Is Mercury on the Chopping Block?

Reports have been surfacing for years - regarding the life span of the Mercury brand, which was launched in the late thirties. It is expected that the brand, which was suppose to be a stepping stone for those who couldn't afford a Lincoln, but wanted a little more flair than a Ford will be closing its doors soon. For those who follow the industry closely, this comes as no surprise. Over the past few years, its been difficult to distinguish a Ford from a Mercury, besides just a few cosmetic changes. Even the option packages are virtually the same.

With only four brands currently in the Mercury line up, Ford Motor Co., the parent company, hasn't  officially confirmed which brands will be renewed. However, we do know that the rear-wheel drive Marquis will bite the dust next year along with Ford's Crown Vic. And, Ford plans on switching the platform of popular Ford Explorer from a truck-base to a car-base. As of now, there are no plans to convert its Mercury sister, the Mountaineer to the same platform. In our eyes this means, the vehicle will be leaving the brand, too.

Furthermore, when the stylish 2010 Ford Taurus hit the market last year, there wasn't a Sable in the Mercury line up to compliment the brand. This should have been a sign that the brand was on its last leg.

With that being said, this leaves Mercury with two duplicate Ford vehicles: a Milan (and Milan hybrid), and a Mariner (and Mariner  hybrid). There is just no way a brand can survive off two vehicles. Just like GM decided to eliminate duplicate brands recently by closing the Saturn and Pontiac brands. Its highly unlikely Ford Motor Co. will hold on to this brand.

2010 Toyota Prius: Reshaping Our Vision of Hybrids

What’s New:

The third-generation Prius hybrid sedan, which hit the market in the spring of 2009 as a 2010 model, continues to push the envelope as it relates to green-technology and its bubble shape, space-age design. The 2010 Prius is significantly roomier, offers a solar roof panel, has a larger engine and it comes equipped with an advanced hybrid synergy system, which in turn provides improved fuel efficiency.

Must Have Goodies:

For now, the redesigned Prius is only available as a sedan. However, it’s rumored that Toyota has plans on spinning-off a variety of Prius models in the near future, including a plug-in variation. Currently, the redesigned hybrid is available as one model in five trim levels.

Depending on the trim-level, one can choose from a variety of high-tech features: a voice-activated navigational system, a radar cruise control system, a lane driving warning system, a next-generation parking assist system, a back up camera and Toyota’s version of GM’s OnStar concierge system, which is known as Safety Connect.

And for music lovers, the Prius is available with an upgraded eight-speaker JBL audio system, which includes a 4-disc CD changer, XM satellite radio and a DVD player. To get the upgraded audio system, one must also order the navigation system. Leather seats are also available on the 2010 Prius.

What Rocked:

Unlike Honda’s Prius-like knock-off, the Insight, this hybrid is capable of carrying tall adults comfortably in both the front and rear cabin. And not only is the exterior design futuristic, but so is the interior, with its joy-stick gear shift lever, push-button starter and free-flowing center instrument panel. The free-flowing center instrument panel also contains a location to store a small purse underneath. Furthermore, the free-flowing instrument panel is also connected to the sliding front-center armrest, making it convenient for height-challenged drivers to utilize, too. 

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Chrysler's First New Post-Bankruptcy Vehicle

After surviving bankruptcy, the fourth-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee will arrive in dealerships next month. This will be the first vehicle to emerge for post-bankruptcy Chrysler. With so much competition in the mid-size SUV segment, Jeep has decided to retrain true to its heritage by not converting to a crossover or adding third-row seats. In 1999, Jeep sold 300,031 Grand Cherokees, as opposed to an all-time low of 50,328 in 2009.

Surprisingly, the Grand Cherokee at one time was the segment leader in its class. According to Jeep officials, this is the most sophisticated Jeep to date. Chrysler  has also promised that the both the ride and quality of this vehicle has been immensely improved from the previous generation. Here are some of the highlights of the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee:

• All-new 2011 Jeep® Grand Cherokee delivers legendary Jeep capability and uncompromised on-road experience
• New Quadra-Lift™ Air Suspension and Selec-Terrain™ systems deliver new levels of Jeep capability
• All-new Grand Cherokee is the most luxurious Jeep ever with sculpted new exterior and world-class interior design featuring 4 inches added rear leg room
• All-new 3.6-liter V-6 engine delivers 23 mpg fuel-economy and 500-mile range due to a larger fuel tank
  
  
  
  

An Insider's Perspective: Black Enterprise Honors Top 100 Businesses

Earl "Butch" Graves Jr., president and CEO of Black Enterprise, and Jeff Fortson, JeffCars.com's editor, taking a few moments to connect at the 100s Awards Dinner.

