June 2016

New Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet arriving in time for summer driving

(June 3, 2016) STUTTGART, Germany — Mercedes-Benz is launching into the open-air season with the first cabriolet based on the C-Class, thereby rounding off its range of cabriolets with a classic fabric soft top. The sporty four-seater is based on the successful Coupé version. Whether open or closed, the Cabriolet shines with an expressive appearance and distinctive character.

Kia provides six Soul electric vehicles for research work at Cal-Irvine

(June 2, 2016) IRVINE, Calif. — Kia Motors America (KMA) and Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. today announced an expanded partnership with the Advanced Power and Energy Program (APEP) at the University of California, Irvine to help develop and demonstrate Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) advanced smart charging software algorithms.

Kia will provide six Soul EVs with the shared goal of creating software algorithms for use in coordinating the charging of plug-in electric vehicles to support grid resource operation. 



Ford recalls 1.9 million vehicles containing certain Takata airbag inflators

(June 2, 2016) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford is issuing a safety recall for 1.9 million vehicles that have certain non-desiccated Takata passenger-side frontal airbag inflators after Takata declared those inflators are defective. This expanded recall follows Takata’s notification to the U.S. NHTSA that certain of its airbag inflators are defective, affecting several automakers across the industry.

Audi sets 65th straight monthly sales record in May driven by SUV demand

(June 2, 2016) Audi reported that its May 2016 sales increased 1.6 percent to 18,728 vehicles, a total that stands as the brand’s fourth-best monthly result in the U.S. Audi achieved its best May sales in the U.S., marking the 65th straight monthly record. The previous May record was set in 2015 with 18,428 Audi vehicles sold.

Through the first five months of 2016, Audi U.S. sales have risen 4.2 percent from last year to 78,489 vehicles.

GM reports brisk sales for Chevy Malibu and Cruze, Cadillac XT5 and CT6

(June 2, 2016) DETROIT — General Motors sold 190,613 vehicles in May to individual or “retail” customers, down 13 percent from last May, largely due to two fewer selling days and very tight supplies of new launched products.  Based on industry estimates, GM’s retail sales were in line with industry performance.

First vehicle named for a hashtag, a pink VW Beetle, goes on sale this fall

(June 2, 2016) HERNDON, Va. — Volkswagen of America Inc. has announced that the #PinkBeetle will go into production as a 2017 model, having been shown as a concept at the 2015 New York Auto Show. The first vehicle ever to officially be named as its own hashtag, the exclusive run of #PinkBeetle models will be available in coupe and convertible configurations and will go on sale in the fall.

2016 Subaru BRZ — Skip the automatic transmission

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica

(June 1, 2016) The Subaru BRZ along with its nearly identical twin sibling, the Scion FR-S, was first introduced in late 2012 as a 2013 model. As a point of reference, the Scion, a Toyota brand, was discontinued earlier this year. However the FR-S was rebadged as a Toyota and is now sold as the Toyota 86.

Surge in F-Series truck sales highlights Ford's May sales

(June 1, 2016) DEARBORN, Mich. — Although Ford's May sales declined 6 percent compared to last year, the F-Series pickups posted a 9 percent gain, while Ford van sales reached their best May sales since 1978. The company’s total U.S. sales were 235,997.

Ford F-Series sales of 67,412 pickups marked a 9 percent increase, boosting a 7 percent year-to-date increase with 324,307 pickups sold.

FCA has best May sales since 2005

(June 1, 2016) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Fiat Chrysler Automobiles today reported U.S. sales of 204,452 units, a 1 percent increase compared with sales in May 2015 (202,227 units), and the group’s best May sales in 11 years.

The Jeep and Ram Truck brands each posted year-over-year sales gains in May compared with the same month a year ago. The Jeep brand’s 14 percent increase was the brand’s best monthly sales ever.

Supercars, a Fiat used by the Pope, and a Ferrari 'movie star' set for auction

(June 1, 2016) CULVER CITY, Calif. — Auctions America, a specialist in the collector car industry, will take "California coo" to a whole new level at its annual Santa Monica sale, June 25-26. In just three years, the event — held at the historic Barker Hangar — has emerged a new highlight on the SoCal automotive calendar. The upcoming sale will continue the tradition, lifting the gavel on some 300 collector cars and select automobilia.

"Our Santa Monica sale is carefully curated to appeal to diverse SoCal tastes," says Ian Kelleher, Auctions America.