A salvage title is an automobile title with a notation that the vehicle has been damaged in excess of approximately 70% of its pre-accident market value. The exact percentage depends on the insurance provider and any applicable laws and regulations. This notation gets applied to a title when an insurance company pays a total-loss claim on a vehicle, but then sells the vehicle at an auction center. If the vehicle is kept by its owner through a buy-back program, then the vehicle will retain a clean title. A properly restored vehicle is still safely drivable even if it is technically considered a total loss by an insurance company, particularly with older vehicles where even minor cosmetic damage would cost more to fix than the vehicle’s pre-accident market value.

A “rebuilt vehicle” is a salvage vehicle that has been repaired and restored to operation. These vehicles are often damaged before they are rebuilt and new parts are typically used during reconstruction. In most states, an inspection of the vehicle is required before the vehicle is allowed to return to the road, to prove that it is road worthy.

There is no specific formula in most states that specifies when a vehicle is deemed salvage; this is typically decided on a case by case basis. Once the auto is involved in an accident, the insurance company then offers the vehicle back to the owner as an insurance buyback or the car is sold to insurance auction centers, such as IAAI or Copart. With an insurance buyback the owner is responsible for getting the repairs made and having the car inspected by the highway patrol or a state regulated inspection facility. At this point, the car still has a clean title, no matter of the degree of the damage done, because it was never owned by the insurance company. If the auto is not a buyback, it is towed to a salvage auction where it will be sold to an auto recycler or a rebuilder, and given a salvage title. A rebuilder can sell the car as-is or fix the car and resell it as a rebuilt salvage titled car.

Having a “Salvage” or “Junk” title only applies to the United States and Canada. All vehicles imported or exported to other countries will automatically obtain a “Clean” title, even if they have been involved in an accident.

Some companies in the United States, such as Carfax, sell title reports to prospective car buyers which, among other things, reveal these title statuses. The information, however, might be far from being complete because of the inability of these companies to check accident records in 23 states and because not all accidents get reported to the authorities (particularly when there are no injuries). In 2007, Carfax settled a nationwide class-action lawsuit and the company will now include prominent warnings that its reports may not be complete.

Industry standards followed by and noted in print by the National Automobile Dealers Association (N.A.D.A.) Appraisal Guides, Kelley Blue Book Market Report Official Guide, the International Society of Automotive Appraisers (I.S.A.A.) and additional automotive business entities within the United States of America, all devalue a motor vehicle that is in possession of a “Salvage Title”, by 20% – 50% of the normal, fair market retail value of the vehicle without a “Salvage Title”. The percentage variance increases with the younger age of the vehicle at issue and the retail value of that vehicle. Any vehicle that is more than 10 years old carries the 20% minimum devaluation to the fair market value of the vehicle. Once a vehicle is branded with a “salvage or junk” title of ownership, this type of tarnished history stays with the unit, even if the branded title is “washed clean” in another state to be free of the designation “salvage or junk”.

source: wikipedia.com

How do I find out when my vehicle was manufactured?

The month and year of manufacture (e.g., 1-96 (January 1996)) appear on the safety standard certification label that is located on the frame or edge of the driver’s door in most vehicles.

Do I need to get a voucher or sign up for this program?

No. You do not need a voucher and you are not required to sign up or enroll in this program. Participating new car dealers will apply a credit, reducing the price you pay at the time of your purchase or lease, provided the vehicle you buy or lease and the vehicle you trade in meet the program requirements. The dealer will then obtain reimbursement from the government.

May I receive or use more than one credit under the CARS program?

No, the CARS Act specifies that not more than one credit may be issued to a single person, not more than one credit may be issued for joint registered owners of a single eligible trade-in vehicle, and that only one credit under this program may be applied toward the purchase or lease of any single new vehicle.

What is the amount of the credit?

The amount of the credit is $3,500 or $4,500, and generally depends on the type of vehicle you purchase and the difference in fuel economy between the purchased vehicle and the trade-in vehicle. Different requirements apply for work trucks.

