June 2013

Maserati Quattroporte part of state auction in Pennsylvania

(June 4, 2013) HARRISBURG, Pa. — Pennsylvania will host one of the largest state vehicle auctions on June 10 featuring more than 665 units highlighted by 27 motorcycles, a Maserati Quattroporte and several other high-end seized vehicles. The auction will take place at the Manheim Auto Auctions, 488 Firehouse Road in Grantville, Dauphin County.

Chrysler Canada reports best May sales in 24 years

(June 4, 2013) Chrysler Canada has announced its 42nd consecutive month of year-over-year sales growth, representing the longest sales streak in the company’s history. May 2013 sales were 29,249 compared with 26,218 vehicles sold in May 2012, which represents a 12 per cent increase.

BMW Motorrad, R 90 S celebrating anniversaries

By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(June 4, 2013) Both BMW Motorrad and the R 90 S are celebrating anniversaries this year. The motorcycle arm of Bavarian Motor Works in 90 years old, and the iconic R 90 S celebrates 40 years since its introduction. In partnership with former motorcycle racer turned custom bike designer Roland Sands, BMW created the Concept Ninety for the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2013.<--break->

Maserati, Bowers & Wilkins to bring 'Seven Notes World Tour' to U.S.

(June 4, 2013) NEW YORK — Iconic Italian car brand, Maserati, and British sound specialists and innovators, Bowers & Wilkins, will bring their "Seven Notes World Tour" to Los Angeles on June 6 and New York City on June 13 as part of a seven-city exhibition of sound, music and design.

The global tour celebrates the arrival of the new Maserati Quattroporte — the car manufacturer's first model to feature an integrated Bowers & Wilkins car audio system.

Cadillac sales increase largest since 1976

(June 4, 2013) DETROIT — Cadillac’s year-to-date sales increase of 38 percent will be the brand’s largest since 1976, making the 110-year old brand the fastest growing major automotive brand in the U.S.

When sales are officially reported later today, Cadillac’s May increase of 40 percent will mark its 12th consecutive month of sales growth.

Nissan sales up 24.7 percent over May 2012

(June 4, 2013) NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Strong gains by top-selling Nissan models such as Altima, Pathfinder, Sentra and Rogue helped Nissan North America set a new May U.S. sales record with 114,457 deliveries, an increase of 24.7 percent over May 2012.

The Nissan division also set a new May record, with 106,558 sales, up 31.2 percent over last year. Infiniti sales in May totaled 7,899, led by the best-ever month for the JX crossover.

Ford sales up 14 percent in May

(June 3, 2013) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford’s U.S. sales grew 14 percent in May, with cars up 9 percent, utilities up 15 percent and trucks up 18 percent. Retail sales increased 17 percent, marking the best May retail sales results since 2005.

“Our fuel-efficient Fusion and Escape have set monthly sales records for four straight months,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “F-Series sales – fueled by construction growth and pent-up demand — reached their highest level in more than six years.”

GM reports highest monthly sales since September 2008

(June 3, 2013) DETROIT — General Motors sold 252,894 vehicles in the United States in May, up 3 percent compared with a year ago. Retail sales increased 9 percent, fleet sales were down 10 percent and the fleet mix was 26 percent of total sales.

Chrysler reports best May sales in six years

(June 3, 2013) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Chrysler today reported U.S. sales of 166,596 units, an 11 percent increase compared with sales in May 2012 (150,041 units), and the group's best May sales since 2007.

LCP 2000 — Yesterday's future turns 30

(June 3, 2013) Lightweight materials, alternative fuels, extremely low fuel consumption — key words for the car of today. Yet, these were the very properties that formed the basis for the LCP 2000, Light Component Project. This was a concept car study aimed at the future and the environment, presented by Volvo Car Corporation (Volvo Cars) in the late spring of 1983, 30 years ago.