May 2016

Fiat Chrysler recalling 4.3 million older-model vehicles for air bag issue

(May 27, 2016) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — FCA US is voluntarily recalling an estimated 4.3 million older-model vehicles in the U.S. to replace their front-passenger air bag inflators. This action follows a defect filing by supplier Takata Corp., which advised the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that the inflators use ammonium nitrate as a propellant, without benefit of a chemical drying agent.

Subaru BRZ offers enhanced performance, updated styling for 2017

(May 27, 2016) CHERRY HILL, N.J. —  Subaru today announced a comprehensive update to the 2017 BRZ including improved handling, increased performance, more aggressive styling and new convenience features. These enhancements continue the company’s original mission of offering enthusiasts a pure sports car with an unmatched driving experience.

Ford recalls 271,000 F-150 pickups for brake master cylinder issue

(May 27, 2016) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford has issued a safety recall for certain 2013-2014 Ford F-150 vehicles in North America to replace their brake master cylinders.  The recall involves about 271,000 trucks.

In some vehicles, it is possible brake effectiveness could be reduced due to brake fluid leaking from the brake master cylinder into the brake booster, increasing the risk of a crash. The brake fluid leak affects brakes to the front wheels only and does not affect rear wheel braking.

Toyota recalls 3,100 model year 2015 Yaris vehicles

(May 27, 2016) TORRANCE, Calif. — Toyota this week announced that it is recalling approximately 3,100 model year 2015 Yaris Hatchback vehicles. In the involved vehicles there is a possibility that a front upper shock assembly bearing could be damaged. 

If this occurs, the driver may experience an abnormal noises while driving on rough road surfaces or when turning the steering wheel.  If the vehicle continues to be operated in this condition, a front shock absorber piston rod could separate, causing a loss of vehicle stability and increasing the risk of a crash.

Ford says 2017 Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid has 610-mile range

(May 27, 2016) DEARBORN, Mich. — Forty percent of Americans are concerned about how far their vehicle can go on a full tank of gas or battery charge, according to a new survey, and Ford has a new car that can help alleviate that worry. Ford now offers a plug-in hybrid that can go further than any other. The new 2017 Fusion Energi can travel 610 miles on a full tank of gas and battery charge — including 21 miles on all-electric — according to EPA estimates, the highest combined range of any plug-in hybrid sold in America.

Mecum closes in on $50 million in sales with Cobras leading the way

(May 26, 2016) INDIANAPOLIS — Dana Mecum’s 29th annual Original Spring Classic auction held May 17-21 in Indianapolis saw 1,567 vehicles cross the auction block with 1,094 hammering sold for a 70-percent sell-through rate and $48,873,590 in total sales.

FCA's Jefferson North plant produces 6 millionth vehicle

(May 26, 2016)  DETROIT — The FCA US Jefferson North Assembly Plant celebrated a significant milestone this week when the 6 millionth vehicle produced at the Detroit facility — a 75th anniversary edition 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee — rolled off the assembly line. In its 24-year history, the plant has built enough vehicles to circle the globe one and a half times.

The 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine of the granite crystal Grand Cherokee Limited 4x4 roared to life around 8:30 p.m. as Jefferson North employees performed final quality checks and prepared it for delivery to a customer in Michigan.

Freedom releases wheelchair accessible conversion of Chrysler Pacifica

(May 26, 2016) BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — Freedom Motors USA, pioneers of the nation's first wheelchair accessible rear-entry minivan and the inventors of the original wheelchair accessible SUV, have introduced the world's first wheelchair accessible conversion of the Chrysler Pacifica. The hit from the 2016 Detroit Auto Show is now the newest available option in the wheelchair accessible vehicle lineup.

Kia's music-loving hamsters return in new ad campaign for the Soul

(May 26, 2016) IRVINE, Calif. — Beginning in movie theaters this weekend, some of the nation's most recognizable advertising icons — Kia Motors' music-loving hamsters — are back in a new campaign for the fun and funky Soul urban passenger vehicle with an upbeat message and a catchy new tune that transforms the classic "Dueling Banjos" into an internationally inspired anthem.

New generation of Jaguar models arrive at dealerships in U.S.

(May 25, 2016) MAHWAH, N.J. — Today, Jaguar North America announced retailers throughout the country will be hosting exclusive customer events this spring to introduce the brand's latest compact sports sedan, the Jaguar XE, and Jaguar's first ever compact SUV, the F-PACE.

Attendees will be among the first consumers to see Jaguar's latest five-model line-up, which has the capacity to reach a far wider range of potential luxury customers than ever before.