Volvo S60, V60, XC60 new R-Design Models

The new Volvo S60 sedan, V60 wagon and XC60 SUV R-Design versions have a 325 horsepower T6 engine with the Advanced Quick Shift transmission optimization software that improves the speed of each gear change, a new feature available on all T6 engines and activated when the transmission is set to sport mode or when using paddle shifters. The new Volvo S60 and XC60 R-Design will be available in all markets that sell the standard versions of these models. Volvo expects that around 10 percent of buyers will choose the R-Design version. The V60 wagon R-Design just made its global debut and the new standard version Volvo V60 will come to the U.S. market in early 2014.

2014 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid Coming Late This Summer

The 2014 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid will have a supercharged 2.5-liter gasoline engine, 15 kW electric motor and advanced Nissan Intelligent Dual Clutch hybrid control system and get 26 mpg fuel economy (estimated combined city/highway) with a 526-mile driving range. The Pathfinder Hybrid will be priced at around $3,000 above the standard 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine-powered Pathfinder models. Also announced was the next generation 2015 Nissan Murano based on the recently introduced Resonance Concept which will include a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain.

2014 Chevrolet Camaro SS, ZL1, Z/28 Coming Later This Year

2014 Camaro Z/28

The restyled 2014 Chevrolet Camaro line represents the most significant redesign since the introduction of the fifth-generation Camaro as a concept car in 2006. The Camaro SS has a 6.2-liter 426-horsepower LS3 engine. The 2014 Camaro Z/28 (above) has the lighter, naturally aspirated 500 horsepower 7.0-liter LS7 V8 engine first introduced in the Corvette Z06 and is mated to a Tremec TR6060 manual transmission. The 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 features a revised exterior design and is three seconds faster per lap and weighs 300 pounds less than the 580 horsepower 6.2-liter LSA supercharged engine in the Camaro ZL1. The Camaro Z/28 features 19-inch diameter wheels and tires, which reduce unsprung weight by 42 pounds per car compared to the 20-inch wheels standard on Camaro SS and ZL1. The 2014 Camaro will arrive at Chevrolet dealers later in 2013.

2014 Camaro SS

2015 Volkswagen Golf Coming In Early 2014

 
The seventh-generation 2015 Volkswagen Golf is 2.2 inches longer, 0.5 inches wider, 51 pounds lighter and as much as 15% more fuel-efficient than the car it replaces. The Golf will be powered by a 170 horsepower 1.8-liter turbocharged, direct-injection four-cylinder TSI engine or a new 150 horsepower 2.0-liter common-rail, turbocharged, direct-injection diesel engine which is 10 more horsepower than the current engine. The GTI will also use an uprated version of the 2.0-liter turbocharged TSI engine expected to generate about 210 horsepower and, like the current GTI, the engine will drive the front wheels via either a six-speed manual or six-speed DSG transmission.

For the first time, Volkswagen is using touchscreens with a proximity sensor, allowing drivers to change functions with a swipe of the hand, just like a smartphone. The base radio has a 5.8-inch touchscreen and the new navigation systems are DVD-based with a 3D display.

2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive Arrives In Early 2014

 
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive, based on the conventionally powered B-Class which made its market debut in 2011, is powered by an electric motor with more than 134 horsepower and a 0 to 60 mph time of less than ten seconds. The maximum speed is electronically limited to 100 mph, to get the range to around 115 miles. The B-Class Electric Drive battery can be recharged at any standard domestic power outlet. In the USA, the charging time for a range of about 60 miles is less than 2 hours at 240 V/40 A. The 2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive will only be introduced with battery electric drive in the U.S. and will be available in the U.S. from early 2014 with the European launch to follow. Move over Nissan Leaf if the price is right.

