July 2015

Scion tC receives upgrades for 2016 model year

(July 17, 2015) TORRANCE, Calif. — Scion’s top seller, the tC sports coupe, adds new sound, smarts, and swishes as it enters the 2016 model year. A new standard audio system, a host of upgraded interior features including a Smart Key with push-button start, and the addition of a standard rear windshield wiper add to the fun and functionality of the tC.

Nissan ends first half of 2015 as best-selling Asian brand in Europe

(July 17, 2015) ROLLE, Switzerland — Nissan this week announced record sales in the first six months of 2015. Nissan says this makes it the top-selling Asian brand in Europe. A total of 384,726 units were sold in the first six months of 2015, representing an increase of 4.3 percent versus this time last year.

Harley-Davidson ignites presence for 75th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

(July 17, 2015) MILWAUKEE — From a chain cutting-rally kickoff to the last demo ride, sparks will fly as Harley-Davidson takes over the city of Sturgis, S.D., to kick off the 75th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally with a new line-up of activities.

The start of one of the biggest rallies in U.S. history will be commemorated at a chain-cutting of the new Harley-Davidson Rally Point and brings to life the first phase of the new 75-year relationship between Harley-Davidson and the city of Sturgis making Harley-Davidson the official motorcycle of the rally.

2015 Volkswagen Jetta GLI: Refining the recipe

By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(July 17, 2015) At the very last minute I had to run home and take a clipping off one of the arbor vitae in the backyard, and bring it to the garden center. Ravaged by two winter’s of bone-chilling cold and snow, the shrubs were looking dreadful. Putting the clipping into the cupholder, I buckled up and got ready for the return run.

Mazda sets starting price of $19,960 for CX-3 sub-compact crossover

(July 16, 2015) Nearing its mid-August expected on-sale date, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) has released full pricing for its entry-level CUV, starting at an MSRP of $19,960 for the CX-3 Sport with front-wheel drive.

As a $1,250 upgrade, buyers can select CX-3 Sport with Mazda's predictive i-ACTIV all-wheel drive that takes temperature, road conditions, steering-angle and weather into account, among other factors, to help optimize to which wheels engine power is routed for maximum performance and stability.

Ford uses air curtain technology on new F-150

(July 16, 2015) DEARBORN, Mich. — The 2015 Ford F-150 is the most aerodynamically efficient F-150 ever, thanks in part to new aero curtains that reduce wind drag by guiding airflow across the front wheels.

Air curtain technology, which first debuted on the all-new Ford Mustang, allows air to flow through a vent underneath the headlamps and out around the wheel. Side-by-side animations show how airflow is smoother at the front wheel and down the side of the truck with the air curtain, versus without it.

First parking meter appeared 80 years ago in Oklahoma City

(July 16, 2015) On this date in 1935, drivers in Oklahoma City were confronted with America's first parking meter, collecting rent for a space on the corner of First Street and Robinson Avenue.

While local drivers could avoid that single space, they couldn't escape for long. That meter was just the first of many to sprout up in Oklahoma City and across the nation, as millions of ticketed motorists will attest.

Fiat Chrysler outperforms European industry average in June

(July 16, 2015) LONDON — Fiat Chrysler Automobiles outperformed the European industry average once again in June with a 17.7% year-over-year increase in passenger car sales. The group was leader in the European A segment for the 30th consecutive month, with the Fiat 500 and Fiat Panda accounting for a combined 27.7% share.

GMC Sierra gets styling tweaks for 2016

(July 16, 2015) DETROIT— GMC’s best-selling truck has great momentum coming off its best June since 2006 and 12 consecutive months of year-over-year sales gains.

With exterior styling as its top reason for purchase, the new truck adds key design elements: LED “C-shaped” signature daytime running lights and LED headlights; new front fascia and grilles for each trim level; new LED fog lamps; new bumpers; and new “C-shaped” LED taillights.

Ford announces Apollo Edition Mustang to highlight Apollo missions

(July 16, 2015) DEARBORN, Mich. — As far as special edition Mustangs go, this one is out of this world. For the eighth straight year, Ford has created a unique, aviation-inspired Ford Mustang to benefit Experimental Aircraft Association youth education programs, including the Young Eagles. The Apollo Edition Mustang will be donated and sold via auction at the Gathering of Eagles charity event, July 23, at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2015 — the World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration.