2015 Infiniti QX50 and QX70 On Sale Now Starting At $35,995

The 2015 Infiniti QX50 luxury crossover, now on sale at Infiniti retailers nationwide with a 325-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 engine mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission, comes in rear wheel and all-wheel drives in QX50 and QX50 Journey trim levels, starting at $35,995 (including $995 destination and handling). Premium, Deluxe Touring and Technology special equipment packages are also offered.

The 2015 Infiniti QX70 luxury performance SUV, also now on sale, has the same engine as the QX50 and is offered in QX70 3.7 and QX70 3.7 AWD models starting at $46,845. Premium, Deluxe Touring, Technology and a new Sport are the special equipment packages offered.

2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Offers 600-plus Horsepower V-8

All-new 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT will offer a 600-plus horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V-8 Hellcat engine. The standard 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT engine is a 485 horsepower 392 HEMI V8 and, like the Hellcat, can be mated to either an upgraded six-speed manual or the new TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmissions. The TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission has an electronic shifter with a T-handle for gear selection and an Auto Stick selector gate for added control. The manual Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission is fitted with a throwback ball shifter. Drive Modes are pre-configured for Sport, Track and Default settings, while the Custom setting lets the driver customize the drive experience to their favorite settings.

The all-new 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT with a Hellcat engine comes standard with two key fobs. The red key fob is the only key that can unlock the full horsepower and torque potential of the Challenger SRT Hellcat engine while the black key fob limits the driver to a reduced engine output.  

Valet Mode is offered on both Challenger SRT and Challenger SRT with a Hellcat engine to significantly reduce horsepower and torque and disable many high performance options. The driver can activate and deactivate Valet Mode with a four-digit PIN code they create.

The 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT coupes will be built at the Canadian Brampton Assembly plant begining in the third quarter of 2014.

Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell CUVs Arrive In Los Angeles

Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell CUVs will go on sale within the next several weeks in Southern California for a 36-month term at $499 per month, with $2,999 down including unlimited free hydrogen refueling and “At Your Service” valet maintenance, as touted at last November's Los Angeles Auto Show. The “At Your Service” valet program, like with the pricey Equus, means a Hyundai dealer will pick up the vehicle and provide a loan vehicle for any needed service, then return the car after service to the customer's home or business, at no charge.

2015 Chrysler 200 Hitting Showrooms Starting At $22,695

The all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 starts at $22,695, comes in four models: LX, Limited, 200S and 200C, and two engine choices: a 295 horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 or the standard 184 horsepower 2.4-liter MultiAir2 Tigershark I-4 engine mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission with a highway fuel economy rating of 36 mpg, which is up from the January expectation of 35 mpg.

2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe Starts at $38,990 This Summer

The 2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe goes on sale at the end of this summer starting at $38,990 (including a $995 destination charge). The 2015 ATS Coupe rides on the same 109.3-inch wheelbase as the sedan, but is 0.8 inches longer, 0.8-inch wider and 1.1 inches lower, with its own bodywork and offering drivers the choice of rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and the power from a 272 horsepower 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder or a 321 horsepower 3.6L six-cylinder engine.

BMW i8 Campaign Has Begun

The BMW i8 plug-in hybrid campaign has launched with three TV spots shown worldwide in different versions on TV.

“Genesis” features American actor Michael Pitt, from the TV series “Boardwalk Empire”.

“Powerful Idea” features British actor Sam Hazeldine.

“Attitude” features British actress Mickey Sumner.

Former Hyundai Pres/CEO John Krafcik Joins TrueCar as President

Former Hyundai Motor America President and CEO John Krafcik has joined TrueCar as President, a newly created position, after being appointed to TrueCar's board of directors last month. Krafcik led Hyundai to record sales and boosted the automaker's U.S. market share by more than 50 percent during his five year tenure.

TrueCar gives car buyers insight into what others actually paid, upfront pricing information, and a network of trusted TrueCar Certified Dealers who provide guaranteed savings certificates to complete the car purchase. TrueCar works with more than 7,500 new car franchises and independent dealers operating in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

April 2014 U.S. Auto Sales

General Motors delivered 254,076 vehicles in the United States in April, up 6.9 percent compared with a year ago. Fleet sales were up 5 percent and retail sales were up 8 percent. Year-to-date GM sales are 903,713, up 0.1 percent from 2013.

Ford Motor Company total U.S. sales of 211,126 vehicles last month declined 1 percent from a year ago. Retail sales of 141,950 vehicles are off 1 percent compared with a year ago. Commercial and government fleet sales were up 16 and 21 percent, respectively, while daily rental sales declined 24 percent. Year-to-date sales of 793,884 is a 2.1 percent decline from 2013.

