 Don Wood Automotive
Welcome to Don Wood Auto Blog. We are commited to providing you the latest news realting to Don Wood Automotive and the Products and Services we provide.
Don Wood sells New Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Ford, Lincoln, Toyota, Scion vehcles; Polaris ATV and Ranger utility vehicles; Vespa, Piaggio, Kymco and Genuine Scooters; Used Cars, Trucks, SUVs, and Vans; Used Motorcycles, ATVs, and UTVs. We have the financing expertise to help you get the lowest interest rates or meet special finance needs.
Our service department provides maintenance repair, auto repair, and warranty repairs. Factory trained technicians, who are ASE certified and factory certified to meet your most difficult vehicle repair needs.
Don Wood Parts department offer easy online parts ordering, large inventory of OEM parts and accessories. Our parts staff is trained to meet your needs quickly and efficiently.
Don Wood's dealerships, sell Tires and wheels from Goodyear, Bridgetone, Dunlop, Nexxen, Kelly, Falcon, Michelin, and Yokohama. When you buy tires form Don Wood you are eligible to participate in our Customer Care Club, which includes road hazard protection.
Our collision repair facility can handle small dents, to body benders, and we fix them quickly...We're the collision repair experts in Athens, Ohio. We use only OEM (original equipment parts). Don Wood Automotive has "state of the art" frame repair machine in our auto body repair facility.Our paint color matching system from PPG uses the latest computer software to ensure a perfect paint match and finish. We offer a lifetime paint guarantee.We are a DRP (direct repair facility) for many major insurance providers. We welcome the opportunity to provide free estimates for all insurance providers such as Grange, Progressive, Cincinnati, Nationwide, Geico, and Allstate etc... We make it easy to get your vehicle fixed quickly.
Don Wood Automotive has five locations in Athens and Logan, Ohio. Please look to us for all of your vehicle and powersports needs.
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By Don Wood Toyota Staff, on November 29th, 2011
 AWARD: Toyota Prius is the One to Buy! ATHENS, OH, Nov. 29, 2011 – GreenCarReports.com has named the 2012 Toyota Prius family of vehicles as its “Best Green Car to Buy 2012.” Beginning with the 2012 model year, the Prius will expand to a family of four vehicles, including the third-generation Prius Liftback, the Prius v, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid, and the Prius c.
GreenCarReports editors choose the most significant new “green” car available to shoppers during the 2012 model year, taking into account new technologies, their practicality, and their impact on the environment. The GreenCarReports’ “Best Green Car to Buy” award recognizes mass-market, environmentally sensitive vehicles that are available below $60,000. Utilizing the TheCarConnection’s ratings as a starting point for their evaluation, the GreenCarReports editorial team applies their criteria to select the winner that will carry the “Best Green Car to Buy 2012” environmental message.
“The Prius is more than just one car this year,” said Green Car Reports Editor John Voelcker. “With a new Prius v and the Prius Plug-In Hybrid, it’s now a family of vehicles with some of the highest gas mileage on the market today, and the Prius name is likely to help encourage buyers to take the plunge into plug-in vehicles.”
The Prius vehicles that won the GreenCarReports’ “Best Green Car to Buy 2012” award were chosen from a competitive field of environmentally sensitive cars that also included the Fiat 500, Honda Civic Hybrid, Infiniti M35h, Mitsubishi i, and Volkswagen Passat TDi.
The Prius Liftback is in its third generation and earned an EPA-estimated 50 mpg combined (51 city mpg/ 48 highway mpg) rating. The Prius v, which went on sale in October, will be an unmatched combination of versatility and fuel efficiency in a midsize. With 58-percent more cargo space than the Liftback, the Prius v has more cargo space than 80-percent of the small SUVs on the road today, while still accomplishing an EPA-estimated 44-mpg city.
The Prius Plug-in Hybrid, which offers seating for five, is expected to achieve a manufacturer-estimated 87 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) in combined driving and 49 MPG in hybrid mode. With expected class-leading fuel economy better than 50 mpg in the city, which is the highest city mpg of any non-plug-in vehicle, the Prius c will be an entry into the Prius Family appealing to youthful shoppers seeking fuel efficiency, technology, and spirited driving dynamics in the subcompact segment. Both the Prius c and Prius Plug-in will go on sale in the spring of 2012.
