The AutoMD survey, carried out online among automobile owners in December 2009 and January 2010, offers a snapshot of car owners’ aims about their current car with clear indications that consumers are firmly breaking out of the buy-every-few-years cycle, opting to drive and repair alternatively.

Nearly half of survey respondents suggested that their current vehicle had over 100,000 miles. A combined 69% reported that they projected to drive their current car for 150,000 or more miles (13%), or until their automobile dies (56%).

Near four in five (77%) project to drive their current vehicle for 50,000 (or more) miles than they drove their last automobile. Less than 12% said they will keep their current vehicle for fewer miles than their last automobile.

Fifty-four percent of respondents reported spending $500 or more on yearly repairs to their vehicle, with 21% reporting that they spend $1,000 or more. Forty-four percent report that tight budgets are driving them to either pay more attention to maintenance and repairs or do the repairs themselves. When asked for the number one reason for holding onto their car for 100,000 miles or more, one-quarter stated that “in this economy, I simply can’t afford not to” and nearly thirty percent suggested that being watchful with repairs and service should hold it in clean running condition.

AutoMD was launched in January 2010 as the most complete and unbiased free online automotive repair resource fashioned to empower car owners with the best and most inexpensive way to repair their vehicles — whether they’re heading to the shop or doing it themselves.

The AutoMD Mileage Survey was conducted December 2009 through January 2010. The survey represents a snapshot of car owner intentions about their current vehicle. Participants identified as either DIYers (Do It Yourself) or DFMers (Do It For Me), with minimal trend differences between groups.

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Celebrity guests arrived in Audi Q7 TDI clean diesel SUV’s, the same vehicles driven during The Audi Efficiency Challenge. Also at the event, Chad Henne of the Miami Dolphins was congratulated for winning the Audi Efficiency Challenge for which Audi donated $20,000 to his favorite charity, the Berks County Community Foundation. Beginning in Herndon, Virginia – Audi of America’s headquarters – and concluding in Miami, Florida, the competition pitted high-profile sports journalists and athletes against one another to see who could achieve the best fuel-efficiency in an Audi Q7 TDI clean diesel SUV. Participants included Bill Simmons from ESPN.com, Mike Silver of Yahoo! Sports, New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora and Miami Dolphins quarterback Chad Henne.

Created by San Francisco-based Venables Bell & Partners, the highly anticipated spot highlights the Audi A3 TDI, recently named by Green Car Journal as the 2010 “Green Car of the Year,” beating out such esteemed competitors as the Toyota Prius and the Honda Insight to win the coveted award.

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Toyota announced it would recall approximately 2.3 million vehicles to fix sticking accelerator pedals on certain Toyota Division models. Toyota has investigated isolated reports of sticking accelerator pedal mechanisms in certain models without the presence of floor mats. There is a hypothesis that certain accelerator pedal mechanisms may, in extraordinary circumstances, “mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position.”

Toyota’s accelerator pedal recall and suspension of sales is confined to the following Toyota Division vehicles:

2009-2010 Toyota RAV4,
2009-2010 Toyota Corolla,
2009-2010 Toyota Matrix,
2005-2010 Toyota Avalon,
Certain 2007-2010 Toyota Camry,
2010 Toyota Highlander,
2007-2010 Toyota Tundra,
2008-2010 Toyota Sequoia

No Lexus Division or Scion cars or SUVs are subject by these actions. Also not involved are Toyota Prius, Tacoma, Sienna, Venza, Solara, Yaris, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser and select Camry models, including all Camry hybrids, which will remain for sale.

Due to the sales suspension, Toyota is expected to stop producing cars on the following production lines for the week of February 1 to evaluate and coordinate activities. The North America vehicle production plants affected are:

— Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Canada (Corolla, Matrix, and RAV4)
— Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana (Sequoia and Highlander)
— Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky – Line 1 (Camry and Avalon)
— Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. (Camry)
— Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas (Tundra)

No other North American Toyota vehicle production facilities are subject by the decisiveness to break production.

