autoMedia Auto News Blog : Minivans/Vans

NY: Ford Transit Connect Family Edition

admin — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 03:09:00 GMT

Automakers are teasing their unveilings for the upcoming New York auto show, including Ford with its Transit Connection Family One concept. As demonstrated at other auto shows, the European-designed Transit Connect is ripe for customization. Ford has showcased a broad range of commercial applications, marketing to its key target audience. This time around, Ford takes aim at the modern family. At a time when RV sales are plummeting, a right-sized vehicle that could expand on the road-trip friendliness of minivans could have unique appeal. Testing those waters is the Transit Connection Family One concept.

With a focus on family, the concept car boasting a variety of extras that enhance the spacious interior, such as a DVD entertainment system with a projector that displays on bulkhead-mounted sunshade screens. Side rear inner door panels are water-pen friendly and easily wipe clean for the next round of creative inspiration. Other extras include built-in hand sanitizer and sunscreen dispensers, family walkie-talkie radios that charge when docked, an integrated first-aid kit, and cargo door-mounted folding twin scooters. The storage area beneath the rear floor holds a folding stroller and an integrated awning extends from the open rear cargo doors. Seat covers are removable, washable and can be changed to redecorate and evolve with changing preferences.

An interesting take on the Ford Works Solution radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, the concept uses in-dash computer technology to keep a family organized, on-schedule and properly equipped with everything from diaper bags to sporting goods. When the driver enters the vehicle with children, the in-dash computer will provide notification that, for example, hockey equipment is still in the front hall closet. Using predictive algorithms to “learn” based on past usage, the system will identify missing musical instruments or homework on the way to school and will remind parents if they haven’t packed clubs for a scheduled Saturday golf outing. It can also play a role in safety – adding to peace of mind – as the system integrates with sensors to notify the driver if a child seat is improperly attached or tensioned.

Clever ideas, though do families need a larger-than-minivan vehicle? Could this usher in a new age of van customization? Time will tell…

Learn more about the 2010 Ford Transit Connect in our preview and pricing blogs.

See our complete 2009 New York auto show coverage.

2010 Ford Transit Connect – 25 mpg hwy

admin — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 02:28:00 GMT

The Ford Transit Connect pint-sized utility van has exceeded the original fuel economy estimates, delivering an EPA-rated 22 miles per gallon in city driving and 25 miles per gallon on the highway. (Ford had previously estimated at least 20 city and 24 highway mpg.)

The relatively high fuel efficiency is on target with the mission to provide reduced operating costs for commercial users. A European transplant, the Transit Connect features a versatile 135-cubic-foot cargo space that can be configured for a variety applications, including a second seating row.

Designed to be durable and flexible, the Transit Connect should appeal to small business owners and delivery companies, though customizers and the ubiquitous active lifestylers will see potential in the van, as well.

Read our full preview, “Revealed: 2010 Ford Transit Connect.”

Hyundai Expands Assurance Program

admin — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 03:04:00 GMT

With the rare success story in the automotive industry this year, Hyundai has hit a homerun with its Assurance Program. At a time when almost every brand has seen double-digit sales decreases, Hyundai posted a 14-percent increase last month, and Kia also showed an uptick. The secret: a program designed to build confidence in a consumer base shaken by the economy by promising to take back new vehicles should the buyer fall on tough times, without risk to their credit. Back that security with the knowledge that the latest Hyundai models are more than competitive and have shown to have better-than-average reliability in many cars, and the message is clearly compelling.

Hyundai is looking to build upon its momentum with the Assurance Plus program, part of Hyundai's Spring Sales Event that runs from Feb. 23 to April 30. Hyundai Assurance Plus provides a one-time, 90-day payment relief benefit in the event of involuntary unemployment or physical disability. For qualifying consumers, this benefit helps them keep their vehicle for three months while attempting to replace their income. Hyundai Assurance Plus pays the lender a lump sum equal to 90 days of loan or lease payments.

