I think it’s what people call irony: Just a week or so before Toyota became synonymous with unintended acceleration, it was focusing on the intended kind at the Tokyo Auto Salon. That’s where it gave five of its JDM models the “G Sports” treatment, introducing a new series of products that are “designed for customers who strongly desire to own a unique vehicle, offering them a personalized interior and exterior design along with sports-driving performance.”

And while three of those vehicles will remain solely aimed at the Japanese domestic market, two—the Toyota Prius and coming Toyota FT-86—should hit the U.S. later this year. These two are ideal choices for the U.S., with the new Prius bodykit alone sure to make people reassess their view of the popular Toyota hybrid. As for the FT-86, Toyota’s coming new rear-wheel-drive sports-car, gearheads have been salivating over its style and relatively-low MSRP ever since a concept version showed up at last year’s Tokyo Motor Show. The G Series version shown at theAuto Salon adds a turbocharger into the mix, which should add further excitement into the marketplace.

Volkswagen is using the same strategy with its R division, which will officially launch at Geneva in March and is expected to be a rival to other OEMs’s in-house performance divisions, like BMW’s M group or Mercedes-Benz’ AMG. In fact, VW already offers “R” versions of the VW Golf and Scirocco in Europe, where they both pack 260+ hp.

That Golf is expected to be the first R vehicle to reach U.S. dealerships, starting later this year, and R versions of the latest Volkswagen Jetta, Volkswagen Passat, Volkswagen Eos and Volkswagen CC are under consideration as well.

I know Volkswagen is aiming to drastically boost U.S. sales in the coming years, and these R vehicles should certainly help get things off to a fast start.

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Find more information on what other companies are doing to boost their US Sales.

As GPS units are included in many brand new vehicles, they are becoming more popular than ever on dealer lots. Before they were installed in new vehicles, GPS systems had to be purchased as separate units from electronic stores and mounted on a dashboard holder for use. GPS systems can be used not only for navigating your way around town, but also to track the speed of your vehicle over an extended period of time. A recent study released by GPS maker TomTom, claims that most drivers in the United States are actually obeying speed limit laws in their driving areas. Impressive!

The study also said that even on the roads that recorded the fastest speeds, most drivers only went a couple of miles per hour over the posted speed limit. I’m sure most of us learned in our driving classes that it was somewhat acceptable to maintain a speed 4 mph above or below the speed limit; seems as if this rule is holding true! The question most people ask next is, how can they track this information? The answer is simple: TomTom has GPS transceivers which transmit the speed and location of a vehicle back to the TomTom headquarters. Don’t worry, all of the information transmitted from the TomTom receiver to the company’s headquarters is anonymously so that no one’s information is put in danger.

The information from the TomTom receivers found that the fastest road traveling through the United States is in fact I-15, which runs through Nevada and Utah, where the speeds average 77.67 miles per hour. Some parts of I-15 have posted speed limits of 80 MPH, which means that most of the drivers on that stretch of the road are only actually observing the speed limit. If you look at the information from state to state, the fastest state in the country is Mississippi, followed by New Mexico, Idaho, Utah and Alabama. The TomTom information also found that the slowest highway in the country travels through Washington D.C. at a rate of 43 MPH.

Stay safe and keep driving on!

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Find more information regarding GPS.

One might not understand the true grasp for technology based on the automotive industry.  But, it has become more apparent that the automotive world is dependent on technology.  As technology evolved, the automotive industry began to incorporate new technologies into their new vehicles.  Some of the first technologies to take effect in vehicles were power steering, power windows, antilock brakes, and all-wheel drive.

Advances in technology continued to embark throughout the years. CD disks and CD players were being invented.  The automotive industry saw the popularity explode and began offering CD players in their new vehicle models.  With more electronics unfolding, satellite radio, MP3 players, and iPods continue to be in the spotlight.  Almost every car model has satellite connection to play music from an MP3 player or an iPod. There is no longer a need to carry the navigation device in your car or mount it to your dashboard. Now, cars are purchased with a built-in navigation system in the center console.

The automotive industry has gained much of its benefits from the evolution of technology. Today, vehicles on the market, allow you to make phone calls through the vehicle, instead of using a handheld cell phone. Once the plug is placed into the console, your voice is used to activate phone calls or answer the phone when it rings.

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Look for more updated advances about automotive news posted soon.

