Amelia Island, Florida - The auto industry’s official start to the classic car event season, the 17th annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance March 9-11, 2012, is a car enthusiast’s utopia and for many of the 15,000 plus attendees headed to the North Florida event, a special history lesson on Mercedes-Benz SL Roadsters.

A very special star rose in Stuttgart, Germany through motor sports racing in 1952– the 300SL competition W194 series. The “SL” stood for “Super-Light” and with its successes in international competitions became the initial spark for the start of two fascinating production sports cars - the 300SL “Gullwing” Coupe and the 300SL Roadster, which laid the foundation for six decades of legendary SL Roadster tradition.

The final fairway of the Ritz Carlton golf course at Amelia Island provides the canvas for many of the featured cars participating in the Concours. That canvas includes the 1952 Mercedes-Benz W194-series 300SL, which won the 24 Hours of Le Mans race the same year. It will sit alongside the 2013 SL550 to contrast and compare the past six decades of the SL.

To hit home the SL “Super Light” namesake, a special spectator display is featuring the chassis and drivetrain of early production 1954 300SL Coupe to showcase the elegant, lightweight engineering design that put the SL at the forefront while establishing a legacy that continues. In fact, the new 2013 SL evokes the SL from 60 years ago with a new aluminum bodyshell that weighs around 242 pounds less than it would using the steel technology of its predecessor. The result is perceptible and measurable as less weight improves performance and efficiency.

Source : http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/about_us/press?pressId=16da38898cc06310VgnVCM2000007d184335

Japanese Used Cars Auctions

Mazda Australia has continued its record-breaking start to the year with its best-ever February result of 8,689 sales for 10.1 per cent market share, according to official VFACTS figures released. In addition to setting a new February benchmark, last month also signified the company’s third best month ever.When compared to last February, Mazda Australia’s year-to-date sales grew by 15.7 per cent – or 2,324 new cars and utilities – positioning the brand firmly in the country’s top three.

Mazda3, Australia’s best-selling car in 2011, again found favour with buyers. A total of 3,733 were sold in February making it the country’s best-selling small car and best-selling car overall for the month.Mazda2 stayed at the front in the light segment with 1,771 February sales contributing to a 15.8 per cent increase year-to-date compared to the same period last year.

Another model to see year-to-date growth is Mazda6 which added 546 sales in January for a 16.8 per cent increase over the same period last year.All-New BT-50 secured 1071 sales, the nameplate’s best monthly result in over two years.

A combined total of 1,100 sales of the outgoing CX-7 and All-New CX-5 put Mazda in third position in the medium SUV category while their larger sibling, CX-9, recorded 451 sales for its second-best month ever.Doug Dickson, Mazda Australia managing director, said: “We are again delighted to note customer’s acceptance of Mazda products across our whole range. Our success in February gives us more confidence of a strong year but we will not be losing sight of our obligation and commitment to looking after our customers.

Source: http://www.mazda.com.au/community/news/2012/3/mazda-continues-record-breaking-start

Japanese Used Cars Auctions

Hiroshima, Japan — Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that since its sales launch in Japan on February 16, 2012 orders for the all-new Mazda CX-5 reached approximately 8,000 units as of March 14. The result is more than 8 times the monthly sales target of 1,000 units.

Twenty seven percent of total CX-5 orders are gasoline engine models, surpassing initial expectations. The gasoline engine CX-5 models boast a linear, refined and powerful driving sensation that results in the driver feeling at one with the car. The clean diesel engine model consists of 73 percent of total orders, also exceeding initial expectations, and delivers powerful dynamic performance equivalent to a 4.0L, V8 gasoline engine.

The CX-5 appeals to a wide range of customers particularly those in their thirties and forties. The CX-5 has been valued highly, and customer feedback includes: “The CX-5 has an outstanding design among SUVs”; “Even the fuel economy of the 4WD is excellent”; “It has a good balance between driving performance and economic efficiency”; and “It appears that it does not give a driver any fatigue or stress during a long drive, and the cargo capacity is plenty.

Mazda’s representative director and chairman of the board, president and CEO, Takashi Yamanouchi said “Mazda is extremely grateful for the approval from many customers for the all-new CX-5. At the same time, we are gaining confidence about the opportunity in the Japanese market for the clean diesel engine.

Source: http://www.mazda.com/publicity/release/2012/201203/120315a.html

Japanese Used Cars Auctions

The Updated RX model range1 makes its world debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.The Updated RX exterior features a new, more elegant and aggressive frontal design. An enhanced interior offers an expanded choice of colour schemes, new trim finishes, a new steering wheel, a revised instrument binnacle and a second generation Remote Touch Interface (RTI).

The versatility of the RX 450h’s Lexus Hybrid Drive system has been enhanced by the addition of a Sport Mode, supplementing the full hybrid powertrain’s Normal, Eco and EV (Electric only) drive modes. The EV mode can now be activated with a separate switch.

Further enhancing the dynamic and sporting character of the updated RX and designed to attract new customers to the model range, a new F SPORT version will be available. The new F SPORT grade features bespoke exterior and interior design and driving dynamics technology.