“Prius is the unmatched leader in global hybrid vehicle sales and technology,” said Jeff Wood, President of Don Wood Toyota, Athens, Ohio.
The Prius vehicles rely on Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive, which benefits from 14 years of global market development, and pairs a highly efficient gasoline internal combustion engine with two high-output motor/generators, a large rechargeable battery, and an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission to help the vehicles attain class-leading fuel economy in their respective segments. The development of the systems that govern the operation, integration and regenerative capabilities of the Hybrid Synergy Drive system represent considerable engineering effort, and help enhance the efficiency and performance of succeeding generations of Hybrid Synergy Drive equipped vehicles.
By The Staff of Don Wood Scion, on November 23rd, 2011
 Five Star Crash Rating: Scion tC
ATHENS, OH–11/22/11-The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the all-new 2011 Scion tC sports coupe, a top overall rating of five stars.
The New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), a consumer information program created by NHTSA, rates vehicles to determine crash and rollover safety. The test ratings are gathered during controlled crash and rollover tests conducted at the NHTSA research facilities. The announcement was released on the NHTSA website www.safercar.gov.
All Scion models meet or exceed the safety requirements of the federal government and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The tC comes standard with a total of eight supplemental restraint system (SRS) airbags including driver and front passenger airbags, seat-mounted side airbags, driver and front-passenger knee airbag, and side curtain airbags.
All 2011 tCs come standard with Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control (TRAC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Smart Stop Technology (SST).
Additional safety features include a tire pressure monitoring system and newly adopted active front headrests.
“It’s not often that a car combines the best of sporty styling, performance and safety in one package like the Scion tC,” said Jeff Wood, President of Don Wood Scion, Athens, Ohio.
The all-new Scion tC, which went on sale in October 2010, has an impressive list of standard features including, 180 horsepower, 6-speed transmission, 18-inch alloy wheels and a 300-watt 8-speaker audio system.
By The Staff of Don Wood Hyundai, on November 23rd, 2011
 Sporty Hyundai Veloster Captures Styling Award ATHENS, OH, Nov. 22, 2011– The all-new 2012 Hyundai Veloster three-door coupe earned an Auto Style Award from eCityofStyle as part of its12th annual awards program. eCityofStyle.com, the ultimate online source for an insider’s look into the world of style, picked the five most stylish autos for the current model year. With more than 300 new cars for 2012, the finalists were selected after judges assessed exterior and interior style, fun-to-drive factor, exclusivity, and the all-important head-turning quotient.
“Gone are the days of Hyundai’s budget car status. Today, the Korean automaker is a legitimate threat to the establishment, designing cars that look considerably more expensive than they really are,” said eCityofStyle editors. “The Veloster is perhaps Hyundai’s most successful execution of its new design language, called Fluidic Sculpture. From the tight front end to the sculpted side creases to the powerful wheel arches, the Veloster’s exterior is both aggressive and sleek.”
Following the 2011 Equus’ style award win last year, Hyundai is grabbing consumer attention and media headlines again with Veloster. Veloster and the other winners were selected by fashion editors, stylists, fashion photographers and designers; all experts that live outside of the automotive world.
“With Veloster, we want to show consumers that high style and reasonable pricing can go hand in hand,” said Scott Margason, director, Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “Veloster stands out from the crowd with a stylish yet functional design. We’re honored that eCityofStyle is recognizing the beautiful design and unique personality of the car.”
“The cutting edge design of the new Veloster is great, especially for someone wanting a car that doesn’t look like everything else on the road,” said Jeff Wood, President of Don Wood Hyundai, Athens, Ohio.
