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Toyota, Nissan log 1st global output growth in 15 months
Trading Markets (press release) Nissan's global output rose 9.9 percent to 306146 units as overseas production soared 16.0 percent to 207025 units. The growth followed a sharp vehicle … Japan's global auto production mixed in OctoberThe Associated Press Toyota, Nissan up global outputThe Japan Times Toyota, Sony, Exporters Are on 'Edge of Cliff' on YenBloomberg just-auto.com (subscription) -Reuters -AutoSpies.com all 139 news articles » |
Good new for Chevy parts, Toyota parts, Nissan parts, Honda parts and Jeep parts users! Auto Parts Train, the country's leading auto parts dealer is now selling these top quality auto parts at the low… Continue reading …
During the late 1990s, Nissan rolled out a new version of its Maxima to the critical acclaim of automobile experts as well as to consumers who snapped up the snazzy car in record numbers. Nissan carried the momentum forward until when the 2004 model was released; it was perceived by many as a step backward and sales dropped accordingly. Now, Nissan is poised to release a new Maxima and the company has the Chrysler 300 and Toyota Avalon in its crosshairs!
Make no mistake about it: when consumers are disappointed with a particular model they will look elsewhere; not even brand loyalty can keep consumers in the fold. Nissan found this out painfully in 2003 as the first Maximas were released as 2004 models. Sales dropped as potential buyers complained about the cheap looking interior as well as the uninspiring exterior.
Nissans loss was Chrysler's and Toyota's gain as the full sized, rear wheel drive Chrysler 300 has performed very well and the all-new-for-2006 Toyota Avalon is evoking favorable comparisons with current Lexus models. Nissan, realizing that lost sales was lost income hurried the Maxima's redesign and has pushed the new car up market. This means that the all new Maxima will probably more resemble a vehicle from Nissan's luxury car division Infiniti than any Nissan has to date.
So, what are the major changes? They will include the following: a redesigned exterior that takes its styling cues from Infiniti; a much more luxurious and refined interior; and more optional equipment made standard.
Sure, you will pay more for the new Maxima, but in the end you are certain to drive away with a car that competes effectively with Chrysler and Toyota for sales in the all important large car segment. This is good news for Nissan and for you, the potential buyer.
First tagged "nissan" by J. Christie
Customer tags: nissan, key ring, titan, nissan titan
1. Know a little about pricing before you buy a used car. Franchise dealers that sell used cars add a certain percentage on the original value of the used car in the market. Markup is also added to the price of the used car at dealerships, which will make the price higher.
2. Determine the many factors that affect the used car prices. Used car pricings are affected by installed optional equipments or the location where you are buying the used car. There are areas that have a high market demand for a certain car. If that is the case, you may get a better deal if you travel outside of the zone to shop around for your car.
3. Find the used car's true market value at NADA. National Automobile Dealer's Association releases a copy of used car price guides every year. You may also check their web site to check the current prices of the used cars you are looking for.
4. Cheaper used cars may be found at government auctions. Government auctions happen every year and you may want to check out a checklist of the auction program. It may also offer you guidelines on finding quality used cars at lower prices. You may visit Federal Citizen Information to find out the guidelines in buying used cars from government auctions.
5. Check out the Internet. There are a lot of web sites that provide pricing guides on used cars and also guidelines in finding the right used car for you. You may compare prices; check out the features of the used car and the location where you can buy cheaper prices.
6. Determine if you have a fair deal with the price that is offered to you. Factors that affect used car prices include the age, market demand, overall condition, mileage, interior and exterior blemishes or if the car was maintained well.
7. Beware of trade tricks. Many dealers strategize on the behavior of consumers when buying used cars. Dealers know that buyers will not purchase a used car unless they feel that they are offered a price lower than the original price. Dealers tend to make the price higher than the actual amount and make the buyer believe that they are offering a discount. What the buyer does not know is that the discounted price is actually the original price of the car.
For those who all are looking for the cheapest auto parts, purchasing used auto parts has emerged as the most prominent approach to replace the worn out parts of their vehicles. Now, the question emer… Continue reading …
Automakers are clamoring to build and market cars to the Generation "Y" crowd which, loosely defined, and encompasses new drivers and mostly everyone who is under 30. Toyota threw the gauntlet down in 2003 when they introduced a line of cars under the Scion brand. Now, Nissan is responding and the Versa - to be released during the summer of 2006 - is their answer. Will the Versa compete successfully or be lost in a sea of Gen "Y" vehicles soon to flood the market? All of that is too early to determine, so let's take a look at the Versa and what the car has to offer to motorists.
A visit to Nissan's website reveals much about the Versa. Unlike a certain Scion vehicle that takes its styling cues from a toaster, the Versa is aerodynamic and reminds me of the Toyota Matrix. Available as a four door sedan or five door hatchback, the Versa is expected to retail for around $12,000, the same price range as Scion vehicles. Like Scion, the Versa will be fairly well equipped to give motorists a value packed experience without having to add on several thousands more to the base sticker price in order to achieve a satisfactory and comfortable driving experience.
Along with a 1.8L I4 engine, here is what you can expect to be included with base models:
AM/FM/CD audio system
Air Conditioning
Power side mirrors and automatic trunk release
6 speed manual transmission [4 speed automatic is optional]
Split folding 60/40 seat with the hatchback
Not a bad standard equipment list for the price. For $2,000 more, SL versions will come with aluminum alloy wheels, cruise control, power windows/doors/locks, remote keyless entry, a souped up sound system, and more.
The car will have a 102 inch wheel base which is long for a vehicle of its type. The result is more interior room, with four adults having ample knee and leg room to weather long trips.
Pictures of the interior reveal a car that is well though out and not cheap looking. I especially like the dashboard with its overlapping circular instrument panel and easy to reach audio and air conditioning controls. A generation ago, entry level cars would have looked and felt cheap. Today's drivers expect more and the Versa delivers in the form of a decent level of standard equipment and attention to style.
The Versa replaces the Sentra as the entry level Nissan. Nissan has restyled the Sentra and "promoted" it up a notch much like Honda has done with the Civic and Toyota with the Corolla.
Although more expensive than Chevy's Aveo and Kia's Rio, the car has more flair and style than either one. Still, one has to wonder how the Versa will compete against Toyota's soon to be released Yaris and the all new Honda Fit. Throw in new models expected from Dodge and Ford and add Chinese cars to the mix and the whole entry level market becomes saturated.
Ultimately, the Versa is a step in the right direction and a nice alternative to some of its boxy competitors. Gen "Y" drivers have another choice in the Versa and an alternative to Scion, Toyota's youth-oriented brand.

