What is the amount of the credit?

The amount of the credit is $3,500 or $4,500, and generally depends on the type of vehicle you purchase and the difference in fuel economy between the purchased vehicle and the trade-in vehicle. Different requirements apply for work trucks.

What is the value of the credit for the purchase or lease of a new van, pickup truck or SUV?

The value of the credit given for the purchase or lease of a category 1 or 2 truck also generally depends on the difference between the combined fuel economy of the vehicle that is traded in and that of the new vehicle that is purchased or leased. If the new vehicle is a category 1 truck that has a combined fuel economy value that is at least 2, but less than 5, miles per gallon higher than the traded-in vehicle, the credit is $3,500. If the new category 1 truck has a combined fuel economy value that is at least 5 miles per gallon higher than the traded-in vehicle, the credit is $4,500.

If both the new vehicle and the traded-in vehicle are category 2 trucks and the combined fuel economy value of the new vehicle is at least 1, but less than 2, miles per gallon higher than the combined fuel economy value of the traded in vehicle, the credit is $3,500. If both the new vehicle and the traded-in vehicle are category 2 trucks and the combined fuel economy of the new vehicle is at least 2 miles per gallon higher than that of the traded-in vehicle, the credit is $4,500. A $3,500 credit applies to the purchase or lease of a category 2 truck if the trade-in vehicle is a category 3 (work) truck that was manufactured not later than model year 2001, but not earlier than 25 years before the date of the trade in.

What rules apply to new work trucks?

A work truck, which is called a category 3 truck under the CARS Act, is subject to special rules. Work trucks are not rated for fuel economy by the EPA. Thus, the eligibility of work trucks for the program does not depend on combined fuel economy. Instead, work trucks may only be traded in under the program if they were manufactured not later than model year 2001 and not earlier than 25 years before the date of the trade in. In addition, work trucks may only be traded in for the purchase of a category 2 truck or another category 3 truck that is of similar size or smaller than the traded-in vehicle. Finally, the Act provides only for a $3,500 credit for trading in a work truck.

The CARS Act limits the amount of funds that can be used to provide credits for purchases or leases of work trucks. Only 7.5 percent of the funds appropriated for the program may be used for credits for work trucks. Once that limit is reached, NHTSA will stop making payments for these transactions. NHTSA will keep the public informed as to the funds that remain available for these credits.

Is the credit subject to being taxed as income to the consumers that participate in the program?

The CARS Act expressly provides that the credit is not income for the consumer.

Do I have to pay State or local sales tax on the amount of the CARS program credit?

The question of whether a consumer must pay State or local sales tax on the amount of the CARS program credit would depend on the sales tax law of each State or locality. Consumer should review the law of their respective States or consult a tax advisor to answer this question.

Can dealers charge me a fee for buying or leasing a vehicle under the CARS program?

While dealers can charge their normal types of fees, the CARS Act specifically prohibits dealers from charging a fee for purchasing or leasing a vehicle under the program.

What will I need to bring to the dealer in order to participate in the program?

You should bring documentation establishing the identity of the person who currently owns the vehicle, preferably the title of the vehicle, and documentary proof that the vehicle “has been continuously insured consistent with the applicable State law and registered to the same owner for a period of not less than 1 year immediately prior to the trade-in.” The final rule will specify what types of documentation would be acceptable.

Does the program apply if I want to lease a vehicle, or must I purchase a vehicle?

Under the program, you may purchase a new vehicle or lease a new vehicle, provided the lease period for the new vehicle is at least five years.

I don’t drive an American car but I would like to trade in my old car for a newer, more fuel efficient one. Is this program only for American cars?

No. You may trade in or buy a domestic or a foreign vehicle.

What new vehicles may be acquired under the CARS program?

The CARS Act applies to new vehicles. Thus, used vehicles do not qualify under the program.

