Valerie Menard

Valerie Menard is a freelance writer and published author with 16 years of reporting about the auto industry for Latino publications.

All-New Nissan Maxima Elevates Form and Function

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Aug 242015

2016 Nissan Maxima

I first met the Nissan Maxima in 1985 when my friend rolled up in a brand new one. Just hired out of college by Marriott Hotels as the new comptroller for the Dallas region, she felt the Maxima would reflect well on her status as a young executive. I was amazed at its plushness and those colored keys under the driver’s side exterior door handle for programming the locks.

Nissan recently ventured to Dallas, Texas to introduce the eighth generation of its “four-door sports car.” The all-new 2016 Maxima lives up to its halo status. For starters, it’s a beauty. The “energetic design” including the signature V-Motion grille, jet fighter-inspired zero gravity front seats with sport bolstering, and floating roof embodies its four-door sports car moniker from Nissan.

Available in five as-is trim levels (there are no optional packages or features), S, SV, SL, SR and Platinum, it will make shopping simpler but may also frustrate buyers who would like to add features like a dual panoramic sunroof, available only on the SL and Platinum trim levels. Some factory installed accessories, like splash guards and spoilers are available.

Still, Maximas do come loaded with creature comforts and technology.

All Maximas include a seven-inch Advanced Drive-Assist Display, a 60/40 split fold-down rear seat, HD radio, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, a CD player (you can still get a six-CD player on S and SV models) Bluetooth hands-free phone system, a rear view monitor, Nissan Intelligent Key with push button ignition, and NissanConnect with navigation and an eight-inch touchscreen.

At the launch, the top-of-the-line Premium trim was featured. Inside, quilted leather seats and faceted finishes on knobs, etc. added to its plushness.

2016 Maxima headlamp detail

Powered by an improved 3.5-liter V6 with 300 horsepower matched to a new performance-oriented Xtronic transmission, the Maxima’s expected to improve in fuel economy, earning 22 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.

For better performance, the Drive Mode Selector (Sport and Normal modes) adjusts throttle response, steering feel and transmission tuning. On the test drive, there was a noticeable difference in Sport mode, including tighter steering.

The new Maxima also offers an extensive range of safety, security and driving aids, including Predictive Forward Collision Warning Intelligent Cruise Control, Forward Emergency Braking, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Blind Spot Warning. However, these features are not standard on all Maximas, only the SL, SR and Platinum grades.

Like its predecessors, the new Maxima packs a lot of punch and features in an elegant package with sporty performance.

Pricing will start at $33,235.

Reviews: 2015 Mazda3 i Touring

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Aug 242015

Offering great value, compact cars may be popular, but not extraordinary. The 2015 Mazda3 is one of the better choices in its segment.

This little four-door sedan (it’s also available as a five-door hatchback) sets itself apart from the competition in a couple ways—its SKYACTIVE system for better fuel economy and the availability of features not normally found at this price point.

The best-selling model for Mazda, it was redesigned in 2014 and was the first Mazda in North America to feature SKYACTIV components.

It’s available with two engine choices in the United States. I drove the SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter four-cylinder that comes standard on the base model. A 2.5-liter is also available. Either can be mated to a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.

Score a point for Mazda for not limiting manual transmission enthusiasts to considering only an as-is base model like several manufacturers do. The test model I drove came with the automatic, which was nice, but with these little cars, a manual can be so much more fun.

As mentioned, Mazda introduced SKYACTIV to save gas. The EPA estimated fuel economy for the Mazda3 I drove was 30 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 41 mpg on the highway. I averaged 34.5 mpg.

The third out of four trim levels, the Touring version I drove really ramps up the packaging by including a blind spot monitor as a standard feature.

While a back-up camera will be required in all vehicles by 2018, my favorite safety feature is still the blind spot monitor. Who wouldn’t love a technology that could avoid more than 100 deaths and more than 8,000 injuries each year, according to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA)?

This feature first appeared on luxury models—I first experienced it in 2004 at the launch of the Volvo S60. It has begun to trickle down to more affordable models but usually as an option or part of a technology package. While NHTSA ponders requiring the technology on future vehicles, score another point for Mazda for being a trailblazer when it comes to bringing this feature to the masses.