Like it or not, most of our lives are run by technology. Whether it is using a microwave to prepare a quick meal or using a computer to buy tickets for a show, technology has truly made us the now generation; most anything can be done with the push of a button.

With the dawn of the iPhone, there has also been a multitude of applications created to be downloaded by iPhone users. These apps – as we’ve come to know them by – can be used to calculate a tip when you are out for dinner, to play games, or to find the nearest desired store. Almost anything is possible from the iTunes app store. Convenience is key as iPhone users can now download apps straight from their phone instantly. It comes as no surprise that the auto industry has created their very own app for an auto show.

The New York International Auto Show, taking place in April, now has its own official app. This free app for iPhone owners will allow users to view the auto show’s schedule. In addition, you can view up-to-date photos from the event and even purchased tickets with the app. For those of us with time restrictions, this app lets you set up your own schedule and look at floor maps to see how everything will be laid out.

Nothing is out of reach with an iPhone and the automotive industry has further strengthened that argument with the release of their new app for the New York International Auto Show.

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Read more about auto show news.

While the 2010 Detroit Auto Show will be known for hybrids, electric cars and “going green”, the auto show also featured military vehicles. That is right, the auto show in Detroit for 2010 featured fuel-efficient military vehicles! Two vehicles in particular were big hits at this year’s auto show: the CERV (Clandestine Extended Range Vehicle) and the APD (Autonomous Platform Demonstrator).

The CERV was manufactured at the Army’s Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC), which is based in Warren, Michigan. Michigan is growing rapidly as the nation’s defense industry, and will be granted $14 billion in federal funds for manufacturing operations over the next year. As the military forces are looking to add to their array of vehicles in the coming months, the biggest surprise was that both the CERV and APD hybrids.

APD

As fuel consumption and transportation is very expensive and dangerous, the armed forces have turned to hybrids to increase efficiency. The fewer shipments of fuel sent to the battlefields, the fewer soldiers put in harm’s way and fewer dollars spent for the effort. The military vehicles that were on display at the Detroit Auto Show on the 12^th of January were a big hit not only with the press but also with the public.

CERV

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Keep checking back for more information on hybrids and “going green”.

Just months ago gas prices were at an all-time high throughout the United States. Unfortunately for those of us who depend on our vehicles to get to work and school, gas prices have been on the rise again nationwide. This expensive dependence is taking its toll on many as we look for alternative fuel sources and any possible way to squeeze a few more miles out of our cars. Public transportation is often times unreliable and walking or riding a bicycle is not an option for long distance commuters, so here are some tips to help conserve gas:

The best way to conserve gas is by driving safely, at the speed limit. For every five miles per hour over 60 mph, you will be spending another $0.20 per gallon of gas you purchase. Also, do not drive aggressively, accelerate too quickly, or brake too often. All of these habits will use gas at a quicker rate.

When driving on major highways, use cruise control if traffic conditions allow it. This will enable you to drive at a constant speed, without accelerating or decelerating frequently, and will ultimately help you conserve gas. Remember, slow and steady wins the race!

Avoid idling with your vehicle as much as possible. Idling accumulates zero miles per gallon. Cars with larger engines waste more gas so idle as infrequently as possible to save.

Lastly, use the grade of motor oil recommended for your vehicle. Do not use a lower grade of oil to save money – it causes our vehicle to burn gas quicker. The same can be said for your tires. Make sure your tires are always inflated to their recommended levels. If your tires are running low on air, this can lead to the expenditure of more gas and therefore more money.

Stay in the know! And as always, drive safe.

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Visit our website for more fuel-efficiency tips.

The winter months can wreak  not only the appearance of your vehicle, but also the way it performs on the roads.  One of the most important things a person can learn when taking Driver’s Ed or being taught how to drive by a family member is how to drive in the snow.  Now, not every person who gets their driver’s license will need to learn how to drive in the snow because of their geographic location.  However, for those who live in the Central part of the country and the Northeast, learning how to drive in the snow is crucial to their survival.

Always be prepared when heading out in the snowy weather.  If you are driving in extreme conditions, be sure to put chains on your tires or have snow tires put on your vehicle.  Also, make sure that you have a shovel in your trunk in the event that your car gets stuck in a snow bank, so you can try to dig it out before an accident happens.

