Wednesday, December 7, 2016

2017 MINI Countryman Starts At $26,950 In March


The all-new 2017 MINI Countryman starts at $26,950 for the Cooper variant and $28,950 for the Cooper ALL4 variant. The Cooper S variant will start at $29,950 and the Cooper S ALL4 variant at $31,950 (all prices include the $850 Destination & Handling fee). Pricing for the first ever MINI plug-in hybrid model, the Cooper S E Countryman ALL4, will be announced in 2017 closer to market launch in the U.S. The new MINI Countryman will go on sale in March at MINI dealers across the U.S. with the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 plug-in hybrid following in June.

2017 Chevrolet Malibu Debuts GM 9-Speed Transmission


The 2017 Chevrolet Malibu will debut the brand's first nine-speed automatic transmission which will be also available in the 2017 Cruze Diesel and 2018 Equinox. The new, GM-developed Hydra-Matic 9T50 nine-speed is paired with the available 2.0L Turbo engine in the Malibu, contributing to an EPA-estimated 33 mpg highway, a 3 percent increase over the 2016 model with the six-speed automatic. The 9T50 is filled with DEXRON®-VI fluid that does not require changing under normal driving conditions.

2017 Hyundai Accent Value Edition


The 2017 Hyundai Accent Value Edition, with an all-aluminum 137 horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine mated to either a six-speed automatic or manual transmission, is priced at $16,450, $705 more than the base Accent with 6-speed automatic transmission, and comes with features such as 16-inch machine finish alloy wheels with P195/60R16 tires, rear disc brakes, steering wheel mounted audio controls, cruise control, bluetooth hands-free phone system and sliding armrest storage box. With the manual transmission, the Accent achieves an EPA-estimated 27 city, 37 highway, and 31 combined mpg.

Thursday, December 1, 2016

November 2016 U.S. Auto Sales


General Motors (Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac) total U.S. sales in November were 252,644 vehicles, up 10.2 percent from last year, with Chevrolet up 5 percent, Buick up 22 percent, GMC up 9 percent and Cadillac up 17 percent. Year-to-date GM sales of 2,723,667 is a 2.5 percent drop from a year ago.

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. reported November 2016 sales of 197,645, an increase of 4.3 percent from November 2015. Toyota Division posted November sales of 168,595, up 5.3 percent and Lexus posted November sales of 29,050, down 1 percent. Year-to-date total TMS sales of 2,206,359 is a 2.4 percent decline from 2015.

Ford Motor Company, including Lincoln, had overall sales of 197,574 vehicles in November, a 5 percent increase versus last year. Year-to-date sales of 2,374,843 is flat with a year ago.

FCA US (Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, Jeep, Fiat, Alfa Romeo) reported U.S. sales of 160,827, a 14 percent decrease compared with sales in November 2015. Year-to-date sales of 2,051,796 is up 1 percent over last year.

American Honda reported total November sales of 122,924 Honda and Acura vehicles, an increase of 6.5 percent versus November of last year to set a new November record. Year-to-date sales of 1,477,465 is up 2.9 percent for a year ago.

Nissan Group, including Infiniti, announced total U.S. sales for November 2016 of 115,136, an increase of 7.5 percent from the prior year and a November record. Year-to-date sales of 1,411,680 is a 4.9 percent increase over last year.

Hyundai had its best November ever, with overall sales of 62,507, up four percent over one year ago. Year-to-date sales of 712,700 is a 2.1 percent gain over a year ago.

Kia Motors America announced record November sales of 52,504, a 15.3 percent increase over the same period last year. Year-to-date sales of 593,245 is a 3.8 percent rise over 2015.

Subaru of America reported 51,308 vehicle sales for November 2016, an 11.4 percent increase over November 2015 with year-to-date sales of 551,955 vehicles, a 4.9 percent gain over the same period in 2015.

