Ford focus is the world's best-selling car

Paul A. Eisenstein, the Detroit Bureau - 4 days

Ford apparently will increasingly pay the focus on global small car. Make that the Ford focus overall, was the world's best-selling car last year according to new data from r.l. Polk & company.

The Detroit, the compact model of the manufacturer's more than 1 million sales last year rang, took nearly 17 percent more volume than Toyota for its traditional sales leader, the compact model Corolla. Ford has also the other extreme, its full-size F series pickup, which list come together in the third quarter global sales get. All in all landed Ford three different models in the top 10, including the sixth Fiesta subcompact.

Toyota and Honda had two models in the diagram each Polk, while Volkswagen and General brand one had Motors Chevrolet each. But the top 10 list probably for most Westerners not recognizable containing a new name: China's Wuling Zhiguang the 768.870 revenue generated landing directly behind the F-series in fourth place.

"Focus and Fiesta are the culmination of our global product strategy by a Ford," said Jim Farley, Ford executive Vice President for global marketing, sales and service and the Director of the Lincoln brand.

During focus, a jump of 40 percent of demand in the United States saw last year Ford's focus helped late surge in China rise to the top of the sales charts last year with sales of 1.020.410. It was only on sale in the today's largest automotive market in the world in March 2012. However, that 300,000 of the Ford bought market compressed last year - where is it sold in both the current version and previous generation model known as the focus of "Classic".

I am looking forward to Ford's aggressive expansion plans in China, said Farley, "With additional production capacity added in the last year, we have an enormous opportunity now on our global small car sales in the year 2013, with sales off to a very strong start already strengthen."

Toyota's second place, with sales of 872.774, yet the power of its model corolla, especially since it's for a complete redesign this year underlines set. A prototype called the Furia was in January at the Detroit Auto show presented and Toyota officials recently indicated that the version prior to the Los Angeles Auto show will be introduced in autumn next year.

The fact the the Ford F-series only came third could surprise some Americans in the face of his continued strength in the United States, where it has for decades routinely heads the sales charts as the top-selling truck and overall best-selling vehicle. But the United States was responsible for the vast majority of full-size pickup volume of 785.630 in the past year.

A real outstanding sales is the F-series Polk top 10 chart for only classic truck on the list. In fact, the vast majority of the top-selling products minis and compact cars with the Toyota Camry seat are fifth the only medium-sized range.

What the Wuling Zhiguang is a pintsized people mover barely the size of some of the sedans and hatchbacks in the top 10 charts. Wuling is part of a joint venture between General Motors and its Chinese partner SAIC, based in Shanghai. '

Here is the full top 10 list:

Ford focus - 1.020, 410Toyota Corolla - 872, 774Ford F-series - 785, 630Wuling Zhiguang - 768, 870Toyota Camry - 729, 793Ford Fiesta - 723, 130VW Golf - 699, 148Chevrolet Cruze - 661, 325Honda civil - 651, 159Honda CR-V - 624.982
Copyright © 2009-2013, the Detroit Bureau

Read More

World's most expensive car market is now more expensive

Rajeshni Naidu-Ghelani, CNBC.com - 7 pm.

It has some of the most expensive real estate in the world and is regarded as one of the most expensive places to live. The island owning State of Singapore is also one of the most expensive places, a car now.

Recent cooling measures for the automotive market, which include, in five years from the last 10 years with a hike in the property taxes to increase the minimum deposit for a 40 per cent plus cover area car loan, have many households from the car market price.

Although the wealthy financial capital has one of the highest per capita income in the world, there are few who can afford to buy a new car.

"It is very far off beyond my reach," said 43-year old Andy Siew, a personal trainer with a monthly household income of 12,000 Singapore dollars ($9.650). "Each couple earn within this area cannot afford to buy a new car now."

According to Mohit Arora, Asia-Pacific executive Director at market research company J.D. power and Associates, Singapore is the world's most expensive car market.

