McKernan started out as a customer service representative in the Pasadena branch in 1966 and worked his way up the corporate ladder, serving as a computer programmer and chief financial officer before his appointment as CEO in 1991.

McKernan spearheaded expansion of the club. Since 1991, membership in Southern California has grown by nearly 70% to 6.2 million. McKernan also moved the organization into other states by acquiring AAA clubs in Texas, New Mexico and Hawaii in 1996. It now operates in 21 states and has 14 million members representing 30% of all AAA members in the country.

Bouttier, the new CEO, began his career as an insurance claims representative at a branch office 37 years ago.

ALSO:

Million-dollar used cars

Zipcar embraces sharing economy

Ford Focus highlights contrast in electric car strategies

twitter.com/LATimesJerry

Article source: http://www.latimes.com/business/money/la-fi-mo-aaa-20120515,0,7589401.story

Macclesfield, UK (PRWEB UK) 14 May 2012

The latest Golf from Volkswagen is now available to order in the UK. Prices for the popular GTI model start from just over £29,000* and car finance experts Car Loan 4U could help potential owners to secure Volkswagen car finance.

The convertible Golf GTI Cabriolet is available in both manual and dual clutch versions.

Featuring the latest technology yet staying true to the classic design, the new Golf GTI Cabriolet could be an ideal summer vehicle.

The exterior has an elegant radiator grille with red edging and the classic GTI badge across the front. Powerful 18-inch alloy wheels combined with a 2.0 litre four-cylinder petrol engine make the new Volkswagen tempting for those looking for a new car.

Reaching top speeds of 147 mph in the dual clutch version, the new Golf is a promising vehicle for motorists.

Car Loan 4U Co-Director Ryan Dignan comments;

“The GTI series has stood the test of time as Volkswagen has continued to build on the highly successful range over six generations.

“The new hatchback Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabriolet is the perfect summer car for 2012 with a convertible roof that can be folded in under 10 seconds**

“Drivers looking to feel the wind in their hair might opt for a vehicle with convertible options. The new Volkswagen is available to order now and motorists can expect deliveries just in time for the British sun to start shining in July.

For motorists who can’t wait that long or want to explore their options, Car Loan 4U could help. They have rates starting from just 7.9% APR.

For your car finance needs visit: http://www.carloan4u.co.uk.

Twitter: @carloan4u

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/carloans4u

Notes to editors

*£29,310 RRP OTR for the manual version

http://www.volkswagen.co.uk/volkswagen-world/news/403/volkswagen-tops-off-golf-cabrio-range-with-new-gti-model

** The hood can be folded in 9.5 seconds

http://www.volkswagen.co.uk/volkswagen-world/news/403/volkswagen-tops-off-golf-cabrio-range-with-new-gti-model

Ryan Dignan
Carloan4U.co.uk
01625 619 944 Ext. 7800
Email Information

Article source: http://news.yahoo.com/car-finance-experts-car-loan-4u-comments-volkswagen-071045859.html

Three years ago when he began covering the automobiles and parts sector, Shin Chung-Kwan, a senior analyst at KB Investment Securities Co., expected Hyundai Motor Group’s design makeover and Japan’s Toyota Motor Corp.’s massive recall to offer a long-term upside momentum for the sector in South Korea.

“Vehicle sales in the U.S. and emerging markets have continued to rise since 2010 and Hyundai (Motor Group) has absorbed some of the demand on the back of its improved quality and brand image,” said …

Article source: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304746604577381222128562672.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

According to a recent report by the Center for Responsible Lending titled, “Under the Hood: Auto Loan Interest Rate Hikes Inflate Consumer Costs and Loan Losses,” consumers generally think they are getting the best deal they can. But  interest rate markups, purchasing loan add-ons (called “loan packing”), yo-yo sales and rolling in negative equity all can inflate a deal’s total cost in a way consumers don’t generally understand will cost them more money.

Carroll Lachnit, features editor for Edmunds.com, says she experienced loan packing firsthand when shopping for a new car recently. She researched the invoice price and True Market Value (an Edmunds.com tool that allows you to see what people are currently paying for the same make and model in your region), sold her own trade-in, and shopped her own financing so she was informed about every aspect of her deal. Upon signing her final papers, the Finance Insurance, or F I, manager worked his magic on her with a litany of extras to add on to her loan. When he mentioned a three-year wheel and tire warranty for the run-flat tires she’d heard bad things about, she decided to add it on.

“They definitely got an extra $2,000 out of me, but I don’t feel like I got sold because I had done the research. I feel like I got a lot of peace of mind out of it,” says Lachnit.

