First-Ever All Test Drive Auto Show Debuts in Long Beach June 15-17

SoCal Test Drive Expo Offers Dozens of Test Drives at Auto Show during Father's Day Weekend

LONG BEACH, Calif., April 11, 2012 -- The streets of Long Beach, home of the Grand Prix of Long Beach, soon will be filled with dads and grads test driving auto manufactures newest vehicles. The SoCal Test Drive Expo , the nation's first-ever all test drive auto show, will take place in the Long Beach Convention Center on Father's Day Weekend, June 15-17, 2012. Featuring new makes and models from auto manufacturers, the show's unique, one-stop registration process will allow visitors to test drive dozens of different vehicles from the automotive brands with a single $10 admission.

Guests at the SoCal Test Drive Expo will begin and end their test drives indoors, buckling up in their choice of nearly 130 different cars and then driving outside onto a portion of the same seaside street course used for the Grand Prix of Long Beach. The show provides car shoppers with a unique opportunity to test drive multiple vehicles from competing brands under one roof in a sales free environment.

"This is the first auto show experience in the country that is focused entirely on test drives," said Todd Leutheuser, executive director, SoCal Test Drive Expo. "We want to get people behind the wheels of the cars, and give them the chance to experience many different vehicles in one afternoon."

The SoCal Test Drive Ex po marks the return of the auto show circuit to Long Beach for the first time since 1995. Event organizers expect nearly 20,000 test drives will be taken during the three-day show.

Show hours for the SoCal Test Drive Expo are Friday, June 15, 12:00 noon - 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, June 16, 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.; and Sunday, June 17, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Tickets will be available on line at www.testdriveexpo.com .

The SoCal Test Drive Expo is owned and operated by the Southland Motor Car Dealers Association . SMCDA was established in 1932 and represents the majority of new car and truck dealerships in Southern Los Angeles County. Visit SMCDA online at www.smcda.org.

SOURCE Southland Motor Car Dealers Association

Economy/Aging Vehicles Continue to Drive More DIY Auto Repairs, According to AutoMD.com's "2012 DIY Report"

DIYers are Saving Money, are More Confident - and Enjoying Doing Repairs Themselves!

CARSON, Calif., Feb. 1, 2012  -- The tough economy, which has led to an aging vehicle population, continues to spur more car owners to do more of their own auto repairs, and they report saving money by doing so - according to the "2012 DIY Report" from AutoMD.com. In fact, even those who, historically, have never done their own repairs say the economy is making them much more likely to try. Over half of DIYers admit to postponing auto repairs in the past twelve months, and the economy is the culprit for nearly two-thirds of them.

But there's a silver lining: DIYers are saving money and report becoming more confident since they have been performing more of their own auto repairs over the past two years AND they're taking pleasure in doing it themselves. 'Because I enjoy it' trailed only 'to save money' as the top two reasons people are doing more DIY. And one in four report undertaking more DIY auto repairs because there is now more information available online.

The AutoMD.com report is based on an online survey conducted among over 11,000 car owners from November 2011 – January 2012, and offers a snapshot of how the economy has impacted the auto repair behavior of car owners - both DIYers and DFMers (the do-it-for-me's).

DIYers Doing More Repairs / DFMers More Likely to Try

Nearly half (49%) of self-reported DIYers say they are doing more auto repairs themselves than they did the previous year – an increase of 29% from last year - with 69% claiming they are more likely to attempt a more difficult repair this year than last. Meanwhile, 77% of confirmed DFMers (those who typically never do repairs themselves) say current economic conditions have made them more likely to attempt their own repairs.

Bad Economy and Aging Vehicle Population Key Factors

While it's no longer news that consumers are holding onto their vehicles for extended periods of times, with each update the average age of a vehicle on the road keeps lengthening and newly-released data reveals it has just broken a new record of 10.8 years.(1) This ongoing trend was underscored in a 2011 AutoMD.com report, which found that 80% of car owners surveyed planned to put 50,000 or more miles on their current vehicle than they had on their previous one.(2)
 
AutoMD.com's new data shows that 64% of respondents now have a vehicle with over 100K miles, an increase of 20% from the previous year's study. And over 40% now drive a vehicle that is over 10 years old. The economy and people holding onto their vehicles longer are clearly key factors in the uptick in DIY repair – and 42% of survey respondents confirmed that these two forces are driving them to DIY more.

