2015 Volkswagen e-Golf Starts At $36,265 In November

The 2015 Volkswagen e-Golf, fully electric vehicle for the U.S. market will start at $36,265 (including $820 destination and delivery) for the SEL Premium model when it hits showrooms in November. The eGolf, powered by a 115 horsepower compact electric motor and lithium-ion battery, has an average range between 70 and 90 miles, depending on driving style and charging behavior. Amenities include a 5.8-inch touchscreen navigation system and infotainment center, Bluetooth® technology, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio, heated front seats and rearview camera and front and rear Park Distance Control.

Chrysler's Bigland Heads Up Alfa Romeo, Hegbloom Leads Ram Truck

Chrysler Group announced that effective immediately, Reid Bigland (left) is appointed Head of Alfa Romeo Brand for the NAFTA region.  Bigland continues as Head of U.S. Sales and as President and Chief Executive Officer of Chrysler Canada.  He will also continue as a member of the NAFTA Leadership Team and the Fiat Chrysler Group Executive Council. Robert Hegbloom (right), who joined Chrysler in 1986, is appointed Head of Ram Truck Brand after previously serving as the Director of Ram Truck Brand.  In his new role, Hegbloom will become a member of the NAFTA Leadership Team.

Toyota FT-1 Sports Car Concept, For Gamers For Now

The Toyota FT-1 sports car concept that debuted in January has a new look intended to have more sophisticated feel with a new saddle-colored leather interior styling and exterior color developed by Calty Design Research in Newport Beach, California. Next month two new versions of the FT-1 will be available for download virtually inside PlayStation®3 Gran Turismo 6, the latest iteration of the best-selling racing franchise. Its a concept that the press release calls the "spiritual pace car for the new direction of Toyota Global Design". For now, game on, as we wait for reality to hit showrooms.

2014 BMW i8 Concours d’Elegance Edition Auctioned For $825,000

 A one-of-a-kind 2014 BMW i8 Concours d’Elegance Edition sold for $825,000 with Frozen Grey metallic exterior paint, Dalbergia Brown leather upholstery accented with stitching in BMW i Blue, and the Pure Impulse Tera World interior trim accented in BMW i Blue, including the seat belts, as well as having “BMW i8” embossed into the front headrests. The words “Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Edition” are laser etched into the door sills. The plug-in hybrid all-wheel drive powertrain combines an electric motor to drive the front wheels and 1.5-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo three-cylinder gasoline engine driving the rear wheels. The BMW i8 is capable of driving on pure electric power at speeds up to 75 mph for approximately 20 miles, producing zero tailpipe emissions. When the gasoline engine joins forces with the electric motor, together they are capacity of propelling the i8 for 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds and to a top speed of 155 miles per hour. The MSRP for the BMW i8 when it goes on sale is $137,500.

2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Gets 707HP Engine Next Year

The new 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat will feature the 707 horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI® Hellcat V-8 engine mated to a new TorqueFlite 8HP90 eight-speed automatic transmission making it the quickest, fastest, most powerful production sedan in the world with an NHRA-certified quarter mile elapsed time of 11.0 seconds on street tires and a top speed of 204 miles per hour. There are five all-new Drive Modes controlling horsepower, transmission shift speeds, paddle shifters, traction and suspension. 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. Production begins in the first quarter of 2015.

2015 Chevrolet City Express Cargo Van Gets 24 City MPG

The 2015 Chevrolet City Express cargo van with a 2.0L dual-overhead cam inline-four-cylinder engine matched to a continuously variable transmission will offer an EPA-estimated 24 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, resulting in 25 mpg combined. The 2015 Chevrolet City Express LS starts at $22,950, MSRP excluding tax, title, license, optional equipment and dealer fees. Chevrolet’s first entry into the small van segment with 122.7 cubic feet of customizable cargo space and an estimated payload capacity of 1,500 pounds will arrive in dealerships in the fourth quarter.

All-New Volvo XC90 To Be Revealed In Two Weeks

The all-new Volvo XC90 seven-seat SUV, which will be revealed in two weeks in Stockholm, will offer a 316 horsepower T6 supercharged and turbocharged gasoline engine and a T8 twin engine plug-in hybrid at around 400 horsepower that combines a two-liter, four-cylinder supercharged and turbocharged engine with an electric motor, both available for the U.S. market.

The XC90 will be the first car in its range to be built on the Scalable Product Architecture modular chassis technology developed in-house, part of Volvo's ongoing 11 billion dollar transformation plan, allowing a wide range of cars, powertrains, electrical systems and technologies, all of differing complexity, to be fitted on the same architecture, generating significant economies of scale. The drum roll for the Chinese-owned, Swedish-designed car company's future has begun.

