News archive

June 2015

Mitsubishi reduces starting price for new 2016 Outlander

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(June 3, 2015) Mitsubishi has announced pricing for the U.S. version of the new 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander seven-passenger crossover. With a starting MSRP of only $22,995, the 2016 Outlander has a $200 lower starting MSRP than the previous model year, which is notable when considering the amount of design and engineering improvements incorporated into the vehicle.

"The 2016 Outlander has a dynamic new design and a long list of engineering upgrades — it literally looks, drives and feels like an entirely new vehicle," said MMNA Executive Vice President Don Swearingen.

Fiesta, Escape will be first Ford vehicles to get new SYNC 3 technology

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(June 3, 2015) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford has announced that its all-new SYNC 3 technology will debut in North America this summer on the 2016 Ford Escape and Fiesta. The new communications and entertainment system is faster and easier to use with enhanced response to driver commands.

Kia posts largest monthly sales total in company history

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(June 3, 2015) IRVINE, Calif. — Kia Motors America has announced all-time best monthly sales in the U.S. of 62,433 vehicles in May, marking the second time Kia has surpassed 60,000 units in a single month. The historic May was led by strong performances from the Optima midsize sedan and Soul urban passenger vehicle, as well as increased demand for the Sorento and Sportage crossovers.

Living by the side of the road

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This rather dilapidated 1951 Ford was found by the side of a North Carolina highway.  In 1949, Ford came out with its first all-new design since World War I, and the first all-new design by the so-called Big Three U.S. auto companies. The new streamlined design, which was produced through the 1951 model year, featured such changes as integrated rear fenders. In 1951 Ford offered an automatic transmission for the first time, the Ford-O-Matic.  The '51 Fords were powered by either a 3.7-liter inline 6 or a 3.9-liter flathead V-8 making 100 horsepower. (Photo by Ralph Gable)

Historic Bluebird returns to Pendine for anniversary record run

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(June 2, 2015) BEAULIEU, England — This year celebrates the 90th anniversary of Sir Malcolm Campbell achieving a new World Land Speed record of 150 mph at Pendine Sands, South Wales, in his 350 horsepower Sunbeam. Ninety years to the day, the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, is marking the occasion with a commemorative low-speed demonstration run with the Sunbeam, back at Pendine Sands.

The run will take place at 4 p.m. on July 21, starting from the area of the beach adjacent to the Pendine Museum of Speed.

Volkswagen enjoys a rare month-over-month sales increase

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(June 2, 2015) HERNDON, Va. — Volkswagen of America today reported sales of 34,758 units delivered in May marking one of the few times in recent years that Volkswagen reported sales up year over year. May sales represented an 8 percent increase over May 2014 thanks to the success of the new Golf.

 In May, Golf family sales totaled 6,308 units, marking the best May for the Golf family since 2000. The e-Golf delivered 410 units for the month, the best month ever for the vehicle.

GM sales up 3 percent over May 2014; Ford slips 1.5 percent

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(June 2, 2015) DETROIT — Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac dealers in the United States delivered 293,097 vehicles in May, for General Motors' best May sales since 2007 and its best month since August 2008. Total sales were up 3 percent year over year and retail sales were up 7 percent. Pickup trucks and crossovers were especially strong sellers.

Fiat Chrysler reports best May sales since 2005

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(June 2, 2015) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Fiat Chrysler Automobiles today reported U.S. sales of 202,227 units, a 4 percent increase compared with sales in May 2014, and the group’s best May sales since 2005.
 
The Chrysler, Jeep and Ram Truck brands each posted year-over-year sales gains in May compared with the same month a year ago. The Chrysler brand’s 32 percent increase was the largest sales gain of any FCA US brand during the month. The group extended its streak of year-over-year sales gains to 62-consecutive months.

GM invests $119 million in Michigan Components Plant

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(June 2, 2015) WYOMING, Mich. — General Motors announced Monday it will invest $119 million in tools and equipment to support production of future vehicle components at its Grand Rapids Operations, creating approximately 300 future jobs.

The plant currently has approximately 500 employees on three shifts and produces a variety of precision-machined automotive engine components used in Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles.

Ford reduces summer shutdown to meet demand for F-Series, SUVs

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(June 2, 2015) DEARBORN, Mich. — In response to customer demand for Ford’s newest products, the company this year will produce close to 40,000 extra units by idling select plants for only one week during what has been the traditional two-week summer shutdown.