The all-new 2014 Toyota Highlander mid-size SUV will makes its world debut at the New York Auto Show next week. The Highlander was launched in the 2001 model year with the larger second generation version arriving in 2007 which coincidentally saw a sales decline, either because of its bigger size or more likely due to the "end of the world" recession that hit. The latest RAV4 lost its exposed rear spare tire so let's see if the third generation Highlander sheds a little size for those who loved the smaller first generation version. My brother loves his first generation model Highlander hybrid. It's a vehicle that has been high on my list so I'm hoping the all-new is all-right.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
All-new 2014 Toyota Highlander Debuts Next Week
The all-new 2014 Toyota Highlander mid-size SUV will makes its world debut at the New York Auto Show next week. The Highlander was launched in the 2001 model year with the larger second generation version arriving in 2007 which coincidentally saw a sales decline, either because of its bigger size or more likely due to the "end of the world" recession that hit. The latest RAV4 lost its exposed rear spare tire so let's see if the third generation Highlander sheds a little size for those who loved the smaller first generation version. My brother loves his first generation model Highlander hybrid. It's a vehicle that has been high on my list so I'm hoping the all-new is all-right.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
2013 Audi RS 5 Cabriolet At $77,900 Next Month
The all-new 2013 Audi RS 5 Cabriolet with a 450 horsepower naturally aspirated 4.2 liter V8 engine starts at $77,900 next month with an EPA estimated 16 city / 22 highway/ 18 combined and no gas guzzler tax. The RS 5 Cabriolet will have an optional ceramic brakes for the front rotors, a standalone package priced at $6,000.
2014 Kia Forte Starts At $16,700
The all-new 2014 Kia Forte sedan propelled by either a 148-horsepower 1.8-liter engine or a 173-horsepower 2.0-liter 173-horsepower GDI starts at $16,700 including $800 in destination charges for the LX with a 1.8-liter engine and manual transmission. The LX with a 1.8-liter engine and automatic transmission has a base price of $18,200 and the EX with a 2.0-liter GDI powerplant and automatic transmission starts at $20,200.
Monday, March 18, 2013
Acura Gets New Creative Ad Agency
American Honda has selected MediaVest as the media agency serving both Honda and Acura brands, with RPA the creative agency for the Honda automobile brand and Mullen as the creative agency for the Acura brand. RPA, Mullen and MediaVest together with Muse Communications and Orci, which retain the multicultural assignments, will report directly to American Honda rather than through a single agency.
Santa Monica-based RPA or Rubin Postaer and Associates has had the Honda Corporate business a long time and took over the Acura account from Suissa Miller in 1999. Word is RPA has a strong connection to Honda's Japan headquarters so may not have been in jeopardy over losing the entire business though they did lose the Acura work.
Mullen, headquartered in Boston, with accounts like General Motors, Google, Adidas and Jet Blue, according to their website client list and will now get the Acura creative assignment as the brand is in the midst of the complete makeover of its product lineup. In 2012, Acura launched a redesigned RDX and new ILX entry-luxury sedan and for 2013, the all-new 2014 RLX flagship sedan went on sale with an all-new 2014 MDX coming to market by mid-year. Acura has also announced plans for the introduction of the next generation of the Acura NSX (above) in about two years. Can't wait to see their ads and, more importantly, how they affect sales.
Friday, March 15, 2013
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
J.D. Power and Associates 2013 Customer Service Index Study
The J.D. Power and Associates 2013 Customer Service Index Study, Lexus ranks highest among luxury nameplates for a fifth consecutive year, and GMC ranks highest among mass-market nameplates. Among luxury brands, Cadillac, Jaguar, Acura, and Infiniti follow Lexus in the rankings. Among mass market brands, Mini, Buick, Chevrolet, and Volkswagen follow GMC.
The CSI Study measures customer satisfaction among vehicle owners who visit a dealership service department for maintenance or repair work during the first 3 years of ownership. Satisfaction is examined across five measures, listed in order of importance: service quality; service initiation; service advisor; service facility; and vehicle pick-up. Survey responses received from 91,000 owners and lessees of 2008 to 2012 model-year vehicles were included in the study.
