Volvo Cars To Have U.S.-Made Vehicles In 2018

Volvo Cars has chosen Berkeley County, outside of Charleston, South Carolina as the location of its first American factory, investing up to $500 Million in a facility with a capacity to initially produce up to 100,000 cars per year. Volvo Cars estimates that the factory will employ up to 2,000 people over the next decade and up to 4,000 people in the longer term. Construction will begin in early autumn 2015, with the first vehicles expected to roll off the assembly line in 2018, adding to the existing two plants in Europe and two in China. Volvo began importing cars to the US in 1955. From 1963 to 1998 Volvo assembled vehicles in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, so the South Carolina plant production beginning in 2018 marks Volvo's North American manufacturing return after a 20 year absence.

Porsche Experience Center and Headquarters Opens In Atlanta

Porsche Cars North America opened a new $100 million 27-acre Porsche Experience Center and headquarters at the Atlanta International Airport with a 1.6-mile driver development track, classic car gallery, restoration center, human performance center and driving simulator lab. An estimated 30,000 guests are expected to visit the Porsche Experience Center each year with visitors and corporate groups able to test their driving skills, reserve meeting space, view classic Porsche automobiles or dine at Restaurant 356, named after the first production Porsche model. It's Porsche's largest investment outside Germany with ultimately 450 employees.

New BMW 3 Series Sedan and Sports Wagon Include 340i and 330e

The new BMW 3 Series Sedan and Sports Wagon have an engine range of gasoline engines from 180-320 horsepower and a 180 horsepower diesel. The 8-speed Steptronic Sport Automatic transmission with steering wheel paddle shifters is now standard on 328i, 328d and 340i models and a 6-speed manual transmission is available as a no-cost option on 320i, 328i, 340i and 340i xDrive models. The all new BMW 340i has a 320 horsepower inline 6-cylinder TwinPower Turbo gasoline engine equipped with the 8-speed Steptronic transmission accelerating from 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds while the BMW 340i xDrive model takes just 4.6 seconds. The BMW 330e, capable of travelling up to 22 miles in all-electric mode, will be powered by a plug-in hybrid drive system with a combined output of around 250 horsepower and a 0–60 mph acceleration time of approximately 6.1 (preliminary) and a top speed of 140 mph (preliminary).

The new Halogen Headlight design is now available with LED daytime running lights and new for the 3 Series, full LED headlights (standard on 340i models). The Track Handling Package, available on the gasoline engine models only, consists of Variable Sport Steering, Adaptive M Suspension and M Sport Brakes with high temperature Euro brake pads mounted to blue calipers.

2016 Toyota Mirai Coming To California In October

2016 Toyota Mirai, a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle, will be available at select Toyota California dealerships in October with orders starting this summer. Mirai U.S. sales volume is planned for approximately 3,000 units through 2017.

2016 Audi TT Coupe Starts At $42,900, Roadster At $46,400

2016 Audi TT Roadster - European Model

The all-new, third generation 2016 Audi TT model line starts at $42,900 (excluding destination charge, taxes, title, options and dealer charges) for the TT Coupe 2.0 TFSI with a 220 horsepower 2.0L TFSI® engine mated to a six-speed dual clutch S tronic® transmission and the Roadster with the same engine starts at $46,400. The Audi TTS Coupe with a 292 horsepower 2.0L TFSI engine starts at $51,900. The TT will be available as coupe and roadster, and the TTS will be available as a coupe only and all models offer standard Audi drive select and quattro® permanent all-wheel drive. The available Technology package includes Audi MMI navigation plus, Audi connect® with online services, Auto-dimming / power-folding heated exterior mirrors, Parking system plus (front / rear acoustic sensors) with rearview camera, and Audi side assist. Production for the Launch Edition TTS will be limited to 75 units.

Audi R8, A3 Cabriolet, TTS On Screen In “Avengers: Age of Ultron”

Audi has an auto-brand promotional exclusive with “Avengers: Age of Ultron” that features Iron Man Tony Stark (played by Robert Downey Jr.) back in an Audi R8 while other scenes show off an Audi A3 Cabriolet and the new Audi TTS. Audi is going along for the ride with “Avengers: Age of Ultron” which captured $191.3 million, the second-biggest domestic opening weekend box office gross ever, and so far worldwide has tallied $631.1 million since April 22.

2016 Chevrolet Volt Starts At $33,995 Before Rebates

The 2016 Chevrolet Volt will start at $33,995 MSRP (including $825 destination fee & excluding tax, title, license and dealer fees), almost $1,200 less than the current-generation Volt. Pricing will be as low as $26,495 after the full federal tax credit of $7,500. (Federal tax credit can range from $0 up to $7,500.) In California, the vehicle’s largest market, residents of the state will be able to purchase the all-new Volt for as low as $24,995 after state and federal incentives.

