West coast cities dominate Greenest Car Shoppers list

Cars.com has released a list of the ten US cities with the most environmentally conscious car shoppers. Not surprisingly, west coast spots made up the bulk of the locations. The site found its results by compiling data pulled from visitors who shopped for hybrids or other green cars. While locations like San Francisco, San Diego, Portland, Sacramento and even Honolulu make sense, the list did serve up one solid oddball. Lima, Ohio made the cut. Why? Hard telling. The city sits smack between Dayton and Toledo on Interstate 75 and boasts a population of a little under 38,800 people. It's also the only place in the world that produces the M1 Abrams tank.

Meanwhile, Washington, D.C. was the only East coast location to make the list. You can read the full press release below for a closer look at which areas made the cut.

Cars.com Names U.S. Cities with the Greenest Car Shoppers

CHICAGO, April 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Cars.com, the premier online resource for buying and selling new and used cars, compiled a list of U.S. cities with the most environmentally-conscious car shoppers. The list was assembled analyzing data from Cars.com's millions of visitors who searched for hybrids or other environmentally friendly cars. The study's findings indicate that shoppers on the West coast tend to be the greenest.

"It is not surprising that California and other West Coast cities top the list with some of the greenest car shoppers. That part of the country has long led the charge in the green movement," said Joe Wiesenfelder , Cars.com's Executive Editor and resident green automotive guru. "With abundant charging stations, special perks for eco-friendly drivers in some western cities and robust infrastructure, the West Coast is well equipped to cater to the needs of eco-conscious drivers."As car shoppers nationwide continue to embrace green cars, Cars.com has found that the following cities have the greenest car shoppers (ranked from greenest to least green):

San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose, Calif.

Monterey-Salinas, Calif.

San Diego, Calif.

Portland, Ore.

Eureka, Calif.

Washington D.C.

Honolulu, Hawaii

Lima, Ohio

Medford-Klamath Falls, Ore.

Sacramento-Stockton-Modesto, Calif.

"We've continued to see an increase in shoppers searching for hybrids or eco-friendly cars. From 2012 to 2013, we saw a 5% jump in these searches and a 106% increase in 'green' inventory listed on the site," said Wiesenfelder. "As automakers continue to introduce new hybrids that meet the needs of a wide array of drivers, dealer inventories are also growing to meet the needs of shoppers looking to go green."

This week, Cars.com also released a list of its editors' top hybrid cars for the money. To see that list, click here. To search for a hybrid or eco-friendly vehicle in your area, visit www.Cars.com.

Classic SUVs next big thing for car collectors

Hagerty Insurance seems to think vintage SUVs are going to be the next big trend in car collecting. The agency has already seen prices begin to tick upward at auction, with the number of classic SUVs insured by the company growing some 65 percent since 2008. That's about twice the pace of the overall market. All told, Toyota Land Cruisers have seen the largest jump with a swell of 202 percent, though 1970s and 1980s Jeep models are up by a more than respectable 93 percent as well. Like wise, Ford Bronco and International Scout SUVs are up by 86 and 85 percent, respectively.

Hagerty attributes the increase with the overall rise in the popularity of the SUV in general. As modern machines become more in vogue, so do their predecessors by extension. While these old bruisers haven't spent much time in the lime light at classic car auctions, Hagerty says recent events in Scottsdale featured 11 vintage Toyota Land Cruiser models, one of which sold for $88,000. That's quite a price for a 1981 FJ-40. You can read the full press release below.

VINTAGE SUV'S QUICKLY BECOMING HOT COMMODITY AMONG COLLECTORS

Hagerty Observes Significant Shift in Allure of Vintage Sport Utility Vehicles

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (April 11, 2013) – Once considered out of place at prominent classic vehicle auctions, vintage SUVs are rapidly gaining in popularity among collectors. During a series of collector car auctions in Scottsdale earlier this year, 11 vintage Toyota Land Cruisers sold, with the best example – a 1981 Mustard Yellow FJ-40 – selling for $88,000.

The recent public sales are not an outlier according to Hagerty Insurance, host to the largest database of classic cars in the world – this has been a growing trend for the past five years. Hagerty reports the niche segment of vintage SUVs has grown 65% since 2008, nearly twice the percentage rate of the company's overall book of business, which has risen 37% during the same period.

While vintage Toyota Land Cruisers (202%) appear to be the fastest rising choice among vintage SUVs, other models showing significant movement include 1970s and '80s Jeeps (93%), Ford Broncos (86%) and International Scouts (85%) from the 1960s and '70s.

