Auto news and reviews from Car Buyer's Notebook.com: 2006 Vehicles Archives

August 15, 2008

Ford's cute little Ka coming to a theater near you

The all-new Ford Ka microcar, which Ford Motor Co. sells in Europe and is considering bringing to America, will appear in the new James Bond movie, "Quantum of Solace."

In the movie, which opens in the United States on Nov. 7, the Ka is featured in a unique metallic gold paint with a funky combination of exterior graphics and interior trim.

The special "Quantum of Solace" Ka was created by Ford of Europe's design team, in collaboration with the movie's Oscar award-winning production designer, Dennis Gassner. The Ka's cameo continues Ford of Europe's relationship with the James Bond films, following the debut appearance of the latest Ford Mondeo, in the 2006 blockbuster, "Casino Royale."

Continue reading "Ford's cute little Ka coming to a theater near you"

August 15, 2008

Zenn and the art of small, electric vehicles

Will smaller electric cars with limited speed and range catch on?

080811-zenn-hmed-10a.hmedium 14-aug-08.jpg

It might sound surprising, but all-electric vehicles are already on American roads. They just haven't quite made it to the highway yet.

A growing cottage industry of Neighborhood Electric Vehicle manufacturers is spurring the development of cars like the Zenn, which has reached a state of vehicular enlightenment so advanced it doesn't even need a tail pipe.

"We saw this car in May of '06, and all of us were just freaking out: 'Finally, a car!'" said Steve Mayeda, sales manager at Seattle-based MC Electric Vehicles, which sells 30 percent of Zenn's U.S. inventory, in addition to electric vehicles made by Columbia, Canadian EV, E-Ride and Miles. "Zenn was the first neighborhood electric car that actually looked and felt and drove like a real car. Everything else before that was either a converted golf cart or a car that was built from the ground up."

Continue reading "Zenn and the art of small, electric vehicles"

May 27, 2008

Subaru Outback Gets Rave Long-Term Review

Editor's note: One of our readers just wrote in to give us a long-term review on his 2006 Subaru Outback that now has 27,000 miles on the odometer, and we thought this real world feedback would be on interest:

It was two years ago that we traveled out of town to buy a shower curtain and came home with a 2006 Subaru Outback Limited. Our experience with this fine automobile has been outstanding.

There have been no issues of any kind. We just drive and continue to enjoy the engineering built into it.

Continue reading "Subaru Outback Gets Rave Long-Term Review"

November 15, 2007

Three Volvo Models Chosen as 'Top Safety Picks'

IRVINE, Calif. -- For the past two years, Volvo's XC90 SUV, C70 Convertible, and S80 Sedan have all earned IIHS's top honors for vehicle safety in front, side, and rear impact crash protection. Each model presented unique challenges towards achieving top ratings.

"Volvo safety has been over 80 years in the making. Our cars are born from a culture that believes in protecting those in and around everything we make," states Anne Belec, President and CEO, Volvo Cars of North America. "Safety is a matter of cultural pride. Safety is not added on; it comes with the first kernel of thought when designing a new Volvo."

Continue reading "Three Volvo Models Chosen as 'Top Safety Picks'"

November 10, 2007

Manny Ramirez Giving Spiffs to Sell His Chrysler

Red Sox slugger and future Hall of Famer Manny Ramirez has put his 2006 Chrysler 300C SRT8 up for sale on eBay.

Ramirez told The Tonight Show’s Jay Leno that he wants to sell the car to make room in his garage for a 1956 Chrysler Imperial that he is looking to buy.

The lucky bidder of the 300C SRT8 will also get Ramirez’s autographed Red Sox jersey, a baseball and bat. They’ll also receive up to four of his personal tickets to a game next season, plus a photo-op with Ramirez.

Continue reading "Manny Ramirez Giving Spiffs to Sell His Chrysler"

November 8, 2007

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August 5, 2007

Mercedes announces pricing for 2007 G55 AMG sport utility

Mercedes has announced pricing for 2007 G55 AMG sport utility, at $108,275. Pricing for this model includes a $775 destination charge; the 2006 price was $105,275.

