Get Your Kicks On Route 66 - Great Race Finishes At Santa Monica Pier

HEMMINGS MOTOR NEWS GREAT RACE presented by Hagerty, June 20 to June 28 from Kirkwood, Missouri, to Santa Monica, California, traveling along much of Historic US 66, finished today with about a hundred vehicles manufactured in 1972 or earlier crossing the finish line on Santa Monica Pier.

Nissan JUKE-R 2.0 With 600 Horsepower

The Nissan JUKE-R 2.0, based on the newer JUKE model launched in Europe in 2014, has redesigned 100 percent carbon fiber front and rear bumpers and the front fenders, front headlights, taillights and hood are from the new 2015 JUKE. The engine power, according to the Nissan release, has been increased and is rated at 600 horsepower, "the same output as the GT-R, the NISMO."

2016 Chevrolet Cruze - Larger, Lighter Coming In Early 2016

The all-new 2016 Chevrolet Cruze on a 106.3-inch wheelbase is larger, up to 250 pounds lighter and more efficient with a new, standard 153 horsepower 1.4L turbocharged engine with direct injection mated to either a standard six-speed manual or available six-speed automatic transmission that General Motors estimates helps get 40 mpg on the highway. Stop/start technology helps enhance the Cruze’s efficiency in stop-and-go driving. New model range for North America including L, LS, LT and Premier and a more expressive RS package. Standard features include 10 air bags, four-wheel disc brakes, rearview camera and available OnStar 4G LTE with Wi-Fi hotspot. New, available features include wireless phone charging, heated rear leather seats and a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel. Available advanced safety features include Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Keep Assist and Forward Collision Alert. The all-new 2016 Chevrolet Cruze will be offered in more than 40 global markets and goes on sale first in North America in early 2016, with a diesel model to follow in 2017.

Alfa Romeo Giulia Makes World Debut

Alfa Romeo Giulia, the brand's top-of-the-range model, made its World Debut in Italy. The Giulia is powered by a 510 horsepower Ferrari-inspired turbo six-cylinder engine, made entirely of aluminium, accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.9 seconds, and will be introduced on the Quadrifoglio version. The Giulia comes in rear or four-wheel drive. The Guilia features torque vectoring with a double clutch to allow the rear differential to control the torque delivery to each wheel separately. A.L.F.A. (standing for ‘Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili’, which translates as ‘Lombard Automobile Factory, Public Company’ in English) was established on June 24, 1910.

2016 MINI Clubman Goes On Sale In January In U.S.

The new MINI Clubman, with a length of 168.3 inches, a width of 70.9 inches and a height of 56.7 inches, is 10.9 inches longer and 2.9 inches wider than the MINI Hardtop 4 Door, and its wheelbase is 4 inches larger. Its luggage compartment has a volume of 17.5 ft, which can be extended to as much as 47.9 ft by folding down the rear backrest. The new MINI Clubman will have a 134 horsepower TwinPower Turbo 3-cylinder gas engine and the new MINI Cooper S Clubman will have a 189 horsepower TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine. All variants of the new MINI Clubman are fitted as standard with a 6-speed transmission and an 8-speed Steptronic transmission is available as an option for the MINI Cooper S Clubman. The Clubman will go on sale in the U.S. in January 2016. Pricing will be announced in September.

2016 Aston Martin DB9 GT Open For Orders At $199,950

The 2016 Aston Martin DB9 GT powered by an all-alloy, quad overhead cam, 48-valve front mid-mounted 540 horsepower 6.0-liter V12 engine mated to the rear mid-mounted Touchtronic II six-speed transmission with electronic shift-by-wire control system fueling a zero to 62 mph time of 4.5 seconds to a top speed of 183 mph. The DB9 GT is now available to order for $199,950.        

2016 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Arrives Early Next Year

The 2016 Chevrolet Camaro convertible, in its sixth-generation, offered in in LT and SS models, has six all-new powertrain combinations, including a 275 horsepower 2.0L Turbo, a 335 horsepower 3.6L V-6 producing, and the 455 horsepower LT1 6.2L V-8, each available with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. The Camero convertible top is capable of opening or closing at speeds up to 30 mph, fully automatic with latches that automatically release and secure the top and can be opened remotely with the key fob. The new Camaro convertible arrives in early 2016.

Porsche 918 Spyder Comes Off Assembly Line

The Porsche 918 Spyder, with 887 total system horsepower is a performance hybrid with plug-in technology producing an EPA rating of 67 MPGe, featuring five separate cooling circuits and the hybrid cooling of the rear electric motor using air and water. After 21 months of production, the final Porsche 918 Spyder came off the assembly line in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen.