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. reported April 2014 sales results of 199,660, an increase of 13.3 percent from year-ago month. Year-to-date sales of 720,657 is a 2.1 percent increase over the first four months of 2013.

Chrysler Group LLCreported U.S. sales of 178,652, a 14 percent increase compared with sales in April 2013, the group’s best April sales since 2007. Year-to-date sales are 654,616, up 12 percent from 2013.

American Honda reported April 2014 Honda and Acura vehicle sales of 132,456, an increase of 1.1 percent compared to April 2013. The Honda Division also saw in increase of 1.1 percent with April sales of 118,334. Acura division gained 1.6 percent on April sales of 14,122, with light trucks increasing 35.9 percent for the month on sales of 9,536 units. Year to date American Honda sales reached 457,810, down 2.3 percent.

Nissan Group announced total U.S. sales for April 2014 of 103,934, an increase of 18.3 percent over the prior year and an April record. Year-to-date sales of 458,900 is a 13 percent gain over 2013.

Hyundai Motor America announced April sales of 66,107, up 4.4 percent versus the same period in 2013, setting an all-time record April. Year-to-date sales of 226,120 is an 0.6 percent decline from a year ago.

Kia Motors America had record April sales of 53,676, a 12.9-percent increase over the same month in 2013. Year-to-date sales of 186,682 is a 7 percent increase over 2013.

Volkswagen of America reported 30,831 units delivered in April, down 8.4 percent from a year ago. Year-to-date VW sales are 118,154, down 10.4 percent from 2013. Separately, Audi reported April 2014 sales of 15,653 vehicles, up 19 percent over a year ago. Audi sales year-to-date increased 7.5 percent to 50,881 vehicles sold.

Subaru of America reported 40,083 vehicle sales for April 2014, a 22 percent increase over April 2013 and the best-ever April sales month in company history. Year-to-date sales for Subaru total 152,47, a 22 percent increase over the same period in 2013. 

The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported April sales of 29,592 vehicles, an increase of 2.0 percent from the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, the BMW Group (BMW and MINI combined) is up 2.5 percent on sales of 110,626 in the first four months of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013.

Mercedes-Benz USA reported best-ever April sales of 29,329 across the Mercedes-Benz, Sprinter and smart model lines, rising 12.1 percent from April 2013. Mercedes-Benz alone totaled 25,887 vehicles for the month, an increase of 9.5 percent, while year-to-date volumes for the brand reached 98,501, up 6.1 percent from the same period last year. Adding year-to-date sales of 7,018 for Sprinter Vans and 3,285 units at smart, MBUSA posted a year-to-date grand total of 108,804, marking the best second quarter start in its history.

Mazda North American Operations reported April U.S. sales of 22,434 vehicles, representing an increase of 12.8 percent versus last year. Year-to-date sales through April are up 2.4 percent versus last year, with 100,492 vehicles sold.

Mitsubishi Motors North America reported another outstanding sales month with April sales of 6,542, a 46.6 percent increase over the April 2013 total. It was the second highest monthly sales total for Mitsubishi in more than two years (exceeded only by last month) and also the best April sales for MMNA since 2011.

Jaguar Land Rover North America reported April 2014 U.S. sales: Land Rover sales reached an all-time April high of 4,533, up 28 percent from April 2013; Jaguar sales were 1,035, down 9 percent from April 2013, and up 22 percent with 5,750 for the year. Jaguar Land Rover North America April U.S. sales for both brands hit 5,568, a 19 percent increase from April 2013.

Volvo Cars of North America reported U.S. sales of 4,635 units for the month, a 3.8 percent increase versus April 2013.

Porsche Cars North America announced April sales of 4,072 vehicles, an all-time, any-month record for Porsche sales in the U.S. For the year so far, PCNA has delivered 14,207 vehicles, an increase of 4 percent over last year.

Sales will be updated as manufacturers report.

Ford's Mulally Retires July 1st, Fields Becomes Ford President, CEO

Alan Mulally (left), 68, is retiring after nearly eight years leading Ford Motor Company effective July 1st and Mark Fields (right), 53, Ford’s chief operating officer since December 2012, will be named Ford president and chief executive officer and elected as a member of the company’s board of directors. Before serving as COO, Fields served as executive vice president and president of the The Americas since October 2005.