Courtesy of JD Power & Associates
The CSI Study measures customer satisfaction among vehicle owners who visit a dealership service department for maintenance or repair work during the first 3 years of ownership. Satisfaction is examined across five measures, listed in order of importance: service quality; service initiation; service advisor; service facility; and vehicle pick-up. Survey responses received from 91,000 owners and lessees of 2008 to 2012 model-year vehicles were included in the study.
Courtesy of JD Power & Associates
BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo Makes U.S. Debut In New York
The all-new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo makes its U.S. debut at the New York International Auto Show in two weeks and will arrive in U.S. showrooms this summer as a 2014 model as both a 328i and a 335i. The BMW 328i Gran Turismo has a 240 horsepower 2.0 liter TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine and the BMW 335i Gran Turismo has a 300 horsepower 3.0 liter inline 6-cylinder engine. The new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo is larger than the Sedan and Sports Wagon variants of the 3 Series.
All-electric Audi R8 e-tron In Ironman 3 Movie
Robert Downey Jr. in his role as Tony Stark, the title character in Marvel’s Iron Man 3 slated for a May 3 release date, will be behind the wheel of the all-electric Audi R8 e-tron sports car prototype. Oscar® winner Gwyneth Paltrow returns as Virginia “Pepper” Potts, CEO of Stark Industries and girlfriend of Tony Stark, who drives an Audi S7 Sportback.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Sunday, March 10, 2013
2014 Infiniti QX60 Gasoline Electric Hybrid Coming This Summer
The 2014 Infiniti QX60 gasoline electric hybrid model powered by a 2.5-liter supercharged engine and 15 kW electric motor with an estimated 250 horsepower will hit showrooms this summer joining the Q70 Hybrid (currently available as the M Hybrid) and previously announced Q50 Hybrid from Infiniti. The new Infiniti QX60 was launched in early 2012 as the Infiniti JX35 and the hybrid is projected to be priced about $3,000 above the non-hybrid models. The QX60 Hybrid's Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid® system uses a compact Lithium-ion battery and electric motor to provide supplementary power through its one-motor/two-clutch system. The new Infiniti QX60 Hybrid is projected to get 26 miles per gallon.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Ferrari LaFerrari Hybrid Has Over 960 Horsepower
Ferrari's LaFerrari with hybrid technology has an 800 horsepower 6.2 liter V12 engine and an electric motor that adds a further 163 horsepower for a total of over 960 horsepower. Ferrari says that the HY-KERS system makes LaFerrari the most high performance and efficient Ferrari ever built. Utilizing Ferrari’s Formula One racing expertise with KERS systems which has been further developed for application to road cars, the HY-KERS guarantees maximum integration between the V12 and the electric motor. The high levels of torque at low revs from the electric motor allowed the engineers to optimize the internal combustion engine’s performance at higher revs. Check out the LaFerrari website. Tutto bene!
2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible
The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray convertible will deliver an estimated 450 horsepower from its LT1 6.2 liter V-8 direct injection engine with Active Fuel Management and continuously variable valve timing that is expected to beat the current model in fuel economy. The Corvette Stingray convertible features an all-new, fully electronic top that can be lowered remotely using the key fob and go up or down at speeds up to 30 miles per hour. Nice wheels!
Monday, March 4, 2013
New Nissan LEAF Debuts In Geneva
The Nissan LEAF is the world's best-selling electric vehicle with 50,000 sold and now has a new look in its global debut at the Geneva Auto Show this week. The LEAF has an improved range of 199km (123.6 miles) from 175km (108.7 miles) and a charging time that's cut in half. Built in Europe and re-engineered for European buyers, the LEAF has received more than 100 updates. By moving the charger from the rear of the LEAF to under the hood the luggage area is increased by as much as 40 liters (2441 cubic inches). With multiple manufacturing locations, LEAF sales could jump into high gear.
Rolls-Royce Wraith Priced For Europe At $319,000 In Late 2013
The most powerful Rolls-Royce ever, the Wraith, with a 624 horsepower V12 engine mated to 8-speed automatic ZF transmission and a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds will be delivered in the final quarter of this year priced at €245k or about $319,105 US. Confirmation and further pricing details in all markets will be revealed later in the year.
