General Motors - Driven By The Customer

General Motors is tackling quality - real and perceived - with new measuring tools, helping customers with their infotainment technology struggles through call centers and online through social media sites while trying to provide a friendly dealer environment by remaking their stores and using the Disney Institute to train dealership staff.

"It’s about making GM a customer-centric company… and working to ensure that everything we do is driven by the customer” according to a very impressive and well-credentialed Alicia Boler-Davis, General Motors Senior Vice President of Global Quality and Customer Experience who, in my view, has the biggest job in the auto industry - hitting head on: 1. Customers’ perception of GM vehicles, brands, and image before they step into the dealer showroom, and, 2. the relationships customers have with GM and dealership personnel throughout the sales, service and ownership experience. There's a history to overcome.

Difficulty using infotainment and technology features can be a dissatisfier so GM has 50 in-vehicle technology experts or "Connected Customer Specialists" in the field, covering 85 percent of U.S. markets to work with customers and dealership staff to quickly address customer questions about vehicle connectivity and infotainment systems. GM's new Customer Engagement Center in Warren, Michigan, will have about 300 advisors by the end of the year and there's one dedicated Infotainment Call Center in Texas with fully functioning infotainment systems, so advisors can re-create exactly what their customers are experiencing. GM's effort in what-they-call Human Vehicle Integration (HVI) has resulted in MyLink, IntelliLink, and CUE, the Cadillac User Experience.

Drive quality is now measured with a tool that was purchased from Austrian company AVL that provides a numerical assessment of drive quality and enables GM to precisely benchmark the competition. Boler-Davis says "The AVL tool allows us to take the customer’s requirements and translate them into technical specifications that our engineers use to deliver the driving experience that customers expect."

Product quality has been a legacy issue for GM but that is already changing with the 2013 J.D. Power Initial Quality Survey, ranking GM the best automaker for initial quality for the first time and being the only automaker to have fewer than 100 problems-per-hundred-vehicles. Eight of GM vehicles placed first in their segment. No other automaker had more than three. And half of GM's models scored in the top three in their segment. 2013 J.D Power Vehicle Dependability Study ranked GM vehicles highest in four separate segments and 11 GM models either received a segment award or placed in the top three in their category.

In the 2012 Consumer Reports Annual Reliability Survey, all four of GM U.S. brands improved their scores and are now ranked above the industry average. Cadillac improved 15 places and is now ranked the most reliable U.S. brand. Consumer Reports now recommends 16 GM vehicles, up from 11 the previous year.

Boler-Davis says "Warranty costs are another way to gauge the quality of our products, and so I’m also pleased to point out that – on a per-vehicle basis – we have spent less than, for example, Toyota on warranty repairs for the last five years."

2014 Chevrolet Impala

It's a critical time for GM that will introduce 28 new vehicles in 2013-14 alone, as they turn 70 percent of their North American lineup by the end of next year. It's that new vehicle market reception that will make or break a brand and so far GM looks like they're making it.

"...our goal at GM is to provide the best overall customer experience in the industry." I believe positive parting memories of a vehicle influence future purchases so GM is on the right track.

2014 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid Price Cut Starting Next Month

Toyota has cut the price on the 2014 Prius Plug-in Hybrid by $2,010 to $29,990 (excluding DPH) and on the 2014 Prius Plug-in Advanced model by $4,620 to $34,905 (excluding DPH). The Prius Plug-in qualifies for a Federal Tax Credit of up to $2,500 in addition to the State of California’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Program (CVRP) which offers a $1,500 rebate. The 2014 Prius Plug-in is also eligible for the State of California’s HOV lane sticker. Pricing takes effect when these models arrive in showrooms in November in 15 states.

In September, Prius Plug-In Hybrid sales were 1,152, a 24.2 percent drop from a year ago and year-to-date sales are 7,974, up 3.6 percent from 2012. That compares to year-to-date sales for the Prius sedan of 117,251, an 0.4 percent rise over last year, for the Prius C of 33,133, a 27.4 percent increase and for the Prius V of 28,398, down 11.5 percent compared to the first 9 months of 2012.

In comparison, the Chevrolet Volt extended electric vehicle with an MSRP of $34,185 (excluding delivery charges) had sales of 1,766 in September, down 38.1 percent from September 2012 and year-to-day Volt sales are 16,348, a 2.5 percent increase over the first nine months of last year.

All-New 2015 Cadillac Escalade Goes Into Production Next Spring

The all-new 2015 Cadillac Escalade, the fourth-generation of General Motors luxury SUV, is offered with 2WD and 4WD drivetrains in a standard and extended-length ESV edition with a new 420 horsepower 6.2L V-8 engine matched with the Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission and delivers 460 lb-ft of torque.

The Escalade ESV has a 14-inch-longer wheelbase and approximately 20 inches more in overall length than the Escalade, maximizing space for third-row passengers and 60 percent more cargo space behind the third-row seat.

Production of the 2015 Escalade begins next spring in Arlington, Texas.

Can Volvo Win Nobel U.S. Sales Comeback Prize?

