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Automakers Turn Pranksters for April Fool’s Day

Monday was April Fool’s Day, and this year, a number of automakers pulled off some pretty hilarious pranks. In case you missed them, here’s a rundown of some of the best pranks this year.

First up, BMW decided to take on the celebrity baby craze by announcing the new BMW PRAM (Postnatal Royal Auto Mobile), designed specifically for Prince William and Kate Middleton’s baby. While the baby isn’t due until summer 2013, BMW thought they would get a jump on their competitors and build a stroller fit for royalty, complete with a paparazzi-proof hood and air conditioning.

Check out BMW’s PRAM here:

Next, Mini announced they would be branching out into matchmaker services. Mini drivers can create a profile on their in-car app Connect Us, and the app will match them with another Mini driver according to shared interests, driving style, and frequently visited locations. The in-car GPS will even suggest great date spots nearby so they can meet up right away.

Check out Mini’s Connect Us here:

Finally, my personal favorite of the day was Chevrolet’s idea for Corvette enthusiasts with a growing family. Instead of trading in the beloved Corvette for a sensible family car, drivers can now pick up an AeroWagonette for more seating space. The AeroWagonette is a trailer that hooks onto the back of Corvettes and comfortably seats 3 children. Its slick design also matches the look of the Corvette, so drivers won’t have to sacrifice style with their family car.

Check out the AeroWagonette here:

Readers, we want to hear from you! What was your favorite car-related April Fool’s Day prank? Do you wish that any of these products were real? Leave a comment below, and let us know what you think!

Are you ready to get into a new or used car today? Approved Loan Store wants to help YOU! Good credit, bad credit, no credit, we will work with you to get a car you want at terms you can afford! (No joking!) Get started today by filling out our secure online auto loan application here, and for more auto news and buying tips, like Approved Loan Store on Facebook, follow Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribe to Approved Loan Store on YouTube!

Buick Shows Off New Regal, LaCrosse at New York Auto Show

Today was the first day that the New York Auto Show was open to the public, but automakers were already showing off new vehicle models earlier this week including Buick’s premiere of the updated Regal and LaCrosse.

2012 was been Buick’s best sales year since 2006, and they are hoping that the New York Auto Show will give them an early sales boost in 2013. The Buick Regal had not performed as well as hoped in 2012 despite Buick’s otherwise good sales numbers, and Buick is hoping that the upgrades to the Regal will improve its sales in 2013.

Upgrades in the new Regal include a new 4.2-inch color display, LED daytime lamps and taillights, and a new grille. Buyers will also have the option of all-wheel drive as well as the choice between a new 2-liter turbocharged engine or a 2.4-liter engine and Buick’s eAssist technology. As for the LaCrosse, Buick focused less on changing up the exterior and more on updating the interior look and features including an eight-inch color display instrument panel and next-gen IntelliLink.

For more from the New York Auto Show, stay tuned to the Approved Loan Store blog!

Are you ready to get into a new or used car today? Approved Loan Store wants to help YOU! Good credit, bad credit, no credit, we will work with you to get you a car you want at terms you can afford! Get started today by filling out our secure online auto loan application here, and for more auto news and buying tips, like Approved Loan Store on Facebook, follow Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribe to Approved Loan Store on YouTube!

WardsAuto Announces 10 Best Interiors in April

Next month, WardsAuto will be narrowing down 47 competing vehicle interiors to only 10 for the honor of being named one of Ward’s 10 Best Interiors of 2013.

The top 3 automakers represented this year were General Motors with nine nominees, Toyota with seven nominees, and Honda with five nominees. Notably, the Ram 1500 was the only pickup truck nominated this year after having no pickup truck nominees last year.

WardsAuto editors serve as judges narrowing down and selecting the final list, and they judge interiors based on a wide variety of factors from the quality of materials used to safety features and “smart” car features. It seems like more expensive vehicles would have an edge over their competitors, but editors are less interested in price than what the driver is getting for their money. If the vehicle is a good price with a superior interior, it will have a better chance of making the list than an expensive car that doesn’t live up to its price tag.

The list will be announced next month, and WardsAuto will present the awards at a ceremony on May 22 in Dearborn, MI as part of the WardsAuto Interiors Conference. Stay tuned to the Approved Loan Store blog for the full list when it is announced.

Are you ready to get into a new or used car today? Approved Loan Store wants to help YOU! Good credit, bad credit, no credit, we will work with you to get the car you want at terms you can afford! Get started today by filling out our secure online auto loan application here, and for more auto news and buying tips, like Approved Loan Store on Facebook, follow Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribe to Approved Loan Store on YouTube!

Kia Reveals Wonder Woman Sportage at New York Auto Show

This week, the New York Auto Show has taken over the city with James Bond driving the new Range Rover Sport through downtown Manhattan and over 40 vehicles making their New York show debuts. Every auto maker is trying to catch the public’s attention and keep it throughout the show. Kia’s Wonder Woman Sportage is not only bringing attention to the brand but also to a greater cause, Kia’s “We Can Be Heroes” initiative.