To qualify for Hyundai Assurance benefits, consumers must have made at least two scheduled payments on their loan or lease, be current on all payments and have been employed for at least 90 days prior to filing for the benefit. Consumers who utilize their payment relief benefit can still return their vehicle within a year of the qualifying event under the terms of the program. This payment is not pro-rated and never has to be re-paid, even if the owner regains health and/or returns to work inside the 90-day period. The total payment relief benefit provided to an owner will be deducted from the Hyundai Assurance maximum benefit of $7,500 if the vehicle return option is exercised.

Covered circumstances for Hyundai Assurance include:

Involuntary unemployment
Physical disability
Loss of driver's license due to medical impairment
International employment transfer
Self-employed personal bankruptcy
Accidental death

Payment relief benefits under Hyundai Assurance Plus are available in the event of:

Involuntary unemployment
Physical disability

Interested? Read our Hyundai Azera, Genesis, Sante Fe, Sonata, Tuscon, and Veracruz reviews. Research all these Hyundai models and others in the new car buyer’s guide.

Revealed: 2010 Ford Transit Connect

admin — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 03:28:00 GMT

Ford has released official photos of the production 2010 Transit Connect commercial van, along with specs and insight to its alternative-fuel future.

First, the basics. The Transit Connect is a European transplant that promises a fuel-efficient alternative to the traditional bread-box-shaped commercial vans. It is configured for maximum space efficiency, with a compact cabin and a tall, deep cargo section that provides 135 cubic feet of space, with a 1,600 pound payload. The cargo doors open at 180 degrees, or optional 255 degrees, providing easy access to the 59.1 inch load height and 72.6-inch load length.

While it is offered as a diesel in Europe, Stateside the Transit Connect will be powered by a Duratec 2.0-liter I-4. Ford expects the EPA fuel-economy rating to be at least 20 city and 24 highway mpg. A 14.7 gallon fuel tank enables a projected range of over 350 highway miles.

Ford has announced that it will also offer an electric-powered version in 2010 with a 100-mile range. With the vehicle’s urban pedigree, it could be well suited to local duty, particularly for businesses with limited, predictable routes. Though the generous range opens up a wide range of applications.

Ford will follow this model with an electric small car in 2011. The year after will bring next-generation hybrids and a plug-in hybrid, furthering FoMoCo’s green initiatives.

The gasoline-fueled Transit Connect goes on sale in the U.S. this summer, starting at $21,475 including destination.

Research Ford in the 2009 new car buyer’s guide.

Unveiled: Nissan NV2500 Commercial Vehicle

admin — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 04:52:00 GMT

After teasing us last month (see “Detroit Show Preview: Nissan NV2500”), Nissan has unveiled its commercial vehicle concept well ahead of its scheduled Detroit debut. Nissan also revealed the NV200 Concept at a recent media event, though that vehicle had been displayed previously at the Tokyo Motor Show.

Built on a modified Nissan Titan full-size pickup fully boxed ladder frame, the NV2500 promises to be powerful, versatile utility vehicle. It has a 147.6-inch wheelbase and measures a full 19.5 feet bumper-to-bumper. A big machine, the NV2500 stands 8 feet tall and is 6.6 feet wide. Inside, from the front of the passenger compartment to rear door, there is room to carry objects up to 10.5 feet long with the passenger seat moved out of the way.

The NV2500 Concept’s “wall-less” mobile office/workspace design includes a computer workstation, fold-down conference table, numerous storage compartments, cargo/tool tie-down racks, nearly six feet of interior height and an awning-style side panel that opens to create a standing outside workshop table.

On the driver’s side, the Titan King Cab-style wide-opening doors offer easy access to the front of the vehicle, with integrated storage compartments for carrying items such as tool/safety vests, ear protection, and first aid kit. In the rear of the NV2500 Concept are vertical 60/40 split cargo access “barn” doors with additional storage compartments and power rear step for walk-through capability and easy access.

