Green Car of the Year

In the world of automotive awards, GCOTY is a fairly new one. Established just four years ago, the first one was awarded to the 2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid. A year later, the 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid was the recipient, while the following year the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid received the award that was presented, for the first time, at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Last year, the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI became the first-ever clean diesel to win Green Car Journal’s Green Car of the Year honor.

Requirements

In order to qualify for a nomination, a vehicle must, according to Green Car Journal, “exhibit characteristics that substantially raise the bar in environmental performance and be in production by January 1 of the award year.” In addition, each nominee is driven by Green Car Journal so that its driving characteristics can be observed first-hand. Nominee vehicles must also be in production to make sure they are readily available to the market during their award year.

The winner is selected by an 11 member panel that is comprised of both automotive as well as environmental experts. Past jurors have included such luminaries as Jean-Michael Cousteau of the Ocean Futures Society and Carl Pope of the Sierra Club as well as TV personality and major car aficionado Jay Leno and legendary race car driver and designer Carroll Shelby.

2010 Nominees

In alphabetical order, here are the 2010 nominees:

2010 Audi A3 TDI

Audi makes its first appearance on the list with the A3 TDI clean diesel. Equipped with a 2.0 liter TFSI turbocharged direct injection diesel, this smallest of Audis produces 200 horsepower and 207 lb.-ft. of torque.

Engine: 2.0-liter inline-four diesel
Emissions, EU5; PZEV or ULEVII
Horsepower: 200
Fuel Economy, city/hwy mpg: 21/30 (EPA) with manual transmission
Base MSRP: $30,775

2010 Honda Insight

The second generation Insight brings with it a new level of affordability to the hybrid sedan segment. Borrowing its name from Honda’s first production hybrid vehicle, the Insight is a completely new model from the ground up.

Engine: 1.3-liter inline-four, gasoline-electric hybrid
Emissions, EPA/CARB: Tier 2, Bin 5/AT-PZEV
Horsepower: 98
Fuel Economy, city/hwy mpg: 40/43 (EPA)
Base MSRP: $20,510

2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid

The Mercury Milan hybrid is the mechanical twin of Ford’s Fusion hybrid. Under the hood, the Milan benefits from the same new 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle 4-cylinder engine with intake variable cam timing as the Escape/Mariner hybrids, the green-friendly models produce 156 hp and 136 lb.-ft. of torque.

Engine: 2.5-liter inline-four Atkinson-cycle
Emissions, EPA/CARB: Tier 2, Bin 5/AT-PZEV
Horsepower: 156
Fuel Economy, city/hwy mpg: 41/36 (EPA)
Base MSRP: $26,280

2010 Toyota Prius

The new Prius is certainly the latest way for environmental fashionistas to wear their colors. It also represents the third generation of the most popular hybrid on the planet. Completely re-designed and re-engineered while retaining its unmistakable styling, Toyota has endowed the latest Prius with such cutting edge engineering features as a “Touch Tracer” display and an electric water pump, thus requiring no accessory drive belts on the engine.

Engine: 1.8-liter inline-four Atkinson-cycle
Emissions, EPA/CARB: Tier 2 Bin 3/SULEV AT-PZEV
Horsepower: 98
Fuel Economy, city/hwy mpg: 51/48 (EPA)
Base MSRP: $22,750

2010 VW Golf TDI

Here’s where the fun starts. The VW, it must be noted, is the antithesis of the Prius. It has terrific handling that engages the driver and a clean diesel engine that meets emissions certification in all 50 states. To top it all off, fuel economy is 30 city/41 highway, with many drivers claiming close to 50 mpg.

Engine: 2.0-liter inline-four, diesel
Emissions, EPA/CARB: Tier 2, Bin 5/SULEV
Horsepower: 140
Fuel Economy, city/hwy mpg: 30/41 (EPA)
Base MSRP: $22,690

Hardly a secret garden

On Wednesday of this week, Toyota officials, along with Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and officials from Caltrans, unveiled the first of what eventually will be 7 Floralscapes along State Route 110, more commonly known as the Pasadena Freeway, in downtown L.A.

