William Maley

American Honda Breaks October Sales Record on Strength of Light Trucks, Strong Honda Car Sales and All-Time Sales Record for Acura TLX Nov 3, 2015 - TORRANCE, Calif. Total American Honda vehicle sales break October record with 131,651 units Honda brand sets new October record, rising 9.3 percent on sales of 115,572 vehicles Best-ever October American Honda truck sales of 64,226 vehicles, up 15.3 percent Honda Pilot has second best ever October with sales of 12,913 units, up 63.4 percent Acura RDX breaks October record on sales of 3,891 units, an increase of 22.4 percent Honda Accord and Civic post double-digit percentage increases of 11.0 and 15.0 Strong Acura sedan sales include a 15.0 percent gain for ILX and record TLX sales American Honda Motor Co., Inc. today reported record-breaking October sales of 131,651 Honda and Acura vehicles, an increase of 8.6 percent. Honda Division sales rose to an October record of 115,572 units, up 9.3 percent, with truck sales rising 18.5 percent on sales of 55,930 for another October record and car sales reaching 59,642, up 1.8 percent. Acura sales were also up with total sales of 16,079, a rise of 4.2 percent, with Acura car sales gaining 12.5 percent on sales of 7,783 units. Honda Sales of Honda trucks continued to rise in October, to a record 55,930 units, with the all-new Pilot and HR-V adding to the continued strength of CR-V and Odyssey. Sales of Accord and Civic continued to buck the trend toward light trucks, posting strong gains in the passenger car segment. Civic posted a 15.0 percent increase in October with sales of 27,789 units, as Honda plants in North America begin to ramp up production of the 2016 Civic Sedan. Accord posted a gain of 11.0 percent on sales of 30,121 cars. Sales of the all-new Pilot shot up 63.4 percent in October to 12,913 units, 51 units shy of a record for its second best October ever. HR-V continues to win over new customers with robust sales of 4,502 units. Coming off its best month of all-time in August and best September of all-time, CR-V posts sales of 29,032 units, on its way to six straight years of increasing sales. Up 5.7 percent on sales of 8,746 units, Odyssey remains a solid sales performer. "With demand continuing to outstrip supply for the all-new Pilot and HR-V it really shows the incredible potential for our lineup of Honda light trucks," said Jeff Conrad, Honda Division senior vice president and general manager. "With the critically acclaimed 2016 Civic Sedan set to launch this month we expect a really strong finish to this Year of Honda." Acura All-time record sales of the TLX, shooting well past the 5,000 unit mark for the first time, and the record breaking October sales of the ILX pushed Acura sedan sales over the 7,000 unit threshold. With a double-digit sales gain, RDX sales rose to an October record of 3,891. RDX sales shot up 22.4 percent on sales of 3,891 units in October. Sales of MDX remained robust at 4,405 for the month despite limited supply. Acura cars posted a 12.5 percent gain on sales of 7,783 units on the strength of record breaking TLX sales of 5,777units (up 18.1 percent) and 1,860 units of the ILX (up 15.0 percent). "We continue to strengthen the foundation of the Acura brand on the growing strength of sedan sales," said Jon Ikeda, vice president and general manager of the Acura division. "Our balanced lineup of passenger cars and light trucks has Acura on track this year for our best annual sales total in almost a decade."

VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA REPORTS OCTOBER SALES October sales total 30,387 units, a 0.24 percent increase over October 2014 Tiguan delivered 4,815 units, a 167.1 percent increase, marking the best month for the vehicle on record The all-new Golf family of vehicles delivered 5,716 units, a 40.2 percent increase over the previous October Golf GTI delivered 2,520 units for the month, a 46.2 percent increase over October 2014 Herndon, VA — (November 3, 2015) Volkswagen of America, Inc. (VWoA) today reported sales of 30,387 units delivered in October 2015, a 0.24 percent increase over October 2014. "We would like to again thank our customers for their patience and loyalty," said Mark McNabb, chief operating officer, Volkswagen of America. "Volkswagen is committed to making things right and actively working to restore trust." The newly redesigned 2016 Passat is expected to hit showrooms by the end of the year. Pricing for the 2016 Volkswagen Passat starts at $22,440—the same as the outgoing base model when equipped with an automatic transmission. When new content is factored in, this represents a $1,315 value enhancement over the base 2015 Passat. The Tiguan produced the best month on record for the vehicle with 4,815 vehicles delivered, a 167.1 percent increase. Touareg also saw success in the SUV segment; the vehicles delivered 840 units, a 45.3 percent increase over October 2014.

