Saturday, February 18, 2017

Lexus LS 500h Coming Soon


The all-new Lexus LS 500h will debut at the Geneva Auto Show on March 7th.

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Volvo V90 Wagon Will Start At $49,950


The Volvo V90 Wagon comes with either Volvo’s T5 FWD, turbo-charged Drive-E engine or T6 AWD, turbo and super-charged powertrain in Inscription or R-Design trim. Leather seats, a Panoramic moonroof, Blind Spot Information System, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard along with City Safety, which includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian, cyclist and large animal detection. The T5 FWD R-Design V90 will start at $49,950 and is now available to order for U.S. customers via Volvo Concierge, one-to-one interaction with a Volvo representative online.

Tuesday, February 7, 2017

2018 Ford Expedition Coming This Fall


The all-new 2018 Ford Expedition full-size SUV, available in XLT, Limited and Platinum series, with an all-new high-strength, aluminum-alloy body and redesigned high-strength steel frame making it 300 pounds lighter, is powered by a 3.5-liter EcoBoost® engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. New driver-assist technologies include enhanced active park assist to easily pull in and out of parking spots, available 360-degree camera technology, lane-keeping aid, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, collision avoidance detection and available Blind Spot Information.
The all-new Expedition arrives this Fall.

2018 Dodge Durango SRT Coming In The 4th Quarter


The new 2018 Dodge Durango SRT three-row SUV is powered by a 475 horsepower 392-cubic-inch HEMI® V-8 engine mated to a standard TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission specifically calibrated for the Dodge Durango SRT to optimize shift points and deliver maximum torque to all four wheels for a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds.

A new electronic T-shifter provides the driver with intuitive gear selection while a new SRT seven-mode drive system gives the driver a wide choice of settings, including the new Sport Mode which reduces shift times by up to 50 percent versus Auto Mode to deliver up to 65 percent of the 392 HEMI engine’s torque to the rear wheels. The new Track Mode provides 160-millisecond shifts and up to 70 percent of engine torque to the rear wheels. All customers who buy a new Durango SRT will receive one full-day session at the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving. The new 2018 Dodge Durango SRT will start arriving in Dodge dealerships during fourth quarter of this year.

Monday, February 6, 2017

2017 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Limited Edition


The 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Limited Edition boasts bold new exterior aesthetics including an alloy fuel door, black painted door mirrors and 18" alloy wheels, fog lamps, HID headlamps, a rear view camera and a Limited Edition badge. The Outlander Sport Limited Edition will be in dealerships later this month for $21,995 and available through the end of the model year.

2017 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Recon Edition Coming This Month


The new 2017 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Recon Edition, with a 285 horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine, is equipped with Wrangler’s part-time four-wheel-drive system that has electronic-locking front and rear Dana 44 axles with power being sent to each through a Rock-Trac transfer case and is mated to a six-speed manual transmission. The new 2017 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Recon Edition has a stronger front axle, enhanced rock rails, heavy-duty cast differential covers and a standard eight-speaker audio system with an optional Premium Alpine Audio Package that includes nine Alpine speakers, a subwoofer and a 552-watt amplifier. The new 2017 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Recon Edition is priced at $39,145 for the two-door model and $42,945 for the Wrangler Unlimited (four-door) model and arrives in showrooms later this month.

2018 Subaru Legacy Coming This Summer


The 2018 Subaru Legacy midsize sedan, with revised styling and upgrades, is powered by a 175 horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder BOXER engine, or, as the Legacy 3.6R with a 256 horsepower 3.6-liter 6-cylinder BOXER engine mated to a Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) with manual mode, paddle shift control switches and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. New for 2018 includes tire pressure monitoring, a larger Blind Spot Detection/Rear Cross Traffic Alert indicator lamp and redesigned LED turn signals in the mirrors. All Legacy trim lines come standard with a rear-view camera. The 2018 Subaru Legacy will go on sale this summer.

Wednesday, February 1, 2017

January 2017 U.S. Auto Sales


General Motors (Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac) delivered 195,909 vehicles in January, down 3.8 percent year over year.

Ford sales of 172,612 vehicles for January was a 0.6 percent decline from February 2016. Of that total, Lincoln sales were 8,785 vehicles, up 22 percent over a year ago.