The new vehicle must have a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of not more than $45,000. That price appears on the window sticker on new vehicles. The new vehicle must also achieve minimum combined fuel economy levels. For passenger automobiles, the new vehicle must have a combined fuel economy value of at least 22 miles per gallon. For category 1 trucks, the new vehicle must have a combined fuel economy value of at least 18 miles per gallon. For category 2 trucks, the new vehicle must have a combined fuel economy value of at least 15 miles per gallon. Category 3 trucks have no minimum fuel economy requirement; however, there are special requirements that apply to the purchase of category 3 vehicles.

As noted above, the CARS Act also requires that NHTSA make available on an Internet website a comprehensive list of new vehicles that meet the requirements of the program. Until that information is posted on the program’s website, consumers may determine whether a new vehicle meets the fuel economy requirements of the program in two ways. First, the combined fuel economy of a new vehicle will be posted under the heading “Combined Fuel Economy” on the window sticker (“Monroney label”) of a new vehicle. Second, you may also find the combined fuel economy value of a new vehicle by visiting http://www.fueleconomy.gov/cars and searching for their vehicle to find its combined fuel economy value. When searching that website, consumers will need to know their vehicle’s model year, make, model, engine size, and transmission type.
I just traded in my old car for a new vehicle last month. Can I go back to the dealer and apply for a credit?

If you purchased the vehicle before July 1 you are not eligible for credit. If you purchased the new vehicle on or after July 1, 2009 you may be eligible for credit. Please contact your dealer to see if you meet the eligibility requirements.

Does the program apply if I want to buy a used car?

No. The program does not apply to the purchase of used vehicles

What is the amount of the credit?

The amount of the credit is $3,500 or $4,500, and generally depends on the type of vehicle you purchase and the difference in fuel economy between the purchased vehicle and the trade-in vehicle. Different requirements apply for work trucks.

How do I know if my car or truck is an eligible trade-in vehicle?

There are several requirements (but you also have to meet certain conditions for the car or truck you wish to buy). Your dealer can help you determine whether you have an eligible trade in vehicle.

Your trade-in vehicle must have been manufactured less than 25 years before the date you trade it in have a “new” combined city/highway fuel economy of 18 miles per gallon or less
be in drivable condition
be continuously insured and registered to the same owner for the full year preceding the trade-in
The trade-in vehicle must have been manufactured not earlier than 25 years before the date of trade in and, in the case of a category 3 vehicle, must also have been manufactured not later than model year 2001
Note that work trucks (i.e., very large pickup trucks and cargo vans) have different requirements

How do I find out the combined city/highway fuel economy rating of my trade-in vehicle?

Go to http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/sbs.htm and click on the model year of your vehicle, the make, and then the model. Under the words “ESTIMATED NEW EPA MPG” in the red banner, there is a red number with the word “COMBINED” under it. That is the new combined city/highway fuel economy for your vehicle. You may then enter the make, model, and model year of a new vehicle you may want to buy and see its combined MPG for comparison.

What rules apply to new work trucks?

A work truck, which is called a category 3 truck under the CARS Act, is subject to special rules. Work trucks are not rated for fuel economy by the EPA. Thus, the eligibility of work trucks for the program does not depend on combined fuel economy. Instead, work trucks may only be traded in under the program if they were manufactured not later than model year 2001 and not earlier than 25 years before the date of the trade in. In addition, work trucks may only be traded in for the purchase of a category 2 truck or another category 3 truck that is of similar size or smaller than the traded-in vehicle. Finally, the Act provides only for a $3,500 credit for trading in a work truck.

The CARS Act limits the amount of funds that can be used to provide credits for purchases or leases of work trucks. Only 7.5 percent of the funds appropriated for the program may be used for credits for work trucks. Once that limit is reached, NHTSA will stop making payments for these transactions. NHTSA will keep the public informed as to the funds that remain available for these credits.

How do I know if my car or truck is an eligible trade-in vehicle?

There are several requirements (but you also have to meet certain conditions for the car or truck you wish to buy). Your dealer can help you determine whether you have an eligible trade in vehicle.

