by Import Car Dealer News on August 9, 2010
Later this year, Nissan is planning to release the all-new 2011 Quest minivan. Although Nissan has only released a few teaser images of the U.S. spec model, it has already been launched in the Japan under the Elgrand.
Styling is far boxier than current Nissan Quest Auburn WA minivans. But, that may prove to be a good thing, to help it stand apart from the equally fresh Toyota Sienna and upcoming Honda Odyssey.
Aside from its potentially polarizing styling, the new Quest should be packing with tech goodies. When it comes to the minivan segments, VA Nissan dealers say buyers want navigation and entertainment systems, perhaps just as much as robust safety features. This is why it's expected that the updated Quest will pack in the technology.
The Nissan Quest has long been a formidable contender in the minivan segment and continues to be a favorite among New Castle Nissan dealers. However, the popularity of crossover vehicles have made them less popular over all. Nissan is hoping that the updated Quest will pack in the features that families want, and the level of comfort and flexibility that crossovers simply can't deliver.
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Keep reading about the all-new Nissan Quest right here soon.
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by Import Car Dealer News on August 4, 2010
Last weekend, the Nissan headquarters in Franklin, Tennessee played host to the annual Z Car Convention. This event draw Z car fans and owners from around the country each year, and Z cars from the 240Z to the 370Z were on display.
This event is put on each year by the Z Car Club Association. This year was extra special considering that Nissan was celebrating the 40-Year Anniversary of the Z. Despite so many years on the market, one Sacramento Nissan dealer says that the latest model stays true to the original; offering solid performance, style, and value.
Aside from being the largest gathering of Z enthusiasts, Nissan used the opportunity to take care of a little business by making the first public introduction of the 2011 Nissan Rogue. Thanks to a few important styling updates and other improvements, Nissan Rogue Auburn WA dealers are sure that the Rogue will continue to be a strong competitors in the compact crossover segment.
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Check back often for more Nissan performance news.
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by Import Car Dealer News on July 30, 2010
The Toyota Supra was one of the most beloved cars in the Japanese automaker's history. Thanks to its performance, good looks, and impeccable quality, it was sought after not only for its standard features, but it was also the ideal must for tuners.
It was the Supra's quality that helps keep older generations on the road today. Even tuners shopping among Seattle used cars dealers are always on the lookout for a Supra to tinker with. One was even prominently featured in the Fast and the Furious movie franchise.
Luckily, despite Toyota's string of negative press in recent months, rumors suggest that a new Supra may be on its way. This week, Car and Driver reported that Toyota trademarked the 'Supra' name, which one Toyota dealer Boston hopes is a sign that a new model will arrive soon.
Although Toyota has yet to confirm the production of the Supra, we say this is a really good sign of things to come.
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Read more about new Toyotas on this blog.
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by Import Car Dealer News on July 19, 2010
With a new partnership forged between Toyota and Tesla, it was only a matter of time before new models were jointly developed. Luckily, that time seems to be now as Tesla will be delivering two prototypes to Toyota soon, and both of which will feature electric powertrains.
One of the new prototypes is a RAV4-based EV. The RAV4 is no stranger to electric motors. Toyota produced a number of RAV4 EVs in the late 1990s, however, Fairfax VA Toyota dealers admit that most consumers have probably forgotten about this model. However, the new model, while technically still just a prototype, may enter production as early as 2012.
Toyota isn't wasting anytime utilizing Tesla for the development of electric vehicles. Nissan's Leaf EV will be available in showrooms soon, and other automakers are also working on new electrifies vehicles. Clearly as the current hybrid leader, Tacoma Toyota believes that the automaker Toyota wants to retain its image of innovation and eco-friendliness.
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Read more Toyota EV news right here on this blog.
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by Import Car Dealer News on July 19, 2010
Honda is synonymous with hybrid technology, so it's really no surprise that the automaker is reversing plans to developing diesel engines in order to produce more hybrid models.
There has been growing interest in diesel engines, particularly for their increasingly green image, and even McKeesport PA Mercedes-Benz is eager to offer these high-mileage powertrains. But overall, diesels still haven't caught on in the U.S., and as a result Honda is choosing to bolster the number of vehicles in its lineup that offer hybrid technology.
Currently, Honda offers the Insight Hybrid and Civic Hybrid, but soon the CR-Z will also be added to the lineup. The report comes as Honda is already supposedly working on an all-new hybrid system that is specially designed for larger, heavier vehicles.
Honda is clearly setting its sights on Toyota, but Toyota Irvine and other dealers aren't worried considering the ever-popular Prius is still on top of the hybrid segment. But Honda will soon have ever more hybrid offerings, and is expected to have hybrid offerings in more segments very soon.
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Read more about Honda hybrids here on this blog.
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by Import Car Dealer News on June 15, 2010
There are many midsize SUVs to choose from these days, and the recently updated Honda Pilot SUV continues to shine. More boxy and SUV-like in its design, the latest generation is also larger and more refined than before.