The first 30’ x 60’ “Harmony Floralscape” is a display consisting of over 20,000 living seasonal flowers that are grown by local businesses in specially-designed “Eco-crates” that, themselves, are manufactured from recycled plastic.

“We are proud to be the inaugural City to unveil the first of seven Floralscapes along one of our busiest highways. The commute for Angelenos will now be brightened by floral murals that embody the City’s progressive approach to solving environmental issues by merging beautification, sustainable design and reducing our carbon footprint,” Mayor Villaraigosa said. “From the construction workers to the business team, this public-private partnership with Toyota and Greenroad Media has spurred local job creation across the board.”

Keeping it local

In addition to brightening up some of the most brutal commutes in the nation, Toyota’s beautification/advertising project also serves as a source of additional local employment. Permanent landscape and irrigation upgrades are being made to the areas surrounding the displays and while California-based businesses will install and maintain the actual displays (using non-potable water, solar electricity and “ecologically responsible” insect and fungal control), the surrounding areas will be maintained by the Los Angeles Conservation Corps, a local non-profit that provides training and work experience to at-risk young adults and school-aged youth.

Lest you think otherwise, these displays will hardly replace billboard advertising: federal regulations prohibit commercial displays. Instead, abstract images of the Prius will appear in different settings “capturing the essence of its marketing campaign developed by Saatchi & Saatchi LA – ‘Harmony Between Man, Nature and Machine’,” according to Toyota.

Coming to a freeway near you

Provided you live near L.A. or San Fran (yes, No Cal will get 2), you may very well be able to catch a glimpse of one. Here are the current and future locations:

The downtown Floralscape will be located on the west side of the Pasadena (110) Freeway, just north of the 101 Freeway. Other Los Angeles-area Floralscapes locations include: north side of the Santa Monica (10) Freeway, east of Lincoln Blvd. exit; east side of San Diego (405) Freeway at Orange Street; north side of the Ventura (101) Freeway, west of Balboa Blvd.; south side of the Santa Monica (10) Freeway, east of Overland Drive exit; north side of the Pomona (60) Freeway at Lorena Street exit; south side of the Foothill (210) Freeway, at the Los Robles Ave. on ramp. The San Francisco-area Floralscapes will be located on the south side of the Redwood (101) Freeway at Novato Blvd. in Marin County, and the other will be on the north side of the Junipero Serra (280) Freeway at the Winchester Ave. exit in Santa Clara County.

Hybrid lift truck

Here at LotPro.com, we thought that production vehicles that never remotely match their concept counterparts were the exclusive domain of the automobile industry. It turns out that we were wrong. A case in point is, believe it or not, the lift truck industry and the culprit is familiar to anyone who has ever attended an auto show.

Today, Toyota Industries Corporation unveiled what it calls “the world’s first internal combustion hybrid truck.” According to TICO, “the ground-breaking ‘GENEO-HYBRID’ 8,000 lb. counterbalanced lift truck combines a 2.5-liter diesel engine, electric motor and nickel-metal hydride battery to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 50%.

“Toyota has been a leader in hybrid development for years with the very popular Prius vehicle,” said Brett Wood, president of TMHU (Toyota Material Handling, U.S.A., Inc.). “We are excited to see hybrid technology entering the mainstream of material handling. This is a huge step forward for our industry.”

According to Toyota, their latest hybrid combines a Series Hybrid System for driving as well as a Parallel Hybrid System for load handling and will be launched in the Japanese market first (they always get the good stuff before we do).

Not like the concept

So far, so good – except if you had the chance to view the Concept Hybrid Lift Truck at this year’s Chicago Show – the ProMat 2009 show, that is, not the more familiar Chicago Auto Show.