Toyota Motor North America reported its U.S. January 2017 sales of 143,048 vehicles, a decrease of 11.3 percent from January 2016. Toyota division posted January sales of 127,476, down 9.2 percent while Lexus posted January sales of 15,572 vehicles, down 25.6 percent.

FCA (Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, Jeep, Fiat, Alfa Romeo) reported U.S. sales of 152,218, an 11 percent decrease compared with sales in January 2016.

American Honda reported total January sales of 106,380 Honda and Acura vehicles, an increase of 5.9 percent over January 2016 and a new record for the month. Honda Division sales were 97,178 rising 7.7 percent while Acura Division sales totaled 9,202 vehicles in January, a decrease of 10.2 percent.

Nissan Group announced total U.S. sales for January 2017 of 112,319, an increase of 6 percent over the prior year and a January record. while Infiniti reported sales of 11,558 vehicles in the U.S. during January, an increase of 36 percent, an all-time record January for the brand.

Subaru of America reported 43,879 vehicle sales for January 2017, a 6.8 percent increase over January 2016, and the best January in the history of the company.

Volkswagen of America reported sales of 23,510 in January 2017, a 17.1 percent increase over January 2016. Separately, Audi of America’s January sales increased 11 percent to 13,201 vehicles.

Mercedes-Benz USA reported record January sales of 25,527, topping last January’s record volume. Adding 2,049 for Vans and 324 for smart, MBUSA achieved its highest January to date with a grand total of 27,900 vehicles, up 3.5 percent from a year ago.

Mazda North American Operations reported January U.S. sales of 21,698 vehicles, an increase of 10.1 percent versus January of last year, and the best January sales month in five years.

BMW brand sold 18,109 vehicles in January, an increase of 0.1 percent compared to January, 2016.

Jaguar Land Rover North America had its best ever January with U.S. sales for both brands of 9,102, a 30 percent increase. Jaguar sales were 2,939, a 117 percent increase and Land Rover sales reached 6,163, up 9 percent from January 2016.

Mitsubishi Motors North America reported January 2017 sales of 6,457, an increase of 3.1 percent over January 2016.

Porsche Cars North America delivered 4,602 vehicles in January, up 5.7 percent over the same period last year, for the strongest January sales month ever recorded by the company.

Volvo Car USA reported U.S. sales of 3,472 vehicles for the month of January, an 18.2 percent decrease.

Sales will be updated as manufacturers report.

Tuesday, January 31, 2017

2017 Kia Niro NiroBot Commercial


Kia Motors will have a Super Bowl commercial called "Iceberg" featuring the NiroBot for Messenger, an chat experience that includes guided vehicle discovery, expansive technical knowledge, step-by-step tutorials and test drive scheduling. Actress Melissa McCarthy is the centerpiece of a multi-faceted marketing campaign for the all-new 2017 Niro crossover.

Friday, January 27, 2017

Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster In Super Bowl Commerical


Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster with actor Peter Fonda and the music of Steppenwolf's "Born to Be Wild," is featured in Mercedes-Benz "Easy Driver," commercial which will appear in the fourth quarter of the Feb. 5th game commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Mercedes-Benz performance sub-brand AMG. The comical spot is directed by the Academy-Award-winning Coen Brothers, Joel and Ethan, known for writing and/or directing many films including Fargo, The Big Lebowski, The Ladykillers, No Country for Old Men, Inside Llewyn Davis, Unbroken, Bridge of Spies.

2018 BMW 4 Series Coming This March


The 2018 BMW 4 Series, Coupe, Convertible and Gran Coupe, have a 248 horsepower twin-turbo engine on the 430i and a 320 horsepower for the top-of-the-line 440i, mated to the eight-speed Steptronic Sport Automatic transmission or an available six-speed manual transmission on the BMW 4 Series Coupe (430i, 440i, and 440i xDrive). The new BMW 4 Series Coupe and new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe both now come with stiffer suspension featuring more advanced damping technology, an upgraded steering set-up and a lower center of gravity than the BMW 3 Series. The BMW M4 Coupe and BMW M4 Convertible will have a 425 horsepower six-cylinder engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology. The 2018 BMW 4 Series will be available as 430i, 440i xDrive models starting this March and pricing will be announced closer to the vehicle launch.

