Volvo Announces XC90 Production In South Carolina

Volvo Announces XC90 Production In South Carolina

The next generation XC90 will be built at Volvo Cars’ new manufacturing plant in Berkeley County, South Carolina beginning in 2021. The announcement brings Volvo’s total U.S. investment in manufacturing to just over 1.1 billion.
“The continued expansion of our plant in South Carolina is another significant commitment to the US market,” said Håkan Samuelsson, President and Chief Executive, Volvo Cars. “The plant in Charleston will serve both the U.S. and international markets and forms a strong foundation for our future growth in the U.S. and globally.”
Job Creation
In the fall of 2018, S60 production will begin at Volvo’s new South Carolina facility. To support production, 2,000 new employees are being hired but with plans to build the XC90 in South Carolina, another 1,900 jobs are expected. Volvo says the full economic impact will be much greater once the plant is fully operational and the “job multiplier” effect is accounted for.
Global Strategy
Volvo’s manufacturing strategy is based on a “build where you sell” approach. Concerning the XC90, the U.S. is the largest market for the SUV, although a considerable number of units will be exported from the Port of Charleston. Total U.S. production capacity at the plant will rise to 150,000 vehicles annually Volvo predicts.
Prior to the XC90’s arrival, some felt Volvo’s presence in the U.S. was lackluster. When the XC90 arrived for Volvo retailers and dealer principals in 2015, it was often met with open arms and seen as something that could revive the brand for American buyers. Indeed it proved to be that, winning a number of awards and jumping U.S. sales from a low of 56,000 units in 2014 to almost 83,000 in 2016.
Photo: Volvo Cars.
Carolina Pride
In addition to the Charleston plant, Volvo is planning a neighboring office campus to house up to 300 staff from R&D, purchasing, quality, and the regional sales team. Volvo Cars announced in May 2015 – just as the XC90 was hitting the U.S. – that its first ever manufacturing plant here would be located just outside Charleston, South Carolina. Volvo cited direct access to international ports and infrastructure, a well-trained labor force, an attractive investment environment, and experience in the high tech manufacturing sector as the primary reasons to come to South Carolina.
“We’re excited to add a second car to our first American factory in South Carolina and we continue to be impressed by the entrepreneurial spirit in South Carolina,” said Lex Kerssemakers, President and CEO of Volvo Car USA. “Our business in the U.S. has been undergoing a transformation over the past two years and this is an important next step for our development here.”
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. 
Photos & Source: Volvo Cars.



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2019 Chevy Silverado Revealed: What We Know Thus Far

2019 Chevy Silverado Revealed: What We Know Thus Far During the Chevy Truck Centennial at Texas Motor Speedway, Chevrolet pulled the wraps off the 2019 Silverado. The event concluded Chevrolet’s 100-day celebration, commemorating a century’s worth of truck manufacturing. The next-generation Silverado was unveiled in front of a crowd at Texas Motor Speedway, including Chevy Truck Legends members, a recently launched customer loyalty program.
Alan Batey, President of General Motors North America, and Global Head of Chevrolet, was on hand for the celebration.
“Many of our owners depend on their trucks for work and play, personalize their trucks in astonishing ways, and pass their loyalty for Chevy trucks down from generation to generation,” he said.
Material Mix
In 2015, Ford shed up to 700 lbs. from their F-150 by switching the truck’s body to aluminum. And for now two years, Chevrolet has pursued their crosstown rivals in a number of advertisements that tout the benefits of steel over aluminum. From commercials with bricks and toolboxes, to a focus group of comic book enthusiasts who meet the almighty Aluminum Man, Chevrolet’s marketing has tried to punch a hole (literally) through Ford’s strategy. It was during this time rumors abound that Chevrolet might switch to aluminum after all, and then what?
Automotive News reports that GM is planning on carbon fiber beds in the near future, although the Detroit automaker has not released anything officially. While more details are forthcoming, Chevrolet did confirm the new Silverado will utilize higher-grade alloys for its roll-formed, high-strength steel bed. The move is expected to cut weight while allowing owners to get the most out of the bed.
“This use of mixed materials and advanced manufacturing is evident throughout the Silverado, resulting in a significant reduction in total vehicle weight and improved performance in many measures,” reads a statement from Chevrolet.
The terms “mixed materials” and “advanced manufacturing” were not defined by Chevrolet.
Photo: Chevrolet.
Power & Performance
The current Silverado has three engines on offer, including a beefy 6.2-liter V8 that cranks out 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft. of torque. Right now, we don’t know what the 2019 Silverado will offer; Chevrolet didn’t exactly say, just that there will be more engine and transmission combinations. Rumors have swirled in recent times that a Duramax might show up, especially since Ram has offered the EcoDiesel for a minute and Ford confirmed a Power Stroke for the F-150 late next year. It’s possible – anything is – but Chevrolet isn’t saying one way or the other just yet.
One of the strongest engines in the current lineup, the 5.3 EcoTec3, offers buyers a solid balance between power and fuel economy. At 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft. of torque, it delivers an EPA-estimated 16/22 city/highway mpg. It is our hope GM keeps this engine around when the 2019 Silverado hits the market. There are eight variations expected when that happens, including the Silverado LT Trailboss with a Z71 package and two-inch suspension lift.
Photo: Chevrolet.
Inspiration & Lineage
The 2019 Chevy Silverado takes its inspiration from its ancestors, particularly the Advance Design trucks following World War II and the C/K series of the 1960s. According to Chevrolet, those trucks set the standard for pickup design in their eras, and are some of the most coveted vintage trucks on the market today. Elements from the late 1940s are actually seen throughout the current Silverado, especially in the front. Designers examined Chevy’s history and concluded trucks during that time were impossible to miss with their defined horizontal elements and sweeping grille bars.
“That gave the trucks a real presence and a very identifiable look,” Chevrolet Spokesman Tom Wilkinson told us in late 2015. “When our designers looked at this over the years, they realized this is what set Chevy trucks apart.”
Chevrolet wants the same for the 2019 Silverado. The automaker hopes this new generation will be remembered as one that challenged conventional truck designs, just as its predecessors did decades ago.
Pricing & Availability
The 2019 Chevy Silverado will make its public debut next month at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. Expect full details, including performance specs, engine options, and pricing information at that time.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. 
Photos & Source: Chevrolet.



