SUVOA President Barry McCahill said, “The public is being told by some that small cars are now as safe as larger cars and SUVs, and can do all the same things. But, 99 percent of cars can no longer tow a boat or camp trailer, and small cars are not as safe as larger cars and SUVs. Just as important, light trucks like minivans and SUVs can carry more passengers safely than passenger cars.”

“It’s also inaccurate to say that SUV drivers are causing more deaths to occupants of smaller vehicles. There has been no increase in fatalities because of the size mismatch between SUVs and cars, and in 2005 the trend even turned downward for these kinds of crashes,” he added.

“People buy vehicles that meet their needs, and they like to do so with good information in hand. Our intent in augmenting the NHTSA 2006 early fatality summary is not to advocate the purchase of any vehicle type, but to provide additional perspective,” he said. “We also advise consumers to read the comprehensive new data summary now available from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).”

These are the key findings based on vehicles that were involved in crashes:

— When the analysis considers only driver fatalities (focusing more on the vehicle’s performance), and most recent years data (2003-2005) to include the contribution of the newest safety features, SUVs are 5-7 percent safer than passenger cars.

— In crashes involving a light truck/van (includes SUVS) and a passenger car, occupant fatalities in passenger cars remained fairly constant from 2001-2004, but between 2004-2005 they declined by 4.3 percent.

— For both passenger cars and SUVs there has been a substantial reduction in overall occupant fatality rates, and by 2005 the rates are virtually identical per 100,000 registered vehicles (13.64, passenger car / 13.84, SUVs).

— For both passenger cars and SUVs the occupant fatality rates in rollover crashes have decreased. The percentage reduction from 1997-2005 is 15.7 percent for passenger cars and more than 19 percent for SUVs.

— When considering the more prevalent frontal, side and rear crashes, by 2005 SUVs had become about twice as safe as passenger cars. In 2005, SUVs had an occupant fatality rate in these crashes that was nearly 50 percent lower than passenger cars (10.42, passenger cars / 5.56 SUVs).

A copy of the full report (with graphics) is available at http://www.suvoa.com/.

SUVOA is a non-profit consumer organization dedicated to supporting the rights and serving the interests of more than 80 million SUV, pickup, crossover and Van Owners of America. Founded in 1999, SUVOA strives to ensure balanced media reporting of light truck issues and represents our supporters by educating federal and state policymakers.

Typically, the popular auto showcases are held by the International Auto Show in Detroit and the LA Auto Show, both normally occurring in January. This year LA’s show was moved to November which resulted in more participation than ever from auto makers. There were 21 world debuts and 14 American debuts.

The environmental theme this year definitely brought out the tree huggers and hippies LA is known for. I would like to highlight three of the most interesting of these eco-friendly models. Below are the three show stoppers that I feel deserve special attention.

1. Ford Escape Hybrid
This new electric motorized all t terrain vehicle outputs 70KW, 5,000 rmp, with a max voltage of 330V. It also has a 2.3 L Atkinson cycle using a 4-cylinder cranking 113 hp and 124 lb-ft, creating a combined 155hp.

2. Hummer 02 Concept

The winner of the California Design challenge, this was designed by GM’s West Coast Advanced Design Studio. It treads lightly on the ground and sort of looks like a Moon rover an astronaut would drive.

It transforms carbon dioxide into oxygen that is then released back into the environment by using algae-filled body panels. All the vehicle’s parts are made from 100% recycled after consumer products. GM also won last year’s competition in the same category.

3. BMW X5
This new, more luxurious descendent of last year’s model gives consumers two engine choices: 350hp 4.8 L V-8 or a 260hp 3.0L 1-6. All come equipped with All-wheel drive automatic.

Neil Lemons represents Chrome Pickup, an online retailer selling grille guards mud flaps nerf bars nationwide.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Neil_Lemons
http://EzineArticles.com/?Three-New-SUV-And-Concept-Cars-At-Auto-Shows-This-Year&id=480571

Roughly 24 percent of survey respondents said they will buy a new or used car this year, and no body style was more popular than SUVs and crossovers. Next were small sedans, at more than 19 percent; large sedans, 11 percent; compact cars, 8 percent; pickup trucks, 7 percent; and hybrid cars, 6 percent. A large portion of consumers — 28 percent — remain undecided as to what type of car they will buy.

“Manufacturers are doing a good job of making SUVs and crossover vehicles more fuel-efficient, which will be more attractive to consumers,” said Patrick Olsen, managing editor of Cars.com. “However, high gas prices will still be a deciding factor for many undecided shoppers, especially if prices climb again as they typically do in the summer months.”