Because on January 12th of this year, Toyota unveiled a real gee-whiz concept vehicle at the show that could’ve blown away the whole industry had they just had the nerve to build it.

If only.

It’s that time again. By that, I mean that those of us here at LotPro.com as well as the vehicle manufacturers and dealers all look forward to the annual J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study. In fact, we look forward to all of the stiudies that emanate out of Westlake Village, California. That because, unlike some survey results (aka Consumer Reports), auto manufacturers and dealers can advertise the heck out of a top finish.

The Vehicle Dependability Study is important for another reason: unlike Power’s other famous survey that measures initial quality, this study is based on a three year ownership experience – after the excitement of a new car has worn off and owners have dealt with living with the same vehicle day in and day out for three long (for some) years. In human terms, it’s like comparing the honeymoon to the actual marriage – things can change.

Vehicle ownership time grows

In the current economy, the Dependability Study takes on added significance as car owners are putting off buying a new vehicle and either purchasing used or deciding to hold on to their current vehicle for a little bit longer.

Here is the press release:

Buick LaCrosse

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.: 19 March 2009 — Buick and Jaguar each rank highest in vehicle dependability in a tie, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Vehicle Dependability StudySM (VDS) released today.  Buick improves from a sixth-place ranking in 2008, while Jaguar improves from 10th place. Following in the top five rankings this year are Lexus, Toyota and Mercury.

Toyota garners five segment awards—more than any other nameplate in 2009—for the Highlander, Prius, Sequoia, Solara and Tundra. Lexus follows with four segment awards for the ES 330 (in a tie with the Acura RL), GX 470, LS 430 and SC 430. Lincoln captures two awards for the Mark LT and Zephyr. Models by Acura, Buick, Dodge, Ford, Honda, Mazda, Mercury, Nissan and Scion each rank highest in one segment.

“Buick has ranked among the top 10 nameplates each year since the study was last redesigned in 2003, while Jaguar has moved rapidly up the rankings,” said David Sargent, vice president of automotive research at J.D. Power and Associates. “Lexus remains a very strong competitor in long-term quality.  In particular, the Lexus LS 430 sets the industry standard for dependability, with fewer problems reported than any other model in the study.”

The study, which measures problems experienced by original owners of three-year-old (2006 model year) vehicles, has been redesigned to include 202 different problem symptoms across all areas of the vehicle.  Overall dependability is determined by the level of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower score reflecting higher quality. The study is used extensively by vehicle manufacturers worldwide to help design and build better vehicles—which typically retain higher resale values—and by consumers to help them make more-informed choices for both new and used vehicles.

Acura RL

“In the current economic climate, consumers are delaying new-vehicle purchases and keeping their vehicles longer—the average age of a vehicle at trade-in has increased to 73 months in 2009 from 65 months in 2006,” said Sargent. “This makes vehicle dependability even more critical. Automakers have improved long-term dependability by an average of 10 percent each year since the inception of the study, which is a testament to the industry’s commitment to continuously improve and sustain quality, especially long-term quality. Making improvements in long-term quality not only satisfies customers who are holding onto their vehicles longer, but it will also influence their decisions when they return to the new-vehicle market or are seeking to purchase a pre-owned vehicle.”

Subaru Legacy Concept

Subaru came to the Detroit Auto Show this year to celebrate two corporate highlights – the introduction of the Legacy Concept sedan and its 2008 U.S. sales which actually rose while its market share here was the highest in 26 years.

2009 marks the 20th anniversary of the Legacy and the company has produced 2.6 million of them. The current 4th generation has been around since 2005, so tit’s about time to start teasing the public about what Subaru has up its sleeve for the next generation.

If the Legacy Concept is more than just a hint (and rumor has it that it is), the next Legacy to grace dealer showrooms will be much larger than the current iteration. With a wheelbase of 108.3 inches and length, width and height dimensions of 188.8” x 71.7” x 59.0”, the concept has a wheelbase 3.2” longer with overall dimensional increases of  3.8” x 3.2” x 2.5”.

