Toyota has revealed its global vision, this global automotive company wants to achieve annual sale of 10 million vehicles by 2015. Toyota has always strategized to achieve quality control, customer satisfaction and solid profits.Now Toyota has exposed its goal in numbers.Last year Toyota achieved the sales target of 8.42 million globally. It succeeded to over take GM motors that achieved the sales target of 8.39 million globally. Before this, GM motors was at no1in vehicle sales since 76 years.

Akio, the president of Toyota Motors said, “We want to make our customers happy”. You might be thinking what made the Toyota motors for this furious move? Actually recent recalls of its vehicles due to some issues, induced this global automobile company to redefine its vision as well to refine its quality control.

Toyota always acted on the strategy of “Total quality Management” in order to deliver World Class quality vehicles to its customers. That’s why it is keen to solve the quality issues in some of its vehicles and wants to retain its good will among global customers.

Sales target of 10 millions means more customers, in fact more satisfied customers. As Toyota is working on rapid growth strategy, hopefully it will achieve the desired target till 2015.

1. Mazda 3

It is a top compact car which is backed by a solid reputation for reliability, durability, and also provides suitable level of economy and practicality. It is available in two body styles a sedan or a four-door hatchback. The mazda3 comes with a 148 hp, two-liter-four-cylinder engine and an optional 167 hp 2.5 four-cylinder and 168lb-ft of torque. Mazda3 continues to be a satisfying and fuel efficient car.

2. Honda Civic

Honda civic is one of the simplest economical and reliable transportation that makes it a smart choice for many people. The small car is available as a Sedan, hatchback or coupe and in a variety of trim levels: base DX, LX, EX, EX-L, and Si. The Civic Si has powered by a 1.8 liter four-cylinder engine which makes 140-hp. The Civic Hybrid mated an 85-hp 1.3-liter four-cylinder gas engine to a 13-hp electric motor and offered the best fuel economy of the lineup.

3. Toyota Corolla

It is the third best selling car featuring with a 132 hp, 1.8 four-cylinder and an available 2.4L four-cylinder outputting 158 hp. Fuel economy has always been a hallmark. It is available in five trim levels i.e. base, LE, S, XLE and XRS. The corolla rides comfortably and is renowned for its efficiency.

4. Hyundai Elentra

In early 90′s and is powered by a 2.0 liter inline- 4 good for 138 hp and 136 pound -feet of torque. EPA fuel economy estimates 29 MPG city, 40 MPG highway. It also comes in touring version. The Elentra was lauded for its sleek looks, fuel-efficient engine and spacious upscale interior.

5. Chevrolet Cobalt

It is an economical, four cylinder, front wheel drive is available as a coup or sedan and comes in four trim levels: XFE, LS, LT and SS.Featuring with the base base 2.2-liter, 155-horsepower four-cylinder engine, the Chevy Cobalt can get out of its own way just fine, returning excellent fuel economy to boot (it’s rated at 37 mpg on the highway). SS models get a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that pumps out 260 hp while exacting a minimal penalty in fuel economy.

6. Toyota Matrix

It has a versatile interior and the 5-door mini-wagon is designed in conjunction with General Motors. It comes with a .8-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 132 horsepower and a 2.4-liter engine that makes 158 hp.It is one of the best choices available and is pokey in terms of acceleration though its engine does provide superior fuel economy.

7. Ford Focus

Focus is Ford’s compact car developed by Ford of Europe is currently available as a coupe and as a sedan. The four-door is available in S, SE, SES and SEL trim levels, while the coup comes in SE and SES. All the models are powered by a 2 liter in-line four cylinder that offers 140hp. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, with a four-speed automatic offered as an option.

8. Volkswagen Golf

One of the pioneers in the small hatchback segment is available in a two or four body style with a 170-hp 2.5L five-cylinder gasoline or a 140-hp 2.0L TDI clean diesel engine. A five speed manual is standard and a six-speed automatic is optional. DI model is highly recommended because of its higher level of equipment, strong engine and superior fuel economy.

9.Nissan Sentra

Nissan Sentra is roomy, comfortable, economical car that is available in both base sentra and sedan. All models but the SE-R gets a 2.0-liter inline-4 that makes 140 hp. The SE-R has a 2.5-liter four cylinder with177 hp, while the SE-R Spec V has a modified version of the 2.5-liter engine that packs 200 hp. The base sentra comes with only basic SE-R-inspired body kit and 16-inch alloy wheels.

10. Kia Forte

Kia Forte comes in at tenth place and features a 2.0L our-cylinder engine producing 156hp or 2.4L four cylinder with 173hp. It pays off in fuel economy of 27 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and the highest of any Forte model. It is an impressive car and replaced the previous Spectra model line for 2010.

The new terms of definitive agreement has got buyers all over the ownership of the HUMMER brand. The new trademark and tradenames are also coming with IP specific licenses for those who sign under them. The new manufacturing company for HUMMER vehicles is all about expanding dealership work.

Tengzhog also creates an investment for the fresh entity of keeping 80% of interest at stake. Mr. Suolang Duoji is all about private entrepreneurship and bringing in some of the greatest A-listed business specifications to this new investment. He has made sure to include Hong Kong based thenardite producer Lumena into 20% of the stake. The financial terms and agreements to this whole process however have not been disclosed so far.

The transaction subject remains quite a strict regulatory process coming with approvals as well as good reviews coming from the governmental agencies. This agreement works in US and China with complete definitive continuation of the overall regulations and processes.