Veloster’s cutting edge integration of the third-door combined with a breakthrough design inspired by a high-performance sport bike allows Veloster to stand-out from its competition and makes a bold statement about Hyundai’s commitment to innovative design. Distinctive black A-pillars give the glass a motorcycle helmet visor appearance and in the front is an aggressive form of Hyundai’s signature hexagonal front grille and unique Hyundai-signature LED position lights. Veloster’s dynamic rear design has a distinctive glass hatch, dual centered chrome exhaust tips and black lower fascia that complement the assertive front fascia. Inside, the center stack and controls resemble a sport bike fuel tank and the air vents are inspired by motorcycle tailpipes, while the floor console mirrors the seat of a bike.
Joining the Veloster as Auto Style Award winners are the BMW 6 Series, Fiat 500, Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG and Range Rover Evoque. For more information about the 2012 Auto Style Awards visit: http://www.ecityofstyle.com/i91/asa/
By The Staff of Don Wood Ford, on November 22nd, 2011
 REPREVE seats reduce Ford Focus Electric waste--and look great!
- Ford is the first automaker to use REPREVE® branded fiber inthe seat fabric for the all-new Focus Electric
- REPREVE is a polyester fiber made from a hybrid blend of recycled materials including used plastic water bottles and post-industrial waste
- Through the use of REPREVE, each all-new Ford Focus Electric keeps 22 plastic bottles out of landfills
ATHENS, OH, Nov. 17, 2011 – Sitting on empty plastic bottles while driving or riding in a car would be less than ideal. That’s not the case when it comes to the all-new Ford Focus Electric, as it features seat fabric made of recycled material that includes the equivalent of more than 20 plastic bottles per car.
The fiber – called REPREVE® – is made from a hybrid blend of recycled materials and manufactured by Unifi, Inc. (NYSE: UFI), a global leader in sustainable textile solutions.
Unifi officials say 22 plastic, 16-ounce water bottles are used in the seat fabric of a single Focus Electric. The figure is based on the amount of REPREVE branded fiber used in the production of fabric in each vehicle.
Ford is the first automaker to use REPREVE branded fiber in its seat fabric.
“What better vehicle than the Focus Electric to put seat fabric made of recycled materials?” said Carol Kordich, lead designer of Sustainable Materials for Ford. “Not only does the use of this fabric in Focus Electric help reduce waste, it also helps to offset the need to produce new raw material from crude oil – a process that consumes precious energy and natural resources.”
The 2012 Ford Focus Electric is green in other ways, too. Focus Electric runs on battery power alone, requiring no gasoline and producing zero carbon dioxide emissions.
“We are excited to work with Ford for the introduction of REPREVE into the automotive industry,” said Roger Berrier, president and COO of the Greensboro, N.C.-based Unifi. “As REPREVE continues to expand into new applications and markets, consumers are becoming more aware of companies like Ford and Unifi working together to make a positive impact on the environment.”
In 2009 Ford mandated that fabric suppliers use a minimum of 25 percent recycled content for all 2009 and beyond model year vehicles. Since then, 37 different fabrics meeting the requirements have been developed and incorporated into Ford vehicles.
Kordich said Ford is taking it a step further by mandating that fabric be 100 percent sustainable in vehicles with eco-conscious powertrains like Focus Electric.
REPREVE fits the bill, she said, because it is a combination of post-industrial fiber waste and post-consumer waste, like the plastic water bottles made of polyethylene terephthalate plastic. Using REPREVE also reduces energy consumption by offsetting the need to use newly refined crude oil for production.
“It made sense when we were designing the Focus Electric to keep pushing for even more innovative ways to offer our customers the best, most environmentally sound products without sacrificing quality,” said Kordich.
REPREVE meets all Ford performance requirements, said Kordich, and Ford already is considering other uses across its entire car and truck lineup.
“REPREVE is a smart way to cut costs, reuse and recycle materials and make smarter use of resources,” said Jeff Wood, President of Don Wood Ford, Athens, Ohio. Eco-conscious solutions
Ford’s “Reduce, reuse and recycle” commitment is part of the company’s broader global sustainability strategy to reduce its environmental footprint while at the same time accelerating the development of advanced, fuel-efficient vehicle technologies around the world.
