William Maley

Say you are looking for a vehicle to carry you, your family, and all of their stuff; what do you get? Previously you could get a station wagon or an SUV. But both types of vehicles have fallen out of favor for different reasons and new types of vehicles have mostly taken their place. Those vehicles in question happen to be the crossover and minivan. For most people, the crossover is the more appealing choice instead of a minivan because they don’t want to be seen as a ‘soccer mom’. That doesn’t mean crossovers get away scot-free. Their biggest problem is the ‘can do everything, but not really well’ conundrum.

So which one should you consider? Well, I happened to have the Dodge Durango Citadel and Grand Caravan SXT 30^th Anniversary within a couple weeks of each other. So why not compare the two and figure out which one is better.

Design:

Let’s begin with the Grand Caravan first. The overall shape of the a rounded rectangular box hasn’t changed since it was introduced back in 2007. 2011 saw Dodge give the model some tweaks with a new front end treatment, somewhat revised rear, and new wheel choices. Compared to other minivans on the marketplace, the Grand Caravan sits somewhere in the middle.

Then there is the Durango, which in my books is one the best looking crossovers on sale today. The look is mean and aggressive which such details as the large crosshair grille, race track inspired taillights, and the twenty-inch aluminum wheels that come standard on the Citadel. The Durango has the look that it could beat up on other crossovers.

Interior:

The Grand Caravan’s interior does show some of its age by keeping the same dash layout and certain controls from 2007. The plus side is that the layout is very easy to understand where everything is. Materials range from soft-touch on the dash and certain parts of the door panels, to hard plastics in other parts. I believe this is a good mix of materials since the Grand Caravan will likely be carrying kids and you want something to stand up to that.

Passenger space is very good with all three rows getting a decent amount of head and legroom. Front passengers get power adjustments and heat. Cargo space is a slight disappointment with the third row up as it measures only 33 cubic feet, the smallest space for all minivans. However when you fold the third row down, the Grand Caravan’s cargo space grows to 83.3 cubic feet. The Stow n’ Go seating Dodge introduced in the last generation vans is surprisingly easy to use when putting the seats down. Putting them back up is a little bit more difficult as you have to follow the instructions to a T for them to go back up correctly.

The Durango on the other hand is a really nice place to be in. Dodge gave the interior some tweaks last year to bring it more in line with the rest of their lineup. The dash layout is reminiscent to the Charger and Dart with a simple design and the large 8.4-inch touchscreen smack dab in the middle. Material quality has also seen a noticeable improvement compared to the 2012 Durango. One disappointment I did have is that that Citadel really didn’t feel that luxurious to me. I mean there are such touches as the Nappa leather and the ventilated seats for the front passengers, but I was expecting something more for the price tag.

Comfort-wise, the Durango features very supportive front seats with power adjustments for both passengers. The second row in my tester featured bucket seats that provided a decent amount of head and legroom. The third row is best to be folded into the floor as it's a bit hard to get back there, and there isn’t enough head and legroom unless you are a small child. Folding the third row also increases the cargo space from 17.2 cubic feet to 47.7 cubic feet.

Tech:

Another sign that the Grand Caravan is old is the optional infotainment system. The Grand Caravan still uses the first-generation UConnect system on a smallish 6.5-inch screen. The interface is somewhat clunky looking and isn’t nice to look at. But the first-generation system is very much easy to use and features such as navigation, satellite radio, and more are here. The Grand Caravan also came equipped with an optional BluRay player with a screen for the rear passengers.

The Durango is bit more modern in this department. It begins with a seven-inch color screen in the instrument cluster that handles the speedometer and trip computer duties. The screen is clear and vibrant, til the sun hits it and the screen becomes a bit washed out. The 8.4-inch touchscreen features the latest version of UConnect that features an integrated 3G connection and an app store. Sadly I didn’t get the chance to try out either feature during the Durango’s week-long stay. What I can say about the latest version of UConnect is the system retains the easy-to-use interface that I have praised before.

