2013 LA Auto Show Video: MINI VP Jim McDowell

Jim McDowell, Vice President MINI of the Americas, who will retire as of December 31, 2013, discusses the new classic MINI Cooper and Cooper S.  Since 2005, Jim has been responsible for all aspects of MINI Marketing, Sales and Aftersales in the United States.  Previously, McDowell was Vice President – Marketing for BMW of North America, LLC, a position he held for twelve years. David Duncan will assume the role of Vice President, MINI of the Americas, succeeding Jim McDowell.
JIM MCDOWELL INTERVIEW.

The new 2014 MINI Hardtop gets a 134 horsepower 1.5-litre 3-cylinder engine in the new MINI Cooper and the new MINI Cooper S is powered by a 189 horsepower 2.0-liter 4- cylinder engine featuring MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology. In the new MINI Cooper and the new MINI Cooper S this includes turbocharging, direct fuel injection, variable camshaft control on the intake and exhaust side (double VANOS) and variable valve control in the form of VALVETRONIC, from the BMW Group.

November 2013 U.S. Auto Sales

General Motors delivered 212,060 vehicles in the United States in November, up 13.7 percent versus a year ago and the highest November sales in six years. Retail sales were up 19 percent and fleet sales were down 3 percent. Year-to-date sales are 2,555,921, up 8.8 percent from a year ago.

Ford Motor Company's November U.S. sales of 190,449 vehicles are up 7.2 percent overall compared with last year. Retail sales are up 9 percent, for the best November performance since 2004. Year-to-date sales are 2,275,860, up 11.8 percent over 2012.

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., reported November 2013 sales results of 178,044, an increase of 10.1 percent over November 2012 on a raw-volume basis.  Toyota Division posted November 2013 sales of 152,433, up 9.7 percent year-over-year.

Chrysler Group LLC reported U.S. sales of 142,275, a 16 percent increase compared with sales in November 2012, and the group's best November sales since 2007. Year-to-date sales are 1,639,361, up 9 percent over 2012.

American Honda Motor November 2013 U.S. total sales were 116,507, a decrease of 0.1 percent compared with record November 2012 sales Year-to-date sales reached 1,390,057, an increase of 7.8 percent. Honda Division November sales reached 101,948, a decrease of 2.3 percent when compared to record division sales last November. Acura Division posted sales of 14,559, an increase of 18.9 percent compared to November 2012.

Nissan established a November U.S. sales record with sales of 106,528, marking an increase of 10.7 percent over last year. Nissan Division set a November record with 93,376, a 10.8 percent increase over the prior year. Sales of Infiniti vehicles also set a November record with 13,152, up 10.5 percent. Nissan Division has sold 1,035,439 vehicles so far in 2013, up 10.7 percent and exceeding the total for all of 2012 while Infiniti has sold 103,223, a 3.8 percent drop from 2012. Total Nissan year-to-date sales are 1,138,662, a 9.2 percent increase.

Hyundai Motor America sales for the month of November was 56,005, up five percent versus the same period in 2012, representing the best November in company history. Year-to-date sales are 657,778, a 2.2 percent rise over 2012.

Kia Motors America reported record November sales of 45,411 vehicles, 10.6 percent higher than last November.Year-to-date sales of 501,548 crossed the 500,000 unit mark for the second time in company history but are down 3.2 percent from 2012.

Subaru of America reported best-ever November sales of 36,621 vehicles in November, up 29.8 percent over last year. Year-to-date sales of 384,511 total vehicles in 2013, up 28.3 percent over last year.

BMW Group U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) November sales totaled 36,327 vehicles, a decrease of 0.4 percent from the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, the BMW Group U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) is up 9.2 percent on sales of 331,801 in the first eleven months of 2013 compared to 303,728 in the same period in 2012.

Volkswagen of America reported 30,727 vehicles delivered in November, down 16.3 percent from a year ago but still the second highest level since 1973. Year-to-date sales of 373,689 is a 5.3 percent decline from 2012. Separately, Audi sold 13,636 vehicles in November, 13 percent more than a year ago thus establishing its fourth consecutive annual U.S. sales record a month early with an 11 month sales total of 141,048, a 13.3 percent gain.