Your trade-in vehicle must have been manufactured less than 25 years before the date you trade it inhave a “new” combined city/highway fuel economy of 18 miles per gallon or lessbe in drivable condition
be continuously insured and registered to the same owner for the full year preceding the trade-in
The trade-in vehicle must have been manufactured not earlier than 25 years before the date of trade in and, in the case of a category 3 vehicle, must also have been manufactured not later than model year 2001
Note that work trucks (i.e., very large pickup trucks and cargo vans) have different requirements.

What is the Car Allowance Rebate System?

The Car Allowance Rebate System is a new program from the government that will help you pay for a new, more fuel efficient car or truck from a participating dealer when you trade in a less fuel efficient car or truck.

How do I know if a dealer is participating in the program?

The law requires dealers to be registered to participate in the program. We will be moving as quickly as possible to register interested dealers as soon as the registration process begins in the near future. As dealers are registered, we will list them on this website. We will continue to update this list during the life of the program. Meanwhile, you may wish to contact dealers in your area to ask whether they plan to participate in the program. The CARS Act requires that dealers be licensed by their respective state for the sale of new automobiles in order for them to participate in the program.

What happens to the vehicle I trade in?

The CARS Act requires that the trade-in vehicle be crushed or shredded so that it will not be resold for use in the United States or elsewhere as an automobile. The entity crushing or shredding the vehicles in this manner will be allowed to sell some parts of the vehicle prior to crushing or shredding it, but these parts cannot include the engine or the drive train.

How do I determine whether the vehicle I want to purchase or lease is a passenger automobile or a category 1, 2, or 3 truck?

The CARS Act divides the eligible vehicles into four groups: passenger automobiles; category 1 trucks; category 2 trucks; and category 3 trucks. NHTSA will soon publish a list of the vehicles that fall into these groups. For the present, we describe here the statutory definitions, give examples of types of vehicles that satisfy those definitions, and refer readers to the large table at the end of this notice.

The term “passenger automobile” and its definition are borrowed from the fuel economy statute. The definition excludes from that term (1) vehicles that NHTSA has determined are not manufactured primarily for transporting persons and (2) vehicles that are capable of off-highway operation. Vehicles not manufactured primarily for transporting persons include pickup trucks and certain vehicles that permit expanded use of the vehicle for cargo-carrying purposes. See 49 CFR 523.5(a). Under NHTSA’s regulations (49 CFR 523.5(b)), there are two groups of vehicles with capability of off-highway operation. The first includes vehicles that have 4-wheel drive and have at least four out of five specified physical characteristics relating to ground clearance. The second includes vehicles that are rated at more than 6,000 pounds gross vehicle weight and have at least four out of five specified physical characteristics relating to ground clearance, but do not have 4-wheel drive. Passenger automobiles are what are commonly known as passenger cars

A category 1 truck is a nonpassenger automobile. This category includes sport utility vehicles (SUVs), small and medium pickup trucks and small and medium passenger and cargo vans.

A category 2 truck is a large van or a large pickup truck, based upon the length of the wheelbase (more than 115 inches for pickup trucks and more than 124 inches for vans). Note: some pickup trucks and cargo vans exceeding these thresholds are treated as category 3 trucks instead of category 2 trucks.

A category 3 truck is a work truck and is rated between 8,500 and 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight. This category includes very large pickup trucks (those with cargo beds 72 inches or more in length) and very large cargo vans.

By July 24, NHTSA will make available on an Internet website a comprehensive list of the trucks that fall into these categories and meet the requirements of the program.

source; cars.gov

The CAR Allowance Rebate System (CARS) is a $1 billion government program that helps consumers buy or lease a more environmentally-friendly vehicle from a participating dealer when they trade in a less fuel-efficient car or truck. The program is designed to energize the economy; boost auto sales and put safer, cleaner and more fuel-efficient vehicles on the nation’s roadways.

Consumers will be able to take advantage of this program and receive a $3,500 or $4,500 discount from the car dealer when they trade in their old vehicle and purchase or lease a new one. Consumers you do not need to register anywhere or at anytime for this program. However, to find out eligibility requirements click here.

