Luxury glows at Geneva Motor Show

84. international motor in Geneva show is underway this week against the backdrop of the continuing uncertainty for Europe's car manufacturers. But this is not the feeling on the ground, where luxury car manufacturers are rolling extravagant, turbo-charged vehicles for heads turn in one of the richest cities in the world.

Life in the fast lane

Lamborghini new Huracán, much-anticipated replacement for his bestselling Gallardo, is already one cars generate buzz before the auto show press day Tuesday. The vehicle is equipped with a V10 Engine, which the carmaker says, more powerful and fuel-efficient than its predecessor.

Ferrari, presented its first turbo-charged vehicle now in more than 20 years. The V-8 has a retractable hardtop Ferrari California T and can go 0-62 mph in just 3.6 seconds. Headquartered in the United Kingdom McLaren, the Italians are a run for their money with the new 650 s, the clocks of the same speed in only 3 seconds.

Cash splash

For those less inclined to jump on the fast lane but want to still splash Rolls-Royce which should have packs from the ghost II, the high-tech Interior gadgets and a streamlined appearance takes a few hundred thousand dollars on a new set of wheels. Bentley is also a face lift on the proven, unveiling of upgrades for its type continental luxury Grand tourer family.

Is the the rabble-rousing Geneva Palexpo Hall could fill the host city reputation reflect the opulence, but they are hardly reality compared to the wider industry. Automobile manufacturers' Association (ACEA) rose last report for the fifth month European new car registrations in January to 935.460 units, according to the European.

Although that trend is reversing, level is the total cost of sold below pre-crisis levels, nearing 1.3 million units. And there are signs of weakening of the dynamics. In a recent note, rather anemic 1.4 percent sales growth EU car for the Gesamtjahr.Vielleicht Barclays analysts projected a little magic, is just what the industry needs to focus on better days come to relocate.

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Korean car manufacturer contact the luxury market

For those who call that even Hyundai and Kia what associate reviews euphemistically as "cheap and cheerful" products such as the old pony subcompact, the new K900 as quite a shock could come. When it goes on sale early next year the large KIA sedan should wear a price tag, which could move up in the range of $70,000.

Hyundai in the meantime prepares the roll-out of a completely newly designed version of his great Genesis sedan, targeting deep-seated luxury competitors such as the BMW 5 series, Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-class.

Korean cars "A Yugo be used one step beyond," said Joe Phillippi, a longtime auto analyst and head of AutoTrends consulting. "they have enabled completely the company on its head," he said brand KIA, referring to Hyundai and its smaller siblings.

This is not to say that either will meet the two Marques from the traditional audience. But even their most basic models, such as the $15.340 Hyundai Accent and the $14,400 KIA Rio by stylish remakes has recently gone and offer the kind of performance and offers a traditionally wouldn't expect, by the Econoboxes that once the lineup dominated the Korean automobile manufacturers.

"they made remarkable progress on fit, finish and design," main source River added.
But while they keep in the beginners segment foot, there is little doubt that urge Koreans to top - and quickly. They have mainstream models like the Hyundai Azera and Kia cadenza, which push redesigned you in range of $40,000, prices, few would have expected to see Korean products a decade ago, during the Munroney sticker. But this is only the beginning.

An unexpected success achieved Hyundai, when in the year 2008, there is true a toe in more exclusive waters with its first luxury model, the Genesis sedan stuck. The original model ended up a number of awards - including the coveted North American car of the year earned.

Recently, which manufacturer has a full size model, the Equus, the budget has been aimed, who might otherwise want to premium luxury models such as the BMW 7-series or Mercedes-Benz S-class.

Not come close to the Equus rivals out of the box beat out about 2,000 sales per year. Yet the move in luxury Hyundai, in particular "a very good way to brand image improve" gave, said Joonhong Park senior program manager working on 2014-remake of the Genesis model.

The new model will be a "game-changer", added Moon Sik Kwon, leader who is Hyundai Motor Group R & D Center directly in front of the Korean capital of Seoul, since it covers from the 2015 model for the premiere to a group of U.S. automotive journalists stretches.

It takes a less anonymous design, according to the direction, the Hyundai with other, more mainstream products, such as the edgy Sonata and Elantra compact models took to the new model. But in line with the target group, the 2014 Genesis sedan adds even more luxury touches, both on new high-tech features such as a radar and camera-based collision system, as well as traditional, high-line features, such as leather and wood.

Hyundai hopes to increase the demand for the new model - in the United States and other global markets. It could also promote indicating Korean carmaker expanding of its luxury lineup, Kwon, playing that works the company on a range of other upscale models. More could be in the lineup before the end of the Decade.

And as indicates the K900, siblings similar, upscale ambitions in mind brand KIA. The new model could be a bit cheaper product on a par with the Hyundai Genesis, company officials note follow.

But why are the Korean automaker so intent on upscale move? There are a variety of factors. On the one hand, luxury vehicles offer higher margins than base level vehicles such as an accent or Rio, where the market is extremely competitive for budget buyers.

There is also the question of the image, as Park points out. The original Genesis helped Hyundai on the card for shoppers who had long dismissed the brand. According to John Krafcik, CEO of Hyundai Motor America, has doubled the larger of the Korean producers about its reputation among U.S. buyers since the Genesis debuted.

But analyst main source River believes that another factor, on the minds of the Korean planners, with a weight of is. "Clearly," he said, "the Koreans have realized that the Chinese will - finally come to them and see them."

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German luxury car makers accelerate the charge in crossovers

FRANKFURT, 9.9. Reuters) - German car manufacturer expand supplement industry in so-called "Crossover" premium vehicles, seeking to tap demand for models the functionality and cachet of sport utility vehicles (SUVS) to combine with the comfort and performance of the luxury cars.

BMW AG and Daimler AG, the leader of the global luxury car, want to expand their crossover portfolio with seven vehicles by 2020 to European provider sources with new entries in various sizes and price ranges.

Volkswagen AG (VW) upscale Audi subsidiary on its heels, with a future lineup of six crossovers, these sources added to nipping will be.

Almost all four premium last year in Europe a crossed or sports-utility model, and the category was sold vehicles continued to grow, despite concerns about size and consumption by United Kingdom-based consultancy LMC automotive.

Why the boom? According to "to give BMW development Chief Herbert Diess frequency switch large appeal and a sense for lifestyle. People want to be apart from the mainstream set."

Peter foot, a senior partner and automotive specialist in German practice Ernst & Youngs added: "consumers want more premium quality... And crossovers have a more modern design. "

The rise of the new German models is part of a broader trend, as VW, BMW and Daimler will benefit from the investment over a six-year European auto stock market slumps.

But this month Frankfurt auto show signaled that they are not alone in trying to take a piece of the premium crossover market.

Britain's Jaguar, now owned by India's Tata Group, studied then scrapped plans to develop a luxury utility vehicle more than a decade ago. Now it is a future crossover - his first ever - in Frankfurt am Main with the C - X 17 concept tease.

The station wagon-like petrol engine a forerunner of Jaguar Q-type, developed together with a new compact sedan, which offers Jaguar, to pitch to the BMW is to 3.

The Q-type-crossover also XQ can be accessed in the year 2015 on the BMW X 3 and Audi Q3 frequency switch would be aligned, said suppliers.

Japanese brands Lexus and Infiniti, Toyota Motor Corp. of possession of and Nissan Motor Co., try muscle deeper into the segment - to Lexus with its LF-NX "Concept" a small preview on the brand first compact crossover and Nissan's Q30 concept, a small gasoline engine, which expected a crossover derivatives into.

The LF-NX production reach late 2014 or early 2015 should, and will he be offered expected with an optional hybrid powertrain similar in the concept of Frankfurt.

GERMAN DRIVE

The Q30 concept shares basics with an another new addition to the range of Mercedes-Benz GLA, which goes on sale in Europe next spring, and shortly thereafter delivered to North America and China.

The production version of the Q30 goes into production in the year 2015 at Nissan's Sunderland plant in the UK should and can be finally built next to the GLA in the Nissan Aguascalientes plant in Mexico.

The arrival of the GLA signaled an escalation of Daimler crossover expansion. These efforts will be to two platforms, a known internally as a MFA (modular front-wheel drive architecture), the other MRA (modular rear-wheel drive architecture) built.

The smaller MFA platform, which supports the GLA and the Q30 can be used as the basis for an even smaller, lighter and less expensive Mercedes-crossover in the year 2017, within the company just as the baby-G. It is known

The larger MRA platform could serve as the ML said sources in the year 2017 and the RL in the year 2018, supplier base for more than five future crossovers, including replacement for the current GLK in 2015. Are also in the pipeline two Coupé-like variants, the MLC in the year 2015 and 2016 GLC.

"We have a goal to launch 13 new models, including the transitions between now and 2020," said Mercedes spokeswoman Bettina Singhartinger Reuters, declining be more accurate.