The new Volt will offer a GM-estimated 50 miles of all-electric driving range on a single charge, a 31-percent improvement over the first-generation Volt so Volt owners who charge regularly can expect to drive an estimated 1,000 miles or more between fill-ups, based on GM testing. The 2016 Volt will provide owners with fuel economy of a GM-estimated 102 MPGe (electric) and 41 combined mpg on gasoline power.

2016 Cadillac CTS-V Starts At $84,990 Late This Summer

The next-generation 2016 Cadillac CTS-V, equipped with a 640 horsepower 6.2L supercharged V-8 engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with full manual control via steering wheel paddles, launches in late summer priced from $84,990 (including $995 destination charge). The 2016 Cadillac CTS-V has a top speed of 200 mph and 0-60 performance of 3.7 seconds. The smaller ATS-V coupe and sedan with a 464 horsepower Twin Turbo V-6 engine launch first in late spring priced from $61,460 and boasts 0-60 acceleration of just 3.9 seconds.

2016 Jaguar XE Coming To U.S. Next Year

The 2016 Jaguar XE, with a 340 horsepower supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shift controls accelerating from 0-60 mph in just 4.9 seconds with an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph, goes on sale in 2015 in global markets and in 2016 in the United States and Canada.

April 2015 U.S. Vehicle Sales

General Motors' Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac dealers in the United States delivered 269,056 vehicles in April 2015, up 5.9 percent year over year. Retail deliveries were up 5 percent, fleet deliveries were up 8 percent and commercial sales were the highest since March 2008. Year-to-date sales of 953,095 is a 5.5 percent increase of 2014.

Ford Motor Company total U.S. sales in April were 222,498 vehicles sold, a 5 percent increase and its best April retail sales in nine years. Year-to-date sales of 817,161 is a 2.9 percent gain over 2014.

Toyota, Scion and Lexus reported total April 2015 sales results of 203,329, an increase of 1.8 percent from April 2014. Year-to-date sales of 778,949 is an 8.1 percent gain over 2014. Lexus posted sales of 25,876, up 11.7 percent from April 2014.

FCA US (Chrysler, Jeep®, Ram Truck, Dodge, Fiat & Alfa) reported U.S. sales of 189,027, a 6 percent increase compared with sales in April 2014 and the group’s best April sales since 2007. Year-to-date sales of 694,881 is also a 6 percent gain over last year.

American Honda Motor reported April 2015 Honda and Acura vehicle sales of 130,068, down 1.8 percent versus a strong April 2014. Year-to-date sales of 464,011 is a 1.4 percent rise over 2014. Honda Division posted sales of 115,194 vehicles in April, a decrease of 2.7 percent for the month, and the Acura Division gained 5.3 percent on sales of 14,874 vehicles in the same period.

Nissan Group announced total U.S. sales for April 2015 of 109,848, an increase of 5.7 percent over the prior year and an April record. Year-to-date sales of 477,476, up 4 percent over a year ago.

Hyundai Motor America reported its best April ever, selling 68,009, a 3 percent increase compared with sales in April 2014 and year-to-date sales of 240,038 is a 6 percent gain from the same period last year.

Kia Motors America April sales of 53,282 vehicles is a 0.7 percent drop from 2014 , Year-to-date sales are 194,382, up 4.1 percent from a year ago.

Subaru of America reported record sales for April 2015 totaling 47,241 vehicles, an 18 percent gain over April 2014, the 14th consecutive month of 40,000+ vehicle sales. Year-to-date sales of 178,522 is a 17.9 percent gain over the same period in 2014. Year-to-date sales of 178,522 is up 17.1 percent over last year.

Volkswagen of America reported sales of 30,009 in April 2015, a 2.7 percent drop from a year ago. Year-to-date sales of 109,248 is a 7.5 percent decline. Separately, Audi reported April 2015 sales of 16,827 vehicles, a 7.5 percent increase and the brand's 52nd straight month of record U.S. sales. Year-to-date Audi sales are 56,925, up 11.9 percent.

Mercedes-Benz USA reported record April sales for the Mercedes-Benz brand with 29,188, up 12.8 percent from  the same month last year. Sprinter posted a gain of 15.5 percent to 2,764 vehicles in April, combining with 480 units at smart for a monthly total of 32,432 for MBUSA. On a year-to-date basis, Mercedes-Benz sold 107,344 vehicles, increasing 9 percent. Adding 8,323 at Sprinter (up 18.6%) and 2,013 at smart, the company's year-to-date grand total hit 117,680.

BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported April sales of 32,428 vehicles, an increase of 9.6 percent from the same month a year ago. Year-to-date sales of 123,697 is an 11.8 percent rise over last year. Sales of BMW brand vehicles increased 6.9 percent in April for a total of 26,952 compared to April, 2014.

Mazda North American Operations reported April U.S. sales of 24,123 vehicles, representing an increase of 7.5 percent versus last year. Through April, Mazda has sold 102,167 vehicles, up 1.7 percent year-to-date.

Mitsubishi Motors North America April 2015 vehicle sales of 8,216 was a 25.6 percent sales increase from April 2014 for the best April sales total in the last seven years. Year-to-date sales are 32,006, up 21.3 percent from last year.

Jaguar Land Rover North America reported April 2015 U.S. sales for both brands of 6,390, a 15 percent increase from April 2014.  Land Rover sales reached 5,311, up 17 percent and Jaguar sales were 1,079, up 4 percent from April 2014. Year-to-date in 2015, Jaguar Land Rover U.S. sales are up 19 percent from 2014.

Porsche Cars North America announced April 2015 sales of 5,217 vehicles, up 28 percent compared to April 2014. Year-to-date sales of 16,647 is a 17.2 increase from last year's first four months.

Volvo Cars of North America reported U.S. sales of 4,636, holding steady compared to April 2014. Year-to-date sales remain similar to last year.

Sales will be updated as manufacturers report.

Video: Tesla Motors Board Member Kimbal Musk

Tesla Motors Board Member Kimbal Musk, brother of Elon Musk, discusses Tesla Motors news at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills where he sat on a panel providing insight into impact investing. Kimbal is Chef and Co-Founder of The Kitchen, with restaurants in Colorado. In addition, to Tesla, he is also on the board of SpaceX and Chipotle Mexican Grill.

2016 Subaru WRX Starts At $27,390 This Summer

The 2016 Subaru WRX with a 268 horsepower 2.0-liter direct injection turbo BOXER engine and standard Symmetrical All Wheel Drive comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission and offers an optional performance automatic transmission, the Sport Lineartronic™ with manual mode with a starting MSRP of $27,390 (including $795 destination & delivery). For the WRX Premium with 6-speed manual transmission, the upgraded Subaru STARLINK 7.0” Multimedia Navigation system comes in a $2,100 package that also includes the harman/kardon amplifier and 9-speaker premium sound system. The top-of-line Limited trim, starting at $31,190, has leather-trimmed upholstery, an 8-way power driver’s seat and Welcome Lighting.

The 2016 Subaru WRX STI with a 305 horsepower 2.5-liter turbocharged/intercooled BOXER engine has a starting MSRP of $35,490 (including $795 destination & delivery). For the 2016 WRX STI Limited trim, a low-profile trunk spoiler is now available as a no-cost option in place of the standard large signature wing. The standard trim STI can be upgraded with a Navigation option packaged with the harman/kardon amplifier and 9-speaker premium sound system along with Keyless Access and Push Button Start with PIN Code Access for $2,600. A rear vision camera is standard on all trims. The 2016 WRX models have safety features including Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. In addition, new STARLINK™ touch screen infotainment systems offer a significantly enhanced user experience in all models. The 2016 models will arrive at Subaru dealerships this summer.

2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Leading The Brand Back

The new 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander seven-passenger crossover, boasting over 100 engineering and design improvements, is powered by a 166 horsepower 2.4L MIVEC SOHC 16-valve Inline 4-cylinder engine mated to the new generation continuously-variable transmission offered in the two wheel drive ES and AWD SE, SEL trims. The GT model has a 224 horsepower 3.0L MIVEC SOHC 24-valve V6 engine. The new 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander has increased body and suspension structural rigidity, redesigned suspension and Electric Power Steering, noise-isolating windshield and rear door glass, more sound insulation, new dynamic front suspension and rear differential dampers, improved weather stripping and engine compartment trim and a 6 speaker 140-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system. Mitsubishi’s advanced safety systems including Forward Collision Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning and Adaptive Cruise Control are now available for the SEL and GT Models. Mitsubishi offers a fully transferable 5-year/60,000 mile new vehicle limited warranty, a 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain limited warranty, a 7-year/100,000-mile anti-corrosion perforation limited warranty and a 5-year/unlimited mile roadside assistance.