“From the first day we discussed Ford’s transformation eight years ago, Alan and I agreed that developing the next generation of leaders and ensuring an orderly CEO succession were among our highest priorities,” Executive Chairman Bill Ford said. “Mark has transformed several of our operations around the world into much stronger businesses during his 25 years at Ford. Now, Mark is ready to lead our company into the future as CEO.”

Toyota Moving North American Headquarters To Texas

Toyota is establishing a new North American headquarters in Plano, Texas, in a move that will affect approximately 4,000 employees and they say is "designed to better serve customers and position Toyota for sustainable, long-term growth." The move will consolidate employees from Torrance, California, Erlanger, Kentucky and New York city. The transition will begin with initial small groups this summer with the majority not moving until construction of Toyota’s new headquarters is completed in late 2016 or early 2017.

2015 MINI Paceman Coming This Summer

The 2015 MINI Paceman two-door Sports Activity Coupé comes standard with the all-wheel drive system ALL4. The MINI John Cooper Works Paceman gets 208 horsepower. Both launch this summer. All engines available for the MINI Paceman can be optionally combined with a 6-speed automatic transmission instead of the standard 6-speed manual transmission. The automatic transmission offers the possibility of manual drive position selection with Steptronic, including shift paddles at the steering wheel on request.

Volkswagen's New Midsize Coupé Concept

The Volkswagen New Midsize Coupé concept four-door sedan, shorter and lighter than a Passat and Jetta, is powered by a 217 horsepower 2-liter turbo gas injection TSI engine mated to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission with a zero to 62 mph time of 6.5 seconds.

Ford Everest Concept And Ford Escort For China Market Shown In Beijing

The new Ford Everest Concept midsize seven-seat off-road SUV could be produced for the Chinese market by Ford’s joint venture partner, JMC.

The all-new Ford Escort is designed to meet the demands of Chinese consumers within the fast-growing compact car segment and built on a global platform as part of Ford’s plan to bring 15 new vehicles to China by 2015.

Volkswagen Touareg Is Redesigned

The redesigned Volkswagen Touareg has a new front and rear, new colours and wheels. All V6 TDI versions now come equipped with an automatic post-collision braking system, bi-xenon headlights and a coasting function which decouples the engine from the 8-speed automatic transmission to utilize the car's kinetic energy on mountain descents or in driving phases in which acceleration is not needed. An air suspension to increase the vehicle's ground clearance by up to nearly a foot in off-road driving is available as an option for the Touareg.

The all-wheel drive Touareg is available, depending on region, with a V6 and V8 TDI turbodiesel engine, V6 and V8 FSI gas engine, turbocharged V6 TSI gas engine or Hybrid V6 TSI & electric motor drive system. The V6 engines come with an 8-speed automatic transmission and all engines have a stop - start system as standard. In late summer, Volkswagen will also be launching the R-Line.

Volvo S60L Gas Plug-in Hybrid Launches Early 2015 In China

The Volvo S60L Gas Plug-in Hybrid, with the same electrification technology as the Volvo V60 Diesel Plug-in Hybrid, has 306 horsepower by blending a 238 horsepower gas turbo from a new four-cylinder Drive-E engine family with a 68 horsepower electric motor. The S60L Gas Plug-in Hybrid will be launched in China early 2015 and built in the Chengdu plant, in the capital of Sichuan province in Southwest China.

2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Marks Brand's Return To North America

The all-new 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C, a mid-engine design with a carbon fiber monocoque has an all-new 237 horsepower 1750 cc direct-injection aluminum engine mated to a paddle-shifting Alfa TCT twin-clutch transmissionmarks Alfa Romeo’s return to North America. Two sport seats feature a carbon fiber and fiberglass reinforced-composite structure. A special 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Launch Edition, limited to 500, will be made available this June.

Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II And Pinnacle Travel Phantom

The Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II with a 6.6 liter twin-turbo V12 engine mated to a 8-speed ZF transmission is in the $250,000+ class and a cornerstone of Rolls-Royce’s success. The Ghost Series II has an updated Multimedia Interface and Navigation system on a new 10.25” high definition screen. Satellite Aided Transmission, standard on all Ghost Series II cars, utilizes GPS data to allow the car to see beyond what the driver sees, anticipating their next move based on location and driving style and then selects the most appropriate gear. Ghost Series II’s on-board hard drive holds 20.5 GB of storage or approximately 5,700 items of music downloaded via the USB port located within the centre console or glove compartment.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has unveiled the Pinnacle Travel Phantom, a new Bespoke Collection motor car, at the Beijing Auto Show.

