Concepts Dominated by Hybrid and Electric Vehicles

Nissan Leaf Takes Top Spot in Concept Awards

The 2010 North American Concept Vehicle Awards were 'dominated' by hybrid and electric cars. The Nissan Leaf, Audi E-tron and BMW Vision EfficientDynamics won the awards.

No US automaker, who were too busy dealing with bankruptcy last year, won any of the awards. The number of awards were dropped from 5 to 3 for the same reason.

Despite that, these awards are a good indicator of how automakers are thinking about cars right now. The emphasis on fuel efficiency in law and in public awareness are pushing automakers (if they can do so) to build more electric based vehicles. It's also a good indicator of what automakers think they can do right now to increase their mpgs. Anything they can't do today they weren't about to build a concept around last year.Source URL: https://ashesgarrett.blogspot.com/search/label/Awards
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Kiplinger Rates Hybrids Highly

Kiplinger has announced their annual buyers guid for 2010. And not surprisingly, hybrids dominate the categories for most fuel efficient in most categories.  The Toyota Prius was also tops for resale value in its category.

It's clear the Toyota Prius is tops in value, but whether the new hybrid cars that have really had an impact, for instance, the Ford Fusion Hybrid, can also retain their value remains to be seen.


See the press release from Kiplinger for the categories rated.  Also, Kiplinger has a sortable buying guide.


Washington, DC (February 1, 2010)—Thanks to redesigned models with leaner price tags, plus new hybrids and clean diesels, 2010 boasts some of the best auto inventory consumers have seen—ever. Kiplinger’s Personal Finance sorts through hundreds of vehicles to reveal the best values in its annual buyers’ guide, “2010 Cars: Where the Deals Are,” available online now at www.kiplinger.com/guides/cars and in the March issue on newsstands Tuesday, February 9.

With sortable online data for more than 1,000 cars and SUVs, the annual buyers’ guide shifts into high gear to select winners in 11 categories ranked by price, performance, value, safety, roominess and driving impressions.

New features for this year include Kiplinger’s “worth a look” designation, which spotlights five vehicles in each category that score high enough to be in serious contention for top accolades; an online quiz to test your car-buying IQ; and slideshows highlighting Kiplinger’s picks for Best In Class, Best New Model, Most Fuel-Efficient and Best Resale Value.

Kiplinger’s Personal Finance top picks for 2010:

Under $20,000
* Best New Car: Volkswagen Golf ($19,890, 4dr hatch)—Thanks to the powerful pickup of a five-cylinder engine with the most torque in its class—plus sporty handling, high resale values and a full complement of standard safety features—the new Golf is anything but an econobox. The four-door is atop safety pick of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
* Best in Class: Volkswagen Golf 4dr hatch ($19,890)
* Most Fuel-Efficient: Toyota Yaris 4dr ($13,865)
* Best Resale Value: Scion xB 4dr hatch ($16,420)

$20,000-$25,000
* Best New Car: Toyota Prius ($23,150, trim level II 4dr hatch)—With a more powerful engine that still manages to be less thirsty than the previous generation, the 2010 Prius has a combined city/highway gas mileage of 50 mpg. More cargo room and a split folding rear seat make it extra utilitarian.
* Best in Class: Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr ($24,510)
* Most Fuel-Efficient: Toyota Prius II 4dr hatch ($23,150)
* Best Resale Value: Mini Cooper S 2dr ($23,000)

$25,000-$30,000
* Best New Car: Subaru Legacy ($25,660, 3.6R AWD)—Standard all-wheel drive has always been the Subaru hook, but the new Legacy proves its cars can be sexy, too. Taut lines hint at the power under the hood—256 horses from the six-cylinder engine—and high-quality materials grace the roomier cabin. Resale values are strong, too.
* Best in Class: Honda Accord EX V6 4dr ($27,515)
* Most Fuel-Efficient: Toyota Prius IV 4dr hatch ($26,950)
* Best Resale Value: Toyota Prius IV 4dr hatch ($26,950)

$30,000-$45,000
* Best New Car: Ford Taurus SHO AWD ($37,995)—Ford’s new EcoBoost engine gives this Taurus the power of a V8 with the fuel economy of a V6. With a roomy interior and stylish design, this top safety pick emerged as a clear winner.
* Best in Class: BMW 335d 4dr ($44,725)
* Most Fuel-Efficient: Mercury Milan Hybrid 4dr ($31,655)
* Best Resale Value: Audi A5 2.0T Quattro AWD 2dr ($36,825)

$45,000 and over
* Best New Car: Mercedes-Benz E-Class ($51,175, E550 4dr)—Sleek lines are synonymous with the E-Class, but the all new sedan has an even smoother ride, sharper handling and better fuel economy (up to 26 mpg on the highway). An Attention Assist feature reminds fatigued drivers with an audible warning when to take a break.
* Best in Class: Lexus LS 460 4dr ($65,555)
* Most Fuel-Efficient: Lexus GS 450h 4dr ($57,425)
* Best Resale Value: Lexus LS 460 4dr ($65,555)