2017 Nissan Rogue Hybrid Starts At $27,180


The new 2017 Nissan Rogue Hybrid, offered in SV and SL grade levels and with one option package and available in both FWD and AWD, starts at $27,180 (including $940 destination and handling), $1,000 above a non-hybrid Rogue SV front-wheel drive model. The new Rogue Hybrid produces estimated fuel economy of 33 mpg city, 35 mpg highway and 34 mpg combined for the front-wheel drive model with all-wheel drive models estimated at 31 mpg city, 34 mpg highway and 33 mpg combined. The Rogue Hybrid combines a 141 horsepower 2.0-liter 16-valve DOHC aluminum-alloy inline 4-cylinder engine and a compact lithium-ion battery with a 40 horsepower electric motor, two-clutch control for a system net 176 horsepower. Rogue Hybrid is on sale now in 18 West, Northwest and Mountain states and goes on sale nationwide this Spring.

2017 Audi R8 V10 Spyder Starts At $176,350


The 2017 Audi R8 V10 Spyder, with its naturally-aspirated 540 horsepower 5.2-liter V10 engine mated to a seven-speed S-tronic® dual-clutch transmission that enables a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds to a top speed of 198 mph, has a light 97 pound cloth roof that opens or closes in 20 seconds at speeds of up to 31 mph. The Audi R8 V10 Spyder has newly developed ASF® aluminum and carbon fiber construction that makes it more than 50 percent stiffer than its predecessor. The second generation R8 V10 Spyder features a quattro® system that by default delivers the majority of torque to the rear wheels, but under certain driving conditions can send up to 100 percent of all available torque to the front axle. The Audi R8 V10 Spyder with a fully digital Audi virtual cockpit starts at $176,350 (including $1,250 destination charge).

Thursday, January 26, 2017

2017 Niro Crossover Hybrid Starts At $23,785 Soon


The all-new 2017 Niro crossover hybrid, offered in FE, LX, EX, Touring and limited-production Launch Edition trim levels, starts at $23,785 for the FE and runs up to $30,545 for the top-of-the-line Touring model (including $895 destination charges). Three option packages are available.

2017 Kia Niro Crossover Commercial In Super Bowl


The all-new 2017 Kia Niro crossover, with fuel economy of up to 50 miles per gallon, will be featured in Kia's Super Bowl commercial airing in the third quarter of the game and stars Melissa McCarthy.

Monday, January 23, 2017

Hyundai Will Shoot Super Bowl Commercial During Game


Hyundai, the official car and SUV of the NFL, will film a 90-second documentary during Super Bowl LI and will run it in the first commercial break after the game ends and just before the trophy ceremony. Director Peter Berg (Patriots Day, Deepwater Horizon, Lone Survivor, among many others) will shoot, edit and produce the 90-second documentary in real time. 2017 will mark the ninth time in the last 10 years that Hyundai has participated in the game.

Lexus LC 500 and LC 500h In Super Bowl Commercial


“Man & Machine,” a 60-second Super Bowl spot features the Lexus LC 500 and LC 500h coupes with movement artist Lil Buck and music from recording artist Sia. A 30-second version of “Man & Machine” that also includes the all-new LS 500 will air during the second quarter of Super Bowl LI on Sunday, Feb. 5 with the New England Patriots going against the Atlanta Falcons in Houston.

2018 Ford Mustang Convertible


The new 2018 Ford Mustang convertible, like the hardtop, has a 12-inch all-digital instrument cluster that can be customized, MyMode with memory function, Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection for greater confidence behind the wheel and is powered by either a 2.3-liter EcoBoost® engine or 5.0-liter V8 (for the GT pictured above) with an all-new available 10-speed automatic transmission and MagneRide suspension. The convertible is likely coming this Fall with the new hardtop coupe.

Thursday, January 19, 2017

2018 Ford Mustang Coming This Fall


The new 2018 Ford Mustang has a new front and rear-end design, and a host of new features including a 12-inch all-digital instrument cluster that can be customized, MyMode memory function that remembers your driving preferences, new MagneRide™ suspension technology and Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection. The new Mustang is powered by a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine or a reworked 5.0-liter V8 engine for the Mustang GT (pictured above) and both models offer manual or all-new available 10-speed automatic transmissions. Ford SYNC® Connect with FordPass™ is available on Mustang for the first time. The new Mustang goes on sale in North America this Fall.