Other cool standard features on the test model included a rearview camera, rear cross traffic alert, a leather-wrapped brake handle, shift knob and three-spoke steering wheel with contrast stitching, and 60/40 split rear seats with a rear seat folding armrest with cup holders.

All Mazda3s come with push button start, air conditioning, and remote keyless entry.

Another optional feature not normally offered at this price point is the Active Driving Display, a clear pop-up panel, vertically mounted behind the meter hood to deliver vehicle speed, navigational directions and other related driving information safely within the driver’s line of sight. Unfortunately, it’s not available on the Touring trim level I drove so I didn’t’ get to test it.

As a sedan, the Mazda3 adds versatility by stretching cargo room to 47.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat.

Optional features on the test model included the Technology Package ($1600) that added dual-zone climate control, a CD player with MP3 connectivity (yay!), a moonroof, and the Bose nine-speaker stereo with Satellite Radio.

A true leader in its segment considering value, fuel efficiency, and versatility, the 2015 Mazda3 i Touring has a base price of $21,440. The as-tested price came to $23,410.

Sí: Standard blind spot monitor and manual transmission available throughout the lineup.

No: The audio system wasn’t very intuitive.

Audi Mexico Reaches Out to North American Suppliers

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Aug 202015

Quality-inspection trainer Minerva Leon (right), of Audi Mexico.

Audi may be locating its first North American plant in Mexico, but the establishment of the company’s first manufacturing footprint on the continent is meant to expand its relationship with the supplier community in the United States and Canada too.

AUDI AG invited dozens of suppliers and more than 200 people from across North America to its first-ever Supplier Day on August 20 at the plant site in San José Chiapa, Puebla.

2015 Audi San Jose Chiapa, Mexico plant

The company’s goal was for about 90 percent of the value of each Q5 crossover produced in Mexico to come from suppliers, materials and processes based in Mexico, the U.S., and Canada.

Audi has worked with the plant’s suppliers throughout the supply chain, well beyond the Tier One level and to unprecedented lengths, to ensure that quality standards are met. Three years prior to plant opening, suppliers were going through up to 10 modules to prepare them to work with Audi.

Once Audi meets its supplier objectives, an estimated 20,000 indirect jobs would be created throughout North America at supplier facilities, in addition to the 1,800 Mexicans who are expected to be employed by Audi at the plant.

At this point, Audi executives have said they are about two-thirds of the way to fulfilling the 90-percent goal. One reason for the Supplier Day was for would-be suppliers to explain and demonstrate their capabilities to Audi executives and to meet with members of the Audi of Mexico team to see where relationships can develop

Launches: New VW Golf Sportwagen Stretches Fuel, Gas or Diesel

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Aug 192015

AUSTIN, TX—Volkswagen traveled to Austin this year to launch the 2015 Golf Sportwagen. Surprisingly affordable, the Golf lineup now adds versatility with this extended version, plus impressive fuel economy.

The manufacturer remains loyal to diesel powertrains and manual transmissions (technology known for stretching a tank of fuel), offering a 2.0-liter, 150-horsepower turbocharged and direct-injection four-cylinder TDI Clean Diesel, fitted with a six-speed manual or a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The base engine is the gasoline-powered 1.8-liter, 170-horsepower turbocharged and direct-injection four-cylinder TSI engine mated to a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission.

Both engines boast impressive fuel economy, with the diesel averaging an EPA estimated 35 miles per gallon (mpg), while the 1.8-liter should average 29 mpg. On the road test that took us into the Texas Hill Country, both engines performed well with the diesel and gas engines averaging 39.5 mpg and 31.9 mpg, respectively.

As an added treat, the launch also included new experiences for this 32-year Austin resident, including dinner at Rabbit’s, the East Austin landmark known as the place Latino wheeler dealers used to congregate, and lunch at the critically acclaimed Qui Austin restaurant, also on East Sixth Street. Owned by Top Chef champion, Paul Qui, the restaurant critic’s darling was oddly missing a sign on the outside—the clientele apparently “just know” where to find it. But I digress.

Like the Jetta Sportwagen it replaces, the Golf version will appeal to families, but also active folks with cargo carrying needs. The rear seats are split and fold down easily, expanding the cargo space to 66.5 cubic feet. Plus, the roof is lower to make it easier to load bicycles and such on top.