2014 Acura MDX Coming This Summer

The all-new third-generation 2014 Acura MDX seven-passenger luxury SUV, on a completely new platform, is powered by an all-new 290 horsepower direct-injected 24-valve 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management™ mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with Sport Mode and Sequential SportShift Paddle Shifters. The new MDX will be offered in both Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ and, for the first time, a more affordable front-wheel-drive model that gets an EPA rated at 20 city/28 highway/23 combined miles per gallon.

Measuring 193.6 inches in overall length, the 2014 MDX is 2 inches longer than the current model riding on a 111-inch wheelbase that's up 2.75 inches from the previous model. The 2014 Acura MDX will be available in four grades: MDX, MDX with Technology package, the MDX with Technology and Entertainment packages, and the top-of-the-line MDX with Advance and Entertainment packages. The Alabama-made 2014 Acura MDX is scheduled to go on sale at U.S. Acura dealers nationwide this summer with pricing details announced closer to launch.

Looks like the New York Auto Show is the SUV show with the new 2014 Acura MDX, 2014 Toyota Highlander, 2014 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, 2014 Infinti QX60 Hybrid, 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid and 2014 Jeep Cherokee all making debuts.

2014 Kia Forte Koup Goes On Sale In 4th Quarter

The all-new two-door 2014 KIa Forte Koup EX comes equipped with a 173 horsepower 2.0-liter GDI four-cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and the SX has a 201 horsepower 1.6-liter gasoline direct-injected turbocharged four-cylinder engine that may be mated with either a standard 6-speed manual or optional 6-speed automatic featuring steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Sales are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2013, and pricing will be announced closer to the Koup’s launch.

2014 Kia Soul Coming In The 3rd Quarter This Year

The all-new 2014 Kia Soul urban utility vehicle is 0.8 inches longer and 0.6 inches wider than the current Soul that was first introduced in 2009 and the new body gets a 28.7 percent increase in torsional rigidity over the present Soul.

The 2014 Kia Soul has three trim levels: Base, Plus and Exclaim. The Base Soul has a gasoline direct injection 130-horsepower 1.6-liter all-aluminum DOHC four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission or, optionally, to a six-speed automatic. The Plus and Exclaim models get a 164 horsepower 2.0-liter NU power plant. The Plus model may be equipped with either transmission while the Exclaim is available exclusively with the six-speed automatic. U.S. sales are expected to begin in the third quarter of this year. Pricing will be announced closer to the Soul’s launch date.

2014 Toyota Highlander Arrives In Early 2014

The all-new 2014 Toyota Highlander is 2.7 inches longer than the previous model at 191.1 inches and 0.6 inches wider on the same 109.8 inch wheelbase. The 8-passenger Highlander has an overall interior width increase of 4.3 inches in the third-row and a standard recline function creates added room for up to three passengers. Rear cargo space behind the third-row has increased by up to 34 percent for added storage. The 2014 Toyota Highlander offers a 2.7-liter four cylinder and 3.5-liter V6 with new 6-speed Automatic Transmission will be mated to the V6. The 3rd-generation Highlander will continue to offer a Hybrid Synergy Drive system paired to the 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine with a high-torque electric drive motor-generator.

The new Highlander has standard Display Audio with an Integrated Backup Camera, or an optional 8-inch touch screen Navigation with the Entune™ multimedia system. Highlander also has a Blind-Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Alert System, Auto High Beam headlamps, and a Pre-collision System with Dynamic Cruise Control. New available features include rear parking sonar, Blind Spot Monitor, Lane Departure Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and a Pre-collision System.

Bill Fay, Toyota Division Group Vice President and General Manager at Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. said "We listened and made improvements where it counts for consumers.  Our goal was to create a mid-size SUV with "No Sacrifice”. Current owners told us that Highlander is “just the right size” for maneuverability, but that it could use some extra space.  So, we increased passenger seating capacity AND cargo capacity through structural changes and a close attention to interior packaging.  We were able to achieve this without greatly expanding the external size of the vehicle."

The all-new, Indiana-made Highlander will reach dealer showrooms in early 2014.

