http://www.carfinance.com Tue, 07 Sep 2010 22:50:04 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 http://www.carfinance.com/car-news/car-advertising/tim-allen-to-be-voice-of-gm-cruze-commercials http://www.carfinance.com/car-news/car-advertising/tim-allen-to-be-voice-of-gm-cruze-commercials#comments Tue, 07 Sep 2010 22:50:04 +0000 CarFinance.com http://www.carfinance.com/car-news/tim-allen-to-be-voice-of-gm-cruze-commercials read more.. ]]> After searching for a new marketing theme for more than a year, Chevrolet has decided to go with comedian Tim Allen to do the voice for its new commercials, beginning with advertisements for the Cruze that will air soon, the Detroit Free Press reports.

In the Cruze, General Motors is looking to appeal to 20-somethings and empty-nesters, two groups that may recognize Allen”s voice for different reasons, the news provider said. Between the "Pure Michigan" commercials that also feature his voice and the comedian”s acting career which included the voice of Buzz Lightyear in the Toy Story films, GM hopes Allen will help reach its target consumers.

When it recently revealed that Allen would be featured in its commercials, GM called Allen a car guy and said he helped personalize two cars he owns: a 1996 Chevrolet LT5 Impala SS and a 2000 Cadillac DeVille DTSi, according to the Free Press.

For car buyers looking to purchase the Cruze or other vehicles, it can be helpful to use an online direct-to-consumer auto finance provider, which can offer competitive car loan rates and allow the customer to negotiate with cash. ]]> http://www.carfinance.com/car-news/car-advertising/tim-allen-to-be-voice-of-gm-cruze-commercials/feed 0 http://www.carfinance.com/car-news/automaker-news/kias-top-executive-resigns-following-global-recall-2 http://www.carfinance.com/car-news/automaker-news/kias-top-executive-resigns-following-global-recall-2#comments Tue, 07 Sep 2010 22:48:11 +0000 CarFinance.com http://www.carfinance.com/car-news/kias-top-executive-resigns-following-global-recall-2 read more.. ]]> Chung Sung-eun, vice chairman and CEO of Kia, recently stepped down following the global recall of more than 100,000 vehicles for defective wiring, USA Today reports.

While the Hyundai affiliate”s recent recall pales in comparison to Toyota”s recall of more than 10 million vehicles with acceleration issues since last October, a South Korean news agency reported that said that Hyundai”s chairman Chung Mong-koo asked the executive to resign, saying the recall could indicate larger quality issues.

Approximately 35,000 of the recalls, which centered on wiring controls in mood lighting that could cause heat damage, occurred in the U.S.

Kia and Hyundai combine to be the fourth largest global automaker, the news provider said. Kia”s president of overseas sales and marketing, Lee Hyeong-geun, will replace Chung.

While staying current with the latest safety news is essential for potential car buyers, it can also be helpful to use an online third-party auto finance provider. These businesses can offer competitive rates on car loans as well as enable the customer to negotiate with cash and avoid the hassle of financing at the dealership. ]]> http://www.carfinance.com/car-news/automaker-news/kias-top-executive-resigns-following-global-recall-2/feed 0 http://www.carfinance.com/car-news/automaker-news/kias-top-executive-resigns-following-global-recall http://www.carfinance.com/car-news/automaker-news/kias-top-executive-resigns-following-global-recall#comments Tue, 07 Sep 2010 22:48:11 +0000 CarFinance.com http://www.carfinance.com/car-news/kias-top-executive-resigns-following-global-recall read more.. ]]> Chung Sung-eun, vice chairman and CEO of Kia, recently stepped down following the global recall of more than 100,000 vehicles for defective wiring, USA Today reports.

While the Hyundai affiliate”s recent recall pales in comparison to Toyota”s recall of more than 10 million vehicles with acceleration issues since last October, a South Korean news agency reported that said that Hyundai”s chairman Chung Mong-koo asked the executive to resign, saying the recall could indicate larger quality issues.