"The average price for a Toyota Corolla on the US website, Web page can look at Indian and Chinese website and you can view it in Singapore websites. "I think it not everything is left to discuss is", he told CNBC.

Before the recent moves, the cost of buying a car in Singapore was already very high in comparison to other developed economies. All new cars sold are a property tax of at least 100 percent of the cost price. Additionally, if you have a car in Singapore wants a certificate of entitlement (COE) first, get that gives the right to possess, and a car for 10 years. The measure was introduced to limit the number of cars in the city, which has an area of only 276 km.

The average cost of buying a COE is currently around 87,000 Singapore dollars ($70,000). The COE, walks for example total an average sedan such as a Toyota Corolla Altis to almost $120,000 in Singapore, compared to neighbouring Malaysia the same car starts sold for about $34,000. The latest Corolla models in the United States start at about $16,000 and $20,000 in the UK

Prices from buyers
"Everywhere in the world is owning a car to get the announcement to a special status in society." I think that this will be more difficult for an average Singaporean,"said Arora.

Car buyers who feel due to the latest curbs by the Government are even at the top end of the market.

A seller in a luxury car dealer in Singapore, so as not to be identified, CNBC said, since the measures were introduced last week, it was a "really uphill task" always to find buyers.

"The General mentality is out if I in cash--100,000 Singapore dollars I wouldn't fork at the moment, that much for a car, perhaps a property I would buy," said the salesman at the dealer of high end cars, where average prices hover around 200,000 Singapore dollars.

While the Government latest movements attempt, household credit risk, as well as additional taxes of Singapore's more than reduce 965,000 car population, marginal even it is buyer, squeezing according to Vishnu v, market Economist at Mizuho Corporate Bank.

"The hit among lower income households less likely 50,000 Singapore dollars, to buy an average car are likely to be higher on lower income households a disposable,", said v. "Probably, quality of life of the population fell in the light of all the transport problems we see."

Singapore offers the world-class infrastructure, but as the population of the city of 4.2 has 1 million in just 10 years, has led to overcrowding on trains, buses and on the streets. The Government plans to increase the city transit system to less incentive for the drive, but said analysts until these enhanced services are available, it is located on the mobility of people.

"Our transport system is not just so well, the infrastructure not right now us food," said Siew, lives in the northeastern suburb of Singapore. "The trains and buses are not punctual, and taxis are so hard to find, sometimes, especially for rainy days and peak hours."

Owning a car for some will be the burden for the city transport system increases have more than a luxury.

Forty-year-old Mike Tan, who is much a salesman to travel, is relieved that he a month ago a new car purchased, before the tightening torques introduced measures.

"If the policies in force, before I have my car changed, I probably my old car my COE, would have kept to the end", Tan said.

Siew was but not so good luck. He would have the "luxury" of a new car to replace his 7-year-old Hyundai Avante as is COE on it in three years and will renew him more than $72,000. But now he can even on your own car across to give up.

Read More

World's largest treasure trove of small car goes to auction

Robert Frank, CNBC - 3 days

How many of the wealthy, Bruce Weiner likes to collect things.

The candy business, the assets of double bubble, Razzles chewing gum, wax lips and other sweets collects radios, watches, historic motorcycles and Volkswagen.

But his real passion lay in recent years since small cars. Very small cars. Over 11 years, Weiner, built, the world's largest collection of "Microcars" - three - and four wheels cars made after World War II, the early predecessors of the modern MINI Cooper and Fiat 500 are always popular smart cars.

Today and tomorrow will sell Weiner and RM auctions of the collection of more than 200 cars and 300 car-related collectibles. The collection is expected to be more than $6 million to pick up.

Weiner said he is selling the collection as part of a wider reduction of his lifestyle and desire to share the cars after years of hunting them down.

"I'm 54 and I am starting to make it easier," he said. "I want not my stuff to possess me."

