William Maley

Mazda's North American office will be getting a new CEO early next year, and he believes that crossovers will bring good things to the brand. Masahiro Moro, currently Mazda's global sales and marketing executive and soon to be the CEO of Mazda' North American office in January told Automotive News that to build up customer loyalty and profits for the brand, they would need to increase sales of their crossovers. Currently, Mazda relies heavily on the Mazda3 for sales in North America. While popular, margins on the were very tight. Also, customers who bought the 3 tended to go to other makes when getting a new vehicle. "Loyalty is very low historically. With the new-generation product, our focus is how we can treat customers better and keep them loyal," said Moro. By putting more focus on crossovers, Moro explained that it would reduce the reliance on the 3 for sales. It also allows for more profit as crossover buyers tend to go heavy on the options and are likely to return to Mazda to buy another vehicle. "Our opportunity here is to recapture those customers or gain new customers through the crossover vehicles," said Moro. "In light of this, I wish that more than 50 percent of our total [u.S.] sales in two or three years be crossovers." Currently, Mazda has moved 121,622 crossovers through November. That represents 42 percent of total sales in the U.S. of 289,889. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has given Volkswagen a reprieve on the diesel emission scandal. According to Reuters, CARB has extended the deadline to approve or reject Volkswagen's fix for the nearly 500,000 vehicles with the cheating 2.0L TDI to January 14, 2016. The reason for the extension is Volkswagen continued to submit "significant information and data" about the repair effort for the affected models since submitting the proposed fix back on November 20th. VW spokeswoman Jeannine Ginivan tells Reuters the German automaker continues "to fully cooperate with EPA and CARB as we work to develop an approved remedy as quickly as possible." Volkswagen has said previously that newer TDI vehicles will need only a software upgrade to fix the issue, while older models might need some new equipment to go along with the upgrade. Source: Reuters, CARB Press Release is on Page 2 UPDATE: CARB sends VW letter on proposed recall plan CARB to act on or before January 14, 2016 SACRAMENTO - As the result of submissions by VW over the past week, CARB sent VW America a letter indicating that it would act on the proposed recall plan on or before January 14, 2016. The letter follows below, and can be found at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/vw_info/vw_diesel_info.htm ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ December 18, 2015 David GeanacopoulosExecutive Vice President Public Affairs and General Counsel Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.2200 Ferdinand Porsche Drive Herndon, Virginia [email protected] Subject: Volkswagen 2.0 L Recall Plan Submission Dear Mr. Geanacopoulos: As a result of Volkswagen Group of America's (VW) continued submission of additional significant information and data to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) as part of VW's proposed 2.0L influenced emission recall plan (Title 13, Cal. Code Regs. § 2113) --- including information VW submitted in writing on December 14, 2015, and verbally as recently as December 16, 2015 --- CARB plans to act on your proposed 2.0L influenced emission recall plan on or before January 14, 2016. Mr. Stuart Johnson, on behalf of VW, discussed this issue with me earlier this week. Please confirm in writing to me, no later than noon Pacific Time, Monday, December 21, 2015, that VW has no objection to CARB's planned response date of on or before January 14, 2016. As you know, VW submitted a December 15, 2015, request for an extension to submit VW's supplemental, proposed 2.0L influenced emission recall plan to CARB. CARB will also respond to this extension request on or before January 14, 2016. If you have any questions, I can be reached at (626) 450-6150. Sincerely, Annette Hebert, Chief Emissions Compliance, Automotive Regulations, and Science Division View full article