The dealers at 225 locations are about to participate from California to run a program from Tuesday. This program is about to continue till 8th September. The details of the program would be available from gm.ebay.com.

The site allows people to compare the prices of varied cars and arrange finances accordingly. It is a great eye opening procedure to buy this way as advertisement prices come with offers that are too splendid to resist. The site has also launched in the trade-in program that takes for eBay’s auctioning system a notch ahead. The “Buy It Now” option bears some of the hottest deals that advertisers have held up so far.

The program launching on August 11th gives you the best options that you can get otherwise. The hottest deals that can come up with your online buying are up right there and you can even make arrangements for selling off your old car.

The cars will be picked up from the dealership after your purchase. You would also have to send the car you are selling to the dealer. From there it is going to be sent to the customer.

Source: news.cnet

General Motors

“This was said by Bob Lutz on GM’s FastLane blog. He said that the G8 is going to get a broader share in public buying, as a large number of owners are ecstatic about this coming vehicle and most of them are calling it the best ever sedan.

“ it’s too good to waste and we are looking for the feasibility to bring it in a Caprice for the public as well as for the law enforcement,” Bob added.

Source: autoweek

When you see Equinox for the first time you will get to know that the design team has put lots more effort when compared to the previous cars. All the dreary looks of the previous generation cars have been replaced by the best new looks, with a cool build and much more proportionate. The new look is too good and has gained a great improvement over the old ones both visually and functionally. Its similar to the recent Chevrolets, as this one also starts with a dual port grille that is lined up with a pair of jeweled headlamp clusters. The rising line along the edges seems to be really aggressive and causes a visual impact on the on looker.

The DNA of Chevy has started to grow well and has very well been reflected in the Equinox, which has a dual cockpit instrument panel layout that which is similar to Malibu and Traverse. The problem which was there in the previous models has very well been taken to heart and has been rectified. So all the alignment issues are now resolved and the performance seems to be much better. Mo Wazir, Vehicle Line Director for GM’s compact crossovers, says that the engineering team has addresses this issue with a high priority with the root cause approach while developing the Equinox. There has been changes in the assembly process; measures were taken to ensure the dashboard is installed much more consistently. Thus all the issues in the Equinox has testers that was sampled were better than before, however that doesn’t mean that the interiors of Equinox are all perfect.

In the four cylinder model that latest added feature is that an ECO button is located which is in front of the shifter. In order to enhance the fuel efficiency this button has been added. It adjusts the shift map and the torque converter lock up points and thus provides an economic way of fuel usage. With this its said to improve the mileage by 1 mpg on the whole. So in the future, some more control over the electronic throttle response and cruise would be added.

So with all the new features and enhancements the Equinox is said to arrive in the next few weeks. And it deserves a look. Just wait and watch.

Source: autoblog

It was in 2007, GM developed a tentative deal with Navistar International Corp that accepted to buy GM’s medium- duty truck operations. Unfortunately the deal expired last summer without any proper conclusion.

Dan Ustian, the CEO of Navistar stressed during these talks that no agreement will be signed if GM’s medium-truck plant was to be open in Flint, Mich as a part of the deal. After this deal, GM then made a deal with Isuzu Motors that decided to keep the production of GM’s medium truck business in Flint till the end of 2014.

When asked about the deal GM said that, this deal has saved around 350 Saturn dealers and more than 1300 jobs at the Saturn. Penske spoke out to the press and praised Saturn for its customer base and the dealer network.

The financial details of this deal has not come out legally on any of the magazines though Bloomberg News report has estimated the price of this buy to be around 100 to 200 million US dollars. If this deal goes good, it would add another feather on the giant Penske’s hat. On the other hand the deal also indicates the break down of GM which has already filed bankruptcy and is selling of some of its brands to restructure the entire organization.

Source: autoweek

But due to the economic recession, the earlier plan was dropped. The later too was on hold indefinitely as it had some issues with the German based company that are to supply the part for the convertible’s roof. All the issues are now resolved and German company have signed a new contract with GM which had made the company to announce it plans of convertible Camaro in the Automotive news.

Though this was initially planned to be launched in 2010, the economic lay down and the poor market had introduced a one year delay.

One of the GM officials said to the Automotive news that, “ we thought this would come one year later than the Camero Coupe but now it has extended a year more”.

The company is also confident enough that the new model will attract more people and its adjustable roof will be the highlight.

Great news about this new release is that, GM has said that Camero convertible will be available with both V6 and V8 engines.

Thus this news has created greater sensation among the car lovers in United States and people here are keeping their fingers crossed expecting its release.  Hope it comes out well.

Source: AutoWeek

So far, it has been confirmed by fiat that they have put a bid for Opel acquisition and the final bids for the company are due on Wednesday evening.

The US government has issued a June 1st deadline to the GM to restructuring of its business and gets some concessions from the holders as well as for getting more loans however, according to GM it’s not seeing that they are going to complete the deadline. A considerable number of observes believe that GM will soon file a bankruptcy protection on this date.

In the deal with Opel, the German government is also involved and it is being considered that they will provide billions in loans to Opel’s new owner.

Despite the sales issues, Opel is still being linked with GM and most of the current and future larger and midsized automakers are still using Opel developed platforms as well as European engineering corps of the GM.

Fiat that has also been looking to acquire Chrysler if it doesn’t succeed to emerge and declare bankruptcy and they have a strategy to combine Opel, Fiat and Chrysler to develop a company that would be of Toyota size.  Many of the union leaders at Opel have joined Fiat.

Source: AutoWeek