Ford’s drop from 10th to 20th place among 28 carmakers

Consumer Reports has published its 2011 annual auto survey in which the main point of interest, as the report states, is a sharp decline in Ford’s so far “solid reliability record”: the Detroit carmaker dropped 10 places in the overall reliability ranks.

According to CR's survey, which is based on responses from 1.3 million vehicles owners, Ford’s drop from 10th to 20th place among 28 carmakers can be attributed to two main factors. The first is that all three of Ford’s new models, i.e. the Explorer, Fiesta and Focus, scored below average in reliability in their first year on the market.

“We have often found that new or revamped models have more problems in their first year than in subsequent model years”, commented the senior director of Consumer Reports’ Automotive Test Center, David Champion. “Ford’s problems illustrate why we recommend to our subscribers to hold off buying a first-year model.”

The second factor that contributed to Ford’s decline is problems with new technologies, such as the MyfFord Touch infotainment system and the new PowerShift semi-automatic gearbox used in the Focus and Fiesta. The similar MyLincoln Touch system’s problems even affected Lincoln’s MKX, even though the brand was ranked above Ford. On the positive side, the Fusion Hybrid scored very well, and its other versions were above average.

Contrary to Ford, Chrysler has seen its reliability record improve significantly: Jeep is now the most reliable domestic brand in the U.S., having risen from 20th to 13th place. Dodge and Chrysler did not do badly either, moving up 12 and 3 places respectively.

Predictably, it is the Japanese that continue to dominate the reliability survey, securing the top nine positions of the scoreboard since of the 91 models that CR had sufficient data, 87 ranked average or better and 24 cars earned top marks. Scion (with two models ranked) led the pack, followed by Lexus, Acura, Mazda, Honda and Toyota.

Despite Chrysler’s improvement, the Detroit Big Three still haven’t caught up with their rivals, ranking not only below the Japanese but also the two Korean brands, Hyundai and Kia. GM’s Buick and Cadillac did worse than in 2010, with the LaCrosse, Enclave AWD and SRX scoring lower than last year and losing the “recommended” tag.

General Motors' best result was the Chevrolet Volt that was the group’s most reliable car, even though the sample was barely larger than the 100-unit minimum required by the survey and the cars were owned for only a few months.

European carmakers were, as always, a mixed lot: the highest-ranking brand was Volvo, at 10th spot, while VW retained its 16th place, and both BMW and Mercedes-Benz improved, though their line-up reliability was inconsistent.

The biggest loser was Porsche: in 2010 it was second best but this year it is second worst, due to only two models being ranked one of which, the second-generation Cayenne SUV, suffered many reliability problems.

Not surprisingly, given its record of accomplishment and decades-old bad reputation, Jaguar finished dead last as its XF and XJ luxury sedans were the two least reliable models in the entire survey.

Buick adding two more offerings to its Regal range,

Buick adding two more offerings to its Regal range, namely the performance orientated GS that's powered by a turbocharged four, and the fuel efficient eAssist featuring a "light" hybrid powertrain.

Pricing for the 2012 Regal GS starts at $35,310 while the 2012 Regal eAssist at $29,530 , with both prices including $860 in destination charges.

The Regal GS comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 270 horsepower (201kW) and 295 lb.-ft. of torque (400Nm). Power is transferred to the front-wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox, with a six-speed automatic to be available later in the year. The Regal GS returns an estimated fuel economy of 27 mpg on the highway.

Standard features include 19-inch rims, push-button start; a leather-wrapped, flat-bottom sport steering wheel with audio controls; metal sport pedals; leather-appointed, heated and 12-way adjustable sport seats and a Harman Kardon sound system with nine speakers.

The Regal eAssist features a belt-driven, liquid-cooled electric motor/generator in place of the alternator that provides15HP (11 kW) and 79 lb-ft of assistance for the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine.

The system allows the Regal eAssist to deliver an EPA-rated 25 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.

Buick said the eAssist system is a $2,000 option on the Regal base model which will continue to be offered as a standalone model with the 2.4-liter gasoline engine.

Buick Envision Concept SUV

The Envision sports dynamic, flowing lines, with an aggressive front end and a coupe-like profile. The traditional two-layer waterfall grille dominates the front, with LED headlamps and fog lights inspired by traditional Chinese patterns. Returning to the profile, the 22-inch alloy wheels contribute to the crossover model’s dynamic look, while the huge scissor-style doors give it an extravagant appearance.

The two large doors also offer convenient access to the high-tech interior. The cabin’s main features are the asymmetric central console, the flat-bottomed steering wheel, the intricate design of the instrument panel and the massive central tunnel. The five passengers benefit from a flat floor that adds space to the interior. The Envision features a 3-D head-up display system and a next-generation Bluetooth DUN Intelligent Internet system that allows Internet access via cell phones.

The Concept is fitted with Gm's PHEV plug-in hybrid system, which pairs a 2.0-liter SIDI direct injection turbocharged petrol engine with two electric motor generators. The drivetrain also features a dual automatic/manual 8-speed transmission, a high-performance lithium battery and a solar energy roof. At low speeds, the Envision runs solely on electric power, with the gasoline engine kicking in when more power is needed or the battery is running low. Although GM didn't offer any technical specs, it says it can produce more power than pure electric cars or gasoline vehicles.