Sports Cars
* Best New Car: Chevrolet Camaro SS ($31,595, 1SS)—The long-awaited rebirth of Chevy’s iconic sports car combines a muscular body and a gauge-heavy instrument panel that recalls the pony car’s past, updated with plenty of 21st-century technology and safety features.
* Best in Class: Porsche Cayman S 2dr (62,370)
* Most Fuel-Efficient: Hyundai Genesis 2.0T 2dr ($22,750)
* Best Resale Value: Chevrolet Camaro SS 2dr ($31,595)

Small Crossovers
* Best New Crossover: Hyundai Tucson ($20,790, GLS)—Hyundai’s smallest crossover gets a Cinderella makeover this year with sharply creased sheet metal, a more aggressive stance, a bigger engine for oomph and more generous cargo space and passenger room.
* Best in Class: Honda CR-V EX AWD ($25,805)
* Most Fuel-Efficient (tie): Ford Escape Hybrid ($30,510) and Mercury Mariner Hybrid ($30,755)
* Best Resale Value: Honda CR-V EX AWD ($25,805)

Large and Midsize Crossovers
* Best New Crossover: Lexus RX 350 ($37,675)—Not just another grocery-getter, the third generation of the original crossover boasts three additional airbags, a new suspension for improved handling, expanded cargo space and available all-wheel drive—for a smaller price tag than last year’s model.
* Best in Class: Toyota Highlander V6 ($28,400)
* Most Fuel-Efficient: Lexus RX 450h (42,535)
* Best Resale Value (tie): BMW X5 35d AWD ($52,025) and BMW X6 35i AWD ($57,125)

Truck-Based SUVs
· Best in Class: Chevrolet Suburban ($44,430, 1500 LS AWD)

· Most Fuel-Efficient (tie): Cadillac Escalade Hybrid ($74,375), Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid ($51,670) and GMC Yukon Hybrid ($52,135)

· Best Resale Value: Jeep Wrangler Sport AWD ($21,915)

· Note: No new truck-based SUV models were introduced this model year.

Wagons
* Best New Wagon: Subaru Outback ($28,690, 2.5i Limited AWD)—A sophisticated interior and exterior makeover gives the new Outback a roomier cabin, more cargo space and better handling. The utilitarian all-wheel drive standard in Subarus and the new look make the Outback a Best in Class winner and a top safety pick.
* Best in Class: Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited AWD ($28,690)
* Most Fuel-Efficient: Audi A3 2.0 TDI ($30,775)
* Best Resale Value: Toyota Matrix S ($20,400)

Minivans
* Best in Class: Toyota Sienna CE 7-Passenger ($25,340)
* Most Fuel-Efficient (tie): Chrysler Town & Country Limited ($35,880) and Volkswagen Routan SEL ($37,300)
* Best Resale Value: Honda Odyssey EX ($30,615)
* Note: No new minivan models were introduced this model year.Source URL: https://ashesgarrett.blogspot.com/search/label/Awards
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Greenest Cars of 2010

The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) released their thirteenth annual rankings (greenercars.org) for model year 2010 vehicles. Among the top cars, hybrids took most of them.

Not surprisingly, given the high fuel efficiency ratings, hybrids from Toyota Ford and Honda held onto five of the top 10, and 3 out of the top 5.  The top spot went to the Honda Civic GX, which runs on compressed natural gas.



Make and Model	Specifications a	Emission Standardb	MPG: City	MPG: Hwy	Green Score
HONDA CIVIC GX c	1.8L 4, auto [CNG]	Tier 2 bin 2 / PZEV	24	36	57
TOYOTA PRIUS	1.8L 4, auto CVT	Tier 2 bin 3 / PZEV	51	48	52
HONDA CIVIC HYBRID	1.3L 4, auto CVT	Tier 2 bin 2 / PZEV	40	45	51
SMART FORTWO CONVERTIBLE / COUPE	1.0L 3, manual	Tier 2 bin 5 / ULEV II	33	41	50
HONDA INSIGHT	1.3L 4, auto CVT	Tier 2 bin 3	40	43	50
FORD FUSION HYBRID / MERCURY MILAN HYBRID	2.4L 4, auto CVT	Tier 2 bin 3 / PZEV	41	36	47
TOYOTA YARIS	1.5L 4, manual	Tier 2 bin 5 / ULEV II	29	36	46
NISSAN ALTIMA HYBRID	2.5L 4, auto CVT	PZEV	35	33	46
MINI COOPER	1.6L 4, manual [P]	Tier 2 bin 5 / ULEV II	28	37	45
CHEVROLET COBALT XFE / PONTIAC G5 XFE	2.2L 4, manual	Tier 2 bin 5 / PZEV	25	37	45
HYUNDAI ACCENT BLUE	1.6L 4, manual	Tier 2 bin 5 / ULEV II	27	36	45
HONDA FIT	1.5L 4, auto	Tier 2 bin 5 / ULEV II	28	35	45
[CNG] denotes compressed natural gas fuel. [P] denotes premium gasoline "auto CVT" denotes continuously variable automatic transmission. a Certain other configurations of these models (with different transmissions or meeting different emission standards) score nearly as well. b A listing with two emission standards (e.g., Tier 2 bin 2/ PZEV) denotes a single vehicle carrying both a Federal and a California emission certification. Green Scores for such listings reflect the cleaner of the two certifications. c Compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicle fuel economy given in gasoline-equivalent miles per gallon.