It may seem a bit odd to call the Nissan Murano a trailblazer in the crossover class. But when it launched in December of 2002 as 2003 model, it was quite the revelation. Here was a crossover from a volume manufacturer that was not only sharp looking, but had a lot of features were found on luxury models at the time. It proved to a winning formula for Nissan. With the second-generation Murano, Nissan focused luxury and refinement. But the Murano also lost some of the distinctiveness from the design of the first-generation model. Now enter the third-generation Murano. This version continues the second-generation focus on luxury, but also brings back sharp looks from the first. This combination should work, right? We spent a week in the Murano SL AWD to find out. Nissan goes one of two ways when it comes to designing vehicles; they either take their time and put a lot of effort into a vehicle or spend about 30 minutes drawing something and calling it good. The Murano is the former of the two. The Murano’s design is basically the Resonance concept from a few years back. The front end gets a deep V grille with a chrome bar running around the outside. The side profile shows a unique floating roof design that is accomplished by blacking out the D-Pillars. This could make anyone think the roof is only being supported by glass. Around back are a set of taillights that are shaped like boomerangs - much like the 370Z coupe. Some may criticize the Murano for being a bit polarizing. But considering the first-generation model had such design touches as a wide chrome grille and dark orange color, the third-generation appears to be taking the design ideals of the first-gen model and putting them to good use. The Murano’s interior has to be one of Nissan’s best efforts. The levels of quality and features blow many competitors out of the water and even embarrasses some models from luxury brands. This particular Murano was finished in an Ivory color that not only made the interior look vibrant, it also made it feel slightly larger. Most of the dash and door panels are covered in the soft-touch materials, increasing the premium feel. One nice touch in our Murano tester is the Ivory wood trim which adds a touch of elegance. Seats are Nissan’s ‘zero-gravity’ seats which are said to use space-age technology to reduce fatigue and improve lower back support. While we aren’t fully sure on what ‘space-age tech’ Nissan is using, we’ll admit the seats for both front and rear passengers are quite comfortable and supportive. Front-seat passengers get power adjustments and heat in the SL trim. Rear seat passengers will find oodles of head and legroom, even with an optional panoramic sunroof. The Murano is one the first Nissan models to come with the latest version of Nissan Connect that comes with an eight-inch touchscreen and a updated interface. The system is now easier to use thanks to large touchpoints to various functions such as navigation and the radio. For those who rather control the system with actual buttons, there are those as well. Performance is ok with certain functions such as generating a route for the navigation system or changing to the various source. But it becomes somewhat sluggish when you are switch around to the various pages on the home screen. Nissan still has a couple of issues to iron out with their infotainment system. First, I had no metadata appear on the system when I was doing Bluetooth streaming from my phone. This could be an issue with this particular model as a Nissan Maxima equipped with the same system had no problem. The other was the system saying SiriusXM reception was lost despite there being a signal and broadcasting the station. I found that if I switched to a different source and went back to SiriusXM, the problem would be gone. A couple other colleagues who have driven Muranos have experienced the same problem. A software update might fix both problems I experienced. Power is provided by a 3.5L V6 with 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque (available @ 4,400 rpm). This paired to Nissan’s XTronic CVT and the choice of either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The V6 is a perfect fit for the Murano as it provides more than enough power to get up to speed a decent rate. The XTronic CVT features artificial shift points to provide linear acceleration and cut a fair amount of droning. We found the shift points worked in situations where you accelerating at a steady rate such as going on a freeway. Other times such as making a pass, the points seemed nonexistent and the high rpm drone would appear. In terms of fuel economy, the Murano AWD is rated at 21 City/28 Highway/24 Combined. Our week with the Murano saw an average of 22 MPG in mostly city driving. The Murano’s ride is superbly comfortable. Equipped with 18-inch wheels, the Murano glides over bumps and imperfections. Road and wind noise are kept to near silent levels. Steering was a slight disappointment. You have to turn the wheel further than you might think to get the steering reaction that is needed. Some of this comes down to how light the weight for the steering was. It was like running your fingers through a pool of water. Another disappointment came in overall visibility as thick rear pillars block a fair amount of the rear view. At least, the SL comes standard with a backup camera and blind-spot monitoring. We also recommend opting for the Around-View camera system as it gives you a full 360 view of the vehicle when parking. While the Murano has some issues with the infotainment, overall visibility, and steering, it remains a very capable crossover. With sleek styling, loads of luxury equipment, and a plush ride, the Murano not only gives a number of mainstream models such as Ford Edge a run for their money, it could make anyone have second thoughts with a luxury model. Nissan says the Murano is their flagship for their crossover lineup. We cannot find a more fitting term for this vehicle. Disclaimer: Nissan Provided the Murano SL AWD, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2015 Make: Nissan Model: Murano Trim: SL AWD Engine: 3.5L DOHC V6 Driveline: Xtronic CVT, All-Wheel Drive Horsepower @ RPM: 260 @ 6,000 Torque @ RPM: 240 @ 4,400 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 21/28/24 Curb Weight: 3,977 lbs Location of Manufacture: Canton, TN Base Price: $38,550 As Tested Price: $41,905 (Includes $885.00 Destination Charge) Options: Technology Package - $2,260.00 Floor Mats & Cargo Area Protection - $210.00 View full article

