Car Chute

Ford Motor Company offered on Thursday a taste of some advanced technology that will be featured in the all-new Fusion, which is scheduled to be introduced at the Detroit auto show in January. The technical tidbit is a tracking system that can help prevent drowsy or inattentive drivers from wandering out of their lane. While similar technology has previously been offered on some automobiles, Octavio Navarro, a Ford spokesman, said in a telephone interview that the Fusion will be the first affordable nonluxury vehicle to offer this type of system.
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Stylish Midsize Sedan is One of Nine Vehicles Honored in Top Men’s Lifestyle Magazine’s 2011 Design and Technology Awards

IRVINE, Calif./PRNewswire/ — With U.S. production of the stylish and performance-oriented Optima getting underway last week at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG)(1), the head-turning design of Kia’s popular midsize sedan continues to earn high praise, including the title of “Most Gorgeous Car Under $20K” from the sophisticated men’s lifestyle magazine, Esquire. Along with the recognition, Optima is one of only nine finalists in “The 2011 Esquire Design and Technology Awards” after editors applauded its “clean and inspiring” design that provides a refined and upscale feel at an extraordinary value. Read more…

Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced that consumers in need of a new vehicle will be able to choose from a total of 12 eligible Kia models (85 percent of full lineup) that qualify for up to a $4,500 rebate. Under this new buyer incentive program consumers can purchase a new, more fuel efficient Kia vehicle when they trade-in a less fuel efficient car or truck of any eligible make or model.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) guidelines indicate that consumers may earn $4,500 with the purchase of a new car with an increase of 10-plus miles per gallon (mpg) or may earn $3,500 with an increase of four-plus mpg when they trade in a car or SUV with less than 18 mpg combined. For SUVs, five-plus mpg may earn $4,500 and two-plus mpg may earn $3,500. New passenger cars purchased under the program must get a minimum combined fuel economy of 22 mpg while new light-duty trucks or SUVs must get at least 18 mpg combined fuel economy to qualify.

In accordance with the NHTSA, retailers that are enrolled in the program will process transactions using program guidelines and apply appropriate credits at the time of purchase. The following details the official government criteria for trade-in rebates:

• Trade-in vehicles have been manufactured less than 25 years before the date of trade-in
• Trade-in vehicles must have a federal combined city/highway fuel economy of 18 mpg or less
• Eligible vehicles must be in driveable condition and have been continuously insured and registered to the same owner for at least one year
• Vouchers are not necessary; dealers will apply a credit at the time of the purchase

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