When a manufacturer shows transparency as Toyota has done recently, consumers can feel good about their loyalty to brands and dealers.  Keeping all this in mind consumers still need to use the power of the internet to gain the knowledge needed to approach their purchasing decision with confidence.  The Boston Globe recently published this article about smart buying in a down economy.  Well written and full of knowledge – enjoy and let us know what you think!

New Car Networks endorses the Herb Chambers Companies as the Northeasts best dealerships for sales and service.  Visit any of their dealerships that range from Vespa, Ford, Honda and Toyota to Mercedes-Benz, Bentley, Lamborghini and Lexus to find a shared knowledge and commitment to excellent sales and service. – CLICK HERE

Recalls add a new twist to buying a car, but a few easy steps can steer you clear of sour deals

By Johnny Diaz, Globe Staff | April 11, 2010

BRAINTREE — Bill Bailot narrowed his new car search down to the Toyota Camry and Ford Fusion.

His 2005 Camry has been very reliable, wracking up 122,000 miles, and the two car manufacturers’ latest incentives — zero percent interest for 60 months — are a draw. But the recent Toyota recalls drove Bailot toward the Ford.

“My hesitation and ultimate decision not to go with [Toyota] again is the apprehension I felt over their recently discovered and reported mechanical problems,’’ the Weymouth moving company analyst said after signing the paperwork on his new sedan at Herb Chambers Ford recently.

Buying a car can always rev up some angst. But buyers today have to navigate a choppy sea of car recalls and mea culpas from automakers. In addition to Toyota’s recent recall of 8.5 million vehicles for problems related to unintended acceleration and brake failure, General Motors Corp., Honda Motor Co., and other manufacturers have issued various recalls in recent months. That makes it more difficult for prospective car buyers to avoid getting a defective vehicle, auto analysts say.

Jake Fisher, a senior automotive engineer for Consumer Reports magazine, said most cars “undergo a recall in their lifetime,’’ so that doesn’t necessarily mean a model is unsafe. Likewise, he says, “finding a vehicle that has no recalls doesn’t assure you that you are going to have a reliable, safe vehicle.’’

Analysts say that there are several ways consumers can protect themselves from buying a lemon, though. “People don’t realize how easy it is once you know the tools you have to work with,’’ said Philip Reed, senior consumer advice editor for auto research website edmunds.com.

Safety first

There are a number of places for consumers to find safety information about new cars. The websites of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at nhtsa.gov, or the Center for Auto Safety at www.autosafety.org, inform people about recalls, potential defects, and complaints.

Car analysts also suggest buyers do an Internet search to find out what other drivers are saying about a particular car. They say this is sometimes an easier than going through the national federal database, which doesn’t say which complaints might be the result of driver error or a defective car.

“It’s easier to get information from enthusiasts’ message boards where people are talking about a particular brand of cars,’’ said Dan Edmunds, director of vehicle testing at edmunds.com. “If you see lots and lots of the same thing, it can rise to the level of a potential problem with the car.’’

Consumers also can find out the number of accidents and previous owners for a used car by supplying the vehicle identification number to Carfax Vehicle History Reports by going to carfax.com, for example. But you’ll have to pay for these background searches. A single report from Carfax costs $35.

Other sites including Edmunds Inc.’s edmunds.com, AAA’s aaa.com, Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com, and Classified Ventures LLC’s cars.com, give people an idea of what a dealer’s costs are on the car, what other people might be paying for the same model, recent reviews, as well as crash safety test information.

Additionally, concerned car buyers can take a look at a model’s technical service bulletins. These bulletins are what manufacturers issue to dealers when they’ve received a large number of customers complaining about an issue but not enough to warrant a recall. Often, the bulletins include extended warranties or promises to fix the problem if someone shows up at a dealer with a faulty car.

Analysts also suggest buyers read up on the state’s three specific lemon laws, to make sure that they are familiar with their rights when purchasing a car. The state attorney general’s office and the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation provide buyer’s guides under the lemon law section at www.mass.gov/consumer.

On the website, you can also find a sample letter car owners can use to send to dealers when their cars need repairs.

“You can’t buy a car from a dealers as is,’’ said John Paul of AAA Southern New England.

Getting a deal

Paul said that thorough research can only help a shopper get a good deal on a new or used car. Calling various dealerships ahead of time to collect quotes on a specific model for comparison purposes can save you time on showroom visits.

“The more prepared you are and the more information you go in with, the more likely the salesperson will recognize that you are a serious buyer and the more likely that salesperson is going to give you the best price that they can,’’ he said.

