July 2016

Nissan Titan gets a single cab for the first time in its history

(July 31, 2016) CARMEL, Calif. — The next chapter of Nissan's "Year of the Truck" was unveiled this past week with a sneak peek of the latest members of the Titan full-size pickup family — the 2017 Titan XD and Titan Single Cab models. The first-ever single cab offering in Titan history, the new trucks are designed to provide an affordable and rugged entry-point in the commercial fleet/work truck market.

Dodge and SRT unleash their power with tagline 'Domestic. Not Domesticated'

(July 30, 2016) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Dodge, America’s mainstream performance brand, and SRT, the ultimate performance brand, are launching a new tagline that captures the passion, attitude and spirit of the entire brand. “Domestic. Not Domesticated.” is being rolled out this weekend and will be integrated into all of Dodge and SRT brand communications across multiple platforms and consumer touch points, including television, print, digital, web, social and experiential. 

2017 Audi A4 allroad — Subaru Outback of the German luxury set

By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(July 30, 2016) Audi’s 2017 A4 allroad is sort of the Subaru Outback of the German luxury set. Quattro all-wheel drive with “ultra” technology is standard, as are adaptive dampers and a redesigned five-link suspension. Power is supplied by an updated 2.0-liter turbocharged four with 252 horsepower and 273 lb.-ft. of torque. It is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, and capable of propelling the allroad from 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds.

Job Rated



Dodge started selling "Job Rated" trucks in 1939, aimed at getting the customer the truck that fit the job for which it was purchased. The Job Rated designation carried through to the mid-50s when it was dropped. This early '50s Dodge "Job Rated" truck was discovered in Utah by Jim Prueter, its job apparently at an end.

Buick sales growing at a rapid pace internationally

(July 29, 2016) DETROIT — Among the top automotive brands — those selling more than 200,000 units internationally so far this year — Buick is growing at an unmatched pace. With 675,964 sales through June, Buick ended 2016’s first half up 20.1 percent over the same period in 2015.

In this year of rapid growth, Buick has risen to the fifth-largest passenger vehicle brand in China and is outselling key competitors including Acura, Infiniti and Lincoln in North America.

Acura to celebrate 30th anniversary, performance heritage at Monterey

(July 29, 2016) TORRANCE, Calif. — Acura will celebrate its 30th Anniversary and showcase the brand's Precision Crafted Performance brand heritage with its extensive presence at the 2016 Monterey Automotive Week starting Aug. 19.  Bringing the brand's luxury and performance DNA to life will be West Coast debuts of the stunning Acura Precision Concept, showcasing the future design direction of Acura, and the 2017 Acura NSX GT3, which is being prepared for competition in North America.

1970 Ford Mustang leads Mecum's $16.7 million sale in Harrisburg

(July 28, 2016) Mecum Auctions celebrated a great three days in Harrisburg, Pa., with $16.7 million in total sales and an impressive 70 percent sell-through rate for the auction. The results further validate why Harrisburg is such a great central location to properly serve the incredible enthusiasm for collector cars in the northeastern United States.

Evidence of this passion could be found in the standing-room only crowds that made their presence known throughout the entirety of the event and the fact that consignments came in from 26 states.

Mini Takes the States 2016 comes to an end in Palm Springs

(July 28, 2016) WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — Mini Takes the States 2016 (MTTS), the legendary two-week cross-country rally for MINI owners and enthusiasts, came to an end this weekend at The Thermal Club in Palm Springs, Calif., after an epic 4,397 mile adventure that started at Atlanta Motor Speedway on July 9.

Groundbreaking marks construction start for Mercedes van plant in S.C.

(July 28, 2016) NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. — Mercedes-Benz Vans held a groundbreaking of its new Sprinter plant for the North American market. With this new full-scale plant, Mercedes-Benz Vans will offer faster and more individualized supply to its customers. The new plant is an expansion of the existing van assembly site.

It represents an investment of around $500 million. Mercedes-Benz Vans will create up to 1,300 new jobs. It is estimated that suppliers will create approximately 400 new jobs in and around North Charleston.

Ford bolsters availability of SYNC 3 Apple CarPlay, Android Auto platforms

(July 26, 2016) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford is expanding its SYNC 3 connectivity platform — allowing compatibility of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto — throughout its entire 2017 U.S. vehicle lineup of cars, SUVs, light trucks and electrified vehicles.

Ford, using its platform-centric approach — creating a technology for its lineup versus going vehicle by vehicle — has been able to swiftly roll out SYNC 3 plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. And future, over-the-air updates via Wi-Fi will help ensure it keeps up with the latest technology.