Powertrain:

One item both vehicles have in common is the engine, which happens to be the 3.6L Pentastar V6. In the Grand Caravan, the V6 makes 283 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The Durango makes do with 290 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. How the power gets down to the road is a bit different for both vehicles. The Grand Caravan makes do with a six-speed automatic and front-wheel drive, whereas the Durango utilizes an eight-speed automatic and optional all-wheel drive (rear-wheel drive is standard).

As I have previously written, the 3.6 Pentastar is a wonderful engine as it's really smooth and moves both vehicles with authority when you climb up in the rev range. However, I felt the Grand Caravan was a little bit quicker than the Durango. This comes down to Grand Caravan’s curb weight of 4,510 pounds, versus the 5,097 pounds of the Durango. As for transmissions, both are very smooth and are able to pull the most out of the 3.6. The Durango had the better average fuel economy for the week, with 20.5 MPG. The Caravan only got 19.4 MPG for the week. Thank the extra two gears in the Durango for that.

Ride and Handling:

The two models have similar ride and handling characteristics, which is somewhat surprising. On the daily drive, both models provide a very comfortable ride. Bumps and road imperfections are mostly ironed out in both models. As for quietness, the Durango is slightly better than the Grand Caravan when dealing with road noise. Both are equal when it comes to isolating wind noise. As for driving on the back roads, both models are surprisingly fun to drive. The Grand Caravan hunkers down when you decide to push it. Steering is very responsive. Meanwhile, the Durango is surprisingly nimble for its size. When you decide to have a bit of fun, the suspension keeps body roll to a reasonable level. Steering is excellent with good weight and feel.

Verdict:

The crossover and minivan have their respective places in the automotive marketplace, with their high and low points. Most people will go towards the crossover, as it offers the look and space of an SUV. But keep in mind that you’ll end up with some of the downsides of many vehicles. Minivans have an image problem. But if you have a lot of people and stuff to move around, then a minivan becomes a perfect option.

But what about the two vehicles in question, the Durango and Grand Caravan. Well, both vehicles happen to be impressive choices in the respective classes. The Durango is a sharp looker and not a bad crossover to drive around in. The Grand Caravan is excellent a value for what you get and can still give newer vans a run for their money.

No matter which one you choose, you’ll end up being very happy.

Disclaimer: Dodge Provided the Durango and Grand Caravan, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas

Year: 2014

Make: Dodge

Model: Durango

Trim: Citadel AWD

Engine: 3.6L 24-Valve VVT V6

Driveline: Eight-Speed Automatic, All-Wheel Drive

Horsepower @ RPM: 290 @ 6,400

Torque @ RPM: 260 @ 4,800

Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 17/24/19

Curb Weight: 5,097 lbs

Location of Manufacture: Detroit, Michigan

Base Price: $43,395

As Tested Price: $50,570 (Includes $995.00 Destination Charge)

Options:

Technology Group - $1,995

Rear DVD Entertainment Center - $1,995

Trailer Tow Group IV - $995

Second-Row Fold/Tumble Captain Chairs - $895

Second-Row Console w/Armrest and Storage - $300

Year: 2014

Make: Dodge

Model: Grand Caravan

Trim: SXT 30th Anniversary

Engine: 3.6L 24-Valve VVT V6

Driveline: Six-Speed Automatic, Front-Wheel Drive

Horsepower @ RPM: 283 @ 6,400

Torque @ RPM: 260 @ 4,400

Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 18/26/21

Curb Weight: 4,510 lbs

Location of Manufacture: Windsor, Ontario

Base Price: $26,795

As Tested Price: $32,475 (Includes $995.00 Destination Charge)

Options:

Dual DVD/Blu-Ray Entertainment - $2,295

Customer Preferred Package 29P - $1,200

UConnect 430N CD/DVD/MP3/HDD/NAV - $795

Security Group - $395

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

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All these faux luxury cars from the Germans.... about as convincing as a "Louis Vuitton" bag from a street vendor.