Mazda North American Operations reported November U.S. sales of 20,754, a decrease of 4.3 percent versus last year. Year-to-date sales through November are up 4.5 percent versus last year, with 260,983 vehicles sold.

Jaguar Land Rover North America November U.S. sales for both brands hit 6,047, a 37 percent increase from November 2012. Jaguar sales were 1,446, up 103 percent and Land Rover sales reached an all-time November high of 4,601, up 25 percent from November 2012. Year to date through November, Jaguar Land Rover North America is up 21 percent, with Jaguar up 41 percent and Land Rover up 15 percent.

Mitsubishi Motors North America reported November sales of 6,071, up 69.9 percent compared to November 2012.

Volvo Cars of North America reported U.S. sales of 4,233 units, a 31.1 percent decrease versus November 2012. Year-to-date sales are down 9.1 percent over the first eleven months of 2012.

Porsche Cars North America announced November 2013 sales of 3,966 vehicles beating sales in the same period in 2012, which had set an all-time November record, by three percent. Year-to-date, Porsche sold 39,077 cars in the U.S., 22 percent ahead of last year’s total.


Sales will be updated as manufacturers report.

2013 LA Auto Show Video: Chevrolet's Jeff Perkins

The new 2015 Chevrolet Colorado midsize truck has a 193 horsepower 2.5L I-4 engine as standard and an optional 302 horsepower 3.6L V-6 engine with each matched with a six-speed automatic transmission, and the 2.5L is available with a six-speed manual transmission on extended cab 2WD Work Truck models. In its second year, a Duramax 2.8L I-4 turbodiesel engine will be offered. The 2015 Colorado’s configurations are an extended cab model with a 6-foot bed, a crew cab with a 5-foot bed and a crew cab with a 6-foot bed. With the tailgate down, the 6-foot bed allows hauling of 8-foot-long items. WT, LT and Z71 trims are available, all in 2WD or 4WD. The payload capacity and trailering capacity is more than 6,700 pounds. Colorado goes on sale in fall 2014 as a 2015 model.
JEFF PERKINS INTERVIEW.

2013 LA Auto Show Video: Maserati's Harald Wester

The Maserati Ghibli is powered by a 330 horsepower 3.0 liter Twin Turbo V6 engine mated to a new eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, designed by the Maserati Powertrain engineers and built at the Ferrari plant in Maranello. The five operating modes, selected using the buttons on the left-hand side of the gear lever are: Auto Normal, Auto Sport, Manual Normal, Manual Sport and I.C.E. (Increased Control & Efficiency). The models of the entry-level Maserati are the Ghibli, 350 horsepower Ghibli S, 410 horsepower Ghibli S Q4 and Ghibli diesel.

German-born Harald Wester started his career at Volkswagen AG in Wolfsburg, joined Ferrari S.p.A. in 2002 and Fiat Group in 2004 and was appointed CEO of Maserati S.p.A in 2008. Wester wears many hats: Chief Executive Officer of Alfa Romeo Automobiles, Chief Technical Officer for Fiat Group and Fiat Group Automobiles and Chief Executive Officer of Maserati and Abarth.

Wester discusses the Maserati Ghibli and expected sales. (Click below for interview)
HARALD WESTER INTERVIEW.

2013 LA Auto Show Video: Bentley's Christophe Georges

Christophe Georges, President and CEO of Bentley Motors Inc. discusses the new 616 horsepower 6.0-liter, twin turbo W12 engine Flying Spur that starts at $200,000. Also on display, the 500 horsepower 4.0-liter twin turbocharged V8 engine Continental GTC V8 convertible. Bentley worldwide sales through the end of September increased nine percent to 6,516 cars. The Americas remains Bentley’s largest market and accounted for 2,022 cars which represented a 16 percent increase over the previous year and 31 percent of all sales. Southern California is the U.S. market leader for Bentley.
CHRISTOPHE GEORGES INTERVIEW.

