February 2015

Trucks fuel big sales increases for GM and Ford

(February 3, 2015) The two largest automakers in North America both reported their best January sales in years with double digit sales increase over January 2014. General Motors sales were up 18 percent and Ford reported a 15 percent increase.

General Motors dealers in the United States delivered 202,786 vehicles last month for the company’s best January sales in seven years. Total sales were up 18 percent compared to a year ago. Retail sales were up 14 percent and fleet deliveries were up 32 percent.

Ford reveals new Focus high-performance RS, and its coming to the U.S.

(February 4, 2014) COLOGNE, Germany — Ford has revealed the all-new Focus RS, a high-performance road car that debuts Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control, which contributes to performance never before seen in a Focus RS. The all-new Focus RS is equipped with a new 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine producing well in excess of 315 horsepower.

Hyundai shows first design impression of all-new Tucson

(February 3, 2015) Hyundai today unveiled its first hints about the design of the upcoming all-new Tucson compact SUV, which will premiere at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show on March 3.

Commenting on the All-New Tucson, Peter Schreyer, president and chief design officer of Hyundai Motor Group, said: “Our new compact SUV will be a big step forward for the Hyundai brand globally. The All-New Tucson has a bold and athletic presence and a proud stance. Its design is characterized by flowing surfaces, bold proportions, sharp lines and – most important – our brand signature hexagonal grille.”

Ferrari to introduce 488 GTB at Geneva Motor Show

(February 3, 2015) MARANELLO, Italy — Forty years  from the unveiling of its first-ever mid-rear-engined V8 model, the 308 GTB, the Prancing Horse opens a new chapter in its 8-cylinder history. The Ferrari 488 GTB, which will make its world debut in March at the Geneva Motor Show,  provides track-level performance that can be enjoyed to the full even by non-professional drivers in everyday use.

Surprise — More Chevy Colorados sold in Los Angeles than any other city

(February 3, 2015) DETROIT — More 2015 Chevrolet Colorados have been sold in Los Angeles than any other city to date, and the Colorado  has overtaken the Nissan Frontier to become No. 2 in market share nationally.

“L.A. was a big target for the Colorado, where people can use the utility of a pickup, but don’t necessarily have the space for a full-sized truck,” said Tony Johnson, marketing manager for the Colorado. “The in-roads we’ve made there are proof that it is the right fit for that market.”

Fiat-Chrysler reports best January sales since 2007; Jeep sets records

(February 3, 2015)  AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — FCA US today reported U.S. sales of 145,007 units, a 14 percent increase compared with sales in January 2014 when 127,183 units were sold, and the group’s best January sales since 2007.

 The Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram Truck and Fiat brands each posted year-over-year sales gains in January compared with the same month a year ago. The Jeep brand’s 23 percent increase was the largest sales gain of any FCA US brand and its best January sales ever. The group extended its streak of year-over-year sales gains to 58-consecutive months.

Honda Fit achieves highest overall vehicle score from NHTSA

(February 2, 2015) TORRANCE, Calif. — The 2015 Honda Fit, has received a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score, the top score available in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) for crash worthiness.

The Fit, completely redesigned in 2014, earned both a TOP SAFETY PICK rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a NCAP 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from NHTSA for 2015.

Chevrolet disrupts Super Bowl pre-game show

(February 2, 2015) DETROIT — Minutes before the kickoff of Super Bowl XLIX on NBC, Chevrolet shocked 100 million viewers into thinking that their TVs had failed — only to command their attention seconds later to the Chevrolet Colorado. The spot, “Blackout,” appeared to be a live game feed that transitioned to static and ultimately to a blank screen.