Mercedes announces pricing for 2007 G500 sport utility

Mercedes has announced pricing for 2007 G500 sport utility, at $84,475. Pricing for this model includes a $775 destination charge; the 2006 price was $81,675.

July 30, 2007

Car Buyer's Notebook Now Available in Nine Languages!

Thanks to the Babel Fish translation software from AltaVista, Car Buyer's Notebook is now available in translation for nine languages. If you include English.

The alternate languages include: Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Italian and Portugese.

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Click here to read Car Buyer's Notebook in Spanish.

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July 4, 2007

Get the Car Buyer's Notebook Widget!

Aren't you tired of constantly navigating to sites, several times a day to keep up with the latest news?

I know I am -- and that's why I love widgets.

Widgets are these cool pieces of desktop "furniture" [like ours at right] that you can add to your computer -- and thus have a continuous live feed of updated news -- without going to a website to scan for cool stuff. [The widget can either be "parked" on top of all windows, or left underneath -- they're customizable, too!]

In the case of Car Buyer's Notebook, we have created just such a widget for you to download to your desktop -- and when you see a story you're really interested in, click on the title and it will take you to a new browser window to see the whole thing.

Getting our widget is simple -- there's only two steps:

1. Go to Springwidgets and download the widget software.

2. Go to this page, and get the Car Buyer's Notebook widget by clicking on the little green cog underneath the widget itself. This will add our widget to your widget menu.

And you will be in automotive widget heaven!

May 31, 2007

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Acknowledges Volvo C70's Safety Systems

IRVINE, Calif. -- The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently conducted its first crash tests of several convertibles and has awarded the Volvo C70 as one of their 'Top Safety Picks.' "For more than 80 years, Volvo has built cars with Safety in mind," states Anne Belec, President and CEO, Volvo Cars of North America.

"We are extremely pleased to have done well in the Institutes' testing program. From the very start of our modern convertible program, our goal was to bring advanced technology and engineering skills into this flagship vehicle."

Continue reading "Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Acknowledges Volvo C70's Safety Systems"

February 14, 2007

Honda to recall over 45,000 hybrid Civics

Honda is recalling 45,335 Civic Hybrid sedans worldwide to repair a voltage converter defect that could stop the car’s engine, a company spokeswoman has said.

Japan’s No. 2 automaker plans to recall 7,219 of the vehicles sold in Japan and another 38,116 sold overseas, mostly in the U.S.

The defect — which could cause a short circuit that would stop the engine and prevent it from restarting, has caused no accidents. The affected vehicles were manufactured between September 2005 and September 2006.

January 17, 2007

GM, Toyota Take Top Honors for 2006 Loyalty Awards

Polk Automotive Loyalty Award Winners Announced

SOUTHFIELD -- R. L. Polk & Co.presented the 11th Annual Automotive Loyalty Awards at the 2007 Automotive News World Congress.

Winning the Overall Manufacturer award for the seventh consecutive year, General Motors demonstrated an outstanding ability to retain its customers for the 2006 model year, which ended Sept. 30. GM also secured five additional awards including honors for its Chevrolet Impala, Corvette and Tahoe, and the Saturn ION and VUE.

"GM customer loyalty increased at least 3 percentage points in each winning category," said Stephen R. Polk, chairman, president and CEO of R. L. Polk & Co. "We congratulate GM and wish the company continued success in its customer loyalty efforts as it launches several new products this year."

Continue reading "GM, Toyota Take Top Honors for 2006 Loyalty Awards"

January 13, 2007

E-Class marathon cars become cult faves

"E-Class Experience" cars are highly sought-after: I'm not going without my E-Class

Stuttgart, Jan 12, 2007 -- "Drive an E-Class once and you'll want to drive it forever": this certainly seems to reflect the mindset of the participants in the E Class marathon who have decided to purchase the very vehicles which they drove from Paris to Beijing.