Last month, Ford announced it is using 25 20-ounce plastic bottles to make the carpeting in every all-new Ford Escape utility vehicle it builds. It’s the first time Ford has used this type of carpeting in an SUV.
Over the past several years Ford has concentrated on increasing the use of nonmetal recycled and bio-based materials whenever possible, provided these materials are environmentally favorable in the specific application. Examples include soy foam seat cushions and head restraints, wheat straw-filled plastic, castor oil foam in instrument panels, recycled resins for underbody systems, recycled yarns on seat covers and natural-fiber plastic for interior components.
By The Staff of Don Wood Chevy, on November 22nd, 2011
 2012 Camero ZL1: World Beating Performance ATHENS, OH – The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Coupe accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and can reach a top speed of 184 mph. Starting at $54,995, including Performance Traction Management and Magnetic Ride suspension, the ZL1 delivers supercar levels of performance and technology for the price of a sports car.
“From the original Camaro to the current Corvette ZR1, Chevrolet has a long history of delivering world-class cars that outperformed competitors at several times the price,” said Chris Perry, vice president, Global Chevrolet Marketing. “The ZL1 is no exception. There are very few cars at any price that can match the power, features, and track-capability of the Camaro ZL1.”
For the $54,995 price, including a $900 delivery fee, the ZL1 compares favorably to much more expensive cars:
| |
Base price |
Horsepower |
Torque |
Magnetic Ride |
| Camaro ZL1 |
$54,995 |
580 |
556 |
Standard |
| Audi R8 GT |
$196,800 |
560 |
398 |
Standard |
| Maserati GranTurismo |
$122,800 |
405 |
339 |
Not available |
| Mercedes SLS AMG |
$185,750 |
565 |
479 |
Not available |
Supercar Performance
The heart of the Camaro ZL1 is a supercharged 6.2L engine is SAE-rated at 580 horsepower (432 kW) and 556 lb.-ft. of torque (754 Nm) – making it the most-powerful production Camaro ever.
The LSA features a Roots-style blower with an efficient four-lobe rotor set and compact intercooler The ZL1 also features a standard dual-mode exhaust system, with vacuum-actuated valves in the exhaust pipes for a refined exhaust note at low speeds as well as a free-flowing system for peak performance.
Power is delivered to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. With either transmission, the Camaro ZL1 delivers impressive performance:
| |
Manual |
Automatic |
| 0 – 60 mph (from rolling start) |
4.0 seconds |
3.9 seconds |
| 1/4-mile (from a rolling start) |
12.1 sec at 119 mph |
12.0 sec at 119 mph |
| Top speed |
180 mph |
184 mph |
| Max lateral grip |
1.0 g |
1.0 g |
The new Camero XL1 brings world class performance at a third the cost of the competition,” said Jeff Wood, President of Don Wood Toyota, Athens, Ohio. “It’s the ultimate enthusiast’s car.”
“With 0 to 60 taking less than four seconds, and a top speed in excess of 180 mph, the power and acceleration of the Camaro ZL1 rivals many supercars,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. “And, horsepower is only half of the story, as the most significant measurement of the ZL1’s potential is lapping the Nurburgring in 7:41.27. That is a great testament to the power, braking, grip, and balance of the Camaro ZL1, and to the well-rounded performance of the ZL1 that sets the bar for the sports-car segment.”
Exclusive, track-capable technologies
To deliver that well-rounded performance, the Camaro ZL1 comes standard with several track-capable technologies that are exclusive to the segment.
For example, the Camaro ZL1 is the first sports car to feature the third-generation of Magnetic Ride. This advanced suspension system employs valve-less damping and Magneto-Rheological (MR) fluid technology to varies the suspension firmness to match the road and driving conditions.
“Traditional suspension systems at some point compromise ride quality for road-holding grip and body control,” said Oppenheiser. “With Magnetic Ride Control, we can offer customers the best of both worlds: A comfortable ride that makes the ZL1 appropriate as a daily driver and the incredibly precise body control that makes the ZL1 so enjoyable on the track.”
