|
|
|
|
|
Ford, Hertz agree on terms for acquisition |
Ford Motor Company and The Hertz Corporation have announced an agreement for Ford to acquire all the publicly-held shares of common stock of Hertz.
Ford currently owns about 81.5 percent of the outstanding shares of Hertz, and public shareholders own the remaining 18.5 percent... (Full Article) |
|
Ford Escape
New standard for entry level SUVs
By Lary Coppola |
| Ford’s new Escape is hands-down, the new standard where small, car-like sport-utility vehicles (SUVs) are concerned. It’s that simple. This is a vehicle that is well thought out, cleverly designed, and genuinely fun to drive — unlike some of its competition... (Full Article) |
|
Buick LeSabre just keeps getting better
By Lary Coppola |
| Questions: Why has General Motors (GM) has sold more than 1 million Buick LeSabres in the past eight years, outselling all its major competitors — the Mercury Grand Marquis, Ford Crown Victoria, Chrysler Concorde, Dodge Intrepid and Toyota Avalon... (Full Article) |
|
|
Courtesy auto dealerships earn EnviroStars certifications |
| Three auto repair facilities in the Poulsbo-based Courtesy Automotive Group are now EnviroStar certified. EnviroStar is a regional pollution prevention recognition program administered by local agencies and partnership organizations... (Full Article) |
|
|
Bay Ford receives Blue Oval Certification |
| Port Orchard’s Bay Ford was recently awarded the highest recognition a Ford dealership can achieve — Ford Motor Company’s coveted Blue Oval Certification... (Full Article) |
|
|
Bethel Garage announces certifications |
| Port Orchard’s Bethel Garage, which is comprised of Bethel Automotive, Bethel Towing and Port Orchard Towing, recently announced that a number of its employees had received industry certifications. The firm also celebrated its 30th anniversary in business... (Full Article) |
|
|
Mercedes debuts four new models at the Detroit Auto Show |
| The International Auto Show in Detroit saw the introduction of three new models from Mercedes Benz. They include three new C-Class models and the SLK32 AMG roadster. The C-Class additions are the high-performance C32 AMG sedan, the C230 Sports Coupe and a wagon... (Full Article) |
|
|
Chrysler may boost output of PT Cruiser |
| Dieter Zetsche, the DaimlerChrysler executive heading the restructuring effort at the troubled Chrysler unit, said he believed the market for the popular PT Cruiser could consistently run at more than 300,000 units annually. However, he admitted that adding a production line at the company’s Belvidere plant in Illinois — which has been suggested in Detroit auto circles — could be costly and complex because of the vehicle’s dimensions... (Full Article) |
|
|
Mercedes first with web-based in-car info |
| Mercedes-Benz, the first automaker to debut an “Internet on Wheels” research car in 1997, is now the first to offer useful, web-based information in a production car... (Full Article) |
|
Jaguar XJR: The ultimate high performance sports sedan
By Lary Coppola |
| Years ago, a friend of mine bought a new Jaguar XJ6. Within six months, he had traded it in on a Mercedes... (Full Article) |
|
Finally, Toyota offers a full size SUV
By Lary Coppola |
| Did Toyota really need to build a full-size sport-utility vehicle (SUV)? After all, it’s always had the Land Cruiser — and its upscale cousin, the Lexus LX 430... (Full Article) |
|
|
Return of the Mini is real |
| BMW recently invited members of the local press to the Experience Music Project in Seattle to announce that the Mini will be returning to the U.S. in March of 2002... (Full Article) |
|
|
Suzuki debuts big SUV |
Suzuki debuted the largest Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) in its history, the XL-7, at the Detroit Auto Show. It boasts a 12.6 inch longer wheelbase than its Grand Vitara, and is 19.1 inches greater in overall length.
Under the hood is an all-aluminum, 2.7 liter DOHC V6 engine that can be coupled to a manual or an automatic transmission. The XL-7 will be available in either 2WD or 4WD configurations, with 2WD pricing starting at just under $20,000 and 4WD models at under $21,000. |
|
|
Two new cars from Lexus |
Lexus recently introduced two new vehicles — including a convertible and a station wagon.
