July 2014

Kia recalling 2014 Soul to fix steering problem

(July 21, 2014) Kia is recalling nearly 52,000 Souls to fix a problem that can cause steering failure. The recall covers vehicles from the 2014 model year built from July 21, 2013, through Jan. 17, 2014, according to Kia.

The Korean automaker says a plug that secures a pinion gear to the steering assembly can loosen and cause the gear to separate. That can cause a driver to lose steering and increase the risk of a crash.

Ford launches aggressive new product rollout for Middle East, Africa

(July 21, 2014) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford has announced an aggressive product acceleration in its newest business unit, Middle East and Africa, leveraging the company’s One Ford global portfolio and targeting opportunities for growth in small, mid-size and large vehicle segments.

Ford pledged to launch at least 25 new vehicles by 2016 to Middle East and Africa — making the announcement during a special “Go Further” event in Johannesburg attended by 1,000 employees, Ford dealers, suppliers, government officials, and media.

Elvis wasn't my copilot on media drive of '15 Hyundai Sonata in Memphis

By Russ Heaps
Clanging Bell

(July 21, 2014) MEMPHIS — I'm not the kind of guy who goes in much for tourist traps. I've never seen the “world's largest ball of twine,” for example. But there I was in Memphis, Tennessee with Hyundai for the Southeast media first drive of the redesigned 2015 Sonata with the prospect of visiting Elvis' Graceland for the first time dangling in front of me. What was I going to say, no?

Lexus reports its sales are soaring around Europe

(July 20, 2014) Lexus has recorded a good first half-year performance, with Europe-wide sales (including Russia and other eastern European markets) reaching 24,586 units, an increase of 25.4 per cent on the same period last year. The growth rate is well ahead of the premium market as a whole in the region, which increased by five percent.

In western Europe the pace is even greater, with sales volume ahead by 33 per cent at 13,235 units in the same period. The new IS, launched last year, was the top performer, with sales up nine-fold at 6,923, including 5,366 IS 300h hybrids.

Porsche invests $200 million in expansion of R&D center

(July 20, 2014) STUTTGART, Germany — Porsche AG, the Germany based sports car manufacturer, has opened three new buildings at its Weissach development center, marking the conclusion of the largest investment project in the center's history. Over $200 million were invested in a new design studio with concept car construction facility, a state-of-the-art aero-acoustic wind tunnel and the Electronics Integration Center that set new standards in forward-looking vehicle development "engineered and designed in Weissach."

Impressions of the 2015 Mustang from the right seat

By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(July 20, 2014) Ford has been teasing the media — and its followers — with a steady drip of news about the new car, hoping to milk the launch of the sixth generation Mustang for as much publicity as possible. This time, however, the invitation to come to Dearborn to learn more about the 2015 Mustang came with a kicker: the chance to get a front seat ride in the car.

Ford engineer is composer of new Mustang soundtrack

(July 19, 2014) DEARBORN, Mich. — Driving Ford Mustang is a visceral experience, combining a visual feast for the eyes with a seat-of-the-pants feeling on the road and the audible entertainment of a powerful engine. Like a film without a soundtrack, a Mustang without the right engine growl just wouldn’t be complete.

All-new 2016 Mazda2 makes global debut

(July 19, 2014) IRVINE, Calif. — The all-new 2016 Mazda2 has been unveiled in Japan by Mazda Motor Corporation. Mazda’s sub-compact entry, known as the Demio in Japan, receives its first complete redesign since its global third-generation launch seven years ago.

2015 Chevrolet and GMC pickups, SUVs to offer 8-speed transmission

(July 18, 2014) DETROIT— Chevrolet and GMC have confirmed a new eight-speed automatic transmission will be standard on 2015 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra and GMC Yukon Denali/Yukon XL Denali models equipped with the 6.2L EcoTec3 V-8.