Saving Money with DIY

"Saving Money" is the number one reason cited by DIYers for doing their own auto repairs, at 83%. And they apparently are saving a bundle: 60% report they have saved over $500 a year DIYing it and buying their own parts. Interestingly, 89% of DFMers said that if they could purchase a part and bring it into the shop for installation when they go in for repairs, they would.

Which best describes why you choose to work on your own vehicles? Choose all that apply
To save money		83%
I enjoy it		64%
I trust myself more than a mechanic		39%
I have the expertise		36%
I have classic or exotic car, and it's a hobby		15%
Other		8%

Putting it Off

In spite of the increase in auto repair DIYing, well over half of the respondents (57%) also admitted that they had postponed auto repairs and maintenance in the last twelve months. "Lack of time" was the reason cited by nearly one-third, but the vast majority (60%) reported that the economy was again to blame.

DIYers More Confident with More Info and Practice, and DIYing for Fun

While 52% of DFMers said that 'not knowing how to' or 'fear of breaking something' was holding them back from doing auto repairs themselves, 91% were open to performing their own basic repairs if they had easy access to 'how-to' info. And of DIYers who said they are more likely this year than last to do a more difficult repair, 58% said it was either because there is more info available online (27%) or because they were more confident from doing their own repairs over the last two years (30%). Importantly, DIY is a labor of love for many, with 64% reporting they are doing their own repairs because they enjoy it!

About AutoMD.com

AutoMD.com™ (www.automd.com), a wholly-owned subsidiary of US Auto Parts Network, Inc., (Nasdaq: PRTS), is the most comprehensive and unbiased free online automotive repair resource designed to empower car owners with the best way to repair their vehicles. Backed by a team of automotive data specialists and certified auto mechanics who are advocates for the car owner, AutoMD.com allows car owners and DIYers to 1. Troubleshoot car problems, 2. Know how much auto repairs should cost, 3. Understand the steps needed and the time it should take with How-to Auto Repair guides, 4. Find the right local auto repair shop at the right price for their issue, and 5. Get auto repair questions answered by the AutoMD.com community. AutoMD.com was named Best Automotive Website in the 8^th annual American Business Awards, also known as the Stevie® Awards. AutoMD Mobile is available for the iPhone at iTunes.

Volkswagen Reveals Game Day Spot

Featuring the iconic 2012 Beetle, Volkswagen returns to the Big Game with 60-second ad

HERNDON, Va., Feb. 1, 2012  -- Volkswagen of America, Inc. revealed its new commercial today on its YouTube® channel. Viewers can catch a sneak peek of a special, extended 75-second spot online, with the 60-second version of the ad running in the second quarter of the Big Game. This is the third consecutive year that Volkswagen has advertised on Game Day.

"This is a perfect opportunity for Volkswagen to celebrate with the fans that have made 2011 such a record-setting year for the company," said Tim Mahoney, Chief Product and Marketing Officer, Volkswagen of America, Inc. "This year's commercial will build on Volkswagen's ability to tell human stories simply while continuing to build on the brand's momentum in the year ahead."

Volkswagen's 2012 Game Day commercial, "The Dog Strikes Back," features a story of an adorable dog named Bolt who is inspired to whip himself into shape by the power and performance of the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. The unexpected final moments are a sly wink toward the Star Wars™ theme of Volkswagen's 2011 Game Day commercial "The Force," which became a pop culture phenomenon and has nearly 50 million views on YouTube to date. The theme of the commercial is "Back. And better than ever," which illustrates the success and momentum that the Volkswagen brand is enjoying in the U.S.

