William Maley

Maserati North America, Inc. - Up 35.6% (1,203 Vehicles Sold This Month; 11,531 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Subaru of America, Inc. - Up 23.63% (45,273 Vehicles Sold This Month; 463,770 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Audi of America - Up 22% (16,650 Vehicles Sold This Month; 162,773 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Chrysler Group LLC - Up 20% (170,839 Vehicles Sold This Month; 1,897,398 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Porsche Cars North America, Inc. - Up 18.5% (4,699 Vehicles Sold This Month; 43,732 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Mitsubishi Motors North America - Up 7.6% (6,534 Vehicles Sold This Month; 71,098 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) General Motors Co. - Up 6.5% (225,818 Vehicles Sold This Month; 2,660,525 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) American Honda Motor Co. - Up 4.6% (121,814 Vehicles Sold This Month; 1,403,591 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Volkswagen of America - Up 3.2% (31,725 Vehicles Sold This Month; 332,911 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Toyota Motor Sales - Up 3% (183,346 Vehicles Sold This Month; 2,158,714 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Mazda North American Operations - Up 2.4% (21,242 Vehicles Sold This Month; 280,993 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Mercedes-Benz USA - Up 1.6% (37,925 Vehicles Sold This Month; 328,319 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) BMW Group U.S. - Down 0.8% (36,028 Vehicles Sold This Month; 347,709 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Kia Motors America - Down 1% (44,936 Vehicles Sold This Month; 534,647 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Ford Motor Company - Down 1.8% (187,000 Vehicles Sold This Month; 2,260,271 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Nissan North America - Down 3.1% (103,188 Vehicles Sold This Month; 1,269,577 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Hyundai Motor America - Down 4.2% (53,672 Vehicles Sold This Month; 661,211 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Volvo Cars of North America, LLC - Down 14.4% (3,623 Vehicles Sold This Month; 51,446 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Jaguar Land Rover North America - Down 19% (4,897 Vehicles Sold This Month; 59,801 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Brands: Ram - Up 31% (40,864 Vehicles Sold This Month; 420,511 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Chrysler - Up 30% (27,243 Vehicles Sold This Month; 277,855 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Buick - Up 27% (19,143 Vehicles Sold This Month; 208,606 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Jeep - Up 27% (57,849 Vehicles Sold This Month; 629,074 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Sprinter - Up 26% (2,532 Vehicles Sold This Month; 22,457 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Subaru - Up 23.63% (45,273 Vehicles Sold This Month; 463,770 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) GMC - Up 22.7% (43,854 Vehicles Sold This Month; 448,815 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Audi - Up 22% (16,650 Vehicles Sold This Month; 162,773 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Lincoln - Up 20.6% (8,113 Vehicles Sold This Month; 84,784 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Porsche - Up 18.5% (4,699 Vehicles Sold This Month; 43,732 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) MINI - Up 9.5% (5,009 Vehicles Sold This Month; 49,497 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Mitsubishi - Up 7.6% (6,534 Vehicles Sold This Month; 71,098 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Lexus - Up 7.3% (27,472 Vehicles Sold This Month; 271,510 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Honda - Up 4.9% (106,957 Vehicles Sold This Month; 1,253,557 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Chevrolet - Up 3.2% (149,673 Vehicles Sold This Month; 1,848,504 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Volkswagen - Up 3.2% (31,725 Vehicles Sold This Month; 332,911 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Mazda - Up 2.4% (21,242 Vehicles Sold This Month; 280,993 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Toyota - Up 2.3% (155,874 Vehicles Sold This Month; 1,887,204 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Acura - Up 2% (14,857 Vehicles Sold This Month; 150,034 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Dodge - Up 1% (42,108 Vehicles Sold This Month; 527,577 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Fiat - Up 1% (3,111 Vehicles Sold This Month; 42,377 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Mercedes-Benz - Up 0.6% (34,578 Vehicles Sold This Month; 296,382 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Kia - Down 1% (44,936 Vehicles Sold This Month; 534,647 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Nissan - Down 1.7% (91,790 Vehicles Sold This Month; 1,164,254 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) BMW - Down 2.3% (31,019 Vehicles Sold This Month; 298,912 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Ford - Down 2.6% (178,887 Vehicles Sold This Month; 2,175,487 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Hyundai - Down 4.2% (53,672 Vehicles Sold This Month; 661,211 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Jaguar - Down 13% (1,253 Vehicles Sold This Month; 14,090 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Infiniti - Down 13.3% (11,398 Vehicles Sold This Month; 105,323 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Volvo - Down 14.4% (3,623 Vehicles Sold This Month; 51,446 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Smart - Down 15% (959 Vehicles Sold This Month; 9,408 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Cadillac - Down 18.7% (13,148 Vehicles Sold This Month; 154,600 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Land Rover - Down 21% (3,644 Vehicles Sold This Month; 45,711 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Alfa Romeo - N/A (24 Vehicles Sold This Month; 24 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) View full article

VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA REPORTS NOVEMBER 2014 SALES November sales total 31,725 units, representing a 3.2 percent increase over November 2013 Jetta sedan delivered 14,268 units for the month, a 31.8 percent increase The all-new Golf delivered 2,149 units for the month, marking a 85.9 percent increase in sales for the model over the previous November The Golf GTI delivered 1,725 units, a 64.8 percent increase TDI Clean Diesel sales amounted to 17.2 percent of total November sales Herndon, VA (Dec. 2, 2014) — Volkswagen of America, Inc. (VWoA) today reported 31,725 units delivered in November. The Jetta, refreshed for the 2015 model year with a suite of driver assistance features, continued to show its strength as a core model, with 14, 268 units delivered, marking a 31.8 percent increase. The all-new Golf family continued to find success in both deliveries and accolades. In November, Volkswagen was awarded the 2015 Motor Trend Car of the Year, in recognition of the full Golf family. The prestigious award joins additional Golf family accolades including Green Car Reports “Best Car to Buy in 2015” for the e-Golf and the 2015 Yahoo Autos Car of the Year for the Golf GTI. Golf family sales in November included 2,149 Golf units, 1,725 Golf GTIs and 119 e-Golf units. “We are thrilled with the accolades the Golf family of vehicles has received, including the 2015 Motor Trend Car of the Year. These awards applaud the line up’s versatility, quality and value,” said Mark McNabb, chief operating officer, Volkswagen of America. “Partnered with the refreshed Jetta and upcoming redesigned Touareg, the potential for increased showroom traffic looks promising.” The Chattanooga-built Passat totaled 6,966 units delivered for the month. The Touareg delivered 578 units, 319 of which were Clean Diesel TDI, amounting to 55.2 percent of sales of the model. The Tiguan delivered 2,082 units.

