Toyota, in preparation for a meeting would be an example to other companies. Japanese car giant Toyota, the driver's alcohol level is higher a vehicle's ignition locking system, announced it is developing.
With a digital camera that measures the breath alcohol ratio in the system consists of a handheld device, the amount of alcohol is detected and the driver's photograph is for recognition. Alcohol test is positive, the system according to the level of alcohol detected warns the driver or the vehicle's ignition lock to prevent movement.
Truck maker Hino Motors and Toyota company, which made the experiment of the system, private companies and government-owned equipment soon, some cars and trucks will place.
The device driver's alcohol level higher than normal interest will be warned if the authorities.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
4th UPDATE: Auto Industry Posts Best US Sales Of Year
The auto industry temporarily awoke from its slumber last month thanks to the U.S. government's "Cash for Clunkers" program, led by a 17% sales jump at Ford Motor Co.Japan auto makers Toyota Motor Corp.Honda Motor Co.
Sales were jolted in the U.S. and foreign markets from government incentive programs promoting fuel-efficient cars, but a number of auto makers, including General Motors Co., Chrysler Group LLC andNissan Motor Co.
The two largest Japanese auto makers - Toyota and Honda - reported single- digit increases as the clunkers program helped boost market share for some foreign auto companies. The Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic and Toyota Camry were the three most popular vehicles purchased under the program.
Toyota said Tuesday its vehicles accounted for 19% of sales within the program, saying "Cash for Clunkers" provided "tangible benefits" to the industry, as well as state and local economies.
Ford's gain was also helped by its trucks posting the first year-over-year sales increase in nearly three years. Meanwhile, Chrysler's 15% decline was in part due to a lack of inventory - most of the company's plants sat idle for almost three months as the auto maker dealt with its bankruptcy process.
"Cash for Clunkers," ended late last month, weeks earlier than expected, amid higher-than-expected consumer interest. The program, launched in late July, proved to be one of the fastest-acting stimulus programs to come out ofWashington since the recession began, but higher sales in July and August are expected to be followed by weak demand in September.
Mike DiGiovanni , GM's sales analyst, said he expects the annualized selling rate to fall back to 10.5 million for the year from the mid-14 million vehicle range. He added that the auto maker expects the selling rate to jump to between 11.5 million and 12 million in 2010.
Ford's light-vehicle sales were 181,826. There were 26 selling days in August, one less than last year. Retail sales climbed 21% and Ford has gained retail market in 10 of the last 11 months. Despite a 13% rise in truck sales - the first sinceOctober 2006 - sport-utility vehicles continued to suffer with a 34% drop. Car sales jumped 25%.
GM reported 245,550 units sold, down 20%, as truck sales continued to slump, dropping 31%. Car sales declined 4.6%.
"We're very pleased with the sales performance in our Western region, where sales were up more than 41% compared with July," saidMark LaNeve , vice president of U.S. sales. He noted customers were responding to a pilot program it launched last month with online auction site eBay Inc.
For Toyota, sales were up 6.4%, to 225,088, topping Ford's total for a second straight month after three months of falling behind its U.S. competitor. Total passenger car sales were up 20%, while light-truck sales dropped 15%.
Honda posted a 9.9% jump, to 161,439 - the company's second-best month in the U.S. - as car sales grew 23% but truck sales dropped 9.3%. Nissan reported sales dropped 2.9% to 105,312, far better than projections, as car sales jumped 38% and truck sales slumped 48%.
Chrysler sales dropped 15% to 93,222 but rose 5% from July despite rapidly shrinking inventories.
AndHyundai Motor Co.'sAlabama facility returned to a five-day work week and that inventories were being replenished.
Ford's shares were down 5.1%, to$7.21 in recent trading, amid a broad market decline, which was led by a drop in financials. American depositary shares for Toyota were down 0.8%, to $84.49 , while Honda dropped 0.5%, to $31.19 , and Nissan fell 9 cents to $13.86 .
The auto industry temporarily awoke from its slumber last month thanks to the U.S. government's "Cash for Clunkers" program, led by a 17% sales jump atFord Motor Co.Japan auto makers Toyota Motor Corp.Honda Motor Co.