Identity Crisis
Is Volvo's identity crisis slowing down sales? Bought by Chinese Geely Automobile in 2010 with the volume leading S60 and XC60 both made in Ghent, Belgium, and their biggest sales market being the United States. Does that distance the company from its headquarters in Göteborg, Sweden, where safety slogans like "We built them the way we build them because we have to" originated.
Did Volvo lose its Swedish touch?
Sweden is one of the most successful producers of top talent for its tiny population of just 9.5 million people. Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite, is the namesake of the world's most respected prizes, Ikea owner Ingvar Kamprad's furniture sales has made him one of the world's richest people, Henrik Stenson, born in Volvo's hometown, just won golf's top trophies, the FedEx Cup and Tour Championship, after fighting back from two major career slumps that maybe Volvo can follow. Will Volvo take a chapter from the late Stieg Larsson's highly successful Girl With The Dragon Tattoo trilogy and go for some aggressive market share revenge?
Bi-coastal Bouncing
When Ford bought Volvo in 1999, under then-CEO Jacques Nasser, it became part of The Premier Automotive Group and in 2001 moved U.S. headquarters from Rockleigh, New Jersey, where it had been since 1964 to Irvine, California. Alan Mulally became Ford's President and CEO in September 2006, Volvo's U.S. headquarters returned to New Jersey in 2008 and Volvo was the last PAG brand to be sold off. The moves and stretch of ownership uncertainty obviously froze focus.
Management Changes
Now is Volvo rearranging the deck chairs in the wake of sinking sales in the U.S., their largest market, or hoping to relaunch with a vengeance by giving the role of acting president and CEO to Tony Nicolosi, 26 years with Volvo, who will attempt to revitalize U.S. sales with his background at Volvo Cars Financial Services? He replaces one of the most competent automotive marketing men John Maloney, who was asked to consider a senior role in Europe but, with strong ties to Southern California, decided to leave after 14 years with the company. Greg Swetoha, Executive Vice President of sales operations, has also elected to leave Volvo, despite the August news that Volvo Cars of North America ranked first among luxury brands at having dealerships that are effective at influencing the purchase, according to Foresight Research's 2013 Dealership Report. 
U.S. Sales Down
For the first nine months of 2013, Volvo's seven available U.S. models had sales of 48,193, down 6.6 percent from the same period last year. Only the XC60, with sales of 15,441, up 12.3 percent over 2012, and the volume leading S60 with 18,732, a 4.1 percent sales gain over last year, are showing increases. If U.S. sales hold steady for the last 3 months of 2013, they are on pace for sales of about 64,000 for the year, a far cry from the 2004 U.S. sales record of 140,000 vehicles.

2008 Volvo XC60 Geneva Auto Show Debut

2014 Volvo XC60

Relaunching
The popular XC60, introduced at 2008 Geneva Auto Show is said to be redesigned for 2014 which should boost sizzle and sales. They don't look a lot different but Volvo says the 2014 XC60 has a new hood, front fenders, grille design, headlight assemblies, vertically mounted LED daytime running lights, Corner Traction Control by torque vectoring with interior changes including a new instrument cluster, white illumination in buttons replaces the previous green illumination, new front door sill plates, new metal threshold for cargo area, revised automatic transmission shift knob with piano black background and illuminated symbols, to name a few. In 2010, I spent a week in the XC60 diesel driving around Southern Sweden and loved the vehicle.

The latest Volvo Concept Coupé is being touted as a Scandinavian creation. The Swedish touch, safety legacy and revitalized products will be the key to the return of a brand that sold 456,224 vehicles globally just 9 years ago.

Volkswagen XL1 Plug-in Hybrid Shown In Chattanooga

The Volkswagen XL1, plug-in hybrid with a 48 PS (35kW) two-cylinder TDI® engine, a 27-hp electric motor, a seven-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission, and a lithium-ion battery, made its U.S. debut in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The XL1 offers an estimated European combined fuel consumption rating of 261 mpg (more than 200 mpg estimated in the U.S. cycle) and can cover up to 32 miles as a zero-emissions vehicle in all-electric mode.

The XL1 also has a top speed of 99 mph and can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 12.7 seconds. The XL1 is 153.1 inches long, 65.6 inches wide, and just 45.4 inches tall. By comparison, a Volkswagen Polo is slightly longer (156.3 in) and wider (66.2 in), but is significantly taller (57.6 in).EV1 or old Honda Insight similarity?

September 2013 U.S. Auto Sales

General Motors delivered 187,195 vehicles in the United States in September, down 11 percent year over year. Retail sales were down 6 percent versus a year ago and fleet sales were down 27 percent. Year-to-date sales are 1,603,319, an 11.6 percent increase. GM sold 13,828 Cadillacs in September, up 9.9 percent, and 133,414 of the luxury brand vehicles this year, a 28.9 percent gain over 2012.

Ford sales totaled 185,146, a 5.8 percent increase for its best September since 2006 while year-to-date sales are 1,893,426, a 12 percent increase of last year. The Lincoln brand had sales of 6,453, a 5.1 percent drop from September 2012 while year-to-date sales of the luxury brand are 59,852, a 6.3 percent decline.

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. reported September 2013 sales results of 164,457, a decrease of 4.3 percent from year-ago month. Toyota Division posted September 2013 sales of 144,935, down 4.3 percent over September 2012. Lexus reported September sales of 19,522, a 4.2 percent decline on a raw volume basis year-over-year.

Chrysler reported U.S. sales of 143,017, a 1 percent increase compared with sales in September 2012 for the best September sales since 2007. Year-to-date sales of 1,357,003 is a 9 percent gain over last year.

American Honda September 2013 U.S. sales of 105,563 was a decrease of 9.9 percent compared with September 2012 while year-to-date sales 1,159,012 are up 8.7 percent over 2012. The Honda division posted September 2013 sales of 93,915, a decrease of 8.7 percent compared with September 2012 with year-to-date sales of 1,038,182, a 9.2 percent increase over last year. Acura U.S. September sales of 11,648 is a decrease of 18.9 percent compared with September 2012 and year-to-date is 120,830, a 4.4 percent gain over last year.