Also standard on the Camaro ZL1 is Performance Traction Management, which integrates magnetic ride control, launch control, traction control, electronic stability control and electric power steering response to enhance performance. The technology was first introduced on the Corvette ZR1. With Performance Traction Management, the launch control feature (manual transmission only) automatically modulates engine torque for the best-possible acceleration without excessive wheel spin. When the driver pushes the throttle to the floor, the system holds a predetermined engine speed until the driver releases the clutch. Then, the system modulates engine torque 1,000 times per second to maximize the available traction. Similarly, on a road course, the driver can apply full throttle when exiting a corner and Performance Traction Management will automatically manage acceleration dynamics to maximize exit speed based on available traction.
In addition, the Camaro ZL1 has been engineered to be track-capable from the factory, including a rear-differential cooler, an integrated engine- and transmission-oil cooler, and brake-cooling ducts as standard equipment. As such, the ZL1 offers many technologies and features not available on the 2012 Ford Shelby GT500:
| |
Camaro ZL1 |
2012 GT500 |
| Magnetic Ride |
Standard |
Not available |
| Performance Traction Management |
Standard |
Not available |
| Factory engine and transmission coolers |
Standard |
Dealer-installed option |
| Factory brake cooling ducts |
Standard |
Dealer-installed option |
| Factory rear differential cooler |
Standard |
Dealer-installed option |
Additional features and options
The interior of the Camaro ZL1 features standard leather seating surfaces with suede microfiber inserts and heated, powered-adjustable front seats. Standard technologies include a nine-speaker Boston Acoustics® audio system; USB and Bluetooth connectivity; and rear-park assist with a rear-view camera display integrated in the center rear-view mirror.
The Camaro ZL1 is available with six options:
- Six-speed automatic transmission with TapShift controls is $1,185
- 20-inch, bright aluminum wheel package is $470
- Power sunroof is $900
- Stripe package is $470
- Exposed-weave carbon fiber hood insert is $600
- The suede package, including suede microfiber accents on the steering wheel, shift knob, and shift boot is $500
The Camaro ZL1 Coupe will go on sale in the spring of 2012, as a 2012 model. The Camaro ZL1 Convertible will go on sale in the summer of 2012, as a 2013 model. Pricing for the Camaro ZL1 Convertible will be announced later.
By Don Wood Toyota Staff, on November 22nd, 2011
 Toyota Captures KBB Resale Value Award • All-New Camry Wins Best Resale Value in Mid-Size Car Class
• Tacoma and FJ Cruiser Each Named One of the Top 10 Cars
ATHENS, OH, Nov. 22, 2011 – - Toyota was named the top brand in 2012 Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com 2012 Best Resale Value Awards. The awards recognize current and forthcoming vehicles for their projected retained value throughout the first five years of ownership.
Toyota Camry, the best-selling car in America for nine consecutive years and 13 of the past 14 years, took the honor of Best Resale Value in the mid-size car segment. The Toyota Tacoma compact pickup truck and FJ Cruiser mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) were named Best Resale Value award winners in their respective vehicle categories and were also among the top 10 vehicles for Best Resale Value.
“Winning the top brand in the Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value Awards is a very significant honor as it reflects Toyota’s commitment to quality, dependability and reliability, which ultimately adds up to great value,” said Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division. “Toyota will continue to deliver the finest cars and trucks consumers have come to expect for over half a century.”
“Resale value is usually the best indicator of the experiences drivers are having with a vehicle,” said Jeff Wood, President of Don Wood Toyota, Athens, Ohio. “This independent award underscores the faith drivers have in Toyotas.” Kelley Blue Book’s Best Resale Value Awards are based on projections from the Kelley Blue Book® Official Residual Value Guide, which is determined by a skilled staff of automotive analysts. The projections are based on current vehicle data, sales data, market conditions for each vehicle, competition within vehicle segments, expectations of the future economy and the combined experience of Kelley Blue Book’s residual analysts. The awards honor vehicles expected to maintain the greatest proportion of their original list price after five years of ownership.
