Luxury cars are sought after for their style, safety, and amenities, but they aren’t always perfect. Resale value remains one of their biggest weaknesses among premium brands, which is why Acura is has found one area where it can truly shine.

Among buyers searching for certified preowned Acuras Washington DC, resale value is one of their biggest concerns. Thanks in part to Acura’s reputation for quality and reliability, vehicles across their lineup retain their value better than most luxury brands.

Acura’s ability to retain competitive resale value is no surprise to Virginia Honda dealerships. After all, Honda-branded products have always been known for holding on to their better than most vehicles. Preowned Cars Fredericksburg acknowledges that such a reputation has been built due to the brand’s commitment to creating reliable products. When quality suffers, so too does resale values, just consider Toyota and their product’s resale values following sweeping recalls.

Over the years Acura has been trying to strengthen its brand and find its groove as it battles formidable competitors like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Lexus. But with unmatched quality and resale value, not to mention great technology, the brand seems to be standing out after all.

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For more on automotive resale values check back soon.

Nissan are set to take a big risk with the introduction of the 2011 Nissan Juke Crossover. With the Cube, Rogue, Murano, Xterra, Pathfinder, and Armada, does Nissan really have room for another? Well, according to Nissan, the Juke Crossover is “a sporty crossover alternative to traditional small hatchback vehicles,” so in answer to that question, yes! While the Juke is considered to be “part SUV, part sports car”, let’s just hope the gamble pays off.

Let’s take a look under the hood. When the Juke hits the American market in Fall 2010, expect a few different engine options. On the base end, choose either a six speed manual or the two-wheel drive 1.5 Ci diesel model, both with 108 horsepower. At the top end is the four-wheel drive, turbocharged 1.6 liter turbo making 187 horsepower.

Open up one of the front doors and you’re in for a surprise. Inspired by the fuel tank of a motorcycle, the bulging center console has a glossy finish that comes in either red or silver. The interior also has Nissan’s new Dynamic Control System, which is the center command and display screen showing information about the car’s dynamics.

Maybe Nissan is taking a big risk on the Juke Crossover, or maybe they are brave to test the waters with their robust stance, high waistline, complex curves, two different sets of headlights, coupe-like profile, and aggressive wheels and tires. Whatever the case, have a look for yourself.

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More news and information on Nissan.

The auto industry has gone through many changes over the past few years, and this year’s North American International Auto Show truly exemplified this. These changes have been guided by people shying away from expensive, gas guzzling vehicles and migrating toward hybrids and other “green” options.

Attendees at the auto show saw a bevy of cars that are not normally on display, including hybrid vehicles from China and electric cars from Korea. These new cars symbolize the change that automakers have been making since the financial troubles of General Motors and Chrysler last year.

Every car company wants to be considered the leader of the electric car movement, a movement where over 97 percent of Americans do not even own a hybrid vehicle. However, that would not appear the case with the 37,000-square-foot Electric Avenue exhibit at the show. Automakers are betting that electric cars will be the next big thing.

Take a step back and think about it; it makes sense. With many Americans strapped for cash, wouldn’t they eventually prefer a car that could save them money in the end? It seems only logical that people want to save money in the long run. The only problem is splashing out more cash upfront. Only time will tell if this vision will come to fruition.

Aside from the electric vehicles, much hype was generated from the Honda CR-Z and the European-market Ford Focus, available in 2011. Things should be heating up over the next couple years and we will continue to bring you news from Electric Avenue.

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Stay tuned in for more information on electric cars, hybrids and other fuel-efficient options.

Despite the love affair American consumers have had with cars, this past year sales were very low. China has officially surpassed the United States as the world’s largest automotive sales market as auto sales in China last year increased by nearly 50 percent. On the other hand, American sales plummeted over 20 percent! Is this permanent? GM’s top executive, Kevin Wale, along with many other automakers seems to think so. Since we are in dire economic times, the jury is still out on whether or not these numbers are a clear indicator of where our auto industry is headed.