Fuel-efficiency was the second most important factor for shoppers when it came to choosing a car, behind price. Fuel-efficiency was followed by safety, size and body style in order of importance to consumers.

The survey was conducted online for Cars.com by Impulse Research Inc., with a random sample of 1,011 men and women representing a cross-section of the U.S. population. The overall sampling error for this survey is plus or minus 3% at a 95% level of confidence.

About Cars.com
Cars.com is the most comprehensive destination for those looking to buy or sell a new or used car. The site lists more than 2 million vehicles from 13,000 dealer customers, classified advertisers and private parties to offer consumers the best selection of new and used cars online, as well as the content, tools and advice to support their shopping experience. Recently selected by Forbes.com as a Best of the Web site for car shopping, Cars.com combines powerful inventory search tools and new-car configuration with pricing information, photo galleries, buying guides, side-by-side comparison tools, original editorial content and reviews to help millions of car shoppers connect with sellers each month.

Here’s more from the Lexus press release today:

For 2008, the Lexus RX 350 receives exterior enhancements that include a freshened front-grille design and new exterior chrome door handles. New seven-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels with a Liquid Graphite finish are available as an option. The 2008 RX 350 also adds two new exterior colors: Brandy Wine Mica and Desert Sage Metallic. Inside, the Lexus RX 350 offers an additional wood trim color, Black Bird’s-Eye Maple, on units with a light gray interior.

Powerful Performance
Powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, the Lexus RX 350 produces 270 horsepower and 251 lb.-ft. of torque. Featuring all-aluminum construction, the V6 harnesses the benefits of advanced technologies to optimize performance, fuel economy and low emissions. The V6 enables the RX 350 to sprint from zero to 60 mph in just 7.3 seconds for the FWD model and 7.4 seconds for the AWD model.

The performance of the Lexus RX 350 is comparable to the output of some competitive V8 engines while still providing a fuel-economy rating among the best in class for non-hybrids. Its five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission is tuned for refined drivability as well as excellent fuel efficiency. EPA-estimated combined fuel economy rating for the Lexus RX 350 is 20 mpg (18 mpg city/23 mpg highway) for the FWD model and 19 mpg (17 mpg city/22 mpg highway) for the AWD. The RX 350 retains its ULEV II emissions certification.

The highly sophisticated engine uses electronically controlled sequential fuel injection, which optimizes the fuel mixture and creates a precise burn, higher output and lower emissions to aid drivability. In addition, an electronic throttle control presides over several systems to maintain superior control of power flow. This system, Electronic Throttle Control with intelligence (ETC-i), helps manage idle speed, cruise control, Traction Control (TRAC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC). The result is engine efficiency with excellent power and impressive fuel economy.

Refined Comfort and Luxury Features
The Lexus RX 350 produces minimal cabin noise allowing for a very quiet interior that provides an exceptional listening environment for its standard premium, satellite-ready, eight-speaker AM/FM/CD audio player with in-dash six-CD autochanger. The audio system is compatible with MP3/WPA-formatted CDs and includes Automatic Sound Levelizer (ASL), Radio Data System (RDS) and a digital signal processor. Commonly used audio functions are accessible via steering-wheel-mounted controls.

For true audiophiles, a Mark Levinson Premium Audio System is optionally available. This 11-speaker system features an in-dash six-disc DVD/CD autochanger, DVD-audio and DVD-video playback as well as remarkable sound clarity at all volumes (with 210 watts at 0.1% THD, 20-20,000 Hz). An available factory-installed, rear-seat DVD-entertainment system features a nine-inch fold-away video screen for convenient viewing.

The Lexus DVD-Navigation System is optionally available on the RX 350 and includes voice-recognition that will allow the driver to input a desired destination by voice command while driving.

Like other Lexus navigation systems, the system is offered in conjunction with a rear back-up camera to supplement the driver’s visibility of the area behind the vehicle. The camera will provide the driver a view of what the camera lens can detect behind the vehicle, automatically projecting a color image on the navigation system’s seven-inch VGA screen when the reverse gear is engaged.

In addition to English, the navigation system includes Spanish and French text-display options. The user can select the language preference at system start-up.

Lexus’ craftsmanship and renowned attention to detail provide sumptuous comfort by design. Standard dual-zone automatic climate control, 10-way power front seats with available memory, a sliding center console, adjustable light in the visor vanity mirrors, and wood interior trim set the tone for luxury in the Lexus RX 350. Luxury extends to the smallest details, such as illuminated front cup holders and a wood- and leather-trimmed steering wheel with integrated audio-system and trip-computer controls.

