September 2014

Instant success: First Edition of new Volvo XC90 sold out in 47 hours

(September 5, 2014) The First Edition of the all-new Volvo XC90, 1,927 individually numbered cars only available for sale via digital commerce, sold out in 47 hours after it was released on Wednesday afternoon. Most of the cars were reserved within one hour from sales start. At its peak, seven cars were sold every minute

“We are very pleased, but not really surprised,” said Alain Visser, senior vice president, Marketing, Sales and Customer Service of Volvo Car Group. “The huge interest in the XC90 escalated to astronomical levels after the world premiere last week.”

Mercedes-Benz has best August in history worldwide

(September 5, 2014) STUTTGART, Germany — Mercedes-Benz sold more vehicles last month than in any previous August. With an increase of 9.7%, 118,887 new vehicles were delivered to customers all over the world. Since the beginning of the year, the Stuttgart-based premium manufacturer has grown unit sales to a new record high of 1,032,410 units (+12.3%). Thus, the company has topped the million mark in unit sales one month earlier than in the previous year.

Lingenfelter sponsors C7 Corvette and COPO Camaro Shootout drag classes

(September 5, 2014) DECATUR, Ind. — Lingenfelter Performance Engineering will sponsor the C7 Corvette and COPO Camaro Shootout drag racing classes at the fifth annual Holley LS Fest, Sept. 5-7 at Beech Bend Raceway Park in Bowling Green, Ky.

"Lingenfelter has always been part of the LS-powered community's most important events," said Ken Lingenfelter, owner.  "The 2014 Holley LS Fest represents the first opportunity for C7 Corvette owners to go head-to-head in sanctioned drag race competition.

CMC to produce limited run of the Jaguar Mark 2 by Callum

(September 5, 2014) LONDON — Following the amazing response from car enthusiasts around the world after the launch of the Jaguar Mark 2 by Callum, Classic Motor Cars Limited (CMC) has announced it will be producing a limited edition run of cars.

Eight design studios to explore human-to-machine connectivity at L.A. show

(September 4, 2014) LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Auto Show today announced that the theme for its 11th annual Design Challenge will prompt participants to explore the idea: “Sensing the Future: How Will Cars Interact with Us In 2029?”

Toyota posts best-ever August sales

(September 4, 2014) TORRANCE, Calif. — Toyota, Scion and Lexus have reported total August sales results of 246,100 units, an increase of 10.2 percent over August 2013 on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis. On a raw-volume basis, unadjusted for 27 selling days in August 2014 versus 28 selling days in August 2013, sales increased 6.3 percent over year-ago month.
 
Toyota division posted August 2014 sales of 213,291 units, up 9.6 percent year-over-year on a DSR basis. Volume-wise, Toyota division sales increased 5.7 percent over August 2013.
 

Land Rover, Jaguar supplies fleet of 135 cars to NATO Summit

(September 4, 2014) A fleet of Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles stand ready, before their deployment as transport at the NATO Summit, in Cardiff and Newport today and Friday (Sept. 5).

Jaguar Land Rover is supplying a total of 135 vehicles, supporting the summit for the two-day event at Celtic Manor in Newport. The vehicles will be showcasing the company’s British design, engineering and manufacturing to the world.

Accord sets all-time monthly sales record leading Honda in August

(September 4, 2014) TORRANCE, Calif. — Led by the mid-sized Accord, Honda reported August Honda and Acura vehicle sales of 167,038 units, an increase of 0.4 percent versus August of last year. The Honda division posted the third highest monthly sales result its 44-year history, on sales of 151,551 vehicles in August while Acura posted sales of 15,487 units in the same period. Year-to-date American Honda sales reached 1,042,382 units.

Mazda unveils all-new MX-5

(September 4, 2014) HIROSHIMA, Japan — Mazda today celebrated the unveiling of the fourth generation Mazda MX-5 (known as Roadster in Japan) together with fans at events held simultaneously in Japan, USA and Spain. The all-new MX-5, which adopts both SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and Mazda’s KODO—Soul of Motion design language, will be rolled out to global markets starting in 2015.

North Dakota Oldsmobile

Oldsmobile was endowed with a new exterior design for the 1948 model year based on General Motors' newly developed C-Body platform, but clung to its pre-war flathead straight-eight engine. For 1948, the compression ratio was increased from 6.5:1 to 7.0:1 and horsepower was nudged upward from 110 to 115. Customers who waited until 1949 were rewarded with an all-new overhead valve V8 engine. This '48 model, discovered in Ellendale, N.D., is outfitted with a 4-speed Hydramatic automatic transmission. A three-speed manual was also available. (Photo by Jim Meachen)