"With so many young collectors opting for modern SUVs as their daily drivers, we're seeing a shift in perception of what makes a vehicle cool," says McKeel Hagerty, President and CEO of Hagerty, the world's leading provider of classic car insurance. "Broncos, Land Rovers and other similar vehicles from the '60s and '70s were, for the most part, once seen as utilitarian. But vintage SUVs are becoming more and more collectible, and it appears that trend will continue. This is a great time to get into this segment of the collector car market."

In addition to growth in Hagerty's database, sales analysis of more than 15 major auction houses, recently conducted by the Hagerty Institute, offers further evidence of a budding trend of increased SUV sales and values. Over the last five years, the number of vintage SUV's offered at auction is up 150 percent, and the value of these vehicles has risen 31 percent.

Based in Traverse City, Michigan, Hagerty is the world's leading insurance provider for classic vehicles and host to the largest network of classic car owners. Hagerty offers insurance for classic cars, trucks, motorcycles and motorcycle safety equipment, tractors, automotive tools and spare parts, and even "automobilia" (any historic or collectible item linked with motor vehicles). Hagerty also offers overseas shipping/touring insurance coverage, commercial coverage and club liability coverage. For more information, call (800) 922-4050 or visit www.hagerty.com.

Hagerty also provides online Valuation Tools and publishes Hagerty Price Guide, which are the premier price and value guides for post-war collectible automobiles. For more information please visit www.hagerty.com/valuationtools.

Woman trades 1914 Model T in for 2013 Corvette

We're sure that dealers must see all sorts of interesting trade ins, but this one may take the cake. Red River Chevrolet in Bossier City, Louisiana, recently had a customer come in with an odd request. Tina Boyter wanted to trade in three vehicles on a brand-new 2013 Chevy Corvette. Among the hardware was 1980 Corvette, a 1978 Cadillac Eldorado and a 1914 Ford Model T. While the '80 Corvette had been her personal car for years, the '78 Eldorado had belonged to Boyter's mother before she traded up to a Lincoln. The big Caddy had just 10,290 miles on the clock when it was traded in.

And the Model T? Boyter says the car was built as a racer by Ford, and that it had been a show winner for years when it belonged to her father. But, after spending the last 16 years in a museum with its fluids drained, Boyter decided it was time to shed some of the past. She walked into the dealer, laid eyes on a white 2LT Corvette with a red interior and offered to trade all three of the vehicles in on the sports car.

Why not wait for the C7? "I fell in love with that one when I walked in the door," She said. We can't fault her there.

As if this story wasn't crazy enough, Red River Chevrolet had previously sold both Ford and Chevy products side-by-side when the dealership first opened in the early 1900s. The building still has hitching points for customer horses. Something tells us that this is a story with happy endings for all those involved.

Mini sells 500,000th car in US

Mini has officially sold 500,000 vehicles in the United States. The achievement came just a few days after the company commemorated its 11th anniversary in America. When the automaker first opened its doors to US buyers in 2002, it sold just 24,590 unis. Last year, the automaker moved 66,123 vehicles thanks in part to an expanded lineup that now includes the Clubman, Countryman, Coupe, Roadster and Paceman in addition to the stalwart Hardtop and Convertible. The company plans to have some 130 dealerships nationwide by the end of 2013; there are currently 116 Mini dealers in the US.

Mini helped reignite an interest in small cars with plenty of personality when it debuted the Cooper 11 years ago. The move helped pave the way for machines like the Fiat 500, Ford Fiesta and Chevrolet Sonic. Check out the quick press release on the 500,000th Mini model below.

MINI CELEBRATES 500,000 VEHICLES SOLD IN AMERICA

Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey – April 2, 2013... It's official: MINI has sold its 500,000th vehicle in America. A few days after the 11-year anniversary of its launch in the U.S, and the introduction of the all-new MINI Paceman (the seventh model in the lineup), MINI USA welcomes its 500,000th new car owner.

"This milestone is an incredible achievement for MINI, and we're proud to have so many Motorers as part of the MINI family," said Jim McDowell, Vice President – MINI USA. "11 years ago, doubters said a small car could not succeed here, but MINI proved that small could be premium, fun to drive and have real character, creating a whole new segment that has grown significantly in the years since then."

MINI has increased its U.S. sales from 24,590 units in 2002, to 66,123 units in 2012. Moving into the first part of 2013, the brand continues to grow its portfolio, which now includes: Hardtop, Clubman, Convertible, Countryman, Coupe, Roadster and Paceman. The dealer network also continues to expand with 116 dealerships currently open, and plans for a total of approximately 130 facilities by the end of 2013 (including operating facilities and those signed and under construction).