What is NHTSA doing to guard against fraud? Allegations of fraud may be reported by calling our toll-free 24-hour hotline at 1-800-424-9071.

Consumer Bill of Rights

Qualified consumers may participate in the CARS Program between July 1, 2009 and November 1, 2009 or when authorized funds are no longer available.
Qualified consumers will receive a credit of $3,500 or $4,500 for an eligible trade-in toward the purchase of lease of an approved vehicle under CARS Program.
Qualified consumers will receive the $3,500 or $4,500 credit at the time the purchase their new vehicle.
Dealers must provide consumers with any other advertised rebates or discounts in addition to the credit they receive through the CARS Program.
Consumers should expect to conduct their deals at their dealership of choice, not on the Internet.
Consumers should expect the dealers to provide their best estimate of the scrap value for their eligible trade-in vehicle. Dealers are allowed to deduct $50 from this value for their administrative costs.
Consumers should expect that all information collected through the CARS Program will be kept confidential. Social Security numbers are not required for a CARS transaction.

The agency amended its rule implementing the CARS program. Dealers may now choose to disable the engine of the trade-in vehicle after they receive payment from the government for the credit (not more than seven calendar days after payment). However, until the vehicle’s engine is disabled, the dealer must store the vehicle at a location under the control of the dealership.

In addition, because New Hampshire and Wisconsin do not have an insurance requirement under State law, trade-in vehicles registered in these two States are exempt from the one-year insurance requirement.

source; cars.gov

You’ve seen it on your registration papers, you’ve seen it on your insurance documents, and you’ve seen it on your title—but what does 2FMZU62E02ZB78590 mean? The short answer is—it’s your Vehicle Identification Number or “VIN.” Read further for the more detailed explanation of what a VIN is.

A VIN number is a 17-character alphanumeric identifier or a manufacturer’s serial number. Each character in the VIN number has a significant meaning. Together, they create a number that tells everything about the vehicle and its unique history.

Where to Find Your Vin Number
Other Common locations of the vehicle identification number vary and some may be as follows:

Firewall of the vehicle
Left hand inner wheel arch
Steering column
Radiator Support Bracket
Dash by windshield
Drivers door or post or passenger side
Guarantee & Maintenance Book *Vehicle documents
Machined Pad on front of engine
Component parts as listed above -eg- engine,frame, etc.
Later model years – most common area’s of VIN:

Left instrumentation/dash plate by window
Drivers door or post
Firewall
How to Decode a VIN
When decoded, the VIN tells the country and year of manufacture; make, model and serial number; assembly plant; and in some cases it even identifies equipment specifications.

The system goes something like this: sequence for characters is first A to Z, then 1 to 9, and last 0. The letters “I”, “O” and “Q” are typically omitted from system.

The vehicle identification number is divided into four parts:

World Manufacturer’s Identification (WMI – three characters)
Vehicle Description Section (VDS – five characters)
The VIN Accuracy Check Digit
Vehicle Identification Section (VIS – eight characters)
World Manufacturer’s Identification (WMI)
The first character in the WMI sequence represents the country where the vehicle was manufactured. Countries like the United States (1 or 4), Canada (2) and Mexico (3) are represented by numbers while other countries such as Germany (W), Italy (Z) and Japan (J) are represented by letters.

The second character refers to the manufacturer. The characters can be either letters or numbers. For example: Jaguar (A), Dodge (B), Chrysler (C), Jeep (J), Buick (4), Cadillac (6) or Saturn (8).

The third character represents the vehicle type or manufacturing division.

Vehicle Description Section (VDS) and Check Digit
The vehicle description section consists of five characters (the 4th to 8th characters) which identify everything from the body style, engine type, and braking system to model, series, restraint system, etc. The 9th character is a VIN accuracy check digit which verifies the previous VIN numbers. It is determined by carrying out a mathematical computation developed by the Department of Transportation (DOT).