GM Posts Its Best November U.S. Sales Since 2007 Best November ever for Chevrolet Spark, Cruze and Equinox Best November for GMC since 2001 Best November for Buick since 2003 DETROIT – General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) dealers in the United States delivered 225,818 vehicles last month for the company’s best November sales in seven years. Total sales were up 6 percent compared to a year ago, retail sales were up 5 percent and fleet deliveries were up 11 percent. GM estimates that the seasonally adjusted annual selling rate (SAAR) for light vehicles in November was 17.1 million, the highest November SAAR since 2003. Calendar year to date, the SAAR is 16.5 million units, which is the upper end of the 16.0 million – 16.5 million range GM forecasted at the beginning of the year. Demand in November was robust for everything from smaller cars and crossovers to big trucks – all segments where GM is strong. The Buick brand had its best November since 2003. GMC had its best November since 2001, and the GMC Sierra had its best November sales ever. At Chevrolet, the Spark, Cruze and Equinox also had their best November sales ever, Silverado had its best November since 2006 and Traverse had its best November since 2010. “The buzz around Black Friday helped drive strong showroom traffic but there was a lot more at work in the market,” said Kurt McNeil, U.S. vice president of Sales Operations. “More people have jobs and job security, their wages are starting to increase, household wealth is growing and low pump prices look like they’re here to stay through 2015. All of this helped deliver an exceptional month and it will help keep auto sales at very healthy levels going forward.” Additional November Highlights (vs. 2013 except as noted) Chevrolet: The Cruze was up 26 percent, Spark was up 64 percent, Sonic was up 3 percent. Silverado was up 24 percent, Tahoe was up 10 percent and Traverse was up 14 percent. Dealers delivered 2,366 all-new Colorados, ahead of plan, with a low retail days supply of 21 days. GMC: GMC was up 23 percent. The Sierra was up 57 percent and the Yukon was up 14 percent. The Terrain was up 13 percent and 854 all-new Canyons were delivered, which is ahead of plan. Buick: Buick was up 27 percent. Encore had a 72 percent sales increase, LaCrosse was up 71 percent and Verano was up 22 percent. Cadillac: Cadillac Escalade deliveries were up 75 percent, with the retail days supply very tight at 16 days. Sales of the CTS sedan increased 18 percent. Average Transaction Prices (ATPs): GM has now posted 26 consecutive months of year-over-year average transaction price (ATP) increases on the strength of new pickup trucks, SUVs and Cadillacs. ATPs were a record $35,600, according to J.D. Power PIN mid-month estimates, up $790 per unit compared to October and up $3,100 versus a year ago. Incentives: Month over month, GM reduced incentive spending as a percentage of ATPs more than the industry average, according to PIN mid-month estimates, and the company has had the lowest incentives of all domestic automakers on an ATP basis in nine of the last 11 months. GM’s November incentive spending as a percentage of ATPs was 10.4 percent, down 1.2 points month over month, while industry average spending was 9.6 percent of ATP, down 0.1 points. In November 2013, GM’s incentive spending was 10.2 percent of ATP, and the industry average was 9.7 percent. Fleet and Commercial: Fleet sales were up 11 percent. Commercial sales were up 1 percent, marking the 13th consecutive month of year-over-year growth. Large SUV commercial fleet sales were up 87 percent and full-size pickup commercial sales were up 47 percent.

FORD ESCAPE, EXPLORER AND MUSTANG POST RECORD SALES; LINCOLN DELIVERS BEST NOVEMBER SINCE 2007 Ford Escape posts best November sales ever; sales of 25,528 vehicles are up 22 percent Ford Explorer sales of 14,949 vehicles represent vehicle’s best November results since 2004 Mustang sales of 8,728 vehicles represent strongest November sales since 2006 Lincoln delivers its best November sales results in seven years Ford Motor Company U.S. sales of 187,000 vehicles for November represent a 2 percent decline compared to a year ago DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 2, 2014 – Ford Motor Company U.S. sales totaled 187,000 vehicles in November, down 2 percent from a year ago. The overall sales decline was anticipated, as Ford manages its inventory levels as vehicle availability starts growing for the all-new Ford Mustang, F-150 and Transit models. “Our all-new Mustang is moving quickly off dealer lots,” said John Felice, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “Mustang had its best November sales in eight years and is turning in just eight days on dealer lots, on average. Escape saw record sales for November, while Lincoln sales continue gaining momentum, with the brand posting its best sales since 2007.” Escape sales increased 22 percent versus last year with 25,528 vehicles sold, representing the vehicle’s best-ever November performance. Explorer sales of 14,949 vehicles marks a 13 percent increase, making this Explorer’s best November performance since 2004. Mustang surpassed the 8,000-vehicle mark in November, with 8,728 cars sold. Mustang’s largest markets, Texas and California, saw retail sales increases of 46 percent and 76 percent, respectively. Lincoln sales of 8,113 vehicles provided a 21 percent gain and the brand’s best November in seven years. Lincoln MKC sales represent its second month above the 2,000 vehicle mark, with 2,152 vehicles sold as it continues to strengthen the brand overall. The new Navigator was up 88 percent with sales of 1,433 vehicles, representing Navigator’s best November sales since 2007.