The passenger side features a combination of a 90-degree opening vertical door directly behind the front passenger door and an awning-style clamshell panel that hinges upward and locks in place, creating a protected, standing workshop table on the outside and an open “picture window” view from the fold-down interior work desk. The passenger side door also has integrated workshop tool storage with fitted compartments for power saws, drills, screwdrivers and drafting equipment.

Illustrating the potential use, the NV2500 concept vehicle features 110/220W power outlets and areas for the built-in shop vacuum’s air hoses. The opposite wall is dominated by sustainable wood slats for tying down or securing cargo. The engineered sustainable wood flooring includes a custom version of the Titan’s popular Utili-track cargo tie-down/sliding cleat system, as seen on the Titan. The Utili-track channels run from rear door to front bulkhead on the passenger side of the vehicle. There also are multi-position integrated tie-down hooks and functional task lighting throughout the cargo area.

Powertrain information has not been released yet, though a V-8 and a diesel are expected.

The NV2500 will be one of three new commercial vehicles offered by Nissan in 2010.

Research Nissan vehicles in the 2009 new car buyer’s guide.

Chrysler Improves Minivan Fuel Economy

admin — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 02:40:00 GMT

For 2009, Chrysler has improved the fuel economy of the Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan models equipped with a 4.0-liter six-cylinder engine. Combined with a six-speed automatic transmission, the 251-horsepower V-6 now delivers 17 mpg city, 25 mpg highway. Last year, the EPA rated these minivans at 16 mpg city, 23 mpg highway.

Minivan pioneer Chrysler still commands 40 percent of the market. This portion may grow as the Chrysler-engineered and manufactured Volkswagen Routan goes on sale.

Pricing for the Town & Country LX starts at $26,500 (including $770 destination charges) and the Dodge Grand Caravan SE bases at $24,300.

Read our Chrysler Town & Country review. Research minivans in the 2009 new car buyers guide.

J.D. Power Names Most Dependable Vehicles

admin — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 02:19:00 GMT

The findings from J.D. Power and Associates’ 2008 Vehicle Dependability Study identifies the models shown to be the most trouble-free based on a survey of 52,000 car owners. (Read New and Used Car Quality Continues to Improve for more details.) The standout models in each category are listed below:

Sub-Compact Car: Hyundai Accent, Scion xA, Chevrolet Aveo

Compact Car: Toyota Prius, Mitsubishi Lancer, Toyota Corolla

Compact Sporty Car: Mazda Miata, Toyota Celica, Subaru Outback Sport

Midsize Sporty Car: Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Toyota Camry Solara Coupe/Convertible, Mitsubishi Eclipse

Midsize Car: Buick Century, Mercury Sable, Toyota Camry Sedan

Large Car: Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, Buick Park Avenue

Compact Premium Sporty Car: Honda S2000, BMW Z4 (tie) /Porsche Boxster (tie)

Entry Premium Vehicle: Lexus IS 300/IS 300 SportCross, BMW 3 Series, BMW X3

Midsize Premium Car: Lexus ES 330, Lexus GS 300/GS 430, Acura RL

Large Premium Car: Lexus LS 430, Lincoln Town Car, Cadillac DeVille

Premium Sporty Car: Lexus SC 430, Ford Thunderbird, Porsche 911

Compact SUV: Honda Element (tie) / Toyota RAV4 (tie), Honda CR-V

Midsize SUV: Toyota Highlander, Buick Rainier, Mercury Mountaineer

Large SUV: Toyota Sequoia, Chevrolet Suburban, Ford Excursion

Large Pickup: Toyota Tundra, Ford F-150, Dodge Ram Pickup

Midsize Pickup: Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, Dodge Dakota

Van: Mercury Monterey, Ford E-Series, GMC Savana

Midsize Premium SUV: Lexus GX 470, Lexus RX 330, Volvo XC70

Large Premium SUV: Lexus LX 470, Cadillac Escalade EXT, Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV

Research new or used cars in our new car buyer’s guide, and browse more than three million listings in our massive used car marketplace.