BMW has similar aspirations for his crossover portfolio. His next newcomer is the X-4, which was form this year the fair of Shanghai is planned, preview, and that in the concept in the year 2014 in the sale. The X 4 X 1 connects the existing X 3, X 5 and X 6, that in the next five years redesigned are.

BMW is also on two additional crossover models - a compact two-door x 2 ultra-premium in the year 2016 and long wheelbase, 4-door synchronized X 7, arriving as a companion to the new Rolls Royce crossover in 2018-2019 could by the BMWs.

Audi, has reduced its ambitious growth plans in crossovers in the meantime, suppliers said that proposals for the Coupé-like Q2 and Q4 ad acta set.

Its three existing crossovers are outdated will, starting with the big Q7 in 2014. It is in the year 2016 by the next generation Q5 follow, in Audi's new $1.3 billion-plant in Mexico and the redesigned Q3 is composed in the year 2018.

Still in planning are two larger models, Q6 and a Coupé-like companion of the next Q5, which could also be built into Mexico in 2016-2017, the Q8, a sportier sibling to the redesigned Q7, which is expected in 2015.

"We plan further additions to our portfolio of SUVs but not yet no details have communicated", said a spokesman for Audi.

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Car sales rev up in may, pulled by pickup trucks, luxury cars

2013 Dodge Ram Pickup is seen in Gaithersburg, Maryland, may 1, 2013.

Budget cuts, still sluggish employment growth, nor a mediocre recovery could save Americans the showrooms in may as it boosted sales of pickup trucks and luxury cars for the automakers.

General Motors, Ford Motor Co. and Chrysler Group, all sales for may released.

Leader as its sales increased 14 percent in may, with cars by 9 percent, utilities by 15 percent and truck by 18 percent Ford. Retail sales increased 17 percent, marking the best sales result since 2005 can retail.

"F-series sales - driven by construction growth and catching up to do - their highest achieved in more than six years," said Ken Czubay, Vice President of marketing, United States, Ford Sales and service. The Ford the best month reported also the medium-sized Ford Fusion ever had posting sales 29.553 cars - with its strongest growth in the Western and Southeastern regions of the United States

Ford has surpassed 2013 its previous full-year hybrid sales record in just over the first five months before Latin. The results were by the strength of the product, its new electrified vehicle lineup, including the Ford C-MAX hybrid, Ford C-MAX Energi, Ford Fusion hybrid and Ford Fusion Energi, as well as the Lincoln MKZ hybrid powered.

Chrysler 11 percent increase sales in the United States, compared with sales in may 2012 and the Group best may sales since 2007.

While the brands Fiat, Jeep, Dodge and RAM truck each year compared to the previous year sales gains in May compared with the same month before one year RAM truck brand was 24 percent, the largest increase in sales from each brand of the Chrysler Group in May. Chrysler Group expands its strip of the year compared with the previous year sales profits to 38 consecutive months in May.

"Our best may sales in six years us, our sales team strips for 38 consecutive following months of the year compared with the previous year sales profits to increase", said Reid Bigland, head of U.S. sales. "We see continued strong retail sales in our product lineup as eight vehicles of Chrysler Group sales figures in may, including best sales ever by the Jeep Wrangler and compass set."

GM also posted a sales increase of 3 percent overcome some weaknesses in the passenger car side, where the reduced Malibu 36 percent and Impala fell 18 percent.

"Cadillac grows faster than it has in nearly 40 years, the pickup rebound is in full swing and we see strong retail demand for our crossover networks", said Kurt McNeil, Vice President of US sales.

"These are all strong indications that the gradual recovery of the economy is created always wider."

GM sales of trucks by 15 percent compared to a year ago, including an increase of 23 percent for large pickup trucks and 30% for large SUVs, the automaker reported.

The strong sales pace increased also sales of Nissan, a two-digit growth rate a may U.S. sales record with 114.457 deliveries, an increase of 24.7 percent over may 2012 reported.

Jose Munoz, senior Vice President for sales and marketing, Nissan Americas said: "we are in the middle of five brand-new, top-selling Nissan models start in 15 months, and the effort is paying off." Altima, Pathfinder and Sentra, the first three of this starts are a combined 64.6 per cent in may, which shows, that our new products hit the sweet spot of innovation, style and the buyer desired value."

The estimated average transaction price for light vehicles in the United States was another sign of health for the industry, $31.377 in may 2013, $152 (0.5 percent) from last month and $103 (0.3 per cent) year compared to the previous year, according to Kelley Blue Book.

"Modest improvements in the economy, coupled with pent-up demand and world-class product offerings shoppers back to the market bring," said Alec Gutierrez, senior market analyst for the automotive industry insights for Kelley Blue Book. "Rising prices present this marketplace consumers for their next new vehicle return before the summer."

Volkswagen of America, Inc. reported a sales decline of 1.7 percent.

"We saw an uptick in our consumer traffic and rates this month, which allows us to include new records for Jetta and Passat," said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America.


"In month a, where strong growth in the segments of the pickup truck, an area in which we compete not saw the industry, we look forward to seeing us diesel healthy consumer demand for our cars, especially the growing demand for our TDI clean and hybrid line-up."

Can Audi, on the other hand scoring may 2013 take on a turnover of 13.228 vehicles, an increase of 15 percent compared to the previous rate last year. It was the 29th episode record month for the brand.

Copyright © 2009-2013, the Detroit Bureau

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Luxury cars buy into the downsizing trend

Paul A. Eisenstein , The Detroit Bureau

For those attending the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this month, Mercedes-Benz has rolled out an all-new version of its big E-Class line-up. But for reporters who came into the Motor City early for the show’s media preview, Mercedes offered a sneak peek at the new CLA model it will formally introduce later this year.

Sharing a similar silhouette with the current CLS coupe-like sedan, the CLA will be the smallest model the German maker has ever sold in the United States, representing a significant shift not only for Mercedes but for the rest of the luxury car market.

A quick survey of high-line manufacturers including Lincoln, Land Rover, BMW and Audi shows they’re all taking aim at downsized segments. That reflects some significant trends in the luxury market as buyers come to grips not only with rising fuel prices but increasingly crowded urban environments, analysts and industry planners suggest.

“If we want to grow and don’t want to lose our customers, we have to downsize,” contends Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of Daimler AG and chief of its Mercedes-Benz brand.

It’s not the first time the maker has pushed down-market. Mercedes made waves when it introduced its original C-Class “Baby Benz” more than three decades ago. And in the ‘90s, it tried pushing even lower with the stripped down C-Coupe. The C-Class is now one of the maker’s most popular products, though the smaller, lower-priced Coupe proved a flop and was quickly pulled from the lineup.

Buyers were equally uninspired by the smaller, stripped-down version of the classic BMW 3-Series, the 318 Coupe.

Whether buyers will welcome even smaller models today remains to be seen, especially in the U.S. where “it has always been bigger is better,” and buyers have measured luxury – and the concurrent price tag – by the inch and pound, said George Peterson, of consulting firm AutoPacific, Inc.

The C-Coupe and the BMW 318 were little more than econoboxes bearing luxury badges. The new Mercedes CLA, however, will offer much more traditional luxury accoutrements, including leather seats, wood trim and the latest high-tech safety and infotainment systems, the maker promises.

That’s already a formula that works in Europe, said Peterson. “The idea that you make a statement by having the biggest car around isn’t quite the case anymore. Now it’s more about the technology and features of the car.”

European makers have all added new downsized models, such as the BMW 1-Series and the Audi A2. The trend is apparent even in the luxury crossover segment where downsizing might once have seemed an oxymoron. BMW has had a hit with its X3 and now is offering the even smaller X1.

Buick dealers are just taking delivery of the maker’s new Korean-made compact crossover, the Encore, which the General Motors mid-luxury brand hopes will help it attract an entirely new cohort of young, hip and increasingly affluent buyers.

Lincoln has the same idea in mind for the new MKC, one of four new models it is planning to bring out between now and 2014. The broader compact crossover segment has grown 200 percent over the past five years, including a 60 percent spurt in 2012 alone, notes Matt VanDyke, Lincoln’s new global marketing chief. Yet while they account for a solid 11percent of the overall American automotive market, they’ve now jumped to an even more impressive 25 percent of the luxury segment.

While young, first-time buyers make up much of the market for compact CUVs and other downsized luxury products, VanDyke says it is equally significant that customers are also “coming from other premium segment vehicles,” trading in larger, more traditional luxury products.

So, as with the CLA, the new Lincoln MKC will be offered with the sort of up-market features that normally wouldn’t be found on something nearly that small. In fact, the concept vehicle unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show featured a more lavishly appointed interior than Lincoln’s larger MKZ sedan, which made its debut late last year.

While it will help to load up these new products with plenty of luxury accoutrements, industry stylists are also working to give these downsized products more upscale designs. Murat Gueler, who oversaw the exterior work on the MKC, and Soo Kang, who focused on the interior, put a particular focus on making the compact crossover look a lot larger than it really is.