He said that it took 11 years to build the collection. Microcars the poor cousin, muscle classic cars and exotics have always been, they have a cult following among collectors. Many Microcars were built after the second world war in Europe and Asia, money, fuel and raw materials were scarce. In many countries cars with three wheels does not require a driver's license, to make more attractive.

"they are very rare," said Weiner. "And they are part of the story."

Weiner said, was much of the joy of building the collection "the thrill of the hunt."

Take for example his ordeal with the purchase of the 1955 Kroboth all weather Scooter, a tricycle Convertible car design legend Gustav Korboth designed. Weiner is one that was a prime example of the car by an older man in Bavaria. Weiner went to the man's House all three months for three years, but the seller rigorously rejected.

He said "He me everytime chased from the property,". "He hit me with a shot gun or German shepherds either."

Eventually died of the owner and Weiner was friend of brother and sister of the husband, and convinced them to sell. The car was able to sell (there are no reserves in the sale) for $40,000 to $50,000.

Among the most valuable cars in the auction to be sold, is a 1958 F.M.R. TG 500 "Tiger", which could sell for more than $150,000. A modified 1959 BMW Isetta, called "Whatta drag," was $100,000 collected. The car was commissioned by Weiner look a famous hot wheels Gegenkraftracer. It is only one of four hot wheels are converted in real cars.

The smallest production car that ever built, will also be sold. The 1964 Peel P50 could for $35,000 to $40,000 sale. The sale of used slogan for the tricycle, "Almost cheaper than walking!" Apparently, no longer.

Read More

Toyota gets world's 2.8 million vehicles

A month after the announcement, its largest single recall Toyota has revealed some new quality problems, the safety-related repairs to a further 2.8 million vehicles - including his high-profile Prius hybrid models make it force.

The news was another blow of the Japanese giant picture despite having the latest consumer reports automotive reliability investigation landed on the supply. He is also Toyota in a position where it can again compete Honda for the dubious distinction of having is reminded with Japanese rival most of the vehicles of all manufacturers in the United States this year.

The latest recall is wave the result of a water pump problem and a steering damaged. Problems with a wide range of Toyota products by using the components of the steering system can do this. The manufacturer often shares parts for numerous models to reduce costs - but the risks this approach the possibility of widespread create reminiscent, if there is a problem. Two problems on the same vehicle can be present in this case.

Shaft of the Steering defect to the callback by 1.51 million vehicles in Japan is involved in and sold an other vehicles in other parts of the world and among the most notable models affected Compact are the Corolla and Prius, the world's most popular hybrid. About 670,000 of these vehicles sold in the United States between 2000 and 2009 model years.

About 620,000 of these vehicles can be equipped with the faulty water pump. This list not only the Prius, but four hybrid models contains, Toyota is confirmed. Vehicles may be repaired both items were sold between 2001 and 2010 in Japan, and from 2003 to 2011 in the United States and other overseas markets.

Meanwhile, vehicles only on the defective water pump are a further 10,000 Toyota recalled.

The new recall comes as a significant setback for Toyota and for a variety of reasons.

Exactly one month ago, the manufacturer announced - what is the world's best-selling automaker - its largest recall on the way again. 7,43 Million vehicles were involved, more than one-third of it in the United States, also makes it the largest recall of the world over the last 16 years.

Just these two security involved with 3.2 million vehicles, Honda now as a manufacturer in the United States the smaller manufacturers of this unwanted distinction hunts the most recalled earned repair campaigns, Toyota last year but was Toyota were top of the list in 2010, mainly as a result of the millions of vehicles that scandal involved the company CEO Akio Toyoda in the so-called "unintended acceleration", bear witness in tears before the US Congress.

The grandson of the founder Toyota, promised Toyoda to intensify focus on quality, reliability and security of the company. And there are clear signs of improvement. It has achieved on a number of studies, including the annual survey of the reliability by consumer reports, which keeps the results of millions of readers of the influential magazine but also. Three brands of the manufacturer, Toyota, Scion and Lexus, crowned, in that order in the chart.