 

I was thoroughly unimpressed with the A3 when I drove it.   Buy a loaded Jetta GLI and save yourself $8k - $10k

 

I don't know about that.. Rather have the A3 than the CLA I drove at MAMA Spring Rally.

Audi appears to have a hit on their hands with the new A3. Bloomberg reports that in the first three months of sale, the A3 has outsold the Mercedes-Benz CLA by a rate of 2 to 1. In June, Audi move 2,452 A3s, while Mercedes-Benz moved only 1,658 CLAs. Year-to-date sales, the CLA holds an 2,841 unit advantage over the A3, mostly due to model going on sale a bit earlier than the A3.

“CLA was the only game in town for a while, and now there’s something to compare it to. If you read some of the comparison tests, the A3 is coming out on top by a long stretch,” said Michelle Krebs, an analyst at AutoTrader.com.

So why is the A3 doing much better than the CLA? Some of it might come down to generational traits. Research from Autotrader shows that Millennials consider Audi as the brand that best reflects their personality. Mercedes-Benz ranks third.

Source: Bloomberg

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

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I'm NOT of the camp that feels it's an improvement (the new badge).

 

I also seldom prefer 'full-width' lower intakes (in general), and here I liked the first ATS treatment better. 

 

I'm in the same camp. That badge looks really awkward.

 

 

I like the bump in torque, I wonder where it comes on in the RPM band.... 

 

295 pound-feet @ 3000-4600 rpm

The wreath-less Cadillac badge that debut on the ATS Coupe will soon be appearing on the 2015 ATS Sedan. That's not the only change in store for the ATS sedan for the 2015 model year though.

Along with the badge, the 2015 ATS sedan gets some revised sheetmetal in the front to better match the ATS Coupe. On the tech front, the 2015 ATS sedan will get 4G LTE connectivity, text message alert, and a Powermat wireless phone charging dock.

Power-wise, the turbo 2.0L four sees an increase of 14 percent for torque. Numbers now stand at 272 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The 2.5 four and 3.6L V6 carry over into 2015.

Cadillac hasn't revealed pricing at this time, but expect the 2015 ATS sedan to be sitting along the side the ATS coupe later this summer.

Source: Cadillac, Automobile Magazine

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

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It is more, I think about, not killing the sacred cows. I can see LT1 would have been held up for Corvette and such would be the case for the 8-speed due to it going in the Cadillac CTS first.

 

Also, I think GM's sales goal for the SS (which is 3,000 per year I think) doesn't make any sense to that stuff at the moment. Which is a shame, because I really think an eight-speed could do some wonderful things.

 

 

Is 3,000 per annum a capacity restriction in the Victoria plant or GM's reluctance to build more?

 

 

More of the latter

It is more, I think about, not killing the sacred cows. I can see LT1 would have been held up for Corvette and such would be the case for the 8-speed due to it going in the Cadillac CTS first.

 

Also, I think GM's sales goal for the SS (which is 3,000 per year I think) doesn't make any sense to that stuff at the moment. Which is a shame, because I really think an eight-speed could do some wonderful things.

Sounds like what a lot of people have been waiting for.  Who needs 50% market share when higher profits and better cash flow are the real name of the game?

 

As for the car itself, this is really great.  Now if only there were a 6cyl version to directly compete with the 300/Charger twins. . . . .

 

Keep dreaming on that last part.

General Motors' track record with bringing and selling vehicles from Australia to the U.S. has been very checkered. All of the attempts see to have ambitious sales goals, and then not meeting them. GM hopes the third (or the fourth as some would argue) try might be it. That try is the 2014 Chevrolet SS.

The SS got many criticisms for its exterior design and how blah it is. But let's be honest for a moment; the GTO and G8 (to a point) weren't really that exciting to look at either. Sure both models down the line (or trim line in the case of the G8) got bits and pieces that made them look more aggressive. To me, I think the SS looks great, especially in the black with the nineteen-inch aluminum wheels. The overall look adds a bit of a sleeper element to vehicle, which consider what lies under the hood is a very good thing.