But the research doesn’t have to end at home. One car analyst suggests what the “out-the-door’’ price will be once you’re at the dealership, meaning, “How much would the car cost with all the fees included?’’

“What they may do is give you a worksheet where they list all the fees and you can look that over and see if there is anything extra,’’ said Reed of Edmunds.com. “You want to make sure there aren’t any advertising fees and additional preparation fees. What should be charged is sales tax, documentation fees, [registration] fees, and in some cases, some minor environmental fees.’’

Also, some analysts say that buyers should be careful in choosing the color for their new car if they want to save cash. Certain model colors sell faster than others. Blue, silver, and gold are popular right now, according to some analysts. You may be able to save money by buying a car of a color that isn’t as popular.

Additionally, the car’s engine can affect the overall price.

“The bigger the engine and the higher the horsepower, the more the car costs typically,’’ said Mark Ragsdale, a former Massachusetts car dealership owner and current author of “Car Wreck — How You Got Rear-Ended, Run Over, & Crushed by the US Auto Industry.’’ “This may also increase your annual insurance premiums.’’

Other considerations

Shoppers should call their auto insurance company to check whether the model they’re interested in is on a high-theft list because that may increase premiums.

“Insurance costs can be a deal breaker depending on your own driving record and the type of car it is,’’ said AAA’s Paul. “Remember, car insurance can be an expense that you have to deal with on a yearly basis.’’

Experts also suggest scheduling a test drive ahead of time through the dealership’s Web sales department. They are less likely to hound you than the showroom staff once you’re there, say some analysts.

“The only thing you need to do in the dealership is the test drive,’’ said Reed, with edmunds.com.

Reed suggests that car buyers can even do the financing and negotiating ahead of time remotely, via phone or e-mail. This way, he said, “you can avoid one of the worst parts of the car buying process, which is the finance and insurance offices.’’

After you strike a deal, be careful with extended warranties, some analysts say. New cars come with warranties that range anywhere from three years or 36,000 miles to 10 years or 100,000 miles, depending on which the car reaches first.

Optional extended warranties, which vary by model and manufacturer, are lucrative for dealers for both new and used cars, but you don’t have to buy one when you purchase a vehicle.

You may be able to get an extended service contract later on from the manufacturer or through a third-party insurer such as AAA or EasyCare. Prices vary for both manufacturers’ and third-party extended warranties.

Erin Ailworth of the Globe staff contributed to this report. Johnny Diaz can be reached at jodiaz@globe.com.

© Copyright 2010 The New York Times Company

The latest and greatest release from Media Crush for New Car Networks  is a strong intiative to build brand awareness and drive lead generation  for Vespa Motor Scooters!

The program required a build out of two traditional Web Properties:

Best Vespa Dealers ( which had been around but not fleshed out) and Vespa Nation!

Twitter:  @GetaVespa

In addtion to Vespa Nation and Best Vespa Dealers; Media Crush got sociable and released @GetaVespa on Twitter. 

Facebook:  Vespa Boston

On Facebook an account called Vespa Boston was created – CLICK HERE to become a fan!

YouTube:  Vespa Motor Scooters

The YouTube account that Media Crush created has been getting substantive traffic reports in its first four weeks – CLICK HERE  to take a look at the largest aggregation of Vespa Vintage footage and more!

New Car Networks will keep you updated as Media Crush will be doing Vespa event marketing with up and coming fashion house  Venni Caprice. 

 Media Crush along with 2d barcoding pioneers  Capture Code  will utilize  this data rich technology into the program at every level!

The sponsorship for this amazing project on behalf of Vespa is Herb Chambers Companies!

Chambers Continues to Storm Forward With Expansion Plans

SUDBURY – Less than a year ago, Herb Chambers gathered with community and industry leaders as well as employees and friends to officially break ground on a new BMW dealership in Sudbury.

At the time, the economy had started its downward spiral, and many people questioned Chambers’ reasoning. Since then, there have been lots of happenings in the industry with General Motors entering and reemerging from bankruptcy, Chrysler closing thousands of dealerships, and even the government stepping in to help boost sales with the Cash for Clunkers program. But that groundbreaking in Sudbury was Chambers’ fifth of the year, and he hasn’t looked back since.

“We took a long term view when moving forward with our development plans, because our company is here for the long haul and expect to continue to grow our business,” said Herb Chambers. “We want to make sure that we differentiate ourselves from the competition by offering customers the most convenient and comfortable experience in our dealerships.”