China has been becoming a huge economic force as of late. China’s residents have seen an increase in their income over the past several years and they have been spending this money on cars. As both China’s population and economy have grown substantially over the past decade, they want to enjoy the products which Americans have grown accustomed to buying.

What does this mean for American car companies? Well, this could mean that they will be selling more cars overseas. For many years, Americans have bought cars from companies overseas, but now it seems that the tables have turned and our country may benefit from this economic setup. It is too soon to know whether or not China will remain the world’s largest automotive sales market, however early indicators show that this seems to be the case.

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Stay tuned in for more information about automotive sales in China and the United States.

Large engines and large horsepower numbers are always easy ways to draw-in the automotive enthusiasts at auto shows. But these days, Detroit is busy turning out sporty and fun to drive cars that feature smaller dimensions, and smaller engine displacements as well.

One of the best examples of this new trend is the Chevrolet Aveo RS concept which broke cover this week at the North American International Auto Show. While it’s technically a concept, the Aveo RS likely displays much of the next generation Aveo’s styling and dimensions. Competing directly with the upcoming Ford Fiesta, the new Aveo will likely mark a turning point for Detroit automakers as they begin to build small cars that are not only sexy, but also a blast to drive.

Powering the Chevy Aveo RS is a turbocharged 140 horsepower 1.4-liter four cylinder engine mated to a six speed manual transmission. In addition to the small, but likely peppy powertrain, the Aveo RS features a number of styling cues that add a high-performance attitude, including large 19-inch wheels, integrated rear spoiler, and center-mounted exhaust. Its aggressive styling is said to be inspired by motorcycle design.

Although Chevrolet has not yet committed to producing the Aveo RS, it’s clear that the next generation Aveo will be a far cry from the dull car that’s available today. Despite boasting stellar fuel efficiency and affordability, the next Aveo will likely offer something that even driving enthusiasts will benefit from. But if you ask us, we also think it’s a pretty safe bet that the stunning Aveo RS will be available on the streets by 2011.

Read more about the Aveo RS Concept via the press release below.

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DETROIT – Chevrolet today announced the world debut of the Aveo RS show car at the 2010 North American International Auto Show. It features a European-inspired hot hatch look designed to appeal to young enthusiasts, and hints at the next-generation Aveo.

Longer, wider and more spacious than the current production Aveo, the Aveo RS showcases the car’s upscale-looking design cues both inside and out, and presents the many personalization options potentially available on the next-generation car.

“We hope the Aveo RS show car will demonstrate that we are as serious about redefining the Aveo and its place in the small-car segment as we were about reinventing the Malibu,” said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet general manager.

First impressions

The Aveo RS show car, finished in electric Boracay Blue, wears global Chevrolet design cues such as the dual element grille, round taillamps and fender flares, but designers turned up the attitude on the show car with low openings and a lower mouth trimmed in a combination of brushed and polished aluminum. Outboard fog lamps are integrated into an exaggerated brake-cooling inlet that flows into the front fender flares, creating an aggressive-looking face.

Exposed headlamps, with their brushed aluminum structural surround, are inspired by the designers’ affection for motorcycles. The sleek side profile is characterized by uninterrupted body side lines, a high beltline and low roofline. The side mirrors with amber-colored turn signal indicators carry the same shape as the car and seemingly disappear into the profile. At first glance, the car actually looks like a three-door hatch because the rear door handles are discreetly located in the “C”-pillar area.

“The Aveo RS show car demonstrates how progressive design can inject personality into a small car,” said Michael Simcoe, executive director, North American Exterior Design. “We want customers to see it and have an emotional reaction to it.”

No performance-minded car earns its street cred without large wheels and tires. The Aveo RS show car’s wheels are 19-inch, five-spoke with a gun metal metallic finish Chevrolet logo. The wheel openings reveal large Boracay Blue brake calipers.

