As the summer closes more and more customers will be looking to purchase SUV’s in preparation for the winter months. You may be in for a big surprise if you think prices have dipped. The cash for clunkers program has created a shortage of SUV’s out on the market; with fewer people buying new last year that created a shortage used vehiles on the market.

Here is a spinet from the original article.

Edmunds.com reports that the retail price paid for a used Cadillac Escalade, averaged over all model years, was $34,715cq last month, up 36cq percent from the average price paid a year earlier. The retail price paid for a used Dodge Grand Caravan in July, averaged over all model years, was $15,629cq, up 34cq percent.

Joe Spinacq, Edmunds.com senior analyst, says a lack of confidence in the economy is driving more people to buy used vehicles. That puts upward pressure on prices of an already limited supply of used vehicles……..

The average wholesale used-vehicle price in July was $10,060cq, ADESA says. That was 2.2cq percent lower than the average price in June 2010cq and less than 1 0.4cq percent higher than the average price in July 2009cq……

The monthly Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index stood at 118.9cq in July, down from 120.2cq in the previous month but up from 115.4cq in July 2009cq. The index is adjusted for make, model mix and time of year…..

With more and more smart phones hitting the market its no surprise that many car manufactures are developing mobile applications that merge with your vehicle; I mean its only logical. As we become more and more dependent  on our mobile applications this next app will merge directly with your vehicle. This may sound like sci-fi but its actually on the way and will be here officially by the end of the year.

The new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee now has its own mobile application; the new app offers feature video, vehicle information, demonstrations, connections with fellow owners on social networks and 24 hour Road Side Assistance. The app will be available for iPhones now and will Blackberry and Android  capable later on; this app will also be free for the consumer. The app will be compatible with Jeep, Dodge, Fiat, Chrysler and Ram Truck models later on this year.  Here is a snippet of that article.

New Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep and Ram Truck smartphone vehicle-information apps will complement existing user guides and DVDs that are currently provided with each vehicle. Each vehicle-information app will allow the consumer to browse functional categories and view detailed topics of interest relative to their specific vehicle.

“With our vehicle-information app, we are taking customer care to a new level by creating a convenient, on-demand channel of communication with our customers,” said Pietro Gorlier, president and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group LLC.Key feature categories include product information, vehicle operating instructions, vehicle maintenance schedules, service contract details, warning lights and controls, warranty information and customer assistance. Other features and benefits include links to Mopar parts and accessories, product brand gear and merchandise and social media sites. The app will also contain high-resolution product information images and videos.

SOURCE:

http://www.businessfleet.com/News/Story/2010/06/Chrysler-Introduces-First-Smart-Phone-App-for-Jeep-Cherokee.aspx

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Lennox Browne

New York, NY 11236

Office: 718.444.6419

Mobile: 646.714.7235

Fax: 718-209-3232

E-mail: carheroes1@gmail.com

SuperHeroCars.com to Fresh Air Fundraiser

New York, NY August 20, 2010-

With the summer coming to an end, SuperHeroCars will be involved in a charity event on Saturday, August 21, 2010. In conjunction with M.O.G.U.L (Motivating Our Generation to Uplift Lives) Sports Group, Lennox Browne will be attending an Evening with M.O.G.U.L which will be held at Leisure Time Lounge & Bowl in New York City.

M.O.G.U.L had partnered with the  Fresh Air Fund (www.freshair.org), an independent, not-for-profit agency that has provided free summer vacations to more than 1.7 million New York City children from low-income communities since 1877. Nearly 10,000 New York City children enjoy free Fresh Air Fund programs annually and visit volunteer host families in suburbs and small town communities from Virginia to Maine and Canada.

The event will include a silent auction, live DJ, Private Lounge and of course an evening of bowling. The Fresh Air Fund’s Camp Mariah, which is named in honor of Board member/singer Mariah Carey, is designed to help New York City children understand the relationship between school and work. In Camp Mariah, children ages12- to-14 years-old participate in job shadowing and mentoring.

Mogul Sports Group is an International Athlete Representation & Sports Marketing firm who acts as the liaison between our clients and professional basketball leagues overseas. Mogul Sports Group arranges appearances and events for businesses who are interested in utilizing likeness to raise awareness for their business, brand or event.

For more information on how to join M.O.G.U.L for this event log on to https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=YKDY8QHABTAJW.  For more information on donating for this event log in to https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B7A2N6ZV78SN4.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Lennox Browne

New York, NY 11236

Office: 718.444.6419

Mobile: 646.714.7235

Fax: 718-209-3232

E-mail: carheroes1@gmail.com

SuperHeroCars.com to Attend Organic Lifestyle Event

New York, NY August 12, 2010- As the market shifts more toward green technology and green living SuperHeroCars.com has partnered with an Export Manufacturing company to host a fashion show. In a comment from Founder Lennox Browne he stated “this gives us an opportunity to network and ring industries together”. In conjunction with the International Simple Exchange an Import-Export and manufacturing company specializing in organic based clothing and accessories from South America.