2015 Range Rover Sport SVR Starts At $111,400

The 2015 Range Rover Sport SVR, with an all-aluminum 550horsepower 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with a starting price of $111,400 (including $925 destination and delivery fee), will be the first Land Rover vehicle to wear the new high-performance SVR badge, capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds with an electronically limited top track speed of 162 mph.

2015 Chevrolet Colorado Extended-Cab Starts At $20,995 This Fall

The 2015 Chevrolet Colorado extended-cab pickup with a a 200-horsepower 2.5L four-cylinder engine with direct fuel injection mated to a a 6-speed manual transmission will start at $20,995 (including an $895 dealer freight charge) when it hits showrooms in the Fall. There's a choice of extended-cab models with a 6-foot box and crew-cab with 5- or 6-foot boxes. The Colorado LT crew cab with 2WD and the 5-foot box has a starting price of $27,985 and the Colorado Z71 crew cab 4x4 with the 5-foot box starts at $34,990 (pictured above).

Available options will include a 305-horsepower 3.6L V-6, also with direct fuel injection and variable valve timing mated to a a 6-speed automatic transmission, 4G LTE with a built-in WiFi hotspot, Forward Collision Alert and Land Departure Warning and the GearOn™ accessory system.

2015 GMC Canyon Starts At $21,880 This Fall

The all-new 2015 GMC Canyon mid-size pickup with a 200 horsepower 2.5L I-4 Direct Injected engine will start at $21,880 (including a $925 dealer freight charge) when it arrives in dealerships this Fall. Available options include the 3.6L V-6 engine with direct injection and variable valve timing, a six-speed automatic transmission, Bose premium seven-speaker audio system, and the GearOn™ accessory system.

The SLE trim level starts at $27,520 (2WD extended cab) and a 4WD Canyon SLT crew cab short box model starts at $37,875, and includes the 305 horsepower 3.6L V-6 engine, leather-appointed seating, automatic climate control, 18-inch polished cast-aluminum wheels, remote start and an automatic locking rear differential.

July 2014 U.S. Auto Sales

General Motors dealers delivered 256,160 vehicles in the United States in July, for the company’s highest July sales since 2007. Total sales were up 9.4 percent compared with a year ago. Retail sales were up 4.2 percent. Year-to-date total sales of 1,712,028 is 3.5 percent higher than a year ago. Retail sales are up 3.1 percent over 2013.

Toyota, Scion and Lexus reported July 2014 sales results of 215,802, an increase of 11.6 percent from year-ago month. Toyota division posted July 2014 sales of 188,469, up 10.6 percent over July 2013. Lexus reported July sales of 27,333, up 18.7 percent. Year-to-date Totoya sales are 1,381,409, a 6.1 percent gain over 2013.

Ford Motor Company U.S. sales of 212,236 vehicles increased 10 percent over a year ago for the best July in eight years. Retail sales of 162,028 vehicles are up 7 percent.  Year-to-date sales of 1,482,268 is 0.3 percent lower than last year.

Chrysler Group reported U.S. sales of 167,667, a 20 percent increase compared with sales in July 2013 and the group’s best July sales since 2005. Year-to-date sales of 1,187,790 is 13 percent higher than last year.

American Honda Motor reported July 2014 Honda and Acura vehicle sales of 135,908, down 3.9 percent. The Honda division posted sales of 123,428 in July while Acura sold 12,480 in the same period. Year-to-date American Honda sales reached 875,344, down 1.3 percent from last year.

Nissan Group announced total U.S. sales for July 2014 of 121,452, an increase of 11.4 percent over the prior year and a July record. Year-to-date sales of 825,929 is a 12.6 percent increase from 2013.

Volkswagen of America reported 30,553 vehicles delivered in July, a drop of 14.6 percent from July 2013. Year-to-date sales of 209,697 is a 13.6 percent slide from last year. Separately, Audi reported that its July 2014 sales increased 11.9 percent to 14,616 vehicles, a total that stands as the 43rd consecutive month of record monthly U.S. sales for the brand. Audi U.S. sales year-to-date increased 13.3 percent to 98,965 vehicles.

Hyundai Motor America posted its best July sales ever of 67,011, up 1.5 percent compared with the same period in 2013.  Year-to-date sales of 431,445 is a 1 percent gain over last year.

Kia Motors America announced record July sales of 52,309, a 6.7 percent increase over the same period last year. Kia's year-to-date sales of 349,722 are up 7.2 percent.

Subaru of America reported 45,714 vehicle sales for July 2014, a 27 percent increase over July 2013 sales of 35,994. July marks the best-ever sales month in company history, breaking the previous record set in March 2014. Year-to-date Subaru sales totaled 283,722 – an 18 percent increase over the same period in 2013. The company has now seen 32 consecutive months of year-over-year growth and is already on its way to its sixth successive annual sales record.

The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported July sales of 32,220 vehicles, an increase of 7.4 percent from the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, the BMW Group (BMW and MINI combined) is up 5.4 percent on sales of 213,754 in the first seven months of 2014 compared to 202,780 in the same period in 2013.  

