Mazda and Instagram are working together. 

Mazda Motor Corporation is creating sponsored ad campaigns on Instagram. Sales from the mobile advertising campaign focus on interacting with consumers. With each post, users interest is peaked. This leads users to navigate the Mazda web site, as well as connect them with local dealers and special offers. All of which maximize sales.

Source: (@MazdaUSA Instagram)

“Social is a noisy space and brands can be drowned out,” said Gary Schwartz, president and CEO of Impact Mobile. “Last year, Mazda blazed a promotional trail with its The Long Drive Home Instagram puzzle" Source (Mobile Commerce Daily).

Our goal is to keep you up to date on the latest automotive industry news. Be sure to check out True Auto Vehicle Breakdown Protection on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+ for more valuable vehicle information. 

A mechanical breakdown is a new vehicle owners worst nightmare, but a Vehicle Breakdown Protection Coverage Plan can help.

Besides the hassle of transporting the broken down vehicle to a repair shop and possibly renting another vehicle while it is being repaired, the owner may suddenly become aware of loopholes in the manufacturer's auto extended warranty that stick him with the cost of repair. Vehicle breakdowns happen and it is important to be prepared. Auto extended warranties are a great start but most people find that they are lacking sufficient coverage for breakdowns.

Vehicle breakdown protection and insurance can be confusing and most people find out too late that the coverage they were paying for to help them has found ways around it.

Not all auto extended warranties are created equal and vehicle breakdown protection can be just as useless if auto owner's aren't aware of what to look for when considering an investment in breakdown protection.

Warranties come with or are offered with many new vehicles purchased today and are typically 3 years or 36,000 miles. A warranty can be a great thing to have since it allows the owner to have broken parts fixed or replaced at no cost. However, not everything is covered in a manufacturer warranty. Since there is no set standard for what has to be covered in an auto extended warranty it is a good idea to look thoroughly at what is and isn't covered or provided. Vehicle breakdown protection can not only cover significant part malfunctions or breaks but help fill in gaps in the manufacturer's warranty.

Many manufacturer warranties do not cover or offer (for example) 24/7 roadside assistance or rental car reimbursement while your vehicle is being repaired. It is also important to remember that plans only covering a "breakdown" may be very limiting. These plans mostly cover specific parts that break prematurely and likely will not cover replacement of parts that fail due to wear. There may also be parts that are not covered even if they break prematurely that will usually not be listed and owners may only find out when the bill arrives. Any wording in the breakdown protection coverage that indicates only a mechanical breakdown or a gradual reduction in operating performance is covered will not include repair or replacement of parts that suffered normal wear and tear to cause a breakdown and will also be very limited.

Some cars may experience overheating due to one circumstance or another. In most cases, overheating is a condition that is not covered, no matter the cause. Many times this results in a large repair bill that the owner will have to pay for himself.

It may seem like a big, scary waste of money but it isn't! There are actually breakdown warranties that cover many of the gaps left out of basic mechanical breakdown plans. Look for plans that cover wear and tear as these will have more things covered, as well as parts that are simply worn.

These are some important discrepancies between companies that offer vehicle breakdown protection and insurance, as well as plans that only cover mechanical breakdowns versus a plan that covers normal wear and tear. Vehicle owners should be aware of the coverage gaps in their manufacturer auto extended warranty and the possible gaps in some vehicle breakdown protection coverage so they can purchase them both confidently and also be certain that everything is covered that they want or need. Vehicle breakdown coverage is an excellent addition to any auto owner's toolbox and it is important to remember that when looking at purchasing breakdown coverage, knowledge is power.

Click HERE to request a Free Quote to find out how we can make you and your vehicle a priority. If your current warranty is about to expire, please consider True Auto for your future automobile extended warranty. 

For the latest Automotive Industry related news, be sure to check out True Auto Vehicle Breakdown Protection on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+ for more valuable vehicle information.

Could 3D-Printed Cars be the things of the future?

Introducing LM3D. The 3D-printed car series from Local Motors. Local Motors, an Arizona-based company, has created the first 3D printed car to hit the highways and be available for purchase. For a select group of people who were able to place a deposit on a crowdfunding campaign, the debut of the LM3D will be in the later half of 2016. Watch the video below (Source: localmotors, Youtube Channel)

"Roughly 75% of the LM3D is printed. Our goal is to consolidate as much of the traditional bill of materials into a single, 3D-printed piece as possible, eventually making about 90% of the car using 3D-printing. Nearly all of the body panels and chassis are 3D printed on the LM3D." (Source: Local Motors)

Print and assembly of Local Motors 3D-Printed car took just over two months from design to prototype. 

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The 2016 North American International Auto Show has more than 750 vehicles on display.

