Auto News 5

Europe's top partsmakers had a tough 2012. Overall European sales by suppliers in the top 30 ranking fell by

Infiniti has named Vincent Gillet, a former executive at the Starwood Hotels and Resorts chain, as its global marketing chief.

Citroen wants to develop an upscale image in China, but it's not easy because when people there see a Citroen on the road it is often being used as a taxi.

Hyundai and affiliate Kia are recalling nearly 270,000 car and light trucks in the United States due to possible wheel alignment and axle problems.

Europe's top partsmakers had a tough 2012. Overall European sales by suppliers in the top 30 ranking fell by

Infiniti has named Vincent Gillet, a former executive at the Starwood Hotels and Resorts chain, as its global marketing chief.

Citroen wants to develop an upscale image in China, but it's not easy because when people there see a Citroen on the road it is often being used as a taxi.

Hyundai and affiliate Kia are recalling nearly 270,000 car and light trucks in the United States due to possible wheel alignment and axle problems.

Europe's top partsmakers had a tough 2012. Overall European sales by suppliers in the top 30 ranking fell by

Infiniti has named Vincent Gillet, a former executive at the Starwood Hotels and Resorts chain, as its global marketing chief.

Citroen wants to develop an upscale image in China, but it's not easy because when people there see a Citroen on the road it is often being used as a taxi.

Cory Joyce is aiming to make his debut just about 20 miles from his home in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race on Saturday, September 21, at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

Driving the No. 39 Chevrolet, with backing from the Caplin Family (CF) Charities, the 21-year old will be competing for JMI Motorsports.

"I'm really excited to make my NASCAR K&N Pro Series East debut next month," commented Cory Joyce.

"Ever since I was little, my dream has been to race at NASCAR's top level. My family has made a lot of sacrifices to get me to where I'm at today, and I'm very thankful for all their support over the years. To be able to make my NASCAR K&N debut is a dream come true, but to be able to do it at New Hampshire Motor Speedway-- my home track -- makes it an even more special experience. I'm very excited to work with and represent CF Charities and JMI Motorsports in my series' debut -- I'm going to have a great group of people around me for the New Hampshire race. Hopefully we'll be able to put on a great show for everyone."

Joyce will be racing for the Mooresville, N.C.-based JMI Motorsports, which is owned by Ron Faison with veteran crew chief Mark McFarland calling the shots

"We are very excited to have Cory Joyce join JMI Motorsports for the New Hampshire race," commented McFarland. "This will be a great opportunity to show his racing talent. We are looking forward to getting him in a car for a test, and again for the race."

In 2008 Joyce began racing limited late models in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series, and clinched both the Rookie of the Year title and his first win in a limited late model the following season at Hickory (N.C.) Motor Speedway.

Since 2012, Joyce has been competing in the United Auto Racing Association (UARA) STARS Series where he finished eighth in the 2012 championship point standings.

Volkswagen and Google announced the beta launch of SmileDrive, a new app designed to maximize fun on every trip. Available to download exclusively in the Google Play store, it remains to be seen whether Canadian drivers will be able to take advantage of it.

SmileDrive connects to a user's car -- be it a VW or any other make -- through Bluetooth and runs in the background to track data for both everyday commutes and road trips, including location, distance, time, and weather.

Then, the app delivers a Smile Score and awards users with virtual bumper stickers for unique accomplishments. It has also re-imagined the classic “PunchDub” game, allowing people to collect “punches” each time they encounter another Volkswagen running using the app.

On a longer road trip, SmileDrive offers the ability to create a Smilecast: a dynamic travelogue filled with the captured photos, maps of the trip, status updates, as well as other memories that are collected on a single URL.

Charging the competition
The 2014 Nissan Versa Note is the Japanese maker's latest player, and although the smallest on our market, it should make the biggest impact on the company's market share and sales.

The previous Nissan Versa, introduced in 2007, was quite popular in Canada, particularly in Quebec where small hatchbacks are all the rage. This then explains why the national launch took place in Montreal.

Nissan's hopes are high for this car as the market is ripe for a small, economical and good looking car. More importantly, it's very ready for something affordable.