2016 smart fortwo Coming In September

The all-new 2016 smart fortwo with the length unchanged at 8.8 feet and a 3.9 inch wider track powered by an 89 horsepower turbocharged three-cylinder engine mated to either a five-speed manual transmission or the twinamic automatic dual clutch transmission, launched in Europe in November 2014, will arrive in U.S. dealerships September. The smart fortwo comes with 8 airbags as standard and standard-fit crosswind assist, active from 50 mph when driving straight ahead and in gentle bends, is able to defuse dangerous gusty winds by carrying out specific braking intervention when the vehicle threatens to drift off track. The entry-level pure version has LED daytime driving lights, central locking with radio remote control, cruise control, multifunction steering wheel, smart radio with CD-Player, Bluetooth (handsfree/audio streaming), power steering,  exterior temperature indicator with frost warning, instrument cluster with 3.5 in color display and trip computer and power windows. Upgraded trim lines passion, prime and proxy have features that include a leather multifunction steering wheel, power and heated mirrors, height adjustable driver seat, armrest, and retractable cargo cover. The Sport package and Lighting package offer more options. Five years after the market launch, China is the third most successful market for smart, after Germany and Italy.

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Gets 30 Combined MPG This Summer

The 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata, lighter, quicker than its predecessor, with a SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter engine achieving an EPA-estimated 27 mpg city/34 mpg highway/30 mpg combined when equipped with the standard SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission (EPA-estimated 27 mpg city/36 mpg highway/30 mpg combined when equipped with the six-speed automatic). The 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata goes on sale this summer.

2016 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 C7.R Edition - 500 On Sale Later This Year

2016 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 C7.R Edition with the 650-horsepower supercharged LT4 engine is track-capable and only 500 will be built and include the Z07 Performance Package with Brembo carbon ceramic brakes and Michelin PS Cup 2 tires, a specially serialized vehicle identification number starting with VIN 700001, visible carbon fiber ground effects package, new visible carbon fiber hood section, available front curb view parking camera and MyLink connectivity enhancements with smartphone projection technology . 2016 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 C7.R Edition goes on sale later this year.

Infiniti Q70L Bespoke Edition

Infiniti Q70L Bespoke Edition with a 5.9-inch longer wheelbase features four seats wrapped in white quilted leather.

2016 Lexus ES Debuts In Shanghai

The 2016 Lexus ES luxury sedan in the U.S. will continue with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine and a gasoline-electric hybrid powerplant while engineers have made structural reinforcements for stiffness in the vehicle’s unibody construction and a sound-reducing layer behind the dashboard to better isolate engine noise from the cabin. The ES offers Lexus Safety System which includes a Pre-Collision System to detect vehicles and pedestrians, Brake Assist to activate emergency braking, Lane Departure Alert and Radar Cruise Control that uses millimeter-wave radar to detect the speed of the vehicle ahead in order to adjust the cruise control speed setting accordingly.

Nissan Lannia Designed For Young Drivers In China

Nissan Lannia, introduced at Auto Shanghai 2015, was designed by Nissan Design China for young Chinese drivers.

Volkswagen C Coupé GTE Plug-In Hybrid

Volkswagen C Coupé GTE plug-in hybrid sport sedan is 199.7 inches long, 76.0 inches wide and 56.9 inches high powered by a 212 horsepower four-cylinder turbocharged and direct-injection TSI gasoline engine combined with a 126 horsepower electric motor, and mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission for a total system output of 248 horsepower. The concept car can travel up to 31 miles in zero emissions E-mode, at up to 81 mph. It has NEDC combined fuel consumption of 102 mpg, a total range of more than 684 miles with 0 to 62 mph acceleration of 8.6 seconds reaching a top speed of 144 mph.

Ford Taurus Debuts in Shanghai for China Market

The new Ford Taurus with a new twin-turbo 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, unveiled in Shanghai, is designed especially to meet the needs of the Chinese market with power reclining rear seats with a massage function, a panoramic sunroof, plenty of second-row legroom, and a rear-seat control panel for air conditioning, seat functions and car media.

Mercedes-Benz Concept GLC Coupé Is Near Production

Mercedes-Benz Concept GLC Coupé carries the GLE Coupé formula over into a more compact segment with an overall length of 186.2 inches on a 111.4 inch wheelbase and powered by a 367 horsepower biturbo V6 engine teamed with a 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission and 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive. Mercedes-Benz calls the above pictured GLC as a "near-production-standard show car".

Cadillac CT6 Plug-In Hybrid Electric Joins CT6 Line-Up

The Cadillac CT6 Plug-In Hybrid Electric joins the upcoming range-topping CT6 sedan line-up combining an all-new rear wheel electric variable transmission to a 335 horsepower two-motor system with a 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder engine with spark-ignited direct injection and variable valve technology. An 18.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack is located between the rear seat and the trunk and is comprised of 192 prismatic pouch cells, which use the latest generation cell chemistry found in other GM plug-in vehicles. Range estimates will be provided closer to U.S. launch of the Plug-In Hybrid Electric model.