In terms of styling, the cues from the concept will give the new sedan a much more aggressive presence. And while the muscular fender flares in some form will probably make it to the production version, the 4-seat interior layout and the lack of rearview mirrors (cameras are used on the concept) probably will not.

Lexus

2010 Lexus HS 250h

For 2010, Toyota introduces a dedicated hybrid to its luxury Lexus brand. Based on the third-generation European Avensis, the HS 250 will not be sold with any other powertrain. Powered by a 2.4 liter Atkinson-cycle engine that produces 187 horsepower, this latest mileage leader from Lexus is projected be 30 percent more efficient than any of its stablemates and have the best combined mpg of any luxury vehicle sold in the U.S.

Other key features for greenies: eco-plastics make up 30 percent of the interior and cargo area and 85 percent of the vehicle, including the battery, can be recycled.

Toyota

2010 Toyota Camry

Toyota snuck this one in under the radar. Nowhere on any of the press schedules was there any mention of a Camry refresh for 2010 but, nonetheless, here it is.

Changes for 2010 include new front and rear fascias with a unique grille and bumper treatment for the Camry Hybrid to differentiate it from its less environmentally correct brethren. Larger headlamps and tail lamps are shared by both models.

Bigger changes lie under the hood where a new 2.5 liter 4-cylinder engine replaces the previous 2.4 liter unit and horsepower has been upped from the current 159 to 169 for the LE and XLE trim levels while the SE gets additional tuning tweaks resulting in an additional 10 hp. The current 5-speed automatic is also shelved in favor of a six speed unit.

2010 Toyota Prius

When it goes on sale this spring, the third generation of the best-selling hybrid in history will, according to Toyota, be the highest-mileage car sold in America with a combined projected 50 mpg.

While retaining the unmistakable shape of the current generation Prius, Toyota has tweaked and refined the body to deliver an aerodynamic drag coefficient of 0.25 making it (again, according to Toyota) the world’s most aerodynamic production vehicle.

The new Prius boasts an even longer list of options than its predecessor that includes, among other things, light-emitting diode headlights as well as a solar-panel sunroof that generates the electricity required to run the ventilation system while the car is parked, reducing interior temperatures.

The good folks at Kelley Blue book are finishing up another year where their site, www.kbb.com, saw over 140 million unique visitors for the third year in a row. During these “visits”, people looked at cars, cars and more cars. But what were they looking at? “The site traffic on Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com demonstrates what is on the minds of today’s new-car shoppers, especially when examining the most-researched new-vehicles of 2008,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com. “Continued interest in Honda and Toyota, Chevrolet’s home-run Malibu redesign and an increase in visits to more fuel-efficient, economical vehicles is an accurate reflection of the marketplace in 2008.”

So how does your “best” list stack up against the visitors to the Kelley site? Here, in alphabetical order, are the top 20 searches. Want to know the order of finish? See if you can guess and it’s listed at the end of the article.

Chevrolet

Malibu

Chevrolet division (and General Motors) had just one model in the KBB top 20 list this year and it was an important one. Voted the North American Car of the Year, the new Malibu is an important step for the General in the climb back to engineering, styling and quality prominence in the world market.

Ford

Escape
Mustang

Ford brand has two vehicles on the list with both the Escape SUV and the Mustang. The Escape represents Ford’s most fuel-efficient sport utility with the new Escape Hybrid delivering 20 mpg on the city cycle and 28 mpg on the highway. Meanwhile the Mustang, Ford’s iconic pony car, is set to celebrate its 45th anniversary in April of 2009.

Honda

Accord
Civic
CR-V
Fit
Odyssey
Pilot

Honda lands in second place in the nameplate segment with six vehicles on KBB’s 2008 list – reflecting the brand’s high marks in quality, fuel efficiency and resale value.

