Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Nissan shows off new Versa-based electric vehicle prototype]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/27/nissan-shows-off-new-versa-based-electric-vehicle-prototype/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/27/nissan-shows-off-new-versa-based-electric-vehicle-prototype/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/27/nissan-shows-off-new-versa-based-electric-vehicle-prototype/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Nissan EV-11 prototype - Click above for high-res image gallery

A week before it shows the world what its new dedicated electric vehicle will look like, Nissan is showing off its latest-generation prototype. The company's previous iteration was based on the original Cube, but the new test units are based on the Versa/Tiida. A 108-horsepower / 206 pound-feet electric motor designed in-house at Nissan drives the front wheels, while a lithium ion battery pack created by Automotive Energy Supply Corp. stores electricity. The 24 kWh pack is fitted under the floor and is expected to yield a 100-mile range.

Nissan is aiming to make life as stress-free as possible for its EV drivers. To that end, the navigation system will automatically display the driving radius that the current battery state of charge will support. It can also download information about currently available charging stations. Drivers can also access the charging status of their cars remotely via a cell phone, so no doubt an iPhone app will be on the way. More details after the jump.


Gallery: Nissan EV-11 prototype


[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Nissan shows off new Versa-based electric vehicle prototype

Nissan shows off new Versa-based electric vehicle prototype originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric carelectric carselectric vehicleElectricCarElectricCarsElectricVehicleEV-11nissannissan evnissan versaNissanEvNissanVersaTiidaVersaMon, 27 Jul 2009 13:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrysler/Nissan partnership frozen, Ram-based Titan and Chrysler small car in jeopardy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/13/chrysler-nissan-partnership-frozen-ram-based-titan-and-chrysler/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/13/chrysler-nissan-partnership-frozen-ram-based-titan-and-chrysler/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/13/chrysler-nissan-partnership-frozen-ram-based-titan-and-chrysler/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Times are tough all over the auto industry, but the situation at Chrysler seems to be far more dire. Chrysler's sales numbers are significantly worse than they are elsewhere in the industry, with January sales plunging by 55%. In December, the Pentastar received $4 billion from the U.S. government to keep from going insolvent. Very little good news has trickled out of Auburn Hills as of late, and that isn't changing today.

Chrysler and Nissan have decided to freeze their product sharing program indefinitely, citing a need to make sure profit targets can be met. Chrysler was to receive its own version of the Nissan Versa, and in exchange, Nissan was to receive its own version of the Dodge Ram. As disappointing as this news is for Chrysler and Nissan, few are likely surprised. Nissan, while healthier than Chrysler, is going through its own rough patch, with a loss expected for the year and 20,000 job cuts on the way.

Chrysler's potential tie-up with Fiat could also complicate matters, as Chrysler stands to have access to several of the Italian automaker's small cars. Chrysler said in a statement that the tie-up is reportedly on hold until the end of the first quarter, when a further announcement will be made. Considering the woeful market conditions around the world, we're not at all hopeful that the Nissan/Chrysler tie-up will be revived. We're still holding out hope for a Dodge Hornet, though, with either Fiat or Nissan underpinnings. Thanks for the tip, Brian!

[Source: CNN Money]

Chrysler/Nissan partnership frozen, Ram-based Titan and Chrysler small car in jeopardy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Feb 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerdodge ramDodgeRamfiatmergernissanram pickupRamPickuptechnology sharingTechnologySharingtieupversaFri, 13 Feb 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[What does the Nissan Versa 1.6 offer for $9,990? Not much]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/06/what-does-the-nissan-versa-1-6-offer-for-9-990-not-much/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/06/what-does-the-nissan-versa-1-6-offer-for-9-990-not-much/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/06/what-does-the-nissan-versa-1-6-offer-for-9-990-not-much/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Cheap, efficient transportation is highly desirable right now, and Nissan has stepped and delivered a super base Versa that will run you under 10 large. But what do you get for that rock-bottom MSRP? Well, you still get four wheels, four doors and six airbags, but things get thin from there. Nissan started with a one-two punch of crank windows and no air conditioning, making the economical sedan a bad choice south of the Mason Dixon line. A five-speed manual is standard fare, with automated cogs available for $1,000. Our friends over at Kicking Tires note that you also have to add A/C to the option box to get that slush box, and that'll run you a second $1,000. Nissan also saves coin by using cheap black plastic for the side mirrors and door handles, and the wheels have shrunk to 14 inches. Wait, where's the radio? Oh, there isn't one, at least not as standard equipment. Nissan provides the speakers and the wiring, but an aftermarket setup is required to hear anything other than road noise. Out the door pricing for a Versa with A/C and an automatic transmission will cost you at least $12,935 with destination. So much for being the cheapest car in the U.S.

