Audi’s boss looking at 1.5 million units annually by 2015

Despite the global economic slump and the sharp fall in demand for cars, Audi is holding onto to it’s sales target and says the market for premium vehicles will show significant improvement in 2010 and 2011.

“I do not see any reason why we shouldn’t reach them (the targets). We are working towards 1.5 million units per year,” CEO Rupert Stadler told Auto Motor und Sport.

Audi, which delivered 1 million vehicles in 2008, said it expects a sharp profit decline in 2009 and its first annual sales drop in 14 years.

Stadler pointed to the growth of the Chinese auto market as one example of improvement. In 2009, China expects to see 6 million units in 2009. Half a year ago the outlook was just 5.1 million.

“In the year 2010 or 2011 the situation will significantly improve. There will be growth in our sector again,” Stadler said.

Source: Reuters

Honda Fit Hybrid to be Released by Fall 2010

According to the newest reports Honda is set to release the hybrid version of its popular Fit by the fall of 2010, which is about a year and a half earlier than was originally planned.

Honda had previously announced plans to release three new hybrids by 2012, following the release of the Insight earlier this year. The production version of the much-anticipated CR-Z will be released sometime early next year followed by the Fit hybrid and then eventually an all-new Civic hybrid.

The Insight was launched in Japan in February and has become the first hybrid to ever hold the top sales spot in Japan. Japan's Nikkei is reporting that the Fit hybrid will start around 1.5 million yen ($15,800) with annual sales of over 50,000 vehicles

2010 Cadillac SRX Starts at $34,155

Cadillac has announced the pricing for the all-new 2010 Cadillac SRX crossover.

The new SRX will be at dealerships this summer with a starting price of $34,155. For 2010 the SRX will be offered with a choice of two direct-injected V6 engines. Either a 260-hp 3.0L or a 300-hp turbocharged 2.8L. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Additionally Cadillac is also going to release the CTS Sport Wagon later this summer. The CTS wagon will feature the same 3.0L V6 as the SRX and get an estimated 28 mpg on the highway

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Hyundai Genesis Coupe: Well-proportioned sports car or new Aztek?

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How to Test Drive a Car - Feature

You can’t put it off any longer. There are too many good deals to pass up, and a trip to the car dealership is in your near future. But how can you be sure that hunk of metal, plastic, and rubber you’re eyeing is right for you? How can you best acquaint yourself with what will be not only one of your largest investments, but also a trusted, long-term companion in your everyday life? A test drive, of course, and making the most of it is a simple matter of common sense, careful observation, and knowing what to look for. Read on for how to prepare yourself for this all-important experience and what to keep track of when taking a new car out for the first time.

Do Your Homework

Don’t wander onto the lot to see what cars are available. By the time you show up at a dealership, you should already know what model(s) you want and what options you are interested in. Do your research ahead of time—our online buyer’s guide is a handy tool—and make the initial trip solely for the purpose of getting behind the wheel. Additionally:

Drive your potential candidates back-to-back on the same day so you can make a proper comparison.

Consider bringing a friend along to keep the salesperson occupied and point out things you might overlook.

While you should press to take the vehicle home overnight—as many dealers now allow—to get comfortable with it and see if it fits in your garage, at least make an attempt to come back at night to observe how well the headlights perform and how well the interior is illuminated.

Getting Acquainted

Once you’re at the dealership, let the salesperson know you just want to drive the vehicle(s) you have in mind and that you’ll be comparing models and prices at other showrooms. Doing this should allow you to better focus on your prospective ride, while also communicating to the dealer that you’re prepared to take your business elsewhere if an attractive offer can’t be made.

Because certain options and powertrains can greatly alter the feel of a vehicle, it’s important to drive the particular model/trim level that you intend to purchase. If your dealer doesn’t have the powertain you are looking for, wait or find one that does. Take your time and thoroughly go over the car, taking notes and analyzing how it looks in the metal versus in photographs.

While turning the key and mashing the throttle may be your first inclination on a test drive, first walk around the vehicle and inspect it thoroughly.

Keep Reading: How to Test Drive a Car

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