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Toyota New Corolla Sport 'Minor Changes'

What is New?In this minor change, two-tone color lineup is available. Combination of black roof, pillar, door mirror, rear spoiler, etc. New color "Emotional Red II" added. Interior color black is added to the genuine leather seat + swede(optional for G "Z"). Level up your ride by optimizing the suspension. "Display audio" compatible with Apple Car Play and Android Auto is standard equipment.

Toyota made a full model change as the third generation of the new Auris / Auris hybrid and released on June 26, 2018 as the new "Corolla hatchback" in the United States and as the new "Corolla Sports" in Japan and started sales through Toyota stores. On August 2, 2018, a new 6-speed manual transmission (6-speed MT) equipped model was set up on and launched globally.

Main features of the new-generation Corolla Sports is 2nd generation Toyota Safety Sense

By adopting a newly developed platform called TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) (GA-C platform), it is possible to obtain a wider interior space than the current model. By adopting a newly-developed platform, such as realizing high aerodynamic performance, it achieves a significant evolution from the current model by "lowering the center of gravity" and "increasing body rigidity".

All models of the second-generation next-generation Toyota Safety Sense installed on the new Alphard / Vellfire, which will be released on January 8, 2018, will be standard equipment. A laser radar and camera are used to ensure excellent recognition performance and reliability, and collision avoidance support PCS, LDA, and AHB are packaged. Collision avoidance support / damage mitigation performance for high speed areas.

A lane departure alert (LDA) camera recognizes white and yellow lines in the driving lane, and if a possible lane departure is detected, a warning is given to the driver with a buzzer and display to avoid collision accidents due to lane departure. Support.

Automatic high beam (AHB) camera detects headlamps of oncoming vehicles or taillights of preceding vehicles and automatically switches between high beam and low beam to reduce glare for other vehicle drivers and to ensure forward visibility at night support.

Radar cruise control Radar cruise control that uses a millimeter-wave radar to detect the inter-vehicle distance from the preceding vehicle and adjusts the speed according to the vehicle speed of the preceding vehicle within the set vehicle speed, while keeping a constant inter-vehicle distance. Adopted. The lane change of the vehicle ahead is detected by millimeter wave radar and camera, and smoother acceleration / deceleration control is realized. Toyota is researching and developing various safety equipment and systems based on the "Integrated Safety Concept" with the aim of "zero traffic accident casualties", which is the ultimate wish of the mobility society. In addition to making efforts, we are strengthening a wide range of traffic safety initiatives through "participation in traffic environment maintenance" and "road safety awareness activities for people".

Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) Lexus The Lane Tracing Assist [LTA] installed in the new LS series is used for the first time in the next generation Toyota Safety Sense P. When driving on an expressway or a motorway, turning on the Lane Tracing Assist [LTA] switch when the radar cruise control is activated will assist the steering operation necessary to maintain the lane.

If you are interested in Hybrid vehicles! and want to stay alert to the latest innovations in the automotive industry, we suggest that you check out Japanese Dealers.

Lila Ivanova is a sales analyst working with Japanese used cars exporters. To visit please see home page( nexusscars.com ) OR mailto: nexusscars(at)gmail.com

Article Source:

EzineArticles.com/expert/Lilaa_Ivanova/382993

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Why Are Car Prices Skyrocketing in the United States of America?

New and used car prices in the USA are reaching record levels and showing no signs of softening. While customer appetite for cars continues to grow, tight inventories and tangled supply chains are making it difficult for auto companies to keep up with the demand.

The new car prices have spiked up 20% over the past year in the USA while the nation's economy continues to struggle due to the whirlwind caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The global microchip shortage has slowed down the production of new cars, and even the used ones are available at a hefty price. As travel ramps up, the rental car companies are struggling to meet up the exasperating demand as they sold off most of their vehicles in hot used-car market in 2020 to survive during the challenging times. An extremely low interest rate on car loans offered by the companies is adding to the high demand for cars in the USA, where auto loans account for 9.5% of American debt, second to mortgage and student loans. So, the strong customer appetite for new cars, fewer vehicles on dealer lots, tight inventories have resulted in an average transaction price rise. Besides, tangled supply chains are making it difficult for companies to keep up with the demand. The prices of new cars could go even higher as the global semiconductor manufacturing shortage appears to be worsening on account of increased demand for electronics.