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible

The 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible, has an aluminum structure that's 20 percent stiffer than the previous, fixed-roof Z06 and has a thick fabric top, offered in four colors along with sound-absorbing padding and a glass rear window which contributes to a quiet cabin. The Z06 convertible features an electronic top that can be lowered remotely using the car’s key fob. The top can also open or close on the go, at speeds of up to 30 mph. Like the Corvette Z06 hardtop, the convertible has the all-new LT4 6.2L supercharged V-8 engine with at least 625 horsepower, and 635 pound-feet of torque mated to a standard seven-speed manual transmission with Active Rev Match, or an all-new 8L90 eight-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission.

Mazda MX-5 Miata - Fifth Generation Preview

The next generation Mazda MX-5 Miata roadster with the all-new SKYACTIV®1-CHASSIS and front mid-ship engine rear-wheel-drive design, is lighter, stronger with a physical footprint more in tune with its first-generation predecessor than with the heavier, larger current-day model.

2015 Toyota Camry Is Refreshed

The 2015 Toyota Camry has been updated with a new bumper cover and grille, brighter LED low and high-beam headlights, new tail lamps, and a wider track. Inside, there's a 4.2-inch multi-information display and almost 30% more carpet insulation. Safety features include a pre-collision system, Lane Departure Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

2015 Dodge Challenger Coming In 3rd Quarter This Year

The 2015 Dodge Challenger is available in eight trim levels: SXT, SXT Plus, R/T, R/T Plus, R/T Shaker, R/T Plus Shaker, 6.4-liter Scat Pack and 392 HEMI Scat Pack Shaker. The engine choices are a 305 horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, 375 horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 with either a six-speed manual or the TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission and a new 485 horsepower 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engine. Production is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of this year.

2015 Subaru Outback Coming This Summer

The all-new 2015 Subaru Outback, in its fifth generation, offers the roomiest interior, most capable chassis and highest fuel-efficiency in the model’s 20-year history and is powered by a standard 175-horsepower 4-cylinder and a 256 horsepower 6-cylinder 3.6R Limited engine on the Premium and Limited trim lines which, due largely to its new Lineartronic CVT, achieves manufacturer-estimated ratings of 20 mpg city/27 mpg highway/22 combined. The wheelbase is increased by just 0.2-in., overall length by 0.6-in. and width by 0.7 in yielding a roomier passenger cabin, at 108.1 cu. ft. (up from 105.4 cu. ft.). New standard X-Mode, Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist augment the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive to assist the driver in navigating rough roads, slippery surfaces or steep inclines. The 2015 Outback arrives in Subaru dealerships this summer.

2015 MINI Countryman Coming This Summer

The new 2015 MINI Countryman, the largest MINI model whose exterior length now exceeds 13 feet, has four doors, a large tailgate, five seats and optional all-wheel drive system. The all-wheel drive system ALL4 specially developed for MINI is optionally available for the MINI Cooper S Countryman and comes as standard with the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman. The market launch of the new MINI Countryman is set for this summer.

2015 Dodge Charger Can Get 31 MPG From V6

The new 2015 Dodge Charger four-door sedan, available in SE, SXT, R/T and R/T Road & Track models, is powered by a 370 horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine the 2015 Dodge Charger R/T models and a 292 horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine that gets 31 mpg for the SE and SXT rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models mated to the TorqueFlite electronic eight-speed automatic transmission. The Dodge Charger SXT model offers the Rallye Appearance Group with up to 300 horsepower from the V6 engine. New for 2015 is the full-speed Forward Collision Warning-Plus, Adaptive Cruise Control Plus with Full Stop, Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist, ParkSense rear park assist systems and 9-1-1 call/Assist Call. High-tech features, include the new Uconnect Access system, Uconnect Access Services with roadside assistance, theft-alarm notification, voice texting, new Dodge Performance pages, new 3-D navigation and the ability to turn the Charger into a Wi-Fi hot spot.

Honda HR-V All-New Compact SUV Coming This Winter

The Honda HR-V all-new compact SUV, built on the same global compact platform that underpins the Fit, is equipped with the Honda-exclusive Magic Seat®, which allows for multiple seating configurations and the ability to fold the second row seat completely flat for added cargo space. Additional details will be announced later this year before the all-new HR-V launches this winter.

2015 Jeep® Renegade Small SUV

The all-new 2015 Jeep® Renegade small sport-utility vehicle is powered by a 184 horsepower 16-valve, 2.4-liter Tigershark I-4 engine with the MultiAir electro-hydraulic fully variable valve-lift system paired a nine-speed automatic transmission on 4x2 and 4x4 models. The 160 horsepower 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission comes in the Jeep Renegade Sport and Latitude 4x2 and 4x4 models.