All-New Range Rover Sport Goes On Sale In 3rd Quarter

The all-new Range Rover Sport is almost 2.5 inches longer than its predecessor and about 6 inches shorter than its Range Rover sibling and will have a choice of a 510 horsepower 5.0-liter supercharged V8, a new 340 horsepower 3.0-liter supercharged V6, a 258 horsepower 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6 and a 292 horsepower diesel SDV6. Later this year a high performance 339 horsepower 4.4-liter SDV8 diesel version is coming and a diesel Hybrid model will be available to order later this year for delivery in 2014. A choice of two full-time 4WD systems will be offered. One system provides a two-speed transfer case with low-range option, for the most demanding off-road conditions with a front-rear 50/50 percent default torque split, and 100 percent locking capability. The all-new Range Rover Sport goes on sale during the third quarter of this year.

2015 Audi A3 / S3 Sedans Coming First Quarter Of 2014

The all-new third generation 2015 Audi A3 and sporty 2015 Audi S3 (above) sedans are coming to showrooms in the first quarter of 2014 with a choice of a 170 horsepower 1.8 TFSI, a 150 horsepower 2.0 TDI clean diesel for the A3 and with a high-output 2.0 TFSI engine with power still to be announced for the high performance S3. All engines mated to the standard 6-speed S tronic® transmission. The A3 will offer MMI® technology, Audi drive select, 4G LTE connectivity and Bang & Olufsen® audio. The Audi A3 base model comes equipped with standard features that include leather upholstery, Bluetooth® technology, rain sensing wipers, Audi pre sense basic and a panoramic glass sunroof.

Audi also confirmed that it will be adding the A3 Sportback with a plug-in gasoline electric hybrid (PHEV) model in the U.S. market.

2014 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite With Vacuum This Summer

The 2014 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite will offer HondaVAC, an in-vehicle vacuum system developed in conjunction with Shop-Vac, when it hits Honda dealerships nationwide this summer. The refreshed Odyssey Touring Elite will also come equipped with an expanded view driver's mirror, forward collision warning and lane departure warning.

2014 Cadillac CTS Sedan Coming This Fall

The all-new third-generation 2014 Cadillac CTS sedan is five inches longer and also lower than the current model and is offered with a 420 horsepower twin-turbo V-6 engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 2014 CTS is also available with a naturally aspirated 321 horsepower 3.6 liter V-6 also matched with the new paddle-shift eight-speed automatic in rear-wheel-drive models or six-speed automatic with all-wheel drive and a 272 horsepower 2.0 liter turbocharged engine paired with a six-speed automatic.

The new CTS sedan offers Automatic Parking Assist which enables the car to park itself in parallel spaces using ultrasonic sensors. The CTS has  20-way adjustable front seats, a motorized cup holder lid in the center console, an available 12.3-inch high-resolution, configurable LCD instrument cluster display, Panic Brake Assist, Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Collision Preparation, Lane Departure Warning, Side Blind Zone Alert,   Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Rear Vision Camera With Dynamic Guidelines to name a few features. Production of the 2014 CTS begins this Fall and is poised to take on its German rivals.

2014 Buick LaCrosse Goes On Sale This Summer

The new 2014 Buick LaCrosse, in front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive, offers a 2.4 liter engine with eAssist light electrification technology or a 3.6L direct-injected V-6 paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and goes on sale this summer.

New radar- and camera-based safety features include Side Blind Zone Alert, Lane Change Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Automatic Collision Preparation. GM’s patented Safety Alert Seat works with these features, providing seat vibration pulses indicating the direction of a potential crash threat.

The new 2014 Buick Regal (pictured in the front and back) has a new 2.0 liter turbo engine as well as a 2.4 liter engine with both mated to a six-speed automatic transmissions with a six-speed manual available in the Regal GS. The new Regal introduces new radar- and camera-based safety features including Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Change Alert, Side Blind Zone Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert and Collision Mitigation Braking for surround protection. In-vehicle connectivity is enhanced with next-generation IntelliLink, featuring simpler, more intuitive controls and natural speech recognition. The 2014 Buick Regal goes on sale this Fall.

