July 2015

Ford posts largest quarterly profit in history

(July 29, 2015) DETROIT -- Ford has posted its largest-ever North American quarterly profit and its best automotive profit since 2000, as net income rose 44 percent in the second quarter. And it managed that gain without any additional help from the redesigned F-150, which didn’t reach full production until early June.

Lower sales volumes and costs related to launching the truck offset the benefits of higher transaction prices in the quarter, executives said.

Chevrolet introduces Colorado Duramax diesel

(July 29, 2015) DETROIT — The fastest-selling truck in the market now offers an available turbo-diesel engine. Chevrolet says the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado Duramax diesel takes midsize truck capability and efficiency to unprecedented levels.

With 369 lb-ft of torque generated by its all-new 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel, the Colorado’s maximum trailering capacity rises to 7,700 pounds on 2WD models, wit
h estimated fuel economy projected to top the already segment-leading efficiency of the gas models.

Callaway releases its most powerful Corvette ever — 757 horsepower

(July 29, 2015) Callaway Cars has announced power numbers and performance for the flagship model in their performance car lineup. Equipped with Callaway’s GenThree Supercharger, the Corvette Z06 now produces 757 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm and 777 lb-ft of torque @ 4,500 rpm. A launch to 60 mph is now achieved in 2.8 seconds, and a quarter-mile in 10.5 seconds at 131 mph.

Company selects Ford Explorer for first-ever wheelchair-accessible SUV

(July 28, 2015) DEARBORN, Mich. — As our nation marks 25 years of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act, BraunAbility and Ford Motor Company are introducing a vehicle with the potential to change the face of an industry and bring greater mobility to people in wheelchairs.  

The BraunAbility MXV — a wheelchair-accessible vehicle based on Ford Explorer — gives wheelchair users the quality and dependability of a BraunAbility mobility vehicle and the adventurous, “unstoppable” spirit of the world’s best-selling sport utility vehicle. The BraunAbility MXV is the company’s first-ever volume production SUV offering.

Buick introduces 24 Hours of Happiness Test Drive

(July 28, 2015) LOS ANGELES — Buick and its participating dealers have introduced the 24 Hours of Happiness Test Drive, a daylong test drive experience complemented by sounds, smells and even yoga techniques to help encourage well-being and happiness on the road.

Driving can be stressful, especially during rush hour or for those who get lost. A recent survey of drivers conducted online by Harris Poll– commissioned by Buick shows 57 percent are interested in learning how to reduce their stress while driving.

2015 Nissan Rogue SL AWD: The respectable condiment

By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(July 28, 20
15) I hadn’t driven a Nissan Rogue since our own Al Vinikour and I were paired up for a Nissan drive event in mid-2007. The most memorable thing about that day was the fact that we both liked the base model more than the higher trim line versions.

It was an honest v
ehicle, and — because it didn’t have a sunroof — we had more than enough headroom. Unfortunately, compared to the competition it was neither a stand out nor offensive; an accountant to mustard’s biker persona.

Fiat Chrysler agrees to buy back 578,000 pickups in settlement

(July 27, 2015) Fiat Chrysler Automobiles faces at least three years of oversight by an independent monitor into its auto safety efforts as part of a sweeping, record-setting $105 million settlement in the government’s investigation of nearly two dozen recalls covering 11 million vehicles.

Dodge increases production of 2016 Hellcat; orders set to open

(July 27, 2015) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Due to unprecedented demand for the 2015 models, Dodge will significantly increase production for 2016 model-year Challenger and Charger SRT Hellcats. The plan includes building the remaining 2015 SRT Hellcat scheduled orders at Brampton (Ont.) Assembly.
   
Dodge officials say all unscheduled 2015 model year SRT Hellcat sold orders will be cancelled and those customers will receive discounted 2016 model year pricing. Dealers will receive details on the full 2016 model year allocation plan in August.
   

Subaru and UBB continue partnership to clean up waterways

(July 27, 2015) CHERRY HILL, N.J. — Subaru of America and lifestyle apparel brand United By Blue (UBB) are once again partnering to co-host six waterway cleanups around the country in 2015 and 2016. The joint effort will help keep oceans and rivers free of trash. UBB is committed to removing a pound of trash from oceans and waterways for every product sold, and Subaru serves as the official vehicle of UBB’s clean-up efforts.

Narratives many behind pre-1905 vehicles in famous London to Brighton run

(July 27, 2015) LONDON — There’s a great narrative behind all the pre-1905 vehicles entering the annual Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run to be held on Sunday, Nov. 1. Each of the 450 remarkable vehicles that enter the annual Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run has its own extraordinary tale to tell.

Some of these venerable machines dating back to the dawn of motoring have been passed down through generations, continuing long-running family traditions; others have been rescued from automotive graveyards all around the globe and restored especially to follow the iconic trail from central London to the Sussex coast.