Mazda

Mazda3

Mazda’s smaller “zoom-zoom” sedan makes it on the list and is also a perennial favorite with the enthusiast press. Not only does the 3 run circles around most of its peers, it also offers outstanding gas mileage.

MINI

MINI Cooper

The MINI Cooper may finally put the rest the notion that you can’t sell a premium small car in the United States. Equipped with the base 1.6 liter 4-cylinder engine, the MINI achieves 28 mpg city/37 mpg highway with a 6-speed manual transmission.

Nissan

Altima

Nissan’s mid-size entry offers a choice of two body styles – coupe and sedan – as well as the choice of a 2.5 liter 4-cylinder engine, a 3.5 liter V-6 as well as a hybrid powertrain option available only on the sedan.

Toyota

Camry
Corolla
Highlander
Prius
RAV4
Sienna
Yaris

Toyota garners first place in the manufacturer’s category with 7 entries. You can say what you will about bland interiors and middle-of-the-road handling, but the Japanese firm’s reputation for quality and reliability keep it at the top.

Volkswagen

Jetta

The re-introduction of a diesel in the form of the clean-burning, fuel-efficient (30 city/41 highway mpg) Jetta TDI had a lot to do with raising the German brand’s awareness above and beyond “fahrvergnügen” as Green Car Journal’s 2009 Green Car of the Year.

The winning order:

1.    Honda Civic
2.    Honda Accord
3.    Toyota Camry
4.    Toyota Corolla
5.    Nissan Altima
6.    Honda CR-V
7.    Toyota Prius
8.    Toyota Highlander
9.    Toyota RAV4
10.    Mazda3
11.    Toyota Yaris
12.    Ford Escape
13.    Honda Odyssey
14.    Honda Pilot
15.    Honda Fit
16.    Ford Mustang
17.    Chevrolet Malibu
18.    Toyota Sienna
19.    MINI Cooper
20.    Volkswagen Jetta

Yes it’s a popularity contest

It’s getting on towards the end of another year, which means that those of us here at LotPro.com can report with a relative degree of accuracy those models with the largest number of searches for the year. We also know that wading through 50 different models might seem like a large pain. But look at it this way, with fifty different vehicles to pick from, there’s a good chance that at least one of them might also be on your “best” list, too.

So here, in alphabetical order, are the top 50 searches. Want to know the top 2? See if you can guess (they’re listed at the end of the article).

Chevrolet Aveo

Chevrolet

Aveo
Impala
Silverado 1500
Tahoe

Chevrolet division had 4 models in our top 50 list this year. The Aveo, from the General’s Daewoo partnership, is one of the highest-mileage vehicles in the U.S. The Impala also offers a lot of bank for the buck in addition to great fuel economy, while the Silverado and the Tahoe both made late recoveries from mid-year sales slides.

Chrysler 300

Chrysler

300-series

The lone Chrysler entry was the 300-series – one of the few domestic full-size vehicles with a sense of style.

Dodge Challenger

Dodge

Avenger
Challenger
Charger
Ram 1500
Ram 2500

Dodge hits the list with the Avenger, the new Challenger, the Charger and both the half ton and three quarter ton Ram.

Ford F-150

Ford

Escape
Explorer
F-150
F-250 Super Duty
Focus
Mustang
Ranger

Ford brand has seven vehicles on the list with both the Escape and Explorer SUV’s, the Focus and Mustang passenger vehicles as well as three trucks – the Ranger, the F-150 and the F-250 Super Duty.

Honda Fit

Honda

Accord Coupe
Accord Sedan
Civic Coupe
Civic Hybrid
Civic Sedan
CR-V
Fit
Odyssey
Pilot

Honda ties for first place in the nameplate segment with nine entries including the Accord (2 versions), Civic (3 versions), the Fit, the CR-V, the Odyssey and the Pilot.

Hyundai Elantra

Hyundai

Accent
Elantra

Hyundai places with both the Accent and the Elantra sedans. While neither vehicle breaks any new ground, both represent Hyundai’s mantra of affordable transportation with excellent fuel economy.

