Mercedes-Benz of Long Beach Announces Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe Receives Praise by J.D. Power & Associates

June 22, 2010 – Signal Hill, Calif. – Mercedes-Benz of Long Beach announce Mercedes-Benz has demonstrated higher initial quality than import brands for the first time, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2010 U.S. Initial Quality Study(SM) (IQS).

According to J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality StudySM(IQS) revealed new models and major redesigns continues to improve in 2010, led by new launches from brands such as Mercedes-Benz.

The all-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe launched with notably high initial quality levels. Historically, newly launched models have incurred substantially more quality problems than carryover models, on average. However, more than one-half of all models launched during the 2010 model year perform better than their respective segment averages.

“Mercedes-Benz of Long Beach was extremely excited to see the results of the latest study,” said General Manager, Ray Burke. “The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe is a bold and efficient model. We’re happy to see Mercedes-Benz continues to regain praise,” he said.

The Initial Quality Study serves as the industry benchmark for new-vehicle quality measured at 90 days of ownership. The study is used extensively by manufacturers worldwide to help them design and build better vehicles and by consumers to help them in their vehicle purchase decisions.

Initial quality has been shown over the years to be an excellent predictor of long-term vehicle durability, which directly impacts consumer purchase decisions. The study captures problems experienced by owners in two distinct categories—design-related problems and defects and malfunctions.

Mercedes-Benz of Long Beach, located at 2300 E. Spring Street in Signal Hill, Calif., strives to offer the highest levels of service in all departments with competitive pricing. With a knowledgeable sales staff, factory-trained service and parts experts and a wide selection of new and Certified Pre-Owned vehicles, Mercedes-Benz of Long Beach is committed to providing Southern California residents with a true Mercedes experience.

Source: Webwire

Don’t you find it boring when you have to stare on the license plate of the car in front of you? Well, you don’t really have much choice especially if you’re stuck in a traffic jam! Anyway, you’re not the only one who has this kind of sentiment. Just check out what the state of California is planning! If everything goes according to plan, California would be the very first American state to use digital or electronic license plates!

So how will it work? It will resemble traditional license plates, with plate numbers visible at all times. But aside from that, the e-plates will gave digital ads and public service announcements. They would be flashed in the plate’s screen every time the vehicle stops for a period of time.

Sen. Curren Price, the author of the bill said, “State governments are facing unprecedented budget shortfalls, and are actively rethinking the use of existing state assets to create new ongoing revenue opportunities. This is a unique opportunity for public-private partnership.”

What do you think of this idea?

A jeep is a very nice choice for a family car. It’s spacious and quite capable of excellent road performance. Since safety is also a big consideration by lots of families, the jeeps produced today are also equipped with modern safety features. For sure every Mom and Dad will have peace of mind whenever they take their kids out for a ride.

One great jeep choice that they can have is the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Those of you who are thinking of getting this ride can try out the newly-launched “Build My Own” page. This will help them experiment with the kind of configuration they want in their 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The page seems easy to navigate because it has tabs for models, colors, and options. At the end is a summary page that they can print if they want to.

You can check out the page if you’re interested.

Is Facebook really that powerful social media that a renowned automobile maker such as Ford is depending on it for the promotion of its upcoming creation, the new Ford Explorer? It’s true. This car maker is foregoing the auto show for launching its best-selling Ford Explorer.

Ford will be starting its Facebook campaign next week and that the official release of the Ford Explorer will be sometime in July.

According to Scott Monty, Ford’s head of social media, “We live in a 140-character society. When we have people’s attention, we want to make sure it sticks…I think we are seeing a gradual shift of the world being more open and sharing more information and we absolutely want to make it possible for people to

Auto Shows have always been the norm when it comes to unveiling new vehicles of different styles. But, with this new approach that Ford is determined to undertake, will Auto Shows be just a thing of the past? Will other car makers follow this trend that Ford is starting?

Yet another recall from Toyota. Yesterday, the company announced that it will conduct a voluntary recall on Toyota Sequoia SUVs model 2003 because of a problem with the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system. The expected number of units involved in the recall is approximately 50,000. As of this moment, no injuries or accidents arising from this part has been reported. 

What is the VSC and what does it do for the vehicle? Apparently, it helps control loss of traction especially during cornering. According to the Press Release, “In vehicles without the upgrade, the VSC system could, in limited situations, activate at low speed (approximately 9 mph) for a few seconds after acceleration from a stopped position and, as a result, the vehicle may not accelerate as quickly as the driver expects.”

So, what does Toyota have to say about this latest recall? Toyota’s chief quality officer for North America Steve St. Angelo said, “Toyota is committed to investigating customer complaints more aggressively and to responding quickly to issues we identify in our vehicles.  As a result, we are voluntarily launching this recall to ensure that as many 2003 Sequoias as possible are serviced to the full satisfaction of our customers.”

Toyota will be sending out letters to 2003 Toyota Sequoia owners for them to have an upgrade of the VSC system.

Have you heard the news involving Volkswagen? This German car maker has issued a recall! Yup, even this brand’s creations are not free from hazardous flaws. The affected model is the Routan minivan. These are 2009 models that Volkswagen built with Chrysler Group LLC. This is going to have quite an effect on the carmaker because the recall is totalling to 15, 902 units.

