Subaru announced that the all-new 2014 Forester has received a Top Safety Pick+ (TSP+) award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The 2014 Subaru Forester is the first vehicle to ace every aspect of the challenging small overlap front crash test conducted by the IIHS. The Forester is the only one of 13 small SUVs to earn an overall rating of good in the test.  This is not the first time that the Forester has stood out in a new IIHS crash test. When the Institute first rated small SUVs for side protection in 2003, the Subaru model performed the best and was one of only two vehicles to earn good ratings.

“With the redesigned Forester, Subaru’s engineers set out to do well in our new test, and they succeeded,” says Joe Nolan , the Institute’s vice president for vehicle research. “This is exactly how we hoped manufacturers would respond to improve protection for people in these kinds of serious frontal crashes.”

This award builds on Subaru’s safety reputation and is the first IIHS designation for 2014 model year Subaru vehicles.  Subaru is the only manufacturer with 2013 IIHS Top Safety Pick for all models and the only brand with IIHS Top Safety Picks for all models for four years running (2010-2013). The 2014 Forester is the third Subaru vehicle to earn the TSP+ award.  The 2013 Subaru Legacy and Subaru Outback (built after August 2012) were awarded the Institute’s 2013 TSP+ designation in late-2012.  The award requires a “Good” or “Acceptable” rating in the Institute’s new small overlap frontal crash test in addition to meeting the base “TSP” award criteria.

“Safety is one of our brand tenets and so we are extremely proud to have earned a TSP+ rating for Forester and a third Top Safety Pick+ rating for our brand,” said Thomas J. Doll , president and chief operating officer, Subaru of America, Inc. “The Forester is the most award winning small SUV in America and now we have another designation for this venerable vehicle.”

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The Ford Motor Company’s focus has switched from the traditional mini-van to a European inspired, multi-function compact vehicle that is sure to take the world by storm. The Ford Transit Connect is the new wave of the future and offers advantages for both families and businesses. The Transit Connect is flexible enough to be a mini-RV, family car, panel van, or taxi cab.

Ford may have lost the bid for New York City’s “Taxi of Tomorrow”, but it is possible that decision was made in error considering the consistently rising gas prices. The design of the Transit Connect once seemed a bit foreign to Americans and was once thought a product that would not bode well in the sales market. The Ford Connect may be poised to take over as the biggest thing since the creation of the mini-van.

A complete overhaul in the Transit Connect will mean moving the manufacture of the product from Turkey to Spain. This versatile vehicle will be assembled in the heart of Spain and then transported to the United States for sale. Ford works to accommodate every consumer by offering a custom interior to suit every need. Americans have cried out to automobile manufacturers for more economical methods to fuel the vehicles they build. Ford is answering that cry and offering spacious interiors, turbo engines and a money-savings power source.

The exterior design of the Ford Transit Connect is getting a completely new look. The body will resemble vehicles, such as Ford Focus, that attract a higher number of executive clientele. The interior will offer two seating options. The first will offer seating for up to seven people. The second will seat up to five people and will resemble the interior of mini-vans. Although the Transit Connect was originally tagged as a wagon, Ford will turn attention in a different direction by classifying it as a mini-van. That is a more accurate description than a wagon given the sliding door on the side of the vehicle. Once you chose a Ford Transit to be your new family car, the only thing left to do is to think about proper insurance for a carefree driving enjoyment. A good starting point is to search for a minibus insurance online. The World Wide Web helps to weigh your options and offers detailed information such as minibus insurance quotes from DNA insurance.

Ford is willing to take the risk involved with marketing what they once called a wagon. The risk is high and Ford has not had great success in competing in the minivan market. Chrysler had much greater success with their line of mini-vans and Ford was not up for the challenge. Ford may have lost that battle, but the war is still on as the company brings the Transit Connect from wagon to mini-van.

Ford is already working on manufacturing a vehicle design which could mean the release of a prototype for the 2014 Transit Connect. Ford was once a corporate partner with Mazda, which set the stage for the upcoming new Ford Transit Connect. The Mazda 5 may be the key that opens the door to Ford’s future in mini-van sales.