The Renegade Trailhawk model delivers Trail Rated 4x4 capability with Standard Jeep Active Drive Low with 20:1 crawl ratio, Selec-Terrain system with exclusive Rock mode, increased ride height 0.8 inches to 8.7 inches, skid plates, 17-inch wheels with on-road and off-road tires, up to 8.1 inches of wheel articulation, Hill-descent Control, up to 19 inches of water fording and up to 2,000-lb. towing capability with 2.4-liter Tigershark engine and available tow package.

2015 Infiniti QX80 Limited Luxury SUV Coming Later This Year

The new 2015 Infiniti QX80 Limited, powered by a 400 horsepower 5.6-liter V8 engine mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Control and manual shift mode with Downshift Rev Matching, will be available in one completely equipped All-Wheel Drive model with the Truffle Brown interior. There are no option packages. The 2015 Infiniti QX80 Limited close to the end of the year.

2015 Infiniti Q70 Offers Longer Wheelbase Variant

The new 2015 Infiniti Q70, with a new exterior and available long wheelbase version offers a 330 horsepower 3.7-liter V6 and a 420 horsepower 5.6-liter V8 engine choices equipped with Variable Valve Event & Lift and matched to an advanced 7-speed automatic transmission. Also available is a hybrid powertrain combining a 302 horsepower 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC aluminum-alloy V6 with a 67 horsepower 50 kW electric motor. The long wheelbase variant adds 5.9 inches in the wheelbase increasing knee and leg space in the back. The Sport version features a specially designed front bumper that gives an even lower and wider stance.

The Q70 has a new Predictive Forward Collision Warning system, Around View® Monitor system including Moving Object Detection, a Backup Collision Intervention® system, Forward Emergency Braking which detects danger of a collision with a vehicle ahead, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Departure Prevention.

2015 Hyundai Sonata Goes On Sale Early This Summer

The 2015 Hyundai Sonata, the all-new seventh-generation Sonata, is powered by a revised 185 horsepower 2.4-liter Theta II GDI four-cylinder engine for the SE, Limited and Sport models and a revised 245 horsepower 2.0-liter Theta II turbocharged GDI for the Sport 2.0T models paired with a six-speed SHIFTRONIC® automatic transmission. The 2015 Hyundai Sonata has 41 percent stiffer torsional rigidity, better ride quality, reduced noise, vibration and harshness.

Sonata comes standard with seven airbags, including a new driver’s knee airbag, Electronic Stability Control, Vehicle Stability Management, Traction Control, ABS and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System with individual tire pressure display. Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and a Lane Departure Warning System are all available. The new 2015 Hyundai Sonata will be built at the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama plant in Montgomery and goes on sale early this summer.

2015 Acura TLX Goes On Sale Later This Year

The all-new 2015 Acura TLX performance-luxury sedan powered by a choice of a 206-horsepower 2.4-liter 16-valve, 4-cylinder engine mated to an all-new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission with torque converter and a 290-horsepower 3.5-liter 24-valve V-6 mated to a new 9-speed automatic transmission. Both are direct-injected i-VTEC® engines and the TLX comes with Precision All-Wheel Steer, Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive and Agile Handling Assist. The TLX safety technologies include Collision Mitigation Braking System™, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist System, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow and Blind Spot Indicator. The 2015 Acura TLX is scheduled to go on sale at U.S. Acura dealers nationwide later this year.

2015 Aston Martin Vantage GT Starts At $99,000 In Q3

The 2015 Aston Martin Vantage GT, in Coupe or Roadster, has a front mid-mounted, 430 horsepower 4.7-liter, all-alloy, quad overhead cam, dry-sumped V8 engine offered with either six-speed manual or seven-speed Sportshift II automated manual transmission, and a top speed of 190mph and a 0-60mph time of 4.6 seconds. Priced from $99,900, first deliveries of the new Vantage GT will begin in quarter three to North American customers.

All-New 2015 Kia Sedona Goes On Sale Later This Year

The all-new 2015 Kia Sedona midsize multi-purpose vehicle, 1.6-inches longer than its predecessor, get a 276 horsepower 3.3-liter V6 engine, like the Sorento and Cadenza. The new Sedona will have a new SXL premium trim level which features standard ultra-soft Nappa leather seating surfaces throughout the cabin, the same Chromium-free leather found in the K900 luxury sedan. The all-new Sedona will be the first Kia vehicle to offer four new eServices features: Geo-fencing, Speed Alert, Curfew Alert and Driving Score. The new Sedona goes on sale in The U.S. in the late third quarter or early fourth quarter of this year.