Earlier this week I had an opportunity to attend Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference and BE's 100s Anniversary Celebration and Awards Dinner, which was held in my hometown, Atlanta. While I've intermittently worked with the magazine since 2005, providing automotive content, this is the first time I have actually had an opportunity to attend one of their conferences.

Boy, was it a life-changing experience! Over the two-day period I had an opportunity to be inspired by Lisa Nichols, a well-known motivational speaker and one of the featured teachers in The Secret, to hear savvy business advice on the four stages of branding one's business from the founder of FUBU and reality television star Daymond John and to learn step-by-step strategies to keep one's business afloat after a setback from twin brothers Shane and Shawn Ward, co-owners of SHANE and SHAWN shoe company.

And this doesn't begin to scratch the surface of all of the other educational forums I wasn't able to work into my hectic schedule. There was also two days of  entrepreneurial workshops specifically designed for kids, too. Now that the event is over I regret I didn't have an opportunity to drop in on the kids. 

The Chrysler Sebring Convertible Limited: A Luxurious All-Season Four-Seater

What’s New:

The current generation Sebring convertible hit the market in early 2007 as a 2008 model. For the 2010 model year there has been a few changes to enhance this convertible: a new wheel design, a new instrument-panel gauge cluster and foremost a slightly refreshed exterior design. And to enhance the headrests, a driver and front-passenger active head restraint has been added this model year.

Must Have Goodies:

If it’s in your budget, we recommend stepping up to the one-touch power-operated retractable hardtop convertible we had in our Sebring Limited. The Sebring is also available with a cloth power-operated drop top. Added to that, it’s worth equipping the four-seater convertible with Chrysler’s Media Center package, which includes a one-year subscription to Sirius traffic service, a rear-view automatic dimming mirror, a DVD player, a CD player and a 30-GB hard-drive with anywhere from a  4,250 to 6,700 song capacity. And if you order the navigational system, the package is also includes voice command with Bluetooth connectivity.

What Rocked:

The Sebring can easily convert from a hard-top coupe to an open-air luxurious drop top in a matter of seconds. With the hardtop convertible, this helped to reduce the shake and rattle typically found in most soft top convertibles. Also the optional keyfob controls the power top and windows, the remote start system and the security alarm. And, unlike many coupes and convertibles, the Sebring can actually accommodate two adults in the rear with the top up or down.

How Lights Will Shape the Future Design of Imports

Over the years auto designers have used the exterior lights to shape the face or rear of the vehicle. Auto designers have moved from circular designs to rectangular designs, back to circular designs again, with the help of the latest technology in lighting designs - LED technology.

The Mercedes-Benz Shooting Break concept car  made its world- debut last month. The Shooting Break concept car represents a clear indication of the further emotional appeal of the Mercedes design idiom.

The grille is flanked on each side by full LED headlamps, which for the first time feature LED technology for all of the usual dynamic light functions. The coupé-like side view is also high-lighted with a low-window design.

Video: Has GM Finally Built a Car That Can Compete with the Honda Civic?

After decades of building what consumers perceived to be substandard cars, GM is finally serious about going head-to-head with the competition, specifically in the compact segment. By that, we mean the imports. Later this year GM will be replacing its compact vehicle, the Cobalt (also once known as the Cavalier), with the all-new Cruze. This time GM plans on having a vehicle in this competitive segment that will compete with Honda's Civic, Kia's Forte, Nissan's Sentra and Toyota's Corolla. The last time GM had a vehicle in this segment that really held up to the imports was when they jointly produced the Nova and Corolla on the same assembly line. If the current-generation Malibu is any sign of GM's commitment to building a stylish, high-quality vehicle, the Cruze could possibly put GM in the running again with this new compact sedan. The true test will be the sales numbers!

(The video is courtesy of the Detroit Free Press.)

2010 Suzuki Kizashi: The Automaker's First Midsize Sedan

What’s New:

Suzuki, which is infamous for building motorcycles, has up the ante in the car game with its first midsize sedan, the Kizashi.

Must Have Goodies:

The Kizashi sedan is available in four trim levels: S, SE, SLS and GTS. Depending on the trim package, the Kizashi can be outfitted with 10-way adjustable power driver’s seat, a 3-way programmable power driver’s seat, leather seats, heated front seats with three settings, a power sunroof, automatic headlights, rear back-up sensors, a 425-watt premium audio system with 10 speakers, a navigational system, and 18-inch alloy wheels.

