Harley-Davidson killing six models for 2014

Harley-Davidson is making some room on its dealers' showroom floors. The motorcycle manufacturer has announced it will kill off a total of six models for 2014, including the XR1200X Sportster, FXS Softail Blackline and the FLHTC Electra Glide Classic. The company says it's pulling the plug on the bikes to "optimize the number of choices available," according to VisorDown, and to "reduce product overlap." We imagine it also has something to do with the fact that Harley-Davidson saw sales decline by more than 9 percent year over year despite an increase in profits in 2012.

Much of that sales decline can be attributed to lackluster demand in the US. The manufacturer will axe the FLHRC Road King Classic in North America only, while the FLHR Road King will fall off of the order books in other markets. Don't expect to see the FLTRX Road Glide Custom or the FLTRU Road Glide Ultra in 2014, either, though Harley-Davidson promises both bikes will return after a redesign.

Subaru recalls new Forester over pedal entrapment fears

Pedal entrapment and unintended acceleration are hot-button topics these days, so automakers are always staying alert for potential problems. For Subaru and its newly introduced 2014 Forester, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a recall due to improperly manufactured floor mats that could become an obstruction for the gas, brake or clutch pedals. The good news, of course, is that even if drivers experience this problem, the 2014 Forester comes standard with brake override.

At issue with the floor mats on 10,137 Forester models built between January and March of this year is that the resin material used on the underside of the mats can curl when exposed to heat. If the leading edge of the driver's mat curls enough, it can come in contact with the pedals making acceleration, braking and shifting more difficult – possibly resulting in a crash. To fix the problem, Subaru is replacing the entire set of floor mats in all of the affected units. The official NHTSA recall notice is posted below.
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RECALL Subject : Carpeted Floor Mats may Curl/Interfere with Pedals
Report Receipt Date: APR 24, 2013
NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V159000
Component(s): EQUIPMENT
Potential Number of Units Affected: 10,137
Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.

SUMMARY:
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2014 Forester vehicles manufactured from January 2013 through March 2013. The backing for the carpeted floor mats was not manufactured to specification. As a result, the floor mats may curl when exposed to heat.

CONSEQUENCE:
Curling of the driver side floor mat could distract the driver and/or interfere with proper operation of one or a combination of, the vehicle's clutch, brake, and accelerator pedals. Brake or accelerator pedal interference may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop the vehicle, which could cause a crash.

REMEDY:
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace each of the vehicle's four (4) carpeted floor mats with new ones. These services will be performed free of charge. Subaru will issue an interim notification by the end of April 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's recall campaign number is WQH-44.

NOTES:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

THE WORLDS BEST PARKING JOB!!!

2015 Chevrolet Cruze spied on its home turf

The next Chevrolet Cruze isn't set to go into production for about another year, and we're just now seeing prototypes of the new compact running around here in the States. Not much more has been revealed since we saw the car blasting through the snow in Europe, but we can still clearly see new design elements like the larger grille, slimmer headlamps and redesigned taillamps.

Our spy photographers worked up a composite image of this Cruze prototype alongside the current model, and here, we can clearly see some big visual changes are in store for the new model. The 2015 Cruze's hood slopes downward more dramatically, the windshield is more heavily raked, and the roofline looks more fluid overall. The next-generation Cruze will ride on the new global Delta platform that will also underpin other General Motors vehicles like the Chevrolet Volt and Equinox.

As for what's under the hood, we expect the normal range of gasoline four-cylinder engines (both naturally aspirated and turbocharged), and the compact's new turbodiesel four should carry over, as well. Have a look at the full brace of spy photos in the gallery

Best review of the year !!!

Happy Customer!
By Ed from Struthers, Ohio | April 16, 2013

Just over a week ago, my vehicle was rear-ended and totalled. Due to no rental coverage of my own insurance, and a second party with a less than cooperative insurance company, I was left in desperate need of a new vehicle. Because of my job, I also require a vehicle that can carry a lot of gear and get good gas mileage for long daily commutes (professional musician/teacher). A friend referred me to Steven at Haus Auto and within the same day, he had a list of vehicles that would fit my needs and work within my budget. The very next day I was in to test drive some vehicles and Steven was very helpful and knowledgeable throughout the entire process. He didn't try to pressure me into any one vehicle, but was very honest when asked questions about things like vehicle performance, gas mileage and technical details of every car. He clearly had a good idea what I was looking for as I ended up picking the first vehicle he suggested! Fortunately, I was able to drive off that very same day. Turns out that I still would have had a car to drive either way...If I hadn't been able to get my financials in order, they were willing to let me use a loaner until my insurance check came through! Steven and all of the guys at Haus Auto made my car buying experience a great one. Low pressure, lots of knowledge and willingness to go the extra mile to make me, the customer very satisfied.