Approximately 35,000 of the recalls, which centered on wiring controls in mood lighting that could cause heat damage, occurred in the U.S.

Kia and Hyundai combine to be the fourth largest global automaker, the news provider said. Kia”s president of overseas sales and marketing, Lee Hyeong-geun, will replace Chung.

While staying current with the latest safety news is essential for potential car buyers, it can also be helpful to use an online third-party auto finance provider. These businesses can offer competitive rates on car loans as well as enable the customer to negotiate with cash and avoid the hassle of financing at the dealership. ]]> http://www.carfinance.com/car-news/automaker-news/kias-top-executive-resigns-following-global-recall/feed 0 http://www.carfinance.com/car-news/new-cars/new-supercrew-option-gives-ford-f-150-more-power http://www.carfinance.com/car-news/new-cars/new-supercrew-option-gives-ford-f-150-more-power#comments Fri, 03 Sep 2010 22:05:03 +0000 CarFinance.com http://www.carfinance.com/car-news/new-supercrew-option-gives-ford-f-150-more-power read more.. ]]> In a further attempt to create the most powerful pickup truck on the market, Ford is introducing a new SuperCrew option for the 2011 model of the F-150 SVT Raptor, the Detroit News reports.

The Raptor, which aims to dominate the full-size pickup and high-speed off-roading niche, debuted last summer and has sold approximately 6,000 vehicles thus far, the news provider said.

But for the 2011 model, the automaker is offering a 6.2-liter V-8 engine that will give the pickup a class-leading 8,000-pound towing capacity, according to Ford. In order to accommodate the extra suspension components, the Raptor is seven inches wider than a base F-150.

According to Jost Capito, director of global performance vehicles, the SuperCrew has "expanded the versatility of the Raptor" and customers have been "blown away" with the vehicle”s capability.

Car buyers looking to purchase the new Raptor or any pickup truck should consider utilizing an online direct-to-consumer provider of auto finance. These companies can offer competitive car loan rates and can allow the customer to avoid the hassle of financing at the dealership. ]]> http://www.carfinance.com/car-news/new-cars/new-supercrew-option-gives-ford-f-150-more-power/feed 0 http://www.carfinance.com/car-news/automaker-news/volkswagen-plans-to-be-worlds-top-car-seller-by-2018-2 http://www.carfinance.com/car-news/automaker-news/volkswagen-plans-to-be-worlds-top-car-seller-by-2018-2#comments Fri, 03 Sep 2010 18:02:49 +0000 CarFinance.com http://www.carfinance.com/car-news/volkswagen-plans-to-be-worlds-top-car-seller-by-2018-2 read more.. ]]> Volkswagen, the world”s third-largest car company, is aiming to overtake Toyota and General Motors to become the world”s largest car seller by 2018, according to USA Today.

The German automaker plans to increase its global growth by tripling its sales in the U.S., despite the fact that many of the company”s vehicles have not yet proven themselves in the market, the news provider said.

A factory in Tennessee that will produce a new replacement model for the VW Passat midsize sedan will be opened next year and the automaker is banking on an increase in popularity of its Tiguan crossover, which is currently outsold 8-1 by its competitors, the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4, the news source said. In addition, Volkswagen says it may reintroduce the VW Phaeton to the U.S., even though the vehicle had previously failed in the market.

According to Jeff Schuster, executive director of automotive forecasting at J.D. Power and Associates, VW”s growth plan will be "very challenging" to attain.

For drivers looking to purchase a Volkswagen or other vehicles, it can be helpful to use an online third-party auto finance provider, which can offer competitive rates on car loans and enable the customer to negotiate with cash at the dealership.]]> http://www.carfinance.com/car-news/automaker-news/volkswagen-plans-to-be-worlds-top-car-seller-by-2018-2/feed 0 http://www.carfinance.com/car-news/automaker-news/volkswagen-plans-to-be-worlds-top-car-seller-by-2018 http://www.carfinance.com/car-news/automaker-news/volkswagen-plans-to-be-worlds-top-car-seller-by-2018#comments Fri, 03 Sep 2010 18:02:49 +0000 CarFinance.com http://www.carfinance.com/car-news/volkswagen-plans-to-be-worlds-top-car-seller-by-2018 read more.. ]]> Volkswagen, the world”s third-largest car company, is aiming to overtake Toyota and General Motors to become the world”s largest car seller by 2018, according to USA Today.