Mercedes-Benz USA reported the highest July retail volumes in its history with 30,757 units sold across the Mercedes-Benz, Sprinter and smart model lines, representing a 16.4 percent increase from the same month last year. July sales for the Mercedes-Benz brand alone totaled 27,192, up 15 percent, bringing year-to-date volumes to a record 178,816. Adding year-to-date sales of 13,697 for Sprinter Vans and 5,998 at smart, MBUSA delivered a best-ever year-to-date grand total of 198,511.

Mazda North American Operations reported July U.S. sales of 29,238 vehicles, representing an increase of 17.1 percent versus last year. Year-to-date sales through July are up 9.3 percent versus last year, with 185,669 vehicles sold.

Mitsubishi Motors North America had sales of 6,349, a 21.4 percent increase over the sales total from July 2013.

Volvo U.S. July sales of 4,897 is a 17.1 percent decline from a year ago and year-to-date sales of 34,228 is 11.1 percent lower than 2013.

Porsche Cars North America announced July 2014 sales of 4,300 vehicles. During the first seven months of 2014, PCNA has delivered 27,219 vehicles in the U.S., an increase of 8.3 percent over last year.

Sales will be updated as manufacturers report.

2015 Audi Q3 Arrives This Fall Starting At $33,425

The 2015 Audi Q3 compact premium crossover has a 200 horsepower 2.0 liter TFSI® engine with a six-speed Tiptronic® transmission and will go on sale this Fall. The Audi Q3 Premium Plus FWD will start at $33,425 (including transportation charge of $925), Audi Q3 Premium Plus quattro $35,525, Audi Q3 Prestige FWD $37,325 and Audi Q3 Prestige quattro $39,425. There's an optional Sport package which includes sport seats, shift paddles and Audi drive select adds to the dynamic character of the Q3.

The available MMI® Navigation plus with voice control utilizes a 7.0 inch display and adds a color display to the driver information system located in the instrument cluster. The MMI Navigation Plus features the Audi connect® infotainment system (included in Prestige model), which includes in-vehicle Wi-Fi connectivity for up to eight wireless devices for passengers. Audi connect also provides Google Earth™ maps for a true aerial view of roads and the surrounding area. A 14-speaker, 465 watt Bose Surround Sound System is also part of the Prestige model.

2015 C300 Sedan Starts At $38,400, 2015 GLA250 Starts At $33,300

The all-new 2015 C-Class sedan will start at an MSRP of $38,400 for the four-cylinder C300, and $48,590 for the C400 4MATIC sedan. The new C-Class has such features as COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS, a radar-based system which can brake autonomously to avoid collisions or minimize their effects in combination with PRE-SAFE which prepares the vehicle if a collision is imminent.

 The all-new GLA starts at $31,300 for the two-wheel drive 2015 GLA250 hitting showrooms in the first quarter of next year, $33,300 for the 2015 GLA250 4MATIC arriving in September along with the $48,300 2015 GLA45 AMG, a 355 horsepower all-wheel drive vehicle.

2015 Lexus GX 460 Luxury SUV

The 2015 Lexus GX 460 has a 301-horsepower 4.6-liter V8 engine, body-on-frame construction, full-time 4-wheel drive and 6,500-lb. trailer capacity. Other features include Crawl Control to navigate through sand, mud or snow, Downhill Assist Control, Hill-start Assist Control, Active Traction Control, Vehicle Stability Control and a TORSEN® torque-sensing limited slip center differential distributes power 40:60 under most driving conditions. iPhone® users (iPhone 4S and iPhone 5 models forward) can use the newly standard Siri® Eyes Free Mode. Music choices are expanded in the 2015 GX 460 courtesy of the Lexus Enform App Suite which upgrades to include iHeartRadio 4.0 and Slacker.

2015 Lexus IS C Retractable Hardtop

The 2015 Lexus IS C retractable hardtop has 13 electric motors and 33 sensors that control the three-panel aluminum roof, which, at the push of a button, lowers in 20 seconds converting the coupe to a convertible. The IS 250 has a 204 horsepower 2.5-liter V6 engine, the IS 250 F SPORT adds track-tuned handling upgrades, the IS 350 has a 306 horsepower 3.5-liter V6, and there's the IS 350 F SPORT. All come standard with a six-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS400 and CLS550 Coming This Fall

The 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS400 houses a new 329 horsepower 3.0L V6 bi-turbo engine and the CLS550 has a 402 horsepower 4.6L bi-turbo V8 engine mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission with hydrodynamic torque converter. The US market will launch the CLS400, CLS400 4MATIC, CLS550, CLS550 4MATIC and CLS63 AMG S-Model 4MATIC this Fall.