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2018 Nissan Pathfinder Arrives With New Features, Special Editions

2018 Nissan Pathfinder Arrives With New Features, Special Editions

Last year, the Nissan Pathfinder underwent a major redesign, so for 2018, there’s some detail improvements here and there, along with new pricing across the board. On sale now at Nissan dealers nationwide, the 2018 Pathfinder has a starting price of $30,790. All the updates give you “more adventure capability, a freshened exterior look, and enhanced safety, technology, performance, and style,” according to Nissan. Whether it’s adventuresome or not, there are some new bits on the Pathfinder worth noting.
More Driver Aids
For 2018, the Pathfinder receives new features including standard Automatic Emergency Braking, an enhanced Midnight Edition appearance package, and Nissan’s new Rear Door Alert. 2018 also sees two new colors, Scarlet Ember and Midnight Pine, standard Intelligent Cruise Control, and NissanConnect with Navigation and Services on the Pathfinder SL. Previously those were considered high zoot packages only found on the Platinum grade Pathfinders. 2018 also brings 4 additional USB ports for a total of 6.
The Rear Door Alert system, which I covered recently, is there to help remind customers of anything that may be forgotten in the rear seat, such as “pets, valuables, dry cleaning, groceries, and more.” The “and more” if I have to spell this out, equates to Your Children! If the Rear Door Alert system detects that a rear door has been opened prior to driving, and the driver does not open a rear door again at the end of a drive, the Rear Door Alert reminds you that something might have been left in the back. I know, I know, but I bet some people need stuff like this.
Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Back In Black
That new Pathfinder Midnight Edition is now available on both Platinum grade and SL trim levels, although Nissan cautions that deliveries of the Midnight Edition SLs might take a little longer. The Pathfinder Midnight Edition highlights include 20-inch Midnight Edition aluminum-alloy wheels with a bunch of blacked-out stuff lathered all over. There are black mirror caps, black spoiler, black roof rails, black grille surround, black front and rear fascia accents, black license plate finisher, black badging, and black splash guards. The Pathfinder Midnight Edition also comes with illuminated kick plates, exterior approach lighting and, if you want to go whole-hog, Midnight Edition floor mats. Yes, floor mats! Color choices are three: Gun Metallic, Magnetic Black, and, curiously, Pearl White.
The 2018 Pathfinder seats seven, is offered in 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive, and comes in four grade levels: S, SV, SL, and Platinum. Here’s a handy little chart showing you the pricing for the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder:
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias toward lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
Pathfinder S 2WD
$30,790 USD
Pathfinder SV 2WD
$33,480 USD
Pathfinder SL 2WD
$37,500 USD
Pathfinder Platinum 2WD
$42,320 USD
Pathfinder S 4WD
$32,480 USD
Pathfinder SV 4WD
$35,170 USD
Pathfinder SL 4WD
$39,190 USD
Pathfinder Platinum 4WD
$44,010 USD
Photos & Source: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.



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Automoblog Book Garage: Porsche 70 Years