The last thing Volkswagen wants is another issue on its plate. But this week, the UAW has filed an unfair labor practices charge in Tennessee against the automaker. The filing states that Volkswagen declined to negotiate on a contract with the newly formed collective bargaining unit at the Chattanooga, TN plant. Earlier this month, a group of 152 skilled tradesmen voted at the plant voted on whether or not to form a UAW bargaining unit at the plant. With 71 percent votes saying yes, the unit was formed. At the time, Volkswagen said it would appeal the vote to the National Labor Relations Board. The Wall Street Journal reports that the German automaker hasn't done that. "Following this month’s election, we were hopeful that the company would accept the results and recommit to the principles of social responsibility that made Volkswagen a respected global brand. Instead, Volkswagen has refused to come to the bargaining table in violation of federal law,” UAW Secretary-Treasurer Gary Casteel said in a statement. A spokesman for Volkswagen declined to comment. Last February, the Chattanooga plant voted if they wanted union representation failed to pass. Source: Wall Street Journal (Subscription Required) View full article

We have been hearing murmurs over at Jeep about two new products; a flagship SUV to wear the Wagoneer name and the Trackhawk. Allpar reports this week that both products have been given the go-ahead. The Wagoneer has been on the radar for a bit, thanks to it being on long-term plans that were shown to investors. But it seems the one thing that has been holding back the project of what it be. Allpar lists a number of variations from being a extremely luxurious Grand Cherokee to a lengthed version of the current Grand Cherokee. The Trackhawk is expected to be the new name for the Grand Cherokee SRT, although some believe it is for a version of the Grand Cherokee with a de-tuned Hellcat V8. Source: Allpar View full article

Are you interested in picking up a 2016 Nissan Titan XD? Then you'll be happy to know today Nissan has announced pricing for the Titan XD. The base S Crew Cab with two-wheel drive and the 5.0L Cummins Turbodiesel V8 will set you back $41,485 and that includes a $1,195 destination charge. Here is the pricing for all Titan XD models with the Turbodiesel V8. S Crew Cab 4x2 – $41,485 S Crew Cab 4x4 – $44,485 SV Crew Cab 4x2 – $45,255 SV Crew Cab 4x4 – $48,205 Pro-4X Crew Cab 4x4 – $52,165 SL Crew Cab 4x2 – $53,225 SL Crew Cab 4x4 – $56,225 Platinum Reserve Crew Cab 4x2 – $58,665 Platinum Reserve Crew Cab 4x4 – $61,715 We don't how much the Titan XD with the Endurance 5.0L V8 will cost till that is launched in April. The Titan XD arrives at dealers tomorrow. Source: Nissan Press Release is on Page 2 Nissan Announces U.S. Pricing for 2016 TITAN XD NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Just in time for last-minute holiday adventures, the all-new 2016 Nissan TITAN XD Crew Cab goes on sale tomorrow at Nissan dealers nationwide. Available in five grade levels and a choice of 4x4 and 4x2 drivetrains, the Cummins® 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel-equipped TITAN XD has a starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price* (MSRP) of $40,290 for the S 4x2. The top-of-the-line Platinum Reserve 4x4 grade has an MSRP of $60,520. "This is a big day for Nissan, our retailers and our customers – figuratively and literally – as our new ‘Every Duty™' Nissan TITAN XD powers into showrooms across the country," said Dan Mohnke, vice president, Sales & Marketing Operations, U.S., Nissan North America. Inc. "TITAN XD takes the tradition of full-size capacity to a whole new level, with standard 555 lb-ft of torque, a long list of innovative towing aids such as Around View® Monitor and integrated gooseneck trailer hitch, and advanced safety and security features. There's never been a TITAN like this and the diesel-powered TITAN XD Crew Cab is only the beginning." Following the launch of the 2016 TITAN XD Crew Cab, the new TITAN lineup will be offered in three cab configurations, two frame sizes, three powertrain offerings and five grade levels. More information on the full lineup will be available at a later date. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) for the 2016 Nissan TITAN XD Crew Cab: TITAN XD S Crew Cab 4x2 - $40,290 TITAN XD SV Crew Cab 4x2 - $44,060 TITAN XD SL Crew Cab 4x2 - $52,030 TITAN XD Platinum Reserve Crew Cab 4x2 - $57,470 TITAN XD S Crew Cab 4x4 - $43,290 TITAN XD SV Crew Cab 4x4 - $47,010 TITAN XD PRO-4X Crew Cab 4x4 - $50,970 TITAN XD SL Crew Cab 4x4 - $55,030 TITAN XD Platinum Reserve Crew Cab 4x4 - $60,520 View full article