Audi sets 58th straight monthly U.S. record in October 2015 November 03, 2015 | HERNDON, Virginia Sales for the month rose 16.8% to 17,700 vehicles Demand for Audi SUV models increased 31.1% for the month All-time best October sales of Audi Certified pre-owned vehicles Audi reported that its October 2015 sales increased 16.8% to 17,700 vehicles, a total that stands as the brand’s 58th consecutive month of record U.S. sales. Audi achieved its best-ever October sales in the U.S. to mark its 58th consecutive monthly sales record. The previous October record was set in 2014 with 15,150 Audi vehicles sold. The most recent month also marks the fifth-best U.S. sales month for the Audi brand. Through the first ten months of 2015, Audi U.S. sales rose 13.0% from last year to 165,103 vehicles, which exceeds what Audi sold in an entire year just two years ago. October results were bolstered by sales of Audi luxury SUVs, with a 31.1% increase for the Audi Q3, Q5 and Q7 models combined. The Q3 posted a 29.9% increase over last year, the Q5 posted a 36.2% increase from last year, and the Q7 posted a 21.2% increase from last October. “Establishing continuous sales records is the result of our long-term strategy to consistently raise the Audi profile and steadily develop new products, alongside the dedication and hard work of our dealer partners,” said Mark Del Rosso, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Audi of America. “As we enter the holiday selling season, we remain optimistic that our Season of Audi Sales Event will trigger demand across all model lines to close out the historic year of 2015.” The all-new Audi TT posted a 628.1% sales increase from last year. The A4 model achieved strong sales in October 2015 with a 27.7% increase over year-earlier sales. The Audi A7 and A3 models also performed well, with year-over-year increases of 15.9% and 14.8%, respectively. Audi Certified pre-owned vehicle sales set a new October record, with a 2.4% gain on 4,061 CPO vehicles sold. CPO sales year-to-date have increased 6.0%. Audi holds the longest running monthly record sales streak in the premium car market according to a competitive sales report from MotorIntelligence.com.

Volvo Cars of North America, LLC - Up 86.9% (7,422 Vehicles Sold This Month, 53,803 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Jaguar Land Rover North America - Up 76.1% (8,187 Vehicles Sold This Month, 67,806 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Mazda North American Operations - Up 35.4% (25,451 Vehicles Sold This Month, 267,158 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Hyundai Motor America - Up 20% (60,005 Vehicles Sold This Month, 638,195 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Subaru of America, Inc. - Up 20% (51,629 Vehicles Sold This Month, 480,331 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Mitsubishi Motors North America - Up 19.8% (7,426 Vehicles Sold This Month, 80,683 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Audi of America - Up 16.8% (17,700 Vehicles Sold This Month, 165,603 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) General Motors Co. - Up 15.9% (262,993 Vehicles Sold This Month, 2,562,840 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) FCA US LLC - Up 15% (195,545 Vehicles Sold This Month, 1,850,406 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Ford Motor Company - Up 13.4% (213.938 Vehicles Sold This Month, 2,186,126 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Toyota Motor Sales - Up 13% (204,045 Vehicles Sold This Month, 2,071,446 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Nissan North America - Up 12.5% (116,047 Vehicles Sold This Month, 1,238,535 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Kia Motors America - Up 12% (50,044 Vehicles Sold This Month, 526,024 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Porsche Cars North America, Inc. - Up 11% (4,070 Vehicles Sold This Month, 43,370 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) American Honda Motor Co. - Up 8.6% (131,651 Vehicles Sold This Month, 1,320,217 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Mercedes-Benz USA - Up 3.7% (32,472 Vehicles Sold This Month, 308,468 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Volkswagen of America - Up 0.24% (30,387 Vehicles Sold This Month, 294,602 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Maserati North America, Inc. - Down 3.1% (1,166 Vehicles Sold This Month, 9,543 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) BMW Group U.S. - Down 6.6% (33,526 Vehicles Sold This Month, 328,456 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Brands: Acura - Up 4.2% (16,079 Vehicles Sold This Month, 148,098 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Alfa Romeo - N/A (65 Vehicles Sold This Month, 562 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Audi - Up 16.8% (17,700 Vehicles Sold This Month, 165,603 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) BMW - Down 3.8% (29,439 Vehicles Sold This Month, 279,395 