Automoblog Book Garage: Porsche 70 Years


Every so often, we see a title that captures the subject perfectly. That’s not an easy task. Take 70 years of Porsche, for example, and sum it up in only a few words. That’s a tall order but author Randy Leffingwell did it and did it rather directly.
Our publication has a certain admiration for Porsche but truthfully, we can’t always pinpoint why. It’s hard to explain – like the Apple Jacks commercials where any kid with a colorful bowl of the cereal had to field the “why, they don’t taste like apples” question.
Just Because
Porsche is, for us, effectively Apple Jacks. No, they don’t “taste” and feel like other cars. And we can’t explain why we like them, we just do, much like those who toss Apple Jacks in their cart at the grocery store. With regard to Porsche, is it the performance, the design, the history? It’s all of it really, and that’s why Leffingwell’s book is so important.
Porsche 70 Years helps put into words why we love the famed German automaker. Leffingwell walks his readers through the entire Porsche courtyard, from the 356, 904, and 917, to the 911, 928, and 935. Even the more modern flair, like the Cayman and Boxter are showcased. In-depth descriptions of the cars and significant Porsche events are accompanied by stunning, but extremely rare images.
And then there’s that wonderful title. The one that says “we like what we like and what we like is Porsche.” Just how the kids in those commercials proudly responded “we eat what we like,” we now echo similar sentiments: “there is no substitute.” We like Porsche; we love Porsche because there is no substitute.
Author
Leffingwell wrote his first book, American Muscle, in 1989 while still on staff at the Los Angeles Times. Since then, he has authored another 47 titles for Motorbooks, who we partner with for this series. Leffingwell is considered one of the top Porsche historians today, and he enjoys a close working relationship with Porsche AG. Leffingwell also wrote Porsche 911: 50 Years, a book we featured last year.
Porsche 70 Years: There Is No Substitute is available through Amazon and Motorbooks.
Porsche 70 Years Gallery














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What Makes Supercars Super: Yellow Compass Group

What Makes Supercars Super: Yellow Compass Group

Near the end of last year, we decided to expand into video. We didn’t know exactly how to go about it or what the videos would look like; we just knew we wanted to do it. We thought people might enjoy a video series about cars. Our publication is growing steadily and to that end, we are deeply thankful for readers like yourself.
As we have grown, we decided this year was the ideal time to dive into video.
This past spring, I met Gino D’Orazio for coffee near Detroit. I was impressed by his candor and energy. A few days later, he had a conference call with Chris Burdick, Automoblog’s Founder who heads our office in Berlin, Germany. He felt the same about Gino. We hope you take as much of a liking to him as we did. Gino loves cars and in our line of work, loving cars goes a long way.
Gino is our first Video Content Director and Host. The fist episode of our first series, “What Makes Supercars Super” is below. Gino traveled to The Yellow Compass Group, a boutique Ferrari dealership, where he met Mike Berman. In this first installment, Berman, Chief of The Yellow Compass Group, shows us why Ferrari is so special to him and his customers. Through Berman, we begin to learn why supercars are in fact super.
Enjoy.




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Expert Panels Lead Autonomous Car Discussions During Global Summit In Brussels

Expert Panels Lead Autonomous Car Discussions During Global Summit In Brussels


What does the future of mobility look like? It’s an increasingly common question with often contrasting answers. Those developing the technology are doing so with a number of challenges and opportunities in mind. These challenges and opportunities vary, depending on if it’s a large OEM, top tier supplier, or relatively new startup.
Challenges and opportunities: the two best words to describe the landscape of future mobility. AutoSens Brussels examined both in great detail this week.
Strength In Numbers
Inside the famed Autoworld Museum, AutoSens Brussels united over 400 senior level researchers, engineers, and other experts to identify the challenges and opportunities surrounding future mobility. Attendees, speakers, and sponsors were encouraged to leverage each other’s expertise.
“Don’t be the only one working in the silo,” said Rob Stead, Managing Director of Sense Media, during the event’s opening remarks on Wednesday. “We are here to work together, so please reach out and meet someone new.”
Sense Media Managing Director, Rob Stead opening AutoSens Brussels on Wednesday. Photo: Carl Anthony for Automoblog.net
Distinguished Voices
A number of dynamic and diverse speakers took the stage to share their insights, experience, and visions. Richard Schram, Technical Manager, Euro NCAP, highlighted the organization’s 2025 Road Map, which details a number of initiatives, driver assistance and crash avoidance among them. The 2025 Road Map leads straight to automated driving, but interestingly, covers things like child safety with regard to heat stroke. In an informational video, representatives from Euro NCAP spoke about how parents can sometimes accidently leave their children in the vehicle.
It also takes into account, especially in Europe, the number of two-wheeled vehicles, from bikes to motorcycles. Euro NCAP is working to minimize the higher fatality rates associated with two-wheeled vehicles in an accident.
Financial Impacts
Rudy Burger, Managing Partner, Woodside Capital Partners, spoke on mergers and acquisitions within the automotive arena and how that affects future mobility. Burger highlighted the more recent acquisitions, like Harmon by Samsung, Mobileye by Intel, and Cruise Automation by General Motors, the latter of which he believes is promising.
“As an acquirer, I would have to take my hat off to GM,” Burger said on stage. “Their bet in Cruise Automation is significant.”
Burger also pointed out how corporate investors are much more active when it comes to future mobility. Burger’s presentation made mention of BMW, Daimler, Delphi, and Denso among others as the most diligent.
“What we are seeing is a number of very large companies placing bets – significant bets – whereby they believe in order to create a controlling position in the market, they must actually acquire a company,” Burger said.
AutoSens Brussels was held in the famed Autoworld Museum in Brussels, Belgium. Photo: Carl Anthony for Automoblog.net.