2013 LA Auto Show Video: BMW's Ian Robertson

Dr. Ian Robertson (HonDSc), Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Sales and Marketing BMW, Sales Channels BMW Group, pictured on the BMW K 1600 GTL Exclusive motorcycle discusses Los Angeles Auto Show 2013 introductions and sales growth. (Click on the link below)

Los Angeles Auto Show introductions included the new BMW 4 Series Convertible coming in the first quarter of 2014 starting at $49,675, the new BMW i8 plug-in hybrid 2+2 comes to the market in the second quarter of 2014 at $135,700, the BMW Concept X4 will arrive next year, the BMW i3 with 170 horsepower hybrid-synchronous electric motor good for 80-100 miles of emission-free driving will be available in the second quarter with a base MSRP of $41,350 and a range-extender model starting MSRP of $45,200.

The 2014 BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo, also displayed in Los Angeles, is currently available in the US as a 535i for $60,925, 535i xDrive for $63,225, 550i for $68,825 and 550i for $71,125.

IAN ROBERTSON INTERVIEW.

2013 LA Auto Show Video: Volvo's Tony Nicolosi

Tony Nicolosi, who joined Volvo in 1987, was promoted to acting president & CEO of Volvo Cars of North America in October from his position as president and CEO of Volvo Car Financial Services U.S. Nicolosi discusses Volvo's new 2015 Volvo V60 sportswagon (above), unveiled in March at the New York Auto Show and will hit U.S. showrooms in January with a choice of a 240 horsepower 2.0 liter 4 cylinder turbocharged engine or the new Drive-E 250 horsepower 2.5 liter 5 cylinder turbocharged engine or the current 325 horsepower 3.0 liter 6 cylinder turbocharged engine. The smaller, lighter Drive-E engines deliver fuel economy savings ranging from 13 to 26 percent depending on the engine to which they are compared. They can also be augmented by electrification. Click below to see interview:

TONY NICOLOSI INTERVIEW.

2015 Audi A3 Starts At $29,900 Next Spring

Audi A3 Cabriolet

The all-new Audi A3 line up, completely redesigned and specifically tailored to meet the sedan preferences of the American market with three body styles, kicks off with the A3 sedan going on sale in the spring of 2014. The A3 sedan will be priced from a base MSRP of $29,900 and will be joined in the Fall of 2014 by the Audi A3 Cabriolet (above), A3 TDI clean diesel sedan, the high-performance S3 sedan, and in early 2015, by the A3 Sportback e-tron® gasoline electric plug-in hybrid (PHEV). The Audi A3 line-up offers a 170 horsepower 1.8 TFSI®, 220 horsepower 2.0 TFSI, 150 horsepower 2.0 TDI® clean diesel, and, a 290 horsepower 2.0 TFSI for the S3.

The Audi hybrid A3 sportback e-tron (above) features a combined output of 201 horsepower with a 1.4 TFSI gasoline engine working with the the 100 hp e-motor, all mated to the standard 6-speed S tronic® transmission.

The A3 sedan is 175.5 inches in length on a 103.4 inch wheelbase, is 70 inches wide and 55.7 inches high and will offer MMI® technology, Audi drive select, 4G LTE connectivity and Bang & Olufsen® audio.

Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell SUV At $16.86 Per Day For 36 Months

Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell vehicle with a range up to 300 miles will be offered for a 3 year lease with $2,999 down and $499 per month, including unlimited free hydrogen refueling and At Your Service Valet Maintenance at no extra cost.

Do the math: $2,999 plus $17,964 (36 X $499) = $20,963 minus $2,500 first year State rebate = $18,463 divided by 1095 days = $16.86 per day with no fuel or maintenance costs. The challenges are finding a refueling station and keeping your annual mileage under the 12,000 mile limit, typical with any leased vehicle.

Advantages include a driving range up to 300 miles based on internal testing, full refueling in similar time to gasoline, instantaneous electric motor torque of 221 lb-ft, no moving parts within the power-generating fuel cell stack, quieter EV operation, zero greenhouse-gas emissions and emits only water vapor. Customers interested in the Tucson Fuel Cell can indicate their interest at Hyundai, with availability beginning in Spring 2014 at several Southern California Hyundai dealers.

