November 2014

Shop-Click-Drive helps GM dealers sell 13,000 new cars

(November 12, 2014) DETROIT — Shop-Click-Drive, the online shopping tool that enables Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac dealers to combine the convenience of the Internet with personal customer service, is now offered by 1,665 U.S. dealers in all 50 states one year after its national debut.

Consumers have purchased or leased more than 13,000 new vehicles to date using Shop-Click-Drive, which lets them choose a specific vehicle, get estimated pricing, review available incentives, learn about financing and insurance products, get information about their trade-in and apply for financing, all online.

140 smart cars — All in one place

(November 12, 2014) BEAULIEU, England — A colorful collection of over 140 smart cars brightened up the Beaulieu Arena in the grounds of the National Motor Museum on Nov. 9 for the fourth annual Simply Smart rally.

All smart car owners were invited to drive their quirky motors to Beaulieu, display their vehicles in its picturesque parkland, and enjoy all the delights of the attraction, whilst getting the chance to meet other like-minded enthusiasts and admire their vehicles.

Classic 1939 Buick that survived Pearl Harbor set for auction

(November 12, 2014) MARTINSVILLE, Va. — When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, naval officer Dee Venter worried that his new car would be among the victims. The 1939 Buick Model 46C was parked by the dock while Venter was away on the USS Pensacola, which had left six days earlier.

But against all odds, the attacks left the car unscathed, and it eventually returned to the United States. Now, owner A.C. Wilson, who is retired from the quarry business in Henry County, is preparing to sell the car in a Woltz & Associates auction Saturday, Dec. 6.

2016 Audi A6 and A7 make U.S. debut at L.A. Auto Show

(November 12, 2014) HERNDON, Va — The Audi A6 and A7 have been upgraded for the 2016 model year, offering more power and technology for two of the Audi brand's top selling vehicles. Making their U.S. debut at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show, the A6 and A7 sedans boast athletic, taut design with new headlights, engines and infotainment systems for even higher levels of luxury and refinement.

Mercedes introducing new vehicle names to avoid customer confusion

(November 11, 2014) The Mercedes-Benz model portfolio has expanded rapidly in recent years and continues to grow and for that reason the company has decided to restructure its model nomenclature to avoid confusion as it prepares to bring more than 30 new models to the worldwide market by 2020.

Mercedes says at least 11 of the new models have no precursor in the current product portfolio.

Mecum Anaheim auction to feature 750 American muscle cars

(November 11, 2014) WALSWORTH, Wis. — For the third consecutive year, the Anaheim Convention Center will host Mecum’s Anaheim, Calif., auction with an estimated 750 collector cars expected to cross the auction block Nov. 13-15. The lineup is flush with variety and an array of SoCal flare including a great selection of American muscle cars, classics, hot rods, Resto Mods and more.

Ford begins building all-new F-150; Interest for truck at record levels

(November 11, 2014) The first all-new Ford F-150 rolled off the line today at historic Ford Rouge Center — marking production of the toughest, smartest, most capable and most efficient F-150 ever.

Interest in the new F-150 has steadily grown since the truck was revealed in January at the 2014 North American International Auto Show. More than 225,000 truck enthusiasts have submitted their contact information for updates about the vehicle, and more than 250,000 customers have built and priced their own unique version of the all-new F-150 online — a record through 13 generations of America’s favorite truck. The new model will be in showrooms next month.

Miami Auto Show: Beach, new cars, great nightlife, what more do you need?

By Russ Heaps
Clangi
ng Bell

(November 11, 2014) I'm not the kind of guy who says, no, when invited to an auto show. This is true particularly wh
en the show is in South Florida and I can tack on a few extra days to hang with friends.

 Now, I said I was invited, but truth be told: I sort of had to petition the show to be invited. I was on the list and then off the list and then, well.... So I took the bull by the horns. It was South Florida, for the love of God! I reached out, made my case and wound up back on the invite list. Sometimes it helps to be me.

Government investigating steering loss in 2013 Honda Accords

(November 10, 2014) The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Saturday it is opening two new investigations into steering problems in nearly 400,000 cars and crossovers including 374,000 model year 2013 Honda Accords. The investigation also includes 17,000 2008 Infiniti EX35 crossovers.

Pilot program with Wind Energy Corp. brings clean energy to Ford dealers

(November 10, 2014) Ford is collaborating with Wind Energy Corporation to bring a new and innovative source of clean energy to its dealers. Under a pilot program exclusive to Ford, Wind Energy will install wind sail and solar panel systems at four Ford dealerships, a nearly $750,000 investment, to help power dealer facilities.