2015 Nissan Murano Goes On Sale Later This Year

The all-new 2015 Nissan Murano powered by a 3.5-liter DOHC V6 connected to an Xtronic transmission will be available in S, SV, SL and Platinum grade levels in either front-wheel drive or Intuitive All-Wheel Drive when it goes on sale in late this year. Available technology features include NissanConnectSM with Navigation and Mobile Apps, 8-inch color display with multi-touch control, 11-speaker Bose® premium audio system, and Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System.

2015 Volkswagen Jetta Coming With Five Engine Choices In Q3

The redesigned 2015 Volkswagen Jetta sedan offers five engines, three four-cylinder gas engines including two turbocharged powerplants, a 1.4-liter turbocharged full hybrid version, and a new 150-horsepower 2.0-liter TDI® Clean Diesel engine delivering a projected combined fuel economy of around 37 mpg. Available technologies include Blind Spot Detection plus rear cross-traffic alert and frontal collision warning, as well as Bi-Xenon headlights with Adaptive Front-lighting System, turn signal, and LED Daytime Running Lights. The 2015 Volkswagen Jetta is expected to arrive at U.S. Volkswagen dealers in the third quarter of 2014.

2015 Chevrolet Trax SUV Coming To U.S. Early Next Year

The Chevrolet Trax, launched in late 2012 in Mexico and Canada as a 2013 model and has sold about 90,000  in more than 60 global markets, will go on sale in the U.S. as a 2015 model with a 138 horsepower 1.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Trax will be offered in LS, LT and LTZ trims when it arrives in dealer showrooms early next year and will have available OnStar 4G LTE and built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, as well as MyLink technology featuring a seven-inch color touch screen and Siri Eyes Free. Trax will be loaded with ten standard air bags, including side-curtain and knee air bags and rear seat-mounted thorax air bags.

Land Rover Discovery Vision Concept Coming As LR4 SUV Next Year

Land Rover Discovery Vision Concept SUV, which is due in 2015 and will be sold as the LR4 in North America has next-generation functions including Gesture Recognition Control which operates the doors, indicators, headlamps and seatback screens, Remote Control Drive enables the driver to maneuver the car at extremely low speeds while not actually seated inside via wireless control, Laser Referencing, which utilizes visible lasers to project markings, symbols and imagery onto ground surfaces for easier navigating and a Terrain Response system that can proactively utilize a variety of technologies to assist the driver.

2015 Nissan Versa Sedan Goes On Sale Next Week

The new 2015 Nissan Versa Sedan, in four models with new front and rear fascias, is powered by a 109 horsepower 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine matched to a choice of a 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed automatic (S models only), or a next-generation Xtronic transmission with D-mode step shift programming. Fuel economy is rated at 31 mpg city, 40 mpg highway and 35 mpg combined with the Xtronic transmission. The 2015 Versa Sedan makes its debut next Wednesday at the New York International Auto Show, the same day it arrives at Nissan dealers nationwide.

Lexus NX Luxury Compact Crossover Coming To The U.S.

The all-new Lexus NX luxury compact crossover comes to the U.S. market as an NX 200t turbo with an all-new 2.0-liter gasoline turbo and an NX 200 with a naturally aspirated engine with the choice of front and all-weather drive. Lexus also offers a hybrid powerplant in the NX 300h. The NX 200t F SPORT (pictured above) will have unique exterior and interior features. The NX will be the fourth vehicle in Lexus’ luxury utility vehicle lineup positioned below the RX.

Volkswagen Golf SportWagen Concept On Sale In Early 2015

The Volkswagen Golf SportWagen concept  is 1.1 inches longer and 0.7 inches wider than the current SportWagen and goes on sale in early 2015 featuring the 4MOTION® all-wheel drive system and a choice of a 170 horsepower 1.8-liter turbocharged and direct-injection four-cylinder TSI® engine mated to five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions or a 150 horsepower 2.0-liter common-rail, turbocharged and direct-injection diesel engine mated to either a six-speed manual or DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission. The SportWagen will have a new standard driver assistance system called the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System along with available new features including a panoramic sunroof, 12-way power driver’s seat, Climatronic® automatic climate control, Bi-Xenon headlights with LED DRLs and the Advanced Front-lighting System, Park Distance Control, and available 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.

BMW M4 Convertible Coming This Summer For $73,425

The BMW M4 Convertible with a retractable hardtop has a 425 horsepower 3.0-liter M TwinPower Turbo inline six engine achieving peak torque of 406 lb-ft and 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds (4.2 seconds with the optional seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission).  The BMW M4 Convertible will arrive in U.S. showrooms in summer 2014 with an MSRP of $73,425 (including Destination & Handling).