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Buick - Down 0.2% (18,660 Vehicles Sold This Month, 186,387 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Cadillac - Up 13% (15,391 Vehicles Sold This Month, 141,090 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Chevrolet - Up 17.6% (183,464 Vehicles Sold This Month, 1,779,646 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Chrysler - Up 1% (27,801 Vehicles Sold This Month, 276,601 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Dodge - Up 12% (46,612 Vehicles Sold This Month, 428,959 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Fiat - Up 1% (3,757 Vehicles Sold This Month, 35,576 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Ford - Up 14.3% (205,453 Vehicles Sold This Month, 2,103,677 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) GMC - Up 18% (45,478 Vehicles Sold This Month, 455,717 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Honda - Up 9.3% (115,572 Vehicles Sold This Month, 1,172,119 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Hyundai - Up 20% (60,005 Vehicles Sold This Month, 638,195 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Infiniti - Up 23.2% (11,143 Vehicles Sold This Month, 106,711 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Jaguar - Down 1.9% (988 Vehicles Sold This Month, 12,204 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Jeep - Up 33% (73,561 Vehicles Sold This Month, 706,461 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Kia - Up 12% (50,044 Vehicles Sold This Month, 526,024 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Land Rover - Up 97.6% (7,199 Vehicles Sold This Month, 55,602 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Lexus - Up 13.2% (26,436 Vehicles Sold This Month, 273,881 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Lincoln - Down 4.5% (8,485 Vehicles Sold This Month, 82,449 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Maserati - Down 3.1% (1,166 Vehicles Sold This Month, 9,543 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Mazda - Up 35.4% (25,451 Vehicles Sold This Month, 267,158 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Mercedes-Benz - Up 1.3% (28,952 Vehicles Sold This Month, 278,472 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) MINI - Down 22.9% (4,087 Vehicles Sold This Month, 49,061 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Mitsubishi - Up 19.8% (7,426 Vehicles Sold This Month, 80,683 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Nissan - Up 11.5% (104,904 Vehicles Sold This Month, 1,131,824 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Porsche - Up 11% (4,070 Vehicles Sold This Month, 43,370 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Ram Trucks - Up 3% (43,749 Vehicles Sold This Month, 402,737 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) smart - Up 23.2% (721 Vehicles Sold This Month, 6,153 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Sprinter - Up 30.8% (2,799 Vehicles Sold This Month, 23,073 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Subaru - Up 20% (51,629 Vehicles Sold This Month, 480,331 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Toyota - Up 13% (177,609 Vehicles Sold This Month, 1,797,565Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Volkswagen - Up 0.24% (30,387 Vehicles Sold This Month, 294,602 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Volvo - Up 86.9% (7,422 Vehicles Sold This Month, 53,803 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) View full article

Nissan Group reports October 2015 U.S. sales NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nissan Group today announced total U.S. sales for October 2015 of 116,047 units, an increase of 13 percent over the prior year. Nissan highlights: Nissan Division finished October with 104,904 sales, up 12 percent and also an October record. Overall sales of Nissan crossovers, trucks and SUVs set an October record, up 26 percent. Sales of the Nissan Rogue crossover set an October record at 24,939, an increase of 70 percent. Sales of the Murano crossover increased 25 percent to 5,350. Overall sales of Nissan cars set an October record, up 2 percent. Sales of the Versa subcompact set an October record at 13,855, an increase of 25 percent. Infiniti today reported sales of 11,143 vehicles in the U.S. during October, an increase of 23.2 percent versus the prior year. In its first full month of sales, the new QX50 luxury crossover had its best October with an increase of 415.1 percent to 989 units. For 2016, the QX50 is updated with new exterior styling as well as a longer wheelbase that provides 4.3-inches of additional rear legroom. The QX60 7-passenger luxury crossover also saw its most successful October with sales of 3,669, an increase of 60.6 percent. In all, Infiniti crossovers and sport utility vehicles were up 63.3 percent over prior year. With sales of 3,811, the Q50 sports sedan had its best October, increasing 28.6 percent. Deliveries of the Q70 luxury performance sedan were also up 54.3 percent to 682 units.

