January 2016

Nissan recalling 870,000 Altimas for hood latch issue

(January 30, 2016) WASHINGTON — Nissan said it will recall about 870,000 Nissan Altima mid-size sedans in the United States and Canada for potentially faulty hood latches, marking the third time since 2014 the automaker has recalled vehicles to address the problem.

The Japanese automaker said it is recalling the 2013-2015 Nissan Altima, because its secondary hood latch may bind on account of improperly applied rust coating and remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed. That could result in the hoo
d unexpectedly opening while driving.

Daihatsu to become wholly owned subsidiary of Toyota

(January 30, 2016) Toyota Motor Corporation and its subsidiary Daihatsu Motor Co., have reached an agreement whereby Daihatsu will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Toyota by way of a share exchange. The deal is expected to be completed in August.

Toyota says the purpose of the agreement is to develop ever-better cars by adopting a unified strategy for the small car segment, under which both companies will be free to focus on their core competencies. Ultimately, this will help Daihatsu and Toyota to attain their joint goal of achieving sustainable growth.

First Acura NSX scores record price of $1.2 million at Barrett-Jackson

(January 30, 2016) SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — At the auctioneer's final call, the next-generation 2017 Acura NSX supercar Friday smashed the record for a vehicle auction at Barrett-Jackson for the highest-selling designated vehicle identification number (VIN) 001 with the final hammer price set at $1.2 million.

Winning bidder Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports and founder of Hendrick Automotive Group, has earned the right to custom order the first production model of Acura's highly anticipated NSX, which comes to market this spring.

Nissan challenges convention with world's first seven-seat bobsleigh

(January 30, 2016) INNSBRUCK, Austria — Nissan has challenged convention with the launch of the world's first seven-seater bobsleigh in Innsbruck, Austria. The X-Trail Bobsleigh was inspired by the design of the Nissan X-Trail and undertook its inaugural run at the historic Olympic track in Igls, piloted by British Olympic medalist Sean Olsson.

More than110 vintage bikes to to be auctioned in London Feb. 13

(January 29, 2016) LONDON — More than 110 classic and sporting bikes are going under the hammer at London’s first international motorcycle auction, presented by international auctioneers COYS at the London Motorcycle Show on February 13.

Acura rolls out NSX supercar with Super Bowl commercial

(January 29, 2016) Acura is showcasing the next generation NSX supercar to the soundtrack of an iconic American rock song in a new commercial that will debut during Super Bowl 50. The high-energy vocal effects of the Van Halen classic Runnin' with the Devil provide the powerful beat for the Acura commercial that will appear during the first quarter of the big game.

The spot is a showcase of the Precision Crafted Performance brand direction that is core to the Acura brand and vividly represented in the NSX supercar.

Watching the season change



This mid-1980s Lincoln Town Car watches another season change from fall to winter in rural  northern Vermont. The Town Car, built from 1981 to 2011, was Lincoln's most popular nameplate. The first generation from 1981 through 1989, came in two-door and four-door formats. The first generation was powered by a 302-cubic inch, 4.9-liter V-8. (Photo by Jim Meachen)

Mecum Kissimmee auction closing in on $93 million sales

(January 28, 2016) KISSIMMEE, Fla. — The Mecum Kissimmee Auction, the world’s largest classic and collector car auction, held Jan. 15-24, was a powerful force to be reckoned with claiming the title of highest-grossing sale ever hosted by Mecum. Overall sales totals topped $91 million and are quickly closing in on $93 million with post-auction sales.

Ford reports record full-year pre-tax profit of $10.8 billion

(January 28, 2016) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford today reported record full-year pretax profit of $10.8 billion and net income of $7.4 billion including $1.9 billion in the fourth quarter. The company earned a fourth-quarter record of $2 billion in North America and its first full-year profit in Europe since 2011.

Lexus recalls about 5,000 2016 RX 350 and RX 450h vehicles

(January 27, 2016) TORRANCE, Calif. — Toyota today announced that it is conducting a safety recall of approximately 5,000 model year 2016 Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h vehicles. The involved vehicles are equipped with a driver’s knee airbag module that may not have been properly manufactured.  This could affect the performance of the airbag and increase the risk of injury in a crash.

All known owners of the involved Lexus vehicles will be notified by first class mail. Lexus dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the driver’s knee airbag assembly free of charge.