Features include Satellite Aided Transmission that uses GPS data to see beyond what the driver sees to anticipate his next move based on location and current driving style, then selects the most appropriate gear for the terrain ahead. Also featured, voice activated connectivity with the ‘on-board valet’. The Rolls Royce Wraith has soft Phantom-grade leathers and expanses of wood called Canadel Panelling. It sounds like the Rolls Royce of Rolls Royces debuting in Geneva this week.
2014 Porsche 911 GT3 From $131,350 Later This Year
The new 2014 Porsche 911 GT3 with a 475 horsepower 3.8-liter boxer engine matched to a dual-clutch transmission (PDK) and active rear wheel steering is the completely-redeveloped fifth generation 911 GT3 which will go on sale in the United States later this year from $131,350 (including a $950 destination charge). At full acceleration from standstill, the 60 mph mark is reached after just 3.3 seconds, and on the track 124 mph is reached in less than twelve seconds. The 2014 Porsche 911 GT3 is making its debut this week at the Geneva Auto Show.
Friday, March 1, 2013
February 2013 U.S. Vehicle Sales
General Motors sold 224,314 vehicles in the United States in February, up 7 percent compared with a year ago. Year-to-date sales are 419,013, up 11.1 percent.
Ford Motor Company's U.S. February sales grew 9 percent with 195,822 vehicles sold, Ford's best February sales in six years. Year-to-date sales are 362,323, a 14.7 percent increase.
Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. reported February 2013 sales results of 166,377, an increase of 4.3 percent over the year-ago month. Toyota Division posted February total sales of 149,038, up 4.4 percent over February 2012. Lexus Division reported February total sales of 17,339, up 3.9 percent by raw volume, compared to the same period last year. Year-to-date sales of 324,102 is a 14.1 percent increase over the first two months of last year.
Chrysler Group reported U.S. sales of 139,015, a 4 percent increase compared with sales in February 2012 and the best February since 2008. Year-to-date sales of 256,746, is a 9 percent increase over 2012.
American Honda reported February 2013 U.S. sales of 107,987, a decrease of only 2.0 percent compared with February 2012. The Honda brand posted February 2013 sales of 96,623, a decrease of 2.3 percent compared with February 2012. Acura U.S. February sales of 11,364 increased 0.9 percent compared with February 2012.
Nissan North America reported February U.S. sales of 99,636, down 6.6 percent from last year's record-setting February. Nissan Division sales in February totaled 90,489, down 7.2 percent from the prior year, which also set a February record. Infiniti deliveries totaled 9,147, down 1 percent from last February. Total year-to-date sales for 2013 of 180,555 is a 3 percent decrease from 2012.
Hyundai Motor America announced an all-time February sales record of 52,311, up two percent over last year's all-time record February and up a similar amount for the year with 2013 sales of 96,024.
Kia Motors America reported February sales of 41,505, a 7.8 percent drop from the same month a year ago. Year-to-date sales of 77,807, is a 3.8 percent decline from the first two months of last year.
Subaru of America reported 28,163 vehicle sales for February 2013, which represents an 11 percent increase over February 2012 and the best ever February in company history. Year-to-date sales for Subaru total 55,826, a 15.9 percent increase over the same period in 2012.
Volkswagen of America reported sales of 31,456, a 2.9 percent increase over prior year sales and the best February since 1973. Year-to-date sales are 60,474, a 4.7 percent gain over 2012. Separately, Audi reported February sales of 10,877 vehicles, making it the strongest start to a year in the brand’s history. Sales for the month rose 27.5 percent from a year earlier, with January-February year-to-date sales up 17.2 percent to a record 20,993 vehicles delivered to customers.
The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported February sales of 25,613 vehicles, a decrease of 2.2 percent from the 26,184 vehicles sold in the same month a year ago.
Mazda North American Operations reported February U.S. sales of 24,936 vehicles, representing a decrease of 2.8 percent versus last year, its second-best February since 1994. Year-to-date sales of 46,255 through February are down 6.8 percent versus last year.