Chrysler Group LLC Reports November 2014 U.S. Sales Increased 20 Percent; Best November Sales Since 2001 56th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, Ram Truck and FIAT brands each post sales gains in November compared with same month a year ago Chrysler 200 sales up 155 percent; best November sales ever Ram pickup truck sales up 21 percent; best November sales ever 11 Chrysler Group vehicles set sales records in November Jeep brand sales up 27 percent; best ever November sales Ram 1500, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chrysler 200, Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, Dodge Durango, and Fiat 500 rated “Best Buys” by leading consumer publications for 2015 model year December 2, 2014 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Chrysler Group LLC today reported U.S. sales of 170,839 units, a 20 percent increase compared with sales in November 2013 (142,275 units), and the group’s best November sales since 2001. The Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, Ram Truck and FIAT brands each posted year-over-year sales gains in November compared with the same month a year ago. The Ram Truck brand’s 31 percent increase was the largest sales gain of any Chrysler Group brand and the brand’s best November sales since 2003. The group extended its streak of year-over-year sales gains to 56-consecutive months. “Sales of our all-new Chrysler 200 sedan were up a strong 155 percent in November, helping Chrysler Group to achieve its 56th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains,” said Reid Bigland, Head of U.S. Sales. “In total we had 11 vehicles last month that set new sales records. Calendar year to date, Chrysler Group remains the fastest growing automaker in the country.” Eleven Chrysler Group vehicles set records in the month of November. The Dodge Dart, Ram ProMaster and Ram Cargo Van each recorded their best ever monthly sales. In addition, the all-new Jeep Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Patriot, Chrysler 200, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Journey, Fiat 500L, and Ram pickup truck logged their best ever November sales. Sales of the Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan were up 155 percent in November, the mid-size sedan’s best monthly sales this year. The Ram Truck and Chrysler brands recorded the largest percentage sales gains of Chrysler Group brands in November. Chrysler Group finished the month of November with a 80 days supply of inventory (549,086 units). U.S. industry sales figures for November are internally projected at an estimated 17.5 million units Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate (SAAR). Ram Truck Brand Sales of the Ram pickup were up 21 percent in November, its 55th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. It was the pickup truck’s best ever November sales. Ram Light Duty sales increased 30 percent in November while Ram Heavy Duty pickups were up 3 percent. The editors of Motor Trend named the Ram 1500 the winner of their 2015 half-ton truck shootout in November. The judges were particularly impressed with the performance of the Ram 1500’s EcoDiesel V-6 engine as well as its eight-speed TorqueFlite transmission, a combination that boasts best-in-class 28 mpg fuel economy. The 1500 was named 2015 Green Truck of the Year by the Green Car Journal in November, and earned a “Best Buy” designation from Consumer Guide Automotive and Consumers Digest. Ram Truck brand sales, which include the Ram ProMaster van and Ram Cargo Van, were up 31 percent, the brand’s best November sales in 11 years. Both the ProMaster and Cargo Van recorded their best ever monthly sales last month. Chrysler Brand Chrysler brand sales were up 30 percent, the brand’s best November sales since 2007. The brand’s increase was driven largely by the all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 sedan. Sales of the 200 were up 155 percent, the mid-size sedan’s best ever sales in the month of November and its best sales month this year. The 200 earned a “Best Buy” from Consumers Digest and from Consumer Guide Automotive in November, as well as the “Best Sedan” award from the Hispanic Motor Press Awards. Both consumer publications designated the Chrysler Town & Country minivan as a “Best Buy” as well. Sales of the Chrysler 300 increased 18 percent last month, the full-size sedan’s best November sales in seven years. The Chrysler brand unveiled the new 2015 Chrysler 300 at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November. The new 2015 Chrysler 300 takes the nameplate’s style and sophistication to new levels through iconic design proportions and inspired materials, world-class quality and craftsmanship, best-in-class 31 miles per gallon (mpg) highway fuel economy, and class-exclusive innovations – including a state-of-the-art TorqueFlite eight-speed transmission now standard on every model. Jeep® Brand Jeep brand sales were up 27 percent, the brand’s best sales performance ever in the month of November and its 14th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. The Jeep brand has set a sales record in each month this year, including its all-time sales record in May. The Jeep Cherokee, Wrangler and Patriot each logged their best ever November sales. The all-new Cherokee was the brand’s highest-volume seller for the third-consecutive month. For a fifth-consecutive year, the Wrangler, Mopar’s most-accessorized vehicle, was recognized as the “Hottest 4x4-SUV” at the 2014 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) trade show in November. Sales of the flagship Jeep Grand Cherokee were up 3 percent, its best November sales in 11 years. Consumers Digest designated the Grand Cherokee as a “Best Buy” in the Mid-Size SUV category in November. FIAT Brand FIAT brand sales were up 1 percent, its best November sales since 2012. The brand’s increase was driven by the 20 percent year-over-year increase in Fiat 500L sales. The 500L recorded its best November sales ever. The Fiat 500 earned a “Best Buy” in the Subcompact segment last month from Consumers Digest. The FIAT brand unveiled the all-new 2016 Fiat 500X at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November. The 500X is the latest addition to the FIAT lineup in North America, combining the authentic Italian design and engaging driving dynamics synonymous with the FIAT brand, together with an advanced all-wheel-drive system, unmatched functionality, and a full array of safety, comfort and convenience features. Dodge Brand Dodge brand sales were up slightly year-over-year in November, the brand’s best November sales since 2007. Sales of the Dodge Dart were up 39 percent, the compact sedan’s best ever monthly sales, eclipsing the all-time record it set in May of this year. The Dodge Challenger and Dodge Journey each recorded their best ever sales for the month of November. The Challenger’s 51 percent increase was the largest percentage sales gain of any Dodge brand model in the month. The all-new 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, which began shipping to Dodge dealers in November, was named the “Best Sportscar” by the Hispanic Motor Press Awards and “Best Muscle Car” by Popular Mechanics. Sales of the Journey mid-size crossover were up 46 percent. The Dodge Durango and Dodge Grand Caravan each earned a “Best Buy” from Consumers Digest and from Consumer Guide Automotive in November.

