October 2015

GM sells 7.2 million vehicles in nine months; down 1 percent from 2014

(October 15, 2015) DETROIT — General Motors sold 7.2 million vehicles globally in the first nine months of 2015 posting sales increases in four of its five largest markets, with record sales in China and strong retail sales gains in the United States.

Total sales were down 1 percent, due primarily to the company’s previously announced decisions to strategically reduce its presence in certain markets, as well as difficult market conditions in South America.

Mecum's Chicago auction achieves more than $13 million in sales

(October 15, 2015) WALWORTH, Wis. — The Mecum Chicago 2015 auction held this past weekend at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center achieved $13,267,564 in total sales as 494 cars changed hands over three days, Oct. 8-10.

Muscle and horsepower ruled on the Chicago auction block with the top 10 sales dominated by both classic and modern American muscle cars.

Charting the improvements in four generations of Toyota Prius

(October 15, 2015) OLATHE, Kan.. — Using information from a recent Toyota announcement, Olathe Toyota Parts Center has created a comparison chart showing how the new 4th generation 2016 Prius stacks up against previous models. As the chart will show, the Prius has steadily improved in terms of aerodynamics, technology, performance, utility, and fuel economy.

Ford Police Interceptor achieves 61 percent market share

(October 14, 2015) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford Police Interceptor sedan and utility vehicles gained six points of market share for 2015, according to Ford analysis of the latest registration data from Polk/IHS Automotive.

Introduced in 2012, Police Interceptor utility quickly became America’s best-selling police vehicle — which has helped Ford capture 61 percent market share through June 2015.

Toyota recalling 310 2016 Tacoma pickups over knee bag issue

(October 14, 2014) TORRANCE, Calif. — Toyota on Tuesday announced that it is conducting a safety recall of approximately 310 Model Year 2016 Tacoma Pickup Trucks.

The involved vehicles are equipped with a driver’s knee air bag module that is attached to the instrument panel reinforcement by four bolts. There is a possibility that incorrect bolts were installed during vehicle assembly at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing de Baja California plant.  This could result in the bolts loosening over time. 

New York perfect place to celebrate GMC's history of design

(October 14, 2015) NEW YORK, N.Y. — Few places in the world showcase design better than New York City. From the celebrated architecture of One World Trade Center and the precise construction of the Brooklyn Bridge to the forward-thinking fashion seen in Times Square, New York inspires designers everywhere.

BMW 2 Series gets the M performance badge and 365 horsepower

(October 14, 2015) WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — The coveted M performance badge has been placed on the popular BMW 2 Series in the form of the all-new 2016 BMW M2. The 6-cylinder under the hood is in keeping with the finest M tradition, ensuring unbeatable driving dynamics on the trace track with exceptional power delivery and the signature, outstanding driving behavior thanks to rear-wheel drive agility and lightweight aluminum M Sport suspension.

Acura to showcase 1993 Legend owned by Ludacris at SEMA

(October 13, 2015) TORRANCE, Calif.  — Acura's 2015 SEMA showcase will be highlighted by a custom-restored 1993 Acura Legend sedan owned by actor and rap artist Ludacris. Stepping up its game from the 2014 SEMA (Speciality Equipment Marketing Association) Show — where the performance-oriented Galpin Auto Sports Acura TLX was unveiled — the luxury brand will also feature a wide variety of vehicles showcasing its performance heritage and its products' customization potential at the 2015 show in Las Vegas.

Honda South Carolina donates $100,000 for flood relief

(October 13, 2015) TIMMONSVILLE, S.C. — Honda of South Carolina Mfg has announced the donation of $100,000 in humanitarian aid to support disaster relief efforts in South Carolina communities impacted by storm damage and record floods.

The donation will be given to three community organizations providing support and assistance on the ground in the hardest-hit areas since the torrential downpours started.

Ford Focus RS to get monstrous 350 horsepower, 350 lb.-ft of torque

(October 13, 2015) DEARBORN, Mich. — The unique EcoBoost engine in the all-new Focus RS will produce 350 horsepower — far exceeding original estimates of 315 — along with 350 lb.-ft. torque. And yet even with all that torque, the manual-only hot hatch will be especially forgiving in the event a driver stalls the engine, as Focus RS will debut with a trick feature called stall recovery.