The 2002 Lexus IS 300 Sportcross blurs the line between body styles by blending the sport and style of a performance sedan with the utility of the traditional wagon. All the passenger seats fold down to create a space for additional cargo including enough room for items like skis and surfboards.
The 2001 SC 430 convertible is a ragtop version of the newest personal luxury car from Lexus. It’s powered by a 300 Horsepower DOHC, 4.3-liter V8 with variable valve timing that’s married to a 5-speed automatic. The SC 430 will do 0-60 in 5.9 seconds. |
|
Acura MDX fits many lifestyles like a glove
By Lary Coppola |
| The new, 2001 Acura MDX came within a razor’s edge of winning the Northwest Automotive Press Association’s (NWAPA) Sport Utility Vehicle of the Year competition this past October. The difference between it and the winner, the BMW X5, was so slim, a recount was actually required — before they became the rage... (Full Article) |
|
Chevy Monte Carlo SS — big, stylish, fast
BY Lary Coppola |
| The Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS is one of those cars that harks back to those thrilling days of yesteryear — when Detroit iron ruled the road and was big, stylish and fast. That’s true to a point with this car. The big rear wheel-drive V8 is history, but the available 200-horse front wheel-drive V6 marries practicality, a fair amount of luxury and respectable performance to an affordable price... (Full Article) |
|
|
Jaguar F-Type roadster a Go |
| The Jaguar F-TYPE roadster has been given the production go-ahead, the company announced at the recent L.A. Auto Show... (Full Article) |
|
|
Automotive Alternatives donates truck to OC |
| Automotive Alternatives in Bremerton recently donated a Chevrolet Pickup to the Olympic College Automotive Technology department for use in training in its Engine and Transmission class... (Full Article) |
|
|
Courtesy Auto Group buys Gig Harbor Ford |
| The Poulsbo-based Courtesy Auto Group, which owns Courtesy Ford, Chevrolet, Mitsubishi and Suzuki in Poulsbo, as well as Courtesy Ford in Port Townsend and Courtesy AutoMax in Silverdale and Sequim, has expanded once again... (Full Article) |
|
Mitsubishi Montero Sport: Worth another look
By Lary Coppola |
| I have never been a fan of the Mitsubishi Montero Sport. It got off on the wrong foot when it was introduced in late 1996 because it was just another in a long line of “me too” midsize sport utility vehicles... (Full Article) |
|
Honda Accord: The perennial contender
By Lary Coppola |
| Okay, so it will never win any awards for innovative styling. But there’s a reason the Honda Accord is always at or near the top of the sales chart. It’s a great value... (Full Article) |
|
|
Courtesy Ford wins Blue Oval certification |
| Courtesy Ford in Poulsbo is the first dealership in Washington and Oregon to achieve Ford Motor Co.’s Blue Oval Certification, which is the highest recognition the company gives to its dealers... (Full Article) |
|
|
Free car washes for life |
| Automotive Alternatives in East Bremerton celebrated its eighth anniversary by introducing a new service for its clients. A hand car wash will be available free to each customer who buys a car from Automotive Alternatives for as long as they own the car... (Full Article) |
|
|
DaimlerChrysler to Offer Hybrid Dodge SUV in 2003 |
| DaimlerChrysler AG said on Tuesday its Dodge Durango sport-utility vehicle will be available in 2003 with a hybrid gasoline-electric powertrain that is 20 percent more fuel-efficient than a conventional V8 engine... (Full Article) |
|
|
Automakers team up with AOL for portal |
| General Motors and DaimlerChrysler Corp. will be providing their 300,000 U.S. employees with low-cost Internet access through an alliance with America Online (AOL)... (Full Article) |
|
|
Mercedes first with web-based in-car info |
Mercedes-Benz, the first automaker to debut an “Internet on Wheels” research car in 1997, is now the first to offer useful, web-based information in a production car.