Particularly for the next generation of luxury customers, the idea of downsizing is not something they naturally shy away from. If anything, they’re used to paying more for compact smartphones and tablet computers.

And the industry is hoping that they’ll feel the same way about the latest generation of small luxury cars. The key, said analyst Peterson, will be to deliver all the features they’d traditionally expect on a bigger vehicle “so they don’t feel like they have to sacrifice.”

Copyright 2013 The Detroit Bureau

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Family saloons to luxury cars in crash tests

Paul A. Eisenstein, the Detroit Bureau
Only two of the 18 medium-sized family cars earned "good" ratings in the new frontal crash test Insurance Institute of highway safety, and one of those is soon the market left.

The 2013 Honda Accord and Suzuki Kizashi were just good grades earn a further 11 as "acceptable" established medium-sized sedans with the IIHS rating models.

In the category "Poor", the industry-funded organization reported insurance, recently revised, Camry and the new Prius V landed two cars from Toyota. The hybrid model of "sustained major structural damage in the test," revealed the IIHS in a new version.

Toyota responds to IIHS results with a statement saying, "regular, heavy or special tests that exceed federal requirements developed Insurance Institute for highway safety (IIHS). With this new test, the Institute has again raised the bar, and we respond to the challenge. "We values the new test protocols and can say that there is no uniform solution more crash performance in this area to reach."

Totals may not impressive, even better the family limousine actually as a mid-sized luxury and in the vicinity of luxury models previously tested by the Institute of IIHS President Adrian Lund noted.

"It is worth noting, Lund said, adding that" the difference is stunning. "Thirteen of these midsize cars offer better protection of the crash than all but three of their colleagues luxury and at a price that the purse is easier."

This was the first time the IIHS established limousine, laid by his strict new small overlap test had, what happens to simulate when a car another vehicle or object on the roadside as a telephone pole or tree meets. Security experts say that the test reflected a significant number of real-world crashes and probably more representative than some older barrier tests, what happened.

"The impacts in these tests is as damage can see we in the real world where crashes are head and chest hurt," noted the head of the IIHS.

Industry engineers say that the new test is still a particularly difficult challenge - sets, especially as the most modern vehicles is not intentionally designed to achieve the new objective - where only 25 percent of the front of the car on the driver's side in a 5-foot-high barrier at 40 miles per hour is dangers.

"The Camry and Prius V what can go wrong in a crash of the small overlap, in spite of good reviews in (other) IIHS tests show" cautioned the trade group.

Researchers found that there virtually no crash structure, to the energy of the impact, so remove the wheel most of the hit, what "high levels of occupant compartment penetrate."

Lund stressed that "Toyota's engineers have a lot of work to do to match the performance of its competitors."

In contrast, the accord and the Kizashi were the Stand-Outs in the test. The Honda sedan went on sale recently but the Suzuki model is becoming increasingly difficult to find as the Japanese manufacturer has decided to get out of the American market in the months ahead.

Now qualify the two Japanese models for the IIHS "top safety pick +" award. The accord will qualify in his Coupe and sedan configurations.

The Detroit Bureau: Ford promises 'isolated' quality problems fix

Total currently only 13 models is qualify. To achieve this level, a vehicle must first achieve a good rating in four of the five other tests (and an acceptable in the other test), including moderate overlap frontal crash and side-impact and rollover. The vehicle must then be acceptable or good in the new small overlap test result.

The winners are so far: the Dodge Avenger and its sister model, the Chrysler 200 4-door; Ford Fusion; Honda Accord 2 doors; Honda Accord 4-door; KIA Magentis; Nissan Altima 4 door; Subaru legacy and its sister model, the Subaru Outback; Suzuki Kizashi and VW Passat.

Only two luxury models qualify so far tested: the Acura TL and the Volvo S60.

A further 117 vehicles earn the less demanding "top safety pick" honor, in some cases, because they have not yet undergone on the tough new crash-test.

Together with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which sets commissioned safety standards and running your own tests the IIHS had significant implications for vehicle design in recent years. And industry engineers say they have now to keep the new test in the eye.

"We have seen that car manufacturers make structural and restraint in response to our small overlap test changes", says Lund. "Five manufacturers to improve new mid-sized cars to small overlap crash protection."

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Luxury cars fare poorly in new crash tests

Only three of 11 mid-sized luxury cars and near-luxury cars earned good or acceptable ratings in the latest crash test from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. NBC's Tom Costello reports.

By Paul A. Eisenstein, The Detroit Bureau
Hoping to push the industry to further improve the safety of tomorrow’s cars, an influential insurance trade group has launched a new test designed to simulate a very common real world crash situation.

And of the 11 new compact luxury sedans put through the test by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, only two earned a “good” rating while one other was rated “acceptable.”

Explaining the need for the new, partial front end test, institute President Adrian Lund said, “Nearly every new car performs well in other frontal crash tests conducted by the institute and the federal government, but we still see more than 10,000 deaths in frontal crashes each year.”

The new IIHS test differs markedly from those currently used – and from the standards manufacturers are required to meet under federal law. Nonetheless, it is designed to simulate the sort of frontal collisions that are responsible for a large share of those deaths, according to Lund.

As part of the test a vehicle is driven into a 5-foot-tall rigid barrier at 40 mph, but only 25 percent of the driver’s side of the vehicle actually makes contact with the barrier. The test simulates what often happens when two vehicles clip one another on a local road where one driver might inadvertently cross the center line, or where a vehicle hits a tree or utility pole.

Only the Acura TL and Volvo S60 passed the test with a “good” rating. The Infiniti G was rated “acceptable.”

Those vehicles that failed the test included the Acura TSX, BMW 3-Series, Lincoln MKZ and Volkswagen CC, all rated “marginal,” while the Audi A4, Lexus ES 350, Lexus IS 250/350 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class were all rated “poor.”

The Volvo used several methods to reinforce the passenger compartment safety cage, including upper rails, noted Lund. At the other extreme, the VW CC performed so poorly that the driver’s door was completely sheared off its hinges, the first time that has occurred in IIHS testing.

Safety experts credit tests run by both federal regulators and the IIHS with prompting automakers to improve the ability of their vehicles to survive crashes – something that has played out in a sharp decline in highway fatalities in recent years. In vehicles no more than three years old, the number of fatalities from frontal crashes, in particular, has declined by 55 percent since 2001.

A statement from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration praised the new tests, suggesting the agency “looks forward to seeing how vehicle manufacturers respond to this new rating criteria and the safety benefits it will yield.”

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Honda recalls 172,000 crossovers, luxury car

The Detroit Bureau

The CR-V is the 2012 target of Honda's latest recall, together with the new Acura ILX.

By Paul A. Eisenstein, the Detroit Bureau
Honda is recalling 172,000 crossovers and luxury sedans because of a problem with the vehicle door locks to the door open can come while driving.

The recall has affect two latest models of the manufacturer, which redesigned 2012 CR-V crossover utility vehicle and the all-new Acura ILX entry-luxury sedan. It is the latest in a series of problems, to deal with the Honda in the last few months, after the manufacturer had led the list to individual callbacks 2011.

According to a statement from the company "simultaneous operation the driver or passenger side inner door handle and either manual or power door lock the inner door handle release cable can always partially switched lead." If this happens, the door does not lock and the door can lock when closed and close but then open, if the door locks can be operated "The affected doors can unexpectedly lead both."

This could happen, not only, if the vehicle is still but also, when it is in motion.

The recall extends 166,000 2012 model year CR-vs. The crossover is one of the mainstays of the Honda line up and last year was completely revised. Also affected 6,200 Acura ILXs, the entry-level sedan of the manufacturers for 2013 are added.

Honda says that still reported but federal law quick action, requires when a security issue of a manufacturer is detected, even if not it reported particular problems of owners were no accidents or injuries.

It may be that a key factor in what some analysts describe as a significant time in the number of callbacks in the last few months. Federal authorities once allowed manufacturers to decide whether some safety issues could easily justify repairs if reported by the owner of Toyota during the great security scandal crack in 2009 and 2010 have been down.

Both producers, traditionally known have seen since a rise in the recalls for bullet-proof quality and reliability. By some activities last minute suggested to just Honda, Toyota, which is reminiscent of dubious honor of production than any other car manufacturer 2011. She has announced more than half a dozen additional recalls problems in 2012 for matters of headlights until problems with the Struts hold the rear hatches and leaking gas tank.

The manufacturer plans to inform owners of the latest door lock problem in the coming weeks. Repairs are provided free of charge.

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Mercedes to replace BMW as a top luxury brand

Alex Domanski / Reuters

Daimler AG of CEO Dieter Zetsche enters a new Mercedes a-Klasse car at the Mercedes plant in Rastatt, Germany.

By Paul A. Eisenstein, NBCNews-Le
It is one of the most bitter battles on the American automobile market, and it pits two of Germany's luxury automakers in a grab for the brass ring. But in this Jahr Mercedes-Benz is betting that it can topple rival BMW to the best selling automotive luxury brand in the world's largest end market.

