(August 1, 2014) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Chrysler Group today reported U.S. sales of 167,667 units, a 20 percent increase compared with sales in July 2013 (140,102 units), and the group’s best July sales since 2005.

The Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram Truck and Fiat brands each posted year-over-year sales gains in July compared with the same month a year ago. The Jeep brand’s 41 percent increase was the largest sales gain of any Chrysler Group brand during July and its best ever July sales. Chrysler Group extended its streak of year-over-year sales gains to 52-consecutive months in July.

(August 1, 2014) DETROIT — When the General Motors Milford Proving Ground opened in 1924 — 90 years ago this October— engineers lacked advanced tools and technology for safety testing. Judging from this video, some might say the only crash test dummies back then were human.

Engineers today keep their distance during crash tests. No more riding the running boards until seconds before impact. Inside the vehicles being tested are heavily instrumented anthropomorphic test devices — dummies — who capture the data for which engineers once risked their lives.

(August 1, 2014) HERNDON, Va. — The Audi Q3 combines coupe-like design with the utility of an SUV, offering an excellent balance of agility and functionality. It features a standard 200 horsepower 2.0 liter TFSI engine with a six-speed Tiptronic transmission. The Q3 joins the highly successful Q5 and Q7 Audi SUV line-up and will go on sale this fall for a starting price of $32,500 not including destination charge.

(July 31, 2014) MONTVALE, N.J. — Mercedes-Benz has announced pricing on two of its most eagerly awaited models — the all-new 2015 C-Class sedan and entry-level GLA SUV. The C-Class will start at a $38,400 for the four-cylinder C300, and $48,590 for the C400 4MATIC sedan.

The all-new GLA starts at $31,300 for the two-wheel drive GLA250 and $48,300 for the 355-horsepower all-wheel drive GLA45 AMG. The C-Class will launch later this month followed by the GLA in September.

(July 31, 2014) WASHINGTON, D.C. — General Motors, the U.S. Army, and Raytheon Company have announced they are teaming up to provide eligible transitioning Army soldiers with skills to become service technicians at GM dealerships after they return to civilian life.

The Shifting Gears Automotive Technician Training Program, a multi-year partnership between the two companies and the Army, will begin in August at Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas.

(July 31, 2014) Dentist James Hull made headlines in the United Kingdom earlier this year when he put up for sale his 543-car collection as a whole with an asking price of around $170 million. Jaguar Land Rover announced earlier this week that it will buy what is considered the world’s largest collection of British cars for its heritage operations.

(July 31, 2014) Nissan said net income rose 37 percent to 112.1 billion yen ($1.1 billion) in the April-June quarter as deliveries rose in the United States and China, its two biggest markets. Operating profit in the quarter rose 13 percent to 122.6 billion yen. Sales rose 10 percent to 2.47 trillion yen.

(July 31, 2014) DETROIT — Reducing clutter and adding function, Cadillac will add wireless charging of smartphones in the 2015 model ATS sport sedan and coupe launching this fall. Compatible with Powermat and other in-phone wireless charging technologies, the feature eliminates the need for cords on board.

(July 30, 2014) Back in the early 1960s, as Ford Motor Company product planners, designers and engineers were brainstorming ideas for a compact sporty car, there were numerous proposals for two-seaters. Most of those concepts never got any further than sketches, but at least one running prototype of a two-seat Mustang was built and survives today thanks to the devotion of Bill Snyder of Hudson, Ohio.

(July 30, 2014) TORRANCE, Calif. — Honda has joined a group of eight major automakers and 15 utilities organized by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) to demonstrate a standards-based, open grid integration platform for plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs). The open platform will simplify and streamline V2G communications, enabling PEVs to provide grid services and increasing the overall value proposition of plug-in vehicles.