[Source: Kicking Tires]

What does the Nissan Versa 1.6 offer for $9,990? Not much originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Nov 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9990 versa9990Versanissan versaNissanVersaversaThu, 06 Nov 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[More evidence Nissan will build the Dodge Hornet]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/16/more-evidence-nissan-will-build-the-dodge-hornet/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/16/more-evidence-nissan-will-build-the-dodge-hornet/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/16/more-evidence-nissan-will-build-the-dodge-hornet/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Dodge Hornet concept

The Dodge Hornet was one of the best-looking concepts that Chrysler has produced the past few years, and thanks to a partnership with Nissan, the impressive-looking compact is inching closer to production. Chrysler and Nissan have yet to officially announce details of the upcoming Nissan Versa-based vehicle they'll develop together, other than to say that it'd be available as a 2010 model, but everyone is banking on a production Hornet. Chrysler vice president of international sales Thomas Hausch recently said that the Pentastar is working hard on a Hornet Study, and that Chrysler would "announce something" in the near future. The linked Automotive News article is further evidence that our suspicions were correct and that Nissan, rather than Chinese automaker Chery, will build it.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

More evidence Nissan will build the Dodge Hornet originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Jun 2008 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>B-CarChryslerDodge HornetDodgeHornetNissanVersaMon, 16 Jun 2008 16:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan cutting production in Mexico to compensate for low U.S. demand]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/27/nissan-cutting-production-in-mexico-to-compensate-for-low-u-s-d/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/27/nissan-cutting-production-in-mexico-to-compensate-for-low-u-s-d/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/27/nissan-cutting-production-in-mexico-to-compensate-for-low-u-s-d/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It's been easy to forget about Nissan's small car offerings with the recent introduction of the redesigned Maxima in New York and the impending arrival of the GT-R for the first time on U.S. shores. But some of Nissan's more compact vehicles remain the bread and butter of the brand and fill the transportation needs of the masses. However, they're far from exciting and recent sales in the U.S. bear this out. To cope with these slow movers, Nissan is planning to idle its Aguascalientes, Mexico plant for a seven days this month so it can realign production with demand. According to Automotive News, the slowdown of car sales in America is expected to cause a bit of a slump for Mexico's burgeoning automotive industry, as many of the export models built there are intended for sale in the States. After the seven day closure, things should be back to normal, and hopefully sales of Nissan's small cars will rise along with fuel prices.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Nissan cutting production in Mexico to compensate for low U.S. demand originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Mar 2008 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AguascalientesAguascalientes MexicoAguascalientes-MexicoAguascalientesMexicoMexiconissansalessentraslow salesslow-salesSlowSalesversaThu, 27 Mar 2008 18:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan streamlines Nismo, extends parts availablity in Japan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/29/nissan-streamlines-nismo-extends-parts-availablity-in-japan/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/29/nissan-streamlines-nismo-extends-parts-availablity-in-japan/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/29/nissan-streamlines-nismo-extends-parts-availablity-in-japan/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Nissan's in-house tuning arm, Nismo, is looking to expand its reach both in its home market and abroad, beginning with an S-Tune package for, of all things, the Tiida.

