Toyota Suspends Sales of several Models

Toyota U.S.A., Inc., announced that this is instructing Toyota dealers to temporarily suspend sales of eight models. Toyota’s image problems started getting worse. The issue for suspending the eight models are due to isolated incidents of a sticking accelerator pedal.

Toyota announced it would recall approximately 2.3 million vehicles to correct sticking accelerator pedals on specific Toyota models. A recall is one thing, but when company decides to stop selling cars, it’s quite another. Toyota general manager said in a statement, that the company will stop sales until a remedy is found. The problem having vehicles are 2009 – 2010 RAV4, 2009 – 2010 Corolla, 2009 – 2010 Matrix, 2005 – 2010 Avalon, some 2007 – 2010 Camry models, 2010 Highlander, 2007 – 2010 Tundra and the 2008 – 2010 Sequoia.

Toyota has investigated isolated reports of sticking accelerator pedal mechanisms in certain vehicles without the presence of floor mats. So, the possibility may on the accelerator pedal mechanisms, in rare instances mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position. Toyota has done a smart thing being very cautious. Some vehicle owners have alleged that the sticking accelerator pedals have caused accidents and some fatal. So Toyota needs to prevent this any more accidents from happening.

At the earliest, Toyota will fix this issue and Toyota is handling it in the right way.. Toyota needed to send a clear message that they care more about their customers than monthly profits. And they are..”

Due to the sales suspension, Toyota is expected to stop producing vehicles on the following production lines for the week of February 1 to assess and coordinate activities. The North America vehicle production facilities affected are:

• Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Canada  (Corolla, Matrix, and RAV4)

• Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana (Sequoia and Highlander)

• Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky – Line 1 (Camry and Avalon)

• Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc.  (Camry)

• Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas   (Tundra)

No other North American Toyota vehicle production facilities are affected by the decision to stop production.

2011 Chevrolet Cruze Review

The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze compact car promises to redefine fuel efficiency for the small car segment, and its 1.4-liter four cylinder range of engines could herald a new era of fun to drive cars for all Americans.

Leveraging Chevrolet design and engineering talent in Asia , Europe and North America , the Cruze brings to market a globally engineered and designed car with strong levels of quietness, quality and attention to detail.

The Cruze will also be one of the most fuel efficient models in its class, with a new Ecotec 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine expected to return up to 40 mpg on the highway in some guises and a range of more than 500 miles. The different time levels, LS, LT and LTZ trims. The engine lineup will feature both naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines, including a 1.4-liter turbo and a 1.8-liter naturally aspirated mill. Six-speed automatic and manual transmissions will be available.

The turbo will be standard on LT and LTZ models, with power ratings estimated at 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. The 1.8-liter naturally aspirated mill, meanwhile, will be rated at 136 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque.

Complementing the Cruze’s new powertrains is a strong body structure and chassis system designed to deliver a responsive and fun driving experience. A MacPherson strut suspension is used up front, while a Watts Z-link design is used with the rear suspension. StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover mitigation, as well as traction control, anti-lock brakes and 10 airbags will all come fitted as standard. Electric power steering will also be standard on all models, helping to save fuel. The North American versions of the Cruze will be built at GM’s plant in Lordstown , Ohio .

General Motors and Ford gains at Toyota’s loss

General Motors and Ford Motor company are the two biggest car companies which have aimed at making some fast money from Toyota ’s loss issues on accelerator pedals. Both the General motors and Ford tempting the Toyota customers with some rebates.

A report says that General Motors Company and Ford Motor company have declared about offering some sales incentives to the car dealers of the cars who must attract Toyota customers and also to give some discounts on their cars.

General Motors and Ford are two of the biggest car companies which have aimed at making some fast money from Toyota ’s loss. And guess what they are tempting the Toyota customers with some rebates! Bloomberg reports that General Motors Co. and Ford Motor Co. have declared about offering some sales incentives to the car dealers of the cars who must attract customers of Toyota Motor Corp and also to give some discounts on their cars!