Jeep Wrangler

Jeep

Wrangler

Jeep hits the list with the Wrangler, the Dorian Gray of sport utility vehicles.

Kia Rio

Kia

Rio

Kia’s most affordable sedan, the Rio, is also its best-selling vehicle – a big reason why it’s on the list.

Mazda Mazda3

Mazda

Mazda3
Mazda6

Both of Mazda’s “zoom-zoom” sedans made the list for 2008.

Nissan Altima

Nissan

Altima
Maxima
Murano
Rogue
Versa

Nissan placed three sedans – the Altima, Maxima and Versa – in the top 50 as well as SUV’s the Rogue and its big brother the Murano.

Scion tC

Scion

tC

By any other name a Toyota, the tC was also one of our top 50 searches.

Toyota Corolla

Toyota

Camry
Camry Hybrid
Corolla
FJ Cruiser
Prius
RAV4
Sienna
Tacoma
Yaris

Toyota ties for first in the nameplate division with 9 entries and wins the manufacturer’s category (10 including Scion) with 5 passenger cars, 2 SUV’s, 1 truck and 1 van.

And the winners are

Congratulations to the Ford F-150 which placed first overall and the Nissan Altima, which took second place.

Kia Amanti

 Economic Concerns and “Change” Produce New Car Buying Perceptions of Total Value

Here at LotPro.com, we can remember the time when car buying decisions were based on whether you were a Ford guy, a GM (specifically Chevy, Buick, Pontiac, etc.) guy or a Chrysler guy. But let’s face it; if you can remember that far back, you are officially an “old” guy.

In today’s auto sales climate, quality and the perception of that quality have become more important than ever. J.D. Power started it all in 1981 with the company released its first Customer Satisfaction survey (Power calls it an Index) and again in 1987 when it released the automotive Initial Quality Study. Since that time, a number of companies have thrown their hats into the ring and have come up with their own unique methods of measuring customer loyalty and their perceptions of vehicle quality.

For its part, San Diego-based Strategic Vision has come up with its own matrix in evaluation customer perceptions of vehicle quality and brand loyalty. What follows is the company’s latest press release:

New Mazda3

For immediate release – Monday, November 10, 2008

San Diego – Strategic Vision today announced its 2008 Total Value Index® (TVI). TVI Scores fell across all brands reflecting economic concerns. During times of economic difficulties, automotive customers will examine the Total Value of potential vehicle choices with greater discrimination.

This greater customer scrutiny of automotive products will lead to new opportunities across all brands for the future. Customers are looking to the products to find the cues of quality that denote long term value with the best pricing, even among luxury vehicles. “When economic conditions become more favorable, the manufacturers who have focused their efforts in enhancing product quality and communicating messages of trustworthy products and overall value will be in a position to regain and even take over new market share,” reports Alexander Edwards, Strategic Vision’s president of automotive.

The economy has affected more than just the consumer’s willingness to spend money. As customers are bombarded with gloomy financial news on almost all fronts: stock markets down and fluctuating wildly, homes in foreclosure, plants closing and corporations laying off personnel, every decision has to be weighed against the individual consumer’s personal standard for Security. A vehicle purchased today must withstand even more demanding scrutiny. As a result, TVI brand scores are down across the board with a one notable exception. Pontiac made a stunning 25 point advance in TVI scores by combining competitive pricing with perceived interior quality. The Pontiac G6 is a good example of how Pontiac has exceeded customer expectations with price, value and interior quality cues.

Toyota Motor Sales is still the company to beat in customer value, although the Toyota brand was part of the overall trend of falling TVI Scores. Toyota Motor Sales has had 30 leaders in TVI over the past four years. In 2008, they add an astounding ten more: seven for Toyota (Yaris hatchback, Prius, Solara Convertible, RAV4, 4Runner, Sequoia and Tundra) and three for the Lexus (IS250/350, LS and RX400 Hybrid). Toyota’s consistent foundational messages of quality and reliability delivered over many years have generated consumer trust in Toyota products. “This trust is a crucial first step to success in today’s market,” says Dr. Darrel Edwards, Founder and CEO of Strategic Vision.

