Just as consumers purchase cars that best fit their lifestyle needs, automakers likewise produce cars that it believes are the best fit for the market. However, the devils are in the details and a jarring oversight can cause a product to flop.

Last week, Forbes created a flop compilation of 2011. Enlisting the expertise of three veteran automotive journalists, Consumer Reports’ senior automotive engineer Jake Fisher, Web2Carz’s senior writer Tim Healey, and Autoline Detroit TV and radio’s John McElroy, the trio put their heads together to create a subjective list of what they believe are the worst vehicles on the market today. Vehicles eligible for nomination are 2011 models or any 2012 model vehicle that is currently on sale.

Not surprisingly, the first vehicle addressed is the Smart ForTwo. Selling only 327 units in October, rumors have suggested that the Smart brand may discontinue. McElroy also added that the tiny two-door’s transmission is, “the worst transmission maybe of all time.” A replacement for the current ForTwo will come in the shape of a joint project with Renault. Expect the successor to this flop to arrive next year.

Still, the ForTwo is nothing compared to the Chevrolet Aveo. If you thought selling only 327 units was low, Aveo’s nationwide sales last month only reached a pathetic 65 units, a 98 percent decline from the same period last year. Its retail failures are mainly attributed to the hype around Aveo’s better and bolder replacement, the 2012 Chevy Sonic.

Not only compacts, but trucks and SUVs were included in the list as well. The reliability of the Nissan Titan has dropped below the class average for the past five years. It lacks a full time AWD system, lacks interior space for passengers, and has a noisy engine that drones the cabin. As for SUVs, the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport compact crossover is neither sporty nor practical, the Acura ZDX has no outstanding qualities and sold only 131 units, Web2Carz calls the Dodge Nitro “behind the times”, and the Lincoln MKT possesses undistinguished styling and suffers from a brand that is no longer in vogue.

But outgoing models aren’t the only flops. New for 2011, the latest generation Volkswagen Jetta was redesigned to compete with a more competitive price point. However, in order to achieve the Jetta’s new low price, much of its essence evaporated as well. Its responsible handling and sharp steering feel disappeared. The high quality German interior was replaced with cheap plastics and regressed build quality.

The same could be said about the latest Honda Civic. It has long held one of the highest Consumer Reports scores but the 2012 redesign has dropped its score to one of the worst vehicles competing in the small car category. Just like the Jetta, its nimble handling was replaced by a soft suspension and braking distances that are too long.

If nothing else, hopefully this flop list can cause a board room meeting or two for automaker executives to reflect on the credibility of the products that they are creating. Tim Healey says, “[Automakers] realized that it really is all about the product– it’s not just about marketing. And that’s a good thing.”

GALLERY: Worst Car Flops of 2011

[Source: Forbes]

Meguiar’s is sending nine of the world’s top show cars from around the world to this year’s SEMA Show, holding its first ever Car Crazy International Vehicle Showcase. These nine cars along with their owners will be brought in from all over the globe and will be on display front and center right outside the Convention Hall, next to Meguiar’s Car Crazy TV Stage. All week long, both the vehicles and their owners will be a major attraction of this year’s SEMA Show.

Each vehicle was meticulously selected to ensure that they represent their respective country with pride. Just some of the vehicles that are heading to Meguiar’s Car Crazy International Vehicle Showcase include a 1953 Ford Truck F100 from Costa Rica (pictured), a 1981 VW Golf Mk1 from the United Kingdom, a 1939 Lincoln Zephyr Custom from Mexico, a 2000 Toyota Celica from China, and a 1978 XC GS Ford Falcon Hardtop (pictured) from all the way in Australia.

Prior to making the trek to Las Vegas though, the vehicles will make a pit stop during the month of October at the Marconi Automotive Museum in Southern California for private showings to visitors throughout the month.

GALLERY: Meguiar’s Car Crazy Vehicle Showcase

Not too long ago, a beauty contest in the sub-$20k segment would seem like a competition for the most attractive bar of soap. But now, Kia‘s current line-up will make you look twice.

Men’s lifestyle and fashion magazine Esquire has announced the Kia Optima as the “Most Gorgeous Car Under $20K.” Editors were especially impressed by the South Korean automaker’s “clean and inspiring” design. Moreover, numerous other automotive publications have made positive comparisons of its exterior to the more upscale Audi.

VP of Kia America marketing & communication Michael Sprague says, “Esquire defines and shapes men’s style and fashion in today’s contemporary culture, and this recognition further validates Optima’s tremendous value proposition with its unmatched combination of world-class design, advanced technology, and fun-to-drive performance. The stunning design and value of the Optima has significantly increased awareness, perception and consideration for the Kia brand…”

More than just a pretty face, the 2011 Optima is available with luxury and technology including a satnav/audio system with Sirius XM radio and live traffic, Bluetooth capability, USB and auxiliary input, and steering wheel integrated voice controls.