Volkswagen's 2012 Game Day campaign kicked off with a teaser distributed in mid-January, entitled "The Bark Side," featuring a choir of dogs barking along to Star Wars' "Imperial March." The teaser quickly became an Internet sensation, garnering over ten million views to date on YouTube. The "Imperial March" is the same John Williams' composition used last year in "The Force."

Following the success of last year's advertisement, Volkswagen and Deutsch LA teamed up with Lucasfilm again to end the latest spot with a surprise twist. The final 15 seconds take place in the iconic Cantina introduced in Star Wars Episode IV, complete with a special appearance by none other than Darth Vader.

"We believe this spot underscores the Volkswagen brand's unmatched advertising legacy. It manages to highlight the redesign and performance of the Beetle with the lighthearted touches that viewers expect from the VW brand," said Mike Sheldon, CEO, Deutsch LA, Volkswagen's creative Agency of Record.
The new ad is part of a multi-faceted campaign for the Big Game, featuring digital and social media activations such as a takeover of ESPN mobile and the YouTube homepage. In mid-January, Volkswagen launched a "Big Game" tab on Facebook that serves as a one-stop shop for all things related to the game, including The Bark Side teaser, the early online release of the ad, an "Intergalactic Invite" allowing users to send Star Wars themed party e-vites to friends for the Big Game, and more.

About Volkswagen of America, Inc.Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen's operations in the United States include research and development, parts and vehicle processing, parts distribution centers, sales, marketing and service offices, financial service centers, and its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Beetle, Eos, Golf, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Passat, CC, Tiguan, Touareg and Routan vehicles through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at www.vw.com or media.vw.com to learn more.

"VW," "Volkswagen," all model names and the Volkswagen logo are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG.

Lucasfilm, STAR WARS™ and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. TM & Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved. All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners.

SOURCE Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Hyundai Takes High Performance Approach to Super Bowl XLVI Marketing Campaign

Hyundai Tackles Big Game with Five Spots Spanning Pre-game, Pre-kick and In-game Ads

COSTA MESA, Calif., Jan. 30, 2012 -- Hyundai, in its fifth consecutive year as a Super Bowl advertiser, will launch five total game-day ads on February 5, including two pre-game spots, one in the highly rated pre-kick time slot and two ads slated for in-game air time. The general theme of the day focuses on elements that drive the Hyundai brand and culture, with the two in-game ads highlighting performance characteristics – bolstering a brand attribute that Hyundai doesn't often emphasize. The campaign features interactive and digital content throughout, including outtakes, online extensions and social media engagement to extend the reach of the program. Creative was developed by Hyundai's agency of record, Innocean Worldwide Americas.

"Cheetah," a 30-second spot slated for the first quarter, features a caged cheetah set to race a new 201-horsepower Veloster Turbo on a long stretch of open road. The car launches and the cage opens, but just a few yards into the race, the cat realizes he's met his match as the car speeds ahead. The competitive cheetah then takes his frustration out on his handler.

To see on this YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/hyundaiUSA?x=us_game_6728.

"Think Fast," a 30-second spot slated for the fourth quarter of the game, introduces a character that will star in Hyundai's social media efforts named Bob. In this vignette, a young professional is driving his boss, Bob, a seasoned business pro, in his Genesis Coupe R-Spec. Bob is about to deliver a pearl of wisdom when he falls unconscious. The young driver hits the brakes hard, then throws his Genesis Coupe into drive repeatedly, generating enough force to revive Bob, at which time he delivers his piece of advice unphased by his apparent health scare.

To see this on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/hyundaiUSA?x=us_game_6729.

The audience can see more of "Bob's High-Powered Business Tips" by visiting Hyundai's YouTube Channel (www.YouTube.com/Hyundai).

"In developing this year's in-game creative, we recognized the brand has built a strong reputation for great value, fuel economy, warranty, safety and quality – all the rational attributes for buying a vehicle. Typically, Hyundai hasn't been top-of-mind with shoppers looking for performance and modern design – attributes that inspire an emotional connection," said Steve, Shannon, vice president of Marketing, Hyundai Motor America. "However, the just-announced Veloster Turbo and restyled Genesis Coupe R-Spec supply the lineup with plenty of performance credentials for a youthful audience looking to complement great design and features with cars that are fun to drive."