When it comes to safety, the Sportwagen lacks some modern technology like a blind spot warning system but the 2016 model should rectify that. Standard features include electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, the new Automatic Post-Collision Braking system that continues to apply brakes after a crash to avoid additional collisions, and the roadside assistance program for three-years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first).

Available safety technology includes parking sensors and forward collision warning.

On the inside, standard creature comforts include a leather-wrapped steering wheel, steering wheel controls, a 5.8-inch touch screen infotainment center with a capacitive sensor, Sirius XM Satellite radio, Bluetooth technology, air conditioning, VW Car-Net connected services, and V-tex leatherette seating.

The TDI adds keyless entry with push-button start and a rearview camera.

A panoramic sunroof is standard on all but the base model Sportwagen.

Hecho en México at the plant in Puebla, the 2015 Golf Sportwagen has a base price of $22,215 while the TDI, with a base price of $25,415, is $2,000 less than the outgoing Jetta version.

The VW Golf impressed auto writers enough to win the 2015 North American Car of the Year honors. More versatile and fuel efficient, its new sibling should grab a bit of the spotlight as well.

Mazda Recalls 2007–2014 CX-9 SUV

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Aug 142015

2013 Mazda CX-9

Latino Traffic Report has learned that Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2007-2014 CX-9 vehicles manufactured October 24, 2006, to December 28, 2013. The affected vehicles have front suspension ball joints that may corrode from water leaking into the fitting.

Over time, the ball joint corrosion may result in the front lower control arm separating from the ball joint, causing a loss of steering control and increasing the risk of a crash.

Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace both the left and right lower control arms, free of charge. In early September 2015, owners will be mailed an interim notification informing them of recall. When remedy parts are available, owners will be mailed a second notification.

2009 Mazda CX-9

The recall will begin with model year 2007-2009 vehicles registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington D.C., West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The second phase will be for model year 2010-2014 vehicles in the same states. Finally, all remaining vehicles will be remedied. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda’s number for this recall is 8515G.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Latino Artist Featured in Toyota Special Olympics Mural

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Aug 082015

Toyota_SOWG_DavidFloresWorldStageLegacy_002_B47B04CE6A43C44CF646F9AABEDFD5AB1D15EDDB_low

This mural at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum was created by David Flores and is one of three commissioned by Toyota to welcome the LA2015 Special Olympics World Games, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Casey Rodgers/Invision for Toyota/AP Images)

As part of Toyota’s “Share the Journey” campaign for the 2015 Special Olympics World Games, athletes’ uplifting journeys inspired three public murals, including one by David Flores. City leaders joined Toyota executives, artists and Special Olympics fans at the freshly painted Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum mural to ask for participation and a celebration of athletes’ joy and courage.

Like the original freeway murals created for the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, the Special Olympics-inspired artwork is intended to stand the test of time. Working with the Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles, the internationally recognized muralist and original 1984 Olympics artist Kent Twitchell returned to create one of his famous realistic portraits. Twitchell’s piece and the two other murals mark the upcoming global event and build on the city’s storied history of outdoor art.

“The murals are a lasting gift to Los Angeles to celebrate the life-changing power of Special Olympics and also honor the rich, artistic history of this city that has embraced us,” said Jim Lentz, CEO of Toyota North America. “Special Olympics is not only an important global sports movement, but also an organization that touches individuals every day around the world. We hope everyone gets to experience the impact and help us cheer on the athletes.”

All three murals are just blocks away from venues hosting Special Olympics World Games events July 25-August 2. Each weaves in the spirit of Special Olympics through the individual artist’s own iconic vision. Discover stories around each piece at sharethejourney.toyota.com

Located at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, World Stage Legacy by well-known muralist Flores, pays tribute to the 2015 Special Olympics World Games and events that have taken place at the Coliseum throughout its more than 90-year history. Figures include Special Olympics athlete and World Games Global Messenger, Ramon Hooper alongside iconic figures with a connection to the site.

“Long after the 2015 Special Olympics World Games end in Los Angeles, the mural project leaves a historical monument to our athletes’ spirit, determination and courage,” said Patrick McClenahan, president and CEO of LA2015, the Games Organizing Committee for this year’s event. “Toyota’s partnership and support of the mission of Special Olympics has helped us reach further in spreading the message of acceptance and to make a lasting impact.”

