October 2014

Kelley: Vehicle sales expected to jump 5.4 percent in October

(October 27, 2014) IRVINE, Calif. — New-vehicle sales are expected to increase 5.4 percent year-over-year to a total of 1.27 million units, resulting in an estimated 16.3 million seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR), according to Kelley Blue Book.  October is typically the second weakest month of the year for sales, only above January. 

Many consumers take advantage of Labor Day deals in September, or wait for Black Friday and other holiday sales in the coming months.

Mopar goes all-in with fleet of customized SEMA show rides

(October 27, 2014) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Mopar once again is gearing up to hit the Strip in full force at the 2014 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas, Nov. 4–7, with a fleet of Mopar-modified vehicles and hundreds of existing and prototype Mopar products set to add sizzle at the world’s premier automotive specialty products trade event.

Subaru's 7th annual 'Share the Love' charity event to set donation record

(October 26, 2014) CHERRY HILL, N.J. — Subaru of America has announced it will donate $15 million to charitable partners during its seventh annual “Share the Love” event. In 2013, Subaru donated $10 million to “Share the Love” charities and over the course of the six-year program, Subaru has donated $35 million.

From Nov. 20 to Jan. 2, 2015, Subaru will donate $250 for every new Subaru vehicle sold or leased to the customer's choice of the following charities: ASPCA, Make-A-Wish, Meals On Wheels Association of America, and National Park Foundation.

John Pangilinan's Sonata blends street art with performance for SEMA

(October 26, 2014) FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. — Delivering on his eye-catching reputation, John Pangilinan revealed his 2015 Hyundai Sonata for the 2014 SEMA show. The JP Edition Sonata strives to change the perception of what a sedan is by combining high performance driving dynamics with the striking visuals of Los Angeles street art.

Cenntro Automotive launches production of all-electric Citelec line

(October 25, 2014) SPARKS, Nev. — Cenntro Automotive, a Nevada-based manufacturer of all-electric vehicles, has announced the start of production of the Citelec, all electric light commercial utility vehicle, in its Nevada facility.

Cenntro Automotive added the Citelec to its product portfolio in the acquisition of Brant Motors (Lyon, France). The acquisition, valued at $50 million, included the all-electric utility vehicle, the Citelec, which has been sold in Europe since 2013. 

Tesla establishes presence in Scotland opening first Supercharger location

(October 24, 2014) LONDON — Tesla today opened a new Supercharger location at Edinburgh Airport, firmly establishing the company’s presence in Scotland. This location is part of a network expansion that will soon allow Model S owners to drive anywhere in the UK relying only on Superchargers. Supercharging is free for Supercharger-enabled vehicles.

INMOTION announces two new self-balancing vehicles

(October 24, 2014) SHENZHEN, China — INMOTION, the leading company in self-balancing vehicle industry, has launched two new products, the upgraded two-wheeled self-balancing vehicle R2 and electric unicycle V3. Officials from INMOTION, distributors from all over the country and dozens of INMOTION riders attended a conference to celebrate the official announcement of INMOTION's new products.

Chevrolet City Express begins making its way to dealerships

(October 24, 2014) DETROIT — Chevrolet’s all-new 2015 City Express cargo van, with a starting price of $22,950, began shipping to dealerships today. Drivers looking for cargo hauling flexibility with efficiency, and fleet managers who want value-driven capability with lower operating costs than full-size vans, are now able to purchase the vehicle for their specific needs.

General Motors operating profits fall 14 percent in third quarter

(October 24, 2014) DETROIT — General Motors' record prices in North America and booming sales in China weren't enough to offset weakness in just about every other region, as GM's third-quarter operating profit fell 14 percent in the third quarter.

Overall, operating income — which is earnings before interest and taxes excluding one-time items, and is the figure that GM considers its best measure of underlying performance — fell 14 percent, to $2.26 billion.

2015 Volkswagen e-Golf rated most efficient car in its class

(October 24, 2014) HERNDON, VA. — Volkswagen has announced that the compact, fully electric 2015 e-Golf has been rated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at 126 city, 105 highway, and 116 combined miles per gallon of gasoline equivalent (MPGe), and given a range of up to 83 miles.