Nissan U.S. sales in September totaled 86,868, down 5.5 percent from last year while year-to-date, sales are 941,116, an 8.6 percent increase over 2012. Nissan Division September sales finished at 77,828, a decrease of 5.6 percent. Sales of Infiniti vehicles totaled 9,040 units, down 4.3 percent.

Hyundai Motor America September sales of 55,102 was down eight percent versus the same period in 2012. Year-to-date sales of 548,218, was a 1.6 percent increase of 2012.

Kia Motors America reported September sales of 38,003, a 21 percent tumble from 2012, while year-to-date sales of 416,383 is a 4.3 percent fall from last year.

Subaru of America reported 31,755 vehicle sales for the month of September, an increase of 15 percent over September 2012, representing the best September sales month in company history. Year-to-date sales for Subaru totaled 313,407, 28 percent higher than the same period in 2012.  Subaru is on track to achieve its fifth-consecutive year of sales increases.

The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported September sales of 28,874 vehicles, an increase of 8.3 percent from the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, the BMW Group (BMW and MINI combined) is up 11.6 percent on sales of 262,200 in the first nine months of 2013 compared to 2012.

Mercedes-Benz USA reported the highest September sales in its history with 27,474 sold across the Mercedes-Benz, Sprinter and smart model lines, an increase of 5.8 percent from September 2012.  Retail volumes for the Mercedes-Benz brand rose 6.7 percent over the same period last year to 24,697, while year-to-date sales of 215,056 was up 12.2 percent. Adding year-to-date sales of 14,940 for Sprinter Vans and 6,937 vehicles at smart, MBUSA's year-to-date total reached 236,933, marking a best-ever third quarter for both the Mercedes-Benz brand and MBUSA.

Mazda North American Operations reported September U.S. sales of 22,464 vehicles, representing a decrease of 6.9 percent versus last year. Year-to-date sales through September are up 5.3 percent versus last year, with 220,490 vehicles sold.

Jaguar Land Rover North America reported September 2013 U.S. sales of 4,700, a 1 percent increase from September 2012. Jaguar sales were 1,313, 31 percent up from September 2012 with year to date Jaguar sales 12,447, up 30 percent. Land Rover sales were 3,387, down 7 percent from a year ago but still up 12 percent year-over-year. Year to date through September, Jaguar Land Rover North America is up 16 percent.

Volvo Cars of North America reported U.S. sales of 4,188, a 15.9 percent decrease versus September 2012. Year-to-date sales are 48,193, down 6.6 percent over the first nine months of 2012.

Porsche Cars North America September 2013 sales of 3,093 vehicles was an increase of 13 percent over the same period in 2012. During the first nine months of the year, Porsche has sold 31,549 cars in the U.S., 26 percent ahead of last year's year-to-date total.

Mitsubishi Motors North America reported September sales of 4,001, down 16.7 percent compared to September 2012. 

The 2015 Ford F-Series Super Duty Unveiled Today

The 2015 Ford F-Series Super Duty with a second-generation 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V8 turbo diesel engine with reverse-flow that places the exhaust inside the engine’s V-shape while the air intake is positioned on the outside of the V to shorten airflow from the exhaust system to the turbocharger sitting between the engine’s cylinder banks also the turbo inside the engine’s valley helps isolate the engine’s hottest temperatures, improving performance and efficiency.

2015 Chevrolet Silverado HD Arrives In First Quarter Next Year

The all-new 2015 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD full-size pickups arrive in the first quarter of 2014, including the 2500HD and 3500HD models, and the Sierra Denali HD, which will carry a payload of 7,374 pounds and be able to trailer 19,600 pounds. The pickups will have a CornerStep rear bumper, EZ Lift and Lower tailgate, standard upper tie-downs, Standard StabiliTrak with Trailer Sway Control, Integrated cruise control, auto grade braking and diesel exhaust braking on the diesel models. These GM pickups will take on customers shopping for the Ford F Series, Chrysler Ram trucks, Toyota Tundra and Nissan Titan.

2014 Accord Hybrid Halloween Treat For $29,945 At 47 MPG

The 2014 Accord Hybrid, with EPA fuel-economy ratings of 50 mpg city/45 mpg highway/47 mpg combined, has a starting MSRP of $29,945 (including $790 destination and handling charge) for base model. Standard features include Honda's LaneWatch™ blind spot display system, a rearview camera, LED daytime running lights, an Expanded View Driver's Mirror, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, USB/iPod® integration, Pandora® compatibility, SMS text message function, dual-zone automatic climate control, alloy wheels, a driver's seat with 10-way power adjustment, and a 160-watt AM/FM/CD audio system.

The Accord Hybrid EX-L, strating at $32,695, has Forward Collision Warning and Lane Departure Warning along with leather-trimmed and heated front seats and the HondaLink™ cloud-based media and connectivity system featuring Aha® compatibility. Power driver's seat memory, front passenger seat with 4-way power adjustment and one-touch moonroof are also standard on the EX-L trim. The top-of-the-line Accord Hybrid Touring, starting at $35,695, adds the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with voice recognition and FM traffic data, LED headlights with blue tinted chrome bezels, Adaptive Cruise Control and hard disk driveaudio memory. The 2014 Accord Hybrid goes on sale October 31st.

Maserati Quattroporte Ermenegildo Zegna Limited Edition Concept

The Maserati Quattroporte Ermenegildo Zegna Limited Edition concept car is equipped with V8 twin turbo engine with 530 horsepower with a top speed of over 190 miles an hour and an acceleration from 0 to 62 mph in 4.7 seconds. So where does men's fashion designer Ermenegildo Zegna come in? The interior greige tint with soft moka and greige leather in the seats, door panels and roof lining finished in genuine soft leather, and a smooth, bright fabric created especially for the Quattroporte which they say conveys a formal, sophisticated character.