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

VIDEO: Hyundai's Derek Joyce On Ioniq Lease


Hyundai Motor America Product PR Manager Derek Joyce explains Hyundai  “Ioniq Unlimited” electric vehicle subscription-based ownership for the zero-emission, eco-focused 2017 Ioniq Electric which begins in California in early this year.

View on YouTube

Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Nissan Vmotion 2.0 Concept


The Nissan Vmotion 2.0 concept offers hints at the future of "Nissan Intelligent Mobility," the company's roadmap to achieve zero emissions and zero fatalities.

Audi Q8 Concept - A Year Away From Production


The Audi Q8 concept, on a 9.8 foot wheelbase, is the basis for a production plug-in hybrid model that Audi will launch on the market in 2018. The Audi Q8 concept uses a 3.0 TFSI producing 333 horsepower combined with an electric motor that generates total system output of 443 horsepower integrated into the eight-speed tiptronic transmission.

Lexus LC 500 Starts At $92,975 In May


The all-new Lexus LC 500, a new flagship 2+2 performance coupe powered by 471 horsepower 5.0-liter V8, matched with a direct shift 10-speed automatic transmission will have a starting MSRP of $92,975 (including delivery, processing and handling fee of $975). The LC 500h, powered by 354 horsepower 3.5-liter, V6 full hybrid powertrain will have a starting MSRP of $97,485. They arrive at dealerships this May.

2018 Toyota Camry Has A New Look


The eighth-generation 2018 Toyota Camry sedan, on a two inch longer wheelbase and available in LE, XLE, SE and XSE trims, has a new 3.5-liter V6 with D-4S Fuel Injection and an all-new 2.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine, which comes paired to a new 8-speed Direct-Shift automatic transmission and a next-generation Toyota Hybrid System (THS II). All 2018 Camry’s have 10 standard airbags and Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, Anti-lock Braking System, and Smart Stop Technology®. All Camry’s also come equipped with a standard backup camera.

2018 Honda Odyssey Arrives This Spring


The new 2018 Honda Odyssey minivan will be powered by a 280 horsepower 3.5-liter, direct-injected i-VTEC™ V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management™ connected to a 9-speed automatic and, for upper grades an all-new, 10-speed automatic transmission when it launches at dealerships nationwide this Spring. New features include a Magic Slide™ second-row seat and CabinWatch which, using a camera, lets the driver and front passenger keep tabs on passengers both day and night via the 8-inch Display Audio screen while CabinTalk enables the driver to talk to second and third-row passengers through speakers and rear entertainment system headphones. A new hands-free power tailgate with foot activation is available.

Monday, January 9, 2017

2018 Lexus LS Sedan Is Longer, Lower, Lighter


The all-new, fifth-generation 2018 Lexus LS flagship sedan, on a 123-inch wheelbase is 1.3-inch longer, lower and more than 200 pounds lighter than the current LS long-wheelbase model, and is powered by an all-new 415 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine with all-new twin turbos matched to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The 2018 Lexus LS goes on sale in U.S. near the end of this year.

All-New Audi SQ5 Arrives This Spring


The all-new Audi SQ5, second-generation SQ5, offers a 354 horsepower 3.0-liter TFSI® engine mated to eight-speed tiptronic® transmission and arrives this Spring. The available S sport package has a sport adaptive air suspension, which lowers vehicle height by 30 mm (when in auto mode) compared to the standard adaptive suspension.

2018 Chevrolet Traverse Coming This Fall


The all-new 2018 Chevrolet Traverse, with available seating for up to eight and a longer wheelbase than the current model, will have a new 3.6L V-6 and nine-speed automatic transmission that's expected to offer nearly 10 percent more horsepower delivering a GM-estimated 25 mpg highway (FWD) with an estimated 5,000-pound trailering capacity when properly equipped. The all-new 2018 Chevrolet Traverse goes on sale this Fall with two new trim levels, the RS with a 2.0L turbocharged engine and the High Country.

2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA250, Mercedes-AMG GLA45 This Summer


The newly redesigned 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 is powered by a 208 horsepower 2.0L inline-4 turbo engine mated to a 7-speed DCT dual-clutch transmission and the new Mercedes-AMG GLA45 has a 375 horsepower AMG 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine tied to the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sport transmission with a zero to 60 mph time of 4.3 seconds. The refreshed 2018 GLA will go on sale in the U.S. this summer.