Ford is bringing the performance goods to the Detroit Auto Show. Car and Driver, and Road & Track have published separate reports on what the blue oval has planned. Refreshed Fiesta ST: Car and Driver reports that some aesthetic changes are in store. No word on any changes to the drivetrain or suspension. Focus RS: Sources tell Car and Driver that maddest Focus will make its debut at Detroit. This will come equipped with a 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder and possibly all-wheel drive. Road & Track says the RS is more likely to debut in Geneva. Shelby GT350R: Car and Driver, and Road & Track both report that Ford will debut a track-ready version of the new Shelby GT350. Named the GT350R, the model will feature will feature better aero, brakes, and tires. Raptor: A new Raptor is coming! Details are scarce, but previous reports say a EcoBoost V6 will be under the hood. Ford GT: Marking the 40th Anniversary of Ford's win at Le Mans, the GT is expected to be shown in race car and production form. Possible engines range from a highly-tuned 3.5L EcoBoost to a uprated version of the 5.0L V8. New Performance Sub-brand: A number of these possible reveals will be part of a new performance sub-brand (think BMW's M or Mercedes' AMG). The name is unknown, but rumors say one of the names that was being considered was 999 - a nod to the race car built by Henry Ford and driven by Barney Oldfield. This new brand will unify all of Ford's performance groups around the world. Source: Car and Driver, Road & Track View full article

