RPMGO.com (former Auto Unleashed)

Smart buyers back out leaving the cars ‘orphaned’ in US dealerships

Posted: 24 Mar 2009 06:20 PM PDT

Aren’t people always acting like a herd? Last year, when gas price were up through the roof, Smart dealerships registered a very high demand for the small German car. Now, when gas price are back to a more normal level, everyone is dumping their new Smart. According to an article from USA Today, Smart dealers are facing with increasing unsold car lots, caused by customers who placed their orders and then backed out. And the $99 required deposit (which is also refundable) is making this decision really easy to take. Smart confirmed but said they’re not worried about this situation yet “”Are a few more people canceling (compared to) last year? Yes. But certainly we’re not seeing a huge falloff” said Smart spokesman Ken Kettenbeil.

According to Smart, the company has around 30,000 prospective buyers who paid the $99 reservation fee but have not taken delivery and from these, about 35% back out (about 30% in November). However, we think Smart should worry, because Autodata reports that in February Smart sold 1,415 units, almost half of how much it was selling last year.

Source: USA Today

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Smart buyers back out leaving the cars ‘orphaned’ in US dealerships

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Kia Forte LPI Hybrid debuts in South Korea

Posted: 24 Mar 2009 06:05 PM PDT

Following recent announcements that in the future they will focus on eco-friendly cars, yesterday Kia introduced the Kia Forte LPI Hybrid in South Korea. With this occasion, Kia has also announced their new eco-friendly sub-brand Eco-Dynamics.

The Kia Forte LPI hybrid is powered by hybrid powertrain consisting of a 114 hp 1.6 liters LPI (Liquefied Petroleum Injected) engine and a 20 hp electric motor. Kia claims their new hybrid achieves a fuel economy of 17.2 kilometers per liter of LPG fuel (41 MPG US), the equivalent to 21.5 kilometers per liter of gasoline. The electric motor is powered by highly advanced lithium polymer (Li–poly) battery, a new lighter and smaller battery with higher output than nickel-metal hydride batteries. The same batteries will power the upcoming Chevrolet Volt and will be supplied by LG Chem.

Photo Gallery: Kia Forte LPI Hybrid

Source: Kia World (Via WorldCarFans)

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Kia Forte LPI Hybrid debuts in South Korea

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Fisker appoints 32 US retailers to sell the Karma sedan

Posted: 24 Mar 2009 05:32 PM PDT

In a press release made public today, Fisker Automotive has announced the first group of US retailers to market and service the Fisker Karma luxury plug-in hybrid sedan. This is the first step from Fisker’s plan to have, by the end of June 2009, 40 location across the country to sell the sedan that will go on sale later this year with a starting price tag of $87,900.

It looks like the California based company is doing a pretty good job in developing their retail network and a large influence in this has Fisker’s Board member Vic Doolan, the man who led BMW NA and Volvo NA in the 90s and the 2000s with great results for the two companies. Check out the dealers list after the jump.

Fisker Automotive Retail Network, Charter Members:

Barrett Holdings, Inc. Charles Barrett San Antonio, TX

Bergen Jaguar Dennis Squitieri Bergen County, NJ

Bergstrom Corporation John Bergstrom Wisconsin

Borton Automotive Kjell Bergh, Minnesota

Capitol Cadillac Company Daniel Jobe Maryland

Century Automotive Group George Jones Alabama

The Dorschel Automotive Group Richard Dorschel Rochester, NY

Elder Automotive Group Rob Elder Tampa Bay, FL

Fields Auto Group Dan Fields Illinois

Fields Auto Group Dan Fields Orlando, FL

Fields Auto Group Dan Fields British Columbia

Frank Kent Motor Company Corrie Churchill Fort Worth, TX

H.A. Ott Motor Cars LLC Chip Ott Philadelphia, PA

Jaguar of Great Neck Jack Weidinger Long Island, NY

M2 Motors, Inc. Bernardo Moreno Ohio

Manhattan Motor Cars Brian Miller Manhattan, NY

Marvin K. Brown Auto Center Dave Grundstrom San Diego, CA

O'Brien Auto Group Mike O'Brien Washington

Palm Beach Motor Cars Ltd. Robert Simpson Palm Beach, FL

Patrick Dealer Group Martin Stilwell Illinois

Price Family Dealerships Tom Price San Jose, CA

Price Family Dealerships Tom Price San Francisco, CA

Price Family Dealerships Tom Price Sacramento, CA

Rickenbaugh Cadillac Volvo Mary Pacifico-Valley Denver, CO

Roger Beasley Highline Group David Stein Austin, TX

Ron Tonkin Family of Dealerships Ron Tonkin Oregon

Serra Automotive Joe Serra State of Michigan

Serra Automotive Joe Serra Pasadena, CA

Shelly Automotive Group Damon Shelly Orange County, CA

Sullivan Luxury Cars LLC Mike Sullivan Beverly Hills & Santa Monica, CA

Ted Britt Auto Group Raymond Britt Northern Virginia

Warren Henry Automobiles Warren Zinn Miami, FL

Source: Fisker (Via eGMCarTech)