Pushing Limits
Corey Zehfus, an Optical Designer from Sunex, spoke on how automotive camera trends are influencing optical designs. He underscored the importance of why vehicle cameras must be durable, high performing, and able to handle a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions. Zehfus also addressed a reoccurring mindset with vehicle perception technology that effectively wants to do more with less.
“Now ADAS has grown to include many different functions and people are trying to do these functions and detections with as few sensors as possible,” he said during his presentation.
Zehfus also noted the increasingly critical role cameras play and how a number of ADAS systems, from emergency braking to pedestrian detection, rely on cameras. Zehfus explained how this demand means more sophisticated camera and lens specs.
“It’s pushing the state-of-the-art,” he said.
Corey Zehfus from Sunex speaks on Wednesday at AutoSens Brussels. Photo: Carl Anthony for Automoblog.net.
Human Versus Machine
Saskia de Craen from the SWOV Institute for Road Safety Research raised hard but necessary questions on automated driving. During her presentation, she addressed the distinctions between a human and machine driver, suggesting that even though automated technology is promising, there are some things only humans can detect.
“When a driver approaches this ball in the street, they can determine that perhaps a child is following,” she said, pointing to a basketball on the large screen above her. “Of course you can tell a computer this simple script, but a human can determine many different types of balls that could be in the road.”
de Craen, with a remote, changed the ball on the screen, from a football, to a beach ball, to even a Pokémon ball. She then challenged the audience to think in terms of other children’s toys that might inadvertently end up in the road: a little train, miniature car, or kite, for example. And if that scenario were encountered, would a machine be able to determine that not only a ball, but another toy in the road may mean a child is close behind. Would a machine be able to make that distinction as well as a human?
“Please let us not forget that our brain is the best computer ever invented,” she urged. “The point is that people are very good at adapting in situations like this and computers do make mistakes.”
Saskia de Craen from the SWOV Institute for Road Safety Research speaks at AutoSens Brussels on Thursday. Photo: Carl Anthony for Automoblog.net.


Extensive Panel
Other speakers and presenters included Dr. Heiko Hirschmuller, Co-Founder of Roboception, on how robotics and remote sensing play into autonomous driving; Erich Ramschak, Senior Product Manager ADAS Engineering, AVL List, on the importance of map data in autonomous driving, and Alain Dunoyer, Head of Safe Car, SBD Automotive, on the impacts of the autonomous car on traffic.
“It’s not every day you can find this many experts in one place,” remarked an attendee from the United States. “I have really learned a lot from watching the speakers.”
“The speakers are the best part because of their knowledge,” said another attendee from Germany.
AutoSens Brussels attendees had many networking opportunities, especially during lunch. Photo: Carl Anthony for Automoblog.net.
Collaboration & Connection
AutoSens creates an environment where those working on vehicle perception technology can collaborate. It’s not a trade show or convention, and attendees are not subjected to any sales literature. AutoSens is genuinely about getting the engineers, researchers, and other experts on ADAS together in one place. The vehicle and technology demonstrations combined with the expert panels make AutoSens a world-class event on something that will change the world as we know it.
“It’s important we don’t develop the technology behind closed doors and that we are all talking the same language,” Stead said. “We can bring some real benefits by doing that.”
AutoSens is returning to the U.S. next year. Although a venue and date have not been announced, organizers say they are planning a May event in the Detroit metro.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.    



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2017 Volkswagen e-Golf Gets A Price (And It’s Not Just The MSRP)