GM’s program follows “thousands of calls” to the carmaker’s dealers from Toyota customers who were concerned or wanted help buying a GM   whether it is Chevrolet, Saturn or Nissan.said Steve Hill, general manager of retail activities for the Detroit-based company. Ford plans to offer $1,000 rebates to Toyota and Honda Motor Co. customers to encourage them switch to its models, said Robert Parker, a spokesman for the Dearborn, Michigan-based automaker.

Chevrolet has unveiled the Aveo RS Concept at the NAIAS in Detroit.

The next generation Aveo which will be launched in 2011, the RS features, it wears a global Chevrolet design cues such as the dual element grille, round taillamps and fender flares, but designers turned up the attitude on the show car with low openings and a lower mouth trimmed in a combination of brushed and polished aluminum. Outboard fog lamps are integrated into an exaggerated brake-cooling inlet that flows into the front fender flares, creating an aggressive-looking face.

The engine power comes from a turbocharged 1.4-liter Ecotec engine with 138 hp (103 kW) and 148 lb-ft of torque. According to Chevrolet’s General manager, Jim Campbell, The Aveo RS show car will demonstrate the serious about redefining the Aveo and its small car segment place. The Aveo’s interior looks similar in many ways to that seen on the Chevrolet Aveo RS concept, which took the stage at the NAIAS earlier this month. The Aveo’s center console are the Bluetooth controls that featured on the RS. This is replaced by a typical CD Radio sound system.  The multi functional steering wheel, instrument cluster housing, position of the HVAC vents and controls, and storage is nearly identical.

The side mirrors with amber-colored turn signal indicators carry the same shape as the car and seemingly disappear into the profile. At first glance, the car actually looks like a three-door hatch because the rear door handles are discreetly located in the “C”-pillar area. The rear of the show car continues the sport theme, with an integrated spoiler that flows from the roof, a center-mounted exhaust and chrome exhaust tips. The exposed motorcycle-inspired rear taillamps feature tinted aluminum housings and a discreet Bowtie logo. The 2011 Chevrolet Aveo is not expected to be launched on the market until next year.

2010 Chevrolet Cobalt Bottom Line :

The 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt to bring you the most useful information. The driving impressions and advice in positive side of the Cobalt compact are Great fuel economy, Quiet cabin, Smooth ride, Good performance from SS model.

Chevrolet’s line of compact cars includes a range of sedans and coupe, with offerings ranging from economical base models to sporty SS variants. Unless opting for the sporty SS, all of the models in the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt lineup are quite forgettable with regard to the driving experience. A total of four trim levels are offered on the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt: Base, LS, LT, and SS. The first three feature a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 155 horsepower. Don’t expect the base versions of the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt to be sporty, but they do make for a good daily commuter.

The 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt SS, on the other hand, feels like a completely different car to the rest of the range. Its 2.0 liter turbocharged engine, with a healthy 260 horsepower and offers plenty of real-world performance. The SS takes only 5.7 seconds to get to 60 mph.

The 2010 Cobalt is just adequate with respect to safety, and it lacks some vital features. All Cobalts come with full-length side curtain airbags as standard, but ABS brakes are optional on all models below the SS and 2LT, and electronic stability control isn’t offered, except on the SS. Crash tests by the IIHS and NHTSA yield barely acceptable results for frontal crashes and acceptable for side collisions. Base models of the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt don’t come with much. Air conditioning is optional, as are cruise control and most power accessories. LT models add much more, including keyless entry, upgraded audio, alloy wheels, and upgraded front seats. For 2010, the Sports Appearance Package, previously known as the Performance Appearance Package, is also available on the LT coupe. The package includes a rear spoiler, 17-inch aluminum wheels, a stainless-steel exhaust with chrome tips, fog lamps, white-face gauges, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob, plus steering wheel controls and Bluetooth connectivity.

Radio will wait for us !