The chassis combines carbon fiber, magnesium and aluminum and is mounted on an MRC electromagnetic suspension. The car also benefits from an intelligent all-wheel-drive system, which adjusts the torque output of each wheel.

Buick Ampera

According to a recent report, Buick is developing a rebadged version of the Opel Ampera.Like the standard model, motivation would be provided by a 16-kWh lithium-ion battery which sends power to an electric motor that produces 149 hp (111 kW / 151 PS) and 273 lb-ft (368 Nm) of torque. This should enable the car to accelerate from 0-60 mph in less than nine seconds, hit a top speed of 100 mph (161 km/h), and travel up to 50 miles (80 km) on electricity alone. Of course, when the battery is depleted, a 1.4-liter petrol engine would act as a generator to extend the range up to 310 miles (499 km).

If the vehicle is approved for production, the Buick Ampera could be launched as soon as 2013.

SCOOP: New Opel Zafira Grows up but Doesn't get FlexDoors

Opel and its sister company Vauxhall are pushing ahead with the development of the next generation Zafira minivan, which was caught here testing by our scoop photographers. The new seven-seat model is expected to grow in dimensions offering improved passenger and luggage space. Unlike the latest Meriva that boasts a pair of suicide doors, the new Zafira will continue to use conventional rear doors.

The sleeker shape of Opel's newcomer can easily be seen beneath the harlequin camouflage, while the pictures suggest that the minivan takes styling cues from both the Insignia and new Astra, including the wing-shaped head lamps.

The interior design will also be more or less inspired by the Astra, while the car's flexibility is reported to have been improved by a revamped three-row flexible seating system providing independent seating for all seven passengers.

The new Zafira will use hardware from the Astra range, so expect a suite of turbocharged diesel and petrol engines, including more eco-friendly and frugal EcoFlex versions and possibly even a sporty OPC / VRX variant.

Look for the next generation of Opel's people mover to make its world premiere at a major international motor show this year with European sales to start in late 2011 or early 2012.

There's no official word about a North American variant, but given that the Zafira is essentially the minivan version of the Astra (which itself forms the base for the new Buick Verano), as well as the fact that Ford is preparing the U.S. launch of the Focus-based C-Max, we wouldn't completely rule out the possibility.

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GM Introduces Cell Phone Charging Mats at CES, Production Begins in 2012

Thanks to induction technology, mobile electronic devices, such as phones, can be wirelessly charged, just by placing them on special pads. At the 2011 CES in Las Vegas, General Motors announced plans to introduce the wireless charging technology in many future Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac products, beginning from the second half of 2012.

The Detroit automaker revealed that is has signed a commercial agreement with an Israeli company called Powermat that specializes on the new technology. GM Ventures, the company’s venture capital subsidiary, will invest a total of $5 million in Powermat to help accelerate its development and support efforts to grow Powermat’s business globally, the company said in a statement.

The new technology is said not only to eliminate the need for charging cords, but, according to Powermat CEO Ran Poliakine, it’s also safer and more efficient.

The Chevrolet Volt will be one of the first cars to benefit from the new equipment.

“Imagine a mat or shelf where you could put your iPhone, your Droid or other personal device and charge it automatically while you commute to work, run errands or as you’re driving on a family vacation”, said Micky Bly, GM’s lead electronics executive. “The Chevy Volt will be one of the first applications, but we intend to expand it across our vehicle portfolio”, Bly added.

By Csaba Daradics

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2012 Buick Verano Pricing Estimates, Preliminary Engine Specs and Trim Levels Leaked

The last time we heard about General Motors' forthcoming Buick Verano was back in October when the company teased the U.S. version of the already revealed in China, Excelle GT, with a single cropped picture. Now, the folks over at GM Inside News forum managed to get their hands on the car's preliminary specs through a leaked online order study destined for Buick dealers.

According to the official document, the Verano will be available with the 2.4-liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine, coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission. Peak output will be 180 hp and 172 lb-ft (233 Nm) of torque. Customers will have the option to choose between four trim levels, each building up on the previous version.

The base version is codenamed “1SB Cloth Base” and comes with a cloth interior. It has an estimated MSRP ranging from $20,900 to $21,500.

Next up is the “1SD Cloth Mid-Level” that adds a variety of features such as remote start, dual-zone automatic air conditioning and sound system with Bluetooth connectivity. The MSRPs range between $22,100 and $22,700.

The third variant is the “1SG Cloth Mid-Level”, which ups the luxury ante with power adjustable driver seat, heated mirrors, rear park assist and dimming inside rear view mirror. Base price for this variant is estimated to be in the $23,300 - $23,900 range.

Last but not least, Buick will offer the range topping “1SL Leather Up-Level”, boasting heated seats and steering wheel, keyless entry system, premium Bose sound system and 18-inch alloys. This version is estimated to cost up to $26,200.

If true, Buick will be charging mid-size sedan money - think Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata- for a car that belongs in the subcompact category along with its Chevrolet Cruze twin and the Ford Focus. Of course, being that we're still more than six months away from the Buick Verano's market launch in the States, one should take these prices for what they are: estimates and not final prices.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: GM Inside News , Via: Worldcarfans

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