2017 Volkswagen e-Golf Gets A Price (And It’s Not Just The MSRP)

VW’s 2018 E-Golf just had its price revealed, and it’s not all that bad. Cheaper than a new Tesla, for one thing, but the bottom line here is, as always, the bottom line: This better work. And I’m not saying that just for the sake of the planet, but I’m saying it for the sake of VW. After that diesel-gate screw up, Volkswagen has got to get their act together and start selling cars, a lot of cars, or things could turn out very bad for them.
Hand In The Cookie Jar
Volkswagen, like a number of other European automakers, has a lot of history in diesel engines. And a lot of them, VW chief among them, were not all that interested in pursuing EV technology. They decided to put their engineering focus on diesel engines for the sake of efficiency, but a funny thing happened on the way to the emissions testing station. VW was caught red-handed faking their diesel emissions scores and got the crap pounded out of them, legally and financially speaking. Shoot, one of the corporate higher ups just got a jail sentence for his part in L’affaire Diesel.
This leaves VW and any other automaker banking on diesel in a bit of a technological and political bind. With new efficiency and emissions standards looming on the horizon, car companies have to clean up their act. Which brings us to Volkswagen’s e-Golf: they better be able to make and sell these things by the boat-load. Funny thing is this just might work out. The Volkswagen E-Golf looks like a good alternative to most of the other EVs out there.
Photo: Volkswagen of America Inc.
Range Increase
The 2018 e-Golf has a starting price of $30,495, which I note is much cheaper than the hotly anticipated Tesla Model 3, and about what Nissan sells their Leaf EV for. The new e-Golf gets some improvements, like a longer EPA-estimated range, better economy, and more power. The updated lithium-ion battery improves energy capacity to 35.8 kWh, up from the previous 24.2 kWh, for an increase in vehicle range (83 miles to 125 miles on a single charge).
No, Jack, it’s obviously not a road trip car; it’s aimed at around town travel.
There’s also a 7.2 kW on-board charger standard on all trim levels, so you can charge the battery in less than 6 hours at a 240V station. And, when you go with the DC Fast Charging, optional on SE models, standard on Limited Edition and SEL Premium, the battery can be charged up to 80 percent within an hour at a DC fast charging station.
Battery chemistry improvements raise the overall “fuel” economy to 126 MPGe for city driving and 111 MPGe on the highway/autobahn. Combined city/ highway gets you 119 MPGe. These figures are slight improvements over the previous model.
Photo: Volkswagen of America Inc.
Power & Performance
All that juice is applied to the Straße via an upgraded 100 kW electric motor. It puts out 134 horsepower, a notable improvement over the previous 85 kW electric motor that put out 115 horsepower. Unsurprisingly, torque is also up, from 199 lb-ft. to 214 lb-ft., good enough to get you to 60 in just 9.6 seconds. Top speed is a lackadaisical 85 mph, but I doubt 99.9% of e-Golf buyers will care.
Trim Levels
Breaking it down by trim level, the base, or as VW puts it “value-oriented” e-Golf SE starts at $30,495. It comes with more standard equipment than the previous base model. The SE comes with an 8-inch glass-covered touchscreen display, LED taillights, cruise control, a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, and the 7.2 kW on-board charger. Adding the DC Fast Charging package tacks on another $995.
The e-Golf Limited Edition rings out at $33,795 and includes all of the SE stuff, but adds DC Fast Charging capability, V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces, and Park Distance Control (ParkPilot), along with a new feature called Maneuver Braking to “avoid or mitigate the effects of a collision with stationary objects while parking.” No, seriously.
The range topping e-Golf SEL Premium will cost you $36,995 and offers an optional Driver Assistance package for $1,395. That includes a 12.3-inch Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrument cluster, Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning with Autonomous Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Monitoring, Lane Assist, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert, Park Assist, and Light Assist.
So, there it is. It’s not exactly a Hail Mary pass on Volkswagen’s part, but they better start selling these things like crazy.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias toward lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
Photos & Source: Volkswagen of America Inc.



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The Best Extended Car Warranty Companies of 2020

The Best Extended Car Warranty Companies of 2020 Affiliate disclosure: Automoblog and its partners may be compensated when you purchase the products below.



The best extended car warranties protect the mechanical components of your car that are susceptible to costly repairs. This kind of protection brings drivers peace of mind on the road knowing that if their car breaks down, they’re protected and roadside assistance is just a call away. 



If you’re considering purchasing an extended auto warranty, you’ll want to learn more about the best car warranty companies and how much comprehensive coverage costs. Our team did much of this work for you, factoring in industry standing, coverage, affordability, and customer service. Get quotes from several companies to find the right plan and price for your vehicle.



Top Extended Warranty Companies
We reviewed the best extended auto warranty providers, and here are our top picks. 


Best Direct Coverage
Best for Older Vehicles
Best Prices



Endurance
CARCHEX
CarShield



Get Quote
Get Quote
Get Quote
(877) 374-1840
(866) 254-0205
(800) 563-2761
 
 
 

 


Our 10 Best Extended Car Warranty Companies


 
10 Best Extended Warranty Companies
Superlative
Our Rating
 
1
Endurance
Best Direct Coverage

Get Quote
2
CARCHEX
Best for Older Vehicles

Get Quote
3
CarShield
Best Prices

Get Quote
4
Protect My Car
Best Maintenance Plans

Get Quote
5
autopom!
Best Customer Service

Get Quote
6
Liberty Bell Auto Protect
Best Military Discount

Get Quote
7
ForeverCar
 

Get Quote
8
Concord Auto Protect
 

Get Quote
9
Infinite Auto Protection
 

Get Quote
10
AA Auto Protection
 

Get Quote




Below, we’ll take a deeper look at our top three providers: Endurance, CARCHEX, and CarShield.



1. Endurance: Best Direct Coverage



Endurance is known for comprehensive benefits and positive customer service experiences. We named it “Best Direct Coverage” because it’s one of the few providers that administers the plans it sells. This removes a middleman from the process.



Industry Standing

Coverage

Affordability

Customer Service

Overall




Industry Standing



Endurance has been underwriting extended car warranties for 14 years, which bodes well for the company’s standing. It has a good reputation with experts in the auto warranty industry like AM Best, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Trustpilot.



Here’s a breakdown of Endurance’s ratings:



Expert
Score
What This Means
AM Best
A+ in financial strength (Superior)
The company is reliable financially to pay out customer claims.
BBB
C+
Endurance’s rating recently dropped due to advertising issues, which have since been resolved.
Trustpilot
4.3/5.0 stars
Customers have a positive experience with the extended warranty services from Endurance.



Coverage



Endurance offers five plans that provide different levels of coverage. All plans come with your choice of a $0, $50, $100, or $200 deductible, which is the price you’ll pay to the repair shop out-of-pocket for any covered repair. If you choose a higher deductible, your monthly costs will be lower and vice versa. Endurance will handle the rest of the repair cost.