Lachnit’s take-away:

• Watch out for unnecessary  pre-loaded “front-end” extras such as rust-proofing, clear coat and mudflaps that simply inflate the price of the car, but add no extra value to the car. To save money, you can simply ask for (and wait for, if necessary) delivery of a vehicle that has none of these extras.
• Research purchasing  “back-end” add-ons such as a custom accessory, a warranty or gap insurance elsewhere so you know the actual prices, generally marked way up when sold from the dealer and packed into your loan.
• Remember that any time something is added to your loan, you are paying interest to buy it. You can likely purchase it cheaper elsewhere for cash.

The sales representative will say you are protecting your investment, so be informed whether loan add-ons are necessary or not.

Have you ever experienced car loan packing or bought more car than you planned?

Article source: http://www.bankrate.com/financing/saving-money/how-to-avoid-car-loan-packing/

“I picked up the Juke on a rainy night in Ann Arbor before my drive home to New York. Cruising the Ann Arbor environs, I had a few initial impressions, the first being: the Juke’s traction control is utterly worthless. Launching from a stop, I got tons of wheel spin and axle hop. What gives?

“The idea of skipping all-wheel drive in order to get the manual transmission would be a better one if the Juke’s traction control were at all effective. But it’s not. Anyone who often drives in slippery conditions probably should get all-wheel drive and suffer with the CVT. (Of course, a better solution would be for Nissan to offer AWD in conjunction with the manual transmission. Unfortunately, Nissan is stingy with the manual in this car, but that situation is common with other manufacturers, too.)

“My other initial impression is that ride quality is pretty bad. Impacts are very harsh. I think the Juke may challenge the Mini Countryman as the worst-riding vehicle of our current Four Seasons cars.”

Lorio’s comments turned more positive once he set off for New York:

“I was able to get a large, framed movie poster in the back of the Juke along with some other stuff. Bluetooth hook-up was easy. Seat comfort is OK. The seating position would be better if the steering wheel weren’t so far away (the column tilts but doesn’t telescope). The missing center armrest is a particularly irksome bit of cost cutting. On the other hand, the cloth upholstery is far nicer than the norm. Also, Nissan has done a great job of making hard plastic in the cabin look acceptable. The graining on the dash and door panels doesn’t scream cheap — same with the center console. The smooth silver bits are cool. At night, the view over the hood — a design aspect more important than is generally recognized — is really neat, with the orange running/signal lights visible at the corners.

“The tiny turbo engine is actually quite well matched to this car, and acceleration is sprightly. This is a far more pleasant engine than the larger, normally aspirated four-cylinder in the Cube. Part of that responsiveness, however, is due to the fact that the Juke’s gearing keeps the engine pretty busy. At 70 mph it’s turning 3000 rpm, which may explain the disappointing highway gas mileage: 28 mpg (indicated). That’s really not good for a car this small, particularly given that this one is front-wheel drive, not all-wheel drive.

“In contrast to the harshness exhibited around Ann Arbor, the highway ride I found to be not bad. The cruise control was great at maintaining speed in hilly western Pennsylvania. I had a couple eye-widening moments of hydroplaning on these sporty replacement tires, though. That will jolt you out of the long-distance-driving zone.”

Back home in the Empire State, he observed an indicated urban fuel mileage of 21 mpg; the car is rated at 25 mpg in the city (and 31 mpg on the highway). Even though the observed fuel mileage has been disappointing, Lorio praised the powertrain.

“During lots of starts, shifting, and accelerating, the clutch modulation and shift action are quite good,” he noted. “Despite this being a tiny four-cylinder, the turbo is well integrated, and throttle response is pretty linear. All this makes the Juke an agreeable urban runabout. Even the ride quality — which seemed so harsh in Michigan — isn’t at all bothersome in New York, even though our roads are far from perfect.

“The traction control, however, continues to be worthless. And the torque display is gimmicky. I’m also not seeing much value in having three powertrain modes — I’m mostly leaving it in Normal, because that’s the default every time you start the engine. Sport purports to firm up the steering a bit, but the standard level of assist isn’t bothering me the way it did at first.

“The sloping, rounded rump really crimps the cargo hold. With the rear seats up, the luggage area is smaller than the trunk in many subcompact sedans, such as a Kia Rio or a Hyundai Accent. Even with the rear seats folded, it wasn’t big enough to bring home our new grill.

“I think the frog-shaped Juke, following as it does the equally strange Cube, definitely earns Nissan the title for most adventuresome styling of any major — or minor — auto manufacturer,” he concluded. “Be it for better or worse.”