Audi prologue allroad plug-in hybrid

The Audi prologue allroad plug-in hybrid joins the Audi prologue and Audi prologue Avant in the prologue line-up with a 4.0 TFSI V8 with twin turbocharged engine combined with an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed tiptronic to produce 734 horsepower driving the quattro all-wheel drive system. The show car accelerates from 0 to 62.1 mph in 3.5 seconds and gets 98 mpg.

2016 Nissan 370Z Coupe Starts At $30,815 Now

The 2016 Nissan 370Z Coupe equipped with a standard 332 horsepower 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control and mated to a 6-speed manual transmission starts at $30,815 (including $825 destination and handling) and is on sale now. The top-of-the-line 370Z Coupe Touring with a 7-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters starts at $40,095. The 2016 Nissan 370Z Coupe is offered in four well-equipped trim levels 370Z, Sport, Sport Tech and Touring, with no available option packages.

The 2016 Nissan 370Z Roadster with a 332-horsepower 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control matched with an electronically controlled 7-speed automatic transmission with Downshift Rev Matching and standard paddle shifters starts at $42,645 (including $825 destination and handling).

The 2016 Nissan 370Z NISMO with 350-horsepower 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control mated to a 6-speed manual transmission starts at $42,815 (including $825 destination and handling).

2016 Honda Pilot Goes On Sale This Summer

The all-new, third generation 2016 Honda Pilot has a 280 horsepower direct injected 3.5-liter SOHC i-VTEC® Earth Dreams™ Technology engine, 30 more than its predecessor, matched to a choice of a 6-speed automatic transmission or, on upper trims, a 9-speed automatic transmission. The 2016 Pilot is available in a new top-of-the-line Elite trim together with LX, EX, EX with Honda Sensing™, EX-L, EX-L with Honda Sensing™ and Touring trims. The available Honda Sensing™ suite of safety and driver assistive technologies includes Collision Mitigation Braking System™ with Forward Collision Warning, Road Departure Mitigation System, Lane Keeping Assist System with Lane Departure Warning and Adaptive Cruise Control. The 2016 Pilot has an all-new selectable Intelligent Traction Management system featuring Normal, Mud, Sand, and Snow modes on the AWD model and Normal and Snow on the 2WD model. The 2016 Pilot will go on sale this summer.

Honda Civic Concept Previews New Fall Line-Up

The Honda Civic Concept is a preview to the 10th-generation Civic lineup launching in the U.S. this Fall featuring a longer wheelbase and lower, wider stance, with new Earth Dreams Technology™ powertrains, including a new 1.5-liter VTEC® Turbo engine with direct injection, a short-shifting 6-speed manual transmission, and a new, more sporty and efficient continuously variable transmission. The new Civic lineup will include Civic Sedan, Coupe and Si models along with the return of the Civic hatchback, followed by the launch of a new Civic Type-R as the performance flagship of the Civic lineup. The new Civic will offer the Honda Sensing™ suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies, including Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, Multi-Angle Rearview Camera, Adaptive Cruise Control and Honda LaneWatch™, along with Honda's next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ body structure.

2016 Chevrolet Spark Goes On Sale In The 4th Quarter

The all-new 2016 Chevrolet Spark, with a slightly longer wheelbase and an overall height about 1.6 inches lower than the current model, is completely redesigned with new, available safety and connectivity features and an all-new 98 horsepower Ecotec 1.4L I-4 engine with manual and continuously variable transmissions delivering a GM-estimated 40 mpg on the highway with the available CVT. The 2016 Chevrolet Spark will be produced from globally sourced parts at GM’s Changwon, South Korea assembly facility and goes on sale in the United States in the fourth quarter of 2015.

2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Coming This Fall

The 2016 Toyota RAV4 hybrid, offered in XLE and Limited trim levels, is Toyota's eighth hybrid offering as part of the refreshed 2016 RAV4 launching this Fall. All 2016 RAV4 models will feature refreshed exterior styling with a new front fascia with an available LED lights, a new lower rocker panel to the rear bumper and lift gate with available LED taillights.  Additional new exterior features include front and rear silver skid plate garnishes on most models and a standard shark fin antenna.

2016 Nissan Maxima On Sale Early Summer Starting At $33,235

The all-new 2016 Nissan Maxima gets a redesigned 300 horsepower 3.5-liter VQ-series V6 engine mated to a new performance-oriented Xtronic transmission anticipated to achieve a 15 percent increase in highway fuel economy to an EPA estimated 30 miles per gallon. The all-new Maxima, now offered in five grade levels including new SL, SR and Platinum grades, goes on sale in early summer 2015 with a $33,235 starting MSRP (including $825 destination and handling charge). Included as standard is NissanConnect with navigation, 8.0-inch touch-screen display, Remote Engine Start and RearView Monitor.