Vehicle Identification Section (VIS)
The vehicle identification section includes the last eight characters in the VIN number. The numbers identify the model year (10th character) and the assembly plant for the vehicle (11th character). A number or letter may represent the model year. For example: 1998 (W), 2000 (Y), 2007 (7) or 2008 (8).

The 12th to 17th characters are the actual serial number of the vehicle—these last 6 digits make the vehicle unique (think of DNA). It can also help to identify whether the vehicle was the first, the hundredth, or the last vehicle off the manufacturer’s assembly line. This is valuable information for collectors.

So, the next time you see that long number printed on your registration papers or stamped across your dashboard, you’ll know how to decode it. This will give you a better understanding of where your unique vehicle actually came from!

At the Detroit Auto Show,Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced it will give its new midsize SUV the moniker of “Borrego“. The Kia Borrego will be manufactured in Korea and go on sale in North America in late spring or early summer of 2008 as a 2009 model.

Built with body-on-frame construction incorporating the latest in NVH engineering philosophy, Borrego will be Kia’s newest addition to its well-rounded full-line of vehicles that continually provide value, safety and a steadfast 10-year/100,000-mile warranty to consumers. Borrego will be available with either a V6 engine or the company’s first V8 offering, which will also boast Kia’s largest towing capacity to date.

Kia Motors America — the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation in Seoul, South Korea — offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 630 dealers throughout the United States. For more information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

The new flagship motor is a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 that produces 380 hp and 404 pound-feet of torque. The truck will also be available with a 4.7-liter V8 providing 310 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.7-liter V6 generating 215 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque.

An redesigned chassis made of high-strength steel incorporates an all-new, first-in-segment, multi-link coil spring rear suspension that improves ride and handling characteristics without reducing payload (up to an estimated 1,840 pounds) and towing capability (up to an estimated 9,100 pounds).

The truck features a drastically revamped interior, which reflects Chrysler’s growing commitment to interior quality, after years of disappointing cabins. It features six-ring instrumentation, redesigned controls, chrome accents, premium seating with improved bolsters and two-tone upholstery.

The all-new 2009 Dodge Ram is offered in regular cab, Quad Cab and crew cab, with three box lengths: 8-foot (regular cab), 6-foot-4-inches (regular cab and Quad Cab), and a new-for-2009 box length of 5-foot-7-inches (crew cab). Five trim levels are available, each with a unique appearance: ST, SLT, TRX, Sport, and the top-of-the-line Laramie.

Ford has heavily revised 2009 F-150 pickup truck, which is bigger and bolder than ever.The F-series pickup is far and away the most crucial vehicle in Ford’s lineup, selling hundreds of thousands more units each year than any other Ford vehicle. It has been the bestselling vehicle from any manufacturer for more than two decades.After some cracks Ford comes with a new 150.

The new 2009 F-150 is ready to challenge with the all-new Dodge Ram and last year’s new Chevy Silverado and Toyota Tundra. The 2009 Ford F-150 takes its styling cues from the F-series Super Duty pickup. “We learn from our customers,” says Patrick Schiavone, the F-series chief designer. They’ve told us that “a truck needs to be tough. You cannot make it too tough for me.” So, the new F-150 has a bigger grille, with chrome girders that are similar to those in the Super Duty. The big fender badge, according to Schiavone, “is meant to look like it’s milled from a solid piece of steel.” Grooves in the taillights that also run across the tailgate evoke 1960s and 1970s Ford trucks. The little flip at the top of the tailgate is there both to help aerodynamics and for looks.

New 2009 Ford F-150 indeed looks much bigger, tougher, and more substantial, and it will certainly appeal to those who purchase trucks as a reflection of their perceived masculinity or lack thereof. The Crew Cab model is a whopping six inches longer than before.Ride height is up about an inch, too, in response to dealers, who are asked by many consumers to install lift kits in the current truck. The increased height, length, and squared-off body combine to make the truck appear even bigger and more imposing.