The Mazda 5 plays a very limited role in the mini-van market. The design makes it perfect for heavy traffic areas and crowded parking lots. Its slight build does not attract a vast majority of Americans who tend to prefer roomier vehicles both inside and out. It was lucrative enough to remain on the market for over a decade, but, it never made the huge splash that other manufacturers were able to in the mini-van arena.

Ford hopes that it is able to finally bust through the barriers that have stopped the company from becoming a viable contestant in the game of mini-vans, a label the company dodged for many years. Will the Ford Transit Connect be able to connect to the American public the way other mini-van makers have over the years? There is no sure answer for that, but, Ford is going to give it a go anyway.

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This May 10 and 11, those who attend the 2013 Aberdeen Dad Vail Regatta can see something they couldn’t possibly expect: a Chili Red MINI Convertible that moves through the water of the Schuylkill River when the famous college and university rowing festival takes place. The event is sponsored by MINI and has taken place every year, except during World War II, since 1934.

The floating car is a specially made MINI Convertible that will visit Philadelphia for the first time. Visitors can see it all day on Friday and Saturday. This special vehicle was made by MINI USA Eastern Region during the “Not Normal” sales event that took place in October 2012.

Those who are wondering if they could buy such a car might be a bit disappointed, as it’s not for sale and MINI isn’t currently making any amphibious vehicles. The MINI Convertible that can be seen during the event if actually a mold made out of fiberglass and attached to a boat’s hull. It can move through the water thanks to a 6 horsepower outboard motor. Despite not being an actual car produced by MINI, it does feature authentic MINI parts, such as headlights, grille, badges and wheels. The contraption was built by Lancaster, Pennsylvania based ACI Composites Inc. One interesting feature is that it was designed in a way that lets the wheels run through the water, which makes it look like the car is actually able to drive on the river.

MINI will showcase some of its vehicles during the festival, which will be accompanied by their product specialists who can give more information about MINI’s new car offers. Visitors can get the chance to win prizes by trying out their rowing skills in an ergometer contest staged by MINI.

There are over 35,000 people expected to attend the Dad Vail Regatta this year, which will feature 3,700 rowers coming from 127 colleges and universities.

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The advantages of keeping an older car running longer are much more important these days especially when average new car prices have topped $20,000 based on information provided by AAA. Since many current vehicles are well-built, keeping them longer has become more common with car owners.

Many family sedans can accumulate mileage well above 150,000 miles and still have a body that is in good shape. Automakers have perfected their methods of corrosion protection to the point that rust and corrosion is very rare. However, the engine may be the component that wears out quicker and prompts an owner to decide whether they should buy a new vehicle or replace the engine.

Engine Replacement Process

Replacing an engine may seem to be a one-step process of removing the old engine and installing a new one. However, it involves replacing many other components of the vehicle such as the transmission, radiator, charging system, starter and other parts that may also be worn from the high mileage amassed by the car owner. In most situations, they should be replaced if the engine is replaced so that the owner stands a better chance of getting another 150,000 miles from the vehicle.

If these other components and accessories aren’t replaced with the engine, the owner may encounter problems when these parts start to wear out down the road. The older parts can diminish the “like new” feel of the engine and cause the car to not function as effectively.

When considering installing a new engine, the owner should factor in the costs of replacing and installing these engine-related parts. Most V-8 engines are priced in the $750 to $1,000 range which doesn’t include the installation cost. The cost of a new or rebuilt transmission adds another $500 to $800 to the tab. The other associated components such as the alternator, starter, radiator and water pump can add $300 to $500 more. By the time that hoses, gaskets, belts, mounts and other things that are essential to installing a new engine are considered, the overall price including labor could top $3,000.

If paying the price of a new engine and new components is not an option for the car owner, they can often find engines from alternative sources such as mail order and wrecking yards. Wrecking yards are often a good source for finding low mileage engines from vehicles that have been involved in accidents. Buyers can also find transmissions, starters, radiators and other components that may be in very good shape at a reasonable price. However, caution should be exercised by those that are not as knowledgeable about engines as the “cheap” price could come back to haunt them when the engine or component begin to fail in a short period of time.

