2016 Buick Encore Sport Touring Goes On Sale This Fall

The 2016 Buick Encore Sport Touring with an all-new 153 horsepower direct injection 1.4L turbocharged engine matched with a six-speed automatic transmission goes on sale this Fall. All-wheel drive, a premium Bose® audio system, navigation radio and a moonroof are available.

2016 Hyundai Tucson Starts At $23,595 Now

The 2016 Hyundai Tucson, 3.0 inches longer and 1.1 inches wider than the previous model, powered by 164 horsepower 2.0-liter, direct-injected four-cylinder engine coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC™ manual shifting mode, goes on sale this month with a starting price of $23,595 (including $895 freight charges) for the FWD SE model with EPA fuel economy rated at 23 mpg (city), 31 mpg (highway), and 26 mpg (combined). The FWD or AWD Tucson comes in SE, Eco, Sport and Limited trim levels with the latter three available with a more powerful engine. The top-of the-line AWD Tucson Limited with the 175 horsepower 1.6L Turbo 4-Cylinder engine mated to a 7-Speed EcoShift Dual Clutch transmission starts at $32,195.

J.D. Power 2015 U.S. APEAL Study

The J.D. Power 2015 U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, in its 20th year, measures how gratifying 77 ownership and driving attributes are in a new vehicle.  The average APEAL Index score in the non-premium segment (790) has improved by 5 points from 2014, while the average score in the premium segment (841) has improved by only 1 point. Porsche ranks highest in APEAL for an 11th consecutive year, with a score of 874 index points, followed by Jaguar (855), BMW (854), Mercedes-Benz (853) and Audi (852). MINI is the highest-ranking non-premium brand in the study with a score of 825.

The following brands receive multiple model-level APEAL awards:

Chevrolet (three): Colorado, Corvette and Sonic
Ford (three): C-Max, Expedition and F-150
Porsche (three): Cayenne, Cayman and Macan
Audi (two): A3 and Q3
BMW (two): 4 Series and 6 Series
Dodge (two): Challenger and Charger
Mazda (two): CX-5 and MAZDA6
MINI (two): Cooper and Countryman

Other models receiving awards are Fiat 500; GMC Sierra HD; Infiniti QX80; Kia Sedona; Mercedes-Benz S-Class; Nissan Murano; and Volkswagen Golf.

2016 Mazda CX-3 Starts At $20,840 In Mid-August

The 2016 Mazda CX-3 subcompact crossover with a 146 horsepower SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter engine, going on sale in mid-August, starts at $20,840 (including $880 for destination and handling) for the Sport trim, $22,8840 for CX-3 Touring model and $25,870 for the CX-3 Grand Touring. EPA-estimated fuel economy for front-wheel drive models is 29 mpg city/35 mpg highway/31 mpg combined and 27 mpg city/32 mpg highway/29 mpg combined with i-ACTIV AWD which is a $1,250 upgrade. The Touring Technology Package is $1,410 and the i-ACTIVSENSE safety package with Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Smart City Brake Support, Smart Brake Support, High Beam Control System, Lane Departure Warning System, rain-sensing wipers and auto on/off headlights is $1,920.

All CX-3 models come with MAZDA CONNECT™, a seven-inch, full-color touchscreen infotainment suite that is integrated with a commander control knob and Bluetooth hands-free phone pairing and audio streaming. All 2016 CX-3s also have backup camera and push-button starter as well as power windows, power door locks and remote keyless entry.

Toyota Mirai Offers EPA-estimated 67 MPGe This Fall

The new Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle will offer an EPA-estimated 67 miles per gallon equivalent (mpge) city/highway/combined when it hits dealerships in California this Fall, and an EPA-estimated driving range rating of 312 miles on a single fill of hydrogen.

June 2015 U.S. Vehicle Sales

General Motors' Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac dealers in the United States delivered 259,353 vehicles in June 2015, a drop of 3 percent. It was GM's best June for retail deliveries since 2007 climbing 6.8 percent year over year. Year-to-date General Motors sales of 1,505,545, up 3.4 percent from 2014.

Ford Motor Company total U.S. June sales of  225,647 vehicles sold was a 1.6 percent gain over last year. Year-to-date sales of 1,293,621 is a 1.9 percent increase over 2014.

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. reported June 2015 sales of 209,912, an increase of 4.1 percent from June 2014. Toyota division posted June 2015 sales of 183,791, up 3.1 percent. Lexus reported June sales of 26,121, up 11.1 percent from June 2014. For the first half of the year, TMS reported sales of 1,231,440, up 5.6 percent versus the same period in 2014.