Speaking of which, under the hood lies a 6.2L V8 with 415 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. This is paired up to a six-speed automatic which sends all of that power to the rear wheels. GM quotes a 0-60 MPH time of under five seconds and it feels that quick. Step on the accelerator and V8 roars into life and moves you at a rate that you cannot believe is possible in a big sedan. The six-speed automatic is quick and responsive, but some will be wishing for a manual transmission to add to the enjoyment.

As for handling, the SS feels like a proper performance car. Body lean and roll are kept to a minimum and steering is very responsive. Now I kind of wished for a little bit more feel and weight with the steering, but overall I was impressed. The drawback for some is that the sport suspension tuning means an uncomfortable ride. I noticed that somewhat, but it wasn't that bad compared some other models.

With an as-tested pricetag of $45,570 (includes a $1,300 Gas Guzzler Tax) and a load of standard equipment such as leather sport seats, Chevrolet's MyLink, keyless entry and start, and much more; the SS may be the charm that GM has been looking for.

Disclaimer: Chevrolet Provided the SS for the MAMA Spring Rally

Year: 2014

Make: Chevrolet

Model: SS

Trim: N/A

Engine: 6.2L V8

Driveline: Six-Speed Automatic, Rear-Wheel Drive

Horsepower @ RPM: 415 @ 5900

Torque @ RPM: 415 @ 4600

Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 14/21/17

Curb Weight: 3,975 lbs

Location of Manufacture: Elizabeth, Australia

Base Price: $43,475

As Tested Price: $45,770 (Includes $995.00 Destination Charge and $1,300 Gas Guzzler Tax)

Options:

N/A

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

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Time for a bit of an inception moment. Today, General Motors is recalling one of their recalls that was issued on Monday. The company explained that the one pertaining to the 2014 CTS doesn't cover all of the CTSes. Wait, we just made that somewhat confusing. The 2014 CTS Coupe and Wagon, which are based on the second-generation model are effected by this recall. The 2014 CTS sedan, which is brand new isn't a part of this.

Why GM didn't make this clarification when they announced the recall is unknown. Our best guess is that GM was in rush when getting these recalls out and forgot to note that.

Source: Detroit Free Press

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Toyota Division is No. 1 Retail Brand In First Half of 2014

• Camry and Corolla lead their segments in first six months of 2014; Lexus up over 10 percent in June

TORRANCE, Calif. (July 1, 2014) – Toyota, Scion and Lexus today reported total June 2014 sales results of 201,714 units, an increase of 11.9 percent from June 2013 on a daily selling rate (DSR). On a raw-volume basis, unadjusted for 24 selling days in June 2014 versus 26 selling days in June 2013, sales increased 3.3 percent from year-ago month.
 
For the first half of the year, Toyota, Scion and Lexus reported sales of 1,165,607 units. With 152 selling days in the first half of 2014 versus 153 selling days during the same period in 2013, sales are up 5.8 percent on a DSR basis.  Unadjusted, sales were up 5.1 percent year-over-year.
 
Toyota division posted June 2014 sales of 178,196 units, up 11 percent year-over-year on a DSR basis. Volume-wise, Toyota division sales increased 2.5 percent over June 2013.  Calendar-year-to-date, Toyota division posted sales of 1,026,918 units, up 4.4 percent on a DSR basis and 3.7 percent volume-wise over the same period in 2013.  
 
“Sales in the first half of 2014 indicate a steadily recovering industry, and we expect this pace to increase as we move into the second part of the year,” said Bill Fay, Toyota division group vice president and general manager. "In June, Camry and Corolla posted double-digit gains as passenger cars showed renewed strength industry-wide.”
 
Lexus reported June sales of 23,518 units, a 19.3 percent increase on a DSR basis and a 10.1 percent increase on a raw-volume basis, both year-over-year. Calendar-year-to-date, Lexus division posted sales of 138,689 units, up 17.9 percent on a DSR basis and 17.1 percent volume-wise over the same period in 2013. 
 
“While the industry has been posting healthy gains, Lexus has been able to more than double the average growth rate with a combination of fresh new products, improving availability and industry-leading customer satisfaction practices,” said Jeff Bracken, Lexus group vice president and general manager. “The new Lexus IS and GX models were two of the industry's strongest performing products during the first six months of 2014.”
 
Other Highlights:

• Camry up over 13 percent in June; up over 7 percent in first half
• All-new Corolla up 17 percent with sales of nearly 31,000 units in June
• Toyota and Lexus hybrids post sales of almost 28,000 units in June
• Prius posts sales of 18,649 units in June
• Toyota division trucks flat in June; up 7.8 percent in first half
• All-new RAV4 increased 5.1 percent in June; up almost 16 percent in first half
• All-new Highlander up 4.2 percent in June; up nearly 17 percent in first half
• 4Runner up 41.7 percent in June; up about 39 percent in first half
• All-new Tundra posts sales of almost 9,000 units in June; up 12.5 percent in first half
• Tacoma posts sales of more than12,000 units in June
• All-new Lexus IS increased 105 percent in June; up over 118 percent in first half
• Lexus ES posts sales of more than 5,500 units in June
• Lexus luxury utility vehicles up 6.5 percent in June; up 14 percent in first half
• Lexus RX posts sales of 8,426 units in June; up over 3 percent in first half
• Lexus GX posts triple-digit gains for the eighth month in a row; up over 130 percent in first half

Jul. 1, 2014

 

Nissan Group reports June 2014 U.S. sales

 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nissan Group today announced total U.S. sales for June 2014 of 109,643 units, an increase of 5.3 percent over the prior year and a June record.

 

Nissan highlights:

• Nissan Division set a June record at 101,069 sales in the month, an increase of 6.4 percent. This marks a monthly record for Nissan division in 15 of the last 16 months.
• Versa subcompact sales increased 33.4 percent to 11,613 in June, also a record for the month.
• Sentra sales finished June at 17,097, up 67.6 percent for the month.
• Sales of the all-electric Nissan LEAF set a June record with 2,347 deliveries, an increase of 5.5 percent for the month.
• Altima sales finished June at 26,111, led by gain of 9.1 percent in retail sales.
• Rogue sales in June totaled 15,066, with a gain of 6.2 percent in retail sales.

Infiniti today reported U.S. sales of 8,574 luxury vehicles in June, a decrease of 5.9 percent versus 9,114 vehicles a year earlier.

 

Sales of Infiniti's sports sedans, which include the new Infiniti Q50 and the G37, saw a combined total of 3,815 vehicles in June, a 4.3 percent increase. The QX80 full-size luxury sport utility vehicle had another strong month with 921 sales, up 1.0 percent.

 

 

BMW Group U.S. Reports June 2014 Sales

• BMW brand sales up 11.5 percent
• MINI brand sales down 18.2 percent

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – July 1, 2014… The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported June sales of 35,577 vehicles, an increase of 5.7 percent from the 33,645 vehicles sold in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, the BMW Group (BMW and MINI combined) is up 5.1 percent on sales of 181,534 in the first half of 2014 compared to 172,787 in the same period in 2013.  

 

BMW Brand Sales - Best First Half Ever

Sales of BMW brand vehicles increased 11.5 percent in June for a total of 30,201 compared to 27,074 vehicles sold in June, 2013.  Year-to-date, the BMW brand is up 12.1 percent on sales of 157,382 compared to 140,431 sold in the first half of 2013.

 

“The June and first-half results prove again that customer demand is solid and stronger than many have thought and we fully expect confidence and demand to stay strong through the end of the year,” said Ludwig Willisch, President and CEO, BMW of North America.  “I am particularly pleased with the results for our 2 and 4 Series models; these are driving machines at the core of the BMW brand.”  

 

MINI Brand Sales

For June, MINI USA reported 5,376 automobiles, a decrease of 18.2 percent from the 6,571 automobiles sold in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, MINI USA reported a sales total of 24,152 automobiles, a decrease of 25.4 percent from the 32,356 automobiles sold in the first half of 2013.