The rear of the show car continues the sport theme, with an integrated spoiler that flows from the roof, a center-mounted exhaust and chrome exhaust tips. The exposed motorcycle-inspired rear taillamps feature tinted aluminum housings and a discreet Bowtie logo.

Spacious and stylish interior

With its matte black interior highlighted by gloss black, metallic and blue accents, the Aveo RS show car reflects as much attention to detail as the exterior. The Boracay Blue theme continues inside, with accent stitching across the dual cockpit instrument panel, front and rear door insert, steering wheel rim, gear shift boot, parking brake, leather seat bolster and even the floor mats. The integrated center stack holds the gearshift, HVAC controls and the sound system, including a USB port. Ice-blue backlighting on the audio display, telltale indicator screen and knobs augments the blue stitching.

The motorcycle inspiration also carries inside, with a round, analog tachometer set within an asymmetrical LCD readout also trimmed in milled metal with round cutouts; and round, aluminum-trimmed side vents.

The interior is as functional as it is stylish, with storage compartments in the center stack and doors. The rear seats fold flat for carrying larger items.

Efficient performer

The Aveo RS show car is powered by the same highly efficient 138-horsepower (103 kW) 1.4L I-4 Ecotec turbocharged engine that will be available in the upcoming Chevrolet Cruze.

A six-speed manual transmission is designed to ensure the car will provide a spirited driving experience.

For the show car, designers created a special engine cover in graphite silver with a brushed aluminum insert. The coolant and power steering fluid fill caps are rimmed in ice blue, and the honeycomb vents flanking the center of the cover are matte-finished in shadow chrome and designed to match the wheel color.

Chevrolet has previously announced the new Aveo will be built at Orion Assembly in Orion Township, Mich., in 2011, a move that will restore 1,200 jobs to Southeast Michigan. Timing for retooling Orion Assembly for Aveo production is anticipated to begin in late 2010.

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Keep reading this automotive blog for more auto industry news.

As General Motors pushes to terminate Saturn and Pontiac, the automaker will be introducing impressive discounts in order to help deplete inventories of these two brands. GM employees and suppliers can get even better deal thanks to employee discounts as well.

Tens of thousands of GM employees can take advantage of this unique perk, which has long been a part of GM’s benefits package. In addition, GM is offering $7,000 off new cars until January 4.

The new discounts are intended to move Saturn and Pontiac inventories quickly so that GM and its dealers can focus more on its core brands, including Buick, Chevrolet, Cadillac, and GMC. GM employees are most likely to get the best dealers on these new cars, even below invoice price.

Jessica Caldwell,  senior analyst at Edmunds.com, believes that the $7,000 discount is more hype than anything else. But, for dealers that have hundreds of unsold Pontiac or Saturn models sitting on their lot, it could be just what’s needed to push remaining inventory.

After deciding to remove Pontiac, Saturn, Saab, and Hummer, from its lineup of auto brands, GM will have plenty of cleaning up to do in 2010. As these vehicles are cleared from dealer inventories, GM may finally be able focus on all the right areas.

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Read more automotive news car Car Biz Weekly.

Although Toyota has remained the dominant automaker in hybrid vehicle sales thanks to the popular Prius, the automaker has been slow to produce extended range plug-in hybrid vehicles or electric vehicles. In an effort to change that Toyota will begin leasing 150 plug-in Prius hybrids in the U.S. shortly in preparation of thousands of units in retail sales within two years.

In February, Toyota will be releasing only 600 of these plug-in Prius models globally. The vehicle will be in direct competition with the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid, which will be available next year.

This new Prius will have a longer electric-only range compared to that of the current Toyota Prius. The electric-only range is good for 14.5 miles, still shorter than the Volt’s 40 mile range. After the plug-in Prius surpasses its electric-only range, it will continue to operate as a standard Prius.