FCA US (Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Fiat, Alfa Romeo) reported U.S. sales of 185,035, an 8 percent increase compared with sales in June 2014 for the group’s best June sales since 2006. Year-to-date sales of 1,082,143 is a 6 percent gain over 2014.

American Honda reported June 2015 Honda and Acura vehicle sales of 134,397, an increase of 4.2 percent. Year-to-date sales of 739,436 is a 1.8 percent gain over last year. June Honda brand sales reached 118,870 for a gain of 0.9 percent. Acura division June sales of 15,527 is a 33 percent jump.

Nissan Group announced total U.S. sales for June 2015 of 124,228, an increase of 13.3 percent for a June record. Nissan Division finished June with 114,243 sales, up 13 percent and also a June record. Infiniti June sales of 9,985 is up 16.5 percent over last year. Year-to-date Nissan Group sales of 736,483 is a 4.5 percent gain over 2014.

Hyundai Motor America reported its best June sales ever of 67,502, up less than one percent, surpassing the record-setting month of June 2014. Year-to-date sales of 371,150 represents a 1.8 percent increase and marks Hyundai’s best opening six months ever.

Kia Motors America had its best-ever June sales of 54,137 vehicles, up 6.9 percent. Year-to-date Kia sales are 310,952, up 4.6 percent, the best first half in company history.

Subaru of America reported record sales for June 2015 totaling 44,335 vehicles, a 7.2 percent gain over June 2014. Year-to-date sales of 272,418 vehicles is a 14.5 percent gain over the same period in 2014.

Volkswagen of America reported sales of 30,436, up 5.6 percent from last June while year-to-date sales of 174,442 is a decline of 2.6 percent from 2014. Separately, Audi of America reported its best-ever June sales of 18,262 vehicles, an 8.3 percent gain over last June.Year-to-date Audi sales of 93,615 is up 11 percent over 2014.

The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported June sales of 38,350 vehicles, an increase of 7.8 percent versus the same month a year ago. Sales of BMW brand vehicles increased 6.5 percent in June for a total of 32,176 compared to 30,201 vehicles sold in June, 2014. For June, MINI USA reports 6,174 automobiles sold, an increase of 14.8 percent from the same month a year ago. Year-to-date BMW Group sales of 198,883 is a 9.6 percent gain over 2014.

Mercedes-Benz USA reported record June sales for the Mercedes-Benz brand at 28,044, climbing 5.8 percent from the same month last year. Sprinter delivered 2,442, a 10.9 percent increase in June  with 774  at smart for a monthly total of 31,260 for MBUSA. On a year-to-date basis, Mercedes-Benz retails totaled 164,970, up 8.8 percent. Adding 13,534 for Sprinter and 3,624 for smart, MBUSA achieved a record grand total of 182,128 for the first six months of 2015.

Mazda North American Operations reported June U.S. sales of 27,223 vehicles, representing an increase of 3.9 percent versus last year. Through June, Mazda has sold 158,996 vehicles, up 1.6 percent year-to-date.

Mitsubishi Motors North America sold 7,963, an increase of 32.3 percent from June 2014. Sales for the first half of the year are 49,544, up 24.9 percent over 2014.

Volvo Cars sold 5,984 in the U.S. in June, flat from a year ago while year-to-date sales of 29,367 is a 0.1 percent gain over last year.

Jaguar Land Rover North America today reported June 2015 U.S. sales for both brands of  5,860, an 11 percent increase from June 2014. Land Rover sales reached 4,643, up 15 percent and Jaguar sales were 1,217, down 4 percent. Year-to-date in 2015, Jaguar Land Rover U.S. sales are up 16 percent from 2014.

Porsche Cars North America June 2015 sales of 4,223 vehicles is up 2.9 percent from a year ago for its strongest June sales month in PCNA history. Year-to-date sales of 25,138 is 9.7 percent higher than 2014.

Sales will be updated as manufacturers report.

Former Ford President Phil Benton Passes Away

Philip Benton Jr., former President of Ford Motor Company, died at age 86 at his home in Massachusetts on June 14, according to Automotive News. Benton spent 40 years at Ford, retiring as President and COO in July 1992. The photo (above) was taken from a 1992 KWHY-TV Business Channel interview where Benton discussed the company, cars, challenges and the restructuring of First Nationwide Bank which Ford eventually sold in 1994.

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.