February 2015

Volkswagen reports record profits for 2014

(February 27, 2015) The Volkswagen Group improved its earnings strength again in 2014 and continued along its qualitative growth path despite major economic challenges with sales revenue of EUR 202.5 billion ($226.8 billion) and an operating profit of EUR 12.7 billion ($14.22 billion), both record highs.

Volvo confident sales and profitability to improve in 2015

(February 27, 2015) Volvo Car Group expects sales and profitability to show a clear improvement in 2015, driven by continued growth in China and Europe and a return to growth in the US, according to Håkan Samuelsson, president and chief executive.

The combined effect of this strong global performance and the introduction of the all new XC90 during 2015 means overall sales should approach 500,000 cars, up from 465,866 in 2014, said Samuelsson. Increased sales will drive the company’s improvement in profitability for the full year, aided by favorable currency movements, he added.

Mercedes-AMG GT3 race car to be unveiled in Geneva

(February 27, 2015) GENEVA — Mercedes-AMG will ring in the 2015 motorsport season at the beginning of March with the sonorous sound of the V8 engine — the new Mercedes-AMG GT3, with which the Mercedes-Benz sports car and high-performance brand is systematically expanding its motorsports presence, will be making its debut appearance at the Geneva Motor Show.

Developed to comply with the FIA's GT3 race rules, the racing car will compete in the world's most hotly contested customer race series.

Infiniti Middle East launches soundtrack created by sounds of cars

(February 26, 2015) DUBAI, UAE — Infiniti Middle East has announced the launch of "Chromatic," an audio composition and animation made entirely from the sounds and shapes of the Infiniti range. Both the video and sound track are set to be distributed globally by Universal Music Group.

Ideated in April 2014 with agency TBWA-Raad, Infiniti sought to create a library of sound generated by elements of the cars themselves: brakes, tire spins, gear shifts, seatbelt clicks, exhaust roars and internal alerts.

Buick ready for some restoration



For the first time in several years, Buick offered an Estate Wagon on the B-body LeSabre platform in 1970. The only engine available was a Buick 7.5-liter V-8 making 360 horsepower mated to a three-speed automatic transmission. It was a heavy car by today's standards weighing in at about 5,000 pounds. This 1970 example seems to be in drivable and restorable condition.
(Photo by Ralph Gable)

 

Audi prologue Avant — A new interpretation of the Avant philosophy

(February 26, 2015) INGOLSTADT, Germany — A design with dynamic elegance and the latest high end technologies: The Audi prologue Avant show car with its stretched roof which the brand is presenting at the Geneva Motor Show gives a look into the future — with the new and emotion filled design language that Audi has initiated with its study in the coupé, the prologue.

Production of the all-new 2015 Ford Edge officially kicks off

(February 26, 2015) OAKVILLE, Ont. — Ford announced today at its Oakville Assembly plant outside of Toronto, Canada, the official start of production of the all-new 2015 Ford Edge for global export to more than 100 countries.

To support the global launch of the Ford Edge, Oakville Assembly also announced today the addition of 400 new employees to supplement the 1,000 new employees that were announced last year.

Aston Martin Vulcan for track only to debut in Geneva

(February 25, 2015) GAYDON England — The Aston Martin Vulcan — a track-only supercar and the British luxury brand’s most intense and exhilarating creation to date — will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show next week.

Born out of extensive motorsport experience – and using the brand’s acknowledged flair for design and engineering ingenuity – the 800-plus bhp, all-carbon fibre Aston Martin Vulcan promises truly extreme performance.

Volkswagen's Chattanooga plant begins expansion construction

(February 25, 2015) CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Construction is underway at the Volkswagen Chattanooga manufacturing facility in preparation for production of an all new midsize SUV. The first phase of construction started in early January and will continue for the next two years.

Volkswagen Chattanooga CEO and President Christian Koch gave a site tour to Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke and Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger on Tuesday, highlighting the necessary expansion of the production areas in the body shop, paint shop and assembly areas.

Lake Tahoe and the redesigned 2016 Kia Sorento

By Russ Heaps
Clanging Bell

(February 25, 2015) I'm not the kind of guy who jumps to a conclusion about a new or redesigned vehicle based on where the carmaker decides to host its media debut. That's a good thing for the renovated 2016 Sorento that Kia previewed in Lake Tahoe. The last vehicle introduction I attended there was the Pontiac Aztek; we all know how that turned out. Nope, the Sorento is no Aztek, not even close.