"The most important contributor to MINI's success here in the U.S. is the MINI Community," said McDowell. "They are so passionate and engaged that we constantly ask ourselves whether a decision is in their best interest... We work hard to maintain a special relationship with the Community, delivering unique experiences, cherished memories and a true feeling of being part of a family."

MINI in the US

MINI is an independent brand of the BMW Group. In the United States, MINI USA operates as a business unit of BMW of North America, LLC, located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey and includes the marketing and sales organizations for the MINI brand. The MINI USA sales organization is represented in the U.S. through a network of 116 MINI passenger car dealers in 38 states. MINI USA began selling vehicles in the U.S. in 2002 with the introduction of the MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S Hardtops. Since then, the MINI Brand in the U.S. has grown to encompass a model range of seven unique vehicles.

Mitsubishi prices 2014 Outlander from $22,995*

Mitsubishi will gladly sell you a 2014 Outlander ES for $22,995, excluding an $835 destination fee. Buyers can step up to the middle-tier Outlander SE for $23,795, or around $200 less than last year. That stack of cash will net you 18-inch aluminum wheels, a 6.1-inch LCD information display, dual-zone climate control and other goodies. Somewhat more impressively, Mitsubishi has cut the price tag for the Outlander GT by $800. That machine will run you $27,795, and throws in a more potent V6 engine, the company's Super All-Wheel Control system and HID headlamps.

The 2014 Outlander bows with an all-new exterior design, and base models receive a 166-horsepowr 2.4-liter four-cylinder paired with a continuously variable transmission and an all-wheel-drive system. That driveline is good for 24 miles per gallon city and 29 mpg highway. Check out the full pricing press release below and our own Jonathon Ramsey's first drive here.

New 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Pricing

Expected to be one of the most fuel-efficient CUVs with standard 7-passenger seating in the North American marketplace with a manufacturer-estimated 31 mpg highway (ES and SE FWD models; pending EPA fuel mileage rating), the well-equipped entry-level 2014 Outlander ES has a starting net MSRP* of only $22,995.

The mid-grade 2014 Outlander SE will have a starting net MSRP* of only $23,795 – priced $200 less than the outgoing previous-generation comparable model. Along with the expansive standard equipment package of the Outlander ES, the SE trim level adds welcome features including stylish 18-in. alloy wheels, 6.1-in. touch panel display CD/MP3 with HD Radio audio® system, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, Mitsubishi's FUSE Handsfree Link System™ with USB port, FAST Key passive entry system with push-button engine ignition on/off switch, plus much more.

The top-flight Outlander GT model has a starting net MSRP* of only $27,795 – a remarkable $800 less than last year's comparable Outlander GT model. Powered by a potent yet fuel efficient V-6 engine, the Outlander GT builds upon the SE trim level features with welcome amenities like Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC), SiriusXM™ satellite radio, sporty steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, super wide-beam high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps, and a wood grain appearance trim to name but a few of the upscale additions.

Along with its fresh design, vastly upgraded interior and exceptional fuel efficiency, the new 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander is now available with an electric power tailgate (available as part of the Premium Package on SE and GT models), and highly advanced safety technologies including radar-based Adaptive Cruise Control and Forward Collision Mitigation systems and a camera-based Lane Departure Warning system (available as part of the Touring Package on SE and GT models).

*Before delivery charge of $825 for 48 U.S. states, $950 for Alaska and Hawaii.

Upcoming High-Tech Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Additionally, Mitsubishi Motors showcased the company's upcoming energy-efficient and eco-friendly new Outlander PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) at the 2013 New York International Auto Show with a unique full-scale cutaway model of this highly advanced and sustainable new vehicle.

Expected to land in Mitsubishi Motors showrooms in 2014, the new Outlander PHEV is powered by a unique hybrid drivetrain that combines the innovative 100% electric-powered componentry including a pair of reliable 60 kW (80-bhp) electric motors that have been reconfigured for the Outlander application as well as a proven lithium-ion drive battery pack along with a highly fuel-efficient gasoline-powered engine.

All 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV models come equipped as standard with a truly innovative and advanced new form of the auto manufacturer's venerable Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) all-wheel drive system that takes advantage of the vehicle's primary motive force through the use of the front and rear electric motors, making the system a 100% electric-powered, EV-based full-time all-wheel drive. These electric-powered motors produce instantaneous, virtually lag-free power that ensures more precise control of the 4WD as this configuration requires no propeller shaft, clutch plate or hydraulic system to connect the front and rear axles in a conventional internal combustion engine/hydraulic-powered 4WD system.