Nissan has aimed squarely for all of these aspects and on drive day, Matt and Miranda put them all to the test. They didn't buy one though...



The day began with a 5-speed (down one gear from the previous Versa H/B) manual SL Note. The drive took them through downtown Montreal, then to Ile Ste-Hélène. From there, they hit the countryside on to the lunch destination.

The 1.6L engine provided sufficient get-up-and-go on country roads and on the highway. The less than enthusiastic comments relate, more than likely, to the fact that there were three adults on board to go along with a fair amount of camera gear.

After lunch, a CVT-equipped SL was selected for the drive back to the city. It proved to be quite good. Continuously Variable Transmissions have a habit of nailing engine rpms at or near redline, but this is not so with the 2014 Nissan Versa Note.

Upon "kickdown," engine speed rises sharply but holds in the vicinity of 4,250 rpm or at peak torque. This is in sharp contrast to needlessly nailing throttle at or near the engine's 6,500 rpm max speed, or completely out of the powerband.

Throughout the day, both found the ride to be sporty-ish and even European. On some rougher stretches, a more supple suspension setup would have been appreciated, however, the drive was good.

The cabin is cozy, as are the seats. The Versa Note is spacious enough to accommodate four adults with much ease and in relative comfort.

All in all, Matt and Miranda were pleasantly surprised by how well sorted the 2014 Nissan Versa Note is. They fully expect that it will do very well in Canada and especially in Quebec.

And, as a final note, expect the "Versa" to be dropped in the near future, as this world car is simply known as the Note everywhere else.

Enjoy the video -- and try not to make too many negative comments about the video's concept...

Roughly 8 years ago, I bought a Snap-on ratcheting screwdriver. That purchase may have been the best $65 I've ever spent. Over the years, it has become the most reliable, useful and user-friendly tool I have ever owned.

I've not surveyed anyone, but I'm willing to bet Justin Bieber's attitude problems that those who have purchased a Tacoma have felt pretty much the same about their pickup as I do my Snap-on. As the days and years go by, the truck's utility and reliability (in every sense of the words) become more evident; the more it is used and put to the test, the more indispensible it becomes.

The Tacoma makes no promises on which it cannot deliver. I've driven this highly popular and successful compact pickup a few times over the last decade and regardless of trim or powertrain, I always come away satisfied. The 2013 Toyota Tacoma continues to deliver without fear of disappointing. Its only shortcoming is that it is getting a little long in the tooth.


What is a Toyota Tacoma?
The 2013 Tacoma is Toyota's compact pickup. Actually, I could have added “legendary” as it long ago proved its mettle as being reliable, robust and able to take many beatings and keep on ticking.

This pickup is available in two body styles (access cab and double cab) and has been largely unchanged since 2005. As one of the very few compact pickups on the market, Toyota has little to do but offer it and it sells quite well.

The 2013 Tacoma is Toyota's compact pickup. Actually, I could have added “legendary” as it long ago proved its mettle as being reliable, robust and able to take many beatings and keep on ticking. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

2013 Toyota Tacoma Price and Specs
The 2013 Tacoma can be delivered as either a basic work truck or a full-on family truck with a long list of amenities.

Powered by either a 159 hp 2.7L 4-cylinder or the as-tested 236 hp 4.0L V6, the Tacoma can tow between 3,500 lbs (1,587 kgs) and 6,500 lbs (2,948 kgs) depending on powertrain. Transmission choices reside between a 5- (4-cyl) or 6-speed manual, and a 4- (4-cyl) or 5-speed automatic.

True to form, depending on customer demands, the base “work” truck is a 4x2 whereas the remainder of the lineup features 4x4. Once more, depending on the package, a TRD group version with oversize tires, skid plates, and more can be had for those who like to play in the rough stuff.

Base price for the 2013 Toyota Tacoma is $22,335. My Limited tester topped the price scale at $38,390. The best overall version of this pickup is, in my opinion, the Double Cab V6 6M TRD Sport Package (Bilstein suspension) and it goes for $34,015.