Here’s a breakdown of Endurance’s vehicle service contracts:



Plan
Best For
Type of Coverage
Supreme
New, high-tech, commercial, or hybrid vehicles
Bumper-to-bumper, exclusionary
Superior
Drivers who want comprehensive coverage
Highest level of stated-component coverage
Secure Plus
Drivers who need coverage soon
Powertrain plus coverage with the shortest waiting period
Select Premier
Drivers of high-mileage vehicles
Specifically designed powertrain plus coverage for high-mileage vehicles
Secure
Drivers on a budget
Most affordable powertrain coverage plan







With Endurance, customers get their first year of Endurance Elite Membership benefits for free. After the first year, customers have the choice to renew their membership for a small fee. 



Repair financing: Receive up to $5,000 in repair loans.Tire repair/replacement: Get reimbursed for up to two repaired or replaced tires per year.Key fob replacement: If your key fob is lost or broken, Endurance will cover the cost of a new one.Identity theft protection: This tool can help reimburse you for the finances you lost as a result of identity theft.Member rewards: Get up to $250 in vouchers to be used at select merchant, hotel, and restaurant locations.Rental car reimbursement: Get reimbursed for $30/day up to $150 for a rental car while your car is in the shop for a covered repair.Trip interruption: If your car breaks down over 100 miles from home, you will be reimbursed up to $150/day up to $450 for meals or lodging.24/7 emergency roadside services: When your vehicle is disabled, call Endurance claims services, and the company will send you a tow, battery service, mechanical first aid for minor adjustments, tire service, fuel delivery, or lockout service.Add-on options to Endurance’s highest coverage plan (Supreme) make this option particularly useful for drivers of high-tech, commercial, or hybrid vehicles.



Tire modification or suspension lift: Covers tires including oversized tires, body lifts, and suspension liftsHybrid vehicle coverage: Covers the electronic motor, power controller, inverter assembly, generator, electronic air conditioning compressor, and electronic power steering pumpHigh-tech coverage: Covers back-up sensors and camera, video system and display screen, GPS/navigation systems, blind spot sensors, electronic driver display, and anti-theft systemsAffordability



While Endurance contracts tend to be on the more expensive side, we think it’s worth it for the perks and comprehensive benefits. Our review team found that on average, the best extended car warranty from Endurance, the Supreme plan, costs around $170 per month for 18 months for three years/80,000 miles of extended car warranty coverage.



In general, we found that Endurance plans of all levels cost about $69 to $180 per month and require a down payment of $150 to $350.



Customer Service



Customer reviews for Endurance speak for themselves. On the BBB, Endurance has over 1,000 customer reviews rating the company at over 4.5 stars out of a possible 5.0-star rating.



Positive reviews of Endurance customer service as reported to the BBB include praise for non-pushy salespeople, a simple buying experience, and saving money.



Negative customer reviews shine a light on long wait times to speak to customer representatives, slow claims approval, and phishing emails.



 

Best Direct Coverage




Get Quote
(877) 374-1840
Industry veteran that handles your plan directly, from quote to claim




2. CARCHEX: Best for Older Vehicles



Founded in 1999, CARCHEX is known for excellence in the industry. The company has a long history of positive customer experiences, along with a strong reputation among industry experts, such as CARFAX, Edmunds.com, and Kelley Blue Book. We named it “Best for Older Vehicles” because it covers cars with up to 250,000 odometer miles.



Industry Standing

Coverage

Affordability

Customer Service

Overall




Industry Standing



CARCHEX has an A+ rating on the BBB and won the BBB Greater Maryland’s Torch Awards for Marketplace Excellence in 2012. Trustpilot consumers rate CARCHEX at 3.5 out of a possible 5.0-star rating. CARCHEX’s years in business and positive ratings bode well for the company’s reliability and ability to pay out customer claims in a timely manner.



Coverage



CARCHEX offers five Extended Vehicle Protection Plans with several contract options under each tier:



Plan
Best For
Type of Coverage
Titanium
Drivers who plan to own their car for a long time
Bumper-to-bumper, exclusionary contract
Platinum
Car owners who want comprehensive coverage
Highest level of stated-component coverage
Gold
Vehicles with over 60,000 miles
Second-highest level of stated-component coverage
Silver
Older cars more liable to hefty repair costs
Powertrain plus coverage
Bronze
Reliable vehicles expecting infrequent repairs
Basic powertrain coverage







Some benefits that come with all CARCHEX plans include:



24/7 roadside assistance: Includes emergency tire service, lockout service, battery service, fuel delivery, and winchingTowing reimbursement: Up to $75 per occurrenceRental car reimbursement: Up to $40/day up to $160 per occurrenceTrip interruption service reimbursement: Up to $50/day for three days maximum if your vehicle breaks down over 100 miles away from homeReimbursements may vary by contract.



Affordability



CARCHEX plans cost about $100 to $200 per month. For example, a Titanium plan can cost around $200 for 18 months for five years/100,000 miles of coverage. This comes to a total of $3,600.



Customer Service



CARCHEX has over 70 reviews on the BBB. Positive reviews detail speedy claims servicing, satisfactory service for luxury vehicles like BMW, and friendly, professional customer service representatives.



Negative CARCHEX reviews detail unsolicited sales calls, slow claims approval, and difficulty canceling contracts.