There is some good news appearing from General Motors' ignition switch mess. The Detroit News reports that GM dealers have repaired 1.36 million ignition switches globally out of 2.36 million it believes are still in use, or about 57.8 percent of vehicles around the world. It should be noted that the 2.36 million amount is down from the 2.59 million GM recalled back in February and March. "The difference between the 2.59 million produced and recalled, and the populations being sought is made up for by scrapped vehicles or vehicles no longer traceable by registration," said GM spokesman Alan Adler in a email. In the U.S., GM dealers have repaired 1.14 million vehicles out of the 1.96 million vehicles involved in the recall. That still leaves around 823,000 cars still needing to be fixed. Adler admits get those vehicles into the service center will be difficult. Source: The Detroit News View full article

BMW announced today that it plans on offering a plug-in hybrid version on "all its core-brand models," in the future. The plug-in hybrids will utilize battery and motor technologies from the i3 and i8 models. “All BMW Group models benefit from BMW i. The fundamental technology involved in battery cells, electric motors and the power electronics will be used in our upcoming plug-in hybrid models. When it comes to the electrification of the drivetrain, we are deliberately developing a wide-ranging expertise in order to offer our customers worldwide the ideal solution," said Herbert Diess, member of the board for BMW's development. At a event in Miramas, France, the automaker will debut a 3 Series plug-in hybrid prototype which features a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder and the electric motor from BMW's i models. Source: BMW Press Release is on Page 2 New generation of plug-in hybrid models Munich/Miramas. The BMW Group is preparing to follow up its innovative and revolutionary BMW i models with plug-in hybrid versions of the core-brand models. In Miramas, France, it will present a BMW 3 Series plug-in hybrid prototype and a new generation of hybrid vehicle concepts incorporating technology already used in BMW i models. Long term, the BMW Group is planning to offer plug-in hybrid versions of all its core-brand models. Herbert Diess, Member of the Board of Management BMW AG, Development, said: “All BMW Group models benefit from BMW i. The fundamental technology involved in battery cells, electric motors and the power electronics will be used in our upcoming plug-in hybrid models. When it comes to the electrification of the drivetrain, we are deliberately developing a wide-ranging expertise in order to offer our customers worldwide the ideal solution. The plug-in hybrid models presented in Miramas are equipped with a highly efficient internal combustion engine and an electric motor powered by an externally rechargeable high-voltage battery. Shorter-distance urban trips or commutes can be completed on electric power only. On longer journeys, the vehicle will usually operate in “combined mode”, with both systems working together. The BMW 3 Series plug-in hybrid prototype combines a four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor. The internal combustion engine is based on the TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder petrol engine that has already twice been voted “International Engine of the Year”. The electric motor and power electronics are directly based on the BMW eDrive technology already used in the BMW i3 and BMW i8 models. The prototype’s lithium-ion battery, including the battery management system and the high-efficiency direct cooling system, are likewise based on BMW i experience and know-how. The plug-in hybrid technology is so flexible that it can be integrated in a wide variety of vehicle concepts. It will therefore be possible to deploy it rapidly across the BMW model range. The route to sustainable mobility in the future will be a multitrack one. The already efficient combustion engines will be even more economical. All-electric vehicles like the BMW i3 are tailored to urban mobility requirements while plug-in hybrids are more appropriate for longer-distance journeys. Beyond this, in the long term electric mobility in conjunction with hydrogen fuel cell technology could also be a viable option. The focus of our Efficient Dynamics strategy is the electrification of the power train. This is an area in which we will continue to expand in the coming years. The plug-in technology will be one key lever to bring high performance vehicles well below 100 g / km CO2, while retaining the driving pleasure and driving dynamics of a BMW. We will also continue to develop fully electric mobility. Hydrogen fuel-cells will remain a key issue when it comes to drivetrain development, especially relating to its sustainable production. Key eDrive technologies developed in-house All the important eDrive technologies and components are developed in-house, and from next year they will all be built at the BMW plant in Dingolfing. This programme is set to create over 200 new jobs around electro-mobility at the BMW plant in Dingolfing. Many tens of millions of euros will be invested at this plant over the next five years. “Our accumulated expertise guarantees us a competitive edge,” stated Harald Krüger, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Production. “This can be seen not only in the performance data of the BMW electric motors but also in our highly efficient production process.” Since the BMW Group expects to be building a wide range of electric drive components in the future, production will be organised around an intelligent eDrive component-sharing system. This means that one and the same production line will be able to build high-voltage battery modules not just for the BMW i8 but also for the future BMW X5 eDrive. In the case of complete battery packs, too, the new production lines will be designed for a flexible production mix: it will be possible to build battery packs for a number of different future models all on the same lines. Highly electrified hybrids With the ongoing development and refinement of hybrid drive systems under the EfficientDynamics programme, the aim is to maximise the amount of time the vehicles are able to spend in electric mode. To ensure that this increased electric operation goes hand in hand with typical BMW dynamic performance, everyday practicality and maximum long-distance capability, the BMW Group’s future hybrids will be “highly electrified”. Highlights of this future Power eDrive technology will include much more powerful electric motors and batteries with twice the capacity of present versions. The drive systems used in these future hybrid systems will offer combined outputs in excess of 500 kW. Also, the capacity of the lithium-ion batteries – up to 20 kilowatt hours – will be greatly in excess of current hybrid systems . Coupled with an increased all-electric driving range of up to 100 kilometres (62 miles), this will make it possible to operate in locally emission-free pure-electric mode on virtually all day-to-day trips . View full article