What's more, the twin electric motor/Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system provides outstanding instantaneous off-the-line acceleration, thanks to the inherent torque characteristics of electric motors.

For more information on the new 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage 5-door and the advanced Outlander PHEV plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, please visit media.mitsubishicars.com.

About Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is responsible for all manufacturing, sales, marketing, research and development operations for Mitsubishi Motors in the United States. MMNA sells coupes, sedans and sport utility vehicles through a network of approximately 400 dealers. In November of 2011, MMNA launched the battery-powered electric vehicle Mitsubishi i-MiEV as part of a corporate mission to offer consumers more environmentally responsible modes of transportation. This battery-powered electric vehicle technology addresses the need for vehicles that produce zero tailpipe emissions and support a growing agenda for sustainability. For more information, contact the Mitsubishi Motors News Bureau at (888) 560-6672 or visit media.mitsubishicars.com.

Younger buyers leaving Japanese for South Korean, American brands

Edmunds has taken a closer look at the buying habits of young adults. As it turns out, Gen X and Gen Y buyers are increasingly eschewing Japanese brands in favor of South Korean and American automakers. Five years ago, that wasn't the case, with more than half of all young buyers flocking to brands like Nissan, Honda, Toyota, Subaru and Mazda. But the U.S. has made up quite a bit of ground in recent years by producing inexpensive and fuel efficient small cars that appeal to a younger audience. Likewise, Hyundai and Kia have sharpened their small car games as well, and are now making more credit available to younger customers.

Those efforts have begun to pay dividends. While Japanese brands have seen their share of 18-24 year-old buyers slide by 9.8 percent between 2008 and 2012, domestic automakers have enjoyed a 1.9 percent increase. South Korean brands, meanwhile, have enjoyed the largest jump, with a 6.8 percent increase over the same time period. Check out the full press release below for more information.

Young Car Buyers Shift Preferences from Japanese to U.S. and Korean Brands, Reports Edmunds.com

SANTA MONICA, Calif. - March 20, 2013 - American auto brands are gaining strength with younger buyers in the U.S., while their Japanese rivals have taken a big step back, reports Edmunds.com, the premier resource for car shopping and automotive information. According to an analysis of new car retail registrations from R. L. Polk & Co., American brands accounted for 36.8 percent of cars bought by Americans age 25 to 34 in 2012, up from a share of 35.4 percent in 2008. Meanwhile the share of Japanese brands for the same age group plummeted from 50.6 percent to 42.9 percent during that period

But even with the incremental success of American brands, Edmunds.com found that the exodus from Japanese cars by young buyers is turning mostly toward South Korean brands. About 10 percent of new cars purchased by 25-to-34 year olds in 2012 carried South Korean nameplates, more than doubling the rate for this age group since 2008.

"U.S. automakers have burst onto the scene in recent years with small, fuel-efficient and affordable cars that really appeal to a young set of buyers," says Edmunds.com Sr. Analyst Jessica Caldwell. "But while Detroit might be chiseling away at the Japanese grip on Gen X and Gen Y, South Korean brands are taking big hacks. Not only are the Koreans making better cars for young people, but they've also worked to make credit available to young buyers who still don't have solid credit history."

The South Koreans' progress with young buyers reflects their overall growth in the U.S. market. Korean brands represented 9.5 percent of all new retail registrations in the U.S. in 2012, almost twice as much as their share of 5.0 percent in 2008.

European car labels are flexing their own muscles in the U.S. market as well, accounting for 9.9 percent of new car registrations in the U.S. last year, up from 8.5 percent in 2008. Like the South Koreans, European carmakers have delivered consistent growth among all age groups since 2008, with the biggest successes among older car buyers, thanks to Baby Boomers choosing European luxury cars post-retirement.

Edmunds.com offers a wealth of insights into car shopping behavior and habits through its Industry Center at http://www.edmunds.com/industry-center/.

Audi RS5 Cabriolet priced from $77,900*

If you want an Audi RS5 Cabriolet, get ready to pony up $77,900 for the new 2013 model. The convertible boasts a 4.2-liter V8 engine with 450 horsepower on tap as well as 317 pound-feet of torque. Mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and quattro all wheel drive, Audi says the machine can blink to 60 miles per hour in a scant 4.9 seconds. Top speed clicks out at 174 mph.

