September 2015

Fiat Chrysler recalling 1.7 million trucks for defects, wiring harness problem

(September 11, 2015) DETROIT -— Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is recalling about 1.73 million trucks for defects including a wiring harness that may short-circuit and set off an airbag. The largest recall covers 1.06 million trucks in the U.S. An investigation by the company has discovered that certain trucks may have steering-wheel wiring harnesses that wear because of contact with a spring, FCA said in a statement on Thursday.

GM Foundation grants $1 million to Hispanic groups

(September 11, 2015) WASHINGTON, D.C. — The General Motors Foundation has announced grants totaling $1 million to fund Hispanic education and science, technology, engineering and math initiatives to help empower young Latinos to join the workforce of the future.

Grace Lieblein, General Motors vice president of Global Quality, announced the grants during a press conference at the National Press Club.

Nissan continues Heritage Summer Tour in Long Beach

(September 11, 2015) NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In mid-August, a pair of early Datsun sedans crashed the party at the annual Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, cruising the streets of Carmel, Calif., among the multi-million dollar Ferraris, Bugattis, Duesenbergs and the like. This month, the very same 1967 Datsun 411 and 1972 Datsun 510 will be among the honored guests at a slightly more humble, but no less exciting, auto enthusiasts' gathering — the 11th annual Japanese Classic Car Show (JCCS).

America's businesses turn to Ford vans; top sellers in 47 states

(September 11, 2015) DEARBORN, Mich. — Growing businesses are increasingly turning to Ford commercial vans, making Ford the largest and fastest-growing manufacturer of commercial vans in the United States in the first half of 2015, according to Ford analysis of IHS new vehicle registrations through June.

Nissan claims 2016 Leaf electric car has 107-mile range


(September 11, 2015) NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Nissan on Thursday introduced the 2016 all-electric Leaf with an available 30 kWh battery that provides an EPA-estimated best-in-class range of 107 miles — a 27-percent increase over the previous 24 kWH battery. The new battery is standard for Leaf SV and Leaf SL models. The 2016 model also offers an enhanced IT system that is more user-friendly and gives drivers greater vehicle connectivity.

BMW Group has best -ever August sales

(September 10, 2015) MUNICH — The BMW Group achieved its best ever August sales result with deliveries of BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brand vehicles totaling 156,437 for the month, an increase of 7.2% compared with the same period last year.

It's also been the company's best ever first eight months with year-to-date sales up 7.4% (1,429,390).

New 2016 Chevrolet Malibu to start at $22,500

(September 10, 2015) DETROIT — The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, the most fuel-efficient, connected and technologically advanced Malibu in the nameplate’s history will be available with a starting suggested retail price of $22,500 including destination charge for the L model.

“We’ve continued our focus on delivering on the highest levels of quality, as evidenced by recent recognitions from J.D. Power on initial quality and long-term dependability,” said Steve Majoros, director of Chevrolet cars and crossovers. “The 2016 Malibu is engineered and priced to give customers impressive value and technology that’s hard to compete with.”

Revised 2016 Kia Optima brings refined interior, improved ride and handling

(September 10, 2015) LAS VEGAS — The all-new 2016 Optima challenges the midsize sedan segment through significant improvements in refinement and obsessive attention to detail.  An instant hit with consumers looking for a fresh alternative to an otherwise staid segment, the Optima has been Kia Motors America’s top-selling vehicle for three consecutive years, and the all-new model is poised to continue that success.

Lexus unveils all-new 2016 RX crossover

(September 10, 2015) PORTLAND, Ore. — Since the model’s launch in 1998, the Lexus RX has proved immensely popular with those needing the flexibility of a sport-utility vehicle combined with the driving comfort of a luxury sedan, all wrapped in an attractive, elegant package. The all-new RX’s mix of sharp creases and curves represents a bold evolution in the model’s styling, sharing the same design DNA with other recently-launched models in the Lexus lineup.

Harold drives a true luxury hybrid — the Lexus ES 300h

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(September 9, 2015) Not many years ago hybrid vehicles were still somewhat of a novelty. But these days hybrids are popping up at nearly every manufacturer, and the hybrid leader Toyota/Lexus still does the best job of combining performance with frugality.

One example is the Lexus hybrid version of the ES 350. It's tagged the ES 300h and it turns the luxurious ES into a sedan as fuel efficient as any on the road.