On Thursday Sept. 17, Herb Chambers, New England’s largest automotive dealer, is opening the doors to the just completed Herb Chambers BMW of Sudbury. The 70,000 plus square-foot dealership is the third largest dealership of Chambers’ 45 locations, and features the latest in amenities designed to pamper customers.

The six-acre property, conveniently located off Route 20 at 68 Old County Road, offers customers a three lane drive in service reception area with valet attendants, a television lounge featuring plasma TV’s and a fireplace, children’s play area, sales lounges, a coffee bar and café, a seasonal outdoor patio, business center, and plenty of parking.

In June of 2007 Chambers purchased Foreign Motors West. The acquisition included Rolls Royce, Mercedes Benz, BMW, Bentley, and Land Rover brands. At the time of the purchase, Chambers pledged to invest in growing the dealerships and committed to building a larger BMW facility at a new home in Sudbury. The dealership will replace Foreign Motors West BMW located on Route 27 in Natick, which will remain the home of Mercedes Benz of Natick where Chambers has plans for future renovations.

“This is very important for us, and we are very excited about expanding our presence in Sudbury with the addition of this luxury brand,” said Herb Chambers. Chambers also has a Land Rover Sudbury dealership located on Boston Post Road (Route 20).

The new dealership also features a 15-car two story showroom, a 6-car exterior display area featuring a sun-shaded canopy, 40 service bays, 6 reconditioning bays, and an automatic car wash. Because of the vast array of luxury brands, Chambers welcomes trade-ins. Creative financing is available and a huge selection of fine pre-owned vehicles.

The dealership was designed by Regent Associates Inc. of Westborough and constructed by Advantage Construction of Quincy.

In February Chambers opened brand new Porsche and Audi dealerships in Burlington, in March he opened a new truck service and collision center in Braintree, in April he opened a new Infiniti dealership on Route 9 in Westborough, and next month he will complete an expansion of his Mercedes Benz and Smart Center dealerships at Flagship Motorcars of Lynnfield.

“Our continued growth has been a result of the support of our expanding customer base, the dedication of our employees, and the cooperation by town officials in the communities that we operate in,” said Herb Chambers. “We are excited to continue to grow both our company and our customer base moving forward.”

About Herb Chambers Companies

Herb Chambers purchased his first car dealership in 1985 and has grown his company into the largest automobile dealership group in New England. Today, the Herb Chambers Companies are comprised of 45 automotive dealerships throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island. For a complete list of dealership locations visit www.herbchambers.com.

Going on NOW at ALL Herb Chambers Dealer Locations!

Herb Chambers is an automotive dealership group based out of Somerville Massachusetts, we care about creating a positive car buying experience. For decades Herb Chambers has provided New England car buyers with high quality automobiles including those from BMW, Porsche, Ford, Lexus, MINI, Chrysler, Scion, Honda, and many more. As one of the most trusted brands in New England, Herb Chambers is a proud member of the Better Business Bureau. Featured in a number of area media publications like The Metro West Daily News, The Providence Journal and Boston.com, Herb Chambers is known to local buyers as the region’s premier automotive dealership group.

Whether you are looking to buy a new vehicle from Herb Chambers, or, just looking to have quality collision repair or service performed — we hope that you find what you need here on our web site. If not, please contact us as soon as possible so that we can better assist you.

Herb Chambers serves the greater metropolitan areas of Boston Massachusetts and Providence Rhode Island. Dealerships in the Herb Chambers Companies include Audi, Bentley, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chevy, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Honda, Hummer, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jeep, Land Rover, Lexus, Maybach, Mercedes, Mercedes Benz, Mini, Pontiac, Porsche, Rolls Royce, Saab, Saturn, Scion, Smart, Toyota, Vespa and preowned vehicles.

Herb Chambers Official Website: CLICK HERE

Camaro Vehicle Highlights

The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro marks the return of this General Motors division’s iconic “pony car.” It bows as a 2-door coupe. A 2-door convertible version is due in early calendar 2011. The 2010 Camaro shares some of its basic underskin design with the Pontiac G8 large sedan and wears body styling inspired by the 1969 Camaro. LS, 1LT, 2LT, 1SS, and 2SS trim levels are offered.

Two engines are available–a V6 and a V8. The V6 is a 3.6-liter unit that produces 304 hp.

It’s available on LS and LT. SS versions with a manual transmission get a 426-hp 6.2-liter V8. Automatic-equipped SS models also get a 6.2-liter V8, but it makes 400 hp and features GM’s Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation.

V6 versions also offer a manual or automatic transmission. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. An RS Package for LT and SS models includes bi-xenon headlights, specific trim, and on LT versions, 20-inch wheels.

