Inside the Industry

Jaguar continues 'British Villains' storyline with new film

(April 2, 2014) MAHWAH, N.J. — Jaguar North America announced the continuation of its "British Villains" marketing campaign today with new online creative featuring Tom Hiddleston.  The renowned British actor stars in a two-minute film, "The Art of Villainy," that debuted on YouTube today, as well as on the campaign's dedicated landing page, www.BritishVillains.com. 

The new film showcases the Jaguar F-TYPE Coupe, available for sale May 2014, and continues to promote the brand's bespoke hashtag #GoodToBeBad.

Shelby Cobra Daytona to headline second annual Carroll Shelby Tribute

(April 2, 2014) GARDENA, Calif. — Almost 50 years after its historic victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe CSX2299 will return to Southern California to headline the second annual Carroll Shelby Tribute and Car Show on Saturday, May 17.

Hosted by Carroll Shelby International, the Carroll Shelby Foundation, Carroll Shelby Licensing and Shelby American, Inc., the single day event will take place at the future home of the Carroll Shelby Automotive Museum at 19021 S. Fig
ueroa St., Gardena, Calif.

Scion elevates the Epic with social media contest

(April 2, 2014) TORRANCE, Calif. — Just 15 seconds to be truly epic. Today begins the Scion Epic FR-S contest, which challenges Scion fans to capture epic video or photos incorporating a Scion vehicle or a Scion, Scion Racing or Scion AV reference. The grand prize winner will receive two round-trip tickets and accommodations in San Diego to attend Comic-Con International.

March auto sales climb 5.7 percent; Chrysler biggest gainer

(April 2, 2014) U.S. auto sales in March climbed 5.7 percent — topping analyst projections of a 2 percent bump — as consumers returned to thawing dealerships after an abnormally chilly start to the year.

Overall automakers sold nearly 1.54 million vehicles as the seasonal selling rate hit 16.4 million, 1.1 million higher than last March. Sales of mid-size cars, sport-utility vehicles and trucks drove auto sales, particularly in the latter half of the month, when temperatures warmed and consumers came back to dealerships.

Starting price for all-new Hyundai Genesis set at $38,950

(April 2, 2014) SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Hyundai has announced pricing for its all-new premium Genesis sedan hitting showroom floors later this month at $38,950 (including destination charge) for the well-equipped 3.8L V6 and $52,450 for the 5.0L V8 model. Hyundai proclaimed that "the combination of bold design, superb driving dynamics, unmatched standard technology and attractive pricing positions Genesis as the premium sedan to beat."

Celebrity car collectors and experts to help with Petersen coupe exhibit

(April 1, 2014) LOS ANGELES — A small cadre of rock legends, critically acclaimed film directors, famous actors, and world-renown race car drivers all have one thing in common — a passionate relationship with the automobile. The Petersen Automotive Museum has invited 12 of the world’s most well-known car collectors, drivers and designers to each choose what they consider the best two-seat, fixed-roof high performance car of all time for The World’s Greatest Sports Coupes, a new exhibit opening on April 10.

Nissan posts solid sales gain year-over-year

(April 1, 2014) NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Nissan Group announced today total U.S. sales for March of 149,136 units, an increase of 8.3 percent over the prior year. It marked the best-ever monthly total in the company's history.

The Nissan Division also set an all-time record with 136,642 deliveries in the month, an increase of 7.9 percent over the prior year marking a monthly record for Nissan division in 12 of the last 13 months.
   

Ford reports best March retail sales in eight years

(April 1, 2014) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford's U.S. total March sales of 244,167 vehicles are up 3 percent from a year ago. Retail sales of 166,030 vehicles are up 3 percent and represent the best March result in eight years.

“March sales turned noticeably higher mid-month and finished strong,” said John Felice, Ford vice president, U.S. marketing, sales and service. “Fusion set an all-time record in March, as overall retail sales in the West continued to expand at the fastest rate in the nation – including California being up 32 percent. F-Series also had a very strong month, as did Lincoln MKZ.”

Chrysler reports March sales increase 13 percent; best since 2007

(April 1, 2014) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Chrysler Group today reported March U.S. sales of 193,915 units, a 13 percent increase compared with sales in March 2013 (171,606 units), and the group’s best March sales since 2007.

The Jeep, Dodge, Ram Truck, and Fiat brands each posted year-over-year sales gains in March compared with the same month a year ago. The Jeep brand’s 47 percent increase was the largest sales gain of any Chrysler Group brand during the month. Chrysler Group extended its streak of year-over-year sales gains to 48-consecutive months in March.

GM adds 1.3 million older vehicles to recall list for power steering glitch

(April 1, 2014) DETROIT — General Motors informed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on March 31 that it would recall more than 1.3 million vehicles in the U.S. that may experience a sudden loss of electric power steering assist.