January 2015

Infiniti reveals concept hinting at design direction of future sports model

(January 6, 2015) HONG KONG — Infiniti is raising the curtain on its vision of a premium sports coupe ahead of the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The striking Q60 Concept is poised to entice coupe fans with its sharp contours and hand-crafted interior, while at the same time suggesting performance and power to match. Result: a no-compromise fusion of looks and speed.

Ford posts best December sales results since 2005

(January 5, 2015) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford continues as America’s best-selling vehicle brand for the fifth consecutive year and the F-Series remains the best-selling vehicle for the 33rd straight year and best-selling truck for the 38th year in row as 2014 U.S. sales results are tallied.

Ford’s U.S. sales totaled 2,480,942 vehicles in 2014, flat versus a year ago, primarily due to the all-new F-150 changeover and a planned 15 percent reduction in daily rental sales.

GM strong in every segment as December sales rise 19 percent

(January 5, 2015) DETROIT — General Motors dealers in the United States delivered 274,483 vehicles last month for the company’s best December sales in seven years. Total sales were up 19 percent compared to a year ago. Retail sales were up 23 percent and fleet deliveries were up 6 percent.

“Chevrolet was strong in every segment of the market, from pickups and SUVs to cars and crossovers. Buick and GMC also had strong sales across the board, and our growth far outpaced the industry average,” said Kurt McNeil, U.S. vice president of Sales Operations.

Chevrolet opens new chapter for driver assurance

(January 5, 2015) DETROIT — Chevrolet is using advanced connected vehicle technology to give customers an unprecedented level of assurance in their vehicles later this year. This industry-leading prognostic technology can predict and notify drivers when certain components need attention — in many cases before vehicle performance is impacted.

The predictive technology is initially focused on the battery, starter motor and fuel pump, all critical to starting and keeping a vehicle running.  Additional vehicle parts and components are expected to be added in future model years.

Fiat Chrysler sales up 20 percent in December, 16 percent for the year

(January 5, 2015) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Fiat Chrysler today reported U.S. sales of 193,261 units, a 20 percent increase compared with sales in December 2013 (161,007 units), and the group’s best December sales since 2004.
 
The Chrysler, Jeep, Ram Truck and Fiat brands each posted year-over-year sales gains in December compared with the same month a year ago. The Chrysler brand’s 53 percent increase was the largest sales gain of any FCA US brand and the brand’s best December sales since 2007. The group extended its streak of year-over-year sales gains to 57-consecutive months.

Honda branded vehicles set all-time yearly sales record in U.S.

(January 5, 2015) TORRANCE, Calif. — American Honda today reported record Honda Division sales of 1,373,029 vehicles for 2014 as overall vehicle sales reached 1,540,872 units, the second-best result in company history and an increase of 1.0 percent for the year. 

Making the case for the 2015 Kia Sorento SX AWD

By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(January 10, 2015) Why would we be testing a 2015 Sorento crossover when the redesigned 2016 mo
del has just been introduced? Why not? There are plenty of 2015s still sitting on dealer lots, making them fodder for close out deals, and a great way to get into a new, highly rated SUV inexpensively.

Mitsubishi announces new L200 Challenger pickup in the UK

(January 3, 2015) CIRENCESTER – Mitsubishi Motors in the UK has announce the new L200 Challenger "double cab," a pickup Mitsubishi calls it the best pickup value for money from Mitsubishi in the UK. Mitsubishi does not sell a pickup in the U.S.

The Mitsubishi L200 pioneered the pick-up segment with its refined engine and high levels of safety, comfort and equipment. The company continues to innovate in the pick-up market by adding the L200 Challenger to its pickup range.

BMW announces price adjustments for several vehicles in the U.S.

(January 3, 2015) WOODCLIFF LAKE, NJ — BMW of North America has announced an inflationary price increase for some 2015 vehicles, effective Jan. 5. The destination and handling fee for all models is $950 and is included in the list for current and new prices.