Hyundai's Super Bowl commitment includes the coveted pre-kick time slot, literally seconds before the game begins. Hyundai has developed a very important 60-second spot which truly highlights Hyundai's motivation to succeed. The spot, titled "All For One," reveals what drives Hyundai and its employees to relentlessly pursue making the best products possible.

Hyundai's founding chairman, Chung Ju-Yung, inspired this ad with his regular response when told challenges were too great to overcome. He simply asked: "Have you tried?" Inspired by the words of determination and encouragement, the spot captures the spirit that drives Hyundai. Against the backdrop of an iconic, internationally recognized song ("Gonna Fly Now" from the movie "Rocky" written by Bill Conti, Carol Connors and Ayn Robbins), Hyundai team members hum and sing along, demonstrating teamwork and encouragement when a co-worker needs a little support.

The ad features almost 200 actual Hyundai team members, trained by a vocal coach, and was filmed at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, in Montgomery, Ala., which produces more than 300,000 Sonata and Elantra sedans each year. View the spot and "making of" video here: http://youtu.be/1R4BWtBIGJ0 .

Finally, to round out the game-day lineup, Hyundai will celebrate its 2012 North American Car of the Year victory for Elantra with a new 30-second spot called "Victory Lap." The Elantra earned the prestigious award from a jury of 50 independent automotive media in early January. "Faster Acting" showcases the new 429-horsepower Genesis R-Spec sedan and furthers the theme of performance which bridges the pre-game spots with the in-game ads.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Costa Mesa, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 800 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle warranty, Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and five years of complimentary Roadside Assistance.

For more details on Hyundai Assurance, please visit www.HyundaiAssurance.com .

SOURCE Hyundai Motor America

Nitto Tire Kicks Up Dirt at KING OF THE HAMMERS: The Ultimate Desert Race

Nitto Tire Expects Great Results at This Year's Ultra4 Sanctioned King of the Hammers Race by Showcasing Specially Designed Trail Grappler® Race Tires and Six Sponsored Race Teams

CYPRESS, Calif., Jan. 17, 2012  -- Nitto Tire, a leading producer of high performance tires is prepping for a big win at this year's toughest desert race, King of the Hammers: The Ultimate Desert Race (KOH). Nitto Tire has put together some of the top winning drivers into six officially sponsored teams to tackle this extreme test of strategy, speed and guts. To further their edge in this competition, Nitto Tire has also developed a new, non-DOT tire specifically for this event called the 40x13.50R17 Trail Grappler K-spec®. The first tire designed for speed and rock climbing – two essential tests known in the KOH – the 40x13.50R17 Trail Grappler K-spec combines these two attributes in one performance package making it an industry first.

The Nitto Tire teams are led by top drivers, including: 2010's KOH winner, Loren Healy; 2009's first place winner, Jason Scherer; female driving sensation Cottin Rodd; as well as Derek West, Mel Wade and Masa Tsuda. Nitto Tire will also capture the excitement and thrilling action of the race through a documentary-style film. The film will be available on the official Nitto Tire website and will showcase the grueling, dangerous race in the California desert.

"King of the Hammers, is such a grueling and demanding race, drivers are constantly looking for any advantage against their competitors," said Tim Coltey, marketing and event specialist, Nitto Tires. "With Nitto's development of the Trail Grappler K-Spec, we are confident the Nitto teams will have that extra edge as no other tire can handle the speed, dirt and rock crawling like this new tire."

King of the Hammers: The Ultimate Desert Race is unique as it tests teams and drivers in high speed desert terrain and their ability to traverse rocks. Race car speeds are achieved through dusty desert trails, while the sheer vertical rock walls and rock washes brings another level of excitement and skill to this race unlike any other. The course spans more than 120 miles and usually takes teams between six to eight hours to complete…if they make it. Less than half of the teams in the KOH actually finish this insane adrenaline rush of a race.