Beyond the Tiida (Versa here in the States), Nissan plans to offer Nismo parts and professional tuning at every one of its dealerships in Japan, with plans to expand the network across the globe. That could mean that you'll be able to hit up your local Nissan dealer for a Nismo exhaust and intake, have it installed while you're there and possibly get an ECU reflash to make better use of the parts. It's the wave of the future and you can't deny getting factory-approved and installed parts that would provide piece of mind while keeping your warranty intact.

[Source: Nissan]

Nissan streamlines Nismo, extends parts availablity in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Jan 2008 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nismonissannissan nismoNissanNismotiidaversaTue, 29 Jan 2008 17:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Mazda still mulling over Mazda2, while Honda dealers clamor for more Fits]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/09/mazda-still-mulling-over-mazda2-while-honda-dealers-clamor-for/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/09/mazda-still-mulling-over-mazda2-while-honda-dealers-clamor-for/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/09/mazda-still-mulling-over-mazda2-while-honda-dealers-clamor-for/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



According to Mazda President Hisakazu Imaki, "As soon as North American dealers see this, they ask for it." That, in reference to the new Mazda2, a freshly styled sub-compact that is set to go on sale in Europe this fall.

The only problem is that Mazda execs are still waffling on whether or not to throw their hat into the ring in N.A. to compete with the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris. Currently, Mazda's focus is set on the ever-expanding crossover segment, and Mazda's corporate cousin, Ford, is working on the release of a Mazda2-based vehicle for sale in the U.S.

But Mazda (and Ford's) delay is causing buyers to head on down to their local Honda dealer to place an order for a Fit. The only rub: they still can't keep enough in stock. Honda's production plans for the Japanese-manufactured Fit is only 54,000 units per year, and both Honda bigwigs and U.S.-based dealers admit that it isn't enough to keep up with demand. In 2006, 27,934 Fits were sold in the U.S., and in the first six months of this year, they've moved 23,769 units off the lot. In a fuel-efficiency crazed market, demand is off the charts, but until Mazda/Ford and Honda get its act together, buyers are laying down their cash for the Yaris, xB and Versa.

[Sources: Mazda2 - Automotive News (Sub. Req.); Fit - Automotive News (Sub. Req.)]

Mazda still mulling over Mazda2, while Honda dealers clamor for more Fits originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Jul 2007 08:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fitfordhondamazda2nissansciontoyotaversaxbyarisMon, 09 Jul 2007 08:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Whiplash a serious problem with many vehicles, says IIHS]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/06/whiplash-a-serious-problem-with-many-vehicles-says-iihs/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/06/whiplash-a-serious-problem-with-many-vehicles-says-iihs/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/06/whiplash-a-serious-problem-with-many-vehicles-says-iihs/#commentsFiled under:



The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in Arlington, Va. has just concluded testing on some 75 vehicles' head restraint systems and after performing a simulated rear-end impact of 20 MPH, only 22 of the systems received the top score of "good."

At the head of the class was Audi's A4, S4 and A6, along with the Chevy Cobalt, Ford Five Hundred (Taurus, whatever) and its Mercury counterpart, Honda's Civic, Hyundai Sonata, Jag S-Type, Kia Optima, Merc E-class, Nissan Sentra and its lesser sibling the Versa, Subaru's Impreza, Legacy and Outback, as well as Volvo's S40, S60 and S80 (no surprise).

The flunkees included the Acura TSX, BMW 5-series, Buick LaCrosse and Lucerne, Caddy CTS, DTS and STS, Chevy's Aveo, the Honda Fit and Accord, Infiniti's M35, the Jaguar X-Type, Kia Rio, Mitsubishi Galant, Pontiac's Grand Prix, plus the Toyota Avalon and Corrolla.

Considering that the IIHS estimates that the injuries sustained to the back and neck in these types of collisions costs insurance companies around $8 mbillion dollars per year, their interest in the matter is obvious. Whether or not consumers will include this in their purchasing criteria is another matter however.

