Subaru Jackknife Commercial

Subaru Dumps Tribeca

 

"Subaru has confirmed it will dump its controversial Tribeca, with the soft-roader-based people mover now likely to disappear from the Australian market as early as next year.

While Subaru has previously hinted at the Tribeca’s demise, Akihide Takeuchi, the car maker’s project manager for its product and portfilio planning division, confirmed to Drive this week that the Tribeca’s US production line would start to switch off in December, ending a troubled seven-year run for a vehicle that sparked one of the fastest facelifts in automotive history.

The Tribeca still sells in significant volumes in Australia - according to Subaru’s local chief executive, Nick Senior, it still accounts for 100 sales a month with very little advertising budget - but Takeuchi says capacity of the Tribeca’s US-based production line is needed for other models in the Subaru line-up." [Continue reading]

Nissan SUV Concept Finds New Path

 

"Developed to introduce a new generation to the proud Pathfinder name, a sleekly designed Nissan Pathfinder concept vehicle was introduced recently at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The show vehicle also provides more than a few clues about the all-new production model, which is slated to reach Nissan dealerships this fall.

“If there is one constant among the first quarter century-plus of Pathfinder’s existence, it has been its ability to innovate, with each generation evolving to meet the changing needs of the customer,” said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. “With the upcoming, fourth-generation model, we’re about to re-invent Pathfinder again. We’ve created a vehicle with an extraordinary balance of SUV capability, thoughtful technology and premium comfort to lead the segment once again—and help owners accomplish more in the real world, not just off-road.”

As showcased by the concept, the 2013 Pathfinder gets a comprehensive makeover that extends from its aerodynamic and more sculpted sheet metal to its lightweight, unibody construction. The former gives the Pathfinder a less utilitarian appearance that will better match the preferences of today’s customers, with front and rear spoilers, strong wheel arches, a larger greenhouse, and a more sophisticated front fascia and grille that better complement teammates like the Nissan Murano and Nissan Rogue. As for the latter, which marks a return to the unibody design of the second-gen Pathfinder, the result will be notably improved fuel efficiency and driving dynamics, but without a sacrifice in capabilities." [Continue reading...]

Subaru Prepares for GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge

"Subaru of America, Inc. Subaru Road Racing Team (SRRT) announced today that drivers Andrew Aquilante and Bret Spaude return as factory team drivers for Subaru's entry in the Grand Sport (GS) class of the 2012 GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge.  The first round of the series is at the historic Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, FL, on January 27, 2012.

Fielding a race-prepped 2012 4-door Subaru WRX STI developed specifically to compete in a class replete with rival team cars developing over 400 horsepower, SRRT has been working on a technical progression program for the #35 STI during the off-season.  Traditionally serving as round one of the championship, Daytona International Speedway incorporates a portion of its high-banked oval plus infield complex to create a 3.56-mile, 12-turn road course, which places a high emphasis on maximum power output and aero efficiency.

Co-drivers for the #35 Subaru WRX STI will be Andrew Aquilante of Chester Springs, Pa., and Bret Spaude of Bushnell, Fla., who comprise one pairing in a class of over 30 teams set to contest the Grand Sport class.

SRRT Principal Joe Aquilante noted, "We've enjoyed a very productive off-season, and our team is looking forward to getting back to the business of racing our Subaru WRX STI.  Our drivers have been focusing on honing their physical fitness while our technical staff has been diligently progressing our car development plan.  To say that we're excited for Daytona is an understatement."

Added James Han, motorsports marketing manager for Subaru of America, Inc., "I feel confident that we have the elements in place to mount a successful bid for the championship.  To begin, the Subaru WRX STI lends itself as a credible performance platform from its symmetrical all-wheel drive system to its Subaru BOXER engine.  The team is looking to build upon our experience from last year's campaign and convert our solid qualifying efforts to podium results." [Continue reading...]

Nissan Driving Ahead with Electric Plans

 

"Nissan is showing its e-NV200 Concept at this year’s Detroit auto show -- the Japanese automaker’s latest effort to electrify the automobile.

The automaker has installed the drivetrain from its recently-released Nissan Leaf electric car in a Nissan NV200 multi-usage van. The resulting vehicle “previews a near-future production version of a full electric vehicle designed to provide businesses or families with flexible, roomy interior space, while achieving a dramatic CO2 footprint reduction,” according to Nissan.

The Nissan e-NV200 Concept may look familiar to some. The Nissan NV200 van is due to start service in New York as the city’s exclusive taxi beginning in late 2013. Nissan has been testing an electric variant for some time now, with examples under trial with the Japan Post Service and FedEx in London, according to the Green Car Reports blog.

The new concept, along with the all-electric Leaf, form Nissan’s strategy to capture market share in the growing electric vehicle market.

In Detroit this week Nissan’s CEO Carlos Ghosn said the automaker plans to double sales of its Leaf electric car to at least 20,000 this year. It will also expand availability of the car to all 50 states by the end of the year and will start building the cars in its new manufacturing facility in Tennessee." [Continue reading...]

Chrysler Under the Pentastar

10 Things to Love About the Touareg

 

Ah, the majestic Volkswagen Touareg. Bold, beautiful, and born for adventure. What’s not to love? You already know that the Touareg gets you where you’re going in style and comfort, but here are a few more things you may not have known about it.

1. It’s an IIHS Top Safety Pick. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s judges awarded the Touareg with their Top Safety Pick rating, the highest possible rating from the non-profit safety research organization.
2. The Touareg TDI gets an estimated 28 miles per gallon. You already know that the Touareg can go anywhere—and now you know that it will burn less fuel getting there. The Touareg TDI also puts out an impressive 406 pound-feet of torque at 1,750 to 2,250 rpm while producing 225 horsepower at 3,500 to 4,000 rpm.
3. It’s rugged, yet refined. Sure, the Touareg is ready to handle any terrain at any time, but with luxurious standard features like a multi-function steering wheel, heated rear reclining seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and leather seats, you’ll look (and feel) great, no matter where your Touareg takes you.
4. It has an available Dynaudio® premium sound system. The 620-watt sound system with 10 premium speakers and DSP technology will make road noise practically disappear.
5. The Touareg has a Hybrid option. That’s right: you can get a Touareg fully loaded with premium features and the world’s first supercharged hybrid engine.
6. The REST button keeps you warm when it’s cold out. “Rest” is the German word for “residual,” and the REST button enables the Touareg’s residual heat function, which uses an electric pump to circulate engine coolant through the heat exchanger for a maximum of 30 minutes after the car is turned off.
7. Available 4Motion all-wheel drive. With the special synchronized technology in 4MOTION, each wheel is always in motion and constantly working together. [Continue reading...]

Digital Marketing and Your Dealership

Embracing Digital Marketing 

According to Wikipedia, Digital marketing is the use of the Internet, Social Media, digital display advertising and digital media in the promotion of brands and products to consumers.

More than likely your dealership is already doing some type of digital marketing to increase web and floor traffic, which increases sales.  There are many types of internet marketing, such as PPC (Pay Per Click) or SEM (that's Search Engine Marketing), blogging, contests, etc.  Not to mention, by now your dealership should be seen and heard on facebook and twitter, because that's where the consumers are most.

When it comes to Digital Marketing, there are many ways to skin a cat, some are easy and cost effective, while other ways are messy and no one wants to watch.  And then there is the DIY version of driving traffic to your sites.  And even that is a headache and can be very time and money wasteful.

With all the technology, and the experts and the buzz it hard to understand exactly what you need to in order to rank high organically, as well as, rule the roost in Google AdWords. 

That's why we are offering a FREE consultation. Call us today at 1.877.888.5948