 

JAGUAR LAND ROVER REPORTS U.S. SALES FOR JUNE 2014

• Jaguar Land Rover North America sales increase 4 percent in June, for its best June sales month result since 2007
• Land Rover brand has its best June sales month since 2007
• Best Range Rover Evoque and Range Rover Sport June sales month ever
• Jaguar F-TYPE lineup, now featuring Coupe and Convertible models, increase 3 percent

(MAHWAH, NJ) – July 1, 2014 – Jaguar Land Rover North America today reported June 2014 U.S. sales: Land Rover sales reached 4,038 units, up 16 percent from 3,468 units in June 2013; Jaguar sales were 1,263 units, down 23 percent from 1,637 units in June 2013. Jaguar Land Rover North America June U.S. sales for both brands hit 5,301 units, a 4 percent increase from 5105 units in June 2013, and up 12 percent for the year.

 

"Jaguar Land Rover in the U.S. had a solid June; it’s best since 2007 with our best sales months ever for both Range Rover Evoque and Range Rover Sport,” said Joe Eberhardt, President and CEO, Jaguar Land Rover North America.

 

U.S. BRAND HIGHLIGHTS

 

Land Rover

The all new Range Rover Sport hit a record June high of 1,481 units, up 67 percent from 887 in June, 2013. The new Range Rover Sport has received multiple awards for its breadth of capability including Petersen’s 4-Wheel & Off-Road ‘4x4 of the year’ and Road & Track’s ‘Best Cars’ list in the SUV category.

 

The Range Rover Evoque had it best June sales month ever with 1,037 units, up 31 percent from 790 in June, 2013. The Range Rover, which was recently awarded the 2014 Polk Automotive Loyalty Award in the Luxury Full Size SUV category, sold 850 units, down 6 percent from 902 in June 2013.

 

Jaguar

For the month of June, the Jaguar F-TYPE added 428 units, up 3 percent from 417 units in June, 2013. The F-TYPE Coupe was introduced at the Los Angeles International Automobile Show in November and arrives in showrooms this month. The F-TYPE Coupe launch campaign, British Villains, kicked off with Jaguar’s first advertisement in the broadcast of the Super Bowl. The 60-second spot, “Rendezvous,” has become Jaguar USA’s most popular YouTube video ever with 11.5 Million views.

 

The Jaguar XF added 312 units, down 51 percent from 634 in June, 2013 due to limited availability. The current MY XF lineup includes the new 2.0T model as well as all-wheel-drive and V-6 options. The Jaguar XJ added 408 units, down 11 percent from 460 units in June 2013.

Volvo Announces June Sales

 

ROCKLEIGH, N.J. (July 1, 2014) - Volvo Cars of North America, LLC, (VCNA) reported U.S. sales of 5,983 units for the month of June. Year-to-date sales are down 10 percent versus the first six months of 2013. 

 

The top seller for June was the S60 sports sedan with 2,337 units sold. The XC60 crossover finished the month right behind with 2,180 units sold.

 

New this year, the V60 sportswagon is in dealerships now and combines the driving dynamics of a luxury sports sedan with the space and utility to support an active lifestyle. Thanks to Volvo’s new Drive-E engine family, the V60 features best-in-class fuel economy, with the T5 Drive-E FWD achieving 37 highway / 25 city / 29 combined mpg. The V60 is also offered with two of Volvo’s existing engines, the V60 T5 AWD and the V60 T6 R-Design AWD.

 

Mitsubishi Motors Sales Up 13.7 Percent for June and 30.2 Percent in the First Half of 2014

 

Jul 01, 2014; Cypress, California - Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) experienced another excellent sales month with June sales of 6,021 units, a 13.7 percent increase over the sales total from June 2013.

 

Mitsubishi Motors sales in the first half of 2014 are up 30.2 year-to-date from the same duration as last year, making this the best first six months of sales (January through June) in three years and the second best since 2008.

 

Mitsubishi Motors' American-made Outlander Sport 5-passenger compact crossover/SUV led the way with sales of 2,433 units for the month, 15,322 units for the first six months of the year. June was the fourth consecutive month that Outlander Sport sales exceeded 2,400 units; the four previous sales months have ranked among the top five best sales months in the model's history.