Car Prices Outpacing Overall Consumer Inflation

The average new car price hit a record high of USD38,255 in May 2021 with around a 12% spike from the same period a year ago, wholesale prices for used cars sold at the auction have risen 39%, whereas retail used car prices have gone up 20% since last year. The prices have reached the highest levels they have ever been and are continuing to accelerate rapidly, thus lifting the nation's overall inflation rate. In 2020, many car dealerships closed due to a 30% plunge in sales in the second quarter, the biggest quarterly decline since the Great Recession. However, the strong demand for cars has led to price rise at the fastest rate in over 13 years, with used car prices accounting for a 5% overall jump in May 2021.

• Inventory Shortage

The resurgent demand for automobiles comes at a time when many new car production facilities have shut down due to the global microchip shortage. According to a research by Cox Automotive, new car production in North America reduced to about 3.4 million vehicles in the first quarter of 2021. 53% of automobile manufacturers source their microchips from outside the country and the USA-China trade war is adding to the semiconductor shortage, which has become the greatest supply shock. 38% of production facilities temporarily stopped manufacturing vehicles due to disrupted microchip supply. The shortage resulted in around USD110 billion revenue loss for the auto industry. The global microchip crisis is expected to impact the automobile sector at least for the next six months, even when efforts are being made to increase the domestic production of semiconductors with new proposed plants. Besides, the shortage of used inventory due to fewer repossessions are climbing up the new car prices. The narrowing pipeline of inventories is making dealers work harder as the wholesale prices are appreciating much faster than retail prices, so the margins are shrinking at a rapid rate. While smaller dealers manage to make more margin with wholesale inventory than retail, bigger dealers make up the difference with volume.

• Fewer Car Repossessions

Gone are the days when used vehicles were dumped in scrapyards when they surpassed 100,000 miles. The average age of the vehicles has gone up to 12.1 years, up from 11.9 years in 2020, which reflects their higher value. According to Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index, the average used-vehicle price in May 2021 reached USD20,426, up 46.7% from the 2020. Factors such as the introduction of newer and safer technologies, improved reliability, better auto quality, and increased longevity are increasing the value of used cars. However, used cars are in short supply due to the pandemic's effect on rental car businesses. Due to the declined demand during the pandemic owing to travel bans and repeated lockdown restrictions, the rental car companies sold chunks of their fleet without buying replacements to counter the cash crunch. With fewer people renting cars, the rental car companies and other fleet buyers are not off-loading as many older ones or acquiring as many new vehicles, which adds to the spike in prices. Besides, increasing competition for used vehicles, especially from online auto sellers like Carvana and Vroom, owing to high bidding wars at the auction, is increasing the car prices as high as the new ones.

• Shift Away from Cheaper Cars

Even before the pandemic hit, many automakers started replacing the lower-priced vehicles that provide thin profit margins like sedans and hatchbacks with SUVs with relatively higher sticker prices. The rising consumer shift from less expensive sedans to pricier SUVs and pickup trucks is gaining momentum. The automotive industry in the USA has been abandoning the production and sales of cars below USD30,000 price point, forgoing the low-car price territory to the used car market. Many automakers are cutting down the production of less popular models in response to the global microchip shortage to meet the consumer demand for new models. Besides, next-generation technologies and eco-friendly models are enticing customers and rapidly shifting their purchasing behaviors. Some consumers are ready to splurge more on high-trim-level vehicles, including premium-grade finishes, hi-tech features, and performance upgrades, contributing to the enhanced pricing.

• More Cash on Hand

When the pandemic hit, many buyers were not spending on restaurants or vacations, so they are now choosing to use the saved money on loaded-out trucks or SUVs, expanding their expenditure on cars more than they otherwise would have. According to Moody's Analytics, Americans now have an extra USD2.4 trillion in savings compared to last year due to repeated economic setbacks. Besides, the government stimulus checks are helping buyers to use the money for making down payments and choosing vehicles of their choice. The low interest rates are putting the vehicles within reach for many buyers, which has stimulated the demand for new vehicles in the USD50,000-and-above range. Thus, the increased inclination of customers for high-priced vehicles is contributing to the average car price. Moreover, reduced mortgage payments are allowing buyers to fit their car payments into the budget that would not have been possible before.

• Opening of Commercial Places

In 2020, many workplaces asked their employees to work from home as an effective measure to reduce the spread of coronavirus without hampering the work. However, as the offices are reopening with ease in lockdown restriction and rapid vaccine inoculation drives, people are returning to work, which is further fueling the demand for cars. The new employment generation coupled with the reopening of commercial spaces is adding to the demand for car purchases. Besides, people who used to prefer public transportation are now inclining towards commuting with their car to reduce the COVID-19 exposure. Thus, the strong demand for cars due to unlocking measures is boosting the prices of vehicles.