[Source: IIHS]

Whiplash a serious problem with many vehicles, says IIHS originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Apr 2007 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5-seriesa4a6accordacuraaudiavalonaveobmwbuickcadillacchevroletchevy cobaltChevyCobaltciviccorollactsdtse-classfitford five hundredFordFiveHundredgalantgrand prixGrandPrixhondahyundaiiihsimprezainfinitijaguarkiakia optimaKiaOptimalacrosselegacylucernem45mercedes benzMercedesBenzmercurymitsubishimontegonissanoutbackpontiacrios-types4s40s60s80sentrasonatastssubarutaurustoyotatsxversavolvowhiplashx-typeFri, 06 Apr 2007 09:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Your Nissan Versa is trying to kill you, with interior toxins]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/20/your-nissan-versa-is-trying-to-kill-you-with-interior-toxins/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/20/your-nissan-versa-is-trying-to-kill-you-with-interior-toxins/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/20/your-nissan-versa-is-trying-to-kill-you-with-interior-toxins/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Every couple of years, a study comes out identifying the myriad of chemicals being absorbed by your lungs during your daily commute. Surprisingly, these studies don't focus on emissions, but rather turn their scientific eye towards the materials that make up the interior of your car.

The Ecology Center, a non-profit environmental group, performed tests utilizing an X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) device that can measure "the elemental composition of any material" and came away with the ten best and worst vehicles to be stuck inside. The Chevy Cobalt, Chrysler PT Cruiser and Honda Odyssey take top honors for having the fewest toxins, while the Nissan Versa, Chevy Aveo and Scion xB are the worst offenders.

The tests isolate toxins like, arsenic, bromine, chlorine and mercury, found in everything from the carpet to the dash board, but the Ecology Center didn't identify what the degree of risk is while sitting in start and stop traffic.

We've heard about this issue before, and while some maintain that it's a legitimate health concern, others are more skeptical.

You can check out all 20 best and worst vehicles after the jump.

[Source: HealthyCar.org via Autopia]

Continue reading Your Nissan Versa is trying to kill you, with interior toxins

Your Nissan Versa is trying to kill you, with interior toxins originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Mar 2007 08:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fumesnissanversaTue, 20 Mar 2007 08:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan slaps a sticker on the Versa sedan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/21/nissan-slaps-a-sticker-on-the-versa-sedan/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/21/nissan-slaps-a-sticker-on-the-versa-sedan/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/21/nissan-slaps-a-sticker-on-the-versa-sedan/#commentsFiled under: , ,



If you need a car and have $12,550 to spend, you can get yourself into a brand-new 2007 Nissan Versa sedan, which went on sale nationwide on Wednesday. We're partial to the hatchback ourselves, as we favor the practicality it offers, but based on what Americans buy, we appear to be in the minority.

Nissan knows this, and that's why your local Nissan store now has two flavors of Versa on the lot. The aforementioned $12,550 buys you a Versa S with a 122-horse 1.8L and a six-speed manual. If you prefer the optional 4-speed auto, it'll cost you another thousand dollars.

The pricing scale progresses up to $15,550 (plus destination) for the Versa 1.8 SL with CVT. That model comes well-equipped with 15" alloys, power windows and doors, AM/FM/CD, remote keyless entry, cruise, 60/40 split rear seat and a security system. We decided to build a CVT-equipped SL with the optional $300 XM radio on Nissan's website, because $16K and change for 30/36 EPA fuel economy sounded pretty good to us.

Unfortunately, when we added the XM, Nissan forced us to also take the $700 Convenience package, $600 sunroof package, and $250 ABS package as well. That brought the price up to $18,015 before taxes, etc. and that strikes us as being misleading, and lame. The Versa at a little over $16K was attractive, but at $18K we'll pass, thanks. (Oh, and Nissan? Make the ABS standard next time, OK?)

You can check out their full press release after the jump.

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Nissan slaps a sticker on the Versa sedan

Nissan slaps a sticker on the Versa sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Dec 2006 11:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>versaversa sedanVersaSedanThu, 21 Dec 2006 11:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan announces pricing on 2007 trucks and SUVs]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/06/nissan-announces-pricing-on-2007-trucks-and-suvs/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/06/nissan-announces-pricing-on-2007-trucks-and-suvs/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/06/nissan-announces-pricing-on-2007-trucks-and-suvs/#commentsFiled under: ,



Another year is approaching and, on its impending arrival, Nissan released new figures for its current lineup of pickups and sport utility vehicles.