2018 GMC Terrain Arriving This Summer


The all-new 2018 GMC Terrain has a choice of a new 1.5L and 2.0L turbocharged gas engines matched with new nine-speed automatic transmissions and an all-new 1.6L turbo-diesel. The 2018 Terrain goes on sale this summer in SL, SLE, SLT and Denali models.

2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Is Longer


The all-new 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan, powered by a 184 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct injection TSI® engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, is 185.2 inches long, making it 10.7 inches longer than the current version to accommodate an optional third row and it has up to 57 percent more cargo capacity. The Tiguan is either front wheel drive or has an optional 4Motion with Active Control all-wheel-drive.

2018 Kia Stinger Coming Later This Year


The all-new 2018 Kia Stinger five-passenger fastback sports sedan will offer a standard estimated 255 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder Theta II engine or an available 365 horsepower 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 Lambda II engine with an expected 5.1 second zero to 62 mph time to a top speed of 167 mph. The Stinger features a second-generation eight-speed rear-drive automatic transmission. The Stinger is planned to go on sale in the U.S. late this year.

2018 Ford F-150 Coming With New Engines This Fall


The new 2018 Ford F-150, with new front and rear styling in XL to top-of-the-line Limited trim levels, offers an all-new 3.0-liter Power Stroke® V6 turbo diesel, an all-new standard 282 horsepower 3.3-liter V6, an all-new second-generation 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission, and a 5.0-liter V8 also paired with the 10-speed automatic transmission for the first time. The new 2018 F-150 goes on sale this Fall.

Saturday, January 7, 2017

2018 Genesis G80 Sport Coming This Spring


The 2018 Genesis G80 model, with a new 365 horsepower 3.3-liter turbocharged V6 engine paired with a sport-tuned eight-speed automatic transmission, will have a Sport trim featuring 19-inch wheels, carbon fiber interior trim, leather sport seats and steering wheel along with Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Driver Attention Alert and a multi-view camera. The 2018 Genesis G80 is scheduled to arrive this Spring, and the 2017 Genesis G90 is available now at Genesis retailers.

2018 Audi A5 and S5 Cabriolets Debut


The all-new 2018 Audi A5 Cabriolet comes equipped with a 252 horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a seven-speed S tronic® dual-clutch automatic transmission and sprints from 0-60 mph in 6.0 seconds. The 2018 Audi S5 Cabriolet is equipped with a re-engineered 354 horsepower 3.0-liter TFSI® V6 engine mated to a newly equipped with an eight-speed Tiptronic® automatic transmission and sprints from 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds. The A5 and S5 Cabriolet feature standard-equipped with quattro® all-wheel drive  and a fully electronic top that can be lowered using the new one-touch opening function, in just 15 seconds, at speeds of up to 31 mph.

2018 Subaru WRX and WRX STI Arrive This Spring


The 2018 Subaru WRX with a 268 horsepower 2.0-liter direct injection turbocharged BOXER engine, Symmetrical All Wheel Drive and Active Torque Vectoring comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission and offers an optional performance automatic transmission, the Sport Lineartronic® CVT with manual mode. The WRX STI is powered by a 305 horsepower 2.5-liter turbocharged BOXER engine with Multi-Mode Driver Controlled Center Differential Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Both have a restyled front fascia, a more pronounced grille design, along with a larger lower grille opening and new roof rack mounting brackets and will reach Subaru retailers this Spring.

2018 Volvo V90 Coming This Summer


The 2018 Volvo V90, with both T5 FWD and T6 AWD powertrains in either Inscription or R-Design trim, is coming to the United States this Summer.

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

December 2016 U.S. Auto Sales

General Motors (Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac) total U.S. sales in December were 319,108, up 10 percent from last year. General Motors 2016 sales of 3,042,775 is down 1.3 percent from 2015.

Ford Motor Company’s total December U.S. sales of 239,854 vehicles were up 0.3 percent. 2016 U.S. sales of 2,614,697 vehicles mark Ford Motor Company’s best annual sales in a decade.

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. reported December 2016 sales of 243,229 vehicles, an increase of 2.0 percent from December 2015. For the year, TMS reported sales of 2,449,630 vehicles, a 2.0 percent decrease.

