September 2015

New Mercedes-Benz S-Class cabriolet to be shown in Frankfurt

(September 3, 2015) STUTTGART — The new S-Class cabriolet is the fourth variant of the current S-Class family in the U.S. market and the first open-top flagship four-seater from Mercedes-Benz since 1971. It offers a distinctive, sensual and exclusive design, the cutting-edge technology of the S-Class and a comprehensive warmth and wind protection concept which includes intelligent climate control for convertibles.

Smart fans from around the world assemble in Budapest

(September 2, 2015) BUDAPEST, Hungary — A total of 2,476 smart fans from around the world came together in the Hungarian city of Budapest Aug. 28 and 29 for this year's smart times. Historic Heroes' Square in the city center was the venue for the 15th anniversary of the world's largest international gathering of smart fans.

GM claims industry's largest retail sales increase in August

(September 2, 2015) DETROIT — General Motors' Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac brands sold 270,480 vehicles in the United States in August with retail deliveries climbed 6 percent compared with a year ago, when results included the Labor Day holiday.

GM had the industry’s largest retail sales increase and gained more than 1 percentage point of retail market share year over year, based on J.D. Power PIN estimates. Fleet sales were down 24 percent on a 38 percent decline in rental deliveries. Total sales were in line with a year ago.

Ford delivers best August sales in nine years

(September 2, 2015) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford delivered its best August U.S. sales in nine years on strong demand for new cars, SUVs and trucks. Sales totaled 234,237 vehicles, a 5 percent increase.

“Customer demand for our newest vehicles made August a strong month for Ford,” said Mark LaNeve, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “Improved availability helped make August the strongest sales month this year for F-Series. We also had our best month of Ford SUV sales in 12 years.”

Mercedes-Benz unveils 2017 C-Class Coupe

By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(September 2, 2015) Hoping to get ahead of the media scrum to come out of the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the 2017 C-Class Coupe. The new car is 2.4 inches longer than its predecessor between the firewall and front axle alone, which has the advantage of moving engine weight rearward while increasing interior room.

Surprise: Fiat Chrysler reports 2 percent sales increase

(September 1, 2015) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Most prognosticators predicted Fiat Chrysler's 64-month run of increased sales would end in August, but they were proven wrong today as FCA reported U.S. sales of 201,672 units, a 2 percent increase compared with sales in August 2014 when198,379 units were sold, and the group’s best August sales since 2002.
 

Chevrolet Malibu milestone — 10 million sales in 51 years

(September 1, 2015) DETROIT – Fifty-one years after it was introduced as Chevrolet’s first midsize car, production of the venerable Malibu sedan has crossed the 10-million mark. Chevrolet celebrated the sales achievement Monday for the global sedan in the United States, China and Korea, which collectively account for more than 90 percent of sales. The Malibu is sold in more than 25 markets around the world.

Lincoln Financial Services offers identity theft protection to clients

(September 1, 2015) DEARBORN — Lincoln Automotive Financial Services is taking steps to defend its U.S. clients against credit and identity theft with a complimentary protection package. Every two seconds, another American is the victim of identity theft – and fraudsters stole $16 billion from 12.7 million U.S. consumers last year, according to a identity fraud study.

Sculpture revealed on the Porscheplatz in Germany

(September 1, 2015) ATLANTA — Inspired by the heritage of the Porsche 911, British artist Gerry Judah has created a sculpture which is now located on the Porscheplatz in Zuffenhausen, Germany, where the first 911 rolled off the assembly line in 1963.

The sculpture consists of three pillars measuring up to 78 feet in height, each crowned with a Porsche 911 mounted at the top. The vehicles hail from different 911 generations paying tribute to the icon’s vast history.