Overall, there's been some changes to the rankings from last year with the Honda Insight and Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan Hybrids entering the list.

"With the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf both scheduled to make appearances in the latter half of 2010, manufacturer interest in advanced technologies is even more intense, with a particular emphasis on electric vehicles," said ACEEE vehicle analyst Shruti Vaidyanathan. "But the eco-stars this year are once again hybrids and smaller, conventional vehicles. Gasoline vehicles are evolving fast, but manufacturers continue to devote much new efficiency technology to boosting power."

Diesels like the Volkswagen Jetta and Jetta Sportwagen missed out on the list.

"While clean diesels once again perform well on our annual ranking, high prices both for the vehicles and for diesel fuel have kept them from really catching on thus far. They’re not having the impact in the U.S. that they have had in Europe, and as a result, manufacturers are scaling back production and promotion of diesels," said Vaidyanathan.

The meanest list (the bottom of the rankings remains largely unchanged from 2009. Large SUVs, heavy-duty trucks and luxury European vehicles weigh down the list.  The best of the worst goes to the Lamborghini Murcielago/ Murcielago Roadster.  Also on the list was the Bentley Azure, Dodge Ram, Ford F-250, Bentley Continental GTC, Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG, Chevy Suburban K2500, GMC Yukon K2500,  and Mercedes-Benz G550.Source URL: https://ashesgarrett.blogspot.com/search/label/Awards
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Hybrid Car Buyers are Loyal Buyers

Once again, Prius buyers have shown themselves to be loyal buyers.  Toyota beat out GM for the first time, winning the award for Overall Loyalty to Manufacturer, propelled by some of their more popular and loyal buyers.  Toyota took first place in the Mid/Full-Size Car and Mid/Full- Size SUV categories for the Toyota Prius and Lexus RX, respectively.

Prius buyers (and other hybrid car owners) have been shown time and time again to be loyal customers, coming back and buying another Prius (or hybrid).  But you have to wonder if that's because of the make, or because of the lack of choices.

If there was a car from Ford or GM that was priced similarly to the Prius, and got similar fuel efficiency numbers, would car buyers switch?  Ford has said that many of those who are buying the Fusion Hybrid are trading in Toyota or Honda vehicles.  That seems to show that at least part of the loyalty, so far, has been to the fuel efficient hybrid technology.




Categories	Winners	Loyalty %
Overall Loyalty to Manufacturer	Toyota	58.60%
Overall Loyalty to Make	Honda	54.86%
Most Improved Loyalty to Make	Audi	+ 4.9 percentage points
Hispanic Market Loyalty to Make	Honda	54.97%
Asian Market Loyalty to Make	Toyota	52.03%
African American Market Loyalty to Make	Honda	56.58%
Vehicle Segment Awards
Compact Car	Mini Cooper	28.88%
Mid/Full-Size Car	Toyota Prius	35.85%
Luxury Car	BMW 3 Series	32.28%
Sports Car	Ford Mustang	16.30%
Luxury Sports Car	Porsche 911	24.97%
Minivan	Chrysler Town & Country	31.70%
Mid/Full-Size Pickup	Ford F-Series	35.81%
Compact SUV	Subaru Forester	35.44%
Mid/Full-Size SUV	Lexus RX	37.29%
Luxury SUV	Land Rover Range Rover	30.42%
Source URL: https://ashesgarrett.blogspot.com/search/label/Awards
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Ford Fusion Hybrid Wins North American Car of the Year

The Ford Fusion Hybrid has won another award to place on its mantle. From the moment it was debuted to now, the Fusion has been impressing judges across the globe. The latest award caps off what has to be one of the best years Ford has seen for award shows.

Other awards for the Fusion Hybrid over the past year include:

• MOTOR TREND Car of the Year Award
• One of CAR and DRIVER Magazine's "10Best" Cars for 2010
• One of AUTOMOBILE Magazine's 2010 All-Stars
• 2009 "Top Safety Pick" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
• 2009 Ward's Interior of the Year Special Achievement Award for Best Graphic Display for SmartGauge with EcoGuide digital instrument cluster
• Great Car for the Long-haul Salesman by Kelley Blue Book kbb.com
• One of America's Top 40 New Cars by MOTOR TREND magazine
• Rated the No. 1 Hybrid Family Sedan by CAR and DRIVER in a recent comparison test by the magazine
• 2009 and 2010 Editors Choice for Fuel Sipper by CAR and DRIVER Magazine
• Best Hybrid for the Money in the Midsize Car segment by cars.com
• One of 2009 Top 10 Green Cars by Kelley Blue Book kbb.com
• The Detroit News Readers' Choice Award for "Best Value"
• 2010 Consumers Digest Best Buy
• Detroit Free Press 2010 Car of the Year
• 2010 Most Environmentally Progressive Car of the Year by Earth, Wind & Power
• 10 Best Engine by Ward's Auto World
According to Ford, the Fusion Hybrid distinguishes itself (2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid Owner Manual - Amazon) in many different ways.


