November 2014

General Motors reaches 3 million sales in China in 2014

(November 18, 2014) SHANGHAI — General Motors and its joint ventures today sold their 3 millionth vehicle in China in 2014. This is the second consecutive year that GM has reached the milestone, a month earlier than last year.

In 2013, GM and its joint ventures hit 3 million sales in a calendar year on Dec. 12 for the first time in GM’s history in its largest market.

Ford confirms iconic Shelby GT350 Mustang will return

(November 18, 2014) One of the most iconic performance Mustang nameplates of all time is returning, Ford confirmed on Monday with the reveal of the all-new Shelby GT350 Mustang.

The original Shelby GT350 introduced in 1965 established Mustang’s performance credentials. The all-new Shelby GT350 Mustang, featuring the most powerful naturally aspirated Ford production engine ever, is a world-class performance vehicle, designed to tackle the planet’s most challenging roads – an all-day track car that’s also street legal.

Building the ultimate Lincoln: Black Label personalized service

(November 17, 2014) Unveiling details of a dealer network that offers personalized service as exceptional as the vehicles it sells, Lincoln announced its plan to provide an enhanced shopping and service experience to complement luxuriously appointed Black Label vehicles that surround occupants in premium materials.

When the program launches in December, 32 dedicated Lincoln Black Label dealers in six states will provide showroom space dedicated to serving Black Label customers. Lincoln plans to expand the network nationwide in late 2015.

Bi-Fuel Chevrolet Impala tested with bullets and bonfires

(November 17, 2014) DETROIT — Being able to take a bullet and withstand fires from multiple directions sets apart the compressed natural gas (CNG) tank in the 2015 Bi-fuel Chevrolet Impala from less-strenuous testing of other natural gas-powered vehicles.

A large piece of cast aluminum helps protect the tank valve and connection from certain side impacts. Sheet metal plates on either side of the tank help protect it from loose objects in the trunk or rear seat.

Honda FCV fuel cell concept makes world debut in Japan

(November 17, 2014) TOKYO — The Honda FCV Concept, Honda's fuel-cell vehicle concept, made its world debut today in Japan. The Honda FCV Concept showcases the styling evolution of Honda's fuel-cell vehicle anticipated to launch in Japan by March of 2016, followed by U.S. and Europe.

Volkswagen GTI Roadster concept makes debut at L.A. Auto Show

(November 16, 2014) — Volkswagen will show the spectacular GTI Roadster concept car in for the first time in North America at the Los Angeles International Auto Show this week. First seen at the Wörthersee enthusiast festival in Austria in May, this car erases the boundaries between the virtual and real worlds and further demonstrates the bandwidth of the Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) architecture that underpins the new Golf, Golf GTI, e-Golf, and Golf R models.

Ford’s European sales continue to outpace overall industry

(November 16, 2014) COLOGNE, Germany — Ford’s vehicle sales in its 20 traditional European markets increased by 8.1 percent in October, outpacing the overall industry sales growth for the third consecutive month.

Audi partners with Universal for film adaptation of 'Fifty Shades of Grey'

(November 16, 2014) HERNDON, Va. — Audi has announced that the brand will be featured in Universal Pictures and Focus Features’ upcoming film adaptation of the bestselling book from E L James, “Fifty Shades of Grey,” which will be released on Feb. 13.

With the sequels, “Fifty Shades Darker” and “Fifty Shades Freed,” the books have become a global phenomenon since their release and sold more than 100 million copies worldwide in e-book and print — making it one of the biggest and fastest-selling book series ever.

Nissan offers free public charging for new Leaf buyers in Chicago

(November 15, 2014) CHICAGO — Chicagoans can now add free public charging to the long list of benefits of buying an all-electric Nissan Leaf. Nissan today launched its "No Charge to Charge" promotion that provides two years of no-cost public charging with the purchase or lease of a new Leaf from Nissan dealers in the Chicago market.

This includes complimentary access to fast chargers that can charge a Leaf battery pack from zero to 80 percent in about 30 minutes.

Cadillac introduces all-new ATS-V.R race car

(November 15, 2014) AUSTIN, Texas — The next generation of Cadillac’s V-Series elite, high-performance cars began Nov. 14 with the introduction of an all-new race car, the Cadillac ATS-V.R. Set to begin competition in 2015, Cadillac debuted the new race car at the Circuit of the Americas, one of country’s pre-eminent racing venues.