July 2015

Ford issues recall for 433,000 vehicles for body control module problem

(July 2, 2015) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford is issuing a safety compliance recall for approximately 433,000 vehicles in North America, including certain 2015 Focus, C-MAX and Escape vehicles, for an issue with the body control module.

In these vehicles, it could be possible for the engine to continue to run after turning the ignition key to the “off” position and removing the key, or after pressing the Engine Start/Stop button. This is a compliance issue with FMVSS 114 regarding theft protection and rollaway prevention. Ford is not aware of any accidents or injuries associated with this issue.

Infiniti sets global sales record in first half of 2015

(July 2, 2015) HONG KONG — Infiniti sold a record 103,500 new vehicles around the world in the first half of 2015, up 13 percent over the same period last year. On the back of a best-ever sales performance in 2014, Infiniti delivered another all-time high result and for the first time sold more than 100,000 vehicles in the first six months.

The brand also set records in China, Asia & Oceania, and EMEA (Europe, Middle East & Africa), as well as many key individual markets including Canada, Mexico, South Africa, and Australia.

A man, his dog, Willie Nelson and the Subaru Impreza

(July 2, 2015) CHERRY HILL, N.J. — Subaru has launched its second brand spot of the summer, “Dream Weekend” showcasing the adventurous spirit and versatility of the 2016 Subaru Impreza. The spot follows a bucket-list weekend enjoyed by a man and his four-legged best friend, set to a song by Willie Nelson.

The Subaru brand is well known for safety, reliability and adventure, as well as having an affinity to pets — just like Subaru owners themselves. Subaru advertising reflects the lives of its drivers, whether that involves everyday tasks or more adventuresome occasions such as a dog's special day.

First Lotus Evora 400 drives off assembly line at Hethel

(July 2, 2015) HETHEL, England — In a small celebration with a selection of senior management, manufacturing and engineering staff, the first new Lotus Evora 400 was driven off the assembly line at Hethel on Wednesday.

Jean-Marc Gales, chief executive officer of Group Lotus, said, “Today is a very significant stage in our long term plan, which we set-out more than a year ago. With the first Evora 400 coming off the line, we have achieved a key milestone for Lotus.”

Toyota, Nissan and Honda agree on hydrogen project in Japan

(July 2, 2015) TOKYO — Toyota , Nissan and Honda have agreed on key details regarding a new joint support project for the development of hydrogen station infrastructure in Japan. In addition to partially covering the operating costs of hydrogen stations, the three automakers have also agreed to help infrastructure companies deliver the best possible customer service and create a convenient, hassle-free refueling network for owners of fuel cell vehicles.

Auto industry continues its brisk sales pace in June

(July 2, 2015) U.S. light-vehicle sales rose 3.9 percent in June as the industry continued to climb toward one of its biggest sales years ever. The seasonally adjusted sales rate came in at 17.16 million, slightly below forecasts, and down from May’s 17.78 million rate but higher than the 16.91 million pace set in June 2014.

Dodge Hellcat vehicles featured in 'Predator' ads

(July 2, 2015) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Few new vehicles have generated as much excitement and anticipation as the 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat and Challenger SRT Hellcat — the fastest, most powerful muscle cars ever — and now Dodge is capturing the energy of these two vehicles, as well as the brand’s flagship supercar, Dodge Viper GTS, in two new spots debuting on the large- and small-screen, beginning July 3.

Honda announces 2016 Montesa Cota 300RR trails motorcycle

(July 1, 2015) TORRANCE, Calif. — Riding the momentum of Toni Bou's continued dominance on the international trials scene, American Honda today announced the brand-new Cota 300RR, which joins the improved Cota 4RT260 in Honda's expanded 2016 lineup of Montesa trials models.

Produced entirely at the Honda-owned Montesa factory in the trials hotbed of Barcelona, Spain, the Cota 300RR is a limited-edition, state-of-the-art trials machine that is capable of success at the highest level.

GM gains highest June retail market share since 2011

(July 1, 2015) DETROIT — Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac dealers in the United States delivered 259,353 vehicles in June. Retail deliveries climbed 7 percent year over year, and they were up more than the industry for the third month in a row.

The drivers were stronger Cadillac sales, a 12 percent gain at GMC and a 9 percent increase at Chevrolet. Together, they helped make General Motors’ best June for retail deliveries since 2007 and its best June for retail market share since 2011.

An ancient Datsun lives in the wild



This rare Datsun 1000 four-door sedan was spotted returning to nature in a wooded junk yard by photographer John Harper. The little Nissan would be classified as a sub-compact (city car) in today's market with a  length of 152 inches and a wheelbase of 87.4 inches. Curb weight was just 2,039 pounds. It was powered by a small inline four-cylinder making 34 horsepower and 48 foot-pounds of torque mated to a four-speed manual transmission. The 1958 sedan was the first Nissan offered in the United States retailing for $1,695.
(Photo by John Harper)