2015 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S Arriving Soon For $184,995

The 2015 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S, which arrives in showrooms around the world over the next few weeks, is equipped with the new 565 horsepower AM28 6.0-liter V12 engine mated to the Sportshift™ III automated manual transmission taking the V12 Vantage S just 3.7 seconds to sprint from 0-60 mph and to a top speed of 205 mph. The price: $184,995

Toyota Yaris Hybrid-R Concept Has 420 Horsepower

The Toyota Yaris Hybrid-R Concept has a 420 horsepower hybrid powertrain system with its front wheels driven by a 300 horsepower 4-cylinder 1.6 turbo engine with direct injection and at the rear, each wheel is individually powered by a 60 horsepower electric motor providing an ‘intelligent’ electric four-wheel drive capability. The two electric motors work as electric generators during the braking phase and supplement the gas engine during the accelerating phases as does a 3rd 60 horsepwoer electric motor, located between the engine and the 6 gear sequential transmission.

Jaguar C-X17 Sports Crossover Concept Rolls Out In 2015

Jaguar C-X17 sports crossover concept vehicle, built on the aluminium-intensive architecture, will be powered a wide variety of engines including diesel and the F-TYPE's 340 and 380 horsepower 3.0-liter V6 supercharged gas engines with intelligent All-Wheel Drive, according to Jag. The C-X17 features a Meridian 28-loudspeaker system for its four passengers riding in individual bucket seats. Its global rollout will begin in 2015.

Audi nanuk quattro concept - Move Over R8

Audi nanuk quattro concept two-seater, made of lightweight, aluminum Audi Space Frame and carbon fiber-reinforced polymer, is powered by a newly developed 544 horsepower 5.0-liter V10 diesel engine installed longitudinally in front of the rear axle giving it a curb weight of around 4,190 lbs. A seven-speed S tronic transmission located behind the engine transfers the torque to a specially designed quattro drivetrain. It has a 0 to 62 mph time of 3.8 seconds, and top speed of about 190 mph. Thermal management with separate cooling loops and the regulated oil pump contribute to fuel consumption of 30 mpg on average. Luggage is stowed at the front of the car, where there is room for a couple of small carry-ons or a golf bag - now that's the clincher, never go anywhere without my clubs.

The adaptive air suspension allows the driver to manually adjust the ground clearance of the Audi nanuk quattro concept in three stages. With integral steering, when the driver steers at low to moderate speeds, the rear wheels turn up to nine degrees in the opposite direction of the front wheels while at higher speeds the system turns the rear wheels by as much as 2.5 degrees in the same direction as the front wheels. Just when I assigned my lotto ticket winnings to an R8, the nanuk quattro comes along.

Interview: Bob Hegbloom, Director, Ram Brand Marketing

Bob Hegbloom, Director, Ram Brand Marketing, brags about awards and market share growth for Ram trucks, a division of Chrysler Group.

2014 Ram ProMaster Latest Delivery To Ram Commercial Line Up

The new 2014 Ram ProMaster is a front-drive wheel drive van powered by either a 280 horsepower 3.6-liter 24-valve Pentastar V-6 or 174-horsepower 3.0-liter inline 4-cylinder EcoDiesel engine. The ProMaster is available in two roof heights, three wheelbases and four body lengths and a total of 14 different configurations. The latest addition to Ram Commercial’s line up comes from Italy as the ProMaster is based on the Fiat Ducato, which has been in production for more than 30 years. Benvenuto!

Ford S-MAX Concept Measures Driver's Heart Rate

The new Ford S-MAX Concept has a more flexible interior than its predecessor and features connectivity and wellness technology including Ford SYNC with AppLink, which enables drivers to voice-activate apps from behind the wheel, and the Ford ECG Heart Rate Monitoring Seat, which records the driver’s heart rate. The S-MAX Concept offers an Intelligent Protection System with Pre-Collision Assist, which identifies pedestrians and automatically applies the brakes if a collision is imminent. Dual-View Display allows the driver to receive important information while from the same center console screen that the front passenger can enjoy a movie. No wonder there's a heart rate monitor with so much going on.

Oh Doctor! as my friend and longtime San Diego Padres commentator Jerry Coleman would say to describe a home run.

BMW i8 Shown In Frankfurt 2 Years After L.A. Auto Show Concept

 The BMW i8 is a 2+2-seater sports car powered by a 231 horsepower 1.5-litre combustion engine that drives the rear wheels  and a 131 horsepower electric drive sends its power to the front wheels giving the i8 an all-electric range of up to 22 miles and a top speed of 75 mph. We saw the BMW i8 2 years ago at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show so it's been a long wait for the production model. The 2014 BMW i8 will be priced from $135,700 plus destination and handling fee. This is before any federal or state incentives for which the i8 may qualify.

Ferrari 458 Speciale With 597 Horsepower Debuts In Frankfurt

The Ferrari 458 Speciale with a 597 horsepower naturally aspirated new mid-rear-engined V8 berlinetta is a more powerful version of the 458 Italia and 458 Spider with an expected cost of over $300,000.

Mercedes-Benz Concept S-Class Coupé Looks Into The Future

The Mercedes-Benz Concept S-Class Coupé is powered by a 449 horsepower V8 Biturbo engine and is equipped with the Intelligent Drive technology that, with two cameras, can create a three-dimensional view of the area up to about 160 feet in front of the vehicle. A multitude of assistance systems monitors the surrounding traffic for the driver. The infotainment system with the MoodGrid software from Gracenote provides whatever music fits the mood from a catalogue containing 18 million tracks. With a wheelbase of 116 inches the coupé measures 198.8 inches in length, 77 inches in width and 55.5 inches in height. Sleek looking high tech luxury.

