November 2014

Mecum Kansas City auction to feature 750 American classic cars

(November 25, 2014) WALWORTH, Wis. — Mecum Auctions returns to the Kansas City Convention Center Dec. 4-6 with an estimated 750 classic and collector cars expected to cross the auction block. The consignment list of cars, representing 15 states, includes a selection of American muscle cars, classics, hot rods, Resto Mods and more.        

Chevrolet Cruze named 2014 Fleet Car of the Year

(November 25, 2014) DETROIT — The 2015 Chevrolet Cruze was named the 2014 Fleet Car of the Year by Automotive Fleet and Business Fleet magazines. Fleet managers from both large and small fleets and covering every fleet segment selected the Cruze as the winner, besting 48 other cars.

CLA 45 AMG Shooting Brake: Avant-garde meets driving performance

(November 25, 2014) The Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG Shooting Brake is now the fourth high-performance compact car to be brought out, and it makes a stunning impression with its unique interior concept and its unrivaled mix of thrilling driving dynamics, excellent everyday usability and tremendous individuality.

Honda Advanced Design Tokyo winner of LA design challenge

(November 24, 2014) LOS ANGELES —  Honda Advanced Design Tokyo was named the winner of the 2014 LA Auto Show Design Challenge competition, themed "Sensing the Future: How Will Cars Interact with Us in 2029?"

Honda Tokyo came out on top against four
world-renowned design studios for the prestigious honor, with its innovative and intuitive CARpet concept. Infiniti Design San Diego was also crowned the first "People's Choice Award" winner for its imaginative SYNAPTIQ design.

Hyundai-Kia says it will sell record 8 million vehicles globally in 2014

(November 24, 2014) Hyundai and Kia said better-than-expected sales in Brazil, China and India will help them sell a record 8 million vehicles this year, even as a stronger won erodes profitability. The companies’ global sales will beat their 2014 sales target of 7.86 million vehicles after selling 6.55 million units in the first 10 months, the umbrella Hyundai Motor Group said in an statement today.

In the U.S., Hyundai-Kia sales are up 4 percent to 1,097,250 vehicles through October. Hyundai brand sales are up 1 percent while Kia sales are up 7 percent.

Infiniti's 'SYNAPTIQ ' wins People's Choice Award in L.A. design challenge

(November 24, 2014) LOS ANGELES — Infiniti won the first-ever People’s Choice Award as part of the 11th annual Los Angeles Auto Show Design Challenge with SYNAPTIQ, a unique answer to this year’s theme of “Sensing the Future: How Will Cars Interact With Us In 2029?”

Infiniti designers from its San Diego studio looked toward the future in which augmented reality, 3D hologram and wearable technologies may be a part of the everyday driving experience, creating a seamless interaction between man and machine.

The backstory of Cadillac’s new massage chairs

(November 24, 2014) DETROIT — No time today to make it to the spa or schedule a visit with the massage therapist, no problem. On two 2015 models, Cadillac is offering front driver and passenger seats that can knead, roll and relax your back as you drive. An anti-fatigue option is also offered for the driver.

The 22-way adjustable heated and ventilated seats now have a luxury option with a massage seat that works in the upper shoulder area, back lumbar or cushion.

BMW i3 wins 2015 Green Car of the Year

(November 23, 2014) MUNICH — With the Green Car of the Year Award 2015, the BMW i3 has added a further trophy to an impressive raft of honors in its first year on the market. It was chosen for this award, presented by Green Car Journal at the Los Angeles Auto Show, as the first dedicated all-electric vehicle in the premium segment.

GM invests $200 million in two Michigan plants

(November 22, 2014) DETROIT — General Motors will invest $200 million in its Orion Assembly and Pontiac Metal Center plants to prepare for a future vehicle program.

Orion will receive $160 million for tooling and equipment, and Pontiac will receive $40 million for new dies. These investments are part of the nearly $300 million in Michigan-based investments that GM CEO Mary Barra referenced in a speech at the Detroit Economic Club on October 28.

Study: Pre-Thanksgiving day travel to take 25 percent longer this year

(November 22, 2014) KIRKLAND, Wash. — Americans preparing to drive on Wednesday in advance of the Thanksgiving holiday can expect trips out of town to take at least 25 percent longer this year compared to a typical Wednesday afternoon due to increased traffic congestion.

 According to the annual INRIX Thanksgiving Traffic Forecast, the Wednesday pre-Thanksgiving rush hour is expected to begin two hours earlier than a typical Wednesday with drivers in most cities expecting longer delays.  Drivers trying to avoid the worst delays should avoid traveling between 2 and 5 p.m.