July 2014

Ford China first-half sales accelerate past half-million mark

(July 8, 2014) SHANGHAI, China — Ford China raced to a record first half, with 549,256 vehicles sold in the first six months of 2014, up 35 percent compared to 407,474 sold during the same period last year. Driven by continued strong demand for the Ford Focus, Ford Kuga, Ford Mondeo and the Ford EcoSport, Ford China’s June sales increased 17 percent with 87,783 vehicles sold, up from 75,166 sold in the same period last year.

Land Rover plans 1,000-mile commemorative run along Continental Divide

(July 8, 2014) MAHWAH, N.J. — In 1989 Land Rover embarked on an ambitious adventure to traverse the most demanding portion of the Continental Divide in Colorado. The 1989 Great Divide Expedition was the launch event for the 1990 Range Rover. With the Rocky Mountains as the backdrop, a caravan of stock Range Rover vehicles navigated their way along a route that took nearly two years to develop.

Rolls-Royce reports record half-year sales

(July 8, 2014) CREWE, England — Rolls-Royce Motor Cars announced today that the company has enjoyed a record half-year in 2014, with sales increasing by 33 per cent worldwide compared with the same period in 2013.  

Sales growth was seen in all regions, with a particularly strong performance in Europe, up by over 60 per cent, Asia Pacific up by almost 40 per cent and the Middle East up by over 30 per cent. In Europe, strong performance was seen in Germany, with sales doubling.

New Mercedes-Benz brand architecture featured at Shrewsbury store

(July 7, 2014) SHREWSBURY, England — A new generation of Mercedes-Benz dealer has been revealed for the first time outside of Germany, with the opening of a newly-built retailer, Mercedes-Benz of Shrewsbury.

Constructed as part of a multi-million pound investment by privately owned Drayton Group, the company’s 2013 UK Dealer of the Year, the state-of-the-art facility on the town’s Battlefield Enterprise Park showcases the latest Mercedes-Benz brand architecture that will eventually be seen at dealerships around the world.

New Lexus NX compact crossover offers choice of turbo or hybrid

(July 8, 2014) WHISTLER, British Columbia — Lexus created the luxury-utility crossover category with the original midsized RX model in 1998 and is now poised to disrupt the growing compact segment with the all-new 2015 NX. Lexus says the 2015 NX unites the engineering input of racers with the impeccable touch of Lexus luxury in a design that steals the show.

Ford strengthens United Kingdom market share through first half of 2014

(July 7, 2014) BRENTWOOD, Essex — UK market leader Ford has increased its car, commercial vehicle and total vehicle sales for the first half of the year, extending its lead over its nearest rival to over 54,000.

Volkswagen expanding production capacity in China

(July 7, 2014) BEIJING — Volkswagen is stepping up vehicle production in China with the addition of two new plants. The two new vehicle facilities are to be built step-by-step on the East coast of China in the cities of Qingdao in Shandong Province and Tianjin. The decision in favor of these two locations was taken together with the joint venture partner FAW.

All-new Acura TLX to start at $31,890 for 4-cylinder version

(July 7, 2014) TORRANCE, Calif. — The 2015 Acura TLX performance luxury sedan will arrive at Acura dealers nationwide beginning this August with a manufacturer's suggested retail price starting at $31,890 including destination charge for the 2.4-liter TLX.

Kia's worldwide sales up 4.3% over first six months of 2013

(July 7, 2014) Kia Motors announced today its global sales figures — export sales, domestic sales and sales from overseas plants — for passenger cars, recreational vehicles and commercial vehicles for the first six months of 2014, recording 1,442,851 units sold, a 4.3% increase over the same period of 2013.

Cumulatively through the first six months of 2014, China, North America, General Markets and Europe have experienced gains of 12% (326,108 units sold), 6.5% (334,357 units sold), 2.9% (263,239 units sold) and 1.3% (300,383 units sold), respectively.