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Fisker appoints 32 US retailers to sell the Karma sedan

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Study shows surprising results: women are more attracted by men driving expensive cars

Posted: 24 Mar 2009 05:05 PM PDT

A recent study made by the University of Wales Institute in Cardiff showed what many might consider incredibly surprising, that women are more attracted by men driving expensive cars. Who would’ve thought? This has gotta be one of the most useless studies ever made (well, maybe except for the one we wrote about last year, about women being aroused by supercars’ engine sound).

During the study, the university team showed women a photo of the same guy at the steering wheels of a Bentley Continental GTC and an old Ford Fiesta. Guess when women thought he was more attractive? You’re right, when he was in the Fiesta. Just kidding, of course when he was in the Bentley. My God, who pays for these studies?

And if we have any female readers, please don’t consider us mysoginists, because here’s what Dr. Michael Dunn, the head of the project said: “It appears that the stereotype of women being positively influenced by a man’s status is true and, evolutionarily speaking, this makes sense. However, even with the growing number of women in high-paid careers and the fact that they can be highly successful has no effect on how attractive they are to men. What you find is that these new, wealthy women still show a preferment for high-status males.”

Source: Telegraph

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Study shows surprising results: women are more attracted by men driving expensive cars

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Ssangyong releases C200 Aero Concept teaser photo

Posted: 24 Mar 2009 04:38 PM PDT

Ssangyong C200 Aero Concept Teaser Photo

The Korean car maker released a teaser picture of the upcoming Ssangyong C200 Aero Concept which will make its debut in April, at the Seoul Motor Show. Based on the C200 Concept which made its debut last year at the Paris Motor Show, the Aero is a more aggressive model which features several new styling elements like a new front fascia, larger alloy wheels and a roof spoiler.

Considering the C200 was introduced with a 175 hp 2.0 liter turbo diesel, we expect the Aero to be equipped at least with the same engine, if not a more powerful powerplant. According to Ssangyong, the C200 Aero project is in an advanced state, with a production version being scheduled to be released later this year.

Photo Gallery: Ssangyong C200 Concept at the Paris Motor Show

Source: Carscoop

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Ssangyong releases C200 Aero Concept teaser photo

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The IKEA car, you’ve got to be kidding me!

Posted: 24 Mar 2009 03:11 PM PDT

And yeah, they’re probably kidding us. Because the LEKO project will be unveiled on April 1, just in time for…April Fools. We never had any A’s in French classes, but that guy talking in the video says this is the car of tomorrow and it will be environmentally friendly (with low CO2 emissions) and wait for it…it’s going to be a coupe/cabrio. So IKEA does not only enter the auto market, but it does it in style, with a convertible. Yeah, right! So, either the Swedish company has lost its mind or, most likely (there’s no mention on the IKEA website) we have a really cool prank set for April Fools. Check out the project’s websitehere.

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The IKEA car, you’ve got to be kidding me!

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Lamborghini Murcielago bespoke package by Prindiville Prestige

Posted: 24 Mar 2009 11:31 AM PDT

Lamborghini Murcielago Bespoke Prindiville

Prindiville Prestige is a British company specialised in creating one of a kind bespoke cars accroding to individual client’s specs. And their latest product is a styling package for the Lamborghini Murcielago which features a bolder and more assertive front fascia, redesigned side sills, a more dynamic rear part with exclusive titanium sports exhaust system, no handles doors with remote electric opening and restyled engine bay with transparent cooling louvres. Only the front compartment lid remained from the production Murcielago and all the body panels have carbon fibre finish.

On the interior, the car features rich leather and hand-finished aluminium accents and other small details like specially engineered aluminium air vents. Of course, rich customers have the option of choosing whatever they wish for the interior.

Photo Gallery: Lamborghini Murcielago tuning by Prindiville Prestige