But Mercedes volume alone is not the measure of success, said top American Executive. The producer is looking for a significant increase in which she hopes in the future it also as leader on the gross margins will position.

And key to the growth, Mercedes-Benz said U.S. Chief Executive Steve Cannon, a wave of new products, which cover not only is existing market segments, but also some "white space" ranges, where the luxury manufacturers currently do not take part.

"The breadth and depth our positioning one of our strategic advantage", said cannon.

The Executive has much of the week in Santa Fe, spent where their first drive in the second generation GL sport utility vehicle will be Mercedes automotive journalists. He joins an array new updated models such as the larger G cars, smaller GLK and the brand best selling truck, the ML.

If the latter model was introduced a little more than ten years, skeptics scoffed. But it was not the first time Mercedes conventional wisdom had set boundaries, entering a new segment. It took several years of debate before it launched the compact c-class in the 1980s in the life. This model is now one of the strongest offerings of the German manufacturer.

Meanwhile, the U.S. sales of Mercedes is now almost 45 percent the ML, GL and the rest of the SUV lineup. And sales Alabama, United States even higher, Cannon claimed there would be no capacity bottlenecks in the Assembly plant of in nearby Tuscaloosa by the automaker, would be. The industry average of 60 to 65 days a 26-day supply of the ml dealers currently have on the one hand – less than half.

Dieter Zetsche, Leiter Mercedes-Benz cars, explains whether Mercedes US production will increase. It also checks how Europe its debt crisis is management.

Some people surprised, might the strong demand for Mercedes crossover/SUV models because in the run-up of in fuel prices this year. As the numbers on the pump over $4 per gallon in some markets forecasts would put - with some analysts the numbers eventually nudge $5 and even $6 - total light truck sales shortly fulled. However, since prices in early April reached, demand has largely.

This is not to say that Mercedes ignored the possible disruption may have a different oil tip. Still the hard they can the impact of new emissions and mileage standards will be adopted to discard in major markets such as the United States, Europe, Japan and China.

"they need smaller cars," says Cannon, a West point graduate and former artillery officer.

The automaker recently has a hint of what the store at the lower end of the market is, where he completely updated its smallest model, the a-class. And, significantly, at least a version - the coupelike CLA sedan - provided for the first time of one of the a-class models in the United States come to the US market

Such models are not supposed to just to satisfy the demands of the authorities but meets the needs of a new generation of buyers, the smaller search - and decidedly high-tech products. Mercedes has traditionally positioned leader in technology as, and it invested billions to the brand image to get. The new GL, leads, for example, features such as collision avoidance and crosswind stabilisation. The former can a driver, to a potential crash of the latter, the great crossover in his eyes even in the harshest storm helps keep warn.

But what can appeal more Gen-X and millennial luxury first-time buyers is the mBrace2-Infotainment system, the couple can use Smartphone apps with a driver such as Pandora through the car sound system to play - and even voice commands for SMS.

While new products and technologies for Mercedes growth plans of crucial importance will be Cannon conceded that the manufacturer of the way treated, must improve in customers the Bay of showroom and service. "When we look in the mirror and to be honest we have to admit that we do not do well enough," he said.

The manufacturer has a series of meetings with dealers the country staging were to improve the sales processing. Traders who have in turn approximately 1.50 billion $ to more than 90 percent of U.S. showrooms to update. The results seem paid be.

"Mercedes is setting standards," said Fran O' Hagan, the Pied Piper bypass prospective study used to measure thousands of so-called "mystery shoppers", such as manufacturers of the sales and service of process. Mercedes released its brave competitors such as BMW, Lexus and Audi in results this month.

And that has apparently helped to win it a leg up on BMW. It held a 2,000-unit ahead of the Bavarian automaker in the first half of 2012 after almost losing the U.S. luxury sales Crown 2011. Anything can happen especially when rival BMW or Lexus ramp up incentives to admit issues, Mercedes officials. But it is clear that they are ready, pull the big guns, the ring this time access.

Ironically, Cannon given to this being no 1 probably "no longer a car for the brand sell" Although Americans like to assign winners. All the more important, the Executive said, is to ensure maximum margins, by to protect the image of the vaunted Mercedes Tri-Star badge.

"Profitability is more important in any case," agreed analyst Aaron land Bragman, IHS consulting, even though he thinks Mercedes 'probable' hilltop luxury this year.

And the key to maintain, he said, is to ensure that new products such as CLA - and updated offers such as the next-generation S-class and updated E-class next year are available - to beat expectations of customers.

CNBC's Phil LeBeau has the story on two luxury auto brands racing for the number one spot this year.

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Audi dominate race to luxury market hits speed bump

Audi

Audi S5 Coupe is crucial for the automaker of the ambitious growth plans.

By Paul A. Eisenstein, msnbc.com of users logged on
The smell of smoke is easily recognizable, but it takes a second to realize that S5 is from nearby forest fires and not from the tires of the new Audi, because it goes through a close screeching, winding Colorado mountain pass.

Seven seater the chance of its latest products, was recently a handful of American journalists including the S5 Coupe and smaller S4 sedan and the new all-wheel drive crossover, decisive test for the ambitious growth plans Audi vehicles. But as solidly planted the two sporting products may be, there are a few clear bumps in the road ahead for Audi.

In an unexpected announcement Audi AG said CEO Rupert Stadler this week, that again by a full five years is their goal the world's largest premium car manufacturer pushing the automakers. He told the German publication Suddeutsche Zeitung, which should not happen until the year 2020.

"The way is getting bumpier," Stadler said, while stressed, that the automaker of the target "to take and to secure the top position."

As Stadler his plans a few years ago announced, it came as little surprise for Europeans who win the Volkswagen AG subsidiary steadily ground have seen before recently overtaking rivals such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz in some key markets.

But it is a shock to many Americans because the brand long in the shadow of rivals and is overshadowed by Lexus, used Toyota-mark, was until last year consistently leading in the United States luxury sales.

"In Europe, Audi strong for years", said brand marketing manager Loren Angelo during the recent Colorado product preview. "But here in the United States, it was a totally different situation."

Audi was a rapid rise in upstart back in the mid-1980's, break out from the sober and sophisticated mainstream with distinctively designed products such as the 5000 sedan. But the manufacturer has been catching up problems much like before recently plagues Toyota and Lexus products have suffered in a security-related scandal, which all but destroyed the brand if the 5000 has been claimed, to unintended acceleration.

In the course with Toyota, a federal investigation after all Audi - put most of the blame on driver error - but the German import had almost their dynamics, and 1992 sales fell more than 80 percent, leading parent VW Audi out of the American market is seriously considering.

At the end of the company decided it hard out, but it would be almost two decades before Audi regained lost momentum. Ask questions of survival again in the middle of the last decade as Audi of America joined Angelo what described as the "Period of stagnation".

VW more autonomy it pushed things back in the corridor by the German engineering resources, as well as many works now as an almost independent company - although there are still some to share underlying components with Volkswagen and other VW Group brands.

The strategy paid off. A flood of new products, including the supercar R8 clicked with consumers and Audi sales started in such a way that it since the early days of the old 5000 sedan had not. Ironically, it was one of the more resilient luxury brands during the recent recession.

It ended with a U.S. record sales of 117.561 2011 and has set new records since then every month. Last year, the brand reached a 10-percent share of the US luxury market. Is the goal to reach 11 percent for 2012 after Angelo, and for the moment, the US subsidiary is still targeting a near doubling of sales to at least 200,000 per year, by 2018.

To get there, Audi recently announced that it finally open a North American assembly line with long-debated plans driven. The plant, which opened in Mexico by 2016, the exchange rate helps offset now faces in the euro area produced products import penalty Audi. The new plant will be a large number of markets, but another serious challenge for Audi broader global growth plans are addressing.

"I was not surprised" to hear CEO Stadler delay Audi plan are you no. 1 in the, said analyst Dave Sullivan, Inc. "a lot to do, which has with capacity," he said luxury segment AutoPacific, "the biggest thing that holds it back."

In fact, dealers in the United States and some other markets routinely about the long waiting times for some Audi of popular products to complain about such as such as the A5.

But there are other challenges. In the United States not Audi or the level of brand recognition that it needs to 200,000 annual sales, company officials admit to generate. You are quickly up to speed with figures to show that their brand "purchase consideration" - a factor measure, how many luxury buyers watch - even an Audi is fast on the rise of only 42 percent in 2006 to 60 percent in the past year.

Growth in the American market is certainly important - maybe even more significant given the crisis in Europe, which leads to a Continentwide slide in car sales, luxury and mainstream. Verkomplizieren is an unexpected slowdown in the Chinese market, which had been the world's fastest growing markets for luxury vehicles until recently.

Not only the pace of growth has slowed to a crawl but luxury manufacturers - including in particular competitor Mercedes - had to offer new incentives and even price cuts on many of their products.