Infiniti Q30 Goes On Sale in Europe In Q4

The Infiniti Q30, the brand's first-ever compact car, will debut at the Frankfurt International Auto Show in September, two years after the Infiniti Q30 Concept was revealed at the 2013 Frankfurt show. The Q30 will go on sale in Europe towards the end of 2015 with other markets to follow.

Mercedes-Benz GLC - Larger and Lighter Than GLK It Replaces

The second generation of the mid-size Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV, renamed from GLK, is larger and yet 110 pounds lighter than the predecessor, and the GLC 300 and GLC 300 4MATIC will be powered by a 241 horsepower 2.0 liter inline 4 cylinder engine mated to a nine-stage 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission.

J.D. Power 2015 U.S. Initial Quality Study

The J.D. Power 2015 U.S. Initial Quality Study examines problems experienced by more than 84,000 purchasers and lessees of new 2015 model-year vehicles surveyed after 90 days of ownership. Initial quality is determined by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles, with a lower score reflecting higher quality. Korean brands lead the industry in initial quality by the widest margin ever, averaging 90 PP100, which is an 11 PP100 improvement from 2014. For the first time in the study, European brands (113 PP100) surpass Japanese brands (114 PP100), while domestic makes (114 PP100) equal the Japanese for only a second time. Entertainment and connectivity systems remain the most problem-prone area for a third consecutive year, with voice recognition and Bluetooth pairing continuing to top the problem list.

Alfa Romeo 4C Arrives For $65,495 This Summer

All-new Alfa Romeo 4C Spider with an all-aluminum 237 horsepower 1750 turbocharged and intercooled engine with dual (intake and exhaust) continuous variable-valve timing, arrives at U.S. and Canadian dealerships this summer with an MSRP of $65,495 (including $1,595 destination). There are Dynamic, Natural or All-weather driving modes and the Alfa Romeo TCT (twin-clutch transmission) can utilize an “auto” mode. With four modes, including “Race” mode, the Alfa DNA selector can optimize the engine, transmission, Alfa Electronic Q2 differential and electronic stability control calibrations to the levels needed by the driver.

2016 Honda Pioneer 1000 Coming This Fall

2016 Honda Pioneer 1000 and Pioneer 1000-5 is powered by a purpose-built inline, twin-cylinder, Unicam® 999cc engine with a 6-speed fully automatic Dual Clutch Transmission. Built in the USA using domestically and globally sourced parts, the Pioneer 1000 is offered in four different configurations, from the base three-person version to the Deluxe five-person model, which features 14-inch aluminum wheels, 27-inch radial tires, LED headlights and electric power steering. Every Pioneer 1000 comes standard with four-wheel-drive, as well as a high-low sub-transmission and 4-mode differential lock, while the five-person model features auto-leveling rear suspension and a full-size convertible bed with Honda's QuickFlip™ seating.

2016 Fiat 500X Arriving Now Offers Mopar Accessories

The all-new 2016 Fiat 500X, arriving now, will offer more than 100 Mopar accessories for additional cost to personalize the latest addition to the FIAT lineup in North America that include: 14 different exterior graphics packages; 18-inch wheels in three different and color options, with a fourth option available in July; racks and carriers for bikes, skis, snowboards, luggage and more; premium leather Katzkin seats; a GPS-enabled stolen vehicle recovery system; Mopar Web Wi-Fi service kit. The 2016 Fiat 500X offers two engine options, an available nine-speed transmission and an all-wheel drive system with a disconnecting rear axle for improved fuel efficiency. The Fiat 500X is available in five trim models and 12 exterior colors. The Fiat 500X was introduced last November at the Los Angeles Auto Show. 

2016 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The 2016 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, the sedan equivalent of the Golf GTI, with a 210 horsepower, 2.0-literTSI® turbocharged and direct-injection four-cylinder engine has new front fascia with a honeycomb grille and foglights, along with a new rear bumper design. A new standard feature is Automatic Post-Collision Braking system which applies the brakes when a primary collision is detected by the airbag sensors. The GLI SEL adds Blind Spot Detection with rear traffic alert, a navigation system, Bi-Xenon headlights with the Adaptive Front-lighting System, and Homelink®. The AFS system swivels the main headlight beams by up to 15 percent as the steering wheel is turned to help illuminate bends in the road more effectively at speeds of more than 6 mph.