If you’re driving along listening to your favorite radio station and a commercial playing contains a website address you want to note it or check out. But you can’t while on drive or you shouldn’t be writing while driving. Wouldn’t it be great to just hit a pause button on the radio? Yes, this is true. Now you can. Pause and play radio is a built-in feature of the High Navigation Radio in the Chevrolet Equinox, Buick LaCrosse, GMC Terrain on which it debuted in 2008.

Pause and play is coming soon to the new Buick Regal and Chevrolet Cruze.

Just like digital video recording at home that lets you capture live broadcasts and take a break while watching, pause and play radio lets you stop a live broadcast, record up to 20 minutes, and play it back later. It’s as simple as pushing the radio reverse button.

But say you’re listening to your favourite game on XM Satellite Radio, and your gas gauge is running down with the game clock. Do you risk running out of fuel to catch the end of the game? Never and No worries. Before shutting off the vehicle, the driver can press the radio pause button, shut off their vehicle, get out and fill up, get back in the vehicle and start it, push the radio play button and resume listening to the game it stopped.

The content is stored on an embedded hard drive within the radio. Listeners can fast-forward and reverse playback as desired.

General Motors’ will be profitable in 2010 :

This auto show turns to the public visitors who find a “new” GM with a nice portfolio of vehicles, from the sporty and sleek to the tough and tall. The automaker that entered and emerged from bankruptcy in 2009 has fewer brands and models to display. Gone vehicles are Saturn, Pontiac, Saab and Hummer. Consumers expecting the quality built products from General Motors always.

GM’s bankruptcy last year will help, analysts say, because it allowed the auto giant to shed a lot of debt. GM’s new chairman and chief executive officer, Ed Whitacre said recently that he expects GM to turn a profit in 2010 and to start paying back the government some of its billions in loans. Cole said since 2006 and heading into 2011, General Motors will have cut $5,000 to $6,000 in cost out of every car or truck it makes. “They can be profitable in everything they make, even the smallest car,” he said.

And show goers will see some important small car products with Flint and Bay City ties right at the forefront of GM’s auto show exhibit. The highly anticipated Chevy Volt is on a turntable display at the front of the roomy and cleanly colored Chevrolet area. It’s just across the aisle from the Chevrolet Cruze. The two 2011 vehicle models will include engines built by UAW Local 599 members at GM’s Flint Engine South plant with some engine parts made by Bay City ’s GM Powertrain plant.

“They have to be successful in the small car market,” and “they have to be profitable.”

The small cars are part of Chevrolet’s customer strategy. The brand is focused on five customer groups: truck buyers, performance enthusiasts, youth enthusiasts, modern family and “eco-conscious” customers, said Jim Campbell, general manager of Chevrolet. GM revealed the Chevy Spark, Chevy Aveo RS show car and the Cruze and Volt as its lineup of “gas friendly to gas free” vehicle choices, hopefully touching several of those customer groups.

Green Machine : Chevrolet Camaro Synergy Special Edition 2010 :

Chevrolet has just begun the sales of a new special edition of the Camaro. The 2010 Chevy Camaro Synergy Special Edition is mostly about the car’s color. The Synergy Green paintjob is offset by Cyber Grey racing stripes on the hood and deck lid, but not the roof.  The green tone is also used on the door inserts and instrument panel, and is the chosen color for the stitching on the black cloth seats, steering wheel, shift knob, and console. As Synergy is a special edition, it’will be produced in limited quantities from February to May.

Based on the Camaro 1LT, the limited model uses a 3.6-liter direct-injection V6 providing 304 horsepower and up to 273 ft-lb of torque.  The engine is mated to either a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox.  Also included standard is the Convenience and Connectivity Package, which includes Bluetooth capabilities, a USB port, and remote start for cars with the automatic transmission.

“Synergy Green continues a long tradition of dramatic Camaro colors,” says Camaro historian Scott Settlemire. “Some of the most sought-after Camaros are first generation cars – those from 1967 to 1969 – in Hugger Orange, Daytona Yellow, and Rallye Green.” In production form, the Synergy Green is accented by Cyber Grey Rally Stripes running the length of the Camaro hood and rear deck. Other exterior features include a standard rear spoiler, and standard 19 inch, Sterling Silver painted wheels wrapped with P245/50R19 tires. The Camaro Synergy Special Edition with pricing starting at $26,790.