Take an inside look at the 2016 Detroit Auto Show. 

You can discover the latest debuts by the world's leading automotive brands and experience your favorite makes and models, up close and personal. The NAIAS is open from January 11-24th, 2016; however the show is only open to the public from January 16-24th, 2016. President Obama will be attending the show on January 20th to address the auto industry. 

Source (NAIASDetroit, Youtube Channel)

The new Buick Avista, Buick Envision and the Ford Fusion, among other vehicles are featured at the 28th annual NAIAS. The Avista has 400 horsepower and has an 8speed automatic transmission. The Envision has 252 horsepower and the Fusion has 325 horsepower. 

The new Chrysler Pacifica, which replaces the Chrysler Town and Country, is the first of it's kind, electric minivan. 

For the latest Automotive Industry related news, be sure to check out True Auto Vehicle Breakdown Protection on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+ for more valuable vehicle information. 

Smart Ford car owners trust True Auto. 

Very often a vehicle is one of the most expensive purchases people make and purchasing a vehicle extended warranty assures any car owner that it remains in good mechanical condition. Choosing True Auto Protection is a guarantee of comprehensive coverage for any Ford vehicle and assurance all claims will be administered in-house and not handled by any third party agencies.

Reasons to Buy the Ford Extended Warranty

When any Ford vehicle breaks down the hourly labor costs of mechanical works can be in the neighborhood of $80 to $100, excluding added costs of any parts needed. Many modern Ford owners admit they would not be able to pay for major repairs in the event of a serious mechanical breakdown.

Even if the vehicle is covered by the manufacturer's warranty adding an extended warranty can be a great buy. The greater the age and mileage of the Ford vehicle, the higher the cost of the extended warranty. Once an extended warranty is purchased for the vehicle it cannot move into higher rate classes and attract higher warranty costs no matter what subsequent mileage is recorded on the Ford vehicle. It does make sense to purchase the Ford extended warranty at the earliest possible moment in time, irrespective of the age of the vehicle and whether or not it is still covered by a manufacturer warranty.

True Auto administer all extended vehicle warranties themselves and are not third party agents or brokers. Vehicle coverage is available across the United States and meets all state licensing requirements for auto warranty companies. The Ford extended warranty coverage offered by True Auto is backed by a reputable company, with many decades of successful history in the auto warranty field.

Buying a Ford extended warranty could significantly extend the life of the vehicle and offers peace of mind to any vehicle owner that the car is covered for all expensive repairs and breakdowns.

Extended Vehicle Warranty coverage includes:

• protection against wear and tear
• roadside assistance membership
• mechanical breakdown coverage
• rental vehicle cover
• protection against trip interruption
• nationwide coverage
• direct payment of all claims
• monthly payment plans
• toll free customer service telephone
• easy to register for cover

True Auto Protection offers Extended Warranty Coverage Plans:

• New Vehicles - True Diamond and True Platinum
• Used Vehicles - True Supreme and True Platinum

Monthly enrollment costs vary depending on the extended warranty plan chosen and typical cover includes component coverage for all major breakdowns.

Customers choosing plans from True Auto Protection will take advantage of better coverage and terms than most other extended warranty plans on the market.

Every True Auto Protection plan includes free roadside assistance cover for the lifetime of the plan. This emergency roadside assistance covers drivers 24/7 for towing, lost key services and emergency tire or battery services. Ford customers are also guaranteed their vehicle will be repaired at the auto repair shop of their choice and all payments will be made by True Auto Protection.

Choosing to take out Ford extended warranty plans is the wise option for any Ford owner who has spent a lot of cash on the vehicle and is aware just how much repair costs can be. The True Auto Protection claims service toll free lines are open six days a week, including Saturdays and emergency services via extended warranty plans is available 24/7, 365 days a year.

For the latest Automotive Industry related news, be sure to check out True Auto Vehicle Breakdown Protection on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+ for more valuable vehicle information. 

Automotive brands and Yacht designers join forces.

(Photo Source: Henrik Fisker Designs)

Henrik Fisker, founder of Henrik Fisker Design released his first sketch of a 164-foot-long yacht. Fisker join forces with Benetti, the Italian ship builder, to create a series of super yachts. Many other powerful automotive brands have already joined forces with yacht designers and builders.

Lightweight carbon fiber, reclaimed wood and integrated solar panels are all brought together and designed to create eco-friendly super yachts. The latest technology and automated controls, will also be integrated with the sustainable materials featured on each deck. Benetti’s engineering team produced the ideas behind the yacht, while Fisker created the exterior and interior designs.

