The study found Toyota is the highest ranked non-premium nameplate, tying for third place overall.Lexus scored the best of 32 brands and Scion achieved its highest ever position at fifth place, jumping up 17 positions.The study, published annually since 1990, measures problems experienced by the original owners of three-year-old vehicles.

The rankings are determined by the number of problems reported per 100 vehicles; the lower the number, the more positive the score.Additional examples of Toyota’s commitment to the highest standards for quality, safety, reliability and retained value include:Lexus was the highest ranking nameplate in the industry in the 2011 J.D.

Power Initial Quality Study and earned more segment awards than any other premium brand.Toyota and Lexus won 11 awards – more than half the 21 total awards – in IntelliChoice.com’s Best Overall Values of the Year.Fifteen Toyota, Lexus and Scion vehicles were named 2012 “Top Safety Picks” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, more than any other automaker. The 2012 models include Camry, Corolla, Highlander (Kluger), Prius, Prius v, Yaris and Scion xB (Rukus).

Source: http://news.toyota.com.au/Toyota-dominates-vehicle-dependability-study

Montreal, Québec

The Subaru BRZ is a rear-wheel-drive sports car designed with superior steering response for ultimate driving pleasure. Featuring an all-new horizontally opposed SUBARU BOXER engine designed to produce 200 hp and 151 lb.-ft. of torque, BRZ’s engine is positioned even lower than other Subaru models so that the BRZ has one of the lowest possible centres of gravity on the market.

Compact and light, the engine also features new direct injection and port injection technology for maximum efficiency and performance. The lightweight yet highly rigid body was exclusively developed to maximize the advantages of its ultra-low centre of gravity in order to produce superb handling capabilities that will surely delight drivers of all skill levels.

With its low-mounted SUBARU BOXER engine on a specially designed chassis layout, the BRZ has an ultra-low centre of gravity – offering this sports car a major advantage – as well as the low and wide body of a stylish coupe with an overall height and width of 1,285 mm and 1,775 mm respectively. At the same time, its compact design still offers seating for four with a folding rear seatback plus ample trunk space, making the Subaru BRZ suitable for longer trips thanks to its unexpected utility for a vehicle in its class

Subaru aimed for a traditional sports car design that instinctively conveys its fun-to-drive character, while including subtle details that will allow the BRZ to be instantly recognizable as a Subaru. The BRZ’s ultra-low centre of gravity allowed for a low hood design and shapely fender flares, all designed to enhance the Subaru BRZ’s aesthetics.

Source: http://www.subaru.ca/WebPage.aspx?ArticleID=8492&WebPageID=4998&WebSiteID=282

The specially equipped pace car is fitted with Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric tyres mounted on BBS RS 8.5 x 19 wheels, a StopTech Big Brake Kit, TRD custom stainless steel exhaust and Tein adjustable suspension – as well as special graphics and warning lights.

Safety equipment includes a roll cage, four-point Simpson racing seat belts, Whelen LFL Liberty LED lightbar and an on-board fire extinguisher.Ed Laukes, vice president of marketing communications and motorsports for Toyota in the United States, said the Daytona 500 was the perfect place to showcase the new Camry.

We’re thrilled to be able to feature the new Camry in Daytona at the season’s biggest race,” Mr Laukes said.We knew when the opportunity arose to partner together with Daytona that it would be an extraordinary way to highlight our new Camry, as well as reinforce Toyota’s commitment to NASCAR and its fans,” he said.

Camry has been the best-selling car in America 14 of the past 15 years and for 10 years running.In Australia, Camry has been the best-selling mid-size car for the past 18 years in a row.The latest Camry, released late last year, features a bold, sophisticated new design with a more spacious interior, improved driving dynamics and an even quieter ride than the previous generation.

Toyota has previously provided pace vehicles at several other NASCAR tracks, including a Camry Hybrid in 2009.In 2004, Toyota began participating in NASCAR competition by fielding Tundra trucks in the Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS).In 2007, Toyota began competing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) and the NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) with the Camry.