Haus Auto Group Review !!!

Senior citizen purchasing a 2006 Nissan 350Z conv
By Old Man With A Soft Top from New Castle,PA | April 14, 2013

I recently purchased a vehicle from the Haus Auto Group and found them to be superior from the owner Chris, Dom in sales, and a super service department. It was very gratifying to business with such fine people, and I would not hesitate to purchase another vehicle from them in the future. thanks al

Warning recall notice!!! Chrysler owners read this article to see if your car has an open recall Chrysler recalling over 200k vehicles across its brands

With more than 200,000 units across six separate recalls and almost all of its brands, it appears that Chrysler has officially jumped headfirst into the recall pool this month. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued three official recalls for the automaker, and The Detroit News is reporting that the automaker itself has announced three more.

The biggest of the recalls applies to about 120,000 Dodge Charger, Dodge Challenger and Chrysler 300 models for 2011 and 2012 due to faulty wiring harnesses for the seat-mounted side airbags, which could lead to these airbags not deploying in the event of a crash. A little more than 60,000 two-wheel-drive versions of the 2007-2008 Dodge Nitro and 2008 Jeep Liberty SUVs are being recalled due to a heat shield that could cause the driveshaft to break, which if that isn't bad on its own, could then hit underneath where the airbag sensor is mounted, causing the airbags to deploy. Wrapping up NHTSA's recall notices, about 20,000 Jeep Patriot and Jeep Compass models for 2012 are also being recalled due to a problem with the fuel tank transfer tube that could lead to the vehicle stalling. The LX car recall campaign is going into effect this month, while the other two will start next month – all three notices are posted below.

In addition to the official NHTSA recalls, The Detroit News is also reporting that Chrysler is recalling more than 16,000 Ram trucks and a small number of Dodge Dart sedans. Around 6,500 2013 Ram 1500 trucks will be recalled due to an improper adjustment of the parking brake cable from the factory, while 7,000 Cummins-powered 2013 Ram Heavy Duty trucks are being recalled due to an engine cover that does not have as much heat resistance as it is supposed to. Finally, a total of 46 Dodge Dart sedans are being recalled due to a problem with the brake calipers and/or parking brake.
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RECALL Subject : Seat Airbag Wiring Harness

Report Receipt Date: APR 03, 2013
NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V118000
Component(s): AIR BAGS
Potential Number of Units Affected: 119,497
Manufacturer: Chrysler Group LLC
SUMMARY:
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles manufactured April 11, 2011, through December 14, 2011. The affected vehicles may have improperly sized terminal crimps on the seat side-airbag wiring harness which may cause the seat side-airbags to malfunction and illuminate the airbag warning light.
CONSEQUENCE:
In the event of a crash necessitating airbag deployment the airbags may not operate as designed, increasing the risk of injury.
REMEDY:
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace both driver and passenger seat airbag wiring harnesses, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during April 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N07.
NOTES:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

=================

RECALL Subject : Drive Shaft Failure may cause Airbag Deployment

Report Receipt Date: APR 03, 2013
NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V121000
Component(s): AIR BAGS , POWER TRAIN , STRUCTURE
Potential Number of Units Affected: 61,409
Manufacturer: Chrysler Group LLC
SUMMARY:
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 Dodge Nitro 4X2 vehicles manufactured March 21, 2006, through March 1, 2008; and 2008 Jeep Liberty 4X2 vehicles manufactured February 15, 2007, through March 1, 2008. The transfer case heat shield may drop down and rub on the drive shaft, weakening it and potentially causing the drive shaft to break.
CONSEQUENCE:
If the drive shaft breaks, a section of it can strike the transfer case tunnel with enough force that the airbag computer will believe the vehicle is in a crash and thus deploy the airbags. Additionally, the drive shaft failure will result in a loss of motive power. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.
REMEDY:
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will add a bracket to support the rear of the heat shield, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during May 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N10.
NOTES:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