The German automaker plans to increase its global growth by tripling its sales in the U.S., despite the fact that many of the company”s vehicles have not yet proven themselves in the market, the news provider said.

A factory in Tennessee that will produce a new replacement model for the VW Passat midsize sedan will be opened next year and the automaker is banking on an increase in popularity of its Tiguan crossover, which is currently outsold 8-1 by its competitors, the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4, the news source said. In addition, Volkswagen says it may reintroduce the VW Phaeton to the U.S., even though the vehicle had previously failed in the market.

According to Jeff Schuster, executive director of automotive forecasting at J.D. Power and Associates, VW”s growth plan will be "very challenging" to attain.

For drivers looking to purchase a Volkswagen or other vehicles, it can be helpful to use an online third-party auto finance provider, which can offer competitive rates on car loans and enable the customer to negotiate with cash at the dealership.]]> http://www.carfinance.com/car-news/automaker-news/volkswagen-plans-to-be-worlds-top-car-seller-by-2018/feed 0 http://www.carfinance.com/car-news/new-cars/chrysler-offers-first-look-at-2011-dodge-durango-2 http://www.carfinance.com/car-news/new-cars/chrysler-offers-first-look-at-2011-dodge-durango-2#comments Thu, 02 Sep 2010 21:49:51 +0000 CarFinance.com http://www.carfinance.com/car-news/chrysler-offers-first-look-at-2011-dodge-durango-2 read more.. ]]> In a recent release, Chrysler has offered the first look at the 2011 Dodge Durango, which features third row seating and can tow up to 7,400 pounds with its V-8 engine, the Detroit News reports.

The sport-utility vehicle, which is manufactured in Detroit”s Jefferson North plant and called the "big brother" to the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee by the News, offers a choice of the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 or the brand”s new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6. Both models will also be offered with all-wheel drive.

Chrysler also says that the 2011 Durango uses higher-grade materials for its interior, replacing the hard plastic materials it had used in previous models.

The Durango, which is the first in a series of new and updated Dodge vehicles, features airbags that extend to the third row, optional technology for monitoring blind spots and standard active head restraints, according to the news provider.

Drivers looking to purchase the 2011 Dodge Durango or any other vehicle should consider using an online third-party provider of auto finance. These companies can offer competitive rates on car loans, enable the customer to negotiate using cash and allow the car buyer to avoid the hassle of financing at the dealership. ]]> http://www.carfinance.com/car-news/new-cars/chrysler-offers-first-look-at-2011-dodge-durango-2/feed 0 http://www.carfinance.com/car-news/new-cars/chrysler-offers-first-look-at-2011-dodge-durango http://www.carfinance.com/car-news/new-cars/chrysler-offers-first-look-at-2011-dodge-durango#comments Thu, 02 Sep 2010 21:49:51 +0000 CarFinance.com http://www.carfinance.com/car-news/chrysler-offers-first-look-at-2011-dodge-durango read more.. ]]> In a recent release, Chrysler has offered the first look at the 2011 Dodge Durango, which features third row seating and can tow up to 7,400 pounds with its V-8 engine, the Detroit News reports.

The sport-utility vehicle, which is manufactured in Detroit”s Jefferson North plant and called the "big brother" to the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee by the News, offers a choice of the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 or the brand”s new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6. Both models will also be offered with all-wheel drive.

Chrysler also says that the 2011 Durango uses higher-grade materials for its interior, replacing the hard plastic materials it had used in previous models.

The Durango, which is the first in a series of new and updated Dodge vehicles, features airbags that extend to the third row, optional technology for monitoring blind spots and standard active head restraints, according to the news provider.