BMW Concept X5 eDrive To Debut At New York Auto Show

The BMW Concept X5 eDrive has a plug-in hybrid drive system with a 245 horsepower four-cylinder TwinPower Turbo conventional combustion gas engine with xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive along with an eDrive 70 kW/95 horsepower electric motor. As a result, the BMW Concept X5 eDrive is able to drive on electric power alone at speeds of up to 75 mph and for a distance of up to 20 miles, while recording average fuel consumption figures of more than 74.3 mpg imp. Both the BMW i3 and the soon-to-be-launched BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car are powered by BMW eDrive technology.

2015 Ford Focus To Debut In New York Next Week

The new redesigned 2015 Ford Focus four-door sedan and the Focus Electric will be shown in New York next week. The 2015 Ford Focus has additional powertrain option, the 1.0-liter EcoBoost® engine with a new six-speed manual transmission. Standard on Focus will be Ford’s MyKey® feature and the rearview camera will appear on either a 4.2-inch screen or the 8-inch screen that comes with MyFord Touch®-equipped cars. There will be available a Blind Spot Information System and a lane-keeping system. Android and iOS smartphone users can download more than 60 AppLink-enabled apps from the Apple App Store and Android market. The Focus three-and five-door hatchback and wagon debuted in Geneva in March and a new version of the performance Focus ST will be shown later this year.

Bentley Hybrid Concept On Display In Beijing Later This Month

The Bentley Hybrid Concept, based on the Mulsanne, has a plug-in hybrid system capable of driving at least 30 miles on electric power alone. Bentley’s first plug-in hybrid model is set to be a dedicated version of the all-new SUV available in 2017.

2015 Honda Fit Goes On Sale Monday Starting At $16,315

The 2015 Honda Fit goes on sale on Monday, with an MSRP starting at $16,315 (including $790 destination charge) for the LX trim with 6-speed manual transmission. All Fit models are powered by a new, higher power 130 horsepower 1.5-liter engine with 114 pound feet of torque delivering an EPA fuel-economy rating of 33/41/36 (city/highway/combined) for the LX with Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).  

The 2014 Ram Power Wagon, The Latest Ram Truck

The 2014 Ram Power Wagon, based on the Ram 2500 Heavy Duty 4x4 Crew Cab, has a suspension with more than two inches of lift, locking differentials and a 12,000-pound winch. The 2014 Ram Power Wagon is powered by a 410 horsepower 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engine with a peak torque rating of 429 lb.-ft. and offered with the 66RFE six-speed automatic transmission connected to a part-time, manual-engagement Borg Warner BW 44-47 transfer case. The 2014 Ram Power Wagon accommodates a payload up to 1,490 pounds and towing capacity up to 10,810 pounds, coming in the Tradesman trim with monotone paint covering the truck, the SLT trim with special red billets in the four quadrants and the Laramie trim featuring an all chrome grille and bi-functional halogen headlamps set into a chrome background. Truck on!

J.D. Power 2014 U.S. Customer Service Index (CSI) Study

Customer satisfaction with dealer service continues to improve. Based on a thousand point scale, luxury brand owners overall customer satisfaction with service averaged 855, up from 846 in 2013 and mass market brand owners average CSI was 797, up from 789 in 2013.

A big catalyst according to the J.D. Power 2014 U.S. Customer Service Index (CSI) Study is that 68 percent of luxury vehicle owners and 46 percent of mass market brand owners have a complimentary or prepaid maintenance package during the first year of ownership, more than double when compared with 35 percent of luxury and 15 percent of mass market brand owners in 2009. There's a higher CSI score with the use of digital tablets during service interactions, 838, compared with 802 when a tablet is not used.

Two GM brands perform highest in the segment rankings in 2014. Cadillac ranks highest in satisfaction with dealer service among luxury brands, achieving an overall CSI score of 872 on a 1,000-point scale, an increase of 14 points from 2013. Rounding out the five highest-performing nameplates in the luxury segment are Audi (868); Lexus (867); and Infiniti (865) and Lincoln (865) in a tie. 

Buick ranks highest among mass market brands, with an overall CSI score of 835, a 26-point improvement from 2013. Following Buick in the mass market rankings are Volkswagen (830); GMC (828) and MINI (828) in a tie; and Chevrolet (812).

The 2014 U.S. CSI Study is based on responses from more than 90,000 owners and lessees of 2009 to 2013 model-year vehicles. The study was fielded between October and December 2013.
Courtesy J.D. Power & Associates.