Chrysler to Close Minivan Plant

admin — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 02:17:00 GMT

The latest casualty in the $4/gallon summer is Chrysler. The automaker announced Monday that it will cut back from two shifts to one at the full-sized truck-building St. Louis North Assembly Plant, effective September 2. And it will indefinitely idle its St. Louis South Assembly Plant on October 31 due to a marked decrease in minivan demand.

These measures will lead to a reduction of approximately 2,400 hourly jobs.

In addition, Chrysler will extend is summer shutdowns at SUV plants in Detroit, Delaware, and Toledo. The Warren truck plant has been closed in preparation for the 2009 Dodge Ram, and it will remain closed until production begins in August.

Chrysler is not alone in making dramatic moves, with Ford just recently announcing it has delayed the introduction of the redesigned 2009 Ford F-150. General Motors has cut back its truck production and put a renewed effort in a future small car and the Chevrolet Volt plug-in car.

Crash tests - Chrysler and Dodge minivans

admin — Fri, 30 May 2008 02:11:00 GMT

The all-new 2008 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan earned “Good” ratings, the highest ratings available from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), in both frontal offset and side crashworthiness tests. The previous generation minivans earned just an “Acceptable” rating from IIHS.

For the frontal offset test, the Institute crashes the vehicle into a deformable barrier at 40 mph. This replicates the forces in a collision with a similar-sized vehicle, and consequently the results can only be compared within a weight class. Here, the minivans earned Good marks across the board in each sub-category, including structure, bodily injury risk, and restraints.

The side-impact test sees a 3,300-pound moving barrier collide with a parked test subject at 31 mph, replicating a crash with a midsized SUV. In the side-impact test, the minivans earned Good ratings in most sub-categories judged, with the structure assessed to be Acceptable. These ratings can be compared against all models.

The Institute tests are considered more stringent than those conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and therefore these results mark a significant measure of safety.

IIHS lists three minivans as its Top Safety Picks: Honda Odyssey, Hyundai Entourage, and Kia Sedona.

Research the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans in the buyer’s guide, complete with pricing, specifications, and photo galleries.

Toyota pricing update - midyear increases to come

admin — Mon, 05 May 2008 01:22:00 GMT

Toyota Motor Sales has announced updated pricing for a variety of Toyota branded vehicles to take place starting mid May. The revisions see incremental increases in all cases, though the price bumps only impact the models listed below. Base retail prices do not include destination charges.

2008 Toyota Avalon - $27,325, increases by $250, or 0.8 percent.
2009 Toyota Camry - $18,920, increases by $200 or 0.9 percent.
2009 Toyota Camry hybrid - $25,650, increases by $300 or 1.1 percent.
2008 Toyota Camry Solara coupe - $20,180, increases by $250 or 0.9 percent.
2008 Toyota Camry Solara convertible - $27,440, increases by $250 or 0.9 percent.
2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser - $23,045, increases by $500, or 2.1 percent.
2008 Toyota Highlander - $27,500, increases by $200, or 0.7 percent.
2008 Toyota Highlander hybrid - $34,200, increases by $500, or 1.3 percent.
2008 Toyota Land Cruiser - $64,100, increases by $900, or 1.4 percent.
2008 Toyota Prius - $21,500, increases by $400, or 1.8 percent.
2008 Toyota RAV4 - $21,500, increases by $250, or 1.1 percent.
2008 Toyota Sienna - $24,440, increases by $100, or 0.4 percent.
2008 Toyota Tundra - $22,390, increases by $100, or 0.3 percent.
2008 Toyota Yaris hatchback - $11,550, an increase of $200, or 1.7 percent.
2008 Toyota Yaris sedan - $12,425, increases by $200, or 1.6 percent.