However, Sullivan and other analysts believe that Audi remains ahead of the luxury segment curve. It has established a clear reputation for leadership and has a solid fan base for the Quattro all-wheel drive technology.

It continues to be difficult to improve the quality and customer satisfaction, according to recent surveys. But the general trend upwards. And Audi to fight Stadler and other officials that the dynamic, easy to to maintain, is well positioned to disrupt the pecking order in the luxury segment - only a little later than originally planned.

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The most expensive luxury cars to own

Lintao Zhang / Getty Images file

After depreciation, finance interest, insurance, fuel costs and maintenance over five years, the Mercedes SLS AMG's true cost of ownership during those years is nearly a quarter million dollars.

By Michael B. Sauter, 24/7 Wall St.
The cost of a luxury automobile does not end with its purchase price — it begins there. The true ownership costs are often much greater than what customers perceive, after repairs, insurance, interest and other expenses are taken into account. For example, an Audi R8 has a price tag of slightly more than $170,000. After five years, the costs of ownership of the R8 are an additional $193,500 on average. 24/7 Wall St. has examined the true cost of ownership, based on Edmunds.com calculations, for 2012 models sold in the United States, identifying the 10 cars that cost the most to own.

According to the Census Bureau, the median American home costs $221,800, and the median household income is slightly more than $50,000. These should provide some perspective to the cost of buying and maintaining the vehicles on our list. The purchase prices of these cars range from $91,000 to more than $210,000. And the true costs of owning the cars for five years range from $117,000 to more than $245,000 — on top of the purchase price.

A large component of these extreme true costs of ownership is the luxury vehicles’ steep depreciation in the first five years. These 10 models are projected to lose anywhere between 27 percent and 47 percent of their value in their first half-decade on the road, leading owners to lose between $56,000 and $153,000 in depreciation alone.

While depreciation is a big part of these expenses, it is far from the only major expense. Several direct costs, including repairs, maintenance, insurance and fuel charges, can cost a driver more than $10,000 for each expense category during the first five years.

As gas prices approach $4 per gallon, fuel costs are increasingly becoming an issue — even for some of the wealthiest drivers. Each of these cars, because of their status as high-end vehicles with high-end engines, has terrible gas mileage. The most fuel-efficient car on our list gets 20 mpg. Six of the 10 get 17 mpg or less. Over a five-year period, the owners of these cars will have each paid at least $15,000 in fuel costs.

This list is based on True Cost to Own figures, which were provided by Edmunds.com. 24/7 Wall St. also included fuel economy data from the U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. registration totals from Edmunds.com, and quality and design ratings from JD Power and Associates.

These are the cars that cost the most to own.

1. SLS AMG

Make: Mercedes-Benz Style: 2-door coupe (6.2L 8cyl 7AM) True cost of ownership: $245,469 Purchase price: $210,875 Combined (city and highway) mpg: 16
The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, a luxury grand tourer, has been in production since 2010. Since that time, it has been the most expensive vehicle on the market. The automobile’s purchase price is more than $210,000, and is approximately $40,000 more expensive than the R8’s base price. After depreciation, finance interest, insurance, fuel costs and maintenance over five years, the car’s true cost of ownership during those years is nearly a quarter million dollars. This cost has not prevented the SLS AMG from being popular; total registrations of the automobile increased from 470 in 2010 to 707 in 2011.

2. R8

Make: Audi Style: 5.2 quattro 2-door coupe AWD (5.2L 10cyl 6M) True cost of ownership: $193,429 Purchase price: $170,175 Combined (city and highway) mpg: 15
The Audi R8’s purchase price of $170,175 is more than the third-most expensive vehicle’s true cost of ownership. The two-door sports car also has the second-most expensive maintenance costs, reaching $7,370 over five years. It also has particularly high fuel costs, thanks to its 13 mpg fuel efficiency in the city. The R8 does relatively poorly by JD Powers’ standards, scoring a three out of five for both overall quality and design. Despite this, there were 1,173 registrations for the car in 2011 — the most of any year.

3. ALPINA B7

Make: BMW Style: SWB 4-door sedan (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 6A) True cost of ownership: $153,150 Purchase price: $133,445 Combined (city and highway) mpg: 17
The number of registrations of the Alpina B7 has been significantly lower than that of other cars on this list. This is more the result of a limited number of cars being imported to North America than of customers shying away from its high cost. The car’s purchase price alone exceeds $133,000. It also has among the most costly interest rates on financing and insurance. When it comes to overall quality and design, the car received scores of just three out of five in both categories from JD Power.

4. CL-Class

Make: Mercedes-Benz Style: CL550 4MATIC 2-door coupe AWD (4.7L 8cyl Turbo 7A) True cost of ownership: $142,558 Purchase price: $121,671 Combined (city and highway) mpg: 18
Mercedes spun off the CL-Class from its S-Class in 1998 to emphasize the line’s exclusivity. This is certainly reflected in the vehicle’s cost. The CL550 has the fourth-highest purchase price and finance interest. It also has the third-highest cost of maintenance. Sales of the car have steadily decreased over the years. There were more than 3,200 total registrations in 2007. In 2011, there were 980.

5. SL-Class

Make: Mercedes-Benz Style: SL550 2-door convertible (5.5L 8cyl 7A) True cost of ownership: $129,588 Purchase price: $106,718 Combined (city and highway) mpg: 17
Mercedes-Benz has been producing its grand tourer SL-Class since 1954. It was not until 2007 that the company debuted the SL550 convertible. Although it is the seventh-most expensive when ranked by purchasing price alone, it ranks the fifth-most expensive model for overall cost of ownership because of its particularly costly financing interest and insurance. Total registrations of the car have dropped dramatically from more than 5,600 in 2007 to fewer than 1,500 in 2011.

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Latest electric cars are loaded with luxury

BMW

BMW's ActiveE looks like the company's familiar 1-Series sedan, so it will inherently carry whatever cachet that model has, plus the appeal of its electric drive.

By Dan Carney, msnbc.com contributor

The next round of the electric car saga promises to be more interesting, or at least, more comfortable, as the Infiniti LE, Cadillac ELR and BMW ActiveE cars arrive in showrooms over the next year or two.

These primo EVs are important because it turns out there are not multitudes of would-be planet-savers desperate to shell out $40,000 for an electric economy car. Sure, there are tax discounts and the like that can take a bite out of that price tag, but the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf cost about twice as much as the Chevrolet Cruze and Nissan Versa upon which they are based.

It is an unlikely financial calculation for budget-minded, economy-car shoppers to choose electric power over gas at today’s prices. But luxury car buyers don’t make their purchase decision based on financial considerations. Green-eyeshade calculations dictate that we all buy off-lease late-model used Honda Civics. Dull silver ones. Where’s the fun in that?

But luxury shoppers are used to laying out big bucks for cars just because they like them. That is why people buy Porsche Boxsters, and not because Consumer Reports calculated that the Boxster has a great return on investment.

Electric cars cannot compete financially with gas cars today. But they do possess a unique appeal, with smooth, quiet and surprisingly powerful acceleration that is perfectly suited to the characteristics of a refined luxury car. Plus there's the whole no-gas thing.

Today, well-to-do drivers who are intrigued by electric power must get out of their leather-swaddled Range Rover or BMW and slide into the icky plastic of a Leaf or Volt. Unlike the economy car shoppers, they can write a check for the purchase price, but they can’t stomach the chintzy appointments or proletarian brand images of the Chevy or the Nissan.

But give them a chance to buy an electric BMW, Cadillac or Infiniti and watch EV sales rev in ritzy ZIP codes. “Leaf customers are very high income,” noted Andy Palmer, executive vice president of global planning for Nissan.

“They are not buying the base car,” he said. “If [the Infiniti LE] were available today they might very well buy this car.”

BMW is hearing from its prospective ActiveE customers that today’s budget models just didn’t measure up to their requirements.  “They were reluctant to take delivery of some of the available cars,” reported Rich Steinberg, BMW’s manager of electric vehicle operations. He agrees that today’s EV and hybrid drivers are ideal candidates for luxury EVs. “The demographics and income of hybrid owners today is above average,” he said.

BMW’s ActiveE looks like the company’s familiar 1-Series sedan, so it will inherently carry whatever cachet that model has, plus the appeal of its electric drive.

Infiniti and Cadillac are developing electric-only models with zoomy styling that could serve as an extra attraction. “We think the luxury/sport design of the ELR is an important component and a good blend with extended range electric propulsion technology,” said Cadillac spokesman David Caldwell.

Electric cars offer many drivers something that money can’t usually buy: time. That’s because in many areas EVs are permitted to drive in carpool-only lanes, saving drivers time they would otherwise waste in traffic. This is certainly a benefit for which wealthy consumers will willingly pay.