Before they could embark on their second career as private cars or show vehicles exhibited by sponsorship partners and Mercedes-Benz subsidiaries in various countries, these reliable business saloons once again had to travel tens of thousands of kilometres. But, in contrast to the demanding outward journey, this time they were travelling as well-protected cargo.

The fleet of E-Class Experience cars had covered almost 14,000 kilometres by the time it reached the Chinese capital some six weeks ago. But the vehicles were still a very long way from their ultimate destination: before they could be handed over to their new owners, they had to make a "pit stop" at the DaimlerChrysler plant in Sindelfingen where each E-Class would be cleared by customs and given a thorough technical checkover.

Continue reading "E-Class marathon cars become cult faves"

January 12, 2007

Top Ten Most Requested Cars

According to Dealix, the engine that powers Car Buyer's Notebook's free vehicle price quote service, these are the top ten cars buyer's requested prices for in the fourth quarter of 2006:

1. Toyota Camry
2. Honda Civic Sedan
3. Toyota Corolla
4. Honda Accord Sedan
5. BMW 3 Series
6. Honda Civic Coupe
7. MINI Cooper
8. Honda Accord Coupe
9. Ford Mustang
10. Mazda MAZDA3

Top Ten Most Requested Pickup Trucks

According to Dealix, the engine that powers Car Buyer's Notebook's free vehicle price quote service, these are the top ten pickup trucks buyer's requested prices for in the fourth quarter of 2006:

1. Ford F Series Pickup
2. Chevrolet Silverado
3. Dodge Ram
4. Toyota Tacoma
5. GMC Sierra
6. Chevrolet Avalanche
7. Toyota Tundra
8. Toyota Tacoma PreRunner
9. Nissan Frontier
10. Nissan Titan

Top Ten Most Requested SUVs

According to Dealix, the engine that powers Car Buyer's Notebook's free vehicle price quote service, these are the top ten SUVs buyer's requested prices for in the fourth quarter of 2006:

1. Toyota RAV4
2. Toyota 4Runner
3. Chevrolet Tahoe
4. Honda CR-V
5. Hummer H3
6. Honda Pilot
7. Toyota FJ Cruiser
8. Jeep Wrangler
9. BMW X5
10. Jeep Grand Cherokee

Top Ten Most Requested Minivans

According to Dealix, the engine that powers Car Buyer's Notebook's free vehicle price quote service, these are the top ten minivans buyer's requested prices for in the fourth quarter of 2006:

1. Honda Odyssey
2. Toyota Sienna
3. Kia Sedona
4. Dodge Caravan
5. Chrysler Town & Country
6. Dodge Grand Caravan
7. Nissan Quest
8. Ford Freestar
9. Mazda MPV
10. Saturn Relay

January 8, 2007

2006 Was the Best Year Ever for Lamborghini

Murciélago_LP640_Roadster.jpg DETROIT – With more than 2000 models sold in 2006, Lamborghini rang in the new year celebrating its best year ever. The Italian automaker gave details of its success at a brief press conference today at the 2007 North American International Auto Show.

Worldwide sales were up 30 percent in 2006 —2,087 units over 2005’s 1,600 units. Of those 2,087 units, 876 of them were sold in the United States, up 37 percent over 2005 U.S. sales.

Growth was strong in Europe, where 746 units sold in 2006 represented a 50 percent increase. With 151 cars delivered, Great Britain saw growth of 81 percent.

The growth is attributed to a stronger dealer network – there were 65 dealers in 2005 and 100 by the end of 2006 – and a growing product lineup.

Lamborghini sells the Gallardo Spyder and the Murcielago LP640 Coupe. Murcielago LP640 Roadster sales are expected to begin in the spring.

October 1, 2006

Price Hikes During the Model Year Have Become a Thing of the Past

Competitive pressures are nearly eliminating new-vehicle price increases during a model year, according to real-time retail transaction data from the Power Information Network (PIN), a division of J.D. Power and Associates. To better reflect consumer demand for new vehicles, PIN data includes retail transactions only and does not include fleet sales.