Add New Engine, Have Like-New Car

Those considering the replacement of their car’s engine should weigh all these considerations before taking the first step. If done properly, the car owner can get new life and many more years from their beloved car. The only thing to keep in mind when leaving your car at a local garage is to make sure that the owner has a proper motor traders insurance, such as the motor trade insurance from Flint.

Since most vehicles built in the last decade have bodies that are corrosion-free, making a decision to replace the engine, given the costs mentioned above, may still be a great idea. If the other non-engine-related components such as the suspension system are in good shape, the owner will have a vehicle that is like-new once the new engine and components are upgraded.

Most of the major car manufacturers offer replacement engines in “long-block” form. Long-block engines include a new, fully-assembled engine with the cylinder heads installed. Offered directly from the automakers and typically more expensive, they give buyers the safety of a good warranty. This aspect is something that may not be available when buying the engine from a parts store, online source or the junkyard.

The post Replacing a Car Engine Can Bring New Life to Vehicle appeared first on Motorlogy.

Land Rover North America announced the release of the brand’s first ever app designed to showcase the fourth generation Range Rover vehicle. The Trail Less Traveled app, available now on iTunes.com, enables users to take a journey with the Range Rover vehicle, explore its robust on-road and off-road capabilities and experience the numerous interior and exterior refinements that make the vehicle the most capable and refined Range Rover ever.

“For over 65 years, Land Rover has been a pioneer in the auto industry by exploring new ways to help take people places in a way that other vehicles simply cannot. The Trail Less Traveled app is meant to showcase this spirit that is inherent to our brand,” said Kim McCullough, Brand Vice President of Land Rover North America. “Moreover, the app is a tool that we know will resonate with our owners and enthusiasts as they are tech-savvy and intensively active social-media users.”

Robust on-road and off-road capabilities, combined with a collection of interior and exterior refinements, help differentiate the Range Rover vehicle from its competitors. The Trail Less Traveled invites users to explore the fourth generation Range Rover, inside and out, through an eight-stage interactive journey from any of four camera angles — simultaneously. The technology takes the driver through stunning scenery, then switches instantly from wide camera angles to tight close ups and even the driver’s point-of-view, all to provide an authentic Range Rover driving experience.

A driver can select his or her own route through an interactive map, advance to different stages of the journey, and even pause the experience, to explore pictures and videos of the latest engineering advancements in the vehicle. Beyond the journey, the driver can choose their own perspective, soundtrack, and even their own ending.

The Trail Less Traveled was conceptualized and produced by Land Rover’s creative agency team comprised of a partnership between Wunderman, Y&R and Blast Radius and is the latest digital tool implemented by Land Rover to create a “digital showroom” for owners and enthusiasts. In the past two years, Land Rover has delegated more resources to digital and mobile now than at any time in the brand’s history. Digital media spending has doubled to more than 35% of the marketing mix. Land Rover has also explored new ways to produce digital content through partners such as 500px and refreshed its mobile site and all social properties. The brand is also enhancing its digital presence on social platforms including Facebook, Google+, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest and Tumblr.

The post Range Rover Gets an Exclusive App appeared first on Motorlogy.

If you are looking for ways to keep your alive forever, then you will be glad to know there are many things that can be done to achieve that goal. By following the tips outlined below, you will be on your way to keeping your car on the road forever.

Have Your Oil Changed on a Regular Basis

Although you may be able to get away with changing the oil less frequently, most experts recommend changing the oil every three thousands miles. In some cases, drivers may be able to get away with changing their oil a lot less frequently because many car manufacturers recommend changing the oil less frequently.

Bring Your Car Into a Trusted Mechanic

To help keep your car alive forever, you should bring your car into a trusted mechanic who will be in charge of its upkeep. Drivers who have a personal mechanic are often able to extend the life of their car because personal mechanics take the extra time to get to know everything about a car. By choosing to bring your car into a mechanic instead of the dealership, you will be able to deal directly with the mechanic and not the advisor that handles intake at a car dealership.

Change The Brake Pads Often
If your goal is to keep your car on the road forever, then you should take the time to have the brake pads replaced periodically. Instead of waiting until you have to spend a lot of money on expensive brake repairs, you should think about having the brake pads replaced occasionally.