The all-new Fusion Hybrid arrived in dealers in March, complete with a powertrain system that combines the best attributes of the gasoline engine and electric battery-driven motors to deliver the optimal experience for the customer in terms of driving performance and fuel economy. The Fusion Hybrid also offers drivers a way to be more connected to the hybrid driving experience thanks to Ford's SmartGauge(TM) with EcoGuide, a unique instrument cluster execution that helps coach them on how to optimize the performance of their hybrid.

Other class-exclusive technologies and features that set the Fusion Hybrid apart from the competition include Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®), Ford SYNC®, SIRIUS Travel Link(TM) and more total passenger and luggage capacity than the Toyota Camry.

Despite the slump in overall industry sales, 2009 was a record-breaking year for the Ford Fusion. Sales are at an all-time high, with the Fusion Hybrid accounting for almost 20 percent of total Fusion retail sales. Perhaps even more significant, more than 60 percent of Fusion Hybrid sales have been to customers coming from import brands - mostly Toyota and Honda.

Source URL: https://ashesgarrett.blogspot.com/search/label/Awards
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Ford Fusion Hybrid Up for North American Car of the Year

The Ford Fusion Hybrid is one of three finalists for the 2010 North American Car of the Year along with the Buick LaCrosse and Volkswagen Golf.

On the other side, the Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Transit Connect and Subaru Outback are up for Truck of the Year.

The winners will be announced at the NAIAS in Detroit.

The winners are selected by a jury of no more than 50 automotive journalists from Canada and the U.S. They are judged on innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value.

Prior Nominees have included:

• 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
• 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid.
• 2004 Toyota Prius
• 2001 Honda Insight
• 2001 Toyota Prius

In 2004 the Toyota Prius won and in 2005 the Ford Escape Hybrid took home the top prize.

Two other hybrids were nominated, the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius


2010 North American Car of the Year nominees:
BMW 335d Buick LaCrosse Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon Chevrolet Camaro Ford Fusion Ford Fusion Hybrid Ford Taurus/Taurus SHO Honda Insight	Kia Soul Mazda3/MazdaSpeed3 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Porsche Panamera Subaru Legacy Suzuki Kizashi Toyota Prius Volkswagen Golf/GTI/TDI


2010 North American Truck of the Year nominees:
Acura ZDX Audi Q5 Cadillac SRX Chevrolet Equinox Ford Transit Connect	Honda Accord Crosstour Land Rover LR4 Lincoln MKT Subaru Outback Volvo XC60
Source URL: https://ashesgarrett.blogspot.com/search/label/Awards
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Hybrids on the Best Car for the Money Awards

US News Autos announced their Best Car for the Money Awards and there are two hybrids on the list. The Toyota Prius won for best hybrid and the Lexus RX Hybrid won Best Hybrid SUV.

But the choices are a little vague (at least the criteria is) and if you follow the links even a little bit, you're bound to be confused. For instance, the Toyota Camry won for best midsize, but when you click on the link, the Camry has a big #8 on it. Follow that and you'll see the Toyota Camry is #8 on the list of affordable midsize cars, of which the Ford Fusion Hybrid is #1.  The Mercury Milan Hybrid, Toyota Prius and Toyota Camry Hybrid are all ranked above the Toyota Camry.

So, it's all a bit confusing to me. Were hybrids just pushed to the side when looking at the other categories? Makes no sense. That would be like pushing V-6's to the side, while evaluating everything else.

Since there's nothing on the release or the site laying out the qualifications, I'm left confused by the whole award.  To me, the statement "Rankings are based primarily on the balanced, diverse opinions of hundreds of professional auto critics, which are analyzed and scored to create a consensus opinion about each car." means very little to me.Source URL: https://ashesgarrett.blogspot.com/search/label/Awards
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Diesels Beat Hybrids in 2010 Green Car of the Year

The Audi 3 TDI hatchback was named Green Car of the Year by the Green Car Journal at the LA Auto Show. That's the second year in a row a diesel has taken home top honors.

The nominees for 2010 included 3 hybrids and two diesels.

Last year, the Jetta TDI won and the year before it was the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid. So, obviously, green car of the year is not 'Greenest Car' for that year. Instead, the qualification require a new vehicle and focuses in on the new aspects of a vehicle that make it green.

The TDI won last year because the 'clean diesel' was new. The Chevy Tahoe wonn in 2008 because it had the new two-mode hybrid system.

This year, the other nominees were the latest generation Prius, the Mercury Milan Hybrid, the Honda Insight, and the Volkswagen Golf TDI.

From the press releases (Audi and Green Car Journal)
The A3 TDI is the latest example of the fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions benefits provided by the critically acclaimed TDI clean diesel product line, following the wildly popular Q7 TDI, which launched in June 2009. TDI clean diesel technology was first developed by Audi 20 years ago and has come to signify the brand's commitment to trailblazing automotive performance executed in an environmentally responsible way.

