kbb.com Launches Web Site Optimized for iPhone and iPhone 3G
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IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 26 /PRNewswire/ — Kelley Blue Book’s , the leading provider of new car and used car information, today announces the launch of its Web site optimized for iPhone users. The free, feature-rich mobile site provides iPhone, iPhone 3G and iPod Touch users access to Kelley Blue Book’s top-rated Web site, , to obtain new and used vehicle information. In addition, with the new kbb.com Web application, iPhone users will have the ability to view kbb.com videos, images, new car reviews () and submit free dealer price quotes.
“Utilizing the kbb.com iPhone mobile Web site gives car shoppers an opportunity to quickly view reliable and trusted vehicle information from just about anywhere,” said Andy Lapin, director of architecture for Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com. “Whether the shopper is sitting at home or standing on the dealership lot, they can easily locate Kelley Blue Book’s new and used car information with a few simple stokes to ensure they are making the right choice and getting a great deal.”
All iPhone 3G, first generation iPhone and iPod Touch users can access Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com Web application. By locating the application through the Safari Web browser, users have the ability to bookmark the site and save it to their home-screen, making new- and used-car information readily available. If consumers would like to access the full kbb.com Web site, they also can do so by clicking a link available within the application.
iPhone users will be automatically directed to the optimized Web site when they access from their iPhone.
About Kelley Blue Book ()
Since 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource(R), has provided vehicle buyers and sellers with the new and used vehicle information they need to accomplish their goals with confidence. The company’s top-rated Web site, , provides the most up-to-date pricing and values, including the New car Blue Book(R) Value, which reveals what people actually are paying for new cars. The company also reports vehicle pricing and values via products and services, including software products and the famous Blue Book(R) Official Guide. Kbb.com is rated the No. 1 automotive information Web site among both new and used vehicle shoppers, and half of online vehicle shoppers visit kbb.com. Kbb.com is a leading provider of new car prices (), car reviews () and news (), used car blue book values (), auto classifieds () and car dealer () locations. No other medium reaches more in-market vehicle shoppers than kbb.com.
Media Contacts:
Robyn Eckard Joanna McNally Brenna Robinson
949-268-3049 949-268-3079 949-267-4781
Kelley Blue Book
Teachers Get Added No-Cost Protection With Liberty Mutual’s New Car Insurance Policy
BOSTON, Aug. 25 /PRNewswire/ — Liberty Mutual, the nation’s eighth largest car insurer, today announces its new, customized car insurance policy that provides added coverage and benefits for teachers without increasing the cost is now available to teachers and school administrators in Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, Connecticut, and Kentucky.
“Teachers — who we celebrate and reward for their commitment to educating our children — have unique insurance needs,” said Greg Gordon, senior vice president of Marketing at Liberty Mutual. “Given that the average teacher’s salary isn’t even keeping pace with the rate of inflation, we’ve created a package of benefits that doesn’t stretch their pockets.”
Liberty Mutual’s customized educators’ car insurance policy is for full-time teachers and administrators at primary or secondary schools and accredited colleges or universities. Beginning its roll out last month in Illinois, Minnesota, and Nevada, this customized policy is now available in eight states with additional states being added throughout the year. The no- additional-cost features include:
– A Collision Deductible Waiver: The customer’s deductible is fully waived if a covered collision loss occurs while traveling on school business.
– A Comprehensive Deductible Waiver: The deductible is fully waived if the car is vandalized while parked at the school or at a school-sponsored function.
– Personal Property Coverage: Educational materials or school-owned property stolen from or damaged in the teacher’s car are covered at actual cash value up to $2,500, with a $50 deductible.
In addition, teachers and administrators who are members of one of Liberty Mutual’s more than 10,000 affinity groups — including more than 1,200 educational partners — could qualify for an additional discount. To learn about the new teacher’s car insurance policy or discount eligibility, contact any local Liberty Mutual office in Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, Connecticut, and Kentucky, or call 1-888-823-5644.
For information on how teachers can apply for one of 15 master’s degree scholarships from Liberty Mutual, or earn a 15 percent discount on graduate professional development courses from Pearson, log onto .