Last year, Kia kicked off its “We Can Be Heroes” initiative with a Batman-themed Optima and announced plans to unveil custom cars based on DC characters The Flash, Cyborg, Aquaman, Superman, Green Lantern, and Wonder Woman. The Wonder Woman Sportage is the latest in the series to be revealed. All seven vehicles will be auctioned off, and funds will go towards Save the Children, International Rescue Committee, and Mercy Corps, specifically their work in the Horn of Africa.

So far, I’ve liked the looks of the Batman and Superman-themed Kias, but the Wonder Woman is easily the best design so far. The red and blue color combination pops, and the “W” grille looks fantastic. Time Magazine writer Brad Tuttle had predicted the Wonder Woman car would be the “girliest” of the bunch, but this is a car that anyone would want to drive.

Stay tuned to the Approved Loan Store blog for more updates and news from the New York Auto Show!

Are you ready to get into a new or used car today? Approved Loan Store wants to help YOU! Good credit, bad credit, no credit, we will work with you to get you the car you want at terms you can afford! Get started today by filling out our secure online auto loan application here, and for more auto news and buying tips, like Approved Loan Store on Facebook, follow Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribe to Approved Loan Store on YouTube!

March Record Month for Nissan Leaf

If sales trends continue, March might be the best month ever for the Nissan Leaf.

The Nissan Leaf has struggled since its initial release to pull in big sales numbers, mostly due to its price, but Nissan has rolled out a number of discounts and incentives over the past year. Back in October, Nissan dropped the price for the Leaf, and drivers whose cars were destroyed by Hurricane Sandy were able to purchase the Leaf as well as other Nissan models using the typical employee discount. President Obama has also rolled out tax credits on qualifying hybrid, natural gas, and electric cars which includes the Nissan Leaf.

Across the board, electric cars saw a boost in November thanks to these discounts, but now the Nissan Leaf is looking to have its best sales month ever, selling more than 1,900 units in March. While Nissan leadership is pleased with the numbers, though, they are already pushing ahead. Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn was quoted, “Our ambition on the Leaf is not 2,000 a month. The target is much bigger than that. But we will have to be patient and resilient.”

Readers, we want to hear from you! What do you think of the Nissan Leaf? Have Nissan’s incentives and discounts made you consider taking the Leaf for a test drive? Leave a comment below, and let us know what you think!

Are you ready to get into a new or used car today? Approved Loan Store wants to help YOU! Good credit, bad credit, no credit, we will work with you to get you a car you want at terms you can afford! Get started today by filling out our secure online auto loan application here, and connect with Approved Loan Store on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube!

NHTSA Releases New Mobile SaferCar App

A new phone app from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will keep users up to date on the latest recalls and auto safety information.

SaferCar, which is currently available on mobile iOS devices, allows users to search for vehicle safety ratings, read safety complaints, check for recalls, and even access a how-to guide for installing child seats. U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood stated recently that there was a high demand for a mobile app of SaferCar which was previously available as a program on the NHTSA’s website, and LaHood says the mobile app version will help consumers “buy safe, drive safe, and stay safe.” For example, car shoppers can access the app when they are at a dealership and check safety ratings or any recalls on a specific model.

While we haven’t had a chance to check out the new app yet, Approved Loan Store is a big proponent of informed car shoppers. The online version of the SaferCar program has been a fantastic resource for consumers, and it is great that it will be available on-the-go. Currently, SaferCar is not available for Android phones or tablets, but an Android version is in development and will likely be available soon.

Are you ready to get into a new or used car today? Approved Loan Store wants to help YOU! Good credit, bad credit, no credit, we will work with you to get a car you want at terms you can afford! Get started today by filling out our secure online auto loan application here, and for more auto news and buying tips, connect with Approved Loan Store on Facebook, follow Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribe to Approved Loan Store on YouTube!

“Imported from Detroit” Pays Off Big for Chrysler

Chrysler’s “Imported from Detroit” has received critical praise and accolades ever since its premiere at the 2011 Super Bowl, but all the awards in the world don’t mean anything if the campaign isn’t translating into more sales. Two years later, Chrysler can now say definitively that “Imported from Detroit” has paid off for the company in a big way.

According to Chrysler President and CEO Saad Chehab, the Chrysler brand sales went up 36 percent from 2011 to 2012, and Chrysler sales were up 100,000 units in 2012. Their goal was to see a 40 percent year-over-year growth with the “Imported from Detroit” campaign before then adding a new Chrysler 200 in 2014 and a new Chrysler 300 in 2015, and so far, it looks like they will easily meet that goal.