By The Staff of Don Wood Buick, on October 28th, 2011
 New 2012 Buick Verano Does It All
New twist on steam engine technology designed for smooth ride, dynamic handling
LOGAN, OHIO–10-28-11 – When engineers set out to give the all-new 2012 Buick Verano the agile driving dynamics and smooth quiet ride that drivers expect of the luxury brand, they put a new twist on a technology that pre-dates the automotive industry by more than century.
Verano, which arrives at Buick dealerships later this year, uses a Z-link design in its rear suspension to center the car’s rear axle during turns to provide a more-balanced driving experience.
Z-link is based on the Watt’s linkage, a device invented by James Watt in 1784 to drive a steam engine piston in a straight up-and-down motion. Automotive engineers have since used Watt’s linkage to prevent sideways motion between the axle and body of a vehicle. General Motors’ exclusive Z-link design is a refinement of that technology.
“By using a Z-link on Verano, we were able to achieve the crisp chassis dynamics, a smooth ride, and hushed road noise that Buick customers have come to expect,” said Matt Purdy, Verano vehicle performance manager. “Z-link and other chassis refinements implemented on Verano are expected to deliver unmatched ride quality in the luxury compact car segment.”
The Z-link is carried on a small cross-member attached to the vehicle’s underbody, just behind the rear wheel center line. It consists of a short, pivoting center link with a ball joints at each end, to which the lateral links from the wheels are bolted.
During cornering, the Z-link provides greater lateral stiffness that results in more positive vehicle responses to steering inputs and helps keep the rear suspension aligned with the front suspension. When the Verano is traveling on a straight road, it allows the suspension to travel up and down freely for excellent ride comfort.
Verano’s front suspension uses MacPherson struts that help manage road inputs, and high-strength aluminum components that help improve handling and durability and prevent vibrations while contributing to better fuel economy due to their light weight.
Verano’s ride also benefits from the use of urethane cushions on the top and bottom of the springs to reduce vibrations, and a 10-percent larger twin-tube damper to increase ride control and isolate road noise.
“Verano is packed with innovations to improve fuel economy, handling and ride,” said Jeff Wood, President of Don Wood Buick, Logan, Ohio.
“Verano couples these chassis technologies with remarkable acoustic refinement to deliver the quiet cabin, agile handling and superior ride that our customers have come to expect from Buick,” said Chuck Russell, Verano vehicle line director.
By The Staff of Don Wood Hyundai, on October 27th, 2011
 Hyundai No. 1 for Brand Loyalty Q3 2011 Marks Hyundai’s Second Consecutive Quarter on Top
ATHENS, OHIO, Oct. 26, 2011– Innovative product introductions like the all-new Elantra, Accent and Veloster are bringing Hyundai owners back to dealerships. Kelley Blue Book reported that Hyundai upheld its No. 1 spot for brand loyalty on www.kbb.com for Q3 2011, marking its second consecutive quarter as the top automotive brand. Kbb.com defines brand loyalty as “owners of the brand who are currently shopping the same brand for their next vehicle.”
“Hyundai owners truly love their cars, so it’s no surprise that their support has pushed us to the top of kbb.com’s brand loyalty rankings,” said Scott Margason, director, Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “From all-new models like the 40 mile-per-gallon 2012 Veloster, to popular models such as Sonata, Elantra and Accent, we continually offer our customers more reasons to remain loyal to our vehicles and our brand.”
Kelley Blue Book Market Intelligence examines brand loyalty while consumers are still in the shopping phase. For this analysis, the team reviewed data from consumers who view a trade-in page or private party page in addition to a new-car page on Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com.
“The true measure of a customer’s experience with a brand is if they keep coming back for more. Hyundai customers are voting with their purchases to boost Hyundai to the No. 1 spot for brand loyalty, ” said Jeff Wood, President of Don Wood Hyundai, Athens, Ohio.
“Hyundai’s loyalty has been relatively high over the past couple of years because owners have been impressed with the level of quality received for the price paid,” said Arthur Henry, market intelligence manager for Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com. “However, Hyundai loyalty is now stronger than any other brand because of the impressive and well-received styling of their recently launched and redesigned models.”