“The Synergy Special Edition package is designed for customers who want a unique performance car at an attainable price,” says Camaro marketing manager John Fitzpatrick. “For under $27,000, Camaro Synergy Special Edition offers standout styling, modern technologies like Bluetooth, and 304 horsepower under the hood.”

Nissan Altima : Ultimate Pride.

The 2010 Nissan Altima Coupe is freshened for 2010. The Nissan Altima is a 2-door, 5-passenger family coupe. The Nissan Altima is as practical and functional as the top midsize family sedans, but adds a dose of fun most of them lack. It’s no match for sports cars, but its crisp handling and lively acceleration make for entertaining commuting. This family coupe is available in 4 trims, ranging from the 2.5 S 6M/T to the 3.5 SR 6M/T. Upon introduction, the 2.5 S 6M/T is equipped with a standard 2.5-liter, I4, 175-horsepower engine that achieves 23-mpg in the city and 31-mpg on the highway. The 3.5 SR 6M/T is equipped with a standard 3.5-liter, V6, 270-horsepower engine that achieves 18-mpg in the city and 27-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims.

Nissan builds the Altima with those people in mind that it’s a reliable transportation device. But, Popular Mechanics notes, “More important, at least to enthusiasts, is that the Altima is in some ways the sportier choice compared to the best-selling Toyota [Camry] and Honda [Accord]. Nissan estimates that 65 percent of Altima buyers are male, and its bolder styling and more subdued interior reflects an adherence to its somewhat masculine personality.”

This car offers one of the sportiest rides available in an affordable midsize car. The rivals are the Ford Fusion and Mazda6, for instance. And while both of its available engines offer almost exactly the same amount of power as the powerplants in the Toyota Camry or Chevy Malibu, the Altima sends thrust through a Continuously Variable Transmission that puts down the power smoothly, giving it sprightly acceleration. It feels a little faster than those cars, even while putting up fairly similar performance measures in the sort of track testing that auto enthusiast magazines conduct.

The Altima is also available as a sporty-looking coupe. In the affordable midsize car class, only the Honda Accord and the Altima offer two-door options.

Owner Loyalty is back at Bob Maguire Chevrolet

2010 Malibu $89 per month 39 months 12,000 mile per year. $6200 Rebates ($3000 GM Card $1000 Loyalty $2200 Cap Cost Reduction). $2000 Down Tax / Aqc Fee /Doc Fee/ Security Dep/=$2275. Residual $9970 / TOP $4275.Stk#84900 MSRP $22,660. 2010 Traverse $199 per month 39 months 12,000 miles per year. $6200 Rebates ($3000 GM Card $1000 Loyalty $2200 Cap Cost Reduction). $2000 Down Tax/Tags/ Aqc Fee/ Doc Fee/Security Dep/=$2750 Residual $12942 / TOP $4750. Stk#84847 MSRP $30,099. 2010 Impala $199 per month 39 months 12,000 miles per year $5650 Rebates ($3000 GM Card $1000 Loyalty $1650 Cap Cost Reduction). $3900 Down Tax/Tags/Aqc Fee/Doc Fee/Security Dep/=$2843 Residual $8532 / TOP $6750 Stk#84945 MSRP $26665. 2010 Cobalt LT $99 per month 39 months 12,000 miles per year $4250 Rebates (3000 GM Card $1000 Loyalty $250 Cap Cost Reduction). $2000 Down Tax/Tags/Aqc Fee/Doc Fee/Security Dep/=$2150. Residual $7519 /TOP$4150 Stk#84920. MSRP $18340. 2010 HHR $139 per month 39 months 12,000 miles per year $5250 Rebates ($3000 GM Card $1000 Loyalty $1250 Cap Cost Reduction) $2000 Down Tax/Tags/Aqc Fee/ Doc Fee/Security Dep/=$2375 Residual $7394 / TOP $4375 Stk#84932 MSRP $20540.