But CR officials pointed out that it is not remembered in its results, consider despite the potential impact on the quality or reliability.

What is potentially problematic about the latest recalls is the fact that it includes products which only sold the model year 2011, after President Toyoda its touted much to fix push began to Toyota quality problems.

Despite the potential tarnishing the image damage continue to collect Toyota safety, sale that ends with the maker, forecast that it will be near the milestone 10 million mark for the current fiscal year on March 31. The win led to a tripling in the last quarter.

But Toyota before other problems, notably a boycott in the booming Chinese market, that before recently Les of the manufacturer raised its forecast for the year slightly cut turnover.

(C) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2012.

Read More

World's largest auto callback for 16 years keep Toyota

David McNew

Toyota is to recall more than 7 million vehicles over a faulty window switch.

By Paul A. Eisenstein, NBC News Aikens
Updated 13: 43 UTC: Toyota Motor Co., still in recovery mode after a series of problems that plagued its global activities in the past three years announced on Wednesday it is sold with reference to 2.5 million vehicles in the United States because of a potential risk of fire.

The recall affects 7.43 million vehicles worldwide sold under the Toyota and Scion brands. This is the largest safety technical service action that the manufacturer has announced since it is a series of recalls with regard to the risk of unintended acceleration began at the end of 2009. Toyota led this and other security issues to recall 14 million vehicles in 2009 and 2010.

It is the largest single recall because Ford Motor Co 7.9 million vehicles in 1996 withdrew.

Many of the vehicles, which also involved the new Toyota recall were problems again one or more times by unintended acceleration.

The latest recall is the result of a problem with a possibly defective power Windows switch on the driver's side of the affected vehicles, which the manufacturer says, "a ' notchy' or sticky feeling can occur during operation." "If commercial lubricants to the switch in an attempt that 'notchy' or sticky feeling address be applied, could the switch Assembly or smoke melt and cause that a fire under certain circumstances."

Toyota previously announced recalls for various models, in which similar window switch and in February the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced that it would open an investigation of the issue. But at that time only 830,000 Camry and RAV-4 models were, while the model year 2007 sold.

Risks manufacturers like Toyota to face underline the massive size of the new callback, if they share basic components on a variety of vehicles, the hope to improve production economies of scale.

The vehicles of the latest recall involved in the United States:

2007-2010 Camry sedans, about 938.100 vehicles 2007-2009 Camry hybrids, about 116.800 vehicles; 2007-2009 RAV4 frequency switches, about 336.400 vehicles; 2007-2009 Tundra pickup about 337.100 vehicles; 2007-2008 Yaris small car, about 110.300 vehicles; 2008 Highlander SUV, about 135.400 vehicles; 2008 Highlander Hybrid, approximately 23,200 vehicles; 2008-2009 Scion xD models, approx. 34.400 vehicles; 2008-2009 Scion xA models, approximately 77,500 vehicles; 2008-2009 Sequoia SUVs, approx. 38,500 vehicles; 2009 Corolla compacts, about 270.900 vehicles; and2009 matrix crossover; about 53.800 vehicles.
To determine whether your call is involved in, go to Toyota recall website. The manufacturer estimates the inspection and repair process takes a little longer than an hour and includes the dismantling of the main switch and, if necessary, the application of a special fluorine grease.

NHTSA received more than none are 200 reports of problems in connection with the defective switch including fire, but it known crashes or injuries. At least 39 similar problems reported in Japan, where Toyota 460,000 were recalled vehicles.

A further 1.39 million vehicles are subject to the new recall in Europe, while the massive security campaign covers also Australia, China and other parts of Asia and the Mideast.

