June 2014

Chrysler Group reports 17 percent sales increase over May 2013

(June 3, 2014)  AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Chrysler Group today reported U.S. sales of 194,421 units, a 17 percent increase compared with sales in May 2013, and the group’s best May sales since 2007.

The Jeep, Dodge, Ram Truck and Fiat brands each posted year-over-year sales gains in May compared with the same month a year ago. The Jeep brand’s 58 percent increase was the largest sales gain of any Chrysler Group brand duri
ng May and its best sales month ever. Chrysler Group extended its streak of year-over-year sales gains to 50-consecutive months in May.

Volvo promises all-new XC90 to transform in-car driving experience

(June 3, 3014) The designers and engineers behind Volvo’s all-new XC90, which will be revealed later this year, have completely re-conceived the way drivers operate their cars and dispensed with the normal array of buttons. Volvo says a large tablet-like touch screen, a head-up display, state-of-art-voice control and thumb controls on the steering wheel, all combine to form a more convenient way of interacting with the vehicle.ith the vehicle.

Volkswagen, Tanner Foust team up for launch of Golf GTI video series

(June 2, 2014) HERNDON, Va. — Volkswagen has announced a video campaign with Top Gear TV host and rallycross driver Tanner Foust to support the launch of the all-new 2015 Golf GTI. Foust, who is also one of the world’s leading professional stunt drivers, brings the Golf GTI driving experience to life with the aid of a car fitted with dozens of GoPro cameras.

The versatility of the GoPro camera makes it uniquely suited to highlight the performance of the 2015 Golf GTI and its powerful EA888 TSI turbocharged and direct-injection engine.

2015 Cadillac Escalade exterior rooted in attention to detail

(June 2, 2014) DETROIT — The 2015 Cadillac Escalade features a new yet instantly recognizable design that maintains the vehicle's signature quality and elegance. The styling cues combine sculpted surfaces with high technology embellishments to give Escalade an unmistakable stand-out appearance.

Survey shows America needs inflation

(June 2, 2014) WASHINGTON — A tire industry survey reveals that nearly 7 out of 10 vehicles are riding on under inflated tires.  Nearly one in five vehicles has at least one significantly under inflated tire.

The Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA), the national trade association for tire manufacturers, sponsors National Tire Safety Week (June 1-7) to focus efforts to educate U.S. drivers about the need for regular tire maintenance.  Under inflated tires waste gasoline, increase the risk of tire damage and cause premature tire wear.

Making sense of Mini’s Superleggera Vision

By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(June 2, 2014) As the former owner of a 2003 Mini Cooper, I am one of the first to say BMW has lost the purity and fun of that car in its rush to add models, and meet changing safety standards.