During the 2006 model year, actual new-vehicle retail transaction prices for 44 of 50 high-volume models have declined. This pricing includes powertrain and body type, normalized for all months. The prices for the remaining six models have increased slightly since the beginning of the year. Four of the six models exhibiting price increases had an actual retail transaction price increase of less than 2 percent.

Continue reading "Price Hikes During the Model Year Have Become a Thing of the Past"

September 29, 2006

Top Ten Fuel Efficient SUVs for 2006

Regardless of whether your mode of transportation is a Schwinn, a Hummer H1, or a pair of worn-out Nikes, fuel-prices are hitting your wallet just like the rest of us.

When gas prices rise, everything else gets more expensive, and when cars start selling like hotcakes in rapidly expanding markets like China and India, demand usually dictates more pain at the pump.

This is especially painful for drivers who need a spacious and roomy vehicle such as SUVs, a ride that is typically unkind in its unquenchable thirst for petrol. Indeed, there are times when a Toyota Prius or a bus pass won’t do, so we’ve compiled a list of ten fuel-efficient, 2006 SUVs that are currently available, all boasting respectable EPA-rated fuel economy figures and more utility than a Little Red Wagon.

Continue reading "Top Ten Fuel Efficient SUVs for 2006"

Ford Bold Moves #13: The Untold Truth

In just its 1st year of production, the quality of the Ford Fusion has earned praise from customers and the press. Get a behind-the-scenes look at one of Ford’s biggest hits.

September 28, 2006

GM Announces Carry-Over Pricing On The Most Popular Versions Of The All-New 2007 Chevrolet Silverado And GMC Sierra Pickups

Nearly Half of the Models Are Within $300 of the Models They Replace

DALLAS – GM North America President Troy Clarke announced today, just prior to the State Fair of Texas, that the most popular versions of the all-new 2007 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra light-duty pickup trucks will be priced the same as the models they replace.

The industry leader in full-size pickup sales, GM has comprehensively redesigned the trucks with new exterior and interior designs, as well as powertrain, chassis and safety systems. Production of the trucks begins on Oct. 2, and they are expected to begin arriving in Chevrolet and GMC dealerships in early November.

Continue reading "GM Announces Carry-Over Pricing On The Most Popular Versions Of The All-New 2007 Chevrolet Silverado And GMC Sierra Pickups"

New Car Price Cuts On the Way

The Wall Street Journal reports that GM, Ford and Chrysler may be moving away from high manufacturer incentives and rebates and looking towards value pricing and production cuts in order to get more in line with actual transaction prices and spur sales amid turbulent times.

Chrysler, for example, has lowered prices on all its Pacifica models, now down an average of $1,300, despite added safety and performance features. Meanwhile, the dollar amount paid by the consumer from 2006 to 2007 models remains relatively unchanged. Rising competition is leading to subsequent price cuts on international nameplate models such as Volkswagen, Hyundai, and Toyota.

VW said this week that it is pursuing a new pricing strategy that offers lower sticker prices while maintaining a high level of standard features; Toyota has cut prices on the 2007 Highlander Hybrid an average of 5.9 percent from 2006 model year prices. And the base Hyundai GLS Santa Fe model for 2007 starts at $21,595, down $700 from the 2006 model despite an additional third row of seating.

September 20, 2006

Jaguar XK Coupe wins UK TV 2006 car of the year award

Jaguar's XK Coupe has been named 'Car of the Year' and 'Luxury Car of the Year' at the UK TV People Awards 2006. Over 10,000 UK TV viewers voted from a choice of 16 vehicles and chose the new XK as their favourite car overall.

Throughout the week preceding the awards ceremony, viewers watched Formula 1’s Louise Goodman test drive the 16 vehicles on the UK TV channel where she highlighted the various attributes of each car. The vehicles were then divided into four categories for viewers to make their selection. The categories were Sport, Family, Luxury and 4x4.

Jaguar’s UK Managing Director Geoff Cousins, said of the award: "We are delighted that the XK came out top of the bunch in what was an extremely strong and competitive short list. This recognition is especially pleasing as it was voted for by the public. I am also delighted for everyone responsible for the car's production here in the UK; they should all feel very proud that Jaguar came out top."

