The recession has not only put a dent in your wallet, but has stemmed major changes in automobile industry. Although the automobile industry was almost on the brink of extinction several years ago, Lacy Plache, chief economist for Edmunds.com, states that the 2012 auto industry will be a key player with annual projected sales of 13.6 million. Whether you are looking to save money and the environment by driving a hybrid or your goal is to tackle the road in an SUV, the 2012 auto industry has some exciting new vehicles sure to fit your needs.
The auto industry is expected to significantly change during the 2012 year, Edmunds.com notes the following trends:
• People seeking that new car smell once again and are trading in their old cars for newer models that feature the latest in technology.
• With gas prices becoming more stabilized and affordable — depending on who you ask, of course –buyers are expected to purchase midsize cars and compact crossover SUVs.
• Although interest in the electric car is not expected to increase, supply shortages are expected to boost the sale of the Toyota Prius.
• Production of cars is expected to increase – giving you more choices than ever.
• If you want a used car, things don’t appear so bright. A lack of supply could keep prices high and force you to consider a new car. But this might not be so bad; a new car may offer cheaper payments and will definitely let you bask in that new-car smell.
Toyota
Many people are turning to cars produced with green technology. Green cars help you save gasoline and in the process save money and the environment. As a result, in 2012, Toyota is focusing on hybrid models, such as the best-selling Prius. The new Prius will feature restyled tail lamps and standard LED running lights that are controlled by an on-and-off switch. In addition, it will come standard with an updated multi-information display system.
These new features will cost you some extra dough, though. The price of the Prius One will increase to about $23,000, and the Prius Two will now sell for around $24,000. You can get a 2012 Prius Three, whose price has increased the most, for around $26,000. The Prius Three justifies its price increase by the addition of many new standard features, such as Toyota’s Entune audio system, Smart Key, its navigation system and a backup camera display. The MSRP for Prius Four is around $28,000, and the most recently debuted Prius, Prius Five, will sell for close to $30,000.
Additional upcoming news from Toyota:
• The more affordable, new Toyota Prius C is on its way — priced in the very low $20,000s.
• A plug-in Prius is on the horizon.
• The luxurious Toyota Avalon is likely heading for a redesign as is the Toyota Tacoma.
• The RAV4 will be somewhat re-engineered, and don’t be surprised to see a RAV4 electric vehicle on the market in the near future.
Honda
Although the Honda Civic has been a long-standing top pick as one of the best small sedans, Consumer Reports gave the 2012 Honda Civic LX scores too low for it to be recommended. However, its reputation for reliability is not expected to change. Consumer Reports based its low rating on the Civic LX’s “cheap interior” and lack of features to make it worthy of its $19,405 price tag. In addition, the Civic LX automatic didn’t reach the high level set by other models in its class, including the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Focus and Hyundai Elantra. However, by the end of 2012, expect to see significant changes in the Honda Civic LX that will help remedy the problems which led to its low rating.
The 2012 Honda CR-V presents an “evolutionary advance” over other small SUVs; however, it faces stiff competition when compared to the high-scoring Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4, according to Consumer Reports. Also, get ready for the new Honda CR-V crossover, produced in Canada, and the revamped 2012 Honda Accord
Hyundai
The Hyundai Azera is basically a stretched-out version of the Hyundai Sonata. When compared with the Sonata, it has a larger rear seat and a multitude of upscale features. The 2012 Azera is a front-wheel drive sedan and, unlike the Sonata — which gets its power from only four-cylinders — is powered by a 3.3 liter V6 with 293-hp. The new Azera features standard equipment, including a GPA navigation system and a rear-view camera, which Consumer Reports points out could cost up to $2,000 when purchased from other automakers. This new Hyundai also comes with standard luxury features, such as heated leather seats, a cooled gloved box and a voice-controlled Bluetooth hands-free phone system.
The future of Hyundai may also include:
• A Hyundai Elantra coupe
• Hyundai Veloster turbo
• Remake of the Hyundai Genesis coupe
• New Hyundai Elantra touring model
• Redesigned Hyundai Santa Fe
• Hyundai plug-in hybrid
Volkswagen
This German manufacturer has redesigned its 2012 Passat model, but it doesn’t make the cut for any “Car of the Year” list, says Consumer Reports. The 2012 Passat has a spacious interior, roomy rear seat and large trunk. The SE model, at $25, 595, costs several thousand dollars more than its competition. The Passat SE TDI with a TDI turbodiesel engine impressed the experts at Consumer Reports the most. Priced at around $28, 500, this Passat will take you a whopping 825 miles on the highway before you need to fill-up.