The sticking accelerator pedal recall is different from the ongoing recall of Toyota and Lexus vehicles to reduce the chance of pedal entrapment by improper or out of place accessory floor mats. Around 1.7 million Toyota Division cars and trucks are affected to both separate recall actions.

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This new wifi internet hot spot capability will be standard on select SYNC-equipped vehicles and require no additional hardware or subscriptions beyond a user-supplied mobile broadband modem.

For security purposes, standard WiFi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) security protocols will be in force, and only owner-permitted devices will be able to access the network, helping ensure secure, robust connectivity for in-car users.

Inserting an owner’s compatible USB mobile broadband modem – sometimes called an “air card” – into SYNC’s USB port will produce a secure wireless connection that will be broadcast throughout the vehicle, allowing passengers with WiFi-enabled mobile devices to access the Internet anywhere the broadband modem receives connectivity.

The USB port provided by SYNC lets owners leverage a variety of devices, including the mobile broadband modem. And through simple software updates, SYNC can be adapted to connect with the latest devices.

The SYNC WiFi capability is a simple solution for bringing internet into the vehicle, versus competitive systems on the market. Being factory-installed, the hardware is seamlessly integrated into the vehicle, whereas competitor’s systems are dealer-installed and require a bulky bolt-in receiver and transmitter that take up cabin space. Also, competitive systems cost approximately $500 for equipment and installation, not to mention the monthly subscription fee.

Using the SYNC WiFi system, a signal will be broadcast throughout the vehicle. Default security is set to WiFi Protected Access 2 (WPA2), requiring users to enter a randomly chosen password to connect to the Internet. When SYNC sees a new WiFi device for the first time, the driver must specifically allow that device to connect, preventing unauthorized users from “piggybacking” on the SYNC-provided signal.

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Additionally, the site features a new type of advertising placement: the “OPA Pushdown.” Ad content grows, then shrinks again, pushing the site content down rather than covering it. When collapsed, the ad is extremely thin and non-intrusive. The Online Publishers Association (OPA) recently introduced this compelling ad format, and it is expected to become a very popular tool for advertisers in 2010.

Edmunds Inc. publishes four Web sites that empower, engage and educate automotive consumers, enthusiasts and insiders. Edmunds.com, the premier online resource for automotive consumer information, launched in 1995 as the first automotive information Web site. InsideLine.com launched in 2005 and is the most-read automotive enthusiast Web site. CarSpace launched in 2006 and is an automotive social networking Web site. AutoObserver.com launched in 2007 and provides insightful automotive industry commentary and analysis. Edmunds Inc. is headquartered in Santa Monica, California, and maintains a satellite office in suburban Detroit.

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2010 GMC Acadia was picked as the best tailgating car because of its “available power liftgate, rear-seat DVD entertainment and a 115-volt outlet are convenient features when it comes to tailgating, but the GMC Acadia’s cargo-area audio controls are particularly awesome.”

Here’s the rest of the list of best tailgating cars:
2009 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
2010 Kia Soul
2009 Honda Ridgeline
2009 Dodge Caravan
2009 GMC Yukon Denali
2009 Dodge Caliber
2009 Honda Element
2010 Ford F-150

“If you’re planning a big tailgate party, you’d better have a big tailgate, and the full-size Ford F-150 offers that and more. “

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The 2010 Audi Q7 is here. Audi has totally redesigned the Audi Q7 for 2010, and added new features. Audi has added distinctive new LED front and rear lighting, and the 2010 Q7 models now include 3G MMI 3D navigation screen and SIRIUS traffic.

Cool new interior enhancements of the 2010 Audi Q7 include additional ambient lighting, decorative inlays and available ventilated front seats. The 2010 Audi Q7s are scheduled to arrive at U.S. Audi dealers in September 2009.