Loris Vigiani, Production Manager for UK TV said: "The competition was tough but the performance, shape and sheer beauty of the Jaguar XK Coupe obviously won the hearts and minds of the viewing public, beating Volvo, Mercedes and Maserati to win the ‘Luxury’ category; as well as Lotus, BMW and Porsche amongst others to win overall."

Fifth Gear’s Vicki Butler-Henderson and Adrian Simpson hosted the live awards. Viewers were invited to make their choice by text message on their mobile phone or via the UKTV website.

Since the Jaguar XK went on sale in March this year, Jaguar has taken more than 9,000 orders and delivered 5,000 vehicles worldwide. The XK has won eight awards in total since its launch, including 'Car of the Year' at the Auto Express Awards 2006. Prices start at £59,995 for the XK Coupe and £65,995 for the Convertible.

September 19, 2006

Scion Announces Pricing For xA Release Series 3.0

Scion, of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., announced today that the xA Release Series 3.0 will arrive at dealer showrooms beginning in October.

The 2006 xA Release Series 3.0 will come in a stunning Stingray Metallic light blue exterior paint and offer unique exterior and interior enhancements. Standard features include front and rear KenStyle® ground effects, Release Series wheel covers, color-tuned seat fabric and a rear spoiler.

This xA is also satellite-radio ready and comes with a paid three-month subscription to XM Radio, wherever XM service is available. A keyless Scion Security System with a radar intrusion sensor helps protect this highly-equipped xA. Individual numbered badging completes the uniqueness of this vehicle.

Only 2,100 units of the xA Release Series 3.0 will be built. The xA Release Series 3.0 model will carry a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $1,840 over the base price of the xA. The base MSRP for the xA starts at $12,780.

August 24, 2006

Ford offering zero percent loans to clear inventory

Ford is offering zero-percent financing for up to 72 months on 2006 cars and trucks in a bid to clear out inventory before the arrival of 2007 vehicles.

The program starts today and will run through Sept. 5. The financing will be offered to financially sound customers as well as those who have "good but not great credit," Ford spokesman Jim Cain said.

On July 31, Ford scrapped its Drive on Us promotion, which offered zero-percent financing, $1,000 in free gas and cash rebates, to focus on regional incentives for 2006 models. Ford also lowered sticker prices on 2007 models in a bid to bring sales prices closer to actual transaction prices. To increase sales of its crucial F-series pickup trucks, which saw sales fall by 12.3% for the first seven months of this year, Ford cut sticker prices on the 2007 model by as much as $1,400.

August 23, 2006

Get a 2006 Honda Accord for $199 a month

The Honda Clearance runs until September 5, and even though they are not in the position of having to give away the store, there are still a few decent deals to be had, like a 4-cylinder Accord for $199 a month for 36 months with two thou down. Upgraded versions of the Accord can be had on lease at $239 and $279 a month.

Honda is also offering low APR of 2.9% and 4.9%, depending on the length of the loan.

Link.

August 16, 2006

GM's XM Satellite Radio Option Now $199

XM Satellite Radio is One of the Fastest Technology Rollouts in GM History

DETROIT - General Motors has lowered the option price of factory-installed XM Satellite Radio (NASDAQ: XMSR) by 39 percent to $199, from $325, beginning with most model-year 2007 vehicles. More than 90 percent of GM's model-year 2006 and 2007 U.S. retail vehicles offer factory-installed XM Satellite Radios as either an option or as standard equipment.

"The economies of scale and engineering efficiencies brought by the rapid pace of XM Radio installations across GM's product lineup allow us to pass along cost savings to our customers," said Mark LaNeve, vice president of GMNA Sales, Service and Marketing. "XM Radio has become a must-have feature for many customers and demand just continues to grow. Chevrolet alone has produced over two million XM-equipped vehicles."