All Camaros are available with 21-inch wheels. Other available features include a wireless cell-phone link, USB port, satellite radio, remote engine start, and later in the model year, rear-obstacle detection. This evaluation is based on preview test drives.

By Liz Opsitnik  CLICK HERE for Auto Loan Daily

One way consumers can save money on auto maintenance costs is by comparison shopping and calling several dealerships and independent shops, according to a new analysis in Consumer Reports’ Annual Auto issue.

“Consumers are feeling the pinch these days, but with a little detective work, they can save hundreds, while still taking proper care of their vehicles,” said Rik Paul, automotive editor at Consumer Reports.

Consumer Reports’ Annual Auto Issue will be on newsstands from March 3 to May 4 and online at www.ConsumerReports.org.

5 Auto Service Rip-Offs

1. Flushing the engine or transmission. Those are common ways for dealers to pad their maintenance bills. Automakers recommend against flushing the engine.

2. Automatically charging for “severe” maintenance. Some shops assume you need the car’s severe-use maintenance service, which typically involves changing filters and fluids more frequently than the regular service schedule recommends. See your owner’s manual for details; most drivers need to follow only the normal schedule.

3. Frequently replacing different parts. A mechanic who keeps charging you to replace different parts to solve the same problem is probably having trouble diagnosing your car. Even if the mistake is an honest one, you shouldn’t have to pay for it. Ask the mechanic to refund the cost of the first repair, which probably wasn’t necessary. Otherwise, replace the mechanic.

4. Replacing the same part over and over again. That might indicate shoddy workmanship or a poor-quality part; neither should cost you extra. The Internet makes it easy to see whether a model is prone to certain problems. Search for your model in forums. Check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Web site (www.nhtsa.dot.gov) for automaker service bulletins and consumer complaints. Also, check www.ConsumerReports.org and click on Cars, then Car Forums, then John’s Tool Box.

5. Insisting that only dealerships can perform maintenance. Legally, you can have maintenance performed at any mechanic without affecting your warranty. Just keep thorough records in case of a warranty claim. The only services that need to be performed at dealerships are warranty repairs, recalls, or post-warranty work that you want the manufacturer to pay for.

Source: Consumer Reports

For the ultimate in hands-on design, a new company in Wareham now invites you to create your own car

More Local Motors Wareham Coverage on:  The Boston Financial Guide:  CLICK HERE

The concept of Local Motors goes back a few years, to when Rogers was pursuing his MBA at Harvard Business School, after spending six years in the Marine Corps, which included time in Iraq. Rogers and his Harvard classmate Jeffrey Robert Jones started brainstorming about launching a new kind of car company in 2006. The following year, they had developed a business plan and cofounded Local Motors. When Jones decided to go back to school for his doctorate, Rogers pressed forward, building Local Motors into a viable enterprise.

Local Motors raised about $4 million from 30 different investors, opened its Wareham headquarters in September 2007, and launched its website (www.local-motors.com) in March 2008.

Since then, more than 1,600 car enthusiasts and designers – from 118 different countries – have joined the Local Motors online community. They’ve submitted more than 21,000 designs and left countless comments and invaluable feedback.

Production of the first Local Motors vehicle is already underway. The Rally Fighter is a “performance, off-road, desert-racing rally coupe” that was designed by Sangho Kim, a student studying transportation design at Art Center College of Design in California.

The first model is scheduled to be finished this spring. It will be priced at about $50,000. The Rally Fighter, said Rogers, “is speaking to everybody who lives in Vegas, Phoenix, LA, San Diego, who go to Baja to race the Baja 1000, who do the Vegas Torino Challenge, or who just go out on the weekends with their kids.”

The Local Motors community voted the “Boston Bullet” as the top design for Boston. It would seat three passengers and have two electric motors and a transparent roof and fenders. It was designed by Mihai Panaitescu, a Romanian design student studying in Italy. He won $2,000 and bragging rights on the Local Motors site and stands to earn an additional $10,000 if and when the first Bullet is built.

The Bullet and the cars that follow should have more affordable price tags than the Rally Fighter, Rogers said.

Local Motors has 10 employees, and in the next five to 10 years, Rogers hopes to have 25 microfactories up and running. It’s an ambitious plan, but the aspiring auto maker has won the support of many and has an impressive team of advisors that includes Karim R. Lakhani, an assistant professor at Harvard Business School.

“I was impressed by [Jay's] ambition and his vision, and over time I was impressed with his ability to deliver and reach all the milestones he’s set for himself,” said Lakhani.