Liberty Mutual Group
“Helping people live safer, more secure lives” since 1912, Boston-based Liberty Mutual Group is a diversified global insurer and sixth-largest property and casualty insurer in the U.S. based on 2007 direct written premium. Liberty Mutual Group ranks 94th on the Fortune 500 list of largest U.S. corporations, based on 2007 revenue. The company has over 41,000 employees located in more than 900 offices throughout the world.
The eighth-largest auto and home insurer in the U.S., Liberty Mutual () sells full lines of coverage for automobile, homeowners, valuable possessions, personal liability, and individual life insurance. The company is an industry leader in affinity partnerships, offering car and home insurance to employees and members of more than 10,000 companies, credit unions, professional associations and alumni groups.
Liberty Mutual Group
Leading New-Car Interior and Exterior Designs Named in Q2 Brand Watch Study
IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 21 /PRNewswire/ — Kelley Blue Book Marketing Research today announces the second quarter 2008 results of its consumer automotive perceptions research study, Brand Watch. The highly comprehensive Brand Watch report provides a detailed review of in-market new-car shoppers’ brand perceptions, and important factors affecting their purchase decisions as they are engaged in the shopping process. With vehicle styling playing a significant role in the decision-making process, Brand Watch is releasing the top results for best exterior and interior design.
SECOND QUARTER 2008 BRAND WATCH STUDY RESULTS
BEST EXTERIOR DESIGN:
Non-Luxury Sedan/Coupe/Hatchback Segment: HONDA
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Luxury Sedan/Coupe/Hatchback Segment: BMW
()
Non-Luxury SUV Segment: FORD ()
Luxury SUV Segment: LEXUS ()
Truck Segment: CHEVROLET ()
Minivan Segment: TOYOTA ()
Sports Car/Convertible Segment: PORSCHE
()
BEST Interior DESIGN:
Non-Luxury Sedan/Coupe/Hatchback Segment: TOYOTA
()
Luxury Sedan/Coupe/Hatchback Segment: LEXUS
()
Non-Luxury SUV Segment: GMC ()
Luxury SUV Segment: CADILLAC
() & MERCEDES-BENZ
() (TIE)
Truck Segment: CHEVROLET ()
Minivan Segment: HONDA ()
Sports Car/Convertible Segment: AUDI
()
“The results of the latest quarterly Brand Watch report show that consumers’ perceptions of domestic brands remain strongly favorable in many categories, particularly in the truck segment, even in the midst of the current tough automotive marketplace,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial editor and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com. “New-car shoppers also are taking note of brands that are adding models to their new-vehicle lineup, such as Audi in the sports car/convertible segment, resulting in heightened positive brand perception.”
Now available to vehicle manufacturers and auto industry professionals, the second quarter 2008 Brand Watch report taps into active new-vehicle shoppers to determine their perceptions of automotive brands within specific automotive segments. Brand Watch examines how each manufacturer’s brand equity differs across vehicle segments, revealing car-buyers’ decision factors within each make and segment. Detailed demographic and psychographic information also is collected, reported and detailed throughout Brand Watch’s comprehensive study.
Kelley Blue Book Marketing Research’s Second Quarter 2008 Brand Watch Study also examines:
— Important factors driving purchase decisions in each vehicle segment
— Perceptions of styling/design, driving performance,
durability/reliability and comfort for each make and segment
— Key psychographic profiles of buyers within each vehicle segment
— Perceptions and consideration trended among domestics and imports
— Individual profiles for the top 27 makes
— The top makes considered by shoppers in each vehicle segment
“Brand Watch provides tremendous insights into the minds of in-market new-car shoppers, the very people upon which the future sales and profits of the automakers rest,” said Rick Wainschel, senior vice president of marketing and analytics for Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com. “In these tough economic times, especially in the auto industry, consumers voicing their opinions via studies like Brand Watch help automakers better understand how their brand is perceived right now, and allow them to make real-time marketing decisions that will positively affect their bottom line.”
The Brand Watch results from the second quarter of 2008, compiled by Kelley Blue Book Marketing Research, reflect the brand perceptions of more than 3,000 active, in-market vehicle shoppers. Each quarter, Kelley Blue Book Marketing Research collects the results in 17 main categories, including best exterior design and interior design, among the seven major vehicle segments.
Based on the entire year of 2008 Brand Watch report data, Kelley Blue Book will host the second annual 2009 Brand Image Awards () Dinner and Ceremony in New York City during the week of the New York International Auto Show in April. In addition to announcing the annual winners in the 17 main categories, three overall category winners also will be named: Best Overall Exterior Design; Best Overall Interior Design; and Best Overall Prestige Brand.