=================

RECALL Subject : Fuel Tank Transfer Tube may cause Stall , 1 INVESTIGATION(S)

Report Receipt Date: APR 03, 2013
NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V120000
Component(s): FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Potential Number of Units Affected: 20,532
Manufacturer: Chrysler Group LLC
SUMMARY:
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2012 Jeep Patriot and Compass vehicles manufactured October 18, 2011, through May 7, 2012. Due to an incorrectly manufactured transfer tube, the transfer of fuel from the secondary side to the primary side of the fuel tank may be interrupted, causing the engine to stall.
CONSEQUENCE:
If the engine stalls while driving it may increase the risk of a crash.
REMEDY:
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank transfer tube free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during May 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N17.
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

2013 Best Cars for Families rankings from U.S. News results in strong showing for GM

Enthusiasts are all talk. The best-selling cars are rarely the ones that set our hearts aflutter, and that's because while we're ogling glossy pictures of lust-worthy automobiles, Mr. and Mrs. Average American Family are ponying up the money to actually park a new rig in the driveway. For these family-focused buyers, the wants and needs are different than the set of requirements you start listing when you want to go weekend autocrossing.

With that in mind, U.S. News and World Report has set about naming the best family vehicle across 19 categories for 2013. "With such a broad range of award winners," says Jamie Page Deaton, Managing Editor of U.S. News Best Cars, "any family can find the best car for their lifestyle."

The rankings result in a strong showing for General Motors, and the winners are nearly split right down the middle between foreign and domestic nameplates. Even given the workaday mission of family vehicles, there are still some winners we'd gladly pilot as the kids trash the interior. Check out our gallery of winners, and keep reading to see the press release.
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U.S. News Announces the 2013 Best Cars for Families

13 brands win awards across 19 categories; General Motors has the most winners

Washington, D.C. – March 12, 2013 – U.S. News & World Report today announced the 2013 Best
Cars for Families award winners, featured at www.usnews.com/cars-families. Covering 19 categories, the awards highlight the vehicles that provide the best combination of quality, features and space that today's families need.

The awards, and the U.S. News Best Cars website, are published by U.S. News & World Report, which has a long history of helping Americans make the best choices when it comes to higher education, healthcare, and other important consumer decisions. More than 27 million people researched vehicles on the website in 2012.

"We created the Best Cars for Families awards to make it easier for parents to find cars, SUVs and vans that will help make their lives easier," said Jamie Page Deaton, Managing Editor of U.S. News Best Cars. "With such a broad range of award winners, any family can find the best car for their lifestyle."

2013 BEST CARS FOR FAMILIES

Category Winning Vehicle
Compact Cars 2013 Chevrolet Cruze
Upscale Small Cars 2013 Buick Verano
Hatchbacks 2013 Toyota Prius
Midsize Cars 2013 Ford Fusion
Upscale Midsize Cars 2013 Acura TL
Full-Size Cars 2013 Buick LaCrosse
Luxury Full-Size Cars 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Hybrid Cars 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
Wagons 2013 Subaru Outback
Compact SUVs 2013 Honda CR-V
Luxury Compact SUVs 2013 Audi Q5
2-Row Midsize SUVs 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee
3-Row Midsize SUVs 2013 Chevrolet Traverse
Luxury 2-Row Midsize SUVs 2013 Lexus RX350
Luxury 3-Row SUVs 2013 Lincoln MKT
Full-Size SUVs 2013 Chevrolet Suburban
Luxury Full-Size SUVs 2013 Cadillac Escalade
Hybrid SUVs 2013 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Minivans 2013 Honda Odyssey
METHODOLOGY

The Best Cars for Families awards combine quality, size and family-friendly features into a composite score. Within each of the 19 categories, the vehicle with the highest score is named the Best Car for Families in that category. Quality is measured using a weighted average of scores from the U.S. News rankings at the time the awards are published. The rankings compare cars on the basis of safety, reliability and a consensus of automotive critics' opinions. Size is based on a vehicle's seating capacity and interior space. For family-friendly features, we factor in the availability of features deemed to be helpful to families by U.S. News editors.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 2013 AWARDS

-

General Motors took home the most awards with six of its models across three of its brands as
winners: Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Traverse, Chevrolet Cruze, Buick Verano, Buick Lacrosse
and Cadillac Escalade.