Crossovers like the new Honda Pilot are not the SUVs of a decade ago. Sure the Pilot has ample cargo space, and ample seating, but it also is easy to maneuver and it achieves strong fuel economy considering its size and power. Gaithersburg Acura parts specialists also points out that the Pilot shares its platform with the Acura MDX, so its ride is always quiet and refined.
The midsize crossover segment is one of the most exciting segments to observe simply because of the diversity. Each manufacturer provides different strengths character. While the Honda Pilot may not be sportiness, or cheapest, of the bunch, the Pilot has a breadth of strengths that few in its class can match. Among Virginia Honda dealers, the Pilot remains one of the best selling models simply for its versatility as a vehicle for the whole family.
With the recession still on the minds of many consumers, Pilot buyers can rest assured they're getting a sold deal suggests Manassas Used Cars, as Hondas are known for holding their value.
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Catch up on the latest Honda Pilot news right here soon.
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by Import Car Dealer News on June 15, 2010
Toyota's reputation for quality has certainly been in trouble in recent month. While recalls have most certainly hurt the brand, its reputation for quality has not been completely eroded – at least not yet.
But what exactly is this reputation for quality? Just look at this video by Top Gear and you'll understand exactly what's at stake. For years Toyota has been a reputation for reliability that few other automakers can match. Nissan Framingham MA suggests that trucks in particular, such as the Hilux/Tacoma in this video, are what have become synonymous with Toyota's reputation. With only a few minor tweak under the hood, this truck, which is in far worse shape than most vehicles going through Fredericksburg collision center locations, starts up and keeps on going.
Incentives and discounts have keep sales afloat, but such tactics don't typically "repair" brands. If you ask one used Hondas Fredericksburg dealer, it will be Toyota's products that that will have to do that, not their attractive deals. However, it is their products that are expected to be intensely scrutinized in the months ahead.
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Find other Toyota quality stories right here on this blog.
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by Import Car Dealer News on May 26, 2010
In light unintended acceleration concerns sparked by Toyota’s recent recalls, Honda has announced it will add brake override systems to all of its models beginning this summer.
Each moles within Honda’s lineup will receive these systems by the end of 2011. New Haven Honda believes the system will put drivers at ease as the system will ensure that the vehicle’s brakes will be able to override the engine’s power in the event that both the accelerator and brake are both depressed.
After Toyota recalled more than 8.5 million vehicles for unintentional acceleration, brake override systems are beginning to become adopted by many automakers, including General Motors, Mazda, and others. New legislation being reviewed on Capitol HIll is also being followed by Salinas Honda which would require all new vehicles to have these systems.
Currently, Honda doesn’t offer brake override systems on any of its vehicles. However, Birmingham Honda dealers see the Japanese brand as a leader in safety and quality and are confident that Honda will not be plagued by the issues associated with its main rival.
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Find more news on Honda safety right here.
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by Import Car Dealer News on May 21, 2010
Filling the absence left by Joel Ewanick, Nissan has named a new VP of marketing. Jon Brancheau, who most recently served as director, Global Infiniti Marketing Communications and Media will begin the new role immediately.
With Infiniti, Brancheau oversaw the strategic development and execution of Infiniti's marketing communications, brand management and strategy on a global scale. Before joining Nissan in 2008, Brancheau was the director of Media Operations at General Motors. Boston Infiniti has witnessed the strengthening of the Infiniti brand in recent years, and believes that Brancheau’s guidance over all of Nissan's marketing will be beneficial.
"Jon Brancheau's work at Infiniti has demonstrated that he can effectively lead a Marketing organization through a critical launch cycle," said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, Sales & Marketing – Nissan North America. "In addition to managing the development of Infiniti creative for all markets worldwide, Jon was also the key architect for the Infiniti G and M global marketing plans which today are resulting in great success for that brand."
In addition to the appointment of Brancheau, Nissan Woburn MA foresees Nissan’s newest vehicles, such as the Juke crossover and Leaf EV, to be a boon to Nissan's overall brand perception.
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Stay current with Nissan corporate news here.
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by Import Car Dealer News on May 21, 2010
Although electric vehicles seem poised for the mainstream, thanks to the upcoming Nissan Leaf and even due to the partnership between Toyota and Tesla to build EVs, Honda still doubts that they’ll catch on anytime soon.
"It's questionable whether consumers will accept the annoyances of limited driving range and having to spend time charging them," says Tomohiko Kawanabe, president of Honda's research and development program.
But if you ask Nissan’s CEO Carols Ghosn, he predicts a different future, where 10 percent of all new cars sold by 2020 will be electric vehicles. Dealers like Nissan Tewksbury MA are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Leaf as it’s predicted to remain in high demand for its zero emissions and relative affordability. But Burlington Honda and other dealers side with Kawanabe’s prediction, and believe that many consumers will find that hybrids provide efficiency with more livability.
Whatever the outcome, expect the release of vehicles such as the Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt to spark change among automakers and consumer preferences.
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Read about Honda electric vehicles here.
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