William Maley

FORD BRAND SUVS POST STRONGEST START SINCE 2004; FORD VANS HAVE BEST START IN 31 YEARS, THANKS TO NEW TRANSIT Ford brand SUVs have their best start since 2004 with 50,212 vehicles sold; Edge sales up 26 percent Transit sales increase 51 percent, driving Ford van sales to their best January since 1985 Lincoln posts January sales up 8 percent on strong demand for all-new Lincoln MKX Ford Motor Company average transaction prices grow almost three times the rate of overall industry; U.S. sales of 173,723 vehicles decline 3 percent versus last year DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 2, 2016 – Coming off strong results last January, Ford Motor Company’s total U.S. sales of 173,723 vehicles declined 3 percent last month versus a year ago. Bright spots for January include industry-leading transaction price increases for the month, the best start since 2004 for Ford brand SUV sales and an 8-percent gain in sales for Lincoln. “For Ford, overall transaction prices were up $1,800 in January – almost three times more than the overall industry average – driven largely by strong customer demand, especially for our SUVs and F-Series pickups,” said Mark LaNeve, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. Ford SUVs totaled 50,212 sales last month – a 3 percent increase versus a year ago and the brand’s best sales start since 2004. The all-new Edge was the biggest driver, posting a 26 percent jump on sales of 9,533 vehicles. Transit sales increased 51 percent in January with 9,631 vehicles sold, lifting overall Ford van performance 20 percent for their best start since 1985. F-Series January sales totaled 51,540 vehicles, down 5 percent. F-Series average transaction pricing grew $2,500 last month, while incentive spending was down $500 versus a year ago. “We continue seeing strong commercial fleet orders for F-150 and will be filling more orders this year,” LaNeve said. “As the largest seller of commercial vehicles, this represents good news for Ford trucks and the overall economy.” Lincoln sales increased 8 percent, for the best start of the year since 2008. Lincoln sold 7,177 vehicles, and the all-new MKX posted a 51 percent increase with 2,052 vehicles sold. It was Lincoln’s best January for SUVs since 2001.

Nissan Group reports January 2016 U.S. sales NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nissan Group today announced total U.S. sales for January 2016 of 105,734 units, an increase of 2 percent over the prior year and a January record. Nissan highlights: Nissan Division finished January with 97,220 sales, up 3 percent and also a January record. Overall sales of Nissan crossovers, trucks and SUVs set a January record, up 18 percent. Sales of the Nissan Rogue crossover set a January record at 19,762, an increase of 26 percent. Sales of the Pathfinder SUV set a January record at 6,451, up 5 percent. Sales of the Murano crossover increased 46 percent to 5,516. Sales of the Sentra compact sedan increased 12 percent to 16,144. Nissan Maxima sales climbed to 4,415, up 106%.