2010 Audi Q7 (excluding $825 destination charge, taxes, title, options and dealer charges):
2010 Audi Q7 3.6 quattro (Tiptronic ) $46,900
2010 Audi Q7 TDI quattro (Tiptronic) $50,900
2010 Audi Q7 4.2 quattro (Tiptronic) $61,000

Exterior enhancements include a new wheel program, updated front and rear bumpers, distinctive new front headlamps and tail lights, single frame grille in gloss black with vertical chrome strips, exterior mirror housings, and a new lower body panel strategy featuring contrast paint for the Q7 3.6 quattro, full body paint with Chrome package on the Q7 TDI quattro clean diesel, and S line treatment on the Q7 4.2 quattro. The equipment packages for the 2010 Q7 3.6 quattro and the 2010 Q7 TDI begin at the Premium level, while the 2010 Q7 4.2 quattro starts with the Prestige level packaging.

Interior upgrades include optional ventilated front seats, a new decorative inlay on the passenger side of the dashboard, additional ambient lighting on all four doors, an upgraded MMI system, additional interior chrome accents, and a new instrumentation font.

The redesigned 2010 Audi Q7 features technological advancements as available features that enhance both interior and performance luxury. The 3G MMI (Multi Media Interface) provides richly detailed 3D map courtesy of an automotive grade NVIDIA(TM) chip for graphics processing, along with SIRIUS traffic and joystick control. The system also features voice-based destination input control and voice inputs, such as “I’m hungry,” “I need gas” and “I need coffee” that will point to the closest options.

Audi is also the first car company in the United States to equip 100% of its gasoline engines with FSI direct injection technology beginning with model year 2010. Audi began racing with FSI direct injection technology in 2000 at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the American Le Mans Series with the R8 FSI prototype racing sports car. Once this technology first became available for U.S. Audi customers in late 2004 with the introduction of the 2005 A6 3.2 FSI quattro, the list of Audi vehicles sold in the U.S. with FSI direct injection technology has continued to grow.

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This year’s list actually has an emphasis on personality, and many of the models features that we probably thought were outlandish..but now we’re accepting most of those features as being “cool”.

KBB says that “for 2009, three vehicles – Kia Soul, Nissan cube and smart fortwo – are all-new to the ‘Coolest Cars’ list, and two of this year’s repeat winners – Honda Fit and MAZDA3 – have undergone redesigns. The MAZDA3 is the only model that can boast about being named a Coolest New Car Under $18,000 by Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com for six years in a row, which also is every year since the car’s inception. A worldly bunch, the 2009 Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000 list includes vehicles from companies based in the United States, Japan, Korea and Germany.”

They go on to say that they chose cars using the same set of criteria that we do: safety, fuel economy, interior size, comfort, technology, the vehicle’s fun-to-drive-factor, as well as the decidedly subjective “cool” factor.

The editors compiled the list of qualifying vehicles using Kelley Blue Book’s New Car Blue Book Values, which reflect real-world transaction prices and provide a more useful comparison point than Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). Every vehicle on the list can be purchased for less than $18,000.

Here’s the list of the 2009 Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000:

2009 Ford Focus
2009 Honda Fit
2010 Kia Soul
2010 Mazda MAZDA3 i Sport
2009 Nissan Cube
2009 Scion xB
2009 Smart Fortwo
2009 Subaru Impreza 2.5i
2009 Suzuki SX4
2009 Volkswagen Rabbit S

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Chrysler posts best retail sales month of 2009
Chrysler LLC reported May U.S. total sales of 79,010 units, representing the best retail sales month of 2009 and a retail performance that was better than the industry average. Compared to May 2008, retail sales decreased 30 percent. During the month of May, Chrysler LLC did not produce any vehicles for fleet sales which resulted in a fleet sales reduction of 90 percent year-over-year for the same period.

