Report: New Car Leasing in the States Increases to 20 Percent of all 2011 Sales

According to the Manheim 2012 Used Car Market Report, new light-vehicle leasing in the U.S. increased to 20 percent of retails sales (excluding fleets) in 2011, one percent higher than 2010.
The report notes that “for the most part”, the new car industry had the right approach towards leasing. This constitutes of leasing new cars to buyers with good credit who like to regularly change their vehicles, as well as projecting realistic end-of-lease resale values.
Overall leases rose 17 percent over 2010 to 2.1 million units last year and a startling 85 percent more than 2009’s 1.14 units, when buyers were deterred by the recession.
Manheim notes that the aftermath of the recession can still be felt today, since off-lease vehicles’ numbers will continue to decline. This will result in lower numbers of low-mileage used vehicles, thus increasing their resale value.
This estimate is confirmed by preliminary data from the National Auto Auction Association, which show that 2011 used car auctions decreased for the fourth year in a row, to less than 7.8 million vehicles.
Sales of ex-lease vehicles from rental fleets and other commercial sellers fell by 20 percent, in contrast to dealer-owned used cars that rose 10 percent. In total, dealer-owned vehicles accounted from 55 percent of vehicles sold at 2011 NAAA auctions last year, a 10 percent increase from 2010 and 20 percent compared to 2009.

Honda to Display NSX and European CR-V Concept Plus New 1.6L Diesel at the Geneva Salon

Honda today revealed its line-up for the Geneva Motor Show that takes place in March. The highlight of the Japanese firm's display will be the NSX Concept that features a mid-mounted V6 and a hybrid all-wheel drive system. The production version will arrive within the next three years. The second Honda concept that will make its European debut in Geneva will be the EV-STER, an electric roadster, akin to a 21st century version of the early ‘90s Beat Kei-car.
Much closer to production, and of bigger interest to a most customers, is the European version of the all-new CR-V crossover. Although it will be displayed as a prototype, the new CR-V, which is already available in the U.S., will effectively preview the European model that is set to go on sale this autumn.
Also targeted to the European market is Honda's new 1.6-liter turbo diesel engine. The company claims that it is the lightest and most fuel efficient engine in its class, emitting less than 100 g/km of CO2. It will find its way under the hood of several Honda models including the new Civic hatchback.
Last, but not least, are two new versions of the Jazz supermini: the Si, which will go on sale this summer featuring a sports package with a re-tuned suspension and sporty additions to the bodywork and the interior, while the Jazz 1.2 will gain an Idle Stop auto stop-start system that reduces CO2 emissions by 3g/km compared to the standard 1.2 version.

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Seat Reveals 5-Door Version of Mii City Car

Exactly one week after Skoda unveiled the five-door version of the Citigo and two weeks after VW did the same with the Up!, today it was Seat’s turn to launch the more practical version of the Mii, its own take on the German group’s new city car. Like its two other siblings, the most significant change compared to the 3.56-meter long three-door version is the addition of the rear doors and, according to Seat, a slightly lower window line.
“The five-door is the perfect expansion to our Mii line-up: just as sporty, just as dynamic, but with a considerable increase in usability”, said Seat vice president for Research and Development Dr. Matthias Rabe.
“With its low weight and modern drives, the Mii is both sporty and efficient at the same time. This applies especially to the Ecomotive model with its exceptionally low consumption and emissions figures.”
The five-door Mii that will debut at the Geneva Motor Show is powered by a 1.0-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine available in two versions producing 60 and 75-horses.
The Ecomotive variants of the 60HP and 75HP engines, which are equipped with start-stop tech, return an average fuel consumption of 4.1 and 4.2 lt/100 km and emit 96 and 98 g/km of CO2 respectively.
The Seat Portable infotainment system with a 5-inch touchscreen that can be removed for mobile use will be standard on all models. Moreover, the Mii can be equipped a panoramic glass sunroof and the City Safety Assist automatic braking system, which operates at speeds lower than 30 km/h and helps avoid or lessen the effects of low-speed accidents.

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New 2013 Mazda CX-5 Crossover Priced from $20,695* in the States

cars forum
http://variousfriends.com/viewforum.php?f=4Mazda has released the full rundown on the pricing and equipment specifications of its all-new 2013 CX-5 crossover, which launches in the States exclusively with a 2.0-liter gasoline engine rated at 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque and either FWD or AWD. Customers can choose from three different trim grades called Sport, Touring and Grand Touring, with the entry-level FWD Sport model offered with a six-speed manual gearbox and the rest of the range with an automatic transmission. According to Mazda, the CX-5 returns 35mpg on the highway and 29mpg combined.
Prices for the crossover start from US$20,865 for the base Sport, which rises to US$21,660 if you include a $795 (*) destination and handling fee (Alaska $840.00). cars forum
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All trim grades get an array of safety features such as six airbags, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), a Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Launch Assist, and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
Standard features on the Sport model include 17-inch alloys with 225/65R17 tires, daytime running lights, power mirrors, windows and locks, automatic headlight shutoff, steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise control functions, plus air conditioning.
The Touring model adds a Bluetooth audio package, fog lamps, upgraded cloth seats, a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat, rearview camera, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system as well as a rear-seat armrest with cup holders.
The top of the line Grand Tourer gets 19-inch alloys with 225/55R19 tires, automatic headlights and wipers, heated mirrors, a moonroof, leather upholstery, heated front seats, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support, dual-zone automatic climate control and a Bose surround system with Sirius Satellite radio.cars forum
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Fiat Launches 2012 Punto in Europe, Releases New Photo Gallery and a Video

Following its presentation at the Frankfurt motor show last year, Fiat has published new photos and a video of its subtly tweaked Punto supermini as sales begin across Europe.

Perhaps the most important update for 2012 concerns the addition of the 85HP 0.8-liter two-cylinder TwinAir turbocharged gasoline engine. In addition, Fiat’s engineers have added two new technologies to the 85HP 1.3-liter MultiJet 2 diesel engine, the Intelligent Alternator and Intelligent Flow, both of which help lower CO2 emissions to 90g/km.

The 2012 Punto is distinguished by its body-colored bumpers, the new indicators positioned alongside the air intake, different alloy wheel designs and three new metallic colors including Glam Rock Blue, Tip Tap Red and Blues Grey.

Additionally, the TwinAir versions get a new trim level that sports an exclusive “Energetico Green” color and an optional glossy black roof. As for the interior, there are only some minor updates such as the new colors and materials on the seats.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYPUQP0E3GU&feature=player_embedded