Best for Older Vehicles




Get Quote
(866) 254-0205
Top-rated provider with unmatched customer service and affordable coverage




3. CarShield: Best Prices



CarShield is known for having unbeatable prices for the best extended car warranty coverage. The company doesn’t underwrite its own policies but administers vehicle service contracts from other highly ranked providers.



 Here’s a quick snapshot of how CarShield ranks by our standards: 



Industry Standing

Coverage

Affordability

Customer Service

Overall




Industry Standing



CarShield’s BBB rating could be higher. It’s currently rated the lowest rating (F). This is because of an alert warning consumers about a pattern of behavior regarding misleading sales and advertising practices, rude customer service, failure to cover repairs needed, and difficulty canceling a policy for a refund.



A certain amount of negative customer reviews are to be expected with any company, and these complaints are not uncommon in the car warranty industry. When you consider that CarShield has covered over one million vehicles, the number of complaints is small.



CarShield received higher scores on other customer review sites. For example, the company has 4.1 stars on Google. Trustpilot scores are calculated from first-person customer reviews, where CarShield has received 4.2 stars out of a possible 5.0-star rating. This is a good indication that customers are largely satisfied with their extended car warranty experience from CarShield.



Coverage



CarShield offers six coverage plans:



Plan
Best For
Type of Coverage
Diamond
New cars that will be kept for a longer period of time
Bumper-to-bumper coverage
Platinum
High-mileage vehicles
Protection for most of your car’s vital parts
Gold
Drivers of unreliable cars liable to hefty repair bills
Powertrain plus coverage
Silver
Drivers on a budget
Powertrain coverage
Aluminum
Drivers of high-tech vehicles
Specialty plan for electrical and computer-related problems
Motorcycle & ATV
Drivers of specialty vehicles
Platinum or Silver coverage







Some benefits that come with all CarShield plans include:



Rental car reimbursement: Get reimbursed for a rental car while your car is in the shop for a covered repair.Towing: When your car breaks down, CarShield will tow your car to the nearest certified repair facility. Get up to $75 per occurrence.24/7 roadside assistance: CarShield will send roadside services for flat tires, lockouts, dead batteries, fuel delivery, and winching out to your location if your car is disabled.Affordability



Our research indicates that the highest level of coverage from CarShield (the Diamond plan) costs around $130 per month for the length of your coverage. This coverage is unique from Endurance or CARCHEX because the term length is unlimited. As long as you keep paying for coverage, your contract will not be canceled.



The Diamond plan is the highest level of coverage, making it some of the most expensive. We found some plans to be as low as $70 per month.



Customer Service



There are over 500 reviews on the BBB for CarShield. Positive customer reviews detail excellent claims service, courteous staff, and fair rates. 



Negative reviews report unsolicited sales calls, pressure marketing tactics, and trouble canceling a policy.



 

Best Prices




Get Quote
(800) 563-2761
Well-known provider that offers great coverage with great pricing




FAQ: Best Extended Warranties



What exactly is an extended warranty?



Extended auto warranties provide coverage for mechanical components that are liable to hefty repair bills. Unlike car insurance, an extended car warranty is not legally required and helps protect your finances against the cost of expensive repairs when your car has a mechanical breakdown.



What do extended warranties cover?



Extended warranties cover select mechanical components. Basic extended warranties (typically referred to as powertrain or drivetrain warranty coverage) protect the parts of your car that help the vehicle move like the engine, transmission, drive axle, and more.



A more comprehensive coverage plan (typically referred to as a bumper-to-bumper extended warranty) covers the same components as a powertrain plan plus your car’s cooling and electrical systems, high-tech components, and more.



What do extended auto warranties not cover?



Extended car warranties do not typically cover the following damages and car parts:



The cost of scheduled maintenanceThe interior/upholstery, paint, carpetingDamage from misuse, abuse, or corrosionAuto glass parts like windshield, headlights, and light bulbsDamage from a collision, weather event, or environmental damageSome of the best extended warranties are exclusionary contracts. This means the items listed on your contract are not covered. Anything not listed would be covered. Be sure to read your contract carefully to know what a car warranty covers.



Are extended car warranties worth it?



A study released by software manufacturer Pegasystems Inc. shows that over half of Americans (60 percent) see the value in a car warranty. Out of the survey respondents who own an extended car warranty, 62 percent reported benefiting from this coverage over the past year.



Reasons why people don’t buy an extended car warranty include lack of availability, high cost, and not thinking that they need one. However, this study suggests that most drivers would benefit from the coverage. Luckily, affordable car warranty options are available.



What do extended warranties cost?



The average annual cost of an extended car warranty from one of the best extended warranty companies ranges from $700 to $1,500.



What is the best extended auto warranty?



We think you can find the best extended car warranty from these companies:



Endurance: Best Direct CoverageCARCHEX: Best for Older VehiclesCarShield: Best PricesProtect My Car: Best Maintenance PlansAutopom!: Best Customer ServiceLiberty Bell Auto Protect: Best Military DiscountForeverCarConcord Auto ProtectInfinite Auto ProtectionAA Auto ProtectionUltimately, getting quotes from several providers is a tried and true way to find the right plan for your vehicle from a reputable provider.