Sales were jolted in the U.S. and foreign markets from government incentive programs promoting fuel-efficient cars, but a number of auto makers, including General Motors Co., Chrysler Group LLC andNissan Motor Co.
The two largest Japanese auto makers - Toyota and Honda - reported single- digit increases as the clunkers program helped boost market share for some foreign auto companies. The Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic and Toyota Camry were the three most popular vehicles purchased under the program.
Toyota said Tuesday its vehicles accounted for 19% of sales within the program, saying "Cash for Clunkers" provided "tangible benefits" to the industry, as well as state and local economies.
Ford's gain was also helped by its trucks posting the first year-over-year sales increase in nearly three years. Meanwhile, Chrysler's 15% decline was in part due to a lack of inventory - most of the company's plants sat idle for almost three months as the auto maker dealt with its bankruptcy process.
"Cash for Clunkers," ended late last month, weeks earlier than expected, amid higher-than-expected consumer interest. The program, launched in late July, proved to be one of the fastest-acting stimulus programs to come out ofWashington since the recession began, but higher sales in July and August are expected to be followed by weak demand in September.
Mike DiGiovanni , GM's sales analyst, said he expects the annualized selling rate to fall back to 10.5 million for the year from the mid-14 million vehicle range. He added that the auto maker expects the selling rate to jump to between 11.5 million and 12 million in 2010.
Ford's light-vehicle sales were 181,826. There were 26 selling days in August, one less than last year. Retail sales climbed 21% and Ford has gained retail market in 10 of the last 11 months. Despite a 13% rise in truck sales - the first sinceOctober 2006 - sport-utility vehicles continued to suffer with a 34% drop. Car sales jumped 25%.
GM reported 245,550 units sold, down 20%, as truck sales continued to slump, dropping 31%. Car sales declined 4.6%.
"We're very pleased with the sales performance in our Western region, where sales were up more than 41% compared with July," saidMark LaNeve , vice president of U.S. sales. He noted customers were responding to a pilot program it launched last month with online auction site eBay Inc.
For Toyota, sales were up 6.4%, to 225,088, topping Ford's total for a second straight month after three months of falling behind its U.S. competitor. Total passenger car sales were up 20%, while light-truck sales dropped 15%.
Honda posted a 9.9% jump, to 161,439 - the company's second-best month in the U.S. - as car sales grew 23% but truck sales dropped 9.3%. Nissan reported sales dropped 2.9% to 105,312, far better than projections, as car sales jumped 38% and truck sales slumped 48%.
Chrysler sales dropped 15% to 93,222 but rose 5% from July despite rapidly shrinking inventories.
AndHyundai Motor Co.'sAlabama facility returned to a five-day work week and that inventories were being replenished.
Ford's shares were down 5.1%, to$7.21 in recent trading, amid a broad market decline, which was led by a drop in financials. American depositary shares for Toyota were down 0.8%, to $84.49 , while Honda dropped 0.5%, to $31.19 , and Nissan fell 9 cents to $13.86 .
Sales were jolted in the U.S. and foreign markets from government incentive programs promoting fuel-efficient cars, but a number of auto makers, including General Motors Co., Chrysler Group LLC and
The two largest Japanese auto makers - Toyota and Honda - reported single- digit increases as the clunkers program helped boost market share for some foreign auto companies. The Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic and Toyota Camry were the three most popular vehicles purchased under the program.
Toyota said Tuesday its vehicles accounted for 19% of sales within the program, saying "Cash for Clunkers" provided "tangible benefits" to the industry, as well as state and local economies.
Ford's gain was also helped by its trucks posting the first year-over-year sales increase in nearly three years. Meanwhile, Chrysler's 15% decline was in part due to a lack of inventory - most of the company's plants sat idle for almost three months as the auto maker dealt with its bankruptcy process.
"Cash for Clunkers," ended late last month, weeks earlier than expected, amid higher-than-expected consumer interest. The program, launched in late July, proved to be one of the fastest-acting stimulus programs to come out of
Ford's light-vehicle sales were 181,826. There were 26 selling days in August, one less than last year. Retail sales climbed 21% and Ford has gained retail market in 10 of the last 11 months. Despite a 13% rise in truck sales - the first since
GM reported 245,550 units sold, down 20%, as truck sales continued to slump, dropping 31%. Car sales declined 4.6%.