Introducing the plug-in Prius hybrid via leasing in limited numbers will provide Toyota with ample field data about the vehicle as it undergoes every-day driving conditions. When it goes on sale, Toyota asserts that the car will be “affordable,” but retail or leasing pricing has yet to be released.

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Learn more about plug-in hybrids here.

The Ford Transit Connect may be the most eye-catching vehicle in the Ford lineup. The design is unique, but it’s either hideous or futuristic depending on how you choose to see it. Regardless, the Transit Connect is not about style, but rather about function and its utility.

Thanks to its high roof, the Ford Transit Connect can provide up to five passengers with ample room, or it can make hauling cargo an extremely simple task. For a small business, the large cargo doors help make the Transit Connect more accessible than other vans.

Unlike the similarly styled, but much larger, Dodge Sprinter van, the Ford Transit Connect seems to be the perfect size for the large family or for the small business than has ample cargo carrying needs. Hillside Ford says that its odd design is also useful in terms of its visibility and interior light.

Even though the Ford Transit Connect is a utility type of vehicle, it still manages to earn a respectable 22 miles per gallon city and 25 mpg highway which Ithaca Ford dealers say is attributed to its practical 2.0-liter Duratec four cylinder engine, which produces 136 horsepower and 128 lb ft of torque.

With a base price of $21,475, the Ford Transit Connect offers a great value for such as versatile commercial vehicle. The Transit Connect may not be the prettiest vehicle on the road, but it has incredible functionality and a fresh design. If you need a vehicle that can haul your growing family, handle your mobile business needs, or just haul of few surfboards, the Ford Transit Connect should certainly be on your list.

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Read more about new Ford vehicles at Car Biz Weekly

Almost as soon as Toyota earned the title of the world’s largest automaker, analysts quickly began to eye Volkswagen and their rapid growth as well. Now it seems that the time has come for the Volkswagen Group to claim the title of the world’s largest automaker, as this year VW is poised to produce 4.47 million vehicles.

Since January of this year, Toyota has been struggling against the effects of a sluggish economy. As such, the automaker has been forced to cut output dramatically. According to VW St Louis, assistance by the German government through a Cash-for-Clunkers-like program has also helped VW gain the edge over Toyota.

Last year Toyota had produced 9.24 million vehicles. This year that number is expected to be around 7.24 million vehicles according to IHS Global Insights.

This year the VW group also added Porsche to its roster of global brands which Green Bay Volkswagen says is a great addition to the already world-class lineup of brands. These other brands include Bentley and Lamborghini just to name a few. Last year Toyota earned the title of world’s largest automaker after overtaking General Motors, which held the title for 80 years. At Boston Toyota the demand for fuel efficient vehicles like the Yaris, Corolla, and the third-generation Prius helped maintain Toyota sales, but global challenges has hindered Toyota’s continued growth. 

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Car Biz Weekly will have much more VW news for you soon. Subscribe now.

General Motors, and Penske Automotive, will be saying goodbye to Saturn as the attempt to sell the Saturn brand fell through. Production on Saturn vehicles has already been stopped, and now dealers will have just a few months to sell all remaining inventory.

Penske Automotive Group was in talks with GM for months in hopes of buying the embattled brand. The biggest challenge standing in the way of the Penske was finding another source for vehicles says Buick Birmingham since GM had no intention of continuing to supply the brand with vehicles. Penske had reportedly been in talks with French automaker Renault, but when discussions fell through, Cincinnati Used Cars suggests that Penske had no choice but to walk away from GM.

Once Penske walked away from talks, it took GM less than 24 hours to build the last Saturn vehicle. Currently, there are about 12,000 Saturn vehicles in inventory. Last month about 3,000 vehicles were sold according to sources at Chevy Parts New Mexico. It’s expected that inventory will be divided by GM to ensure as many dealers as possible have their needs met.

GM remains confident that it will be able to sell the remaining Saturn inventory. Unfortunately, Saturn dealers are so optimistic about the demise of the beloved brand.

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Keep looking here for any Saturn news updates