Plan to Have Your Tires Rotated Regularly

In addition to having your brake pads changed occasionally, you should also have your tires rotated every five to seven thousand miles. By having your tires rotated often, you will be on your way to replacing them less often.

Never Ignore Lights Illuminated on Your Dashboard

To keep your car alive forever, you should never ignore any light that is illuminated on your dashboard. Some lights may be an indication that a very serious problem is brewing and others may be an indication that routine maintenance is needed. To be sure, you should always bring your car into your mechanic once a light appears on your dashboard.

Read Your Car Manual From Cover to Cover

One of the best ways to keep your car alive forever is to know everything there is to know about your car. To do this, you should really consider reading your entire car manual.

Check Your Battery Occasionally

One thing that many drivers forget to do is to have their battery checked occasionally. When checking your battery, you want to check for battery corrosion. To check for corrosion, all you have to do is check the wires that lead from your battery for evidence of corrosion. If there is evidence of corrosion, then you should clean the wires that lead to your battery gently and have your car battery replaced immediately.

If your goal is to keep your car alive forever, then you should really consider putting all of the tips discussed above and using waterproof car covers on all your vehicles.

The post How to Keep Your Car Alive Forever appeared first on Motorlogy.

Continuing to deliver on its promise to bring 15 new vehicles to China by 2015, Ford Motor Company is giving visitors to Auto Shanghai 2013 an exclusive look at its new generation of global vehicles and smart technologies. Alongside an impressive lineup of vehicles and several regional debuts, Ford is injecting new energy into the compact car segment with the global introduction of an exciting new concept car.

The all-new Ford Mondeo, being displayed for the first time at an Asian auto show, redefines its segment with groundbreaking, elegant design and premium technology. Auto Shanghai 2013 also marks the global premiere of the all-new 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine, which offers a winning combination of power and fuel efficiency.

The Ford Mondeo shares the stage with other new production cars such as the recently launched Ford Fiesta, Ford’s best-selling small car, and the high-performance Ford Fiesta ST hot hatch. The new Ford Explorer, Ford Kuga SUV and versatile Ford EcoSport urban SUV round out Ford’s full range of SUVs on display.

“Auto Shanghai is always a special experience, and this year we’re excited to have an especially compelling display of our One Ford vehicles and technologies to serve our customers and entice auto enthusiasts,” said John Lawler, chairman and CEO, Ford China. “From the stylish and refined Mondeo, to the versatility of SUVs like EcoSport and Explorer, to the performance and excitement of Fiesta ST, to our stunning new concept car, we have something for everyone.”

Ford Mondeo

Leading the product introductions at the Ford stand is the all-new Ford Mondeo, bringing unparalleled levels of elegance, excellent driving dynamics, smart technologies and high fuel efficiency to the midsize segment.

The premier expression of Ford’s new global design language, Mondeo’s refined and emotional character extends from the stunning exterior through to an interior that offers excellent ergonomics and superior craftsmanship, with minimized interior panel gaps, soft-touch materials and a driver-focused centre console.

In China the Mondeo will be offered with Ford’s all-new 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine for the first time. The fifth and latest member of Ford’s global family of EcoBoost engines, the 1.5-litre is projected to produce 133 kW of power at 6,500 rpm and peak torque of 240 Nm from 1,750 to 4,500 rpm. The 1.5-litre features specific technologies to reduce noise, vibration and harshness, delivering an engine that is quiet and refined. The all-new Ford Mondeo also will be available with the 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine.

“We’ve gone further in every aspect to bring to China the most premium Mondeo we have ever designed, developed and built,” said Marin Burela, president & CEO, Changan Ford Automobile Co., Ltd. “The all-new Mondeo is designed to stir the senses and transform expectations of what a car can be. It’s truly a flagship car, offering our Chinese customers class leading levels of refinement, driving pleasure and excitement. The Mondeo will raise the bar in craftsmanship, style and technology- delivering what we believe our loyal Chinese customers truly want and value.”