Volkswagen of America reported sales of 29,672 in November 2016, a gain of 24.2 percent over 2015. Year-to-date sales of 285,719 is a 10.3 percent decline from a year ago. Separately, Audi of America reported November sales of 17,118 vehicles, an increase of 2.5 percent and year-to-date sales of 187,018 is 2.9 percent higher than 2015.

Mercedes-Benz USA reported November sales of 30,363 vehicles, a 1.1 percent increase from the same month last year. Mercedes-Benz Vans reported November of 2,564 and smart reported 563, bringing MBUSA grand total to 33,490 vehicles for the month. On a year-to-date basis, Mercedes-Benz sales totaled 308,226. Adding year-to-date-sales of 30,444 for Vans and 5,025 for smart, MBUSA posted a grand total of 343,695, up 0.6 percent from the previous year.

BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported November sales of 30,696 vehicles, a decrease of 15.8 percent from the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, BMW Group sales are down 10.2 percent on sales of 327,711 vehicles in the first eleven months of 2016 compared to the same period in 2015.

Mazda North American Operations reported November U.S. sales of 22,041 vehicles, representing a decrease of 3 percent versus last year. Year-to-date sales through November are 269,019 vehicles.

Jaguar Land Rover reported for both brands were 9,040, a 19 percent increase from November 2015. Jaguar sales were 3,381, a 217 percent increase and Land Rover sales reached 5,659, down 13 percent. Year-to-date, Jaguar Land Rover U.S. sales reached 92,531, up 23 percent from 2015.

Volvo Car USA reported U.S. sales of 7,723 vehicles, an 11.9 percent increase versus November 2015. Year-to-date sales are up 19.6 percent.

Mitsubishi Motors North America reported November 2016 sales of 6,896 up 1.8 percent from November of 2015. Sales for the year of 88,884 are up 1.6 percent over the previous year.

Porsche Cars North America announced an all-time monthly record with 5,513 vehicle sales in November, a 23.9 percent increase over November 2015. Year-to-date retail sales stand at 50,265 vehicles, a 5.1 percent increase over last year.

Sales will be updated as manufacturers report.

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

2017 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD On Sale For $60,870


The 2017 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD™, available in RLX Sport Hybrid with Technology Package and RLX Sport Hybrid with Advance Package trims, delivers 377 horsepower with a 310-horsepower 3.5-liter 24-valve SOHC i-VTEC® V-6 with Variable Cylinder Management™ mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission with built-in motor-generator powering the front wheels, and two rear electric motors for the rear wheels. The RLX Sport Hybrid goes on sale tomorrow with an MSRP starting at $60,870 (including $920 destination charge). The RLX Sport Hybrid has an EPA rating of 29/30/29 mpg (city/highway/combined).

2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Gets 84 MPGe


The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, which starts at $34,495 with available U.S. federal tax credit, not including state and local incentives, has earned a fuel economy rating of 84 miles-per-gallon-equivalent (MPGe) from the EPA with a total driving range rating of 566 miles and an electric-only range rating at 33 miles. Power is supplied by the electric drive system or supplemented by a new version of the gas-powered Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6. When the battery’s energy is depleted to a certain threshold, the Pacifica Hybrid becomes a part-time electric vehicle, like a conventional hybrid. Recharging the 16-kWh lithium-ion battery pack can take two hours using a 240-volt Level 2 charger or approximately 14 hours with a 120-volt Level 1 charger, which comes standard with the vehicle.

Monday, November 28, 2016

2016 Los Angeles Auto Show Highlights on KNX1070 Newsradio



Frank Mottek of Mottek on Money interviews SaxtonOnCars.com publisher Richard Saxton on KNX1070 News Radio, Los Angeles. Watch on YouTube.

2017 BMW M760i xDrive Coming In Early 2017 For $154,795


The all-new 2017 BMW M760i xDrive powered by a 601 horsepower TwinPower Turbo 12-cylinder engine is mated to an 8-speed Steptronic Sport Automatic transmission equipped with Launch Control for a 0-60 mph run of 3.6 seconds. The 2017 BMW M760i xDrive will arrive early in 2017 priced at $154,795 (including $995 Destination and Handling).

