August 2014

Hyundai resolves recall issue with government

(August 8, 2014) FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. — Hyundai Motor America has announced that it has resolved an inquiry by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding the timeliness of the automaker's 2013 recall of approximately 43,500 model year 2009-12 Hyundai Genesis sedans.  As part of the agreement, Hyundai will pay a $17.35 million civil penalty.  

Dodge introduces Blacktop Appearance Package on Durango for 2014

(August 8, 2014) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Dodge is rounding out its offering of Blacktop Packages for 2014, adding the three-row Durango to the lineup of Dodge vehicles with the sporty, sinister look. With the addition of Durango, the Dodge brand now offers the Blacktop Appearance Package on seven of its 2014 model year vehicles, including Charger, Challenger, Dart, Avenger, Journey and Grand Caravan.

Next-generation Chevrolet Volt to debut at 2015 Detroit auto show

(August 8, 2014) ACME, Mich. — The next-generation Chevrolet Volt will debut at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Global Chevrolet Chief Marketing Officer Tim Mahoney announced.

The 2016 Volt will build on the award-winning original’s strong foundation of technology innovation. Volt sales were up 13 percent in July and more than 65,000 have been sold since it was introduced — making it the best-selling plug-in passenger car in the U.S. market.

Chrysler reports quarterly net income of $619 million

(August 7, 2014) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Chrysler Group reported net income of $619 million in the second quarter on record Jeep sales and strong pickup deliveries. The second-quarter profit jumped 22 percent from the $507 million net income it posted during the same quarter of 2013, Chrysler said in a report today.

BMW enters three fan favorite race cars in Monterey Motorsports reunion

(August 7, 2014) WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J.  — BMW has announced that it will run three BMW USA Classic race cars in the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca on Aug. 14-17. The entries include the famous No. 25 BMW 3.0 CSL, the BMW ALPINA 2002ti, and the BMW M1 IMSA Group 4.

The No. 25 BMW 3.0 CSL Group 4 won the 1975 12 Hours of Sebring and was honored in March of this year with a Class win at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance.

Nissan delivers record-setting performance through first seven months of 2014

(August 7, 2014) NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Through the first seven months of 2014, Nissan has delivered a record-setting performance in North America with sales, market share and vehicle production gains across the region, highlighted by the company's Smyrna Vehicle Assembly Plant, which has become the top-producing automotive manufacturing plant in the North American industry so far this year.

Seven signs your brakes need to be inspected

(August 6, 2014) BETHESDA, Md. — During Brake Safety Awareness Month in August, the Car Care Council reminds motorists that routine brake inspections are essential to safe driving and maintaining your vehicle.

"When it comes to vehicle safety, the brake system is at the top of the list, so have your brakes checked by an auto service professional at least once a year," said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. "Knowing the key warning signs that your brakes may need maintenance will go a long way toward keeping you and others safe on the road."

General Motors sells July record 249,734 vehicles in China

(August 6, 2014) SHANGHAI — General Motors and its joint ventures in China set a new domestic sales record for July of 249,734 vehicles. Demand increased 12.7 percent from the same month in 2013. In addition, GM today sold its 2 millionth vehicle in China in 2014. This is the fifth consecutive year and the earliest ever that GM has reached the milestone.

Chevrolet sets starting price of new Colorado extended-cab pickup at $20,995

(August 6, 2014) DETROIT — Suggested retail prices for the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado extended-cab pickup will start at $20,995, including an $895 dealer freight charge, Chevrolet announced on Tuesday.

Standard features will include a 200-horsepower 2.5L four-cylinder engine with direct fuel injection and continuously variable valve timing for strong midrange torque; a 6-speed manual transmission; power windows with express up for the driver; a rear-vision camera with dynamic guide lines; and a locking tailgate.

McLaren returns to Pebble Beach to showcase its latest models

(August 6, 2014) Three years after launching at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, McLaren Special Operations (MSO) will return to the fairway of the 18th hole at the famous Pebble Beach automotive weekend with unique examples of the McLaren P1, pictured above, and the recently launched MSO 650S Spider.