Continue reading "GM's XM Satellite Radio Option Now $199"

August 15, 2006

Mercedes 'Pre-Safe' Technology slows vehicle down before an accident can happen

The technology behind the new Mercedes-Benz CL-Class - PRE-SAFE®: Occupant protection in the new Mercedes coupé begins even before an accident occurs

The anticipatory PRE-SAFE® protection system is included in the standard safety equipment for the new CL-Class, which makes its market debut in the autumn of 2006. This award-winning technology goes into action if an accident is imminent and protects the occupants of the new luxury coupé against the effects of an impending collision.

Available as an option is the PRE-SAFE® brake, an additional new feature that automatically slows the CL-Class down when the risk of an accident is recognised. No comparable safety technology is found in any other car in this vehicle class.

Continue reading "Mercedes 'Pre-Safe' Technology slows vehicle down before an accident can happen"

August 10, 2006

J.D. Power Reports Lower Priced Cars Nearly as Good as Luxe

Lexus and Toyota Models Each Rank Highest in Four Segments; Honda Models Rank Highest in Three Segments

The gap in long-term quality between luxury and non-luxury brands has been cut in half during the past four years, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) released today.

The study, which measures problems experienced by original owners of 3-year-old (2003 model-year) vehicles, finds that there is an ever-smaller gap in reported problems between luxury and higher-volume brands -- averaging 15 PP100, down from 31 PP100 in 2003. Quality improvements with non-luxury brands are seen primarily in two categories -- ride, handling, braking, and engine and transmission -- which both have a strong impact on customer satisfaction.

The presence of several non-luxury brands among the top-ranking brands in the industry further underscores the shrinking dependability gap between luxury and non-luxury brands. While Lexus is the top-ranking brand in vehicle dependability for a 12th consecutive year and luxury-make Cadillac ranks fourth, three of the top five-ranking brands in vehicle dependability are non-luxury makes. Mercury and Buick, respectively, follow Lexus in the brand rankings, and Toyota ranks fifth.

Continue reading "J.D. Power Reports Lower Priced Cars Nearly as Good as Luxe"

August 9, 2006

Cadillac sells milestone CTS sedan to new Jersey Twins

Quarter-Million Sold: Cadillac CTS Reaches New Milestone

Taking home a new Cadillac is a special occasion, and this was especially true today for the Luyber family. At Gold Coast Cadillac in Oakhurst, N.J., twin sisters Tara and Robin Luyber each brought home a new CTS. This special day for Tara and Robin was also a milestone in Cadillac history, as the CTS crossed the quarter-million threshold in total sales.

“The 250,000 th CTS sold marks an important moment for Cadillac,” said general manager Jim Taylor. “CTS sales increased in each of its first four years on the market, an unusual phenomenon in our industry. We’re very proud that consumers have reacted so positively to this car.”

Which of the Luyber sisters owns the car that is precisely the quarter-millionth CTS? Given that the cars were purchased in tandem at Gold Coast Cadillac, the top-selling CTS dealership, that race officially ends in a tie.

“CTS has built a strong record of success on many levels,” Taylor said. “It has exceeded our goals for sales volume, set new design trends, won championships in racing, and earned awards for quality and customer satisfaction.”

CTS sold more than 61,000 units in the U.S. in 2005, compared to roughly 38,000 units in 2002, an increase of 60% over that period. This sustained sales growth is counter to conventional industry logic that says a new car’s hottest sales occur shortly after launch.

CTS, with a standard 2.8-liter V6 engine, starts at $29,990 MSRP. A 255-hp 3.6-liter V6 engine starts at $32,690.

August 8, 2006

Toyota's Tundra Target of New Safety Probe

A federal review of faulty suspensions could lead to another recall of the pickup and another black mark on the automaker's reputation.

Toyota Motor Corp.'s Tundra pickup may be recalled for the second time in two years after complaints of suspension failures prompted U.S. auto safety officials to upgrade an investigation.

The inquiry covers 219,522 Tundras from 2003 and 2004, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Monday. The agency is continuing a review linked to last year's recall of 775,000 Tundras and other vehicles. It also began a probe of 2004 and 2005 Sienna minivans because lift gates may fail.