2014 Nissan Rogue Starts At $23,350 In November

The all-new 2014 Nissan Rogue compact utility vehicle powered by a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine is scheduled to go on sale at Nissan dealers in the United States in November for a starting price of $23,350 (including $860 Destination and Handling fees) for the Rogue S front-wheel drive model. The Rogue SV FWD starts at $25,090, Rogue SL FWD at $28,930, Rogue S AWD at $24,700, Rogue SV AWD at $26,440 and Rogue SL AWD $30,280, and there's a $239 Rogue Reservation Program lease. Fuel economy is projected to be 33 mpg highway for front-wheel drive models, an 18 percent improvement over the 2013 model.

For the first time, Rogue will offer optional 3-row/7-passenger seating, a Divide 'n Hide® Cargo System providing 18 adjustable variations (two-row models) between the cargo and occupant areas. The EZ Flex™ Seating System includes a reclining 40/20/40-split 2nd row seat and 2nd row legroom of 37.9 inches and 9.0 inches of fore/aft adjustability. Standard interior features include Streaming Audio via Bluetooth® and Hands-free Text Messaging Assistant. Available features include power panoramic moonroof, a power rear liftgate, NissanConnect℠ with Navigation and NissanConnect℠ Apps, Around View® Monitor with Moving Object Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning and Forward Collision Warning.

I almost bought one three years ago in the Cash for Clunkers program but the dealer talked me out of it, now I might reconsider. Great looking and fuel efficient with a lot of competition though, from the Honda CRV, Toyota Rav4, Ford Escape, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, many Subarus, Jeep Cherokee, to name just a few. Happy shopping!

Porsche 918 Spyder 887 Horsepower Plug-In Hybrid Concept

The Porsche 918 Spyder sportscar concept with an 887 horsepower plug-in hybrid drive made its world debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show. The Porsche 918 Spyder shaved 14 seconds off the previous Nurburgring record for a street-legal automobile with a lap time of six minutes and 57 seconds, 17 seconds quicker that its run last September. The 12.8-mile Nurburgring Nordschleife (north loop) track for benchmarking speeds and car performance is located 75 miles northwest of Frankfurt and was built in the 1920's with more than 1,000 feet of elevation change from its lowest to highest points. The Porsche 918 Spyder is able to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 2.8 seconds and offers an average standard fuel consumption of between 71 and 78 miles per gallon (converted from the metric 3.0 - 3.3 liters/km).

Legendary Car Salesman Cal Worthington Dies At 92

Cal Worthington, who drew attention to his zany TV car commercials with his catchy "go see Cal" music jingle and crazy animal antics and daredevil stunts wearing his trademark Cowboy hat, has died at age 92. I've been watching his ads for 25 years in Los Angeles and there's no question that his ads were old school and corny which gave them an authentic nostalgic style but knowing that Cal was the original TV pitchman set him apart drawing respect and appreciation. He was a institution, part of California culture, no doubt inspiring many stereotypical TV car salesmen. A living piece of history has left us with the passing of this car industry legend. 

All-new 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Will Start At $93,825 Next Month

The all-new 2014 Mercedes-Benz S550 with a 455 horsepower V8 engine will have an MSRP of $93,825 (including the $925 destination/delivery charge), $2,100 less than the model it replaces, when it arrives in showrooms in October. The 2014 Mercedes-Benz S550 4MATIC will cost $96,825 when it launches in November and the 577 horsepower Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive (shown above) is priced at $140,425, more horsepower and a slightly lower price than the outgoing model.

2014 Lexus GX 460 Starts At $49,995 In September

The redesigned 2014 Lexus GX 460 luxury utility vehicle with a 301 horsepower 4.6-liter V8 engine mated to a six-speed Electronically Controlled Transmission with intelligence delivering an EPA-estimated 15 mpg city and 20 mpg highway, will cost $49,995 (including $910 delivery, processing and handling fee), nearly nine percent less than the previous year while the Luxury model will have an MSRP of $61,625 when they arrive at dealerships beginning in September.

The 2014 Lexus GX 460 has a new eight-inch touchscreen, backup monitor, HD Radio, Bluetooth audio, automatic phone book transfer, a vehicle information display and complimentary traffic and weather data provided via HD Radio and offers an available Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert which are included on the new GX Luxury model along with Adaptable Air Suspension, Navigation, Intuitive Parking Assist and Advanced Pre Collision with Driver Monitor. Trailer sway control is also added for 2014.

2015 Audi A3 Cabriolet Shown In Frankfurt For Delivery Next Year

The new 2015 Audi A3 Cabriolet four-seat convertible is almost 8 inches longer than is predecessor model and is offered with a 140 horsepower 1.4 liter engine paired with a manual six-speed transmission which will get 47 mpg, a 180 horsepower 1.8 liter engine and a 150 horsepower 2.0 TDI engine. A 110 horsepower 1.6 TDI and a 300 horsepower 2.0 TFSI delivering a 33 city/highway mpg are among other engines coming for the car that will have direct injection, turbocharging and a start-stop-system. On average, the three engines offered at market launch have twelve percent better fuel economy than the engines in the previous model. Sales begin this Fall in Germany with first deliveries in the first quarter of 2014.

Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan Concept Could Get Traction In U.S.