Volkswagen Reports May 2009 Sales
Volkswagen of America, Inc. reported May 2009 sales of 19,568 units, a 12.4 percent decrease over May 2008. Volkswagen of America’s volume model, the Jetta, posted its best sales month since August of 2008 with sales of 8,992 units. The Jetta SportWagen posted its best sales month since its launch last year with sales of 1,605 units. Volkswagen’s award winning clean diesel models also posted their best sales month since their launch last year with 3,862 units sold.

BMW Group U.S. Division Reports May 2009 Sales
The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported May sales of 22,993 vehicles, a decrease of 27.7 percent from the 31,781 vehicles sold in the same month of 2008. The BMW Group also reported a year-to-date sales volume of 93,599 vehicles, down 29 percent, compared to 131,758 vehicles sold in the same period a year ago.

Hyundai Motor America Reports May 2009 Sales
Hyundai Motor America today announced sales of 36,937 vehicles in May, a nine percent increase over April and a 20 percent decline versus a record-setting May 2008. Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced by more than 780 dealerships nationwide.

  CARLINE         MAY/2008     MAY/2009     CY/2008    CY/2009
  -------         --------     --------     -------     ------
  ACCENT           6,941        5,877       21,270      24,789
  SONATA          13,620       11,059       49,052      48,531
  ELANTRA         13,645        6,932       47,496      33,411
  TIBURON          1,023        1,640        3,988       7,903
  SANTA FE         6,604        6,486       31,547      26,325
  AZERA            1,221          346        9,698       1,638
  TUCSON           2,049        1,346        9,783       6,452
  ENTOURAGE          491          129        2,533       3,300
  VERACRUZ           821        1,043        5,666       6,294
  GENESIS              0        2,079            0       8,100
  TOTAL           46,415       36,937      181,033     166,743

Nissan North America Announces May Sales
Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today reported sales for March of 67,489 units versus 100,874 units a year ago, a decrease of 33.1 percent. Sales of Nissan Division vehicles decreased 32.5 percent, while sales of Infiniti vehicles decreased by 38.1 percent.

American Honda Reports May Sales
American Honda Motor Co., Inc., posted May total vehicle sales of 98,344, a decline of 39.2 percent compared to all-time record-setting May 2008 results. Year-to-date sales of 430,358 represent a 33.3 percent decrease on a daily-selling-rate basis* compared to last year. Honda Division posted May sales of 88,875, a decline of 39.7 percent versus May 2008. The all-new Insight hybrid posted sales of 2,780, helping drive an increase in total Honda hybrid sales of 7.5 percent.

Acura Announces May Sales Results
The all-new for 2009 Acura TL remained as Acura’s top selling model for May with sales of 3,375 units, down 18.4 percent compared to May 2008 sales based on the Daily Selling Rate*. Total Acura sales for May were 9,469, down 34.0 percent versus last year. Acura year-to-date** sales are 42,802 units, down 33.6 percent versus 2008 sales.

Mazda Reports May 2009 Sales
Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported May 2009 sales of 16,718, down 40.1 percent versus May of 2008, and down 37.9 percent on a Daily Selling Rate (DSR) basis. Overall, total yearly sales are reported at 86,652, down 33.0 percent compared to 2008, or 32.0 percent on a DSR basis.

Mercedes-Benz Reports May Sales of 15,134
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) reported May sales of 15,134 vehicles, a decline of 30.5 percent compared to May 2008. The volume leaders for the month were the C, E, and M-Class with sales of 4,842, 2,275, and 2,021 respectively. On a year-to-date basis, the company sold 69,933 new vehicles, a decrease of 29.9 percent over the comparable period last year.

Daimler AG Reports a 33 Percent Decrease for the Mercedes-Benz Cars Division in the U.S. for May 2009
Daimler AG (NYSE:DAI) reported sales for the Mercedes-Benz Cars division (Mercedes-Benz and smart combined) of 16,303 units in the U.S. for May 2009. All sales figures in this release are on an unadjusted basis unless otherwise noted. Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported May sales of 15,134 vehicles, a decline of 30.5 percent compared to May 2008. The volume leaders for the month were the C, E, and M-Class with sales of 4,842, 2,275, and 2,021 respectively. On a year-to-date basis, the company sold 69,933 new vehicles, a decrease of 29.9 percent over the comparable period last year.