"We're very pleased with the sales performance in our Western region, where sales were up more than 41% compared with July," said
For Toyota, sales were up 6.4%, to 225,088, topping Ford's total for a second straight month after three months of falling behind its U.S. competitor. Total passenger car sales were up 20%, while light-truck sales dropped 15%.
Honda posted a 9.9% jump, to 161,439 - the company's second-best month in the U.S. - as car sales grew 23% but truck sales dropped 9.3%. Nissan reported sales dropped 2.9% to 105,312, far better than projections, as car sales jumped 38% and truck sales slumped 48%.
Chrysler sales dropped 15% to 93,222 but rose 5% from July despite rapidly shrinking inventories.
And
Ford's shares were down 5.1%, to
The auto industry temporarily awoke from its slumber last month thanks to the U.S. government's "Cash for Clunkers" program, led by a 17% sales jump at
Sales were jolted in the U.S. and foreign markets from government incentive programs promoting fuel-efficient cars, but a number of auto makers, including General Motors Co., Chrysler Group LLC and
The two largest Japanese auto makers - Toyota and Honda - reported single- digit increases as the clunkers program helped boost market share for some foreign auto companies. The Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic and Toyota Camry were the three most popular vehicles purchased under the program.
Toyota said Tuesday its vehicles accounted for 19% of sales within the program, saying "Cash for Clunkers" provided "tangible benefits" to the industry, as well as state and local economies.
Ford's gain was also helped by its trucks posting the first year-over-year sales increase in nearly three years. Meanwhile, Chrysler's 15% decline was in part due to a lack of inventory - most of the company's plants sat idle for almost three months as the auto maker dealt with its bankruptcy process.
"Cash for Clunkers," ended late last month, weeks earlier than expected, amid higher-than-expected consumer interest. The program, launched in late July, proved to be one of the fastest-acting stimulus programs to come out of
Ford's light-vehicle sales were 181,826. There were 26 selling days in August, one less than last year. Retail sales climbed 21% and Ford has gained retail market in 10 of the last 11 months. Despite a 13% rise in truck sales - the first since
GM reported 245,550 units sold, down 20%, as truck sales continued to slump, dropping 31%. Car sales declined 4.6%.
"We're very pleased with the sales performance in our Western region, where sales were up more than 41% compared with July," said
For Toyota, sales were up 6.4%, to 225,088, topping Ford's total for a second straight month after three months of falling behind its U.S. competitor. Total passenger car sales were up 20%, while light-truck sales dropped 15%.
Honda posted a 9.9% jump, to 161,439 - the company's second-best month in the U.S. - as car sales grew 23% but truck sales dropped 9.3%. Nissan reported sales dropped 2.9% to 105,312, far better than projections, as car sales jumped 38% and truck sales slumped 48%.
Chrysler sales dropped 15% to 93,222 but rose 5% from July despite rapidly shrinking inventories.
And
Ford's shares were down 5.1%, to
2011 Model New Hyundai Sonata i40 Review and Pictures
Today in photos published in this picture is understood that the new Hyundai Sonata / i40 Mazda 6 and Volkswagen Passat same design language with style. 4-door coupe vehicle a new Korean-style 'will be the biggest trump card. New Sonata 's (i40 will be replaced with the name) grid to a new Tucson / ix35 in common with grilling brings.
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Slot MiniAuto 59
COMUNICADO DE PRENSA
SLOT MINIAUTO 59 – SETIEMBRE
El nuevo Sunred SR21 de FlySlot Cars es nuestro protagonista destacado en la portada del mes de setiembre. Así mismo se destaca la aparición del nuevo Ford GT de la gama Ninco-S y del lanzamiento de los Morgan Aeromax y Morgan Plus 8 de Carrera, coincidiendo con los cien años de la marca británica.
En el interior una interesante entrevista con Chris Boyer de Proto Slot kit, las pruebas del Audi Sport Quattro S1 de Revell, el nuevo Nissan R390 de Reprotec y el Jaguar XKR GT3 de Superslot.