-

The award winners are mixed between foreign and domestic automakers. Import brands took home
nine awards while domestic brands took home ten.

-

This year is the first year that Chevrolet, Jeep, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and Lincoln have won Best Car for Families Awards.

-

The Honda CR-V, Honda Odyssey, Lexus RX-350 and Toyota Highlander Hybrid have won Best
Car for Families awards for three years running.

ABOUT U.S. NEWS BEST CARS

Since 2007, U.S. News Best Cars, the automotive channel of U.S. News & World Report, has published rankings of the majority of new vehicles sold in America. Each year, U.S. News publishes the Best Cars awards, including Best Cars for the Money and Best Cars for Families.

U.S. News & World Report is a multi-platform publisher of news and analysis, which includes the
digital-only U.S. News Weekly magazine, www.usnews.com, and www.rankingsandreviews.com.
Focusing on Health, Money, Education, Travel, Cars, and Public Service/Opinion, U.S. News has earned a reputation as the leading provider of service news and information that improves the quality of life of its readers. U.S. News & World Report's signature franchise includes its News You Can Use® brand of journalism and its "Best" series of consumer guides that include rankings of colleges, graduate schools, hospitals, cars, mutual funds, health plans and more.

Chrysler 300 diesel could get green light

Word has it Chrysler is keen to shove its new turbo diesel V6 into a range of models. Wards Auto reports Chrysler President and CEO Saad Chehab has made it clear the automaker is investigating the possibility of using the 3.0-liter oil-burner in the 300. While speaking at an Automotive Press Association luncheon, Chehab said, "It's a matter of how much the customer is willing to pay for that premium. That's the only issue with it."

The Chrysler 300 is sold as the Lancia Thema in Europe complete with a diesel of its very own, and since the Jeep Grand Cherokee is now available with the diesel V6 here in the States, it only makes sense that the engine could potentially show up on the 300 order sheet. Opting for the 3.0 V6 in the Jeep Grand Cherokee will set you back an additional $4,500, however.

Chehab also said the engine could make an appearance in the next-generation Chrysler 200, which is set to debut next year.

Range Rover Evoque convertible unlikely to see production

From the time when all we had were rumors of a Range Rover Evoque convertible, to the grainy spy shots of said topless SUV in some English alley, to the time it rolled out on the floor of the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, nothing could keep people from asking, "Is this really happening?"

To be fair, there were a number who asked in anticipation, enthused about the prospect of getting both a commanding driving position and wide open sky in a more toothsome package than the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet. Nevertheless, the number wasn't enough to recommend the concept for production: A report in Car and Driver says the prospects aren't "as bright as we were led to believe when the crossover cabrio debuted," and that instead an Evoque with a panoramic roof that opens is a better bet.

Elsewhere in the rapidly evolving Land Rover line-up, platform harmonization and more cowbell aluminum is the way forward. From the recent use of four platforms supporting six vehicles, there will soon be only two: the EUCD architecture for the LR2 and Evoque; all else will be built on a modified version of the D7 platform created for the new Range Rover. That puts not only variants like the Chinese-market long-wheelbase Range Rover in the aluminum game, but also models like the next Defender and LR4. That latter model is expected to bow next year, the Defender might need more time while the design department moves on from the DC100, which wasn't warmly received.

HAUS AUTO GROUP REVIEW!!

Best local dealer in the area!!!!
By Jose E. from Canfield,OHIO | April 4, 2013

I have purchased 4 cars from Haus Auto Group and have had a great experience everytime. The cars salesman Frank Crone is by far the best and easiest guy to talk to and he takes the time to see what you want before just putting you in any car.

HAUS AUTO GROUP REVIEW !!!

Outstanding!!!!!!!
By 04 Cadillac from Canfield, OH | April 4, 2013

I just bought a 04 Cadillac escalade esv platinum from Haus Auto, and there is not enough room in the comment box to tell you how “OUTSTANDING” the customer service and buying process was!!! I will definitely buy all my future vehicles from them and would recommend anyone to them!!