When the roads are covered in snow, you should slow down.  If the speed limit is 45 MPH, make sure you are driving at 30 MPH or less.  Speed is the number one cause of accidents during the winter months.  It doesn’t matter if you have chains on your tires, if you have anti-lock brakes, or if you know how to drive out of a skid, your car will run off the road if you are speeding.

Always apply the brakes when entering a curve on snowy or icy roads.  If you take the curve too fast, your vehicle will skid and possibly run off the road.  If you brake when going into a curve, you increase your chances of coming out of the curve, still on the road and completely safe.

Everyone who drives on snowy and icy roads should know how to control a skid.  The two biggest tips for controlling a skid include turning your vehicle into the skid and accelerating just a little bit.  If you release the brake and turn towards the direction of the skid, you will find that an accident can be avoided.

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Catch more auto “how to” news here soon.

GMC has remained one of GM’s core brands, but until recently it has been known for providing badge-engineered versions of existing Chevrolet models. Based on the Chevrolet Equinox, the 2010 GMC Terrain is much more than a thinly disguised Chevy. With unique styling, the GMC Terrain provides a uniquely GMC-spin on a solid GM platform.

Powering the 2010 GMC Terrain is a 2.3-liter four cylinder producing 182 horsepower and 172 ft lbs of torque, or a 3.0-liter V6 that produces 264 horsepower and 222 ft lbs of torque. The EPA gives the Terrain a fuel rating of 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway with the four-cylinder, and 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway with the V6. Both engine choices are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. For a roomy SUV that provides two powerful engine choices, the GMC Terrain offers highly competitive fuel economy.

Performance for the four-cylinder is not going to be too impressive, but should provide plenty of power for daily commutes and freeway passing. For even more power and improved towing capabilities, the V6 provides more than enough power.

Inside, the 2010 GMC Terrain provides an informative information center that easily provides a wide range of data for the driver, including average fuel economy, tire pressure, fuel range, and oil life, among other data. Behind the wheel, drivers will find a very quiet cabin, comfortable seating, and even a car-like ride that buyers demand in this segment. With a wide range of available features such as leather seating, rear view camera, Pioneer audio system, the Terrain does provide plenty of surprising luxuries. Overall interior quality is also an incredible improvement over other recent GMC products.

With a commendable balance of ride quality, interior comfort, and even fuel economy, the 2010 GMC Terrain offers many benefits, much like the all-new Chevy Equinox, but this time with its own styling.

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Although the industry was shocked to hear that an offer from Spyker to by Saab was back on the table again, it appears that General Motors has not ceased the process of winding down the Swedish automaker.

No new announcements regarding Saab are ready to be made according to GM spokesman Chris Preuss. Clearly the determination of Spyker Cars is not convincing enough for GM to halt the end of this loss-generating brand.

Although Skyker continues to be at the forefront of the Saab saga, GM has revealed that other parties were also interested in Saab. However, with no clear ideal scenario available yet, GM will continue to wind-down Saab and consider offers over the next several months.

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Catch more Saab-GM news here.

The 2010 Toyota Prius is a technological marvel to some extent. With a base price of $23K, drivers can expect extreme miles per gallon and will also enjoy riding in a vehicle known for eco-friendliness. But while most accounts of the Toyota Prius seem to be positive overall, some admit that real-world driving puts it in a different light than many mainstream reviews.

For starters the design will either excite or sicken potential buyers. The space-aged styling does make the Prius very aerodynamic which is important for reducing fuel consumption, but the problem is that the design also places instruments out of reach for the driver. In addition, controls take a bit of getting used to as they’re not placed where drivers would expect to find them.

As with many Toyota vehicles these days, the base price appears to be highly competitive, but even when the most common options are added the price can climb quickly. As such it’s easy for a Prius to reach well into the mid-$30K range with popular technology and safety options.

Another factor that some buyers may neglect is that the Prius is by no means a driver’s car. Sure high-MPG is an attractive selling point, but after driving the Prius every single day, drivers could become disappointed with lack of responsiveness and rather poor acceleration.

Although the 2010 Toyota Prius lacks some of the positive aspects of many gasoline-powered cars, the Toyota Prius remains the most popular hybrid vehicle on the road nonetheless. The simple reason is that regardless of the car’s shortcomings, the Prius is still priced reasonably and still provides class-leading mileage according to Interstate Toyota. If you can get past its small shortcomings, the Prius is still a great choice for those interested in the environment and in saving on fuel costs.

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Get the latest on hybrid cars here at Car Biz Buzz.