The groundbreaking TDI 2.0 engine available in the A3 delivers 140 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque, yet achieves an EPA-estimated 42 mpg highway fuel economy that is the best of any luxury car sold in America. That means the Audi A3 TDI achieve 50% better fuel economy than a comparable gasoline engine.

"The Audi A3 TDI offers it all," says Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of Green Car Journal and editor of GreenCar.com. "This compact luxury car features an impressive EPA estimated 42 mpg on the highway - a 50 percent highway fuel efficiency improvement over the standard gasoline engine A3. Plus, this Audi's quiet, clean diesel engine delivers loads of low-end torque and a fun-to-drive experience, all with the functionality of a 5-passenger hatchback."

Along with setting the bar for highway fuel economy in the compact luxury car segment, Audi's 50-state certified A3 TDI is powered by a 2.0-liter turbo direct injection (TDI) engine with a standard S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission and comes at an MSRP of $29,950.

"In winning the 2010 Green Car of the Year Award, the Audi A3 TDI demonstrates the bright future that clean diesel technology provides through reduced fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions," said Johan de Nysschen, President, Audi of America. "This honor demonstrates that the A3 TDI is a ready-now solution to our society's toughest transportation issues."

The Green Car of the Year® jury, comprised of six environmental and automotive experts along with Green Car Journal editors, selected the 2010 Audi A3 TDI from a field of five finalists that also included the Honda Insight, Mercury Milan Hybrid, Toyota Prius and VW Golf TDI.

This year's invited jurors included Dr. Alan Lloyd, president of the International Council on Clean Transportation; Carl Pope, executive director of the Sierra Club; Jean-Michel Cousteau, president of Ocean Futures Society; Matt Petersen, president of Global Green USA; automotive expert and television host Jay Leno; and automotive icon Carroll Shelby. The Green Car Journal has been unveiling the Green Car of the Year® winner at the LA Auto Show every year since it initiated the annual award in 2005.

"This was the strongest field of nominees ever for our Green Car of the Year® program," said Cogan. "It's a clear indication that the auto industry is on track to deliver an expanding number of 'green' car choices at the showroom in coming years. It's also an affirmation that fuel-efficient clean diesel models are becoming a serious competitor in the American market."Source URL: https://ashesgarrett.blogspot.com/search/label/Awards
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2010 Toyota Prius Earns the Best Buy Award

The 2010 Toyota Prius earns a 'Best Buy' award from Consumer Guide Automotive, the first time it has been on the list.  The Prius was 'insufficiently transparent' for the vehicle to earn Consumer Guide recognition until now. 

22 of the vehicles listed in the Consumer Guide Awards come with diesel or hybrid variants.  Thus Consumer Guides feels the hybrid technology has 'finally matured' and is 'firmly established.'

Seems to me like they're a little behind the times, but that's OK. A conservative approach to car reviewers is a good thing.


Press Release Follows:
LINCOLNWOOD, IL., December 2, 2009 -- Consumer Guide Automotive, the leading publisher of authoritative, objective new and used car reviews for over 40 years, today announced the recipients of its 2010 Best Buy and Recommended Awards. The annual list, designed to make car buying easier for consumers, represents the best overall values in 18 vehicle categories. For the almost three million people who visit Consumer Guide’s website each month, this year’s list showcases both perennial performers and some surprising newcomers.

For the first time, the Toyota Prius has achieved Best Buy recognition in the Midsize Car category. “Since its debut in 2001, Consumer Guide has respected the Toyota Prius for its technological sophistication and best-in-class fuel economy. Prius' hybrid powertrain had its faults, however, and did not operate with sufficient transparency for the vehicle to earn Consumer Guide recognition,” said Tom Appel, Consumer Guide Automotive Associate Publisher. “A 2010 Prius redesign brings with it not only substantial improvements in ride and cabin appointments, but a smooth, super-efficient powertrain that operates much like any other refined sedan. It is for these reasons, that for the first time ever, Prius is a Consumer Guide Best Buy.”

In addition to Prius, 22 vehicles with available hybrid or diesel power were also awarded Consumer Guide Automotive Best Buy or Recommended honors. “This once fringe technology has finally matured,” said Appel, “and now many hybrids can be found firmly established among the best automobiles on the market.”

In contrast, this year also welcomes the return of the American large car, with the new/redesigned Buick LaCrosse and Ford Taurus receiving Consumer Guide Automotive Best Buy recognition. “With shoppers migrating from traditional SUVs, the once-dormant large car category is in renaissance. For 2010, traditional big sedans are back, but in a very modern way. The Buick LaCrosse and Ford Taurus are very different cars, but earn Consumer Guide Automotive Best Buy accolades for impressive passenger comfort, road isolation, and dollar value ”

Since 1967, Consumer Guide's preeminent editorial team has used a comprehensive evaluation process based on the factors that matter most to car buyers to arrive at the annual list of winners. Initially, the list is divided into 18 classes based on vehicle type, size, and price. These class segments span the entire automotive market and include hundreds of cars, SUVs, minivans, and trucks.