Ironically, Toyota’s strong perceived reliability and durability expectations may slow Toyota’s sales during this economic slowdown. Customers may begin to evaluate if now is the right time to purchase a new vehicle and many Toyota and Lexus buyers may decide to “put off” the purchase of their next vehicle and wait for more favorable economic conditions.

 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible

General Motors did well in Total Value with four segment leaders. Chevrolet’s strong tradition of value in both the sports car fun of the Corvette and the hardworking practicality of the Tahoe and Sierra were recognized. American Honda (with the Accord, Coupe, Odyssey and Ridgeline – all 2007 leaders) and Volkswagen of America (with the A3, Q7 and Passat Wagon) each had three models leading in their segments. Mazda is also worthy of mention as customers felt that they have received the “zoom-zoom” for their money in the Mazda3 Sedan and CX-9.

Buyers rated the following vehicles top in Total Value (TVI) in their segments:

The calculation of TVI begins with explicit statements that owners make about value (e.g. expected reliability, expected fuel economy, price paid, expected resale value, etc.). TVI then incorporates the importance of the variables that make up the ownership experience, and it is here that Strategic Vision finds “True Value” — the worth of the attribute weighed against the costs.

2010 Ford Fusion Sport

The New Frugality

Here at LotPro.com, we have been impressed by the new direction the glass house in Dearborn is taking. According to Ford, the defining group of customers in the future will be the “Millennials” – those customers that are between the ages of 13 and 28. Each year, 11,000 of these young people reach driving age and when it comes time to purchase a car, nearly half choose one in the small-car segment.

In addition, Ford notes that buyers in all age groups are looking at more fuel efficient vehicles – not only from a miles-per-gallon standpoint, but also from a cost of ownership perspective. Even with gas prices moderating, customers are looking at current economic conditions and opting for, in the words of Sheryl Connelly, Ford global trends manager, a “take only what you need attitude.”

The current trend of downsizing is also being driven by the 75 million Baby Boomers that are becoming empty nesters. Both groups, according to Ford, are examples of “The New Frugality,” a trend reported in BusinessWeek in its October 20th cover story as Americans, faced with the current contraction in the economy, cut back on personal consumption.

Ford Ka

Where Ford Fits In

Beginning next year, Ford will add two more hybrids to the current Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner twins. According to the company, the next-generation hybrid system featured in these models should result in class-leading fuel economy of at least 5 mpg better than the Camry in city driving with a 47 mph top speed in electric-only mode, easily surpassing both the Camry and Prius.

Ford will also double capacity of its 4-cylinder engines with plans to equip fully 80% of Fusion production with this powerplant. By mating this engine to a 6-speed automatic transaxle and other power-saving technologies such as electronic power steering and vehicle systems technologies, the 2010 Fusion will have increased horsepower of 175, up from 160, better acceleration times as well as increased fuel economy by 4 or 5 mpg.

Within 5 years, Ford expects 1 million vehicles a year off its global B-car platform (Fiesta) and nearly 2 million vehicles a year off its global C-car platform (Focus). And depending on market conditions in North America, Ford President Allen Mulally has not ruled out the possibility of bringing over Ford’s A-segment vehicle, the Ka.

Ford’s EcoBoost technology – turbocharged, direct-injection 4-cylinder petrol engines – will debut in 2010 as an alternative to the traditional V-6 engine. By the end of 2012, EcoBoost will be offered on 80% of the entire North American lineup.

The Bottom Line

“Ford is investing most where consumer growth is taking place. By the end of 2010, nearly all of our North American engines will be upgraded or replaced,” says Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president of Global Product Development. “With every new product, we expect to be the best or among the best for fuel economy, aided by one of the most extensive powertrain upgrades ever for Ford.”