Un interesante artículo sobre Quantum of Solace y la presentación del Scorpius Wireless completan parte de la publicación de este mes.
(Más información en www.revistasprofesionales.com)
PRESS RELEASE
SLOT MINIAUTO 59 – SEPTEMBER
The new FlySlot Car Sunred SR21 is our protagonist featured on the cover of September. It also highlights the new Ford GT of Ninco-S range and the launch of the Carrera Morgan Plus 8 & Morgan Aeromax coinciding with the centenary of the British brand.
Inside an interesting interview with Chris Boyer of Proto Slot Kit, the Revell Audi Sport Quattro S1 track test, the new Nissan R390 of Reprotec and the Jaguar XKR GT3 of Scalextric.
An interesting article on Quantum of Solace and the presentation of the Scorpius Wireless completes part of the publication of this month.
(More information on www.revistasprofesionales.com)
First Drive: 2010 Audi R8 V10
On a gravel-strewn, dead-end road 20 miles north of Sonoma, California's Infineon Raceway, the opportunity finally presents itself. We slot the R8's gated shifter into first, rev the engine to 3,500 RPM and drop the clutch. No wheel spin, no screeching tires, just an immediate and seamless conversion of potential energy into vision-warping thrust. Our skull snaps back into the headrest, our spine compresses against the seat and a few seconds later, we are running into the red.
As we hit the fuel cutoff at 8,750 RPM, it dawns on us: we totally forgot to breathe.
If forward momentum is so seamless and instantaneous that it temporarily halts the most basic of human needs, you know you're piloting something special. And the 2010 Audi R8 V10 is very, very special.
When we first reviewed the original V8-powered R8 last year, we came away with several revelations. Its ease-of-use, daily drivability and exceptional grip impressed the most, but there was always an overwhelming sense the chassis could handle more power. Sure, it had the chops to hang with a Porsche 911 or some AMG-fettled Merc, but there wasn't always that supercar sense of occasion when manning the helm. Now, with the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4's V10 mounted amidships, Audi has put any question about the R8's supercar status to rest – without compromising the complete package.
With the exception of the intake, exhaust and ECU, the engine is the identical unit fitted to its Italian brother from the same mothership and carries over unchanged from the R8 LMS currently being campaigned by Audi Sport and a handful of privateers. Even though the 5.2-liter FSI V10 is rated at 525 horsepower (down some 35 ponies from the Gallardo), there's no perceivable trade-off in aural satisfaction. The exhaust note swaps the Lambo's raucous, playful intonation for a more focused – even, restrained – tone, particularly below 4,000 RPM before an extra baffle in the exhaust evolves the sound from a mumble to a wail. Think Hendrix playing at eight rather than eleven – the sound is no less sweet.
The dry sump-equipped, race-bred ten's 525 ponies (at 8,000 RPM) and 391 pound-feet of torque (at 6,500 RPM) are channeled through either a six-speed manual or R tronic sequential gearbox with Sport mode. No matter the transmission (launch control works on both models), 0-to-60 MPH comes in at a claimed 3.7 seconds, with the R tronic delivering its shifts in just one-hundredth of a second.
Compared to the R tronic model we tested last June, the cogswapper's programming has been tweaked to accommodate the extra output, and according to one Audi engineer, "this gearbox was made for the V10." Although it's still not nearly as smooth as a typical torque converter or Audi's own dual-clutch 'box when puttering along at part throttle, the hydraulically operated manumatic does its damnedest to limit lurches when running up the tach or down for a corner. On the track, it's revelatory. On the road, it's acceptable. But with a light clutch, a perfectly defined friction point and those snickety-snick gates, the six-speed manual handily won our hearts no matter the environment.
Nearly everything from the standard R8 carries over to the V10 model. The weight distribution remains 44/56 front-to-rear, and comes in just 70 pounds heavier than the V8 variant, with a curb weight of 3,715 pounds for the manual model and 3,726 pounds when equipped with the R tronic.