2013 Kia Optima Hybrid Updated With More Power

 
The updated 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid has a more robust 47 horsepower electric traction motor, a stronger Hybrid Starter Generator and a more powerful 47 kW Lithium Polymer battery than the previous model producing a combined 199 horsepower and 235 lb-ft of torque, an increase of 40 lb-ft. The 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid LX starts at an MSRP of $25,900 and the fully loaded EX at an MSRP of $31,950 (excluding destination and handling, taxes, title, license fees, options and retailer charges). The base model achieves an EPA estimated 36 mpg city, 40 mpg highway and 38 mpg combined and the EX model delivers an EPA estimated 35 mpg city, 39 mpg highway and 37 mpg combined. The 2013 Optima Hybrid more trunk space due to the repackaging of the vehicle's battery pack. The EX model adds navigation with Rear-Camera Display, an 8-speaker Infinity® audio system, panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats and 17-inch wheels. Great looking hybrid that carries a 10-year/150,000 mile hybrid system warranty (excluding PA and WA).

All-new 2014 Toyota Highlander Debuts Next Week

The all-new 2014 Toyota Highlander mid-size SUV will makes its world debut at the New York Auto Show next week. The Highlander was launched in the 2001 model year with the larger second generation version arriving in 2007 which coincidentally saw a sales decline, either because of its bigger size or more likely due to the "end of the  world" recession that hit. The latest RAV4 lost its exposed rear spare tire so let's see if the third generation Highlander sheds a little size for those who loved the smaller first generation version. My brother loves his first generation model Highlander hybrid. It's a vehicle that has been high on my list so I'm hoping the all-new is all-right.

Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid Debuts In New York

 
The Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid, the brand’s first-ever production hybrid vehicle, will debut at the 2013 New York International Auto Show next week along with an all-new performance concept car.

2014 SRT Viper TA Coming With 640 HP In 3rd Quarter

The 2014 SRT Viper TA, based on the SRT Viper model, with a 640 horsepower all-aluminum 8.4-liter, mid-front V-10 overhead-valve engine will be shown at the New York International Auto Show. Only 33 units of the 2014 SRT Viper TA in Crusher Orange will be built beginning in third quarter 2013.

2013 Audi RS 5 Cabriolet At $77,900 Next Month

 
The all-new 2013 Audi RS 5 Cabriolet with a 450 horsepower naturally aspirated 4.2 liter V8 engine starts at $77,900 next month with an EPA estimated 16 city / 22 highway/ 18 combined and no gas guzzler tax. The RS 5 Cabriolet will have an optional ceramic brakes for the front rotors, a standalone package priced at $6,000.

2014 Kia Forte Starts At $16,700

The all-new 2014 Kia Forte sedan propelled by either a 148-horsepower 1.8-liter engine or a 173-horsepower 2.0-liter 173-horsepower GDI starts at $16,700 including $800 in destination charges for the LX with a 1.8-liter engine and manual transmission. The LX with a 1.8-liter engine and automatic transmission has a base price of $18,200 and the EX with a 2.0-liter GDI powerplant and automatic transmission starts at $20,200. 

2014 Jaguar XJR Sedan With 550 HP Debuts Next Week

 
The 2014 Jaguar XJR Sedan with 550 horsepower will make its global debut in New York next week.

Acura Gets New Creative Ad Agency

American Honda has selected MediaVest as the media agency serving both Honda and Acura brands, with RPA the creative agency for the Honda automobile brand and Mullen as the creative agency for the Acura brand. RPA, Mullen and MediaVest together with Muse Communications and Orci, which retain the multicultural assignments, will report directly to American Honda rather than through a single agency.