But before we douse you with the bloated figures that make up anything with optional four-wheel drive, a note about the Versa. Nissan's fuel-miser will get an additional $100 stuck onto its sticker price, due to, well, we don't know why, just because. The 1.8-liter, six-speed equipped "S" model will come in at $12,550, with an automatic tranny setting you back an additional $800. The SL model with a stick comes in at $13,350, while the automatic will have an MSRP of $14,550. Add a CVT to the mix and tack on another grand.

Now, onto the big boys.

Continue reading Nissan announces pricing on 2007 trucks and SUVs

Nissan announces pricing on 2007 trucks and SUVs originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Sep 2006 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armadafrontiermuranonissanpathfindertitanversaxterraWed, 06 Sep 2006 09:59:00 EST<![CDATA[B-cars rule as gas prices become more meaningful]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/01/b-cars-rule-as-gas-prices-become-more-meaningful/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/01/b-cars-rule-as-gas-prices-become-more-meaningful/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/01/b-cars-rule-as-gas-prices-become-more-meaningful/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Everybody thought General Motors was on crack when it launched the Aveo back in 2003. Not particularly attractive or powerful, it did exactly what it was supposed to do -- drive for cheap. Little did the industry know that gas prices were about to blow up, and the image of the B-car as a European oddity was to blow up with them.

According to the Detroit Free Press, so far this year, B-cars are up 43 percent over last. The Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris are being sold by dealers above MSRP -- yes, really. True, the little cars only account for a mere fraction of what big trucks and SUVs account for, but the increase in sales is significant.

Styling is also a key element in this rise, as analysts say that the Geo Metros of years past have nothing on the trendy Fit or the sharp Nissan Versa.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

B-cars rule as gas prices become more meaningful originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Sep 2006 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aveob-carcompactfitversayarisFri, 01 Sep 2006 17:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan tries new incentive: Buy Now, Pay Later]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/25/nissan-tries-new-incentive-buy-now-pay-later/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/25/nissan-tries-new-incentive-buy-now-pay-later/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/25/nissan-tries-new-incentive-buy-now-pay-later/#commentsFiled under: ,



Beginning today, Nissan is offering its buyers a creative new incentive that it hopes will spur the company's sagging sales. Any customer who buys a Nissan now through October 2 won't have to make a payment for 130 days. That means if you bought a Versa today, your first payment wouldn't be due until January 2nd. For some reason the offer is not available to residents of Michigan, Maine and Pennsylvania and Nissan has given no explanation for the exclusion of these states.

This is another one of those incentives that could be a double-edged sword for unsavvy consumers. While not making payments seems like fun at first, this type of deal will quickly increase the disparity between what is owed on these vehicles versus what they're worth. A year or two down the line an owner might be caught off guard to find how much negative equity has accumulated in their aging Nissan.

[Source: The Detroit Times]

Nissan tries new incentive: Buy Now, Pay Later originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Aug 2006 19:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buy nowBuyNowincentivepay laterPayLaterrebateversaFri, 25 Aug 2006 19:07:00 EST<![CDATA[CNNMoney.com picks 7 best College Cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/15/cnnmoney-com-picks-7-best-college-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/15/cnnmoney-com-picks-7-best-college-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/15/cnnmoney-com-picks-7-best-college-cars/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Nissan Versa

The guys at CNNMoney.com have come up with a list of the 7 best "college cars" -- the best available rides for current college students or new grads who have to work within a limited budget. To make the list, each car had to have a base price of under $16,000, be fuel-efficient, and offer good utility.

Without further ado, here's what they came up with. We've listed them from lowest to highest base price:
  • Nissan Versa - $12, 450
  • Scion xA - $12, 780
  • Dodge Caliber - $13,425
  • Ford Focus - $13,450
  • Mazda3 -$13, 710
  • Honda Fit - $13,850
  • Kia Sportage - $15,900
Read on to see our thoughts after the jump.

