Report: GM asks Chevy dealers to buy Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla for Cruze comparisons

Filed under: Car Buying, Chevrolet, Honda, Toyota

Even with the impending launch of the Volt later in the Fall, the Chevrolet Cruze may be the biggest vehicle General Motors will launch in the U.S. this year. The reason is money. The Cruze should make some of it, while the Volt and its pricey development and battery packs likely won’t for a long time.

The Cruze looks pretty good to us, but we know that the new sedan will only be successful if it is properly launched and marketed. So how do you best show off a refined interior, 10 standard airbags and more hip- and shoulder-room than the top sellers in the class? Automotive News reports that The General will ask its 3,000 dealers to purchase a Toyota Corolla and a Honda Civic so Bowtie shoppers can compare and contrast the newest Chevrolet against the C-Segment stalwarts from Japan.

Since the Cruze is all-new in the U.S. market and both the Civic and Corolla are a bit long-in-the-tooth, we’re thinking the Chevy will win more than its fair share of buyers, but we’d like to see Chevy stores step up to the challenge of the Mazda3, as well. Perhaps the bigger challenge, though, will be to get customers who would traditionally buy a Honda or Toyota to shop at a Chevy store in the first place. GM plans to officially launch the Cruze in late September.

Photos by Zach Bowman / Copyright (C)2010 AOL

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Report: GM asks Chevy dealers to buy Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla for Cruze comparisons originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: Toyota recalling 1.1M Corolla and Matrix models over stalling fears *UPDATE

Filed under: Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Hatchback, Toyota

Toyota has been in the hot seat this year for its high-volume safety recalls, has issued yet another action that covers its 2005-2008 model year Corolla sedans and Matrix hatchbacks. Approximately 1.13 million vehicles are affected by a problem which could cause the 1ZZ-FE 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine to stall. Three accidents have been reported thus far, though Toyota hasn’t confirmed that these incidents were indeed caused by this engine stalling issue.

To fix this problem, Toyota will replace the engine control modules on the recalled vehicles starting in mid-September. Owners will be notified by mail in the coming weeks and the service will be provided at no charge.

This is not the first time this year that the Corolla and Matrix have been the subject of safety issues. In early 2010, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigated almost 750,000 2009 and 2010 model year vehicles for a potential steering issue, and Toyota provided a free fix for customers. An official recall was not issued, though, as Toyota maintains that this problem is not a safety concern.

Follow the jump to read Toyota’s official press release.

*UPDATE: We mustn’t forget that the Pontiac Vibe is built on the same architecture as the Corolla/Matrix, and General Motors has just issued a press release (available after the jump) stating that certain 2005-2008 model year Vibes are being recalled for this same issue.

[Sources: Toyota, AOL Autos, General Motors]

Continue reading Official: Toyota recalling 1.1M Corolla and Matrix models over stalling fears *UPDATE

Official: Toyota recalling 1.1M Corolla and Matrix models over stalling fears *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 14:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota Launches Dual VVT-I 2.0L Corolla Altis

Toyota Motor Philippines announces the introduction of the 2.0-liter Corolla Altis. The newest addition to the Altis line-up is the top-of-the-line variant equipped with superior technology comparable to Toyota’s high-end models. This includes a dual VVT-i engine, paddle shift, smart entry with push-start system and an array of comfort and safety features that puts it a notch above its class. The 2.0L Altis is offered at Php 1,100,000 and is available at all authorized Toyota dealers nationwide in February 2009.

The launch of the 2.0L Altis follows the successful introduction of the 10th Generation Corolla with 1.8-liter and 1.6-liter variants in January 2008, where it sold a total of 4,610 units on its first year. As the 2.0-liter variant revitalizes the entire line-up, it is expected to further boost Corolla sales and Toyota’s overall passenger car performance. Read more

Coming in March 2008: the All-New Toyota Corolla Altis

Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMPC), the biggest automotive company in the country, announces the introduction of the 2008 Corolla Altis in March this year. With all new specifications and features, the 10th generation Corolla will offer a new styling package that elevates its position as a global sedan.

Since the introduction of the Corolla in 1966, it has sold over 32 million units in over 140 countries, making it the best-selling vehicle in the world. In the Philippines, the Corolla was one of the first Toyota models introduced since the start of TMPC’s operations in 1989. Throughout the years, the Corolla has positively influenced the country’s motoring landscape and the lives of over 170,000 Filipino Corolla owners.

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