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Subaru of America, Inc. has officially announced the pricing for the 2010 Subaru Outback. This new version of the Subaru Outback is a roomier and more capable interpretation of the vehicle that launched the crossover trend 15 years ago. Distinguished by bolder and crisper styling, the all-new 2010 Subaru Outback delivers enhanced performance, comfort and economy with the introduction of an all-new chassis and the new Subaru Lineartronic(TM) CVT (continuously variable transmission).

The price of the 2010 Subaru Outback starts at $22,995. The 2010 Subaru Outback is the roomiest Subaru Outback ever. The 2010 Subaru Outback has new levels of comfort, and is quieter than ever.

The 2010 Subaru Outback has a new 6-speed Manual and CVT Transmissions on the Subaru Outback 2.5i models. The new 2010 Subaru Outback 3.6R now has a more powerful 6-cylinder engine.

The 2010 Subaru Outback 2.5i is powered by a revised 170-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Boxer engine and is available with either a new standard 6-speed manual transmission for $22,995 (the same price as the outgoing model) or the Lineartronic(TM) CVT for $23,995.

This base model 2010 Subaru Outback comes complete with 4-wheel disc brakes, power steering, tilt and telescope steering column, 8 cup holders, 60/40 split-folding and reclining rear seats, floor mats, cargo tray, electronic parking brake with Hill Holder(R) system, auto on/off exterior lights (autolights), AM/FM Stereo with single-disc CD player, auxiliary input jack and 4 speakers, dual lit visor mirrors, variable intermittent wipers, updated gauge cluster with ‘eco’ gauge, multi-function display with outside temperature, overhead console with sunglass holder and remote keyless entry system.

There are a number of options available for the 2010 Subaru Outback. (Availability varies by trim level):

— Power moonroof at $995
— All-Weather Package at $500 which includes: heated front seats, windshield wiper de-icer and heated exterior mirrors
— harman/kardon(R) audio system for $995 which includes: AM/FM 6 CD, 440 Watt harman/kardon amplifier, 9 harman/kardon speakers, hands-free Bluetooth(R) phone capability
— Navigation system for $2,000 which includes: AM/FM/CD/DVD, GPS navigation system 8″ LCD touch-screen, 440 watt harman/kardon amplifier, 9 harman/kardon speakers, hands-free Bluetooth phone and audio, USB port with iPod(TM) control and backup camera

The 2010 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium comes with either a 6-speed manual transmission or the option of the all-new Lineartronic CVT and will have a starting price of $24,295 (2.5i Premium with Lineartronic CVT starts at $25,295.)

The 2010 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited comes equipped with the new Lineartronic CVT and will have a starting price of only $27,995.

The 2010 Subaru Outback 3.6R will have a starting price of $27,995 — a $4,000 decrease from the 2009 6-cylinder Outback and includes all 2.5i model features (where applicable) plus P225/50 R17 all-season tires, 17″ Alloy Wheels, paddle shifters, driver’s side window w/automatic up and down, instrument storage bin w/door, overhead console with sunglass holder and ambient light, privacy glass and fog lights.

The 2010 Subaru Outback 3.6R Premium will have a starting price of $28,995 and includes all 3.6R base model features (where applicable) plus a 10-way power driver’s seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel and All-Weather Package. Options include: harman/kardon audio system and power moonroof.

The 2010 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited will have a starting price of $30,995 and includes all 3.6R Premium model features plus perforated ivory / off black leather-trimmed upholstery, 4-way power front passenger seat, and harman/kardon audio system. Options include: power moonroof and navigation system (navigation system requires power moonroof option).

Destination and Delivery charge is $695 for all 2010MY Outback models in the Contiguous 48 States. The MSRP of PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) models is $300 more than the federal specification model.

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