Tuesday, January 30, 2024

2024 Honda Prologue Starts At $48,795 In March

The all-new 2024 Honda Prologue, the first all-electric Honda SUV, will begin arriving in Honda dealerships in March, with a 296 mile EPA range rating. Two-wheel drive models are powered by a 212 horsepower front-mounted single motor and all-wheel drive (available on EX and Touring), which adds an additional motor in the rear generates 288 horsepower. The Prologue EX starts at $48,795 (including $1,395 destination charge), before the application of any government incentives or tax credits to leasees.

2024 Porsche Macan 4 Starts At $80,450

2024 Porsche Macan 4 and Macan Turbo, with a 3.4 in. longer wheelbase than the previous model, have fully electric all-wheel drive powertrains with up to 630 horsepower and 833 lb.-ft. from two electric motors and a 100 kWh battery and up to 270 kW charging performance. The battery can be charged from 10 to 80 percent within approximately 21 minutes at a compatible fast-charging station under ideal conditions. The 402 horsepower Macan 4 is $80,450 (including a $1,650 delivery, processing and handling fee), while the 630 horsepower Macan Turbo is $106,950 with a maximum towing capacity of up to 4,400 pounds. The Macan is available with optional rear-axle steering, with a maximum steering angle of five degrees. EPA range figures will be available closer to delivery date. Available to order now, with delivery in the second half of the year. 

2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Starts At $35,345 This Spring

The all-new 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV, powered by a 277 horsepower 2.5L turbocharged, direct-injected mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission or an available is a 1.6L turbocharged hybrid powertrain generating 178 horsepower (231-hp total system output). All trims are available in either FWD or AWD, with the exception of the XRT, which is available exclusively with AWD.  The all-new 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV starts at $35,345 (including $1,395 freight charges) for the entry level FWD SE trim. Santa Fe 2.5L turbo models are arriving at dealers now, with hybrid models arriving this Spring.

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2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan Starts at $63,450 In First Quarter

The new generation 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan arrives in U.S. dealerships in Q1 2024 with the 255 horsepower E 350 4MATIC Sedan starting at $63,450 (including $1,150 destination and delivery charge) and the 375 horsepower E 450 4MATIC Sedan starts at $69,250. 

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2025 Chevrolet Equinox Coming This Year

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox, offered in LT, RS and ACTIV trims and 2.3 inches wider than the outgoing model, is powered by a 175 horsepower 1.5L turbo DOHC DI VVT with automatic stop/start matched with a continuously variable transmission in front-wheel-drive configurations or an eight-speed automatic transmission with available all-wheel-drive. The new Electronic Precision Shift is on the steering column. Standard Chevy Safety Assist includes Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Front Pedestrian and Bicyclist Braking, Following Distance Indicator and Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning. Equinox is trailering-capable, with a maximum capacity of up to 1,500 pounds when equipped with available AWD. The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox will be available in 2024. Additional details, including pricing, will be available closer to the start of production.

Thursday, January 11, 2024

2024 Nissan Rogue Starts At $29,685 Soon

The 2024 Nissan Rogue, powered by a 201 horsepower turbocharged 1.5 liter 3 cylinder engine mated to an Xtronic transmission, will be on sale soon starting at $29,685 (including $1,365 destination and handling). The 2024 Rogue is the first Nissan available with Google built-in, featuring Google Assistant, Google Maps and more from Google Play on a 12.3-inch color touchscreen (SL, Platinum grades), and all can be used without pairing or plugging in a phone. Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ are standard on all Rogue grades (wired on S/SV, wireless on SL/Platinum).

Thursday, January 4, 2024

2023 U.S. Auto Sales

General Motors delivered 2.6 million vehicles in the U.S. in 2023, up 14 percent year-over-year. 

Toyota Motor North America reported year-end 2023 U.S. sales of 2,248,477 vehicles, an increase of 6.6 percent on a volume basis compared to 2022.

Ford U.S. sales were 1,995,912 vehicles in 2023, up 7.1 percent over 2022.

FCA US LLC (Stellantis: Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, Jeep®, Fiat, Alfa Romeo) reports sales of 1,527,090 vehicles for the full 2023 calendar year, a decrease of 1 percent. 

American Honda 2023 sales of 1,308,186 was up 33 percent over 2022 with Honda brand sales of 1,162,531, up 31.9 percent and Acura sales of 145,655, up 42 percent. 

Nissan Group calendar year 2023 U.S. sales of 898,796 is an increase of 23.2 percent compared to the prior year with Nissan Division sales 834,097 up 22.2 percent, INFINITI sales 64,699 up 38.8 percent.

