Archive for June 30th, 2009

Vw’s Magotan to Compete With Toyota’s Camry

Tuesday, June 30th, 2009
toyota camry
Kaye Leery asked:


Volkswagen AG, Europe’s largest automaker and the biggest overseas carmaker in China has started selling Magotan sedans in the country and in the process challenging Toyota Motor Corp.’s Camry which is equipped with high quality Toyota thermostat.

The Magotan sedans are equipped with 1.8-liter or 2-liter engine and have a base price starting 192,800 yuan or $25,000 basing in an email coming from Volkswagen. On the other hand Toyota’s China-made Camry has a price that starts at 197,800 yuan more expensive than the Magotan by 5,000 yuan.

The Wolfsburg-based automaker plans to add as many as 14 new models in China by the end of 2009 in an effort to maintain its market lead. Likewise, the automaker’s Santana and Jetta sedans has claimed the top two spots in the first-half sales rankings in the country and comparing that with Camry which went on sale last year and was only able to obtain the fourth rank.

According to Tiecheng, President of FAW-Volkswagen Automotive Co. one of Volkswagen’s China ventures, “The Magotan helps to diversify FAW-Volkswagen’s product structure, allowing us to be more competitive in the market.”

Europe’s largest automaker, Volkswagen has about 19 percent of China’s car market accomplished in the first half of the year after boosting sales by a quarter to 431,369. The FAW-Volkswagen which is a venture with China FAW Group Corp. will make the Magotan which is offered as the Passat in Europe. Volkswagen also has a venture with Shanghai Automotive Co. the listed unit of SAIC Motor Corp.

In other news, Jim Press, the President of Toyota North America has made a rather bold statement saying that “eventually, everything will be a hybrid.” And aside from that he has shown his confidence in Toyota’s ability and so proud of their product line that he goes as far as saying that the ground-breaking Toyota Prius hybrid is just like Ford’s Model T.

It should be noted that the Ford Model T has often been considered as the first of its kind and a car which was made accessible to the masses. It was somewhat advance for its time and has helped in shaping the automotive industry into what it is today. Mr. Press is also saying that the Prius just like the Model T is equally revolutionary.

The everything-will-become-hybrid speech of Mr. Jim Press has aroused various reactions and of course there are those that contradict Mr. Press’ statement saying that not everything will be hybrid. But with the present trend in the auto industry maybe who knows we might all end up driving hybrids.



Cecil
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2008 Toyota Camry Solara Review - a Review of the 2008 Toyota Camry Solara Coupe

Tuesday, June 30th, 2009
toyota camry
John Bourne asked:


The 2008 Toyota Camry Solara is both tech-savvy and reliable, accommodating new features that provide safety and convenience. Impressive new features include this model’s Vehicle Stability Control with Brake Assist, which combined with traction control helps to reduce tire slippage due to sudden steering or change in road conditions.

The 2008 Camry Solara offers several standard safety features, including front, side and rear curtain airbags. Its Tire Pressure Monitoring adds to safety, letting the driver know when the tires are getting low. The Camry Solara, even with its striking appearance, is family-oriented with its rear-seat child restraint system and LATCH, a safety feature that drops tether brackets and anchors for children.

Halogen headlamps and LED taillights, and a power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade contribute to the sleek body style and a power-retractable fabric convertible top is available on the soft-top model.

Interior comfort is provided by a defroster-linked air conditioning and climate control with air filtration, and a 60/40 fold-flat bench seat with adjustable headrests. The Camry Solara also comes standard with a digital quartz clock, an AM/FM CD 6-disc in-dash changer with WMA/MP3 playback and satellite radio capabilities and in-glass antenna, or body-mounted antenna for the convertible. Bluetooth capabilities and wireless technology also is available on the Camry Solara.

Toyota includes an information display with average speed, instant and average fuel economy, distance to empty and elapsed time functions. The Camry Solara comes at two power levels, including 155-horse power, 4-cylinder engine or a 210-horse power, V6 engine.

Toyota’s 2008 Camry Solara is a car that combines safety, style and affordability, making it one of this year’s most attractive new models.



Julia
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