Powered by either a 159 hp 2.7L 4-cylinder or the as-tested 236 hp 4.0L V6, the Tacoma can tow between 3,500 lbs (1,587 kgs) and 6,500 lbs (2,948 kgs) depending on powertrain. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Driving the 2013 Toyota Tacoma
Despite my 2013 Toyota Tacoma being a top-of-the line Limited, it was far from cushy. The first element to note is that, although the V6 has plenty of grunt, the throttle must be heavily coaxed in order to be exploited.

The autobox is a willing participant in all manners of driving but it remains, like the Tacoma's ride, a rugged pickup truck's transmission. Upshifts are laborious and not especially smooth under mild acceleration. In order to get a kickdown, standing on the go pedal works best.

About the ride: The 2013 Toyota Tacoma's suspension was designed and conceived for work. On one occasion, I helped a family member move, and with the bed loaded with approximately 400 lbs of stuff the springs and dampers compressed somewhat, smoothing out road irregularities.

Steering lacks bite, precision and on-center feel, the typical recipe for a pickup -- at least it was. Recent full-size trucks are blessed with well-judged assistance and a fair amount of precision. My guess is that on the next generation Tacoma, this issue will be addressed. As far as the brakes are concerned, they are up to the task.

The autobox is a willing participant in all manners of driving but it remains, like the Tacoma's ride, a rugged pickup truck's transmission. Upshifts are laborious and not especially smooth under mild acceleration. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Inside and Out of the Toyota Tacoma
I've been a fan of the Tacoma's outer shell from the moment I laid eyes on the current generation all those years ago. I still feel the same way, especially when the Toyota is endowed with the TRD package. The Limited trim adds unique chrome wheels, chrome-capped sideview mirrors, as well as a few other touches that ruin its otherwise handsome physique.

Like the sheetmetal, the 2013 Toyota Tacoma's cabin has aged but has not fared as well. The dashboard could be pulled from a late-‘90s Toyota, and no one would be the wiser. The seats, although cozy on short stints, lack all-around support for longer drives.

The rear bench of the double cab is fine for most applications, meaning kids or adults -- so long as it's not for a long time. Most four-door pickups offer some form of storage below the rear bench and the Tacoma is no different. Sadly, most of the compartments are too shallow to swallow anything large.

The dashboard could be pulled from a late-‘90s Toyota, and no one would be the wiser. The seats, although cozy on short stints, lack all-around support for longer drives. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Comparing the Toyota Tacoma
The Tacoma has but one direct competitor at the moment and it is the Nissan Frontier. A quick glance at the sales figures would have you believe that it really is alone in its segment.

The issue with the Tacoma is its pricing which can easily rival that of a base-trim Ford F-150 or Chevrolet Silverado, to name a few. At this level, the Tacoma cannot compete.

Students at 15 Canadian universities and colleges will have access to a number of vehicles from Kia Canada -- on and off campus -- as part of an important 5-year agreement between the company and a car-sharing organization.

More specifically, the vehicles will include the Kia Soul as well as the Kia Rio sedan and 5-door.

“We are excited about launching this unique program to students across the country as it will allow students a first-hand experience with some of our new and exciting lineup,” said Robert Staffieri, Director of Marketing, Kia Canada Inc. “In addition, this alignment provides a great opportunity to promote driver responsibility in support of our partnership with MADD Canada.”

Further details will be provided when this carsharing program launches on August 20th, 2013.

Photo: Kia

From GMM

Scuderia Ferrari has repeated its denial, as reports Kimi Raikkonen could return to the Italian team in 2014 persist.

Two weeks ago, when the Raikkonen rumours first emerged, a Ferrari spokesman insisted the Maranello outfit "has no interest in the driver market right now".

Now, the Finnish newspaper Ilta-Sanomat claims the 2007 world champion has decided to accept Ferrari's offer.

And Ferrari has issued a near-identical denial.

"Right now," the spokesman told the BBC, "we're really not giving any thought to the driver market situation."

Kimi Räikkönen, Ferrari F2007 (Photo: Ferrari)

Interestingly, however, Ferrari seemed to rule out the reported scenario that, if Raikkonen does arrive, it could be to replace the Red Bull-bound Fernando Alonso.

"Drivers are not a problem for us," said the spokesman, "even if we were to change Felipe (Massa)."

