2011 Nissan Juke makes debut at New York International Auto Show

The 2011 Nissan Juke Sports crossover has been unveiled at the New York Auto Show. The Juke joins the Murano and Rogue crossovers and will be available in the fall of 2010.

2011 Nissan Juke is big on style and fun driving

The styling influence of the 2011 Nissan Juke was taken from many areas, including motorcycles and rally cars. The engine is a 1.6 litre Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) turbo, with all wheel drive. The aim of the Juke was to create something unique, in that is is part hatch, part SUV while keeping a sportiness and sleek design.

The interior further compliments the sport styling. With motorcycle inspired features and a short-shifter gear lever to add to the sporty feel. There are many optional features, ranging from entertainment options and other luxury additions. Many of the safety features though are standard, including 6 airbags, ABS breaks and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)

The most interesting feature is the Integrated Control (I-Con). This feature allows the driver to control the climate settings as well as rotating between the various driving modes. The modes include:

Normal, for every day driving
Sport, for better performance
Eco, for maximum efficiency

The New 2011 Nissan Juke is a great all-round car and caters to a market that requires a car with both space, performance and style, without being too big or costing too much.

New Ford Focus RS500 ready for launch

The new Ford Focus RS500 limited edition is launching in Leipzeg Germany in April. As the successor to the Focus RS, the RS500 features a 350 PS 2.5-litre 5-cylinder engine.

New Ford Focus RS500 is one-of-a-kind

Only 500 RS500 models are being made, and each is custom labeled from 001 to 500. The New Ford Focus RS500 is finished with a unique matte-black foil paint further adding to the unique and one-of-a-kind feel that the car will bring.

Additional of the Ford Focus RS500 include:

Dual-zone automatic climate control
Heated windscreen
Rear parking distance sensors
Tyre deflation detection system
Automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers
Auto dimming rear-view mirror
Ford key-free start
Enhanced connectivity with Bluetooth®, voice control and USB port
Sony 6-CD audio system
Recaro sports front seats with partial leather trim

The new Ford Focus RS500 will be available in 20 different European countries and demand is expected to exceed supply.

Geely acquires Volvo Cars from Ford

28, 2010 Ford Motor Company today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell Volvo Car Corporation and related assets to Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Company Limited. The sale is expected to close in the third quarter of 2010, and is subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of applicable regulatory approvals.

Geely to provide new future for Volvo

The purchase price for Volvo Cars and related assets (primarily intellectual property) is $1.8 billion (U.S.), which will be paid in the form of a note in the amount of $200 million (U.S.), and the remainder in cash. The cash portion of the purchase price will be adjusted at close for customary purchase price adjustments relating to pension deficits, debt, cash and working capital, the net effect of which could be a significant decrease in the cash proceeds to Ford.

Volvo is a great brand with an excellent product lineup. This agreement provides a solid foundation for Volvo to continue to build its business under Geelys ownership, said Alan Mulally, Fords president and CEO. At the same time, the sale of Volvo will allow us to further sharpen our focus on building the Ford brand around the world and continue to deliver on our One Ford plan serving our customers with the very best cars and trucks in the world.

Ford to support Volvo during transition

Ford will continue to cooperate with Volvo Cars in several areas after the sale has been completed in order to ensure a smooth transition, but will not retain any ownership in the Volvo Cars business.

Following completion of the sale, Ford will continue to supply Volvo Cars with, for differing periods, powertrains, stampings and other vehicle components.

As part of the sale, Ford also has committed to provide engineering support, information technology, access to tooling for common components, and other selected services for a transition period to ensure a smooth separation process.

Ford and Geely have established agreements to govern the use of intellectual property; these agreements will allow both Volvo and Ford to deliver their business plans and provide appropriate safeguards against misuse. These agreements also will allow Volvo Cars to grant sublicenses to certain portions of Fords intellectual property used by Volvo Cars to third parties, including Geely.

The Volvo team has done an exceptional job of restructuring its business and remaining focused on delivering its plan during the sale process, said Lewis Booth, Fords chief financial officer. With Fords continued investment in Volvo, it has launched its best-ever product range and remained true to its core values safety, quality, environmental responsibility and modern Scandinavian design.

We look forward to continuing to work with Volvo Cars, and wish the management team, employees and new owners every success for the future.

Zhejiang Geely would like to pay tribute to Fords stewardship of the Volvo brand, and we look forward to continued cooperation as Volvo embarks on the next stage of its evolution with Geely, said Li Shufu, chairman of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Company Limited.

Stephen Odell, CEO of Volvo Cars, added, The Volvo management team fully endorses Fords sale of Volvo Cars to Geely. We believe this is the right outcome for the business, and will provide Volvo Cars with the necessary resources, including the capital investment, to strengthen the business and to continue to move it forward in the future.

Geely has been very supportive of Volvo Cars business plans and management team. We look forward to building a strong relationship between Volvo Cars and Geely, and to maintaining a strong relationship with Ford in those areas where we will continue to work together to ensure a smooth transition.

