September 2013

It's not to early to begin Christmas shopping — how about a Mini watch?

(September 30, 2013) MUNICH — A watch is an expression of the wearer’s personality, adding subtle emphasis to his or her style. The new wristwatches in the MINI Lifestyle Collection dazzle with their quality and precision while maintaining an air of sophisticated understatement.

Six tips for buying a car with less-than-prime credit

(September 30, 2013) IRVINE, Calif. — As the end of the model year approaches, CarFinance.com has released its 2013 Top Tips for Buying a Car with Less-than-Prime Credit. With current auto loan interest rates remaining attractively low, consumers could soon be venturing to dealerships to take advantage of late 2013 vehicle model deals. But for buyers with less-than-prime credit, the prospect of purchasing a vehicle can fill them with trepidation.

Kia touts 14,000 jobs from Georgia manufacturing plant

(September 29, 2013) Since recruitment began in 2008 for its manufacturing plant in West Point, Ga., Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG) has created more than 14,000 jobs, Kia says.

Calendar abnormality blamed for end to 27-month year-over-year gains

(September 27, 2013) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — September's auto sales are expected to snap a 27-month streak of year-over-year gains dating back to June 2011, forecasts Edmunds.com. And while September's sales look shaky on the surface, a calendar anomaly likely explains the decline: Labor Day weekend sales were included in September 2012, but Labor Day sales counted toward August in 2013.

TrueCar: September 2013 new car sales to be down 4.4 percent

(September 25, 2013) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — TrueCar, an authority on new car pricing information, trends and forecasting, today released its September 2013 sales and incentives forecast.  The forecast shows several things.

CVT parts manufacturer says continuously variable transmission use on rise

(September 25, 2013) You may love the CVT or you may hate it, but Bosch — manufacturer of continuously variable transmission push belts — says the use of the gearless transmission is on the rise.

Avoiding costly car shopping mistakes — Advice from AutoTrader

(September 24, 2013) ATLANTA — As the year begins to draw to a close, many consumers may be tempted by model and calendar year-end savings events at their local car dealer. While it's a great time to consider pulling a new car into the garage, the car shopping experts at AutoTrader.com have some advice to help buyers avoid mistakes that could turn their new dream car into a nightmare.

Study finds new era in vehicle parking management under way

(September 24, 2013) LONDON — The parking industry in Europe and North America is expected to witness a major growth phase this decade. Global automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers  are investing in strategic growth partnerships with parking management companies, app providers, car sharing operators, and city governments to create an integrated journey experience for their drivers in the near future.

The confluence of a birthday, Napa Valley and Volkswagen!

By Russ Heaps
Clanging Bell

(September 22, 2013) My birthday this year was such a time.

Almost by design, Volkswagen invited me to Napa for its full-line ride and drive. I chose the wave that landed me in Napa on the anniversary of my birth. Napa, my birthday; what, you thought I'd say, no?

Let numbers decide whether to buy your car at the end of its lease

(September 21, 2013) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Most people nearing the end of a car lease term are confronted with the same question: "Should I buy the car or move on to a new one?" Edmunds.com says the biggest step toward answering that question comes down to two important numbers: the car's buyout price -- called the residual value -- and its current market value.