Chevrolet’s Best October in 11 Years Leads GM to its Seventh Consecutive Increase in Retail Market Share Best October for GMC since 2003 Buick Encore sales rise for the 22nd consecutive month Cadillac SUVs and crossovers up 59 percent Commercial deliveries up for 24th consecutive month DETROIT – General Motors’ (NYSE: GM) Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac brands sold 262,993 vehicles in the United States in October 2015, with Chevrolet posting its best October sales since 2004. GM’s total and retail deliveries – sales to individual customers – climbed 16 percent compared with a year ago, outpacing a very strong industry, and the company’s retail market share has now climbed for seven consecutive months versus 2014. Commercial deliveries in October were up year over year for the 24th consecutive monthly gain. Total fleet sales were up 16 percent. “The redesign of our full-size trucks and SUVs, and our move into the small crossover and mid-size pickup segments were smart bets and our timing couldn’t be better with industry sales at record levels,” said Kurt McNeil, GM’s U.S. vice president of Sales Operations. “Customers are also embracing our Shop-Click-Drive online shopping program, where the price you see is the price you pay. We see more growth ahead because it’s simple and transparent.” Chevrolet’s 18 percent increase reflects strong across-the-board sales. The brand’s crossovers were up 58 percent, the 11th consecutive monthly increase versus a year ago. Chevrolet trucks were up 13 percent, the 19th consecutive monthly increase, and Chevrolet cars were up 6 percent, the best October result since 2004. The Chevrolet Silverado and Colorado had their best October sales since 2006, and the Malibu its best October since 1996. Trax deliveries reached 8,175 units and Traverse deliveries were up 16 percent. GM’s strong results helped the seasonally adjusted annual selling rate (SAAR) for light vehicles reach an estimated 18.2 million units in October. The six-month moving average for the SAAR is now estimated to be 17.8 million units, on track to establish a calendar year record. Sales Highlights vs. 2014 (except as noted) Chevrolet Total sales were up 18 percent, retail sales were up 20 percent and the brand has had seven consecutive months of year-over-year retail sales and share gains. Malibu retail sales were up 19 percent, and total sales were the highest for any October since 1996. Equinox deliveries were up 25 percent in total for the vehicle’s best October ever. Sales were up 30 percent on a retail basis. Traverse was up 16 percent in total and 21 percent for its best-ever October retail sales month. Silverado deliveries were up 14 percent on a retail basis. Retail deliveries have grown year over year for 15 consecutive months. The Colorado, with 7,059 units sold, continues to be the industry’s fastest-selling pickup with a days-to-turn rate of 24 days. Consumer demand for Chevrolet’s full-size SUVs remains robust, with Tahoe up 17 percent and the Suburban up 25 percent on a retail basis. GMC GMC, with an 18 percent increase, had its best October results since 2003. The Terrain was up 47 percent for its best October ever. The Yukon was up 18 percent, the Yukon XL was up 27 percent and Canyon deliveries totaled 2,415 units. Denali models accounted for more than one-quarter of all GMC sales, the highest ever. Buick Buick retail deliveries were the best since 2003. Encore deliveries were up 39 percent for the small crossover’s 22nd consecutive year-over-year sales increase. Retail deliveries were up 60 percent. On a retail basis, Regal was up 49 percent. Cadillac Deliveries were up 13 percent, driven by SRX, up 65 percent, and the Escalade, up 47 percent. Average Transaction Prices (J.D. Power PIN estimates) GM’s average transaction prices (ATPs) were $34,600, down about $130 year over year. Calendar year to date, ATPs are up about $800. Incentive spending was 12.7 percent of ATP, up 0.9 percentage points from September 2015, reflecting PIN’s estimate of GM’s model-year-end incentive activity. Calendar year to date, spending is up 0.4 percentage points. GM’s incentive spending on full-size pickups declined both month over month and year over year by about $200 per unit. Fleet and Commercial Fleet sales in the month were strong due to rental customer demand. Calendar year to date rental deliveries are down about 10 percent. Calendar year to date, commercial deliveries are up 14 percent and deliveries to state and local government customers are up 17 percent.