Toyota Hilux Legend 40 is born

As a sign, written in the stars, the first Toyota Hilux Legend 40 rolled off the production line on the same day that Chuck Norris celebrated his birthday.

Toyota Hilux Legend 40 celebrates long history in SA

The Toyota Hilux, the countrys top selling vehicle, celebrates 40 years in South Africa. The Toyota Hilux Legend 40 adds visual appeal which includes a Legend 40 roll bar, side steps, nudge bar and rear bumper with towbar all from high gloss stainless steel. Legend 40 decals and a special tonneau cover are also included.

The high level of interior specification includes a Legend 40 carpet set, full leather trim (including doors, steering wheel and gear knob), sound system, electric windows and alloy wheels.

The Hilux Range expanded to include two single cab models and seven double cab models. The Toyota Hilux Legend 40 range also covers 4×2 and 4×4 models. A limited production run will ensure the exclusivity and collectability of the Legend 40.

The Toyota Hilux Legend 40 builds on the success of the Hilux Legend 35, which appeared halfway through the first decade of the new millennium. The Legend 35 celebrated 35 years of Hilux market dominance and it carried those achievements proudly as a badge on its bull bar, roll bar and rear load bay.

Five years on, and forty years since first introduction, the Hilux remains the most popular and one of the toughest bakkies in the business. To be exact it ended 2009 as the countrys most popular vehicle choice, bar none. Built to the highest standards at Toyotas Prospecton plant in KwaZulu-Natal it also represents South African build quality in other parts of the world.

Toyota Hilux – Price

Single Cab

3.0D-4D 4X4 Raider R 334,900
3.0D-4D Raised Body Raider R 288,600
2.7 VVTi Raised Body Raider R 314,400
2.7 VVTi Raised Body Raider R 359,500

Double Cab

3.0D-4D Raised Body Raider R 406,600
3.0D-4D 4×4 Raider R 370,900
3.0D-4D Raised Body Raider AT R 417,900
4.0 V6 Raised Body Raider AT R 366,300
4.0 V6 4×4 Raider AT R 434,100

KTM shows zero emission bikes in Tokyo

The Austrian brand KTM is presenting two versions of an electrically-driven sport motorcycle for the first time. Both a sports-oriented offroad machine and a dynamic on-road bike are on display at the Tokyo Motorcycle show under the label KTM Freeride.

KTM shows electric potential

One and a half years after its commitment to developing an electrically-driven bike, KTM, the sports motorcycle company headquartered in Mattighofen, Austria is now determinedly on the way towards the production of a series-ready zero emission motorcycle. Under the label Freeride, KTM is simultaneously presenting two series-ready versions of the electrically-driven motorcycle that truly express the sporting spirit of the brand, bikes that transport the company motto Ready to Race right into the 21st century. The KTM zero emission motorcycles are being shown at the Tokyo Motorcycle Show on 26-28 March, 2010.

The foundation stone for this development is KTMs clear commitment to offroad motorcycle sport and its intention to further offensively expand the strongest pillar of the company business and with a unique product for which there is, to date, no real comparison. Thanks to the positive conditions to the design concept (no noise pollution and zero emission) this revolutionary development opens up perspectives for completely new applications. The Freeride creations carry the promise of an acceptable return for the use of motorcycle sporting activities, also in urban areas.

Ford is Winning More New Customer from Competing Brands

Ford Motor Company is increasingly attracting customers who are trading in vehicles from competing brands, one of the keys to Fords recent market share gains in U.S.

For the Ford brand, the rate of customers who traded in competitive brand vehicles rose 18 percent from the 2005 to 2009 model year. The conquest rate for Lincoln rose 61 percent, while Mercury saw a 12 percent increase from the 2005 to 2009 model year.

Were finding that when customers of competing brands check out our new lineup and understand the quality, fuel efficiency and value we offer, they are increasingly becoming Ford owners, said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president of Marketing, Sales and Service. The strength of our new products is making the difference in a very competitive marketplace.

Among Ford vehicles, the Fusion Hybrid, Escape Hybrid and Mustang attract the most customers who trade in competing brands. For example, more than 60 percent of trade-ins for the Fusion Hybrid were non-Ford vehicles. More than 50 percent of trade-ins for the Ford Mustang were competitive brands.

Were seeing customers from competing brands in the showroom that we havent seen in a long time, if ever, said Kevin Collins, president and owner of the Bill Collins Ford, Lincoln and Mercury dealership in Louisville, Ky. Customers have been looking at our products for two reasons. They are impressed with Ford products quality improvement, and they are pleasantly surprised with our entire lineup. Ford is back on their shopping list.

Winning new customers from competing brands has been a key to Fords ability to gain market share in the U.S. Ford gained U.S. market share in 2009, its first full-year market share gain since 1995. Ford has now gained market share for 16 of the past 17 months.

As Ford attracts new customers, it is seeing a demographic shift among its owners. Since 2002, the average household income of Ford customers has risen about 20 percent and the number of Ford customers with college degrees has risen nearly 10 percent.