2015 S65 AMG Coupe Coming At Year End

The 2015 S65 AMG Coupe, with the new 621 horsepower 6.0- liter V12 biturbo engine mated to the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC transmission, joins the S65 AMG sedan and SL 65 AMG roadster, as the third AMG high-performance car with a V12 engine to come to the United States market. Standard equipment includes 360° camera, Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC, Burmester® high-end 3D surround sound system, Driving Assistance package Plus, including DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist, PRE-SAFE® Brake, BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist and PRE-SAFE® PLUS. Orders can be placed for the S65 AMG Coupe in the coming weeks, and the United States market launch at Mercedes-Benz sales outlets and authorized dealerships is planned for the end of 2014.

2015 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S Roadster Coming Later This Year

The 2015 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S Roadster, a two-seat, two-door soft-cover convertible is equipped with the 565 horsepower 6.0-liter V12 engine capable of reaching 201 mph mated to a Sportshift™III auto-shift manual transmission and arrives in markets around the world later this year. Gas mileage is 12 mpg city, 18 mpg highway for a combined 14 mpg.

2015 Ford Expedition With EcoBoost® V6 Coming Later This Year

The new 2015 Ford Expedition full-size utility vehicle with three rows of seats comes with a 365 horsepower 3.5-liter EcoBoost® V6 engine mated to a SelectShift® six-speed transmission goes on sale later this year with a refreshed new look. It sits on a 119-inch wheelbase, making it a little more than 6 inches longer than Ford Explorer, with up to 108.3 cubic feet of cargo space and there's an avaialble 131 inch wheelbase version with cargo space of 130.8 cubic feet. Also available towing of up to 9,200 pounds when properly equipped. Fuel economy has not yet been rated by the EPA.

All-New 2016 Mazda2 Coming This Fall

The all-new 2016 Mazda2 was unveiled in Japan and begin rolling out to global markets starting this Fall. First introduced in 1996, the Mazda2 was not available in the U.S. market until the third generation as a 2011 model. This all-new fourth-generation vehicle is outfitted with the full suite of SKYACTIV® technologies, MAZDA CONNECT™ and i-ACTIVSENSE. The 2016 Mazda2 will be available with a SKYACTIV-G 1.3-liter gasoline engine and a SKYACTIV-D 1.5-liter clean diesel engine in Japan. More on U.S. specs closer to launch.

Johan de Nysschen From Infiniti - And Beyond - To Cadillac

Johan de Nysschen is leaving his post as President of Nissan's Infiniti brand after two years at it's new Hong Kong headquarters and is moving to lead General Motor's Cadillac division to be closer to his family in the U.S.. Prior to Infiniti, de Nysschen was President of Audi of America.

de Nysschen, 54, as President of Cadillac, joins the GM executive leadership team as an executive vice president of the company beginning August 1st and reports to GM President Dan Ammann. de Nysschen will be responsible for all aspects of Cadillac globally including sales, pricing and network development, strategic brand development and marketing and product portfolio planning, including critical input for product engineering and design.

All-New 2015 Lexus NX Compact SUV

The all-new 2015 Lexus NX debuts in the NX 200t with a 235-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to an all-new sequential six-speed automatic transmission and the NX 300h hybrid with a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine a new automatic transmission with a kick-down switch to ensure maximum power is delivered when required.

Both models offer their own version of pro-active all-weather drive (AWD). The 2015 NX has a Lexus-first Wireless Charging Tray for compatible phones and devices, the new Lexus Remote Touch Interface with a touch pad and a comprehensive Multi-information Display that features a Lexus-first G-Force meter and boost gauge. The standard Display Audio includes HD Radio™, Bluetooth® audio, automatic phone book transfer, a vehicle information display and complimentary traffic and weather data provided via HD Radio. If a favorite song comes on the radio while you’re busy with something else, like waiting at a bank drive-through, use the cache radio feature to pause it for up to 15-minutes and then listen later.

June 2014 U.S. Auto Sales

General Motors dealers delivered 267,461 vehicles in the United States in June, up 1 percent compared to a year ago. Retail sales were up 1 percent and fleet sales were up 2 percent. Year-to-date sales of 1,455,868 is a 2.5 percent increase of the first six months of 2013.

Ford Motor Company June 2014 U.S. sales of 222,064 vehicles declined 5.8 percent from a year ago. Retail sales of 145,989 vehicles declined 5 percent, while fleet sales of 76,075 vehicles declined 7 percent. Year-to-date sales of 1,270,032 is a 1.8 percent decline from last year.

Toyota, Scion and Lexus reported total June 2014 sales results of 201,714, an increase of 3.3 percent from the year-ago month.

Chrysler Group reported U.S. sales of 171,086, a 9 percent increase compared with sales in June 2013, and the group’s best June sales since 2007. Year-to-date sales of 1,020,123 is 12 percent jump over 2013.

American Honda reported June 2014 Honda and Acura vehicle sales of 129,023, a 5.8 percent drop from a year ago. The Honda division posted sales of 117,817 in June while Acura sold 11,206 in the same period. Year-to-date American Honda sales reached 739,436, a decline of 0.8 percent.

Nissan Group announced total U.S. sales for June 2014 of 109,643, an increase of 5.3 percent over the prior year and a June record. Year-to-date sales are 704,477, a 12.8 percent increase. 

Hyundai Motor America posted sales of 67,407, up four percent versus the same period a year agofor its best June ever and the best opening six month period in its 28-year history. Year-to-date sales of 364,434 is up one percent over last year’s record performance for the first six months of the year.

Kia Motors America announced June sales of 50,644, contributing to the company’s best-ever first-half performance with 297,413 vehicles sold thus far in 2014, up 7.2 percent over 2013.

Volkswagen of America reported 28,827 units delivered in June, a 22 percent drop from June last year. Year-to-date sales of 179,144 is a 13.4 percent decline from the first half of last year. Separately, Audi of America Audi reported June 2014 sales of 16,867, a 23.1 percent improvement for the 42nd consecutive month of record monthly sales. Audi sales year-to-date increased 13.6 percent to 84,349 vehicles sold, the best first-half sales in Audi U.S. history.

Mercedes-Benz USA reported best-ever June sales volumes of 29,380 across the Mercedes-Benz, Sprinter and smart model lines, up 8.2 percent from the same month last year. Monthly retails for the Mercedes-Benz brand alone increased 8.6 percent to 26,506, bringing year-to-date volumes to 151,624. Adding year-to-date sales of 11,483 for Sprinter Vans and 4,647 units at smart, MBUSA delivered the best first-half sales total in its history at 167,754.

Subaru of America reported 41,367 vehicle sales for June 2014, a 5 percent increase over June 2013 and it’s best-ever June sales. Year-to-date sales total 238,008, a 16.3 percent increase over the same period in 2013 making 31 consecutive months of year-over-year growth heading for its sixth successive annual sales record.

The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported June sales of 35,577 vehicles, an increase of 5.7 percent from the 33,645 vehicles sold in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, the BMW Group (BMW and MINI combined) is up 5.1 percent on sales of 181,534 in the first half of 2014 compared to 172,787 in the same period in 2013.   

Mazda North American Operations reported June U.S. sales of 26,208, an increase of 16.5 percent versus last year. Year-to-date sales through June are up 7.9 percent versus last year, with 156,431 vehicles sold.

Mitsubishi Motors North America June sales of 6,021 was a 13.7 percent increase over the sales total from June 2013.

Volvo Cars of North America reported U.S. sales of 5,983 for the month of June. Year-to-date sales are down 10 percent versus the first six months of 2013. 

Porsche Cars North America June 2014 sales of 4,102 vehicles is the best June in company history. During the first half of 2014, PCNA has delivered 22,919 vehicles in the U.S., for an increase of 7.6 percent over last year which was a record-setting year.

Sales will be updated as manufacturers report.

Toyota FCV Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle Coming Next Summer

The Toyota FCV, Toyota’s first commercial zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle was unveiled in Japan and will go on sale in the Japan domestic market before April 2015 for approximately 7 million yen, or at more than $68,000 based on current exchange rates. The FCV goes on sale in the summer 2015 in Europe and the state of California with pricing not yet been set. In May, the company announced a financial relationship with First Element Fuels to support the long-term operation and maintenance of 19 new hydrogen refueling stations across the state.

All-New 2015 Ford Edge Goes On Sale Q1 2015

The all-new 2015 Ford Edge will be powered by a standard 245 horsepower twin-scroll 2.0-liter EcoBoost® four-cylinder, a more than 300 horsepower 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 or a normally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine. All will be equipped with dual output exhaust and mated to Ford’s SelectShift® six-speed automatic transmission with paddle-shift activation. The front-wheel-drive Edge, first launched in 2006, is all-new from wheels to roof and slightly longer and taller for the new 2015 model with the wheelbase increasing by 1.0 inch, to 112.2 inches. The 2015 Edge will be built at Ford’s Canadian Oakville Assembly Complex near Toronto and will go on sale in North America in the first quarter of 2015.

2015 Hyundai Sonata Eco Expected To Get 32 MPG

The 2015 Hyundai Sonata Eco is a third variant of the mid-size sedan that's powered by a 177 horsepower 1.6-liter turbocharged Gamma four-cylinder engine mated to a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission which together is expected to deliver a combined fuel economy rating of 32 miles per gallon (an estimated 28 mpg city and 38 mpg highway). The 2015 Hyundai Sonata Eco will start at $24,085 (including $810 freight charge) with an optional $4,100 Technology Package. It will go into production at the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama plant later this summer.

J.D. Power 2014 U.S. Initial Quality Study

Technology issues have increased complaints by new car owners over last year according to the J.D. Power 2014 U.S. Initial Quality Study. The study, now in its 28th year, examines problems experienced by vehicle owners during the first 90 days of ownership. Initial quality is determined by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower score reflecting higher quality.

Porsche ranks highest in the IQS for a second consecutive year, followed by Jaguar, Lexus and Hyundai (see table).

General Motors received six segment awards, more than any other automaker for a second consecutive year, for the Buick Encore (tie); Chevrolet Malibu; Chevrolet Silverado HD; Chevrolet Suburban (tie); GMC Terrain; and GMC Yukon (tie). Hyundai Motor Company receives five awards for the Hyundai Accent; Hyundai Elantra; Hyundai Genesis; Kia Cadenza; and Kia Sportage (tie). Ford had the Edge, F-150 LD and Lincoln MKX. Nissan award winners were the Infiniti QX50, Infiniti QX80 and Nissan JUKE [tie]. Volkswagen's category-topping vehciles were Porsche 911, Porsche Boxster and Porsche Panamera. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles had the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Challenger and Mazda, the MAZDA5 and  MX-5 Miata. Other models receiving awards are the Honda Ridgeline and Lexus ES.

Courtesy JD Power & Associates

Bentley Continental GT3-R Two Seater Coming Late This Year

The new hand-built Bentley Continental GT3-R two seat luxury performance car with a 572 horsepower 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine feeding an all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring for the first time is mated to a eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. The Bentley Continental GT3-R has a top speed of 170 mph and features Beluga black leather with diamond-quilted Alcantara®, Drive and Sport modes, a two-seat cabin handcrafted from carbon fibre and free standard servicing for four years at the 10,000, 20,000 and 30,000 mile marks. Orders for the 300 Continental GT3-Rs that will made are open now, with deliveries to start late in 2014.

Ford Lowers MPG On 200,000 Fiestas, Hybrids and Plug-Ins

Ford identified an error with fuel economy ratings through its internal testing and notified EPA on approximately 200,000 Ford Fiesta, Fusion and C-MAX and Lincoln MKZ vehicles that have been sold or leased to customers in the United States and will give affected owners and lessees a range of goodwill payments of $125 for a Fiesta lease customer to $1,050 for a Lincoln purchase customer for the estimated average fuel cost of the difference between the two fuel economy labels. Ford worked with EPA which retested the vehicles to determine the correct fuel economy ratings. The biggest miles-per-gallon adjustment is on the Lincoln MKZ hybrid from 45 mpg combined city/highway down to a revised 38 mpg. The Fusion hybrid fuel economy rating was revised from 47 mpg to 42 mpg. 

2015 MINI Hardtop 4 Door Goes On Sale In January

The MINI Hardtop 4 door has a wheelbase that's 2.9 inches longer and a body lengthened by 6.3 inches as compared to the new MINI Hardtop 2 door with a choice of a 1.5-liter 134 horsepower 3-cylinder engine to power the MINI Cooper Hardtop 4 door and a 2.0-liter 189 horsepower 4-cylinder engine in the MINI Cooper S Hardtop 4 door. With MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology both engines are mated to newly developed 6-speed manual and 6-speed Steptronic transmissions. The MINI Hardtop 4 Door will cost $1,000 more than the MINI Hardtop 2 door.

All-New 2015 BMW X6 Will Come In RWD Late This Year

The all-new 2015 BMW X6 second generation Sports Activity Coupe comes in a rear-wheel drive model for the first time. The X6 sDrive35i is powered by BMW’s 300 horsepower TwinPower Turbo inline six engine and joins the all-wheel drive  BMW X6 xDrive35i and the X6 xDrive50i featuring BMW’s updated 445 horsepower TwinPower Turbo 4.4-liter V8. All models are equipped with BMW’s 8-speed Steptronic sport automatic transmission. The new 2015 BMW X6 will again be produced exclusively at the company’s production facility in Spartanburg, South Carolina and will arrive in US showrooms in late 2014. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.

Kia's FIFA World Cup Campaign Features Optima and Sorento

Kia's 2014 FIFA World Cup campaign - “For One Month, Let’s All be Fútbol Fans” - features supermodel Adriana Lima who was in Kia's 2012 “Drive the Dream” Super Bowl commercial, the 2015 Optima midsize sedan and Sorento CUV. Click on the links below for the three TV commercials we will see while watching the most viewed sporting event in the world.

Adriana Lima Brings Futbol to a Sports Bar, Adriana Lima Football vs. Futbol and Adriana Lima Transforms a Man Cave.

2014 Honda Civic Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Upgraded

The new Honda Civic Natural Gas, with a combined EPA fuel economy rating of 31 mpg and a fuel cost savings of up to 40-percent compared to gasoline, is being upgraded with leather seats, heated front seats, heated side mirrors, a six-speaker audio system, a new Display Audio with 7-inch touchscreen that allows users to pinch, swipe and tap just like a smartphone to access audio, phonebook, media, vehicle information and available navigation features.

Californians receive an immediate $1,000 purchase credit from the California Energy Commission. The supply of purchase credits through the California Energy Commission is limited to 1,600 and expires when all have been distributed or on April 22, 2015, whichever occurs first. Civic Natural Gas vehicle customers in California qualify for single-occupant access to High Occupancy Vehicle "carpool" and High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes. There are more than 150 compressed natural gas stations refueling stations in California, more than any other state.

May 2014 U.S. Auto Sales

General Motors dealers delivered 284,694 vehicles in the United States in May, up 12.8 percent compared to a year ago, marking the company’s best May in seven years and its best total sales since August 2008. Retail sales were up 10 percent while fleet sales were up 21 percent. Year-to-date, GM sales are 1,188,407, a 2.8 percent increase over 2013.

Ford Motor Company U.S. sales totaled 254,084 vehicles in May, up 3 percent from a year ago. Retail sales set several model records with 174,889 vehicles sold, an increase of 6 percent. Year-to-date, Ford sales are 1,047,968, decline of 0.9 percent from 2013.

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. reported May 2014 sales of 243,236, an increase of 17 percent from May 2013 on a raw-volume basis. Year-to-date Toyota sales are 963,893, up 5.5 percent over last year.

Chrysler Group reported U.S. sales of 194,421, a 17 percent increase compared with sales in May 2013 for the group’s best May sales since 2007. Year-to-date sales are 849,037, a 13 percent increase over last year.

American Honda Motor reported May 2014 Honda and Acura vehicle sales of 152,603, an increase of 9.0 percent compared to May 2013. The Honda Division posted an increase of 9.8 percent with May sales of 137,928. Acura division gained 2.2 percent on May sales of 14,675. Year-to-date American Honda sales reached 610,413, up 0.3 percent from 2013.

Nissan Group announced total U.S. sales for May 2014 of 135,934, an increase of 18.8 percent over the prior year and a May record. Year-to-date sales of 594,834 is 14.3 percent higher than 2013.

Hyundai Motor America just closed its best month ever with May sales of 70,907, up 3.7 percent versus the same period a year ago. Year-to-date sales of 297,027 is up 0.3 percent from last year.

Kia Motors America had its all-time best monthly sales total in May of 60,087, a 14.8 percent increase over the same period in 2013 and the first time KMA has achieved more than 60,000 sales in a single month. Year-to-date sales of 246,769 is an 8.8 percent increase over last year.

Subaru of America reported 44,170 vehicle sales for May 2014, a 11 percent increase over May 2013 sales, the best-ever May sales month in company history. Year-to-date sales for Subaru is 196,641, a 19 percent increase over the same period in 2013. Subaru has now seen 30 consecutive months of year-over-year growth and is already on its way to its sixth successive annual sales record.

Volkswagen of America reported it delivered 32,163 vehicles in May, down 15.4 percent from a year ago and year-to-date VW sales are 150,317, an 11.5 percent fall from 2013. Separately, Audi reported May 2014 sales of 16,601 vehicles, up 25.5 percent over last year and the brand’s second-best month ever. Audi year-to-date has sales of 67,482, an 11.4 percent increase over last year.

The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported May sales of 35,331 vehicles, an increase of 13.3 percent from the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, the BMW Group (BMW and MINI combined) is up 4.9 percent on sales of 145,957 in the first five months of 2014 compared to  the same period in 2013.

Mazda North American Operations reported May U.S. sales of 29,731 vehicles, representing an increase of 22.5 percent versus last year. Year-to-date sales through May are up 6.4 percent versus last year, with 130,223 vehicles sold.

Mercedes-Benz USA reported its highest May sales on record of 29,570 across the Mercedes-Benz, Sprinter and smart model lines, an increase of 8.1 perdent from the same period last year. The Mercedes-Benz brand alone posted May retails of 26,617, up 7.7 percent for the month, while year-to-date volumes reached 125,118, up 6.5 percent. Adding year-to-date sales of 9,282 for Sprinter Vans (up 23.5%) and 3,974 units at smart (up 8%), MBUSA achieved a year-to-date grand total of 138,374.

Mitsubishi Motors North America reported May sales of 7,269, a 54.2 percent increase over the sales total from May 2013. It was the best May sales total for Mitsubishi Motors in the last three years and also the second-best May sales for MMNA since 2008. Year-to-date sales of 33,651 is 34 percent higher than 2013.

Jaguar Land Rover North America May U.S. sales for both brands hit 5,840, a 17 percent increase from May 2013. For the year 2014, Jaguar Land Rover North America sold 29,202, up 14 percent from 2013.Land Rover sales reached an all-time May high of 4,536, up 28 percent from May 2013, and for the year,  22,148, up 13 percent while Jaguar sales were 1,304, down 9 percent from May 2013, and for the year 7,054, up 14 percent.

Volvo Cars of North America reported U.S. sales of 5,014 for the month of May, down 20.8 percent from last year. Year-to-date sales are down 9.9 percent versus the first five months of 2013.  

Porsche Cars North America announced May sales of 4,609 vehicles, the best ever sales month for Porsche in the U.S. For the year, PCNA has delivered 18,817 vehicles, an increase of 6.9 percent over last year.

Sales will be updated as manufacturers report.

IIHS 2014 Front Crash Prevention Ratings

Twenty-one of 24 cars and SUVs, all 2014 models, earn an advanced or higher rating in the latest round of IIHS evaluations. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) initial batch of front crash prevention ratings covered 74 midsize cars and SUVs and rates vehicles as basic, advanced or superior for front crash prevention depending on whether they offer autobrake and, if so, how effective it is in tests at 12 and 25 mph. 


Four vehicles earn perfect scores when equipped with certain options: the BMW 5 series car, BMW X5 midsize luxury SUV, 2015 Hyundai Genesis car and Mercedes-Benz E-Class  car. Eight models earn the highest rating of superior, 13 earn advanced, and three earn a basic rating.

Among the eight superior-rated cars are the Buick Regal, Cadillac CTS, Cadillac XTS and Chevrolet Impala when equipped with GM's forward collision warning and autobrake system and join the superior-rated Cadillac ATS and SRX, which were included in the first round of tests in 2013 .

Recalls Lead To Sales, Safety And Satisfaction

Automotive recalls seem to be "up the yin yang", which the urban dictionary translates to - going to the extreme - and lately the media is having a field day reporting almost each and every one. If you believe that any publicity is good publicity then the carmakers must receive satisfaction in publicizing their efforts to have perfect products. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says that traffic fatalities are the number one killer of Americans under the age of 34 but not because of defective vehicles. NHTSA says there were about 33,000 fatalities, 3.9 million non-fatal injuries, and 24 million damaged vehicles in 2010 blamed on speeding, drunk driving, distractions, ignoring pedestrians and bicyclists and failure to wear seat belts.

The number of recalls is deep in the millions of vehicles - and, just in the month of May. GM alone has a total of 5,560,005 and Ford had 598,758 May vehicle recalls based on data at the NHTSA website. The recalls can be as serious as issues causing fire risks like gas tanks over-filling or switches overheating. Other needed possible life-threatening fixes include doors that may open while driving, fatigued or fractured cables including seat belts, missing bolts or welds, acceleration lag, air bag deployment failure or delay. And there's inoperative lights, wipers and child locks, corrosive parts, voltage fluctuations affecting lights, software glitches and the list goes on. 

Manufacturers voluntarily initiate many of these recalls to comply with laws and presumably for the safety of their customers. Cars have about 30,000 parts, including about 10,000 moving parts, made by hundreds of suppliers who strive for perfection by transitioning raw materials into strictly specified quality items but, by the sheer numbers, defects are inevitable. Then there's the complex assembly process. It's amazing when you think about it.

Recalls are good news for the consumers. They get their vehicle fixed free by the manufacturer which may result in customer satisfaction, a key loyalty metric in the auto business. It 's great news for dealers who get money from the manufacturers and unplanned showroom visits from potential buyers who are waiting for their recall repair. With the average age of a vehicle on the road at 11 years, many people are ripe to purchase a new one - a benefit to the dealer, manufacturer and everyone on the road assuming new vehicles are safer than older ones. Dealer salesmen like nothing more than pouncing on customers walking into the dealership, and recalls bring in the "Up" bus (an industry term for prospects).

Bentley SUV Coming In 2016 - $ave Up

The Bentley SUV countdown to production in 2016 with a range of engines, including a plug-in hybrid option for 2017, continues with a teaser video.

All-New Volvo XC90 Features Start To Dribble Inside Out

The all-new Volvo XC90 seven-seater SUV launch officially begins with the reveal of the interior with safety and interior air quality features coming later this summer, while the reveal of the technology highlights including chassis and powertrains in mid-July and continue throughout the summer until the exterior launch at the end of August.

The second row features three individual seats with recline adjustment. The sliding function can be used to create more legroom for the passengers in the third row or to increase loading space if the third row seats are folded flat. More new XC90 attributes to dribble out through the summer.

2015 Hyundai Sonata Starts at $21,960 Soon

The all-new 2015 Hyundai Sonata starts at $21,960 (including $810 freight charge) for the base SE model with a 185 horsepower 2.4-liter Theta II GDI four-cylinder engine mated to a 6-Speed A/T w/SHIFTRONIC® transmission. The other models are the Sport, Limited and Sport 2.0T with a 245 horsepower 2.0-liter Theta II turbocharged GDI engine. The 2015 Sonata comes standard with seven airbags, including a new driver’s knee airbag. A Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and a Lane Departure Warning System are all available.

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.”