FCA US LLC Reports January 2016 U.S. Sales Increased 7 Percent; Best January Sales Since 2007 70th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains Jeep® brand sales up 15 percent; best January sales ever Jeep Cherokee, Jeep Patriot, and Jeep Compass record their best January sales ever Dodge brand sales up 19 percent; Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger and Dodge Journey register their best January sales ever Ram pickup truck posts best January sales ever February 2, 2016 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - FCA US LLC today reported U.S. sales of 155,037 units, a 7 percent increase compared with sales in January 2015 (145,007 units), and the group’s best January sales in nine years. The Jeep®, Dodge and Ram Truck brands each posted year-over-year sales gains in January compared with the same month a year ago. The Dodge brand’s 19 percent increase was the largest sales gain of any FCA US brand during the month. The group extended its streak of year-over-year sales gains to 70-consecutive months. “Mother Nature was no match for our Jeep brand last month as we recorded our best January Jeep sales ever,” said Reid Bigland, Head of U.S. Sales. “Overall, FCA US achieved its best January sales in nine years and our 70th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales increases.” Nine FCA US vehicles set records in the month of January, including three Jeep brand vehicles. The Jeep Cherokee, Jeep Patriot, and Jeep Compass; the Dodge Journey crossover, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger; and the Ram pickup truck, Ram ProMaster, and Ram ProMaster City posted their best January sales ever. The Jeep brand continued to set records. Coming off of its best annual sales ever in the U.S. in 2015, the Jeep brand logged its best January sales ever. FCA US finished the month of January with a 103-day supply of inventory (666,652 units). U.S. industry sales figures for January are internally projected at an estimated 17.5 million units Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate (SAAR). Dodge Brand Dodge brand sales were up 19 percent in January, compared with the same month a year ago. It was the brand’s best January sales in three years. The brand’s 19 percent increase was the largest sales gain of any FCA US brand during the month. The Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Journey crossover each posted their best January sales ever. The Dodge Grand Caravan’s 83 percent increase was the largest percentage sales gain of any Dodge brand vehicle in the month and its best January since 2007. The Dodge Durango’s 70 percent increase was its best January sales performance in 10 years. Jeep® Brand The Jeep brand continued its record-setting pace in January. Jeep brand sales increased 15 percent, the brand’s best January sales ever and its 28th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. The Jeep brand has set a sales record in every month dating back to November 2013. The Jeep Cherokee, Jeep Patriot and Jeep Compass each logged their best January sales ever. The Compass’ 18 percent increase was the largest year-over-year percentage gain of any Jeep brand vehicle in the month. The Jeep Grand Cherokee’s 3 percent increase was its best January sales performance since 2004. The brand last month introduced its new premium Jeep Cherokee Overland model at the New England International Auto Show, and announced distinctive, 75th-Anniversary special-edition models available across the entire Jeep lineup. Ram Truck Brand Ram Truck brand sales, which include the Ram pickup, Ram ProMaster, and Ram ProMaster City, were up 5 percent in January, the brand’s best January sales since 2004. Ram pickup truck sales were up 5 percent in January, its best January sales ever. The pickup is coming off of its best annual U.S. sales ever in 2015 and its sixth-straight year of annual sales growth in the U.S. Just last month, Four Wheeler Magazine, a popular off-road enthusiast publication, named the new 2016 Ram 1500 Rebel its “Pickup Truck of the Year.” The Ram ProMaster and ProMaster City vans each logged their best January sales ever. Chrysler Brand Sales of the Chrysler Town & Country minivan were up 39 percent in January, the minivan’s best January sales since 2008. Sales of the Chrysler 300, the brand’s flagship sedan, were up 45 percent for its best January sales performance in three years. Chrysler brand sales were down 22 percent in January, compared with the same month a year ago. The Chrysler brand last month unveiled the all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid at the 2016 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, reinventing the minivan segment with an unprecedented level of functionality, versatility and technology. The Pacifica will be available in dealer showrooms in spring, with the Pacifica Hybrid arriving in the fourth quarter of 2016. FIAT Brand The all-new 2017 Fiat 124 Spider, the latest addition to the FIAT brand lineup in the U.S., will arrive in FIAT Studios this summer. A favorite at the 2016 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the 124 Spider revives the storied nameplate, bringing its classic Italian styling and performance to a new generation. Paying homage to the original 124 Spider nearly 50 years after its introduction, the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider delivers the ultimate Italian roadster experience with driving excitement, technology and safety combined with iconic Italian design. FIAT brand sales, which include the Fiat 500, Fiat 500L, and 500X, were down 20 percent in January, compared with the same month a year ago.

With 250 Ford GTs up for grabs at the end of this year, Ford is going to make sure they go those buyers who have the passion and will drive them. The Detroit News reports that when Ford launches their site to apply to purchase the GT, there will be an extensive vetting process. To start, buyers will need to sign a document stating they will own the vehicle for a certain time - this to prevent an owner to quickly flip their GT for a nice profit. Then comes the application process which will take a bit of time and include questions such as how many Ford models they have owned, how active they are on social media, and how much they plan to drive it. “There’s a loyal following to the car. We want to prioritize people who are going to care about the car, keep the car and drive the car,” said Raj Nair, Ford’s product chief. If you are one of the lucky few who get approved for the first batch of GTs, you get VIP treatment throughout the process of building and be able to finish the purchase at a certified dealer. Source: The Detroit News View full article