Santa Monica-based RPA or Rubin Postaer and Associates has had the Honda Corporate business a long time and took over the Acura account from Suissa Miller in 1999. Word is RPA has a strong connection to Honda's Japan headquarters so may not have been in jeopardy over losing the entire business though they did lose the Acura work.

Mullen, headquartered in Boston, with accounts like General Motors, Google, Adidas and Jet Blue, according to their website client list and will now get the Acura creative assignment as the brand is in the midst of the complete makeover of its product lineup.  In 2012, Acura launched a redesigned RDX and new ILX entry-luxury sedan and for 2013, the all-new 2014 RLX flagship sedan went on sale with an all-new 2014 MDX coming to market by mid-year.  Acura has also announced plans for the introduction of the next generation of the Acura NSX (above) in about two years. Can't wait to see their ads and, more importantly, how they affect sales.

Hyundai's New U.S. Headquarters Progressing

Hyundai's new 496,700-square-foot Fountain Valley, California, campus, currently under contruction (see above), will have a six-story office building and technical service center with 1,300 people working there. I took the photo Monday March 11th while driving on the 405 North freeway.

J.D. Power and Associates 2013 Customer Service Index Study

The J.D. Power and Associates 2013 Customer Service Index Study, Lexus ranks highest among luxury nameplates for a fifth consecutive year, and GMC ranks highest among mass-market nameplates. Among luxury brands, Cadillac, Jaguar, Acura, and Infiniti follow Lexus in the rankings. Among mass market brands, Mini, Buick, Chevrolet, and Volkswagen follow GMC.

The CSI Study measures customer satisfaction among vehicle owners who visit a dealership service department for maintenance or repair work during the first 3 years of ownership. Satisfaction is examined across five measures, listed in order of importance: service quality; service initiation; service advisor; service facility; and vehicle pick-up. Survey responses received from 91,000 owners and lessees of 2008 to 2012 model-year vehicles were included in the study.

Courtesy of JD Power & Associates

BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo Makes U.S. Debut In New York

The all-new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo makes its U.S. debut at the New York International Auto Show in two weeks and will arrive in U.S. showrooms this summer as a 2014 model as both a 328i and a 335i. The BMW 328i Gran Turismo has a 240 horsepower 2.0 liter TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine and the BMW 335i Gran Turismo has a 300 horsepower 3.0 liter inline 6-cylinder engine. The new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo is larger than the Sedan and Sports Wagon variants of the 3 Series.

All-electric Audi R8 e-tron In Ironman 3 Movie

 
Robert Downey Jr. in his role as Tony Stark, the title character  in Marvel’s Iron Man 3 slated for a May 3 release date, will be behind the wheel of the all-electric Audi R8 e-tron sports car prototype. Oscar® winner Gwyneth Paltrow returns as Virginia “Pepper” Potts, CEO of Stark Industries and girlfriend of Tony Stark, who drives an Audi S7 Sportback.

2015 VW Golf, VW GTI To Make U.S. Debut In New York

The 2015 VW Golf and VW GTI will make their U.S. debut at the New York International Auto Show.

All-New Range Rover Sport To Debut In New York

 
The all-new Range Rover Sport will make its global premiere on the eve of the 2013 New York Auto Show in two weeks on March 26th with full details. It follows the launch of the Range Rover Evoque in 2011 and the all-new Range Rover in 2012.

2014 Infiniti QX60 Gasoline Electric Hybrid Coming This Summer

The 2014 Infiniti QX60 gasoline electric hybrid model powered by a 2.5-liter supercharged engine and 15 kW electric motor with an estimated 250 horsepower will hit showrooms this summer joining the Q70 Hybrid (currently available as the M Hybrid) and previously announced Q50 Hybrid from Infiniti. The new Infiniti QX60 was launched in early 2012 as the Infiniti JX35 and the hybrid is projected to be priced about $3,000 above the non-hybrid models. The QX60 Hybrid's Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid® system uses a compact Lithium-ion battery and electric motor to provide supplementary power through its one-motor/two-clutch system. The new Infiniti QX60 Hybrid is projected to get 26 miles per gallon.