How are the Rising Car Prices Affecting an Average American?

While the rising car prices are a good sign for the country's economy, many consumers are facing a hard time affording new or used vehicles. Almost 64% of Americans commute daily, and those relying on cars for transportation are being forced to take out long-term auto loans to afford a new car, which could keep the owner in debt for years to come. When buyers funnel capital into a new car, they are paying for a depreciating asset as the average car prices drop more than 20% as soon as one drives off the dealership lot. The car prices can dip close to 90% after two decades, which infers that no matter how much the buyer puts money into the new car, they will just earn a fraction of it while selling.

According to New York Federal Reserve, more than seven million Americans are almost 90 days behind their auto loans, and delinquency rates among borrowers with the lowest credit rates are increasing. The rising used car prices are adding salt to the wounds of poor Americans struggling to make their ends meet without an affordable commuting solution.

Conclusion

The supply chain shortage is hurting the bottom line of automakers. For instance, the microchip shortage is expected to cost Ford and General Motors around USD1 billion in profits in 2021. However, dealers are the real winners of the rising car prices, whose profits have tripled from 2020. Now is the perfect time to be an auto dealer as the demand is incredibly robust. However, the price-sensitive shoppers are facing a tough market. If price becomes the ultimate driver, shoppers might focus on the market segments where they could find better deals and inventories that are healthier. While many economists believe that inflation is temporary, the uncertain economic outlook is huge due to the flush in consumer savings and government payments while supply chains are disrupted.

According to TechSci research report on "US Used Car Market By Vehicle Type (Small Cars, Mis-size Cars and Luxury Cars), By Sector (Organized Vs. Semi-Organized/Unorganized), By Fuel Type (Petrol, Diesel and CNG), Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2026", USA used car market is expected to grow at a formidable CAGR of 8% on account of increasing proliferation of websites selling used cars and discount on after sales services or insurance offered by used car sellers. Besides, high interest rates on new cars and soaring prices of new vehicles are expected to propel US used car market growth during the forecast period.

According to TechSci research report on "Global Luxury Car Market By Vehicle Type (Hatchback, Sedan, SUV & Others), By Fuel Type (Petrol, Diesel & Others), By Engine Capacity (<2500cc, 2500-5000cc & >5000cc), By Region, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2026", the global luxury car market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of more than 3.5% owing to the introduction of upcoming technologies and increasing option for customisation in luxury cars. Besides, high resale value of luxury cars and electronic parking aids are contributing to the global luxury car market during the forecast period.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/10486503

Global Luxury Car Market Report Link: Techsciresearch.com/report/luxury-car-market/3864.html

US Used Car Market By Vehicle Report Link: Techsciresearch.com/report/us-used-car-market/4032.html

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/expert/Karan_Chechi/2930710

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When you drive a car, either you manage it and feel it with the grip of the car, or, like me, you fix it on visual speed. If you do it through the grip, you lose it very quickly - because when the track changes, you can have scares. I do it visually, so if I am going too fast I fight to get the car back, but I do not do it by feeling the grip.

~ Jean Alesi

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Arriving in 2014: All-New Small Cadillac Crossover SUV

The Cadillac brand continues to add new models, with the XTS and ATS joining the fold in 2012, the ELR in 2013 and updates of current models also rolling out. General Motors is on a roll with its luxury brand, a formidable competitor to the likes of BMW, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Infiniti, Audi and other premium brands. One new model that will likely be introduced is a subcompact crossover, but you will have to wait until 2014 to see this vehicle.

Crossover SUV

Plans for a small crossover SUV are progressing, a model that will compete against the BMW 1 Series. This won't be the first time that GM has offered a premium subcompact crossover SUV as the automaker now has the Buick Encore in its fold. Still, its top brand has lacked such a model, a vehicle that will slot below the SRX when it is introduced.

Details about the upcoming Cadillac model are scarce, but Automotive News interviewed Cadillac head Bob Ferguson to confirm the rumored vehicle's existence. Ferguson noted that such a model was in the planning stages, but did not commit to this model being sold in North America, at least not initially.

Engine Choices

GM has been expanding Cadillac's visibility across China and is in the process of relaunching the brand in Europe, a market that is beset by overcapacity and economic struggles. Still, GM sees Europe as important to Cadillac's ultimate success and will likely offer the unnamed crossover to the market when it is released Asia. That means the crossover will offer at least one diesel engine, a powerplant that could also find its way to America.