Befitting of a halo car, many of the options available on the base R8 are standard on the V10, including the Audi Parking System (sensors in front and a camera out back), navigation, sonorous 465-watt Bang & Olufsen stereo (you know, for when you're parked) and a full frontal LED headlamp assembly with 24 diodes to represent Audi's victories at the 24 Hours of LeMans.
That theme carries over to the carbon fiber swathed engine bay, where two rows of brushed aluminum vents frame the powerplant total 24 (a dozen on each side). Other bespoke bits include black, high gloss grilles on the front fascia, spoiler lip and rear diffuser, along with gaping sideblades, flared rocker panels and telltale oval exhaust tips standard on Audi's hottest models. All that and more for $146,000 with a manual or $155,400 for the R tronic. Porsche 911 Turbo, M-B SL63 and (whoops) LP560-4, it's official: You're on notice.
But it's not just about price and power. The R8 V10 wears two suits: one for the drive to work and another for the physics bending backroad blast home.
Our first chance to sample the R8's daily duds came during a low- to mid-speed run from South San Francisco, across the Golden Gate and into the rolling hills that populate the North Bay. Start-and-stop traffic is standard fare along Van Ness and mid-day SF traffic confirmed the V10 model is just as suitable around town as its V8 counterpart. Its expansive track never feels bloated or unwieldy, and there's rarely a sense of impending doom when tackling tight corners or switching lanes in congestion.
Across the bridge and into the coastal hills, we're finally able to clear the R8's throat. Mashing the throttle in sixth put our license in peril within seconds, and the ease at which the R8 effortlessly climbs into extra-legal speeds is eclipsed only by how undramatically the velocity piles on. The R8 ate up mile after mile in complete serenity, feeling more like a buttoned-down A8 luxobruiser than a world-class supercar.
After a brief stopoff, we snatched up a manual model and headed off into the hills. To our simultaneous delight and dismay, our chosen route put us on a terminally broken and hastily patched swath of tarmac that proved a perfect test of the R8's all-wheel drive civility.
Posted speed limit: 55 MPH. Actual speed: higher. But it simply didn't matter.
Even with the adaptive magnetic ride damping set to Sport, the R8 skipped across the broken sections of asphalt at speed, devouring sweepers and spitting out straights with massive amounts of grip in reserve. We were simply toying with its abilities and all the R8 could do in return was look into our soul and ask for more. Where to go next? Off to Infineon...
We've got to preface this experience by pointing out two things: 1) We've yet to drive the R8 on a circuit and 2) As we discovered in our first review, the R8 delivers so much grip on public roads that your will to live gives up long before the tires do. On the track, with 101 hp-per-liter on tap, it's more of the same, but multiplied by 130 percent. It's simply sublime.
Rocketing up the main straight into the first complex of corners requires a level head and a steady foot. Unlike the V8, where punching the throttle mid-bend is rewarded with a slight skip in the rear and a heroic exit, with the V10, your inputs need to be considerably more measured and doubly precise. At speed, the lightened steering we experienced in and around the city was replaced with a crisp, connected sensation. While not as direct as, say, a Lotus Elise or as meaty as a 911, Audi has struck an ideal balance for a car designed to do double duty.
At the first 90-degree right-hander, we laid into the anchors too early (going from a daily-driver S4 to an R8 means recalibrating one's simpleton idea of physics), but even that minor flub was instantly rectified with the prodigious thrust on tap. Half-way through the bend, we were three-quarters down on the throttle when the back end began progressively rotating left as the Quattro all-wheel drive system began shuffling 30-percent of the torque to the front, then back to 90-percent when we were finally pointed straight. If you resist the urge to go all Captain Hero, this R8 rewards. It may be more forgiving than most cars of its ilk, but drive like a buffoon and at some point in your travels, you're bound to meet the wall in a svelte aluminum coffin. St. Peter will be humored – even if you're forced to board a southbound elevator.