[Source: CNNMoney.com]

Continue reading CNNMoney.com picks 7 best College Cars

CNNMoney.com picks 7 best College Cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Aug 2006 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7 college cars7CollegeCarscalibercnncnnmoneycnnmoney.cmocollege carsCollegeCarsfitfocusmazda3sportageversaxaTue, 15 Aug 2006 13:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Cost of oil hits record high - gas prices up]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/15/cost-of-oil-hits-record-high-gas-prices-up/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/15/cost-of-oil-hits-record-high-gas-prices-up/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/15/cost-of-oil-hits-record-high-gas-prices-up/#commentsFiled under: ,

Yes, we've avoided them for a while, but high gas prices have become a major hot button again. With Israel's attack on Lebanon last week, oil prices hit a record $78.40 per barrel before settling in at $77.03 -- still very high, and probably a hint of what's to come. Analysts predict that if Iran, which supports Hezbollah, gets pulled into the mess, we can expect the price to spike into the triple digits. Remember when Bob Lutz predicted that crude oil prices would settle back in in the low-mid $50s? Well, he was a little off.

On account of high oil prices, the cost for a gallon of gasoline is up sharply again, as well. Last week it rose to $2.973/gallon across the United States. That's about $.04/gallon above the week prior and $.65/gallon more than a year ago.

The development will likely further affect the purchasing decisions of car buyers, elevating the popularity of small, fuel-efficient vehicles such as the Honda Fit, SMART, Nissan Versa and Toyota Yaris.

[Source: Ottawa Citizen]

Cost of oil hits record high - gas prices up originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 15 Jul 2006 20:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fitgas pricesGasPricessmartsubcompactsversayarisSat, 15 Jul 2006 20:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford cancels, delays vehicles in the interests of bolder design]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/06/ford-cancels-delays-vehicles-in-the-interests-of-bolder-design/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/06/ford-cancels-delays-vehicles-in-the-interests-of-bolder-design/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/06/ford-cancels-delays-vehicles-in-the-interests-of-bolder-design/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



A favorite adage of the particularly deadline-oriented is, "80 percent on-time is better than 100 percent late." The idea behind it is that you'd better turn something in when it's due, even if it's half-assed. Good thing for Ford that turnaround guru Mark Fields isn't so deadline-oriented.

Among the delays and cancellations, Automotive News says, are the following:

The Ford Mustang will get a mid-cycle refresh a year later than planned in 2009.

SVT has pared its future offerings down to just two (confirmed, anyway).

Mercury's Freestyle-like crossover has been killed (again).

Automotive News also reports that Fields has pushed off a Fiesta-like subcompact positioned below the Focus for two more years in the interests of making sure it has bold, American styling. The drawback to that is the fact that similar vehicles made by Nissan, Honda and Toyota are already on the market, but Ford's take on it is that European styling and bland little boxes just aren't design cues that work in the U.S.

[Source: Automotive News]

Ford cancels, delays vehicles in the interests of bolder design originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Jun 2006 08:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fiestafitfordfreestylemustangversayarisTue, 06 Jun 2006 08:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan Versa getting Scion-like sport package and accessories]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/02/nissan-versa-getting-scion-like-sport-package-and-accessories/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/02/nissan-versa-getting-scion-like-sport-package-and-accessories/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/02/nissan-versa-getting-scion-like-sport-package-and-accessories/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Nissan has announced that come January it will be offering Scion-like sport package for its Nissan Versa sedan and hatchback. While not going as far into the customizing scene as Scion, Nissan will offer items in the order of shift knobs, floor mats and the like in addition to body pieces that include a rear roof spoiler, side sills, a more aggressive front fascia and foglights. These items will likely be sourced from NISMO, and a special color may also be made available for this new sport package.

Apparently the name of NISMO doesn't carry as much cache as Scion's, otherwise Nissan wouldn't have felt the need to refer to these new optional items as "Scion-like" accessories. Toyota should take this compliment as proof positive it has made a mark in the econo-sport segment.