 

The highly fuel-efficient and affordably-priced Mirage 5-door sub-compact experienced sales of 1,451 units for the month, 8,267 units for the first half of 2014. Mirage sales for June were the third best monthly sales total for that model since it was introduced in September 2013.

 

"We are very excited to see our sales momentum continue through the month of June," said MMNA Executive Vice President of Sales, Don Swearingen. "We've had an outstanding first half of 2014, and with our new 2015 Mitsubishi Motors models set to arrive in dealerships in July, we anticipate even more enthusiasm from new-car shoppers directed toward the Mitsubishi Motors brand."

 

Other highlights of June sales include:

• Total Mitsubishi sales are up 30.2 percent year-to-date.
• Outlander sales were up 37.9 percent year-to-date. This was the best January through June sales total for Outlander since 2008.
• Outlander Sport sales are up 23.1 percent year-to-date. This was the best January through June sales total in the model's history.
• Lancer Evolution sales total 1,569 and are up 14.5 percent year-to-date. This was the best January through June sales total since 2008 for the EVO.

Hyundai Motor America Reports Best Ever June And Mid-Year Sales

• Sonata soars 30 percent in June
• Certified Pre-Owned sales up 23 percent year-to-date

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., July 1, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- On the heels of its best month ever, Hyundai Motor America posted its best June ever and the best opening six month period in its 28-year history. Sales of 67,407 were up four percent versus the same period a year ago and up one percent over last year's record performance for the first six months of the year.

 

"As we settle into the summer selling season, we are well-positioned with our full model line up, including the all-new 2015 Genesis sedan and Sonata, both of which experienced gains for the month, up nine percent and 30 percent, respectively," said Bob Pradzinski, vice president of national sales, Hyundai Motor America.

 

The sub-compact Accent, one of three Hyundais recently ranked highest in the 2014 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study, saw sales gains of nine percent for the month and 16 percent for the year.  Other highlights include Equus, up 28 percent for the month and up 16 percent for the first six months of the year and Santa Fe, up 17 percent for the month and 26 percent for first the six months of 2014.

 

Certified Pre-Owned vehicle sales were 7,324, a June record, up eight percent over June 2013 and up 23 percent for the first six months.

 

Mercedes-Benz Achieves Highest Half-Year Sales Total Of 151,624, Up 6.8%

• Sprinter Vans up 21.1%, smart up 4.2% year-to-date

MONTVALE, N.J., July 1, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported best-ever June sales volumes of 29,380 across the Mercedes-Benz, Sprinter and smart model lines, up 8.2% from the 27,162 vehicles sold the same month last year. Monthly retails for the Mercedes-Benz brand alone increased 8.6% to 26,506, bringing year-to-date volumes to a milestone 151,624 units. Adding year-to-date sales of 11,483 for Sprinter Vans and 4,647 units at smart, MBUSA delivered the best first-half sales total in its history at 167,754 units.

 

"We're breaking records through June, hitting the best second-quarter finish in our history with four new launches still ahead," said Stephen Cannon, president and CEO of MBUSA. "In just two weeks, we'll start with the launch of our first 'Electric Mercedes,' the B-Class Electric Drive."

 

Mercedes-Benz June sales were led by the C-, E- and M-Class model lines. The E-Class took the top spot with 6,500 units, increasing 25.5% from June 2013, followed by the C-Class, which enters a new generation this fall, at 5,607. The brand's top-selling SUV, the M-Class, rounded out the top three with sales of 3,891, up 6.6% from the same month last year. At the high end, the flagship S-Class achieved its ninth consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains with June retails of 1,780, up 111.7% from June 2013.