The Special Olympics World Games is the largest sports and humanitarian event anywhere in the world in 2015, hosting 177 countries, 7,000 athletes and 3,000 coaches. It is the single biggest event in Los Angeles since the 1984 Olympic Games.

For more information about the Special Olympics World Games, visit www.LA2015.org. For information about Toyota’s philanthropy programs, visit www.toyota.com/usa.

NHTSA and Fiat Chrysler Settlement 411

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Aug 052015

2012 Ram 1500

WASHINGTON – U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx announced on July 26, 2015, that Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has acknowledged violations of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act’s requirements to repair vehicles with safety defects and will submit to rigorous federal oversight, buy back some defective vehicles from owners, and agreed to a $105 million civil penalty, the largest ever imposed by the Department’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The enforcement action comes after a July 2 public hearing at which NHTSA officials outlined problems with Fiat Chrysler’s execution of 23 vehicle safety recalls covering more than 11 million defective vehicles. Fiat Chrysler has since admitted to violating the Safety Act in three areas: effective and timely recall remedies, notification to vehicle owners and dealers and notifications to NHTSA.

In a consent order issued by NHTSA, Fiat Chrysler commits to take action to get defective vehicles off the roads or repaired, including the 1993–1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2009 Chrysler Aspen, and 2009–2012 Dodge Ram 1500, among others. For a complete list and instructions go to: Chrysler FAQs. Owners of more than half a million vehicles with defective suspension parts that could cause the vehicle to lose control will have the opportunity to sell their vehicle back to Fiat Chrysler. Owners of more than a million Jeeps that are prone to deadly fires either will have the chance to trade their vehicle in for above its market value, or will receive a financial incentive to get their vehicle remedied.

2009 Chrysler Aspen

The consent order requires FCA to notify vehicle owners eligible for buybacks and other financial incentives that these new options are available.

The automaker also agrees to unprecedented oversight for the next three years, which includes hiring an independent monitor approved by NHTSA to assess, track and report the company’s recall performance.

The company must pay a $70 million cash penalty–equal to the record $70 million civil penalty the agency imposed on Honda in January. In addition, Fiat Chrysler must spend at least $20 million on meeting performance requirements included in the Consent Order. Another $15 million could come due if the independent monitor discovers additional violations of the Safety Act or the Consent Order.

Reviews: 2015 Scion FR-S

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Jul 312015

Created with a youthful purpose, the Scion brand decided to have a little fun when it launched the FR-S sports coupe in 2013. A recent test drive of the 2015 FR-S confirmed that it’s still lots of fun to drive and well suited for drivers with a bit more spring in their step.

FR-S stands for front-engine rear-wheel drive (RWD) sport, making it the first Scion configured in such a way. Considered the mark of a true sports car, RWD pushes rather than pulls a vehicle. Exceptional balance and a low center of gravity factor in as well.

If you’ve seen a model that looks similar but not exactly like the FR-S, you’re not mistaken. A joint development between Subaru and Toyota, the FR-S has a sister model, the Subaru BRZ. A 2.0-liter, naturally aspirated four-cylinder boxer engine that really roars powers both and produces 200 horses. It earns an EPA estimated city/highway fuel economy of 25/34 miles per gallon (mpg) when paired with the optional six-speed automatic transmission and 22/30 mpg with the six-speed manual transmission. I drove the automatic and averaged 26.8 mpg.

The engine’s compact size and flat shape allow it to be mounted mid-ship and extremely low, giving the car a favorable front-to-rear weight ratio and low center of gravity, i.e. it hugs the road, curves included. It’s also low to the ground, which made getting in and out a bit of a struggle, even for a shorty like me.

Adding to its performance, the automatic transmission featured Dynamic Rev Management technology that quickly raised the engine speed to help match engine revs to gear ratios on downshifts. Improving handling, MacPherson struts up front and a double wishbone system in the rear complement the car’s low weight.

On the inside, bolstered front seats and a leather-trimmed tilt and telescopic steering wheel continued the sporty theme, while the rear seat folded down flat, creating flexible space. However, the manually adjustable front seats were a bit clunky.

Other standard creature comforts included an eight-speaker AM/FM/CD/HD/USB 300-watt maximum output Pioneer audio system, air conditioning, power windows, cruise control, and Bluetooth connectivity.

For an extra $1,199, the test model included a connected multimedia audio system called BeSpoke that allows owners to connect to iPhones and add personal content to the onboard infotainment system like Aha Internet radio with 1000 free stations.