Kia Minivan Coming In A Few Weeks

Kia will unveil an all-new midsize multi-purpose, up to an eight passenger vehicle at the 2014 New York International Auto Show in two weeks. Looks like a minivan from this teaser photo.

March 2014 U.S. Auto Sales

General Motors dealers delivered 256,047 vehicles in the United States in March 2014, up 4 percent compared with a year ago. Retail sales were up 7 percent and GM gained retail market share. Year-to-date sales of 649,637 is down 2.3 percent from 2013.

Ford Motor Company U.S. total March sales of 244,167 are up 3 percent from a year ago. Retail sales of 166,030 vehicles are up 3 percent and represent the best March result in eight years. Year-to-date sales of 582,758 is down 2.6 percent from a year ago.

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., reported March 2014 sales results of 215,348, an increase of 4.9 percent from the year-ago month. Toyota divsion sales were 186,755, up 2.5 percent for March and 455,912 year-to-date, a 3.6 percent drop while Lexus division sales were 28,593 in March, a 23.3 percent rise over last year and for the year are 65,085, a 14.7 percent increase. Year-to-date sales of both brands is 520,997, a 1.6 percent drop from last year.
 
Chrysler Group reported U.S. sales of 193,915, a 13 percent increase compared with sales in March 2013 for the group’s best March sales since 2007. Year-to-date sales of 475,964 is 11 percent more than a year ago.

Nissan Group announced total U.S. sales for March 2014 of 149,136, an increase of 8.3 percent over the prior year. The Nissan Division sales of 136,642 was an increase of 7.9 percent over March 2013 and Infinity sales of 12,494 is a 12.5 percent gain. Total sales year-to-date of 354,966 is an 11.5 percent gain over last year.

American Honda Motor reported March 2014 Honda and Acura vehicle sales of 133,318. Acura division sold 15,580, up 10.5 percent  while the Honda Division recorded sales of 117,738 vehicles in March.

Hyundai Motor America announced March sales of 67,005, down 1.9 percent from a year ago. Year-to-date sales of 160,013, is a 2.6 percent decline from a year ago.

Kia Motors America reported March sales of 54,777, a 11.5-percent increase over the same period in 2013. Year-to-date sales are 133,006, a 4.8 rise from 2013.

Subaru of America reported record sales of 44,479 vehicles for March 2014, an increase of 21percent over the March 2013 setting consecutive monthly sales increases for the past 28 months. Year-to-date sales are 112,388, up 21.5 percent.

Volkswagen of America reported March sales of 36,717, down 2.6 percent while year-to-date sales of 87,323 was an 11.1 percent decline. Separately, Audi reported sales of 14,246, 7.5 percent ahead of March 2013. Through the first quarter of 2014, Audi U.S. sales stood at 35,228, 3 percent ahead of the record pace set in the year-earlier quarter.

The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported March sales of 35,762, an increase of 7.9 percent from the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, the BMW Group (BMW and MINI combined) have sales of 81,034 up 2.6 percent compared to the first three months of 2013.  

Mazda North American Operations reported March U.S. sales of 34,903 vehicles, representing an increase of 9 percent versus last year. Year-to-date sales through March are 78,282, down 0.3 percent versus last year.

Mercedes-Benz USA sold 30,091 Mercedes-Benz, Sprinter and smart model vehicles in March, up 11 percent from the same month last year. The Mercedes-Benz brand alone hit a new benchmark for the month with sales of 27,401, an increase of 11.2 percent, while year-to-date volumes climbed to 72,614 units, up 5 percent from March 2013. Adding year-to-date sales of 4,624 for Sprinter Vans and 2,237at smart, MBUSA delivered a year-to-date grand total of 79,475.

Jaguar Land Rover North America reported March 2014 U.S. sales for both brands of 6,215, a 9 percent increase from March 2013. Jaguar sales were 1,816, 29 percent up from March 2013 while Land Rover sales reached an all-time March high of 4,399, up 2 percent from March 2013.

Mitsubishi Motors North America reported historic March sales of 8,996, a 70 percent increase over the March 2013 total. It was the best single month of sales for Mitsubishi since August 2008, and also the best March sales in six years.

Volvo Cars of North America reported U.S. sales of 5,915 for the month, a 10.3 percent increase versus March 2013.

Porsche Cars North America announced March sales of 3,808, an increase of over nine percent and a new high for that month. For the year so far, PCNA has delivered 10,136, an increase of five percent and the first time that the company has topped the 10,000 mark in a first quarter.