Why was “Imported from Detroit” such a success? For one, it was a beautifully unified campaign. Every ad fit together as far as the look, the music, and overall message. The original ad with Eminem was a solid base for them to build on and feature some of Detroit’s local heroes. Beyond that, the message of the campaign hit a chord with Americans. In a time when our country was struggling, this ad was a message of hope. It encouraged car buyers to support their own and to be a part of reviving Detroit. Americans weren’t just buying a car, they were helping their own. This is what the “Imported from Detroit” campaign was all about.

Watch the original Chrysler 2011 Super Bowl ad here:

Readers, we want to hear from you! Did the “Imported from Detroit” campaign make you more likely to check out Chrysler? Which new Chrysler model are you looking forward to the most? Leave a comment below, and let us know what you think!

Are you ready to get into a new or used car today? Approved Loan Store wants to help YOU! Good credit, bad credit, no credit, we will work with you to get a car you want at terms you can afford! Get started today by filling out our secure online auto loan application here, and for more auto news and buying tips, like Approved Loan Store on Facebook, follow Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribe to Approved Loan Store on YouTube!

Mercedes Previews New Interior Before New York Auto Show

This week, Mercedes gave an early look at the new interior for the 2014 Mercedes S-Class ahead of the New York Auto Show, and simply put, Mercedes is taking automotive luxury to the next level.

At first glance, the interior is gorgeous. The designers opted for a classic look rather than flashier choices that will quickly date the car. The cabin surfaces are wood, leather, and metal, and the heated steering wheel has a hand-stitched look. Beyond the look, however, Mercedes has done more to enhance the driving experience. Drivers will get to relax in traffic with a hot massage seat with heated armrests and six different massage programs, and the passengers can use the infotainment system for accessing Facebook and Yelp or searching for nearby landmarks on Google Street View.

Up front, they have made the display bigger and better, a 12.3-inch high-resolution screen, and passengers can keep track of their music playlist or watch a movie while also checking the GPS navigation. For longer drives, backseat passengers can also lean back further to get some sleep with a new design that reclines 37 degrees, 43.5 degrees for the rear passenger side.

With their new interior, it looks like the 2014 Mercedes S-Class is the luxury car to beat. I have rarely (if ever) looked at a car and thought it looked relaxing, but if I get the chance to get into the 2014 Mercedes S-Class, I doubt I will want to get out.

The 2014 Mercedes S-Class will be at the 2013 New York Auto Show March 29 thru April 7 at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City.

Looking for more auto news and buying tips? Connect with Approved Loan Store on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, and if you are ready to get into a new or used car today, we want to help YOU! Good credit, bad credit, no credit, we will work with you to get a car you want at terms you can afford! Get started today by filling out our secure online auto loan application here!

Survey: Two-Thirds of Drivers Lack Basic Insurance Knowledge

Car shoppers today are taking more time and doing more research before choosing their car, but unfortunately, they are not putting in the same amount of research with their auto insurance.

According to a new survey from Insurance.com, less than one-third of surveyed drivers had a basic comprehension of insurance coverage and terms. Many drivers struggled with insurance terminology. Only 2 percent knew what was covered in “comprehensive coverage,” and only 7 percent were aware of insurance discounts available to drivers. Even more baffling, surveyed drivers who took the time to read their whole policy scored the lowest.

One of the problems is the language used by insurance companies. It seems like “comprehensive coverage” should include collision with another car. In actuality, it covers a variety of circumstances including theft, accidentally hitting an animal, and fire, but an accident with another car is under collision coverage, not comprehensive coverage. Confusing contract language can get a driver in trouble if they think they are covered in an accident but are not.

NBC News recommends that drivers looking for insurance should avoid the online route and instead sit down with an insurance agent. An insurance agent will be able to explain any confusing language and help you get the right coverage to fit your needs. Buying insurance online might seem more convenient, but in the long run, you want insurance that will work for you, not the insurance that is most convenient.

Image courtesy of Naypong / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

CONSUMER ALERT: Recalls for 2013 Ford Focus, C-Max, and Escape

Edmunds is reporting a new recall on the 2013 Ford Focus, C-Max, and Escape, starting March 25.

Some of these new Ford vehicles have a faulty child lock mechanism installed on the left door of the backseat. Child locks are supposed to automatically lock the backseat doors from the inside while the engine is turned on so that children in the back seat cannot accidentally open the door.

Ford will replace the locks on all affected vehicles, and until then, it is recommended that any small children be seated in the middle or on the right side of the backseat. Fortunately, there have not been any reported injuries related to the faulty child locks, and with the recall, Ford hopes to keep it that way.

Keep up with the latest auto news, recalls, and other consumer alerts by liking Approved Loan Store on Facebook, following Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribing to Approved Loan Store on YouTube! Are you ready to get into a new car today? Approved Loan Store wants to help YOU! Good credit, bad credit, no credit, we will work with you to get a car you want at terms you can afford! Get started today by filling out our secure online auto loan application here.