With the launch of the first RX in 1998, Lexus created the Luxury SUV segment, combining, for the first time, all the flexibility, practicality and durability of a Sports Utility Vehicle with the handling, performance, refinement and ride of a luxury sedan.

The RX was the first SUV to be equipped with a full hybrid powertrain in 2005. After three generations, two of which have been equipped with Lexus Hybrid Drive technology, the RX remains a key model for Lexus.

Source: http://www.lexus.ca/lexus/experience/en/home/whatsnew/whatsnew_news.jsp

Japanese Used Cars Auctions

The Hyundai Tucson is bigger and better than ever, earning it the prestigious title of “Crossover of the Year” for drastic improvements made in overall quality and design, at the second annual Wheels awards held on the 7th of February at the Shangri-La Hotel.

A spokesperson from Wheels commented, “Hyundai is better, smoother, quieter, softer…but most of all, it’s exciting. This is a brand that has improved in two years as much as others have improved in two decades.

The new Hyundai Tucson is a major overhaul of the original 2005 model which had remained virtually unchanged till then. The new model boasts better overall agility, handling, and quite frankly quality. The Tucson has been completely revamped, from interior to exterior, representing even more value for money in an SUV packed with all the features you would find in the competition’s models for a better price. The new model comes with a panoramic sunroof, built-in Bluetooth, rear parking camera, just to name few.

It should also be noted that the new model tests highly on safety for its excellent protection of occupants from front, rear, and side impact. The Hyundai Tucson applies all-new life-saving technology, with Vehicle Dynamic Control, which improves stability and minimizes skids; Down Hill Brake Control, allowing the vehicle to maintain speed on steep declines; Hillstart Assist Control, that prevents the car from rolling backwards on an incline; and Emergency Stop Signal, that triggers hazard lights to alert drivers from behind in the event of a quick stop.

Source: http://www.1stmotors.com/news/Apr11/tucson.htm

Japanese Used Cars Auctions

Seoul – Kia has been awarded two top honors for its Picanto and Rio models in the 2012 red dot design competition.The five-door versions of Kia’s striking A-segment Picanto and B-segment Rio were both winners in red dot’s internationally-acclaimed ‘Product Design’ category, in a competition that saw more than 4,500 products entered by 1,800 manufacturers from 58 countries across a variety of product sectors.

Judging was carried out by an international jury of highly respected design experts, who scrutinized and tested the products in detail, with winners selected on the basis of their level of innovation, functionality, ergonomics, durability, ecological compatibility and intuitive handling. Only products featuring the highest standards of design are eligible for the coveted red dot.

These two latest wins bring Kia’s red dot total to six, with the Soul crossover winning in 2009, Venga compact MPV in 2010, and both Sportage compact SUV and Optima sedan claiming top spots in 2011. Optima was also named ‘best of the best’ in 2011 – the red dot competition’s highest accolade for groundbreaking design, for which only the best products in each category are eligible.

They are a great tribute to our entire global design team, because all three Kia design centers were involved in the development of both vehicles – and the results are absolutely harmonious models with a strong presence. I am particularly happy about this thoroughly creative and successful collaboration between our teams in Korea, Europe and America.

Thomas Oh, Kia Senior Executive Vice President and COO, added, “As global buyers increasingly switch to smaller cars, design is becoming an ever more important factor in the A- and B-segments. Rio and Picanto are key volume models for us and are already in great demand around the world.

Source: http://www.kiamotors.com/about-kia/company/corporate-news-view.aspx?idx=604

Japanese Used Cars Auctions

Seoul – Kia has been awarded two top honors for its Picanto and Rio models in the 2012 red dot design competition.The five-door versions of Kia’s striking A-segment Picanto and B-segment Rio were both winners in red dot’s internationally-acclaimed ‘Product Design’ category, in a competition that saw more than 4,500 products entered by 1,800 manufacturers from 58 countries across a variety of product sectors.

Judging was carried out by an international jury of highly respected design experts, who scrutinized and tested the products in detail, with winners selected on the basis of their level of innovation, functionality, ergonomics, durability, ecological compatibility and intuitive handling. Only products featuring the highest standards of design are eligible for the coveted red dot.

These two latest wins bring Kia’s red dot total to six, with the Soul crossover winning in 2009, Venga compact MPV in 2010, and both Sportage compact SUV and Optima sedan claiming top spots in 2011. Optima was also named ‘best of the best’ in 2011 – the red dot competition’s highest accolade for groundbreaking design, for which only the best products in each category are eligible.

They are a great tribute to our entire global design team, because all three Kia design centers were involved in the development of both vehicles – and the results are absolutely harmonious models with a strong presence. I am particularly happy about this thoroughly creative and successful collaboration between our teams in Korea, Europe and America.

Thomas Oh, Kia Senior Executive Vice President and COO, added, “As global buyers increasingly switch to smaller cars, design is becoming an ever more important factor in the A- and B-segments. Rio and Picanto are key volume models for us and are already in great demand around the world.