Cadillac currently is outselling its America rival, Lincoln, by a 2-to-1 margin. However, parent Ford Motor Company has committed to invest billions in resurrecting Lincoln, a brand that was the top luxury make as recently as 1998. At the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the Lincoln MKC concept was unveiled -- that vehicle, expected to go into production for 2014 would compete directly against the BMW 1 Series as well as the upcoming Cadillac model.

New Buyers

There are two very good reasons why Cadillac will offer a diminutive crossover SUV. The first reason is that the brand must appeal to younger and more urbane buyers. Cadillac's future hinges on expanding its appeal, therefore upwardly mobile 30-something buyers would be targeted.

The second reason for the model is that stronger fleet fuel economy requirements are gradually kicking in. The brand, long dependent on oversized SUVs such as the Escalade and big sedans such as the retired DTS, must offset its larger vehicles with smaller models. It is reasonable to believe that the new crossover might possibly offer a hybrid model too, one that would get 40 mpg.

New Models

For Cadillac, every new model comes with some risks. The luxury market continues to grow, but the strongest players have been raising the bar quickly. The new Cadillac crossover SUV must be executed flawlessly or risk alienating potential buyers. That's a risk GM will work to overcome, by presenting a new model that meets, even exceeds expectations.

Matthew C. Keegan is a freelance automotive writer. Matt is also a contributing writer for Andy's Auto Sport and affiliated websites, an aftermarket supplier of quality auto parts including AEM Intake and HKS Exhaust.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matthew_Keegan

http://EzineArticles.com/7460929

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Every new development, highway, railroad, steamship line, building operation, whether it be a drainage project in old Greece or a new water system in Peru, means an added use of the automobile.

- Walter Chrysler

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The Top Three Benefits of Changing Transmission Fluid

There has always been some debate on the pros and cons of changing your transmission fluid on a routine basis, per your vehicle owner's manual recommendation. One of the many rumored suspicions is that doing so will open your car up to having dreaded transmission issues sooner. To debunk those conspiracy theories, let's get into the meat of the topic and explore, together, why it absolutely makes sense to change it regularly; and how not doing so could actually cause your car to run sluggishly - potentially costing you precious pennies in the long run!

1) Heat is the enemy

The number one reason that manufacturers recommend you change your transmission fluid regularly is because it degrades as it continually heats up during driving. There are exhaustive studies about the precise temperatures in which its effectiveness actually wanes. Suffice it to say that most owner's manuals duly recommend changing your fluid every 30,000 miles. There is one exception to this rule: newer vehicles using Dexron III ATF fluid can often go up to 100,000 miles before needing to be changed. As you drive, and the transmission heats up, the viscosity of your fluid changes; over time, this heat causes transmissions to burn up and this is the single-most cause of transmission repairs today - burned up transmissions.

2) Gunk and sludge

As your transmission continues to heat up and it continues to break down, your car's transmission components begin to get bogged down with gunk and sludge. You don't need to be a rocket scientist to know that gunk and sludge are going to clog up your transmission gears, causing unnatural wear and tear on your vehicle's transmission. If you want your transmission to continue to operate smoothly, it is vital to keep it clean.

3) Leaky seals and putrid odors

No, I'm not talking about a horror flick here. A well-maintained machine is one whose owner regularly checks the transmission fluid levels - yes, using the dipstick! You should ideally check your transmission fluid level when your engine is warm and idling. Transmission fluid should be bright red and should smell sweet, not putrid or rancid. It shouldn't be brown or black or even dark red. It should look like the tip of the spindle after Sleeping Beauty pricked her finger. If your transmission fluid level is low, or the color is not right, it's time to change your transmission fluid and check (or have checked by the mechanic) all of the seals around the transmission for leaks.

If you want your transmission to last throughout the life of the car, it is imperative that you change your transmission fluid regularly, following your owner's manual guidelines and a few common sense rules. In today's world of disposable everything - neglecting your transmission can be a rude awakening to your wallet. The potential costs associated with ignoring the routine maintenance guidelines on your transmission could total thousands of dollars that would be better spent on a nice, warm vacation to a sunny spot this summer.

If you are looking for honest advice, prioritized repairs, options on repairs, maximized fuel economy, and a good feeling with who you are doing business with go to http://www.westsideautopros.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ron_Haugen

http://EzineArticles.com/7502640

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The world runs on individuals pursuing their self interests. The great achievements of civilization have not come from government bureaus. Einstein didn't construct his theory under order from a, from a bureaucrat. Henry Ford didn't revolutionize the automobile industry that way.