Lakhani said community-based development has long been used to create open-source software and is now being incorporated by Web 2.0 businesses such as Threadless.com, a company that makes T-shirts based on designs that are submitted and rated by the public. With Local Motors, Rogers is taking that strategy of community-based development to another level, according to Lakhani.

“There’s a wide distribution of talent and knowledge all over the world. Jay’s tapping into that.”

Emily Sweeney can be reached at esweeney@globe.com.

Kelley Blue Book News

July 1, 2009

Kbb.com names most-researched new-vehicles in first-half ‘09

Redesigned Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Fusion, Volkswagen Jetta, Lexus RX350 in Top 20

Kelley Blue Book said the Honda Accord was the most-researched new-vehicles for the first half of 2009. kbb.com is one of the most trafficked automotive research sites with more than 12 million visits per month, so which specific vehicles consumers are checking out on the site has become a leading indicator of sales patterns for manufacturers, Kelley says. Kbb.com’s top 20 Most-Researched New Vehicles for First-Half of 2009 had Japanese models taking the first nine spots followed by Ford Mustang and No. 10.1. Honda Accord

2. Honda Civic

3. Toyota Camry

4. Honda CR-V

5. Toyota Corolla

6. Toyota Highlander

7. Nissan Altima

8. Toyota RAV4

9. Toyota Prius

10. Ford Mustang

11. Honda Pilot

12. MAZDA3

13. Honda Odyssey

14. Ford Fusion

15. Ford Escape

16. Chevrolet Camaro

17. Volkswagen Jetta

18. Toyota Sienna

19. Chevrolet Malibu

20. Lexus RX350

Import manufacturers Honda and Toyota frequently dominate the kbb.com most-researched lists, and while they still have a major turnout for the first-half of 2009 (securing 11 of the top 20 spots), this list demonstrates that a few newly redesigned models have captured the attention of consumers.

When compared year-over-year to the most-researched new-vehicles for the first half of 2008, four models are all-new to this year’s top 20 list: Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Fusion, Volkswagen Jetta and Lexus RX350.

Chevrolet’s buzzworthy Camaro made the most impressive jump onto this year’s list, from number 427 in June 2008 to number 16 in June 2009. Primary drivers of increased Camaro research include hefty movie promotions with the “Transformers” films and significant advertising executed in the past year.

The Ford Fusion jumped 43 positions from number 57 in June 2008 to number 14 in June 2009 due to the introduction and heavy promotion of Ford’s 2010 Fusion and Fusion Hybrid models.

Volkswagen’s Jetta climbed from number 32 in June 2008 to number 17 in June 2009; increased interest arose from the introduction of the Jetta’s TDI diesel variation.

The Lexus RX350 jumped from number 29 in June 2008 to number 20 in June 2009, as Lexus introduced and promoted its redesigned 2010 model heavily in recent months.

The MINI Cooper saw the largest decline in new-vehicle research in the past year, falling 18 positions from number 19 in June 2008 to number 37 in June 2009. Interest in the MINI was uncommonly high in June 2008 due to extremely elevated gas prices at the time; now that fuel prices have returned to more ‘normal’ levels in June 2009, new-car shoppers are not researching compact and sub-compact models like the Cooper nearly as often.

“While mainstays Toyota and Honda continue to take the majority of the most-researched spots, the interesting newcomers to this year’s list demonstrate the vast power of marketing, advertising and product placement in generating interest among in-market new-car shoppers,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com. “Increased interest in sexy new vehicles like the Camaro, new fuel-efficient variations such as the Fusion Hybrid and Jetta TDI, and redesigned popular models like the RX350, indicates that consumers are paying attention to what’s new in the automotive marketplace and expanding their options as they research their next new car.”

With July right around the corner,  New Car Networks has been putting together some dynamic plans for growth with an even greater concentration on localized niche’ searches.

Recently, with our Parent company Media Crush LLC we have conducted some informal focus group studies to help determine some of the new sites we will publish.  Media Crush:  has created an enterprise of clustered sites spanning a wide array of interest groups.  They utilize this enterprise for many services among  them are cross demographic media publications to engage an enjoyable and lengthy visiting cycle.  This engaging methodology is inviting and niche’d enough to develop a substantive opt in email database so New Car Networks can deliver what the end users are seeking.  As always we encourage your participation and input.

Media Crush is currently seeking writers and video bloggers!  Please submit samples to  bob@mediacrushllc.com .

This is a unique opportunity to get involved with a dynamic and growth oriented company.