Ford Fiesta and Ford Fiesta ST

Fans of smaller cars will find much to like in the stylish new Ford Fiesta, with a striking new exterior design and an updated, ergonomically refined interior. Featuring Ford’s award-winning SYNC in-car connectivity system that supports both English and Mandarin, a responsive and efficient 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, and Ford’s six-speed PowerShift automatic, the new Fiesta marks the bold evolution of a popular automotive icon.

Ford also is catering to enthusiasts in China looking for more excitement. The new Ford Fiesta ST combines an aggressive look with sizzling performance. A high-output version of the 1.6-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine rockets the hot hatch from 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and on to a top speed of more than 220 km/h. With features including modified suspension, upgraded brakes, and enhanced Torque Vectoring Control to reduce understeer during hard cornering, the new Fiesta ST is designed to provide discerning drivers with an unmatched performance package in the class.

Escort Concept

With an eye to the future in China, Ford also has taken the wraps off a new concept car as it works to offer customers greater choice in the growing C-segment. Ford is using the Shanghai show as an opportunity to display the Ford Escort Concept to Chinese consumers seeking a fun driving experience and high level of technology, consumers who also value exceptional roominess, uncompromised functionality and sophisticated design.

“This compact concept highlights the strength of our global One Ford approach to vehicle design, and represents how we can make use of our global design language to bring refined designs to attainable vehicles,” said Jim Farley, executive vice president, Global Marketing, Sales and Service and Lincoln, Ford Motor Company. “Designed with the Chinese consumer in mind, the new Escort Concept has the potential to strengthen our product portfolio here in China as we take advantage of opportunities for diversification within the compact car segment.”
Utility vehicles

Recognizing the rapid growth of the sport-utility vehicle segment in China’s auto industry, Ford also is showcasing a full range of SUV offerings.

Recently introduced in China, Ford’s iconic Explorer comes in at the premium end of the Ford SUV range, with a luxurious, spacious cabin that seats seven, a premium driving experience, and a full complement of class-leading in-cabin technologies. With Ford’s Terrain Management System, which helps to simplify the use of the vehicle’s 4WD system while maximizing its effectiveness, Explorer is equally at home on city roads and more rugged terrain. It also includes premium driver-alert features such as side curtain airbags, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), post-crash alert system and collision warning with brake support.

The Ford Kuga, launched in China in January, leads the charge for smart technologies in the SUV segment. Kuga is filled with innovative technologies that set it apart from its competitors. A motion-sensing hands-free automatic tailgate uses technology like that used in modern video game systems to give drivers quick and easy access to the cargo area without needing to fumble for keys. Kuga also features SYNC with MyFord Touch, which gives drivers voice control access to vehicle functions, settings and information in both English and Mandarin. Other technologies – including active park assist, BLIS, Active City Stop and Lane-Keeping Aid – provide enhanced safety while taking some of the stress out of city driving and parking.

Ford’s latest entry into the SUV segment, Ford EcoSport combines SUV flexibility and small-car efficiency. Produced in China at Ford’s modern, flexible Changan Ford Assembly Plant No. 1, the urban SUV features smart technologies including Ford SYNC in a sporty package that is ideal for rugged urban adventurers. The Ford EcoSport also offers customers Ford’s award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine.

Also on display is the Ford Edge crossover, which provides a compelling driving experience combined with advanced safety, security and entertainment features. Edge also boasts impressive fuel efficiency with an available 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine.

Quality, green, safe and smart: Interactive displays

To complement its many global vehicles, Ford will offer visitors to Auto Shanghai 2013 the opportunity to learn more about the quality, green, safe and smart aspects of its vehicles and technologies through interactive displays.

Helping visitors to understand how to drive green, Ford’s Green Calculator display will calculate daily savings that can be attained by making use of Ford’s green technologies. Through the Boostical display, visitors can generate their own music videos to communicate the power and efficiency of EcoBoost engines. At the Turbo Story display, visitors can get a feel for the power advantages of the EcoBoost engine by spinning a crank handle.

