June 2014

A post-war Chevy truck in retirement



This 1949-50 Chevrolet work truck has been stored away, it's useful life long ended. This style Chevy came with several straight six engine configurations in three-quarter ton format and commanded new-vehicle prices ranging from $1,060 to $1,435. The Chevrolet truck was restyled in 1947, the first all-new truck since before World War II. (Photo by Ralph Gable)

All-New 2015 Lincoln MKC now reaching dealer showrooms

(June 5, 2014) The all-new 2015 Lincoln MKC crossover, is now reaching dealer showrooms in small numbers.

Priced from $33,995 — the lowest entry price in the compact crossover luxury segment — the Lincoln MKC offers customers "the ultimate no-compromise small premium utility vehicle." It is the second of four all-new Lincoln vehicles due by 2016, and will go on sale in China, along with the MKZ sedan, when the Lincoln brand debuts there later this year.   

Ford tackles 'lightweighting' for better fuel efficiency in the future

(June 5, 2014) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford has unveiled its Lightweight Concept Fusion, which uses advanced materials to explore future weight-reduction solutions that could improve performance and fuel efficiency while reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

The rebuilt 2013 Fusion uses a combination of high-strength steel, aluminum, magnesium and carbon fiber, mixed with some polycarbonate glazing.

Chrysler Canada records its best sales month in the company’s history

(June 4, 2014) WINDSOR , Ontario — Chrysler Canada has announced its 54th consecutive month of year-over-year sales growth, representing the longest sales streak in the company’s history. May sales were 31,498, compared with 29,249 in May 2013, representing an 8 per cent increase. Chrysler Canada remains the top-selling automotive company in the country in 2014.

Ford and Samsung research next-generation battery technology

(June 4, 2014) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford Motor Company and Samsung SDI, an affiliate of Samsung Group, today announced research on different levels of hybrid technology that could one day be produced in high volume on non-hybrid vehicles for greater fuel savings.

The result of a 10-year research effort, the dual-battery system combines a lithium-ion battery with a 12-volt lead-acid battery that could enable regenerative braking technology in non-hybrid vehicles for greater fuel savings.

U.S. auto industry gets big sales boost in May

(June 4, 2014) May turned out to be one of the best sales months in years for the U.S. automotive industry as most automakers — including the Detroit "Big Three" — posted gains over May 2013 sending the annualized pace of sales shooting up to 16.8 million.

Honda refreshes Pilot SUV for 2015, adds Special Edition

(June 3, 2014) TORRANCE, Calif. — With the new Special Edition trim level, improved fuel efficiency and a go-anywhere, do-anything capability that fits the lifestyles of active families, the 2015 Honda Pilot goes on sale today starting at $29,8701.

Ford posts best May retail sales in 10 years

(June 3, 2014) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford's U.S. sales totaled 254,084 vehicles in May, up 3 percent from a year ago. Retail sales set several model records with 174,889 vehicles sold — an increase of 6 percent. 

“Fusion and Escape had their best months ever, which helped us to our strongest May result since May 2004,” said John Felice, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “Explorer continued to gain ground in the midsize utility segment with its best monthly sales performance in nearly 10 years, while Lincoln MKZ saw its best May ever.”

Consumers shrug off recall crisis, GM posts best May sales in seven years

(June 3, 2014) DETROIT — Consumers seemed to shrug off the recall crisis at General Motors as GM dealers delivered 284,694 vehicles in the United States in May, up 13 percent compared to a year ago, marking the company’s best May in seven years and its best total sales since August 2008.

Retail sales — vehicles sold to individual buyers — were up 10 percent while fleet sales were up 21 percent. GM expects to increase its total market share year over year.

Nissan opens satellite design studio in Rio de Janeiro

(June 3, 2014) RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil — Nissan has announced the opening of a satellite design studio in Rio de Janeiro to explore Brazil's unique passion for automotive design and desire for quality products with high-character and high-energy design.

Located at Nissan Brazil's headquarters, Nissan Design America Rio (NDA-R) is tasked with researching further into Brazil's design taste and consumer's needs.