Do you know what the problem is? When inspected, the finding was that, the rear-door latches can short-circuit and catch fire. This can be very dangerous indeed! So, if you are an owner of the 2009 Volkswagen Routan minivan, better take heed!

Another competitive SUV will land in French show rooms by 2012. I know some of you out there will say that 2012 is still quite far away and that it is too soon to feel any excitement about it. But, this SUV is worth watching out for because it’s the product of collaboration between an Asian and a European car maker. These car makers are Mitsubishi and PSA Peugeot Citroen. I think this upcoming SUV will be great because it will have both Asian and European flavors. Basically, most of the bare bones will be provided by Mitsubishi while PSA Peugeot Citroen will provide unique body work as well engine.

Based on the Press Release, the new compact SUV will be available in both two-wheel and four-wheel drive. Also, it has been agreed that a 1.6 HDi diesel engine will be used for the PSA Peugeot Citroen models. This engine is very beneficial because it is capable of 123 CO2/km or less than 4.7 liters per 100km.

This partnership will be beneficial to all car makers concerned. For Peugeot Citroen, the new SUV will help attract more customers to bolster their sales even further. On Mitsubishi’s part, “the new vehicles will enable it to bolster production of this platform, allowing it to enjoy benefits of economies of scale.”

Source: Mitsubishi

First Hyundai, then Toyota, and now Ford? Ford is the latest car maker to join the recall bandwagon. Ford is issuing a recall on a few of its models because of safety issues. On Friday Ford issued that it is recalling 33,256 vehicles due to a problem with front-seat recliners. So what are these models? Read carefully because you might be an owner of any of these: 2010 models of Fusion and Mercury, Explorer, explorer Sport Trac, and Mercury Mountaineer SUVs.

According to the recall notice made by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “The recliner gear plate teeth may be out of dimension specification which could result in limited pawl to gear plate tooth engagement. In the event of a crash, the seatback and head restraint may move rearward increasing the risk of injury.”

Affected owners don’t have to worry about a thing. They won’t need to shell out any amount in order to get their cars repaired because by May, Ford will send letters to them. Then, they can take their vehicles to a Ford service center for free repairs.

Is road safety not being given enough attention? Maybe so. Even the Queen of day time talk, Oprah Winfrey, is pitching in to make people more aware of the hazards of distracted driving. Oprah has already partnered with the Governors Highway safety Association and other agencies to end distracted driving. Oprah will also be announcing a program called “No Phone Zone,”
that encourages drivers to stop using their handsets when driving.

Here’s the PR for you to know more about this latest undertaking spearheaded by Oprah Winfrey.

State Highway Safety Agencies Supporting Oprah’s No Phone Zone Day Drivers Urged to Make Commitment to Hang Up and Drive

WASHINGTON, DC — The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) and its member State Highway Safety Agencies are joining forces with Oprah Winfrey and Harpo Studios to fight distracted driving during “No Phone Zone Day” on Friday April 30, 2010. Affiliates nationwide will air a special live episode of “The Oprah Winfrey Show” devoted to dangers associated with cell phone use and texting while driving. Special viewing rallies will be held in Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., bringing together victims’ families, elected officials, advocacy organizations, parents, youth, and law enforcement to discuss best practices and steps to limit distracted driving in their own communities. In addition, the “Oprah” show will debut a new sponsored public service announcement campaign.

All participants and viewers will be asked to pledge to make their cars a “No Phone Zone.” GHSA’s State Highway Safety Office members are participating in the viewing rallies and other community mobilization activities. GHSA is encouraging all states to spread the word through news releases, community events, and through social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter. States with distracted driving laws may use the day to draw attention to the legislation. Currently, 23 states and Washington, D.C. have texting laws.

(For a full list, visit www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/cellphone_laws.html). GHSA Chairman Vernon Betkey has personally taken the “No Phone Zone” pledge and will participate in the Washington D.C. rally. He notes that “GHSA has always supported a multifaceted approach to combating distracted driving. While state legislation and enforcement are both critical factors, education efforts are also important-and what better person to raise public awareness than Oprah Winfrey? As a society, we need to make cell phone use while driving as unacceptable as drunk driving. We are very grateful to Harpo and Ms. Winfrey for their leadership and commitment.” Also supporting Oprah’s “No Phone Zone Day” are: the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), National Organizations for Youth Safety (NOYS), FocusDriven, SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) and RADD - the Entertainment Industry’s Voice for Road Safety.

Photo Credit: Autoblog

Known automaker, Honda, has recently announced that it won’t continue on manufacturing the Civic Type-R Sedan starting August 2010. This actually is a sensible move as the brand never really got much popularity when it comes to sedans. Its strength lies on hatchbacks and coupes. While the hatchback variant of the Civic Type-R will continue production in Europe, it becomes pretty clear that North America won’t get their hands on these vehicles. If you want a reminder what the Civic Type-R Sedan is, it’s powered with a 2.0L inline-four that gives off 225-hp and 158 ft-lbs of torque. Plus, the stiffened and tuned suspension components allows for better handling compared with all Type-R models. So ultimately, that’s what you’re going to miss when the month of August comes.

Source: Auto Guide