed. This is why ForeSee Results created the Automotive Website Satisfaction Index. The survey covered the top six auto brands between August 1st and November 2nd in 2007.

The Honda.com websites scored an 80 in the index, coming in above the industry average of 78, which is good news to dealers such as Honda Jackson Mississippi. In addition to Honda, Chrysler.com and FordVehicles.com came in closely behind Honda at 79, followed by Chevrolet.com and Toyota.com which fell below average at 77, and NissanUSA.com coming in last with a rating of 76.

Although Honda came out strongly above average in the survey which pleased Los Angeles Honda Dealers, one of the auto makers most volitle markets, the index hints that more can be done to help buyers get the information they’re looking for. Aside from automotive websites, Amazon.com scored an 88 in a comparable index.

The study found that Honda effectively conveyed the virtues of its brand and what sets it apart from competing manufacturers. In addition, the study found that the Honda.com website also was able to drive more visitors to Honda dealerships like Honda Dealers Portland and actually purchase a Honda product.

***

Check back soon for more Import Car News right here.

Honda FCX Clarity’s Racing Spirit

The Honda FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle will be the official car of the upcoming 2008 Indy Japan racing event. The Honda FCX will be highlighted for the Bridgestone Indy Japan 300 which will be help in Tochigi, Japan during April 17-19.

While automakers race to find alternative fuel sources to power their vehicles, the Honda FCX is powered by hydrogen fuel cells and doesn’t emit any carbon dioxide, nor does it emit any other harmful emissions. The one thing the FCX does emit is water vapor.

Powering the Honda FCX is a compact Honda V Flow fuel cell. Unique fuel cell and positioning within the vehicle enabled the car to be design with sleek, sophisticated lines, and also delivers decent driving performance as well. Consumers and Honda dealers alike are fascinated by the first production fuel cell vehicle, which will go on sale this summer in Los Angeles. For not, dealers including Honda Shreveport will have to settle for current hybrid offerings until the Clarity is widely available.

As the official car of the race, the Honda FCX will also service as the official pace car for the start of the race and will be on display throughout the event.

***

More news on the Honda FCX Clarity as it becomes available.

Portland Toyota Dealers Superbowl Commercial

Hyundai Dealers - The Other Import

When Hyundai first hit the scene, there was a lot of negative press written about the manufacturer. Reliability issues, quality issues, maintenance issues - they all put a dark cloud over the company.

What people forget is that Honda, Nissan (Datsun) and Toyota all had similar ratings when they first came out. Is Hyundai the next great import?

If you were to ask College Park Hyundai Dealers, Planet Hyundai, or Florida Hyundai Dealers, they would all say YES! Hyundai started their impressive warranty system as a way to attract buyers. Now it is much more cost effective for the company to maintain because their vehicles simply last longer.

If you haven't looked at a Hyundai lately, you should! Import Car Dealers are sweeping the nation. Hyundai is one that is leading the push.

Starting Fresh with Import Car Dealers

For years, domestic auto manufacturers have been stuck with trying to catch up with their imported cousins when it comes to perceived reliability. It is a commonly held belief that Hondas and Toyotas are more reliable than Jeeps and Buicks. Whether or not this is true is not our place to decided.

All we're worried about here is automotive search engine optimization.

SEO is finally crossing the minds of car dealers as they realize that placement on the search engines is important for driving customers to their sites. Websites like Allen Automotive in the Gulfport area and Honda Jackson MS just a few miles away are vying for that ever-important internet marketing business. They know that being found on the search engines means having an opportunity to make it in this volatile business environment.

Most import buyers seem to stay import buyers. It is so important for dealers to get their name out in front of as many people as possible and get their website visited in the same way. It is the key to business for the present and the future.
* * *
Read more from this Import Car Blog and others like it.