The new Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan concept, being shown at the Frankfurt Auto Show, will be up to 19 per cent more fuel-efficient than the previous versions with four turbocharged gas direct-injection engines producing 84,108, 123 and 148 horsepower, respectively. There are two turbodiesel direct-injection engines (TDI) at 108 and 148 horsepower. Except for the 84 horsepower TSI, all of the engines may be mated to an optional automatic dual clutch transmission (DSG). The 108 horsepower 1.6 TDI BlueMotion could achieve as much as 63 miles per gallon. At nearly 171 inches in overall length, this goes against vehicles like Ford Focus, Kia Forte and Hyundai Elantra hatchback models so could easily compete well in the United States. The Golf Sportsvan has such features as Blind Spot Monitor with assistant for exiting parking spaces, Front Assist surroundings monitoring system with City Emergency Braking, Driver Alert System, PreCrash Occupant Protection system, Lane Assist lane-keeping system and Park Assist parking assistant. The Golf Sportsvan is destined for the European market next year with a lot of features packed into a compact hatchback.

All-New 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid Gets 50 MPG In The City

The all-new 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid will carry an EPA fuel economy rating of 50 mpg in city driving, when it goes on sale at Honda dealerships nationwide later this year. The 2014 Accord Hybrid's EPA fuel-economy ratings of 50 mpg city / 45 mpg highway / 47 mpg combined, makes its city fuel-economy rating three miles per gallon higher than the closest segment competitor and its calculated driving range of 673 miles is more than 46 miles farther than any vehicle in its segment.

2014 Honda Ridgeline Special Edition Coming In November For $38,335

The 2014 Honda Ridgeline Special Edition model with an all-aluminum, 60-degree, 250 horsepower SOHC 3.5-liter VTEC V-6 engine joins the Ridgeline lineup in November starting at $38,335 (including $830 destination charge), featurimg 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels with black-trimmed spokes, special badging and the black trim package from the Ridgeline Sport (pictured above). The rest of the 2014 Ridgeline lineup, starting with the Ridgeline RT at $30,405, then Ridgeline Sport at $31,550, Ridgeline RTS at $33,210, Ridgeline RTL with leather at $35,985, Ridgeline RTL with leather and Navi at $38,335. The Ridgeline also delivers a maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds, a half-ton payload rating and comes with a standard rearview camera.   

Lexus LF-NX Hybrid Drive Compact Crossover Concept

The Lexus LF-NX hybrid drive compact crossover concept in a new brushed metal silver exterior color and sunrise yellow / black leather upholstery is powered by a new variant of the Lexus Hybrid Drive system tuned for SUV performance. The Lexus LF-NX concept debuts in Frankfurt next week.

Jeep Wrangler Polar Edition In Europe First Quarter 2014

The new Jeep Wrangler Polar edition will be available in Europe in the first quarter of 2014, in both two- and four-door versions, powered by a 200 horsepower 2.8 liter turbo diesel or a 284 horsepower 3.6 liter gas engine and features a new front grille with black accents, hard spare tire cover, body-color hardtop, 18” polished gloss black alloy wheels and polar white interior finishes, and a Trac-Lok limited-slip rear differential for challenging and demanding driving conditions in any weather. Based on the Jeep Wrangler Sahara model, the all-new Jeep Wrangler Polar comes in hydro blue, billet silver metallic and bright white exterior colors. The new Jeep® Wrangler Polar special-edition model is making its début at the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show next week.

Audi Sport Quattro Concept To Be Shown Next Week at Frankfurt

The Audi Sport quattro two-seater concept has a plug-in hybrid drive with a system output of 700 horsepower with the power flowing through a modified eight-speed tiptronic to the quattro powertrain, which features a sport differential on the rear axle producing 94 mpg. The wheelbase is 109.61 inches with an overall length of 181.18 inches. When the V8 and the electric motor work together, the Audi Sport quattro concept accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 3.7 seconds with a top speed of 189 mph. The Audi Sport quattro concept can cover up to 31 miles on electric power alone.

The Audi Sport quattro concept will be on display next week at the Frankfurt Auto Show which alternates every other year with the Paris Auto Show. It covers a huge area with multiple pavilions and the German manufacturers each have their own building large enough to host entire small market auto shows.

August 2013 U.S. Auto Sales

General Motors dealers delivered 275,847 vehicles in the United States in August, up 15 percent compared with a year ago. Retail sales increased 22 percent while fleet sales were down 8 percent. Year-to-date GM sales are 1,930,264, up 9.8 percent vs. 2012. Cadillac was up 38 percent, Buick was up 37 percent, GMC was up 14 percent and Chevrolet was up 10 percent.

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. reported August 2013 sales results of 231,537, an increase of 22.8 percent compared to the year-ago month. Toyota Division posted August 2013 sales of 201,745, 22.8 percent compared to August 2012. Lexus reported August 2013 sales of 29,792, a year-over-year increase of 22.9 percent on a raw volume basis.

Ford Motor Company August U.S. sales of 221,270 was a 12.2 percent gain over last year. Year-to-date sales of 1,708,280 was a 12.8 percent increase over 2012.

American Honda  reported U.S. sales of 166,432, an increase of 26.7 percent compared with a year ago. Year-to-date sales of 1,053,449 represents a year-over-year increase of 11 percent. The Honda Division posted August 2013 sales of 149,381, an increase of 29.1 percent compared with August 2012. Acura Division U.S. August sales of 17,051 was up 9 percent compared with the prior year.

Chrysler Group reported U.S. sales of 165,552 units, a 12 percent increase compared with sales in August 2012 for the group's best August sales since 2007. For the year, Chrysler sales are 1,213,986, a 10 percent gain over 2012.

