March 2015

315-horsepower Ford Focus RS makes global debut in Geneva

(March 4, 2015) GENEVA — The all-new Ford Focus RS made its global debut this week at the Geneva Motor Show pioneering innovative Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive, and delivering class-leading cornering speed for thrilling performance and unbridled driving enjoyment. The Focus RS introduces advanced performance technologies, and is the first Ford RS equipped with selectable drive modes — including industry-first drift mode, as well as launch control.

Mecum Auctions to present unprecedented collection of motorcycles

(March 4, 2015) — Mecum Auctions will present the E.J. Cole Collection of motorcycles at auction this March 20-21 at South Point Casino and Exhibit Hall in Las Vegas. Representing 50 years of collecting what any motorcycle enthusiast would consider American Treasure, the collection stands at more than 220 bikes and is considered by many to be the finest, most diverse single collection of American-made machines.

Toyota sales up 13.3 percent year-over-year in February

(March 3, 2015) TORRANCE, Calif. — Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. today reported February sales of 180,467, an increase of 13.3 percent from February 2014 on a volume basis.  With the same amount of selling days in February 2015 and 2014, sales were up 13.3 percent on a daily selling rate basis.
 
Toyota division posted February sales of 157,472 units, up 12.1 percent. Lexus reported February sales of 22,995 units, a 22 percent increase.   
 

Limited production confirmed for McLaren 675LT super car

(March 3, 2015) GENEVA — The McLaren 675LT, which made its global debut today at the 85th International Geneva Motor Show, will be the lightest, most powerful and fastest model in the McLaren Super Series, and also the most exclusive: production will be strictly limited to just 500 examples worldwide.

Goodyear showcases visionary tire technologies at auto show

(March 3, 2015) GENEVA, Switzerland — Two groundbreaking concept tires unveiled by The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company at this week’s 85th Geneva International Motor Show could radically change the role of car tires in the future.

Though the two tires are concept products, the futuristic technologies stretch the imagination and provide a glimpse of what practical innovations may be on the horizon.

GM pickup truck sales climb 37 percent in February

(March 3, 2015) DETROIT — General Motors dealers in the United States delivered 231,378 vehicles last month. Total sales were up 4 percent compared to a year ago. Retail sales were up 1 percent. Commercial and fleet deliveries were up 12 percent. Sales of trucks, including SUVs, vans and pickups, were up 36 percent year over year.

“Our new SUVs and crossovers, combined with the three-pickup strategy we outlined more than a year ago, are dovetailing perfectly with the growing U.S. economy and a stronger job market,” said Kurt McNeil, U.S. vice president of Sales Operations.

BMW motorcycles win four of seven categories in Readers' Choice Awards

(March 3, 2015) MUNICH, Germany — BMW Motorrad achieved outstanding results in the 17th "Motorcycle of the Year" Reader's Choice of the MOTORRAD magazine with victories in the categories "Tourers/Sports Tourers," "Sportsbikes," "Enduros/Supermotos," and "Modern Classics" as well as three 2nd and three 3rd places for 2015.

Fiat Chrysler extends streak of year-over-year monthly sales gains to 59

(March 3, 2015) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Fiat Chrysler today reported U.S. sales in February of 163,586 units, a 6 percent increase compared with sales in February 2014, and the group’s best February sales since 2007.
 
The Chrysler, Jeep, and Ram Truck brands each posted year-over-year sales gains in February compared with the same month a year ago. The Jeep brand’s 21 percent increase was the largest sales gain of any FCA U.S. brand during the month and its best February sales ever. The group extended its streak of year-over-year sales gains to 59 consecutive months.
 

More Mini style: The Countryman Park Lane

(March 3, 2015) GENEVA  — Bold athletic flair and supreme versatility define the character of the Mini Countryman. As the first Mini with four doors, a large tailgate, five seats and optional all-wheel drive, it took on the role of an irresistible front-line force from the very outset — both in the conquest of additional target groups for the British premium brand and in the area of off-road driving.

Four-door coupé marks beginning of a new design era at Volkswagen

(March 3, 2015) GENEVA — Volkswagen will debut the Sport Coupé Concept GTE at the 2015 Geneva International Motor Show this week, heralding a new and progressive Volkswagen design language. 

“Evolution and revolution come together in the Sport Coupé Concept GTE. This concept is based on Volkswagen design DNA, which has been visibly sharpened even more. It shows how the highest-volume brand of our Group is shaping the immediate future,” says Walter de Silva, head of design of Volkswagen AG.