The night will begin with a photo shoot, red carpet and happy hour of Organic Chocolate provided by Pacari Ecuadorian organic chocolate I.S.E has also coordinated a fashion show for the events night cap; this fashion show will feature many different designers with specialties such as Prima Cotton, Exotic Leather, African Clothing and Italian Casual wear. With the summer coming to an end this gives many designers an opportunity to showcase the end of summer and fall clothing.

To keep the theme of the event organizers have secured a venue which matches the market focus of its consumers and clients. The event will be held at GreenHouse USA an eco-friendly nightlife destination built with recycled and reusable materials; GreenHouse has also been featured on CNN, NBC and Planet Green just to name some of the media coverage this venue has received. The door will be open at 7pm to the general public with photo ops available before the fashion show.

ISE is an Import-Export and Manufacturing company especially for Latin America. ISE is located in NYC and works with “close out” merchandise in the area of clothing and accessories the company is also a manufacturing consultant company working with Pima cotton from Peru, Leather from Uruguay and Argentina, knits wear from Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, lingerie from Colombia and swim wear and shoes from Brazil. For more information log on to http://events.linkedin.com/Auto-Fashion-Show/pub/380594 and to view the venue log on to http://www.greenhouseusa.com/newyork/index.html

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In a recent article by AutomotiveNews.com used car prices are expected to drop within the next coming weeks. So if you in the market for a used vehicle now is the time to buy; but hold the VISA.

This drop in price is expected to hit only certain sectors of the market.

With fewer vehicles sold in 2008 and 2009 that means fewer vehicles on the market in 2010 simple supply shortage.

Here is a direct quote from the article.

According to ADESA Auctions, the average used price in June was $10,278, representing a $269 per-unit decline compared with the average price in May. The Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index stood at 120.2 in June, down from 121.0 in May.

Tom Kontos, executive vice president of customer strategies and analytics at ADESA, says used-vehicle prices typically peak from March to May and begin a gradual decline in June through the fall with an uptick toward the end of the year.

Prices typically fall 1 or 2 percentage points from July to September, he says. “I think we’re back toward the seasonal patterns that we used to see this time of year,” Kontos says.

But overall used-vehicle prices will remain higher than the industry is accustomed to because of the tight supply of used vehicles, he says. Fewer new cars and trucks sold in 2008 and 2009 mean fewer used vehicles re-entering the market this year, next year and into 2012.

Read more: http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100726/RETAIL04/307269947/1400#ixzz0viifpzXu

http://iauto.superherocars.com/

Bright Automotive and GM Ventures finalized a deal this week that will begin the production of a plug-in hybrid commercial vehicle. As most hybrids today; most are focused on saving the consumer money but what about those businesses out there making those consumers happy?

Many business people have been asking this question for the past few months; and now their prayers are answered. Imagine how delivery places will feel now, imagine how those parts distributions may be felling now, imagine how those catering companies must feel. This is a great day for small business owners who have already been felling the “post recession” effect.

Here is a snippet of the article from AutomotiveFleet.com

“The vehicle is a commercial fleet vehicle, targeted at Class 1 and 2 users,” said Munger, citing fleets such as cable telecommunications, utility services, service industries, and beverage companies. “The customers will continue to be an important partner in developing the vehicle as we go forward,” he said.

In North America, Munger said the companies plan to produce approximately 900,000 units. Though pricing was not disclosed, Munger said the vehicle will save fleet customers 10-15 percent in total cost of ownership…..

The IDEA operates in electric mode for 40 miles before switching to an estimated 36-mpg hybrid mode for 100+ mpg potential based on daily driving behavior. Lightweighting and advanced aerodynamics will help in maximizing the vehicle’s fuel economy, according to Brylawski.

“The philosophy is if you make the vehicle light and aerodynamic, it requires less power to move it. And if it requires less power to move it, you use less battery,” explained Brylawski. “Bright’s strategy has always been focused on making electrification affordable by focusing on the system to make the battery packs smaller to still deliver that range…..”

Funding through GM Ventures will allow Bright to begin ramping up the development of the production program for the IDEA in the third quarter of 2010.  Bright continues to seek a low-interest loan through the Department of Energy’s ATVM program.

As the IDEA begins production lets all give three cheers for GM as they are working with Bright Automotive. GM may really be looking to make a strong come back; I mean think about how much money will be saved on gas, maybe it wont cost as much to send flowers anymore.

SOURCE: http://www.automotive-fleet.com/News/Story/2010/08/GM-Bright-Automotive-Partner-for-Plug-In-Hybrid-Van.aspx

Everyone has been buzzing about the Nissan LEAF making a huge splash in the US market within the next few months. A total of Five states have been chosen as part of the EV Project which can be describes as:

The EV Project is a result of a partnership with charging infrastructure provider ECOtality and partially funded by a grant from the U.S. Dept. of Energy. Customers in these first five launch states, who represent more than 55 percent of total Nissan LEAF reservations, will be able to place firm orders for the Nissan LEAF starting in August.