Hyundai USA sold 801,195 vehicles in 2023, an 11 percent increase compared with 2022.

Kia America’s 2023 total sales of 782,451 was up 13 percent year-over-year and 12-percent over the previous record set in 2021. 

Subaru of America ended calendar year 2023 with 632,086 vehicle sales, a 13.6 percent increase compared with calendar year 2022.

Volkswagen of America sold 329,029 vehicles in 2023, an increase of 9.3 percent over 2022. Separately, Audi of America sold 228,550 vehicles last year, up 22percent from 2022.

Mercedes-Benz USA 2023 total sales of 351,746 was up by 0.2 percent compared to 2022 with electric vehicles accounting for 43,202 or 15 percent of overall passenger vehicle sales in 2023.

Mazda North American Operations reported full-year sales totaled 363,354 vehicles, an increase of 23.2 percent compared to 2022. 

BMW full year 2023 sales of 362,244 vehicles is an increase of 9 percent from 2022. 

Volvo Cars’ US sales for 2023 amounted to 128,701 cars, up 26 per cent compared to the full year of 2022. 

Sales will be updated as manufacturers report.

Thursday, December 21, 2023

FLASHBACK: GM's Rick Wagoner (1998) and FORD's Jac Nasser (1999)


Rick Wagoner, former General Motors Chairman, CEO, COO and CFO over his 32 years at GM until 2009, discusses his career, GM and the auto industry with Richard Saxton in a 1998 CarBiz interview.






Jac Nasser, joined Ford Motor Company in 1968 as a financial analyst and on January 1st, 1999, became Ford's President, CEO and board member until 2001. In this 1999 interview, Richard Saxton and Nasser discuss Ford's acquisition of Volvo, industry consolidation, Ford's profits and strategy, his visit to Ford's new Southern California offices and the overall auto industry.

2024 Genesis G70 Starts At $42,695 Soon

The 2024 Genesis G70 sport sedan powered by new 300 horsepower 2.5L turbocharged inline four-cylinder gasoline engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission starts at $42,695 (including $1,195 freight) and the 365 horsepower 3.3L twin-turbocharged V6 gasoline engine with Variable Gear Ratio Steering strats at $51,145. New features include a touch-type climate control display and frameless rear-view mirror. The Digital Key is paired with the Genesis Intelligence Assistant app and can be used with Apple Wallet and Samsung Pass. The vehicle intelligently recognizes the driver and automatically authenticates them, loading their customized vehicle preferences. The 2024 G70 sport sedan will be arriving at U.S. retailers in the coming weeks.

2025 Lexus UX 300h Coming In The New Year

The 2025 Lexus UX 300h compact hybrid crossover, offered in eight different models, including F SPORT Design and F SPORT Handling, is powered by the fifth-generation Lexus Hybrid System which pairs the inline four-cylinder 2.0-liter gas engine with two motor-generators through a continuously variable transmission delivering 196 total system horsepower. A new hybrid transaxle has been adopted, enabling higher output of the front (83 kW) and rear (30 kW) motors. The UX 300h can be equipped with E-Four, Lexus’ all-wheel drive system which places a permanent synchronous motor at the rear axle. Standard on all UXh models are 18-inch run-flat tires. For 2025, a larger 12.3-inch multi-information display becomes standard on all Premium and F SPORT models while a 7-inch multi-information display is standard on the Base model. Pricing for the 2025 Lexus UX 300h will be announced in the new year with the vehicle going on sale shortly after.

2024 Subaru WRX Strats At $33,855 In Early 2024

The 2024 Subaru WRX, in its fifth generation coming in Base, Premium, Limited, TR, and GT trim levels, is powered by a 271 horsepower, 2.4-liter turbocharged Subaru BOXER engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission on all trim levels (except the GT which has the Subaru Performance Transmission) and with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The WRX has a tablet-style 11.6-inch SUBARU STARLINK Multimedia Plus system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. The 2024 Subaru WRX will arrive at retailers in early 2024 with a starting price of $33,855 (including$1,120 destination and delivery).

2024 Ford F-150 Raptor R

The new 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor R is powered by a 720 horsepower 5.2-liter supercharged V8 engine with 640 lb.-ft. of torque. 