The editors then use objective criteria such as price, features, performance, passenger accommodations, fuel economy, reliability records, and resale value to assess each vehicle. The winners are divided into two categories: The Consumer Guide Automotive Best Buy and Recommended Award winners.

A Consumer Guide Automotive’s Best Buy rating signifies that a vehicle is ranked at the top of its class and is strongly recommended by the editors. Consumer Guide Best Buy vehicles represent the finest balance of attributes and price within their classes, and they are the best choices for most consumers. Consumer Guide Automotive's Recommended list features cars that, though not ranked at the very top of their category, are still worth strong consideration by the consumer.

The key to Consumer Guide Automotive's annual Best Buy and Recommended Awards is the careful evaluation of every aspect of each vehicle as it relates to consumers’ real-world use of the vehicle.

Consumer Guide’s editorial team drives nearly 200,000 miles a year evaluating what these vehicles do well, and what they don't. The process assures that recommendations are based on experiences that best reflect the settings and conditions that the average car buyer encounters every day. Whether it is driving through the city, highways, rural areas, long trips, or simply picking up the kids up at school, the vehicles are tested in the same way the average car buyer would use theirs.

Complete reviews of the winning vehicles, as well as other pertinent information for in-market car buyers, are provided exclusively by HowStuffWorks.com (www.howstuffworks.com) and can be found online at consumerguide.com.Source URL: https://ashesgarrett.blogspot.com/search/label/Awards
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Ford Fusion Hybrid Racks Up Awards

The Ford Fusion Hybrid has seen some pretty good reviews so far, and is now seeing quite a few awards swing by, too. The Ford Hybrid was named one of Car and Driver's 10 Best cars for 2010, plus the Fusion lineup received Motor Trend 2010 Car of the Year Award.

And now the Earth, Wind & Power (EWP) have named the Ford Fusion Hybrid as the Most Environmentally Progressive Car of the Year.  Truck of the Year went to the 2010 Audi Q7 TDI Clean Diesel.

“Ford has worked diligently to make the Fusion Hybrid America’s most fuel-efficient midsize sedan,” said Jonathan Richards, Fusion marketing manager. “It is very gratifying to see our hard work recognized by some of the most prominent automotive journalists in the country through the EWP award.”

The Ford Fusion Hybrid has been a strong seller since its introduction earlier this year. Hybrid sales account for almost 20 percent of total Fusion retail sales, and the majority of those sales have been to customers coming from import brands – mostly Toyota and Honda.Source URL: https://ashesgarrett.blogspot.com/search/label/Awards
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Toyota Prius Tops in Resale Value - KBB 2010 Awards

Once again, the Toyota Prius topped KBB resale value charts for 2010.

For buyers seeking to make a statement about their commitment to saving the world, no car says it louder than the Toyota Prius. Combining EPA-estimated combined fuel economy of 50 miles per gallon with outstanding resale value, the Prius delivers value throughout the ownership cycle.

The Prius topped the hybrid/alternative category, plus it made the top 10 list (overall) in KBB 2010 Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value Awards.

Hybrids helped push Toyota and Lexus to the top in the brand and top luxury brand categories.

From the Kbb site:

While most car buyers today consider sticker price the most significant number when choosing a new vehicle, our editors recommend taking a closer look at a number Kelley Blue Book is expert in calculating: its resale value. Depreciation often is the greatest expense incurred by drivers during the first five years of vehicle ownership, so choosing a vehicle that retains its value better than others is important in keeping your total ownership cost low. The Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value Awards recognize automakers' outstanding achievements in producing vehicles that best retain their value. Awards are presented to top vehicles within 15 vehicle categories, for Overall Top 10 vehicles across all categories and the brand with the best projected resale value across its entire line of vehicles.

Models with top resale values in individual segments include:

• Mid-size pickup: Toyota Tacoma
• Full-size pickup: Ford F-Series Super Duty
• Compact utility: Honda CR-V
• Mid-size utility: Toyota Highlander
• Full-size utility: Honda Pilot
• Luxury utility: Lexus RX 350
• Hybrid/alternative-fuel utility: BMW X5 turbo diesel
• Sports car: Nissan 370Z
• Van: Toyota Sienna
• Hybrid/alternative-fuel car: Toyota Prius
• Compact car: MINI Cooper Clubman
• Mid-size car: Honda Accord
• Full-size car: Ford Taurus
• Near-luxury car: Lexus IS
• Luxury car: Audi A5
• High-performance car: Chevrolet Camaro SSSource URL: https://ashesgarrett.blogspot.com/search/label/Awards
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Toyota Prius Gets Best Fuel Efficiency Award from Popular Mechanics

Popular Mechanics gives the 2010 Toyota Prius the award for Best Fuel Efficiency.

Best Fuel Efficiency: 2010 Toyota Prius
Few cars define efficient travel like the Toyota Prius. And the Prius has been the mpg leader— a title it has earned yet again with its 2010 model.
...
Toyota’s hybrid system remains the benchmark. But the tech extends beyond the drivetrain with optional solar ventilation, radar-based cruise control and intelligent parking. Yet it’s the driving dynamics that make the Toyota appealing to a wider audience. This is the first Prius that’s actually fun to drive.