Source: http://news.toyota.com.au/toyota-camry-pace-car-for-daytona%20

The Subaru XV defines a new generation of crossover vehicle, blending exceptional SUV practicality with an urban, stylish design. The idea behind its design was a cross between the traditionally adventurous compact SUV and the urban lifestyle associated with the crossover genre. The Subaru XV focuses on impressive fuel efficiency as well as excellent handling and driving dynamics, which are melded together with its more SUV-like characteristics such as its 1,500-lb.

This vehicle, with its sporty, sleek design, vibrant Tangerine Orange Pearl exterior colour and distinctive alloy wheels was just recently launched in other markets around the world,” said Shiro Ohta, president and CEO of Subaru Canada, Inc. “I’m pleased that we are able to provide a chance for Canadians to see it and provide comments back to us.

Source: http://www.subaru.ca/WebPage.aspx?ArticleID=8521&WebPage

[hana-code-insert name='Exporters' /]

This is a fantastic beginning to 2012 and we intend to carry on with this momentum,” said Shiro Ohta, president and CEO of Subaru Canada, Inc. “The redesigned Impreza has been well-received, but we’re planning exciting changes and additions to our model lineup. This year will definitely be thrilling and we’ll certainly see even more excitement from consumers at the dealerships throughout 2012.

Subaru Canada, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of over 85 authorized dealers across Canada.

Source: http://www.subaru.ca/WebPage.aspx?ArticleID=8504&WebPageID=4998&WebSiteID=282

The current issue recognizes the Cooper Zeon RS3-A, Cooper’s newest all-season ultra high performance product. The RS3-A features large tread elements with an asymmetrical design, which provides drivers confidence year round. The tire’s advanced technology mold profile allows for more tread-to-road contact through a square tread footprint. The RS3-A is available in 47 sizes and offers a 40,000 mile treadwear warranty.

It’s exciting to hear the RS3-A achieved another win in third-party testing by being recognized by Consumers Digest,” said Hal Gardner, Cooper’s Vice President of Marketing Communications and Market Intelligence. “This is further evidence of the outstanding performance of our products and another example of how Cooper is continuing to strengthen its relationship and value proposition with consumers seeking a quality product at a reasonable price.

Magazine editors commented that the Cooper Zeon RS3-A “delivered the best braking and hydroplaning resistance of any performance tire that we evaluated that costs less than $200. We also found that it makes for the quietest ride of any performance tire that we evaluated in this price range.

Best Buys in tires are selected based on performance, features, expected tread life and warranty. Best Buys, in general, can be assessed based on eight specific criteria carried out in numerous ways: hands-on use; review of independent evaluation/testing; review of reports from government agencies and others; interviews of retailers and service technicians; review of consumer surveys; and/or review of evaluations from other entities.

Source: http://coopertire.com/News/Corporate-News-Releases/Cooper-Zeon-RS3-A%E2%84%A2-Designated-a-Consumers-Digest-B.aspx

The annual ALG Residual Value Awards recognize automakers’ outstanding achievements in producing vehicles that demonstrate the ability to retain the highest percentage of their original price after a four-year period for mainstream brands and a three-year period for luxury brands. Awards are given in 19 vehicle categories and also in two brand categories (mainstream and luxury). This year’s awards are based on 2012 model year vehicles.

Subaru earned its third straight Mainstream Brand Residual Value Award buoyed by consistently strong quality and a progressive desirability for their products in the Canadian market,” said Geoff Helby, Canada Regional Director for ALG. “The brand continues to expand its devotee base with compelling redesigns like the new Impreza. Dependability, low incentives, and fleet sales have enhanced Subaru’s used market brand image as well.