FCA US LLC Reports October 2015 U.S. Sales Increased 15 Percent; Best October Sales Since 2001 67th consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram Truck and FIAT brands post sales gains Jeep brand sales increase 33 percent Eight FCA US vehicles post sales records in October Dodge Charger, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Journey, Jeep Cherokee, Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot, Jeep Wrangler, Ram ProMaster post best October ever November 3, 2015, Auburn Hills, Mich. - FCA US LLC today reported U.S. sales of 195,545 units last month, a 15 percent increase compared with sales in October 2014 (170,480 units), and the company’s best October sales since 2001. The Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram Truck and FIAT brands each posted year-over-year sales gains in October. The Jeep brand’s 33 percent increase was the largest sales gain of any FCA US brand during the month. The company extended its streak of year-over-year sales gains to 67 consecutive months. “October marks our 67th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales growth and our best October since 2001,” said Reid Bigland, Head of U.S. Sales. “Last month’s sales strength continued to be broad based for the company with eight FCA vehicles setting October sales records across three of our brands.” Of the eight FCA US vehicles setting records in October, the Jeep Patriot’s 56 percent increase was the largest sales gain of any FCA US vehicle during the month. In addition, the Dodge Charger, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Journey, Jeep Cherokee, Jeep Compass, Jeep Wrangler and Ram ProMaster each recorded their best October sales ever. FCA US finished October with a 90-day supply of inventory (625,092 units). U.S. industry sales figures for October are internally projected at an estimated 18.5 million units Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate (SAAR). Jeep® Brand Jeep brand sales increased 33 percent, the brand’s 25th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains – a streak that dates back to November 2013. Four Jeep brand vehicles set records last month. The Patriot’s 56 percent increase was the largest year-over-year percentage gain of any Jeep brand model for the month. In addition, the Cherokee, Compass and Wrangler each posted their best October sales ever. Dodge Brand The Charger, Challenger and Journey all posted their best October sales ever. Charger sales were up 24 percent. Challenger sales were up 31 percent as the muscle car logged its ninth sales record this year. Journey sales increased 37 percent, the mid-size crossover’s seventh sales record this year. Dodge brand sales were up 12 percent in October, compared with the same month a year ago. Ram Truck Brand Ram Truck brand sales, which include the Ram pickup truck lineup, Ram ProMaster, Ram ProMaster City and Ram Cargo Van, were up 3 percent in October, the brand’s best October sales since 2003. Sales of the pickup truck lineup increased 3 percent. ProMaster sales were up 19 percent, its best October sales ever. FIAT Brand Sales of the all-new 2016 Fiat 500X increased 92 percent in October compared with the previous month of September, marking the model’s fourth-consecutive month of sales increase since launch. FIAT dealers sold 2,178 units of the new crossover last month. FIAT brand sales, comprised of the Fiat 500, Fiat 500L and 500X, were up 1 percent in October compared with the same month a year ago. Chrysler Brand Sales of the Chrysler brand, which covers the Chrysler 200, Chrysler 300 full-size sedan, and the Chrysler Town & Country minivan, were up 1 percent compared with the same month a year ago. Town & Country sales were up 4 percent, its best October since 2007. The Chrysler brand continues to celebrate its 90th year by producing a limited run of 90th Anniversary edition vehicles that offer more standard equipment and value for customers. The anniversary packages are being offered on the volume models, adding value for the customer who will most appreciate it.