Mercedes-Benz USA reported sales of 24,051, a 22.2 percent increase over February 2012 making it the highest volume on record for the month. The Mercedes-Benz model line alone achieved its highest February numbers with sales of 22,040, up 21.9 percent. On a year-to-date basis, the 48,110 vehicles sold represent a 16.2 percent increase.
Porsche Cars North America announced February sales of 2,805 vehicles, an increase of 31 percent. For the year so far, PCNA ha s delivered 6,163 vehicles, also an increase of 31 percent over last year.
Mitsubishi Motors North America reported sales of 6,051, an increase of 27.8 percent over February 2012.
Sales will be updated as manufacturers report.
Ford Motor Company's U.S. February sales grew 9 percent with 195,822 vehicles sold, Ford's best February sales in six years. Year-to-date sales are 362,323, a 14.7 percent increase.
Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. reported February 2013 sales results of 166,377, an increase of 4.3 percent over the year-ago month. Toyota Division posted February total sales of 149,038, up 4.4 percent over February 2012. Lexus Division reported February total sales of 17,339, up 3.9 percent by raw volume, compared to the same period last year. Year-to-date sales of 324,102 is a 14.1 percent increase over the first two months of last year.
Chrysler Group reported U.S. sales of 139,015, a 4 percent increase compared with sales in February 2012 and the best February since 2008. Year-to-date sales of 256,746, is a 9 percent increase over 2012.
American Honda reported February 2013 U.S. sales of 107,987, a decrease of only 2.0 percent compared with February 2012. The Honda brand posted February 2013 sales of 96,623, a decrease of 2.3 percent compared with February 2012. Acura U.S. February sales of 11,364 increased 0.9 percent compared with February 2012.
Nissan North America reported February U.S. sales of 99,636, down 6.6 percent from last year's record-setting February. Nissan Division sales in February totaled 90,489, down 7.2 percent from the prior year, which also set a February record. Infiniti deliveries totaled 9,147, down 1 percent from last February. Total year-to-date sales for 2013 of 180,555 is a 3 percent decrease from 2012.
Hyundai Motor America announced an all-time February sales record of 52,311, up two percent over last year's all-time record February and up a similar amount for the year with 2013 sales of 96,024.
Kia Motors America reported February sales of 41,505, a 7.8 percent drop from the same month a year ago. Year-to-date sales of 77,807, is a 3.8 percent decline from the first two months of last year.
Subaru of America reported 28,163 vehicle sales for February 2013, which represents an 11 percent increase over February 2012 and the best ever February in company history. Year-to-date sales for Subaru total 55,826, a 15.9 percent increase over the same period in 2012.
Volkswagen of America reported sales of 31,456, a 2.9 percent increase over prior year sales and the best February since 1973. Year-to-date sales are 60,474, a 4.7 percent gain over 2012. Separately, Audi reported February sales of 10,877 vehicles, making it the strongest start to a year in the brand’s history. Sales for the month rose 27.5 percent from a year earlier, with January-February year-to-date sales up 17.2 percent to a record 20,993 vehicles delivered to customers.
The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported February sales of 25,613 vehicles, a decrease of 2.2 percent from the 26,184 vehicles sold in the same month a year ago.
Mazda North American Operations reported February U.S. sales of 24,936 vehicles, representing a decrease of 2.8 percent versus last year, its second-best February since 1994. Year-to-date sales of 46,255 through February are down 6.8 percent versus last year.
Mercedes-Benz USA reported sales of 24,051, a 22.2 percent increase over February 2012 making it the highest volume on record for the month. The Mercedes-Benz model line alone achieved its highest February numbers with sales of 22,040, up 21.9 percent. On a year-to-date basis, the 48,110 vehicles sold represent a 16.2 percent increase.
Porsche Cars North America announced February sales of 2,805 vehicles, an increase of 31 percent. For the year so far, PCNA ha s delivered 6,163 vehicles, also an increase of 31 percent over last year.
Mitsubishi Motors North America reported sales of 6,051, an increase of 27.8 percent over February 2012.
Sales will be updated as manufacturers report.
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