March 2014

Honda installs advanced fast-fill hydrogen refueling station on its campus

(March 3, 2014) Preparing for the 2015 introduction of the next Honda fuel cell-electric vehicle (FCEV), Honda R&D Americas has installed a state-of-the-art hydrogen refueling station on its Torrance, Calif.,campus. This advanced station will serve as a platform for demonstrating and validating the enhanced hydrogen fueling protocol developed by Honda, named the MC Fill.

Chrysler Group's February sales increase 11 percent; Jeep sets record

(March 3, 2014) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Chrysler Group today reported U.S. sales of 154,866 units, an 11 percent increase compared with sales in February 2013 (139,015 units), and the group’s best February sales since 2007.

Meet the front-drive BMW that shares its platform, powertrains with Mini

By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(March 2, 2014) Maybe the Polar Vortex is the true manifestation of Hell freezing over. If it is, this could be the vehicle that caused everyone “down there” to order down-filled parkas. The first front-drive BMW production car shares its platform and powertrains with the new Mini Cooper, and is the reason the latest Mini has lost some of the handling sparkle of the 2003-2007 model.

Hyundai and Quaker State announce lubricant alliance

(March 1, 2014) FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. — Hyundai Motor America has announced a relationship with Shell Oil to recommend its Quaker State branded motor oils for Hyundai’s dealer network as part of a new lubricants program. Beginning in March, Hyundai dealers participating in the Hyundai Lubricants Program will provide Quaker State branded motor oils for the vehicles they service.

Buick Encore warps up successful first full year of sales

(March 1, 2015) DETROIT— Closing its first full year, the Encore became the Buick lineup’s fifth model and second crossover, ringing up sales success in one of the industry’s fastest-growing segments.

Entering the small SUV and small luxury SUV segment in the U.S. at the end of last January, the Encore helped boost sales in a rapidly expanding market that just last year alone, grew by 52 percent from 2012.

Nissan prices 2015 GT-R NISMO at $149,990

(March 1, 2014) NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Nissan today announced a $149,990 starting price for the limited production 2015 Nissan GT-R NISMO, the fastest Nissan GT-R ever built and holder of the volume production car lap record (7:08.679) at the famed Nurburgring racetrack in Germany. The GT-R NISMO is scheduled to go on sale at select Nissan dealers in the U.S. beginning July 31.

Honda to end production of slow-selling Insight; commits to hybrid expansion

(March 1, 2014) Despite plans to end production of the compact hybrid Insight this summer, Honda said Friday that it is committed to a product strategy focused on further advancing fuel-efficient and alternative-fuel vehicle technologies that are better aligned with customer needs and that strengthen the company's U.S. sales momentum.