King of the Hammers: The Ultimate Desert Race will be held at Means Dry Lake in Johnson Valley, Calif., on Friday, February 10, 2012. Nitto Tire will have a booth will be at the event from February 6-11.

About Nitto Tire

Nitto Tire (www.nittotire.com) develops performance tires for all uses, including racing, off-road and street. Using state-of-the-art manufacturing and testing facilities in both Japan and the United States – Nitto provides innovative and high-quality performance tires for the most demanding automotive enthusiasts. For more information about Nitto or its products, visit the company's web site or contact the company directly. Nitto is a registered trademark of Nitto Tire U.S.A. Inc., located at 5665 Plaza Drive, Ste. 250, Cypress, Calif., 90630.

New York Auto Show Unveils 2012 Artwork

Bold Image Combines the Freedom and Liberty of the Automobile & NYC

NEW YORK, Jan. 13, 2012  -- The New York International Auto Show is pleased to announce the launch of the 2012 poster artwork which helps set the tone for New York City's iconic 112-year-old automobile event that runs from April 6 - 15 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan.

"Nothing exemplifies individual freedom better than the automobile and nothing represents New York City better than the Statue of Liberty. By combining them in a fun and imaginative way we think we have captured these two great symbols of our liberty and freedom and created an image that will resonate with show visitors in a positive way," said Show chairman John LaSorsa.

"The New York Auto Show is an awe-inspiring combination of new ideas, technological innovation, future-looking concept cars and nearly 1,000 of the latest new vehicles. Over one million visitors are expected to visit the show this year to see what is truly possible from the automotive industry," he continued.

The eye-catching graphic serves many purposes for the event including the basis of an extensive outdoor advertising campaign on major metro area billboards, the New York City Subway, Long Island Rail Road, NY Waterway, and Metro-North Railroad. It's also the focal point of a comprehensive magazine, newspaper and web advertising campaign.

Important 2012 Show Dates :Press Preview, April 4 & April 5 (credentials required)
Public Sneak Preview, April 6 Public Show Dates, April 6 – 15

www.autoshowNY.com
www.facebook.com/nyautoshow
www.twitter.com/nyautoshow

Download the NYIAS App at iTunes.com

SOURCE New York International Auto Show

AutoLiquidator.com Provides Ford Truck Buyers an Alternative to Large Sticker Prices

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 12, 2012  -- Paying full price for new Ford trucks is a thing of the past according to one automotive website.


It does not take much research to prove that consumers like to shop. Likewise, it doesn't take much to prove that consumers also like to save on the things they shop for; especially the big ticket items like new cars. That is why AutoLiquidator.com is helping car buyers save money like never before with their new car deals.


When a consumer typically buys a new car they do not end up getting the benefits of a new car deal. Car buyers end up paying a price somewhere in the ball park of the Manufactures Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). The MSRP is roughly a 13 percent markup on the Factory Invoice (what the manufacture charges the dealer for a vehicle). However, when a consumer purchases a new car or Ford truck from AutoLiquidator.com, they end up paying much less than the Factory Invoice.


Auto Liquidator is able to provide new car buyers with such great prices through their nationwide dealer network. The dealers partnered with Auto Liquidator use AutoLiquidator.com as a host for their exclusive auto liquidation inventory sales. It is through these sales that Auto Liquidator customers are able to avoid paying full price on new vehicles.


Within Auto Liquidators dealer network, is a core group of Ford truck dealers that are dedicated to seeing Ford pickup lovers drive away with savings every time they buy. Although, these prices are not listed on the Auto Liquidator website, when interested car buyers fill in the quote form on any Ford 4x4 truck, they will certainly be shocked and pleased at the price they get back from one of the participating Ford car dealerships.
So, if you're one of those people who are looking to get into a new Ford truck, then it might be worth your time to take a few seconds and get a quote from AutoLiquidator.com.


SOURCE AutoLiquidator.com