2015 Kia K900 Luxury Sedan Arrives In First Quarter 2014

The 2015 Kia K900 rear-drive luxury sedan, the brand's new flagship on a 119.9-inch wheelbase, is offered with a 311 horsepower 3.8-liter Lamba V6 engine or the 420 horsepower Tau DOHC all-aluminum 32-valve 5.0-liter engine V8 engine. The K900 Premium V6 will launch with an available Luxury Package and Technology Package when it goes on sale during the first quarter of 2014, and pricing will be announced closer to launch. Known as the K9 in Korea, the K900, is likely to be positioned between the Genesis and Equus from its Korean counterpart Hyundai and could cost around $60,000 depending on engine and options.

With a 12.3 inch full-color LCD screen, the K900 has high-grade leather, soft-hue LED interior lighting, front and rear park-assist sensors and cameras are standard and a Lane Departure Warning System is standard on the V6 Technology Package and both V8 models. This is a truly plush sedan that aims at customers looking in the luxury segment

Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo Concept

The Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo concept super sports car with hallmark Mercedes gullwing doors and a 585 horsepower AMG V8 biturbo engine mated to an AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission, was developed specifically for the new PlayStation® 3 racing game Gran Turismo® 6 which goes on sale next month.

2015 Subaru WRX And Legacy Concept Debut In Los Angeles

The 2015 Subaru WRX is powered by a new 268-horsepower 2.0-liter direct-injection turbo BOXER engine mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or the new, optional Sport Lineartronic performance automatic transmission with two manual modes teamed  with the Variable Torque Distribution version of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The Subaru WRX employs a new torque-vectoring system that supplements the standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system for improved cornering speeds and handling and there's a stiffer chassis, larger brakes and performance-tuned suspension and higher fuel efficiency than the previous model.

The Subaru LEGACY CONCEPT with the standard Subaru Symmetrical all-wheel drivetrain.

New MINI Hardtop Coming in March 2014

The new MINI Hardtop has BMW-developed TwinPower Turbo Technology with the new MINI Cooper powered by a 134 horsepower 1.5-liter 3-cylinder engine and the MINI Cooper S by a 189 horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with a standard 6-speed manual transmission and a optional 6-speed automatic transmission.

The MINI Cooper Hardtop is 151.1 inches long, 68 inches wide and 55.7 inches high making it 4.5 inches longer, 1.7 inches wider and 0.3 inches higher than its predecessor. The wheelbase has been extended by 1.1 inches to 98.2 inches. The MINI Cooper S is 151.9 inches long.

New features include the MINI Head-Up-Display, Driving Assistant option with a camera-based cruise control and distance control function, which automatically maintains a distance from the vehicle ahead, and the collision and pedestrian warning system with initial brake function. Also available are a rear view camera and parking assistant that automatically detects suitable parking spaces at the roadside. As the car then maneuvers into the chosen space, the parking assistant takes care of all the necessary steering movements on behalf of the driver. All the driver has to do is operate the accelerator, brake pedal and gear selection in order to move safely and conveniently into the parking space.

Ford Edge Concept Showcases Future Technology

Ford Edge Concept with driver-assist technologies and semi-automated features like fully assisted parking that lets customers park their vehicles at the touch of a button, or even by remote control. Using similar sensor and automated vehicle control technology. This Edge Concept is able to issue warnings if it detects slow-moving or stationary obstacles in the same lane ahead. If the driver fails to steer or brake following the warnings, the system will automatically steer and brake the vehicle to avoid a collision. Adaptive steering controls the relationship between how much the driver turns the wheel and how much the road wheels turn.

Lane-Keeping System uses a forward-facing camera that can scan the road surface for lane markings to evaluate if the vehicle is drifting out of its lane and then alert the driver by vibrating the steering wheel. If the driver does not respond to the vibrations, the system provides steering torque to nudge the vehicle back toward the center of the lane. Adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support uses radar to detect moving vehicles immediately ahead, and can modify cruising speed if necessary. Blind Spot Information System uses radar sensors in the rear corners that monitor the spaces next to and just behind the vehicle. On the road, these sensors trigger a warning light in the mirror when there is another vehicle in the driver’s blind spot.