Compact Car Award: the Subaru Impreza. According to ALG, the new Impreza offers compelling value for the Canadian market, offering All-Wheel Drive in a segment where price is usually a large consideration. Although this is the fourth year in a row Impreza has won in this category, the combination of the redesign, AWD and segment-competitive fuel efficiency went a long way towards making the Impreza an attractive option for consumers yet again this year.

Midsize Utility Vehicle Award: the Subaru Outback. For the second consecutive year, Outback claims the midsize utility vehicle award. ALG notes that the Subaru Outback offers potential SUV shoppers the car-like ride and handling usually associated with a car-based platform. Subaru’s subdued fleet sales and customer incentives also ensure that sales growth occurs by organic retail demand.

Source: http://www.subaru.ca/WebPage.aspx?ArticleID=8523&WebPageID=4998&WebSiteID=282

Nokian Rotiiva AT is excellent on asphalt or gravel, but also moves with ease in lighter off-road conditions. The sturdy structure and tailored, cut-resistant tread compound give the tyre excellent durability when used with heavier cars, as well. The comprehensive selection of sizes is aimed at light trucks, larger SUVs, and pick-ups. The selection of sizes is covering a total of 26 models from 15″ up to 20″.

The aggressive tread pattern of the new product, and especially its wide, polished grooves maximize grip and handling in rapidly changing summer conditions. In addition, stone ejectors on the bottoms of the grooves eject little stones and minimize the penetration of sharp rocks into the tyre. These stone ejectors further increase the operating life of the tyre by preventing tyre body damage, especially when driving on uneven surfaces.

Thanks to a unique tread pattern, the tyre also cleans easily and runs effortlessly on a soft platform.
This new development completes the versatile SUV and 4×4 range from Nokian Tyres to which Nokian Z SUV belongs, too, being awarded “very recommendable” in the off road tyre test of the German car magazine “Auto Zeitung”.

3D sipes actively bind pattern blocks together upon road contact for extra stability. The heavily siped pattern block sections support each other, so that unnecessary sipe movement stops, thereby improving handling even further,” says Product Development Manager Juha Pirhonen from Nokian Tyres.

Cooling ribs in the shoulder area improve the durability of the Rotiiva AT – a tyre that is designed to handle poor roads and rapidly changing conditions. Lower heat generation means slower wear, more comfortable driving, and more mileage.

Source: http://www.nokiantyres.com/release?id=27193991

Test winner is Nokian with the judgement “very recommendable” in the summer tyre test 2011 of the renowned German car magazine „auto motor und sport“ and in the tyre test of the German car magazine „Auto“, too.

The Nokian tyres from Finland got the best judgement „good“ with German car association ADAC and consumer protection organisation „Stiftung Warentest“ and they were awarded „very recommendable“ in the German car magazines „Auto Zeitung“ and „sport auto“. The Nokian SUV tyre is also “very recommendable” in the offroad tyre test of „Auto Zeitung“.

„Very good driving behaviour and braking ability in the wet and in the dry, low noise, very low rolling resistance,“ „auto motor und sport“ describes as one of the benefits of environmentally friendly Nokian V. Low rolling resistance leads to low fuel consumption.

Its strengths according to ADAC: „+ very balanced tyre, + good in all safety relevant disciplines, + top mark in the wet“. Nokian has got the shortest braking distance in the wet of all tyres tested by ADAC, it is 22 metres shorter than the one of the poorest tyre.. The consumer protection magazine „test“ recommends Nokian V as “our advice”. “Very good properties in the wet and a low rolling resistance help the Finnish Nokian tyre to achieve the overall victory” is the headline in the tyre test of “auto motor und sport”.

Source: http://www.nokiantyres.com/release?id=27111516

Stuttgart -

Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG received the “OFF ROAD AWARD 2012” yesterday evening at a prize ceremony in Munich. This award illustrates yet again just how popular this sporty SUV is. The 100,000th Cayenne of the current generation was built only a few weeks ago in Leipzig.