HAUS REVIEW!!

Love these guys!
By Courtney from New Galilee, PA | April 4, 2013

Finally got around to writing this! We bought a Chevy Equinox at Haus in February. Our experience was great. Dominic was an awesome help - he really worked with us and helped us out. Everybody there was very helpful, professional, and easy to work with. We will definitely come back when it is time to buy our next vehicle.

Haus review!!!

shirley tubbs
By Shirley Tubbs from Youngstown ohio | April 2, 2013

This is the number 1 dealership in the country they will give u a good price to fit your budget if u outta wheels stop in to Haus they could get u set up today . By the way Im so loving my car!!!!!!

Fewer than 1 in 3 Chevy dealers earn right to initially sell C7 Corvette

Looking to make the launch of the 2014 Corvette Stingray as efficient as possible, Chevrolet will be limiting the numbers of its dealers that can sell the all-new coupe and convertible. According to Automotive News, sales of the C7 Corvette will initially be limited to less than a third of Chevy's total dealership network when the 'Vette goes on sale this summer.

Only 900 dealers out of more than 3,000 locations nationwide will be allowed to sell the new Corvette at first, and the reason for this is so that there are no shortages at dealers that can actually get the cars sold. The article says that the 900 dealerships chosen represented 80 percent of total Corvette sales in 2012.

Some of the requirements dealers had to make to get initial allocation of Stingray sales include having sold at least four Corvettes in 2012 and having a Corvette Stingray specialist who will be required to have gone through a training session costing more than $2,000 per attendee. Once demand for the 2014 Corvette Stingray begins to subside – approximately six to nine months after it goes on sale – then allocation could open up to more dealers, but the report indicates this could happen following the 2014 model year.

2014 Chevy Impala production commences

Production of the tenth-generation Chevrolet Impala began today, with the first 2014 model rolling of the line at the company's Ontario's Oshawa Assembly plant. The new Impala, which will be produced at General Motors' Detroit-Hamtramck plant in addition to the Canadian location, is expected to make an appearance in showrooms later this month. Impala assembly in Detroit will begin in May of this year.

The full-size Impala will come to market with an engine lineup that includes a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a 2.4-liter four with the company's eAssist mild hybrid technology, and the 3.6-liter V6 that we sampled a few weeks ago. Sadly for the trivia buffs among us, Chevy didn't provide any specification information or other facts about the first-ever 2014 Impala. Scroll down to read Chevy's brief press release, or click the image above for an expanded view of the debutant Impala rolling out of the factory. History in action.
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Production begins for 2014 Chevrolet Impala

2013-04-01

- All-new flagship sedan adds content, technology
- Pricing starts $27,535, including destination

OSHAWA, Ontario – The all-new 2014 Impala, Chevrolet's flagship sedan, began driving off the line at Oshawa Assembly today. The Impala will begin arriving in Chevrolet showrooms this month.

"The all-new Impala demonstrates the new direction of Chevrolet," said Kevin Williams, president and managing director of GM Canada. "Our employees in Oshawa have executed a flawless plan in bringing this iconic nameplate to life. The newly redesigned Impala will exceed customers' expectations because of the hard work of our employees at Oshawa Assembly."

The 2014 Impala will also be manufactured at General Motors' Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant, starting in May.

The 2014 Impala has several new features, including Adaptive Cruise Control and crash-avoidance technologies like Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Side Blind Zone Alert. Ten standard airbags are included – among the most in the segment.

Chevrolet's latest MyLink radio debuts in the 2014 Impala. The in-vehicle entertainment system includes a customizable eight-inch color display screen. The system also adopts natural voice recognition – a first for Chevrolet.

Three direct-injection engine choices will be available: a 3.6L V-6, a newly designed 2.5L four-cylinder and a 2.4L four-cylinder with fuel-saving eAssist technology estimated to deliver up to 35 mpg on highway driving. All engines are matched to a six-speed automatic transmission.

The 2014 Chevrolet Impala is built at Oshawa's state-of-the-art Flexible Manufacturing line along with the Chevrolet Camaro, Buick Regal and Cadillac XTS.

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4.5 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

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