(UPDATED) Video Interview: Car Designer Andre Hudson Reflects on Historic Trip to Selma, Alabama

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Interview Correction: Hudson is one of two African Americans to currently be employed as a designer for the Korean automaker.

Without any hesitation, Andre Hudson, the lead designer of the current-generation Hyundai Sonata, cleared his schedule when an opportunity became available for him to spend time away from his design studio to speak to the students of Selma, Alabama about his dream career.  

Lifestyle: Out And About with the Editor

Hanging out with Andre Hudson, lead designer of the Hyundai Sonata, in Selma, Alabama, after wrapping-up our first ever historic automotive educational event...........

Battle of the Midsize Hybrids: Toyota Camry Vs. Hyundai Sonata

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid (l) Vs. Toyota Camry Hybrid (r)

Test vehicles MSRP:
Camry: $31,045
Sonata: $32,260

GM Dealer Talks Consumer Tips And Why Ethnic Dealers Are Needed

Ray Fregia is one of the youngest dealers to be apart of the GM family. He recently sat on one of the distinguished panels at this year's Black Enterprise Conference and Expo, which was held in

Are Fullsize Vehicles Fading Away?

The parents of Earl Lucas, the lead designer of the 2010 Ford Taurus, takes a moment to pose in front of their fullsize Ford vehicle.

2013 Nissan Altima Touts New Technology And 38-MPG

African Americans account for 30 percent of Altima sales, while the general population only accounts for 25 percent of the midsize vehicle new-vehicle sales. African American females gravitate toward the Altima at a higher rate than brothers. Sixty-two percent of African American females buy Altimas, as opposed to 48 percent for the general population - (source: Nissan).

4 Consumer Car-Buying Trends

• Thirty-seven percent of new-vehicle buyers say that fuel economy is a leading factor in their next purchase, according to Consumer Reports. At 17%, quality is now a distant second to fuel-economy. Based on this data, it suggests that consumers are open to purchase a vehicle with questionable quality, as long as the fuel-economy is exceptional.

2012 FIAT 500C: A Nostalgic Compact Returns with a Ragtop

Highlights: Fiat offers a better new-vehicle warranty than its siblings Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep. The Fiat, which is an Italian built vehicle, is outfitted with a 4-year, 50,000 mile warranty where as its siblings offer a 3-year, 36,000 mile warranty. Maintenance is also covered under Fiat’s warranty for a 3-year period too. Moreover, the Fiat 500C is available with 14 paint colors and 12 unique seat color and material combinations, personalizing the vehicle. Fiat touts that there are more than

Jeep Will Recall 68,000 Vehicles Over Fire Risk

Vehicle Make / Model:

• Model Year(s):

• JEEP / WRANGLER
  2010

• Manufacturer:

  CHRYSLER GROUP LLC

• Mfr's Report Date:

  
  

Lexus Kills First Vehicle, Corolla-Like Hybrid

In 2009, Lexus much-anticipated all-dedicated hybrid hit showrooms. Unfortunately, upon first glance, the high-dollar Lexus resembled a gussied-up Toyota Corolla. While the vehicle was a success over in Japan, it never quite caught on fire here in the States. Although the vehicle incorporated the latest high-tech gadgets, the styling was just too conservative and the vehicle was too pricey. Many of the features found in the HS could be found in the Toyota Prius. In fact, sales

Acura Scheduled To Recall 53,000 TLs

Acura will voluntarily recall 52,615 model-year 2007-2008 TL sedans in the United States to replace the power steering hose. Over time, the power steering hose may deteriorate and develop a fluid leak. Leaking power steering fluid could lead to loss of power steering assistance or, if it leaks onto a catalytic converter it may result in smoke, or in the worst case, fire. No crashes, injuries or fires have been reported related to this issue.

Parent Alert: New Technology Keeping Teens Eyes On The Road

Ford Announces Three Separate Recalls

Recall Number One

• FORD / WINDSTAR
  1999-2003

• Manufacturer:

  FORD MOTOR COMPANY

• Mfr's Report Date:

  APR 30, 2012

• NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:

  12V194000

Photo Gallery Update: Hyundai's Designer Andre Hudson Spending Quality Time with Selma High Students

Hudson taking the time to check out some of the designs of Selma High students.