Premium options include a power-tilt/telescoping steering wheel with memory, and an illuminated entry system that lights the door handles, scuff plates, and front footwells.

A unique, wide-opening multipanel moonroof is an optional alternative to the optional conventional moonroof. With an open area that is 150-percent larger than a normal moonroof and an illumination area that is 250-percent larger, the multipanel moonroof is made of three separate glass panels. The front small panel is angled to reduce wind noise, the rear panel slides backwards on top of vehicle, while the middle glass panel slides backwards on top of rear panel.

Advanced All-Wheel-Drive
The AWD RX 350 model features a viscous limited-slip center differential, which enhances drivability in all types of driving conditions. The full-time AWD system provides a constant 50/50 front-to-rear power split. If slippage occurs, the viscous differential directs torque to the wheels with the most traction.

A direct-type Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) system alerts the driver via a warning light on the instrument panel if a significant drop in tire pressure is detected in any of the tires.

Produced in Kyushu, Japan, and Cambridge in southern Ontario, Canada, the 2008 RX 350 will begin arriving at Lexus dealerships by the beginning of February.

American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) is debuting the Blizzard Grand Vitara at the 2007 Utah International Auto Expo along with its full-line of cars and SUVs, including the all-new XL7 midsize crossover SUV and bold and functional SX4 compact X-over (crossover).

Designed for snow sport enthusiasts, the Blizzard embodies Suzuki’s “Way of Life” brand philosophy — products for consumers’ active lifestyles.

Blizzard Grand Vitara
The Blizzard Grand Vitara was created as part of the 2007 “Suzuki LIVE Series” — a sequence of brand-dedicated concept vehicles specially designed for life enthusiasts, adventurers and thrill-seekers. Designed to fulfill the needs of people with active lifestyles focused on snow sports, the Blizzard Grand Vitara features:

* 2.7-liter turbo charged Suzuki engine
* Custom rack system with backlit board mounts
* Roof rack camera for snow equipment
* Studded snow tires (on vehicle or spare)
* Lot lift (rear gate, chair lift style seat for taking gear on and off)
* Built-in glove and boot warmers
* Internet access to check snow conditions
* Interior color/materials scheme from snowboard equipment
* Ventilated wet gear storage (located in back cargo area)
* Dockable iPod(TM) station in rear area
* In-car video and gaming system

2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
First introduced as a 2007 model, the Grand Vitara has garnered much media and consumer praise and has won numerous awards, including a “Best Buy” from Consumer Guide. The 2007 Grand Vitara features a standard 185-horsepower, 2.7-liter, V6, 24-valve DOHC engine, a sophisticated available Four-Mode full-time four-wheel-drive system, tough unibody construction enhanced with a built-in ladder frame and an extensive list of interior amenities and standard safety features.

The Grand Vitara comes in three trim levels: Base, XSport and Luxury. The standard five-speed manual transmission and two-wheel drive starts at an MSRP of $19,379. The Grand Vitara with Luxury Package and Four-Mode full-time four-wheel-drive system drives tops out at $23,399.

www.media.suzukiauto.com.

(1) ESP is a registered trademark of DaimlerChrysler AG.

For the second month in a row, subcompact cars and hybrid vehicles are now at the top the list of vehicles that are experiencing the largest decline in the number of searches at the cars.com website.

“At this point, it seems like some of those searches are translating into sales, as most automakers reported a surge in truck and SUV sales,” said Patrick Olsen, the managing editor at Cars.com. “It will be interesting to see if SUV sales keep their momentum as we head into 2007.”

Vehicle Searches (October)
Models with the most searches performed on Cars.com.

Top New-Car Searches Top Used-Car Searches
1 Honda Civic 1 Honda Civic
2 Toyota Camry 2 Honda Accord
3 Honda Accord 3 Ford Mustang
4 Acura MDX 4 BMW 325
5 Honda CR-V 5 Toyota Camry
6 BMW 325 6 Ford F-150
7 Toyota Corolla 7 Toyota Tacoma
8 Toyota RAV4 8 Toyota Corolla
9 Chevrolet Silverado 9 Chevrolet Corvette
10 Ford Mustang 10 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Search Increases (September – October)
Models with the largest increase in the number of searches performed on
Cars.com.