Here at LotPro.com, we, along with Ford, are looking forward to the future.

2008 Ford Fiesta

Mazda Mazda3

New study reflects quality, value and “green” issues

In the ever-expanding portfolio of consumer-based automotive studies, you can add yet another: Strategic Vision’s “SmartGreen Index.” This latest study is said to meld consumer attitudes towards the perceived quality of a vehicle into a mix that includes such eco-friendly issues such as fuel economy and environmental “friendliness” (a rather broad term, to say the least).

In any case, for your edification, here is the complete press release:

San Diego – Strategic Vision unveils the new SmartGreen Index℠ (SGI℠) which reflects the relationships between perceived quality plus overall value (Smart) and “green” issues such as fuel economy and environmental friendliness (Green). SGI℠ is based on actual customer experiences and is weighted according to those aspects which best predict customer advocacy, overall satisfaction, future brand choices and loyalty, which ultimately result in increased model and brand sales.

Being a hybrid vehicle alone is not enough to guarantee top SmartGreen℠ marks. Industry-wide, some hybrids place at or below segment average in SGI℠ when factors such as interior quality cues or overall perceived value are rated below their competition. While the Toyota Prius may be the obvious SmartGreen℠ leader because of its fuel economy, it is easy to forget that the Prius also offers innovative interior styling which adds to making the Prius the SmartGreen℠ choice and among hybrid models, highest in sales. “Even when fuel prices are highest, people will want more than a little box with good fuel economy,” says Chris Chaney, V.P. of Special Projects at Strategic Vision. “For example, the Mazda3 leads in its segment ahead of the hybrids, offering superior styling, innovation, performance and affordability coupled with good fuel economy, offering more than competitive hybrids.”

Kia Amanti

Chevrolet had the most segment leaders among the domestic corporations with the Tahoe, Avalanche (tie) and Corvette Convertible leading their respective segments. The Tahoe scored high in perceived quality, as did its competition; however, the Tahoe was rated exceptionally higher than the competition in environmentally friendliness and fuel efficiency. “Even SUV buyers are sensitive to Green issues. Flex-fuel and hybrid options provide Green choices to Tahoe owners which increase customer advocacy, retention and bring new buyers into the brand, even if the vehicle they finally purchase is not always the greenest option,” states Alexander Edwards.

The MINI Cooper Clubman and Convertible were leaders in their segments due to terrific performance, overall value and Green-related issues. The MINI Cooper Hatchback scored just below the MINI Cooper Clubman, with both vehicles taking the top places in Specialty Coupes. The BMW 3-Series Coupe was also a leader in its segment.

MINI

Other best in class SGI℠ leaders were the Kia Amanti, Nissan Murano (tie), Audi Q7 and Mercedes S-Class for their excellence in quality, styling, performance and greenness. Buyers rated the following vehicles tops in their segments:

According to Dr. Edwards, in addition to the SGI℠ segment leaders, many manufacturers are “getting it right” with their model lineup. Included in Strategic Vision’s SmartGreen℠ Report are vehicle Five and Four Star SmartGreen℠ ratings, that are provided to manufacturers to better understand which of today’s vehicles are paving the way to help make their brand and their lineup the leaders of tomorrow.

For example, Five and Four Star vehicles are those like the Suzuki SX4 Sedan which offer fun and excitement through strong vehicle performance and styling in a fuel efficient package. These attributes and vehicle imagery are what can lead to increased awareness and potential consideration of the SX4 and other Suzuki models.

Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid

In addition to its segment-leading Amanti, Kia also has five other vehicles that scored highly in their respective segments: Spectra4, Rondo, Sedona, Sorrento and Sportage. Hyundai also placed well with four of their models — Azera, Entourage, Elantra and Santa Fe — demonstrating that thoughtfulness, value and overall economics all work together toward Hyundai’s future success.