DEMAND FOR COMPANY’S NEWEST VEHICLES PUSHES FORD SALES TO A 13 PERCENT GAIN IN OCTOBER; RETAIL SALES UP 13 PERCENT Ford Motor Company total and retail U.S. sales up 13 percent; both had best October performance in 11 years F-Series retail sales increase 12 percent, driving total F-Series sales up 3 percent to their highest October since 2004; commercial vans up 75 percent for best October since 1988 Ford-brand SUV sales up 12 percent for the best October since 2004; New Explorer up 30 percent, and all-new Edge up 39 percent Ford-brand car sales up 17 percent, with overall Mustang increasing 121 percent – its best October performance since 2006; Fusion posts best October ever All-new Lincoln MKX posts record October sales DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 3, 2015 – Ford Motor Company U.S. sales totaled 213,938 vehicles last month, up 13 percent from a year ago. Retail sales results were up 13 percent with 154,036 vehicles sold – for the company’s best October sales performance since 2004. Retail sales increased across the product portfolio, with cars up 8 percent, with both trucks and SUVs rising 15 percent. “Strong demand for our vehicles provided another double-digit sales increase in October, and Ford vehicles posted all-time record average transaction pricing of $34,600 per vehicle,” said Mark LaNeve, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “Gains in our truck business were especially strong, with F-Series delivering its fourth straight month of sales gains and its best October retail levels since 2004.” Ford vehicle average transaction prices rose $1,800 versus a year ago – the largest gain among any major automaker. F-Series sales reached 65,500 trucks in October. At 65 percent of F-150 retail sales last month, EcoBoost®-equipped F-150 sales grew 95 percent versus a year ago. Ford commercial van sales totaled 19,274 vehicles for October, with all-new Transit sales totaling 9,361 vehicles – a 75 percent increase in overall van sales for the month and the company’s best October van performance in nearly 30 years. Ford-brand SUVs posted a 12 percent increase overall with 60,786 vehicles sold – driven by the company’s newest products. The new Explorer saw a 30 percent gain, while the all-new Edge achieved an October increase of 39 percent. Mustang and Fusion performance fueled Ford brand car sales growth in October by 17 percent. Mustang posted a 121 percent increase with 10,096 cars sold, while Fusion posted its best-ever October with 23,668 cars sold. The all-new Lincoln MKX posted its best-ever October sales results with 2,189 SUVs sold, a 10 percent overall gain for the month.

Last May, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles announced some ambitious plans for Alfa Romeo. By 2018, the brand would hopefully sell 400,000 vehicles annually thanks to 5 billion Euro investment that will lead to the introduction of eight new models. This past week, FCA is going back to the drawing board. Speaking with analysts on the company's third-quarter results, CEO Sergio Marchionne said due to the weakness of imported luxury vehicles in the Chinese market, FCA is currently reassessing their plans. Marchionne said a good chunk of the 400,000 vehicle sales was assigned to China. But in light of what is happening in the country, those proposed sales will need to absorbed into other regions. Now all of the vehicles that Alfa Romeo that Alfa Romeo has planned will still be developed, but the brand will need to 'rejig' its plans to focus on launching models that will suit Europe and North American rather than China. Plans for the revised rollout will happen in January. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

Just updated the story with a statement from Volkswagen.