"Fisker’s latest creation when it comes to automobiles is the Force 1, a car that will be powered by one of the world’s most powerful naturally-aspirated engines, most likely a V10, and which will be revealed at the Detroit Auto Show in January 2016." (Source: AutoEvolution)

"The yacht is currently being designed at Fisker’s studio in California and is to be built at the Benetti facilities in Livorno, Italy in the heart of Tuscan coast." (Source: Forbes, Bill Springer)

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The Connected Car

PC Magazine defines a connected car as "a vehicle that provides Internet access to all the mobile devices used by the driver and passengers. It accesses the Internet via cellular or satellite communications and provides tablet-sized screens for passengers or a Wi-Fi hotspot for passengers' own devices." Although vehicle performance and fuel efficiency have been improving, the connected car is the future.

Strategy& foresees annual sales of connected car technologies tripling to €122.6 billion by 2021. "This is a slight slowdown in adoption speed compared to earlier estimates, attributable to the decision by European regulators to give OEMs a three-year extension until 2018 to install automatic emergency calling systems.We expect connected car technologies to generate €40.3 billion in end-customer spending next year." (Source: Strategy&)

The mobile phone industry is evolving with the connected car:

• Apple now has CarPlay, which can access apps and connect seamlessly with Apple products.

• Google's Alphabet Android Auto is competing with CarPlay. (Source:TheStreet)

Safety 

The number one priority for consumers is safety. "A survey from Telefonica showed that 73% of respondents say safety is the most important feature they'd like to see enhanced in cars in the future. Already, big companies are developing unique safety options." (Source: Strategy&)

"Connected safety hasn't necessarily been a purchase decision to date but is certainly becoming more relevant," said Ian Digman, general manager of Nissan, in the Telefonica report. Some of the safety features of connected cars include greatly improved roadside assistance, collision protection and emergency alerts.

In 2010, the Chinese car market outgrew the United States. The difference continues to flourish as more Chinese buy vehicles.  Many noteworthy US companies are innovating the connected car industry, China is potentially becoming the most lucrative market. 

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Missouri Ford Dealership Severely Flooded

Republic, Missouri - After two days of unrelenting rain, a Ford Dealership, which was filled with F-150 trucks, Ford Edges and Escapes, as well as other vehicle makes and models, was overrun by several feet of water.  Watch the video below (Source: Urban Hillbilly Videos, Youtube Channel)

The National Weather Service on Sunday issued flash flood warnings for much of Missouri, where three to six inches of rain fell during the weekend, and up to four inches more of rain was expected through Monday. Governer Jay Nixon declared a state of emergency in Missouri as heavy rain, flooding and flash flooding continue to impact much of the state.

For the latest Automotive Industry related news, be sure to check out True Auto Vehicle Breakdown Protection on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+ for more valuable vehicle information. 

Consumer Electronics Show to Take Place Next Month

During the Consumer Electronics Show next month in Las Vegas, the limelight will be glistening on cars. EE Times organized a list of the top automotive tech companies to watch for at the CES and/or 2016.

“The automotive industry used to be protected from the high-tech industry,” said Egil Juliussen, research director and principal analyst at IHS Automotive.  Not any more.  “You will be on the front seat at CES” staring down the highway to the future, he said.

• Faraday Future - Heading into the CES, Faraday Future is seen as the most secretive automotive startup of 2015. Faraday Future is developing an autonomous, electric vehicle with help from "senior engineers from Tesla, BMW and Audi, along with new hires from non-automotive companies such as Apple, SpaceX and Hulu." (Source: EE Times)

• Rightware - The small Finnish company, Rightware, originally a mobile gaming business is at the center of the revolution. Coming soon are 'virtual digital cockpits,'  with digitally rendered graphics. Old-fashioned mechanical knobs and dials are a thing of the past. 

• Quanergy - The launch of “the world's first solid-state lidar for self-driving cars” will officially occur at the Consumer Electronics Show on Jan. 6th.

• NXP - "Designed to operate on 80GHz band, “plus or minus a few GHz,” NXP is making its radar work between 77GHz and 81GHz, Reger said at that time." (Source: EE Times)

• VisLab-Ambarella - A developer of video compression and image processing chips, Ambarella, is keeping an eye on the ADAS/autonomous car market. They design high-resolution, high dynamic-range and low-power video processing chips.

• Nauto - "A device based on cameras coupled with smart computer-vision algorithms to retrofit cars with driver-assistance technology that sets the stage for full autonomy." (Source: EE Times)

• Trillium - "Trillium’s symmetric block cipher and key management system allows SecureCAN to “encrypt, transmit and decrypt within the 1ms threshold,” he said, which is required for automotive CAN bus real-time applications." (Source: EE Times)

For the latest Automotive Industry related news, be sure to check out True Auto Vehicle Breakdown Protection on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+ for more valuable vehicle information.