For Q3 2011, Hyundai’s brand loyalty was at 48 percent, with Toyota at 47.9 percent and Subaru at 45.9 percent. Rounding out the top-five brands for Q3 2011 are Kia in the fourth spot at 45.3 percent and Ford in fifth at 45.2 percent.
Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com)
Founded in 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource®, is the only vehicle valuation and information source trusted and relied upon by both consumers and the industry. Each week the company provides the most market-reflective values in the industry on its top-rated website www.kbb.com, including its famous Blue Book® Trade-In and Retail Values and Fair Purchase Price, which reports what others are paying for new cars this week. The company also provides vehicle pricing and values through various products and services available to car dealers, auto manufacturers, finance and insurance companies as well as governmental agencies. Kbb.com provides consumer pricing and information on minivans, pickup-trucks, cars, hybrids and SUVs. Kelley Blue Book Co. Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of AutoTrader.com.
By The Staff of Don Wood Ford, on October 27th, 2011
-
The 2012 Ford F-150 is named Truck of Texas, the most prestigious award presented by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) at its annual Truck Rodeo in the country’s largest truck market. In addition, Ford products and technologies win top honors in seven other categories
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The 2012 Ford Edge is named CUV of Texas
-
Ford EcoBoost® technology – available for both F-150 and Edge – is named best vehicle feature. EcoBoost uses gasoline turbocharged direct-injection technology for up to 20 percent better fuel economy, 15 percent fewer CO2 emissions and superior driving performance versus larger displacement engines
-
Ford also is named Truck Line of Texas for the 12th consecutive year, in recognition of the best-in-class capability and durability of its truck lineup
 2012 Ford F-150
Athens, Ohio, Oct. 24, 2011 – Ford trucks and crossovers have earned top honors at the 2011 Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) Truck Rodeo, including the 2012 Ford F-150 being named Truck of Texas – the most prestigious award.
“Texan consumers put their trust in TAWA’s automotive journalists. After lining up vehicles from major auto manufacturers, our members determined Ford simply had the best trucks and crossover,” said Mike Herzing, president of TAWA. “But the real winners here are Texas’ truck buyers. Ford delivers the trucks that fit their lifestyles.”
Ford also swept seven additional categories for its trucks, crossovers and EcoBoost engine technology.
“ These honors show Ford trucks still reign supreme in Texas, and it is rewarding to see that the truck-savvy Texas auto writers appreciate just how innovative our F-Series pickups are,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas. “These awards validate what our customers have been telling us about our ‘Built Ford Tough’ F-150, and we are honored by their recognition of the strength of our truck lineup as well as our crossovers and EcoBoost engines.” A total of 48 vehicles were entered in the rodeo and evaluated by the 57 registered TAWA members. TAWA is one of the largest associations of auto writers in the U.S.
At this weekend’s Rodeo, TAWA members also named Ford’s EcoBoost engine technology Best Vehicle Feature.
V6 EcoBoost engine sales have accounted for more than 40 percent of F-150 retail sales volume each of the past six months. Additionally, F-150s with EcoBoost had their best-ever sales month in September.
The V6 engines continue to outsell V8s among F-150s, with Ford’s new 3.5-liter EcoBoost and 3.7-liter V6 engines representing 57 percent of F-150 retail sales in September.
Ford F-150 EcoBoost-equipped trucks offer best-in-class trailer tow capability of 11,300 pounds and can achieve 22 mpg on the highway and 16 mpg in the city. No other truck with comparable horsepower and torque can match the F-150 EcoBoost in highway or city fuel economy.
The 2012 Ford Edge also was awarded the honor of Crossover of Texas and Best Midsize CUV of Texas.
“The most impressive thing about these honors is the number of vehicles recognized. It’s independent proof that Ford is doing a lot of great things with its trucks, SUVs and crossovers,” said Jeff Wood, President of Don Wood Ford, Athens, Ohio. The 2012 Edge features an all-new 2.0-liter EcoBoost® four-cylinder engine that offers 30 mpg highway and 270 lb.-ft. of torque – a combination unmatched in the segment.