Not a surprising award, but still notable.Source URL: https://ashesgarrett.blogspot.com/search/label/Awards
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Toyota Prius Wins Car of the Year in Japan

The Toyota Prius has been named the 2009-2010 Japan Car of the Year. (via motortrend) It narrowly beat out the Honda Insight (433 to 391). Which makes sense given the sales numbers, but that's not always a good indicator for what jurors are going to consider in any vote.

61 jurors voted at the Tokyo Motor Show.

The Volkswagen Golf came in third, and was crowned Import Car of the Year. The Mitsubishi i-MiEV, the first 'real world' vehicle  to use lithium-ion batteries, won 'Most Advanced Technology' and the Nissan Fairlady Z (370Z) won for 'Most Fun.' The Subaru Legacy took 'Best Value.'Source URL: https://ashesgarrett.blogspot.com/search/label/Awards
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Consumer Reports Once Again Points to Hybrids for Reliability

Starting with the Honda Insight, hybrids have once again been named as some of the most reliable cars. The Honda Insight was rated as the most reliable car by Consumer Reports.

CR went on to point out five of the eight most reliable family cars are also hybrids, including the Toyota Prius, Ford Fusion Hybrid, Mercury Milan Hybrid, Nissan Altima Hybrid and Toyota Camry Hybrid.

The Toyota Prius ranked first for family sedans, followed by the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan.

But Toyota and Honda dominated the top ranks. 36 of the top 48 were from Toyota and Honda.

Press Release follows:

YONKERS, N.Y., Oct. 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Ford has secured its position as the only Detroit automaker with world-class reliability. About 90 percent (46 of 51) of Ford, Mercury, and Lincoln products were found to have average or better reliability, according to Consumer Reports' 2009 Annual Car Reliability Survey. The results were announced today at an Automotive Press Association luncheon in Detroit.

Ford's sustained production of vehicles that are as dependable--or better than--some of the industry's best dispels the notion that only Japanese manufacturers make reliable cars. Other than the Toyota Prius, the reliability of the 4-cylinder Fusion and Milan ranks higher than that of any other family sedan. Both of those Ford Motor Company products continue to beat the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, while the upscale Lincoln MKZ tops its rivals, the Acura TL and Lexus ES.

"It's rare for Consumer Reports to see family sedans from domestic carmakers continue to beat the reliability scores of such highly regarded Japanese models as the Camry and Accord," said David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports' Automotive Test Center. The last domestic sedan that had better reliability than the Camry and Accord was the Buick Regal in 2004, he noted.

Ford's position as the most reliable domestic carmaker includes good scores for its new Ford Flex SUV. But the Lincoln division has had mixed results; some models score below their Ford equivalents. All-wheel-drive versions of the Lincoln MKS, MKX, and MKZ, essentially high-end versions of the Ford Taurus, Edge, and Fusion, respectively, are all below average.

More details, and a list of models with the best and worst predicted-reliability Ratings, will appear first on www.ConsumerReports.org. The reliability report will also appear in the December issue of Consumer Reports, on sale November 3, and in the latest Consumer Reports Cars publication, Best & Worst New Cars for 2010, which also includes predicted-reliability ratings for more than 300 models.

A large margin separates the best from the worst. The least reliable vehicle, the Volkswagen Touareg, is 27 times more likely to have a problem than the most reliable car, the Honda Insight.

In addition to the Insight, small car reliability scores stood out. Twenty of 37 small cars have above-average predicted-reliability including the Honda Fit, Scion xD and Volkswagen Golf. Family cars fared nearly as well, with 21 out of 42 scoring above average. Five of the eight most reliable family cars are hybrids, including the Toyota Prius, Ford Fusion Hybrid, Mercury Milan Hybrid, Nissan Altima Hybrid and Toyota Camry Hybrid.

Even good brands falter. Among the least reliable vehicles in their respective classes are the all-wheel-drive Lexus GS, the Nissan Versa sedan, and the Subaru Impreza WRX.

General Motors shows some bright spots, Chrysler still struggles

Some newer GM products are bright spots. Overall 20 of the 48 GM models Consumer Reports surveyed have average reliability scores, while the Chevrolet Malibu V6 has shown better-than-average scores and is on par with the most reliable family sedans. The Buick Lucerne did well in Consumer Reports road tests, and it scores average in reliability.

The Chevrolet Traverse SUV also makes the cut, as does its cousin, the Buick Enclave, but only in the all-wheel-drive version. The reliability scores of the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500 pickups have improved enough to earn Consumer Reports' Recommendation. CR only Recommends vehicles that have performed well in its tests, have at least average predicted reliability based on the Annual Auto Survey, and performed at least adequately if crash-tested or included in a government rollover test.

GM has a number of strong contenders either just released or in the pipeline, but they are too new for CR to have reliability data on them.

Chrysler continues to struggle. More than one-third of Chrysler products are much worse than average, including its new car-based SUV, the Dodge Journey. Last year, Consumers Reports couldn't Recommend any of its products either because of mediocre performance, poor reliability scores, or both. However, this year CR can recommend one important vehicle in Chrysler's lineup: the four-wheel-drive version of the redesigned Dodge Ram 1500 pickup. It did well in CR road tests and rates average in reliability.