For Brand Watch sales inquiries on any vehicle segment or brand, please contact Kelly Kim, director of marketing research services for Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com, at 949-268-2756 or .
About Kelley Blue Book () Since 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource(R), has provided vehicle buyers and sellers with the new and used vehicle information they need to accomplish their goals with confidence. The company’s top-rated Web site, , provides the most up-to-date pricing and values, including the New car Blue Book(R) Value which reveals what people actually are paying for new cars. The company also reports vehicle pricing and values via products and services, including software products and the famous Blue Book(R) Official Guide. Kbb.com is rated the No. 1 automotive information site and the most visited auto site nine years in a row. is a leading provider of new-car prices (), car reviews () and news (), used-car blue book values (), auto classifieds () and car dealer locations (). No other medium reaches more in-market vehicle shoppers than kbb.com; nearly one in every three American car buyers performs their research on kbb.com.
Kelley Blue Book
starMedia’s ‘Daring Traveler’ Reveals a Spicier Side of Three Great American Cities
MIAMI, Aug. 19 /PRNewswire/ — starMedia announced today the launch of Daring Traveler, (), a new Webcast show developed for ford Flex, together with Zubi Advertising and C3RTM of Miami. The new video capsules are the third in a series of Webisodios programming launched this year by the Spanish-language Portal.
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“Users and advertisers alike have embraced our new Webisodios format,” noted starMedia COO Juan Jose Nunez. “They’re proving to be a most effective medium to feature comprehensive product information for our audience, in a fun and engaging way; we’ll continue to develop new, creative and entertaining content as a means by which our advertisers may better familiarize Spanish-speaking consumers with their products and services.”
Daring Traveler will introduce viewers to the most adventurous people and places across three of America’s hottest towns: Miami, New York and Los Angeles. Each week, host Pablo Lagno will take starMedia users along in search of authentic, one-of-a-kind experiences. The series organically integrates Ford’s newest cross-over vehicle, the ford Flex, seamlessly. The ford Flex itself has been cast as one of the show’s protagonist, playing the part of Pablo’s hip, trusted and loyal companion; together, they explore the funky and fun nocturnal spots around some of the country’s leading Latin cities.
“We are always looking forward to new options, as the role of interactive media and the advertising tools they offer continue to evolve,” noted David Rodriguez, ford Multicultural Marketing Manager. The starMedia Webisodios format successfully introduces consumers to the new ford Flex through entertaining content, tailored to better deliver our message; we have great expectations for this format.”
Daring Traveler is the third Webisodios series starMedia has launched; it is scheduled to run until the end of the year. The other recently launched Portal Webisodios are starMedia EntertaiNews and Toque Latino.
About starMedia.com
starMedia.com is a free-to-web global Portal connecting more than 24 million Spanish-speakers through the Internet as well as providing them with the most relevant and extensive information and services. starMedia has local operations in Colombia, Mexico, Peru, Spain and throughout the United States (Los Angeles, Miami and New York); and, is wholly owned by Orange (), a subsidiary of the France Telecom Group .
starMedia
Mercedes-Benz Unveils New Star Lounge at 2008 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance
PEBBLE BEACH, Calif., Aug. 14 /PRNewswire/ — The 2008 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance has a new attraction this year from Mercedes-Benz, official automotive sponsor of the festivities, which was unveiled today to car enthusiasts attending the world renowned event.
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Positioned on the third fairway at Pebble Beach, the Mercedes-Benz Star Lounge, a grand display distinguished by its transparent front entrance, provides a striking view of the Pebble Beach course from the interior and more than 20 classic and new vehicles throughout the structure.
One of this year’s stand-out classic cars on display is the Mercedes-Benz 1935 500 K Touring, which has a one-hundred horsepower, supercharged engine and three speed transmission. The 500K is one of only sixteen built in this configuration. Also on display is the C291 Group C racecar with a 12-cylinder boxer engine capable of producing 650 hp and speeds of 239 mph. Along with the F700 concept car and McLaren SLR roadster on display at the Star Lounge, car enthusiasts can also see an iconic 1955 300 SL Coupe Gullwing, a car sought after by collectors from around the world.