The monthly trade magazine’s reader poll has been held since 1982. This year there were 143 vehicles from 40 manufacturers in twelve categories in the running and more than 57,000 readers took part in the poll.

Source: http://www.porsche.com/usa/aboutporsche/pressreleases/pag/?pool=international-de&id=2012-02-10

Detroit

The 2012 “Most Desired Brands in the U.S.” survey was conducted by the global strategic neuro-insight firm Buyology Inc and uSamp, which measured personal and emotional connections to 220 well-known brands across 10 industries.

Cadillac saw retail sales growth of 6.8 percent in 2011, led by the CTS family of cars, which were up 19 percent over 2010, and the mid-size luxury SRX crossover, which increased sales by more than 9.6 percent last year.

Cadillac is poised to further extend sales in 2012 with the introduction of the XTS full-size luxury sedan and the ATS compact luxury sedan, which will be released in the spring and summer of 2012 respectively.

Cadillac has been a leading luxury auto brand since 1902. In recent years, Cadillac has engineered a historic renaissance led by artful engineering and advanced technology.

Source: http://media.gm.com/media/us/en/gm/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2012/Feb/0217

Pirelli’s motorsport director Paul Hembery said: “The tyres performed exactly in line with our expectations here in Jerez, and we’ve had a very positive reaction from the drivers and teams so far, who have reported more grip at the rear, fewer ‘marbles’ and a reduced lap time difference between the compounds as well as faster overall performance – which is precisely what we wanted. We’re happy with the level of degradation and we had no issues, as was the case for all of last year.

But as the temperatures in Jerez were very low and the teams have also concentrated on other areas than tyres, it’s too early to draw any detailed conclusions. We’ll see more tyre development work at the next test in Barcelona, as together with the teams, we fully understand the implications of the latest rules. However, with all three of our available slick tyres having set a fastest time, it’s a clear sign that we are on course to meet our objectives.

Lotus driver Kimi Räikkonen – who last drove on Pirelli tyres in the 2010 World Rally Championship – set the pace on the opening day, with a spectacular return to Formula One thanks to a time of 1m19.670s on the P Zero White medium tyre.

Mercedes were quickest on the second and third days using their 2011 car. Michael Schumacher lowered the benchmark to 1m18.561s on day two with the P Zero Silver hard tyre and Nico Rosberg set a time of 1m17.631s on day three with the P Zero Yellow soft: the best time over all four days.

Source: http://www.pirelli.com/corporate/en/press/2012/02/10/pirelli-tyres-complete-14949-kilometres-in-four-days-of-testing/

Experimental compounds for the 2012 tyres were tried out during some of the free practice sessions last year, as well as at the young driver test following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. However, the regular drivers now have the opportunity to test the new compounds together with the new profiles for the tyres, which this year are much ‘squarer’ in order to provide a greater contact patch and deliver a longer period of peak performance, while maintaining an overall lifespan in the region of 100 kilometres.

Once more the teams will start from scratch, as all the compounds apart from the supersoft are new, with more visible colour markings. In the unlikely event that it rains in the south of Spain next week, the drivers will also get to try out the new Cinturato rubber: the designation for the intermediate and full wet tyres – which echo the name of Pirelli’s first Formula One tyres from the 1950s.

The track contains quite a wide variety of corners, ranging from slow curves to some medium to fast bends. The layout puts particular emphasis on rear tyres, which have to work hard to supply the best traction throughout an ample range of speeds. While Jerez does not result in especially high top speeds, every aspect of a car’s performance is comprehensively tested.

Pirelli’s Motorsport Director Paul Hembery said: “After a successful first season in 2011, we are determined to help provide an even better spectacle this year, which is why the entire tyre range has been renewed. At this early point, the emphasis for the teams is expected to be on learning the new tyres and it will be interesting to see which approach they take to that process.

Source: http://www.pirelli.com/corporate/en/press/2012/02/07/new-pirelli-formula-one-tyres-face-their-first-test/