May 2014

GM recalling 2013 Cadillac SRX models over acceleration issue

(May 2, 2014) DETROIT — General Motors is recalling about 56,400 model year 2013 Cadillac SRX crossover vehicles because of possible delays in acceleration linked to a computer program that controls the transmission, U.S. regulators said today.

"In certain driving situations, there may be a three to four second lag in acceleration due to the transmission control module programming," said a report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA said the condition can increase the chances of a crash, but GM said it was not aware of any crashes related to this issue.

Lordstown gets $50 Million investment for next-gen Chevrolet Cruze

(May 2, 2014) LORDSTOWN, Ohio — General Motors is investing $50 million for a new flexible trim shop and upgrades to the press room at the Lordstown Complex for the next-generation Chevrolet Cruze compact sedan.

“This investment will enhance our customer responsiveness while providing our team with the tools and processes needed to be the best at building the next generation Cruze,” said Lordstown Plant Manager Bob Parcell.

Mazda sales heading in right direction

(May 2, 2014) IRVINE, Calif. — Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) has reported April U.S. sales of 22,434 vehicles, representing an increase of 12.8 percent versus last year. Year-to-date sales through April are up 2.4 percent versus last year, with 100,492 vehicles sold.

"April saw customers emerging from their long winter hibernation, and traffic and sales were where we expected to see them earlier in the year," said Ron Stettner, VP, Sales for MNAO.

Former Hyundai America CEO John Krafcik to lead TrueCar

(May 2, 2014) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — TrueCar has announced that John Krafcik, former Hyundai Motor America President and CEO, has joined the company as president, a newly created position. Just last month, Krafcik was appointed to TrueCar's board of directors.

Toyota providing help in developing California hydrogen refueling network

(May 2, 2014) TORRANCE, Calif. — "The issue of hydrogen refueling infrastructure is not so much about how many stations; but rather, location, location, location," stated Bob Carter, senior vice president, Automotive Operations, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A.,  just four months ago at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas where he unveiled a hydrogen fuel cell sedan due to launch in 2015.

Ford announces Alan Mulally retiring July 1; Mark Fields to succeed

(May 1, 2014) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford announced today that Alan Mulally has decided to retire from the company July 1 and Mark Fields will be named Ford president and chief executive officer and elected as a member of the company’s board of directors.

Chevy truck for sale — Not likely



Even the For Sale sign appears abandoned on what's left of this late '60s Chevrolet C/K pickup. Two inline 6-cylinder engines and a variety of V-8 engines were available in the late '60s. Manual transmission were of three or four gears and automatics were of either two-speed or three-speed configurations.
(Photo by Ralph Gable)

General Motors' total sales up 7 percent in April

(May 1, 2014) DETROIT — General Motors dealers delivered 254,076 vehicles in the United States in April. Total sales were up 7 percent compared with a year ago, fleet sales were up 5 percent and retail sales — vehicles sold to individual buyers — were up 8 percent. GM expects to increase its retail market share from March.

Chrysler's streak continues — U.S. sales increase 14 percent in April

(May 1, 2014) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Chrysler Group today reported U.S. sales of 178,652 units, a 14 percent increase compared with sales in April 2013 (156,698 units), and the group’s best April sales since 2007. The Jeep, Dodge, Ram Truck and Fiat brands each posted year-over-year sales gains in April compared with the same month a year ago.

The Jeep brand’s 52 percent increase was the largest sales gain of any Chrysler Group brand during April and its best sales month ever. Chrysler Group extended its streak of year-over-year sales gains to 49-consecutive months in April.
 

Ford sales off 1 percent, but F-Series has best April since 2006

(May 1, 2014) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford's total U.S. sales of 211,126 vehicles last month declined 1 percent from a year ago and retail sales of 141,950 vehicles are also off 1 percent. Commercial and government fleet sales were up 16 and 21 percent, respectively, while daily rental sales declined 24 percent.