What Rocked:

Unlike other vehicles in the midsize segment, no key is needed to start Suzuki’s new midsize sedan. All Kizashis are equipped with a push-button ignition system. In addition to the keyless starter, every Kizashi is outfitted with a dual-zone climate control system, 8 airbags and an advanced electronic stability control system, which helps the driver to maintain control of the vehicle in wet weather. Furthermore, the midsize sedan is available in either a front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configuration, with either a manual or automatic transmission.

Toyota's Rap Ad: A Sign of the Times, Insensitive Or Politically Incorrect?

Check out Toyota's new ad featuring their redesigned minivan? Is this appropriate or out of align? Just over a decade ago the Asian-based automaker got in trouble for creating print ads in Jet, referencing black men lack of work ethics and a gold chip shaped like a Corolla embedded in the teeth of a person of color. Are we being too sensitive or is this just the sign of the times - as it relates to this latest commercial?

Lexus GX 460, Back In Good Graces Again

The 2010 Lexus GX 460 is back in good graces again, after being hit with a 'No Buy' label by Consumer Reports on April 13 for possible rollover occurrences in extreme driving conditions. For several weeks, Toyota, the umbrella brand of the Lexus division, stopped selling the vehicle. On Friday, Consumer Reports lifted its warning on the Lexus SUV, after Toyota engineers came up with a fix for the vehicle. To peruse our previous postings related to the safety concern of the GX 460, click here.

According to  Lexus officials, “Lexus dealers began contacting customers as soon as details for the VSC (Vehicle Stability Control System) update were available. Virtually all of them were contacted by their dealers within a few days and an estimated 75 percent of GX vehicles have already been updated. In the process, they’re providing free loaner vehicles, remote repairs, pick-up and delivery service, and fueling and washing customer cars. Customers who have any questions or concerns should contact their local Lexus dealer or Lexus Customer Satisfaction at 1-800-25-LEXUS or 1-800-255-3987.”

Credit Unions Back Off Long-Term Loans

Credit unions, which in recent years aggressively increased the lengths of their loans, reduced their average loan maturity last year.

Auto manufacturers' 0 percent financing promotions prompted credit unions to stretch loan terms to 72 months or more. Lengthening the term lowers the monthly payment.

But credit unions now appear to be backing away from extended terms.

In 2009, the largest portion of credit union car loans -- 41 percent -- ranged from 49 to 60 months long, down from 2008's most common range of 61 to 72 months, reports Credit Union Direct Lending. CUDL is a portal that allows dealers to provide retail auto loans to consumers through more than 780 credit unions.

The average term for a new-vehicle loan was 70 months in 2009, down from 72 months in 2007 and 71 months in 2008. For used vehicles, the average was 63 months last year, down from 65 months in the prior two years, reports CUDL, of Ontario, Calif.

2010 Chevy Equinox: The Crown Jewel of Compact Crossovers

What's New About the Equinox:

Chevy has stepped up its game with the upscale-looking redesigned five-seater Equinox. The redesigned compact crossover is now available with either a fuel-efficient four-cylinder or six-cylinder engine. Also new for this year, the Equinox is equipped with such high-tech features as a navigational system, a 40-gig hard drive and Bluetooth hands free phone connectivity.

Must Have Goodies:

The Equinox is available in several trim packages: LS, LT or LTZ. Depending on the trim package, your Equinox can be optioned out with leather seats, a DVD rear seat entertainment system, a programmable power-operated liftgate, a power sunroof, a rear-view backup camera, a premium-class 250-watt audio system and 19-inch chrome wheels. Although the Equinox we reviewed was equipped with Chevy’s LT1 package, it lacked many of the aforementioned options. However, our vehicle was still nicely equipped.

GM's Product Changes:Orlando Is Out, Regal Is In

Chevy recently announced that they were removing the much anticpated seven-passenger compact crossover from its lineup, the Orlando. For now, the popular five-seater Equinox will be the only compact crossover sold under the Chevy umbrella. Consumers looking for a seven-passenger crossover will have to step-up to the Traverse.

However, GM has decided to revive the Buick brand with the return of the Regal. This time it returns with a swanky European design. The 2011 Regal should be in showrooms soon. Visit our New-Vehicle Pricing Guide to learn more about the sporty sedan.