“The Optima continues to attract new customers to the brand with the right balance of value, performance, fuel economy and modern amenities that consumers are looking for,” said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing & communications, Kia Motors America.  “The mid-size sedan segment is more competitive than ever, and Kiplinger’s recognition of the Optima is tangible evidence that Kia’s momentum continues.”

Kiplinger’s editors found the Optima’s sharp creases, wraparound head lights and aggressive front end to make a bold styling statement. “The available turbo-boosted four-cylinder engine puts out more horsepower than most in its class and it’s a difference you’ll feel on the road,” said Jessica Anderson, Associate Editor of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance. “Add in value pricing and loads of standard features and you’ve got serious swagger.”

The monthly Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine advises its readers on managing their money, covering investing, retirement planning, taxes, insurance, real estate, buying and leasing a car, health care, travel and financing college.

About the 2012 Optima

The 2012 Kia Optima stands apart from the crowd with its head-turning design, fun-to-drive performance, modern amenities and long list of standard safety features. Kia’s second U.S.-built vehicle offers drivers cutting-edge technologies, including a standard eight-speaker Infinity audio system, HD Radio, and Kia’s UVO powered by Microsoft voice-activated infotainment and communications system with a starting MSRP of $19,500.

SOURCE Kia Motors America

“Consumers shopping for either a new or used vehicle will benefit this year from higher trade-in values along with loosening credit,” Banks said at a press briefing during the NADA Convention and Expo in Las Vegas. “For dealers, reliance on customer trade-ins will increase as they strive to meet the challenges of growing demand in a supply-constrained market.”

On a seasonally adjusted basis, the NADA Used Car Guide predicts used vehicle prices will increase by 1.8 percent by the end of the year, peaking in April and May. Used vehicle prices increased 3 percent in 2011.

“The slowing rate of depreciation on used vehicles over the course of the year will lead to even stronger trade-in values and enhance the equity that a consumer has in their vehicle,” Banks added.

Banks said fuel prices hovering at $3.50 a gallon will increase demand for fuel-efficient compact and midsize cars with prices up by 2.7 percent and 2.1 percent, respectively, by the end of the year.

The NADA Used Car Guide predicts prices for large SUVs will increase by 1.4 percent this year.

“A 15 percent drop year-over-year in the used supply of large SUVs will offset the elevated price of gasoline,” he said.

The NADA convention runs through Monday, Feb. 6, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Source National Automobile Dealers Association

Harley-Davidson Seventy-Two

Based on the Harley-Davidson Sportster platform, the Seventy-Two introduces Hard Candy Big Red Flake, a sparkling, metal flake color option applied to the fuel tank and fenders. A solo seat and side-mount license plate bracket leave much of the chopped rear fender – and more of that paint – exposed on the Seventy-Two. The Evolution 1200 cc V-Twin powertrain is finished in Gray powdercoat with chrome covers and a new round air cleaner with a dished cover. A classic Sportster 2.1-gallon fuel tank, narrow white wall tires, Chrome Laced wheels, and high mini-ape handlebar complete a look that nods to chopper custom motorcycles of the 1970s.

Harley-Davidson Softail Slim

The Slim represents the Harley-Davidson Softail motorcycle paired down to its essential elements in the style of custom bobbers of the 1950s, from its trimmed front fender to its narrow rear end, solo seat and minimal chrome. A cross-braced Hollywood handlebar and headlight nacelle are finished in gloss black. Other period styling cues include a “cat’s eye” tank console, half-moon rider footboards, and gloss black wheel rims and hubs. The 1690 cc Twin Cam 103B powertrain is finished with polished covers instead of chrome. The Softail chassis mimics the clean lines of a vintage hardtail frame, but utilizes rear suspension control provided by coil-over shock absorbers mounted horizontally and out of sight within the frame rails. With the combination of a 23.8-inch seat height and rider foot boards, the Slim comfortably fits a wide range of riders.

Source Harley-Davidson

As a take-off from the traditional Hot Wheels report, beginning with this release, the NICB will periodically issue a special report—Hot Wheels Classics—focusing on a specific class of vehicle or make and model.  For the debut report, NICB selected the iconic Ford Mustang.

Since it was first introduced to the public at the 1964 New York World’s Fair, nearly eight and a half million Mustangs have been sold, making it one of the most popular and enduring vehicles to ever grace a dealer’s showroom. Unfortunately, over the years many Mustang owners have had to deal with the theft of their pony cars.  Aside from the hassle of losing their transportation and all that entails, a Mustang loss can be overwhelming given that many owners form an emotional bond with their machines.  You would probably have to own one to understand that.