Source: http://www.kiamotors.com/about-kia/company/corporate-news-view.aspx?idx=604

Japanese Used Cars Auctions

Mazda’s All-New CX-5 will deliver a compelling mix of style and space when it joins the newly-classified medium SUV segment later this month.The Mazda CX-5 will be the first new entrant into the newly-classified medium SUV segment and with SUV buyers typically requiring ample space for a wide variety of uses, Mazda has designed the CX-5 to fit perfectly with busy lifestyles.

An overall length of 4,540mm and an overall width of 1,840mm ensures that the CX-5 offers the right combination of passenger comfort and luggage space.Rear seat passengers will experience an increase in leg room of 72mm over the popular CX-7 while head room and cargo room volume have also increased.The footprint of the All-New CX-5 is larger than first impressions might suggest with its overall dimensions of 8.4m2 being bigger than Australia’s four best-selling compact SUVs of 2011.

These dimensions also play a big part in the CX-5s powerful and well-proportioned stance as well as complementing the new KODO design language.With the CX-5 being built on an entirely new platform designed to incorporate Mazda’s new SKYACTIV Technology, smarter interior packaging and sharp exterior design is complemented by improved fuel efficiency and enhanced driving dynamics.

The All-New CX-5 is the first car to feature the full suite of SKYACTIV Technology which includes new petrol and diesel engines, new manual and automatic transmissions, lighter chassis and a stronger body.
Available in either Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive, the new CX-5 range will provide the right alternative whether it’s for city driving or weekends away in the country.

Source: http://www.mazda.com.au/community/news/2012/2/mazdacx5-try-it-for-size

Japanese Used Cars Auctions

Toyota’s new Camry Hybrid has scored an impressive motoring trifecta with boosts to power, economy and value.As the flagship of the seventh-generation Camry range, the hybrid sedans deliver a power surge of 7.8 per cent over their predecessors, with a fuel-economy improvement of up to 17 per cent on the city cycle.

Camry Hybrid now has more equipment and enhanced styling, aerodynamics, interior space, safety, ride comfort, handling and luggage space. Despite the significant advances, the starting price for the entry-level Camry H has been lowered to 34,990 - a reduction of 2,000 or 5.4 per cent.Value has also been enhanced for high-grade Camry HL at 41,490 with equipment gains of at least 4,500 for a price rise of just 1,500.

Toyota Australia’s executive director sales and marketing Matthew Callachor said the new Camry Hybrid demonstrated the benefits of Toyota’s long history with petrol-electric hybrid vehicles.Our flagship hybrid sedan is in a class of its own, with an unrivalled combination of spirited power and seamless acceleration while using substantially less fuel.

We expect all these benefits - in addition to the noticeable enhancements to styling, dynamics and value - to increase sales of Camry Hybrid in Australia.Camry Hybrid debuts a highly revised version of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain, including a new 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a high-torque electric motor.

The system’s combined output has been lifted to 151kW (from 140kW) with power varied between the petrol engine and electric motor, or combined as needed.The new 2.5-litre engine, like the 2.4-litre it replaces, uses the Atkinson cycle to achieve maximum efficiency while producing more power and torque than the previous engine.

Source: http://news.toyota.com.au/new-camry-hybrid-trifecta-power-economy-and-value

Japanese Used Cars Auctions

A new V8 petrol engine, advanced off-road technology and updates to styling and equipment extend LandCruiser 200 wagon reputation as “king off the road” (LandCruiser Sahara shown).Toyota has heralded an affordable compact hybrid car that will cut fuel use and emissions in half without resorting to expensive technologies or manufacturing methods.

Toyota’s iconic LandCruiser 200 wagon has received a heart transplant with the introduction of a more powerful and more efficient V8 petrol engine.LandCruiser’s new 4.6-litre V8 features variable valve timing on both the inlet and exhaust ports, lifting power and torque while improving fuel economy and lowering emissions.

The new V8 leads a series of improvements to the LandCruiser 200, which remains true to its off-road heritage with uncompromising, go-anywhere capability.LandCruiser, the top-selling vehicle in its class for decades, gains new and updated equipment for 2012 that adds to its looks, performance and customer appeal.

Off-road technology has advanced across the range with a new multi-terrain anti-skid braking system that detects and automatically adapts to off-road conditions, supplementing the standard vehicle stability control and active traction control.

The two top grades, LandCruiser VX and Sahara, gain Multi-Terrain Select that regulates wheel-spin in tough off-road conditions with five driver-selectable modes: rock, rock and dirt, mogul, loose rock, mud and sand.

Top-of-the-range Sahara adds to LandCruiser’s reputation as “king off the road” with Multi-Terrain Monitor, utilising four wide-angle cameras for checking “blind” spots and revealing terrain hazards and apexes that are normally hidden from the driver’s view.

Other LandCruiser Sahara features include air-conditioned front seats, upgraded navigation system, power-operated tailgate, and three-position memory for the power driver’s seat, steering wheel and exterior mirrors.

Source: http://news.toyota.com.au/new-heart-for-toyota-landcrusier

Japanese Used Cars Auctions