Auto sales in the United States are projected to rise 7 percent in April and the annual sales rate is forecasted to top 15 million vehicles, according to J.D. Power and Associates and LMC Automotive. New car and truck sales this month are expected to rise to more than 1.3 million vehicles, while the annual sales pace is projected to reach 15.2 million vehicles, the research firms said in their monthly forecast. Continue reading about U.S. auto sales.[Read more]
Nissan Recalls Pathfinder, Infiniti JX for Brake Issues
Nissan will recall nearly 19,258 Infiniti JX crossovers and Nissan Pathfinders due to the front brake torque member, the automaker announced today. The recall is a result of improper casting that could cause the front torque member to crack and fail on these model year 2013 vehicles, allowing the brake caliper to shift. Furthermore, the vehicle may experience reduced brake … [ Read more ]
Mercedes-Benz Concept GLA Revealed Ahead of Shanghai Debut
The Shanghai Motor Show will get to see the the latest creation from Mercedes-Benz up close this weekend, but the public is getting a sneak peek. Leaked images of the new CUV concept feature a high-quality crossover, complete with contrasting leather and plenty of aluminum. The GLA Concept compact crossover includes a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 208 horsepower and … [ Read more ]
Airbag Manufacturer Takata to Record $307M Loss After Recalls
Airbag manufacturer Takata Corp, who last week was involved in the recall of nearly 3.4 million vehicles developed by Japanese automakers, announced today it will book a devastating loss of 30 billion yen, or $307 million. The company adds that the loss for the year through March 2013 is a result of costs associated with the massive recall, which was caused … [ Read more ]
Audi Connect’s ‘Refueling Stop’ Feature Locates Cheapest Gas
Audi Connect is integrating a new feature to its infotainment system that can help drivers locate the cheapest gas nearby. The Refueling Stop will reveal gas prices at the push of a button and is already available for the A3 family. To begin the new online service, Audi vehicles require MMI Navigation in addition to the optional online Bluetooth car phone … [ Read more ]
Lexus, Toyota Achieves 5 Million in Hybrid Vehicle Sales
Toyota and its Lexus luxury brand achieved an impressive milestone during the first quarter of the year, recording their 5 millionth hybrid vehicle sale. The automaker says its 5 million hybrid vehicles have conserved a combined 3 billion gallons of gasoline and reduced CO2 emissions by 34 million tons. Toyota Motor Corporation Vice-Chairman Takeshi Uchiyamada added that “the launch of the first-generation Prius had effects … [ Read more ]
WardsAuto Announces 10 Best Interiors of 2013
WardsAuto has named its 10 Best Interiors for a third consecutive year. Judges take into consideration everything from design and fit-and-finish to comfort, safety and technology. Automakers in Asia took the cake, with five Japanese automakers and two South Korean comprising the list. Acura RDX Cadillac XTS Chevrolet Spark Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Kia Forte Lexus GS450h Mazda6 Nissan Pathfinder Ram … [ Read more ]
Ford, GM to Jointly Develop Nine-, 10-Speed Transmissions
Ford Motor Co. and General Motors are teaming up to develop nine- and 10-speed transmissions for use in cars, crossovers, pickups and SUVs. The two rival automakers believe the partnership will get the automatic front- and rear-wheel-drive gearboxes to market quicker and cheaper than they could do on their own. Jim Lanzon, GM’s vice president of global transmission engineering, noted that the … [ Read more ]
Ford Execs to Devote More Time to China, Asia Pacific
Ford Motor Co. is directing its attention to China, the automaker’s top execs announced at a global business-plan review meeting during a recent visit to the country. ”Our entire team is spending more and more time in Asia Pacific,” CEO Alan Mulally said. “Clearly this will be the highest growth rate for us over the next few years. It’s going to … [ Read more ]
Fiat Offers Cheap Lease Deal to Boost Sales on 500e
Fiat is offering bargain lease deals on its new 500e pure electric in hopes to encourage sales, the Italian automaker announced on Monday. While electric vehicle sales have been sluggish overall, Fiat hopes to lure the market with a $199 per month lease deal – with $999 down – for its 500e, matching lease prices for the gas-only version of the … [ Read more ]