The R8's immense amount of traction and stability (Audi claims it can hold 1.2 g through the bends) almost allows us to take turns eight, nine and ten at full throttle before jumping onto the stoppers for the tight, 180-degree right-hand bend that leads onto the long run in front of the pits. The eight-piston (front) and four-piston (rear) brakes clamp onto 15- and 14-inch discs, respectively, and we question Audi's decision to offer carbon ceramic discs in markets outside the U.S. These anchors are just that good, and partnered with the 235/35 R19 (front) and 295/30 R19 (rear) rubber, the combination is enough to rip the skin off your cheekbones. Only terminally late braking elicits understeer at the limit, but all is well when you lay into the long pedal and the R8 rockets out of the pocket.
Unfortunately, our time on the track was cut short by a hamfisted hack from a certain luxury magazine unable to grasp the notion of a blue bullet running up on his bumper – even when we flashed our headlamps. That flicker of electronic semaphore is generally understood by enthusiasts as a gesture requesting the lead car to move over, but apparently our circuit-mate never got the message. While we left some of the fun on the table and we never even gotten close to the limits of the R8's abilities (or our talent), after a few laps of equal parts exhilaration and frustration, we pulled into the pits to cool our heels and wrap our heads around what Audi's accomplished with what is essentially an engine swap.
When we drove the Ferrari F430 and Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 earlier this year, the Raging Bull from Sant'Agata stole the top spot on our lottery list. The combination of ferocious power and Dramamine-testing grip made it our favorite among the high dollar exotica on offer. But would we choose it as our daily driver? Probably not. Our fillings shook loose on all but the smoothest of surfaces, visibility was lackluster (at best) and handing the keys to a valet before dinner would require a heavy dose of Valium to accompany our foie gras. But with Audi's R8 V10, all those issues have been addressed, distilled and delivered into a comprehensive package that makes it an easy alternative to the 911 Turbo and other mid-level supercar hotness. Unmatched point-to-point usability, awe-inspiring charisma and an epic soundtrack mated to the only mid-engine V10 playing in the $150,000 segment? It's enough to take your breath away whenever you get behind the wheel.
[Source: Autoblog]
Top Ten Stolen Vehicles of 2008
Thanks to modern technologies like ignition keys with embedded chips and factory installed security immobilizers, it's getting harder and harder to steal new cars. As a result, the number of cars and trucks stolen in the United States dropped by 13.1 percent in 2008 compared to 2007, a trend that has been continuing for five years. Total thefts for the year could actually end up under 1 million for the first time in 20 years.
Owners of older cars on the other hand aren't so lucky. One of the main driving factors behind car thefts is to strip the vehicles and sell the parts. The main market for those parts is older, high volume vehicles, so the same vehicles are the ones that tend to get stolen. The top ten stolen vehicles for 2008 includes a couple of surprises and a bunch of perennial hits.
[Source: SmartBrief ]
Press release
Hot Wheels: Vehicle Theft Continuing to Decline
DES PLAINES, Ill., Aug. 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Hot Wheels 2009, the National Insurance Crime Bureau's (NICB) companion study to its popular Hot Spots auto theft report, examines data reported to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and determines the vehicle make, model, and model year most reported stolen in 2008. See the full report at www.nicb.org.
For 2008, the most stolen vehicles* in the nation were:
1. 1994 Honda Accord
2. 1995 Honda Civic
3. 1989 Toyota Camry
4. 1997 Ford F-150 Pickup
5. 2004 Dodge Ram Pickup
6. 2000 Dodge Caravan
7. 1996 Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee
8. 1994 Acura Integra
9. 1999 Ford Taurus
10. 2002 Ford Explorer
Certain models of older cars and trucks are popular with thieves because of the value of their parts. Frequently, the parts can be stripped from a car at a chop shop and sold for at least twice as much as the value of the vehicle on the used car market. Newer models are also more difficult, but not impossible to steal thanks to anti-theft technology incorporated by the manufacturers.
Although the final numbers have not yet been released, the preliminary 2008 FBI Uniform Crime Report (UCR) shows that vehicle theft is on pace to record a decrease of 13.1 percent from 2007 numbers. That would make 2008 the fifth consecutive year of declining vehicle thefts. Moreover, if the preliminary figures hold total thefts for 2008 would be below 1 million vehicles--the lowest annual total in over 20 years.
