by Auto News on May 22, 2013
Chrysler and Ford announced that they would cut back on their routine summer shutdowns to meet higher customer demand.
Chrysler said it would keep three of its North American assembly plants open all summer, including the Jefferson North plant that produces the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango. Its Toledo North plant, which will construct the new 2014 Jeep Cherokee, and the Conner Avenue plant, which produces the SRT Viper, will remain open. Four more assembly plants and a transmission plant in North America will have shorter one-week breaks this summer.
Ford will shorten its scheduled summer closures from two weeks to just → Read More
by Auto News on May 22, 2013
Despite their clear benefits in fuel economy, many consumers are reluctant to purchase new hybrids because of their price premium over traditionally-powered cars. Buying used is a solution, and with more hybrid cars flooding the market, consumers have a myriad of choices when it comes to purchasing a used hybrid.
Hybrid technology has expanded in the U.S. for the past decade, pioneered by the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius. Dozens more options exist today for buyers, making the process more complicated than ever. There are currently over 415,000 used hybrids on the market today, according to CNW Marketing Research.
It’s not always easy selecting a used hybrid. When taking out → Read More
by Auto News on May 22, 2013
Many popular small SUVs fail to provide adequate protection in small overlap frontal collisions, according to recent data by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Only two small SUV models passed the agency’s newest crash test.
The IIHS evaluated the performance of 13 small SUVs in the new small overlap frontal crash test. This type of collision, which involves approximately 25 percent of the vehicle’s front end, typically occurs when a driver strikes a pole, tree, or the corner of another vehicle. During these accidents, the impact point misses the primary structural components that are → Read More
by Auto News on May 21, 2013
The redesigned BMW 5 Series starts at $50,425, a $1,700 price bump from the previous model year. Arriving in dealerships this August, the 2014 BMW 5 Series receives an enhanced exterior, more technology, and a few changes under the bay.
New trapezoidal headlights and lower air intakes give the 5 Series a refreshed look for 2014. Side indicator lights are now integrated into the exterior mirrors, and xenon headlights are standard on all models. New features for the BMW 5 Series include a rear-seat entertainment system and hands-free → Read More
by Auto News on May 21, 2013
Consumers felt relief at the pump at the beginning of this month when prices sank to $3.50 around the nation. But just in time for Memorial Day, gas prices are creeping up again, reaching $3.62 on Monday.
Problems at several oil refineries are raising prices at gas pumps around the Midwest. Other than Hawaii, Minnesota currently has the highest gas prices in the nation, averaging $4.26 per gallon. North Dakota followed with the third highest prices at $4.19. Illinois and Nebraska came in close behind at $4.09 and $4.07 respectively. Alaska and California, which typically have the highest prices after Hawaii, averaged just above → Read More