It has been awhile since we heard anything on Mazda's Skyactiv-D engine due for Mazda6 sedan. Our last report back in January stated the automaker was still at work on delivering "the right balance between fuel economy and Mazda-appropriate driving performance." Well Mazda North American Operations' CEO, Jim O'Sullivan had the chance to sit down with Automotive News to give an update on where they stand on the Skyactiv-D engine project. "We're still very much committed to diesel. We are still working on getting the performance aspects up to where we want them, and we do have a plan -- an engineering road map -- to get it done," said O'Sullivan. Originally, Mazda was planning to launch the 2.2L Skyactiv-D last year, but ran into problems with meeting the strict tailpipe emission standards for the U.S. The company was hoping to engineer an engine that didn't use a costly after-treatment system, but that seems to be off the table at the moment. "If [we were] a commodity brand and didn't care about that, it would be on the market right now. But I know the people were expecting something from us, expecting certain drive characteristics and performance, and I didn't want to disappoint them," said O'Sullivan. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

The CVT in the Outlander Sport isn't bad.. The 2.0L four-cylinder is horrid though as it makes the Sport feel like a slug. I think a larger 2.4 is coming in 2015.. Need to double check that though.

After seven years of not really introducing new products and posting losses and declining sales, Mitsubishi is making a comeback in the U.S. The automaker expects to make a to make an operating profit of $27 million, and boosted sales projections to 116,000 vehicles for the fiscal year that ends next March. "One of the important efforts inside the company has been turning North America from red ink to black. Finally we can realize that," said Mitsubishi Motors CEO Osamu Masuko. Makuko credits the Outlander Sport and Mirage for getting Mitsubishi back in the black. Through October, Mitsubishi has seen sales climb to 64,564 vehicles, up 30 percent. With all of this good news, Mitsubishi wants to capitalize on it. The company plans on introducing some new models into the U.S. including a sedan version of the Mirage and the Outlander PHEV. Masuko also said that the company is considering bringing back the Montero (sold as the Pajero elsewhere) to the U.S. "We are putting our emphasis on SUVs in the United States. So we have to think about introducing the next-generation Pajero to the United States. There's going to be a PHEV version. And we would like to introduce it," said Masuko. What about the big sedan that will fill in the hole left by Galant? Mitsubishi and Renault have been in talks this month about this very thing. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