Ferrari LaFerrari Hybrid Has Over 960 Horsepower

 
Ferrari's LaFerrari with hybrid technology has an 800 horsepower 6.2 liter V12 engine and an electric motor that adds a further 163 horsepower for a total of over 960 horsepower. Ferrari says that the HY-KERS system makes LaFerrari the most high performance and efficient Ferrari ever built. Utilizing Ferrari’s Formula One racing expertise with KERS systems which has been further developed for application to road cars, the HY-KERS guarantees maximum integration between the V12 and the electric motor. The high levels of torque at low revs from the electric motor allowed the engineers to optimize the internal combustion engine’s performance at higher revs. Check out the LaFerrari website. Tutto bene!

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible

 
The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray convertible will deliver an estimated 450 horsepower from its LT1 6.2 liter V-8 direct injection engine with Active Fuel Management and continuously variable valve timing that is expected to beat the current model in fuel economy. The Corvette Stingray convertible features an all-new, fully electronic top that can be lowered remotely using the key fob and go up or down at speeds up to 30 miles per hour. Nice wheels!

New Nissan LEAF Debuts In Geneva

The Nissan LEAF is the world's best-selling electric vehicle with 50,000 sold and now has a new look in its global debut at the Geneva Auto Show this week. The LEAF has an improved range of 199km (123.6 miles) from 175km (108.7 miles) and a charging time that's cut in half. Built in Europe and re-engineered for European buyers, the LEAF has received more than 100 updates. By moving the charger from the rear of the LEAF to under the hood the luggage area is increased by as much as 40 liters (2441 cubic inches). With multiple manufacturing locations, LEAF sales could jump into high gear.

Rolls-Royce Wraith Priced For Europe At $319,000 In Late 2013

The most powerful Rolls-Royce ever, the Wraith, with a 624 horsepower V12 engine mated to 8-speed automatic ZF transmission and a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds will be delivered in the final quarter of this year priced at €245k or about $319,105 US. Confirmation and further pricing details in all markets will be revealed later in the year.

Features include Satellite Aided Transmission that uses GPS data to see beyond what the driver sees to anticipate his next move based on location and current driving style, then selects the most appropriate gear for the terrain ahead. Also featured, voice activated connectivity with the ‘on-board valet’.  The Rolls Royce Wraith has soft Phantom-grade leathers and expanses of wood called Canadel Panelling. It sounds like the Rolls Royce of Rolls Royces debuting in Geneva this week.

2014 Porsche 911 GT3 From $131,350 Later This Year

The new 2014 Porsche 911 GT3 with a 475 horsepower 3.8-liter boxer engine matched to a dual-clutch transmission (PDK) and active rear wheel steering is the completely-redeveloped fifth generation 911 GT3 which will go on sale in the United States later this year from $131,350 (including a $950 destination charge). At full acceleration from standstill, the 60 mph mark is reached after just 3.3 seconds, and on the track 124 mph is reached in less than twelve seconds. The 2014 Porsche 911 GT3 is making its debut this week at the Geneva Auto Show.

February 2013 U.S. Vehicle Sales

General Motors sold 224,314 vehicles in the United States in February, up 7 percent compared with a year ago. Year-to-date sales are 419,013, up 11.1 percent.

Ford Motor Company's U.S. February sales grew 9 percent with 195,822 vehicles sold, Ford's best February sales in six years. Year-to-date sales are 362,323, a 14.7 percent increase.

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. reported February 2013 sales results of 166,377, an increase of 4.3 percent over the year-ago month.  Toyota Division posted February total sales of 149,038, up 4.4 percent over February 2012. Lexus Division reported February total sales of 17,339, up 3.9 percent by raw volume, compared to the same period last year.  Year-to-date sales of 324,102 is a 14.1 percent increase over the first two months of last year.