Nissan U.S. sales totaled 120,498 to set an August record, an increase of 22.3 percent over last year's total of 98,515. Nissan Division salesrose 24.3 percent in August to a record 108,614. Sales of Infiniti vehicles finished August at 11,884, up 6.5 percent.

Hyundai Motor America announced an all-time August sales record of 66,101, up 8 percent versus the same period in 2012. Year-to-date Hyundai sales of 493,116 is a 2.8 percent gain over last year.

Kia Motors America reported best-ever August sales of 52,025, a 4-percent increase over the same period in 2012.  Year-to-date sales of 378,380 is a 2.2 percent drop from the first 8 months of 2012.

Subaru of America reported the best sales month in company history with 41,061 vehicle sales for the month of August, a 45 percent increase over August 2012.  Year-to-date sales for Subaru total 281,652, 29.3 percent higher than the same period in 2012. Subaru is on track to achieve its fifth-consecutive year of sales increases.

Volkswagen of America reported sales of 40,342 in August, a 1.6 percent drop from August 2012 and year-to-date sales of 282,913 is A 1.3 percent decline from last year. Separately, Audi reported August 2013 sales of 14,005 vehicles, a 21.5 percent increase over the previous August record set last year. Audi sales year-to-date increased 14.7 percent to 101,346 vehicles sold.

The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported August sales of 30,546 vehicles, an increase of 35.4 percent from the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, the BMW Group (BMW and MINI combined) is up 12 percent on sales of 233,326 in the first eight months of 2013 compared to the same period in 2012.  

Mazda North American Operations reported its best August U.S. sales of 28,106 vehicles in 10 years, representing an increase of 26.4 percent versus last year. Year-to-date sales through August are up 6.8 percent versus last year, with 198,026 vehicles sold.

Mercedes-Benz USA reported August sales of 27,144, an increase of 15.8 percent from August 2012 including Mercedes-Benz, Sprinter and smart models. Mercedes-Benz brand reached 24,761 for the month, up 20.5 percent from the previous year, while year-to-date sales climbed 13.0 percent to hit a record 190,359. Adding in year-to-date sales of 12,788 for Sprinter Vans and 6,312 units sold at smart brought MBUSA's year-to-date grand total to 209,459 vehicles, its
highest on record.

Mitsubishi Motors North America reported August sales of 5,281, an increase of 24.3 percent compared to August 2012. 

Porsche Cars North America announced August 2013 sales of 3,327, an increase of 10 percent over the same month last year and a record August. For the year, Porsche has sold 28,456 cars in the U.S., a 28 percent increase over last year.

Sales will be updated when manufacturers report.

Volvo Concept Coupé Has Gas Plug-in Hybrid Engine

The Volvo Concept Coupé with a gas plug-in hybrid engine points toward the next generation of Volvo models, starting with the forthcoming XC90 in 2014. The powertrain reflects Volvo Cars’ strategy to use electrification to create the most powerful versions in the new four-cylinder Drive-E engine family with a two-liter high-performance Drive-E gasoline engine with a supercharger and turbo. The gas engine is teamed with an electric motor on the rear axle. This gives Volvo Concept Coupé a total output of around 400 horsepower and over 440 lb.-ft. of torque.The Concept Coupé also features elements that echo the design of the Volvo P1800 from the 1960s.

All-New 2014 Toyota Corolla Nears Showrooms Starting At $17,610

The all-new 2014 Toyota Corolla, offers a 132 horsepower 1.8-liter 16-valve DOHC in-line 4 cylinder engine with VVT-i available on the L (above), LE, and S grades and the new LE Eco trim level is equipped with a 140-horsepower Valvematic 1.8-liter engine. The 2014 Corolla, available in L, LE, S, and the new LE Eco grade models for a total of 12 variants, has a starting MSRP of $17,610 (including destination, processing, and handling fee of $810) for the L grade with a new 6-speed manual transmission. The base Corolla L with 4-speed automatic is priced at $18,210 with features that include LED lowbeam headlamps with LED daytime running lights, standard Bluetooth connectivity, driver and front passenger whiplash-injury-lessening seats and eight airbags, including a new drivers knee airbag and passenger seat cushion airbag. 

 
The top-priced Corolla S Plus (above) with 6 speed manual transmission starts at $22,110. The all new Corolla will deliver combined mpg between 31 and 34 depending on model, engine and transmission type. The LE Eco will offer an EPA rating of 42 mpg on the highway. Toyota has a lot riding on this updated version of its Corolla.

2014 Subaru BRZ At $26,390 - Tons of Fun!

The 2014 Subaru BRZ 200-horsepower rear-wheel drive sports car configured with 2+2 seating and a folding rear seat starting at $26,390 (including destination & delivery charge), gets an estimated 25 mpg combined with the 6-speed manual transmission and 28 mpg combined with the 6-speed automatic transmission. The BRZ Limited starts at $28,390 for the manual transmission model which includes all performance features, such as the sport-tuned suspension with front strut brace and TORSEN limited-slip differential. The Subaru BRZ and its Scion FR-S sibling are solid, fun cars that remind me of my days behind the wheel of my 1978 Datsun 280Z. Loved that car and love this one!

Range Rover Hybrids Arrive Early Next Year

The Range Rover Hybrid and Range Rover Sport Hybrid have three driver-selectable modes and combines Land Rover's 3-litre SDV6 diesel engine with a 35kW electric motor integrated with the 8-speed ZF automatic transmission.  The hybrid system, including lithium ion battery pack, inverter and electric motor weighs less than 265 pounds. Together, output of the diesel engine and electric motor is 335 horsepower with both models accelerating to 62mph in under seven seconds with a top speed of 135mph. The Range Rover Hybrid and Range Rover Sport Hybrids with an estimated 44.1mpg (combined) will be delivered early next year.