2017 Cadillac CT6 Plug-In Hybrid Coming In The Spring For $76,090


2017 Cadillac CT6 Plug-In Hybrid, with a total driving range of more than 400 miles, has an all-electric range at an estimated 30 miles and fuel economy estimated at 65 MPGe. The two-motor EVT system combines with the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gas engine to produce an estimated total system power of 335 horsepower for an estimated zero to 60 mph time of an estimated 5.2 seconds. The CT6 Plug-In Hybrid launches in North America in the spring of 2017, starting in the U.S. at $76,090 (including a $995 destination freight charge) and before any applicable electric vehicle tax incentives.

Jaguar I-PACE Concept Coming In 2018


Jaguar I-PACE Concept, an all-wheel-drive, all-electric performance SUV, powered by a 90kWh battery with an estimated range of 220 miles and zero to 60 acceleration in around 4 seconds. The I-PACE has electric motors on the front and rear axles and a combined output of 400 horsepower and 516-lb ft. of torque, the same torque rating as the F-TYPE SVR. The Jaguar I-PACE will become a production model in 2018.

2017 Jeep® Compass Coming In 2017 First Quarter


The all-new 2017 Jeep® Compass offers a 180 horsepower 2.4-liter Tigershark four-cylinder engine mated to either a nine-speed automatic transmission for 4x4 models or a six-speed manual transmission (4x2 and 4x4 models) or a six-speed automatic transmission for 4x2 models. The 2017 Jeep Compass is available in four different trim configurations: Sport, Latitude, Limited and Trailhawk. Available features include Forward Collision Warning-Plus, LaneSense Departure Warning-Plus, Blind-spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path detection, ParkView rear backup camera, electronic stability control with electronic roll mitigation and seven standard air bags.

Monday, November 21, 2016

Mitsubishi eX Concept


The Mitsubishi eX Concept is a 100 percent electric-powered compact SUV with a cruising range of 248.5 miles from a Twin Motor 4WD drivetrain that delivers a total output of 188 horsepower. The Ultrasonic miss-acceleration Mitigation System plus Brake Control uses radar to detect obstructions either in front or behind the vehicle and regulates motor power when the driver presses their foot on the accelerator by mistake to prevent the vehicle from going forward.

2018 Toyota C-HR Coming Next Spring


The all-new 2018 Toyota C-HR, with an appeal to buyers of the outgoing Scion brand, is powered by a 144 horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a Sport and a manual shift mode  It goes on sale next spring with XLE and XLE Premium grades. The XLE Premium grade adds Smart Key and Push Button Start, Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Front Seat Heaters.

Subaru VIZIV-7 SUV Concept Becoming Reality In Early 2018


The Subaru VIZIV-7 SUV Concept, with full three-row capability will be introduced to the North American market in early 2018.

Sunday, November 20, 2016

2017 Volvo V90 Cross Country Wagon


The 2017 Volvo V90 Cross Country wagon, completing Volvo’s 90 Series line-up, is powered by a 362 horsepower version of Volvo’s Drive-E powertrain mated to an eight-speed Geartronic automatic transmission. Production of the car is set to start this Fall in Sweden.

2017 Volkswagen e-Golf


The 2017 Volkswagen e-Golf, using a new lithium-ion battery and 134 horsepower motor, has an increased range of about 50 percent of up to 124 miles on a single charge. The 7.2 kW on-board charger, standard on both SE and SEL Premium trims, enables the battery to be fully charged in less than six hours at a traditional charging station. The e-Golf vehicle is only available at participating dealers in select states.

2017 Honda Civic Si Coming Next Year


The 2017 Honda Civic Si Coupe and Si Sedan will be powered by a 1.5-liter, directed-injected and turbocharged DOHC in-line 4-cylinder engine with dual variable cam timing mated to a short-shifting 6-speed manual transmission and will launch next year as the latest additions to the 10th-generation Honda Civic lineup, joining the Civic Sedan, Civic Coupe and just-launched Civic Hatchback.