August 2014

Subaru's sales success in U.S. continues with stellar July

(August 3, 2014) CHERRY HILL, N.J. — Subaru of America has reported 45,714 vehicle sales for July, a 27 percent increase over July 2013 sales of 35,994. July marks the best-ever sales month in company history, breaking the previous record of 44,479 set in March 2014.

U.S. auto industry enjoys solid sales in July

(August 2, 2014) Led by Chrysler Group, Ford, General Motors and Toyota, July auto sales increased more than 9% over July 2013 as the industry continued to enjoy a steady increase in demand for new vehicles. On an annualized basis, the pace of sales was 16.5 million — the fastest pace of any month this year other than June.

Harley-Davidson recalling 3,300 bikes for ignition switch problem

(August 2, 2014) MILWAUKEE — Harley-Davidson is recalling more than 3,300 FXDL Dyna Low Rider bikes because engine vibration can turn the switches from “on” to “accessory.” The recall covers motorcycles from the 2014 ½ model year. If the motorcycles have been modified to rev higher than 5,600 RPMs, an engine mount bracket can vibrate excessively, causing the problem.

If the switch goes to “accessory,” the engine can shut off while being driven and potentially cause a crash. The company said there have been no crashes or injuries reported from the problem.

2015 Harley-Davidson Road Glide model roars back

(August 2, 2014) Harley-Davidson has more rush in the tank. Spy photos, gossip, and wild speculation are flooding the Internet as Harley-Davidson fans around the globe anticipate the return of the Road Glide motorcycle. The wait is over and the Road Glide model is back. Weeks before the announcement of its complete 2015 model lineup, Harley-Davidson is previewing the Road Glide and Road Glide Special, two of its new 2015 motorcycles.

Alaskan International



This used up 1941 International pickup truck was found near Trapper Creek, Alaska, its bed now used for growing weeds — or perhaps flowers of some variety.
(Photo by Jerry Brown)

GM’s truck and crossover sales surge past 1 million units in 2014

(August 1, 1014) DETROIT — General Motors dealers delivered 256,160 vehicles in the United States in July, for the company’s highest July sales since 2007. Total sales were up 9 percent compared with a year ago. Retail sales — those to individual customers — were up 4 percent. Commercial deliveries were up 69 percent and all other fleet deliveries were up 21 percent.

Ford posts best July results in eight years

(August 1, 2014) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford's July sales of 212,236 vehicles increased 10 percent over a year ago for the best July in eight years. Retail sales of 162,028 vehicles are up 7 percent. 

“July proved to be a very good month for Ford and Lincoln with positive gains across the board in all the major segments,” said John Felice, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service.

Kelley Blue Book: New-car transaction prices rise 2 percent in July

(August 1, 2014) IRVINE, Calif. — The analysts at Kelley Blue Book, kbb.com, today report the estimated average transaction price (ATP) for light vehicles in the United States was $32,556 in July, an increase of $662 (2.1 percent) from July 2013, while dropping $41 from last month.

"Overall, the industry continues to see average transaction prices rise at a solid pace," said Alec Gutierrez, senior analyst for Kelley Blue Book. 

Chrysler Group reports July sales up 20 percent over July 2013

(August 1, 2014) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Chrysler Group today reported U.S. sales of 167,667 units, a 20 percent increase compared with sales in July 2013 (140,102 units), and the group’s best July sales since 2005.

The Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram Truck and Fiat brands each posted year-over-year sales gains in July compared with the same month a year ago. The Jeep brand’s 41 percent increase was the largest sales gain of any Chrysler Group brand during July and its best ever July sales. Chrysler Group extended its streak of year-over-year sales gains to 52-consecutive months in July.

GM celebrating 90 years at Milford Proving Ground

(August 1, 2014) DETROIT — When the General Motors Milford Proving Ground opened in 1924 — 90 years ago this October— engineers lacked advanced tools and technology for safety testing. Judging from this video, some might say the only crash test dummies back then were human.

Engineers today keep their distance during crash tests. No more riding the running boards until seconds before impact. Inside the vehicles being tested are heavily instrumented anthropomorphic test devices — dummies — who capture the data for which engineers once risked their lives.