2016 Infiniti QX50 Goes On Sale In The Fall

The 2016 Infiniti QX50 equipped with a standard 325-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 engine and a 7-speed automatic transmission will have a new look when it goes on sale in North America in Fall 2015. The QX50 wheelbase has been extended by 3.2 inches, with most of the gain, 4.3 inches of additional legroom for rear seat passengers. Overall, interior volume has been increased by 8.3 cubic feet, including an additional 2.7 cubic feet of cargo space.

2016 Hyundai Tucson Coming In July

The all-new 2016 Hyundai Tucson crossover utility vehicle has a one inch longer wheelbase is stiffer, lighter and wider with greater interior volume and five cubic feet more cargo room over the previous model. The base models offer 164 horsepower 2.0-liter, direct-injected four-cylinder engine coupled to a 6-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC™ manual shifting mode and includes an overdrive lock-up torque converter for higher fuel economy at highway speeds. Based on internal tests, fuel economy for the 2.0L FWD model is estimated at 23 (city), 31 (highway), 26 (combined). Eco, Sport and Limited models offer a new 175 horsepower 1.6-liter turbocharged, direct-injected four-cylinder engine coupled to a new seven-speed EcoShift® dual-clutch transmission. Based on internal tests, estimated fuel economy for this powertrain on Eco FWD models is 26 (city), 33 (highway), 29 (combined), a 5-mpg improvement over the former Tucson 2.4L engine. Sport and Limited FWD turbo engine models are estimated at 25 (city), 30 (highway), 27 (combined), representing a 3-mpg improvement in combined fuel economy over the former Tucson 2.4L engine. In addition, the new Tucson’s fuel tank has been increased by 1.1 gallons for even greater driving range. The new Tucson will arrive at Hyundai dealers in July.

2016 Kia Optima Coming With 3 Engine Choices In The 4th Quarter

The all-new 2016 Kia Optima wheelbase has been extended 0.4 inches to 110.4 inches and widened by an inch to 73.2 inches with a new 178 horsepower 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that’s mated to a seven-speed Dual Clutch Transmission. Carrying over are the 185 horsepower 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder, available on the LX and EX models, and the 247 horsepower 2.0-liter GDI turbo engine, available on the SXL and SX Turbo models, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic® shifting while the SX and SXL trims add paddle shifters. The all-new 2016 Kia Optima will come in LX, LX Turbo, EX, SX Turbo and SXL trim levels when sales begin in the fourth quarter of 2015. As with its predecessor, the all-new Optima will be built at Kia’s plant* in West Point, Georgia.  Pricing will be announced closer to the vehicle’s launch date.

Subaru STI Performance Concept Signals More High Performance Coming

The Subaru STI Performance Concept signifies a plan for U.S.-expansion of Subaru Tecnica International (STI), the performance division of Subaru, in its three core business areas: aftermarket parts, STI-tuned cars and motorsports.

2016 Scion iM Arrives This Fall

The all-new 2016 Scion iM has a 137 horsepower 1.8-liter 4-cylinder DOHC Valvematic engine mated to a standard 6-speed stick shift transmission and comes with eight standard airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag and a front passenger seat cushion airbag. The all-new 2016 Scion iM arrives in dealerships this Fall, starting under $20,000. The Scion iM Concept debuted at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show.

2016 Scion iA Coming This Fall

The 2016 Scion iA sedan has a high-compression 106 horsepower 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with a choice of 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmissions delivering manufacturer-estimated fuel economy ratings of 33 city / 42 highway / 37 combined MPG. The Scion iA comes with a Low-speed Pre-collision system that uses a laser sensor to help the driver avoid collisions and to help minimize damage in the event of an accident. A rear view back-up camera is also standard. The new 2016 Scion iA will arrive in dealerships this Fall for an estimated MSRP in the $16,000-range.

Porsche Boxster Spyder Coming In October For $83,095

Porsche Boxster Spyder has a 375 horsepower 3.8-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine that takes it  from 0 to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds and to a top track speed of 180 mph. The new Boxster Spyder will be launched in the U.S. market in October and can now be ordered at dealerships. In the United States, the MSRP is $83,095 (including a $995 destination charge).

2016 Cadillac CT6 Coming At Year End

The 2016 Cadillac CT6, one of eight all-new vehicles the brand will launch by the end of the decade, sits on a 122.4-inch wheelbase and offers an all-new Cadillac 3.0L Twin Turbo engine at an estimated 400 horsepower, a new 335 horsepower 3.6L V-6 naturally aspirated engine or a 265 horsepower 2.0L I-4 turbocharged engine, all mated to a new eight-speed automatic transmission. Production of the 2016 Cadillac CT6 begins at the end of 2015 for the North American market.