Overall, from 1981 through 2011, a total of 411,155 Mustangs were reported stolen. The most thefts occurred in 1981 (20,708) and the fewest in 2011 (4,347). 

Thefts vs. Sales

During the 30-year period from 1981-2011, a total of 4,110,110 Mustangs were sold in the United States.  However, over the Mustang’s entire lifespan through the end of 2011, a total of 8,450,741 units have been sold in the United States.  The single year with the most U.S. sales was 1966 with 549,436. Conversely, 2009 logged the fewest Mustang sales reaching only 66,623 units.

At NICB, they are in the business of identifying and recovering stolen vehicles since 1912.  Their expertise has been sought by law enforcement agencies all over the nation to assist with major auto theft investigations.  Frequently, NICB recovers stolen vehicles that have long since been forgotten — except by their owners.

In 1982, a Mustang owned by a young Marine stationed at Cherry Point, North Carolina, was stolen.  This was no ordinary Mustang; it was a 1965 Shelby GT-350.  The Marine soon deployed and never saw that car again—until 2007 when an NICB agent contacted him with news that his Mustang was located in Maryland.  In the intervening years since it was stolen, the Mustang’s true identity — its VIN — had been painstakingly altered and matched with a fraudulent title.  It was then sold to an unsuspecting buyer who eventually put a new $12,000 Shelby engine in it. The duped owner was contacted in 2007 by the Maryland State Police and an NICB special agent asking to inspect his Shelby.  As you can imagine, he was absolutely dazed when they informed him that his prized possession was, in fact, stolen property.

That young Marine from 1982—now a professional airline pilot—was overjoyed when he was notified that his dream car had been recovered and was in excellent condition.  And, in a classy gesture of goodwill—he was not legally required to do so—the pilot gave the former owner a check for $12,000 for the engine.

Whether or not you own a Shelby Mustang, take steps to protect your vehicle from theft. Although vehicle thefts have been declining in recent years, if it happens to you it can be financially devastating and just an all-around hassle.  NICB urges motorists to follow its “layered approach” to auto theft prevention.  By employing these simple, low-cost suggestions people can make their vehicles less attractive to thieves.

NICB’s four layers of protection are:

Common Sense:  Lock your car and take your keys. It’s simple enough, but many thefts occur because owners make it easy for thieves to steal their cars.

Warning Device:  Having and using a visible or audible warning device is another item that can ensure that your car remains where you left it.

Immobilizing Device:  Generally speaking, if your vehicle can’t be started, it can’t be stolen.  “Kill” switches, fuel cut-offs and smart keys are among the devices which are extremely effective.

Tracking Device:  A tracking device emits a signal to the police or to a monitoring station when the vehicle is stolen.  Tracking devices are very effective in helping authorities recover stolen vehicles.  Some systems employ “telematics” which combine GPS and wireless technologies to allow remote monitoring of a vehicle.  If the vehicle is moved, the system will alert the owner and the vehicle can be tracked via computer.

Anyone with information concerning vehicle theft and insurance fraud can report it anonymously by calling toll-free 1-800-TEL-NICB (1-800-835-6422), texting keyword “fraud” to TIP411 (847411) or by visiting our Web site at www.nicb.org.

Source National Insurance Crime Bureau

“Most members are aware of the discounts available for planning a romantic getaway, but we are committed to providing additional benefits and discounts for AAA members on everyday expenses including gift giving for loved ones,” said Gail Acebes, director, AAA Partnership Programs. “The same card that provides peace of mind with emergency roadside rescue and free travel guides and maps can provide savings on household repairs, pet care, jewelry and more.”

Savings to spoil your sweetheart this February

AAA members can save on shopping at many retailers including:

• 1-800Flowers: 20 percent off product price
• FTD: 20 percent off floral arrangements, plants or gifts
• Blue Nile: 10 percent off fine jewelry and ring settings
• Target.com:  $10 off online purchases of $100 or more

AAA members can find more online savings by visiting AAA.com/specialoffers including:

• Bath & Body Works: 25 percent off purchases at AAA.com
• Harry and David: 20 percent off purchase of $50 or more at AAA.com
• Zales.com: $25 off orders more than $200 at AAA.com  

AAA travel discounts
Planning a romantic getaway is the perfect expression of love in celebration of  Valentine’s Day. AAA members can take advantage of discounts and exclusive rates through AAA’s travel partners including hotel partners and Hertz car rental. AAA, which operates one of the largest leisure travel agency networks in North America, is able to provide access to unmatched travel value.

Show Your Card & Save I Heart Discounts Sweepstakes
AAA’s Savings Sweepstakes offers a chance to win an iPad® 2 or one of thousands of instant win prizes.  Visit the site for details and to enter daily through February 29, 2012.   