But they don't necessarily want to suffer in an automotive dud in the process, so look for premium EVs to include power-sucking amenities like killer sound systems rather than the tinny musical torture devices commonly installed in today’s EVs and hybrids.

Infiniti aims to provide a bit more time-saving luxury: freedom from plugging in and unplugging the car every night. The company plans to offer drivers a wireless inductive charger that installs in their garage floor and transfers juice to the Infiniti LE’s battery pack as if by magic. The car will even steer itself into position for charging when it detects the charger. Sounds exotic, but the company says robots in its assembly plants already use the same technology to automatically recharge themselves.

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For many luxury car buyers is small now beautiful

Ka.Plewka

The 3 series is by far the best selling for BMW.

By Paul A. Eisenstein, msnbc.com of mysteries

At Mercedes-Benz, new A-class hatchback the references as a draws during the Geneva Motor Show in March, car buyers get quick insight into the changes sweeping through the luxury car market.

Pint-sized Benz fit not the classical form. Americans, have in particular always luxury cars by the inch and pound, with over 20 M some which covers most memorable models from Detroit itself, defined nose-to-tail. And there are products that blow away with this classical picture, such as the 3-ton Rolls Royce Phantom.

But in the world of today even luxury-oriented buyers are well aware of the fuel costs and crowded streets. This is true especially in markets such as Europe, where traction for more than a decade WINS scaled-down models have. But foundries, the even in the United States the mantra buyer betting for many luxury now is "small is beautiful."

Certainly, the market for so-called entry luxury deals never was. The 3 series is by far the best selling for BMW, much like the A4 for Audi.

"What defined has designed luxury," says Rebecca Lindland, senior researcher for automotive IHS, adds, that Americans increasingly global trends to catch up.

Compact models, such as the A4 and 3 series, appealing to a wide range of buyers, and for a number of different reasons. They are the cheap entry into the luxury market for some. Added for others all Lindland are, that you "get must look and the amenities that you would like the luxury".

With all the variety offered, old and new, in the line-up BMW X 3 crossover to the flagship 7-series, the "3-eh" is the bestseller by far, a 94,000 unit sales in 2010, or about a third of the U.S. total volume of the brand. This is sold by 7 percent to 101,000 BMWs in the year 2010-- but it's no surprise given the fact that the current 3 series in the last year of the automaker's unveiling a new version on the 2012 Detroit car was show the beginning of January.

In fact, the annual event was crammed full of entry-luxury models new BMW, including not only the, but also as a replacement for the Audi A4 and a new compact luxury model Cadillac, the ATS synchronized.

The German should not complacent be, when it comes to the Caddy opportunities.

"I think that the ATS will be very competitive," said Joe Phillippi, senior analyst at car WebTrends consulting, adding that the car is "spectacular".

The new model of slots under Cadillac built-existing which will now move up-market, alignment of the BMW 5-series is easy. If the brand of General Motors at the destination, the ATS could soon be his best-selling product line.

But the ATS find stiff competition from sources other than Germany. Lexus fields a few offers in the segment, the IS and ES lines, together a 71,000 sales in the past year about 2,000 more than Mercedes-Benz c-class.

No product line probably underlines the changes that have swept through the luxury market in the last few decades. It took several years of debate before the carmaker reluctantly brought the so-called market "Baby Benz." It proved much more successful than originally expected, appealing, both young buyers and those who wanted a more economical alternative to the two oil crises of the 1970s.

These days, says the c class competitor, "reflect the problems the Mercedes, which in General is to young buyers," lagging far behind the Bavarian analyst Lindland.

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Cadillac seeks to regain lost luxury turf

Rebecca Cook / Reuters

Cadillac is betting that it can regain its once-lofty standing with the launch of a series of new products that includes the big XTS sedan that made its debut earlier this month at the annual Los Angeles auto show.

By Paul A. Eisenstein

Once known as the “standard of the world,” Cadillac has been anything but a benchmark for carmakers in recent years as imported brands such as Lexus, BMW and Mercedes-Benz have dominated the U.S. luxury market.

But now Cadillac is fighting back, betting that it can regain its once-lofty standing with the launch of a series of new products that includes the big XTS sedan that made its debut earlier this month at the annual Los Angeles auto show.

Cadillac will follow up next year with the addition of the compact ATS, and it has more new models on the drawing board.

A few years ago it might have seemed “a stretch” for Cadillac to even imagine a comeback in the U.S., admits Don Butler, general marketing manager for the General Motors division.

In the “new (luxury) world old formulas don’t apply, so we had to start over” with the XTS, a premium luxury sedan that replaces two slow-selling Cadillac models, the STS and DTS, Butler said.

Caddy isn’t the only upscale domestic car brand that’s hoping to convince car show visitors in Los Angeles -- the nation's largest luxury car market -- that it can become relevant again.

At this year’s show, Ford’s Lincoln division showed off updates to two of its own products, the big MKS sedan and MKT crossover. The two 2013 models get revised fascias and grilles, new wheels and modest improvements in performance and fuel economy. They’re also getting the updated version of the MyLincolnTouch systems designed to address recent criticism of the brand’s infotainment technology.

“This is truly marking the beginning” of Lincoln’s design renaissance, said Max Wolff, the brand’s chief designer, although he also hinted that the big news for Lincoln won’t be revealed until January when Detroit plays host to the North American International Auto Show -- generally thought to be the most important show in the auto show calendar.

There, the automaker plans to unveil a concept version of its next-generation Lincoln MKZ, the most popular sedan in its portfolio. The concept vehicle will introduce an all-new “face” for the luxury brand that will abandon Lincoln’s time-tested “waterfall grille” and move to a series of horizontal slats that are almost wing-like in appearance. The show car version will also feature an all-glass roof that will be able to open like a hard-top convertible.

The revised grille will reappear on a production version of the MKZ debuting at the New York auto show next April, although it’s not clear if the glass roof idea will be carried into production.

But the dramatic changes coming to Lincoln underscore the concerns Ford has for the Lincoln division, which has become little more than an also-ran in a market where it once vied with Cadillac for dominance.

Cadillac hasn’t stumbled quite so badly, but it has been struggling in recent years after what appeared to be a significant turnaround early in the new millennium. The maker scored big with the first generation of the compact CTS sedan, which introduced Caddy’s distinctively edgy “art and science” design theme.

In a segment of the car market where manufacturers have traditionally opted for softer designs, the “art and science” design “language” was a bold standout. But after hitting a market home run with the CTS, Cadillac failed to score with the next run of offerings, like the STS, the DTS and the XLR sports coupe.

The products simply fell short of the competition in terms of interior refinement, ride and features, analysts contend.

Cadillac won’t make those mistakes again, insists Mark Reuss, president of GM’s North American operations. The goal, he insists, “is to win in the intensely competitive luxury market, not just compete.”

Besides offering a striking exterior shape and a much more refined interior, the new XTS will introduce Cadillac’s new CUE -- an infotainment system that can be programmed using normal speech rather than requiring users to learn a complex and often confusing series of rigid commands.

These high-tech features have become a critical differentiator in the luxury market, notes Derek Kuzak, Ford’s global product development czar.

Lincoln thought it had a leg up on the competition with the MyLincolnTouch infotainment system, but, underscoring the risks of relying on high technology, the Ford luxury brand was slammed for problems with the touch-sensitive system. Indeed, influential Consumer Reports magazine lifted its sought-after “Recommended Buy” rating from several Lincoln products this year.

The carmaker hopes to win back that endorsement with the updated MyLincolnTouch, and then show that its styling and performance are also relevant with the product offensive it is kicking off in Los Angeles this month.

But both Lincoln and Cadillac won’t have an easy time of it. Even established luxury brands such as Lexus, BMW and Mercedes are ramping up their own efforts. Lexus, in particular, is expected to be especially aggressive in the months ahead, hoping to recover the momentum it lost due to product shortages caused by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan last March.

And second-tier players such as Audi, and also Nissan’s Infiniti brand, are hoping to gain ground with their own expanding line-ups.

Then there’s the Koreans, and Hyundai in particular.

It scored an unexpected coup a few years back when its first luxury offering, the Genesis sedan, was named North American Car of the Year. The even bigger and more lavish Equus has so far this year handily beaten the company’s sales expectations, and Hyundai’s own new offering at the Los Angeles show, the big Azera, will target entry-luxury buyers who might have gone for more traditional offerings like the Lexus ES350.

Based on initial reviews, Cadillac and Lincoln are gaining visibility and credibility. But whether they can win back luxury car buyers is another matter entirely.

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These luxury cars have the highest theft rates

While some of the best-selling cars in the U.S. also top the most frequently stolen list each year because of their sheer numbers, another look at the statistics reveals which cars by percentage sold are the most likely to by targeted by thieves.

According to data recently released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the car most frequently stolen, based on the number of thefts per 1,000 vehicles sold during 2009, was the $92,000 Audi S8 sport/luxury sedan, with 8.81 thefts per 1,000 vehicles produced. That comes out to just two out of the 227 S8s that were sold in the U.S., so it’s hardly a widespread epidemic.