2016 Jaguar XF Coming This Winter

The all-new second generation 2016 Jaguar XF large luxury sedan featuring Jaguar aluminum-intensive construction will be offered in rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, with a choice between a 340 horsepower or a 380 horsepower 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engine available with one of two eight-speed automatic ZF® transmissions. The 2016 XF sedan launches in Winter 2015.

2016 Chevrolet Malibu Coming In 4th Quarter This Year

Chevrolet introduced its ninth generation all-new 2016 Malibu midsize sedan, completely restyled and engineered to offer more efficiency, connectivity and advanced safety features is four inches longer and nearly 300 pounds lighter than the current model. The all-new 2016 Malibu offers a 182 horsepower hybrid powertrain with a direct-injection 1.8L four-cylinder engine mated to a two-motor drive unit that has been slightly modified from the 2016 Chevrolet Volt to provide a GM-estimated 48 mpg city, 45 mpg highway for 47 mpg combined. The Malibu’s standard 160 horsepower 1.5L turbo powertrain is projected to offer 37 mpg highway. There's also a 250 horsepower 2.0L turbo mated to a new eight-speed automatic transmission. The new Malibu will be offered in L, LS, LT and Premier trims, as well as the Hybrid model and goes on sale in the fourth quarter of 2015.

2016 Lexus RX Is Longer With More Horsepower

The all-new 2016 Lexus RX, 4.7 inches longer than the current model, has a more powerful 300 horsepower 3.5-liter direct injection V6 engine mated to a new eight-speed automatic transmission. That's 30 more horsepower than the 2015 model. The RX 450h’s Atkinson-cycle 3.5-liter V6 when combined with the electric motor generator also results in around 300 horsepower. The RX has a completely new front end highlighted by a spindle grille, more aggressive front bumper and available triple L-shaped LED headlamps with the all-new LED fog lamps and LED daytime running lights. The RX F SPORT (AWD models only - pictured above), will be available with both models’ engine offerings for the first time.

McLaren 570S Coupé Coming Later This Year

The McLaren 570S Coupé with a 562 horsepower 3.8-liter V8 twin turbo engine will retail from £143,250 ($213,730) while the the 540C Coupe, to be unveiled at the Shanghai Auto Show later this month, will start at £126,000 ($187,992). The all-new lightweight carbon fiber chassis, race-derived McLaren Sports Series supercars will commence deliveries later this year.

2015 Mercedes-AMG C63 Starts At $64,825 This Month

The 2015 Mercedes-AMG C63 and C63 S sedans have starting MSRPs of $64,825 (including $925 destination/delivery charge) for the C63 sedan with a 469 horsepower V8 bi-turbo engine and $72,825 for the 503 horsepower C63 S sedan when they launch this month.

March 2015 U.S. Car Sales

General Motors' Chevrolet, GMC, Buick and Cadillac dealers in the United States delivered 249,875 vehicles in March 2015, down 2.4 percent year over year. Fleet deliveries were up 5 percent and retail deliveries declined 5 percent. Year-to-date GM sales of 182,710 is a 5 percent decline.

Ford Motor Company posted overall sales of 235,929 vehicles, down 3.4 percent. Year-to-date Ford sales of 594,663 is a 2 percent gain over last year. Lincoln division sales 8,695 was down 3.1 percent and year-to-date sales of 21,478 was a 0.6 percent decline.

Toyota Motor Sales reported March 2015 sales of 225,959, an increase of 4.9 percent from March 2014. Toyota division posted March 2015 sales of 194,905, up 4.4 percent and Lexus set a new March sales record of 31,054, up 8.6 percent from March. Year-to-date sales of 575,620 is a 10.5 percent rise over 2014.

FCA US (Chrysler, Jeep®, Ram Truck, Dodge, Fiat) reported U.S. sales of 197,261, a 2 percent increase compared with sales in March 2014, the group’s best March sales since 2007. Year-to-date sales of 505,854 is a 6 percent increase.

Nissan total U.S. sales for March 2015 of 145,085, a 2.7 percent drop from 2014. Nissan division March sales of 132,560 was down 3 percent from a year ago while Infiniti March sales were 12,525, up 0.2 percent over 2014. Year-to-date total sales of 367,628 is a 3.6 percent rise over a year ago.

American Honda reported March 2015 Honda and Acura vehicle sales of 126,293, a decrease of 5.3 percent versus March 2014. The Honda Division sold 111,623 vehicles in March, a decrease of 5.2 percent for the month. The Acura brand posted sales of 14,670, down 5.8 percent over the same period last year. Year-to-date total sales of 333,943 is a 2.6 percent gain over last year.