"This is great news for vehicle owners, law enforcement and the insurance industry," said Joe Wehrle, NICB's president and chief executive officer. "It takes years of sustained effort to deliver the kinds of reductions that we are enjoying today. NICB joins with our member companies in acknowledging the great work performed by law enforcement and our investigators in the fight against vehicle theft.
"Comprehensive legislation, aggressive enforcement and rigorous prosecution are the three essential components to a winning crime control program. NICB is proud to contribute to each of those areas through our national legislative affairs program and our network of experienced investigators," Wehrle said.
NICB provides law enforcement with local resources for identifying and recovering stolen vehicles as well as training and information analysis in the detection and prevention of vehicle theft and insurance crime.
As good as this news is, however, vehicle theft is still a costly drain on our economy and a tremendous hassle for victims. To protect their investment, vehicle owners are urged to follow NICB's "layered approach" to auto theft prevention by employing simple, low-cost suggestions to make their vehicles less attractive to thieves.
NICB's four layers of protection are:
Common Sense: Lock your car and take your keys. It's simple enough but many thefts occur because owners make it easy for thieves to steal their cars.
Warning Device: Having and using a visible or audible warning device is another item that can ensure that your car remains where you left it.
Immobilizing Device: Generally speaking, if your car won't start, it won't get stolen. "Kill" switches, fuel cut-offs and smart keys are among the devices which are extremely effective.
Tracking Device: A tracking device emits a signal to the police or to a monitoring station when the vehicle is stolen. Tracking devices are very effective in helping authorities recover stolen vehicles. Some systems employ "telematics," which combine GPS and wireless technologies to allow remote monitoring of a vehicle. If the vehicle is moved the system will alert the owner and the vehicle can be tracked via computer.
Considering a used vehicle purchase? Don't buy a headache, check in with VINCheck(SM), NICB's free vehicle history service at www.nicb.org.
You can help stop this criminal activity by reporting suspected insurance fraud and vehicle theft to NICB at 1-800-TEL-NICB (1-800-835-6422) or by texting to TIP411 keyword "Fraud." You may also report fraud and theft by visiting our Web site www.nicb.org. All tips can be anonymous.
About the National Insurance Crime Bureau: headquartered in Des Plaines, Ill., the NICB is the nation's leading not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to preventing, detecting and defeating insurance fraud and vehicle theft through information analysis, investigations, training, legislative advocacy and public awareness. The NICB is supported by more than 1,000 property and casualty insurance companies and self-insured organizations. NICB member companies wrote nearly $343 billion in insurance premiums in 2008, or more than 82 percent of the nation's property/casualty insurance. To learn more visit www.nicb.org.
* This report reflects only stolen vehicle data reported to NCIC in 2008. No further filtering of information is conducted, i.e., determining the total number of a particular make and model currently registered in the U.S. for comparison purposes.
SOURCE National Insurance Crime Bureau
Hyundai Genesis Sedan - The most awarded car of 2009?
When the Hyundai Genesis Sedan hit the scene, it was hard to know exactly what to think of the handsome-if-anonymous looking luxury intender. After all, Hyundai hadn't ever had a presence in our luxury car market, and attributes like rear-wheel drive and V8 engines weren't exactly a Hyundai staple. Over the past year, however, the Genesis' well-judged appointments and recession-friendly pricing Genesis Sedan won us over, and our contemporaries in the motoring press seem to feel the same way.
Hyundai says that the Genesis Sedan's considerable trophy case makes it the most awarded car of 2009 – and since we have no methodology by which to cross-checking such a high-falutin' claim (scientific or otherwise) we're going to give the Korean automaker the benefit of the doubt. The Hyundai Genesis Sedan began 2009 as the North American Car Of The Year and the well-heeled sedan has continued to build momentum with an impressive 21 awards. Among the Genesis Sedan's many honors are nods from Motor Trend (America's Top 40 New Cars), Cars.com, J.D. Power, NADAGuides, and AutoPacific.