Infiniti Q30 Concept To Debut At Frankfurt Auto Show Sept. 10th

The Infiniti Q30 Concept is "designed for younger customers looking for an alternative to traditional premium compact vehicles and open to convention-challenging approaches", according to Infiniti, who "is confident this merging of the dynamic design and sportiness of a coupe, the roominess of a hatch and the higher stance of a crossover will resonate with these customers." By appearance, the Q30 seems to be following the FX style cue but where are the door handles? Quite a Mary Kay color, too.

New Volkswagen Golf R Launches In Europe In 4th Quarter

The new Volkswagen Golf R sports car with a 4MOTION permanent all-wheel drive is powered by a newly designed 296-horsepower TSI® engine, which is 30 horsepower stronger and up to 18 per cent more fuel efficient than the engine in the previous model and mated to a six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Golf R reaches 62 mph from rest in 5.3 seconds. The Golf R launches in Europe in the fourth quarter of this year to join the new Golf GTI, Golf GTD, Golf Variant, and Golf TDI BlueMotion which also debuted this year.

2015 Audi A8 and S8 Arrive in German Showrooms In November

The 2015 Audi A8 will hit the German market with two gas and two diesel engines when it arrives at German dealerships in November. The 310 horsepower supercharged 3.0 TFSI, the 435 horsepower V8 twin-turbo 4.0 TFSI with cylinder deactivation, 258 horsepower 3.0 TDI clean diesel which gets about 40 mpg and the 385 horsepower 4.2 TDI clean diesel all mated to an eight-speed tiptronic transmission. While the A8 demesions remain the same, the A8 L gains an additional 5.12 inches in both length and wheelbase. In the German market, LED headlights are standard in all models with a V8 engine.

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The 2015 Audi S8 has a 520 horsepower 4.0 TFSI engine that accelerates the S8 from 0 to 62 mph in 4.2 seconds with average fuel consumption of 23.29 mpg. The Audi A8 hybrid combines a 2.0 TFSI and electric motor to produce a system output of 245 horsepower with power going to the front wheels via a modified tiptronic. The lithium-ion battery in the rear enables purely electric driving at up to 62.14 mph with a range of roughly 1.86 miles. The A8 hybrid gets about 37.34 mpg.

2014 Ford F-150 STX SuperCrew, More Choices For Pickup Shoppers

The 2014 Ford F-150 STX SuperCrew, positioned between the XL and XLT models, comes standard with a 302-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 engine, delivering an EPA-estimated 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. A 5.0-liter V8 rated at 360 horsepower and 380 lb.-ft. of torque is also available. MSRP for the STX SuperCrew starts at $34,240 (including $1,095 destination charges) for the 4x2 version with 3.7-liter V6 and $38,665 for the 4x4 with 5.0-liter V8. Current available discounts reduce the final price of the STX Sport Package, and F-150 Equipment Group 201A featuring the Trailer Tow Package, SYNC® voice-activated controls and SiriusXM Satellite Radio, to $980.

2014 Chevy Malibu With Start/Stop Gets 36 MPG For $22,965 This Fall

The 2014 Chevrolet Malibu LS with the base 196 horsepower 2.5L engine including stop/start technology as standard and mated to a new six-speed transmission will get an EPA-estimated 25 city and 36 highway mpg, a 14 percent improvement in city fuel economy, at a starting price of $22,965 (including the $825 destination charge). The 2.5L engine base powertrain starts at $24,335 for the 1LT, $26,040 for the 2LT and $28,515 for the top LTZ trim. There's also an available 259 horsepower 2.0L turbo engine. Stop/start technology automatically shuts off the engine when the car comes to a stop and automatically restarts when the driver takes his or her foot off the brake. During engine restarts, an auxiliary 12-volt battery powers electric accessories. The 2014 Chevrolet Malibu will be arriving in dealerships this Fall.

AutoTrader.com Sets Record For Smart Phone Visits

Over 2.1 million unique visitors interacted with AutoTrader.com from a smart phone last month, a 60 percent increase year-over-year, setting a new record for AutoTrader.com.  The number of unique visitors to the core AutoTrader.com site also increased 13 percent year-over-year in July, bringing the total to just over 17.7 million unique visitors, an increase of 17 percent over the same time last year.

2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid Now Labelled At 43 Combined MPG

2014 Ford C-MAX Hybrid

The revised 2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid label will carry an EPA combined fuel economy value of 43 mpg topping the combined label value of 42 mpg for the Toyota Prius v. Ford is changing the way it tests and labels the 2013 C-MAX Hybrid for fuel economy to better match performance and improve customer satisfaction.

Because this voluntary step results in miles-per-gallon values different from the original C-MAX Hybrid label, Ford also is making a goodwill payment to current C-MAX Hybrid owners for the estimated average fuel cost of the difference between the two labels. Customers who purchased their vehicle will receive a check from Ford for $550. Customers who leased their vehicle will receive a check for $325.

Ford said it's upgrading the 2014 Ford C-MAX Hybrid with powertrain software that will result in a more efficient transmission drive ratio, a new hood seal, front and rear tire deflectors, A-pillar moldings and the addition of rear lift gate deflectors to improve vehicle aerodynamics and new engine oil with reduced friction. The enhancements to the 2014 C-MAX Hybrid, which goes on sale in December, are expected to improve customers’ on-road fuel economy, especially at highway speeds.

Ford sold 53,014 electrified vehicles through July, up 392 percent from a year ago with two-thirds of buyers coming from imports.