Hyundai Motor America reported its best month ever, selling 75,019 vehicles, up 12 percent versus the same period last year. Year-to-date sales of 172,029 is a 7.5 percent increase over 2014.

Kia Motors America reported record March sales of 58,771 vehicles, up 7.3 percent over the same period last year. Year-to-date sales of 141,100 is a 6.1 percent gain over 2014.

Subaru of America reported record sales for March 2015 totaling 49,111 vehicles, a 10.4 percent gain over March 2014. Year-to-date sales of 131,281 is a 16.8 percent gain over the same period in 2014.

The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported March sales of 40,139 vehicles, an increase of 12.2 percent from the same month a year ago. Year-to-date sales of 91,269 for the group is a 12.6 percent increase over last year. BMW brand vehicle sales increased 6.9 percent in March for a total of 34,310 compared to March 2014.

Mazda North American Operations reported March U.S. sales of 32,123 vehicles, representing a decrease of 8.0 percent versus last year. Through March, Mazda has sold 78,044 vehicles year-to-date, a 1.3 percent decline from last year.

Volkswagen of America reported sales of 30,025 in March 2015, down 18.2 percent from 2014 and year-to-date sales of 79,239 is a 9.3 percent slide from a year ago. Separately, Audi of America reported that its March 2015 sales increased 20 percent to 17,102 vehicles, the second-best month in U.S. sales. Through the first quarter of 2015, Audi U.S. sales rose 13.8 percent from last year to 40,098 vehicles.

Mercedes-Benz reported best-ever March sales of 29,921, increasing 9.2 percent from the same month last year. Retail volumes for Sprinter Vans climbed 24.2 percent to 2,379, combining with 583 units at smart for a March total of 32,883 for Mercedes-Benz USA. Year-to-date, Mercedes-Benz delivered 78,156 vehicles, up 7.6 percent. Adding 5,559 units for Sprinter and 1,533 units for smart, MBUSA achieved a record first-quarter close of 85,248.

Mitsubishi Motors North America reported March 2015 vehicle sales of 9,764, an 8.5 percent sales increase from March 2014. Sales in the first quarter of 2015 are up 19.9 percent from the same period last year.

Volvo Cars of North America reported U.S. sales of 5,916, steady compared to March 2014. Year-to-date sales are up 0.2 percent over the first quarter of 2014.

Porsche Cars North America announced March 2015 sales of 4,291 vehicles, a 12.7 gain over 2014. Year-to-date sales of 11,430 is 12.8 percent higher than the same period in 2014.

Sales will be updated a manufacturers report.

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Starts At $25,735 This Summer

The 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata powered by a 155 horsepower 2.0-liter SKYACTIV engine will start at $25,735 (including $820 destination charge) in entry-level Sport trim. The 2016 MX-5 launches this summer and will be available in Sport, Club and Grand Touring trim levels. Mazda's fourth-generation flagship roadster is shorter than the first-generation MX-5 that came to the U.S. in 1989, yet wider than the outgoing model and with its engine lower and farther back in its chassis. The MX-5 has standard features that include a six-speed manual transmission, LED headlights, USB audio input, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, a leather-wrapped shift knob and power door locks.

Lincoln Continental Coming Next Year

Lincoln Continental Concept, an all-new full-size sedan coming next year with a new 3.0-liter V6 EcoBoost Engine and Lincoln Drive Control that offers a choice of normal, sport and comfort driving modes. Features include an SPD SmartGlass® tinting sunroof blocking 99 percent of UV rays, the premium audio Revel Ultima System, E-Latch door handles, Approach Detection that lights up the car inside and out to greet you, fully reclining rear seats when the empty front passenger seat is repositioned, a rear-seat tablet lap tray that deploys from the center console, interior ambient lighting, a champagne storage compartment, and Venetian leather first-class travel cases. The Concept will debut this week at the New York International Auto Show.

Mercedes-Benz GLE Offers Lots of Engine Choices

The new Mercedes-Benz GLE, formerly ML, is offered as the GLE350 and GLE350 4MATIC with a 302 horsepower V6 engine, the GLE400 4MATIC powered by a 329 horsepower direct-injection twin-turbo V6 engine, the GLE550e 4MATIC plug-in hybrid with the 329 horsepower V6 direct-injection gasoline engine combined with a 114 horsepower electric motor, the GLE300d with a 201 horsepower four-cylinder diesel engine, the high-performance Mercedes-AMG GLE63 4MATIC with a 550 horsepower 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 engine and the GLE63 4MATIC S-model houses a 577 horsepower version of the V8 engine. The towing capacity of the GLE is up to 7700 lbs on non-diesel models.