In the US market the Toyota announcement is the largest recall of the year and could revive concerns about quality control at a manufacturer, usually at the top of the charts. Such concerns plagued the manufacturer during much of 2009 and 2010 and officials including President Akio Toyoda have been hauled before Congress to explain the massive recalls, in connection with the issue of unintended acceleration.

Toyoda has repeatedly promised since this scandal began, is to note the ramp up the quality control of the manufacturer, and it, that all the vehicles produced by the latest recall affected during or before the model year 2009. However, will the new service action put back an unwanted spotlight on the maker.

Toyota had recalls more vehicles than any other manufacturer in the United States involved in the year 2010 and came just before that dubious award to achieve again in 2011. Late in the year, however, a large recall put Honda at the top of the list. In fact reminded Honda 1.7 million vehicles in three separate service actions last week - although NHTSA an investigation over possible problems relating to another 600,000 vehicles started.

While there are scores of recalls this year yet, with every brand of Chevrolet, Ferrari, with today's announcement, it seems that Toyota and Honda again in an unwanted race to lead the callback list for 2012 are.

Read More

Volvo offering world's first pedestrian airbag

Volvo

Volvo is betting it can also save pedestrian lives with the world's first external airbag.

By Paul A. Eisenstein, The Detroit Bureau

By even the most conservative estimates airbags have saved thousands of lives since the auto industry began phasing them into widespread use two decades ago.  And now, Volvo is betting it can also save pedestrian lives with the world’s first external airbag.

The new system is one of the many high-tech safety features being introduced on the Swedish maker’s new V40 wagon, which is itself making its world debut at this week’s Geneva Motor Show.

The 5-door features – as one might expect of Volvo – a wide range of advanced safety technology, and along with the new airbag system the V40 has Volvo’s Pedestrian Detection technology designed to prevent a collision in the first place.

The V40 itself is based on an all-new architecture that is intended to serve as the platform for a wide variety of upcoming Volvo products, including replacements for the current C30 coupe, S40 sedan and even the bigger V50 wagon.

The maker, which has long based its brand image on advanced safety has been working for several years to develop a pedestrian airbag – which it sees as the most effective way to meet Europe’s strict pedestrian impact legislation.  Continental regulators have been pressing automakers to find ways to reduce the results of car-pedestrian collisions which routinely result in about a quarter or more of motor vehicle fatalities.

Other makers have come up with a variety of solutions, mostly passive.  Typically, that has resulted in modest vehicle design changes to allow the hood of a vehicle to crumple slightly to soften the blow when a pedestrian is hit and lands atop the car.  Other makers have explored the idea of using small pyrotechnic igniters to actually raise the hood after an impact to further cushion the blow.

But with the Volvo system sensors rapidly detect a car-pedestrian impact and respond much like what happens in a car-to-car collision.  That triggers the section of the hood closest to the windshield to pop up slightly, a U-shaped airbag emerging from underneath, and forming a cushion around the base and sides of the windshield and A-pillars.

Along with the pedestrian-related technology the new V40 also includes Volvo’s City Safety system, which can activate the V40’s brakes if it sensors detect a low-speed collision with another vehicle is likely.  The system is designed to step in if the driver is distracted.  But the technology purposely applies the brakes rather abruptly to prevent a driver from simply using City Safety to keep them out of trouble while they text or otherwise ignore driving duties.

In keeping with other recent Volvo products, the maker has been trying to show that a safe vehicle doesn’t have to be a boring one.  The wagon is a curvaceously styled alternative to the classic boxy Volvo of decades past.

The overall design emphasized a lower center of gravity to improve handling, meanwhile, and such functional features as rear monotube shocks improve handling, especially under aggressive driving.

At 177.2 inches. nose-to-tail, the V50 is about an inch longer than the current S40 and about eight inches longer than the current Audi A3 Sportback.

Several versions of the Volvo 1.6-liter turbo I-4 are likely to be offered for the V40, along with a 2.0-liter turbodiesel.

Read More