The Lorios have a family excursion planned for Memorial Day weekend, and the Juke isn’t going to cut it as the vacation vehicle for his family of three and their gear, so they’ll drive something larger, perhaps his wife’s station wagon. The Juke won’t be sitting idle, however: New York bureau chief Jamie Kitman will get it next. Even though Kitman owns more than two dozen vintage cars, we’re certain he’ll find some time to drive the little Nissan. Check this space in June…

Article source: http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews/12_month_car_reviews/1205_2011_nissan_juke_sv_fwd_mt_may_update/

Macclesfield, UK (PRWEB UK) 10 May 2012

The concept of futuristic cars is not new; they have been a common feature in science fiction films, comics and cartoons throughout the last century. Car Loan 4U looks at what the future cars of today could be.

As science and technology have continued to develop over the years, researchers have tried to turn fiction into reality. Whether this is developed into the idea of Knight Rider’s K.I.T.T car or James Bond’s famous underwater car, these ideas are now being put into practice.

The recent Beijing Motor show, which attracted over 2,000 companies from 36 different countries, showcased the very latest in futuristic cars.

Some of which included vehicles that have a similar shape to a sofa but on larger automated wheels. Other vehicles featured interactive body shells.

The Toyota Fun-Vii* was one vehicle seen at the show, which the carmaker deemed as a smartphone on wheels. The futuristic Fun-Vii claims to be the ultimate in vehicle personalization as the body shell panels can be changed to display content and images you choose. The image or message, which can be downloaded through an app, can appear both in the interior and exterior of the vehicle.

Car Loan 4U Co-Director Ryan Dignan said;

“Concept cars can make motoring extremely fun; who wouldn’t want a vehicle that could fly or operate under voice recognition?

“Whilst we can all dream of owning ultra modern high-tech vehicles, they will come with extremely high prices.

“The 2008 prototype vehicle, ‘sQuba**’, which can be submerged up to 30 feet in water costs more than $1.5 million to make. This is significantly more than what most motorists are prepared to splash out on a new car.

“If you’re looking for a new car, perhaps one that doesn’t swim, then Car Loan 4U could help.”

A car finance loan from leading car finance experts could start from just 7.9 APR.

For your car finance needs visit: http://www.carloan4u.co.uk.

Twitter: @carloan4u

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/carloans4u

Notes to editors

*Toyota Fun-Vii http://www.newspress.co.uk/ViewPressRelease.aspx?pr=33169

** sQuba vehicle designed by Swiss car manufacturers Rinspeed cost more than $1.5 million to create. http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2008-02-15-squba-car_N.htm

Ryan Dignan
Carloan4U.co.uk
01625 619 944 Ext. 7800
Email Information

Article source: http://news.yahoo.com/car-finance-experts-car-loan-4u-explores-future-072215696.html

Bloomberg
May 9, 2012 04:00 AM
Copyright Bloomberg. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Article source: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2012/05/09/bloomberg_articlesM3PDP66S972I01-M3QYG.DTL

Macclesfield, UK (PRWEB UK) 8 May 2012

The Peugeot 508 RXH is the latest estate car from the carmaker Peugeot. Available in the UK this May**, the new hybrid diesel-electric 508 RXH has innovative design features and comes with the latest technology.

The powerful 2.0 turbo diesel engine combined with the ability to rely 100% on electricity, means that the vehicle could help new owners to cut fuel costs.

The hybrid vehicle reaches 0-62 mph in just 8.8 seconds and can reach top speeds of 132 mph.

With four-wheel drive features and low emissions of just 109g/km of CO2, the eco friendly car is ideal for those looking for Peugeot car finance. The 508 RXH is a new car that does more than just drive.

Having its own striking identity, the 508 RXH features ‘lion claw’ LED lights and a front grille, that is different to the sister vehicle, the 3008 Hybrid4.

Car Loan 4U Co-Director Ryan Dignan said;

“The new hybrid Peugeot 508 RXH is just one of many environmentally friendly vehicles to hit the market this year.

“Hybrid cars are growing in popularity and quickly becoming a must-have vehicle for new car seekers. Hybrid and electric cars have been around for a very long time, but only now is it becoming possible for most motorists to get their hands on one.

“These types of vehicles have not always been attainable due to their high cost and availability. However, car manufacturers recognise the importance of reducing fuel costs and carbon footprints.

“If you’re considering a hybrid car as your next vehicle, there are a number of car finance options widely available from Car Loan 4U. Loan rates start from 7.9% APR,.”

For your car finance needs visit: http://www.carloan4u.co.uk.