Standard safety features included six airbags—dual-stage advanced driver- and front-passenger airbags, front-seat-mounted airbags, and side-curtain airbags. Like all Scions, the test model came with the Star Safety System that included Traction Control, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Vehicle Stability Control, Brake Assist, the Anti-lock Braking System, and Smart Stop Technology (SST).

Launched with Generation X in mind, Scion stepped up its profile with the FR-S, a sports coupe for a new generation.

The no haggle or “pure price” cost for the 2015 FR-S starts at $25,670 with a manual transmission and $26,770 for the automatic. The as-tested MSRP came to $30,428.

Sí: The FR-S is super fun to drive and has a great engine rumble.

No: Ingress and egress are more suitable for younger folks and radio presets on the 6.1-inch touchscreen were twitchy.

Best and Worst Cities for Hispanic Businesses

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Jul 272015

Corpus Christi, TX.

by Richie Bernardo

The United States is often dubbed “a nation of immigrants.” But lately the path to American citizenship has been a rough road, especially for an increasing number of Hispanics. Whether they’ve entered U.S. borders lawfully or otherwise, many have felt the sting of marginalization, racism and discrimination in every kind of social environment. And despite the unfriendly welcome, they’re as motivated as ever to put down roots in American soil in order to find better opportunities and improve their lives.

Rancho Cucamonga, CA.

For Hispanics who’ve successfully integrated into American society, they also have managed to contribute significantly to the economy. Their collective impact is reflected in the growing quantity of Hispanic-owned businesses in the country, which stood at 3.1 million in 2013. Together, they hauled in an estimated $486 billion in revenue, as reported by Geoscape and the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC). Even the estimated 11.7 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S. bestow net positive gains on the national economy over time.

Jacksonville, FL

Equally as impressive, Hispanics opened businesses — many owned by self-employed individuals — at a rate more than twice the national average of 18 percent between 2002 and 2007, according to the most recent U.S. Census Bureau figures. Today, Hispanics and Latinos constitute the largest ethnic minority in the U.S. And by 2050, they could make up a third of the country’s population, quickly becoming what USHCC President and CEO Javier Palomarez appropriately described as “America’s business future.”

Baton Rouge, LA

In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month beginning Sept. 15, WalletHub assessed the minority business climate within the 150 largest U.S. cities. We did so by examining 19 key metrics such as Hispanic entrepreneurship rates, corporate tax systems and the share of businesses owned by Hispanics. With the findings of this study, WalletHub aims to help aspiring Hispanic and Latino entrepreneurs find the most fertile ground from which to grow their enterprises.

The top ten cities for Latino entrepreneurs are:

1. Pembroke Pines, FL
2. Corpus Christi, TX3. Laredo, TX
4. Gilbert Town, AZ
5. Rancho Cucamonga, CA
6. Jacksonville, FL
7. El Paso, TX
8. St. Petersburg, FL
9. Baton Rouge, LA
10. Chandler, AZ

For the full list of 150 cities and more detailed information go to WalletHub: http://wallethub.com/edu/best-and-worst-cities-for-hispanic-entrepreneurs/6491/

Mercedes-Benz Recalls Certain CLA-Class Models

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Jul 212015

2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently announced that Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2014 CLA 250C vehicles manufactured September 10, 2014–September 11, 2014, 2014 CLA 250C 4Matic vehicles manufactured September 13, 2014–September 25, 2014, and 2014 CLA 45 AMG 4Matic vehicles manufactured September 10, 2014–September 25, 2014. The affected vehicles have fuses that may have been incorrectly installed in the passenger side interior fuse boxes.

If the fuses were not properly installed, they may lose electrical contact. In the event of a loss of electrical contact, certain systems may be impacted, including the function of the front passenger seat occupancy recognition system, the passenger side air bag indicator lamp, the instrument cluster and the windshield wipers. Should the function of the front passenger seat occupancy recognition system or the passenger side airbag indicator lamp be affected, the risk of injury for passengers in the event of a crash would be increased. Should the function of the instrument cluster and the windshield wipers be affected, the risk of a crash would be increased.

2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA250.

According to NHTSA, MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the position and orientation of the fuses, and if necessary, replace the fuse box, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin August 7, 2015. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA’s number for this recall is 2015060007.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

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