FCA US (Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, Jeep, Fiat, Alfa Romeo) reported U.S. sales of 192,519, a 10 percent decrease compared with sales in December 2015. FCA US full-year sales of 2,244,315 were flat in 2016 compared with sales in 2015.

American Honda reported a new December record of 160,477, a 6.4 percent gain leading to an all-time annual sales record of 1,637,942 for Honda and Acura vehicles for 2016, an increase of 3.2 percent to eclipse the previous best set in 2015. Honda Division sales also set a new annual record of 1,476,582 vehicles, a 4.8 percent rise while Acura total annual sales reached 161,360, down 8.9 percent for the 2016 year.

Nissan Group announced total U.S. sales for December 2016 of 152,743, an increase of 9.7 percent for a December record. For calendar year 2016, Nissan set an all-time record with 1,564,423 total U.S. sales, an increase of 5.4 percent.

Hyundai Motor America announced December sales of 60,572, down 1.9 percent but leading to its seventh consecutive year of record U.S. sales of 775,005, an increase of 1.7 percent.

Kia Motors America announced its highest December total in company history of 54,353 for an all-time best annual sales of 647,598 vehicles in 2016, up 3.5 percent over 2015.

Subaru of America reported December sales total of 63,177 vehicles for its best-ever sales month contributing to record-breaking sales of 615,132 vehicles for 2016, an increase of 5.6 percent for the eighth consecutive year of sales records and ninth consecutive year of sales increases.

Volkswagen of America today reported sales of 37,229 in December, a 20.3 percent increase over December 2015. VW sales for 2016 totaled 322,948, a 7.6 percent decrease over 2015. Separately, Audi December 2016 sales increased of 23,195 vehicles, a 13.7 percent rise, and for a 2016 total of 210,213 vehicles, up 4 percent for the brand’s best annual performance.

Mazda North American Operations reported December U.S. sales of 28,754 vehicles, a decrease of 1.8 percent versus December of last year. For calendar year 2016 total sales of 297,773 was down 6.7 percent.

BMW brand vehicles totaled 32,835 in December. For the year, BMW brand sales of 313,174 is down 9.5 percent from last year.

Mercedes-Benz USA reported December sales of 37,057 vehicles with Mercedes-Benz Vans reporting December sales of 3,860 and smart 1,186, bringing MBUSA's grand total to 37,057 vehicles for the month. On a year- to-date basis, Mercedes-Benz totaled 340,237, Vans 34,304 and smart 6,211 for an MBUSA grand total of 380,752, a 0.1 percent increase from the previous year.

Jaguar Land Rover North America reported December sales of 12,573, a 30 percent increase over 2015, while Jaguar sales were 4,294, a 259 percent increase and Land Rover 8,279, a 2 percent decrease. Jaguar Land Rover North America December U.S. sales for both brands hit 12,573, a 30 percent increase. For the full year 2016, Jaguar Land Rover U.S. sales were 105,104, up 24 percent beating the previous sales record achieved in 2002.

Mitsubishi Motors North America reported December 2016 sales of 7,383 for a 2016 total of 96,267, up 1.0 percent over 2015.

Porsche Cars North America announced 4,015 vehicle sales in December bringing 2016 to 54,280 vehicles sold, a 4.9 percent increase over 2015 and a new PCNA sales record.

Friday, December 30, 2016

INFINITI QX50 Concept To Debut In Detroit


The INFINITI QX50 Concept, an evolution of the 2016 QX Sport Inspiration, will make its global premiere at the 2017 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

INFINITI will also exhibit its new VC-Turbo (Variable Compression Turbo) engine technology which combines the power of a high-performance 2.0-liter turbo gasoline engine with the torque and efficiency of an advanced diesel powertrain suited to the QX50 Concept. By seamlessly raising or lowering the reach of the pistons, it instantly selects the most suitable compression for current driving conditions. The 268 horsepower VC-Turbo engine will be comparable to certain six-cylinder gasoline powertrains for performance, while significantly outperforming them in efficiency. INFINITI engineers are targeting a 27 percent improvement in fuel efficiency over V6 gasoline engines of similar power output.