Heck, the Genesis' 375 horsepower Tau 4.6-liter V8 also made Wards Automotive's 10 Best Engines list, and after putting down nearly 2,000 miles in just such a beast earlier this month, AB executive editor Paukert concurs, praising the eight's smooth power delivery and impressive mileage. Despite a packed cabin and trunk and plenty of mountain driving and high-speed cruising, our man averaged 26.1 MPG on a circuitous route from Michigan to North Carolina – fully 1.1 MPG better than the EPA says to expect on the freeway. He also praised the car's acheless seats and pleasing Lexicon audio system as excellent long-distance travel partners.
Hit the jump to read the press release listing the Genny's awards cache. What follows is a proud parent brag-fest, but when you get it right like Hyundai appears to have done with its Genesis Sedan, perhaps a little self-promoting is merited. Maybe now they'll see fit to finally take credit for it by putting a "Hyundai" badge somewhere on the car
[Source: Hyundai]
PRESS RELEASE:
Hyundai Genesis is class of the 2009 model year with most top-car honors
Headlined by the 2009 North American Car of the Year Award, Hyundai's New Flagship Earns More Top Recognition than Any Other 2009 Introduction
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., August 27, 2009 – Hyundai's all-new flagship, the Genesis sedan, launched to significant anticipation culminating with its coronation as the 2009 North American Car of the Year – the first time a Korean brand has ever achieved the honor. But Genesis didn't stop there, accumulating honor after prestigious honor to become the most decorated new car launch of the 2009 model year. At last count, Genesis tallied more than 20 top honors from the most prominent media outlets and automotive organizations in North America.
Genesis' trophy case includes awards and accolades from the likes of J.D. Power and Associates, Motor Trend, AutoPacific, Cars.com and leading consumer publications. Genesis is built on Hyundai's all-new, performance-driven rear-wheel-drive architecture. It offers two powertrains, the Lambda 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 290 hp, and Hyundai's all-new Tau 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 375 hp. With technology rivaling more expensive luxury sedans, convenience features like push-button start and navigation system, and five-star safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA), it's clear that Genesis is among the best new cars of 2009. But at a starting MSRP of just $32,250 and max price of just $42,000 for a fully loaded Genesis, it's no surprise the competition was left in Hyundai's rear-view mirror.
"Genesis was developed to rival the world's best luxury sedans so we knew it would be a great car, but we didn't know how it would be received by the automotive community," said Scott Margason, director of Product & Strategic Planning for Hyundai. "As the awards accumulated, we realized not only how well designed the Genesis was, but how far the Hyundai brand had come. Consumers and automotive industry influencers really embraced the idea of Hyundai producing a luxury product."
Genesis Sedan Awards
1. 2009 North America Car of the Year
2. Motor Trend – America's Top 40 New Cars
3. J.D. Power and Associates – Automotive, Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) - Most appealing midsize premium car
4. J.D. Power and Associates – Vehicle Launch Index (VLI) - Highest ranked 2009 all-new or redesigned vehicle
5. The Car Book 2009 – Best Bet (intermediate category)
6. About.com – Best New Car
7. Kiplinger's Personal Finance – Best New Model (sedans $30,000-$45,000)
8. NADAguides.com – Car of the Month (April)
9. NADAguides.com – Top 5 Luxury Cars
10. NADAguides.com – Best Car Buy - Top luxury cars under $35,000
11. Autotropolis.com – Car of the Year
12. Cars.com – Car of the Year
13. On Wheels – Car of the Year
14. AutoPacific – Ideal Vehicle Awards - Aspirational Luxury Category
15. AutoPacific –Vehicle Satisfaction Awards - Aspirational Luxury Category
16. Consumer Reports – Top-Rated Vehicle (upscale sedan category)
17. Consumer Digest – Best Buy (luxury segment)
18. MyRide/Autobytel – Car of the Year
19. Ward's Auto World – 10 Best Engines (4.6 liter Tau V8)
20. Automobile Journalists Association of Canada – Canadian Car of the Year
21. Automobile Journalists Association of Canada – Best New Luxury Vehicle Under $50,000
HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA
Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 780 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by The Hyundai Advantage, America's Best Warranty. In addition, Hyundai Assurance is now offered on all new vehicles leased or purchased from a certified Hyundai dealer. The program is available to any consumer, regardless of age, health, employment record or financed amount of the vehicle. The program is complimentary for the first 12 months.
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