Volkswagen offers free maintenance on 2009 models

admin — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 02:44:00 GMT

The entire 2009 Volkswagen model line will be covered by a no-charge Carefree Maintenance Program that covers scheduled maintenance described in each vehicle’s maintenance booklet for the length of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty—three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

The maintenance intervals covered under this program and detailed in each vehicle’s maintenance booklet are 10K, 20K, and 30K miles for most 2009 model year Volkswagens. These long service intervals are aided by the use of synthetic oil. Co-developed with Chrysler, the Routan minivan requires services at 6K, 12K, 18K, 24K, 30K, and 36K miles.

The Carefree Maintenance Program will launch with the introduction of the Tiguan, Volkswagen’s all-new crossover vehicle.

Research Volkswagen in the buyer’s guide, complete with pricing, specifications, and photo galleries.

Ford Works Solutions takes trucks high-tech

admin — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 20:36:00 GMT

Among the most significant unveilings at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show was the Ford Works Solutions mobile computing solution for full-sized trucks and vans. Available this fall on F-150, F Series Super Duty, and E Series, Ford Works Solutions replaces the stereo with a full computer with scalable features engineered to aid small businesses, contractors, and field managers.

Powered by Microsoft Auto, the in-dash computer provides high-speed Internet access via the Sprint mobile broadband network and navigation by Garmin. (Owners will be responsible for the monthly access fee.) The computer is equipped with a 6.5-inch touch screen, two gigabytes of memory, a slot for memory card, and a USB port. The computer works with Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones, offering hands-free calling with push-to-talk voice recognition, access to user address books, and the ability to receive text messages. A stylus is included for use on the touch screen. The system also comes with a wireless keyboard.

The rest of the Works Solutions system builds on this foundation, enabling the driver to use Web-based applications and connect to the office computer from anywhere. The possibilities are quite enticing for field workers, with the ability to check inventories, place orders, and print invoices by transmitting a file via Bluetooth to a battery-powered printer.

Ford Works Solutions features includes:

Tool Link - A Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) asset tracking system that enables customers to maintain a detailed real-time inventory of the tools or equipment stored in the pickup box. When the vehicle is running, a pair of RFID antennas, mounted in corrosion- and impact-resistant housings on the inside of the pickup box, scan the box for the items and can reconcile against a pre-programmed inventory list. The data is transmitted to a reader mounted inside the cab and displayed on the in-dash computer screen, alerting the driver if any inventoried tools are not loaded on the truck. The driver can program custom tool lists for specific projects, such as cabinetry or deck building, ensuring every necessary item is onboard. Further, a manager could then know the inventory for workers in the field and be able to respond to customer needs by efficiently sending the person with the right goods.

Crew Chief - A fleet telematics and diagnostics system that allows small fleet owners to efficiently manage their vehicles, quickly dispatch workers to job sites, and keep detailed vehicle maintenance records. Crew Chief interfaces with the vehicle’s electrical architecture and can monitor numerous diagnostic functions, including tire pressure and “check engine” light codes. The data is linked to a Web-based application, which can be used by a fleet administrator in an office or anywhere there is Internet access, including a Ford Works Solutions in-dash computer. It also can be programmed to identify user-set alerts, such as unauthorized use of a vehicle or excessive idling. The system can provide fuel calculations and fuel tax reporting, helping fleet managers and business owners manage costs more effectively.

Cable Lock – This a handy, low-tech security system developed in partnership with Master Lock to discourage theft of expensive tools too large to fit in the cab. The Cable Lock uses a retractable, eight-foot steel cable is wrapped in a protective plastic sheathing that can be woven through toolbox handles, plus secure recreational vehicles and other bed-stored items, and then locked to the truck with a cuff-style clasp. Cable Lock is easily installed on virtually any Ford pickup truck.

Ford Works Solutions will be available for dealership retrofit for Ford trucks built since 1997. Pricing was not announced, but the base system is expected to be around $2,000.