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Audi Q8 Concept Full Size SUV


The Audi Q8 concept is a full-size SUV with a coupe-look that will make its debut at North American International Auto Show in Detroit Jan. 9.

Sunday, December 25, 2016

2017 BMW 5 Series Starts At $52,195 In February


The all-new 7th generation 2017 BMW 5 Series, arriving in U.S. showrooms February 11, 2017, is priced at $52,195 for the 2017 BMW 530i, $54,495 for the 530i xDrive model, $57,445 for the BMW 540i and $59,745 for the BMW 540i xDrive model (including $995 destination and handling). Standard equipment includes Adaptive LED Headlights, Sport Seats, Active Protection, Fatigue and Focus Alert as well as an 18-inch Double-Spoke Wheels and an Anthracite headliner enhancing the sporty character of the latest BMW Sport Sedan. At launch, the 7th generation BMW 5 Series will be available as a 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i and 540i xDrive models with the BMW M550i xDrive and BMW 530e and 530e xDrive iPerformance models arriving at dealers in the Spring.

2018 Honda Odyssey To Debut Jan. 9


The all-new 5th-generation 2018 Honda Odyssey minivan will make its global debut at the 2017 North American International Auto Show on January 9.

2018 Chevrolet Traverse To Debut Jan. 9


The next-generation Chevrolet Traverse redesigned for 2018 will debut on Jan. 9 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

2018 BMW 530e iPerformance Coming This Spring


The first ever BMW 530e iPerformance, the fourth iPerformance BMW, is powered by a 95 horsepower electric motor and 180 horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder TwinPower Turbo combustion engine for an overall system output of 248 horsepower (preliminary) for a 0 to 60 mph time of 6.1 seconds (preliminary) to a top speed of 130 mph (preliminary). The electric motor and combustion engine direct their power to the rear wheels or all four wheels via the standard 8-speed Steptronic transmission with paddle shifters. The high-voltage battery pack consisting of lithium-ion cells with a total capacity of 9.2 kWh is located underneath the rear seat. The 2018 BMW 5 Series iPerformance will be available at U.S. dealers in Spring 2017 with pricing closer to market launch.

2018 BMW M550i xDrive Coming This Spring


The first ever BMW M550i xDrive powered by a 456 horsepower specifically modified M Performance TwinPower Turbo 4.4 liter 8-cylinder engine mated to Steptronic Sport 8-speed transmission propels the BMW M550i xDrive from 0 to 60 mph in under 4.0 seconds and then on to an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. Available options include Active Driving Assistant Plus, including Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Evasion Aid and Active Lane Keeping Assistant. The 2018 BMW M550i xDrive will be available at U.S. dealerships in spring 2017 with pricing announced closer to market launch.

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe Coming Next Summer


The new 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe, larger than the previous model, comes in E400 and E400 4MATIC models powered by a 329 horsepower 3.0L V6 biturbo engine equipped with the 9G- TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission. DYNAMIC SELECT provides the following transmission modes: “Comfort,” “ECO,” “Sport,” “Sport +” and “Individual.” DRIVE PILOT with Distance Pilot DISTRONIC®, keeps the car at the correct distance behind vehicles in front on all types of road and can also automatically follow them at a speed of up to 130 mph. The all-new model year 2018 E-Class Coupe will go on sale in the U.S. next summer.

Monday, December 12, 2016

All-New Lexus LS Sedan Coming


The all-new, fifth-generation Lexus LS flagship sedan will make its world debut at the 2017 North American International Auto Show next month.

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

2018 Chevrolet Equinox Starts At $24,475 This Spring


The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox, available in L, LS, LT and Premier trim levels, in FWD or AWD combinations, will start at $24,475 (including destination charge) when it goes on sale this Spring. The standard 1.5L engine will be available at launch, with the 2.0L Turbo and diesel options available in the second quarter of 2017. The 2.0L engine will be coupled to GM’s new nine-speed automatic transmission that will debut in the Malibu.

2017 Dodge Challenger GT AWD For $34,490 In Q1


2017 Dodge Challenger GT, the first two-door American muscle car with all-wheel drive, has a 305 horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine mated to a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering up to an EPA-estimated 18 city/27 hwy miles per gallon. The 2017 Dodge Challenger GT AWD starts at $34,490 (including $1,095 destination charge) and will be available in dealerships the first quarter of 2017.

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.