The Star Lounge will open to the public from 8:30 AM until 5:00 PM on Thursday, August 14th through Sunday, August 17th.
The Concours d’Elegance
The Pebble Beach region plays hosts to many activities during the Concours d’Elegance, bringing new and old vehicles for all to see. The event begins with the Tour d’Elegance on Thursday morning, which includes a 50 mile scenic drive down the coast of California that will be led by famed raced car driver, Jochen Mass, in a CLK63 Black Series F1 pace car and Sir Stirling Moss in a 1957 300Sc Cabriolet.
Mercedes-Benz will host an AMG drive event at the Quail on Thursday, August 14th from 11:00 AM until 4:00 PM that includes test drives of high-performance vehicles including the new 2009 AMG SL63 and C63. On Friday, August 15th, Mercedes-Benz will hold its annual, invite only gala to honor this year’s Pebble Beach Star Driver, Jochen Mass. Guests will have the opportunity to meet Jutta Benz, great granddaughter of Carl and Bertha Benz, and drive with her in a Benz Patent Motorcar from 1886.
About Mercedes-Benz USA
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. In 2005, MBUSA achieved an all-time sales record of 224,421 new vehicles, setting the highest sales volume ever in its history and achieving 12 consecutive years of sales growth. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found on the Internet at and .
Mercedes-Benz USA
NADAguides.com Highlights Top Ten Cars That Are ‘Cool for School’
COSTA MESA, Calif., Aug. 14 /PRNewswire/ — As students get ready to head back to high school and college campuses, NADAguides.com today announced its picks of the top ten cars that are cool for school. NADAguides.com (), a vehicle pricing and information website, took into consideration a combination of factors when choosing its top picks, including affordability, reliability, safety, fuel economy, styling and cost of ownership.
“Never is the generation gap bigger than when parents and kids debate about what car to buy,” said Don Christy, Jr., president and CEO, NADAguides.com. “It doesn’t have to be hard, though. Parents can get what they want and kids can too.”
Christy says both new and pre-owned versions of the cars that made the company’s list would be great choices for students heading to school in the coming weeks, not only for practicality but for the “cool factor” too. Following is the NADAguides.com top ten list of cars that are cool for school, in alphabetical order.
Chevy Cobalt
The new Chevy Cobalt boasts an affordable base MSRP of $14,410, good safety ratings and solid EPA estimates in the 24 city/33 hwy range. “Honorable mention goes to the 2008 Chevy Malibu, which would be a great mid-size sedan for college graduates for just a few thousand dollars more,” said Christy.
Honda Fit
The Honda Fit is a zippy little hatchback that is not only reliable, but also offers seating for five, an affordable base MSRP of $13,950, excellent EPA estimates in the 28 city/34 hwy range and a nice list of standard equipment.
Mazda MAZDA3
“For under $15,000, you can get a brand new MAZDA3 that’s reliable and fun to drive,” said Christy. The Mazda MAZDA3 comes equipped with a solid list of safety features, including advanced dual front airbags and a tire pressure monitoring system.
Nissan Xterra
For students who appreciate the functionality of an SUV, the Nissan Xterra made the NADAguides.com list due in large part to its cool styling, its roomy interior for passengers and gear, and optional 4WD for inclement weather.
Pontiac Vibe
The 2008 Pontiac Vibe boasts an excellent value rating when it comes to five-year ownership costs, good reliability ratings and sleek styling. “For families on a budget, look at one- or two-year-old models for added savings,” said Christy.
Saturn Astra
The Saturn Astra made the NADAguides.com list for its sporty styling, its versatile three door or five door hatchback configurations, seating for five, solid EPA estimates in the 24 city/32 hwy range and its long list of safety equipment, including OnStar(R).
Scion xB
“The Scion xB is just plain cool,” said Christy. Not only does this wagon turn heads due to its unique styling, it boasts an affordable base MSRP of $16,420 with a long list of standard equipment, including iPod capability and side curtain airbags.
Subaru Forester
A car that offers tons of bang for your buck, the Subaru Forester made the NADAguides.com list because of its reliability, excellent handling, stellar crash test ratings and good cargo space.
Toyota Tacoma
For students who want the functionality of a truck, the Toyota Tacoma is a great choice. “You could pick up a five- or six-year-old model, save yourself thousands of dollars and still have one heck of a truck,” Christy said.