Chrysler Group reported U.S. sales of 139,015, a 4 percent increase compared with sales in February 2012 and the best February since 2008. Year-to-date sales of 256,746, is a 9 percent increase over 2012.

American Honda reported February 2013 U.S. sales of 107,987, a decrease of only 2.0 percent compared with February 2012. The Honda brand posted February 2013 sales of 96,623, a decrease of 2.3 percent compared with February 2012. Acura U.S. February sales of 11,364 increased 0.9 percent compared with February 2012.

Nissan North America reported February U.S. sales of 99,636, down 6.6 percent from last year's record-setting February. Nissan Division sales in February totaled 90,489, down 7.2 percent from the prior year, which also set a February record. Infiniti deliveries totaled 9,147, down 1 percent from last February. Total year-to-date sales for 2013 of 180,555 is a 3 percent decrease from 2012.

Hyundai Motor America announced an all-time February sales record of 52,311, up two percent over last year's all-time record February and up a similar amount for the year with 2013 sales of 96,024.

Kia Motors America reported February sales of 41,505, a 7.8 percent drop from the same month a year ago. Year-to-date sales of 77,807, is a 3.8 percent decline from the first two months of last year.

Subaru of America reported 28,163 vehicle sales for February 2013, which represents an 11 percent increase over February 2012 and the best ever February in company history. Year-to-date sales for Subaru total 55,826, a 15.9 percent increase over the same period in 2012.

Volkswagen of America reported sales of 31,456, a 2.9 percent increase over prior year sales and the best February since 1973. Year-to-date sales are 60,474, a 4.7 percent gain over 2012. Separately, Audi reported February sales of 10,877 vehicles, making it the strongest start to a year in the brand’s history. Sales for the month rose 27.5 percent from a year earlier, with January-February year-to-date sales up 17.2 percent to a record 20,993 vehicles delivered to customers.

The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported February sales of 25,613 vehicles, a decrease of 2.2 percent from the 26,184 vehicles sold in the same month a year ago.

Mazda North American Operations reported February U.S. sales of 24,936 vehicles, representing a decrease of 2.8 percent versus last year, its second-best February since 1994.  Year-to-date sales of 46,255 through February are down 6.8 percent versus last year.

Mercedes-Benz USA reported sales of 24,051, a 22.2 percent increase over February 2012 making it the highest volume on record for the month. The Mercedes-Benz model line alone achieved its highest February numbers with sales of 22,040, up 21.9 percent. On a year-to-date basis, the 48,110 vehicles sold represent a 16.2 percent increase.

Porsche Cars North America announced February sales of 2,805 vehicles, an increase of 31 percent. For the year so far, PCNA ha s delivered 6,163 vehicles, also an increase of 31 percent over last year.

Mitsubishi Motors North America reported sales of 6,051, an increase of 27.8 percent over February 2012.

Sales will be updated as manufacturers report.

Consumer Reports Top Brands And Top Picks in April Issue

All Lexus' models are Recommended by Consumer Reports putting Lexus atop the Car Brand Report Cards for 2013 published in the April issue and available online at ConsumerReports.org. Lexus overall score was 79 followed by Subaru and Mazda tied at 76 with Toyota and Acura next with a score of 74. Overall, eight of the top 10 scores were earned by Japanese brands. Audi was ranked 8th and Mercedes-Benz 10th.


Individual vehicle category picks in Consumer Reports:

Midsized sedan: Honda Accord
Sports cars: Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ
Budget car: Hyundai Elantra
Green car: Toyota Prius
Compact car: Subaru Impreza
Luxury car: Audi A6
Small SUV: Honda CR-V
Midsized SUV: Toyota Highlander
Sports sedan: BMW 328i
Minivan: Honda Odyssey

Consumer Reports is the world's largest independent product-testing organization. Using its more than 50 labs, auto test center, and survey research center, the nonprofit rates thousands of products and services annually.