Voting on the new contract for UAW workers at General Motors started this weekend and the early results are mixed. The Detroit News reports that two plants, Lansing Grand River Assembly and Fairfax Assembly in Kansas City, voted over the weekend. Workers at Lansing approved the contract with 57 percent saying the contract should be ratified. Meanwhile at Fairfax, production and skilled worked voted no by 63 and 66 percent respectively. While these results don't indicate the fate of the tentative contract, it does put some worry as to how the other plants will vote. We'll be keeping an eye on the voting as it progresses. Source: The Detroit News View full article

The sh*t is hitting the fan. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) announced today that Volkswagen had illegal 'defeat device' software installed on a number of their vehicles equipped with the 3.0L TDI V6 to evade diesel emission testing. The two parties say the software allowed the TDI engine to emit nine times the legally allowable pollution limit. Vehicles involved in this latest allegation include, 2014 Volkswagen Toureg TDI 2015 Porsche Cayenne Diesel 2016 Audi A6 TDI, A7 TDI, A8 TDI, A8L TDI, Q5 TDI “VW has once again failed its obligation to comply with the law that protects clean air for all Americans. All companies should be playing by the same rules. EPA, with our state and federal partners, will continue to investigate these serious matters, to secure the benefits of the Clean Air Act, ensure a level playing field for responsible businesses, and to ensure consumers get the environmental performance they expect,” said Cynthia Giles, assistant administrator of the Office for EPA’s Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. Source: The Detroit News UPDATE: Volkswagen has issued a statement on the EPA's announcement. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) informed Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft on Monday that vehicles with V6 TDI engines had a software function which had not been adequately described in the application process. Volkswagen AG wishes to emphasize that no software has been installed in the 3-liter V6 diesel power units to alter emissions characteristics in a forbidden manner. Volkswagen will cooperate fully with the EPA clarify this matter in its entirety. EPA's Notice of Violation is below. View full article

Cadillac has announced some details of their upcoming flagship sedan today. The 2016 CT6 will arrive at dealers in March with a starting pricetag of $54,990 (includes a $995 destination charge) for the base 2.0L turbo-four and climb to $84,460 for the top of the line Platinum trim. At launch, Cadillac will offer three different engines. The base will be the 272 horsepower, 2.0L turbo-four paired with rear-wheel drive. Next will be a 3.6L V6 with 335 horsepower and all-wheel drive. Finally, there is the twin-turbo 3.0L V6 with 400 horsepower and all-wheel drive. Details on the CT6 Plug-In Hybrid will be revealed at a later date. Cadillac has filled the CT6 with a a large amount of standard equipment such as full-LED exterior lighting, 14-way driver and passenger seats, an 8.0-inch digital display for the instrument cluster, 10.2-inch touchscreen with navigation, and OnStar 4G LTE. Source: Cadillac You can also view the original article on the Cadillac CT6 plus pictures of the CT6 from the 2015 New York International Auto Show Press Release is on Page 2 2016 Cadillac CT6 Range-Topping Sedan Slated for March Launch NEW RANGE INCLUDES CT6 STARTING AT $53,495; CT6 PLATINUM PRICED FROM $83,465 Cadillac extends the top of its range with the 2016 Cadillac Touring 6 sedan, which begins production in Detroit in January, with initial shipments to dealers in March. Through the integration of new technologies, the first-ever Cadillac CT6 creates a new formula for the range-topping sedan and substantially expands the Cadillac portfolio. Thanks to pioneering new vehicle manufacturing and design methods, the CT6 achieves dynamic performance, efficiency and agility previously unseen in large luxury cars. The CT6 product line similarly aims to refresh and broaden the range of consumers in the prestige class of luxury sedans. In the US market, the 2016 Cadillac CT6 sedan is priced from $53,495, with the highest level CT6 Platinum model starting at $83,465. “The CT6 is an entirely new approach to prestige luxury, adding driving dynamics and technology while reducing the bulk of traditional large sedans,” said Johan de Nysschen, president of Cadillac. “With the CT6, Cadillac has a competitive edge: our use of advanced lightweight construction and innovative technology, it is prestige luxury reimagined.” Offering three engine choices, and a broad range of high-technology systems and luxury amenities, the first-ever CT6 presents a wide range of options and price points to draw new buyers. CT6 2.0L Turbo – Starting at $53,495 CT6 3.6L V6 with AWD – Starting at $55,495 CT6 3.0L Twin Turbo V6 with AWD – Starting at $64,395 Customers can place orders now with dealers and view additional product information at cadillac.com. The Cadillac CT6 sedan takes drivers to a higher threshold of involvement, with technologies to enhance situational awareness, chassis systems – including active technologies – that make the most of control in all conditions, and