Volkswagen Rabbit
Not only is the new Volkswagen Rabbit affordable, with a base MSRP of $15,600, it gets good gas mileage with EPA estimates in the 22 city/29 hwy range and a nice list of standard features, including 8-way adjustable sport front seats.
To learn more about the cars featured here, visit the New car Center at NADAguides.com. The company’s New car Decision Guide lets parents and students choose the features most important to them, including price, transmission, body style and MPG information, to help them find the perfect vehicle for school.
About NADAguides.com
NADAguides.com is the world’s largest publisher of vehicle pricing and specification information for new and used cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs, as well as van conversions, limousines, classic and collectible cars, boats, personal watercraft, RVs, motorcycles, ATVs, snowmobiles and manufactured housing. At NADAguides.com (), consumers have access to a variety of new and used vehicle services in addition to valuation information.
NADAguides.com
The Car Connection Names Top New Cars for College Students
PALO ALTO, Calif., Aug. 11 /PRNewswire/ — With the fall term about to start, college students are looking for the perfect car for parents to “subsidize” — or to drive off to college along with parents’ furniture, computer and life savings. And while it doesn’t take an economics major to find a great car for college — it does take a little research to find one with high marks for reliability, fuel economy, safety and of course, a reasonable price. Luckily, TheCarConnection.com’s editors have studied every 2008 model available for sale in the U.S., from crash-test scores to gas mileage.
Of all the new cars driven and researched by TheCarConnection.com’s editors, these eight stand out:
Ford Focus
The Ford Focus is a roomy entry-level car-and a music lover’s dream thanks to its SYNC system, a voice-activated, hands-free communications and entertainment interface that links the car to all manner of phones, PDAs, MP3 players, and portable storage devices.
Honda Fit
The 2008 Honda Fit is a subcompact five-door hatchback with entertaining road manners and frugal fuel economy. The Fit gets 34 mpg on the highway and 28 in the city, and does it with a light touch in its controls and a roomy interior with a folding “Magic Seat” that opens a cargo area big enough for a standard-sized bicycle.
Hyundai Elantra
The 2008 Hyundai Elantra is a recent winner of a compact-car comparison from Consumer Reports. Fuel economy is as good as 25/33 mpg. The interior is outfitted with power windows, power heated rearview mirrors, power door locks, remote keyless entry, and a tilt steering wheel. Options include a Bluetooth hands-free system, leather, a power sunroof and a 220-watt premium audio system with an iPod jack.
Mitsubishi Lancer
The Lancer is Mitsubishi’s smallest sedan and lowest-priced car in the U.S. lineup. Base versions have power windows and a CD sound system, but upscale versions can be outfitted with Bluetooth, automatic climate control, a 650-watt Rockford-Fosgate sound system, and a navigation system that includes a 30-gigabyte hard-drive music server.
Pontiac Vibe
The five-door Vibe returns with a new body style, a pair of engines and all-wheel drive as an option. Pick from a 158-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder or stick with the base 1.8-liter four, making 132 horsepower. Both can be teamed to a manual or automatic transmission. Fuel efficiency is good and the rear seats fold flat to expand the cargo area. A 320-watt Monsoon sound system is among the options.
Saturn Astra
The new 2008 Astra is a European-bred car from GM’s Saturn brand. It comes in two flavors — two-door hatchback and four-door hatchback. The sweet-revving four-cylinder teams well with a five-speed manual that offers a light-touch clutch; there’s a four-speed automatic offered as well. The Astra has features not often found at this price point, like steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and express-up power windows.
Scion xB
The 2008 Scion xB is the second generation of the popular four-door hatchback sold by Toyota’s youth-oriented brand. Fuel economy is 22/28 mpg. There’s room for four or cargo room to move most of a dorm room in one trip (minus the flat-screen TV and MicroFridge).
Suzuki SX4 Sport
The SX4 Sport is a small crossover vehicle with a wagon body, an upscale interior and plenty of driving fun. The government rates the SX4 Sport at 21/28 mpg with the manual transmission. Six airbags are standard, as are anti-lock brakes and a seven-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
For more details on finding the right new car for college, go to:
About TheCarConnection.com
TheCarConnection.com is the Web’s Automotive Authority, offering car buyers the reviews, spy shots and shopping guides, tips and expert advice they need to buy the right car.