Germany's Auto Motor und Sport points out that Raikkonen's management could see the Ferrari rumour as mere leverage amid the more realistic talks about 2014 with Lotus and Red Bull.

"It is important for Raikkonen to keep a third option open," said correspondent Michael Schmidt.

From GMM

With famous alternatives looming large, Daniel Ricciardo has received a vote of confidence as he pushes to secure the Red Bull Racing seat.

As Mark Webber prepares to switch to Le Mans, world champions Kimi Raikkonen and Fernando Alonso are reportedly the big-name candidates for the 2014 vacancy alongside Sebastian Vettel.

But also right in the running is Daniel Ricciardo, the in-house candidate who, like Vettel before him, would win his place after serving time at Red Bull's junior team Toro Rosso.

Nico Hulkenberg, the Sauber driver who might be first in line to replace Raikkonen should the famous Finn leave Lotus, actually thinks the rising Ricciardo should get the nod.

Nico Hulkenberg (Photo: Sauber F1 Team)

"I would pick him," the German is quoted by Auto Motor und Sport.

"Daniel is a fast guy, and finally a young driver would get the chance to prove himself."

Meanwhile, Toro Rosso team boss Franz Tost insists Ricciardo's candidature for the plum Red Bull seat should not reflect badly on Jean-Eric Vergne.

"Jean-Eric is a driver who is very good and has a lot of skill," he told Brazil's Totalrace.

"The only reason Daniel is being tipped for the job and not him is just the question of experience -- he has done 13 races more than Vergne, which is practically a season," Tost insisted.

From GMM

With famous alternatives looming large, Daniel Ricciardo has received a vote of confidence as he pushes to secure the Red Bull Racing seat.

As Mark Webber prepares to switch to Le Mans, world champions Kimi Raikkonen and Fernando Alonso are reportedly the big-name candidates for the 2014 vacancy alongside Sebastian Vettel.

But also right in the running is Daniel Ricciardo, the in-house candidate who, like Vettel before him, would win his place after serving time at Red Bull's junior team Toro Rosso.

Nico Hulkenberg, the Sauber driver who might be first in line to replace Raikkonen should the famous Finn leave Lotus, actually thinks the rising Ricciardo should get the nod.

Nico Hulkenberg (Photo: Sauber F1 Team)

"I would pick him," the German is quoted by Auto Motor und Sport.

"Daniel is a fast guy, and finally a young driver would get the chance to prove himself."

Meanwhile, Toro Rosso team boss Franz Tost insists Ricciardo's candidature for the plum Red Bull seat should not reflect badly on Jean-Eric Vergne.

"Jean-Eric is a driver who is very good and has a lot of skill," he told Brazil's Totalrace.

"The only reason Daniel is being tipped for the job and not him is just the question of experience -- he has done 13 races more than Vergne, which is practically a season," Tost insisted.

From GMM

British Formula 1 driver, Lewis Hamilton is the fastest driver on the 2013 grid, the German magazine Auto Motor und Sport reports in a mid-season analysis.

Although the Mercedes driver only broke through for his first win of the year in Hungary, correspondent Michael Schmidt revealed Hamilton's average qualifying position so far in 2013 is a field-best of 2.36.

Red Bull's championship leader Sebastian Vettel's average grid position is 2.45, ahead of Hamilton's Mercedes teammate, Nico Rosberg, at 4.00.

The strongest driver in the crucial races, of course, is Vettel, with the German having held P1 during grands prix for a total of 1278 kilometres, compared to Fernando Alonso's mere 424.

Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes W04 (Photo: WRi2)

Lotus and Kimi Raikkonen, and Mercedes and Hamilton, are the most technically reliable packages of 2013, with 3,022 kilometres apiece, followed by the uncompetitive McLaren driven by Jenson Button.

But Finn Raikkonen is the only one of them who has scored points in every race.

The most crash, spin and incident-prone driver has been Williams' Pastor Maldonado, followed by the under-pressure Caterham rookie Giedo van der Garde.

Toro Rosso has been the team with the most technical problems, while Red Bull has the fastest pit stop crew, with struggling Williams' crew coming in slowest.