Using the same telematics technology that makes the basic Mercedes-Benz Tele Aid system possible, any owner of a 2001 model equipped with the COMAND display on the center console can now subscribe to new web-based Info Services provided to Mercedes by CNN Interactive for an annual fee of $125 plus airtime. |
|
|
Behind The Wheel featured in The Sun |
| Lary Coppola’s automotive review column, Behind The Wheel, is now featured in The Sun’s automotive magazine Drive, twice a month. It also appears in Austin Monthly, the city magazine for Austin, Texas. |
|
New design, features make 2002 Mountaineer
more than an upscale Explorer
By Lary Coppola |
| “The all-new Mercury Mountaineer spells out what a Mercury is and will be in the future. The Mountaineer makes a strong and clear break from its Ford cousin — with individualistic styling accentuated by precise clean lines, machined surfaces and fine attention to detail.” So said Mark Hutchins, Lincoln Mercury President... (Full Article) |
|
New Saturn L-series quite a pleasant surprise
By Lary Coppola |
| I was pleasantly surprised when I first got behind the wheel of the new Saturn L200. It was just like most other sports sedans, only different... (Full Article) |
|
|
PT Cruiser named Motor Trend’s “Car of the Year” |
| Chrysler’s unique, segment-busting PT Cruiser has been honored as Motor Trend Magazine’s Car of the Year... (Full Article) |
|
Dodge Viper — The fastest American car on the road
By Lary Coppola |
| I’ve wanted to drive it since I first laid eyes on it. What I came away feeling was a mixture of pure awe, minor disappointment, and genuine satisfied curiosity... (Full Article) |
|
Cadillac DeVille DTS blends technology with
contemporary styling and real performance
By Lary Coppola |
| When you first see Cadillac’s DeVille DTS you quickly realize it is indeed a Cadillac, but not exactly like any Cadillac you’ve seen before. You may even be a shade embarrassed to admit to yourself you like the way it looks... (Full Article) |
|
BMW makes its late entry into the
Sport Utility field worth the wait
By Lary Coppola |
| With every manufacturer cashing in on the Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) craze, BMW is definitely late to market. However, what it’s brought is a new, muscular-looking all-wheel-drive model... (Full Article) |
|
|
BMW X5 named SUV of the Year |
| The Northwest Automotive Press Association (NWAPA) has named the BMW X5 as its SUV of the Year, and the winner of Mudfest 2000... (Full Article) |
|
|
Ken’s Auto Body updates collision technology |
| Ken’s Auto Body in Port Orchard recently installed the Shark Computerized Electronic Measuring System... (Full Article) |
|
|
DaimlerChrysler to offer hybrid Dodge SUV in 2003 |
| DaimlerChrysler AG said recently its Dodge Durango sport-utility vehicle will be available in 2003 with a hybrid gasoline-electric powertrain that is 20 percent more fuel-efficient than a conventional V8 engine... (Full Article) |
|
|
Autobytel.com joins forces with MADD |
| Autobytel.com has announced expanded involvement with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). In an effort to promote awareness and dialogue amongst teens and their families regarding the issues surrounding underage drinking, Autobytel.com will host an interactive live webcast of the upcoming “MADD National Youth Summit to Prevent Underage Drinking.” |
|
Pontiac Aztek — minivan, SUV, or some of both?
By Lary Coppola |
| When I first laid my eyes on the 2001 Pontiac Aztek some months ago, my first reaction was that it appeared to be an uglier than usual minivan trying to impersonate a racy sport-utility vehicle... (Full Article) |
|
Luxury abounds in the “affordable” Mercedes
Mercedes-Benz spends $1.3 billion to
completely redesign the C-Class for 2001
By Lary Coppola |
| When Mercedes-Benz departed from its usual approach to building expensive luxury cars by debuting the entry-level 190 sedan in the 1980s, it proved to be a good strategy... (Full Article) |
|
Mudfest event a huge success
Track portion of SUV event held at Bremerton Raceway |
| Mudfest, the Northwest Automotive Press Association’s (NWAPA) annual Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) of the year competition, was a huge success... (Full Article) |
|
Seattle Auto Show to feature very
make, model and manufacturer
By Lary Coppola |
| Even before the doors open at noon, Wednesday, November 1, the Seattle International Auto Show is raising the question: “What will be this year’s most anticipated new vehicle... (Full Article) |
|
|
Strong demand for competitively-priced EV’s poll shows |
| Nearly a third of new car buyers in California, the nation’s largest auto market, would purchase an electric vehicle... (Full Article) |
|
|
|
| |
|