powertrains led by an all-new Cadillac Twin Turbo engine. The Cadillac 3.0L Twin Turbo V-6 engine is rated at 400 horsepower (298 kW) and 400 lb-ft of torque (543 Nm); an all-new, 335-horsepower 3.6L V-6 and Cadillac’s award-winning 2.0T four-cylinder engine are also available. All engines are paired with eight-speed automatic transmissions. The rigid, lightweight architecture provides a crucial foundation for the sedan’s segment-challenging agility, enhanced by active-on-demand all-wheel drive, active rear steering and Magnetic Ride Control on the available Active Chassis System. Cadillac has made technological strides with in-cabin advances, as well, including the Rear Camera Mirror, Enhanced Night Vision technology and the pioneering 34-speaker Bose® Panaray® audio system. Cadillac this spring announced that the CT6 will be available with plug-in hybrid electric technology, as the company continues its development of highly capable alternative powertrain vehicles. Further details for the CT6 Plug-In Hybrid model will be announced closer to that vehicle’s launch. The 2016 Cadillac CT6 will be built at the Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant on the east side of Detroit. Cadillac in April auctioned the first retail production CT6 to benefit the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute. Editor’s note: Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price excludes destination ($995), tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. View full article

There are two ways you can go when building an electric vehicle, either you start with a clean sheet design or you take a vehicle you currently build and modify it. Both methods have their pluses and minuses. Going with a clean sheet gives you the ability to design a vehicle with an electric powertrain in mind, but the costs can grow exorbitantly. The opposite is true when taking a vehicle and modifying it electrification. This was a decision Kia was faced with a few years ago when they began working on their first electric vehicle. Ultimately, the company decided to use one of their current vehicles. But which one would offer the least amount of problems in the transformation? To their eyes, the Soul would be the perfect candidate. Let’s see if this decision paid off. The standard Kia Soul is already a vehicle that stands out thanks to the funky boxy design and range of wild colors. The electric version steps it up with small changes such as lighting with a blue tint, wheels painted in white, and a new front fascia with a closed off grille. That grille hides the Soul EV’s recharging ports. Inside, the Soul EV is mostly the same as the standard Soul with an expressive design and high-quality materials. Kia added some unique touches to the Soul EV’s interior such as a white trim around the gear shift and center console, and blue piping for the seats. One of the key issues when converting a standard vehicle to electric power is the loss of space due to the batteries. The Soul EV is no exception to this rule. Compared to the standard Soul, the EV has less cargo space as the batteries take up space that is normally part of an underfloor storage tray. But most owners won’t notice this loss in space as the Soul EV can still take in a lot of cargo thanks to the boxy shape. Power comes in the form of an 81kW electric motor delivering 109 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque. While the Soul EV is 600 pounds heavier than the standard Soul, it doesn’t feel like it has gained any weight. With torque fully available at zero rpm, the Soul EV moves quite quickly. Moreover, the electric powertrain was able to provide power instantaneously whenever I needed to make a pass or merge onto a freeway. Kia says the Soul EV has a range of 93 Miles on a full charge, which is higher than the Ford Focus EV and Nissan Leaf EV. A full charge takes about four to five hours when plugged into 240V charger, or 24 hours when plugged in 120V outlet. During the week, it took about eight to ten hours for the Soul EV to charge back up from a day of driving (about 40 miles in my case). The Soul EV retains the same ride qualities as the standard Soul as it seems to glide over bumps and imperfections. There is barely any road noise entering the cabin, but wind noise is somewhat apparent. This is due to the shape of the Soul. Kia has done an excellent job with their first electric vehicle. The Soul EV shows that with that with the right base vehicle, you can create an electric vehicle that is vying for best in class honors. The big downside to the Soul EV is that Kia is only selling it certain markets. At the time of this writing, Kia is selling the Soul EV in California, Georgia, Hawaii, Oregon, Texas, and Washington. If you happen to be considering and are in one of the states where Kia is selling the Soul EV, then be sure to give it a look. Disclaimer: Kia Provided the Soul EV and Insurance Year: 2015 Make: Kia Model: Soul EV Trim: + Engine: 81 kW Electric Motor Driveline: Single-Speed Automatic, Front-Wheel Drive Horsepower @ RPM: 109 @ 0 Torque @ RPM: 210 @ 0 Fuel Economy: N/A Curb Weight: 3,289 lbs Location of Manufacture: Gwangju, South Korea Base Price: $35,700 As Tested Price: $35,700* (*Note: Price doesn't include destination charge or Federal and State incentives.) Options: N/A View full article