Even so, engineers managed to pull better fuel economy from the car. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates the 2013 Audi RS5 Cabriolet will return 16 miles per gallon city and 22 mpg highway for a combined rating of 18 mpg. Audi says that's good enough to skip the infamous gas guzzler tax.

While the RS5 Cab will be available with many of the options buyers have come to expect from the luxury German automaker, we're more interested in the available carbon-ceramic rotors. Buyers can bolt on the hi-po hardware for an extra $6,000. Check out the full press release for more information.

Audi kicks off spring with pricing announcement of all-new 2013 Audi RS 5 Cabriolet

Pricing starts at $77,900 for the all-new 2013 Audi RS 5 Cabriolet with class-leading* fuel efficiency and unadulterated V8 top down fun

The highly successful RS 5 coupe extends its model series with the addition of this high-revving performance soft-top, which entices with a unique combination of prestige, power and efficiency.

With nearly identical performance numbers as the coupe, the RS 5 Cabriolet is powered by a high-revving, naturally aspirated 4.2 liter V8 engine that produces 450 horsepower at 8,250 rpm and a maximum torque of 317 lb.-ft. between 4,000 and 6,000 rpm. Equipped with the seven-speed double clutch S tronic® transmission with launch control and standard quattro® all-wheel drive, the RS 5 Cabriolet launches from 0-60 MPH in 4.9 seconds and has a top speed limited to 174 MPH; while at the same time achieving better fuel economy versus the primary competitors with an EPA estimated 16 city / 22 highway/ 18 combined and no gas guzzler tax.

"With spring just around the corner, Audi adds to the already impressive RS family with the all-new RS 5 Cabriolet, and at the perfect time," said Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America, "Top-down driving has been considered one of the best experiences a driver can have behind the wheel, and what a better way to enjoy the weather than to drive this vehicle with the top down, listening to the exhilarating sound of this outstanding V8 engine."

Starting at $77,900, the RS 5 Cabriolet is the epitome of superior, high-end performance, prestige and practicality. When the top is down, it requires only 2.12 cu-ft. of its 13.42 cu-ft. trunk volume. On hot summer days when the top is down, drivers can select the optional climate-controlled seats for added comfort. During a cool fall day, the driver can remain warm when the top is down with the optional neck-level heating vents located on the seats.

The split rear seatbacks can be folded over individually, and a load-through hatch from the trunk to the rear seating area improves ease of access functionality. Special reinforcements contribute to the convertible body's high rigidity, and aluminum front fenders compensate for some of the added weight of the reinforcements.

RS 5 Cabriolet customers looking to achieve superior braking performance can select ceramic brakes for the front rotors, a standalone package priced at $6,000.

The new LED light strips illuminate the headlights and taillights with a restructured appearance. Similar to the headlights, the rear bumper was also redesigned; its diffuser is now much higher, and a honeycomb screen insert encloses the two large elliptical tailpipes of the exhaust system. On the trunk lid there is a subtle body color spoiler lip for additional downforce.

The sport seats have power adjustments, high side panels for optimal lateral support, integrated head restraints, a lumbar support and a pull-out thigh support. They are upholstered in black or lunar silver Fine Nappa leather or in the optional combination of leather and Alcantara. All leather types are pigmented to help reduce heating by sunlight. At the press of a button, the soft top opens and closes automatically in 15 seconds and 17 seconds respectively – even when driving at speeds of up to 30 mph.

The 2013 Audi RS 5 Cabriolet will go on sale in April 2013. To see and hear the sounds of spring created by Audi please visit: http://youtu.be/ufKc_7ZVyd0

ABOUT AUDIAudi of America, Inc. and its U.S. dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. AUDI AG is among the most successful luxury automotive brands globally. Audi was a top-performing luxury brand in Europe during 2012, and broke all-time company sales records in the U.S. Through 2016, AUDI AG will invest about $17 billion on new products, facilities and technologies. Visit www.audiusa.com or www.audiusanews.com for more information regarding Audi vehicle and business issues.

All prices listed are the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price and exclude transportation, taxes, title, options, and dealer charges. Where stated, fuel economy values are EPA estimates; actual mileage will vary.

* Audi of America, Inc. defines the competitive class as automatic transmission versions of the 2013 Audi RS 5 Cabriolet and BMW M3 Convertible models. "Class leading fuel efficiency" based on EPA city, highway and combined fuel economy estimates for each model; 16 mpg city / 22 mpg highway/ 18 mpg combined for Audi RS 5 Cabriolet. Actual mileage will vary.