April 2015

Mercedes-Benz reports strongest sales month in company history

(April 8, 2015) STUTTGART — Mercedes-Benz continued its record 2015 sales pace with 183,467 vehicles sold worldwide in March — a 15.7% gain over March 2014. Sales have never before reached such a high level in one month. Since the beginning of the year, 429,602 vehicles have been handed over to customers, topping the previous year's record by nearly 15 percent.

General Motors sells March record 338,350 vehicles in China

(April 8, 2015) SHANGHAI — Vehicle sales by General Motors and its joint ventures in China increased 8.0 percent on an annual basis last month to a March record 338,350 units. Domestic sales by SAIC-GM-Wuling and Cadillac reached an all-time monthly high, while Shanghai GM and Chevrolet had record March domestic sales.

Shanghai GM’s domestic sales were up 3.9 percent year on year to 145,607 units, and SAIC-GM-Wuling’s domestic sales were up 16.9 percent to 192,287 units.

A cure for speeding

By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(April 8, 2015) Ford has introduced a technology that automatically adjusts vehicle speed to the prevailing limit. Called Intelligent Speed Limiter (ISL) by Ford, it’s already available on the European Mondeo (Fusion) and Kuga (Escape), and will be added to the new S-Max people carrier.

From Canopy to City: Since 1936 Chevrolet means small business

(April 7, 2015) DETROIT — Ever since vendors have peddled produce to passers-by on the streets of busy cities, Chevrolet has provided vehicles that allows them to reach their customers.

Lotus reports best fiscal year sales since 2008-2009

(April 7, 2015) Lotus has announced a 55% rise in its global sports car sales at the conclusion of its 2014/15 financial year. For the full year, the company increased its sales volume to 2,015 units, contrasted with 1,296 units in the year 2013/14. This is the best result achieved by Lotus since FY 2008/09.

Nissan highlights new Driver Attention Alert system — Wake Up!

(April 7, 2015) NASHVILLE — Just in time for national "Drowsy Driving Awareness Day" Monday, Nissan highlighted the fact that its new Driver Attention Alert (DAA) system is available on two of its most attention-getting vehicles — the 2015 Nissan Murano crossover and the upcoming 2016 Nissan Maxima sedan.

Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine giving away Harley Street Bob

(April 6, 2015) GATLINBURG, Tenn. — Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine is rolling out its hard smoked blend, Ole Smoky Harley-Davidson Road House CustomsCharred Moonshine to all 50 states in the U.S. It was first released in 2014.

In celebration of the national release, Ole Smoky is launching a motorcycle sweepstakes through June 30. Fans can enter online at OleSmoky.com/Harley to win the grand prize — a Harley-Davidson Street Bob motorcycle, and great secondary prizes like Craftsman Tool Chests and other Ole Smoky Moonshine gear.

Canyon Experience lets customers take virtual test drive

(April 6, 2015) DETROIT — Whether it’s pulling up in front of a restaurant in the city or trailering a camper into the woods, the all-new 2015 GMC Canyon premium midsize pickup is right at home. Beginning today, an interactive Canyon Experience lets customers virtually “test drive” a Canyon in four lifestyle environments starting from their neighborhood – or anywhere else.

The Canyon Experience is the first with Google Maps and Google Street View technology that lets users “see” a Canyon in their neighborhood, close to their home.

Hybrid leader Toyota turning to turbocharging technology

(April 6, 2015) TOYOTA CITY, Japan — Toyota is ready to debut its second turbocharged entry in a series of new engines with drastically improved thermal and fuel efficiency. Despite Toyota's considerable success of hybrids, the company said it is aware that vehicles with conventional powertrains still represent the majority of vehicles sold.

Toyota said today that by constantly increasing environmental performance across its entire vehicle lineup, it aims to offer a portfolio of environment-friendly vehicles that meet the diverse needs of consumers.

2015 Chevy heavy-hitters settle atop fountain in Comerica Park

(April 6, 2015) DETROIT — It is an annual rite of spring that means baseball's opening day is just around the corner — the Tigers play the Minnesota Twins today.

A Velocity Yellow Corvette Z06 and a special Midnight Edition Silverado eased into their parking spaces high atop the Chevrolet Fountain behind centerfield in Comerica Park last week. Each vehicle was lifted into place by crane — a three-hour process.