March 2015

Mercedes-Benz plans 10 new plug-in hybrid vehicles by 2017

(March 18, 2015) STUTTGART, Germany —  Mercedes-Benz has announced a strategic hybrid initiative with 10 plug-in models to reach the market by 2017, which adds up to one new hybrid vehicle every four months on average.
 
Following the successful launch of the S500 plug-in hybrid, this month will see the C350 e, the second model to feature the progressive drive concept, find its way to dealerships.

GM to change business model in Russia

(March 18, 2015) DETROIT — General Motors today announced plans to change its business model in the unpredictable Russian automotive market focusing on the premium segment with Cadillac and U.S.-built iconic Chevrolet products such as the Corvette, Camaro and Tahoe. The Chevrolet brand will minimize its presence in Russia and the Opel brand will leave the market by December.

Toyota launches global street music campaign, 'Feeling the Street'

(March 18, 2015) TOKYO — Toyota announced today the launch of "Feeling the Street," a global street music initiative. Around the world, some of the most vibrant musical performances take place on street corners. That talent now has a home with the launch of "Feeling the Street," an online campaign that celebrates some of the world's best buskers.

Toyota for the first time gives the public a chance to select the world's best street performers by voting for their favorite artists to create an ultimate Global Street Band.

Nostalgic sign collection to be offered at auction

(March 18, 2015) What began nearly a half-century ago as a self-imposed “save the signs” crusade, has since become The Walker Sign Collection, comprising more than 400 neon signs, many of which are one-of-a-kind, double-sided porcelain signs.

The entire assemblage, collected by one passionate man, will be offered at auction by Mecum Auctions at a stand-alone event on Friday and Saturday, March 27 and 28 near West Memphis, Ark.

BMW introduces its first-ever plug-in Sports Activity Vehicle

(March 18, 2015) WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J.  — The BMW X5 xDrive40e, the company’s first plug-in hybrid Sports Activity Vehicle, charts the next chapter of BMW’s ongoing EfficientDynamics initiative. Benefitting from the groundbreaking work by BMW i on electromobility, the X5 xDrive40e combines the company’s award-winning 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, powered by a lithium-ion battery, integrated into its 8-speed automatic transmission.

Ford production milestone: 5-millionth EcoBoost-equipped vehicle rolls out

(March 17, 2015) WAYNE, Mich. — Ford has hit a new production milestone with its EcoBoost engine technology. Late last week, the 5-millionth vehicle with a Ford EcoBoost engine rolled off the assembly line at Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Mich.

It was just less than three years ago that Ford celebrated production
of its 500,000th EcoBoost-equipped vehicle. Now, a Ford Focus equipped with 1.0-liter turbocharged engine represents the 5-millionth Ford EcoBoost engine produced.

Defective GM ignition switch death toll now set at 67

(March 17, 2015) DETROIT — The death toll from General Motors' defective ignition switch has reached 67, the administrator of GM's compensation fund said this week. The office of attorney Kenneth Feinberg, who is overseeing victim compensation on GM's behalf, had approved 67 death claims and 113 injury claims as of March 13, according to an update.

Honda Financial presents loyal owner his 55th Honda motorcycle

(March 17, 2015) TORRANCE, Calif. — In a presentation ceremony Monday at Horner Honda in Salisbury, Md., American Honda Finance Corporation Senior Vice President David W. Paul handed longtime Honda owner Harry Adler the key to a 2015 Honda CB300F. The motorcycle is the 55th Honda that Adler, 84, has owned.

BMW motorcycle sales continue at torrid pace

(March 17, 2015) MUNICH — In February BMW Motorrad sales increased by 13.5% achieving the fifth straight all-time high for the month. BMW sold 9,195 motorcycles and maxi scooters to customers worldwide last month.

Heiner Faust, BMW Motorrad head of Sales and Marketing: "With 15,458 vehicles sold we have achieved a new record after the first two months of the year. This is a considerable increase in sales of 14.2% as compared to the equivalent period last year.

Fifth generation Camaro approaches 500,000 in U.S. sales

(March 17, 2015) DETROIT — Talk about a big family: Chevrolet expects to deliver the 500,000th fifth-generation Camaro in the United States this month. The fifth-generation Camaro has been a runaway success for Chevrolet since it went on sale in August 2009. Camaro sales passed Mustang in 2010, to become America’s best-selling performance car — a title Camaro has retained for five consecutive years.