With the LEAF being introduced in California, Washington, Oregon, Arizona and Tennessee all states with a huge market for these tiny road warriors.  But lets wait and see how the market adjusts to this vehicle and how consumers inputs depends on how this vehicle will been marketed here in the U.S.  Here is the rest of the article from AutomotiveFleet.com

Nissan LEAF will be introduced to Texas and Hawaii shortly thereafter, in January 2011; North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Washington DC, Virginia, Maryland, South Carolina and Alabama follow in April 2011; and be rolled-out to the balance of the nation beginning in fall 2011 with availability in all markets nationwide by the end of that year.

“We are pleased to see so many people making a choice for a zero-emission future by placing reservations for the Nissan LEAF,” said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing, Nissan North America. “Consumer feedback and market readiness have been key drivers in developing our phased rollout. Nissan is able to target areas of customer demand for early launch, while continuing to work in future markets to ensure the continued success of electric vehicles. “

SOURCE: http://www.automotive-fleet.com/News/Story/2010/07/Five-States-to-Get-Initial-Nissan-LEAF-Vehicles-in-December.aspx?interstitial=1

In a new story published by  AutomotiveNews.com there is a new scam going aaround the web which I believe effects SuperHeroCars.com and many people should pay attention to.

According to the article scam artist are posing a ordinary car salesman who are giving great online deals on phony websites. In the process they are posing as used auto dealers giving great deals on prepossessed vehicles and offer prices well below market value. To make the scam even more believable these scam artists also use phony websites to lure in even more people into the scam.

Here is a snippet of the article…

America Auto Sales, a used-car store in Memphis, Tenn., received more than 1,000 phone calls from consumers across the country who shopped for a vehicle on www.americaautosales.com a bogus site, Southwick says. The callers were led to believe the Web site was run by the Memphis store.

After paying deposits, some victims called real dealerships to arrange the delivery of their nonexistent vehicles, and some showed up in person to pick them up.

So far, the council is aware of about a dozen used-car dealerships in half-dozen states that have had their names ripped off for bogus purposes, Southwick says.

This is a huge disappointment to those of us who are struggling to make an honest living within this industry; and people like this come along and make it more difficult for consumers to have that confidence when shopping online for a used vehicle. But nonetheless these punks have chosen this path and now its up to us to put the dignity back into the online car market.

But it starts with the consumer; please we urge all of our clients to do their homework on us. Search around to see what people say, give us a call during off peak hours, open up communication even more. And even more importantly dont be afraid to ask tough questions.

As we continue to rebuild this industry its up to us; the suppliers to reshape it.

As the race for the most fuel efficient car on the market heats up; Chevy has just scored a point for the GM line. Over the past week they have introduced an 8 year/100k mile battery warranty for the Chevy Volt model.  As this technology becomes a bigger part of our everyday lives we Here is the snippet from Automotive Fleet.

The Chevrolet Volt’s batteries have exceeded our performance targets and are ready to hit the road,” said Micky Bly, GM executive director, global electrical systems. “We are making a commitment to our customers to deliver the highest standards for value, safety, quality, performance, and reliability for an unprecedented eight years/100,000 miles.”

The Volt is the only electric vehicle that can operate under a full range of climates and driving conditions without limitations or concern about being stranded by a depleted battery, according to GM. It has a range of about 340 miles and is powered with electricity at all times. For up to the first 40 miles, the Volt is powered solely by electricity stored in its 16-kWh lithium-ion battery, using no fuel and producing no emissions. When the Volt’s lithium-ion battery runs low, an engine/generator seamlessly operates to extend the driving range another 300 miles on a full tank of fuel.

This now puts Chevy in a good spot in the Hybrid Vehicle Arms Race that is about to take over the auto industry. But this slight adjustment should make people want to buy more Chevy Models.

SOURCE:

http://www.automotive-fleet.com/News/Story/2010/07/Chevrolet-Volt-to-Come-Standard-with-8-Year-100K-Mile-Battery-Warranty.aspx

On July 2nd the Massachusetts Governer officially outlawed texting while  driving and talking on cell phones for younger drivers.  I mean why they took so long to take action is a huge mystery but nonetheless they have passed  the law which will save many lives. The new laws are as follows…

Under the new law which takes effect in October, any driver caught composing or reading a text message can be cited and fined $100. Operators of public transportation vehicles who violate the ban will be subject to a $500 fine. Law enforcement will have the authority to stop any driver suspected of texting. However, the offense will not be considered a moving violation and will not be subject to an insurance surcharge.

Drivers under 18 cited for using any type of cell phone or mobile electronic device with or without a hands-free feature will be subject to a $100 fine and a 60-day suspension of their driver’s license. Offenders will also have to complete a driver attitudinal course before their license is reinstated. Massachusetts is the 29th state to ban dangerous driving behavior.

The MassDOT Registry of Motor Vehicles will also require drivers age 75 or older to renew their license in person at an RMV branch or office location and undergo a vision test every five years. The division will develop standards to help law enforcement, health care providers and families better assess a driver’s ability to handle a vehicle safely.

Additionally, under the new law, drivers who accrue three or more incidents subject to a surcharge within a two-year period will be required to take a driver retraining and safety course or face the suspension of their license.

Again; why Mass. took so long to finally make this a law is a huge mystery but; never late than never.