Link.

August 4, 2006

Volkswagen stressing child safety in vehicle design

WOLFSBURG, Germany - Vehicle safety is important for all vehicle occupants, particularly for children. For this reason, the development engineers at Volkswagen also concentrate on small passengers. Numerous safety features for children are integrated in current Volkswagen models as standard.

Even today, approximately 50 percent of fatal accidents involving child passengers are caused by inadequate protection or failure to use protective systems. For example child seats: European studies demonstrate that more than half of all child seats are fitted or used incorrectly. If the vehicle has integrated child seats, there is no need to fit and remove child seats – a task that is often awkward.

In the Passat, Volkswagen offers a completely new generation of integrated child seats for children aged between three and twelve years of age (weight classes II to III). The new seat is easy to operate and can be folded flush into the rear seat bench when not in use.

Continue reading "Volkswagen stressing child safety in vehicle design"

Together at last: the VW Rabbit and Playboy Bunnies

Rabbits’ and ‘Bunnies’ Join Forces for Unique Back Cover Advertisement Shoot and Cameo

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – The Volkswagen Rabbit logo mimics its distant cousin, the official Playboy Rabbit Head logo, in an ad on the back cover of the September issue of Playboy, due on newsstands Friday, August 4.

The back cover, which showcases a rear view of cover models Holly Madison, Bridget Marquardt and Kendra Wilkinson, stars of E! Entertainment Television’s The Girls Next Door, was produced using special simultaneously shot front and back cover images. This unique cover photo perspective, a first for Playboy, features the Volkswagen Rabbit logo making a special cameo appearance on Holly’s lower back. The surprise Rabbit sighting is the first time that Playboy has featured a rear view perspective on the back cover of the magazine.

Continue reading "Together at last: the VW Rabbit and Playboy Bunnies"

Mercedes G 55 AMG gets a horsepower boost

The mighty limited edition G-wagon now has 500 hp

What is perhaps the strongest character in the Mercedes-AMG model range has been given a shot in the arm. Increased to 368 kW/500 hp, the output of the G 55 AMG now exceeds that of the predecessor model by 18 kW/24 hp. At the same time this classic cross-country vehicle has been treated to enhanced standard equipment which includes new AMG light-alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlamps, foglamps with a cornering light function and new paint finishes with greater scratch resistance, based on nano-technology.

Continue reading "Mercedes G 55 AMG gets a horsepower boost"

Hey ma! There's a Ford Fusion in my Froot Loops!

We all did it at least once in our lives. We’re talking about begging Mom for a box of cereal with a special toy inside.

For Target shoppers, that coveted toy will most likely be one of three special-edition Hot Wheels Ford Fusions. And for one lucky person, the 1/64-scale Fusion can be traded in for the real thing.

Ford Motor Company has teamed with Hot Wheels and Kellogg’s to deliver more than 600,000 miniature Fusions in boxes of Fruit Loops, Apple Jacks, Frosted Flakes and Cocoa Krispies. The specially marked packages, sold exclusively at Target stores nationwide, began appearing on shelves July 30.

The Hot Wheels Fusions feature one of three distinctive black, white or blue paint schemes. One box will include a one-of-a-kind red Target Fusion. The lucky individual who finds it will win a new full-size Ford Fusion.

The Fusion is already a hit. Sales of the sporty midsize sedan have grown an average of 15 percent month-over-month since January, based on preliminary Ford reports.

“This is a great opportunity to continue Fusion’s momentum, keeping it front and center on our target customers’ shopping lists — and breakfast tables,” says Robert Parker, Ford Car marketing manager.

Continue reading "Hey ma! There's a Ford Fusion in my Froot Loops!"

August 3, 2006

Scion to launch "Scratcher" advertising campaign

Scion is launching an innovative advertising campaign that will begin this September. The campaign is called “Scratcher,” and it challenges the passerby to find two of the same customized-style cars in a lottery ticket style scratch off format. This being Scion, no two cars are alike. Building Wallscapes, Wild Postings and Max Rack Postcards and magazines will all be used as the campaign’s mediums.