Still, NHTSA’s statistics prove the point that the flashiest cars on the road can also be the most popular — for the wrong reasons.

Forbes.com slideshow: Cars with the highest theft rates

The Ford Shelby Mustang GT had the next highest theft rate for 2009, with 8.61 vehicles per 1,000 stolen. Also in the top five were the sportiest variant of BMW’s midsize sedan, the M5 (7.58/1,000), retro-flavored Dodge Charger full-size sedan (6.47/1,000) and the no longer produced Honda S2000 roadster (5.60/1,000).

The remainder of the top 10 list of cars with the highest theft rates for 2009 included the midsize Mitsubishi Galant sedan (5.11/1,000), the full-size Chrysler 300 sedan (4.57/1,000), the Infiniti M luxury sedan (4.32/1,000) the Cadillac STS luxury sedan (4.28/1,000) and the Mercedes-Benz CL-Class luxury sport coupe (3.91/1,000).

By brand, the most frequently stolen cars per 1,000 sold, were Chrysler products, with the Chrysler Sebring, Sebring Convertible and PT Cruiser, and the Dodge Avenger and Dodge Caliber making the top 20 in addition to the aforementioned 300 and Charger.

General Motors came in second, with four vehicles among top 20, with the Pontiac G5 and G6 and Chevrolet Impala joining the STS.

While the Toyota Camry was the most purloined model overall in terms of sheer numbers, at 781 stolen in 2009, it ranked 50th as a percentage of sales at just 1.74 per 1,000 cars. The least-stolen model per capita in 2009 was the since-discontinued Mercury Mariner SUV, with a theft rate of 0.08 per 1,000 units, or a mere two vehicles out of 25,682 sold that year.

Fortunately, NHTSA reports that the number of auto thefts reported each year is on the decline. “The agency believes that the theft rate reduction could be the result of several factors including the increased use of standard antitheft devices, vehicle parts marking, increased and improved prosecution efforts by law enforcement organizations and increased public awareness,” according to a NHTSA statement.

So what can you do to ensure that thieves won’t target your vehicular pride and joy? Start by correcting bad habits, such as leaving the keys in the ignition when the vehicle is unattended. Keep the windows and sunroof closed, and don’t hide a spare key where an astute crook might find it.

If you have a garage, park inside it, not merely out on the driveway, and make sure both entry doors are closed and locked at all times. If you park on the street, choose a spot close to other vehicles, turn your wheels toward the curb and engage the emergency brake to make it more difficult to be towed. Away from home, park in a well-lit or well-traveled area after dark, and avoid using long-term parking lots–take a taxi to the airport instead.

Experts also advise having your car or truck’s vehicle identification number (often called a “VIN,” it’s found on the driver’s side of the dashboard at the bottom of the windshield, as well as on the model’s title) etched on the windshield and major components to make them more difficult for chop shops to sell as replacement parts.

Beyond the common-sense basics, use an antitheft device, which will often also warrant a discount on your car insurance. A steering-wheel lock like the popular “Club” is simple, inexpensive and can be as effective as costlier alarm systems. A thief wants to get a vehicle as quickly as possible, and anything that might slow him or her down can be enough of a deterrent to instead choose another model on the block. Having a simple ignition “kill switch” installed in a hidden location makes it more difficult for a crook to start a car or truck and drive it away.

Advanced vehicle recovery devices like LoJack and General Motors’ OnStar system use technology similar to that employed in satellite navigation systems to help police departments locate cars and trucks if they are stolen. They can be pricey and require a monthly subscription, but if you own an expensive high-profile car, the cost is usually warranted.

© 2011 Forbes.com

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Volt-based Cadillac luxury EV create GM

DETROIT - General Motors co. confirmed Wednesday that it will build a luxury electric car on the technology in its Volt plug-in hybrid Cadillac used based, as the automaker also plans for a fully electric car for his mainstream Chevrolet brand studied.

GM does not open, synchronizes the timing for the production of the battery powered Cadillac the ELR, but people familiar with the plans said, that the plug-in hybrid model is created in the year 2013 as 2014.

The 2 ELR Coupe revives plans for GM Cadillac Converj concept car, the recognition for his bold design when shown at the Detroit show won 2009 car in the year.

The sources asked not identified information on the introduction of the GM, announced as first luxury electric car not.

The news comes at a time when Toyota Motor Corp. started marketing its 2012 has Prius Plug-in hybrid, a competitor to Chevrolet Volt. A plug-in, Cadillac would be a competition to $97,000 Karma hybrid sedan, Fisker Automotive as a model 2012-out roll is.

With the announcement of ELR GM continues its push to the mantle of "greenest automaker of the world" by Toyota to take. GM needs as more fuel cars such as the industry towards the more stringent requirements of US pushes other large automakers, which are instead of 2025.

Former GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz of the Converj 2009 as a concept vehicle, something that car manufacturers routinely do to build excitement for their brands and explore design ideas introduced.

A year later the Board approved the automaker the Converj for production, but later reversed the decision and since then the timing of an electric Cadillac was uncertain. GM scrapped plans for what would have been in this year a second electric vehicle for the brand.

GM Chief Daniel Akerson has GM aggressive towards electric vehicles risks since take the top job offers as prepared for an initial public car manufacturers to reduce the participation in the possession of the US Treasury a year ago. The Government has about one-third of the GM common stock.

GM push under Akerson has centered on roll-out-plug-in hybrid technology in a wider range of vehicles to its investment in which money-loss Volt draw. By the Volt technology in the luxury brand could GM reap more profits and technology costs.

"The concept generated immediate enthusiasm," said Don Butler, Vice President of marketing, Cadillac in a statement. "The ELR offer slightly not different vorhanden-- the combination of electric drive with distinctive design and the fun of luxury coupe drive."

In the Volt a 400 pound has lithium ion battery, so that a just s number of 25 to 50 miles. After the battery is empty, a 1.4 litre petrol engine provides makes.

Toyota says that its Prius Plug-in hybrid have a number of 475 kilometers and can drive 13 miles on electricity alone on a full charge. With the battery fully in 90 minutes one charged conventional household 110-volt outlet.

GM said ELR would be but no detail on his offer is of a lithium ion battery like the Volt.

GM officials made it clear that the ELR persons entitled to appeal closely associated creates buyers with HP and performance luxury brand.

In may sources Reuters that GM is a plans, said on plug-in hybrid based on the Cadillac SRX crossover platform develop canceled.

GM checks also a fully electric car of brand Chevrolet building the sources said. The battery for the car Powertrain would be supplied by A123 Systems Inc, which was awarded a contract from GM for unspecified future electric vehicles

An all-electric Chevy small car would be a competitor for Nissan Motor Co leaves that end was introduced last year as the Volt.

GM cars under the mark ' Chevy ' are small car as the sail in China, the beat in India and the upcoming Sonic in the United States markets. GM and its China partner, SAIC State, have agreed, work together to develop electric-drive vehicles.

A Chevy spokesman declined who comment on these plans. "We study other (body forms), but we are simply not prepared to announcements," said Mike Albano.

GM plans to revive the Converj concept first reported by the website green car reports.

Copyright 2011 Thomson Reuters.

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Traders pile to luxury to win car buyers

DETROIT - spending a Saturday afternoon on the typical car dealership is not exactly you pamper yourself. Monotonous, furniture, weak coffee in a paper Cup battered floors. And that is before the seller discards for half an hour, "check with my manager."

But Detroit automakers are spruce finally stable after their brush dealer can afford with death and the most, a little money, to the showroom. So that they add leather chairs, oak walls, theatre lighting - rich even hairdressers.

The improvements can cost from $15 million US$ 200,000. But traders say it's value it, because people expect a memorable, luxurious experience these days, as she have a form of the biggest purchases of their lives.

"If we meet not that expectation, we do not compete,", says Richard Bazzy, who spend more than $1 million each of his two Ford dealer wants to renovate in the Pittsburgh suburbs, brushed aluminium facade and mahogany and maple furniture.

If it helps sales is being discussed in the industry. People can beautiful surroundings in drag, but they can increase costs and sell distributor with paltry buildings for less.

Bazzy says he will pay for the upgrades without the aid of Ford, but sometimes will kick the car manufacturers. Some traders have spent millions on their own, while others were forced by automakers.

General tried motors, Ford and Chrysler spiff up to get for years to traders, but they are now more difficult push. Honda and Toyota have similar programs. There are specifications for the uniform character, colors and furniture try to make a single image for their brands as automakers alike are looking for distributors and create.

Traders to sell the luxury cars have been one upping each other for years, but the competition is in everyday brands move. Some traders say it is getting out of hand and the customer will absorb the resolution the additional cost.

If you finally really need a putting green, if it is new ride are sizing?

"There is a point here, where I think it's excessive," said Gary Dilts, a former head of Chrysler sales, which now runs a consulting business. "Are you how much cappuccino willing to pay?"