Tesla has been fighting in various states to allow for direct sales of their vehicles. The most contentious being the state of Michigan which enacted a law in October 2014 banning automakers from selling vehicles directly to consumers. Tesla has been working hard to try and change the law by offering test drives and education to legislators, to no avail. Even the Federal Trade Commission has called on the state to rethink this law. But Michigan is sticking to its guns. So Tesla decided to do the unexpected, apply for a Michigan dealer license. The Detroit News reports the California electric vehicle builder submitted applications in November to the Michigan Secretary of State Office for a dealer license. Recently, Tesla sent in follow-up information to the office. Secretary of State spokesman Fred Woodham tells the News that Tesla is applying for a 'Class A' dealership license, which allows it to sell new and used vehicles. The license requires the dealer to have a “repair facility as part of their business or have an established relationship with a licensed repair facility.” Woodham went on to explain the office is currently reviewing the paperwork and will have a decision in the next month or so. It is unclear who submitted the documents to the Secretary of State. Michigan Information & Research Service Inc., a news service based in Michigan's capital - Lansing - first reported the story. The service said Tesla could contract anyone - aside from itself - to set up a dealer. Tesla could even send a former employee to open a dealer where “in which it mandates the dealership look, act and do business exactly as the Tesla-run stores.” A Tesla spokesman tells AutoblogGreen, "As recently amended, current Michigan law prohibits Tesla from being able to license its own sales and service operations in the state. Submission of the application is intended to seek the Secretary of State's confirmation of this prohibition. Once confirmed, Tesla will review any options available to the Company to overturn this anti-consumer law." Along with Tesla's application, a 22-year old graduate of the University of Michigan has launched a petition to repeal the direct sales ban. Mick Yuille has formed a ballot committee called Eliminate (i) to force the Michigan legislature to act. If they don't, his proposal will go on the ballot for the people to decide. Yuille needs 252,000 signatures by June 1st for this happen. Source: The Detroit News, AutoblogGreen, Crain's Detroit Business View full article

Even though Nissan has only just launched the Sentra, the company already has some changes in store. Wards Auto reports that Nissan is planning to launch more engine options in the near future. “From a product standpoint, in the future you’ll see more engine offerings, and it’s full steam ahead. We’re fully focused on the segment,” said Michael Bunce, director of product planning for Nissan North America. It's unclear as to what other engine options Nissan has in store. We wouldn't be surprised if a turbocharged four-cylinder is one of those options. Nissan is also considering adding another body style to the Sentra lineup, a hatchback. Tony Baehner, senior manager of product planning for Nissan says adding a hatchback allows consumers another choice in a growing market. The downsides are compact crossovers are very popular and the hatchback marketplace being dominated by two models; the Ford Focus and Mazda3. Baehner says with the Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback going on sale later this year, they'll be watching how it does in terms of sales before making a decision on doing a Sentra hatchback. Source: Wards Auto View full article