Last year, members saved nearly $2 billion by taking advantage of AAA/CAA discounts including those available through the Show Your Card & Save® program. AAA’s Show Your Card & Save program is one of the largest member discount programs in the world offering more than 164,000 locations for savings worldwide including 110,000 retail locations in North America and popular online retailers. Visit AAA.com/discounts for a complete list of retailers and offers.

Source AAA

Bosch’s driver assistance systems help drivers avoid accidents by using intelligent sensors to detect critical situations. Following are several key driver assistance technologies.

• Predictive Emergency Braking System (PEBS) – Bosch’s PEBS is based on the networking of a radar sensor with Electronic Stability Control (ESC). It can assist in reducing rear-end crashes through its three-stage approach, thus offering drivers advanced warning for improved braking reaction time in critical situations, and assistance in avoiding crashes or reducing the risk of injury in crashes that are unavoidable.
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) – This system reduces driver stress by automatically controlling the vehicle’s speed and maintaining a predefined minimum distance to the preceding vehicle using a radar sensor. Standard ACC can be activated from speeds of around 20 mph and up and supports the driver primarily on the freeways and long hauls. ACC Stop and Go controls the speed and distance to the preceding vehicle down to vehicle standstill, supporting the driver in heavy traffic situations.
• Mid-Range Radar Sensor (MRR) – The new Bosch MRR sensor supports functions such as ACC and PEBS. Working the same way as the existing long-range radar sensor (LRR3) in the 77 GHz frequency band, it records the distance and position of obstacles with precision and at far less cost. This sensor also can be used in the rear of the vehicle to support functions such as blind spot detection, cross traffic alert and lane change assist.
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW) – Bosch’s LDW uses a video camera to detect lane markings ahead of the vehicle and monitor the vehicle’s position in its lane. When the function detects that the vehicle is about to unintentionally leave the lane, it warns the driver through a visual, audible and/or haptic signal (i.e., steering wheel vibration). The function does not issue a warning when the driver activates the turn signal to change lanes intentionally.
• Lane Keeping Support – This system can actively help the driver remain in the marked lane by using a video camera to detect if the vehicle is getting too close to the side of the lane and then taking action to correct the vehicle’s position. When connected with electric power steering, the system will provide a gentle, but noticeable steering torque to prompt the driver to keep the vehicle in the lane. For vehicles without electric power steering, lane keeping support is achieved by applying braking torque to individual wheels. The driver remains responsible for control of the vehicle and can override the system at any time. When the driver activates the turn signal to intentionally change lanes, the function does not intervene.
• Driver Drowsiness Detection – Driver Drowsiness Detection identifies when a driver is at risk of falling asleep and sends a warning to remind the driver of the danger of driving while tired, thus assisting in averting a potential crash. The system operates by analyzing the driver’s steering behavior using data collected from a steering angle sensor or electric power steering system. It identifies “deadbands,” or phases where the driver does not steer for a brief period and then makes an abrupt steering correction. The system combines the frequency and strength of these reactions with other data, such as vehicle speed and time of day, to calculate a tiredness index. If this index exceeds a specific value, an audible, visual (i.e., flashing coffee cup) or other alert mechanism can warn the driver that they are tiring and at risk of falling asleep at the wheel.

Carfax and Cars.com today announced the integration of Carfax Vehicle History Reports into the Cars.com mobile app. Anyone searching for used cars using the Android or iPhone Cars.com app now gets free Carfax Vehicle History Reports from subscribing dealers. This valuable information helps smartphone shoppers pinpoint vehicles that fit their needs and make faster buying decisions.

“More than 80 percent of mobile car shoppers carry a smart phone, and that number is growing every year,” said Sharon Knitter, Cars.com Senior Director Mobile and New Car Strategies.  “Adding more functionality and value to our mobile apps is one more way to help car shoppers be more confident car buyers.” 

Cars.com app users will find a ‘Free Carfax Report’ link on the vehicle details page for cars listed by Carfax-subscribing dealers. With a single screen tap, vital information such as ownership history, mileage readings, service details and more is instantly viewable.

“Getting a Carfax Report is a crucial step in the used car buying process,” said Larry Gamache, communications director at Carfax. “Carfax and Cars.com are meeting the demands of car buyers who prefer to shop using the Cars.com mobile app and need Carfax information right here, right now.”

Cars.com is one of the leaders in providing online shoppers with access to Carfax information for vehicle listings. Last year, Cars.com included access to Carfax Reports from its mobile website. Cars.com has automatically linked Carfax Reports purchased by dealers to its main website listings since 2005. 

Source Carfax