For the Wallscapes, it will start with one car revealed and then every two days a new car will be revealed, to keep the regular commuters engaged. Additionally, Max Racks will have a postcard for each model, where the customer can actually ‘scratch-off’ all of the cars. The Wild Postings will allow passersby to scratch off as well, just on a larger format.

General Motors launches iPod Integration

Fully integrated system debuts on Chevy HHR in October

GM plans to include device on its entire 56-model lineup

DETROIT, Mich. – Because great cars and great tunes should travel together, General Motors has developed an affordable, all-new iPod adaptor; allowing music lovers to use their iPod with the factory-installed audio system in GM vehicles, beginning this fall.

The device, called “Personal Audio Link,” will sell at GM dealerships for less than $160 at MSRP, plus installation. It will be introduced in October on 2006 and 2007 model year Chevrolet HHRs, already one of the industry’s most personalized vehicles, with more GM vehicles scheduled to be added by the end of this year. Designed specifically for the iPod, GM expects to make the device available on all of its 56 vehicle models – mostly by the end of 2007 – meaning GM will offer the widest range of vehicle applications for iPod integration in the industry.

Continue reading "General Motors launches iPod Integration"

Car Buyer's Notebook

Recent Stories

Topics

August 15, 2008

Ford's cute little Ka coming to a theater near you

August 15, 2008

Zenn and the art of small, electric vehicles

May 27, 2008

Subaru Outback Gets Rave Long-Term Review

November 15, 2007

Three Volvo Models Chosen as 'Top Safety Picks'

November 10, 2007

Manny Ramirez Giving Spiffs to Sell His Chrysler

November 8, 2007

Check out the latest car videos

August 5, 2007

Mercedes announces pricing for 2007 G55 AMG sport utility

Mercedes announces pricing for 2007 G500 sport utility

July 30, 2007

Car Buyer's Notebook Now Available in Nine Languages!

July 4, 2007

Get the Car Buyer's Notebook Widget!

May 31, 2007

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Acknowledges Volvo C70's Safety Systems

February 14, 2007

Honda to recall over 45,000 hybrid Civics

January 17, 2007

GM, Toyota Take Top Honors for 2006 Loyalty Awards

January 13, 2007

E-Class marathon cars become cult faves

January 12, 2007

Top Ten Most Requested Cars

Top Ten Most Requested Pickup Trucks

Top Ten Most Requested SUVs

Top Ten Most Requested Minivans

January 8, 2007

2006 Was the Best Year Ever for Lamborghini

October 1, 2006

Price Hikes During the Model Year Have Become a Thing of the Past

September 29, 2006

Top Ten Fuel Efficient SUVs for 2006

Ford Bold Moves #13: The Untold Truth

September 28, 2006

GM Announces Carry-Over Pricing On The Most Popular Versions Of The All-New 2007 Chevrolet Silverado And GMC Sierra Pickups

New Car Price Cuts On the Way

September 20, 2006

Jaguar XK Coupe wins UK TV 2006 car of the year award

September 19, 2006

Scion Announces Pricing For xA Release Series 3.0

August 24, 2006

Ford offering zero percent loans to clear inventory

August 23, 2006

Get a 2006 Honda Accord for $199 a month

August 16, 2006

GM's XM Satellite Radio Option Now $199

August 15, 2006

Mercedes 'Pre-Safe' Technology slows vehicle down before an accident can happen

August 10, 2006

J.D. Power Reports Lower Priced Cars Nearly as Good as Luxe

August 9, 2006

Cadillac sells milestone CTS sedan to new Jersey Twins

August 8, 2006

Toyota's Tundra Target of New Safety Probe

August 4, 2006

Volkswagen stressing child safety in vehicle design

Together at last: the VW Rabbit and Playboy Bunnies

Mercedes G 55 AMG gets a horsepower boost

Hey ma! There's a Ford Fusion in my Froot Loops!

August 3, 2006

Scion to launch "Scratcher" advertising campaign

General Motors launches iPod Integration