TheCarConnection.com
BMW of North America Appoints New Executive Vice President of Operations
WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J., July 25 /PRNewswire/ — BMW of North America, LLC, the U.S. division of the German manufacturer of premium vehicles and motorcycles, today announced the appointment of Peter Miles to the position of Executive Vice President of Operations, effective September 1st, 2008. Miles replaces Howard Mosher who retired earlier this year.
In this function Miles will report to Jim O’Donnell, President of BMW of North America, LLC, Miles, 47, will be responsible for all BMW sales operations and dealer relations within the U.S.
“This position is vitally important to our implementing the right revenue enhancing actions that help maintain our retail network’s strong market position in light of the dynamic change the U.S. automobile business is experiencing,” said Jim O’Donnell, President of BMW of North America, LLC. “Peter’s background and skills are an important part of our success in this work.”
Born in England, Miles began his career as a management consultant at Anderson & Co and as a divisional managing director at Burdens Group. In 1996, he moved to the United States to join BMW Group’s former Land Rover organization, where he was Vice President Retail Operations for North America. Following the BMW Group’s sale of the sports utility vehicle brand to Ford Motor Company in 2000, he stayed with Land Rover for two years until rejoining BMW Group in September 2002 as General Manager, Western Region for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars North America. In June 2005, after the launch of the new Rolls-Royce Phantom, Miles assumed the position of President of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars North America, LLC. Since March 2007 Miles has been Regional Vice President of BMW’s Central Sales Region based in Chicago.
BMW Group In America
BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and the Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, an industrial design firm in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group’s global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all Z4 models, X5 Sports Activity Vehicles and X6 Sports Activity Coupes. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 338 BMW passenger car centers, 335 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 142 BMW motorcycle retailers, 82 MINI passenger car dealers, and 30 Rolls-Royce Motor car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North, Central and South America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.
Information about BMW Group products is available to consumers via the Internet at:
Journalist note: Information about the BMW Group and its products is available to journalists on-line at the BMW Group PressClub at the following address: . Broadcast quality video footage is available via The NewsMarket at .
BMW of North America, LLC
NADA Announces ‘Green Checkup’ Month in September
DENVER, Aug. 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Record gas prices have just about everyone searching for ways to save on gas and improve fuel economy.
To help motorists save money at the gas pump, and at the same time, cut greenhouse gas emissions through proper vehicle maintenance, the National automobile Dealers Association (NADA) has created a check list of Green Maintenance Tips and a new program called the Green Checkup.
The chairman of NADA, Annette Sykora, announced the Green Checkup campaign at a news conference in Denver.
Governors Bill Ritter, D-Colo., and Arnold Schwarzenegger, R-Calif., also spoke at the news conference, along with the president of the Alliance of automobile Manufacturers, Dave McCurdy, who introduced his association’s EcoDriving initiative, and Dan Grossman with the Environmental Defense Fund.
In her remarks at the conference, Sykora emphasized that the goal of the Green Checkup campaign is to highlight simple steps that car owners can take to maintain their vehicles in top running condition.
“Dealerships are located in every major community in the country which means we are ideally positioned to be at the forefront of a national consumer awareness campaign,” said Sykora, owner of two dealerships in Texas.
NADA is urging its dealer members to offer free Green Checkups at their dealerships. The “Green Checkup” focuses on the things that have the most effect on fuel economy, such as oil and air filters, engine performance, tire pressure and emission controls.
As part of the EcoDriving initiative, McCurdy outlined a national campaign to highlight smart driving habits that can save drivers gas and money, and announced a new Web site that provides valuable EcoDriving information to motorists at .
Although NADA is promoting Green Checkup Month in September, the program is designed for dealers to offer checkups as part of their routine service year-round.
This is one example of how dealers are becoming more energy conscious. A trend toward green dealerships is another.
“Dealers around the country have invested close to a billion dollars on facility upgrades and new construction over the past few years to reduce energy consumption at their dealerships,” Sykora said.
This includes cutting-edge heating and cooling methods, more efficient lighting, as well as wind and solar power. Today, several dealerships are LEED certified by the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program.
“With the growing number of green dealerships and the Green Checkup campaign, we are sending a clear signal that when it comes to climate change, America’s new car dealers are part of the solution,” Sykora said.