Smart driving will be emphasized with SYNC Activations, a display that illustrates the use of Ford’s award-winning SYNC technology through both a driving and music game. A magician will be on hand to reveal the benefits of technologies including SYNC with MyFord Touch in Mandarin. And with the Crowd Control Game, visitors will be able to control a Ford EcoSport through a motion-sensing camera, unlocking information about the new urban SUV at every turn.

To give visitors a feel for the quality of Ford products, the stand features a Trim display for the all-new Ford Mondeo, showcasing the sophisticated design and materials used in the interior of this benchmark car. At the Object in Motion display, visitors can zoom in on vehicle components in 3D to see for themselves Ford’s attention to detail.

Demonstrating the advanced driver-assist features of Ford vehicles, the Safety Touch Table will let visitors see a demonstration of innovations, such as rear inflatable seat belts. And younger fans of Ford will be given the chance to paint their own Ford badges while learning about the features that make Ford vehicles safe for the whole family.

Auto Shanghai 2013 runs April 21-29 at Shanghai New International Expo Center.

The post Ford Unveils Escort Concept at Auto Shanghai 2013 appeared first on Motorlogy.

Insurance companies take the risk away from the car owner. If the owner has to pay for repairs or replacement of an automobile, the insurance company will make the payment based on the terms and conditions of the insurance policy. To take this risk, the insurance company will gather information and records of the car owner to determine the price and conditions they are willing to give. The car owner then decides if the cost is worth it.

Buying insurance online saves money

Most car insurance companies have websites where customers can get a free quote as well as purchase their insurance policy. Some companies offer discounts for people who purchase their auto insurance from the website. Discounts can be a flat rate of 10 percent or up to $50 cash off.

Comparing insurance is often a complicated process because it is time consuming to compare prices and coverage. Obtaining comparison quotes online is the easiest way to find the cheapest policy. Online discounts don’t always mean the policy is the cheapest. This is why it is important to compare price and coverage.

An insurance company that offers both good rates and good coverage is Allianz (http://www.allianz.com.au/car-insurance/) – the winner of the Large General Insurance Company of the Year Award at the 2012 Australian Insurance Industry Awards.

Young drivers are higher risk

An insurance policy will often have discounted premiums if there is no one under the age of 25 years driving the vehicle. Statistically, people under 25 years of age are at greater risk of making an insurance claim, which is why this is one way to reduce the cost of the premium.

Extras come at a price

Choosing extras for an insurance policy can add to the cost of the policy. Before selecting any policy or choosing extras, the car owner should carefully consider the type of coverage needed. Purchasing only the coverage needed can save a lot on the cost of the premium. The Product Disclosure Statement should be carefully read. Paying a higher excess will also reduce premium payments.

The excess is the amount the policy holder pays in the event of an accident before the insurance company starts paying. If the excess is high, the monthly payments will usually be lower. The policy holder should make sure they have saved enough to cover the excess. Otherwise, they may be in for a surprise if they make a claim and have to pay a high excess.

Using the same company can save money

For those who already have home insurance, boat, motorcycle, life insurance or other insurance policy from one company, it is smart to get their car insurance from the same company. If all the required insurance is from the same company, they usually give discounts.

Ask about discounts

Many companies offer discounts for specific reasons. One reason is if a person was initially on their parent’s insurance policy. Before taking out their own policy, they may be eligible for large discounts because the years spent on the parent’s policy will count towards their personal policy.

Security measures reduce car insurance costs

Any security device such as an alarm or immobilizer or a GPS tracking unit will reduce the cost of the policy. Having a secure parking space at night is also consider safe against car thieves, and simply parking in a driveway is considered less risk than parking on the street and will reduce the premium cost.

Check the payment schedule

Making insurance payments monthly is usually more costly than making one annual payment. However, some companies are now offering monthly payments at no extra cost. It is worth checking with each company being researched if they offer no-cost monthly payments. This makes budgeting easier and avoids a huge annual bill.

Customer service

The cost of the car insurance policy is important, but not the only factor to consider. A cheap policy with poor customer service at the time it is necessary to make a claim can cost more money and headache than a slightly more expensive policy that offers good claims service. The best way to find out if a company had good claims service is to ask their customers. A good insurance company will be happy to put a new client in touch with other customers.

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