2012 Hyundai Veloster: A Sporty, Economical, Three-Door Hatchback

Highlights:  The Veloster is the only vehicle available in the market today as a three-door hatchback. This is also the first Hyundai to offer the brand’s Blue Link Telematics System, which enables the driver to stay connected via the web or through the use of today’s Smartphone applications to do everything from finding the lowest gas prices to monitoring the fuel-economy of the vehicle to automatically lock and unlock the doors to contacting first responders in case the
vehicle is involved in an accident.

Toyota V.P. Joins Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Board

Jim Colon is shown hear advocating for HBCUs at Morehouse College Candle in the Dark Black Tie Fundraiser,

Colon featured in the video as encouraged Toyota to sponsor Morehouse College major annual fundraiser, A Candle in the Dark Black-Tie Gala. The board of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation recently named Jim Colon, vice president of product communications for Toyota Motor Sales, as its newest member to join its board. Colon was among nine individuals named who will serve a three-year term. Members serving on the CBCF Board are responsible for managing the overall operations of CBCF, and required to support the mission of the Foundation to develop leaders, inform policy and educate the public. Seeing the Colon was previously the vice president of sales for both the Lexus and Toyota divisions and a champion for education, this new opportunity seems like a perfect fit for him. 

Chrysler Group Recalls 119,000 Popular Family Sedans For Electrical Issues

• Vehicle Make / Model:

  Model Year(s):

• CHRYSLER / 300
  2011-2012
• DODGE / CHARGER
  2011-2012

• Manufacturer:

  CHRYSLER GROUP LLC

• Mfr's Report Date:

  MAY 01, 2012

• NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:

  12V197000

• NHTSA Action Number:

  N/A

• Component:

  ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS

• Potential Number of Units Affected:

  119,072

• Summary:

  CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 AND 2012 300 AND DODGE 
• CHARGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY LOSE ABS/ESC SYSTEM FUNCTION 
• DUE TO AN OVERHEATED POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER.

• Consequence:

  THIS COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

• Remedy:

  CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL RELOCATE THE ABS/ESC 
• SYSTEM FUSE, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN 
• DURING MAY 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

• Notes:

  CHRYSLER’S RECALL NUMBER IS M10. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE 
• NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S VEHICLE SAFETY 
• HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO 
• TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

Residual Outlook: Which Car Brands Hold Their Values

Source: ALG

You should pay close attention to this list if you have plans on leasing a new-vehicle soon and/or if you have plans on trading-in (or selling) your vehicle. The residual value determines how much your vehicle will be worth over a 2-year, 3-year or 5-year period. Auto companies use this information to set lease payments. Typically, vehicles with higher residuals usually have lower lease payments, while vehicles with lower residuals have higher payment (unless their subsidized by the automaker.) So to interpret the chart let's look at Mini brand, which tops the list. The Mini brand maintains 52.5 percent of its sticker price over a three-year period. On the contrary, both Chevy and Suzuki only retains 42.2 percent of its sticker price over a three-year period.

Also higher residual values determine what your vehicle will be worth in about three years, according to the chart. So,if you have no plans on trading-in your ride and you plan on driving your ride until the wheels fall off, this list should have no bearing on your next car purchase.

Furthermore, insurance companies also use this information to determine how much your vehicle is worth in case the vehicle is stolen or declared a total loss. 

Latest Trend: Americans Are Slowly Driving Toward Manual Transmissions

• In the first quarter of 2012, 6.5% of new vehicles sold had manual transmissions.
• The last time manual transmission sales were this high was back in 2006, when it reached 7.2%.
• Five years ago, 29% of 2,391 vehicles sold here in the United States offered a maual transmission.
• Today 19% of the 2,360 models offered are equipped with manual transmissions.

-Source: Edmunds.com