Top Extended Warranty Companies
We reviewed the best extended auto warranty providers, and here are our top picks. 


Best Direct Coverage
Best for Older Vehicles
Best Prices



Endurance
CARCHEX
CarShield



Get Quote
Get Quote
Get Quote
(877) 374-1840
(866) 254-0205
(800) 563-2761
 
 
 
Original article: The Best Extended Car Warranty Companies of 2020



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Genesis G70: South Korea’s S-Class Response

Genesis G70: South Korea’s S-Class Response

You have to hand it to them. And by them, I mean they. And by they, I mean Hyundai. The Genesis G70 surely isn’t a bad car, not even close to it. And, here’s the first of many rubs confronting the Genesis G70: they want it to be a thing in and of itself. It is The Genesis, not, most definitely not the Hyundai Genesis. Just: Genesis.
And all the press materials go to great lengths to refer to the car as just that. The mentions or uses of the word “Hyundai” tally up to two in over 2,000 words of verbiage. So what is it? What is the Genesis G70? In a nutshell, it’s pretty easy: Hyundai’s answer to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Jack of All Trades
Hyundai, the South Korean mega-corp-conglomo-nopoly, does everything from construction projects to chemicals to electronics to shipbuilding to automobile manufacturing. Hyundai has been making good, solid, dependable yet affordable cars for decades now. In a lot of ways, they have out Toyota’d Toyota and the other Japanese marques whose stock in trade has long been good, solid, dependable yet affordable cars. But what if you want more than that? What if you, as an ambitious mega-corp-conglomo-nopoly, want more for your automobile division? Enter Genesis. Something well built, stylish, solid, safe, with an on-the-road and at-the-curb presence to make people notice. Enter Genesis.
Styling & Design
They describe the Genesis G70 as being “an athletic sedan characterized by its graceful and dynamic exterior styling” with an “elegant and intuitively designed interior.” This is all fair enough and, from a marketing perspective, the G70 completes the Genesis sedan lineup, slotting alongside the G90 flagship and the mid-luxury G80. No, I don’t know exactly what they mean by “mid-luxury” either.
The G70 offers a broad spectrum of color options, both inside and outside. There are ten exterior colors available, and they have come up with a new paint-finishing method: small, evenly distributed aluminum particles and high luminosity colors to maximize the exterior paint. Or, as Ed “Big Daddy” Roth calls it, “metalflake”. The inside has the same “big box of Crayolas” approach for available colors.
The G70 interior is prioritized around superb fit and finish with a focus on simplicity and an importance on real functionality. The overall layout is horizontal with a rather nice sport steering wheel. Since this is a Genesis, premium materials such as aluminum door handles, metal speaker grills, and quilted leather door panels are found throughout the cabin.
Photo: Genesis.
Power & Performance
The Genesis G70 aims to be agile yet safe, dynamic yet quiet, but it all starts from the powertrain. There are three powertrains on offer: a 3.3-liter V6 turbo, a 2.0-liter inline four-banger turbo, and a 2.2-liter inline four cylinder diesel. The engine to pay attention to here is the 3.3-liter V6 turbo – that’s the one found in the “enthusiast-focused” G70 Sport. That 3.3-liter V6 turbo plant cranks out 365 ponies and 376 lb-ft. of torque. All of this is good enough to get the G70 Sport to 60 in 4.7 seconds, with a top speed of 168 mph. The G70 Sport also comes with variable-ratio steering and an electronically controlled suspension for better response and ride and handling.
You also get a number of other fancy-schmancy performance goodies, such as launch control, rack-mounted, motor-driven power steering (R-MDPS), multi-link rear suspension, dynamic torque vectoring, and a mechanical limited slip differential. They have also put in this contraption called Active Sound Design (ASD). This system “creates an aural character that reflects the engine load and driving mode settings.” That’s all they say about the ASD deal, but I cry witchcraft and sorcery, or, at the very least, fakery and I don’t hold with it. Nosir!
Photo: Genesis.


Technology & Safety
The cabin is also drowning in high tech gee-gaws, like a smart posture control system for minimal stress on long journeys. There’s an 8-inch touchscreen display with MirrorLink, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The G70 also comes with server-based voice recognition technology, using Kakao’s artificial intelligence platform Kakao I. A 15-speaker Lexicon system is there when you really want to crank the K-Pop.
The G70 has a buffet of safety doohickeys like pedestrian impact mitigation technology that lifts the hood to absorb shock and minimize injury. There’s Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Highway Driving Assist, Blind Spot Collision Warning, and J-Pop Avoidance Assist because we all know that Psy and Exo are totally hot and AKB48 and Arashi are totally not.
Photo: Genesis.
Big Questions
Will this work? Will the G70, along with the G80 and G90, be able to make Genesis into a brand of its own? That’s the obvious goal here, and I’m not saying they can’t do it. A lot of people in the car business have lost a lot of money saying that same thing about South Korean car companies. Perhaps Hyundai can defy the odds?
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias toward lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.





Photos & Source: Genesis.



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