2016 BMW 7 Series Starts At $82,250 This Fall

The all-new 2016 BMW 7 Series, in its sixth generation, is 190 pounds lighter with the extensive use of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic and will be introduced in the US this Fall as a long wheelbase version, more than one inch longer than its predecessor, with the 320 horsepower 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine in the 740i and a redesigned 445 horsepower 4.4 liter TwinPower Turbo engine in the 750i xDrive model. Both mated to an eight-speed Sport Automatic Steptronic transmission and featuring Gesture Control, Wireless Charging and the standalone option of the Display Key.

The iDrive system also works in conjunction with standard Gesture Control, which uses 3D sensors to capture pre-selected hand movements in the vicinity of the center console to adjust the audio volume control and accept or reject incoming phone calls.The 740e xDrive joins the BMW plug-in hybrid model lineup in 2016. The MSRP for the BMW 740i will be $82,250 and the BMW 750i xDrive will be $98,350 (prices include $950 Destination and Handling).

2016 Ford Transit Coming In September

The 2016 Ford Transit adds available SYNC 3, rearview camera and new customization options. The flexible-fuel vehicle system will be standard equipment on 2016 Transit Connect vans with 2.5-liter I-4 engines destined for non-California emissions states engineered to run on E85 (85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline), unleaded gasoline or any blend of the two. A 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine is available on Transit Connect vans and Transit Connect Wagon XLT. The bucket seats are available as a no-charge option on the XLT long-wheelbase model, while a six-way power driver’s seat is available in cloth for the first time on XLT. 2016 Transit Connect vans will be available at Ford dealerships beginning in September.

2016 Audi Q3 Starts At $34,625 With More Standard Features

The 2016 Audi Q3, powered by a 200 horsepower 2.0-liter TFSI® four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed Tiptronic® transmission has redesigned front lights, grille, bumper, side sills and rear lights and standard front and rear parking sensors and rearview camera, starts at $34,625 (including $925 destination charges) for the Premium Plus FWD model, $36,725 for the Premium Plus quattro, $39,525 for the Prestige FWD and $41,625 for the Prestige quattro trim level. Combined city/highway EPA estimate is 23 mpg.

May 2015 U.S. Auto Sales

Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac dealers in the United States delivered 293,097 vehicles in May 2015, for General Motors' best May sales since 2007 and its best month since August 2008. Total sales were up 3 percent year over year and retail sales were up 7 percent. General Motors year-to-date sales of 1,246,192 is a 4.9 percent increase over last year.

Ford Motor Company’s total U.S. sales of 250,813 vehicles for May declined 1 percent from a year ago. Retail sales of 171,535 vehicles decline 2 percent. Fleet sales of 79,278 vehicles are flat.

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. reported May 2015 sales of 242,579, a decrease of 0.3 percent from May 2014. Year-to-date sales of 1,021,528, up 6 percent from last year. Toyota division posted May 2015 sales of 212,908, down 1.6 percent while Lexus sales of 29,671 is a 10.2 percent gain.

FCA US (Chrysler, Ram, Dodge, Jeep, Fiat) reported U.S. sales of 202,227, a 4 percent increase compared with sales in May 2014 for the group’s best May sales since 2005. Year-to-date sales are 194,868, up 9 percent over 2014.

American Honda reported May 2015 Honda and Acura vehicle sales of 154,593, up 1.3 percent year-over-year. The Acura Division gaining 16.1 percent on sales of 17,042 vehicles in May and the Honda Division posting sales of 137,551 vehicles, a decrease of 0.3 percent for the month.

Nissan Group announced total U.S. sales for May 2015 of 134,779, dow 0.8 percent from May 2014. Year-to-date sales of 612,255 is 2.9 percent higher than a year ago. Nissan Division finished May with 124,305, a 1 percent drop from 2014 while Infiniti May sales of 10,474 is a 0.9 percent rise.

Hyundai Motor America reported May sales of 63,610, down 10 percent compared with its record-setting month of May 2014. Year-to-date sales of 303,648 are up 2 percent for the year.

Kia Motors America announced all-time best monthly sales of 62,433 vehicles in May, up 3.9 percent over May 2014 and marking the second time Kia has surpassed 60,000 units in a single month. Year-to-date sales are 256,815, up 4.1 percent over last year.