 

As a whole, Mercedes-Benz passenger cars – spanning models from the entry CLA-Class four-door coupe to the range-topping SLS AMG GT performance car – posted first-half sales of 97,828, which represents a 7.9% increase from the 90,650 vehicles sold as of June 2013. Mercedes-Benz light truck offerings, comprised of the GLK-, M-, GL- and G-Class lineups, delivered collective year-to-date gains of 4.9% with 53,796 units (compared to the 51,300 vehicles sold in the first half of 2013). Similarly, high-end models accounted for sales of 17,271 vehicles in the first six months of the year, a 21.5% increase over the same period in 2013.

 

Sprinter Vans posted another month of double-digit sales increases with 2,201 units in June, up 12% from the 1,966 units sold in June 2013.  Monthly sales for the smart brand totaled 673 units.

 

The company's AMG high-performance models achieved June sales of 820, up 76.7%, with year-to-date volumes climbing 75.8% to 5,620.  Sales of Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC diesel models totaled 1,214 for the month, while year-to-date sales reached 8,166.

 

Separately, Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned (MBCPO) recorded sales volumes of 7,947 vehicles in June, an increase of 2.2% compared to the 7,773 units sold during the same month last year. On a year-to-date basis, MBCPO sold 57,572 units, up 17.5% from the 49,004 vehicles sold through June 2013.

 

Kia Motors America Announces Best First-Half Sales Performance In Company History

• Year-to-Date Sales of 297,413 Units Up 7.2 Percent Over 2013

IRVINE, Calif., July 1, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- On the heels of its highest-ever J.D. Power Initial Quality Study (IQS) ranking – sixth among all automakers – Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced June sales of 50,644 units, contributing to the company's best-ever first-half performance with 297,413 vehicles sold thus far in 2014.  With Kia's year-to-date sales up 7.2 percent, the brand's aggressive new product cadence continues in the third quarter with the scheduled launches of the all-new Sedona midsize multi-purpose vehicle and Soul EV.

 

"Kia is celebrating its 20th anniversary in the U.S. this year, and our record-setting first half is a testament to how far the brand has come in an extremely short period of time," said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of sales and marketing, KMA.  "Over the last two decades, Kia has earned a reputation for delivering world-class design and cutting-edge technology as well as outstanding safety, quality and value across our entire range, from subcompact to luxury. With more exciting new products on the horizon, we are poised to continue our momentum into the second half of the year and beyond."

 

In addition to its climb in the IQS rankings – with Cadenza and Sportage topping their respective segments – Kia also moved up two positions on Interbrand's annual list of the Top 50 Global Green Brands, which was published in June and highlights the brand's commitment to providing clean mobility options for consumers.

 

MAZDA POSTS BEST JUNE SALES IN 10 YEARS

• Top Three Carlines of Mazda3, Mazda6 and CX-5 Post Strong Sales in June

IRVINE, Calif., July 1, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported June U.S. sales of 26,208 vehicles, representing an increase of 16.5 percent versus last year. Year-to-date sales through June are up 7.9 percent versus last year, with 156,431 vehicles sold.

 

"June was a strong month for Mazda, the best we have seen since 2004. The economy has remained steady despite a lot of uncertainty overseas," said Ron Stettner, vice president of sales, MNAO. "We received strong sales performance from our top three carlines of Mazda3, Mazda6 and CX-5. This is the first time in history that Mazda has had three model lines with great sales performance."

 

Key June sales notes:

• June 2014 represented Mazda's best June since 2004 (10 years) with a total of 26,208 vehicles sold and an increase of 16.5 percent year-over-year (YOY).
• Mazda6 sales were strong in June with 4,793 vehicles sold, the best June for Mazda6 since 2006 and an increase of 24.8 percent YOY.
• Mazda CX-5 continues its steady growth with yet another month of gains. CX-5 experienced its best June ever with 7,943 units, an increase of 15.9 percent.
• June 2014 proved to be successful for Mazda3 as well. With 8,824 vehicles sold, Mazda3 saw an increase of 16.6 percent YOY and its best June since 2012.
• SKYACTIV® TECHNOLOGY accounted for 82.3 percent of total sales in the month of June.
• Mazda's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) sales reported May sales of 3,458 vehicles, up 4.0 percent YOY.