Drivers looking to purchase the 2011 Dodge Durango or any other vehicle should consider using an online third-party provider of auto finance. These companies can offer competitive rates on car loans, enable the customer to negotiate using cash and allow the car buyer to avoid the hassle of financing at the dealership. ]]> http://www.carfinance.com/car-news/new-cars/chrysler-offers-first-look-at-2011-dodge-durango/feed 0 http://www.carfinance.com/car-news/automaker-news/first-free-electric-vehicle-charging-station-introduced-in-michigan-2 http://www.carfinance.com/car-news/automaker-news/first-free-electric-vehicle-charging-station-introduced-in-michigan-2#comments Thu, 02 Sep 2010 21:40:16 +0000 CarFinance.com http://www.carfinance.com/car-news/first-free-electric-vehicle-charging-station-introduced-in-michigan-2 read more.. ]]> The first of what is expected to be approximately 500 free electric-vehicle charging stations that will be put into homes and businesses in southern Michigan has been unveiled at the NextEnergy headquarters in Detroit, the Detroit Free Press reports.

As part of a $37 million dollar program, which includes $15 million of U.S. stimulus money, Coulomb Technologies plans to install 4,600 free chargers in the country”s major markets. The program comes as two electric cars, the Chevrolet Volt and the Nissan Leaf, will be launched late in 2010.

As President Obama has said that he wants to see one million plug-in vehicles on the road by 2015, Coulomb CEO Richard Lowenthal estimated that two million charging stations would be needed by that time in order to give drivers the full benefit of the vehicles. "With cars like these, you”ll never go to the gas station," Lowenthal said. "But you need a place to charge them."

According to Joe Malcoun, who works in strategy and corporate development at DTE in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the Coulomb public charging stations usually cost $4,000 to $5,000 while home stations range from $1,700 to $2,000.

Car buyers looking to purchase an electric or gas-powered vehicle should consider using an online direct-to-consumer auto finance provider, which can offer competitive rates on car loans and allow the customer to avoid the hassle of financing at the dealership. ]]> http://www.carfinance.com/car-news/automaker-news/first-free-electric-vehicle-charging-station-introduced-in-michigan-2/feed 0 http://www.carfinance.com/car-news/automaker-news/first-free-electric-vehicle-charging-station-introduced-in-michigan http://www.carfinance.com/car-news/automaker-news/first-free-electric-vehicle-charging-station-introduced-in-michigan#comments Thu, 02 Sep 2010 21:40:16 +0000 CarFinance.com http://www.carfinance.com/car-news/first-free-electric-vehicle-charging-station-introduced-in-michigan read more.. ]]> The first of what is expected to be approximately 500 free electric-vehicle charging stations that will be put into homes and businesses in southern Michigan has been unveiled at the NextEnergy headquarters in Detroit, the Detroit Free Press reports.

As part of a $37 million dollar program, which includes $15 million of U.S. stimulus money, Coulomb Technologies plans to install 4,600 free chargers in the country”s major markets. The program comes as two electric cars, the Chevrolet Volt and the Nissan Leaf, will be launched late in 2010.

As President Obama has said that he wants to see one million plug-in vehicles on the road by 2015, Coulomb CEO Richard Lowenthal estimated that two million charging stations would be needed by that time in order to give drivers the full benefit of the vehicles. "With cars like these, you”ll never go to the gas station," Lowenthal said. "But you need a place to charge them."

According to Joe Malcoun, who works in strategy and corporate development at DTE in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the Coulomb public charging stations usually cost $4,000 to $5,000 while home stations range from $1,700 to $2,000.

Car buyers looking to purchase an electric or gas-powered vehicle should consider using an online direct-to-consumer auto finance provider, which can offer competitive rates on car loans and allow the customer to avoid the hassle of financing at the dealership. ]]> http://www.carfinance.com/car-news/automaker-news/first-free-electric-vehicle-charging-station-introduced-in-michigan/feed 0