How do you set yourself apart in the compact crossover class? At the start, it was an easy task. You could build a vehicle that was similar in terms of power, equipment, and even design to competitors. It would sell because there was a small number of them. But in the past few years, the market has exploded with consumers buying crossovers like they are going out style. It seems every automaker is announcing either a new or redesigned model to take advantage of this. But there comes a problem with the expansion, how do you stand out? For Nissan, they decided to make their compact crossover very practical with a large cargo space and a third-row option. Thus, we have the 2016 Rogue. The Rogue’s design can be described as a smaller and better Pathfinder. A lot of this comes down to the small size of the Rogue as the shape and lines seem to fit better on a small vehicle than the Pathfinder. The trademark V shape chrome bar is there, along with LEDs running along the edge of the headlights. Inside the Rogue, it’s nothing special to write about as there are not any fancy design cues or clever storage tricks. What you do get a is a well-built interior with controls that are easy to find and use. The Rogue earns more praise with comfortable and supportive cloth seats. Cargo space is towards the larger end of the class with 32 cubic feet behind the second row and increases to 74 cubic feet when the fold the second row. Nissan says the Rogue is the only crossover in the class that offers the option of a third-row seat. But the third-row offers barely any legroom, even with the second-row pushed forward. Also, the space to get into the third-row is nonexistent. At least, the third-row is an option and one I would recommend skipping. Power comes from a 2.5L four-cylinder making 170 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. Nissan’s Xtronic CVT is the sole transmission choice, but you do have the choice of either front or all-wheel drive. The performance of the 2.5 is sufficient around town as power comes on a decent and smooth rate. On the expressway is another story as the engine loses steam around 50 MPH and you’ll need to push the pedal almost to the floor to safely merge or make a pass. This also brings up the never-ending drone of CVT when you are trying to perform these tasks. The CVT does quiet down when you are cruising or driving around town. In terms of fuel economy, the Rogue AWD is rated at 25 City/32 Highway/28 Combined. My average for the week came to 22.3 MPG. Disappointing at first glance, but it should be noted that the particular Rogue came in with only 620 miles. Once the vehicle is fully broken-in, I wouldn’t be surprised if it hits 25 MPG easily. Nissan decided to go with a relaxed setting for the Rogue’s suspension. It was a good call as the Rogue provides one of the smoothest rides I have experienced in a compact crossover. Bumps and imperfections don’t make inside. Road and wind noise are kept to near silent levels. Trying to set yourself apart in a crowded class is a difficult task. In the case the Rogue, Nissan has succeeded for the most part. It is quite a handsome vehicle with a well-built interior and provides a smooth ride. But the third-row option is a gimmick that should be shown the door and the powertrain needs a bit more. But for someone who wants a practical compact crossover, the Rogue is worthy of your consideration. Cheers: Much better looking than the larger Pathfinder Comfy ride Large cargo area Jeers: Optional third-row is unusable Engine runs out of steam quickly Disclaimer: Nissan Provided the Rogue SV, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2016 Make: Nissan Model: Rogue Trim: SV AWD Engine: 2.5L DOHC Four-Cylinder Driveline: Xtronic CVT, All-Wheel Drive Horsepower @ RPM: 170 @ 6,000 Torque @ RPM: 175 @ 4,400 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 25/32/28 Curb Weight: 3,554 lbs Location of Manufacture: Smyrna, TN Base Price: $25,940 As Tested Price: $29,595 (Includes $885.00 Destination Charge) Options: SV Premium Package - $1,620 SV Family Package - $940.00 Floor Mats with Cargo Area Protector - $210.00 View full article

Like it or not, people are buying up crossovers and certain automakers are having problems to keep them in stock. Hyundai is one of those due to production constraints at their various factories. Hyundai Motor America CEO Dave Zuchowski said the compact Tucson would be outselling the Elantra - the automaker's best seller - if it weren't for constraints. But Autoblog has learned about a new plan that Hyundai will be enacting to boost production, along with bringing more crossovers to market. The first of the plan involves adding production of the Santa Fe Sport to the Montgomery, AL plant. Hyundai has brought in the tooling and soon will be built alongside the Elantra and Sonata. Hyundai says this will add about 50,000 units to the market. (Currently, the Santa Fe Sport is being built at the maxed-out West Point, GA plant). Hyundai will also add about 50,000 extra units to Tucson production. With the increases in production for certain models, that means something has to be sacrificed. For Hyundai, that will be the Azera full-size sedan. The model has never been a big seller for the brand and having it go away will not only open up space in the showroom for more crossover, it gives a clear separation between Hyundai and Genesis. Part two will see Hyundai and sister brand, Genesis introduce more crossovers. Hyundai is working on a new subcompact crossover to play catch-up in what is becoming a lucrative market. Genesis meanwhile is working on their own set of crossovers which are expected to come out a few years from now. This is due to Genesis using unique platforms from what Hyundai uses, Source: Autoblog View full article

Rumors have been flying around for few years of a Ford Fiesta RS. The model would sit above the ST and use the same turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder. The difference is the RS would use an uprated turbo. Other changes included a more aggressive body kit and retuned suspension. But Tyrone Johnson, Ford Performance’s chief engineer and head of vehicles says there isn't a Fiesta RS in the pipeline. “In terms of Fiesta RS, I have seen some comments from senior Ford people that it’s definitely not in the plan. Typically we don’t talk about future products but in that particular one there has been some comments that it’s definitely not in the plan,” Johnson said to CarAdvice. Currently, Ford Performance still has seven out of twelve models to still reveal before 2020 (models already revealed: Fiesta ST, Focus ST, Focus RS, Mustang GT350R, and GT supercar). With the Fiesta RS out, it makes wonder what are the remaining seven. Source: CarAdvice Pic Credit: William Maley for Cheers & Gears View full article