June 2016

Mopar unleashes limited-edition Mopar '16 Ram Rebel

(June 16, 2016) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — The Ram Truck and Mopar brands announced today the introduction of the Mopar ’16 Ram Rebel, the most recent limited-edition vehicle created using a unique selection of performance parts and accessories from the service, parts and customer-care brand of FCA US.
 
The Mopar ’16 Ram Rebel will feature a limited production of just 500 vehicles, upgraded with Mopar Custom Shop options. Additional parts and accessories are available at the dealership for even further customization.
 

Volkswagen opens parts distribution center in California

(June 16, 2016) ROCKLIN, Calif. — Volkswagen Group of America this week announced the grand opening of its new $6.8 million Pacific Northwest Parts Distribution Center (PDC) in Rocklin. The company also confirmed that it will invest an estimated $4.5 million to open a new training center in Eastvale, Calif., just outside of Los Angeles.

These facilities, which represent an estimated $11.3 million investment, are part of the company’s long-term commitment to the U.S. market and a broader strategy to invest more than $7 billion in North America through 2019.

Jaguar Land Rover opens factory in Brazil

(June 16, 2016) ITATIAIA, Brazil — Jaguar Land Rover this week opened its new $304 million manufacturing facility and Education Business Partnership Centre in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The plant inauguration represents the first time a UK automotive group has opened a production center in Latin America.

New Polestar optimization makes XC90 T8 most powerful Volvo SUV ever

(June 16, 2016) The new generation Polestar Performance Optimization has just been released for the Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, making Volvo's most powerful and cleanest SUV even faster and more inspiring to drive.

The Polestar optimization increases the performance to 421 hp and 501 pound feet of torque — including an 87 horsepower electric motor — yielding 0-to-62 mph time in 5.5 seconds, all this with unchanged, class-leading gas consumption and 26.5 miles of pure electric range.

Barrett-Jackson Northeast Auction to feature golden age of Ford muscle

(June 15, 2016) UNCASVILLE, Conn. — Barrett-Jackson will feature many spectacular Ford-powered muscle cars during the inaugural Northeast Auction June 23-25 at Mohegan Sun hotel, casino and arena. Among those set to cross the block include a rare, matching-numbers 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 and an original, matching-numbers Highland Green 1968 Shelby GT500 KR.

Lego Ford GT race car goes on display in Le Mans

(June 15, 20160 Taking three weeks, 40,000 bricks, and a whole lot of patience – it’s the LEGO version of the Ford GT race car that will be raced at the Le Mans 24 Hours.

A third the size of the real thing, the LEGO version will go on display at Circuit de la Sarthe, in France, on June 18 and 19, alongside a model of the classic Ford GT40 — a reminder that it is 50 years since that car scored a historic 1-2-3 at the legendary race track.

New SmartDeviceLink program makes it easier to create in-car apps

(June 15, 2016) DEARBORN, Mich. — SmartDeviceLink’s new developer program aims to make it easier to build in-car apps for a growing list of global automakers that have adopted or are exploring adoption of the Ford-created smartphone app interface standard.

Working with Toyota Motor Corp. and other leading automakers, Ford created SmartDeviceLink.com — a new program that makes it easier for developers to access the information they need to build and launch their services for millions of cars on the road globally.

Nissan sets pricing for 'enhanced' 2017 Maxima starting at $32,560

(June 15, 2016) NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nissan has announced U.S. pricing for the 2017 Nissan Maxima, which is on sale now at Nissan dealers nationwide. It is available in five models: Maxima S, SV, SL, SR and Platinum, each equipped with a 300-horsepower 3.5-liter VQ-series V6 engine and performance-oriented Xtronic transmission. It starts at $32,560 not including destination charge, a $50 increase over 2016.

Chevrolet teams up with country music star Luke Bryan

(June 14, 2016) NASHVILLE — Chevrolet announced at the 2016 Country Music Association Festival (CMA Fest) that it is expanding its country music ties by teaming up with reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year Luke Bryan.

Bryan will work with Chevrolet as a brand ambassador on a variety of projects over the next three years, including his participation during this year’s CMA Music Festival.

Ford adding EcoBoost muscle to Fusion to woo European sedan buyers

(June 14, 2016) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford is adding serious EcoBoost muscle to its Fusion sedan in an all-out assault on more expensive German sport sedans. Following on the success of Explorer Sport, which has seen one in five buyers come over from recent Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz experiences, Ford has its eyes not only on owners of V6-equipped Toyota Camrys and Honda Accords, but some other distinguished German models that command a five-figure premium over the 2017 Fusion Sport.