Ford
The Ford Motor Company says its automobile sales in the United States reached 2 million automobiles in 2011—the largest jump since 2007. Beginning 2012 year, Ford holds a 15 percent share in the second largest auto market in the world. The company’s success is believed partly due to the Fiesta, with sales tripling at the end of 2011, and the Explorer, whose sales have more than doubled. Although sales of the Explorer are up, higher gas prices have many consumers flocking to smaller compact and fuel-efficient vehicles, says Ford. Projected changes in the Ford fleet include:
• Restyling the Lincoln Navigator
• Producing a small Lincoln Navigator
• Reinventing the MKZ and MKS models
In addition, the Ford Escape SUV will receive a complete makeover in 2013. The future Ford Escape SUV will offer standard features such as a motion-controlled hand-free lift gate under the rear bumper and an upgraded Sync with a MyFord Touch infotainment system. The 2013 Ford Escape also features park assist, along with curve and torque control — to help the vehicle slow when cornering and accelerate when turning. This new SUV from Ford also features blind-spot sensors.
Ford’s first all electric car, the Ford Focus Electric, based on the 2012 Ford Focus, is a five-door hatchback that seats five. Ford expects this electric car to get 100 miles per gallon. Wow! This electric car is also expected to take less time to charge than other electric cars coming to the market. The Ford Focus Electric is expected to fully charge in only 3 to 4 hours when plugged into a 240-volt plug. However, its 24 kwh lithium-ion battery reportedly uses up a lot of trunk space and, when the back seats are folded down, there is no flat floor in the rear. So, if you need to take a long trip, pack lightly.
Nissan
In 2012 or 2013, expect to see completely new versions of the Nissan Altima, Sentra, Pathfinder and Rogue. Restyling will also occur in the Nissan Frontier pickup truck. Within the next year and a half, you can expect to see a small utility vehicle, called the NV200. Moreover, the Murano crossover will get engineering upgrades and the Nissan Versa Hatchback will be introduced in 2012.
Saab
If you had your heart set on getting a new Saab, there may be some hope. According to AutoNews.com, India’s largest sport-utility manufacturer, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., is interested in buying some components of the bankrupt Swedish manufacturer and might even be interested in buying the whole company. Sold by General Motors, in February 2010, to a Dutch sports-car maker, now known as Swedish Automobile NV, Saab stopped producing cars, due to its inability to pay suppliers and eventually filed for bankruptcy. And, if the Indian manufacturer doesn’t buy Saab, you may still be in luck. The Turkish government wants to produce a brand it can call its own, and is also interested in helping a manufacturer take over at least some of the unsuccessful Saab automaker.
Infiniti
The 2012 Infiniti JX is larger than the Infiniti EX and FX models and seats seven people with a comfortable third-row seat. This high-end luxury brand from Nissan gets its sleek style from the Infiniti Essence and has a 265-hp, 3.5 liter V6 engine to give you all the power you need. The new Infiniti JX offers front and all-wheel drive to help keep you safe in all weather conditions. Moreover, Consumer Reports notes safety features in the JX, such as blind-spot intervention and a back-up collision system, with cross-traffic awareness. You can compare the high-end Infiniti JX can be compared with the Audi Q7. The new Infiniti JX three-row crossover will hit the market in the spring of 2012. According to Infinity America’s vice president Ben Poore, three-row crossovers are one of the hottest trends in the luxury market.
Additional Luxury Vehicles
• Jaguar: The 2012 Jaguar XF, with a V8 engine, provides speed, agility and comfort, and the redesigned XJ is now a luxurious sports sedan with the power of a 385-hp engine. The 2012 XK is a sleek, athletic model that comes in coupe or convertible styles. A new Jag sports car may also be in the works that may give some competition to the Porsche Boxster at a lower price.
• Mercedes-Benz: This German luxury automobile manufacturer is expected to redesign its GL and SL models and might remodel the S-Class. New arrivals on their way to North America include the B-Class and possibly an A-Class. Mercedes E-Class and CL models might also get a makeover. In addition, the C-Class was refreshed for 2012. The Mercedes Benz M-Class 2012 model offers many key improvements, most notably, in performance, cabin ambiance and fuel efficiency, reports Edmunds.com. However, when compared to some its rivals, the new M-Class model is expensive and has no third-row seat option.
• Lexus: Toyota’s luxury brand will get rejuvenated for the 2013 year. However, the changes will begin in 2012 with the newly designed Lexus GS models arriving in the spring. The 2013 Lexus GS will include a new hybrid model with power like a V8 and fuel economy like a V6 engine. As with other hybrids, the battery will take up a great deal of trunk space in the new Lexus GS.
• Porsche: The new 2012 Porsche 911 continues to improve says Edmunds. The 911 comes in multiple models, accelerates and stops easily and is fuel-efficient. This luxury sports car will take a large bite out of your wallet, though, at a MSRP of $79,000.
• BMW: During 2012, expect a new roadster and coupe. The Clubman will be revamped and a new model, known as the Paceman, may also surface in 2012. The BMW 528i gets a new 240 horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with 260 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive will also now be available on this model. In addition, when it arrives on the market, the 2012 BMW Z4 sDrive28i will be the first BMW in the United States with a four-cylinder engine – having the same 2.0-liter turbocharged engine as the 2012 528i model. The all-new BMW 6 Series has an increased body size and weight, and to accommodate its growth, it is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter, V8 engine with 400hp.
The 2012 automobile industry is changing and growing to meet the needs of its consumers and developing new ways to save gasoline and improve the health of the environment.