May 2015

Hyundai celebrates 30 years of Sonata, 7.3 million global sales

(May 6, 2015) FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. — Hyundai is celebrating the 30th anniversary for the iconic Sonata mid-size sedan. The Sonata made its debut in 1985 in Korea, playing a pivotal role in Hyundai’s growth and reputation. With more than 7.3 million Sonata models sold since its introduction, Sonata has become a family sedan loved by customers all around the world.

Mazda donates $1 million to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

(May 5, 2015) IRVINE, Calif. — Mazda North American Operations today announced a $1 million donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Over the last two years, Mazda has cultivated its relationship with St. Jude, one that originated through an employee referral.

Mazda Drive for Good continues to give back to local communities across the U.S. throughout the year through volunteering. In 2014, Mazda pledged and completed more than 56,000 hours of volunteer service. In 2015, Mazda has pledged to give more than 66,000 hours.

2016 Ford F-150 comes with natural gas, propane capabilities

(May 4, 2015) DALLAS — Ford will offer the 2016 F-150 with an available gaseous-fuel prep package that enables 5.0-liter V8-powered models to run on clean, low-cost compressed natural gas or propane, making Ford the only manufacturer of a CNG/propane-capable half-ton pickup.

The 2016 Ford F-150 with 5.0-liter V8 engine will be available to order this summer with a factory-installed, gaseous-fuel prep package that includes upgraded intake and exhaust valves and valve seats to ensure the engine performs to Built Ford Tough standards customers expect.

FCA U.S. dealers to offer employees no-cost college education

(May 4, 2015) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Employees of Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram and Fiat dealerships will have the opportunity to earn a no-cost, no-debt college degree through Strayer University's Degrees@Work program, developed in collaboration with FCA US.  FCA US is the only company in the automotive industry to offer the program.

The new Degrees@Work program will enable employees of participating dealerships to earn no-cost college degrees and help FCA U.S. dealerships attract top talent, improve the skills of existing employees, and significantly increase employee retention.

Volvo celebrates 25th anniversary of integrated booster cushion

(May 4, 2015) Volvo Cars is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the introduction of the first ever integrated booster cushion in conjunction with the United Nations Global Road Safety Week, May 4-10.

Back in 1978 Volvo Cars developed the very first cushion for children in cars. In 1990 the Swedish car maker took child safety to a new dimension with the development of the first integrated booster cushion.

Chevy's all-new 50-mile electric-range Volt to start at $33,995

(May 4, 2015) DETROIT — The Chevrolet Volt is poised to continue to bring new owners to the electric plug-in family. Pricing will be as low as $26,495 after the full federal tax credit of $7,500. (Federal tax credit can range from $0 up to $7,500) In California, the vehicle’s largest market, residents of the state will be able to purchase the all-new Volt for as low as $24,995 after state and federal incentives. 

Porsche sells over 5,000 vehicles in one month for first time in U.S.

(May 3, 2015) ATLANTA — Porsche Cars North America has announced April 2015 sales of 5,217 vehicles, up 28 percent compared to April 2014.

“This is the first time in PCNA history that we celebrate exceeding 5,000 units in one month — a milestone record,” said Detlev von Platen, president and chief executive officer, Porsche Cars North America. “The U.S. market continues to show increased demand and passion for Porsche.”

Mitsubishi makes sales headway in April

(May 3, 2015) Mitsubishi Motors, which all but vanished from the U.S. entering this decade, continued its sales momentum in April with vehicle sales of 8,216 units, a 25.6 percent sales increase from April 2014. It  marks the 14th consecutive month of year-over-year sales increases for Mitsubishi, and it was the best April sales total in the last seven years.

Jeff Gordon to drive Corvette Z06 Indy 500 pace car

(May 3, 2015) INDIANAPOLIS — Five-time Brickyard 400 winner and four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Jeff Gordon will drive a Corvette Z06 pace car for the 99th running of the Indianapolis 500 mile race, May 24 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

 It is the 13th time a Corvette has served as the official pace car, dating to 1978, and the 26th time a Chevrolet has led the pack for “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” Corvette has served as the pace car more than any other vehicle in the race’s history.

U.S. vehicle sales rise 4.6 percent in April

(May 2, 2015) U.S. vehicle sales in April, led by demand for light trucks, rose 4.6 percent as every automaker but Honda recorded an increase. The industry stretched its streak of advances from the year-earlier month to 14 as total sales reached 1.46 million. But the results fell short of projections for a 5.9 percent gain.

The seasonally adjusted sales rate — 16.52 million — was also shy of estimates in the 16.7 million range. The pace of sales in April was down from March’s 17.1 million rate but up from 16.1 million in April 2014.