~ Milton Friedman

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Poor Man's BMW: 2014 Mazda 6 Review and Road Test

Over the last five years it seems that the companies that make midsize sedans are in a race to top. Every year one brand seems to leap-frog another in the competition to build a reasonably priced car that looks and feels like a premium entry from BMW or Lexus. The latest escalation of this conflict takes the shape of the 2014 Mazda 6 sedan. While the Mazda 6 has been around since 2004, the last generation was off the radar for most buyers. With radical, sporty styling and impressive quality this Mazda may be poised to upset the status quo in the segment much the way the Mazda 3 did for compacts 10 years ago.

On the inside the Mazda 6 has a germanic look about it which is a common trend in midsize sedans. What is special about this interior is the materials are comparable in appearance and feel to a 3 series BMW. Everything from the door handles, to the dash padding,steering wheel and shifter feels solid and well crafted. The infotainment and navigation are controlled with a wheel behind the shifter, much like BMW's iDrive. As well as looking expensive the infotainment system is well equipped, even on the base model. All models have bluetooth audio streaming and USB interface. Dual zone climate control is offered on most models which is a welcome feature. Overall the Mazda 6 has the nicest interior of any midsize sedan on sale today.

On the road the Mazda 6 suffers slightly from it less than powerful 189hp 4 cylinder engine. While the car can accelerate fast enough for most day to day driving it lacks an extra punch to match the sporty styling of the car. The transmission is excellent and shifts quickly and smoothly.

The ride of the car is firm but still very comfortable in the tradition of the best sporting sedans. What comes as a disappointment with the Mazda 6 is the steering. It feels much more like something from one its far stodgier rivals like the Toyota Camry. While the car corners very well it lacks steering feel and does not feel responsive. That would be a let down on any car, but it's worse with the Mazda 6 because our expectations are so high.

The bottom line:A beautiful interior and expressive styling all at a reasonable price. This is as close to premium sports sedan quality as the midsize segment gets.

Compare Cars and more, latest reviews and exclusive visual comparison tool. Follow us on Twitter @Compare_A_Car

-By David Louis Johnson

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Louis_Johnson

http://EzineArticles.com/7528092

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Welcome to my Dashboard Confessions

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CNN Money: Tips for buying a car

The top things you need to know to buy the car of your choice.

1. Make sure you are getting the right vehicle.

This seems obvious, but you could wind up an unhappy car owner if you haven't thought carefully about how many people and how much luggage or gear you need to carry.

2. Assess the worth of your old car.

Whether you plan to trade it in or sell it, your current car can be an important factor in your budget. Checking the right Web site and maybe your local newspaper will give you a realistic valuation. Selling it directly instead of just trading it may also mean a sizable difference in what you get for it, though it may take a while longer to reap the proceeds.

3. Decide whether new or used is best for you.

Cars are built better now than in the past, so used cars make a lot of sense. But if you get a rebate or other cost break, the math may be on the side of a new vehicle.

4. Consider whether leasing or buying makes more sense.

Leasing provides lower monthly payments than buying with an auto loan. But it's not for everybody. If you don't have money for a down payment or if you trade your car every two or three years, you may be a good candidate for a lease.

5. Do your homework and set your target price.

The Internet has made it easier than ever to find out the dealer's cost for each vehicle and its options. That's the first step to getting the best possible deal.

6. Shop for money before you shop for the car.

If you plan to buy with a loan, check your credit union or local bank quotes online to find the lowest rate. Getting a pre-approved loan will give you added confidence in negotiating a good price.

7. Negotiating a lease.

In the complicated world of leasing, the dealer will have the upper hand unless you learn the jargon and how to negotiate the various segments of a lease deal.

8. Negotiate a purchase.

If you are doing it yourself, get bids from several dealers, keeping the focus on the dealer's invoice price, which you will know from your research. You may be able to get bids without going to showroom after showroom.

9. If you hate haggling, consider using a car-shopping service.

Auto-buying services, such as Web sites or discount clubs, make things easy with pretty good, no-haggle prices. But with most of them, you get quotations from only one dealer. Consumer services that shop several dealers near you may deliver even better prices.

10. Don't let the deal-closer close out your savings.

The finance manager isn't there just for the paperwork. He or she wants to sell you high-profit financial and mechanical add-ons. These are seldom worth the money.