Check out Consumer Reports' April issue and online at ConsumerReports.org

Alfa Romeo 4C Headed For Fiat Dealers This Year

 
The Alfa Romeo 4C mid-engined rear-wheel drive 2-seater coupe, to be officially launched in Geneva next week, is being touted as the ‘compact supercar’. It's also expected to be sold through Fiat dealers in the U.S. this year marking the return of the brand to this continent. 

Designed by Alfa Romeo and produced in the Maserati plant in Modena, it's an Italian style sports car powered by a new 1.75 liter turbo-charged gas engine with direct injection mated to the “Alfa TCT” twin dry clutch transmission and the Alfa DNA shifter with a new Race mode. The Alfa Romeo 4C is 156 inches long on a 93.6 inch wheelbase which is a few inches shorter than the Mazda MX-5 Miata and more than 10 inches shorter than the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ. The Alfa Romeo 4C is more than two feet shorter than the Hyundai Genesis Coupe.

We will know more about the Alfa Romeo 4C after its world premiere at the Geneva Auto Show next week.

General Motors Hires Tim Mahoney From VW

Tim Mahoney will be General Motors Chief Marketing Officer Global Chevrolet and Global GM Marketing Operations Leader, effective April 1st. Mahoney joins Chevrolet from Volkswagen, where he has been Chief Product and Marketing Officer since 2011. Prior to that Mahoney was at Subaru of America and Porsche Cars North America. He will report to Alan Batey, GM Vice President, U.S. Sales and Service, and interim GM Global Chief Marketing Officer.

In his new role, Mahoney will be responsible to execute Chevrolet’s new brand platform, Find New Roads, and for overall coordination of GM’s global marketing operations. Congratulations Tim!

Ford Fusion Energi Hits California Carpool Lanes This Winter

The all-new Ford Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid has been approved for use in California’s high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes or carpool lanes as most of us call them. Ford Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid gets an EPA-estimated gas plus electric range of 620 miles, electric-only range of up to 21 miles, and EPA-estimated rating of 108 MPGe city, 92 MPGe highway and 100 MPGe combined.

OK, so the first 21 miles of my 130 mile drive from Los Angeles to Palm Springs is electric and the remaining 109 miles is gas and the good news if I'm by myself I get to take the carpool lane unless of course there's an accident that slows all the lanes. So what do those 109 miles cost me? A little over a gallon (92 MPGe highway)? And while I'm in gas mode does the battery recharge off the motor and kick in for more electric miles later in the commute? I'd like to do test this a few times just to be certain.

Ford Fusion Energi hits showrooms later this winter as Ford’s fifth new electrified vehicle to launch in the last 12 months and joins the Ford Focus Electric and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid that are eligible for buyers to receive a $1,500 tax rebate in addition to a $3,750 federal tax credit. Vehicles must qualify for tax rebates through California’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Project, which is overseen by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). A vehicle that qualifies earns a special sticker that identifies it as having HOV privileges. To qualify for the programs, a vehicle must be classified by CARB as a super ultra-low emission vehicle and be certified by the U.S. EPA to offer fuel economy of at least 45 mpg on the highway.

2014 Jeep Cherokee Will Arrive in Third Quarter

The all-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee mid-size SUV will debut in March at the New York International Auto Show and arrive in showrooms in the third quarter of this year. 

Hyundai Is Exclusive Oscar Telecast Auto Sponsor

Hyundai has nine TV commercials that will air on Academy Awards night Sunday on ABC as the exclusive automotive sponsor of the Oscars broadcast for the fifth consecutive year. Seven 30-second spots will run during the ceremony and two 30-second ads during pre-show coverage featuring seven different Hyundai models and focusing on Hyundai's growing premium line up. Three new spots voiced by Jeff Bridges are: "Equus the Trailer" looks at Hyundai's highest level luxury vehicle, "Paparazzi" highlights the Genesis and "Elevator Pitch" features amenities on the Elantra. The remaining 30-second spots highlight Sonata Hybrid, Sonata Turbo, Santa Fe and Azera.