The G2 Motor Group is now displaying their cars on Cars.co.za

Cars.co.za is proud to announce that the G2 Motor Group has signed on and their cars are now available on Cars.co.za. With 33 Dealerships across the country, the G2 group has a massive amount of stock and you are sure to find the car that you want. Unique to the G2 group is their G2 promise which guarantees that their cars will include:

114 Point check
Mileage verification
30 Day exchange plan
Optional 2 years/unlimited kilometers Warranty
Full service history
24 Month free roadside assistance
Ownership peace of mind
Variety of financing packages

As always Cars.co.za aims to provide you, the customer, with the largest and most comprehensive stock of used cars on the internet to ensure you find the particular car you are looking for.

New Ford Fiesta offered in four and five-door body styles

Internationally acclaimed with more than half a million units sold worldwide, the new Ford Fiesta compact is set for another debut at the 31st Bangkok International Motor Show. The unveiling of the four-door Fiesta in ASEAN follows a whirlwind series of introductions for Ford’s global compact that started in Europe one year ago and has progressively moved across the world.

New Ford Fiesta to rule ASEAN markets

The Fiesta’s full arrival in ASEAN also signifies the continued role of Thailand as a global production hub for Ford Motor Company, where both the four- and five-door models will be produced for the ASEAN markets, with exports also planned for markets that include Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

Available in four- and five-door body styles, the new Ford Fiesta will include a choice of two E20-capable petrol powertrains and a comprehensive list of features for safety, connectivity and technology.

The new Ford Fiesta will be available in Thailand at all Ford showrooms in August.

Fun and fuel efficient

Whether it’s the standard 1.4-litre manual or available 1.6-litre equipped with Ford’s six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission, the new Ford Fiesta delivers on both spirited performance and fuel efficiency. Vehicles with PowerShift also get Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and traction control as standard.

The standard I-4 is more than capable with 69 KW at 5750 rpm, while the larger 1.6-litre engine provides 87 KW at 6000 rpm. Combined fuel economy ratings, to be announced during the introduction of the new Fiesta, are expected to be among the class leaders when the model goes on sale.

The 1.6-litre engine utilises Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) that optimises camshaft phasing for exceptional throttle response, performance and flexibility across the rpm range.

With both the manual and automatic transmissions, gear ratios have been selected to provide spirited acceleration characteristics

Drivers opting for the larger engine also will benefit from the new PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission that combines the responsive performance and fuel economy of a manual with the convenience of an automatic that is preferred in busy urban traffic. Often found in larger, more premium cars, the availability of a six-speed automatic in a small car signals Ford’s commitment to offer the latest vehicle technology across a spectrum of passenger cars.

Fiesta is the first Ford small car in the region to be equipped with the PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission. The six-speed combines the sportiness of a manual transmission and, with six forward gears, allows the engine to run at reduced speeds for better fuel economy and less wear and tear on the engine.

Mazda3 Axela Sport celebrates 90th anniversary

As part of celebrations marking its 90th anniversary, Mazda Motor Corporation today launched a special edition Mazda3 Axela Sport (known overseas as the Mazda3 hatchback) outfitted with performance accessories. The Mazda Axela Sport 1.5 S Style goes on sale today at all Mazda, Mazda Anfini and Mazda Autozam dealerships throughout Japan.

Sporty features define Mazda3 Axela Sport

The Mazda3 Axela Sport 1.5 S Style is based on the 1.5-liter Axela Sport and qualifies for Japans eco-car incentive program and 50 percent tax reductions under the governments tax reduction program. New features include 15- or 16-inch alloy wheels, side spoilers, LED rear combination lights and dark tinted glass.

The version with 16-inch wheels also boasts attractive features such as discharge headlights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a 4.1-inch multi-information display. The color liquid crystal screen displays information for the audio, climate control, trip computer and other systems.

This 90th anniversary commemorative special edition Mazda3 Axela Sport offers outstanding eco-friendly and safety features as well as Mazdas hallmark fun-to-drive dynamic performance.

BMW Motorrad USA posts strong February sales

The U.S. motorcycle market continued to struggle as it declined 36% in February 2010 compared to the same month last year. Against this challenging backdrop, BMW Motorrad USA posted a 52 percent increase in retail sales in the same period.

BMW Motorrad sells up a storm in the USA

The spike in February retail sales is largely attributed to the long-awaited availability of the production version of the BMW S 1000 RR Superbike, the most powerful and sophisticated sport bike ever produced. Dealers had confirmed deposits on over 600 bikes and deliveries to customers began in late January and continued through February. Other top-selling models included the R 1200 GS and R 1200 GS Adventure as well as the popular R 1200 RT.

BMW Motorrad USAs strong February sales continued the companys industry-leading performance in this difficult market. Despite a U.S. motorcycle market that declined 41 percent and lost nearly 360,000 units last year, BMW motorcycle sales only declined 22 percent. This followed on the heels of 2008 when BMW Motorrad USA was one of only two motorcycle manufacturers to post positive growth.

Superior products in all segments of the market, a dedicated and expanded dealer network, and attractive financing programs from BMW Financial Services will help keep the positive momentum going in 2010, commented Mac McMath, BMW Motorrad USA Sales Manager.