Contact your local dealership to find out if a “Green Checkup” is being offered in your community and schedule an appointment. The “Green Checkup” only takes about an hour. For more information about NADA’s Green Maintenance Tips, visit .
NADA, founded in 1917 and based in McLean, Va., represents about 20,000 new-car and -truck dealers with 43,000 franchises, both domestic and import.
Consumers can save money and energy — and wear and tear on their vehicles — with proper care and maintenance. Here are 10 items that affect fuel economy.
NADA’s 10-Point Green Checkup
– Motor oil. Top off and change oil as necessary with manufacturer-recommended grade, “energy conserving” motor oils. Doing so can improve fuel economy by up to 2 percent, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Replacing conventional oils with synthetics may offer even greater fuel economy benefits.
– Air filters. Make sure you change your air filter at the end of its recommended lifespan. Replacing a clogged air filter can improve a vehicle’s gas mileage by up to 10 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
– Engine performance. Enhance fuel economy performance by having engines tuned and spark plugs replaced according to the manufacturer’s recommended schedule. A single misfiring spark plug can cut fuel economy by up to 4 percent, according to the EPA.
– Brakes. Improperly maintained brakes can result in unwanted drag. This unnecessary resistance can have the same effect as driving with a foot on the brake pedal: a dramatic drop in fuel economy.
– Warning lights for “Service Engine Soon” or “Check Engine.” Ignoring these indicators may result in poor fuel economy performance and require expensive repairs. For example, a warning light may indicate a faulty oxygen sensor is sending more fuel to the engine than necessary, which can result in a 40 percent fuel economy decline. A warning light could also indicate a faulty thermostat, which can prevent a cold engine from reaching its normal operating temperature resulting in the unnecessary injection of fuel.
– Tire wear. Replacing worn tires with a manufacturer-recommended size and style can save hundreds of dollars a year. To improve fuel economy performance, consider low rolling-resistance replacement tires.
– Tire inflation pressure. Keeping tires inflated to at least the manufacturer-recommended pressure can improve fuel economy by up to 3 percent, according to the EPA. Under-inflated tires require more energy to roll, meaning more fill-ups.
– Unnecessary items that add weight to the vehicle. Unnecessary weight lowers fuel economy; remove heavy items from your trunk and back seat.
– Evaporative emission controls. Poorly operating evaporative emission controls can fail to capture gasoline vapors and recycle them to the fuel tank. Faulty controls waste gas and degrade air quality.
– Transmission. Properly operating modern transmissions and drive components are critical to vehicle fuel economy performance. Routinely check proper fluid levels and system operation.
National automobile Dealers Association
Auto Affordability Best in 28 Years Comerica Bank Chief Economist Reports
DALLAS, Aug. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — The purchase of an average-priced new vehicle took 23.1 weeks of median family income in the second quarter, according to the Auto Affordability Index compiled by Comerica Bank. The latest reading is down 0.9 weeks from the first quarter and 1.9 weeks compared to a year ago. Including finance charges, the total cost of buying an average-priced light vehicle was $27,704 in the second quarter. Last quarter, it took fewer weeks of work to purchase a new car than in any quarter since early 1980.
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“With gasoline prices soaring, interest rates on car loans rising, and the economy wobbly, those consumers who are still in the market for a new vehicle are opting for less expensive models,” said Dana Johnson, Chief Economist at Comerica Bank. “Excluding finance costs, the average amount spent on a new car dropped another $700 to $23,900 last quarter and is now at its lowest level in three years. Consumers also are holding down their monthly payments by extending the average maturity of their car loans to 63 1/2 months, an increase of about 2 months over the past four quarters.”
This report incorporates the latest data on consumer spending on light vehicles and on the terms available on auto loans. The history of the index is available upon request from Meaghan Derrick (214-462-6815 or ).
Comerica Incorporated is a financial services company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and strategically aligned by three business segments: The Business Bank, The Retail Bank, and Wealth & Institutional Management. Comerica focuses on relationships, and helping people and businesses be successful. In addition to Texas, Comerica Bank locations can be found in Arizona, California, Florida and Michigan, with select businesses operating in several other states, as well as in Canada, China and Mexico. Comerica reported total assets of $66 billion as of June 30, 2008. To receive e-mail alerts of breaking Comerica news, go to .
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