Wednesday, December 20, 2023

2024 Lexus RZ EV Starts At $55,150 This Month

The 2024 Lexus RZ comes in 300e starting at $55,150 (including $1,150 DPH) and 450e starting at $59,850. The RZ 300e with a total system horsepower rating of 201 delivering an EPA-estimated range rating of 266 miles when equipped with 18” wheels and an EPA-estimated MPGe rating of 137/112/125 (city/highway/combined). With 20” wheels, the EPA-estimated range rating is 224 miles and EPA-estimated MPGe rating is 114/96/105. The RZ450e has a total system horsepower rating of 308 with an EPA-estimated range rating of 220 miles when equipped with 18” wheels and an EPA-estimated MPGe rating of 115/98/107 (city/highway/combined). When utilizing 20” wheels, the RZ 450e has an EPA-estimated MPGe rating of 102/87/95 with an EPA-estimated range rating of 196 miles. The RZ goes on sale this month.

McLaren GTS

The new McLaren GTS, replacing the GT, is powered by a 626 horsepower 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine mated to a 7 Speed transmission. The GTS is underpinned by the carbon fiber MonoCell II-T monocoque chassis and the roof panel is recycled carbon fiber along with the rear upper structure contributing to low weight and low center-of-gravity. Inside is a 10.25-inch digital instrument display with a 7-inch central touchscreen infotainment system.

2024 INFINITI Q50 Starts At $44,200 This Month

The 2024 INFINITI Q50 is powered by a 300 horsepower 3.0-liter VR-series twin-turbo V6 engine mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission in the LUX and SENSORY trims while the RED SPORT 400 delivers 400 maximum horsepower and adds steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The 2024 INFINITI Q50 arrives in showrooms this month with a starting MSRP of $44,200 (including $1,150 destination and handling charge).

Cadillac VISTIQ Three-row SUV

The Cadillac VISTIQ three-row SUV, slotted between LYRIQ and ESCALADE IQ,  is the third electric vehicle Cadillac has confirmed this year and fifth to join its EV family after last month Cadillac confirmed the 2025 OPTIQ as the entry point for the brand’s EV lineup in North America. 

2024 Lexus GX Starts At $64,250 In Early 2024

The 2024 Lexus GX, with standard full-time 4WD, is powered by a 349 horsepower 3.4L twin-turbo V6 engine paired with a 10-speed Direct Shift Automatic Transmission to deliver an EPA-estimated highway fuel economy rating of 21 MPG. The 2024 GX shares the GA-F platform introduced on the current-generation LX 600 and has an 8,000 lb. towing capacity for Premium, Premium+ and Overtrail grades with the standard tow hitch. The 2024 GX starts at $64,250 (including delivery, processing and handling fee) and is offered in Premium, Premium+, Luxury, Luxury+, and all-new for Lexus, Overtrail and Overtrail+ grade levels. A newly developed double-wishbone front suspension is paired with a multi-link rear suspension. The GX comes with a standard 14-inch, high-definition touchscreen. The 2024 GX is expected to arrive at dealerships in early 2024 with a hybrid powertrain available in the U.S. at a later date. 

Mercedes-AMG SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE Roadster Coming in 2024

The new Mercedes-AMG SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE roadster will be powered by a combined 805 horsepower coming from a Handcrafted AMG 4.0L V8 Biturbo engine and 201 horsepower permanently excited synchronous electric motor integrated with an electrically shifted two-speed transmission and limited-slip rear differential. Standard AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL suspension with active roll stabilization and active rear-axle steering provides a wide spread of driving characteristics from comfortable to highly dynamic. The 2024 Mercedes-AMG SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE arrives at U.S. dealerships in 2024.

2024 Kia Sportage Hybrids Start At $29,615

The 2024 Kia Sportage hybrid (HEV), in LX, LX AWD, EX AWD and SX Prestige AWD trim levels, is powered by a 177 horsepower 1.6L Turbo gasoline direct injection with a 2,000 lb. towing capacity and starts at $29,615 (including $1,325 destination). The 2024 Sportage plug-in hybrid (PHEV), powered by a 177 horsepower 1.6L Turbo gasoline direct injection comes in X-Line AWD starting at $40,815 and the  X-Line Prestige AWD at $45,315. 

2024 Hyundai Kona Electric Starts At $34,010

The all-new 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric, in its second-generation, is nearly six inches longer and features a larger cabin and 33 percent more cargo area with up to 261 miles of EPA-estimated range. The 133 horsepower SE FWD model starts at $34,010 (including $1,335 delivery charge). The SEL and Limited have 201 horsepower electric motors. The Kona Electric comes standard with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster seamlessly integrated with Hyundai’s next-generation 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Junction-Turning and Direct-Oncoming, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Safe Exit Warning, Rear Occupant Alert, and second-row seat belt reminders are all standard.