November 2014

Porsche bringing three new models to the L.A. Auto Show

(November 10, 2014) ATLANTA — Porsche is celebrating three world premieres this month at the Los Angeles Auto Show, two new GTS models, the 911 Carrera GTS and the Cayenne GTS, and the Panamera Turbo S Executive Exclusive Series, a special edition limited to 100 units worldwide.

Gas prices continue to drop after falling below $3 for first time since 2010

(November 10, 2014) Gas prices continue to fall according to AAA reporting that the national average price fell for the 42nd consecutive day Sunday. The average price is below $3 a gallon in 26 states. As of this morning, the average price for regular nationwide is $2.927; premium, $3.318; and diesel, $3.630. South Carolina has the cheapest average price in the country at $2.675.

Lincoln’s modular musings

By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(November 9, 2014) Rumors swirling around Dearborn claim Lincoln is the recipient of a five-year, $5 billion infusion. The Reuters news service quotes four insiders who say a significant portion of the money will be used to create a modular architecture known as D6 that will spawn a number of new Lincolns and a few Fords. Undoubtedly the next generation Mustang will use the rear-drive architecture, and share a mix of materials that will lean heavily on aluminum. However, the story also claims D6 will be used for front- and all-wheel drive Lincolns and Fords as well.

LA Auto Show plans showcase of classics, exotics and tuners

(November 8, 2014) LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Auto Show has confirmed that it will host nearly 50 unique and historic vehicles as part of its Motor Press Guild (MPG) Motoring Invitational on Nov. 19 at the Los Angeles Convention Center's Gilbert Lindsay Plaza.

This ultimate car-culture event kicks off the second press day by bringing together automotive icons, influencers, collectors and celebrities, and will also feature the world debut of the 2016 AWD Jaguar F-Type.

Kia shows solid October sales growth worldwide

(November 8, 2014)  Kia Motors announced this week its global sales figures (export sales, domestic sales and sales from overseas plants) for passenger cars, recreational vehicles (RVs) and commercial vehicles for October 2014, showing a total 242,362 units sold.

Refreshed Hyundai Azera introduced at the Miami auto show

(November 8, 2014) MIAMI — Hyundai introduced the 2015 Hyundai Azera in a North American debut at the 44th annual Miami International Auto Show on Friday.

“Other than our home market, Azera shines brightest in Florida with the second most sales by state per year,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president, Product and Corporate Planning, Hyundai Motor America.

Mercedes-Benz reports record worldwide October sales

(November 7, 2014) STUTTGART — Mercedes-Benz sold 140,941 vehicles in October, 11.5 percent more than 2013 and more than in any previous October. The Stuttgart-based brand has also achieved a new sales record since the beginning of the year with sales of 1,336,097 cars.

“We started the fourth quarter with a sales record in October,” said Ola Källenius, member of the Divisional Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Cars responsible for Marketing & Sales. “The C-Class estate and the S-Class coupe were extremely popular among our customers.”

Ram 1500 EcoDiesel named 2015 Green Truck of the Year

(November 7, 2014) SAN ANTONIO — Green Car Journal has named the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, America’s most fuel efficient pickup its 2015 Green Truck of the Year. The announcement was made Thursday at the 46th annual San Antonio Auto & Truck Show.
 

Lincoln opens first store in China, unveils 'The Lincoln Way'

(November 7, 2014) Lincoln opened its first three stores in Beijing, Shanghai and Hangzhou today, officially unveiling The Lincoln Way, a unique new automotive ownership experience for Chinese luxury customers.

“The launch of The Lincoln Way and our first Lincoln stores in China marks an important milestone for Lincoln’s reinvention as a global luxury automotive brand,” said Kumar Galhotra, president of Lincoln.

2015 GMC Yukon Denali gains eight gears, improved fuel economy

(November 7, 2014) DETROIT — Thanks to the addition of an all-new 8-speed automatic transmission, the updated 2015 GMC Yukon Denali and Yukon XL Denali models now lead several competitors in horsepower, torque and highway fuel economy ratings.

Both the Yukon Denali and Yukon XL Denali now pair their 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V-8 engines with a new Hydra-Matic 8L90 eight-speed automatic transmission, designed to be more fuel-efficient than the Denali’s previous six-speed automatic. EPA highway mileage estimates for two-wheel drive Yukon Denali and Yukon XL Denali models increase to 22 mpg with the eight-speed automatic, while the EPA city mileage estimate for the four-wheel drive Yukon Denali model rises to 15 mpg.