Top New-Car Search Increases Top Used-Car Search Increases
1 Honda CR-V 72% 1 GMC 2500 25%
2 Jeep Wrangler 22% 2 Nissan Armada 24%
3 Chevrolet Silverado 15% 3 Jeep Commander 20%
4 Acura MDX 15% 4 Lincoln Aviator 18%
5 Acura TL 9% 5 Chrysler 300C 18%
6 Dodge Charger 8% 6 Infiniti QX56 18%
7 Jeep Grand Cherokee 7% 7 Acura MDX 17%
8 Infiniti G35 5% 8 Chevrolet 3500 17%
9 Dodge Ram 3% 9 Cadillac DTS 16%
10 Nissan 350Z 2% 10 Volkswagen Touareg 16%

Search Decreases (September – October)
Models with the largest decrease in the number of searches performed on
Cars.com.

Top New-Car Search Decreases Top Used-Car Search Decreases
1 Nissan Versa 28% 1 Honda Insight 26%
2 Toyota Yaris 24% 2 Toyota Echo 25%
3 Toyota Prius 22% 3 Toyota Yaris 19%
4 Honda Civic 16% 4 Geo Metro 18%
5 Volkswagen Jetta 16% 5 Nissan Versa 17%
6 Toyota Camry 16% 6 Volkswagen Cabrio 17%
7 Toyota Corolla 16% 7 Toyota Prius 16%
8 Chevrolet Cobalt 12% 8 Toyota Camry Solara 15%
9 Hyundai Sonata 11% 9 Jeep CJ-7 15%
10 Scion tC 11% 10 Cadillac Catera 14%

Top Dealer Email Inquiries (October)

New Cars Yielding the Used Cars Yielding the Most Dealer
Most Dealer Inquiries Inquiries
1 Honda Civic (2006) 1 Honda Accord (2003)
2 Toyota Camry (2006) 2 Honda Civic (2000)
3 Toyota RAV4 (2006) 3 Infiniti G35 (2003)
4 Honda Accord (2006) 4 Ford F-150 (2004)
5 Toyota Sienna (2006) 5 Honda Accord (2002)
6 Honda Odyssey (2006) 6 Ford Mustang (2003)
7 Toyota Corolla (2006) 7 Honda Civic (1999)
8 Honda CR-V (2006) 8 Ford Mustang (2004)
9 Toyota Tacoma (2006) 9 Honda Civic (2002)
10 Honda Pilot (2006) 10 Volkswagen Jetta (2003)

Top Cars Listed for Sale by Owner (October)

1 Honda Accord
2 Ford Mustang
3 Chevrolet Corvette
4 Ford F-150
5 Ford Explorer
6 Honda Civic
7 Jeep Grand Cherokee
8 Dodge Ram
9 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
10 Porsche 911

About the Cars.com Consumer Search Index
The Cars.com Consumer Search Index offers a comprehensive look at the internet search behavior of Cars.com visitors. The statistical information is compiled by tracking the more than 8.3 million unique visitors that log on to Cars.com each month and the vehicles that are most popular. The lists are based off a minimum of 10,000 searches for new cars and 15,000 searches for used cars. Dealer inquiries measure the volume of emails consumers send to dealers seeking information about a particular vehicle. The information is supported by expert analysis from the Cars.com editorial staff.

Polypro was an 18 month project that was first envisioned by Wes, the President, some years ago while looking at a glass black ocean early one morning. Eighteen months ago while attending a seminar on polymers the glass black ocean came back to Wes in the form of Darth Vader’s Helmet.

A group of polymer engineer’s, fabricators, both here and overseas were contacted, and so began the quest. What has come out of the past 18 months is what is referred to as “black ice”.

A by-product in the project was a clear tire cover. This product will be made for 18″, 20″ and 22 inch rims. It looks and feels like it’s sister polypro(TM) except it shows the fifth wheel off, while keeping it dry, clean and protected.

The Polypro line of products will be offered only through authorized Toyota, Hummer, and Jeep dealers in the United Stated and Canada. Mark Robinson unveiled the new marketing program for Southwind called the D.O.M. program which means “Dealer Oriented Manufacture”.

Southwind does not sell directly to the end user, through mail order or Internet customers unless they have an authorized dealership and follow MAPP guidelines.

Southwind believes this product needs to be sold with the car or through its parts department. The tire cover is so sexy and is such a statement piece on any of the vehicles it truly needs to be one of the first items purchased with the FJ Cruiser, Hummer or Jeep.

We believe the dealer has an investment of millions of dollars to bring the consumer a new car, service and we want to be part of that experience on the front end as well as the after-market.