Inside Line: 2011 Kia Optima EX First Drive The new Optima shares exactly zero external sheet metal or interior panels with the Sonata, so the vibe is entirely different. Whereas the Hyundai Sonata comes across as svelte — pretty, even — the 2011 Kia Optima looks taut, purposeful and ready to go. Green Car: How a $41K CNG Van Can Be Cheaper Than Its $25K Gasoline Cousin We know CNG is cheaper and cleaner than gas or diesel and we... 

Mercedes-Benz is upgrading the Mobile Application portion of its mbrace telematics system to include remote concierge service. The mobile app already allows remote services such as door locking and unlocking, vehicle location, roadside assistance and a dealer locator. Previously concierge service was only available from inside the vehicle. The Mobile Application 2.0 version of mbrace, which is supplied to Mercedes-Benz by Hughes Telematics ,... 

For the consumer whose car-buying ritual has involved getting a brochure at the dealership, there's a shock in store on the next shopping trip. While car brochures have been time-tested tools for consumers who want to learn more about the features and design philosophy of a vehicle, they're getting harder and harder to find. But don't mourn (too much) the demise of the car brochure. Twenty years ago, about the only thing a consumer... 

When you ask someone for directions, do they say something like, “In 500 feet, turn left.” No, that's something you'd hear from a navigation system. A local — and human — might say something like, “Go to the church on the corner and make a left.” That's the idea behind NAVTEQ 's new Natural Guidance turn-by-turn directions, which the company says will give navigation systems using its mapping... 

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General Motors announced that it will be offering a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) option this fall for its 2011 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana full-size vans. The CNG option is sold as part of an “all-inclusive” $15,910 package. The bulk of the price comes from the $14,590 CNG fueling system. The 6.0-liter Vortec V8 engine costs $1,295. The package also includes heavy-duty trailering equipment, valued at $265. If you've been... 

Nissan has announced the start of the official order process for the all-electric 2011 Nissan Leaf . The ordering process begins today for folks who have already placed a reservation online , and those consumers will now be able to choose color and trim level. The ordering process for Nissan Leaf will be prioritized based on when consumers submitted their original reservations online and by the consumer's market. Over the next several weeks,... 

Auto Observer: New U.S. Kia Plant to Build Hyundai CUV Kia Motors America today announced it will begin production of the Hyundai Santa Fe crossover at the Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia assembly plant in West Point, Georgia, beginning in late September. Inside Line: 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 Full Test The GT500 just didn't deliver. Rather, it over-delivered. With massive stick, serious brakes, huge thrust, killer sound and speed like we've... 

Automakers are caught in a conundrum: Consumers are used to having access to communications and information 24/7, and smartphones now allow them to do that anywhere, even while behind the wheel. Of course, accessing email and updating your Facebook status was never designed as an activity to engage in while driving, but many vehicles already allow accessing thousands of songs on a smartphone, making phone calls hands-free and even receiving... 

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) announced two proposed fuel economy labels that would appear on the window sticker of new vehicles. These new labels mark the biggest change in 30 years. “The old petroleum-centric labels just aren't good enough anymore,” NHTSA administrator David Strickland said. The new labels are necessary because of the increasing number of electric and plug-in... 

Would you believe someone if they told you that they just custom ordered a new car that came with a free trip to Europe and actually cost less to pick it up at the factory than at the dealership? Does it sound too good to be true? It's not as farfetched as it may seem. This week's recommended reading is: ” European Vehicle Delivery Programs “. In it you'll learn that the European vehicle delivery programs offered by Audi,... 

In celebration of the recently launched Outlander Sport , Mitsubishi is sponsoring the a Facebook contest with a trip to Japan as the grand prize. The trip also will include a pickup from the airport in an Outlander Sport, a visit to Mitsubishi's headquarters, an all day tour of Tokyo, roundtrip tickets to ride the bullet train between Tokyo and Kyoto and $  Read More →

Edmunds Test Drive: 2011 Kia Sportage Kia has been on a charge lately, and the 2011 Kia Sportage is proof that the junior partner in the Hyundai automobile empire isn't planning to slow down just yet. IL News: Lotus Esprit May Use Lexus LFA V10 Power The next-generation Lotus Esprit supercar, details of which will be announced at the 2010 Paris Auto Show next month, could be powered by the 552-horsepower Lexus LFA V10, says a source close... 

The 2011 models may be beckoning, but for a lot of people, the first step in buying a car should come six months before the actual  Read More →