Twitter: @carloan4u

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/carloans4u

Notes to editors

• http://www.newspress.co.uk/ViewPressRelease.aspx?pr=30157

**Models are available to order now, with the 508 RXH on sale from May, and the 508 HYbrid4 available from July.

http://www.peugeot.co.uk/about-peugeot/news/jan12-mar12/new-508-hybrid-models/

Ryan Dignan
Carloan4U.co.uk
01625 619 944 Ext. 7800
Email Information

Article source: http://news.yahoo.com/car-finance-experts-car-loan-4u-comments-release-072338533.html

Top-notch powertrain

The Odyssey Touring Elite gets the best fuel economy of any minivan, at 19/28 mpg. (The LX, EX, and EX-L Odyssey models, which have a five-speed automatic rather than six-speed, are rated at a still-impressive 18/27 mpg). At the same time, and despite its 248-hp power rating being the lowest in the segment, the 3.5-liter V-6 provides peppy acceleration. The six-speed automatic works well. Chassis tuning is also pretty good, with no notable floatiness.

Bum steer

So what’s the problem? It’s the steering, which is just awful. It’s ridiculously overboosted, imprecise, and really feels sloppy. Instead of building up as you wind on more lock, efforts actually decrease. The Odyssey steering is easily the worst of any minivan, and makes herding this van down the road a chore. It doesn’t have to be this way; in fact, at one time the Odyssey was known for its superior steering. Those days are gone.

Lacking luxe

Speaking of disappointment, we also could have a word about the interior. Considering that my test example was a $44,000 top-of-the-line model, the workaday interior design and materials were a letdown. Gray plastic trim does little to enliven the massive dash, and it takes longer than it should to find what you’re looking for in the sea of black buttons in the center stack area. Leather is standard (naturally), but it could almost pass for the fake stuff, and there’s plenty of hard plastic on the dash and door panels.

Kid friendly

Of course, most minivan buyers get one because they have kids, and kids will love the Odyssey. The high-end version has an ultra-wide (16 inchs) flip-down video screen; even more impressive, it has split-screen capability, so siblings don’t have to agree on what to watch. The Odyssey is one of only two minivans (the Sienna is the other) that offer eight-passenger seating, so one more friend can come along. The rear seats are quite comfortable, and third-row space is generous. Unlike Chrysler minivans, however, Honda rear passengers are denied seat heaters; perhaps the thinking is that sitting on cold seats builds character.

Does driving this bus also build character? Probably not, but it’s definitely one more example of something parents only do for their kids.

Next Page »

Article source: http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews/driven/1203_2012_honda_odyssey/

WHAT: Art of the Automobile –– A Lifestyle Event

WHEN: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: On Beach Street and Riverfront Park from Orange Avenue to Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard, downtown Daytona Beach

ADMISSION: Free; registration to display cars also is free.

OTHER ACTIVITIES: Saturday Night Cruisin’, 8 p.m. today, informal cruise along A1A (North Atlantic Avenue), Daytona Beach

INFORMATION: 386-255-5922 or artoftheautolifestyle.com

INSIDE: Photo gallery

More than 30 cars and 70 years of automotive history pulled out of the News-Journal Center’s parking lot Friday morning.

The classic-car aficionados were driving in the Fields Classic Motorsports Tour, a group drive from Daytona Beach to St. Augustine. The tour marks the start of today’s Art of the Automobile — A Lifestyle Event, now in its second year in downtown Daytona Beach.

“We see it as a nice little kickoff to the event,” said Matt Hoffman, organizer of the tour.

Hoffman, of Fields BMW of Daytona, said he hopes to see the tour become an annual car rally.

The cars ranged in age from a 1939 Ford Deluxe, hot-rodded up in red with yellow flames, to the lead car, a sleek 2012 Fisker Karma hybrid. They ranged in muscle from a clutch of burly, candy-colored Corvettes from the ’60s through the ’80s to a bronze 1976 AMC Pacer.

Gill Pepitone, Coral Springs, said the oft-maligned economy car has only 40,000 miles on it and sees the tour as a shakedown run for a planned summer cross-country trip.

The longest, widest, most-photographed car was a red-and-white 1960 Buick LaSabre convertible belonging to Tony Cassata of Ormond Beach.

“There’s more steel in the front fender of this car than there is the whole of a 2012 car,” he said. Restoring it was a two-year labor of love.

Cassata said he was looking forward to driving the car to St. Augustine with the top down all the way. “You wouldn’t believe how this car drives,” he said. “It floats.”

After the tour, many of the car buffs dressed up and returned to the News-Journal Center to party with other car enthusiasts at the Thunder Ball gala. A crew from “Muscle Car Workout” was slated to film at the event.

Article source: http://www.news-journalonline.com/news/local/east-volusia/2012/05/05/more-than-30-cars-and.html