Asian brands still in command

Of the 48 models with top reliability scores, 36 are Asian--Toyota accounts for 18; Honda, eight; Nissan, four; and Hyundai/Kia and Subaru, three each. With only a few exceptions, Japanese vehicles are consistently good. All Honda and Acura products have average or above average reliability. Although, Toyota, with its Lexus and Scion brands, provides a broader product range; the Lexus GS AWD is the only Toyota model with below average reliability.

Models from Nissan and its Infiniti luxury division have mostly been very reliable. The once-troublesome Infiniti QX56 and Nissan Armada are now average, as is the four-wheel-drive Nissan Titan, although its rear-wheel-drive version is still troublesome. The Nissan Versa has produced uneven results. Over the last two surveys, the hatchback has been average while the sedan has been far below average. The Nissan Quest minivan also remains troublesome.

Hyundai and Kia continue to make reliable cars. The Hyundai Elantra and Tucson, and the Kia Sportage get top marks. The new Hyundai Genesis V6 is better than average; the V8 version is average. Only Kia's Sedona minivan and Sorento SUV score below average.

European models continue to rally

European brands continue to improve. Mercedes-Benz has significantly rebounded, with most models average or better, and the GLK did exceptionally well in its first year in CR's survey. Scores from rival BMW are more mixed. The 535i sedan and X3 SUV declined in reliability, and the 135i, debuting in this survey, scores below average. Some BMW models have average or better reliability, but the 328i versions are the only ones that we have tested and can Recommend.

Volkswagen and Audi are also staging a nice reliability recovery. The Volkswagen Rabbit (Golf) and the new CC earn top scores. The VW Jetta's Recommendation now extends to the diesel version, making it the only diesel Consumer Reports currently recommends.

Both the VW Passat and Audi A3 have improved so that they now have average reliability scores. The new VW Tiguan SUV is average. The Audi Q7 SUV continues to be much worse than average, but not as bad as its platform mate, the VW Touareg, which not only scores poorly but has the worst new-car predicted reliability score in the survey.

All of Volvo's sedans are average or better, but Volvo's XC90 SUV is below average. Porsche, which has been doing quite well in our survey of late, has one serious hiccup this year: The Boxster drops to below average, which strikes it from Consumer Reports Recommended list. But the Cayenne SUV improved to average.

Findings are based on responses on more than 1.4 million vehicles owned or leased by subscribers to Consumer Reports or its Web site, www.ConsumerReports.org, the biggest response in the Annual Auto Survey's history. The survey was conducted in the spring of 2009 by Consumer Reports' National Survey Research Center and covered model years 2000 to 2009.

Consumer Reports' expert team of statisticians and automotive engineers used the survey data to predict reliability of new 2010 models. Predicted reliability is CR's forecast of how well models currently on sale are likely to hold up. To calculate predicted-reliability ratings, CR averages the overall reliability scores (used car verdicts) for the most recent three model years, provided that the model remained unchanged in that period and also didn't substantially change for 2010. If a model was new or redesigned in the past couple of years, one or two years' data may be used, or if that's all that's available.

Consumer Reports Annual Auto Survey is used in determining which makes and models are recommended to consumers by CR. Consumer Reports recommends only models that have performed well in tests conducted at its 327-acre Auto Test Center in Connecticut, and that have average or better predicted reliability based on its annual survey. In addition, vehicles must perform well in government or insurance-industry crash and rollover tests, if tested, in order to be Recommended. Occasionally, Consumer Reports may recommend a redesigned model too new to have compiled a reliability record if the previous generation, and the manufacturer's reliability track record has been consistently outstanding, and if the model meets the other criteria.

Full reliability history charts and predicted-reliability ratings on hundreds of 2010 models, plus a list of what's up and what's down, best and worst models, and a comparison chart of brands can be found online at www.ConsumerReports.org, in the December issue and in the latest Consumer Reports Cars publication, Best & Worst New Cars for 2010 ($6.99 U.S./$7.99 Canada), on sale November 17, 2009 everywhere magazines are sold.Source URL: https://ashesgarrett.blogspot.com/search/label/Awards
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Nominees for the 2010 Green Car of the Year

The five nominees for Green Car of the Year are out. They are the Audi A3 TDI, Honda Insight, Mercury Milan Hybrid, Toyota Prius and Volkswagen Golf TDI.

The winner will be announced on Dec 3 at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

The nominees were selected by Green Car Journal editors. The winner will be selected by jurors which include the likes of Jay Leno, Jean-Michel Cousteau, Carroll Shelby, Matt Petersen of Global Green USA and the Sierra Club's Carl Pope, along with Green Car Journal editors.

The five nominees this year are three hybrids and two clean diesels. It's the first time an Audi has made the list.

Past winners include the Volkswagen Jetta TDI in 2009 and the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid in 2008 and the Toyota Camry Hybrid in 2007.Source URL: https://ashesgarrett.blogspot.com/search/label/Awards
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