2015 Chevrolet Colorado Coming In The Fall Of 2014

The all-new 2015 Chevrolet Colorado has a 193 horsepower 2.5L I-4 engine as standard with an available 302 horsepower 3.6L V-6, both matched with a six-speed automatic transmission, and the 2.5L is available with a six-speed manual transmission on extended cab 2WD Work Truck models. Colorado will also offer a Duramax 2.8L I-4 turbodiesel in its second year. Colorado has the WT, LT and Z71 trim levels in 2WD or 4WD. The Colorado goes on sale in Fall 2014 as a 2015 model. Chevrolet will continue to work on and develop the Colorado until the start of production in 2014.

BMW Concept X4 Destined For Reality

The BMW Concept X4 is a smaller version of the X6 Sports Activity Coupe measuring 183 inches long, 75.4 inches wide and 63.9 inches high on a 110.6 inch wheelbase and, like the other BMW X models will be built at the BMW plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina which exports vehicles globally. So those dreaming of an X6 but have shallower pockets, this could be the answer.

BMW 4 Series Convertible Starts At $49,675 In First Quarter 2014

The new BMW 4 Series Convertible with a three-piece retractable hardtop will be offered as a 428i with a 240 horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder TwinPower Turbo and as a 435i with a 300 horsepower 3.0-liter inline six TwinPower Turbo, both mated to a standard 8-speed sport automatic transmission.

The 428i Convertible will be offered with a choice of rear-wheel drive or with optional xDrive all-wheel drive system, while the 435i Convertible will be available at launch with rear wheel drive. The 2014 BMW 428i Convertible will have a base MSRP of $49,675, and the 2014 BMW 435i Convertible will have a starting price of $55,825 (including $925 destination and handling). The 2014 BMW 4 Series Convertible will arrive in US showrooms in the first quarter of 2014.

Maserati Ghibli Now On Sale Starting At $65,000

 
The all-new Maserati Ghibli four-door sedan is now on sale in the U.S. with plans to build 50,000 cars a year by 2015. Starting at $65,000, the Ghibli has a 350 horsepower twin turbo-charged, 3.0-litre V6 gas engine and the choice of rear- or all-wheel drive and starting at $75,000, the Ghibli S, has 410 horsepower with a zero to 62 mph of 5.0 seconds and stretches out to a top speed of 176 mph. The Ghibli, the Ghibli S, the Ghibli S Q4 and the Ghibli Diesel all utilize an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Features include the Maserati Touch Control screen, adjustable pedals, reversing camera, Poltrona Frau leather interior and the 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkes audio system, as well as WLAN-based WiFi and compatibility with most modern mobile phone systems. This is a stand-out at the L.A. Auto Show. MPG figures are 15 city/22 highway but this is a performance car giving you the Ferrari Maserati design and technology for a great entry level price.

2015 Porsche Macan Arrives Next Spring For $49,900

The 2015 Porsche Macan S compact SUV starting at $49,900 is powered by a 340 horsepower 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine with a zero to 60 mph acceleration of 5.0 seconds while the Turbo variant starting at $72,300 has a 400 horsepower 3.6-liter twin-turbo V6 with a zero to 60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. Porsche expects to sell 10,000 Macans in the first year after it arrives at U.S. dealerships in late spring of next year. The Macan will attempt to compete with the Audi Q5 and BMW X3.

Honda Accord Selected As 2014 Green Car Of The Year

The Honda Accord, which gets 47 miles per gallon city and 46 highway, Accord Hybrid which gets 50mpg on the highway, and Accord Plug-In Hybrid, which can go 115 miles on one gallon of gas, were all selected as the Green Car of the Year® 2014 beating out the Audi A6 TDI, BMW 328d, Mazda3, and Toyota Corolla. Two years ago the Honda Civic CNG took the honor.