The 2007 Nissan Versa sedan is shown above.

[Source: Inside Line]

Nissan Versa getting Scion-like sport package and accessories originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Jun 2006 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoriesScionsport packageSportPackagetunerVersaFri, 02 Jun 2006 10:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Will the American market's new small cars resonate with young buyers?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/08/small-cars-may-not-sell-among-trendy-youths/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/08/small-cars-may-not-sell-among-trendy-youths/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/08/small-cars-may-not-sell-among-trendy-youths/#commentsFiled under: ,

Continued gas price hikes have intensified media coverage on subcompacts like the Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit and upcoming Nissan Versa. Bloomberg's Doron Levin, though, questions if young Americans will truly embrace the 'Small is Beautiful' trend.

He points out that today's young people don't necessarily see 'inexpensive' and 'gets great gas mileage' as top priorities  for their vehicles. According to a study by automotive analysts, such buyers feel a sense of entitlement fostered by their parents. Levin's own daughter rejected a perfectly running Ford Taurus and rode with friends until given a Chevrolet Blazer.

Levin does address the lone exception, Scion. In fact, he writes that the Japanese automakers have the most experience in marketing small vehicles, and are the best equipped to persuade reluctant Americans of their validity. As the Toyota Echo showed, though, even they have had their share of flops.

What do you think of Levin's analysis? Have your say in 'Comments.'

Related: Toyota, Honda, Nissan's smallest prepped for battle; Chrysler, Ford, and GM missing the subcompact wave?

[Bloomberg via Financial Express]

Will the American market's new small cars resonate with young buyers? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 May 2006 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>compact carsFitsmall carsSmallCarsteensVersaYarisyouthMon, 08 May 2006 11:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Japanese automakers fuelling record profits with new models]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/22/japanese-automakers-fuelling-record-profits-with-new-models/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/22/japanese-automakers-fuelling-record-profits-with-new-models/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/22/japanese-automakers-fuelling-record-profits-with-new-models/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

According to a Reuters report, Japan's five major automakers are set to post record profits as they prepare to close out their 2005/2006 fiscal year. While the depressed value of the yen has played a role in boosting profits for Japanese companies, there remains a strong link between new product launches and automaker profits, with Nissan posting the weakest Q4 results among Japanese automakers, with no new models in the all-important U.S. market.

The report forecasts continued growth for Toyota, Nissan and Honda for at least two years, with the biggest gains in the U.S. Key products in the Japanese new model pipeline:
  • Toyota's new Camry, America's best-selling car has just launched, and its new Tundra pickup is due in early 2007 .
  • Honda will launch three new crossovers (the CRV and Acura's RDX and MDX) this year.
  • Nissan has fresh versions of the Sentra and Altima sedans, along with the Versa and Infiniti's G35

Expect political pressure on the Japanese government to raise the value of the yen, but don't look for that to have a big impact on sales of their cars Stateside as long as Toyota et al can continue to surf a wave of successful product launches.

[Source: Reuters]

Japanese automakers fuelling record profits with new models originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 22 Apr 2006 16:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AltimaCamryG35MDXRDXSentraVersaYenSat, 22 Apr 2006 16:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan revises down Versa fuel economy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/09/nissan-revises-down-versa-fuel-economy/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/09/nissan-revises-down-versa-fuel-economy/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/09/nissan-revises-down-versa-fuel-economy/#commentsFiled under: , ,



In a short-but-sweet press release Nissan announced that it is revising downward the estimated EPA combined city/highway gas mileage for its Xtronic CVT-equipped Versa sub-compact. The original estimate was 38 mpg, which has now fallen to 33 mpg. Nissan offered no explanation for the adjustment. All Versa models are powered by a 122-hp, 1.8L four-cylinder engine.

 [Source: Nissan]

Nissan revises down Versa fuel economy originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Apr 2006 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CVTfour-cylinderfuel economyfuel mileageFuelEconomyFuelMileagemileagemiles per gallonMilesPerGallonmpgNissansub-compactVersaSun, 09 Apr 2006 15:00:00 EST