Detroit automakers can afford, devote to modernise traders because the existential crisis of 2009, when General Motors and Chrysler went bankrupt, behind them. All three Detroit automakers are again profitable for the first time in nearly seven years.

The merchant can use the attention. Many buildings have in Detroit's boom years in the 1950s and 1960s - and it shows. Shift to more foreign fuel consumption came in the 1970s, the time of the Arab oil embargo, and long lines for gasoline competitors, when Americans began. Toyota and Honda dealer flourished with shiny buildings, especially in the suburbs.

In the 1980s and 1990s Detroit's market share declined further, and it ended up less sales with too many dealers in other rundown area, all fighting. Cheap desks and fake plants had to do.

Detroit tried, its agents, as independent franchise, in the 1990s and 2000s years spruce up works. Some have; others would not or could not afford. Then came the financial crisis 2008.

Many traders it by gained specifically Detroit companies for the closure. General Motors and Chrysler dealers cut out, merchants during its 2009 bankruptcy during Ford, all with the idea of selling more cars with less competition was easing.

All in all the Detroit automaker to shed more than a quarter of their dealers between 2008 and earlier this year when it had about 10,000, according to trade journal Automotive News. As the survivors to sell more cars, the company should invest.

The average U.S. dealers is found for almost 28 years in the same place, and almost half of the buildings still not renovated in more than five years, the National Automobile Dealers Association, in a survey.

While automakers mainstream brand dealers to spruce up press, the pressure is still intense on luxury retailers, especially Cadillac and Lincoln.

Many of these dealers are worn compared to Lexus and BMW.

GM is pushing to separate dealer showrooms and service inputs from other GM brands Cadillac, and expected wooden walls, leather furniture, and fancy tile and carpet. Ford's struggling Lincoln brand has a similar program, pushing dealers to each spend at least $1 million.

At suburban Cadillac Chevrolet in nearby Ann Arbor, Michigan, the first dealer renovated under a new GM program both sides of the 41-year-old building were updated this year. The luxury site that has best amenities, but Chevy attention, too.

There is a cappuccino machine in the Cadillac waiting area and coffee on the Chevy site. The Chevy walls are painted bright yellow, while they are English oak on the luxury side. Seller Cadillac have separate office space; Chevy parts seller new workspaces.

Renovation of the once dingy building costs by $ 4 million and Mike Mosser, general manager, said that it is now more beautiful than the Lexus store down the street.

Also when you upgrade, Mosser of a hard time out-classing performance Lexus should a dealer in Cincinnati, upscale suburb. It has a gym, a white grand piano and a lounge with a home theatre. It is worth $9 million, according to tax records.

Although automakers often say they are not the upgrades require, such as hot-selling models force improvements said restrain steps can Dilts, the ex-Chrysler sales Chief. The Dealers Association is ensure that dealers again fight could start, when they borrow too much money for a makeover.

But for others, upgrades are good business. Ryan LaFontaine, whose family related group $15 million two years ago issued build a shiny Cadillac-Buick GMC dealers with a hairdresser's salon and a restaurant, said that he will cover the costs by selling more cars than other traders North of Detroit. Second place in the United States last year, Buick and GMC sales.

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"We are always customer in our building, that perhaps we have an opportunity, or wow talk don't would get," he says.

The race for fantasy building has produced a backlash of traders, the lower prices advertising, because for frills spring not.

Bob Shuman, co-owner of Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM dealers in the vicinity of Detroit, says, that he converted his family in 2008 on land his showroom. He coffee bride and mows the lawn itself. There is a soft drink machine, but no restaurant or theater.

"I don't get," said Shuman. "I do not understand why are customers of questions, not 'who pays for all this'?"

Copyright 2011 associated press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Affordable luxury, you should a truck

Shopping for a luxury this year? Get a truck.

This is what a Forbes analysis of all 2011 model year vehicles in the US market, which today found. When it comes to value, pickups and SUVs dominate 450 h sedans under vehicles like the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and the Lexus with a base price higher than $40,000.

The only exception: 2011 Chevrolet Volt, which exceeded our list. During it a traditional luxury car (especially when you consider the interior sets and performance level), qualified price tag of $40,280 for our purposes. And its fuel-efficient hybrid technology and generous federal tax rebates make it the most expensive car of the year.

Forbes.com slideshow: The 10 most affordable luxury vehicles 2011

"It is obviously a unique vehicle," says Dave Wurster, President of Vincentric, an auto industry analysis firm. "The thing in mind is to keep a lot of people consider the Volt and quota numbers like '$ 40,000 MSRP minus the federal tax credit.'" And that's not really true, because you pay the $40,000; It is only that you get a tax credit later. LEAF (Nissan) would not make this list - it is much cheaper. "

Thanks to these credits the an estimated five year TCO costs on the Volt are proposed only $500, more than its manufacturer retail price.

To compile our list of the most affordable luxury 2011 vehicles, we consulted data Vincentric, headquartered in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan we contain all car, truck or SUV with a price of at least $ 40,000; the evaluation detailed five year total cost prices, depreciation, interest, opportunity costs of fuel, maintenance, repairs, average national insurance and control.

Forbes.com: Safest cars 2011

An annual rate of 15,000 miles per vehicle and a price of $2.899 for regular, $3.189 for premium and $3.186 diesel takes data driven. National Awards from the previous five months and then along the weighted average fuel prices are distorted over the recent months. All costs are graphically as projections based on forecasts Vincentric analysts and gas prices include an inflation rate of 3.5 percent.

Depreciation is the biggest factor in determining how much a particular vehicle is owner costs. Most new cars lose somewhere between 10 and 20 percent of your sticker price at the moment, you leave - tend the lot luxury cars, more than other thanks price premiums based on brand image, interior trim and new-fangled technology rendered by the next-generation model obsolete devalue.

Car buyers should the value of the car after five years of ownership, assess not only the purchase price, but there is a strong correlation between EIA and total operating costs.

Forbes.com: Hottest cars at the Detroit Auto show

"Operating costs in line slightly fall along with your vehicle price as a group," says Wurster. "A $100,000-vehicle will have a much higher cost of ownership than a $50,000 car." "It is an invalid value, but it will devalue much more."

Consider the Chevrolet Suburban 1500 LS (# 10 in our leaderboard), the GMC Acadia SLT (No. 5) and Honda's Odyssey (No. 2). Have each prices only slightly higher than $40,000, the main reason, why you made the list, says Wurster.

Exactly half of the vehicles on our list costs under $41,000; others show that the initial cost is not the only thing, the long-term costs. Sales tax and fuel costs - or lack thereof - to determine much about the total cost of the own car (see: Chevy Volt, the average tax credit of $4,613 in the Vincentric data while others on our list got taxes paid as high as $2,996). Cadillac CTS wagon has a just-Over the cut-off price of $40,165 but delivers the higher than usual at the gate on our list due to depreciation and insurance costs; Buick Enclave CXL (No. 7) made the cut for the opposite reason.

Forbes.com: Coolest apps for the car

This is also where trucks such as the Chevrolet Silverado hybrid hybrid (No. 6) (4) and GMC Sierra. Trucks in extremely well done have the down as other segments suffered - U.S. light truck sales was almost 18 percent 2010 compared with an increase of 5% for passenger cars; SUVs alone were 19.2 percent - and that demand for a good pickup resale value and depreciation directly concerns.

"The demand is after a popular vehicle to benefit its deprecation numerically", says Wurster.

Of course in these days of heated leather seats, DVD screens and chrome heavy trims offered as comfort of essentials in the most pickups, you can not even know you are ever in a truck.

Forbes.com: Worldwide most expensive cars
Forbes.com: Hottest truck 2011

© 2011 Forbes.com

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Focus dabbled in literature on luxury lane; will you bite customer?

11 February 2011-1: 23 pm ET Rick Kranz is product editor for automotive NewsCan Ford deduct?

Keep your eyes on the focus concentrated.

Ford's compact car was revised and preislich-- at their upper end-the Audi A3 moves into the area.

Need proof?

A loaded 2012 focus titanium offered five door hatchback sticker for $28,585, including transportation, with each option. According to the calculations on the website of focus down acquired the car for $550 per month for 60 months with $2,349.

The basis of 2011 Audi A3 2.0T counter balance, without options, has a sticker price of $26,908, including destination.

Admittedly, not apples to apples is compared, if it comes options, but it no doubt that a loaded focus luxury touches.

Ford gave no buyers on a tight budget. The basis for $16,995, with destination focus S sticker. Ford is the most focus of course betting, buyer will review from a well-equipped model and a small percentage to go for it all.

It is an interesting marketing strategy, taking into account that a compact pricing areas, often on good equipped mainstream medium sedan and some low end luxury cars found.

The focus starts trickling in dealerships later this month. We will be vigilant to see sales and the average transaction price if this strategy succeeds.

Rick Kranz reach at rkranz@crain.com.

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