Ford’s lineup of trucks also was named Truck Line of Texas for the 12th consecutive year. Ford’s dominance of the TAWA Truck Line of Texas award is further evidence of the durability and reliability of Built Ford Tough F-Series trucks.
The full list of Ford vehicles winning top honors in their categories at TAWA Truck Rodeo is:
-
Truck of Texas: 2012 Ford F-150
-
Truck Line of Texas: Ford Motor Company
-
CUV of Texas: 2012 Ford Edge
-
Heavy-Duty Pickup Truck: 2012 Ford F-250 King Ranch Super Duty
-
Luxury Pickup Truck: 2012 Ford F-150 Platinum EcoBoost
-
Full-Size Pickup Truck: 2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor
-
Mid-Size CUV: 2012 Ford Edge Limited
-
Outstanding Feature: Ford EcoBoost Engine Technology
By The Staff of Don Wood Chevy, on October 27th, 2011
 Chevy Sets 100-Year Sales Record
- Q3 Chevrolet sales increased 13.8 percent, triple global industry growth
- 3.6 million vehicles sold in 2011 positions brand for best-ever calendar year
- 1 millionth Cruze compact expected to be sold by end of October
LOGAN, OHIO–10-26-2011– Chevrolet sold 1.2 million vehicles globally in the third quarter, the best July-to-September results in the brand’s 100-year history. In the first nine months of 2011, Chevrolet sold 3.6 million vehicles globally, positioning the brand for its best-ever calendar-year sales.
“Nine months of record sales is a great testament to the strength of Chevrolet’s products and service,” said Chris Perry, vice president, Chevrolet global marketing and strategy. “That success would not be possible without first connecting with new customers individually – no matter where they live – listening to their needs, and then welcoming them to the Chevrolet family.”
That customer-focused approach is best illustrated by the successful U.S. launch of the Cruze compact sedan. Chevrolet sold more than 175,000 Cruzes worldwide in the third quarter of 2011, fueled by U.S. and China sales growth. More than 970,000 Cruzes have been sold since it was introduced in early 2009, and the 1 millionth Cruze is expected to sell by the end of October.
“One million people have chosen a Cruze in less than three years,” said Perry. “That success was made possible by offering customers around the world more than they expected in a compact car. We are applying that same customer-focused approach to every new Chevrolet car, truck, MPV and utility vehicle.”
The Cruze is part of a wave of new models from Chevrolet, including the Spark mini car, all-new Aveo/Sonic small car, and Orlando MPV. They will soon be joined globally by the all-new Chevrolet Malibu midsize sedan and the all-new Colorado compact pickup, which go on sale later this year. The 2013 Malibu began production this week in Korea and the Colorado earlier this month in Thailand.
Chevrolet posted double-digit sales gains for the third quarter in 20 markets throughout Asia, Europe, North America, and South America.
The strength of Chevrolet’s global presence has helped the brand significantly outpace the rest of the global industry. Chevrolet’s third-quarter sales were up 13.8 percent over the same period a year ago, more than tripling the 3.9 percent gain for the industry. Chevrolet also tripled the industry growth rate for the first nine months of the year: Chevrolet sales were up 14.4 percent compared to a 4.5 percent gain for the industry.
“Chevy came storming back this year with popular new vehicles and a commitment to building customer loyalty and trust, said Jeff Wood, President of Don Wood Chevrolet, Logan, Ohio.
| Market |
Q3 Chevrolet Sales Change |
| Ukraine |
70.8% |
| Russia |
64.0% |
| Thailand |
57.9% |
| South Africa |
50.9% |
| Vietnam |
50.3% |
| Malaysia |
47.9% |
| Philippines |
45.5% |
| Argentina |
44.1% |
| Poland |
33.8% |
| Israel |
33.2% |
| France |
30.4% |
| Slovakia |
28.2% |
| Slovenia |
24.1% |
| Germany |
23.3% |
| India |
21.3% |
| Mexico |
21.2% |
| Colombia |
19.4% |
| Chile |
18.6% |
| China |
18.4% |
| United States |
14.2% |
|
|