The Optima is available with an economic 2.4 liter four cylinder producing 200 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque or a turbocharged 2.0 liter four cylinder producing 274 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. Finally, the Optima Hybrid provides the 2.4 liter combined with an electric motor, combining for 206 hp and 193 lb-ft of torque. Prices begin at $19,200.

GALLERY: 2011 Kia Optima

Click here to read AutoGuide’s 2011 Kia Optima Review

The American Petroleum Institute has reported that total petroleum deliveries fell by 0.5 percent in July, compared to the same month one year ago. This was the first time deliveries have decreased for any month this year. As well, gasoline demand hit a ten-year low for the month of July.

John Felmy, API chief economist, said, “The numbers, though mixed, confirm continuing weakness in the economy. Consumers aren’t spending, and jobless claims have increased, so it isn’t surprising gasoline demand was down and overall demand slipped a bit”. It was also interesting that U.S refinery production of gas decreased for the first time in 2011, down by 2.3 percent from July 2010. However, on a year-to-date basis, gasoline production remains on par to set a record.

Fiat has returned to the U.S after a nearly three-decade absence, and the Italian automaker is eager to make a positive impression on the American consumer. So far, dealers are happy with the initial sales of the 500 but see the need for more ad support to sustain long-term growth of the brand.

As part of the campaign, Fiat is offering a $199 a month lease and cut-rate financing on the Fiat 500 coupe. The lease term is 39 months with $1,999 due at signing. Customers interested in buying the coupe can choose three different financing packages including 1.9 percent financing for 36 months. The $199 lease is being offered on the entry-level Pop model which comes with a five-speed manual transmission, which starts at $15,995, including shipping. Fiat has planned to open 130 dealerships by the end of 2011 and so far has 93 up and running.

[Source: Automotive News]

Kia Motors is one of the big winners at the first ever Automotive Brand Contest which was organized by the German Design Council. The judge panel declared Kia Motors the worthy winner in four categories. Three kia models were picked as winners for the exterior category, including the compact Sportage SUV, the forthcoming Rio (on sale from September 2011) and the all new Kia Optima (above). Kia was also ranked ‘Best of Best’ in the brand design category, where strategy and focus of the brand’s overall design is rated.

Peter Schreyer, Kia’s chief designer said, “We are all exceedingly proud that Kia Motors has done so well in this new competition, which is very important within the automotive industry. By changing our basic design focus, we have given our brand a face, a distinctive identity.“

Chrysler has taken the title of number one light-truck seller in Canada from Ford in the first half of 2011. Deliveries in the light truck segment have grown at twice the rate of the rest of the Canadian auto industry, and Chrysler led in sales last month for the first time in 2011.

The Dodge Journey has seen a boost in sales by 50 percent to 16,069 in Canada, and is touted as Canada’s best-selling crossover, while the Grand Caravan, Ram pickup and Jeep Wrangler also had their best Canadian sales month ever this June. According to a report by Bloomberg, an upsurge  in the construction industry is responsible for the light truck segment’s sales climb.

[Source: Bloomberg]

Kelley Blue Book announced today that Hyundai has taken the number 1 spot in brand loyalty, beating out Honda and Toyota, on kbb.com for Q2 2011. Automakers have struggled recently to retain loyal customers due to the economic downturn and consumers becoming more aware of issues such as fuel prices and safety recalls.

Hyundai has remained successful through aggressive marketing campaigns combined with innovative product redesigns like the successful Sonata and Elantra. In the second quarter of 2011, Hyundai’s brand loyalty was at 52.3 percent while Honda followed with 49.7 percent and Toyota came in third at 47.7 percent. Kia and Mini are the only two brands that have gained loyalty year-over-year, thanks to attractive redesigns and additional models within their respective lineups coupled to aggressive marketing campaigns.

“Hyundai’s product renaissance is benefitting the company not just by attracting an all-new customer base, but by helping them to retain current loyal Hyundai owners, as well,” said Arthur Henry, market intelligence manager for Kelley Blue Book.  ”This latest brand loyalty analysis from kbb.com is a testament to the power of attractive vehicle designs and intriguing marketing in the minds of in-market car shoppers as they consider their next vehicle.”

Today, Nissan North America announced U.S pricing for the 2012 Versa Hatchback, a model that is carried over from the previous year, despite the fact that the 2012 sedan is all-new. Continuing on the popular first-generation design, it is available in 1.8 S and 1.8 SL models.

The 1.8-liter S hatchback model has been priced at $14,380 with the 6-speed manual and $1000 extra for the 4-speed automatic transmission($15,380). The 1.8-liter SL version with the CVT transmission will be priced at $18,390. The 1.8-liter  DOHC 4-cylinder engine produces 122-hp, with fuel consumption rated at 28 mpg City /34 mpg Highway and 30 mpg combined for the SL with the Continuously Variable Transmission. The 6-speed manual and 4-speed automatic models offer 26/31/28 mpg and 24/32/27 mpg respectively for City/Highway/ Combined ratings. The Nissan Versa is already on sale in either the hatchback or sedan platform offering amazing bang for your buck.

Check out pricing for the all-new, and significantly cheaper 2012 Versa sedan here!