For awhile, we've been reporting on MINI's plans to expand their lineup to possibly ten models. But now, the company is reversing that decision. Bloomberg reports that MINI's parent company, BMW has decided that MINI has too many models and is cutting it down from eight to five models. Peter Schwarzenbauer, MINI's brand chief says the automaker will focus on “superhero” vehicles such as the three-door hardtop. “Like a superhero, each of these cars has its own personality and unique capabilities. It is important to find the right balance between growth on the one hand and profitability on the other,” said Schwarzenbauer. Schwarzenbauer goes onto say that this new focus means that three to four of the current models will remain in the lineup, though he doesn't say which models will be cut. Likely models to be cut include the MINI Coupe and Roadster. Even with these cuts, MINI isn't giving up on introducing new models. Schwarzenbauer says that the automaker is planning to introduce an electric vehicle “soon” once it appears that zero-emission driving becomes a must in urban areas. Source: Bloomberg View full article

Many luxury manufacturers are going downmarket to bring in more younger buyers and increase sales. But Lexus isn't one of them. Jeff Bracken, general manager for Lexus told the Automotive Press Association on Monday that the luxury automaker will not venture below the $30,000 mark. "You won't see Lexus go down below $30,000. We are fortunate to have Toyota to help us with CAFE (corporate average fuel economy) regulations so you won't see us going downstream. For Lexus to be truly luxury, the division needs to keep ourselves above $30,000," said Bracken. What Lexus will be doing instead is focusing on performance and high-end vehicles to bring in younger buyers and grow the brand. "We believe young customers have a different definition of luxury," Bracken said, and it includes driving dynamics. Lexus has been offering F-Sport versions of many of its vehicles, along with full blown F models such as the previous-generation IS-F and new RC-F. Bracken told the group that Lexus will be unveiling a new performance vehicle at the Detroit Auto Show in January, but wouldn't go any further than that ( Production LF-LC or GS-F?). Source: Detroit Free Press View full article

Pretty much this. At 25K, it is hard to pick the FRS over the WRX, GTI, Mustang, or even maybe the Camaro. as a real world car, it is lacking compared tot eh rest. Heck I would throw in the Miata. Despite being somewhat capable as the FR-S, I found myself not crying uncle whenever I climbed out of the Miata.

Every few months it seems, we get news on Alfa Romeo. For the most part, it happens to deal with either something be delayed or killed off. But once in a great while, there is news that shows Alfa Romeo is making progress to showing something. This story happens to be the latter. Automotive News Europe has learned from sources at Alfa Romeo that the Italian automaker will be revealing a new sedan next June. The new sedan - codenamed project 952 - is expected to be a midsize sedan and wear a different name than Guila, originally pegged as the name for the new sedan. ANE's sources say the new sedan will come in between the BMW 3-Series and 5-Series in size. Source: Automotive News Europe (Subscription Required) View full article

For the past couple of years, we have reporting on countless rumorpile stories concerning the Scion FR-S. Most of these stories have dealt with a convertible and turbo power, and whether or not they are off or back on the table. Well it might be that two things may never come. Wards Auto spoke with Doug Murtha, senior vice president at Scion. Murtha explained that Toyota couldn't make a business case for either proposal. “So on the convertible we went down swinging,” said Murtha. “I think we were pretty aggressive on our (submitted plan), but we looked at what we would have conceivably lost on the product and said, ‘We’re not going to even push it further.’ Nobody was more disappointed than we were.” This isn't the news the FR-S wanted to hear. At the moment, the model has been experiencing sales drop for most of the year. This is due to the phenomenon of sports car sales falling off halfway through the lifecycle of the vehicle, something Murtha admits. “You get 24 months out of those products and they tend to have a steep fall-off (and) we’re seeing a little bit of that. I don’t think that’s necessarily a surprise. I think the challenge is back to us to do some interesting things that keep the vehicle fresh.” For now, Scion is hoping the recently launched FR-S Release Series 1.0 will be able to bring back some interest in the sports coupe. Source: Wards Auto View full article