V-8 engines are standard; the current 4.2-liter V-6 will be dropped. There now will be two versions of the 4.6-liter Triton V-8; one with two valves per cylinder, which will still be saddled with a four-speed automatic, and one with three valves per cylinder. Both it and the 5.4-liter V-8 now are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. None of the engines comes close to offering the level of horsepower that’s now available in the 5.7-liter V-8 in the new Toyota Tundra.

All models will be offered with a fold-out tailgate step, the better to climb up into this tall beast. A foldable bed extender made of plastic is more flexible than the tubular aluminum ones. Dual tracks along the top of the tall bedsides maximize tie-down possibilities. There is no cap for the fuel nozzle, a feature that will be introduced across the board for all Ford vehicles in the 2009 model year.

It will be interesting to see if the market will follow Ford down this bigger, tougher road, or whether the decrease in sales of full-size pickup trucks will continue as Americans become resigned to $3-per-gallon gasoline and adjust their transportation choices accordingly. One could argue that the last thing full-size, light-duty pickup trucks should be doing at this juncture is getting bigger, taller, and heavier. How about a right-size pickup that’s lower to the ground and still capable of towing and hauling?

Toyota today launched an all-new utility vehicle for the 2009 model year the Venza. The Japanese automaker refers to the car as a “crossover sedan,” which seems like an effort to avoid the use of “station wagon” at all costs. Toyota came up with the designation because the Venza combines “comfort and fun-to-drive performance elements of a five-passenger sedan” with the “utility of an SUV.”

The crossover was designed specifically with the North American market in mind. The Venza will be sold here exclusively, and it was engineered at the Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor. The exterior was penned at the Toyota’s Calty design studios in Newport Beach.



Rather than styling the Venza to look like an SUV, the Venza was designed with a “sleek sedan concept” in mind, Toyota says. Nonetheless, it features a spacious interior providing room for five passengers and abundant cargo space behind the second row of seats.

Levers, one on each side of the rear cargo area, allow the 60/40 split rear seats to fold flat, providing additional storage space for extra long items. For added passenger comfort, the rear seats recline up to 14 degrees.

Power will be generated by an available 3.5-liter V6 that will produce 268 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 246 pound-feet of torque at 4,700 rpm with a towing capability of 3,500 pounds. Standard power will come from an all-new 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine.

All Venza models are equipped with an array of standard features including auto dual zone air conditioning, AM/FM six-disc CD, tilt/telescopic steering wheel with audio controls, remote keyless entry, electrochromic rearview mirror with compass, a multi-information display, cruise control, optitron gauges, rear wiper, privacy glass, and much more. On V6 models Venza come standard with dual exhaust tips and is the first Toyota model to ride on standard 20-inch alloy wheels. Four-cylinder models come standard with 19-inch alloy wheels.

Venza will also offer an Automatic High Beam headlight system. When high beam headlights are in use sensors in the Automatic High Beam system will detect oncoming traffic and automatically switch the headlights to low-beam. When the Automatic High Beam sensors no longer detect oncoming traffic the system will switch the headlights back to high-beam mode.

Additional optional equipment will include a navigation system equipped with a JBL audio system, integrated satellite radio capability and Bluetooth technology; a premium JBL audio system with AM/FM six-disc CD changer, satellite radio capability and Bluetooth, rear seat entertainment system, a Smart Key System, back-up camera and a power rear door.

source: leftlanenews

The trendiest vehicles on the road today are hybrids, cars and trucks powered by drive-trains that use both internal combustion engines and electric motors for propulsion.

The two current strategies are “full hybrids“, which can operate under internal combustion power only, electric power only, or a combination of the two, and “light hybrids“, which use an electric motor to aid the internal combustion engine when necessary.

Toyota has the best-known full hybrid system, used in its Prius, Camry and Highlander Hybrids, and the Lexus RX400h and GS 400h, and licensed to several other manufacturers.

Honda has gone for a simpler light hybrid system for its Insight, Civic and Accord Hybrid models, although it is moving toward full hybrids. Other manufacturers are working on their own systems.