Volkswagen of America reported sales of 34,758 in May 2015, up 8.1 percent from a year ago. Year-to-date sales of 144,006 is a 4.2 percent decline from 2014. Separately, Audi reported May 2015 sales of 18,428 vehicles, an increase of 11 percent, the second-best month since the brand entered the U.S. market in 1970. Audi year-to-date sales of 75,353 is an 11.7 percent gain over last year.

Subaru of America reported record sales for May 2015 totaling 49,561 vehicles, a 12.2 percent gain over May 2014. Year-to-date sales of 228,083 vehicles is a 16 percent gain over the same period in 2014.

The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported May sales of 36,836 vehicles, an increase of 4.3 percent from the same month a year ago. Year-to-date sales of 160,533 is a 10 percent rise over 2014. Sales of BMW brand vehicles increased 4.7 percent in May for a total of 31,003 compared to May, 2014 while MINI USA reports 5,833 automobiles sold, an increase of 1.8 percent from the same month a year ago.  

Mazda North American Operations reported May U.S. sales of 29,606 vehicles, a decrease of 0.4 percent versus last year. Through May, Mazda has sold 131,773 vehicles year-to-date, up 1.2 percent over 2014.

Mercedes-Benz USA reported best-ever May sales volumes for the Mercedes-Benz brand at 29,583, an 11.1 percent increase from May 2014. Sprinter sales totaled 2,769 for the month, up 22.3 percent, combining with 837 units at smart for a May total of 33,189 for MBUSA. Year-to-date, Mercedes-Benz delivered 136,926 units, climbing 9.4 percent from the same time last year. Adding 11,092 units at Sprinter (up 19.5 percent) and 2,850 units at smart, MBUSA posted a year-to-date grand total of 150,868, up 9 percent.

Mitsubishi Motors North America sold 9,575 vehicle in May, an increase of 31.7 percent and MMNA's best May sales total in the last seven years.

Jaguar Land Rover North America reported May 2015 U.S. both brands of 6,586, a 13 percent increase from May 2014.  Land Rover sales reached 5,382, up 19 percent and Jaguar sales were 1,204, down 8 percent. Year-to-date in 2015, Jaguar Land Rover U.S. sales are up 17 percent from 2014.

Volvo Cars of North America reported U.S. sales of 5,023, holding steady compared to May 2014. Year-to-date sales remain similar to last year.

Porsche Cars North America announced May 2015 sales of 4,268 vehicles, a 7.4 percent drop. Year-to-date sales are 20,915, up 11.1 percent over last year.

Sales will be updated as manufacturers report.

2016 Lotus Evora 400 Arrives In December For $89,900

The new 2016 Lotus Evora 400 supercar will have a supercharged and charge-cooled mid-mounted 400 horsepower 3.5-litre V6 engine with 0-60 mph acceleration of 4.1 seconds to a maximum speed of 186 mph when it arrives to North America in December with a price tag of $89,900.

2016 Chevrolet Camaro Goes On Sale Later This Year

The 2016 Chevrolet Camaro, the sixth-generation Camaro, is 200 pounds lighter and has six all-new powertrain combinations, including a 275 horsepower 2.0L Turbo that gets more than 30 mpg on the highway (GM-estimated), an all-new 335 horsepower 3.6L V-6 and a 455 horsepower LT1 6.2L V-8. Each engine is available with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. All Camaro models offer Brembo brakes which come standard on SS. An all-new Drive Mode Selector has Snow/Ice, Tour and Sport modes with Track settings on SS models. The Gen Six Camaro goes on sale later this year, offered in LT and SS models.

2016 Hyundai Elantra Arrives This Month Starting At $18,075

The 2016 Hyundai Elantra has a 145 horsepower 1.8-liter Nu four-cylinder engine in the SE, Value Edition and Limited trims with a six-speed automatic transmission and when equipped with 15 or 16-inch wheels achieves an EPA estimated 28 city/38 highway/32 combined mpg. The Elantra Sport offers a 173 horsepower 2.0-liter Nu GDI engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission which achieves an EPA estimated 24 city/35 highway/28 combined mpg. For the 2016 model year, Elantra has a new Value Edition that bundles 16” alloy wheels, power tilt-and-slide sunroof, leather steering wheel and shift knob, proximity key w/ push button start, heated front seats, chrome beltline molding & aluminum entrance sills, side mirror turn signals and tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, for $1,000 in savings while Elantra Limited now comes standard with proximity key with push-button start and dual automatic temperature control for $600 in savings. The 2016 Elantra  arrives in dealerships this month with a starting MSRP of $18,075 (including $825 freight).

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.