Volkswagen Planning to Launch New Golf in 2017

A German magazine reported that just five years after launching the current model of it’s top selling compact car the Golf, Volkswagen has plans to launch the eighth generation 2007 model. According to Auto motor und sport the Golf will look a lot different from the seventh generation hatchback it will be lower and wider, the new look will have restyled front and rear lights. The interior will feature a heads up display and Mirror-Link allowing drivers to access and use smartphone apps through the car’s touch screen display. Regarding the Golf's fuel economy the overall weight has been reduced by about 110 pounds. Volkswagen may be offering a three cylinder unit like the one currently used in the new Polo subcompact model. Volkswagen has declined commenting on the report.

All Time High For Outstanding Automotive Loan Balance

According to Experian's latest State of the Automotive Finance Market report, the total amount of loan outstanding balance is 839 billion dollars an all time high in the second quarter up 11.7% from last year.

Looking for the Best Vehicle to Buy Your Teen Driver

Purchasing a used vehicle for your teen driver can be an advantage as used vehicles often provide just as much utility as a brand new vehicle and in some cases have simpler interiors which may help to eliminate some driver distraction? The editors of Motor Trend have compiled a list 15 used vehicles based on safety, reliability, and affordability for their pick of the best vehicles for teen drivers

Toyota Highlander:  The first crossover SUV to make on the market. The Highlander has built a reputation as a safe and practical vehicle.

Honda Civic: Has a history of unmatched reliability and safety for the first time driver model years 2006-2011.

Ford Fusion: A standard feature is MyKey. MyKey allows parents to limit radio volume and vehicle speed when their teen drivers are behind the wheel. On mid-trim models, feature satellite radio and Sync with voice command.

Subaru Forester: Model years 2009 and up these are some of most capable and refined SUV’s on the road. Some of the standard features include cruise control, keyless entry and Bluetooth and the upper trim models include navigation, leather, and rearview cameras.

 Volkswagen Rabbit: Easy to navigate around town and despite their small size there is plenty of room for cargo and passengers, model years 2006-2009.

Cion XA: This vehicle was meant for drivers under the age of 25, funky style, practicle and fuel efficient. The simple cabin style has considerably less to distract your teen driver from focusing on the road. Last built in 2006 buyers can find the models for less than $5,000.00.

Volvo C30:  Is a premium vehicle for great price these models are not as expensive as you might think you can find a 2008 for as little as $12,000.00. The compact hatch model has excellent visibility, high safety ratings and a comfortable cabin.

Ford Ranger: Throughout the years the Ford Ranger has not gone through many changes the Ranger is a good choice if you are looking for a truck that is durable and easy for your teen to learn to drive on.

Toyota Celica: The Celica is a good compromise for teens who want a sportier car and their parents that want a safer car. After the teen gets over the shock of having a cassette player they will enjoy this car as it features precise braking, excellent handling and just the perfect amount of kick for a rewarding driving experience. Model year 2005 prices are somewhere between $6,500.00 to $9,000.00 depending on the condition and miles on the car.

Hyundai Elantra: What makes this an attractive choice for teen drivers is long list of standard features, Keyless entry, heated mirrors, satellite radio, and a CD player with six speaker sound system. Another advantage of the Elantra is the excellent highway fuel economy rating of 38mpg.

Mazda3: The 2009 model Mazda made significant improvements to design and ride quality. On the highway the vehicle can get 33mpg and 40mpg with the special fuel economy package.

Lexus ES: The Lexus ES is a comfortable sedan with a smooth as butter ride the car is not only stable, but also well equipped with keyless entry, sunroof, leather, and dual power front seats and more. For the model year 2007 the prices should be between $12,000.00 and $13,000.00.

 Nissan Altima: The new redesigned model is the best Altima yet the older Altimas are very well constructed featuring a comfortable cabin, excellent steering capability, great visibility, along with high safety ratings. Should expect to pay between $8,000.00 and $15,000.00 for model years 2007-2012 and used 2013 model year cars have more features and better fuel economy, but can be much more expensive.

Volkswagen Beetle: The Volkswagen Beetle seems to never go out of style no matter what model year. With a zippy drive and plenty of standard features the Beetle is the classic choice for young drivers. The 2012 models have an increased side crash worthiness going from 3 stars to 5 stars in government tests.

Hyundai Santa Fe: The Santa Fe features a lightweight steering feel and tight turning a refreshing change from the typical bulky feeling, hard to park, difficult to manage on the road, typical three row crossover. Another plus is the Santa Fe can double as the family car and the teen commuter.

 

Mercedes-Benz found guilty of price fixing in China

Xinhua news agency reported China has found Mercedes-Benz guilty of price fixing for after sales services. The report did not mention any penalties, however China has an anti-monopoly law which allows the country’s antitrust regulator the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) to issue fines in the amount of 1% and 10% percent of a company’s revenues for the previous year.

An investigation was launched last month by the Jiangsu Province Price Bureau where anti-competitive practices were found after raiding Mercedes dealerships in the eastern coastal providence and also an office in Shanghai.

Xinhua sited a report from the China Automotive Maintenance and Repair Trade Association that the cost of replacing all of the spare parts in a Mercedes C-Class could amount to 12 times more than purchasing a new vehicle.

A spokesman from Daimler repeated a statement made by Mercedes on August 5, 2014 that it was assisting authorities in their investigation and added due this being an ongoing matter that it could not make any further comments.

Potential Timing belt failures with Volkswagen's new engine

If you are considering purchasing a new Volkswagen you need to be aware of an issue with the new Volkswagen engine. The issue and potential problem for Volkswagen owners is that the rubber timing belt travels into the oil and drives the oil pump after time the oil will break down the rubber timing belt resulting in timing belt failure after failure.

Hyundai Motor Company Fined $17.35 million by U.S.

According to the NHTSA, Hyundai Motor Co. will pay a fine of $17.35 million for failing to report a defect with the brake system and carry out a recall in a timely manner. The recall is for 43,500 Genesis sedans model years are 2009-2012. Hyundai recalled the Genesis in October 2013 to fix a potential component in the braking system that could corrode from incompatible brake fluid in the system resulting in reduced braking performance. 

Tesla Motors Inc. first female director

Tesla Motors Inc. the fast growing electric car manufacture is adding its first female director. Robyn Denholm (Juniper Networks Inc.’s executive vice president and chief financial and operations officer) joins Tesla’s board and will lead Tesla’s audit committee, serve on the compensation committee and another over nominating and corporate governance. 

GM recalling Chevrolet Corvette

General Motors is recalling 1,939 Chevrolet Corvette vehicles manufactured 3/12/12  -  3/14/14. The reason for the recall is an improper weld on the rear shock absorbers, the shock absorber tubes could separate from  the shock absorber clevis brackets resulting in a sudden change in vehicle handling which increases the risk of a crash.

GM Will notify owners to take their vehicle to a dealer to have both of the rear shock absorbers replaced for free of charge.