Tag Archives: car affordability

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!

CFPB to Auto Dealerships: Remember Consumer Rights

At Approved Loan Store, we believe it is important for every consumer to understand their rights, particularly when it comes to auto loans, and we want to commend the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) for reiterating those rights to dealerships and the general public this week.

Under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, lenders cannot discriminate or alter the terms of a loan based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, or age. A person cannot be charged a higher interest rate if they are old or young, black or white, married or single, or a person with or without religious affiliations. The CFPB is helping people to understand their rights and issuing instructions on legal recourse if a consumer is the victim of discriminatory practices. CFPB Director Richard Cordray stated emphatically this week that, “Consumers should not have to pay more for a car loan simply based on their race,” and we at Approved Loan Store couldn’t agree more.

Right here is one of the reasons why our customers love Approved Loan Store. We work for you to get the best terms possible on a new or used car, and our special finance representatives are educated on all the latest consumer protection laws so they can look out for your best interests. Our process makes it buying a car more simple and enjoyable.

Are you ready to get into a new or used car today? Approved Loan Store is ready to help YOU! Get started today by filling out our secure online auto loan application here, and for more auto news and buying tips, check out Approved Loan Store on Facebook, Twitter, and 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!

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.

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!

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.

Auto Sales Per Franchise Get Boost, Chrysler and VW Lead

In 2012 and so far in 2013, the auto industry has posted incredibly strong numbers, steadily building from one month to the next. As auto sales have risen, auto makers have held steady with the number of franchises with very few dropping stores and a few adding stores. This raises the question of whether there is enough demand to support all of these franchises. Fortunately, for now the answer is yes.

Last year, sales per store were on average up 15 percent. Chrysler and VW led the pack with 36 percent and 32 percent increases respectively. New vehicle sales have gone up 13 percent overall, and the average number of new-vehicle sales per franchise has gone up as well.

Chrysler was one of the bolder automakers in 2012. They were confident enough to add 55 franchises that year, even if it meant the number of sales per franchise was lower than the overall industry average. So far, it looks like their gamble might pay off with their sales per franchise is still growing, and they will be pulling in amazing numbers if all of their dealerships start matching the overall industry average.

The time is NOW to get that new or used car! Are you ready? Good credit, bad credit, no credit, Approved Loan Store wants to get you in 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!

Image courtesy of jscreationzs / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Volvo Updates City Safety for Bicyclists, Pedestrians

Auto safety has improved leaps and bounds in the past few years, not only for drivers and passengers but for pedestrians as well. Volvo has been a leader in this regard, presenting pedestrian air bags at the Geneva Motor Show last year, and this week, they unveiled another stunner. New Volvos will be able to sense pedestrians and bicyclists on the road and help drivers avoid a collision.

The new technology is an update to Volvo’s three-year-old City Safety system which reduces distracted driving accidents and accidents caused by human error. City Safety alerts the driver if the car is on course for a collision and applies the brakes if the driver does not respond to the warning. The original system could detect and monitor other vehicles, but the update expands its detection system to include bicyclists and pedestrians. This system does not give drivers the ability to drive without watching the road but rather serves as a safeguard in high-stress driving scenarios.

Doug Speck, Volvo’s Senior Vice President of Marketing, Sales, and Customer Service, was optimistic about the new system and what it means for the future of Volvo, stating, “By covering more and more objects and situations, we reinforce our world-leading position within automotive safety. We keep moving towards our long-term vision to design cars that do not crash.”

The new system will be available May 2013 in the V40, S60, V60, XC60, V70, XC70, and S80, and pricing has not yet been announced. Volvo owners can also expect additional updates in the next few years that cover large animals such as deer or small animals like dogs or cats.

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 new and buying tips, like Approved Loan Store on Facebook, follow Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribe to Approved Loan Store on YouTube!

The Geneva Auto Show and the Industry’s “Green” Problem

The Geneva Auto Show wraps up this Sunday, and auto journalists are already asking what the show says about the future of cars, specifically “green” vehicles. Is the auto industry making progress in hybrids and electric cars, and will people buy them when they hit the market?

There is an odd disconnect between what people involved with the show and the auto industry are saying and the reality at the auto show. In a piece for the New York Times, writer Christopher F. Schuetze highlights the dissonance at the show, pointing out that only 10 percent of the cars at the show are eco-friendly and then quoting politicians and the president of the Geneva Auto Show who praise the auto industry’s integration of green technology. 10 percent is hardly complete integration, especially at an auto show meant to show the best and latest in automotive technology.

Unfortunately, there is a good reason why the auto industry is praising green technology while quietly relegating electric car technology to the concepts. The truth is that the auto industry still relies too much on big car sales, cars that scream “real man” in their advertising. The auto industry will never move past gas-guzzlers to electric and hybrid cars until they wean themselves off of this outdated idea of a manly car and learn how to properly market green cars.

No matter what kind of car you might be looking for, Approved Loan Store wants to help YOU! From hybrid compacts to trucks and minivans, 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!