August 2014

BMW delivers first BMW i8 sports cars at Pebble Beach Concours

(August 17, 2014) WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — On Friday, BMW delivered the first plug-in hybrid BMW i8 sport cars at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. In celebration of the revolutionary sports car made with carbon fiber, renowned Chef Thomas Keller hosted an intimate dinner at the BMW Villa for a handful of the first owners of the BMW i8.

In addition to hosting the special occasion, Chef Keller, who has set the standard within the hospitality industry with restaurants including Per Se in New York and French Laundry in Napa Valley, joined the BMW i family after taking delivery of his BMW i8.

Ford begins testing all-new right-hand drive Mustangs

(August 17, 2014) For the first time ever, a right-hand-drive Ford Mustang will roll off a Ford assembly line when global production begins. The addition of a right-hand-drive Mustang to Ford’s lineup of global vehicles will allow the iconic pony car to be exported to more than 25 right-hand-drive markets around the world, including the United Kingdom, Australia and South Africa.

Ford recalls Escape again, this time for wiring problem

(August 16, 2014) Ford announced four new recalls Friday, the largest involving nearly 160,000 2013-14 Ford Focus STs and Escapes for stalling problems due to faulty wiring harnesses. It was the 11th recall of the 2013 Escape.

The recall covers vehicles with 2-liter engines in North America. Ford said engine wiring harnesses may have splices that were insufficiently compressed by the supplier. Poor electrical connections can cause erroneous signals to be sent to the powertrain control module and affect engine performance.

Renovo unveils electric supercar — price: $529,000

(August 16, 2014) PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. —  Renovo Motors tis week introduced the world to the groundbreaking Renovo Coupe with a production prototype on display at the 2014 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. The electric supercar has a breathtaking pricetag of $529,000.

Founded in 2010 with the mission to build the world's most exciting vehicles, Renovo has operated in stealth mode for over four years as they developed and refined their patent-pending EV technology. The Coupe — the first all-electric American supercar — is the culmination of these efforts.

Ferrari 250 GTO sets world auction record selling for $34.65 million

(August 16, 2014) CARMEL, Calif. — A rare 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO once owned by a famed racing driver and Olympic gold medalist Henri Oreiller was sold for $34.65 million Thursday at an auction during Monterey Car Week. It is believed to be a record public auction price for a classic car, topping the nearly $30 million paid for a Mercedes W196 last year in England.

Ford says Transit Connect Wagon gaining in popularity

(August 15, 2014) DEARBORN — Over the past three months U.S. sales of the new Ford Transit Connect have been running at a best-ever pace. Year-over-year combined sales of Transit Connect and Transit Connect Wagon are up 27 percent for the three-month period ending July 31.

June was the single highest sales month since the 2009 launch of the vehicle in the United States, with 4,573 vehicles sold — a 29 percent year-over-year increase. Last month marked the best-ever July for Transit Connect, with 4,090 vehicles sold – a 42 percent increase over 2013.

GM announces $2.9 billion in new investments in Brazil

(August 15, 2014) BRASILIA, Brazil — General Motors do Brasil has announced to Brazilian President Dilma Roussef that it will invest $2.9 billion in Brazil from 2014 to 2018. The investments will help fund the development of new products, technologies and employee training, in addition to localizing components with Brazilian suppliers.

Mercedes-Benz shows coupes from past, present, future at Pebble Beach

(August 15, 2014) PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. — Mercedes-Benz is showcasing its long tradition of history and innovation at the 64th Annual Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance from which runs through Sunday with a display of vintage, modern and futuristic coupes.  As the ultimate expression of luxury, coupes have always held strong emotional appeal with owners and brand aficionados alike.

Ford, DTE Energy to build Michigan's largest solar array

(August 14, 2014) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford is teaming with DTE Energy to build Michigan’s largest solar array at Ford World Headquarters. The project, funded by DTE Energy, will provide employees with 360 covered parking spaces and 30 charging stations for plug-in electric vehicles such as the company’s Ford Fusion Energi and C-MAX Hybrid Energi.

A kiosk will also be on site offering general information to visitors about solar power and specific details about the Ford carport.

Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat becomes fastest sedan in the world

(August 14, 2014) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Dodge is upping its high-performance game again with the unveiling of the new 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat.

The new Charger SRT Hellcat will feature the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI Hellcat V-8 engine that produces 707 horsepower and 650 lb.-ft. of torque – making it the quickest, fastest, most powerful production sedan in the world, as well as the most capable and technologically advanced four-door muscle car in America.